I'm looking down now that it's over
Reflecting on all of my mistakes
I thought I found the road to somewhere
Somewhere in His grace
I cried out heaven save me
But I'm down to one last breath
And with it let me say
Let me say
For the last 13 years I have made it a point to run on the last day of the year and race on the first day of the year.
The last day of the year is a day of reflection so it has to be a slightly longer run. If you can reflect on your year in a 3 mile run, then you need to pack a little more into your year. I ran 11 miles at a moderate pace. The way I felt during the run was much the same of how I felt during the year in running. I had some decent races but poor marathon performances. Mostly my running has been a bit of a struggle physically. The mind is still there but sometimes the mind is a bit overzealous in its thoughts. I do know what I need to do to get better or back to where I was in 2004 which brings me to tomorrow, or the first day of the year. I have run the Hamilton Hangover 5 miler (and various other distances due to weather)on New Year's Day for the last 13 years. This is the race that starts the year in the right direction. What better way to begin a year than with a race? This is where I get to look forward, to feel the hard effort, to think about what I want to accomplish and to think about the adjustments I need to make to achieve.
You cannot rest on your running laurels from years past. Running is humbling and just when you think you have it figured out, it taps you on the shoulder and says, "not so fast! (hah, literally)" Running is truly one of the greatest gifts because you must only use your mind, heart, soul and body. The adjustments must come from one of these. You can't buy a bigger driver, a swifter bike, nor a bat made of space age material. Running is you and the road (or trail) and whatever needs changed, they must come from within.
As I came down to one last breath in 2005, light snow falling onto the decaying leaves of winter, thousands of birds chirping, drowning out the air filling up and escaping from my lungs, I realized that the real reflection was truly looking at myself, what I need to change and what I have learned.
Happy New Year with a healthy and prosperous 2006!
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Monday, December 12, 2005
How Bad Do you Want It? - St. Jude Memphis Marathon
When I'm here on this highway
Breathing diesel smoke
Running hard for hours
Trying to make that Memphis show
People always ask me
"Son what does it take
To reach out and touch your dreams?"
To them I always say
Are you hungry?
Are you thirsty?
Is it a fire that burns you up inside?
How bad do you want it?
How bad do you need it?
Are you eating, sleeping, dreaming
With that one thing on your mind?
How bad do you want it?
How bad do you need it?
Cause if you want it all
You've got to lay it all out on the line 143
Making the Memphis Show - The Memphis show was not seeing the Rolling Stones. Yes, they were in Memphis this past weekend and staying in the very same hotel where I stayed - the famous Peabody with the Peabody ducks. I even saw Mick, Keith and Charlie arrive and walk through the lobby. It still wasn't the show. Elvis lived in Memphis, birthplace of rock 'n roll, and as the locals say he still LIVES in Memphis but he wasn't the show either. Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis (funny how you don't have to use his last name) all recorded at Sun Records in Memphis but the show wasn't at Sun either. The show started on Beale street, home to some of the greatest blues musicians ever - but they weren't the show either on this day. The show was the St. Jude Memphis Marathon - my 16th marathon and the 10th state where I have completed a marathon. The marathon, any marathon is the show.
I picked the Memphis marathon because I truly love the south, love the blues, love Barbecue and love beer. It also has a great tradition of giving to St. Jude's Children's hospital. The weekend was truly excellent and so what I had to run 26.2 miles. I arrived just as the Peabody ducks were making their way to the fountain for their workday - honestly, I don't get the duck thing but people love it and for many people there that was the show. I headed off to the expo on the Trolley. The expo was pretty small but manageable. I did get a nice Nike dri-fit hat for registering early. The shirts were long sleeve and had a great colored collage of scenes from Beale Street. I bought a plain gray shirt with Marathon Freak across the front. I figured that since I just joined Marathon Maniacs that marathon freak applied also. I walked back and noticed how dead the city was on a Friday afternoon. I actually wondered if it was a holiday. I stopped at BB Kings and had a barbecue and a doggie style from Flying Dog Brewery - carbs and water, right? The rest of the day and evening I just hung out and waited for the show to begin – anticipation – pin the number, tie the chip, synch the GPS, lay out the clothes.
The Show
If you read my Baltimore Marathon report you know it was not a pretty scene and this marathon was just 7 weeks after Baltimore (I know Maniacs, 7 weeks doesn’t even qualify me as a maniac – maybe a freak!) I felt that I managed the 7 weeks pretty well getting in two more 20 milers and some decent tempo runs.
The starter sounded like Larry the Cable Guy and I loved it – much better than hearing NJ accents! The weather was questionable, 50% chance of rain and potential thunderstorms but decent temperatures in the high 40’s and low 50’s. The rain never came and it remained cool and overcast yet a little windy. To me, the day was nearly perfect weather-wise.
The course was considered “rolling hills” but I much prefer this kind of course. The first half was very fast allowing your muscles to work, rest, recover and work again. I felt that I managed the first half quite well. My goal as always was to break 4 hours but I felt like I needed to manage the pace better and to run between 43-45 minutes for each 5 miles. At 5 miles I was at 43:36 and 10 miles at 1:27 – perfect. The best part is that I didn’t feel like I ran 10 miles at all – where did those 10 miles go? – this is a good sign. At the half-marathon mark we split from the half marathon runners who finished in Autozone Park. Our half-marathon split was back on famous Beale Street. I felt as if someone was running with me – I know Elvis lives but I don’t think it was him. The song referenced in this entry played on my Shuffle and I started singing it out loud – “how bad do you want it?” – the ultimate conversational pace. Beale Street was lined with spectators as if all the great blues players were there for a homecoming concert. I hit the half at 1:53 and was still feeling good – good energy, good pace. I did know that mile 14 started a climb for 4-5 miles similarly to the Baltimore course. The climb was gradual but it seemed to last forever. I still hit mile 15 in 2:11. My next goal was to get to mile 20 under 3 hours. The stretches were very long and straight at this point and I started to feel the toll of the climb, albeit gradual, was taking on my legs and time. I always feel like if I get to mile 20 under 3 hours, I give myself a chance. I get to mile 20 in 2:58 which is still under my goal but slower over those last 5 miles. Once I got to 20 miles, my quads were fried from the earlier down hills and the lactic acid had taken over. I always liken the pain in my quads to someone taking a steal pipe and beating them raw with each step. It is actually a bit more piercing than that but in a strange way it makes you feel alive. I tried to hang in the best I could but I got slower and slower – my mid-section hurt, my quads were fried, and also had some dizziness probably from low blood sugar although I had done Gu and sports drink. At this point it was survival and getting to the finish which I did in 4:19 - an awful 10K but I finished my 10th state and had improved from the debacle of Baltimore. I also got to 20 miles under 3 hours. I always try to find the positives in a marathon! However, all I could think of was the quote, “Anyone can run 20 miles, it is the next 6.2 that count!” The finish was as if I was playing center field for the Memphis Redbirds. We entered the stadium in center field and ran around the warning path to the 3rd base dugout. The warning path was so soft and there were spectators cheering from the stands. I would love to see the Baltimore marathon finish in Camden yards or down the center of the Ravens’ stadium. I heard my name and town called with a southern draw over the loudspeaker as I was entering the final stretch. There is always someone to greet you at the end of a marathon, someone waiting to share your accomplishments. Memphis was no different. Another show was over.
Breathing diesel smoke
Running hard for hours
Trying to make that Memphis show
People always ask me
"Son what does it take
To reach out and touch your dreams?"
To them I always say
Are you hungry?
Are you thirsty?
Is it a fire that burns you up inside?
How bad do you want it?
How bad do you need it?
Are you eating, sleeping, dreaming
With that one thing on your mind?
How bad do you want it?
How bad do you need it?
Cause if you want it all
You've got to lay it all out on the line 143
Making the Memphis Show - The Memphis show was not seeing the Rolling Stones. Yes, they were in Memphis this past weekend and staying in the very same hotel where I stayed - the famous Peabody with the Peabody ducks. I even saw Mick, Keith and Charlie arrive and walk through the lobby. It still wasn't the show. Elvis lived in Memphis, birthplace of rock 'n roll, and as the locals say he still LIVES in Memphis but he wasn't the show either. Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis (funny how you don't have to use his last name) all recorded at Sun Records in Memphis but the show wasn't at Sun either. The show started on Beale street, home to some of the greatest blues musicians ever - but they weren't the show either on this day. The show was the St. Jude Memphis Marathon - my 16th marathon and the 10th state where I have completed a marathon. The marathon, any marathon is the show.
I picked the Memphis marathon because I truly love the south, love the blues, love Barbecue and love beer. It also has a great tradition of giving to St. Jude's Children's hospital. The weekend was truly excellent and so what I had to run 26.2 miles. I arrived just as the Peabody ducks were making their way to the fountain for their workday - honestly, I don't get the duck thing but people love it and for many people there that was the show. I headed off to the expo on the Trolley. The expo was pretty small but manageable. I did get a nice Nike dri-fit hat for registering early. The shirts were long sleeve and had a great colored collage of scenes from Beale Street. I bought a plain gray shirt with Marathon Freak across the front. I figured that since I just joined Marathon Maniacs that marathon freak applied also. I walked back and noticed how dead the city was on a Friday afternoon. I actually wondered if it was a holiday. I stopped at BB Kings and had a barbecue and a doggie style from Flying Dog Brewery - carbs and water, right? The rest of the day and evening I just hung out and waited for the show to begin – anticipation – pin the number, tie the chip, synch the GPS, lay out the clothes.
The Show
If you read my Baltimore Marathon report you know it was not a pretty scene and this marathon was just 7 weeks after Baltimore (I know Maniacs, 7 weeks doesn’t even qualify me as a maniac – maybe a freak!) I felt that I managed the 7 weeks pretty well getting in two more 20 milers and some decent tempo runs.
The starter sounded like Larry the Cable Guy and I loved it – much better than hearing NJ accents! The weather was questionable, 50% chance of rain and potential thunderstorms but decent temperatures in the high 40’s and low 50’s. The rain never came and it remained cool and overcast yet a little windy. To me, the day was nearly perfect weather-wise.
The course was considered “rolling hills” but I much prefer this kind of course. The first half was very fast allowing your muscles to work, rest, recover and work again. I felt that I managed the first half quite well. My goal as always was to break 4 hours but I felt like I needed to manage the pace better and to run between 43-45 minutes for each 5 miles. At 5 miles I was at 43:36 and 10 miles at 1:27 – perfect. The best part is that I didn’t feel like I ran 10 miles at all – where did those 10 miles go? – this is a good sign. At the half-marathon mark we split from the half marathon runners who finished in Autozone Park. Our half-marathon split was back on famous Beale Street. I felt as if someone was running with me – I know Elvis lives but I don’t think it was him. The song referenced in this entry played on my Shuffle and I started singing it out loud – “how bad do you want it?” – the ultimate conversational pace. Beale Street was lined with spectators as if all the great blues players were there for a homecoming concert. I hit the half at 1:53 and was still feeling good – good energy, good pace. I did know that mile 14 started a climb for 4-5 miles similarly to the Baltimore course. The climb was gradual but it seemed to last forever. I still hit mile 15 in 2:11. My next goal was to get to mile 20 under 3 hours. The stretches were very long and straight at this point and I started to feel the toll of the climb, albeit gradual, was taking on my legs and time. I always feel like if I get to mile 20 under 3 hours, I give myself a chance. I get to mile 20 in 2:58 which is still under my goal but slower over those last 5 miles. Once I got to 20 miles, my quads were fried from the earlier down hills and the lactic acid had taken over. I always liken the pain in my quads to someone taking a steal pipe and beating them raw with each step. It is actually a bit more piercing than that but in a strange way it makes you feel alive. I tried to hang in the best I could but I got slower and slower – my mid-section hurt, my quads were fried, and also had some dizziness probably from low blood sugar although I had done Gu and sports drink. At this point it was survival and getting to the finish which I did in 4:19 - an awful 10K but I finished my 10th state and had improved from the debacle of Baltimore. I also got to 20 miles under 3 hours. I always try to find the positives in a marathon! However, all I could think of was the quote, “Anyone can run 20 miles, it is the next 6.2 that count!” The finish was as if I was playing center field for the Memphis Redbirds. We entered the stadium in center field and ran around the warning path to the 3rd base dugout. The warning path was so soft and there were spectators cheering from the stands. I would love to see the Baltimore marathon finish in Camden yards or down the center of the Ravens’ stadium. I heard my name and town called with a southern draw over the loudspeaker as I was entering the final stretch. There is always someone to greet you at the end of a marathon, someone waiting to share your accomplishments. Memphis was no different. Another show was over.
Monday, November 14, 2005
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!
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!
Monday, November 07, 2005
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!
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!
