July 29 - Rest Day; July 30 - 4.1 Miles Ran, 5 Miles Sponsored

I ran at lunch time in Glastonbury for the first time since June 18.  I have not been running at lunch because it's been in the 90's almost every day for the last few weeks.  Today was beautiful, however.  I felt pretty good, running at a 7:14 min/mi pace.

I believe the record for the longest-distance sponsor was broken yesterday when my old soccer buddy John Shepherd of Brighton, England sponsored 5 miles.  Shep was a star mid-fielder on the 1985 University of Bridgeport soccer team with the scrappy American right fullback (me).  I hadn't been in touch with Shep since his return to England about 25 years ago until he amazingly stumbled upon this blog a few days ago.  Here's an excerpt from his out-of-the-blue email:

.........................
Hi Brez

It's your old soccer team mate and University friend, Shep.

By absolute chance, i stumbled on your charity run, and felt compelled to support your course; I have sponsored you for five miles via the on-line donation page. Please let me know if there are any problems with trans-Atlantic donations, as i can honestly say i have never donated to any USA based charities before. I will also run five miles on Sept 1st in Brighton, as way of morale support and celebration for you, Chase and your great cause.

The events at Sandy Hook shock the world, so i cannot imagine what it feels like to be so directly affected. I know myself that suddenly that meeting was not so important, the e-mails could wait and just knowing that your own children were safe became the important factor in any parents life. If just one positive thing came from the Sandy Hook tragedy, it was that parents over the world hugged their children a little tighter that night, and appreciated the joy they already had.
..........................

How awesome is that...another amazing connection and another person touched by Chase.  If we could only bring him back to meet the countless people he's touched.

I completed miles 871-874, sponsored by my friend Shep, with on more to go.

Today's Line:

Date DoW ToD Distance Time  Min/Mile Notes Effort Total Miles
7/30 Tu 12:30p 4.1 29:38:00 7:13:40 78f 7 874.6

July 28 - 18 Miles Ran

Survived!  That's all I can say about my run Sun morning.  Presumably I went into the run "marathon ready", having put in long runs of 12 to 20 miles, including two 20 milers, over the last two months.  I had been training for a marathon in early Sept, but had to change plans because of my work schedule.  Just recently, Becky Kowalski informed me that she may be able to get me a spot in the New York City Marathon on Nov 3.  This presented me with a dilemma--do I keep in marathon shape for the next 3 months or lower my mileage for a while and power back up in Sept and Oct?

I decided at least for this week to keep the long run at a marathon-training distance of 18 miles.  I went out at an 8:30-9 min/mile pace and picked it up from mile 4 to 14 to about 8:20.  As in earlier long runs,  I reached the Levita Rd. hill (14 mile mark) in decent shape, but again the hill did me in.  I ran the last two miles in 10 and 11 min/mile, really struggling even to finish the last mile.  Going another 8 miles to finish a marathon, at least yesterday, seemed an impossibility.

However, these type of runs happen from time to time and you just have to forget about them and move on (closer mentality).  It even helps to run completely depleted in long term.  (At least that's what I keep telling myself!)

I completed miles 853-870 (unsponsored--next sponsored mile is Len Gutman's 893--I'll get there Len, promise!)

Today's Line:

Date

DoW

ToD

Distance

Time

Min/Mile

Notes

Effort

Total Miles

7/28

Su

9:00a

18.0

2:38:54

8:49:40

80f

7

870.5

July 26 - Rest Day; July 27 - 5.1 Miles Ran

I had a rest day yesterday but got out for a great 5.1 mile run today.  The humidity was down this morning and temps were around 70.  I rad the Pinebrook Loop with a 0.4 mile add.  I ran a little faster than I have been running lately and it felt pretty good.  I like to say I was "runcomfortable".

I hope followers of this blog got a chance to read the July 25 post.  If not, it would be great if you gave it a quick look.  It details the plan for completion of the 1,000 miles, and everyone is invited to join me for the finish.  I hope we can get a good group of folks together to celebrate Chase and his pure, energetic spirit.

I completed miles 848-852 (unsponsored).

