The Erie Canal, Running Paradise
Monday, December 17, 2012
What Lance Armstrong Made Me Do
With the recent investigation into whether Lance did or didn’t take performance enhancing drugs from 1998-2006 while competing in the Tour de France, and winning it seven straight times, it’s appropriate to look at what Lance made me do. We can discuss his guilt or innocence later.
Because of Lance I:
1. Bought a Trek bicycle (Trek was one of Lance's sponsors)
2. Became a Tour de France groupie on television and the internet. When he was racing I would follow the stages at work on the computer and watch the television coverage at home, even if I knew the outcome.
3. Realized I could train outside on my bike in the rain.
4. Read his book, “It’s not all about the bike”.
5. Read other books on the history of the Tour.
6. Honestly I did follow the Tour a little bit before Lance, back when Hinault and Greg Lemond battled (late 80’s-1991). But nothing like when Lance took hold. He captivated myself and much of the United States.
7. Ride indoors, even on good weather days, while watching the Tour and pretending to ride with the pros.
8. Enjoyed the French not liking an American winning "their" race.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Oregon Factoids
1. Chris Solinsky won the Ho Ho 5k Jan and I ran in. He is a world class runner sponsored by Nike. Chris finished in 14:58, which was probably little more than a tempo run for him, as he used to have the 10k American record, 26:58!
2. I finished 2nd and Jan 3rd in our age groups, unfortunately there were no awards.
3. Nike is looking for tax breaks and if received will add a minimum of 500 jobs at their Beaverton Headquarters in 2013 and up to 1,500 by 2015. This is in addition to the 8,000 people now employed by Nike in Beaverton! How many shoes do they sell? They already purchased 3 additional buildings and many acres of land near the headquarters to build on.
4. Our favorite running place in Beaverton seems to be Tualitin Nature Park. (Two-owl-eh-tin). It is about an 8 minute run from our daughter's home. The park isn't huge, but we have the choice of a bike path or trails throughout the park that can add 1-3 miles to our run.
5. Our new grandaughter, Ellowyn, is beautiful. I'm thinking within a year we will be running together. At least we will be pushing her in a running stroller.
6. Beaverton is like the busiest section of Ridge Road in Greece with stores and strip malls everywhere. Name a store, it is here. We went in a Sports Authority today, which is like a larger, nicer Dick's Sporting Goods.
7. Beaverton has about 90,000 people, like Greece, but many, many more bike paths, parks small and large, and most roads have bike lanes. We are 10 miles from Portland.
8. Jan and I are too old to sleep on an 8 inch air mattress for long. The toughest part is getting up from the bed. What will we do if we ever try and bike across country? Sleeping in a tent on the hard ground doesn't sound that appealing right now.
9. The amount of coffee people drink here is amazing. I used to think it was exaggerated, but no longer. Jan and I can stop at a local shop 5 minutes from Stacy's house and there are always people there. Coffee shops are on every corner and seem to be thriving.
10. I see "Free Wi-Fi" on almost every store and motel advertisement. How long will it be before these places charge for access? Hotels, especially, will use this as a customer draw.
2. I finished 2nd and Jan 3rd in our age groups, unfortunately there were no awards.
3. Nike is looking for tax breaks and if received will add a minimum of 500 jobs at their Beaverton Headquarters in 2013 and up to 1,500 by 2015. This is in addition to the 8,000 people now employed by Nike in Beaverton! How many shoes do they sell? They already purchased 3 additional buildings and many acres of land near the headquarters to build on.
4. Our favorite running place in Beaverton seems to be Tualitin Nature Park. (Two-owl-eh-tin). It is about an 8 minute run from our daughter's home. The park isn't huge, but we have the choice of a bike path or trails throughout the park that can add 1-3 miles to our run.
5. Our new grandaughter, Ellowyn, is beautiful. I'm thinking within a year we will be running together. At least we will be pushing her in a running stroller.
6. Beaverton is like the busiest section of Ridge Road in Greece with stores and strip malls everywhere. Name a store, it is here. We went in a Sports Authority today, which is like a larger, nicer Dick's Sporting Goods.
7. Beaverton has about 90,000 people, like Greece, but many, many more bike paths, parks small and large, and most roads have bike lanes. We are 10 miles from Portland.
8. Jan and I are too old to sleep on an 8 inch air mattress for long. The toughest part is getting up from the bed. What will we do if we ever try and bike across country? Sleeping in a tent on the hard ground doesn't sound that appealing right now.
9. The amount of coffee people drink here is amazing. I used to think it was exaggerated, but no longer. Jan and I can stop at a local shop 5 minutes from Stacy's house and there are always people there. Coffee shops are on every corner and seem to be thriving.
10. I see "Free Wi-Fi" on almost every store and motel advertisement. How long will it be before these places charge for access? Hotels, especially, will use this as a customer draw.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Ho Ho 5k
No, this is not a race with prostitutes! The Ho Ho 5k began years ago in Tigard, Oregon, starting and finishing at Cook Nature Park. Besides being a reference to Christmas time, the race organizers used to supply Hostess Ho Hos and Snowballs to finishers. Unfortunately Hostess is bankrupt and the treats were changed to Little Debbie dessert cakes and brownies.
We are spoiled in the Greater Rochester NY area with race costs and what runners receive. It is unusual not to receive a t-shirt and still pay $20 or less for the race. NY races have mile markers, are normally electronically timed, results are immediate, awards give to age group winners, second and third places.
The Ho Ho 5k cost $20, $25 day of and had a record crowd of more than 400 people. No shirt, no road marshals, cones marking the course, no mile markers, awards only to the top three overall men and women, an open air shelter and some random prizes based on your race number, though none were substantial. The course was nice, about 1.3 miles on road, 1.2 on a bike path and the remainder on a trail. Hopefully we will see results on the organizer's web site in a few days. This was an old school type Rochester race with no frills. It just cost a surprising amount and would have been neat to have a shirt from a race in Oregon.
However this seems fairly typical in the Portland area, as all of the 5k-10k races I have seen cost at least $20 and up to $40, with a shirt, if offered, being an additional expense.
We are spoiled in the Greater Rochester NY area with race costs and what runners receive. It is unusual not to receive a t-shirt and still pay $20 or less for the race. NY races have mile markers, are normally electronically timed, results are immediate, awards give to age group winners, second and third places.
The Ho Ho 5k cost $20, $25 day of and had a record crowd of more than 400 people. No shirt, no road marshals, cones marking the course, no mile markers, awards only to the top three overall men and women, an open air shelter and some random prizes based on your race number, though none were substantial. The course was nice, about 1.3 miles on road, 1.2 on a bike path and the remainder on a trail. Hopefully we will see results on the organizer's web site in a few days. This was an old school type Rochester race with no frills. It just cost a surprising amount and would have been neat to have a shirt from a race in Oregon.
However this seems fairly typical in the Portland area, as all of the 5k-10k races I have seen cost at least $20 and up to $40, with a shirt, if offered, being an additional expense.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Skyfall & Daniel Craig
Last week Jan and I had the opportunity to watch the new James Bond movie, Skyfall. We went to a mantinee, on a Monday, and were the youngest people in the theatre. I'm not sure 56 and 53 is really young anymore, especially now that we are grandparents. It was nice to ponder about how this could be life in our retirement years.
The movie was excellent, lots of action and usual Bond intrigue. Without giving away too much, a lot of references were made to Bond movies of the 1960's, when Sean Connery was the star. I remembered being eight years old (yes eight, it was a different era) and my Mom dropping me off at the Strand theatre in Brockport so I could go watch Goldfinger. The theatre was packed but I found a seat down near the front and was enthralled with the Bond series from then on.
Now Daniel Craig plays James Bond and I love his portrayal. Actually, Craig as Bond reminds me of ...me! Why? I can think of ten reasons!
1. Craig's close cropped hairdo.
2. Bond runs a lot in this film. I run a lot.
3. Bond swims for exercise in Skyfall. I swim for exercise.
4. Craig's Bond is a bit morose. I have been known to be morose.
5. Craig chooses his words carefully before speaking and really doesn't talk much. I have been told I don't talk much either, though admittedly when I do my choice of words isn't always good.
6. Craig's upper body, biceps, chest, abs, are well developed. Some day I hope mine are, but I realize time may be running out for that dream.
7. The Bond series has been going on in the movies for fifty years. I have been alive for around fifty plus years.
8. James Bond is based on books by Ian Fleming. I like to read books.
9. Bond enjoys a good drink, such as Martinis or Scotch. I recently developed a taste for good Scotch.
10. Bond has a magic touch with women, I have a magic touch with one woman, which is enough for me.
The movie was excellent, lots of action and usual Bond intrigue. Without giving away too much, a lot of references were made to Bond movies of the 1960's, when Sean Connery was the star. I remembered being eight years old (yes eight, it was a different era) and my Mom dropping me off at the Strand theatre in Brockport so I could go watch Goldfinger. The theatre was packed but I found a seat down near the front and was enthralled with the Bond series from then on.
Now Daniel Craig plays James Bond and I love his portrayal. Actually, Craig as Bond reminds me of ...me! Why? I can think of ten reasons!
1. Craig's close cropped hairdo.
2. Bond runs a lot in this film. I run a lot.
3. Bond swims for exercise in Skyfall. I swim for exercise.
4. Craig's Bond is a bit morose. I have been known to be morose.
5. Craig chooses his words carefully before speaking and really doesn't talk much. I have been told I don't talk much either, though admittedly when I do my choice of words isn't always good.
6. Craig's upper body, biceps, chest, abs, are well developed. Some day I hope mine are, but I realize time may be running out for that dream.
7. The Bond series has been going on in the movies for fifty years. I have been alive for around fifty plus years.
8. James Bond is based on books by Ian Fleming. I like to read books.
9. Bond enjoys a good drink, such as Martinis or Scotch. I recently developed a taste for good Scotch.
10. Bond has a magic touch with women, I have a magic touch with one woman, which is enough for me.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Debate Topics
Choose a topic based on the length of your run and begin to debate while passing the miles away!
1. If a young man in his twenties, seemingly of good health, is smoking a cigarette near the exit of a Walgreens in Lincoln City, Oregon (any Walgreens would actually do) and at the same time begging for money should I donate?
My belief is that if you can afford the $7.00 or so it costs to buy the cigarettes than maybe you aren't that hard up for money? Second, would it have been rude of me to point out to the young man that the McDonald's and several other places within a few blocks were currently hiring?
Jan wouldn't let me roll down the window to discuss this with him.
Feel free to offer your opinions.
2. If a yip-yap dog is constantly barking in the hotel room next to you and the owners aren't there, should you; a) ignore it and go about your business? b) tell the hotel manager? c) beat on the door and scream at the dog to be quiet?
3. If the local casino has a non-smoking section that is about the size of a small house and only offers slot machines, and not the variety or amount in the smoking section, plus is not separated by any kind of wall but only two steps, do you still gamble in that section or give up and join the smokers? Do you complain to management either in-person or via email? Do you understand many Native American tribes make boodles of money from selling tobacco products and actually want people to smoke? Should I not care since for once I walked away with $50 more than I came in with?
I'll be happy to debate these topics and more during a long run on the canal path once back in New York.
1. If a young man in his twenties, seemingly of good health, is smoking a cigarette near the exit of a Walgreens in Lincoln City, Oregon (any Walgreens would actually do) and at the same time begging for money should I donate?
My belief is that if you can afford the $7.00 or so it costs to buy the cigarettes than maybe you aren't that hard up for money? Second, would it have been rude of me to point out to the young man that the McDonald's and several other places within a few blocks were currently hiring?
Jan wouldn't let me roll down the window to discuss this with him.
Feel free to offer your opinions.
2. If a yip-yap dog is constantly barking in the hotel room next to you and the owners aren't there, should you; a) ignore it and go about your business? b) tell the hotel manager? c) beat on the door and scream at the dog to be quiet?
3. If the local casino has a non-smoking section that is about the size of a small house and only offers slot machines, and not the variety or amount in the smoking section, plus is not separated by any kind of wall but only two steps, do you still gamble in that section or give up and join the smokers? Do you complain to management either in-person or via email? Do you understand many Native American tribes make boodles of money from selling tobacco products and actually want people to smoke? Should I not care since for once I walked away with $50 more than I came in with?
I'll be happy to debate these topics and more during a long run on the canal path once back in New York.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Ten Interesting Factoids On Portland
Of course there are many more than 10 interesting things about Portland, Oregon/Beaverton area, but here are a quick few;
1. My son-in-law and youngest daughter (and 1 week old grandaughter!) live here.
2. There are amazing running and biking routes everywhere. Jan and I are trying to experience as many as possible.
3. Within a one hour drive are mountains, rivers, rain forests, the Pacific Ocean, wineries and much more.
4. Portland is the home of local brewed beer and we are trying as many as possible.
5. Portland voted down having the water supply have flouride automatically added. Coincidently, or maybe not, there is a dentist office within a few blocks of anywhere. Jan printed off a dentistry certificate from the internet and soon we will be opening our own office. I will be the dental assistant.
