GOING BACK TO SAN FRANCISCO AGAIN

Going back for my 4th consecutive run in the San Francisco Marathon. Started training. This year I am proud to say that my daughter will be accompanying me along with being entered in the 5K. This will be a tune up for the NY Marathon.

MARINE MARATHON COMPLETED - Washington, D.C Oct 31, 2010

Finished the Marine Marathon in Washington, D.C. with a time of 4:52. It was the largest field, 30,000, that I have ever run in a marathon. It was very hard to get a constant pace going due to the crowded field, runners cutting you off, "walkers" in the way, and fallen runners. But it was truly the most inspiring due to the large supporting crowds and the tour of Washington and all its sights, buildings and memorials. Here is my finish at 5:01:24 (clock time) recorded on video: BRAD's FINISH. This was my fourth marathon in 2010 (Napa, Long Island, San Francisco) and eighth overall since I started doing this crazy thing in 2008. Next up: I'm thinking about Pittsburgh again!

MARINE MARATHON - WASHINGTON, D.C. Oct. 31, 2010

Ready to run the Marine Marathon in D.C. this Sunday - Hoo-rah!! This will be #4 this year (Napa, Long Island, San Francisco). http://www.marinemarathon.com/

SAN FRANCISCO MARATHON COMPLETED 4:31

Finished my third consecutive run in the San Fran Marathon with my third best time in my seven marathon runs (4:31). As usual, the city and marathon did not disappoint. The race conditions were perfect, 58 degrees, cloudy and a slight mist in the morning. I ran in wave 7 and started at 6:30 am. The highlight of this run is to venture over the Golden Gate Bridge both ways. It is always a reflective moment for a New Yorker to realize where you are - coast to coast. As it was my third SF marathon I anticipated all the sites and knew exactly how to pace myself. Again, the Haight is a "quad buster", at the 20 mile mark you really start to feel the pain. The finish is wonderful on the Embarcadero under the Bay Bridge. The support was excellent and the after race festivities were very comforting, especially the free beer garden sponsored by the local brand - Anchor (which was pretty good).

As far as culinary activities, the highlight was dining at Rocco's Cafe in the SOMA district. This place was featured on "Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives" and I had to try it on this visit. The place is pretty small and friendly. Not a fancy place, more of a "down home joint". I was seated at the counter directly in front of the two chefs who were turning out dishes in spectacular "Benihana" form. I told owner Don Dial that it was one of the most impressive cooking displays I have ever seen. I pasta loaded and the food was terrific. I highly recommend this place if you are visiting SF. It is not a tourist place, but a local restaurant that is a favorite for all. On Saturday I once again spent most of the day at the Ferry Terminal Marketplace sampling great foods. The standout of course is Roli-Roti roasted pork sandwich. For dinner I pasta loaded at Umbria across from the Marriott Courtyard on Second Street. Had two bowls of pasta ragu. I checked out Pier 23 Cafe on Sunday night, but it was very cold and most of the seating was outdoors. Even though they had those big space heaters, it really wasn't taming the cold bay breeze so I passed on this opportunity (this place was also featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives). I wanted the roasted crab at Pier 23 so I gave in and took a cab to the wharf and got a fantastic table at Alioto's with a perfect roasted crab and a spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset.

THE SAN FRANCISCO MARATHON 2010

Arrived today for my third run in the San Francisco Marathon. Bib number 70260. Race is Sunday.

LI MARATHON 5/2/10 53:02

This race was run in horrible marathon conditions. With the temperatures reaching over 80 degrees and hot, muggy, humid air, 26.2 miles was quite grueling. Took water at all stops and in the last half was literally emptying bottles over my head to keep cool. I ran slower splits and was able to maintain my pace until mile 21. The last 5 miles was torture, but I was able to finish with a decent kick at the end. My net time of 4:53. Time to recover and then train for San Francisco this summer.

Paul Giamatti "Win, Win" on location - Final tune up for LI Marathon

They are still filming "Win, Win" on Walnut St. in Rockville Centre. During my last training run before Sunday's LI Marathon I ran into the shoot again, but this time they were shooting outside the home that was rented for the location shoot. The scene was from the front door to the the porch and I watched the actual take. You actually here "action" and "cut". Saw the director, Tom McCarthy giving his direction to Giamatti and the girl who probably is playing his daughter and also his son. The shoot concludes with the three of them sitting on the steps of the porch. Very interesting, with all the trucks, lights, screens (filtering the sun), wires, monitors, caterers, and all. Well, back to running. Looking forward to Sunday's race, though the temperature is being forecasted to be around 80 degrees...ouch!

Running the Charles in Boston - April 1, 2010

While visiting in Boston, went for a long training run (13 miles) along both sides of the Charles River. I need to get in two long runs before the LI Marathon (5/2). This run had to be in the top 5 I have ever experienced. The weather was absolutely perfect and the areas vignettes were amazing. Started out at the BU Bridge and worked my way across the Charles to Memorial Drive and ran to Harvard Square in Cambridge. From there went down Mass Ave. to MIT and then along the Charles to the Longfellow Bridge. After crossing the Charles went west along the other side of the Charles along Storrow Drive to the MIT Bridge (Mass Ave.) crossed the river again and returned immediately to finish the run on the the BU track at Nickerson Field. I finished the run in Brookline at my daughter's apartment. From the charm of the river, the weather, the bustle of Cambridge, the people and the view of Boston, I felt I was running on a Sunday afternoon instead of a Thursday.

