Polar Bear Run - Asbury Park, NJ

I was planning on running this race last year and taking a plunge in the ocean after the run, but was injured and passed on it. It would have been the perfect ending to Bob's 50@50. I have been running with a bum right knee the last few months, but have been running pretty well and running a bunch of races so I wanted to finish the year strong.

This would be my last race of the year and I planned to actually go into the ocean. The Senator was swimming so I figured I would go in as well. Taugh decided to join us which was going to make it special.

I was picking up Ken at 11:15, but there was just one problem, a blizzard was approaching. It wasn't snowing when I left my house but when I got to Ken's it was coming down. Route 18 was a mess with many cars all over the road including a few that flipped over. The go was slow and it looked like we might not even make it on time. Ken wasn't running but volunteering.

We got to the start with 10 minutes to spare, used the bathroom, and stripped down to my running shorts and off we went. The race was originally a 5 mile run, but they smartly cut it back to a 3 mile run. The course was an out and back from the convention center times 3. Running away from the convention center, the wind was at your back, coming back we ran into a 35 mph head wind. I could barely see where I was running with the snow pelting our faces. It was definitely one of the worst weather runs I have done.

After completing the race, I still had to jump into the Atlantic in 25 degree temperature and in a blizzard. I finished the run in 25:45 got warm and then ready for the plunge.

Ken had his bathrobe on, Taugh had his boat slippers and I had a beach towel. After a short walk to the beach, we all started to disrobe including Lauren Rhatigan who was the Polar Beach plunge cheerleader. She really was a trooper, yelling and screaming about it and looked darn good in a bikini.

I think there was about 20 of us who took the plunge. The ocean was pretty angry with waves about 4 feet high and choppy. Surprisingly, the water wasn't that bad when I walked into it but I knew I had to go under. Usually on a summer day I hate having to dive in but on this day, I just went under and it was a total adrenaline rush. After about 1 minute of frolicking, I started to get dressed. I couldn't get my shoes back on so I stood on the snowy beach barefoot and my feet were starting to get numb & frozen. I ran the length of the beach back to the boardwalk and to the convention center barefoot and my feet were numb which was the worst part of the day by far.

I will definitely do a Polar Bear plunge again but it has to be with a run as well. After getting dressed, we headed to McCloones for a well deserved beer. In the meantime, the storm was intensifying so we couldn't hang out too long.

The drive home took 2 1/2 hours but we made it safely which is all that mattered.

Next up is a New year's race then another crazy run, The Freezing Cold HASH.

Chowda - LBI style

Today's post is more gourmand and less running. I did get in a 3 mile run this morning, but headed to LBI to help my sister in law Pat close her house for the winter. There was also some clean up of leaves and pruning of the bushes. After two plus hours of working around the property, I was starting to get hungry. I figured we would stop on the way off the island so we just starting heading back when Pat suggested California Pizza & Grill. I had checked the LBI Resort Map for a sandwich shop but found none so this was definitely a better option than Wawa.

LBI has an annual Chowderfest in October which I never make, but always see signs about certain restaurants that placed in the contest. Well, California Pizza & Grill was crowned champion in 2008 & 2009 so it only made sense that I give it a try. I am not one to pass up on quality food. I ordered a cup along with pulled pork nachos. The nachos were a disappointment only because there wasn't much pulled pork. The chowder on the other hand was excellent. I could tell by the first spoonful.

When I taste great food, I need to blog about as a way to pass the word along. If you happen to be on LBI, stop at California Pizza & Grill for the chowder. You will not be disappointed.

Born to Run 5 Miler - Freehold, NJ

Time - 37:09
Pace - 7:26
Runners - 659
Place - 97
Age Place - 10th
Heart Rate Average - 146
HR peak - 156

After a tough race on Thanksgiving, one that I ran very hard, I was looking forward to taking it easy at the 18th annual Born to Run 5 Miler in Freehold. This is a tough race for most people because it is the day after Thanksgiving and not many folks can get the day off or want to get up to run.