6. Jan and I have run around the Nike headquarters on their pine mulch 2 mile path a few times. We believe we have seen Olympians Kara Goucher and Shalane Flanagan running on the private Nike paved trail across the street. A bit weird, that area is wooded, has many posted signs, and a security guard traverses the path on his moped keeping non-Nike employees away.
7. You are not cool in Portland unless you wear a winter hat with long tassels, whether you are male or female. Jan and I are not cool.
8. Vehicles do not rust. I haven't seen so many pickup trucks or VW bugs from the 1970's since an antique auto show.
9. Tillamook cheese is awesome! I don't eat cheeseburgers, ever. A burger with Tillamook, Oregon cheese is totally different and delicious.
10. Portland is so far from our workplace and in a three hour time difference that it is impossible to think about the possibility of telecommuting to work.
1. My son-in-law and youngest daughter (and 1 week old grandaughter!) live here.
2. There are amazing running and biking routes everywhere. Jan and I are trying to experience as many as possible.
3. Within a one hour drive are mountains, rivers, rain forests, the Pacific Ocean, wineries and much more.
4. Portland is the home of local brewed beer and we are trying as many as possible.
5. Portland voted down having the water supply have flouride automatically added. Coincidently, or maybe not, there is a dentist office within a few blocks of anywhere. Jan printed off a dentistry certificate from the internet and soon we will be opening our own office. I will be the dental assistant.
6. Jan and I have run around the Nike headquarters on their pine mulch 2 mile path a few times. We believe we have seen Olympians Kara Goucher and Shalane Flanagan running on the private Nike paved trail across the street. A bit weird, that area is wooded, has many posted signs, and a security guard traverses the path on his moped keeping non-Nike employees away.
7. You are not cool in Portland unless you wear a winter hat with long tassels, whether you are male or female. Jan and I are not cool.
8. Vehicles do not rust. I haven't seen so many pickup trucks or VW bugs from the 1970's since an antique auto show.
9. Tillamook cheese is awesome! I don't eat cheeseburgers, ever. A burger with Tillamook, Oregon cheese is totally different and delicious.
10. Portland is so far from our workplace and in a three hour time difference that it is impossible to think about the possibility of telecommuting to work.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Grandpa
My first grandchild was born on 11/21/12 at 2:01 am. in Portland, Oregon. Her name is Ellowyn and, of course, she is beautiful. Jan and I had the good fortune of being in Beaverton, Oregon and will be staying for a couple more weeks.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Casey Jones
Adapted from Grateful Dead, Casey Jones.
Riding that plane
Seems like a dream
Surely wish I had some
...dramamine
This old jet makes it on time,
Leaves Ra-cha-cha bout a quarter to nine,
Hits O'hare in Chicago
At a quarter to ten,
you know it's central time again.
Riding that plane,
Portland ahead, New York behind,
Surely wish I had my dramamine.
Trouble ahead, trouble behind,
And you know that notion just crossed my mind.
Portland ahead, baby Magoo,
Take my advice, you'll be meeting Grandma soon.
Baby Mama's sleeping, weighing in
...well, don't ask if know what's good for you.
Riding that plane,
Seems like a dream
Wish that pilot would increase our speed.
Trouble ahead, trouble behind,
And you know that dramamine finally hit my mind.
Trouble with you is the trouble with me,
Got two good eyes but you still don't see.
Come land on the tarmac in the rain,
The tires squealing hear us scream.
Seems like a dream.
Riding that plane
Seems like a dream
Surely wish I had some
...dramamine
This old jet makes it on time,
Leaves Ra-cha-cha bout a quarter to nine,
Hits O'hare in Chicago
At a quarter to ten,
you know it's central time again.
Riding that plane,
Portland ahead, New York behind,
Surely wish I had my dramamine.
Trouble ahead, trouble behind,
And you know that notion just crossed my mind.
Portland ahead, baby Magoo,
Take my advice, you'll be meeting Grandma soon.
Baby Mama's sleeping, weighing in
...well, don't ask if know what's good for you.
Riding that plane,
Seems like a dream
Wish that pilot would increase our speed.
Trouble ahead, trouble behind,
And you know that dramamine finally hit my mind.
Trouble with you is the trouble with me,
Got two good eyes but you still don't see.
Come land on the tarmac in the rain,
The tires squealing hear us scream.
Seems like a dream.
Friday, November 9, 2012
MCM Finish Video
Mike Weinpress crossing line. He is running on center yellow line, red hat and shirt, long black socks. Mike's clock time is 4:00:30, chip time 3:58:51. IE seems to like to block these videos, so try Firefox if you can't get it to view.
http://www.csnwashington.com/video_content_type/mcm357-404?t=171-432
Lou crossing the finish. He is right in the beginning of this video along right side of road. Red hat with blue visor, red shirt.
http://www.csnwashington.com/video_content_type/mcm-451-502
Jen Katz. http://www.csnwashington.com/video_content_type/mcm342-350
Jen is in pink top, along the center yellow line, looking ready to run another five miles. She is near end of this video.
Charlie Mullen finishing. Clock time 4:41:34, chip time 4:39:55. Charlie is in white hat, dark clothes, near center line and saluting Marines about 20 yds before he finishes. http://www.csnwashington.com/marine-corps-marathon/mcm-440-451
http://www.csnwashington.com/video_content_type/mcm357-404?t=171-432
Lou crossing the finish. He is right in the beginning of this video along right side of road. Red hat with blue visor, red shirt.
http://www.csnwashington.com/video_content_type/mcm-451-502
Jen Katz. http://www.csnwashington.com/video_content_type/mcm342-350
Jen is in pink top, along the center yellow line, looking ready to run another five miles. She is near end of this video.
Charlie Mullen finishing. Clock time 4:41:34, chip time 4:39:55. Charlie is in white hat, dark clothes, near center line and saluting Marines about 20 yds before he finishes. http://www.csnwashington.com/marine-corps-marathon/mcm-440-451
Monday, November 5, 2012
Take It Easy - marathon theme song?
Adapted from Jackson Browne hit, "Take It Easy". (actual song begins at 2 minute mark).
Well I'm a-running down the road trying to loosen my load
I've got twenty-six miles on my mind
Four with too many hills, five into the wind
Two across a bridge that makes me whine.
Take it easy, take it easy
Don't let the sound of your own feet drive you crazy
Lighten up while you still can
Don't even try to understand
Why you run marathons over and over, so take it easy.
Well I'm a-nearin’ the corner in Crystal City
With such a fine sight to see
It's the mile 23 sign, my lord,
Starin’ back at me.
Come on quads, don't say maybe
I've got to know if you’re goin’ to cramp and scream
We may run slow or we may win
But we will never be here at MCM again
So c’mon legs just let me get back to Rosslyn.
Well I'm a-runnin’ mile twenty-five trying to loosen my load
Got a world of trouble on my mind
Lookin' for motivation to keep on goin’
But it’s just a little hard to find
Take it easy, take it easy
Don't let the sound of your own feet drive you crazy
Come on quads, don’t say maybe
I gotta get up the hill to finish and see my baby.
You know we got it easy
We oughta take it easy
Well I'm a-running down the road trying to loosen my load
I've got twenty-six miles on my mind
Four with too many hills, five into the wind
Two across a bridge that makes me whine.
Take it easy, take it easy
Don't let the sound of your own feet drive you crazy
Lighten up while you still can
Don't even try to understand
Why you run marathons over and over, so take it easy.
Well I'm a-nearin’ the corner in Crystal City
With such a fine sight to see
It's the mile 23 sign, my lord,
Starin’ back at me.
Come on quads, don't say maybe
I've got to know if you’re goin’ to cramp and scream
We may run slow or we may win
But we will never be here at MCM again
So c’mon legs just let me get back to Rosslyn.
Well I'm a-runnin’ mile twenty-five trying to loosen my load
Got a world of trouble on my mind
Lookin' for motivation to keep on goin’
But it’s just a little hard to find
Take it easy, take it easy
Don't let the sound of your own feet drive you crazy
Come on quads, don’t say maybe
I gotta get up the hill to finish and see my baby.
You know we got it easy
We oughta take it easy
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Marine Corps Marathon Finish Video
I will come into view around the 5:10 mark of the video. White hat, red shirt (Team Semper Fi), legs in distress on right hand side of screen. Not pretty, but finished. Will publish others when I find them.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Marathon Taper Week
This is it, the last week before the Marine Corps Marathon that Lou, Mike W., Jennifer, Charlie Mullen and I will be running. Jan, Eileen and Joanne will be racing the MCM 10k. There are no special training runs we can do this week that will help us finish our respective races. If our training isn’t satisfactory already, the miles haven’t been put in, Sunday will be a long day in which we can physically suffer while enjoying the sites of D.C.
Ten Thoughts on Taper Week
1. I like planning out the food to eat, looking over nutrition guidelines, making a menu for each day and meal from Wednesday to Saturday night.
2. Today (Tuesday) I noticed walking up the stairs at work doesn’t hurt as it did in many of the last 12 weeks. This is a good sign, no doubt due to running less than usual on Sunday and a complete rest day on Monday.
3. Am I getting fat? Really, I feel the need to constantly cram carbs into my mouth. There is a box of Cheerios (20g carbs) in my file cabinet. I eat them dry, no milk, for a mid-morning snack in front of the computer like I’m a two year old getting potty trained and this is my reward. Carbohydrate loading = good, gaining two pounds = bad.
4. Last night I woke up in a sweat after dreaming about having to use a bathroom at the start line and thousands of people are around. Once the race begins at 7:55am I will be fine, but leaving the security of the hotel and waiting an hour + beforehand could be a high anxiety time.
5. With known gastrointestinal issues on many race mornings the final meal on Saturday night is key. I haven’t found a magic bullet yet that is the proper nutritional balance along with no side effects. The plan now is to have rice flavored with chicken broth, a few vegetables and ???
6. Since my daily running miles have decreased but the water intake hasn’t, there is a path worn in the floor from my cubicle desk to the bathroom.
7. I have finished the Marine Corps Marathon four times, the 10k once, this entire experience should be a piece of cake. So, why do I fluctuate between excitement and dread?
8. The Marines and crowds make this race awesome, especially the Marines.
9. Will anyone really care if my finishing time is 3:39:59 (Boston Qualifier) or 4:30 except me?
10. It’s good to have a mantra for when the times get tough during the race, this can be a bad patch that pops up at mile 17 but you push through and feel better at 20, or it can be at mile 22 when you don’t know how you can run the last four miles. Borrow mine if you like;
- Must beat Mike W, Must beat Mike W.
- Must beat Lou, Must beat Lou.
- Pick a loved one and run a mile for them saying the name over and over.
- A Marine wouldn’t quit (or Navy guy I guess, Lou).
- Jan’s favorite, count your steps. Around 130-140x my right foot hits the ground is ¼ mile.
- Count the number of people you pass in the last few miles, in a large race like MCM maybe just count the men, or women. Make it tougher by subtracting the ones who pass you.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Semper Fi Fund - Marine Corps Marathon
On Sunday, October 28, Jan will be running the 10k and I will be running the marathon in Washington, DC. For the first time ever we are running for a charity, the Semper Fi Fund. This is the basic information regarding the charity, "The Semper Fi Fund is a nonprofit set up to provide immediate financial support for injured members of U.S. Armed Forces and their families. We direct urgently needed resources to Marines and Sailors, as well as members of the Army, Air Force or Coast Guard who serve in support of Marine forces. The basic ideal that drives our efforts is simple: as much as these American heroes have sacrificed, they deserve the best care and support available in their hour of need. Injuries are often severe, and the road to recovery or rehabilitation can be long and costly.
If anyone would like to make a contribution, here is the link. Thank you.
If anyone would like to make a contribution, here is the link. Thank you.
Monday, October 15, 2012
A-Rod at Bat
The Outlook wasn't brilliant for the Yankee nine that day:
The score stood four to two, with but one inning more to play.
And then when Jeter’s ankle broke, and Texiera still is lame,
A sickly silence fell upon the patrons of the game.
A depressed Lou got up to go in deep despair. Mike and Eileen
clung to that hope which springs eternal in the human breast;
They thought, if only A-Rod could get but a whack at that -
We'd put up even money, now, with A-Rod at the bat.
But Nix preceded A-Rod, as did also Granderson,
And the former was a lulu and the latter was a cake;
So upon that stricken multitude grim melancholy sat,
For there seemed but little chance of A-Rod getting to the bat.
