Powerade Doesn't Hydrate Me.
I thought, on my trainer during the winter months, maintaining cycling fitness, that I would regress to my high school days of drinking mountain blast powerade because it was sugary, and I really didn't understand how my body was supposed to work, or what the different types of glucose were, or even why it was colored blue. So I used powerade inside on my trainer throughout the winter.
On my long ride today, by about mile 18 I realized despite drinking my 50:50 powerade/water solution, I was still thirsty. Then I realized at mile 25, that my legs were cramping. After the 5k brick following the ride, I realized my urine was dark.. REALLY dark, for a REALLY long time. So I thought, 'Okay Anthony, stretch, get your electrolytes, sodium, lay on the floor' Still not hydrated, and that is 14 ounces of Joe later, 32 ounces of fluid, and approx. 20 ounces of the aforementioned solution.
Moral: Powerade is manfactured, licensed, and bottled under the discression of the Coca-Cola Company. A soft drink titan. They have no sports science institute.
Therefore, in closing, I pledge my allegience once again, to my Gatorade Endurance Formula. Oh how I love thee.

Okay. Tri-season has officially begun. This morning I went out my first “long-ride” with my awesome Tri-buddies at Tri-Fury. (www.trifury.com)
All was well, as I intended to ride for approximately 28 miles, followed by a 5k brick run. This would qualify as one of those all-important “Breakthrough workouts” Right?
Well, with about 1.4 miles left, three people hit the floor, crashing themselves into a stonewall. Paramedics, firefighters, and police of North Andover could have been any more efficient.
My club, and its members are all so caring, and provided all the necessary medical attention needed.
It reminds me, how dangerous a sport we take up. The inherent risks every time we tie our shoes, or clip in, or even take a light swim, we take risks. But oh, how I love it so.
So, in summary, be careful out there, and take everyday as if it is your last.

Okay.
Last year, at this day (Friday after Boston), I was still in a knee brace, and when I ran, it felt like Mile 26 all over again. Same pace, same turnover, same pains. 1.5 miles out, walked stretched, and then hobbled back to campus.
Today, the Friday after the 110th Boston, I tried it again.
Yes, the quads had cramps. Although today, I ran 5 miles at a 8:00 pace. Very happy with myself.
Also, fulfilling my pact with a first-time marathoner, I shaved my head, as I beat my goal time of 3:45:00, by getting 3:42:23. Think of it as a "Tri-season kickoff"
So yea, thats really it. Nothing with great magnitude or importance.

God help me, I love it.
I ran Boston yesterday, and had a great time. I can't believe my average heart rate throughout the course was 160. My MHR is 201.
My goal time was to "crack" 3:45:00. I got 3:42:23
I am so happy, but I really, really pushed it from mile 21-26.2. As always that last 385 yards down Boylston Street seemed like miles away.
I hit the worst wall I have ever felt, at mile 21, although it abated within 4 minutes, which was nice.
Yea, I'm walking funny today, but it feels good.
Next big race is the Big Lake half in early May.
Don't stop moving...

Alright, I’m not going to lie. Tapering absolutely sucks.
It’s analogous to that psychological theory, wherein a person goes through steps of acceptance before a life changing event: Being diagnosed with cancer, losing someone, being read your last rights.
Then again, marathons are like that. They change you. Fundamentally. Joan Benoit Samuleson always said that you need to respect it for its beauty, for it is a dangerous beast, like the ocean.
I stopped riding last Friday, and my mileage has been “spikey”. Gone up, gone down, but just running. Last long run was 10 miles, that was fun. Got to climb rocks.
So here I am, the Thursday before 110th Boston Marathon.
“Bid me run, and I will do great things.”