Today's Line:

Date

DoW

ToD

Distance

Time

Min/Mile

Notes

Effort

Total Miles

7/27

Sa

8:30a

5.1

38:36:00

7:34:07

72f

8

852.5

July 25 - Join Me for the Last Mile!

Plans are coming together for end of my 1,000 mile journey.  It's hard to believe the end of the trek is in sight--it seems like just yesterday I was sitting with Bob Terry and Greg Ruel trying to come up with a personal way to honor Chase and support the Kowalski's.

Please consider joining me as I complete the 1,000 miles on Sunday, September 1, at Bob and Michele Orzechowski's house at 3 East Maiden Lane in Monroe.  The Orzo's will be hosting their annual Labor Day party and Steve, Becky and many Monroe and Sandy Hook friends will be attending.  In honor of Chase, I will be starting my run that day at the Bethel High School track where he first started running in track meets.  I will then run to Camp Tepee (the Monroe YMCA campgrounds) where Chase played his first baseball game.  Then it's on to Chalk Hill Middle School (the current Sandy Hook Elementary) where I will meet up with anyone who wants to join me for the finish.  From there it's only about a mile up Fan Hill Road to the Orzo's.

The run from Bethel High to Chalk Hill will cover 13.1 miles.  We can take the mile to the Orzo's really slow--even walk it--so everyone who wants to connect with Chase can participate.  Any runners who wish to join me for a longer portion of the run are of course welcome.  The Orzo's invite everyone to stay for the party after we hit the 1,000 mile mark.

I am really looking forward to this special day and spending time with Steve, Becky and all those who have supported their cause this year.

The final leg--Bethel HS, Camp Tepee, Chalk Hill, Orzo's

July 24 - Rest Day; July 25 - 5.5 Miles Ran

Quick post before heading to work.  I ran 5.5 miles via the Pinebrook Loop with a 0.8 mile add on near Day Pond.  Sixty degrees and low humidity...hallelujah!  It was by far the most comfortable run (from a climatological perspective) in over a month.  Of course, the cheeseburger and hotdog I had with Shea at Harry's Drive In (gotta stop there if you're in Colchester) did not add to the comfort level.

I completed miles 842-847.  Miles 842-43 were sponsored by Len Gutman.  Thanks Len!  There are rumors abounding about a good friend of mine preparing to sponsor a big chunk of miles in the near future...stand by for confirmation!

Today's Line:

Date

DoW

ToD

Distance

Time

Min/Mile

Notes

Effort

Total Miles

7/25

Th

7:00a

5.5

42:51:00

7:47:27

60f

7

847.4

July 23 - 6.7 Miles Ran

Took it slow again this morning over 6.7 miles.  I ran the Day Pond and Pinebrook Loops.  It was lightly raining the entire time and incredibly muggy.  I may start longing for the 5-layer runs of February soon!

I completed miles 836-841, sponsored by Len Gutman.  Thanks Len, that's 6 of your latest batch of 32 miles down.

I have been thinking about how to finish up the 1,000 miles and some ideas are coming together, with the help of the Kowalski's and Orzechowski's.  Bob and Michele have graciously allowed me to finish at their house at their Labor Day party where Steve and Becky and many Monroe and Sandy Hook friends will be in attendance.  I haven't chosen a starting point yet but all Race4Chase supporters are welcome to join me for the finish and then celebrate at the party.  (Yes, I cleared this with the Orzo's).  People can join in anywhere they like, but if we have a decent sized group, Chalk Hill MS may be a good location--it's about a mile from Orzo's and I'm sure will bring back some memories for many.

Hard to believe I'm writing about the finish line!  Seems like just a few days ago I was bundling up for  mile 50.

Today's Line:

Date

DoW

ToD

Distance

Time

Min/Mile

Notes

Effort

Total Miles

7/23

Tu

7:00a

6.7

55:46:00

8:19:24

75f

6

841.9

July 22 - 4.7 Miles Ran; 32 Miles Sponsored

Had a nice easy 4.7 mile run this morning.  I had forgotten what 60 degrees feels like!  I ran the Pinebrook loop at a very easy pace, managing to avoid the Garmin curse (running fast to log good times on the watch).