But Nix let drive a single, to the wonderment of all,
And Grandy, the much loved, tore the cover off the ball;
And when the dust had lifted, and the men saw what had occurred,
There was Grandy safe at second and Nix a-hugging third.
Then from 35,000 throats and more there rose a lusty yell;
It rumbled through the city, it rattled in the dell;
It knocked upon the subway and recoiled upon the flat,
For A-Rod, mighty A-Rod, was advancing to the bat.
There was ease in A-Rod’s manner as he stepped into his place;
There was pride in A-Rod’s bearing and a smile on A-Rod’s face.
And when, responding to the cheers, he lightly spit a seed,
No stranger in the crowd could doubt 'twas A-Rod at the bat.
Seventy thousand eyes were on him as he rubbed his hands with dirt;
Five thousand tongues applauded when he wiped them on his shirt.
Then while the Detroit pitcher ground the ball into his hip,
Defiance gleamed in A-Rod's eye, a sneer curled A-Rod's lip.
And now the leather-covered sphere came hurtling through the air,
And A-Rod stood a-watching it in haughty grandeur there.
Close by the sturdy batsman the ball unheeded sped-
"That ain't my style," said A-Rod. "Strike one," the umpire said.
From the bleachers, filled with people, there went up a muffled roar,
Like the beating of the storm-waves on a stern and distant shore.
"Kill him! Kill the umpire!" shouted Jan from the couch;
And its likely they'd a-killed him had not A-Rod raised his hand.
With a smile of Christian charity great A-Rod's visage shone;
He stilled the rising tumult; he bade the game go on;
He signaled to the pitcher, and once more the spheroid flew;
But A-Rod still ignored it, and the umpire said, "Strike two."
"Fraud!" cried the Weinpresses, squeezing Molly tight,
But one scornful look from A-Rod and the audience was awed.
They saw his face grow stern and cold, they saw his muscles strain,
And they knew that A-Rod wouldn't let that ball go by again.
The sneer is gone from A-Rod's lip, his teeth are clenched in hate;
He pounds with cruel violence his bat upon the plate.
And now the pitcher holds the ball, and now he lets it go,
And now the air is shattered by the force of A-Rod's blow.
Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright;
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light,
And somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout;
But there is no joy in New York - mighty A-Rod has struck out.
Casey at the Bat by Ernest Lawrence Thayer © Modified somewhat by M. McCullough 2012.
The score stood four to two, with but one inning more to play.
And then when Jeter’s ankle broke, and Texiera still is lame,
A sickly silence fell upon the patrons of the game.
A depressed Lou got up to go in deep despair. Mike and Eileen
clung to that hope which springs eternal in the human breast;
They thought, if only A-Rod could get but a whack at that -
We'd put up even money, now, with A-Rod at the bat.
But Nix preceded A-Rod, as did also Granderson,
And the former was a lulu and the latter was a cake;
So upon that stricken multitude grim melancholy sat,
For there seemed but little chance of A-Rod getting to the bat.
But Nix let drive a single, to the wonderment of all,
And Grandy, the much loved, tore the cover off the ball;
And when the dust had lifted, and the men saw what had occurred,
There was Grandy safe at second and Nix a-hugging third.
Then from 35,000 throats and more there rose a lusty yell;
It rumbled through the city, it rattled in the dell;
It knocked upon the subway and recoiled upon the flat,
For A-Rod, mighty A-Rod, was advancing to the bat.
There was ease in A-Rod’s manner as he stepped into his place;
There was pride in A-Rod’s bearing and a smile on A-Rod’s face.
And when, responding to the cheers, he lightly spit a seed,
No stranger in the crowd could doubt 'twas A-Rod at the bat.
Seventy thousand eyes were on him as he rubbed his hands with dirt;
Five thousand tongues applauded when he wiped them on his shirt.
Then while the Detroit pitcher ground the ball into his hip,
Defiance gleamed in A-Rod's eye, a sneer curled A-Rod's lip.
And now the leather-covered sphere came hurtling through the air,
And A-Rod stood a-watching it in haughty grandeur there.
Close by the sturdy batsman the ball unheeded sped-
"That ain't my style," said A-Rod. "Strike one," the umpire said.
From the bleachers, filled with people, there went up a muffled roar,
Like the beating of the storm-waves on a stern and distant shore.
"Kill him! Kill the umpire!" shouted Jan from the couch;
And its likely they'd a-killed him had not A-Rod raised his hand.
With a smile of Christian charity great A-Rod's visage shone;
He stilled the rising tumult; he bade the game go on;
He signaled to the pitcher, and once more the spheroid flew;
But A-Rod still ignored it, and the umpire said, "Strike two."
"Fraud!" cried the Weinpresses, squeezing Molly tight,
But one scornful look from A-Rod and the audience was awed.
They saw his face grow stern and cold, they saw his muscles strain,
And they knew that A-Rod wouldn't let that ball go by again.
The sneer is gone from A-Rod's lip, his teeth are clenched in hate;
He pounds with cruel violence his bat upon the plate.
And now the pitcher holds the ball, and now he lets it go,
And now the air is shattered by the force of A-Rod's blow.
Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright;
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light,
And somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout;
But there is no joy in New York - mighty A-Rod has struck out.
Casey at the Bat by Ernest Lawrence Thayer © Modified somewhat by M. McCullough 2012.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Ode to the Barefoot Runner
OR, Why Pete Likes to Run Barefoot
Pete’s story begins in days of lore, when Pheidippides ran from the battlefields of Marathon to Athens (25 mi) to announce the Greek victory over Persia in the Battle of Marathon (490 BC).
This professional runner/courier had previously gone 240 km (150 mi) in two days prior to his last run.
With his last bit of strength, Dippy, as he was more commonly known, squeaked out the words “Joy to you, we've won”, and promptly died. These words, centuries later, became a hit for the band, Three Dog Night (Joy to the World).
Pete was there (see photo of Pete on left - he still wears that outfit some Saturday mornings). It’s a little known fact, not even Wikipedia has it correct (and I used to believe everything I read on the internet). Pete ran alongside Dippy, both of them wearing the preferred running sandal of the times, Nike Air Sparta. Dippy, who had purchased his sandals at the local discount bazaar, soon saw them begin to disintegrate over the rough terrain. Pete, a loyal compatriot, gave Dippy his sandals. Running barefoot didn’t bother Pete due to his previous intensive training on the Erie Canal mule path. He actually preferred barefoot running and was known to ride his chariot in similar fashion. You may wonder why Pete didn’t perish at the end of the grueling run? Pete drank olive oil along the way to stay hydrated and Dippy apparently thought that was crazy. In current times Pete has switched from olive oil to pickle juice.
Pete also paced Abebe Bikila during his first Olympic marathon victory in 1960. Abebe is a legend for finishing the race barefoot. He learned it all from Pete.
Obviously Pete has lived a long and interesting life. He has many more long runs ahead of him, including this weekend’s Toronto Marathon. We wish him well and hope all the water stops have pickle juice.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Fit To Be Tied
"How tall are you Mike?" 6'1"? "You don't look that tall. Are you sure?"
Thus began my bike fitting, with a metal measuring stick riding up against my private parts and Dennis using his slide rule from 1968 to figure out the geometric numbers or some scientific mumbo-jumbo on how my bike and body will best co-exist.
Of course I will listen to Dennis's advice. He is a national class triathlete, can ride his Stingray, banana seat bike faster than me on a road bike, swim 400 meters using a kick board and no arms faster than my all out 300 and run backwards and beat me in a 5k. So, if Dennis wants me to hold a measuring stick against my private parts, while he adds, subtracts and subdivides, I will do that.
Here's what I learned;
1. My bike and I actually fit quite nicely together.
2. Which means - I no longer have a freakin' excuse for being slow. Thanks Dennis!
3. Of course I can get faster - "how about training more, Mike"?
4. I always used the excuse my bike weighs more than Jan's which is why she can beat me up hills. Dennis had a scale which all five of us used that afternoon to weigh our bikes. Mine was the lightest. This day really got irritating.
5. My big complaint for soreness on the bike has always been my shoulders. Dennis's suggestion...pushups, pullups, etc. to build up those muscles. Why? Because my bike is fit properly. Damn, another excuse gone.
6. New wheels may really help my speed. Cost, $300 or so. Cost of bike originally, $800. This will require some higher level financial math for the cost/benefit ratio. Is it like adding a $1,000 stereo system to a $3,000 car? A famous friend (Lou) once said, "bikes are money pits".
7. Jan had a few adjustments done to her bike. Now she is more comfortable. Now she is even faster than me. Did I thank Dennis yet?
8. Jan likes her bike. It has taken Jan to a few 1/2 Ironman finish lines and one full Ironman. Jan wants a new bike, lighter, faster, more expensive. I'm guessing this will happen.
9. Dennis's wife has a wonderful sense of humor because...
10. ...She told Mike Weinpress he looked like the wicked witch from the Wizard of Oz riding his bike, all he needed was a little basket on the front. Needless to say Mike needed the most work of any of the five of us to get his bike fit properly.
Really, though, thanks to Dennis for taking the time to help the five of us feel more comfortable on our bikes!
Thus began my bike fitting, with a metal measuring stick riding up against my private parts and Dennis using his slide rule from 1968 to figure out the geometric numbers or some scientific mumbo-jumbo on how my bike and body will best co-exist.
Of course I will listen to Dennis's advice. He is a national class triathlete, can ride his Stingray, banana seat bike faster than me on a road bike, swim 400 meters using a kick board and no arms faster than my all out 300 and run backwards and beat me in a 5k. So, if Dennis wants me to hold a measuring stick against my private parts, while he adds, subtracts and subdivides, I will do that.
Here's what I learned;
1. My bike and I actually fit quite nicely together.
2. Which means - I no longer have a freakin' excuse for being slow. Thanks Dennis!
3. Of course I can get faster - "how about training more, Mike"?
4. I always used the excuse my bike weighs more than Jan's which is why she can beat me up hills. Dennis had a scale which all five of us used that afternoon to weigh our bikes. Mine was the lightest. This day really got irritating.
5. My big complaint for soreness on the bike has always been my shoulders. Dennis's suggestion...pushups, pullups, etc. to build up those muscles. Why? Because my bike is fit properly. Damn, another excuse gone.
6. New wheels may really help my speed. Cost, $300 or so. Cost of bike originally, $800. This will require some higher level financial math for the cost/benefit ratio. Is it like adding a $1,000 stereo system to a $3,000 car? A famous friend (Lou) once said, "bikes are money pits".
7. Jan had a few adjustments done to her bike. Now she is more comfortable. Now she is even faster than me. Did I thank Dennis yet?
8. Jan likes her bike. It has taken Jan to a few 1/2 Ironman finish lines and one full Ironman. Jan wants a new bike, lighter, faster, more expensive. I'm guessing this will happen.
9. Dennis's wife has a wonderful sense of humor because...
10. ...She told Mike Weinpress he looked like the wicked witch from the Wizard of Oz riding his bike, all he needed was a little basket on the front. Needless to say Mike needed the most work of any of the five of us to get his bike fit properly.
Really, though, thanks to Dennis for taking the time to help the five of us feel more comfortable on our bikes!
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Facebook and MCM
Possibly I made a mistake by "Friending" the Marine Corps Marathon on my Facebook page. The Marines send reminders about how little time is left to train, now down to 24 days and 20 hours. I already feel woefully unprepared for my 19th and last marathon.
If the weather is too warm I won't have a good race. If the dew point is over 60 I will become a sweat puddle and runoff into the Potomac in a little stream of my own water. But the Marines just keep sending their updates and my blood pressure and anxiety levels go up.
Intelligent readers will say, "relax Mike, it's all for fun, you've done this before". Hogwash! It's 26.2 ridiculous miles with 25,000 other people. It's about maintaining a reasonable pace and not cramping so much in the last two miles a spectator wife turns to her spectator husband and says, "well, he's not going to make it to the finish". (happened in my last MCM, but I did finish, darn her, even if I did scream a bit in pain). It's about being able to run any kind of pace up the last hill toward the Iwo Jima Monument and feeling some pride of what you just accomplished.
That's why I worry.
Top Ten Wednesday Thoughts;
1. Friending didn't become a verb until 7 years ago.
2. Poking has several meanings, the best is the 3 Stooges with Moe trying to poke Larry and Curly in the eyes. Now it's been hijacked by Facebook.
3. College students who attempt to exit a door with 3 signs stating, "NO EXIT", "EMERGENCY ONLY", should have their ID taken and be expelled from school. They are too ignorant to be here.
4. Really, I need to "Friend" you?
5. I want to go back to the time when a great phone was one on the wall with a 20' cord and politicians couldn't robocall me. (another new word, robocall).
6. Who will win the presidential debate tonight? If you like Romney now, he is the winner. If you like Obama now, he will be the best. The debate will do nothing to change minds.
