#michael given

[mgivengo-blog]

Training Log (8/26): 15 mi. - Weekly total of 38 miles

BEAUTIFUL sunrise on the beach and then a pretty challenging 15 miler on the boardwalk. The 8 miles or so were fine, but then the sluggish/heavy legs-meter rose with the temperature and humidity. A pretty decent pace and avg. HR (74%HRmax) considering.

I also did EVERYTHING in my power to ensure I'd get a blister. I forgot to put on socks for a long walk on the boardwalk with my family last night, actually thought I could get away with walking on the beach all the way to the water to get a better sunrise pic before my run and figure if I was careful then no grains of sand would penetrate my shoes, AND I wore socks I'd never worn on a long run before. DUH!!! I felt the blister on my little toe coming on in the FIRST mile, but pressed on anyway. Oh well....off to find a band-aid...maybe even one that doesn't have a pic of sponge bob or Angry Birds on it :) Another strong week with no major aches or pains. Legs a little tired at some points adjusting to the higher mileage weeks, but not too bad. Also had a strong hill session on Tuesday wtih 7x400m hill repeats at decent pace/HR.

[mgivengo-blog]

Training Log (4/6): 12 mi. run

A beautiful Saturday morning in New Brunswick, NJ for the weekly RVRR club run. I’m in my final two weeks training for the Unite Half-Marathon on 4/22. Was only planning on running 11 today, but the person in front of me and behind me on the club run were both training for the same race and they were both going 12, so seemed like the thing to do :) Good and steady training pace between 9:00 and 9:20 m/m was what I was shooting for and hit. 

I think I’ll keep the training updates to once a week after my Saturday long runs. The midweek was back to my normal 11-12 base miles in 3 runs. The exciting thing this particular week was the opening of the shore house for the first time this season! That meant boardwalk running with a sea breeze, ocean views and lots of sun. I made a mental note to “invest” in some cheap running sunglasses (I lose or break everything!) after forgetting how bright it gets in those conditions. The other noteworthy thing from this week’s running was little knee or back pain…whooo!

I am running the 2012 ING NYC MARATHON to support critical cancer research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Please consider donating to support my run and THANK YOU! 

[mgivengo-blog]

Training Log (3/31): 10 mi. run

I will keep everyone informed of how my preparation for the marathon is progressing. I am currently in the middle of a 12 week training program for my first half-marathon at Rutgers University on 4/22 and it’s been going well.  Today was a 10 mile club run with the Raritan Valley Road Runners along the beautiful Deleware and Raritan Canal Towpath in New Brunswick, NJ. It was 40 degrees and windy with a cold drizzle, but banged out the miles and felt great. So much for early Spring though!

I am running the 2012 ING NYC MARATHON to support critical cancer research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Please consider donating to support my run and THANK YOU! 

[mgivengo-blog]

Two Birds with One Stone

My major achievements in 2011 were getting healthy, eating better, losing 90 lbs. in the process, getting in great shape, and taking up running to keep myself there. I did most of this for me.  In 2012 I want to continue and build on my personal successes, but dedicate my efforts to helping others. To this end, I will run in 2012 to raise money for cancer research.  As with most of you reading this, I have lost many loved ones to cancer. From Aunts and Uncles to Grandparents to my Father at the young age of 57.  I am running the 2012 New York City on November 4th with Fred’s Team to benefit cutting edge cancer research at Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Please consider helping out and donating to support my run!

THANKS!