June 2020

Realizing this was my first post of the new year/decade, I wanted to talk about what I did besides running. Started summiting high peaks in the Adirondack Mountains. If you are not familiar with the area, there are 46 high peaks that are very hard to do for an average hiker. This month, I was able to reach the top of three peaks: Dix, Phelps, and Table Top.

Dix Mountain

June 7th, the first high peak I visited with other hikers was Dix Mountain. Dix is the sixth highest peak in the Adirondack Mountains at 4857'. Starting from Round Mountain Parking lot (Rt. 73 Keene Valley), it was 14.5 miles round trip. The first portion of the hike started out really nice. Once you reach the Big Slide section, it is a steep climb to the summit. Tough but very rewarding climb.  Gasping for air a couple times as the destination was in sight. Approximately 12 hours to complete the hike, starting at 7 AM and finishing around 7 PM.

Trail Maker along the water

Dix Mountain Summit Marker

Phelps Mountain
June 14th, traveled with another hiker to the second peak: Phelps Mountain. Parked the vehicle at Adirondack Loj and started our journey at 7 AM. The first few miles were very nice. Trails were nicely groomed, well marked, and easy on the feet. At the fork, take a left towards Phelps Mountain. The climb was not as bad compared to Dix. Once you arrive at the summit at 4161', the view is absolutely wonderful. Took us a little over three hours to reach the peak. I enjoyed hiking Dix Mountain but Phelps was a nice change. Hiking onward…

Approaching Phelps Mountain Summit

Phelps Mountain Summit. Photo: M.Z

Tabletop Mountain
After summiting Phelps Mountain at 10:15 AM, we talked about doing another peak. A couple fellow hikers at the summit said Tabletop can also be done. It is on the Mount Marcy trail along Phelps Brook. Coming down to the fork, we took a left to Marcy Brook. To get to Tabletop, 4427' of elevation, you have to climb at least a mile on a herd path (minimally maintained trail). Squeezing through trees and avoiding the mud patches. It was not a pleasant trek to the top. So far, not my favorite peak out of the Forty-Six. Maybe that will change as I take on more peaks. The views were not the best compared to Dix and Phelps. After our brief break at the top, it was time to head back to the car.

Overall, it was a very nice hike. Took 10-10.5 hours to complete the hike summiting two peaks. Started at 7 AM finishing at 5:30 PM. Where will the next hike take us? Who knows. Thank you very much for following me along on this journey.

Closing out the decade that was 2019

Not sure how to sum up the year 2019. I'm having a hard time gathering words on how to describe my thoughts. If it is difficult to come up with words, I have to say it was a pretty good year. I will share the highlights that closes out the decade on a positive note. From training to performances, here are the moments that made 2019 special.

February: As I have stated before, my thirties have been wonderful so far and I intend to keep it that way. On my thirty third birthday, I got to see Dane Cook perform live in Albany. This was a moment fifteen years in the making. A high school friend introduced me to him by CD in 2003. Even though it took a long time to make it a reality, the performance was fantastic and it was well worth the wait.

The next night, Nick DiPaolo taped his comedy special, A Breath of Fresh Air, in Cohoes at the Music Hall. That was exciting being part of the audience hearing new material.

March: I attended an iCryo grand opening in Clifton Park. Had the privilege to meet Paige Hathaway, a popular social media figure in the fitness world. 

iCryo Grand Opening in Clifton Park with Paige Hathaway.

April: Closing out the month, I participated in my first Spartan Race. It was crazy doing the Beast (13+ mile) first, I was confident that I could complete it. Despite the struggle, I completed the race. Not too long after that, I signed up for a couple more before the year was out. Boston Super in August and Vermont Sprint one month later. The Vermont race was pretty special because I got to help Marla complete her first Spartan race. Also, I earned my Spartan Trifecta, three races in one calendar year. Can't wait to do another Spartan Race in the new year. I would totally recommend it to anyone who is looking for a fun, adventurous, and challenging event.