Monday, October 24, 2005
On The Run - Baltimore Marathon
On The Run
a why did i do it, a why did i do it
i asked myself a hundred times and then i start to cry
its up to my neck now im runnin like a dog
i can't remember how it started
but its too late to turn back the clock
i gotta keep on and on and on and on
The marathon is unique to say the least. Just when you think you have the beast tamed, it turns on you, attacks like a rabid animal, destroys like a wildfire, and makes you eat humble pie. I like to consider myself a veteran marathoner having completed 15 marathons. Certainly I am not a beginner but I am starting to doubt the validity of being a veteran. No matter how good your training might be leading to the marathon, you “get what you get” on marathon day and whatever you get, most of it you cannot control. This is where you are truly tested. Your best races do not test you physically and mentally. The ones that challenge you the most are the ones where there is struggle, where you need to compensate for some deficiency, where you know you will not perform your best. These races are the hardest yet we learn the most from them. They help us improve more than any others. They “make” us analyze the results, our training, and every aspect of our race. They make us doubt ourselves. In some cases, they make us feel sorry for ourselves – a loser, a failure. But, in nearly all cases, they make us mentally and physically stronger. It is a matter of our attitude toward the event. We are more determined to tame the beast, more determined to douse the flames of the wildfire, and say “no” to the high calorie humble pie.
It took me 10 years and 9 marathons to finally break 4 hours in the marathon. After a very dismal NYC marathon in 2003, I realized that I needed to train differently. Although this NYC marathon was run only two weeks after a marathon PR in Baltimore, I knew that with proper training I could get below 4 hours. In 2004, I broke through and ran 5 consecutive sub-4 hour marathons, highly consistent times between 3:48 and 3:57. The final 3 marathons were run within a 4 month span. This is when I thought I was the “marathon whisperer”. I finally knew how I needed to train for and run the marathon to consistently break 4 hours. I understood the mental aspects both in training and during the marathon. Well, I thought I did. Obviously, all our times are relative. There are many people who run faster times than me and many who run slower but our goals are all relative to our individual running capabilities. What is common among all of us is this thing called the marathon. It doesn’t care who you are (see Paula Radcliffe, 2004 Olympics), how fast or slow you are, where you run, who you run with, how prepared you are – it just doesn’t care!
It is now the Baltimore Marathon 2005. This is my 5th consecutive Baltimore running each marathon since the inaugural in 2001. My goal is to continue to run the Baltimore marathon for 25 consecutive years which will make me 66 years old when I complete my 25th (got to have goals!) There are 59 of us who have run all 5 Baltimore marathons.
My training was decent. I will confess that it was not great but it certainly was not awful. My peak mileage during my “monster month” was 50-53 miles. I had trained consistently over a 4 month period increasing mileage and long runs up to my taper period, this after an active racing month of June. I ran 5 long runs of 18-21 miles and 4 long weekends (Saturday/Sunday combined) of 30-33 miles. Hill workouts and tempo runs were part of my training regimen. I ran two half-marathon up-tempo races – Philadelphia Distance Run and Jersey Shore). The Jersey Shore was only two weeks prior to the marathon and I did run a faster pace than I had planned but it felt comfortable. I tapered well for 3 weeks and felt refreshed during the last week as I had during the previous five marathons. My legs were sorer over the last year than they had been before. This concerned me a bit but then my half marathon races, leading up to the marathon, were solid and I recovered quickly from them. I was confident that with the rest and tapering my legs were going to be fine for the marathon.
I always believe and mentally prepare myself that, “you get what you get” on marathon day. Most of what you can control is over and done with. Marathon day forces you to think on your feet, literally, and to make appropriate adjustments. It is these tweaks and adjustments that get you to the finish. In some cases, none of the adjustments and tweaks matter. It is just not your day and typically you know it early. Sometimes you can point to the reasons – I didn’t do this, didn’t do that, and should have done this – sometimes you can’t.
The Baltimore Marathon was more of the latter. I just can’t point to the reasons for this highly disappointing marathon which makes it all the more difficult to analyze. The weather was a little warm (65 degrees and sunny at start) but I would not say that this was the main reason for the poor run. Normally, I start a marathon too fast. However, I have been better with my starts in the last 5 marathons. I went out running 8:30’s which was just about 5 seconds faster than my goal pace. I was consistent through 8 miles and then I noticed my pace slowed by 25 seconds on an easy part of the course. My legs felt worn and quads sore but this was way too early for this to happen. Once I got to the halfway point in 1:53 I knew that it was not my day. Although my time was decent (1:49 last year), I knew that I could not run the second half in less than two hours. My legs continued to feel like the build-up of lactic acid had taken over. I even considered quitting since I was close to the hotel. I have never DNFed in a race and wasn’t about to here since this was my 5th consecutive Baltimore Marathon. I also knew that the toughest part of the marathon was ahead of me – the long, uphill climb from mile marker 16 through mile 23. It was also a point where the course becomes more crowded with the half-marathoners (not that this really mattered to me on this day!) I kept running and thought of how I might get through this with something positive. I had been running the entire time so I thought that I would continue to run the entire marathon no matter how slow I ran it. My stride was terribly short. My quads felt like someone had beaten them with a bat. I never aerobically felt bad because I hadn’t run fast enough. I ran through mile 22 and then walked about 200 meters and then walked an additional ½ mile or so through the last 4 miles just to give my legs a rest and to stretch a bit. The challenge and struggle mentally and physically when it’s a horrible day is severe. It appeared that I wasn’t even in Baltimore this weekend. I didn’t enjoy the course, the people around me, or the scenery. I just persevered spending much of my time looking at the road and wondering what had happened and if I would do this (run a marathon) again especially since I was already registered to run in just 7 weeks in the St. Jude Memphis Marathon. It turned out that I ran my 4th worst marathon, 4:37, but the difference with this one is that I don’t know why it was so bad. I just know that the marathon is a beast, untamable, wild, unpredictable – one marathon will be gentle, the next ferocious. This is what makes the marathon the ultimate running distance.
It has been a week to allow for some analysis, mentally get my focus back and figure out how I move forward. I ran 30 miles this week, nice easy runs on some nice cool days. My legs still felt sore, not from the marathon per se but the way they have felt all year. I ran 5 marathons last year, 3 in 4 months and 2 in 3 months, all between 3:48 (Baltimore) and 3:57 (Las Vegas). I wondered what the difference was and then I realized what it might have been. Much of last year, since I was commuting into NYC, I ran on the treadmill during the week and ran my long and medium runs outdoors. The treadmill provided for a softer surface and may have saved my legs some. All of my training this year has been on the roads except for an occasional trail run. Could this be the difference? I’m older so saving my legs a bit with recovery days and softer surfaces seems to be important. I guess I will see since I purchased a Pacemaster treadmill this weekend. I’ll save my legs a bit.
Now, how do I approach Memphis? I am now looking at Baltimore as a long training run since my pace was that of a training run. I will use the remaining 6 weeks until the marathon as a recovery/training/taper session. I will run some on the treadmill to save my legs, throw in a long run or two and continue with my hill training. I will taper for two weeks with the same intensity but fewer miles. Then on Memphis marathon day, “I’ll get what I’ll get!” and deal with the beast it is.
a why did i do it, a why did i do it
i asked myself a hundred times and then i start to cry
its up to my neck now im runnin like a dog
i can't remember how it started
but its too late to turn back the clock
i gotta keep on and on and on and on
The marathon is unique to say the least. Just when you think you have the beast tamed, it turns on you, attacks like a rabid animal, destroys like a wildfire, and makes you eat humble pie. I like to consider myself a veteran marathoner having completed 15 marathons. Certainly I am not a beginner but I am starting to doubt the validity of being a veteran. No matter how good your training might be leading to the marathon, you “get what you get” on marathon day and whatever you get, most of it you cannot control. This is where you are truly tested. Your best races do not test you physically and mentally. The ones that challenge you the most are the ones where there is struggle, where you need to compensate for some deficiency, where you know you will not perform your best. These races are the hardest yet we learn the most from them. They help us improve more than any others. They “make” us analyze the results, our training, and every aspect of our race. They make us doubt ourselves. In some cases, they make us feel sorry for ourselves – a loser, a failure. But, in nearly all cases, they make us mentally and physically stronger. It is a matter of our attitude toward the event. We are more determined to tame the beast, more determined to douse the flames of the wildfire, and say “no” to the high calorie humble pie.
It took me 10 years and 9 marathons to finally break 4 hours in the marathon. After a very dismal NYC marathon in 2003, I realized that I needed to train differently. Although this NYC marathon was run only two weeks after a marathon PR in Baltimore, I knew that with proper training I could get below 4 hours. In 2004, I broke through and ran 5 consecutive sub-4 hour marathons, highly consistent times between 3:48 and 3:57. The final 3 marathons were run within a 4 month span. This is when I thought I was the “marathon whisperer”. I finally knew how I needed to train for and run the marathon to consistently break 4 hours. I understood the mental aspects both in training and during the marathon. Well, I thought I did. Obviously, all our times are relative. There are many people who run faster times than me and many who run slower but our goals are all relative to our individual running capabilities. What is common among all of us is this thing called the marathon. It doesn’t care who you are (see Paula Radcliffe, 2004 Olympics), how fast or slow you are, where you run, who you run with, how prepared you are – it just doesn’t care!
It is now the Baltimore Marathon 2005. This is my 5th consecutive Baltimore running each marathon since the inaugural in 2001. My goal is to continue to run the Baltimore marathon for 25 consecutive years which will make me 66 years old when I complete my 25th (got to have goals!) There are 59 of us who have run all 5 Baltimore marathons.
My training was decent. I will confess that it was not great but it certainly was not awful. My peak mileage during my “monster month” was 50-53 miles. I had trained consistently over a 4 month period increasing mileage and long runs up to my taper period, this after an active racing month of June. I ran 5 long runs of 18-21 miles and 4 long weekends (Saturday/Sunday combined) of 30-33 miles. Hill workouts and tempo runs were part of my training regimen. I ran two half-marathon up-tempo races – Philadelphia Distance Run and Jersey Shore). The Jersey Shore was only two weeks prior to the marathon and I did run a faster pace than I had planned but it felt comfortable. I tapered well for 3 weeks and felt refreshed during the last week as I had during the previous five marathons. My legs were sorer over the last year than they had been before. This concerned me a bit but then my half marathon races, leading up to the marathon, were solid and I recovered quickly from them. I was confident that with the rest and tapering my legs were going to be fine for the marathon.
I always believe and mentally prepare myself that, “you get what you get” on marathon day. Most of what you can control is over and done with. Marathon day forces you to think on your feet, literally, and to make appropriate adjustments. It is these tweaks and adjustments that get you to the finish. In some cases, none of the adjustments and tweaks matter. It is just not your day and typically you know it early. Sometimes you can point to the reasons – I didn’t do this, didn’t do that, and should have done this – sometimes you can’t.
The Baltimore Marathon was more of the latter. I just can’t point to the reasons for this highly disappointing marathon which makes it all the more difficult to analyze. The weather was a little warm (65 degrees and sunny at start) but I would not say that this was the main reason for the poor run. Normally, I start a marathon too fast. However, I have been better with my starts in the last 5 marathons. I went out running 8:30’s which was just about 5 seconds faster than my goal pace. I was consistent through 8 miles and then I noticed my pace slowed by 25 seconds on an easy part of the course. My legs felt worn and quads sore but this was way too early for this to happen. Once I got to the halfway point in 1:53 I knew that it was not my day. Although my time was decent (1:49 last year), I knew that I could not run the second half in less than two hours. My legs continued to feel like the build-up of lactic acid had taken over. I even considered quitting since I was close to the hotel. I have never DNFed in a race and wasn’t about to here since this was my 5th consecutive Baltimore Marathon. I also knew that the toughest part of the marathon was ahead of me – the long, uphill climb from mile marker 16 through mile 23. It was also a point where the course becomes more crowded with the half-marathoners (not that this really mattered to me on this day!) I kept running and thought of how I might get through this with something positive. I had been running the entire time so I thought that I would continue to run the entire marathon no matter how slow I ran it. My stride was terribly short. My quads felt like someone had beaten them with a bat. I never aerobically felt bad because I hadn’t run fast enough. I ran through mile 22 and then walked about 200 meters and then walked an additional ½ mile or so through the last 4 miles just to give my legs a rest and to stretch a bit. The challenge and struggle mentally and physically when it’s a horrible day is severe. It appeared that I wasn’t even in Baltimore this weekend. I didn’t enjoy the course, the people around me, or the scenery. I just persevered spending much of my time looking at the road and wondering what had happened and if I would do this (run a marathon) again especially since I was already registered to run in just 7 weeks in the St. Jude Memphis Marathon. It turned out that I ran my 4th worst marathon, 4:37, but the difference with this one is that I don’t know why it was so bad. I just know that the marathon is a beast, untamable, wild, unpredictable – one marathon will be gentle, the next ferocious. This is what makes the marathon the ultimate running distance.
