Ok... Friday morning I ran 5.5 on the Charles by myself. My legs were tired, but much less so than the last time I did the Summit Ave. workout. Today Bromka, AK, Hog, and I ran out to Fresh Pond and back. It was a really fun run for some reason, we were laughing pretty much the whole time.

The plan is to do about 18 tomorrow on the marathon course. We're going to drive out to BC, run backwards on the course for 8-9 miles, and then run the rest forwards. This will be good b/c we'll hit the Newton hills when we're about 13 or 14 miles into the run.

Today, we watched a really funny movie called The Aristocrats. It was some of the most offensive stuff I've ever heard, but I was literally on the floor laughing at some points during the film. I would not recommend it if you are easily offended.

Musical Genius

Bromka and I ran the Summit Ave hill workout after work today. It was warm enough to wear shorts, which was a nice change. We met Tufts alum and Marathon guru Jason Burke, and got going around 7pm. We went up and down 5 times, which I think is the same as last time. I felt pretty good, and was running a little faster than we did the intervals last time. I hope these workouts have prepared me well for the hills from 17-21 at Boston. We totalled 11 on the day, and stopped at Anna's on the cooldown.

Also, for some blatant self centered ego boosting, I'd like to mention that on the OC tonight, there was a song played two different times (once when Marissa was on the beach and once later in the show). When I heard it I thought "wow, I know that song, it sounds like that Bright Eyes song... except I bet it's a cover." Well, lo and behold, I was exactly right. (This by the way, was based only on the opening riff of the song). The song is "Lover I Don't Have to Love". It's pretty good. (If the link doesn't work, apologies... Putfile is being annoying)

With that having been said, I'd also like to make clear the fact that I think the OC is a very bad thing, and that I strongly disagree with it. For example, "Ryan" is 27. Think about that. At some point I'll go on a really scathing OC rant, but I'm pretty tired right now.

And finally, "Birdhouse in Your Soul" by They Might Be Giants is one of the best songs ever written.

long day

Bromka and I ran Brookline this morning. Legs felt decent. We're going to run the Summit Ave. hill workout tomorrow. Hopefully it goes well.

After work today I went to Suffolk Law School admitted students reception (I got in last week...). They have a really nice building. I'm still waiting to hear from Northeastern. If I get in there I'll go, if not I'll have to decide between Suffolk and Villanova (from which I deferred my decision from last year.)

At some point I'll write a post outlining my whole law school application process... just not tonight, as I'm not really psyched about the whole thing.

Tired

Yesterday morning I went out by myself to run a short 6 miles. It was really cold out an my legs were very tired from the long run the day before. If this is any indication of what I'll feel like after the marathon, then I am in for a few very painful days of walking around. I imagine this what I'll feel like everyday when I'm 70 years old. I'm glad I'm not old.

This morning Bromka AK and I went out on our Boston Loop. I really like this run, as we go down Mass Ave, by the Christian Science Center, through Copley, around the Common, past the State House, and through Back Bay to BU. My legs were still tired, but I felt way better than I did yesterday. I also got a new pair of sunglasses, which are nice in the morning when the sun can be fairly blinding at times.

After work today I stopped by McDonald's to see if they still were carrying the greatest invention ever conceived by man. I speak of the Shamrock Shake. Offered around St. Patrick's Day, the Shamrock Shake is a green, mint flavored delicacy, enjoyed only by those who are keen to its existence. Last year, Nate, Hennessey and I went to McDonalds and got Shamrock Shakes. This was one of the top 10 culinary experiences I've ever had in my life. Something about the color, texture, and flavor combines to make this utterly delicious. About a month ago, I realized that the Shamrock Shake was coming up, and I vowed not to forget about it. Unfortunately, I did just that. Totally slipped my mind. Blast. Curses. I realized this yesterday (post St. Patrick's Day), but thought that McDonald's might still be carrying them. I was disappointed today after work when I stopped in and was told that they no longer carried them. Alas, the Shamrock Shake will have to wait until next year.

Update

Ok.... lots to recap. I don't remember when the last time I posted was... but on Thursday morning, Hog and I ran Jamaica Pond (9 miles). On Friday morning we did just 5.5 along the Chuck. On Saturday, Nate and I ran Brookline, and ran into Tufts Alum J.R. Cruz (who was captain during our freshmen year). He's graduating from Tufts medical school this year, and is running the marathon this spring. It was nice to talk to him about the race, and what the last 5 or 6 miles are like. (Last week I totalled 61 miles).

Today, I did my longest long run yet. It was 21 miles, and it was a really great run. Nate was feeling sick, so it was just Bromka and I. We went 7 miles out on Comm. Ave, turned around, and finished up on Beacon Street (the way the marathon goes). After the first 7 miles we started to pick it up. I'm guessing we were running about 6:30s from 7-15. It felt like we were pressing, but not overexerting ourselves. When we got back to Brookline (after 15 miles) Bromka peeled off becuase his knee was bugging him. I took some GU I had in my shorts pocket and drank some water that I had stashed near Brookline. After 15 miles of hard running, I expected to be pretty tired, but I felt suprisingly good. Way better than the day that Hog and I ran 19.5 on. Anyway, I continued out to the Charles, and ran out to the Science Museum, and finished up along Mass Ave. I wanted to practice pushing the pace, so I pressed pretty good during the last 6 miles or so. I checked a split at about 18, and I was running 6:10 pace. This is very good. I added a little bit around the apartment to give me 21 on the day, in 2:18.

This run gave me a bunch of confidence for April 17th. Assuming it's not absurdly hot, I think I have a very good chance to run a fast time. I am going to run the first half of the race within myself, but at any point after that, if I'm feeling good, I think I might push it a little. Hopefully I still have gas in the tank during the last 5 miles....

And, in other news. this St. Patrick's day was a total blast. I wasn't planning on doing anything, but Andrea (from Foley), and her two friends Lilla and Justine showed up to the apartment after work, wearing green eye shadow, and shamrock antlers. They were also hammered. It's sort of hard to say no to three attractive drunk girls who are imploring you to join them to a bar. So.... I caved to peer pressure. We went to the Burren in Davis Square (an Irish bar), and I had a great time. The place was packed, there were 2 Irish bands playing, everyone was wearing green, and everyone was having a great time. It ended up being a great night. Andrea, if you read this, thanks for making me come out.

Finally, here is a really cool video that the members of 35 Brookline Street and I made for the Tufts Track team. We had to take out the beginning section becuase there was too much stuff about Williams in it, but it ended up turing out really well. Check out lo-res here, and hi-res here. (Be patient, as there is load time).

(And just FYI, right now I'm listening to L.O.V.E. by Ashlee Simpson.)