Top seven bad things about the ESG snowshoe races:
7. Stopping at every bathroom between Rochester and Lake Placid, makes for a long drive.
6. Sleeping with my head next to the room refrigerator, noisy.
5. Wondering if I drank more wine Saturday, would I have won the gold?
4. The men losing to the women in the board game "Buzzwords". Did someone add wrong? Rematch!!
3. Eating a "quick" lunch at Friendly's (this is an example of sarcasm).
2. Not eating on the way back home, I failed in my tour guide duties.
1. Lou getting hurt in the 200m race after a great 100m and leading the 200m.
I couldn't come up with 10 bad things. It was too nice of a mini-vacation.
The Erie Canal, Running Paradise
Monday, February 23, 2009
Buzzwords
Top ten good things about snowshoeing at Empire State Games in the Adirondacks;
10. Avoiding the blizzard on route 81 Friday
9. Getting to registration early enough to get an official winter hat
8. Great meal at a new Italian restaurant within walking distance of the motel
7. Drinking a few glasses of wine Friday night with friends
6. Watching the Sal's women win 8 Bronze or Silver medals in the 100m, 200m, 400m and 1500m races.
5. Winning a Silver medal in the men's 1500m race & MW winning a Bronze.
4. Eating a great meal at a different Italian restaurant Saturday night.
3. Drinking even more wine in a post-race/dinner party.(carbo loading?)
2. Winning a Silver medal in the men's 5k xc race and EW winning a Bronze.
1. Spending the weekend with a great group of friends!
10. Avoiding the blizzard on route 81 Friday
9. Getting to registration early enough to get an official winter hat
8. Great meal at a new Italian restaurant within walking distance of the motel
7. Drinking a few glasses of wine Friday night with friends
6. Watching the Sal's women win 8 Bronze or Silver medals in the 100m, 200m, 400m and 1500m races.
5. Winning a Silver medal in the men's 1500m race & MW winning a Bronze.
4. Eating a great meal at a different Italian restaurant Saturday night.
3. Drinking even more wine in a post-race/dinner party.(carbo loading?)
2. Winning a Silver medal in the men's 5k xc race and EW winning a Bronze.
1. Spending the weekend with a great group of friends!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Snowshoeing at Empire State Games
In the course of the 1500m race your soul is revealed. Five laps around a 300meter- four lane "track" with fifteen or twenty other competitors may not seem like much. Depending on snow conditions the men's masters race is over in 5:45-9 minutes. The women's masters division competitors are done in 7:00-11:00.
When I can see the arteries of my heart beating through my skin,
typically after the first lap because the leaders dragged us out too fast, I know the race has really begun.
By the second lap I'm wondering if I can finish. In the third lap it seems I might black out, my body is blinded by the snow and sun and delirium sets in. With 500 meters left the decision has to be made; How deep are you willing to take the pain? Can you embrace the moment, enjoy being out there at the same time you must make a move NOW and go for a medal or a personal record time? If so, you have to dig and it has to be immediately. Not being a fast-twitch fiber guy I can't wait and hope my opponent will fade. Punish him now, if he's ahead make a decisive move and go by like you have a 100m left. Do not let up at the 1200m mark! The spectators are listening to the breathing, especially yours, it's as if a freight train is coming down the track or a bear is being chased out of the woods by a hunter. Don't let this bother you. Think of Sir Roger Bannister, miler Jim Ryun or Olympian Emil Zatopek.
They weren't pretty during the last laps. Why do you care? This is a race, you aren't there for anything but to see how fast you can go. As your legs tighten remember the training, use your arms to propel forward, get up and sprint that last 300m knowing that in 70-90 seconds it is over. You are snowshoeing a faster 1500meters than 98% of the population can run on a track in the summer. It may be crazy, but it's cool.
.bmp)
The big weekend of snowshoe racing is finally upon us. In what may possibly be the last Empire State Winter Games (state budget cuts) the pressure mounts to try and snare a medal.
Saturday begins with the 1500m race, followed by the short sprints, 100m, 200m and 400m. The sprints are held on a 4 lane 300m track around a soccer field in the woods near Paul Smith's College, north of Saranac Lake. It is typically cold (5-15 degrees). Jan and I learned quickly to make sure our vehicle has a full tank of gas so we could stay semi-warm between events and to bring lots of snacks to eat throughout the day.