I got a very interesting email and Facebook event invite from Len Gutman, a regular sponsor and follower of this blog.  Len has set a date for his epic 32 mile walk/run around Manhattan.  Everyone is welcome to join him at any point of the route.  He has tentatively scheduled the event for September 21, but is also considering the week before (14th) and after (28th).  In addition to his huge physical commitment, he has pledged to sponsor 32 of my miles and 32 more if he finishes the trek within 10 hours.  What a commitment, thanks Len!  Check out the event page at:

https://www.facebook.com/events/446007395506937/

Other exciting news...the New York Road Runners, the group that operates the New York Marathon, have offered 33 entries to the Newtown Families to support their fundraising efforts, and Becky Kowalski is looking into getting one for me.  If it works out, I'll be relying on all the great sponsors and supporters of Race4Chase to spread the word!

I have broken Len's batch of 32 miles into 4 segments--in addition to his previous miles Len now has miles:

836-843
893-900
936-943
987-994

I owe you a lot of running Len--I better get out there early tomorrow!  Len's miles also bring the total of miles sponsored to 512.5, more that the 500 needed to activate my pledge to run 26.2 miles with Jason Lester on his way to Sandy Hook.  I thought I might skirt out of that one, thanks Len!  I haven't heard anything about Jason's plans, and if he elects to do the run on a weekday I might have to find another way to live up to this pledge, but don't worry, I will definitely deliver the 26.2 sometime, somewhere.

On today's run I completed miles 831-835 (unsponsored).

Today's Line:

Date

DoW

ToD

Distance

Time

Min/Mile

Notes

Effort

Total Miles

7/22

M

7:15a

4.7

40:13:00

8:33:24

65f

6

835.2

Len Gutman's 32 mile route around Manhattan

July 20 - 8 Miles Ran: July 21 - Rest Day

Quick update - I ran the Cato Corner/Rt. 16 loop for 8 miles in the tough late afternoon heat on Sat and took Sun off.  It was a tough week with 5 days in the 90's and I was only able to get 4 days of running in for a total of 20.9 miles, well below the 30-35 I have been averaging.  I plan on having a solid week of running to stay on track to hit 1,000 miles on Labor Day.

I completed miles 823-830.  Mile 826 was sponsored by my second Mom, Mrs. Garrity, in memory of her daughter Kate.  I hit mile 826 at the 4 mile mark of my run, which is located at one of my favorite landmarks--a large vegetable garden after emerging from a dirt trail on to Mill Hill Road.  Thanks Mrs. G and God Bless Katie!

Today's (Sat) Line:

Date

DoW

ToD

Distance

Time

Min/Mile

Notes

Effort

Total Miles

7/20

Sa

5:30p

8.0

1:03:33

7:56:37

80f

8

830.5

July 17-18 - Rest Days; July 19 - 4.1 Miles Ran

I decided to take a break from running in the heat on Wed and then couldn't make it out Th morning so I had back to back days off.  I woke up a little late this morning but was able to squeeze in 4.1 miles via two laps around Day Pond before work.  I felt pretty sluggish at the start but decided to see what I had in the tank after two days off.  I put in a 6:42 second mile and kept miles 3 and 4 under 8 minutes for a decent run.  I'm sitting at 12.9 miles for the week, one of my lowest totals heading into the weekend in quite a while, and I don't have a super long run scheduled, so this could be my first sub 30 mile week in months.  We'll see what I can get in tomorrow before we hit 90 degrees again.

I completed miles 819-822 (unsponsored) this morning.  Tomorrow's run will be a special one; I'll hit mile 826 which is sponsored by Mrs. Garrity, who was my second Mom from 7th grade through high school.  I will think of her telling me to drink plenty of fluids though I should really drive down to her house and put away groceries if I really want to relive the good ol' days.

Today's Line:

Date

DoW

ToD

Distance

Time

Min/Mile

Notes

Effort

Total Miles

7/19

F

7:30a

4.1

31:32:00

7:41:28

80f

8

822.5

July 16 - 4.7 Miles Ran

Put in 4.7 miles this morning via the Pinebrook Loop.  I still felt a little sore from the wave action on Sun but I loosened up after about 3/4 mile and proceeded to do a fartlek.  I increased my speed to near sprinting for 2 telephone lengths and slowly jogged in recovery for one length.  It was crazy muggy again; I was in a full sweat within 5 minutes.

