Thanks VixDu and Simon. Finally got the official results from the net today. My offical time was 36:38. My placement was 55th out of 262 and 11th out of 40 in my age group. Yes, there are some really excellent runners up here in CT. That's why I don't expect to place in my races, but for me, it's the pure satisfaction of the run and continued improvement in it. There was a 68 year old guy who finished 19th with a 32:04/6:25, Unbelieveable! Oh, by the way, My wife said I had a big smile on my face as I raced down the final stretch and into the chute. Makes it all worthwhile.

Great race, Larry, really happy for you! That's a time you must be really proud of. Maybe slowing down the last week helped your taper, i always find I feel bursting with energy before a race if I have tapered well. Must have been a pretty strong field; with a time like that I would have expected you would finish in the top 10%. Simon.

No problem Teresa, I was only bragging anyway. I guess congratulations to your son for completing 60 miles last week, but despite what so many others say, I think it's too many miles for a young man to be running. My son was just reminding me last week, about when he was a freshman, there was a kid from another school who was just blowing everyone off the track. This kid was just an outstanding runner. Then one meet, he was going around the turn and all of a sudden let out a blood curdling scream and feel to the track. Ended up he had a spiral fracture in his leg and was done for the season. My other concern as you just expressed is that he has other things on his plate as well and needs to have a life. I know what I say won't make any difference, as he has to and is going to follow his coaches directions any way and many coaches do it. I do however remember my sons orthopedic saying that as teenagers, their growth paletes are still growing (as he showed us X-rays showing a gap in the joints) and that he advised against his Tri athlete training and marathan training until he was into his 20s.

Great job, Larry! I missed this thread, somehow. Company is keeping me too busy, I guess. PS - DS16 ran 60 miles last week, as his XC coach had outlined for the juniors and seniors to do. He was pretty pooped out yesterday! He's started driving school, also, so he has a lot on his plate.

Thanks for that link, Larry. I'm so concerned I'm not doing this right. I'm trying to make sure I stretch after the run in addition to my 1-mile light stretch, so I'm sure learning more about the right way to do it is going to be very helpful. I gotta say, I'm so thankful for you guys. Good coaching!

I haven't been posting much the last few days. I went away for a few days and am just getting back into things. I've been running, though, and the weather has been perfect for it. It's been more like September here lately. I have a 4 mile race Saturday. I really haven't done much to prepare for it other than getting the miles in, so we'll see. Larry, nice job on the 5M. Teresa, glad to hear about the doctor visit. Isn't it great to see tangible results from all of your hard work? Cheffy, I think the others may be onto something regarding hydration and potassium. I think that might be a contributor to my hamstring soreness, even though I have tried to keep on top of it. I am on a mild blood pressure medication that contains a diuretic, which doesn't help my cause I'm sure. I do like the idea of throwing in some strides toward the end of the run.

Hi Everyone~ Wow, What A week. Wish I could say that was a Good thing. My dead legs continue. I had a rather enlightening day yesterday when Hubby and I stopped into the running store to pick up some more pairs of Thorlo socks. We had just come off of a 4 mile run, in which 2 of those 4 miles were quality for me. My legs have been absolute shit for about 2 weeks now. They throb when I sleep, and I awaken at night from it. It is spilling over into my training runs.... sleep like shit, run like shit.... you get the Idea. Anyway, While in the store, I ask the owner " Pretend you don't know me, and look at my feet".... is the look I get.... I strip out of my shoes and socks, and he says " Bend your knees".... Okay. He looks at my shoes, looks at my feet, and looks at my shoes again, and then looks at me and says " Let's try something" and he gets a pair of NB 858 shoes out, slaps them on my feet, orders me onto the treadmill and says " Run" ...... he says nothing, I run, and run, and run, and Run more..... feet feel GOOD. matter of fact.... GREAT. Now mind you, I currently run in NB 768 which are a grade lower than these shoes, and they have made a huge difference in my running, but lately it seems like nothing has helped. The guy also notices and says " Wow, your calves are really developed".... I'm thinking, Boy don't I know! they ache so bad and are so tight when I run, no wonder! ..... long and short of the story is, while I am in the store, the following things are decided: New Stability Shoes Booked an Appointment with a sports massage therapist whom is a distance runner also Decided that 3 yoga classes per week at the gym are now a necessary component to my overall training.... Massage appointment is tomorrow afternoon.... as tight and sore as I am, ( I am a very stressy type person by nature) I am sure this is going to HURT. She promises to not make me yelp, but assures me it will be memorable.... Yoga starts Sunday Afternoon..... after my long run early that morning.... Pray for me Friends! Cheffy Dead Legs PS: I travel for work all next week, and I will not run again till Saturday when I return.... I think this is just what I need....a good cut-back week to help my legs refresh.

Cheffy progress is not linear-it comes in fits and starts. Sometimes there is a setback because our legs/bodies are changing and something that worked before no longer works. we have to figure out what has changed and how to deal with it before the obstacle is overcome and progress continues. Simon

Heh. I sit on my ass in a cube all day when working. I need to remember not everyone has a desk job.

So many wise people on this board! You're right--progress does come in fits and starts! At times it seems I'm not accomplishing anything; I feel sluggish and s-l-o-w. It takes real persistence to get up and stick with the plan. But cutback weeks and rest are part of the plan, too. Cheffy, I'm glad you stopped in that store. Sometimes an objective eye is what it takes. A massage is sure to help--even if it smarts at first! I'll be thinking of you. I hope next week helps to settle your muscles down some. I'm sure I could use better cross training myself. Our nearest Fleet Feet had "Diva Night" last week and they had a wonderful yoga and pilates instructor. I so wish I could go do a class there, but it's an hour away so it's out of the question. I know I could really strengthen my core, improve my posture and my running form. Like your masseuse, she works with runners, so she would have been perfect, but I'll just have to find someone local. Simon, I think your "Max 50" sign is great! I don't run with music either, and my mind tends to wander quite a bit. I'm not quite as funny as you are, sadly . . . Teresa, congrats on the wonderful check up. Isn't it wonderful to see rewards other than the miles racking up? Not only do ya look great on the outside, it turns out your body looks great on the inside too! Way to go!