It has been a week to allow for some analysis, mentally get my focus back and figure out how I move forward. I ran 30 miles this week, nice easy runs on some nice cool days. My legs still felt sore, not from the marathon per se but the way they have felt all year. I ran 5 marathons last year, 3 in 4 months and 2 in 3 months, all between 3:48 (Baltimore) and 3:57 (Las Vegas). I wondered what the difference was and then I realized what it might have been. Much of last year, since I was commuting into NYC, I ran on the treadmill during the week and ran my long and medium runs outdoors. The treadmill provided for a softer surface and may have saved my legs some. All of my training this year has been on the roads except for an occasional trail run. Could this be the difference? I’m older so saving my legs a bit with recovery days and softer surfaces seems to be important. I guess I will see since I purchased a Pacemaster treadmill this weekend. I’ll save my legs a bit.
Now, how do I approach Memphis? I am now looking at Baltimore as a long training run since my pace was that of a training run. I will use the remaining 6 weeks until the marathon as a recovery/training/taper session. I will run some on the treadmill to save my legs, throw in a long run or two and continue with my hill training. I will taper for two weeks with the same intensity but fewer miles. Then on Memphis marathon day, “I’ll get what I’ll get!” and deal with the beast it is.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Marathon
"Marathoning provides you with a unique challenge. It pushes your body to its limits, but above all, it challenges you to come to terms with yourself, your fears and your strengths. Through the process you gain a deeper knowledge of yourself, if you are prepared to look" - Gary Elliott, Allison Roe's Coach
It has been nearly a month since I have written here. I intend to write here at least once a week but the time just seems to slip away.
The Baltimore Marathon is Saturday, my 5th consecutive Baltimore since its inaugural back in 2001. This is also my 15th marathon overall so this is somewhat of a milestone. I will also run a marathon in my 10th state this year.
I decided to deploy a bit of a different strategy leading up to Baltimore. I combined my 5 long runs (18-21 milers) with some up-tempo half-marathon races. My long runs as well as some specific workouts were on hills as the Baltimore marathon has an uphill climb in miles 16-22.
On September 18 I ran the Philadelphia Distance run, my first PDR and certainly not my last. I enjoyed this race quite a bit - excellent course, support and organization, except for the crappy EAS drink offered at aid stations. My time was respectable for a tempo run being 1:47:11. I felt best after the first 4 miles as I seemed find a relaxed pace. This is a large race with 8500 finishers (which is actually bigger than Baltimore). I wanted to feel the crowds and take the time to find my stride in the mass of runners. It just so happened that Deanna Kastor broke the women's American record of 21 years held by Joan Benoit Samuelson. Overall, it was an good day and I got exactly what I wanted out of it.
Two weeks later on October 2 I ran the Jersey Shore Half Marathon. I went into this race for it to truly be a tempo run at or near marathon pace. This may have been a mistake but I felt great and pushed the temp running a 1:44:55. I also ran a negative split in the second half which is quite rare for me but something I have always strived for. This is a double loop course so it is a bit more conducive to a negative split. It was a warm day but I fueled perfectly with both Gu and water. After mile 7, I just seemed to have a nice pace locked in as I passed nearly 20 or so runners in the last half. Every once in a while you get races like this where everything just clicks. This is my second race like this in 2005. I ran a 1:16 10-miler back in March that was just as perfect as this one. The common denominator in both that I went into each race with relaxed with little expectation. I just wanted to run a nice relaxed pace. Doing this for the start, as opposed to my normal quick-start and die approach (habit), appeared to be the right formula. Of course, everyone says to start off with a slower pace but I can never seem to get it done. In these two races, I did just that and got it done!
It is now marathon time and it has been 10 months since my last one. Frank Shorter told Kenny More in Sports Illustrated "You have to forget your last marathon before you run another, Your mind knows what's coming." Have I forgotten about Las Vegas? I never forget about the experience but I don't remember the pain which I suspect is a good thing. I know the pain will come both mentally and physically but the idea is delay it as long as possible. Do I dare make a prediction on time? I certainly have a time-goal but I don't have an expectation. My PR (Baltimore last year) is 3:48:01 so I am hoping to be around 3:45. Being under 3:45 would make for a great day! Of course, as I age, getting to the finish line and embellishing the experience is really what it is all about. This doesn't mean that I don't go out and run my best race. I always do. During the marathon last year, I repeated to myself, "leave everything out on the course." That is the way I run - I leave everything out on the course!
It has been nearly a month since I have written here. I intend to write here at least once a week but the time just seems to slip away.
The Baltimore Marathon is Saturday, my 5th consecutive Baltimore since its inaugural back in 2001. This is also my 15th marathon overall so this is somewhat of a milestone. I will also run a marathon in my 10th state this year.
I decided to deploy a bit of a different strategy leading up to Baltimore. I combined my 5 long runs (18-21 milers) with some up-tempo half-marathon races. My long runs as well as some specific workouts were on hills as the Baltimore marathon has an uphill climb in miles 16-22.
On September 18 I ran the Philadelphia Distance run, my first PDR and certainly not my last. I enjoyed this race quite a bit - excellent course, support and organization, except for the crappy EAS drink offered at aid stations. My time was respectable for a tempo run being 1:47:11. I felt best after the first 4 miles as I seemed find a relaxed pace. This is a large race with 8500 finishers (which is actually bigger than Baltimore). I wanted to feel the crowds and take the time to find my stride in the mass of runners. It just so happened that Deanna Kastor broke the women's American record of 21 years held by Joan Benoit Samuelson. Overall, it was an good day and I got exactly what I wanted out of it.
Two weeks later on October 2 I ran the Jersey Shore Half Marathon. I went into this race for it to truly be a tempo run at or near marathon pace. This may have been a mistake but I felt great and pushed the temp running a 1:44:55. I also ran a negative split in the second half which is quite rare for me but something I have always strived for. This is a double loop course so it is a bit more conducive to a negative split. It was a warm day but I fueled perfectly with both Gu and water. After mile 7, I just seemed to have a nice pace locked in as I passed nearly 20 or so runners in the last half. Every once in a while you get races like this where everything just clicks. This is my second race like this in 2005. I ran a 1:16 10-miler back in March that was just as perfect as this one. The common denominator in both that I went into each race with relaxed with little expectation. I just wanted to run a nice relaxed pace. Doing this for the start, as opposed to my normal quick-start and die approach (habit), appeared to be the right formula. Of course, everyone says to start off with a slower pace but I can never seem to get it done. In these two races, I did just that and got it done!
It is now marathon time and it has been 10 months since my last one. Frank Shorter told Kenny More in Sports Illustrated "You have to forget your last marathon before you run another, Your mind knows what's coming." Have I forgotten about Las Vegas? I never forget about the experience but I don't remember the pain which I suspect is a good thing. I know the pain will come both mentally and physically but the idea is delay it as long as possible. Do I dare make a prediction on time? I certainly have a time-goal but I don't have an expectation. My PR (Baltimore last year) is 3:48:01 so I am hoping to be around 3:45. Being under 3:45 would make for a great day! Of course, as I age, getting to the finish line and embellishing the experience is really what it is all about. This doesn't mean that I don't go out and run my best race. I always do. During the marathon last year, I repeated to myself, "leave everything out on the course." That is the way I run - I leave everything out on the course!
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Thousand Miles From Nowhere
"I'm a thousand miles from nowhere,
Time don't matter to me.
'Cause I'm a thousand miles from nowhere,
And there's no place I wanna be."
Every run takes you here - a thousand miles from nowhere! When I am lost in a run, I am lost from life for a little while. Although I am lost, I notice more of the little things on my runs. I notice more of my surroundings. I notice when sheep are looking at me. I ran the other morning and just about a quarter of a mile from my house, I heard a bell, looked and saw a sheep raising his head to catch a glimpse of me running by. Now, you have to understand that I live in New Jersey and although sheep obviously exist here, they are not in abundance. The simple sight of a sheep watching me run just made the morning worthwhile. A little further down the road were his buddies, grazing in the front yard of their neighbors house, no fence, just grazing and providing mowing services (good thing because the people who live in this house don't see to own a mower!) They all stared at me and frankly I waved just to say good morning. The sun was just inching above the horizon with a crisp blue sky as a backdrop. At the next corner were my horse friends. Since they were both near the fence, I decided to make a stop to say hello. They were a little hesitant at first but after a minute and a little coaxing, they visited and I petted them. I am sure they were looking for a little more than just a petting - maybe next time. On the rest of the run I saw two dogs and 3 deer. How many people who don't run even notice these things - the little things that make you realize there is more to life?
My marathon training in general has been good - not fantastic, not horrible, just good. However, I do feel that I will peak at the right time. I am putting in 50-55 miles a week, have done 4 long runs of 18-21 miles with one more scheduled, 4 weekends of 30-33 miles and have a few half marathon tempo races to have fun with. Baltimore is just 4 weeks away. I can't believe it has been a year already. This, being my 5th Baltimore marathon and 15th marathon overall, I'm getting excited to be toeing the starting line again but more excited crossing the finish line. At that point I will be a thousand miles from nowhere and no place I wanna be!
Time don't matter to me.
'Cause I'm a thousand miles from nowhere,
And there's no place I wanna be."
Every run takes you here - a thousand miles from nowhere! When I am lost in a run, I am lost from life for a little while. Although I am lost, I notice more of the little things on my runs. I notice more of my surroundings. I notice when sheep are looking at me. I ran the other morning and just about a quarter of a mile from my house, I heard a bell, looked and saw a sheep raising his head to catch a glimpse of me running by. Now, you have to understand that I live in New Jersey and although sheep obviously exist here, they are not in abundance. The simple sight of a sheep watching me run just made the morning worthwhile. A little further down the road were his buddies, grazing in the front yard of their neighbors house, no fence, just grazing and providing mowing services (good thing because the people who live in this house don't see to own a mower!) They all stared at me and frankly I waved just to say good morning. The sun was just inching above the horizon with a crisp blue sky as a backdrop. At the next corner were my horse friends. Since they were both near the fence, I decided to make a stop to say hello. They were a little hesitant at first but after a minute and a little coaxing, they visited and I petted them. I am sure they were looking for a little more than just a petting - maybe next time. On the rest of the run I saw two dogs and 3 deer. How many people who don't run even notice these things - the little things that make you realize there is more to life?
My marathon training in general has been good - not fantastic, not horrible, just good. However, I do feel that I will peak at the right time. I am putting in 50-55 miles a week, have done 4 long runs of 18-21 miles with one more scheduled, 4 weekends of 30-33 miles and have a few half marathon tempo races to have fun with. Baltimore is just 4 weeks away. I can't believe it has been a year already. This, being my 5th Baltimore marathon and 15th marathon overall, I'm getting excited to be toeing the starting line again but more excited crossing the finish line. At that point I will be a thousand miles from nowhere and no place I wanna be!
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Gimme Three Steps
’won’t you give me three steps,
Gimme three steps mister,
Gimme three steps towards the door?
Gimme three steps
Gimme three steps mister,
And you’ll never see me no more.’
The first steps out the door are always the hardest! A body at rest wants to stay at rest while a body in motion will continue in motion. I love my runs but some mornings bring those feelings of wanting a day off, staying in bed or just having a morning coffee. I know however, that once I get a few steps into the run, I'm glad I'm out the door and pounding the pavement. Just three steps, those are all I need and you might never see me no more!
It has been a couple of weeks again since writing. I was on vacation in St. John, USVI. I usually don't run much on vacation using it as a rest and recovery week. However, vacation fell a bit late into my marathon training. I figured I should at least keep up my fitness level and try hard not to lose anything. I didn't feel I needed to gain, just not lose anything. I ran everyday averaging about 3 miles a day but on some nice steep hills which actually may have helped me gain some leg strength if today's run is any indication. More on that in a minute. Baltimore has a climb starting at mile 16 - 22. I beleive I will be prepared well for it this year as I have been doing hill work and running my long runs over hills. St. John has hot as usual but not any worse than the garden state. The island, in general, is not too conducive to running. Certainly, by the looks I was getting, they were not too use to seeing many runenrs out and about. They do ahve a wonderful race that runs 8 miles (8 TUFF Miles) from Cruz Bay to Coral Bay. It climbs 1300 feet in about 4 miles. and then back down to sea level. Running on vacation helps the beers, steak, key lime pie and fish digest better!
The other detail on running there was that I did it everyday. I ended up running 11 days in a row including 3 once I was back. I took a recovery day on Friday so that I would be better for my long run on Saturday. It worked! I ran a nice 20-miler at 1:30 over my marathon pace. This was my second long run (first one was 18 miles) but first 20 miler. I got through 11 miles without realizing I had run them. It wasn't until another 4 miles where I felt my legs breaking down a bit. I talked to myself for the last 1 1/2 miles to get through the 20 but I did it!