Sunday at 1:00pm is the cross-country 5k race, usually run near Mt. Van Hoevenburg south of Lake Placid (near the bobsled area). Most of the course is groomed, through the woods, with fairly wide trails, and is rolling hills, not anything super steep and long.
When I can see the arteries of my heart beating through my skin,
typically after the first lap because the leaders dragged us out too fast, I know the race has really begun.
By the second lap I'm wondering if I can finish. In the third lap it seems I might black out, my body is blinded by the snow and sun and delirium sets in. With 500 meters left the decision has to be made; How deep are you willing to take the pain? Can you embrace the moment, enjoy being out there at the same time you must make a move NOW and go for a medal or a personal record time? If so, you have to dig and it has to be immediately. Not being a fast-twitch fiber guy I can't wait and hope my opponent will fade. Punish him now, if he's ahead make a decisive move and go by like you have a 100m left. Do not let up at the 1200m mark! The spectators are listening to the breathing, especially yours, it's as if a freight train is coming down the track or a bear is being chased out of the woods by a hunter. Don't let this bother you. Think of Sir Roger Bannister, miler Jim Ryun or Olympian Emil Zatopek.
They weren't pretty during the last laps. Why do you care? This is a race, you aren't there for anything but to see how fast you can go. As your legs tighten remember the training, use your arms to propel forward, get up and sprint that last 300m knowing that in 70-90 seconds it is over. You are snowshoeing a faster 1500meters than 98% of the population can run on a track in the summer. It may be crazy, but it's cool. .bmp)
The big weekend of snowshoe racing is finally upon us. In what may possibly be the last Empire State Winter Games (state budget cuts) the pressure mounts to try and snare a medal.
Saturday begins with the 1500m race, followed by the short sprints, 100m, 200m and 400m. The sprints are held on a 4 lane 300m track around a soccer field in the woods near Paul Smith's College, north of Saranac Lake. It is typically cold (5-15 degrees). Jan and I learned quickly to make sure our vehicle has a full tank of gas so we could stay semi-warm between events and to bring lots of snacks to eat throughout the day.
Sunday at 1:00pm is the cross-country 5k race, usually run near Mt. Van Hoevenburg south of Lake Placid (near the bobsled area). Most of the course is groomed, through the woods, with fairly wide trails, and is rolling hills, not anything super steep and long.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Maniac
"She's a maniac, maniac for triathlons
And she's training like she never trained before
She's a maniac, maniac on the bike
And she's biking like she never biked before"
Jan and I spent the morning after Valentine's Day riding to Coach Troy's three hour excursion of the Lake Placid IM course. I was tired when we were done. But, there was running to do. Of course, why not? We only worked out three hours! Did I mentioned being exhausted?
So we trudged outdoors, Jan bopping along like a rabbit down toward the village, dragging the anchor that was me, along behind. I could not stay up with her and she was not going to slow down. Damn her. It was like running with Frank Q, except instead of one step ahead she was 10-20 yards.
We completed about 5 miles and the remainder of my day was spent lumbering around in my pj's, staying close to the tv and couch. Jan kept moving, but agreed not to workout any more.
And she's training like she never trained before
She's a maniac, maniac on the bike
And she's biking like she never biked before"
Jan and I spent the morning after Valentine's Day riding to Coach Troy's three hour excursion of the Lake Placid IM course. I was tired when we were done. But, there was running to do. Of course, why not? We only worked out three hours! Did I mentioned being exhausted?
So we trudged outdoors, Jan bopping along like a rabbit down toward the village, dragging the anchor that was me, along behind. I could not stay up with her and she was not going to slow down. Damn her. It was like running with Frank Q, except instead of one step ahead she was 10-20 yards.
We completed about 5 miles and the remainder of my day was spent lumbering around in my pj's, staying close to the tv and couch. Jan kept moving, but agreed not to workout any more.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Romantic Valentine Day Activities
Top Ten things to do with a special someone:
10. Run an 8 mile race together, like the GRTC Freezeroo in Greece.
9. Bike indoors while watching Matilda on DVD.
8. Swim at the local pool while sharing a lane, even if other lanes are open.
7. Share a Hammer Bar, when you get to the middle, have a long kiss.
6. Buy lotto instant game tickets, don't waste money on a Hallmark card.
5. Hold hands and take a nap on the couch while watching the Nascar race.
4. Eat dinner at home, each of you preparing one part of the meal.
3. Open a nice $8.00 bottle of wine and consume slowly.
2. Give each other a sports massage while eating chocolate and sipping wine.
1. Fall asleep at 10pm because you are too tired from the long workouts, large meal and wine consumption.
10. Run an 8 mile race together, like the GRTC Freezeroo in Greece.
9. Bike indoors while watching Matilda on DVD.
8. Swim at the local pool while sharing a lane, even if other lanes are open.
7. Share a Hammer Bar, when you get to the middle, have a long kiss.
6. Buy lotto instant game tickets, don't waste money on a Hallmark card.
5. Hold hands and take a nap on the couch while watching the Nascar race.
4. Eat dinner at home, each of you preparing one part of the meal.
3. Open a nice $8.00 bottle of wine and consume slowly.
2. Give each other a sports massage while eating chocolate and sipping wine.
1. Fall asleep at 10pm because you are too tired from the long workouts, large meal and wine consumption.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
GRTC Hall of Fame
Sal's member Dick Withrow received the greatest honor the local running community has, by being named to the Greater Rochester Track Club Hall of Fame! The GRTC banquet, held on January 24, turned into an excellent night as Mike and Mike roasted and honored Dick for his achievements over the years with an awestruck crowd of 140 or so listening intently.
A short list of DW's accomplishments include; GRTC president 4 years during a time of growth of the club to 2,000 members, race director for the Lilac 10k, Human Race 10k, JCC 5k, East Ave. Mile, Freezeroos. Coach at Spencerport, Pittford and Brockport. Super fast runner, including 15+ minute 5k's as a 40 year old, 2:38 marathon, 1:12 half-marathon. Volunteer at hundreds of races through the years. Still competing in xc, triathlons and duathlons, inspiration to many of us.
A short list of DW's accomplishments include; GRTC president 4 years during a time of growth of the club to 2,000 members, race director for the Lilac 10k, Human Race 10k, JCC 5k, East Ave. Mile, Freezeroos. Coach at Spencerport, Pittford and Brockport. Super fast runner, including 15+ minute 5k's as a 40 year old, 2:38 marathon, 1:12 half-marathon. Volunteer at hundreds of races through the years. Still competing in xc, triathlons and duathlons, inspiration to many of us.
Sal's Gala
The evening is a blur, but whether that is due to the Appletinis that tasted so good and soothed my throat, or the surprise honor of being chosen Sal's Runner of the Year, I'm not sure.
Our tradition of the past year's honoree selecting the current year award recipient seems to be working well. Mike #4 (really, 4 Mike's in Sal's-weird) gave out awards for most improved to Joanne and Lou K, then presented me with a nice engraved plaque with a photograph of many of our current members. I was/am genuinely touched. Thank you.
Our tradition of the past year's honoree selecting the current year award recipient seems to be working well. Mike #4 (really, 4 Mike's in Sal's-weird) gave out awards for most improved to Joanne and Lou K, then presented me with a nice engraved plaque with a photograph of many of our current members. I was/am genuinely touched. Thank you.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Splash'n at the Y
Rumor has it that Mr. Mini-Tri (Mike W) creamed the competition (Mrs. Tri-all sports) at Sunday's Carlson Metrocenter Super Bowl Triathlon.
Mr. and Mrs. Mini-t's had excellent swims, as Mr. Mini found it faster to use his legs and run in the pool instead of his usual swimming form of using the legs as anchors.
The bike was super fast, over eight miles in fifteen minutes! Wow! Mr. Mini was able to suck up his pain and maintain a slight lead in in the indoor run to secure a resounding victory. Complete results are here.
Congratulations also to Patty Swimlikeadolphin P for a ninth overall and 2nd place female finish (1st masters).
Mrs. Tri-all sports is considering a new event, rock climbing, snowshoeing and kayaking and you can't take any of the equipment off during the three events.
Mr. and Mrs. Mini-t's had excellent swims, as Mr. Mini found it faster to use his legs and run in the pool instead of his usual swimming form of using the legs as anchors.
The bike was super fast, over eight miles in fifteen minutes! Wow! Mr. Mini was able to suck up his pain and maintain a slight lead in in the indoor run to secure a resounding victory. Complete results are here.
Congratulations also to Patty Swimlikeadolphin P for a ninth overall and 2nd place female finish (1st masters).
Mrs. Tri-all sports is considering a new event, rock climbing, snowshoeing and kayaking and you can't take any of the equipment off during the three events.
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