NESN's Tom Caron on running, steps, and training for a 9k

Just like his colleague, Jenny Dell, Tom Caron is also training for this year's Run to Home Base.

The 2012 Run-Walk to Home Base Presented by New Balance honors veterans and raises money for the Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Home Base Program, which provides care for veterans with combat stress or traumatic brain injury and support services and counseling for wounded vets' families.

Since Jenny and Tom have both said they'd like to beat the other during this weekend's race, we thought we'd let you get a sneak peek at their training by giving them each a Fitbit to track their steps.

Here's my Q&A with Tom about how his training is going thus far:

Q. Why did you want to participate in the Run to Home base?

A. First of all, it's a great cause. I've had the honor of meeting some of some of the veterans who have taken advantage of the Home Base Program, and I'm always dumbstruck by their sacrifice. This seemed like an easy way to help out the cause and raise money... and giving myself a goal of ramping up my running was nice, too!

Secondly, Jenny Dell challenged me. So it's on!

Q. What’s the farthest you’ve run?

A. I ran 7 miles once. Once. Felt it for a few days. I've run a pair of 10 K's, but in general I run 3-5 miles a shot when I run. I try to run about 17 miles a week - the total weeklong goal works for me, if I can squeeze in a couple miles here and there it helps towards the total goal.

Q. We gave you devices called Fitbits to track your progress leading up to the run, are you finding it hard to hit 10,000 steps a day?

A. I've only had it two days so far, and the first day I fell short. Today I ran a little over five miles so I'm over 13,000 steps right now. I checked in with Jenny, and she didn't run today, so I'm killing her today. But I'm sure she's going to get her revenge!

Q. Are you getting competitive?

A. Yes! I wasn't sure I'd squeeze in my run today, but I kept thinking about having that thing on my belt all day telling me I didn't do enough. It was a great motivation to get me out and running. I also noticed I ran up the stairs a few extra times to get the "stair" total up. It's like having a coach yelling at me for not working hard enough - there's no justifying a lack of effort when the data is there at the end of the day.

Q. Do you have a goal for race day? A certain time you’d like to hit or other goal?

A. My first goal is to finish and survive. I banged up my knee playing street hockey last week (yes, I'm getting old for that stuff) and I'm running with a brace on. Not sure if I'll keep it on or not. My second goal is to match Jenny's time. She's talking a lot of trash, and is planning on killing me in the race. I'm hoping to hang with her and not let her pull away. In an ideal world, I'd be as close to a nine-minute mile average as possible. If I could break 50 minutes I'd be thrilled. But if I go an hour and a half, and it's no slower than Jenny, I'll be very happy.

Q. What surprises you the most about the data you have available to you on the Fitbit?

A. The stair climbing and the calories burned. It's easy to focus on burning calories during a workout - most treadmills show you that. I had no idea what a difference you could make by climbing a few extra stairs and getting up to move around a few extra times a day. It's really opened my eyes to what a difference you can make by keeping yourself moving and not sitting around for too long.

Q. What physical activity have you done so far today? And, if you worked out, what were 2 of the songs on your playlist?

A. I ran 5.4 miles - trying to see how I dealt with the 9 K distance. I have one of those little iPod Shuffles for running - I clipped it right next to the Fitbit -- and have it on random shuffle. Two songs that got me going today are "Points of Authority/99 Problems/One Step Closer" by Jay Z and Linkin Park, and "Enter Sandman" by Metallica.