I will run 10 miles tomorrow and then go play a round of golf. Hmmm, I suspect this makes for a pretty active weekend - 30 miles and a round of golf.
Like I said, gimme three steps out the door and I'm on my way. I just never know if I am coming back!
Gimme three steps mister,
Gimme three steps towards the door?
Gimme three steps
Gimme three steps mister,
And you’ll never see me no more.’
The first steps out the door are always the hardest! A body at rest wants to stay at rest while a body in motion will continue in motion. I love my runs but some mornings bring those feelings of wanting a day off, staying in bed or just having a morning coffee. I know however, that once I get a few steps into the run, I'm glad I'm out the door and pounding the pavement. Just three steps, those are all I need and you might never see me no more!
It has been a couple of weeks again since writing. I was on vacation in St. John, USVI. I usually don't run much on vacation using it as a rest and recovery week. However, vacation fell a bit late into my marathon training. I figured I should at least keep up my fitness level and try hard not to lose anything. I didn't feel I needed to gain, just not lose anything. I ran everyday averaging about 3 miles a day but on some nice steep hills which actually may have helped me gain some leg strength if today's run is any indication. More on that in a minute. Baltimore has a climb starting at mile 16 - 22. I beleive I will be prepared well for it this year as I have been doing hill work and running my long runs over hills. St. John has hot as usual but not any worse than the garden state. The island, in general, is not too conducive to running. Certainly, by the looks I was getting, they were not too use to seeing many runenrs out and about. They do ahve a wonderful race that runs 8 miles (8 TUFF Miles) from Cruz Bay to Coral Bay. It climbs 1300 feet in about 4 miles. and then back down to sea level. Running on vacation helps the beers, steak, key lime pie and fish digest better!
The other detail on running there was that I did it everyday. I ended up running 11 days in a row including 3 once I was back. I took a recovery day on Friday so that I would be better for my long run on Saturday. It worked! I ran a nice 20-miler at 1:30 over my marathon pace. This was my second long run (first one was 18 miles) but first 20 miler. I got through 11 miles without realizing I had run them. It wasn't until another 4 miles where I felt my legs breaking down a bit. I talked to myself for the last 1 1/2 miles to get through the 20 but I did it!
I will run 10 miles tomorrow and then go play a round of golf. Hmmm, I suspect this makes for a pretty active weekend - 30 miles and a round of golf.
Like I said, gimme three steps out the door and I'm on my way. I just never know if I am coming back!
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Round Here
Step out the front door like a ghost into the fog
Where no one notices the contrast of white on white
And in between the moon and you the angels get a better view
Of the crumbling difference between wrong and right
I “run” in the air between the rain through myself and back again
Where? I don’t know
I ventured out into the mist of some of the highest humidity cast upon us this summer. The white, thick fog provided an eerie backdrop for a run where breathing was going to be more daunting than the first snorkel breath taken under water. I could not see more than 20-30 feet in front of me so it was a bit like running blind through a cumulous cloud. Maybe it was what running would be like in heaven although I hope they have softer surfaces to run on than the road – like the cloud itself. Of course, what would you push off of to generate the equal and opposite reaction? Or, would it just feel like you were running mentally without any physical exertion? Could I run a sub-3 marathon then?
Anyway, there was plenty of physical exertion on these runs. When I first started writing this I had run one day where it was like this. In my procrastination (or more like finding time) of not getting this posted, I found myself a “ghost into a fog” again about a week later. However, the runs were different. The first run was tough but I seemed to find an up-tempo pace that I could drive through to the end of the run (5 miles). I did not fare as well on the second run – still getting through the 5 miles but feeling like I had to cut the thickness with a knife like a baby having to break through the embryonic sack trying to find a breath of fresh oxygen. Each day is different. Each run is different. Some days you can breath, some days it’s a little tougher – in life as in running.
Some days, we are a ghost where no one notices. Running is a bit like this where the contrast of white on white is us being able to stay inside ourselves, have the freedom to think, disappear for a little while, and be non-existent in the world. We find ourselves imagining this place called heaven, where the angels get a better view of our life and death; helping us find what we need to find. Sometimes we don’t know where we are running. We “run” in the air between the rain through ourselves and back again with every run. We sometimes find ourselves; sometimes lose our way but no matter, we keep on running.
Where no one notices the contrast of white on white
And in between the moon and you the angels get a better view
Of the crumbling difference between wrong and right
I “run” in the air between the rain through myself and back again
Where? I don’t know
I ventured out into the mist of some of the highest humidity cast upon us this summer. The white, thick fog provided an eerie backdrop for a run where breathing was going to be more daunting than the first snorkel breath taken under water. I could not see more than 20-30 feet in front of me so it was a bit like running blind through a cumulous cloud. Maybe it was what running would be like in heaven although I hope they have softer surfaces to run on than the road – like the cloud itself. Of course, what would you push off of to generate the equal and opposite reaction? Or, would it just feel like you were running mentally without any physical exertion? Could I run a sub-3 marathon then?
Anyway, there was plenty of physical exertion on these runs. When I first started writing this I had run one day where it was like this. In my procrastination (or more like finding time) of not getting this posted, I found myself a “ghost into a fog” again about a week later. However, the runs were different. The first run was tough but I seemed to find an up-tempo pace that I could drive through to the end of the run (5 miles). I did not fare as well on the second run – still getting through the 5 miles but feeling like I had to cut the thickness with a knife like a baby having to break through the embryonic sack trying to find a breath of fresh oxygen. Each day is different. Each run is different. Some days you can breath, some days it’s a little tougher – in life as in running.
Some days, we are a ghost where no one notices. Running is a bit like this where the contrast of white on white is us being able to stay inside ourselves, have the freedom to think, disappear for a little while, and be non-existent in the world. We find ourselves imagining this place called heaven, where the angels get a better view of our life and death; helping us find what we need to find. Sometimes we don’t know where we are running. We “run” in the air between the rain through ourselves and back again with every run. We sometimes find ourselves; sometimes lose our way but no matter, we keep on running.
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Wave On Wave
Mile upon Mile I got no direction.
We’re all playing the same game
We’re all looking for redemption
Just afraid to say the name
"marathon"...that's the name and the game and I don't need any direction, I just need to run mile upon mile! I can't believe I have not written an entry for two weeks. How does time slip by so quickly? Not writing isn't because I am not running. To the contrary, I have put in some excellent miles over the last couple of weeks, although a bit difficult with the humidity, they have been excellent! Difficult miles make future ones easier.
I started an entry called "Round Here" which I will still publish because of the oddity of the morning, running in such thick, wet humidity. It is worth describing. The song "round here" starts with "I step out the front door like a ghost into a fog..." It was so appropriate for that morning. I will finish the entry and post it.
Last week was a very good training week totaling 47 miles, inclusive of a 18 miler over 3 hours with a follow-up 9 mile slight tempo/slight fartlek on the boardwalk in Belmar. I needed both the accumulation of time spent running and the individual long run to gain some confidence in training. I will continue the 3 hour runs over the next 8 weeks along with hill work and tempo runs.
Summer is an interesting time to train because of the humidity and heat. The fall brings welcome relief and easier running all leading up to marathon season. I am so looking forward to the Baltimore Marathon, my 15th marathon. It has been since January that I ventured out on a 26.2 mile trek, the last one being in Las Vegas. I miss the marathon when I have not run one in awhile. I believe it was Frank Shorter who said, "You can't run your next marathon until you forget about your previous one." I needed the time after Las Vegas which was my 3rd in 4 months and 5th last year. Although I never forget, I have become motiviated to train for and run the next. I don't forget because I learn from those experiences...how else would I improve?
We all look for redemption from the previous or I should say improvement from the previous so mile after mile, I have no direction but I do have intention!
We’re all playing the same game
We’re all looking for redemption
Just afraid to say the name
"marathon"...that's the name and the game and I don't need any direction, I just need to run mile upon mile! I can't believe I have not written an entry for two weeks. How does time slip by so quickly? Not writing isn't because I am not running. To the contrary, I have put in some excellent miles over the last couple of weeks, although a bit difficult with the humidity, they have been excellent! Difficult miles make future ones easier.
I started an entry called "Round Here" which I will still publish because of the oddity of the morning, running in such thick, wet humidity. It is worth describing. The song "round here" starts with "I step out the front door like a ghost into a fog..." It was so appropriate for that morning. I will finish the entry and post it.
Last week was a very good training week totaling 47 miles, inclusive of a 18 miler over 3 hours with a follow-up 9 mile slight tempo/slight fartlek on the boardwalk in Belmar. I needed both the accumulation of time spent running and the individual long run to gain some confidence in training. I will continue the 3 hour runs over the next 8 weeks along with hill work and tempo runs.
Summer is an interesting time to train because of the humidity and heat. The fall brings welcome relief and easier running all leading up to marathon season. I am so looking forward to the Baltimore Marathon, my 15th marathon. It has been since January that I ventured out on a 26.2 mile trek, the last one being in Las Vegas. I miss the marathon when I have not run one in awhile. I believe it was Frank Shorter who said, "You can't run your next marathon until you forget about your previous one." I needed the time after Las Vegas which was my 3rd in 4 months and 5th last year. Although I never forget, I have become motiviated to train for and run the next. I don't forget because I learn from those experiences...how else would I improve?
We all look for redemption from the previous or I should say improvement from the previous so mile after mile, I have no direction but I do have intention!
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Running on Empty
Running on - running on empty
Running on - running blind
Running on - running into the sun
But I'm running behind
Every once in awhile I feel depleted of energy with running and being out on the road or trail. For so many, the energy in life also feels depleted. Life in so many ways is like running, a microchasm of our life experiences - the ups and downs, the desire to be better, the disappointment when we are not, the effort, the rest and recovery, the passion, what we can control and what we can't. However, our running, like our lives, is ours and we can affect it however we want. If we want to run better, we need to run more - if we want to live better, we need to live more.
It is time to start training for fall marathons. I have established my base and now beginning to execute on a plan to prepare myself mentally and physically for the distance. Baltimore will be my 15th marathon and my 5th consecutive Baltimore Marathon. The beauty of the marathon is that you need to train yourself for each and every one. You can't just wake up one morning as say, "Hey, I think I will run a marathon tomorrow!" It is an arduous process that each marathoner generally loves and despises at the same time - a love/hate realtionship if you will. It is similar to life as it takes substantial effort to get one to the finish. In life, like training for and running a marathon, I am generally running into the sun, running blind, running behind and certainly running on empty. The body and mind responds to this and as long as you nourish both, they will get you to finish. You might have to go a little ways on empty but that is our struggle within when the body and mind do not agree - the body says stop, your killing me but the mind says, don't stop you can do it, what's a little pain and effort. OK, in some cases it is a lot of pain. Sometimes it is the mind that goes while your body still wants to run and live. "That which does not kill me only makes me stronger." That is what training and adversity is all about in life and running the marathon - it makes us stronger. It allows us to go further with less pain. It allows us to run on empty, sometimes blind but we find the finish and then look for the next starting line.
Running on - running blind
Running on - running into the sun
But I'm running behind
Every once in awhile I feel depleted of energy with running and being out on the road or trail. For so many, the energy in life also feels depleted. Life in so many ways is like running, a microchasm of our life experiences - the ups and downs, the desire to be better, the disappointment when we are not, the effort, the rest and recovery, the passion, what we can control and what we can't. However, our running, like our lives, is ours and we can affect it however we want. If we want to run better, we need to run more - if we want to live better, we need to live more.
It is time to start training for fall marathons. I have established my base and now beginning to execute on a plan to prepare myself mentally and physically for the distance. Baltimore will be my 15th marathon and my 5th consecutive Baltimore Marathon. The beauty of the marathon is that you need to train yourself for each and every one. You can't just wake up one morning as say, "Hey, I think I will run a marathon tomorrow!" It is an arduous process that each marathoner generally loves and despises at the same time - a love/hate realtionship if you will. It is similar to life as it takes substantial effort to get one to the finish. In life, like training for and running a marathon, I am generally running into the sun, running blind, running behind and certainly running on empty. The body and mind responds to this and as long as you nourish both, they will get you to finish. You might have to go a little ways on empty but that is our struggle within when the body and mind do not agree - the body says stop, your killing me but the mind says, don't stop you can do it, what's a little pain and effort. OK, in some cases it is a lot of pain. Sometimes it is the mind that goes while your body still wants to run and live. "That which does not kill me only makes me stronger." That is what training and adversity is all about in life and running the marathon - it makes us stronger. It allows us to go further with less pain. It allows us to run on empty, sometimes blind but we find the finish and then look for the next starting line.
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
On the Road Again
On the road again
Goin' places that I've never been
Seein' things that I may never see again,
And I can't wait to get on the road again.