I covered miles 814-818, with mile 814 sponsored by Len Gutman--thanks again Len!

Today's Line:

Date

DoW

ToD

Distance

Time

Min/Mile

Notes

Effort

Total Miles

7/16

Tu

7:10a

4.7

36:24:00

7:44:41

78f

8

818.4

July 14 - Rest Day; July 15 - 4.1 Miles Ran

Back to the routine...two laps around Day Pond for 4.1 miles this morning.  The only noteworthy thing about today's run was the heat...nearly 80 degrees at 7am!  Not too bad for a short run but pretty brutal for 10+.  It looks like mid 90's highs for the rest of the week, so hopefully I can stick with the 7am plan.

The run was also made more challenging by a visit to Watch Hill with Shea yesterday.  Shea loves the water and as predicted she was playing in the waves for hours.  I lasted about 15 minutes on two separate trips out in the water and while I thought I managed the waves respectfully (except for one that I tried to body surf but ended up arse over tea kettle), I woke up sore from head to toe.  Sore enough to clock a blistering 9:32 warm up first mile this morning!

I completed miles 810-813, with miles 812 and 813 sponsored by Len Gutman from NYC.  Thanks for your support Len!

Date

DoW

ToD

Distance

Time

Min/Mile

Notes

Effort

Total Miles

7/15

M

7:10a

4.1

32:20:00

7:53:10

78f

8

813.7

My Wave Warrior 

Lovin' the beach!

Great day in Watch Hill 

July 12 - Rest Day; July 13 - 20 Miles Ran

I took a rest day Fri with a long run planned for Sat.  I was glad that it was a little cooler on Sat, but I got out a little later than I had hoped and finished with temps in the 80's.  I started on the Bacon Academy track and then ran two laps of an 8 mile segment of the Colchester Half Marathon route.

Overall, I felt pretty good, though a tough hill at mile 17 took my legs out like it did on a 18-mile run about a month ago.  This means I need a little more training to feel confident going in to a marathon.  On that note, I am in no man's land regarding which marathon to run.  I had my eye on the Santa Rosa Marathon on Aug 25, but registration has closed.  Earlier I had hoped to run the Lehigh Valley Marathon on Sep 8, but I have an all day meeting in Providence on Sep 7 and the logistics seem impossible.  I can run Hartford in Oct., but that would be too late to qualify for the 2014 Boston Marathon.  Of course, qualifying is not a realistic expectation right now given my fitness level.  I would have to run sub 3:25, or 7:49/mi.  Chase would have to give me a serious assist to run that fast!

I completed miles 790-809.  Kevin Farkas sponsored mile 801--thanks Kevin, see you at mile 901!

Today's (Sat) Line:

Date

DoW

ToD

Distance

Time

Min/Mile

Notes

Effort

Total Miles

7/13

Sa

9:30a

20.0

2:51:47

8:35:21

78f

7

809.6

20 mile run kit - hydration pack, Gatorade, water, bug spray, sun block, phone, shades, post run bag

July 11 - 6.7 Miles Ran

I beat the downpour by 16 minutes this morning.  I had a completely dry 6.7 via the Day Pond (sorry Beth!) and Pinebrook Loops, arriving home at 7:43; the heavens opened up at 7:59.

I completed miles 783-789 (unsponsored).

Today's Line:

Date

DoW

ToD

Distance

Time

Min/Mile

Notes

Effort

Total Miles

7/11

Th

6:50a

6.7

52:38:00

7:51:21

75f

7

789.6

July 8 - Rest Day; July 9 - 4.1 Miles Ran; July 10 - Rest Day

Only one day of running so far this week.  I have really had a hard time re-starting the engine after my vacation week in VT.  I did plenty of running up north but the diet was way off and sleep hours were limited.  I hope to get a moderately long run in tomorrow and I am due for 20 miles this weekend so hopefully the numbers will look right by the end of the week.

I ran the good ol' Day Pond Loop, 2 laps, on Tue.  My sister was making fun of the "Day Pond Loop" posts up in VT.  She was happy that I would be forced to blog about some other running location after she suffered through endless "Day Pond Loop" entries.  Oh the tribulations of my one and only true blog follower!  Let's see, what course do I feel like tomorrow...oh yeah, the Day Pond Loop!