The good thing about this race it starts at 11am and is a laid back event. Number pick-up is at the Freehold firehouse and all of the runners are happy and talking about their Thanksgiving races and of course there is the race within the race.

I have only run this race a few times because I couldn't get the day off when I was working in the city. The Senator aka Ken Vercammen loves this race and for good reason. After the race, everyone is treated to free beer at the Court Jester right across the street. Ken is injured and cannot run but he has been biking to keep himself fit and also not go stir crazy. I usually pick him up for this race because he gets his fair share of free beer at the Jester. His plan was to bike to the race via route 522 so I was instructed to take the same route just in case his knee prevented him from making it all the way.

I caught up to him with 3 miles to the firehouse and he was good to finish so I went ahead. The weather was windy and raining so I give him a lot of credit for biking 18 miles in suspect conditions.

After picking up my race number and helping Ken post his Freezing Cold Hash signs, I headed to the car to keep warm.
My goal in this race was to go easy, someone where between 7:15' and 7:30 pace. Ken also reminded me that it was important that I head straight to the Court Jester after the race to hopefully place in the race within the race. I usually end up in the Court Jester, but never right after the race. I sprinted from the finish line across main street, dodging a few cars to the bar. When I entered I was greeted with loud applause for coming in 3rd behind Mike Dixon, who won the race as well and Steve Apostalauus of Wanamasa. Another guy came in right after me but immediately recognized as a loser as was serenaded as such. The first woman, Meg Foley of Grand Junction, arrived soon after me followed by Sharon Weldy from RVRR. One thing of note, you had to drink beer when you came into the bar otherwise you would be Dq'd. The beer was flowing very shortly after the arrival of the top 3. The two ladies behind the bar were pouring glasses of beer for about 45 minutes straight and the runners were drinking.

It is always a fun time after the Born to Run and when there is free beer involved no one complains.

Flemington Turkey Trot

Time - 20:55
Pace - 6:44
Runners - 3851
Place - 189
Age Place - 5th
Heart Rate Average - 155
HR peak - 164

There is nothing better than running a race on Thanksgiving morning and my race of choice has been the Flemington Turkey Trot. It use to be the only race on Thanksgiving and when I first started running it back in 1995, and there were only 400 finishers. There were 3851 finishers today their largest field to date.

That being said, I noticed a few new races nearby on turkey day. One in Hopewell and another in Princeton which is only 10 miles from the house. Only problem with the Princeton race, it was an 8am start. Ken White has joined me in a bunch of the Turkey trots in Flemington and he wanted to stick with tradition so Flemington would be the choice.

Ken and I arrived very early and got a prime parking spot and hung in the car prior to the race because it was colder than we thought. It seemed the temps were dropping so the warmth of the car was the call.

Ken is coming off bruised ribs from a ski fall and is slowly working his way back to form and wanted to go for a sub 24. I wanted a sub 21 which I have been running and hopefully something closer to 20:30. This meant we needed to be up front with the fast kids. With a race size of over 3500 if you don't get up front the first mile will be very slow.

Gun went off and all the young kids sprung for the early lead. The race seems to attract many of the local HS and College track kids since their seasons are over. They mean business alos as the winning time was 14:58 for some 24 year from Pennsylvania.

I got into a good groove early and when the first mile split was called out in 6:13, I knew something was wrong. Either I was going too fast or the timers were wrong. My watch said 6:33 which i knew was correct. My goal now was just keep the pace and finish strong. A top 3 finish in my age group would be tough today because of the depth of the competition.

I hit the second mile in 13:00 which was closer to the correct time and now I needed to just finish strong. I was running in a pact of a few fast runners and I wanted to keep ahead of them. At one point I said to myself, "why am i doing this every week". It was hurting a bit but I knew the finish was coming so I gave it what i had left in the tank.

I wasn't crazy with the 20:55 time because I thought I was going faster but it is not an easy course to navigate because of all the turns. I didn't make the top 3 , finishing 5th in the 50-54 age group. Ken finished up in 23:45 which was great since he has being injured. I also saw Dennis Lake there and he finished in 22:38. Mark and Rosemarie Strawn also were there for the second straight year.