May, completed my fifth marathon in Denver, Colorado (Colfax Marathon). Had a wonderful time visiting the Mile High City for the first time. It was the farthest I have ventured in the United States. After landing back home in Albany, I decided to visit that state again in the future. Want to see more of what that state has to offer.  Read Full Recap Here.

November, completed a major marathon in New York City (New York City Marathon). This was my first time raising money for a charity organization. I joined up with the Alzheimer's Association to support a cause that I care about deeply. This mission was nearly three years in the making. After watching the event on television for two years, I wondered if the organization participated in a prestigious race like New York City. When I saw that they had a team, I made it my mission to be a part of the experience.  I learned so much about myself leading up to the event from training to fundraising techniques. So many family, friends, and organizations made this experience possible and I will never forget that. After completing the race, that was one of the most enjoyable events I participated in. Read Full Recap Here.

Alzheimer's Association luncheon. Photo: Creative Focus Designs

New York City Marathon 1st Avenue. Photo: Creative Focus Designs

This might not look like much. I can tell you that it was a very exciting and eventful year. I hope your year was wonderful just like mine. Wishing you all a healthy and prosperous new year. Until next time in 2020.

-MJ

New York City Marathon

Photo: Creative Focus Designs Inc.

Hello everyone. It has been almost six months since my last race recap. On Sunday, I ran in one of the most prestigious races in the world, the New York City Marathon. Right now, I am in recovery mode giving you my thoughts on my performance. It was not what I wanted but I made sure to take in the experience. I ran for an organization that I care about deeply, Alzheimer's Association. Right away, I want to thank them including the New York City Chapter for having me on the team. It was wonderful meeting so many amazing people that came together for a common cause, ending Alzheimer's disease once and for all. The luncheon at the Wilson NYC was a great opportunity to meet the runners to tell personal stories and running experiences. It was a wonderful weekend in New York City. Now, on to the race.

My objectives going into the race were run at a controlled pace going into Manhattan at 1st Avenue (Mile 16) then increase it to Marathon Pace for the remainder of the race. Conserve energy on the hills and/or bridges. Draft other runners to conserve energy but do not get stuck in a rut following those much slower than me. The most important one is improve fueling my body during the race. I did not want to rely only on gels and hydration. I brought a few energy bars with me to help me move along.

Up in my hotel to look at the radio clock on the other side of the room. It says 4:02 AM (3:02). Ok, why is my phone alarm not going off? Did my hotel wake up call not go through? Oh wait, it is day light savings time. The clock in the room does not automatically reset. Laid down until it was time to get up (4:00). After some last minute packing of items for the start line and eating, it is time to walk to the bus on 59th street that will take me to the start in Staten Island. Departed Central Park South at 5:45 AM allowed me to rest my eyes prior to the arrival at Verrazano-Bridge.

Once I got off the bus and through security check points, I made my way to the charity tent to relax until my wave start at 10:10 AM, Wave 2 Corral B. The start was divided into three lanes with respective colors: Green, Orange, and Blue. Blue was on the far right of the course. As I sat in the tent waiting to start, I felt uneasy emotionally. Got up to stretch outside the tent. Focused on eating just prior to my wave opening at 9:30. Messed up the walking route to the corral thinking I could take a shortcut but was met with fences. Despite that mix up, still got into my respective corral on time. 9:50 the corrals start moving towards the start line just before the Verrazano-Bridge. This is really happening. I'm about to run in one of the biggest marathons in the world.

Do not be alarmed by the start cannon. Waiting to start, woman sings a wonderful rendition of America the Beautiful. After that, the DJ starts hyping up the crowd prior to the start. Cannon sounds and Frank Sinatra's New York, New York blares out of the speakers with confetti showering over all the passing runners.