I put in 4.1 miles which covered miles 779-782 (unsponsored).  To date 480 miles have been sponsored, 20 short of the mark that would effectuate my promise to run 26.2 miles with Jason Lester on his way from New York to Sandy Hook.  Jason is closing in on New York--I believe he is in western PA right now.  So unless some sleeping sponsors suddenly wake up, I may get out easy and get join Jason a lot closer to the finish.

Today's (Tue) Line:

Date

DoW

ToD

Distance

Time

Min/Mile

Notes

Effort

Total Miles

7/9

Tu

7:30a

4.1

32:36:00

7:57:04

72f

7

782.9

July 7 - 10.5 Miles Ran in Lunenburg, VT

I got up early to see the sunrise over the lake on the last day of our vacation, and then headed out for a 10.5 mile run around Neal Pond.  It was a beautiful morning, with a slight breeze and mild temps (low 60's).  I ran down Pond Hill Road, up Bobbin Mill and Colby Roads, and then down Monahan to the other side of the lake.  In 48 years of going to Neal Pond (which we call the lake), I don't remember viewing the lake from the other side.

The entire camp was still asleep when I returned.  Being hyped up from the run and looking for company, I started cooking bacon, a sure-fired way to get the masses out of the sack.

I completed miles 769-778 (unsponsored) and then made my way back to CT to be greeted by the sweltering weather (expected low tonite is 77 degrees).  It's going to be tough not to be able to jump in the cool lake water after my runs.  And to not be eating mounds of bacon every morning.

Today's Line:

Date

DoW

ToD

Distance

Time

Min/Mile

Notes

Effort

Total Miles

7/7

Su

5:50a

10.5

1:27:32

8:20:11

65f

6

778.8

Panorama of Neal Pond around 5am

Worth giving up a couple hours of sleep!

Lunenburg Green at 2.5 mile mark

Sunrise over Uncle Jerry's house at 5 mile mark 

The "other" side of the lake at the 6.5 mile mark

July 2 - Rest Day; July 3 - 8.6 Miles; July 4 - 5.5 Miles; July 5 - 4.2 Miles (Happy Birthday Kennedy Ott!)

I have internet access at the Weeks Library in Lancaster, NH for the next 3 minutes.  Great runs and pics up in the Northeast Kingdom, which I will post when I'm back home in CT.  I ran 4.2 miles today, including one for Brady Ott, who's Mom reserved today's mile for his bday.

Total miles up to 768.3.

Okay, back on line at the McDonalds in Lancaster.  I've had some nice runs in the hills around my sister's camp on Neal Pond in Lunenburg, VT.

Monday July 1st:

I was able to get back on the horse for 6.7 miles Monday, July 1 after the long run last Sat.  I ran from camp down into Lunenburg, enjoying the steep downhill run towards Gilman, VT until I had to turn around an head back.  I was very happy with my recovery and felt fairly comfortable on the run.  Pics from Mon's run:

Starting off at sister Beth's camp

Up Boys Camp Road

Original Bresnahan camp

Tough 4/10ths of a mile to the top of Boys Camp Road

 Bustling downtown Lunenburg

Church at the Lunenburg Green

Reward for a good run...a jump in the lake (but try not to scare the fish away)

Tuesday July 2nd:

Family activities and the search for internet access in the Northeast Kingdom resulted in a rest day on Tue July 2.

Wednesday July 3rd:

On Wed, I ran up Bobbin Mill Road to the point where it heads out to Rt. 2, for a total of 8.6 miles, near the Colby house:

Thursday July 4th

I ran 5.5 miles on Th, the 4th of July, including a 0.8 mile stretch with my 5-year-old nephew Kevin.  I asked him if he wanted to run up the camp driveway with me but he thought I meant up to the top of the access road, and when he has something in his head, it's going to happen.  So me and little bugger trudged up the steep 4/10ths of a mile to the camp road (with only 3 short breaks) and he sprinted down the hill the entire way back, arms flailing to keep his balance.  I think I may have a future running partner, as long I can hold up my end of the bargain as the years pass.

