I just read that Mutai's "world record" of 2:03 won't count because Boston is a net downhill course. I find this ridiculous. First, every marathon is different. The Rotterdam marathon, where the "real" record was set, is flat as a pancake, and there were pacesetters for much of the race! But this is okay?
Boston has no pacesetters, it's a real race. Yes, there are downhills, but most of that is in the first 2-3 miles. Maybe people from the sanctioning bodies of running need to run the 3-4 miles that make up Heartbreak Hill, especially after running 15 miles at a 4:40 pace. I bet the record will count then. Maybe they need to race someone over 26 miles and have it come down to a sprint finish in the last 600 yards, with the racers actually picking up the pace from a 4:40 mile to see who has the last ounce of energy left?
The only way you can really have a world record in a marathon is to run the race, all 26.2 miles, on a track, or use just one course somewhere in the world, that everyone who wants to go for the record has to run. Of course pacesetters can't be allowed either. I'm being sarcastic.
Listen, Mutai ran 26.2 certified miles, up and down hills, on flat, in a competitive race with no pacesetters and crushed the record, that's it, end of story.
The Erie Canal, Running Paradise
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Boston Marathon Elite
At a great moment in the race Jan and I found a live feed from a Boston news station that showed the women's finish. Evidently the feed was available for free for the entire race, but it took awhile to locate this and it wasn't advertised well. The feed was from CBS Boston, WBZ, and was supposed to be free for New England area only, but we got it with no problem here in upstate NY. The station continued to carry live feeds from Heartbreak Hill and the finish line throughout the day.
After New Zealand runner Kim Smith led the race for 14 miles, she was overcome by cramps and the lead pack gobbled her up. Unfortunately Kim couldn't complete the race. American Desiree Davila came on strong with 10 miles to go and battled two Kenyans over the last 2-3 miles for the lead. Desiree faded back a few times by 10-15 yards and looked broken, but wouldn't give up and put in a great surge up an incline just before turning right onto Boylston street, taking the lead from Caroline Kilel and Sharon Cherop. Turning left onto Boylston Kilel came back and surged ahead, but Davila stayed strong and picked up the pace again. At this point Cherop was dropped. Kilel put in one final surge and won by 2 seconds over the feisty American. Desiree set a personal best by 4 minutes. 1- 2:22:36, 2-2:22:38, 3-2:22:42, (5:25/mile pace) 5 (Kara Goucher, USA) 2:24:52 a personal best and just 6 months from having her first child!
The men's race was just as exciting as Geoffrey Mutai edged out Moses Mosop (both from Kenya) for first place in a world record 2:03:01, an average of 4:41 per mile. Ridiculously fast. This is a Boston course record by 3 minutes. Ryan Hall of the USA ran great, set an American record in 2:04:58 and finished 4th. How soon will it be before the 2 hour mark is broken for a marathon? Mutai earned over $200,000 for the victory, course and world record.
After New Zealand runner Kim Smith led the race for 14 miles, she was overcome by cramps and the lead pack gobbled her up. Unfortunately Kim couldn't complete the race. American Desiree Davila came on strong with 10 miles to go and battled two Kenyans over the last 2-3 miles for the lead. Desiree faded back a few times by 10-15 yards and looked broken, but wouldn't give up and put in a great surge up an incline just before turning right onto Boylston street, taking the lead from Caroline Kilel and Sharon Cherop. Turning left onto Boylston Kilel came back and surged ahead, but Davila stayed strong and picked up the pace again. At this point Cherop was dropped. Kilel put in one final surge and won by 2 seconds over the feisty American. Desiree set a personal best by 4 minutes. 1- 2:22:36, 2-2:22:38, 3-2:22:42, (5:25/mile pace) 5 (Kara Goucher, USA) 2:24:52 a personal best and just 6 months from having her first child!
The men's race was just as exciting as Geoffrey Mutai edged out Moses Mosop (both from Kenya) for first place in a world record 2:03:01, an average of 4:41 per mile. Ridiculously fast. This is a Boston course record by 3 minutes. Ryan Hall of the USA ran great, set an American record in 2:04:58 and finished 4th. How soon will it be before the 2 hour mark is broken for a marathon? Mutai earned over $200,000 for the victory, course and world record.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Boston Marathon
Two Sal's members qualified for and are running in the 2011 Boston Marathon on Monday, April 18, Pete and Roger. Pete qualified with a 4:03 at the 2010 Pittsburgh Marathon, which is an age-graded 3:06. Roger ran a 3:43 at last year's Boston, an age-graded 2:53 and good enough for 23rd in his age group out of 227 starters. When I mature I want to be as fast as Pete and Roger - they are in the 65-69 age group.
Top Ten Things About the Boston Marathon:
10. A BQ time is always a great goal finishing time in another marathon.
9. Even normal people know about the Boston Marathon and are impressed if you run it.
8. What other sport can you compete against the world's best? (so what if they finish an hour or more ahead, hey you were in the race too).
7. The cost is only $100+ dollars per entry, $250+ per night hotel, transportation to Boston, meals, parking $20+/day and marathon souvenirs from the expo.