I got home at 11:45 and the food fest began. Ro made a whole bunch of traditional food and I made lamb in phyllo which I have been playing with the last few weeks.

I need to get some rest because tomorrow I am running the Born to Run 5 miler in Freehold. i will be taking it easy on the run but hard on the drinking at the Court Jester.

A new 5K and my big fat Greek dinner

I was watching Ina Garten last night on the Food Network and she was making a Greek dinner for some friends. She made lamb kabobs, spanakopita and a Greek salad. My wife Ro loves Greek food so I knew that was going to be what I would make for dinner. I enjoy cooking the same day I run a race. I feel it completes the circle for me.

After the Run with the Vikings 5K I received an email from Dana Miller who was in the middle of organizing a 5K for the PTO of the Constable Elementary School in Kendall Park, not to far from my house. I pride myself on knowing just about every race in NJ but was not aware of this one which was so close to my home.

Dana called me to talk about the logistics of organizing a road race and was at the RWTV5K and knew her race was not going to be anything like that. In fact, she just wanted to keep it to the school kids, parents and maybe a few locals. I wasn't sure how that was going to work, but when she told me she was only getting 100 t-shirts and there would be no awards and no scoring, I figured it would suffice for her needs which was to raise some money for the PTO. She told me she already had 75 runners signed up and since she really didn't market the race she was only looking to attract 100 runners.

At $20 per runner, she would gross $2,000 and then spend $300 for t-shirts and another $100 or so for food. As fundraisers go for schools, this would be a nice event. I mentioned the race to my running friends who lived in the neighborhood, but was afraid to broadcast it to others for fear they might not be happy if they knew the course wasn't measured, and they would not have any trophies or accurate timing.

I kind of like the small races but I like it when the courses are USATF certified. I hate running slow or fast based on a long or short course.

I was thinking about running to the race from my house which would have been a first but wasn't sure where I would put my change of clothes. It is a good thing I took my car because I don't think there were any bathrooms available. I actually drove back home at 8am, 30 minutes before the start to do my business. I made it back by 8:20 and feeling lighter.

I checked out the crowd to see if I had any competition and there was one or two guys that could be fast and two young kids that were on the track team. Since there were no age group trophies, I had to actually win the race. I have never won a race outright and I often wonder how I would react if I had to run step for step to the finish. This could be my lollipop race.

It was a friendly crowd and I recognized a few faces from the Viking 5K. I was the only guy in shorts and a short sleeve t-shirt. Most of the runners thought the 40 degree temp was "too" cold. John Liptap and I ran the course earlier in the week so I could get an idea how it was. It was a hilly course but one I liked. We have run parts of the course on previous training runs so I was somewhat familiar with it.

My plan was not to go out too fast but size up who took the lead and keep close to them and maybe I would be able to out kick them. The 2 young track kids went out pretty fast and this 30 something guy who didn't look like a guy who could run in the 20's for a 5K. I was pushing pretty hard early on and those two kids looked like they were cruising. I knew at this point it would be difficult for me to win unless they faded. The 30 something guy was giving me a run, but when I got near him at the top of a small hill, I could hear him gasping for air so I knew he wasn't going to be an issue.

At mile one I was a few yards back from the kids but my heart rate was at 164 and that is usually my peak so I knew I couldn't keep that pace. At 1.5 miles I surged to the lead and was running well. It was the latest I have ever been in the lead of a race and it felt good. The boys were chatty and quickly regained the lead. I was near them at mile 2, but from there this one kid pulled away and I was now solidly in third. The kid in second was fading a bit but so was I.

I ended up in 3rd and soon found out that I had won a turkey for my 3rd place effort. I thought that was cool and it made my morning. As it turned out, the kid in second ran the Viking race and ran 19:23 so I wasn't upset that I couldn't catch him. I ran a 20:33 for the day, but really not sure the course was accurate. I gave it a good effort and overall I think Dana did a great job. My one real critique was that she should have had awards for the top 3 male and female runners and had a ceremony. After the last runner finished, she packed up and left. It would have been nice to recognize the top runners and would not have cost too much.