Nephew Kevin (5) and I get ready for our 4th of July jog

Passed the spring well where the Bresnahan clan got it's drinking water in year's past 

Another tough hill on Pond Hill Rd.

Water that (ultimately) strengthens the immune system

Tug Mt....time to turn around and head back to camp!

Friday, July 5th (Happy Birthday Kennedy Ott!) 

I ran down to the end of Pond Hill Road near the Lunenburg Green for 4.2 miles on Fri.  This run has been on my mind for months--I promised Megan Ott that I'd run a mile for her daughter Kennedy on her birthday, July 5th.  I almost missed her brother's birthday mile back on February 27 (see post from that day for my misadventure!) so I didn't want to have another close call.  I didn't take any photos on this run, but we did take a nice family photo (with everyone smiling at once, unheard of) and we saw the most incredible rainbow on the 4th before the lake's boat parade.  

The runs from Wed to Fri covered miles 751-768 (unsponsored).

Today's (July 3-5) Line:

Date

DoW

ToD

Distance

Time

Min/Mile

Notes

Effort

Total Miles

7/3	W	10:15a	8.6	1:08:49	8:00:07	78f	7	758.6
7/4	Th	10:35a	5.5	47:25:00	8:37:16	75f	7	764.1
7/5	F	11:30a	4.2	34:01:00	8:05:57	75f	6	768.3

June 29 - 19.7 Miles Ran; June 30 - Rest Day; July 1 - 6.7 Miles Ran

So much to share, so little time.  I am sitting in the Weeks Library in Lancaster, NH, stealing a few precious minutes on the only Wi-fi I can find in the Northeast Kingdom.  I am on vacation until Sunday and unfortunately my blog time will be fairly restricted.  Right at the time when the running has been the best!

I completed 19.7 miles late Sat and early Sun morning as part of the One Run for Boston effort (http://www.onerunforboston.org).  I ran 2 legs, from Bridgeport to Milford and Milford to New Haven for a total of 19.7 miles.  As you might expect with a run covering over 3,000 miles split into over 300 legs, the schedule got a bit off and our Bridgeport leg (#300) got going around 9pm instead of 5:30pm.  This was a blessing as it brought the temperature down, but it also resulted in the Milford to New Haven group (#301) finishing at the New Haven green at 12:10am!

The people on the run were amazing and we were even able to get a short blurb on the local NBC news about Race4Chase:

http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/video/#!/on-air/as-seen-on/One-Run-For-Boston-Set-To-Cross-The-Finish-Line/213726141

I got a little rest and then packed up for a 4 hour ride to northern VT (Lunenburg, above St. Johnsbury) on Sunday.  I was able to crank out 6.7 miles on Mon over the rolling hills in Lunenburg.  My cousin Michael told me it is a 1,400 foot climb from the Connecticut River to Neal Pond where we are staying (though I thankfully did not go all the way down to the river!)  I wanted to get 6.7 in because this brought my total mileage for the year up to 750.

I covered miles 724-743 on the One Run trek.  Len Gutman sponsored miles 724-731 of these miles and the rest were unsponsored.  Thanks Len!  I completed miles 744-750 (unsponsored) on Mon's run. I'd like to get a few miles in today but I've spent so much time searching for Wi-fi that the day is getting away from me!

Today's Line (Sat and Mon):

Date

DoW

ToD

Distance

Time

Min/Mile

Notes

Effort

Total Miles

6/29

Sa

9:10p

19.7

3:02:54

9:17:03

78f

6

743.3

7/1

M

10:25a

6.7

55:53:00

8:20:27

70f

7

750.0

Leg #300 led by Kelly Gallagher (far right) and powered by Girls Gone Miles

Self-proclaimed local celebrity Chaz addresses the leg 300 team

NBC 30 arrives to cover the event

NBC 30 reporter George Colli interviews Kelly (George was great, really into the event and all the causes)

George interviews Danny Boy Bent, one of the organizers of One Run for  Boston

Officer Matt provided an escort through the dark streets of Milford

Lastlly, the leader of group 300 made the following video our our leg--thanks Kelly!

http://somerandomthursday.blogspot.com/2013/07/im-shipping-up-to-boston-video-of-one.html