RAN INTO A FILM SHOOT..."Win, Win" 3/25/10

I have experienced many different events and sights in my years of road running. I have run in Hong Kong, run to Shea Stadium and watch an inning of baseball, found lost wallets and articles, run through many scenic vistas (Boston, San Franicisco, Pittsburgh, Napa, New York City and Central Park). I have run to Jones Beach and back and many other South Shore locations. But what I experienced Thursday is very unique. I stumbled on a film shoot of an upcoming movie, "Win, Win", staring Paul Giamatti. Directed by Tom McCarthy ("The Visitor"), the film is a comedic exploration of allegiances and bonds among unlikely characters, due out in 2011. Because of the location shoot, a wide area of streets were closed to traffic in Rockville Centre. I initially thought they were closed mainly because of falling tree danger. Anyway, as a runner, these roadblocks to not apply and I continued up Burtis Avenue to Walnut Street where there was a flurry of activity. Trucks, lights, catering trucks, etc. I spoke to one of the Master Grips (electricians) and he told me what was going on. one of the scenes that they staged was a tree falling. I guess you can count that among the 400 or so that fell in Rockville Centre during the recent storm including my beautiful 80 foot blue spruce.

First Run after Napa

Did my first run today after last weeks Napa Marathon. Strange thing that there were police cars everywhere and I had the road mainly to myself due to the amount of fallen trees and wires. Very surrealistic compared to last week's natural beauty on the course. Next up - the Long Island Marathon (which could be the most boring marathon course in the world).

NAPA Completed

Finished 4:38. Not bad for training sporadically in the winter. The course was beautiful (vineyards and wineries everywhere) and the scenery was as expected. There was only 1 traffic light on the course which started in Calistoga, CA to Napa. The course was much hillier than expected. The race finished at Vintage High School (no kidding). I wonder if they need a chorus teacher there? Taking the red-eye back to NY tonight.

Wine Tasting in Napa

This is unique. The runner's expo for the Napa Valley Marathon features wine tasting. Well, what do you expect, it's Napa.

Heading Out To Napa, California

I will be running in the Napa Valley Marathon this weekend. Heading out to San Francisco tomorrow. I am very excited to run this course which is supposed to be beautiful. It is a smaller marathon with only 2,300 entered. It has been hard training for this race due to the conditions in the northeast. I did manage a 20 mile run in late January and have been very consistent running my usual 4.5 daily miles the last three weeks. I had a chance to run at the BU fit rec 2 weeks ago which is a nice indoor track. I will post my results and comments on Twitter (bradfrey) and it also should be linked to my Facebook account.

Next Up: The NAPA VALLEY MARATHON - March 7, 2010

Finished my long run in preparation for the Napa Valley Marathon on March 7, 2010. I completed it a week and a half ago because I found a window where it was above 40 degrees. Usually I like to do the 20 mile run less than 4 weeks before a race, but I will have to adjust. Looking forward to Napa which runs the length of the Silverado Trail.

The San Francisco Marathon July 26, 2009

I love this race and city. Finished with my PB time of 4:25:57. This is my second go around for the SF Marathon. i enjoyed it so much last year that I was determined to come back and. I recommend SF for any marathoner or first timer. The hills are challenging but not ridiculous. The Golden Gate Bridge is spectacular and the scenic run keeps your mind in focus. This is a very organized event and the city is very hospitable. Started the race relatively outside my hotel door: The Harbor Court Hotel. This is beginning to be a habit for me to stay at the starting line. It makes the early preparations much easier. The weather was foggy (as usual for SF) until the last third of the race when the sun burned through and the temperature rose to 70 degrees.

The hills in that third in the Mission District really hurt my quads and I had to fight through the pain. Ultimately it shaved a few minutes off my time.

Running along the Pacific, to Vista Point, Fisherman's Wharf, The Presidio, Golden Gate Park and the Haight is what makes this marathon so alluring. I would like to return next year again.

SAN FRANCISCO MARATHON JULY 26, 2009

July 25, 2009

On Saturday before the race went outside the hotel, The Harbor Court which is on the Embarcadero and incidently on the starting and finishing line (as it was in Pittburgh). This only works on "loop" courses as opposed to point to point as in New York. Stumbled on to a Food Market Fair outside the Ferry Building where I experienced a to die for egg sandwich.

Spent the morning patrolling the many stands of both produce, fish and cuisine fare.

Took a cab to Chinatown and Sam Wo's for lunch. Very inconspicuous and "earthy" place.

Here you have to walk through the small kitchen to get upstairs to your table. Had a very suitable bowl of wonton soup. Photo is the kitchen with the stairs on the right, and yes it is that small.

Later to the ferry ride to Sausilito and took some great shots of the bay and bridges at the same time thinking that I will have to run over it tomorrow.

