First group run with Milford Road Runners - 8 miler

Today was my first run with the Milford Road Runners. I didn't know quite what to expect for distances and paces everyone was going - but I figured I'd just go with the flow. When I got to the meeting spot, I was able to find a group that was going to go eight miles. Seemed to be a fast group and a slower group in that eight mile bunch - I figured I'd go with the faster group to see if I could hang and worse case I would just drop back with the others. Except I really had no idea where we were going so once we separated I had to stay with Dan and Tom. After a quick warmup mile, we fell into a nice pace. Course was a mix of pavement, sidewalk, snow/ice on grass, snow/ice on sand, snow/ice on sidewalk. So we had to slow up sometimes based on footing. Of course I stepped on two rocks and partially twisted my ankle. The second, and bigger, rock was somewhere between the fifth and sixth mile. I fell back from the group with under a mile to go. Today felt really good. I was pushed to run faster than I normally would on a long day. Look forward to next week - hopefully I'll steer clear of the rocks.

Total Mileage: 8 miles
Total Time: 1:06:19
Average Pace: 8:17

Splits
9:02
8:35
8:01
8:27
8:21
8:14
7:41
7:52

5 miler with Anthony.....this one hurt

Today Anthony and I ran our normal bike path route - but for 5 miles. This one hurt a bit especially my calves. They are very tight. I guess that's what I get for running all out on Sunday. I managed to do 5 miles in 46 minutes - 9:12 pace. Maybe tomorrow is a good day to rest.

Oh - and Andrew registered for the Dartmouth 10k today - so I wont be running alone.

Black toe update

Well the black toe is going away - I'm betting its due to the new shoes. Thank you Saucony and Rhode Runner!!

The Great Toe

Looks like its time to get a new pair of shoes as the Black Toe has struck. Im sure most of you have had it at some point - but in case you haven't here is what "The Toe" is - (from RunnersWorld)

"A black toenail happens because repeated jamming of the toes against a shoe causes the nail to dislodge. It can happen when shoes are too big or too small, so go to a specialty running shoe store and have the salesperson make sure there's a thumb's width between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe. Also, make sure your toenails are trimmed straight across."