Three miles in 29 minutes

After a busy week, and taking the day off to recover today, got back to running. Went running in the evening at the running track in the Bayonne Park. Was aiming for a faster run today, and was able to achieve a sub-ten-minute-per-mile pace for the three miles run.

As I build up to the Marathon run on Nov 23rd, I may not be able to spend too much time running during the week days, but it would definitely be possible to put in these kinds of short three mile runs 3 or 4 times during the week.

5K in 32:43 minutes in Bayonne Park

Got around to run four days after my first 10 mile run last Thursday, after a busy week-end due to the Communications Power to Create Course.

Went running around 3:30 PM in Bayonne park; since it was hot (temperatures in the upper 80s) I was running most of the time under the shades of the upper parts of Bayonne Park. Completing a 5K in 32 odd minutes without a break seems to be a much easier task now!

5 miles on a Don't-want-to-run day

Ran 5 miles in Bayonne Park today from 9:30 AM onwards. All through was thinking I will stop well short of 5 miles - maybe three miles or even four miles but no way five miles! However, continued to run mile after mile and finished 5 miles in 55:26 minutes.

Since I started rather late in the day, and it was a warm day, chose to run along the shaded parts of Bayonne Park for the most part. Ran on the running track for the last two miles - the running track being mostly open and being scorched by a bright sun.

Took one water break after running four miles.

Ever since Sunday's 10K race in Central Park, I am adding a sense of urgency in my running and am forcing myself to run faster than usual. Previously I used to run with the attitude that finishing is what matters, and hence was very slow at times - particularly over the latter part of longer runs. Now I try to push forward with pace even on the fourth or fifth mile and I am surprising myself by the effort I can put it despite being tired.

Actually what surprises me most is that running becomes easier after the first two or three miles! In the first couple of miles, my legs are stiff and running is a burden. I should add a mile's running as warm-up for future races. That way I am warmed up and ready to run when the race begins.

3 point something miles in 35 plus minutes

After a five day break (down) got back to running today, and ran over 3 miles without a walking break.

Did have a small stop though as I noticed I had stopped my timer accidentally. Though I was finishing the third lap of a half mile long loop, the timer was at 1:06 - stopped with a groan and started the timer again. Must have stopped the timer while running by brushing the watch against my body - I must be trying out keeping my hands at weird angles for this to happen!

Feels good to be back to running. The progress being made on the RunWalkIndia front has been tremendously encouraging! It is not only motivating me to keep running, but also giving an immense boost to my confidence in the business idea.

First non-stop 4 mile run in 43:43 minutes

Ran 4 Miles today at the Bayonne Park - for the first time without taking a walking or running break!

My pace of around 11 minutes per mile is very slow compared to other runners I come across on the blogosphere and in Running magazines and books who seem to effortlessly run at 6 or 7 minutes per mile.

With 170 pounds of body weight, and very little practice in running at a young age, I think I am doing good at 11 minutes per mile. I should not be worried about the pace now; the pace will pick up as I put in long mileage week after week.

3 miles in 39:50 minutes in Bayonne Park

I did not want to run today! Even after taking a day's break from running after the over-exertion on Wednesday. Legs cramped up most of the run.

Ran from Rutkowski Park to the Running track at Bayonne Park, ran more than a mile on the Running track, and returned to Rutkowski Park.

The Running track was being used for school Physical Exercise period; the kids were bringing in amazing amount of energy!

3.25 miles in 36:00 minutes at Bayonne Park

Ran for 3.25 miles between Mayor Richard Rutkowski Park and the running track at the Bayonne Park. The distance from the car parking area to the running track is about a mile. I ran 2.25 miles on the running track before heading back to the car parking area.

Today I took a minute's walking break after the first mile, and every half mile afterwards.

1.8 miles in 19:30 minutes

Completed part of the running required for today, as I was running late to an appointment in the evening.

Take away from today's reduced effort:
I will run first thing in the morning on the days I am supposed to run!

I will make up for the reduced effort today by adding .25 miles to the next two days 3 mile runs.

Second successful long run - 7 miles in 1:24

I can't believe it!!

I ran 7 miles in 1:24 minutes today as part of my Marathon training!! The longest I had run before this was a labored 1:15:02 10K at the Scotland Run in March this year. There wasn't much from my past efforts to prove that I will actually be able to run 7 miles and enjoy it.

I ran on the running track at the Stephen R Gregg Park in Bayonne today afternoon; went with the intention to run all of 7 miles (28 rounds on the 400m track) and try out my new Garmin Forerunner 305.

The first two miles were difficult; after that the run became easier and I was virtually cruising - laps and miles disappeared in the distance! And I had completed the longest continuous run of my life with a lot to spare!

I am loving this game! I can see clearly now the moment of my first Marathon completion!

I did this amazing effort without any external encouragement. Wonder how much better I can do if I had ZZ Top's La Grange or a Bollywood favorite blaring in my ears!

1.5 hour mega workout!

As per the Novice training plan, today is a rest day.

I decided to treat it as the first training day of the week - to compensate for not running one day last week, as well as to accommodate the evening start in the Wall Street 5K tomorrow. Went to Bayonne Park in the evening, and ran 2 full miles on the running track there, and more than a mile in getting there and back.

On the way back, since it was already dusk, the authorities closed the walkway which connected the park to where my car was located. Trying to get to the car in an alternate route I ended up walking more than 45 minutes - finally walking back all the way home and then having Amrit drive me over to my car!

Everything in my body is aching! I have to ensure I park my car inside the Bayonne Park next time I go running very late in the day.

Good start to the Marathon Training

Started on the Marathon training this Tuesday.

• Ran for 30 minutes on Tuesday at Liberty State Park.
• Could not run on Wednesday.
• Ran for 30 minutes on Thursday at Liberty State Park.
• Completed the long run today; ran for 1:15 in Bayonne Park.

Good start to the first week of Marathon Training as per the Novice Program of Hal Higdon's Marathon Training Guide!!