Running up the Verrazano-Bridge, I wanted to have slow two miles to get ready for the rest of the race. First mile at 8:50 was exactly what I wanted to do. Once I came down the hill towards Brooklyn at Mile 2, it was way too quick (just above 8 minutes). Fuhgeddaboudit. Running through the second of five boroughs was a wonderful time. The crowds lining the street were cheering for all the runners. Feeding off their energy was very surreal. It was a preview for what to expect for the rest of the race.
Only stopped once for the bathroom (Mile 7) and took water stops every two miles. Felt bad I didn't see my family cheering me on including my sisters holding up signs for me. Thank you very much for coming out to support my cause.

My splits were still on target without dipping below 8 minutes going into Queens. A runner next to me projected vomit was a good way to welcome us into the next borough. Ate one of my energy bars with little trouble. Do not remember too much about Queens except for the crowds and thinking about the Queensboro Bridge to Manhattan. Mile 15-16 was one of my slowest stretches during the race. Running into Manhattan, I can hear the crowds cheering as I came off the bridge onto 1st Avenue.

The energy was second to none as I ran down the long stretch to the Bronx. The crowds were absolutely amazing cheering me and the 53,000+ runners to the finish in Central Park. Found the Charity Cheer Zone on 120th street. Great seeing Alzheimer's Association supports cheering us on as we passed. Had a couple photogenic shots from the photographer. On to the Bronx.

Leaving 1st Avenue, I was starting to tire. Having a hard time eating energy bars while running. Been eating gels every four miles. Did not bother consuming my last one. Looking for the finish. However, it was wonderful running into Harlem towards Central Park. That let me know the finish line is getting closer. The last couple water stops, I walked to them taking three cups.

Crowds cheering on both sides in Central Park. Want to cheer but all I am thinking about is the finish line. Where is my family? Where is my girlfriend? Just want someone to hug after I completed the race. 

My race plan went out the window many miles ago. I made it a mission to take in the experience listening to the crowds cheering on both sides of the street. I did not come this far to quit. Running through Central Park miles 23-25, I thought about the time I did a marathon training run three years ago for my very first marathon. Never thought in my wildest dreams to run in a world major marathon race with thousands of fans cheering you on from start to finish.  59th street along Central Park, the finish line is getting very close 800 meters to go. Through Columbus Circle onto West Drive towards the finish line 400 meters to go. Oh my gosh, it is really happening. I am going to finish this race. Crowds cheering on both sides of the barricades. There is the grandstands. I see the finish. Crossing the line at 67th street, I swing my fist in the air to let out to signal a tremendous accomplishment and relief that it is over.

After crossing the finish line, walking to the booth for my poncho, allowed me to reflect on what I just accomplished. Just get me to the hotel so I can see my loved ones. It was wonderful having Marla run up to me after I got into the hotel lobby to give me a hug. Legs are sore, heavy, and tired.

Not the performance I was hoping for. It did not stop me from taking in the experience from start to finish. The crowds, safety personnel, and runners made this very memorable for me. I'll never forget what I just accomplished. Thank you Mom, Dad, Marla, Jen, Kristen, and Kelsey for cheering me on. Thank you to everyone at the Alzheimer's Association (including the NYC Chapter) for having me on the team. Volunteers, bands, photographers, and safety personnel were wonderful.

Where do I go from here? I have a lot to work on for marathon distance running. Not going to dwell on this race. Use it as motivation to improve for future races. Implement a better balance of training, stretching, and diet so I go into events more confident. Until next time. Now, recovery mode has commenced.

IT WILL MOVE YOU. IT WILL INSPIRE YOU. IT WILL CHALLENGE YOU.

-MJ

Colfax Marathon (Denver)

Colorado was on another euphoric level. Capitol Building.

5k race/Tune up for Marathon Sunday

Recently returned from an awesome trip in Denver, Colorado. I was in the Mile High city for the Colfax Marathon, my first time running in the Centennial State. A few days after running, it was a great opportunity to reflect on my performance. Initially, I was irritated with the result. After walking around the city reflecting on the race, my feeling turned from irritation to fulfillment. I got asked constantly about altitude. That factor is not controllable so the only way to adapt is arrive early to get acclimated.