Hopefully she will do this again next year and I offered to help and promote.

When I got home I started prepping dinner so I would have very little to do later. I was making spanakopita which is spinach, onions and feta in a phyllo dough pastry. I have never worked with phyllo dough and soon found out it is difficult. It is so thin and delicate. The lamb kabobs became a challenge because I couldn't find lamb at the supermarket. I had to go to the Pennsylvania Dutch Market which had plenty of it. They even cubed it for me. The Greek salad was easy.

Making the spanakopita took some time but it was really good. I made too much of everything but will enjoy the leftovers. I marinated the lamb in a yogurt, lemon and rosemary mix for about 6 hours. It cooked up nice on the grill. All the recipes come from Ina Garten of Barefoot Contessa fame. I like they way she cooks and all her food looks great. I am glad I gave it a try. Ro loved the salad and the spanakopita which made me happy.

Engineers without Borders 5K

Time - 20:39
Pace - 6:40
Runners - 134
Place - 20
Age Place - 1st
Heart Rate Average - n/a
HR peak - n/a

Ro, Michael and I planned to visit Leigh Ann at UDel this weekend and I always check to see if there are races in the area. There were 2, one in Wilmington at 9am and one at noon, right on the campus of UDel. The noon race was a no brainer since it meant we could leave NJ at 9am and still get to the race on time, plus it would be fun running on her campus..

We did not make parent weekend this year so it was our first trip to the campus since we dropped her off so we were looking forward to spending some time with her.

I got to the campus and the registration table at 10:45 and was actually there before they were set up. After picking up my number and t-shirt, we headed over to Leigh's apartment to pick her up. Leigh, Ro and Mike went for breakfast and I headed to the starting line.

This was the inaugural run of the race and it attracted 134 finishers. It was run by the college engineering students who did a great job. Races 2 Run was also involved and I was impressed with their organization. They organize many of the races in the Newark and Wilmington areas and from what I can see, do a great job.


One thing I noticed at the start were the medal (wood) they were giving out to the first place winners. They were different and unique and I wanted to win one, but I needed to come in first place in my age group. Most of the runners were students so I figured I had a shot if I could run my normal 20 minute 5K. There were a few older guys so I need to run well. Most of the time sub 20 will win these race in all the age groups up to 60. I bet most of the older runners ran the 9am race in Wilmington because they like to get it over early. The students ran the noon race because they get up a lot later.

I usually don't run well in the afternoon races, but I felt pretty good despite a sluggish training run yesterday as well. My first mile was pretty fast but I missed the marker so i don't know the time and I missed the 2nd mile as well. I know I kept pushing the pace and actually felt I went faster in the third mile as I was trying to keep pace with a few younger runners.

I finished in 20:39 which was good for 20th overall and indeed first in my age group. I was happy with the time and effort. Afterwards I met up with the family and we went for lunch. Spending time with Leigh was very special and it was nice to run on her campus.

Run with the Vikings 5K

Whew, I am tired. First off, I want to thank all who help make this race a huge success. It started as a little idea 6 years ago and today, I believe we host a top notch race. I have to say that I think today's race went off without a major hitch. We always have little problems such as lost numbers, missing names on the check in sheet and misspelled names.

The weather was perfect with just a bit of wind. It was going to be at your back at the start and in your face coming home. Sun was shining and the crowds were great.

The sponsors began arriving, Rehab Center, Jersey Physical Therapy, IHOP, PBA and Panasonic all set up in the school. IHOP was once again serving pancakes to all the runners and they just love it.

Got to the school at 7am and the fun started. Check in table was set up and the folks manning the table did a great job. No long lines and we had lots of post race runners. The Newark track team came with about 25 runners and they represented well, winning many awards.


Derrick Pee won the mile in a record 4:37 and Lilliana Taveras was the first female in a time of 6:14.

We were having our first annual Mascot race which was taking place after the mile and before the 5K. We had Sparkee from the Somerset Patriots, the Shoe Dog from Roadrunner Sports and of course, the SB Viking. The shoe dog won easily sprinting by the two others.