The Pittsburgh Marathon :: May 3, 2009

May 3, 2009

The Pittsburgh Marathon was absolutely fantastic. I returned to my adoptive city, though I only lived there for 4 years I have a very comfortable feeling in the "Burgh". This race was very challenging and I finished with my best time yet for the 26.2 mile run: 4:27:04. I managed to stay at the Hampton Inn on Smallwood Street which is at the starting and finishing line, since this is a loop course. Of course no trip to Pittsburgh is complete without a visit to Primanti Brothers on 18th Street in the Strip District. Went there two times and had the famous Primanti Sandwich. Also took a picture with Toni Haggerty who was featured on the Travel Channel and Food Network.

The Race:

Very nice weather conditions except for the rain which occurred from mile 12 through 19. I ran a conservative but steady pace. Since this was my third marathon, I am getting very comfortable and recognize how to run these races. The crowds were very enthusiastic. We went through the North Side, crossed the Ohio River on the West End Bridge, ran the South Side and then crossed the Monongahela River into Oakland. Passed my Alma Mater, the University of Pittsburgh and headed up towards Shadyside, Point Breeze, Homewood, East Liberty, Bloomfield and back downtown to the finish. I did hit the wall at mile 22 but was able to run through it. This course was actually hillier than San Francisco which I will run again on July 26, 2009.

THE SAN FRANCISCO MARATHON August 3, 2008

August 3, 2008

This race exceeded all expectations. After never having run a full marathon until last May (the Long Island Marathon), I had no idea that a 26 mile run can be so much fun. First off, San Francisco is a beautiful city. I spent the first two days sight seeing and pasta loading, first in the North Beach (North Beach Cafe) and then in a quaint Italian restaurant (Umbria). I stayed pretty much on New York time the first two days. I intended to do this so the 6:30 am start would not seem so early. So here is my race day narrative:

Dressed and made my way down to the Embarcadero which was about a half mile from the hotel. Since the San Francisco Marathon was doing wave starts, I signed up for what I thought was my correct placement (a 5 hour marathon). I ran the LI in 4:51 so I thought this was reasonable. It was on the chilly side, around 50 degrees but that would work to my benefit later on.

The wave started around 6:30 am and I set up north passing Fisherman's Wharf, Ghiradelli Square, the marina with the beautiful vista for San Francisco Bay and Alcatraz. Up in the distance lay the Golden Gate Bridge, the ultimate focal point for this race. Ran up, and I mean up, the Presidio and past the tolls of the GG Bridge and there I was, on the left coast with the Pacific breeze flowing over the bridge as I headed north toward Vista Point. It was pretty jammed on the bridge, and I lost a bit of time, but the view was well worth it. At this point I was very comfortable and once off the bridge I focused on the major point of this race (mile 7 - 26). Made it through some pretty massive hills in Presidio area, finally shed my "throw away T" and then spent 6 miles in Golden Gate Park along with its architecture, buffalo area, and lakes. One of the more memorable water stops was in the park where they offered the runners Cytomax (Gatorade Clone), Gel, and a guy dressed as the devil handing out beer with a sign saying "what the hell, you made it this far, have a beer". Of course I accepted. After the park I came out on the top of the Haight area (upper Haight, which has not changed since the "hippie days" of the 60's. The long climb up Haight was very tough, but not as tough as the run down to the lower Haight. It sort of a stagger instead of a run, with your toes crammed into the front of your shoes and all the time trying to hold yourself up from falling on your face. After the Haight I ran through the Richmond area which was mostly factories until finally hitting the bay again with AT&T Park in the distance. Also at that point, the "so called WALL" was quite evident, though not as serious as the first time I ran a marathon. I was very tired but still quite loose. At this point I knew I was running a faster marathon than before because I caught up with the Wave 7 runners. So along the harbor I continued, past AT&T and McCovey Cove and up under the Bay Bridge to the finish line on the Embarcadero. I did my usual jump on the line as my time read 4 hours 42 minutes. A personal record for me and a most fulfilling run. I would like to do this one again.

Final Long Run Before SFM

Just completed my final long run in preparation for the San Francisco Marathon (August 3, 2008). Distance was 20.7 miles as I did the usual 5 mile loop course 4 times. It was hot. Started a little after 2 PM and used my house as the aid station (water and gel). Anyway, pretty smooth. Mild knee pain and stiffness towards the end but I feel I am ready for San Francisco.

As a bonus to the run I went over the 1,000 mile mark since I purchased my Nike Nano in April '07. Nike 1000 Mile Club.

In Training for San Francisco

Started training for the San Francisco Marathon, August 3, 20008 runsfm.com. I have been on a shorter program than the one for the Long Island Marathon. Last week ran a 13.2 run (half marathon) to East Rockaway Inlet. Last Saturday (June 28) ran from my home (Rockville Centre) to the Atlantic Ocean (Long Beach). Suffered extreme knee pain after the 14 mile mark and was pretty uncomfortable during the 8-13 mile mark. Had to do much walking on the return journey but made it safely home. Here is a map of my route - RVC-Long Beach.

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Ran 15 miles today on the usual loop course 3 times. No pain! Will practice on hills this week and do a 20 mile long run next weekend.