Approaching marathon weekend, I did not have any objectives achieving a personal best. My goal was running a smart/methodical race. No mile splits below 7:30 and do not go out too fast. On Saturday, the day before the marathon, I ran in a 5K race to serve as training/tune up. After running the 5K distance and four months of training, I felt really confident heading into the race the next morning.

Six AM was the earliest marathon start I have taken part in. Luckily, City Park was walking distance from a house I rented for a few days. Headed over to the start at 4:40 to do gear drop off and last minute preparations (stretch and food). Colfax was the first marathon wearing a hydration back pack filled with water. I practiced carrying that in my last two long training runs. Very grateful that piece of equipment got me through the race. Carried six energy gels (one every 4 miles) in my belt pack and hand held bottle sack. My hand held bottle was filled with Nuun Electrolyte Hydration. Overall, my race preparation was very good. Now, it is time to toe the start line in City Park.

Just after six, the course marshall yells into the microphone, "On your mark, get set, go…"

The Colfax Marathon is under way. Leaving City Park, heading towards downtown,  I focused on setting the pace, not going out too fast. Winding through City Park onto Colfax Avenue, an Elvis impersonator entertained passing runners. Aside from the bathroom stop at mile four, I felt really good setting the tone for an excellent race. Running through downtown Denver was an amazing experience. How many races do you get to run through a Fire Department with the staff greeting/cheering you on? So far, only Denver offers that (Fire Station No.1). Onto the Cherry Creek bike path towards Confluence Park. Turn left across the bridge to South Platte River trail that runs along Centennial Gardens and Elitch Gardens Amusement Park. The route goes back onto Colfax Avenue but I have to make my first run through Denver Broncos Mile High Stadium. Really enjoying my run through downtown Denver as I exit the stadium back onto West Colfax Avenue. That is only 7 miles.

Just past the seven mile mark on West Colfax Avenue, the altitude started to effect me. I kept moving forward. I realized my times were getting slightly slower but I focused on enjoying the scenery because a loop around Sloan's Lake is coming up. Halfway mark was at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design. Once I got into the second half of the race, it became a struggle. Just past mile 18, the 3:30 pace group passed me (Colfax Avenue). I focused on keeping my legs moving and staying hydrated. It was a struggle sipping my hydration products. That was the least of my worries. Just keep moving forward. Just past mile 19, my friend Samantha held up a sign cheering me on. That made my racing experience that much better. Encouraged me to keep my legs moving. It also got me very excited for the final ten kilometers including the second run through Denver Broncos Mile High Stadium.

Once I ran through downtown again, I really considered walking the last couple miles to the finish line. Kept telling myself, you did not come here to walk. Run the marathon all the way through. Keep my legs moving. That motivation kept me going despite my slow mile splits. Leaving downtown returning to City Park got me very excited for the finish. Once I entered City Park, my excitement began to grow knowing the finish line is very close. Once I saw the time clock at the finish, I felt very satisfied with how the day turned out. Finishing time 3:35:45 with a pace of 8:14 was not a personal best. I told myself I would not be upset if I did not set a personal record. As I crossed the finish line, I let out a big roar indicating I was relieved to finish the race. It is unbelievable that I have completed five marathons in three years. Definitely have come along way from no accolades in sports during high school and college.

Letting out a roar of relief after completing my fifth marathon. It was an amazing day.

The reason why I was irritated was I had a chance to obtain a personal best but it did not happen. After talking with Marla about the race and walking around the Mile High city reflecting on my performance, it turned out to be an excellent day. It was a very good performance running at altitude for the first time while carrying a hydration pack. I definitely want to come back to Colorado for a vacation and/or running race.

I met so many amazing people while I was visiting Colorado. Thank you to friends and family that send me encouragement; Colfax Marathon staff for putting on an awesome race weekend; Volunteers for making my race experience enjoyable; Police, Fire, and EMT staff for keeping the runners safe.