7. Running at 5:15am is still hard, but I'm happy I can go home and relax after work.
8. I do like texting.
9. Gas at $4.03/gallon again? Give me a president who will get the price down to a reasonable level and not let the gas companies screw us, that man/woman will get my vote. I may even donate to their campaign.
10. Am I a bad American if I watch the Yankees play tonight instead of the debate? Promise I'll switch over during commercials.
If the weather is too warm I won't have a good race. If the dew point is over 60 I will become a sweat puddle and runoff into the Potomac in a little stream of my own water. But the Marines just keep sending their updates and my blood pressure and anxiety levels go up.
Intelligent readers will say, "relax Mike, it's all for fun, you've done this before". Hogwash! It's 26.2 ridiculous miles with 25,000 other people. It's about maintaining a reasonable pace and not cramping so much in the last two miles a spectator wife turns to her spectator husband and says, "well, he's not going to make it to the finish". (happened in my last MCM, but I did finish, darn her, even if I did scream a bit in pain). It's about being able to run any kind of pace up the last hill toward the Iwo Jima Monument and feeling some pride of what you just accomplished.
That's why I worry.
Top Ten Wednesday Thoughts;
1. Friending didn't become a verb until 7 years ago.
2. Poking has several meanings, the best is the 3 Stooges with Moe trying to poke Larry and Curly in the eyes. Now it's been hijacked by Facebook.
3. College students who attempt to exit a door with 3 signs stating, "NO EXIT", "EMERGENCY ONLY", should have their ID taken and be expelled from school. They are too ignorant to be here.
4. Really, I need to "Friend" you?
5. I want to go back to the time when a great phone was one on the wall with a 20' cord and politicians couldn't robocall me. (another new word, robocall).
6. Who will win the presidential debate tonight? If you like Romney now, he is the winner. If you like Obama now, he will be the best. The debate will do nothing to change minds.
7. Running at 5:15am is still hard, but I'm happy I can go home and relax after work.
8. I do like texting.
9. Gas at $4.03/gallon again? Give me a president who will get the price down to a reasonable level and not let the gas companies screw us, that man/woman will get my vote. I may even donate to their campaign.
10. Am I a bad American if I watch the Yankees play tonight instead of the debate? Promise I'll switch over during commercials.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
MVP Health Care Rochester Half-Marathon
The Rochester Half-Marathon (or fun-run) took place in conjunction with the marathon on Sunday, September 23. Perfect running weather greeted us, around 45 at the start and maybe 52 for the finish. It was great to not have to worry so much about dehydrating!
Several Sals runners did the race as training for a later fall marathon, led by the inscrutable Mike Weinpress at a 7:45/mile average, 1:41 finish and 6/50 in age group. Jen Katz finished in 1:43:20, 8/169 age group (wow). I had a 1:47:08, 8:11 pace 12/50 age group, Lou Katz a 1:53:30, 6/33 age group, 8:40 pace. Pete Leonard a 2:03, 4/20 age group, one second behind his daughter Sarah who was 66/169 age group.
Several Sals runners did the race as training for a later fall marathon, led by the inscrutable Mike Weinpress at a 7:45/mile average, 1:41 finish and 6/50 in age group. Jen Katz finished in 1:43:20, 8/169 age group (wow). I had a 1:47:08, 8:11 pace 12/50 age group, Lou Katz a 1:53:30, 6/33 age group, 8:40 pace. Pete Leonard a 2:03, 4/20 age group, one second behind his daughter Sarah who was 66/169 age group.
As a Fleet Feet team member I enjoyed the special privilege of a semi-private port-o-john near the start line! This was amazing. They had two employees guarding the loo and as people waited 30 deep in line at the other johns I went right in. Life was beautiful. I even had a pre-race smile!
The past few years I have worked the race for YellowJacket Racing (timing, start/finish line management) from 3 or 3:30am-3pm or so. Running was much easier. Next up, more training for the Marine Corps Marathon in DC on October 28. We are quickly losing training time.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
On The Run Video
I don't remember how I came across this video a couple of weeks ago, but it is worth watching even at 19 minutes long. On The Run is about Arthur Lydiard and some of the men and women runners he trained in New Zealand. This was filmed in 1979. It is professionally done, the music, video and interviews are all interesting. It's a great way to stay motivated during some heavy training you may be doing or are considering attempting.
Pay particular attention to the hill training and the mountains that Jack Foster is doing. The last two or three minutes are worth forwarding to if you don't want to watch the entire movie. Marathoner Jack Foster (he ran a 2:11 after the age of 40), is sprinting down the scree pile of a mountain.
The link is here.
Pay particular attention to the hill training and the mountains that Jack Foster is doing. The last two or three minutes are worth forwarding to if you don't want to watch the entire movie. Marathoner Jack Foster (he ran a 2:11 after the age of 40), is sprinting down the scree pile of a mountain.
The link is here.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Sunday, Buffalo Bills
I grew up a staunch Baltimore Colts fan. No, not the Ravens, not Indianapolis. The Baltimore Colts, Johnny Unitas one of the greatest quarterbacks in history, many other all-pros. As a kid I could name all 50+ players on the team each year, bench warmers and starters.
Then a greedy owner decided it was better to move the team to Indy. WTF. I was crushed. Now who do I cheer for? The Buffalo Bills. It's a form of torture, self-abuse. After the first game this season, a horrible loss to the Jets in which it appeared the Bills could've cared less about playing, I decided that was it. I was no longer going to waste three hours every Sunday watching these losers. With this goal I made a list this morning of what I could do instead and have been checking things off.
1. Fix curtain rods in sunroom.
2. Wash my wife's car, vacuum it and check fluids.
3. Take inventory of my running shoes, clean them and organize.
4. Begin the long project of cleaning all the windows in my house.
5. Bake some apple crisp.
6. Begin the gigantic Sunday crossword puzzle.
7. Finish the photo and written inventory of household goods in case of nuclear attack.
8. Continue reading Biggest Loser trainer Bob Harper's book, "The Skinny Rules".
9. Eat a relaxing lunch without fretting over the game.
10. Follow my fantasy football team (yes, I'm one of those people, I don't play computer games, never really enjoyed pinball machines, but being a pretend football owner is fun).
My wife watches the Bills. She is a more devoted fan than me, so I'm not completely done with them, but Sunday with Buffalo is not going to rule my time.
Then a greedy owner decided it was better to move the team to Indy. WTF. I was crushed. Now who do I cheer for? The Buffalo Bills. It's a form of torture, self-abuse. After the first game this season, a horrible loss to the Jets in which it appeared the Bills could've cared less about playing, I decided that was it. I was no longer going to waste three hours every Sunday watching these losers. With this goal I made a list this morning of what I could do instead and have been checking things off.
1. Fix curtain rods in sunroom.
2. Wash my wife's car, vacuum it and check fluids.
3. Take inventory of my running shoes, clean them and organize.
4. Begin the long project of cleaning all the windows in my house.
5. Bake some apple crisp.
6. Begin the gigantic Sunday crossword puzzle.
7. Finish the photo and written inventory of household goods in case of nuclear attack.
8. Continue reading Biggest Loser trainer Bob Harper's book, "The Skinny Rules".
9. Eat a relaxing lunch without fretting over the game.
10. Follow my fantasy football team (yes, I'm one of those people, I don't play computer games, never really enjoyed pinball machines, but being a pretend football owner is fun).
My wife watches the Bills. She is a more devoted fan than me, so I'm not completely done with them, but Sunday with Buffalo is not going to rule my time.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
New York Yankees
I have seen many New York Yankee innings this year. If you own a television with cable access it's difficult not to watch the Yankees. They have their own channel, YES, and if not televised there will be on ABC or ESPN, or FOX or an affiliate of one of those stations. Here are a few observations I've made about the team recently;
Ten Things about the Yankees;
1. Swisher needs to start getting hits!
2. I want to be the bubble gum supplier for them
3. OR the sunflower seeds supplier?
4. Never make me the dugout janitor
5. They need to find a starting pitcher who can last more than 5 innings…because
6. ...Their bullpen is average
7. Can A-rod possibly jam anything more in his mouth?
8. Why doesn’t A-rod ever swing at the first pitch? Ever.
9. Is Jeter juiced? If Yanks make playoffs he is league MVP.
10. Ichiro could be a world class sprinter.
Ten Things about the Yankees;
1. Swisher needs to start getting hits!
2. I want to be the bubble gum supplier for them
3. OR the sunflower seeds supplier?
4. Never make me the dugout janitor
5. They need to find a starting pitcher who can last more than 5 innings…because
6. ...Their bullpen is average
7. Can A-rod possibly jam anything more in his mouth?
8. Why doesn’t A-rod ever swing at the first pitch? Ever.
9. Is Jeter juiced? If Yanks make playoffs he is league MVP.
10. Ichiro could be a world class sprinter.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Early Morning Running
Things I recently learned about early morning running ( to many people running at 7:30am doesn’t seem to constitute running in the morning). Comments in italics by one of the early crew.
1. It’s really dark out
It’s is going to get darker, too. But when it is dark your clothes don’t have to match .
2. Recently “improved” roads without street lights are dangerous
Agree. At least the sidewalks are not sticking up like before.
3. Port-O-Johns need night lights
Get up a few, just a few minutes earlier for a warm cup of coffee or tea you can take care of business at home.
4. There is comfort in running laps around known areas (amity-west avenue block)
Agree. But think of the witty conversations you could have with us.
5. Bedtime gets earlier, 9:30pm last night. I feel like an 8 year old.
10:00 to 5:00. Seven solid hours of sleep. As long as you are on the same cycle as Jan who cares when you go to bed?
6. The alarm clock is still scary
The day after I retire, I am setting my clock for 5 AM and when it goes off I am throwing it in the back yard.
7. I wake up throughout the night wondering if the alarm is going off soon.
You were getting up to go to the bathroom anyway.
8. Pace is slow, about 30 seconds a mile slower than normal. But it still seems fast.
That changes once you get into a rhythm.
9. I forget throughout the day that I already worked it. It’s nice when I remember, oh yeah, I could run in the afternoon, but I don’t have to.
Gives you more time for cross training or bourbon sipping.
10. Am I really burning extra calories all day long? Maybe, but it doesn’t matter since now I am grazing food like a cow in the pasture.
You are burning extra calories all day plus you can graze and maintain your weight. Better to bring healthy stuff to work to graze on rather than snacking after your run, eat dinner, desert, and snack until midnight.
1. It’s really dark out
It’s is going to get darker, too. But when it is dark your clothes don’t have to match .
2. Recently “improved” roads without street lights are dangerous
Agree. At least the sidewalks are not sticking up like before.
3. Port-O-Johns need night lights
Get up a few, just a few minutes earlier for a warm cup of coffee or tea you can take care of business at home.
4. There is comfort in running laps around known areas (amity-west avenue block)
Agree. But think of the witty conversations you could have with us.
5. Bedtime gets earlier, 9:30pm last night. I feel like an 8 year old.
10:00 to 5:00. Seven solid hours of sleep. As long as you are on the same cycle as Jan who cares when you go to bed?
6. The alarm clock is still scary
The day after I retire, I am setting my clock for 5 AM and when it goes off I am throwing it in the back yard.
7. I wake up throughout the night wondering if the alarm is going off soon.
You were getting up to go to the bathroom anyway.
8. Pace is slow, about 30 seconds a mile slower than normal. But it still seems fast.
That changes once you get into a rhythm.
9. I forget throughout the day that I already worked it. It’s nice when I remember, oh yeah, I could run in the afternoon, but I don’t have to.
Gives you more time for cross training or bourbon sipping.
10. Am I really burning extra calories all day long? Maybe, but it doesn’t matter since now I am grazing food like a cow in the pasture.
You are burning extra calories all day plus you can graze and maintain your weight. Better to bring healthy stuff to work to graze on rather than snacking after your run, eat dinner, desert, and snack until midnight.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Ride and Tie
The big race for Andrea (my daughter) and her running partner Samm is Sunday at the Big South Fork Ride and Tie race in Jamestown, Tennessee. They will team up with a horse and do an 8 mile relay through the trails of the Recreation area.
Participants usually run for a mile or two while the other teammate rides. He/she dismounts and begins running. When the other runner catches up to where the horse is tied up in the woods, they jump on until passing the teammate.
This course is quite hilly, so it should be a good challenge. Typical finishing times for 8 miles is 1.5-2.5 hours. All three team members need to be across the finish line before the official time is recorded.
This is a link to a Runner's World article on a father/daughter team.
Photo from an unknown race.
Participants usually run for a mile or two while the other teammate rides. He/she dismounts and begins running. When the other runner catches up to where the horse is tied up in the woods, they jump on until passing the teammate.
This course is quite hilly, so it should be a good challenge. Typical finishing times for 8 miles is 1.5-2.5 hours. All three team members need to be across the finish line before the official time is recorded.