It has been a 10 days of experiences. I grew up 65 miles from Washington DC and have never gotten to visit the city, the sights, the museums, memorials or the roads. The best way to visit a city and explore is to run it. It makes it much more worthwhile when you are finding your way running from one point to another. I was in Washington on business so my running was limited to the early morning. During this week, one needed to run in the morning anyway because of the thick, stifling heat and humidity. My first visit to the national mall took me up 12th street past the Department of Agriculture to the mall. I ran east to the Capitol and then back west past the museums and Smithsonian towards the Washington Monument. My Dad is registered at the World War II memorial so I found my way to the memorial. It is a very touching tribute to a generation of heroes. I walked around it in the ironic silence of waterfalls. I made my way past the reflecting pool to the Jefferson Memorial, around the memorial to the tidal basin and then out to the Lincoln Memorial before finding my way thought the Woodrow Wilson arches and back the my hotel, the Mandarin oriental. It was a 75 minute visit to the heart of DC. It was one of those runs that won't be forgotten, one that sticks in your mind along with so many other thoughts. I ran the mall the remaining days in Washington which never really got old.
Upon returning home, I decided to to make a 4-day 40 mile trek of hard running to determine where I was beginning my marathon training. Baltimore is in October and it is time to start easing into the long runs. I have done some good speedwork in the form of races but now I need to combine the speedwork with endurance training. My first day was a 13.5 miler in the middle of the day with the temperature approaching 82 degrees of heat and sun running from Belmar NJ to Manasquan, NJ and back. Much of it was on the boardwalk which provides a nice cushion for the legs. I made out fine and was happy with the run in general. The second day was a recovery 6.5 miler, easy with a measured stride just to clear some of the lactic acid. The third day was one of my favorite runs - a 14 mile run that combined road and trail. This run consisted of 5 miles to the trail, 4 miles on a rolling, quiet trail that I have written about before here (Sounds of Silence), and a 5 mile return trip. I felt great throughout although my goal was to remain on my feet as long as I could and get to 34 miles for 3 days. At the same time, I knew I had a race (10K) scheduled for the 4th day giving me my 40 miles in 4 days and a great start to my marathon training. I went into the race with few expectations. I had 34 miles on my legs and a few beers in me from a July 4th party. I started off slow with an 8 minute mile (always intending to do this) but I let the race come to me and ran a negative split and a very fast last mile. It appears when I have little expectations and go into a race relaxed finding a nice easy pace to start, I run a better race. There was more to this day than just the race but it was the race that lets one feel like they want to be On the Road Again.
Goin' places that I've never been
Seein' things that I may never see again,
And I can't wait to get on the road again.
It has been a 10 days of experiences. I grew up 65 miles from Washington DC and have never gotten to visit the city, the sights, the museums, memorials or the roads. The best way to visit a city and explore is to run it. It makes it much more worthwhile when you are finding your way running from one point to another. I was in Washington on business so my running was limited to the early morning. During this week, one needed to run in the morning anyway because of the thick, stifling heat and humidity. My first visit to the national mall took me up 12th street past the Department of Agriculture to the mall. I ran east to the Capitol and then back west past the museums and Smithsonian towards the Washington Monument. My Dad is registered at the World War II memorial so I found my way to the memorial. It is a very touching tribute to a generation of heroes. I walked around it in the ironic silence of waterfalls. I made my way past the reflecting pool to the Jefferson Memorial, around the memorial to the tidal basin and then out to the Lincoln Memorial before finding my way thought the Woodrow Wilson arches and back the my hotel, the Mandarin oriental. It was a 75 minute visit to the heart of DC. It was one of those runs that won't be forgotten, one that sticks in your mind along with so many other thoughts. I ran the mall the remaining days in Washington which never really got old.
Upon returning home, I decided to to make a 4-day 40 mile trek of hard running to determine where I was beginning my marathon training. Baltimore is in October and it is time to start easing into the long runs. I have done some good speedwork in the form of races but now I need to combine the speedwork with endurance training. My first day was a 13.5 miler in the middle of the day with the temperature approaching 82 degrees of heat and sun running from Belmar NJ to Manasquan, NJ and back. Much of it was on the boardwalk which provides a nice cushion for the legs. I made out fine and was happy with the run in general. The second day was a recovery 6.5 miler, easy with a measured stride just to clear some of the lactic acid. The third day was one of my favorite runs - a 14 mile run that combined road and trail. This run consisted of 5 miles to the trail, 4 miles on a rolling, quiet trail that I have written about before here (Sounds of Silence), and a 5 mile return trip. I felt great throughout although my goal was to remain on my feet as long as I could and get to 34 miles for 3 days. At the same time, I knew I had a race (10K) scheduled for the 4th day giving me my 40 miles in 4 days and a great start to my marathon training. I went into the race with few expectations. I had 34 miles on my legs and a few beers in me from a July 4th party. I started off slow with an 8 minute mile (always intending to do this) but I let the race come to me and ran a negative split and a very fast last mile. It appears when I have little expectations and go into a race relaxed finding a nice easy pace to start, I run a better race. There was more to this day than just the race but it was the race that lets one feel like they want to be On the Road Again.
Monday, June 20, 2005
Runnin' Down a Dream
Yeah runnin' down a dream
That never would come to me
Workin' on a mystery, goin' wherever it leads
I'm runnin' down a dream
Running allows you to dream and then lets you chase that dream to whereever it leads. In your mind it appears within reach; with each step and breath, it is closer. You run a bit harder, faster and further to reach it. It is almost within your grasp. You reach deeper when you are fatiqued thinking you can't go anymore - certainly not faster, but you find that inner spiirit to pull you through. The inner spirit can take many forms - a person, a thought, an experience, but something that we can hold onto to to get to the finish and sometimes to the dream.
Racing is very much like this. Finishing is sometimes hard but if you know that there is a reward at the end it drives you harder to the finish and allows you to get through the rough times. You draw your energy from everywhere imaginable both mentally and physically. Your thoughts change, your legs stride differently, your arms help drive your legs, your breathing becomes a well-defined cadence, you look to find that one face in the crowd that gives you that last bit of assurance - the finish is in reach.
I raced twice this weekend. The George Sheehan Classic, a 5 miler dominated by Kenyans over the years but better known for its comunity spirit and charity. If you do not know who George Sheehan is, you should. He is one of the most profound philosophers as it relates to running that there has ever been. The race is held in his honor after he died of cancer several years ago. Forty of his family members ran in the race. I ran 36:45 finished 225 out of 1738 and 30th out of 193 in my age group. Overall, it was a good race.
On Sunday I ran Run For Dad 5K on father's day. I ran 21:55, good enough for 71 out of 458 and 9th in my age group. My Dad died at the age of 60 due to lung cancer as he was a smoker. I figure that for evevery breath that he couldn't take in his life, I have been able to take as a runner. I was able to pick that one face out in the crowd that got me to the finish - to see a smile at the end.
Even if your dreams are a mystery, even to you, keep running and you will find them. They will become more clear, within sight and reachable. You may find them in places where you might never look or in people who have touched you in ways you thought not possible.
Happy Father's Day Dad!
That never would come to me
Workin' on a mystery, goin' wherever it leads
I'm runnin' down a dream
Running allows you to dream and then lets you chase that dream to whereever it leads. In your mind it appears within reach; with each step and breath, it is closer. You run a bit harder, faster and further to reach it. It is almost within your grasp. You reach deeper when you are fatiqued thinking you can't go anymore - certainly not faster, but you find that inner spiirit to pull you through. The inner spirit can take many forms - a person, a thought, an experience, but something that we can hold onto to to get to the finish and sometimes to the dream.
Racing is very much like this. Finishing is sometimes hard but if you know that there is a reward at the end it drives you harder to the finish and allows you to get through the rough times. You draw your energy from everywhere imaginable both mentally and physically. Your thoughts change, your legs stride differently, your arms help drive your legs, your breathing becomes a well-defined cadence, you look to find that one face in the crowd that gives you that last bit of assurance - the finish is in reach.
I raced twice this weekend. The George Sheehan Classic, a 5 miler dominated by Kenyans over the years but better known for its comunity spirit and charity. If you do not know who George Sheehan is, you should. He is one of the most profound philosophers as it relates to running that there has ever been. The race is held in his honor after he died of cancer several years ago. Forty of his family members ran in the race. I ran 36:45 finished 225 out of 1738 and 30th out of 193 in my age group. Overall, it was a good race.
On Sunday I ran Run For Dad 5K on father's day. I ran 21:55, good enough for 71 out of 458 and 9th in my age group. My Dad died at the age of 60 due to lung cancer as he was a smoker. I figure that for evevery breath that he couldn't take in his life, I have been able to take as a runner. I was able to pick that one face out in the crowd that got me to the finish - to see a smile at the end.
Even if your dreams are a mystery, even to you, keep running and you will find them. They will become more clear, within sight and reachable. You may find them in places where you might never look or in people who have touched you in ways you thought not possible.
Happy Father's Day Dad!
Friday, June 17, 2005
Pickin' Wildflowers
Whatcha say we go pickin' wildflowers?
Got a spot way back in the woods.
Sneak away for a couple of hours,
You and me, pickin' wildflowers.
Trying to convince beginning runners what they need to do to be successful and injury-free in the sport is a difficult proposition. I’m not defining success here as winning races or age group awards. I define success in running by having an active, healthy running life where you get both mental and physical satisfaction from running day-in and day-out, where is becomes part of your lifestyle and a welcomed one, not one of drudgery. I also define success by what one can take from running and apply to life.
So many beginners want to go out and run too fast, too far, and sometimes just too much. When the runs aren’t fast enough, far enough or just plain “enough”, they get frustrated and end up stopping without ever giving it a chance. Sometimes I hear about the little aches and pains – well this hurts and that hurts. Truly, what hurts more is a sedentary lifestyle. Sitting in my chair is worse on my back than running. Yes, runners do need to listen to their bodies for more serious injuries or fatigue that can lead to injuries. However, for me, running cures all ills. If I have a backache, headache, foot ache, depressed, or stressed running stops it – sometimes for just that short time while running and sometimes for good or until the next time.
So what’s my point in all this? Just go out and move – run a little, walk a little, run some more and stop and pick some wildflowers, talk to a horse then run a little more and enjoy the body in motion and exploring both nature and yourself. For beginners and veterans alike, take the time to enjoy the experience. A few entries ago I spoke of stopping to pet and talk to a horse. I smile at deer and rabbits, I jump so I don’t step on a snake, I pick a wildflower that I have never seen, and I smell the newly blossomed honeysuckle – all of these things on my runs.
All said, I am serious about my running also. I like to compete (mostly against my own times) so I do train and do focus and work hard when I need to. Not every runner has to do this. To be a runner, you just need to run and sometimes go pickin’ wildflowers.
Got a spot way back in the woods.
Sneak away for a couple of hours,
You and me, pickin' wildflowers.
Trying to convince beginning runners what they need to do to be successful and injury-free in the sport is a difficult proposition. I’m not defining success here as winning races or age group awards. I define success in running by having an active, healthy running life where you get both mental and physical satisfaction from running day-in and day-out, where is becomes part of your lifestyle and a welcomed one, not one of drudgery. I also define success by what one can take from running and apply to life.
So many beginners want to go out and run too fast, too far, and sometimes just too much. When the runs aren’t fast enough, far enough or just plain “enough”, they get frustrated and end up stopping without ever giving it a chance. Sometimes I hear about the little aches and pains – well this hurts and that hurts. Truly, what hurts more is a sedentary lifestyle. Sitting in my chair is worse on my back than running. Yes, runners do need to listen to their bodies for more serious injuries or fatigue that can lead to injuries. However, for me, running cures all ills. If I have a backache, headache, foot ache, depressed, or stressed running stops it – sometimes for just that short time while running and sometimes for good or until the next time.
So what’s my point in all this? Just go out and move – run a little, walk a little, run some more and stop and pick some wildflowers, talk to a horse then run a little more and enjoy the body in motion and exploring both nature and yourself. For beginners and veterans alike, take the time to enjoy the experience. A few entries ago I spoke of stopping to pet and talk to a horse. I smile at deer and rabbits, I jump so I don’t step on a snake, I pick a wildflower that I have never seen, and I smell the newly blossomed honeysuckle – all of these things on my runs.
All said, I am serious about my running also. I like to compete (mostly against my own times) so I do train and do focus and work hard when I need to. Not every runner has to do this. To be a runner, you just need to run and sometimes go pickin’ wildflowers.
Saturday, June 11, 2005
A Day At The Races
June is an interesting time to race for those of us who live through the four seasons. This is especially true when the temperature and humidity go from spring-like to mid-summer in what seems like overnight. I think to get the Varieties of Running Experience though, a runner must experience running in all conditions and in all the seasons. I do have days in the middle of February where I wake up and wish I lived in San Diego or one of the other best running weather citiies that just came out in Runner's World but then I come to my senses and realize the variety of conditions and experiences that I am fortunate to have as a runner in the Northeast. These conditions and experiences make me a better runner. My body and mental outlook adapts accordingly and I expect more or less from the season. Each season and each condition is a different experience. Even running in the rain during the seasons is different. As runners, we get to experience life and nature in their truest forms. I am not saying you can't expereince these things as a non-runner or another kind of athelete but I don't believe it is as complete.
