Third week of training. Finally all my runs are not longer at 7:30 per mile pace. I'm feeling better while running. The first two weeks were terrible, I was struggling to run even 5 miles at a slow pace. This week I weigh 145 lbs, which is 10 pounds more than I usually weigh, so hopefully some summer training will trim me down, although my Mother says I may have grown a little.
The Brandeis guys have been sending updates to the "mens xc list" via e-mail. It's nice to see how everyone's training is going.
Last year we had a semi-shock at the beginning of August when it was revealed through a series of updates that Ryan, Kerwin, and Zack had all run over 100 miles during one week. It's always entertaining during that time of year to see what the teammates are doing... but it can also be quite scary.
Paul is in Kenya for the summer, training, and working with Chasing Kimbia. Paul Koech gave him his old cell phone. While flipping through the numbers Paul found names like "Paul Tergat" haha. No big deal, just old world record holders and sub 27 minute 10k runners in your near acquaintance.
Sorry, I like to go off on tangents. This summer looks promising. I will be doing the highest amount of training of my life during the months of July and August if everything goes well. Not too much more than last year.. I did hit 80 miles per week one week last September.
I'm working at Marathon Sports, and loving it. My first day of work was one of the most fun experiences of my life. I've told this to my close friends, but it's like walking into an unknown place for the first time, and after meeting a few people you're like THIS is where I belong. THESE are my people. Seriously, everyone is super friendly, really helpful, and a Running Nerd <-- the best part. The majority of the employees are not serious runners actually, the majority are in their mid/late 20's and either used to run competitively, or just ran for fun/ to keep fit in the past. The manager of the Brookline store has a Irish accent that may well rival that of THE John Evans. Great environment. No one is on commission, so it's not like any of the employees is pushing to sell shoes, they're really here to educate the customer about the right shoe through observation and extensive training on the gait cycle process. It's awesome stuff. I'm still a rookie.
In other news, Ava (my sister) did not make it to the finals of America's Got Talent in San Diego. It's too bad, they did pretty well by making it to New York City for the pre-final tryouts after the Boston tryouts. Next up, she wants to try out for So You Think You Can Dance, but she has to wait until she's 18.
So LEARN THAT NAME! Ava Donovan! In three years you'll thank me.
Not trying to be modest at all < / sarcasm>
Good health