This is a link to a Runner's World article on a father/daughter team.
Photo from an unknown race.
I can see Lou and Mike W. teaming up for a race like this, except they will use a mule in honor of the Erie Canal. Of course her name will be Sal and the first race will be 15 miles (think of the song).
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Lake Placid
I ran, Jan biked (injured foot), we swam once, ate often, shopped, hiked, drove up Whiteface Mtn, drank Ubu beer (and others), took a Lake Placid boat tour to see homes we will never be able to afford to even rent for a week and generally had a good time for four nights.
Tandem Kayak, Mirror Lake, Jan in back telling me what to do.
Almost to top of Whiteface. 57 degrees, 25mph winds. (80 down below)
View from Mt Baker, near Saranac Lake.
Covered Bridge in Jay NY.
Jan, top of Whiteface, Lake Placid in distance.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Marathon Training Confession
In the deep, dark months of a northern winter several of us got the crazy idea to register for and race the Marine Corps Marathon. The idea though was not just to finish, we've all done that one or more times, but to run as fast as our old man and woman legs could carry us, targeting a Boston qualifying time as a goal.
Of course this meant we would need a training plan, a good plan. Sure, we've followed countless plans in the past with varying degrees of success. Now, though, the Hanson Brothers, from the Detroit area, have been creating buzz with Olympic qualifiers (Desiree Davila) and many other national/world class runners following their plans and training as a group. I purchased their marathon training plan on the internet and shared it with Mike and Lou. Two ideas stick out from the plan, the fairly high weekly mileage, especially for those of us with 40 hour work weeks, and the back to back hard-long runs. Many weekends call for 15-19 miles on Saturday followed by at least 10 miles on Sunday. These runs include a variety of paces thrown in, such as last Saturday's 8 miles at marathon pace during a 15+ mile run. (I could only manage 14, with 5 miles at or a bit below goal pace).
It sounds excellent and will definitely work for Lou and Mike, who are trying their best to stay on schedule. Forgive me Mike and Lou for I have sinned. Well, not really sinned, but I am not on the plan. They may already have figured this out, but if not, this is my confession.
After completing the Tupper Lake Tinman I was more mentally exhausted than expected. Within a week our Hanson plan should have begun. I couldn't do it, barely picked up the schedule to look through it. After two weeks I took out a calendar and tried to plan the next 18 weeks of running. It was discouraging realizing how much I should have already been running and where I really was at.
With fourteen weeks to go and Mike and Lou gung-ho with the plan I had to try something different. I re-read my (or is it Jan's?) Pete Pfitzinger marathon training book. He has a few different plans, one of which was a marathon on up to 55 miles a week and lasting for twelve weeks. Perfect. I adapted the plan for Marine Corps and am currently two weeks into it. Actually I'm running a bit more than the weekly mileage states I should be at.
Someday I may try the Hanson plan, but not this year, not for MCM. Please forgive me Marathon gods.
Of course this meant we would need a training plan, a good plan. Sure, we've followed countless plans in the past with varying degrees of success. Now, though, the Hanson Brothers, from the Detroit area, have been creating buzz with Olympic qualifiers (Desiree Davila) and many other national/world class runners following their plans and training as a group. I purchased their marathon training plan on the internet and shared it with Mike and Lou. Two ideas stick out from the plan, the fairly high weekly mileage, especially for those of us with 40 hour work weeks, and the back to back hard-long runs. Many weekends call for 15-19 miles on Saturday followed by at least 10 miles on Sunday. These runs include a variety of paces thrown in, such as last Saturday's 8 miles at marathon pace during a 15+ mile run. (I could only manage 14, with 5 miles at or a bit below goal pace).
It sounds excellent and will definitely work for Lou and Mike, who are trying their best to stay on schedule. Forgive me Mike and Lou for I have sinned. Well, not really sinned, but I am not on the plan. They may already have figured this out, but if not, this is my confession.
After completing the Tupper Lake Tinman I was more mentally exhausted than expected. Within a week our Hanson plan should have begun. I couldn't do it, barely picked up the schedule to look through it. After two weeks I took out a calendar and tried to plan the next 18 weeks of running. It was discouraging realizing how much I should have already been running and where I really was at.
With fourteen weeks to go and Mike and Lou gung-ho with the plan I had to try something different. I re-read my (or is it Jan's?) Pete Pfitzinger marathon training book. He has a few different plans, one of which was a marathon on up to 55 miles a week and lasting for twelve weeks. Perfect. I adapted the plan for Marine Corps and am currently two weeks into it. Actually I'm running a bit more than the weekly mileage states I should be at.
Someday I may try the Hanson plan, but not this year, not for MCM. Please forgive me Marathon gods.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Train Travel vs. Airplanes
Contributions by guest blogger Lou Katz.
Ten Best Reasons to Travel By Train;
1. Your ears don't pop.
2. Lots of leg room and your feet can be propped up.
3. No restrictions on electronic toy usage.
4. Lots of bathrooms.
5. Sexy conductors (Lou must have been on the Hooterville train)
6. Costs less than plane travel.
7. Better scenery, you aren't looking at clouds all day.
8. More choices of crummy food.
9. No turbulence.
10. Easy to walk around.
Bad Things;
1. No free cookies.
2. Takes much longer than a plane.
3. Many stops along the way.
Friday, August 10, 2012
How the Olympics Can Make More Money
Top 10 Ways for the Olympics to Make More Money
(from guest blogger Mike W.)
1. Add horse racing (betting) to the equestrian events.
2. Charge NBC viewers extra for muting the TV during gymnastics. The announcers are annoying.
3. Celebrity beach volleyball as an exhibition event.
4. Hold a “Who Looks Meaner” contest for women sprinters.
5. Charge soccer players for each flop.
6. Have shot-put catching.
7. Add Pickleball for increasing senior viewage
8. Mix sports. Half volley ball in the sand, the other side of the court is a gym floor.
9. More food sponsors if you have speed eating contests.
10. Allow the team with the most gold medals gets to shave Bob Costas’ head.
(from guest blogger Mike W.)
1. Add horse racing (betting) to the equestrian events.
2. Charge NBC viewers extra for muting the TV during gymnastics. The announcers are annoying.
3. Celebrity beach volleyball as an exhibition event.
4. Hold a “Who Looks Meaner” contest for women sprinters.
5. Charge soccer players for each flop.
6. Have shot-put catching.
7. Add Pickleball for increasing senior viewage
8. Mix sports. Half volley ball in the sand, the other side of the court is a gym floor.
9. More food sponsors if you have speed eating contests.
10. Allow the team with the most gold medals gets to shave Bob Costas’ head.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Ten Things Wrong with the London Olympics
Top Ten Things Wrong with the 2012 Olympics:
1. Never know when track and field events will be on tv!!! Telling viewers at 8pm that the 100m final will be on soon, then showing it after 11pm, really isn't soon.
2. Too much volleyball, diving and gymnastics.
3. The triathlon and marathons are shown at 6am, really?
4. Not enough bikini wear at beach volleyball. If I have to watch it over and over, at least show some legs.
5. Bob Costa’s hair hasn’t changed in 20 years.
6. No major drug charges yet? Sure, all these athletes are clean, yeah.
7. How soon before a male swimmer does a razor commercial for trimming their entire body?
8. Is the world’s fastest human really a 100m guy? Great, he can beat me to the mailbox, I can beat him for the next 15 miles. Who’s really faster?
9. Divers get out of the pool and into a hot tub, what for? See Lou, Joanne does need a hot tub.
10. Mary Carillo doing a special segment on Greenwich time instead of seeing Track events!
1. Never know when track and field events will be on tv!!! Telling viewers at 8pm that the 100m final will be on soon, then showing it after 11pm, really isn't soon.
2. Too much volleyball, diving and gymnastics.
3. The triathlon and marathons are shown at 6am, really?
4. Not enough bikini wear at beach volleyball. If I have to watch it over and over, at least show some legs.
5. Bob Costa’s hair hasn’t changed in 20 years.
6. No major drug charges yet? Sure, all these athletes are clean, yeah.
7. How soon before a male swimmer does a razor commercial for trimming their entire body?
8. Is the world’s fastest human really a 100m guy? Great, he can beat me to the mailbox, I can beat him for the next 15 miles. Who’s really faster?
9. Divers get out of the pool and into a hot tub, what for? See Lou, Joanne does need a hot tub.
10. Mary Carillo doing a special segment on Greenwich time instead of seeing Track events!
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
London Olympics 2012 Fashion
There are some confusing apparel changes at this year's Olympics. The women's beach volleyball players are no longer required to wear bikinis, though some choose to for the bottom. Many are wearing full length suits! This is disappointing and takes a lot away from the sport for many male viewers (not me, of course). 
The male beach volleyball players can wear the same baggy shirts and long shorts as in previous Olympics.
Then we have the female divers who are in full suits, but male divers are required to wear less than a small speedo. I have yet to figure out how the men cram everything into such a tight space. Must be shrinkage from the cold water? No wonder they jump in a hot tub as soon as they get out of the pool.
The male beach volleyball players can wear the same baggy shirts and long shorts as in previous Olympics.
Then we have the female divers who are in full suits, but male divers are required to wear less than a small speedo. I have yet to figure out how the men cram everything into such a tight space. Must be shrinkage from the cold water? No wonder they jump in a hot tub as soon as they get out of the pool.
Next are the track sprinters with either mini shorts and tops, normal shorts and tops, or full-length body suits?
How about the male swimmers in small but not quite diver size small swim suits, yet the female swimmers get to wear what appear to be speed suits?
The triathletes have one piece suits on. Another reason, besides lack of talent, that I couldn't do that sport. How do they go to the bathroom? Everything has to come off, it would take me 10 minutes to change.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Apologies to Johnny Cash
Mike W. inspired me during a 10 mile sweat-fest run yesterday (I lost 6.2 pounds, a 10k!). He began singing the Johnny Cash song, "I Hear the Train a Comin'", and talking about the man in black since I had on a black shirt, shorts and running shoes. In honor of my Alabama daughter Andrea, who recently began running and found out she unfortunately shares a trait of mine, I changed a few lyrics around and came up with this song. Start humming the tune and it will make some sense.
I hear the bear a comin'
It's rollin' 'round the bend,
There’s been too much ‘bama sunshine,
Since, I don't know when,
I'm stuck in this road race,
And time keeps draggin' on,
But that bear keeps a-rollin',
On down to Homewood town.
When I was just a baby,
My Mama told me, "daughter,
Always be a good girl,
Don't ever run like Dad,
He sounds like a bear
And scares the neighborhood”.
But I ran a race in Clanton,
Just to see how fast I was,
And I heard that bear a blowin',
And saw the runners scatter to the woods.
I knew it wasn’t on purpose,
Why Dad ran that way,
He couldn’t help himself,
And the noise that he made,
But now I do the same,
It doesn’t seem so bad,
Those people just keep a-movin',
Away from me.
Well, if I finish this race,
If the bear comes out in me,
I bet I'd move up a little
In finishing time and place,
Far from first or last,
That's where I’ll probably stay,
Kind of like Dad,
And that’s okay with me.
I hear the bear a comin'
It's rollin' 'round the bend,
There’s been too much ‘bama sunshine,
Since, I don't know when,
I'm stuck in this road race,
And time keeps draggin' on,
But that bear keeps a-rollin',
On down to Homewood town.
When I was just a baby,
My Mama told me, "daughter,
Always be a good girl,
Don't ever run like Dad,
He sounds like a bear
And scares the neighborhood”.
But I ran a race in Clanton,
Just to see how fast I was,
And I heard that bear a blowin',
And saw the runners scatter to the woods.
I knew it wasn’t on purpose,
Why Dad ran that way,
He couldn’t help himself,
And the noise that he made,
But now I do the same,
It doesn’t seem so bad,
Those people just keep a-movin',
Away from me.
Well, if I finish this race,
If the bear comes out in me,
I bet I'd move up a little
In finishing time and place,
Far from first or last,
That's where I’ll probably stay,
Kind of like Dad,
And that’s okay with me.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
London Olympics 2012
I love the Olympics! Imagine waiting four years hoping to qualify for your national team, making it, then training to peak for one day, one special race or event. Talk about reality television, it doesn't get anymore real than that!
The first Olympics I remember watching on television were 1968, held in Mexico City, I was eleven years old. I felt horrible for Jim Ryun when he "only" won the silver medal in the 1500meters. The broadcasters and newspapers ripped Ryun apart for not getting the gold. I saw Bob Beamon come out of nowhere to set the world record in the long jump. I remember the tension when sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos gave the Black Power Salute during the medal ceremony.