I planned on starting the 5k and jumping in to run with Taugh. My son Bobby came in from Boston and Ken White aka Mr. Vert intended to run despite possible fractured ribs from a bad spill at Copper Mountain. Bob Martello and former Lafayette classmate showed up which was special. Sometimes, I feel like I am throwing a party for all my running friends.

The 5k was won by Glenn McIssac in a time of 17:08 and the female winner was Kathleen Rocker in a time of 19:30. Kathleen also won the overall Brunswick Cup trophy.

My legs were a bit tired from running yesterday so the easier pace today was going to be helpful. Taugh and I ran pretty much the whole race together except the final 150 yards. He played adult soccer yesterday and his legs were knotted. I finished up in 23:01 and Taugh ran 23:10.

Conquer the 5K's - Princeton, NJ

Time - 20:52
Pace - 6:42
Runners - 130
Place - 13
Age Place - 1st
Heart Rate Average - 156
HR peak - 167

I woke up at 5am this morning with too many thoughts of the Run with the Vikings 5K and how much I needed to do before the race on Sunday. Being the race director, you want to make sure you have everything covered. I feel I am having a party, and invited over 350 guests and I want it to be rewarding and fun for them. I never get to run hard at my own race and I felt I needed to either run long or fast before my 5K.

I needed a race nearby because my time was limited and I wanted to also promote my race. I found what I believe to be a new race on the calendar, called Conquer the 5K's which is a play on 5K. It is meant to be the 5 killers of health which are stress, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity and high blood pressure. I firmly believe that running will help with all those issues so I thought it was a great cause. People really shouldn't wait until its too late.

My only issue today was the 10am start since I knew I wouldn't get home until 11:30 or later. I wouldn't be able to stick around for any awards since I had so much to do. Got to the race at 9:10 and pre registration was outside and the volunteers were all freezing. Most of the runners were inside, warm and cozy. Not sure why they couldn't do the registration inside but maybe next year they will do it.

Race got started 10 minutes late which I hate. They were doing group stretching at 9:55. Memo to race directors: start the races on time. Do all the other stuff 15 minutes before the start.

Needed to wear gloves and long sleeves for the first time this season. I probably could have gotten away without both, but it was in the high 30's. I ran into Mike Dixon and Mike Anis, both of RVRR and sure to be the favorites. Both of them could easily run sub 16 minutes for the race. I was just eyeing the 50 years olds. I just try to hang with them but sometimes you can't always tell the older guys. Some of the younger guys look old.

The course was entirely on the grounds of Bristol Myers Squibb and had some decent hills. I knew I wasn't going to run a better time than last week so I just wanted to keep the pace strong.

When the gun went off, the fast pack took off and I was left with the second group of runners. I figured I would try to stay in front of them for as long as I could. A few of the newbies went out too fast and were soon caught, but there was such a big gap between me and the front pack it was hard to keep pushing since I was really running alone. my best races are when I run in a group and push the pace and have someone to chase down.

The hill at mile .5 and 2.5 took a few seconds off my time but when I hit the tape at sub 21, I was happy. I stuck around for a bit but had to get going and couldn't stay for any awards. I figured I was in the top 3 in my age group but was surprised to find out I came in first in the 50-59 and 11th overall. Mike Dixon did go sub 16, 15:55 to be exact winning the race and Mike Anis finished 3rd in 16:19.

I got home by 11:45 and quickly headed over to the high school to get stuff set up for tomorrow. My neighbor Jerry helped along with Ro and Karen, the school secretary. Last minute pickups and we were done.

No time for cooking so I ordered from Joe's deli on Route 27 in Franklin Park. They have a deli and a restaurant and it was packed. I ordered eggplant rollatine and penne with vodka sauce and chicken, Both of the dishes were excellent. I highly recommend Joe's for a night out and don't forget to BYOB.