It takes the body a few weeks to transition from low humidity and cooler temperatures to high humidity and downright hot temperatures. I have a few runs in the humidity this year but today was the first race that pushed the limit. The body will adapt - it always does and helping it along never hurts.
I ran the Princeton Fete 10K race today. It was hot and humid even at 8:00 AM. As always, I might have started a bit fast running the first mile in 6:57. I hung in there as long as I could with the weather. I sweated and I tried to drink (except the race organizers decided to give shot glass sizes of water in plastic cups and if you don't know what this means, someday you will!) and worked my way through the course. One saving grace was that most of the course was tree-lined and had plenty of shade. The downhills were slight so I could increase my stride without jamming my feet and knees into the road surface. The hills flirted with the flat and downhill surfaces but were not really a problem. I hit the 5K in 23 minutes so I certainly ran a positive split finishing in 47:51. I was nearly 2 minutes slower in the second half which I think is a lot in a 10K. I've tried working on more even splits and starting a bit easier but I guess I still didn't get it done today. The finish was on a soft spongy track at Princeton University. I love track finishes mostly because that is what I used to be - a 200 meter sprinter. When I hit the track - I go back!
Thus, a day at the races! One gratifying thing I did after the race was went back out to the track and cheered on the remaining runners. This was probably as gratifying as running. I love the people who believe they are not runners but are out there making the effort and in doing so are REALLY runners! Those runners are the ones who drive the sport and drive the motivation for so many of us as runners.
Happy Running!
It takes the body a few weeks to transition from low humidity and cooler temperatures to high humidity and downright hot temperatures. I have a few runs in the humidity this year but today was the first race that pushed the limit. The body will adapt - it always does and helping it along never hurts.
I ran the Princeton Fete 10K race today. It was hot and humid even at 8:00 AM. As always, I might have started a bit fast running the first mile in 6:57. I hung in there as long as I could with the weather. I sweated and I tried to drink (except the race organizers decided to give shot glass sizes of water in plastic cups and if you don't know what this means, someday you will!) and worked my way through the course. One saving grace was that most of the course was tree-lined and had plenty of shade. The downhills were slight so I could increase my stride without jamming my feet and knees into the road surface. The hills flirted with the flat and downhill surfaces but were not really a problem. I hit the 5K in 23 minutes so I certainly ran a positive split finishing in 47:51. I was nearly 2 minutes slower in the second half which I think is a lot in a 10K. I've tried working on more even splits and starting a bit easier but I guess I still didn't get it done today. The finish was on a soft spongy track at Princeton University. I love track finishes mostly because that is what I used to be - a 200 meter sprinter. When I hit the track - I go back!
Thus, a day at the races! One gratifying thing I did after the race was went back out to the track and cheered on the remaining runners. This was probably as gratifying as running. I love the people who believe they are not runners but are out there making the effort and in doing so are REALLY runners! Those runners are the ones who drive the sport and drive the motivation for so many of us as runners.
Happy Running!
Monday, May 30, 2005
This ain't No Thinkin' Thing
This ain't no thinkin` thing, right brain, left brain. It goes a little deeper than that...
You might not be a regular reader of this blog (not too many people are!) but if you do venture out to read it every once in awhile, you might notice that I get a bit philosophical in my writing. However, I always bring it back to my running. Typically my runs give me that time to think, theorize, philosophize or just plain vegitate. A hard training run doesn't afford this free thought. That was my run on Saturday. I went out to run a hard 10 mile tempo run where I wanted to push the pace for at least half the run. When pushing the pace, the focus is on running - form, breathing, adapting, arms, turnover. It becomes relaxed and natural at a point but I am still in a focused, race-pace zone - a focused, race-pace zone "ain't no thinkin' thing"! Thus, you won't get any philosophy or meaning of life in this entry.
The first couple of miles were for warm-up - easy 8:45 pace and then I kicked into a 5 mile 15K-pace tempo run around 7:30-7:45 . I know for you speed demons out there that your warm-up might be in the 7:30's! I pushed the pace both up and down the hills. To me, rolling terrain is the best for training and racing. Your muscles get to rest as the terrain changes. I think it is much better than running on flat surfaces. Using the same muscles over and over again for a long period of time fatigues them. Of course, one might like a flat 5K or 10K where there is more interest in flat-out speed but I will take a rolling course anyday for any distance over a 10 miles. I am sure the elites and locally competitive runners will disagree since they actually have a shot at winning!
Anyway, I brought it home after the tempo portion at a medium pace and then cooled down in the last mile. I need these hard workouts when I am going through race withdrawal. I do at least two harder workouts a week - one typically hill repeats. I love the hills! As Frank Shorter said, "Hills are speedwork in disguise". The other hard workout is usually a tempo or fartlek run.
Hard training runs - This ain't No Thinkin' Thing!
You might not be a regular reader of this blog (not too many people are!) but if you do venture out to read it every once in awhile, you might notice that I get a bit philosophical in my writing. However, I always bring it back to my running. Typically my runs give me that time to think, theorize, philosophize or just plain vegitate. A hard training run doesn't afford this free thought. That was my run on Saturday. I went out to run a hard 10 mile tempo run where I wanted to push the pace for at least half the run. When pushing the pace, the focus is on running - form, breathing, adapting, arms, turnover. It becomes relaxed and natural at a point but I am still in a focused, race-pace zone - a focused, race-pace zone "ain't no thinkin' thing"! Thus, you won't get any philosophy or meaning of life in this entry.
The first couple of miles were for warm-up - easy 8:45 pace and then I kicked into a 5 mile 15K-pace tempo run around 7:30-7:45 . I know for you speed demons out there that your warm-up might be in the 7:30's! I pushed the pace both up and down the hills. To me, rolling terrain is the best for training and racing. Your muscles get to rest as the terrain changes. I think it is much better than running on flat surfaces. Using the same muscles over and over again for a long period of time fatigues them. Of course, one might like a flat 5K or 10K where there is more interest in flat-out speed but I will take a rolling course anyday for any distance over a 10 miles. I am sure the elites and locally competitive runners will disagree since they actually have a shot at winning!
Anyway, I brought it home after the tempo portion at a medium pace and then cooled down in the last mile. I need these hard workouts when I am going through race withdrawal. I do at least two harder workouts a week - one typically hill repeats. I love the hills! As Frank Shorter said, "Hills are speedwork in disguise". The other hard workout is usually a tempo or fartlek run.
Hard training runs - This ain't No Thinkin' Thing!
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Horse With No Name
On the first part of the journey, I was looking at all the life, There were plants and birds and rocks and things. Each part of the journey while running is about life. It is not just the life around you but the life within you. In many ways the life within is experienced by touching and seeing the life around you. As I was running a nice, easy 10 miler this week, I stopped to experience life. Millstone is known for its many horse farms. Whenever I see a horse standing by a fence, who seemingly does not understand why someone is running without being hit by a whip or spurred in the ribs, I stop to pet and chat. At about mile 3, there (s)he was, a horse with no name just waiting for an explanation. Friendly and nosey I petted her and chatted about running. It wasn't Mister Ed so he didn't talk back but he seemed to understand. No matter, it was a moment when I got to share my life with the life around me. It makes you glad you are alive but makes you equally happy that there is life outside of your own to share it with.
Friday, May 20, 2005
Against the Wind
Against the wind, I keep running against the wind, I'm older now, but I keep runnin' aginst the wind... I always feel obligated to write when I run in the rain. Today, I just happened to be running against the wind on a cold, wet, rainy day. It was an uncomfortable but easy 5-miler. I don't run well in the afternoon or early evening. Add the rain and wind and an easy day turns into a hard day. I do like to stress my body and mind on days like this though. I know that at some race, sometime in the future, it's going to be a crappy day with wind, cold and rain. When it occurs, I'm going to know how it feels and know how to run in it. That is the beauty of doing hard things - most of your other experiences feel easy or at least easier.
I see few people out in the rain, let alone runners, and I am sure the drivers in their cars are thinking, "what an ass, out running in this kind of weather!", yet secretly wishing that they were running or at least in the shape to run in this kind of weather. Maybe I will motivate someone someday. If that happens, I hope we can wave to one another while we're both out running against the wind.
I see few people out in the rain, let alone runners, and I am sure the drivers in their cars are thinking, "what an ass, out running in this kind of weather!", yet secretly wishing that they were running or at least in the shape to run in this kind of weather. Maybe I will motivate someone someday. If that happens, I hope we can wave to one another while we're both out running against the wind.
Sunday, May 15, 2005
The Sounds of Slience
Sometimes I just need to get away from human noise. When I refer to human noise, I mean, noises that are the direct result of humans - voices, cars, hammers, jets, phones, etc. I turn to the sounds of silence or as close to silence as I can get. I find this silence on the trails. The only things "human" about the trails are related to me - the rhythm of my breathing, the pitter patter of my shoes hitting the stones, sand, and roots. You can open up your ears on the trail - the birds chirping and flirting with one another, the little creatures rustling through the brush, the wind playing the leaves, creating nature's white noise. All playing at once like nature's symphony.
This run was special. I ran 5 miles to the trail and spent the next 4 miles at nature's concert and then 5 miles back. It was a solid 14 miler with a rythm like I was the conductor of the symphony. I picked up the pace once I came off the trail. The roads are still rurual at that point but there is human noise. My last 5 miles were much faster than my first 9 miles. I don't run many negative splits, if any, but I am finding that a good relaxing, easy start affords me a strong, well-paced, energizing finish. I just now need to remember this for races!
Overall, I had a solid 3 days of weekend running putting in 25 miles for 3 days and 40 for the week. The most encouraging aspect was that each of the 3 weekend days was strong and relaxed. That is how I like to run, strong and relaxed.
The body as well as the mind need the sounds of silence every once in awhile. When mine do, I head for the trails!
This run was special. I ran 5 miles to the trail and spent the next 4 miles at nature's concert and then 5 miles back. It was a solid 14 miler with a rythm like I was the conductor of the symphony. I picked up the pace once I came off the trail. The roads are still rurual at that point but there is human noise. My last 5 miles were much faster than my first 9 miles. I don't run many negative splits, if any, but I am finding that a good relaxing, easy start affords me a strong, well-paced, energizing finish. I just now need to remember this for races!
Overall, I had a solid 3 days of weekend running putting in 25 miles for 3 days and 40 for the week. The most encouraging aspect was that each of the 3 weekend days was strong and relaxed. That is how I like to run, strong and relaxed.
The body as well as the mind need the sounds of silence every once in awhile. When mine do, I head for the trails!
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
The Trees
The Trees has always been one of my favorite songs by Rush. As I was running on a gorgeous morning this week, I turned into a tunnel of trees, better known as “skook hollow” - well at least to me it is. It is a dark, spooky, narrow road at night. When driving on it, if you turn off your headlights you will see nothing but dark in front of you, not even your hand, thus the name “skook hollow”.
Anyway, the morning was crisp for a May morning, 37 degrees with a clear sky yet a fog meandering through the low lying areas, over ponds and filling in the newly sprouting leaves of the trees. It was eerie in a sense. As the sun rose and glared at each of my strides, it created a lightshow somewhat like at a rock concert – the fog, the beams of sun highlighting the performer. Each twist and turn on the road presented a different scene. Trees, newly sowed fields, and ponds each had their own personality or relationship with the fog.
It was a normal, medium-paced 5-miler except the beauty of the morning was more daunting. I couldn’t help but look around, hardly knowing I was running. This particular route is a down and back. After the turn, I head up a slight hill, over the crest and back down the other side. Typically, my pace picks up here as my body is warmed and used to the pace. Once I finish the decline, I turn into “skook hollow”.
This is where it hit me. The Trees embraced me! The new blossoms welcomed me home like they missed seeing me run beneath them. The fog was lifting and the sun was rising but The Trees were closing in on me. They now had a personality all their own. This is when the song, “The Trees” hit me. “The maples formed a union and demanded equal rights, the oaks are just too lofty, we will make them give us light.” It was a hug from nature, just me and The Trees!
Anyway, the morning was crisp for a May morning, 37 degrees with a clear sky yet a fog meandering through the low lying areas, over ponds and filling in the newly sprouting leaves of the trees. It was eerie in a sense. As the sun rose and glared at each of my strides, it created a lightshow somewhat like at a rock concert – the fog, the beams of sun highlighting the performer. Each twist and turn on the road presented a different scene. Trees, newly sowed fields, and ponds each had their own personality or relationship with the fog.