Now sports fans wait for the drama to unfold in London. I'm a runner, so the track and field events are my favorite. Here is the schedule. Watch for Molly Huddle, a 5,000 meter runner who grew up near Elmira and competed in the Rochester area many times.(finals 8/10). Of course Jenn Suhr, the world class pole vaulter who graduated from Roberts Wesleyan College, is competing (finals 8/6). The women's marathon is Sunday, August 5 and men's marathon Sunday, August 12.
Western NY people will also be cheering for Ryan Lochte in swimming (he lived in the Bristol area until 12) and Abby Wambach, Mercy High School graduate in soccer.
Other favorite sports to watch are equestrian, beginning July 28, cycling, swimming and the triathlon. The truth is I watch almost everything (except rythmic dancing, sailing, trampoline-when did that become an Olympic sport?, badminton, handball and water polo). I understand a degree of athleticism, years of practice, the difficulty involved, especially water polo, but they aren't usually exciting to sit there and watch a whole game.
The first Olympics I remember watching on television were 1968, held in Mexico City, I was eleven years old. I felt horrible for Jim Ryun when he "only" won the silver medal in the 1500meters. The broadcasters and newspapers ripped Ryun apart for not getting the gold. I saw Bob Beamon come out of nowhere to set the world record in the long jump. I remember the tension when sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos gave the Black Power Salute during the medal ceremony.
Now sports fans wait for the drama to unfold in London. I'm a runner, so the track and field events are my favorite. Here is the schedule. Watch for Molly Huddle, a 5,000 meter runner who grew up near Elmira and competed in the Rochester area many times.(finals 8/10). Of course Jenn Suhr, the world class pole vaulter who graduated from Roberts Wesleyan College, is competing (finals 8/6). The women's marathon is Sunday, August 5 and men's marathon Sunday, August 12.
Western NY people will also be cheering for Ryan Lochte in swimming (he lived in the Bristol area until 12) and Abby Wambach, Mercy High School graduate in soccer.
Other favorite sports to watch are equestrian, beginning July 28, cycling, swimming and the triathlon. The truth is I watch almost everything (except rythmic dancing, sailing, trampoline-when did that become an Olympic sport?, badminton, handball and water polo). I understand a degree of athleticism, years of practice, the difficulty involved, especially water polo, but they aren't usually exciting to sit there and watch a whole game.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Lake Placid Ironman
Well, I was considering registering for the 2013 Lake Placid Ironman at noon today. After all, I just finished my first 70.3 distance, who cares if I slogged to a 6:48 time and probably wouldn't have made it to the finish line without Jan and Lou biking along for much of the half-marathon?
I went to the web site, the price for registering went up to $650, plus a processing fee. If you decide not to do the race they will refund $150. Yet their business model absolutely is a success judging by almost every one of the IM's selling out, usually in a few hours at most. When Jan did Lake Placid three years ago registration was under $500. Still a lot of money, but a 30% increase in fees seems ridiculous. But then, the first NYC IM sold out in minutes and is over $800.
Yes, in addition to all of the other sane reasons not to attempt an Ironman, I am too cheap.
Ten Reasons Not to Enter an Ironman;
1. I would need a new wetsuit, my current one was bought used and has gouges all over it.
Cost $180+
2. I would need a faster bike. My road bike is nice, an "entry" level Trek that was under $800. Yes, training helps get better, but buying speed would make a 112 mile ride easier. So, let's say I find a lightweight, aerodynamic, fitted bike on sale. $1500-$2000 would be a moderate amount for that.
3. Accomodations. Understandably the local motels/homes for rent/condos charge more during IM periods. Usually there is a minimum 3 night stay, in fact, you have to check in to IM by Friday for a Sunday race, so your hand is forced. Figure room costs to be doubled. Many times homes you can rent require 2 weeks, one for IM week, one around that time or another time in the year (this is assuming you can find a room or house at all-they get booked while people are standing in line the morning in-person registration opens). Let's go with 4 nights in an average motel, nothing fancy. $1000.
4. Swimming lessons. With a wetsuit I am a moderate swimmer, middle of the pack in my age group maybe. A few lessons when having to race 2.4 miles might be in order. $400.
5. It's a damn long way to race. 140.6 miles. Ridiculous.
6. I get dehydrated easily and the older I get the more susceptible I am to the vagaries of weather.
7. I don't own a pool, public pools aren't always open (Bport state closed all summer, Roberts Wesleyan closed...well... the water disappeared overnight...). Lakes get darn cold around here between October-May.
8. 112 miles on a bike? My butt is sore just thinking about it.
9. Planning ahead. I'm supposed to know what I am doing with my life a year from now? I have a hard time thinking about what to make for dinner tonight.
10. Time. Time to train, eat, sleep. It's a part-time job, 15-25 hours a week of training, for months. That's a big load on the athlete and his/her family.
Total monetary price is a minimum of $3900, plus transportation and food. If you have a nice bike and wetsuit already, still figure $1650 plus food and transportation. Really, this is a big commitment, one I won't be doing.
I went to the web site, the price for registering went up to $650, plus a processing fee. If you decide not to do the race they will refund $150. Yet their business model absolutely is a success judging by almost every one of the IM's selling out, usually in a few hours at most. When Jan did Lake Placid three years ago registration was under $500. Still a lot of money, but a 30% increase in fees seems ridiculous. But then, the first NYC IM sold out in minutes and is over $800.
Yes, in addition to all of the other sane reasons not to attempt an Ironman, I am too cheap.
Ten Reasons Not to Enter an Ironman;
1. I would need a new wetsuit, my current one was bought used and has gouges all over it.
Cost $180+
2. I would need a faster bike. My road bike is nice, an "entry" level Trek that was under $800. Yes, training helps get better, but buying speed would make a 112 mile ride easier. So, let's say I find a lightweight, aerodynamic, fitted bike on sale. $1500-$2000 would be a moderate amount for that.
3. Accomodations. Understandably the local motels/homes for rent/condos charge more during IM periods. Usually there is a minimum 3 night stay, in fact, you have to check in to IM by Friday for a Sunday race, so your hand is forced. Figure room costs to be doubled. Many times homes you can rent require 2 weeks, one for IM week, one around that time or another time in the year (this is assuming you can find a room or house at all-they get booked while people are standing in line the morning in-person registration opens). Let's go with 4 nights in an average motel, nothing fancy. $1000.
4. Swimming lessons. With a wetsuit I am a moderate swimmer, middle of the pack in my age group maybe. A few lessons when having to race 2.4 miles might be in order. $400.
5. It's a damn long way to race. 140.6 miles. Ridiculous.
6. I get dehydrated easily and the older I get the more susceptible I am to the vagaries of weather.
7. I don't own a pool, public pools aren't always open (Bport state closed all summer, Roberts Wesleyan closed...well... the water disappeared overnight...). Lakes get darn cold around here between October-May.
8. 112 miles on a bike? My butt is sore just thinking about it.
9. Planning ahead. I'm supposed to know what I am doing with my life a year from now? I have a hard time thinking about what to make for dinner tonight.
10. Time. Time to train, eat, sleep. It's a part-time job, 15-25 hours a week of training, for months. That's a big load on the athlete and his/her family.
Total monetary price is a minimum of $3900, plus transportation and food. If you have a nice bike and wetsuit already, still figure $1650 plus food and transportation. Really, this is a big commitment, one I won't be doing.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Bicycling Etiquette for Women
Apparently during the 1890's in America there were rules women in particular should follow while biking (from Utne Reader July/August 2012, reprinted from the New York World magazine of 1895).
Don't faint on the road.
Don't cultivate "bicycle face". (not sure what that means)
Don't attend church in your bike costume.
Don't wear clothes that don't fit.
Don't scream if you meet a cow. If she sees you first the cow will run away.
Ask for assistance if going up a hill.
No gum chewing in public, exercise your jaws in private.
Don't use bicycle slang. This is for men to use only.
Don't appear in public on a bike unless you have learned to ride well.
Don't ask "what do you think of my bloomers?" (nowadays that would be bike shorts?).
Don't scratch a match on the seat of your bloomers.
Don't faint on the road.
Don't cultivate "bicycle face". (not sure what that means)
Don't attend church in your bike costume.
Don't wear clothes that don't fit.
Don't scream if you meet a cow. If she sees you first the cow will run away.
Ask for assistance if going up a hill.
No gum chewing in public, exercise your jaws in private.
Don't use bicycle slang. This is for men to use only.
Don't appear in public on a bike unless you have learned to ride well.
Don't ask "what do you think of my bloomers?" (nowadays that would be bike shorts?).
Don't scratch a match on the seat of your bloomers.
Monday, July 9, 2012
What Next?
It's always difficult to finish a major race and find the motivation to keep training at a decent level, and for some people to train at all. There has to be some mental and physical down time. But, depending on how you did in the race, it's not always easy to convince yourself that is exactly what needs to be done. This is especially true if the race was a long event, like a half-marathon to ironman distance.
What if you fell short of a goal time? Do you pick up training where you left off and look for another race? Once I ran the Marine Corps Marathon missing the Boston qualifying time by 63 seconds. A week later I felt pretty good, was desperate for a BQ time and signed up for the Philadelphia marathon. Three weeks to "train". In hindsight Philly was a good race for me, but I fell apart around mile 19 and missed qualifying by 8 minutes.
Eight days ago I completed a goal race, the Tinman half-ironman. My finishing time was about 30 minutes slower than the slowest I thought possible, but I am still proud of myself. All sorts of thoughts go through my head; do I spend six months next year or the year after and try again, hoping for a better time? It's always a crap shoot for the weather, staying healthy, and even if I cut 30 minutes off my time, so what? I'd finish in the top 30% of my age group instead of 50%? I can't find the motivation to think about that.
The immediate goal now is running the Marine Corps Marathon in 16 weeks. It's great to have a plan in place, not fall into some depression because I don't know what to do next. Exercise needs to be a continuous life-long process. Having goals helps keep you motivated, whether it's the local 5k, a sprint tri, trail running, or incorporating a race with travel plans. It doesn't even have to be running. Sacrilege, I know, but the body was meant to move, not blob out at a desk, behind the computer or in front of the television.
What if you fell short of a goal time? Do you pick up training where you left off and look for another race? Once I ran the Marine Corps Marathon missing the Boston qualifying time by 63 seconds. A week later I felt pretty good, was desperate for a BQ time and signed up for the Philadelphia marathon. Three weeks to "train". In hindsight Philly was a good race for me, but I fell apart around mile 19 and missed qualifying by 8 minutes.
Eight days ago I completed a goal race, the Tinman half-ironman. My finishing time was about 30 minutes slower than the slowest I thought possible, but I am still proud of myself. All sorts of thoughts go through my head; do I spend six months next year or the year after and try again, hoping for a better time? It's always a crap shoot for the weather, staying healthy, and even if I cut 30 minutes off my time, so what? I'd finish in the top 30% of my age group instead of 50%? I can't find the motivation to think about that.
The immediate goal now is running the Marine Corps Marathon in 16 weeks. It's great to have a plan in place, not fall into some depression because I don't know what to do next. Exercise needs to be a continuous life-long process. Having goals helps keep you motivated, whether it's the local 5k, a sprint tri, trail running, or incorporating a race with travel plans. It doesn't even have to be running. Sacrilege, I know, but the body was meant to move, not blob out at a desk, behind the computer or in front of the television.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Tupper Lake Tinman
"Raquette Pond was angry that day, my friends, like an old man trying to send back soup in a deli."
I was a mess in transition, tired, a bit disoriented, Jan came over and got me straightened out and I took off in a full...walk. Then the hills and heat really got to me. Fortunately Jan and Lou met me around 5+ miles with water, electrolytes and most importantly moral support. That's when I found out Mike had dropped out in the first mile of the run with leg cramps. I felt like crap, was running 10+ minute miles, my calf was cramping up and wasn't sure about being able to finish. They made me keep going, following me on their bikes for much of the last 6 miles. My daughter Amanda's voice kept playing through my head, "patience Dad, this it all about finishing". Amazing how much the athletes in the rear of the pack support each other, it was nice and helpful, you can talk a lot more when combining walking with running. Around 10 miles I felt better, except for the cramping that would appear after every 4 minutes or so of running. It was a slow slog to the finish, about 30 minutes slower than anticipated, but at least I did finish my first and last half-ironman.
 |
| Jan/Me Transition Prep |
Well, maybe not that bad, but it was a bit undulating for the 8:00-8:20am starting times.
I chose the Tinman race because wetsuits were allowed, the cost was $100+ less than IM trademarked races, and most importantly, the weather would be in the highs of 70-75 at most (Typically I don't race well in heat). I was correct on 2 of the 3 criteria.
It was near 70 at 7am. By noon we were in the 80's with bright sunshine and lots of wind (the wind was okay for the run, a bit rough for the swim and darn hard on 30+ miles of the bike, the 80's did not feel good on the run). Jan opted out of competing for the day, having completed an IM and four previous .5 IM's in her triathlon career, she didn't see the need to beat herself up in the heat and wind. I needed to get the dnf monkey from Disney Florida .5 IM off my back.