6. The first half of the race is fast and some downhill miles might screw up your quads.
5. An American male has not won the race since 1983 (Greg Meyer) female since 1985 (Lisa Larsen Weidenbach). Ryan Hall, fourth in last year's race, and Kara Goucher, third last year, are back again to try and break through with an American victory.
4. I would be surprised if an American won this year.
3. Bill Rodgers averaged 2:10 in his 4 victories.
2. The Sam Adams beer never tastes better than during the post-race celebratory meal.
1. Here is a course tour, done in 5 minutes, led by Dave McGillivray.
Top Ten Things About the Boston Marathon:
10. A BQ time is always a great goal finishing time in another marathon.
9. Even normal people know about the Boston Marathon and are impressed if you run it.
8. What other sport can you compete against the world's best? (so what if they finish an hour or more ahead, hey you were in the race too).
7. The cost is only $100+ dollars per entry, $250+ per night hotel, transportation to Boston, meals, parking $20+/day and marathon souvenirs from the expo.
6. The first half of the race is fast and some downhill miles might screw up your quads.
5. An American male has not won the race since 1983 (Greg Meyer) female since 1985 (Lisa Larsen Weidenbach). Ryan Hall, fourth in last year's race, and Kara Goucher, third last year, are back again to try and break through with an American victory.
4. I would be surprised if an American won this year.
3. Bill Rodgers averaged 2:10 in his 4 victories.
2. The Sam Adams beer never tastes better than during the post-race celebratory meal.
1. Here is a course tour, done in 5 minutes, led by Dave McGillivray.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Bengal Tigers, Molly the Dog
During running races there is a saying that "it felt like an elephant jumped on my back", meaning how heavy your legs got and there was no choice but to slow down.
Apparently UK wildlife photographer, Paul Goldstein is going to run four marathons during the month of April with a Bengal Tiger on his back.
Mr. Goldstein is raising money to assist in saving Bengal Tigers from the rampant poaching going on. The money will buy equipment and patrol vehicles for the parks where tigers are supposed to be protected and encourage more tourists to visit, adding to the local economy.
In a related story, MW is planning on running three races, the Spring Forward 15k, Lilac 10k and the Lake Placid half-marathon with Molly on his back. Molly is Mike's 10 pound dog. MW likes to pretend he doesn't like Molly, but I rarely see the two apart. It's fine if MW wants to take Molly on car trips and run with Molly in a carrying pack that most parents use for a child. Problems arise at the SUNY Brockport pool however, as most swimmers don't appreciate MW and Molly sharing a lane while doing the doggy paddle. It's also bizarre when MW hooks his Wizard of Oz bike basket to his Trek road bike, loads in Molly and races Eileen around town. MW is raising money for his Scotch Whiskey fund.
Apparently UK wildlife photographer, Paul Goldstein is going to run four marathons during the month of April with a Bengal Tiger on his back.
Mr. Goldstein is raising money to assist in saving Bengal Tigers from the rampant poaching going on. The money will buy equipment and patrol vehicles for the parks where tigers are supposed to be protected and encourage more tourists to visit, adding to the local economy.
In a related story, MW is planning on running three races, the Spring Forward 15k, Lilac 10k and the Lake Placid half-marathon with Molly on his back. Molly is Mike's 10 pound dog. MW likes to pretend he doesn't like Molly, but I rarely see the two apart. It's fine if MW wants to take Molly on car trips and run with Molly in a carrying pack that most parents use for a child. Problems arise at the SUNY Brockport pool however, as most swimmers don't appreciate MW and Molly sharing a lane while doing the doggy paddle. It's also bizarre when MW hooks his Wizard of Oz bike basket to his Trek road bike, loads in Molly and races Eileen around town. MW is raising money for his Scotch Whiskey fund.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Quotes
From Running Times, 3/2011, Scott Douglas.
It's not uncommon to go to bed thinking, "Darn, I should have run today." It's not common to go to bed thinking, "I shouldn't have run today."
There are no junk miles. If you're not injured so badly that you're altering your form, or so sick that you feel worse after running, then it's all good...even slower paced runs promote blood flow, clear your mind, burn calories, assist with training...(paraphrased)
Look, you know you're going to run. So don't waste time and mental energy staring out the window at the horrible weather.
A national class woman who runs easy miles at 7:30/mile is doing recovery runs at more than 2 minutes per mile slower than her 10k pace. Do you (really slow down for recovery?). paraphrased.
Always get in a run before getting on an airplane.
Something is almost always better than nothing...real life intrudes...a 4-miler is much closer to a 10-miler than a 0-miler is.
It's not uncommon to go to bed thinking, "Darn, I should have run today." It's not common to go to bed thinking, "I shouldn't have run today."
There are no junk miles. If you're not injured so badly that you're altering your form, or so sick that you feel worse after running, then it's all good...even slower paced runs promote blood flow, clear your mind, burn calories, assist with training...(paraphrased)
Look, you know you're going to run. So don't waste time and mental energy staring out the window at the horrible weather.