Thank you Sam and Chris for cheering me on Colfax Avenue. Really appreciate the sign.

Showing off my finisher medals at Red Rocks

"I can do all this through him who gives me strength"-Philippians 4:13
"I want to be number one in everything"-Pat Bowlen

Spartan Tri-State Beast (New Jersey)

Spartan Beast was a success. Can't wait to do it again soon.

WHAT AM I!? I AM A SPARTAN!

On April 27th, I participated in the Spartan Tri-State Beast event in Vernon, New Jersey at Mountain Creek Resort. Thirteen miles with thirty obstacles to challenge those who are brave enough to conquer the beast of a course. This was my first Spartan race. Picked a great race for my Spartan debut. As a marathon runner, this was a different challenge for me but eager to take it on. Running marathons is a wonderful achievement. Completing a Spartan race is on another level.

After completing the Beast, I learned so much about myself physically, emotionally, and mentally. Part of the reason why I return to running events time and time again. Spartan events will be no exception. This post will focus on lessons learned from Saturday's Beast event. It will not have an extensive recap on the course and obstacles. Here are some lessons I took away from my first Spartan race:

Train
Sign up for Spartan Workouts by email. Check out their YouTube page for obstacle tutorials. Despite struggling with some of the obstacles, I was able to get through the course with little trouble. Having running experience helps. I ran a variety of road and trail races prior to my first Spartan Race. Went to the gym regularly to help with upper body strength, legs, core, and back.

Having fun
Races are not always going to go as planned. It is important to not get discouraged. Whenever, I feel upset during a race, I adjust my race objectives. Yes, I got upset when I had to do burpees for not completing the obstacles successfully. When that started to happen, I took the failures in stride and focused on having fun along the course. After completing your first competitive event, you go into the next event better prepared. It builds character. Thank you for making the Spartan Beast race fun.

Listening to my body
Studying the course, I walked along the trails in between obstacles and narrow paths on the trail. It was a perfect opportunity to conserve energy. Talking to other competitors on the course made my experience more enjoyable. For fuel and hydration, I carried a hydration backpack with two liters of water. Also, three gels and FIT AID supplement drink got me through the Beast course. Prior to the race, I ate oatmeal with cashew butter and sliced banana. Drank Coconut Water to get a supply of electrolytes prior to the start. Spartan competitors fuel and hydrate differently. Plan accordingly. You can never have too much food supplements and hydration.

Building a Community
Talking to other competitors puts my mind at ease. Whether it is asking for advice on race experiences to completing difficult obstacles, competitors are happy to provide in their insights prior to the race. Since the Spartan community has been wonderful, I am coming back for races in the future. Talking to competitors on the course and shuttle bus has built up my confidence and broadened my social circle too. This is the main reason why I keep coming back to endurance events time and time again.

My first Spartan event was very memorable. Too many burpees to count, a few blisters, great obstacles, awesome competitors, and a challenging course. My body was muddy wet, sore, and tired. The finishers medal was worth all the trouble and hard work. Thank you very much for making my very first race a memorable experience. The staff, volunteers, and photographers made the event safe and fun. Can't wait to do it again in a few months. Next stop: Massachusetts

AROO!

Eastern States 20 Mile race

March 24th
I participated in The Eastern States 20 mile race. It spanned three states beginning in Kittery, ME and finishing just across the state line in Salisbury, Massachusetts (20.25 to be exact). My training called for a nineteen mile run. It was a perfect opportunity to use this race as a training run (so much for that). It is a struggle separating being competitive from an easy training run. Despite this, I was very happy with the result but have plenty of room to improve.

Going into a race, I attempt to plan a strategy mentally, ensuring the run goes smoothly.  For this race, I wanted to run 5 mile blocks at a particular pace. For instance, miles 1-5 would be ran at 7:30 and finishing the final 5 at 7:00. Regarding fuel and hydration, I carried three GU Energy Gels and stopped for water three times along the course. With the strategy in place, it was time for the race.