Eileen went first, at 8am, for the start of the sprint (.6 mile swim, 18.6 bike, 6.6 run). Lou, Mike and I began in the last wave for the Tinman, at 8:20. Unfortunately Lou had health issues and couldn't complete the swim. Mike decided to talk to the swimmers around him (who talks while swimming?), which gave me an advantage coming out of the water. I ended up about 3 miles ahead of him at the halfway point of the bike, thinking he would reel me in at some point. Unbeknownst to me a flat tire for Mike at 40 miles added another 10+ minutes to his time (why is it always the rear tire?).
 |
Mike W finishing the bike leg. Jan on left cheering.  |
We had the BEST location for our motel, literally right next to the start/finish/transition area, a 100 yard walk from our bike rack to the motel room (Sunset Park Motel). Didn't have to worry about driving, parking, bathrooms, it was great. Thanks to Joanne for the photos.
 |
| Finished |
 |
| Lou, Eileen, Mike W., Me, Jan post-race |
Monday, July 2, 2012
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Happy Birthday from the Marines?
Jan, who happened to have a birthday yesterday, June 27, received this e-card from the Marines. We are running the Marine Corps Marathon in October, Jan's sixth time at this race.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Tupper Lake Tinman
It's true, I may be getting a bit anxious about attempting another 1/2 Ironman this weekend. Three reasons for picking Tupper;
1. Can wear a wetsuit
2. In the Adirondacks, should be cooler all day than my attempt at Florida
3. Less expensive than the trademarked IM races ($140 entry fee versus typical $250 or more)
Good news, we can still wear wetsuits so my legs shouldn't be dragging along the bottom of Raquette pond and the race fee remained at $140.
Bad news, the temperature is forecast to be highs of 80-85 and mostly sunny. At least the humidity should be lower than Florida. Amanda get your IV drip ready for me!
Tuesday night I took my bike out for a quick spin. Sunday I had just cleaned the chain and the bike frame and put on a new rear tire (please no flats during the race!). There was a constant clicking sound as my pedal came around while in the big gear. I adjusted the derailleur and it seemed to stop. On my Tuesday ride the clicking was worse and shifting while in the big gear was horrible. D...o...n...'...t h..y..p..e..r..v..e..n..t..i..l..a..t..e! Must breathe. Relax. NOOO. My race is over, I can't fix this! No bike shop will repair it in less than a week!
Which shop do I go to? Sugar's in Spencerport was the closest, I called and he was going to be open till 7pm. I was down there in 10 minutes. Damien told me if I needed parts there was no way it would be ready by Thursday when we are leaving. I was crushed. My race was over once again. He had one hour left before closing and might be able to look at it. On the way to our last swim, 45 minutes later, Damien called. He had it fixed, but was closing soon. Fortunately, as Jan and I were picking up our last pre-race pizza, she noticed Sugar's was still open and it was 8pm. (how great a town do we have where our favorite pizza place and a bike store are in the same plaza?).
Even better, Damien didn't charge me. He is fairly certain that if I don't mash the gears the bike should be okay for the race. Next week I can take it in for more extensive work. I carried the bike away like a newborn child and gently placed it on the bike rack.
My breathing has started to return to normal. Life is good.
1. Can wear a wetsuit
2. In the Adirondacks, should be cooler all day than my attempt at Florida
3. Less expensive than the trademarked IM races ($140 entry fee versus typical $250 or more)
Good news, we can still wear wetsuits so my legs shouldn't be dragging along the bottom of Raquette pond and the race fee remained at $140.
Bad news, the temperature is forecast to be highs of 80-85 and mostly sunny. At least the humidity should be lower than Florida. Amanda get your IV drip ready for me!
Tuesday night I took my bike out for a quick spin. Sunday I had just cleaned the chain and the bike frame and put on a new rear tire (please no flats during the race!). There was a constant clicking sound as my pedal came around while in the big gear. I adjusted the derailleur and it seemed to stop. On my Tuesday ride the clicking was worse and shifting while in the big gear was horrible. D...o...n...'...t h..y..p..e..r..v..e..n..t..i..l..a..t..e! Must breathe. Relax. NOOO. My race is over, I can't fix this! No bike shop will repair it in less than a week!
Which shop do I go to? Sugar's in Spencerport was the closest, I called and he was going to be open till 7pm. I was down there in 10 minutes. Damien told me if I needed parts there was no way it would be ready by Thursday when we are leaving. I was crushed. My race was over once again. He had one hour left before closing and might be able to look at it. On the way to our last swim, 45 minutes later, Damien called. He had it fixed, but was closing soon. Fortunately, as Jan and I were picking up our last pre-race pizza, she noticed Sugar's was still open and it was 8pm. (how great a town do we have where our favorite pizza place and a bike store are in the same plaza?).
Even better, Damien didn't charge me. He is fairly certain that if I don't mash the gears the bike should be okay for the race. Next week I can take it in for more extensive work. I carried the bike away like a newborn child and gently placed it on the bike rack.
My breathing has started to return to normal. Life is good.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Cornerstone Peach Run
Triathlon Transition Tips
1. Get up early to relax before race. You trained months for this event, "losing" an hour of sleep won't matter.
2. Get equipment prepped the night before your race, don't cause high anxiety by having to run around all over the morning of the race searching for goggles, bike helmet, nutrition aids, etc.
3. Eat your last meal by 6pm the night before. Otherwise you risk spending even more time in the bathroom race morning.
4. Arrive to transition early to setup your equipment.
5. Pre-plan, know the swim entrance, exit, bike out/in directions, run out, finish.
6. Where did you rack your bike? Count racks, count steps from swim finish to bike.
7. Have helmet, bike shoes, sunglasses, race number ready when you come out of water. Know where you are going to place the wetsuit. Have your running gear ready. Prep for nutrition needs during transitions.
Watch this video.
2. Get equipment prepped the night before your race, don't cause high anxiety by having to run around all over the morning of the race searching for goggles, bike helmet, nutrition aids, etc.
3. Eat your last meal by 6pm the night before. Otherwise you risk spending even more time in the bathroom race morning.
4. Arrive to transition early to setup your equipment.
5. Pre-plan, know the swim entrance, exit, bike out/in directions, run out, finish.
6. Where did you rack your bike? Count racks, count steps from swim finish to bike.
7. Have helmet, bike shoes, sunglasses, race number ready when you come out of water. Know where you are going to place the wetsuit. Have your running gear ready. Prep for nutrition needs during transitions.
Watch this video.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Triathlon Racing Suggestions
http://www.5min.com/Video/How-to-Race-Faster-in-Triathlons-2-29683709
Watch this video to learn how to align yourself for the swim, techniques to use in the water (use your legs a bit more the last 2-300m to loosen them up for the bike), and getting prepped for T1.
Practice T1 and T2 so you have the routine down. Much easier to save a minute in transition and come out relaxed than it is to run or bike a minute faster.
Watch this video to learn how to align yourself for the swim, techniques to use in the water (use your legs a bit more the last 2-300m to loosen them up for the bike), and getting prepped for T1.
Practice T1 and T2 so you have the routine down. Much easier to save a minute in transition and come out relaxed than it is to run or bike a minute faster.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Race Taper
Twelve days before the Tupper Lake Tinman 1/2 Ironman triathlon and the taper has officially begun. Now is the time to wonder if you did enough training, not that it really matters anymore. All we can do now is overtrain, not get enough sleep and worry. Far better to realize going into a race possibly a bit undertrained is a good thing.
Top Ten Things to do (or not) when tapering;
1. Don't eat as many calories as when you were training 8-12 hours a week. Gaining 2-3 pounds won't help your race!
2. Run/Ride/Swim shorter distances, but do a few minutes of high quality work in several of the sessions.
3. Stop drinking so much alcohol.
4. Replace your bike tires.
5. Take a complete rest day (or two) each week.
6. Do only one workout on many days.
7. Sleep more.
8. Rest, don't replace the free time you now have from not exercising as much with other physical activities.
9. Practice transitions, imagine yourself in each stage of the race, visualize the course and the success you will have.
10. Plan your on-course nutrition requirements, especially the bike stage, but also what you might keep in the transition area.
You have trained a long time for the race, months, weeks, days, hours. Begin to enjoy the experience now and carry positive thoughts through race day. Your training will get you through the race successfully. Have three goals for the race, for example;
C. Finishing, no matter what the time, as long as it's under the organizer's allotted amount.
B. Meeting a time goal based on your training for each discipline.
A. A top three age group finish or top 50% in your age group, or a fast bike/run split, something that is a bit lofty in case you are having a great day and can push it.
Top Ten Things to do (or not) when tapering;
1. Don't eat as many calories as when you were training 8-12 hours a week. Gaining 2-3 pounds won't help your race!
2. Run/Ride/Swim shorter distances, but do a few minutes of high quality work in several of the sessions.
3. Stop drinking so much alcohol.
4. Replace your bike tires.
5. Take a complete rest day (or two) each week.
6. Do only one workout on many days.
7. Sleep more.
8. Rest, don't replace the free time you now have from not exercising as much with other physical activities.
9. Practice transitions, imagine yourself in each stage of the race, visualize the course and the success you will have.
10. Plan your on-course nutrition requirements, especially the bike stage, but also what you might keep in the transition area.
You have trained a long time for the race, months, weeks, days, hours. Begin to enjoy the experience now and carry positive thoughts through race day. Your training will get you through the race successfully. Have three goals for the race, for example;
C. Finishing, no matter what the time, as long as it's under the organizer's allotted amount.
B. Meeting a time goal based on your training for each discipline.
A. A top three age group finish or top 50% in your age group, or a fast bike/run split, something that is a bit lofty in case you are having a great day and can push it.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Who Let the Dogs Out?
Remember when the majority of races were 10k's? If a 5k was being run at the same place it was truly the "fun" run that young kids and beginning runners participated in. Participants in the 5k might have received a ribbon, probably not a t-shirt or award. Now a 10k race is a rarity. Saturday we had the chance to run a 10k, the Fast and Furriest, proceeds of which benefited the Verona Street Animal Society in Rochester. Results.
Sal's runners dominated in the old but not out of it age categories. Mike Weinpress won the 55-59 age group, earning 10 Rochester Runner of the Year points (even though he doesn't care about the series), while I came in 4th, earning 7 points. Jan won her age group and Lou finished 6th in his.
Prizes were awesome, first place receiving $40 gift certificates to Fleet Feet Sports! The course was fairly flat through the city, down the River path of the mighty Genesee towards the University of Rochester and back up the other side.
Please take the ethics poll on the left of the web site, which deals with a situation that occurred after the race while three men were doing their cool down run. To be clear, there were no cars or homes near where the event took place.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Airport 5k Race
The Airport 5k, benefiting Lifetime Assistance, is being held on Saturday, June 23. Register online through the race website or active.com. This unique course gives runners the opportunity to race on a runway at the Greater Rochester International Airport.
Lifetime Assistance provides services to children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families. Currently they serve over 2,000 people in our area, offering residential services, day services, employment, family support, transportation and community services.
Monday, June 4, 2012
I Am Not Lance
When Lance was training for Le Tour de France he would not miss a training day due to rain. Lance did quite a bit of training in the mountains of North Carolina, along the Blue Ridge Parkway and was known for going out no matter what the weather.
I am not that tough. Sunday was going to be a long ride (60ish miles) with Jan and MW. The professional weather prognosticators gave mixed forcasts, meaning they had no freaking idea if the rain would continue or not. Our 9am ride was canceled due to a downpour. MW wanted to wait and see if it would clear up, I was too impatient and needed to ride.
Jan and I set our bikes up in the basement, plugged in a Coach Troy 90 minute ride up Mt. Lemmon in Arizona dvd and began pedaling. An hour later the sun came out and stayed out as we did a second dvd, a killer 90 minute interval set.
The good news is we both completed our goal of sixty miles on the bike, saved on suntan lotion, washed the floor with our sweat and lost weight.
I am not that tough. Sunday was going to be a long ride (60ish miles) with Jan and MW. The professional weather prognosticators gave mixed forcasts, meaning they had no freaking idea if the rain would continue or not. Our 9am ride was canceled due to a downpour. MW wanted to wait and see if it would clear up, I was too impatient and needed to ride.
Jan and I set our bikes up in the basement, plugged in a Coach Troy 90 minute ride up Mt. Lemmon in Arizona dvd and began pedaling. An hour later the sun came out and stayed out as we did a second dvd, a killer 90 minute interval set.