It was a normal, medium-paced 5-miler except the beauty of the morning was more daunting. I couldn’t help but look around, hardly knowing I was running. This particular route is a down and back. After the turn, I head up a slight hill, over the crest and back down the other side. Typically, my pace picks up here as my body is warmed and used to the pace. Once I finish the decline, I turn into “skook hollow”.
This is where it hit me. The Trees embraced me! The new blossoms welcomed me home like they missed seeing me run beneath them. The fog was lifting and the sun was rising but The Trees were closing in on me. They now had a personality all their own. This is when the song, “The Trees” hit me. “The maples formed a union and demanded equal rights, the oaks are just too lofty, we will make them give us light.” It was a hug from nature, just me and The Trees!
Friday, April 29, 2005
Recovering the Satellites
Maybe you have noticed. Of course, there are probably so few of you reading my entries here that no one has noticed. Anyway, I have started titling my entries after the names of songs or albums. Now, if you are under the age of 25, you might not know what an album is. An album is a vinyl disc with lots of grooves that produces exceptional static with words and music strewn throughout. On this disc is a collection of songs. “Ah!” you say, “it is like a CD”! Yes, it is like a CD.
Now that we have the basics out of the way, I have decided to title the entry after a song or CD, and think about my running experience in terms of that title. Usually the title comes to me while running. Some of the more recent entries were named after Kenny Chesney songs. This one is named after a Counting Crows CD. So what does Recovering the Satellites have to do with running?
As I was running on Wednesday, I thought to myself, “I feel really good and my legs feel like they have recovered from the weekend”. The weekend included the Runner’s World Half Marathon (see Living Here in Allentown). There are general rules of thumb about recovery after racing. One idea is to allow one easy day of running for each mile run in the race. Some people take a couple of full days off. I tend to take the next day off and then ease into running until my body tells me that it feels good and I can set my sights on training for another race. However, feeling good and being recovered are not necessarily one in the same. This is where the satellites come into play.
During my run on Wednesday, the reasoning behind this entry and the subsequent titling of it in reference to a song or album went like this:
“Hey, I feel like I have recovered. I feel great today! Hmmm, but I know that all those little muscle fibers have not recovered. All those torn little cylindrical multinucleate cells composed of myofibrils (OK, I didn’t really think that) are like little disparate satellites dancing around under my skin trying to find protein to rebuild themselves. It must be a false recovery under the glycogen store guise. I need to recover the satellites. Hey, that’s the name of a Counting Crows album (Hah, kids these days don’t even know what albums are). I think that will be my next entry on my blog”.
The mind of a runner sure works in strange ways. We carry on conversations with ourselves. When running alone, how else can we run at conversational pace? Maybe I should title my next entry Talking Heads!
Now that we have the basics out of the way, I have decided to title the entry after a song or CD, and think about my running experience in terms of that title. Usually the title comes to me while running. Some of the more recent entries were named after Kenny Chesney songs. This one is named after a Counting Crows CD. So what does Recovering the Satellites have to do with running?
As I was running on Wednesday, I thought to myself, “I feel really good and my legs feel like they have recovered from the weekend”. The weekend included the Runner’s World Half Marathon (see Living Here in Allentown). There are general rules of thumb about recovery after racing. One idea is to allow one easy day of running for each mile run in the race. Some people take a couple of full days off. I tend to take the next day off and then ease into running until my body tells me that it feels good and I can set my sights on training for another race. However, feeling good and being recovered are not necessarily one in the same. This is where the satellites come into play.
During my run on Wednesday, the reasoning behind this entry and the subsequent titling of it in reference to a song or album went like this:
“Hey, I feel like I have recovered. I feel great today! Hmmm, but I know that all those little muscle fibers have not recovered. All those torn little cylindrical multinucleate cells composed of myofibrils (OK, I didn’t really think that) are like little disparate satellites dancing around under my skin trying to find protein to rebuild themselves. It must be a false recovery under the glycogen store guise. I need to recover the satellites. Hey, that’s the name of a Counting Crows album (Hah, kids these days don’t even know what albums are). I think that will be my next entry on my blog”.
The mind of a runner sure works in strange ways. We carry on conversations with ourselves. When running alone, how else can we run at conversational pace? Maybe I should title my next entry Talking Heads!
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Living Here in Allentown
Maybe the title of Billy Joel's song should be "Running Here in Allentown"! I've run the Runner's World Half Marathon 4 of the last 5 years. It is one of my favorite races. It is not only the race itself and the great organization by the Lehigh Valley Road Runners (LVRR) organization, but there is always a great motivational speaker and wonderful host at the pasta dinner. The host is always Bart Yasso from Runner's world. Bart's love for the running community and humor always brings out the best emotions in the runners. This year, Sarah Reinertsen, one of Runner's World's heros from their December issue was the guest speaker. I won't go into the details but Sarah runs using a mechanical leg and has completed 7 marathons and participated in the Ironman triathalon in Hawaii. With her dream and belief in herself alive, she will be finishing the Ironman in 2005. She also ran the Runner's World Half Marathon this past Sunday. Her themes, as she was discussing her life, were believing and dreaming - to not give up, to keep reaching, keep working. I must admit, I did revisit her words while running the race on Sunday. I need to keep visiting with them as I try to qualify for Boston.
My run was just alright. I never quite dialed into the groove of the course - as beautiful as it is. The race went as my running has been going since January after the Las Vegas Marathon - a bit of a struggle. I rushed the first two miles getting through the crowds, finally settled into my pace and then raced with sporadic splits in the second half of the race. Everything felt a little tight, a little off-kilter, although my legs felt strong for the most part. I finally crossed the line at 1:46:59 about 4 1/2 minutes off my time from the previous year. However, I always look for good news in a race or at least ways to improve. Since I just turned 45, this race and each subsequent race at a new distance is an age-group PR! That's the good news!
The beauty of running is that we all win when we go out and participate in a race. No matter how I run, I truly feel like I have accomplished something. I rarely get that feeling elsewhere. The other winners are the charities that get supported by these races. The Lehigh Valley Road Runners organization has a great charity support program. The supporting community, runners, volunteers, not to mention Runner's World Magazine, give their time, effort and money to make this race one of the best organized, genuine and generous races being staged. One of my favorite activities is the Kids Races. The determination, exhaustion and eventual smiles on their faces upon finishing says it all about the running experience.
Although I might not be "Living in Allentown" anytime soon (although it looks like a nice place to live) I will always be "Running in Allentown" in the Runner's World Half Marathon. I must also say, If ever I could get a job at Runner's World, I'd move! :)
My run was just alright. I never quite dialed into the groove of the course - as beautiful as it is. The race went as my running has been going since January after the Las Vegas Marathon - a bit of a struggle. I rushed the first two miles getting through the crowds, finally settled into my pace and then raced with sporadic splits in the second half of the race. Everything felt a little tight, a little off-kilter, although my legs felt strong for the most part. I finally crossed the line at 1:46:59 about 4 1/2 minutes off my time from the previous year. However, I always look for good news in a race or at least ways to improve. Since I just turned 45, this race and each subsequent race at a new distance is an age-group PR! That's the good news!
The beauty of running is that we all win when we go out and participate in a race. No matter how I run, I truly feel like I have accomplished something. I rarely get that feeling elsewhere. The other winners are the charities that get supported by these races. The Lehigh Valley Road Runners organization has a great charity support program. The supporting community, runners, volunteers, not to mention Runner's World Magazine, give their time, effort and money to make this race one of the best organized, genuine and generous races being staged. One of my favorite activities is the Kids Races. The determination, exhaustion and eventual smiles on their faces upon finishing says it all about the running experience.
Although I might not be "Living in Allentown" anytime soon (although it looks like a nice place to live) I will always be "Running in Allentown" in the Runner's World Half Marathon. I must also say, If ever I could get a job at Runner's World, I'd move! :)
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Somewhere in the Sun
Spring and sunshine has finally found its way to the Garden State. Over the last week, each run has had a backdrop of pure blue sky and bright sunshine even at 6:30 in the morning. The weekend runs went as planned with a hard 15 miler on Saturday and an easy 5 miler on Sunday. I like to test myself a bit a couple of weeks before a race which will be the Runner's World Half Marathon April 24. I am not sure I will go 1:42 but believe I can go under 1:45. No matter what the time, the joy will be just running it. It has great race organization by Lehigh Valley Running Club and Runner's World.
This week has brought the same weather although a bit cooler. Early morning runs have been in the 30's but still with the bright sunshine; shorts are still in order. While running over the hills and through the woods, I thought to myself, no matter where I am running, I am "somewhere in the sun". Sunshine in general just makes for a more pleasant day but when you get to see the sun rise on a nice brisk run, it is something special.
On your next run with the sun beating down on you, think of how lucky you are to be running "somewhere in the sun"!
This week has brought the same weather although a bit cooler. Early morning runs have been in the 30's but still with the bright sunshine; shorts are still in order. While running over the hills and through the woods, I thought to myself, no matter where I am running, I am "somewhere in the sun". Sunshine in general just makes for a more pleasant day but when you get to see the sun rise on a nice brisk run, it is something special.
On your next run with the sun beating down on you, think of how lucky you are to be running "somewhere in the sun"!
Friday, April 08, 2005
Be As You Are
It has been two weeks since I have blogged but it hasn't been two weeks since I have run. I was "being as I am" in St. John on vacation for a week and adjusting to being back to reality for a week. In St. John, you can truly "be as you are" as opposed to being who you have to be. Running in St. John is a challenge due to the 45 degree (not kidding) hills (up and down), no shoulders, and drivers not used to having runners around. I always run a couple of days and take the challenge - especially the 4 mile trek from Gallows to the Westin that provides panoramic views of the Caribbean and St. Thomas. The hills are brutal but it is worth the hike. I always like seeing the goats and sheep along the way too - living their simple life. The runs always help me control (not) my food and drink intake or at least make me feel better about it.
I ran and worked out enough to ease into a week of good running as I prepare for the Runner's World Half Marathon. I have run 20 miles this week and will run another 20 over the weekend.
Running also allows us to "Be as we are". You can be wherever you want and whover you want on your runs. In some cases it is where dreams are born out of thought or possibly even where they die out of reason. I am me on my runs. I am not a corporate leutenant. I am not a puppet. I run voluntarily and freely. What else in life truly allows you to "be as you are"?
I ran and worked out enough to ease into a week of good running as I prepare for the Runner's World Half Marathon. I have run 20 miles this week and will run another 20 over the weekend.
Running also allows us to "Be as we are". You can be wherever you want and whover you want on your runs. In some cases it is where dreams are born out of thought or possibly even where they die out of reason. I am me on my runs. I am not a corporate leutenant. I am not a puppet. I run voluntarily and freely. What else in life truly allows you to "be as you are"?
Friday, March 25, 2005
The Good Stuff
I'm typically out the door running at 6:30 a.m. With the sun rising earlier and the temperatures starting to rise, the morning presents the essence of running or "the good stuff". There is a perfection to the morning. Everything is still except for the birds chirping waiting to be fed, the deer ending their evening of activity, the cocks crowing letting the farmers know it is time to sow the fields and the sun rising up over the hills. Yes, although I live in NJ running out the door of my house affords me of "the good stuff".
I have had a decent couple of weeks of running with a good medium run of 15 miles last Sunday, short tempo runs and a couple of hill workouts. Next up will be the Runner's World 1/2 marathon in late April. It will be a family affair running with my niece and nephew.
However, it is time for vacation and the beauty of St. John which provides "the good stuff" in a whole different way!
I have had a decent couple of weeks of running with a good medium run of 15 miles last Sunday, short tempo runs and a couple of hill workouts. Next up will be the Runner's World 1/2 marathon in late April. It will be a family affair running with my niece and nephew.
However, it is time for vacation and the beauty of St. John which provides "the good stuff" in a whole different way!
Monday, March 14, 2005
St. Paddy's
Call it the luck of the Irish...the running of the green...but whatever it was, it wasn't expected. I haven't had a good 5 weeks of running. It has actually been a bit difficult to explain but it has been hard pushing anything more than 6 miles and any pace better than 9 minutes. I did get a couple of back to back 10 milers at an acceptable pace of 8:26 but in general it has been a struggle.
I signed up for the St. Paddy's 10 miler a few weeks back, after the LV marathon. I have run it before and last year was a master's PR for me at 1:17:55. I even contemplated not going yesterday because I really didn't know if it was going to be a fun time. The weather was perfect at about 42 dgrees and sunny. I told my myself to get out there, expect nothing and just have an enjoyable run.
I toed the line very relaxed and just waiting for the start. I was really expecting to be in the neighborhodd of 8:25's and just hoping to get in under 1:25. Well, I started out at about 7:40 pace and never let go of it keeping a consistent strong pace averaging 7:37 for the entire 10 miles. I really felt great! I beat last year's master's PR by 90 seconds coming in at 1:16:26. Truly, I was shocked and still not sure how it happened. Maybe I let my body heal for the last 5 weeks; maybe I approached it very relaxed, maybe it was the luck of the Irish. Whatever it was, it gave me some much needed confidence. It's funny how running can do that, just when you need it, it gives once more, something back to you!