Corn Parfait

I was watching a Jacques Pepin cooking show over the weekend and he made this corn parfait recipe in about 5 minutes not including the baking time. He looked really good so I had to give it a try. It did only take 5 minutes to prepare and I baked it for 35 minutes. It was light and tasted great and would be a perfect side dish for Thanksgiving. You need to get fresh corn when possible.

See recipe below.

1 teaspoon unsalted butter,
4 ears corn, husked
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups half and half
1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese

Coat a 4 or 5 cup gratin dish with the butter. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Cut the kernels off the ears of corn, and put them in the bowl of a food processor with the flour, eggs, salt, and pepper. Process until well pureed. Add the half and half, and process for another 5 to 10 seconds. Pour into the buttered dish, and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top.

Bake for about 25 minutes, or until just set, puffy, and nicely browned. Serve. (The parfait is best served immediately, but you can make it 1 to 2 hours ahead and reheat it in the oven or microwave.)

Roasted Garlic Meatballs with Angel Hair pasta

Ran 7 miles on the canal with John today. We took it easy for the first 3.5 and picked it up for the return trip. John is training for Boston and I hope to make the trip with him possibly to pace him the final 15 miles.

When I go for a long run, it usually means I want to cook later in the day if I have time. At first I was thinking about osso buco which I love but the market didn't have veal shanks so my fall back was a dish I came upon in one of my recipe books. It was roasted garlic meatballs served over angel hair pasta. It looked like a relatively quick recipe and had lots of flavor.

I had to roast 2 bulbs of garlic in some chicken broth for 90 minutes then remove from the skin. I pureed the garlic and added it to equal parts of ground beef and park. Added some bread crumbs, egg, shallots and thyme and formed the meatballs.

I fried the meatballs and then put them in the garlic infused chicken stock while the pasta was cooking and then combined. I know it was good because my son Micheal liked them.

There was lots of flavor in those meatballs. Not moms or Ro's traditional meatballs but really good. I am adding that recipe to my rotation.

Hamilton YMCA Spooky Tails & Trails 5K

Time - 20:36
Pace - 6:38
Runners - 125
Place - 7
Age Place - 1st
Heart Rate Average - 155
HR peak - 166


Since I didn't run last weekend I was looking for a race this weekend but I needed it be to be close since I didn't feel like traveling more than 30 minutes. I also wanted to set up a RWTV5K table to encourage runners to sign up for my race next week. My choice was the Spooky Tails & Trails 5K in Hamilton, a race I have run before. I ran it 2008 with Dale and Blaze. It is a small race held in Veterans Park with a nice course. They also have a dog costume contest after the race which is kind of cute.

Some of the runners were in costume since it was the day before Halloween. Flash was there and he certainly was the odds on favorite, because he was Flash.

I was planning on going hard since my knee was feeling better and I figured I could place in the top ten. Weather was a bit chilly, first real cold morning of the fall race season, but short sleeves were still in order.

My first mile was 6:34 and I didn't feel like I was going hard which gave me a bit of confidence going into the 2nd mile. I kept hearing about a hill but I didn't remember a hill so I kept pushing the pace. There was one guy on my tail who kept trying to pass me but every time he got on my shoulder I pushed it harder. This became my goal for the rest of the race. I usually fade in mile two so I had to work to keep in front. The guy had a few Ironman tattoos so I was figuring he was a good runner. I hit mile marker 2 at 13:25 so I had held my pace and now just finish strong. Mister Ironman tattoo tried one more time to pass me, but it was at the hill, which was more like an incline, so I really pushed the pace. At the top of the hill I saw mile 3 so I broke out into my 50 year old sprint. I hit the tape in 20:39 which was good for 7th overall and 1st in my age group. Flash came in 2nd overall, he was beat by a high schooler.

I was happy with the results and my 5K times have been pretty consistent since the weather became cooler. Next up is my race, the 6th annual Run with the Vikings 5K.

My one critique of this race was it didn't start on time and was 15 minutes late and the raffle drawing at the end. I hate when they hold a raffle and start calling the race numbers when half the runners have left.

No running - Just eats

I haven't blogged in awhile, mainly because I haven't run a race in two weeks, but I have dined at a few nice places.