Race morning, I drove to Winnacunnet High School in Hampton, New Hampshire for the shuttle bus. The 7:45 AM bus would take myself and the rest of the runners to Robert Traip Academy High School in Kittery, Maine. Arriving after 8 AM, it was tough finding the ways to pass the time until the race starts. 11 AM is the latest I have started a race, not sure how I felt about that. I took the opportunity to stretch, eat a light meal, hydrate, and a warm up jog. As the race approached start time, runners walked a short distance to the start downtown. It began on a narrow up hill driveway next to a public parking lot. Runners on your mark…

Race began heading towards the New Hampshire state line into downtown Portsmouth. Checking my watch at mile 1 (Memorial Bridge), my pace was 7:06. I quietly swore at myself for going out a little too quick. At this point, my original (mental) plan was scrapped. For the remainder of the race, my goal was to clock consistent splits without going under 7 minutes per mile.

Running through downtown Portsmouth was wonderful. I was excited to get onto Route 1-A along the coast. The remainder of the course would be ran on this road (Mile 3-20). As the race progressed, I was very pleased with my progress staying focused with my new plan. The only down side running on the coast is possibly running through head winds. It happened a couple times but I did not push too hard without getting very tired. Aside from that, the splits were excellent through the first fourteen miles. Approaching mile 15 (Hampton), my body started to slightly tire. Seeing that passing competitors would be few and far between, I put my head down to finish strong. Traffic was getting heavy approaching the slower half marathon runners. Some spots on the course had difficult, if not,no opportunities to pass. Locke Point Ocean Boulevard bridge only had room for two abreast. Also, Hampton Beach and Route 1-A approaching the Massachusetts state line (finish) was tough with vehicles approaching you. It gave me a chance to draft behind the twenty mile competitors conserving energy. Crossing the bridge, I was desperately looking for the finish line (where is it?). It was a relief hearing a volunteer at mile 20 shout, "Turn left and the finish line is 50 feet ahead."

Time: 2:25:44.3/ 7:12 pace (68th overall)

Miles 1-20: 7:06; 7:09; 7:11; 7:04; 7:00; 7:04; 7:07; 7:08; 7:04; 7:05; 7:05; 7:05; 7:11; 7:12; 7:22; 7:25; 7:27; 7:32; 7:37;  and 7:35 with the remaining distance at 7:21 pace.

Crossing the finish line, I was relieved and very pleased with the result. As stated earlier, I have tons of room for improvement. Thank you to all the event organizers that made the event possible. It was a very fun race. Law Enforcement did a great job keeping competitors safe. Can't forget the volunteers who made a tremendous difference, making the event enjoyable.

Rye, New Hampshire around mile 5.

What do I need to work on for my next long distance race?

1. Improve sleep habits night before race.
2. Write down race plans instead of relying on one mentally.
3. Meal plan night before race
4. Talk with coaches and/or pacers about how to prepare for long distance races

Route. Photo by Marathon Sports.

My first trip to Maine, through New Hampshire along the coast, and finishing in Massachusetts was a memorable experience. I would highly recommend this race to all runners looking for a long run tune up to a spring marathon. Currently accepting recommended races in Maine and New Hampshire. Congratulations to all the runners who finished the event. Hope you accomplished your goals Very grateful to meet some awesome athletes. Good luck with your future endeavors. Until we meet again.

Lace up and lets go to work
-MJ

2018 year in review

2018 was a very fun year. I can't wait for next year.

How do I describe 2018? Ambitious, fun, inspiring. It was a tremendous year filled with accomplishments, achievements, adventures, making a difference, learning new skills, and laughs. No question the year was filled with struggles. It is normal to have tough times but it is up to you on how the individual adapts. It was frustrating starting a task only to stop and quit. My biggest criticism was not having consistently productive days. Sticking to a schedule and staying focus is another improvement I need to work on.

