NYC Double- Weekly Log: January 6 to 12

Similar to last year, running a double race weekend in New York City. Slightly different, repeating the NYRR Night at the Races #2 3K at the Armory on Thursday night, but this time taking a day of rest after and running the Joe Kleinerman 10K in Central Park. After a great run at a Millennium Mile, there was a little bit of pressure on this 3K. I figured I would need at least a sub-8:50 or close to feel that a PR attempt at the 3K in a few weeks would be worth it. Joe Kleinerman was really just to maximize race attempts and do a fun double, didn't feel high expectations on that one. 

Monday: 0 Miles

Day off. Tried to get the achilles a little better as it was bothering me on Sunday's run. 

Tuesday: 12 Miles- Charlestown, RI

Bigger Burlingame loop (add on Burlingame trail + North camp onto VG). Enjoyed this one and felt pretty good.

Wednesday: 8 Miles- Hopkinton, RI

Summit + Blitzkrieg dirt road (Arcadia) loop with Dad, pre-race. I had some inner knee discomfort and some achilles weakness, a little concerning going into the race. 

With the knee discomfort, I tried some exercises to reduce that. Did some one leg squats which seemed to help quite a bit but then I could feel the micro-tears in my hamstring as I hadn't done that in a while and instantly regretted it. I thought I had just killed my race but fortunately ended up shaking that out by race time and not only didn't affect me, but never had that knee pain again. 

Thursday: 8 Miles- New York, NY

Late night 3K race in New York City. Last year I raced about 8:40PM, this year about 9:05PM. Absolutely hate the waiting around all day, but not being able to do much with a race on deck. The race went really well, ran 8:46 which was about best case scenario. This is by far my fastest 3K opener (I think previous was 8:56) and super encouraging because 1) I had done zero track workouts this season, and 2) it was the closest I had come to PRing since I set it in 2017.

Friday: 8 Miles- New York, NY

Central Park loop with Andrew. Race went well, but achilles took a hit and it felt pretty weak and uncomfortable on this. Was definitely a little concerned for the race. 

World Marathon Majors Medals for 2024

Saturday: 12 Miles- New York, NY

2nd race. Cold and pre-race was a bit of a mess (very long bag check line), but successful double. Surprised myself with 32:40, my first sub-33. About 30-40 seconds faster than I was expecting on a decently hill course. Definitely a really successful NYC visit. Achilles wasn't too bad either, although I had some foot pain walking around the city later in the day.

Interesting Birds

Sunday: 16 Miles- Richmond, RI

Arcadia dirt roads long, same as 2 weeks ago but with Andrew. Recovery pace, went a little slow. No foot or achilles pain which was good, but I bonked hard with a mile to go and started to seeing spots. I realized I accidentally dropped my gel while going #2 earlier so had to gut out the last mile on fumes. 

Weekly Total: 65 Miles

Weekly Highlight: 2nd fastest 3K I've run and a 10K PR. Very successful race weekend in NYC.

Weekly Lowlight: Recurring/chronic achilles issues. Hasn't caused any major issues yet, but is always a a concern.

Movies Watched: Minari, Operation Fortune, Society of the Snow