Go Faster

You can’t stop
Or I might pass ya
If you slow down
I’ll out last ya
But when you’re down
You won’t find me laughing
Just one question I might ask ya
It might sound like a disaster
Can you make this thing go faster?

Ahhh, the feeling of a well-run 20 miler where the last mile is run faster than the first! I decided to do something this weekend that I haven't done in my 12 years of running. I listened to music while running outside. I am somewhat of a purist when it comes to running. I run outside in all weather, all year long listening to the sounds of nature. Although I still prefer this and will run most of my runs this way, I needed to change my approach to some runs. I typically don't have a problem with motivation. I run 6 days, 40-50 miles a week, 20 or so races a year and 2-3 marathons a year. However, I am finding that as I age, I need a softer surface once in awhile and some jammin' tunes to keep my legs pumping like the cylinders of a 600 HP engine. I wish! Since the Baltimore marathon debacle, half of my runs have been on a treadmill which provides for some excellent tempo runs. While the tempo runs and hill workouts have been beneficial, I learned that listening to music while driving through these training sessions on the treadmill have been just as beneficial.

I ran two long runs the previous two Saturdays, 20 milers each, the first without music and the second with music. I found that I decreased my time by nearly 20 minutes on the run with music. I ran a negative split, training run at a pace of 9:33. The music helped me get through the run. Look, spending 3 1/2 hours with myself running is a tedious task. I can only talk to myself so much and what I have to say is hardly interesting. I have an up-tempo playlist of some great classic and current rock, alternative and hip-hop much of it having the word "run" or "running" in the lyrics or some other motivational element like "I'm a believer."

When I see I have to make a change to improve something, I will make the effort to be better even if it means adjusting my purist thoughts. I want to improve and will find ways to make those improvements. If it doesn't work, I'll try something else. The only failure is the failure to try and to keep trying.

I'm not saying music will make you a better runner. It will not replace training and talent but it may help training become easier, fun or focused. I think it helped me maintain pace which is very important on long runs and to top that, it helped me maintain a faster pace. I often ask, "how can I make this thing go faster?" I guess I will find out in my next marathon!

Look Heart, No Hands

Took a little time to get up to speed
To find the confidence and strength I'd need
To just let go and reach for the sky
You know, sometimes it felt as if I could fly
No doubts, no fears

If you were lucky enough to watch the NYC marathon, I suspect that you could relate these lyrics to the way Paul Tergat ran this race. Yes, the marathon is a race to these runners! Tactically, he ran an amazing race just sitting in the pack waiting until the others defected. Henrik Ramala and Meb Keflezighi stayed closer to the front of the 17 runner pack. After 17 miles Ramala, turned a 4:22 mile. Yes, that is 4 minutes 22 seconds after 17 miles! Tergat and Kaflezighi joined Ramala for the surge where I'm sure they felt as if they could fly. Running shoulder to shoulder, there appeared to be no doubts nor any fears. The closest finish in marathon history resulted, Ramala lying on the pavement, Meb limping underneath the clock and Tergat looking like he just finished a moderate training run.

The marathon is magical and is such a reflection on life. Like everything it takes a little time to get up to speed. You pace, get a feel for the road ahead of you, explore your mind and body, and proceed with caution. With more running and more life experiences you gain confidence and strength which allows you to go beyond what you thought possible. At some point you let go and know that the sky is the limit - in life as well as that elusive personal best. It then feels as if you are flying, beyond the ground and adrift on cloud nine. It is when doubts and fears do not exist. In many ways the journey is much more rewarding than the end result. We learn much more about ourselves and others during the journey. The end result is our gauge - how we must adjust the journey going forward, what we have learned and how we apply what we have learned for a better result. Sometimes we must go beyond reason and act out of desire - run with heart, live with heart. This is the essence of running - the essence of life. Look heart, no hands!