Obviously, I participated in several running races. Instead of boring readers with another recap, click the links to view more details about my running.

To begin the year, I was training for a marathon coming up in a few months. Vividly remember two days of training in extremely cold, sub-zero temperatures. One day, I volunteered a couple hours at a homeless shelter in Saratoga Springs. Henry Rollins visited Albany for a spoken word tour talking about his world travels. It was an inspiring show.

February
After eight years and over 100,000 miles with my Chevrolet Malibu, it was time for a change. Made a decision to lease a brand new car, model, and brand. Celebrated my birthday doing a training run and eating non-dairy ice cream pint (Ben and Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie). Ended the birthday celebration weekend on a positive note with a Union hockey game against Cornell and a live performance by Dropkick Murphys.

March
If my memory serves me correctly, I took some time off social media to get refocused. Racing season began with the Garden State 10 in New Jersey. There was a half marathon challenge, 5K run followed by the 10 mile race.

April
In order to stay active, I swam in an olympic size pool for the first time in several years. It was a struggle but it felt rewarding doing an activity that was difficult. It is a excellent cross training method for marathon runners. My racing season carried on with two events: Code Blue 8K and New Jersey Marathon. This was my fourth time completing the marathon distance. The course was wonderful, finishing on the boardwalk, overlooking the ocean. I believe a wedding ceremony was being conducted on the beach while the race was in progress.

May
No distance races this month but so many fun events. Spent a weekend catching up with high school friends at a wedding. Spent a Sunday taking a walking tour with John Joseph, Cro-Mags vocalist. Saw the original Misfits line up perform in Newark, NJ. Arena Football returned to Albany and I was fortunate to attend a regular season game. 2018 is not even over but I can't wait for next season.

June
No surprise, more training for an upcoming race. Ran in a local trail race for the first time in nearly four years. A week later, I was in Boston running 10 kilometers with thousands of other competitors including elite athletes.

August
311 and Offspring performed in Syracuse on their summer tour. Felt like a nostalgic teenage in the front row singing along to their hit songs.

September
I decided to run two half marathons in a two week span to salvage a good running season. Disappointed I could not run a second marathon due to investments. Before the running, I drove to Woodstock Farm Sanctuary for a facility tour. Michelle Wolf had a one night only show in Albany. Sold out show at 7 PM was wonderful. For my races, I decided to run in Vermont. In terms of performance, it was excellent and strong. The two race gave me the quickest times in the half marathon distance. Can't wait to race again in the Green Mountain State soon. Read recaps here: Manchester and Vermont Sun (Brandon).

Woodstock Farm Sanctuary

October
A strong racing season concluded in Boston at the B.A.A Half. After running the 10K race in Boston a few months ago, I decided to sign up for the half marathon race soon afterwards. Not my quickest time but it was so much fun running in a fantastic city. Very pleased with the results over a span of month.

November
I volunteered at the MVP Stockade-athon race in Schenectady. It was second time participating in the last three years. It was also a wonderful month of trying beneficial activities: Cryo therapy and infrared sauna. Visited another animal sanctuary en route home: Tamerlaine Farm Sanctuary. Before the month ended, I decided to give the gym membership another try. Signed up at Planet Fitness, and it has been going great. Planning workouts on a weekly basis has made a tremendous difference.

December
The 21st will mark three years of drug-free living. The biggest reason was losing a good friend that was the same age as me due to a car accident. Also, a couple friends have been staying on the straight arrow, even with children of their own. Thank you very much for the inspiration. I am a much better individual today than I was a few years ago. My thirties have been wonderful so far. I would love to keep that up going into my forties and beyond.

Thank you friends, family, healthy foods, and running for making 2018 a wonderful year. I can't wait to see what the new year brings. Love you all. Stay strong. Reflect. Work on improvements for the new year.

-Matt Jerauld