Four Years

This past October marked four years at Automattic for me. I got my custom anniversary laptop right before Christmas, and finally had a chance to set it up!

Now I just need to order some new stickers to personalize it even further. 🙂

Hiking

This past weekend, my daughter and I got out both days for some nice hikes on nearby trails (we do live in a Trail Town USA, after all). It was great to be out in the forest, away from everything else.

I hope that throughout 2019 we will make the time to get out on nearby trails throughout the different weather and seasons. There isn’t much better in life than spending time in nature.

2018 Running in Review

When I started 2018, I had no aspirations to become “a runner”. I had run a few times here and there, but had no plan to drastically increase my frequency/distance running or make it such an integral part of my life.

Somewhere along the way, in April I believe, I decided that I would train to do one of the runDisney Virtual Running Short 5Ks. And that kicked it all off!

Over the course of 2018, I spent 51 hours running 429 kilometers over the course of 126 runs.

Distance per month

I completed four local races, in addition to the runDisney virtual 5K mentioned above:

I also did two “fun runs” while down at Walt Disney World in the fall:

For 2019, I plan on competing in a number of 5Ks, and also will challenge myself with at least one 10K and a half-marathon! And, I’ve just started incorporating some trail running into my routine for variety (as the photos at the top of the post allude to).

Who knows what else 2019 has in store?!

Sun + Dry Asphalt = New PRs

Today was beautiful out. Sunny, dry, and 42°F. Couldn’t ask for a much nicer day here in mid-December.

I went for my first run today since the Reindeer Run 5K last Saturday (my legs needed a rest, so I have been focusing on core and upper body Daily Burn workouts this week).

I had planned on doing a relaxing 5K run, but just couldn’t help myself at the end… and managed to get new PRs for fastest 1K and fastest mile…

  • 1K: 03:56
  • Mile: 06:59

When it’s sunny and dry here, you have to take advantage of it!


Reindeer Run 5K

This morning I participated in the Reindeer Run 5K. The weather was excellent for around here in mid-December (38°F and dry). The course went along the Genesee River in downtown Rochester, which provided for nice scenery. And, my Dad showed up right before the race to cheer me on alongside my wife and daughter — what a great surprise!

I finished with a time of 23:39, which is my PR for a 5K race. 

  • 119 of 1320 overall
  • 12 of 53 in male 40 to 44 age group, and
  • 84 of 488 amongst all males

I’m very pleased with this performance in my last 5K of 2018. At the beginning of 2018, I wouldn’t have imagined that I would have completed one 5K in 2018, much less five!

I’m looking forward to what 2019 brings.

Webster Turkey Trot Four-Four

This Thanksgiving morning, my daughter and I joined over 3,000 other runners in the Webster Turkey Trot, which is in its 47 year! It was our first year doing this — I ran the Four-Four (4.4 miles) and Ani ran the Two-Five (2.5 miles).

It was 18°F (the coldest Webster Turkey Trot and Thanksgiving ever here), but it honestly didn’t feel too bad. The heated tent that we were able to wait in beforehand and our many levels of gear helped for sure!

I finished with a time of 34:52 in the Four-Four, which put me at:

  • 321 of 1546 overall
  • 23 of 67 in male 40 to 44 age group, and
  • 231 of 789 amongst all males

I’ll take that performance!

Ani had her best pace yet. 🎉

Next up for me is the Reindeer Run 5K in mid December!