Author Archives: Al

Mid Term Report: Outseason 2012

Posted on April 25, 2012 by Al

…it’s time for me to do a status check on my training and fitness. Last year at this time, I was scrambling to find enough energy, strength, time and fuel to get geared up for an Ironman at the end of June Continue reading →

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Boston 2006: Conclusion

Posted on April 12, 2012 by Al

20,300 started; I was in the top half at 9891. 2524 men aged 50-59 finished; I was 1151 among them. I qualified for next year by 57 seconds. A success all around. I think I represented myself well. Continue reading →

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Boston 2006: The Race

Posted on April 11, 2012 by Al

If the first eight miles had felt like a long run training pace, and miles 8-14 had felt like a marathon pace, and the hills had felt like work and fun (the downhills at least), now I felt like I was moving into a new, unknown pace. Continue reading →

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Boston 2006: Getting Ready to Race

Posted on April 10, 2012 by Al

A faint cannon blasts, heads bob somewhere up the hill. We remain standing still. Continue reading →

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Boston 2006: The Brain and Exercise

Posted on April 9, 2012 by Al

“I’m a big believer in training the brain,” I respond. “I don’t mean doing psychological preparation or visualization, or positive talk, or associative or dissociative thinking during exercise. I’m not talking about thinking at all. Let me give you an example…” Continue reading →

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Boston 2006: Whistling Past the Graveyard

Posted on April 8, 2012 by Al

Yes, it’s true, I have a set of songs I want played at MY funeral. Why not? I’d like to enjoy it while I’m still alive if I can. Continue reading →

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Boston 2006: Orientation Dinner

Posted on April 7, 2012 by Al

Pat chowed down on some spicy salmon thing, while I made do with a crepe-like Dada and a mango yogurt lassi. Continue reading →

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Boston 2006: Cabbie

Posted on April 6, 2012 by Al

I went back to my Boston Marathon race report from 2006, and discovered that I had written a pretty good story, with angles quite beyond a simple race day diary. In honor of Patriot’s Day, I’m going to serialize the story over the next week. Continue reading →

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Reviews

Posted on March 31, 2012 by Al

A potpourri of stuff I’ve looked at and read recently, in order to entice or warm against (listed with most recommended first, least recommended last)… The Sisters Brothers, by Patrick DeWitt. A picaresque of the American West. Two brothers, Charlie … Continue reading →

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Iron War: Dave Scott, Mark Allen & the Greatest Race Ever Run

Posted on March 21, 2012 by Al

…this is probably a must read for any serious triathlete, or even for a runner or cyclist, who is seeking insight into how the best have achieved their greatest successes. And for those who relish a gripping human athletic drama, as seen on TV in the Olympics, they won’t be disappointed either. Continue reading →

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