The good news is we both completed our goal of sixty miles on the bike, saved on suntan lotion, washed the floor with our sweat and lost weight.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Panic Button
A few days ago I received an email with the headline, "37 Days Until the Race"! This is officially when I began to panic about my 1/2 IM training. That meant participants in the Tupper Lake Tinman triathlon had about 27 days to train and another 10 to rest/peak for the race. Suddenly time seemed precious.
Once in a while I check back in my training log and think, "okay, you swam more than the race distance, biked 50+ miles and ran 10 miles over a three-four day period, so the race should be doable."
But more often than not, I don't feel confident. I should run more, no-swim more, no-bike more... definitely bike more. Most of my time will be on the bike, on rolling hills, lots of hills. I need to bike more. Maybe swim too?
I really feel in good shape to race an Olympic Distance triathlon (.9m swim, 26 mile bike, 10k run). I'm not as confident about the 1.2m swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1m run. Knowing I have 20 days to train though is giving me added incentive to get up in the morning, run at night, swim in a lake and go further or faster than before. Last night was a speed track session, speed being relative. At 5:00am this morning was a fight with my inner-being and alarm clock before getting on the bike indoors and riding 20 miles before work. This was made easier knowing that Jan was going out to meet a friend and run 6 miles. Tonight should be a 5-6 mile run for me.
And so it goes. Thirty more days until we are looking at big orange buoys in Raquette Pond.
Once in a while I check back in my training log and think, "okay, you swam more than the race distance, biked 50+ miles and ran 10 miles over a three-four day period, so the race should be doable."
But more often than not, I don't feel confident. I should run more, no-swim more, no-bike more... definitely bike more. Most of my time will be on the bike, on rolling hills, lots of hills. I need to bike more. Maybe swim too?
I really feel in good shape to race an Olympic Distance triathlon (.9m swim, 26 mile bike, 10k run). I'm not as confident about the 1.2m swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1m run. Knowing I have 20 days to train though is giving me added incentive to get up in the morning, run at night, swim in a lake and go further or faster than before. Last night was a speed track session, speed being relative. At 5:00am this morning was a fight with my inner-being and alarm clock before getting on the bike indoors and riding 20 miles before work. This was made easier knowing that Jan was going out to meet a friend and run 6 miles. Tonight should be a 5-6 mile run for me.
And so it goes. Thirty more days until we are looking at big orange buoys in Raquette Pond.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Swimming with the Methodists
For unknown reasons the SUNY Brockport pool closed for the summer. The timing of this announcement couldn't have been worse as several of us are in the last stages of prepping for the Tupper Lake Tinman 1/2 Ironman race the end of June.
Now where do we swim? Braddock's Bay on Lake Ontario is still too cold, mid-fifties, and only a few nuts swim there in May. Canandaigua Lake opens soon, but is an hour away and we need more opportunities closer to home for practice.
Roberts Wesleyan College in North Chili was our choice. Jan and I joined for $90/three months. RW is a religious school but has accepted Lou and Mike W as recreation members, so they must be open to diversification (not because of their Jewish/NYC/Long Island upbringing, but, well, run with the two of them on a few Saturday mornings and you'll begin to understand-they are unique individuals).
Ten Facts About Swimming at RW;
1. The water temperature is like bath water. They must hold baptisms at the pool on Sundays. It's the only local pool I climb into and feel warmer than the air. I sweat while swimming!
2. The showers, though warm, dribble water out like it's running through a sifter.
3. Why are all men's college lockers bent, don't close properly and rusted?
4. No distance markings on the pool. The length is a tightly held secret. We think it is 25 yards, but aren't sure. No one is. I think God wanted it this way.
5. Only three lanes for lap swimming. So far this hasn't been a major issue, even with the homeschool family that comes in with 8 children under the age of 10. They stick to the non-lap area.
6. The pool is open many more hours for lap swimming than any in our area.
7. RW is closer to our home, saving time and gasoline.
8. $90 covers the pool cost, locker area, we can run on the indoor track, play basketball, use weights, treadmills and more.
9. There is a deep end, no diving board, but a 10' deep section of the pool. Strange.
10. Senior Citizen water aerobics is held Monday-Friday for an hour+ each morning. Do not attempt to lap swim during this time. Those people are territorial and don't like waves.
Now where do we swim? Braddock's Bay on Lake Ontario is still too cold, mid-fifties, and only a few nuts swim there in May. Canandaigua Lake opens soon, but is an hour away and we need more opportunities closer to home for practice.
Roberts Wesleyan College in North Chili was our choice. Jan and I joined for $90/three months. RW is a religious school but has accepted Lou and Mike W as recreation members, so they must be open to diversification (not because of their Jewish/NYC/Long Island upbringing, but, well, run with the two of them on a few Saturday mornings and you'll begin to understand-they are unique individuals).
Ten Facts About Swimming at RW;
1. The water temperature is like bath water. They must hold baptisms at the pool on Sundays. It's the only local pool I climb into and feel warmer than the air. I sweat while swimming!
2. The showers, though warm, dribble water out like it's running through a sifter.
3. Why are all men's college lockers bent, don't close properly and rusted?
4. No distance markings on the pool. The length is a tightly held secret. We think it is 25 yards, but aren't sure. No one is. I think God wanted it this way.
5. Only three lanes for lap swimming. So far this hasn't been a major issue, even with the homeschool family that comes in with 8 children under the age of 10. They stick to the non-lap area.
6. The pool is open many more hours for lap swimming than any in our area.
7. RW is closer to our home, saving time and gasoline.
8. $90 covers the pool cost, locker area, we can run on the indoor track, play basketball, use weights, treadmills and more.
9. There is a deep end, no diving board, but a 10' deep section of the pool. Strange.
10. Senior Citizen water aerobics is held Monday-Friday for an hour+ each morning. Do not attempt to lap swim during this time. Those people are territorial and don't like waves.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Alabama Running
My daughter Andrea lives near Birmingham, Alabama, a state where 50 degrees is cold, 70 you wear a sweatshirt and 85 you might feel comfortable in shorts.
Andrea has been an on-again/off-again runner for several years and an equestrian since the teen years. A friend of hers decided it would be great if they did a Ride and Tie together. These are relay races of varying distances, one person rides the horse, ties it in the woods on the race path, and begins running. The teammate, who has been running, reaches the horse, gets on and rides, tieing it up again for the current runner. This continues for up to 50 miles.
Andrea and her teammate are new to the sport and will attempt an 8 mile race. Thus, Andrea needs to train for running again. This is the story (in her words) of her first time out;
I finally dragged myself out of the house yesterday evening for my first run since the fall. I decided to run the loop around the church and back since I knew that was one mile and I was curious how far I could go. I left the big, bad, black dog at home, worried I’d be chased by the little ankle biters down the street and not in the mood to break up a potential dog fight. Off I go, starting with a two minute walk for a warm-up, then the alarm went off for the start of my five min run. This isn’t too bad, wonder if five minutes is up yet…nope, only 40 seconds. Ok, keep going…and walk. In the middle of the second run, I reached the mile point, turned back from my house and down the loop again. This five minutes went by quickly. Walk, start my third run on the “main” road. About halfway down, I see a mean, nasty horse-fly circling my knees. Screaming and arms flailing did not phase this vicious creature. I ran faster for ten seconds, thinking I could out run it. He was persistent! Off I went in a full-blown sprint, long strides, grateful to be heading downhill. The two young boys ahead of me looked shocked when I went blowing by them, 100 mph. Oh no, now it’s uphill! As I started to slow, I glanced down. It appeared I was safe. I’m sure the boys looked like a slower, easier target. Thank you for kids! Two miles completed on my first run.
I decided to cool down with a ten minute yoga clip from yogamazing. Of course, I lay on the ground and, the dogs came running over to help (Andrea has 4 dogs). They quickly learned they were to be ignored and went back to sleep in their corners. However, unknown to me, the cat had her eye on me. As I lay in crocodile pose, she took the opportunity to run over and jump on my back. After making sure I was “comfortable”, she laid down, adding extra weight as I moved between the crocodile pose and the boat pose. I’m sure she enjoyed the rocking back and forth. As I came up off the floor to sitting poses, she climbed up to my shoulders, then leapt off as the dogs came over, thinking I must be ready to play with them. As two fight over who gets my attention first, one licking the sweat off my face, I continue to hunt for calmness, quiet and peace thru my breathing. I finally found it as the video ended and I collapsed with a sigh of relief. Day one done.
Andrea has been an on-again/off-again runner for several years and an equestrian since the teen years. A friend of hers decided it would be great if they did a Ride and Tie together. These are relay races of varying distances, one person rides the horse, ties it in the woods on the race path, and begins running. The teammate, who has been running, reaches the horse, gets on and rides, tieing it up again for the current runner. This continues for up to 50 miles.
Andrea and her teammate are new to the sport and will attempt an 8 mile race. Thus, Andrea needs to train for running again. This is the story (in her words) of her first time out;
I finally dragged myself out of the house yesterday evening for my first run since the fall. I decided to run the loop around the church and back since I knew that was one mile and I was curious how far I could go. I left the big, bad, black dog at home, worried I’d be chased by the little ankle biters down the street and not in the mood to break up a potential dog fight. Off I go, starting with a two minute walk for a warm-up, then the alarm went off for the start of my five min run. This isn’t too bad, wonder if five minutes is up yet…nope, only 40 seconds. Ok, keep going…and walk. In the middle of the second run, I reached the mile point, turned back from my house and down the loop again. This five minutes went by quickly. Walk, start my third run on the “main” road. About halfway down, I see a mean, nasty horse-fly circling my knees. Screaming and arms flailing did not phase this vicious creature. I ran faster for ten seconds, thinking I could out run it. He was persistent! Off I went in a full-blown sprint, long strides, grateful to be heading downhill. The two young boys ahead of me looked shocked when I went blowing by them, 100 mph. Oh no, now it’s uphill! As I started to slow, I glanced down. It appeared I was safe. I’m sure the boys looked like a slower, easier target. Thank you for kids! Two miles completed on my first run.
I decided to cool down with a ten minute yoga clip from yogamazing. Of course, I lay on the ground and, the dogs came running over to help (Andrea has 4 dogs). They quickly learned they were to be ignored and went back to sleep in their corners. However, unknown to me, the cat had her eye on me. As I lay in crocodile pose, she took the opportunity to run over and jump on my back. After making sure I was “comfortable”, she laid down, adding extra weight as I moved between the crocodile pose and the boat pose. I’m sure she enjoyed the rocking back and forth. As I came up off the floor to sitting poses, she climbed up to my shoulders, then leapt off as the dogs came over, thinking I must be ready to play with them. As two fight over who gets my attention first, one licking the sweat off my face, I continue to hunt for calmness, quiet and peace thru my breathing. I finally found it as the video ended and I collapsed with a sigh of relief. Day one done.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Top 10 Things About Riding with McCulloughs
Submitted by Mike Weinpress.
1. If you take the number of miles they say they are going to ride and multiply by pi you get actual miles.
2. With me and Mike you are guaranteed at least 3 rest stops.
3. Mike and Jan like to pack a Heed picnic basket. Watch out for Yogi Bear.
4. Mike will always let you know 1 second in advance if there is a road hazard.
5. He does not wear a mirror. Apparently he only cares about cars ahead.
6. He made us stop 2 times to remind me about his free shoes.
7. Mike’s digestive system has a built in anti-drafting mechanism.
8. Jan will mention that she needs to get in better shape as she blows by you up the hills.
9. Mike can develop a circular course and manage to keep the wind in your face the whole time.
10. Something is wrong with Jan. On the down hills she pedals to go even faster. Mike and I coast, put our head downs and sing the theme song for Speed Racer.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Exercise & Older Adults
Researchers at the University of British Columbia studied the effects of resistence training on older adults and found great benefits physically as well as mentally. It's never too late to begin!
Monday, April 30, 2012
New Balance
The running shoe company, New Balance, was a sponsor for the Flower City Challenge, held over two days in Rochester, NY (April 28,29). On Saturday athletes could choose to do a duathlon (5k run, 20m bike, 5k run) or triathlon (5k run, 20m bike, 3m paddle in the Genesee river). Sunday’s events were a 5k run or a half-marathon.
Nearly 4,000 people took part in these events. But that is not the news. The best part of the entire weekend was New Balance providing complimentary running shoes to paid staff of YellowJacket Racing, of which I am one.
Amazingly there are ten great reasons to love my FREE shoes;
1. Lightweight, only 9.6 ounces.
2. 4.5 stars out of 5.0 possible in Road Runner Sports customer reviews.
3. Retail price $99, my price $0.
4. The black color goes well with dress clothes for work.
5. The black goes well with all of my running clothes.
6. My feet were comfy while working 9 hours during the ½ marathon.
7. They make me feel like a fast runner.
8. Named Best Gear of the Year by Outside magazine 2011.
9. Did I mention they were free?
10. Mike Weinpress (MW) is jealous, really jealous.
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