I signed up for the St. Paddy's 10 miler a few weeks back, after the LV marathon. I have run it before and last year was a master's PR for me at 1:17:55. I even contemplated not going yesterday because I really didn't know if it was going to be a fun time. The weather was perfect at about 42 dgrees and sunny. I told my myself to get out there, expect nothing and just have an enjoyable run.
I toed the line very relaxed and just waiting for the start. I was really expecting to be in the neighborhodd of 8:25's and just hoping to get in under 1:25. Well, I started out at about 7:40 pace and never let go of it keeping a consistent strong pace averaging 7:37 for the entire 10 miles. I really felt great! I beat last year's master's PR by 90 seconds coming in at 1:16:26. Truly, I was shocked and still not sure how it happened. Maybe I let my body heal for the last 5 weeks; maybe I approached it very relaxed, maybe it was the luck of the Irish. Whatever it was, it gave me some much needed confidence. It's funny how running can do that, just when you need it, it gives once more, something back to you!
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Songs About Rain
Yesterday felt like a taste of spring. Today it is raw again! It was 43 degrees when I got out the door at 7:00 AM but it was raining - the more I ran, the harder the rain got. There is something about running in the rain that feels good - maybe it is just mingling with the elements, flirting with mother nature, dancing with the raindrops. Today, maybe it was just being able to wear shorts yet having cold, wet, numbing legs. Whatever it was, it felt pretty good!
Monday, March 07, 2005
Twin 10's
Sometimes your mind and body is disconnected. My mind wants to run....run races, run marathons, run long and far. My body has not cooperated over the last month barely running anything under a 9 minute pace. On Saturday, I left it up to the body asking it to perform if it wanted to run another marathon in Cleveland in May. In order to say yes, it had to run a 10-miler under 9 minute pace. It responded with a resounding yes and an 8:26 pace. On Sunday, I went back out for another 10-miler and also felt decent. Sometimes, the body and mind need reconciled.
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Do Something
With my running not going so great these days, I have decided that if I don't run I need to do something. I have wanted to get back into strength training for a little while. I figure it is a good time to start a program and then as my running comes around to integrate the two. The key is to "do something" everyday for the body!
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Listen to the Body
Geaorge Sheehan once said to listen to the body. It would tell you when it needed rest, was injured, or was ready to go. For a month, after the LV Marathon and my 5th marathon within a year, my body has been telling me to rest. I still have the motivation to get out on the road, still have the motivation to race but my body is telling me something differently. The energy in my legs and aerobic capacity seems different, different than it has in the last 4 years. I ran 8 miles today after 6 miles each of the last two days. I was registered for a half marathon and decided not to run based on how I have been feeling...thought I would go out for 10 but after 3 miles I cut it to 8 miles never getting under 9:15 per mile.
I'll listen a little longer but I hope the body starts talking back in more of a positive manner. I would like to run the Cleveland Marathon in May but my body is going to have to tell me that it is OK.
I'll listen a little longer but I hope the body starts talking back in more of a positive manner. I would like to run the Cleveland Marathon in May but my body is going to have to tell me that it is OK.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Lake Michigan
I'm in Chicago and decided to run by the lake today. All I can say is to be careful of the concrete walkway around the outside of the museum with invisible ice. I almost took a dip in the icey cold waters of Lake Michigan! The 5 miles were good though!
Saturday, February 19, 2005
The Good News
Remind me that if I ever complain about the 25 mph headwind at the Las Vegas Marathon, that it could have been in 16 degree weather with a windchill of 9 degrees. Today, I ran my longest run since the marathon, 10.5 miles. However, it seemed that it did not matter which direction I was running, that I was always running into a headwind. It was 16 degrees so the windchill was about 9 degrees. During the run I thought about Las Vegas Marathon and running into that stuff headwind much of the way. I suspect it would have been much more interesting if it was 16 degrees instead of 52 degrees.
It did feel good to be on the road for an hour and half running for the joy of it with no watch and no time constraints. Its got me in the mood now to train again. On February 27, I will be running the E. Murray Todd Half Marathon, then possibly the Chambersburg Half Marathon in March and the Runner's World Half Marathon in April. I have a hotel for the Cleveland Marathon in May but have not committed with registration or air. I am already registered for my 5th consecutive Baltimore Marathon in October. I also realized today that I ran 3 marathons from October - January - not that I didn't realize it when I was doing it!
It did feel good to be on the road for an hour and half running for the joy of it with no watch and no time constraints. Its got me in the mood now to train again. On February 27, I will be running the E. Murray Todd Half Marathon, then possibly the Chambersburg Half Marathon in March and the Runner's World Half Marathon in April. I have a hotel for the Cleveland Marathon in May but have not committed with registration or air. I am already registered for my 5th consecutive Baltimore Marathon in October. I also realized today that I ran 3 marathons from October - January - not that I didn't realize it when I was doing it!
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Finally - A good couple of runs!
It has been 2 1/2 weeks since the Las Vegas marathon and my 5th in the last year. Speaking of the 5th in the last year, a guy that was riding on the bus to the start of the LV marathon was running his 4th in 4 weeks and he was 60, so what am I complaining about.
Anyway, it took me a couple of weeks to re-adjust to some decent running. I had a cold, started a new job with a new routine, and had just run a marathon. Just yesterday and today, I had a couple of decent 5 milers and have run the last 5 of 6 days. Being closer to home with my new job, I can now run in the wonderful rural area of Millstone in the morning instead of concrete haven of New York City.
I am still contemplating running Cleveland in May. I think I should but my body needs convinced!!
Anyway, it took me a couple of weeks to re-adjust to some decent running. I had a cold, started a new job with a new routine, and had just run a marathon. Just yesterday and today, I had a couple of decent 5 milers and have run the last 5 of 6 days. Being closer to home with my new job, I can now run in the wonderful rural area of Millstone in the morning instead of concrete haven of New York City.
I am still contemplating running Cleveland in May. I think I should but my body needs convinced!!
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Dichotomy
The marathon is a dichotomy - it will be one of the hardest yet easiest things you will do in your life.
Saturday, February 05, 2005
First Recovery
After taking 5 days off for recovery from the Las Vegas Marathon, I got back out on the road today. It's was a great feeling hitting the pavement again for an easy 6 miler. I am also now unemployed - on purpose - as my last day with Medidata was Friday and my first day with Clinphone is Monday. Hah! Enough about work - it's time to prepare for Cleveland Rocks 'n Runs Marathon!
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Las Vegas Marathon
There is so much to write about related to running the Las Vegas Marathon this past weekend. There is little focus on the marathon in Las Vegas because there is so much else out there. It felt like we were getting everything else in and just happened to have to run a marathon in the desert - it was truly in the desert with wonderful stiff headwinds. My nephew Shawn and I also did Las Vegas in support of Operation Marathon supporting the Victory Junction Gang camp for terminally or chronically ill children. This camp was founded by NASCAR's Kyle Petty and family in memory of his son Adam who died in a practice lap in New Hampshire. We signed up for a package where most of the proceeds went to the camp but we did get to meet Michael Waltrip and Kyle Petty. We also got to attend a benefit concert by Hootie and the Blowfish which also had other NASCAR drivers in attendance like Jeff Gordon and Robbie Gordon. I know marathoning and NASCAR appear to be strange bedfellows but my nephew and I love both and this was a great opportunity. Michael and Kyle ran the marathon and did great. However, the biggest victory was the $1 million dollars raised by Michael for the camp. I am considering running all future marathons for this camp. I will post more about the marathon and weekend on runnersthoughts.com.
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
Eating, Drinking, Sleeping and A Little Running
This is not what you think! It is taper week and I spend most of my preparation by eating (high complex carb, a little protein to continue the healing), drinking (lots of water), sleeping (at least 8 hours) and actually doing little running. These are the things that work well for me the week prior to the marathon. I feel a bit heavy on race morning but it helps a ton at mile 20!! I also like to run on the treadmill the week before (or a soft surface) to do what I can to not induce damage on the legs.
I will run 3 5-milers this week and then take a 26.2 mile jaunt through the desert!
I will run 3 5-milers this week and then take a 26.2 mile jaunt through the desert!
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Storm Trak
It's coming! 12 - 18 inches of snow with the potential for 20 inches. I did get a nice brisk 8 miler in this morning in about 10 degree weather. There is something fantastic about running in temperatures between 0 and 20. I believe it is the clean, crisp air that feels as refreshing as an ice cold water (or beer) after a run in the summer.
One week to go until Las Vegas - 26.2 miles of running in the high desert. This will be the highest elevation (3200 ft) that I have run. It does drop to 2700 ft on the strip. In NJ, my normal run elevations range from 150 ft to about 300 ft.
The weather is also looking good (of course, any weather outside of 20 inches of snow is looking good) with a 40 degree start and a 55 - 60 degree finish - perfect marathon weather.
One week to go until Las Vegas - 26.2 miles of running in the high desert. This will be the highest elevation (3200 ft) that I have run. It does drop to 2700 ft on the strip. In NJ, my normal run elevations range from 150 ft to about 300 ft.
The weather is also looking good (of course, any weather outside of 20 inches of snow is looking good) with a 40 degree start and a 55 - 60 degree finish - perfect marathon weather.
Friday, January 21, 2005
Discipline Not to Run
For days that are deemed recovery or complete rest days, spend the time you would be running reading about running!
Tapering to me is having the discipline NOT to run or NOT to train. To me, it is one of the hardest parts of marathon training especially the week leading up to the marathon. Las Vegas Marathon in 10 days!
Tapering to me is having the discipline NOT to run or NOT to train. To me, it is one of the hardest parts of marathon training especially the week leading up to the marathon. Las Vegas Marathon in 10 days!
Thursday, January 20, 2005
19 and 2
Its 19 degrees and 2 inches of snow...what a beautiful morning for a 10 miler! At least there is no wind!
It was such a beautiful, clear, crisp run this morning! I would much rather run in this than when the temperature pushes 90 degrees with 100% humidity. Your body warms and you can layer clothes until you reach that springlike temperature. It is not possible to do this in the summer - your body never cools.
I also noticed something about the way I run. I wrote a piece on my Runners' Thoughts website related to footprints in the snow. I experienced the same thing today. It was a light dusting of snow so my footprints left fossil-like impressions in the snow as did another runner's on my return jaunt. With mine, I could tell that my right foot slightly overpronates and turns a bit outward. I haven't noticed it before but may explain my bout with Plantar Facitis over the last year.
It was such a beautiful, clear, crisp run this morning! I would much rather run in this than when the temperature pushes 90 degrees with 100% humidity. Your body warms and you can layer clothes until you reach that springlike temperature. It is not possible to do this in the summer - your body never cools.
I also noticed something about the way I run. I wrote a piece on my Runners' Thoughts website related to footprints in the snow. I experienced the same thing today. It was a light dusting of snow so my footprints left fossil-like impressions in the snow as did another runner's on my return jaunt. With mine, I could tell that my right foot slightly overpronates and turns a bit outward. I haven't noticed it before but may explain my bout with Plantar Facitis over the last year.
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
11 Degrees
I know that this is warm compared to the -54 degrees in Embarrass, MN, but it is still going to be a cold 5 miler this morning!
OK, so I am back! The wind chill was posted at -1 degree! It is such a nice feeling when the wind turns to your back and the Sun is beating down on you from the front. Today was also one of those days where you can taste the salt from the roads from the tiny bit of snow we had over the weekend. As the wind kicks up, the salt powders your lips with just a spray similar to being at the Ocean. Maybe this is one way to get through the run - to feel as though you are basking in the Sun with an ocean breeze pushing aside the palms and hugging your body.
I never complain about the cold when running because I know that there are other runners crazier than I running in this weather everyday! Hello Fargo! Hello Bar Harbor! At least we get a reprieve here on the east with an occasional 50 or 60 degree day!
OK, so I am back! The wind chill was posted at -1 degree! It is such a nice feeling when the wind turns to your back and the Sun is beating down on you from the front. Today was also one of those days where you can taste the salt from the roads from the tiny bit of snow we had over the weekend. As the wind kicks up, the salt powders your lips with just a spray similar to being at the Ocean. Maybe this is one way to get through the run - to feel as though you are basking in the Sun with an ocean breeze pushing aside the palms and hugging your body.
I never complain about the cold when running because I know that there are other runners crazier than I running in this weather everyday! Hello Fargo! Hello Bar Harbor! At least we get a reprieve here on the east with an occasional 50 or 60 degree day!
Sunday, January 16, 2005
Trails and Tales
When trail running in a secluded forrest, have you ever felt like you were in the movie the Blair Witch Project?
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