I was in Boston over the weekend visiting my son Bobby who is in his second year as a pre-med student. It was parent weekend so Ro, Michael and I took the trip up to see him. Boston has a lot going on and is a great running town. There are always hundreds of runners jogging along the Charles. There was a regatta going on with hundreds of rowers on the Charles. I love running there but this weekend I was taking a few days off.

We arrived on Friday a little late for the first activity so we headed to Uburger, "Above All Burgers" is their slogan. I like their burgers and so did my family. Bobby wanted Thai but we needed something quick.

On Saturday we headed to Thai Dish which is adjacent to Uburger for lunch. I had the Pad Khee which was very good although a bit spicy. After lunch we basically strolled all of Boston working our way to the North End shopping along the way.

We had our sights on Pizzeria Regina on Thatcher but there was over a 1 hour wait so we settled for a place called Push Cart Pizza. It was good, but nothing like Regina and the wait was 30 minutes and we only had 3 folks in front of us.

After the pizza we headed to Mike's Pastry which looked like the wait was 90 minutes so we passed that up. Everyone was tired so we took the T back to the hotel.

Since our hotel was north of Boston we had to pass through the North End on the way back to Bobby's dorm so my plan was to get some cannolis at Mike's on the way home. No line and 3 cannolis later we were on our way back to Bobby's living quarters so say goodbye. Before we left though we got a few cannolis at Modern Pastry so we can compare. Mike's were a lot better.

Usually the Running Gourmand just doesn't eat but this weekend that's all I did. All the food was good but I need to get back on the roads.

John Ragone 5K & Lory's Lakeside

Time - 23:40
Pace - 7:38
Runners - 221
Place - 44
Age Place - 4th
Heart Rate Average - 141
HR peak - 161

The John Ragone 5K is the 3rd leg of the Brunswick Cup series and is one of the oldest races in NJ celebrating it's 33rd year. My brother in law Dale was in town so he was joining me and liked the fact that the race has an early afternoon start. I had to pick up the "Senator", Ken V who is recovering from major knee surgery. Ken loves to be around the race crowd and is always hawking his Freezing Cold Hash race in January.

I have been nursing a sore right knee and just wanted to take it easy today. Dale and I ran together for the first two miles and I got a chance to snap a bunch of good photos. Dale was running well today and we passed a number of runners along the way. My plan was to run with Dale for the first 2 miles then if I felt good, pick up the pace and finish strong. Knee wasn't bothering me so that is what I did. I finished with a 7:15 minute mile after a 7:30 first mile and a 7:45 2nd mile.

The race is a very popular local run and the Raritan Valley Road Runners do a good job organizing this event. I saw plenty of my running friends there and the weather couldn't be any better for an early fall day.

While there I set up a table for folks to sign up for my race, the 6th annual Run with the Vikings 5K. Sign up early and get a free t-shirt and glass. I think I got a dozen entries today.

After the race we headed over to Lory's Lakeside in North Brunswick. The place has a great location, and the day was perfect to sit outside and drink beer. Lots of laughs and Ken gave us great tips in case we ever get stopped for driving under the influence.

When I got home, I showered up and proceed to make a quick appetizer of peperoni and shrimp. see recipe below.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 (16-ounce) pepperoni, 1/2-inch dice
• 1 head garlic, peeled and chopped
• 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne
• 1 1/2 pounds (16 to 20 count) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Crusty chewy bread, for sopping

Directions

In a medium saute pan, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over medium-high heat and saute the diced pepperoni until it releases some of its oil, about 3 minutes. Add the remaining oil and garlic and lower the heat to medium-low. Let flavors infuse over the low heat for 5 to 7 minutes. Meanwhile, in a bowl, mix together the adobo, paprika, and cayenne. Add the shrimp and coat them evenly with the spices. Let rest for 15 minutes on the counter to come to room temperature. Add the shrimp to the garlic oil, raise heat slightly to cook, stirring and turning to cook the shrimp evenly, 6 to 8 minutes. Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks and crusty chewy bread, for sopping.