A national class woman who runs easy miles at 7:30/mile is doing recovery runs at more than 2 minutes per mile slower than her 10k pace. Do you (really slow down for recovery?). paraphrased.
Always get in a run before getting on an airplane.
Something is almost always better than nothing...real life intrudes...a 4-miler is much closer to a 10-miler than a 0-miler is.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Swim Smooth
Swim Smooth looks like an awesome website to improve your swimming technique. The animation used to illustrate swim strokes is easy to follow. Jump to beginner, intermediate or advanced sections and check your "ape index", learn about body roll, posture, open water techniques, improve your rhythm, timing and more.
If you swim like me, you'll want to read the tips on swimming straight. "The key to bilateral breathing is smooth, constant exhalation into the water. Doing the natural thing and holding on your breath is very inefficient and builds up lots of CO2 in your lungs and blood stream. Did you know that it's the build up of this CO2, not the lack of oxygen, that makes you desperate for air and causes the feelings of anxiety and panic?"
Before you can improve, you need to find out your swim type. "Based on speed and limited upper-body flexibility gives them very sinky legs when swimming" I am an "Arnie".
This is a drill to improve your core and posture while in the water;
"Squeezing Your Butt Muscles
Our second exercise is another visualisation. This time we're focused on the lower-rear core muscles, the glutes (your bum/butt). As you swim, imagine you have a large coin between your butt cheeks and you've got to keep it there! To do that you've got to lightly squeeze your butt cheeks together - a crude thought but very effective none the less!
Don't over do it, a very light clench is enough to engage your glutes, straighten your lower body and connect your legs better to your torso. This exercise also helps you develop better kicking technique.
Think about this regularly when you swim and you will gradually develop neural pathways to your glute muscles, recruiting them for permanent use."
I'll let you know if my times improve as a result of this website.
If you swim like me, you'll want to read the tips on swimming straight. "The key to bilateral breathing is smooth, constant exhalation into the water. Doing the natural thing and holding on your breath is very inefficient and builds up lots of CO2 in your lungs and blood stream. Did you know that it's the build up of this CO2, not the lack of oxygen, that makes you desperate for air and causes the feelings of anxiety and panic?"
Before you can improve, you need to find out your swim type. "Based on speed and limited upper-body flexibility gives them very sinky legs when swimming" I am an "Arnie".
This is a drill to improve your core and posture while in the water;
"Squeezing Your Butt Muscles
Our second exercise is another visualisation. This time we're focused on the lower-rear core muscles, the glutes (your bum/butt). As you swim, imagine you have a large coin between your butt cheeks and you've got to keep it there! To do that you've got to lightly squeeze your butt cheeks together - a crude thought but very effective none the less!
Don't over do it, a very light clench is enough to engage your glutes, straighten your lower body and connect your legs better to your torso. This exercise also helps you develop better kicking technique.
Think about this regularly when you swim and you will gradually develop neural pathways to your glute muscles, recruiting them for permanent use."
I'll let you know if my times improve as a result of this website.
Sister Madonna Buder
Sister Madonna Buder, known as the Iron Nun, has completed more than 40 Ironman races and 325 triathlons in the last 30 years. She is now 80 and still competing.
She’s making plans to race in the Boston Marathon next month.
In 2005, at age 75, she became the oldest woman to ever complete the Hawaii Ironman, finishing a full hour before the 17-hour cut-off.
In 2009 she broke her own record as the oldest woman to complete the Ironman distance by finishing the Ironman Canada with a time of 16 hours and 54 minutes.
Sister Buder has faced many difficulties, from broken bones to a bicycle accident that almost kept her from competing in the Boston Marathon in 2009. She has always managed to push through the hard times. While still recovering from her accident, she finished the Boston Marathon in 4 hours and 42 minutes, .
These days Sister Buder has a pair of running shoes to go with every outfit. (and I thought Mike W was the only person who did this).
“When I was younger my mother used to say, ‘why don’t you act your age,’ and now I’m glad I never did.” she said. “You may age, but you don’t have to grow up.”
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/03/17/2120156/no-ordinary-nun.html#ixzz1GxhXSjdp
She’s making plans to race in the Boston Marathon next month.
In 2005, at age 75, she became the oldest woman to ever complete the Hawaii Ironman, finishing a full hour before the 17-hour cut-off.
In 2009 she broke her own record as the oldest woman to complete the Ironman distance by finishing the Ironman Canada with a time of 16 hours and 54 minutes.
Sister Buder has faced many difficulties, from broken bones to a bicycle accident that almost kept her from competing in the Boston Marathon in 2009. She has always managed to push through the hard times. While still recovering from her accident, she finished the Boston Marathon in 4 hours and 42 minutes, .
These days Sister Buder has a pair of running shoes to go with every outfit. (and I thought Mike W was the only person who did this).
“When I was younger my mother used to say, ‘why don’t you act your age,’ and now I’m glad I never did.” she said. “You may age, but you don’t have to grow up.”
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/03/17/2120156/no-ordinary-nun.html#ixzz1GxhXSjdp
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