Stepping Stone
Saturday, April 02, 2005
Monday, March 21, 2005
HAT 50K
My first Ultra is complete. Did I say first? I meant to say my one and only.
This is a baby ultra. An ultra is technically anything over the marathon distance of 26.2; a 50K (31 miles) is the shortest ultra.
The Hat 50K has been evolving over the years and at the pasta dinner and at the start/midway/finish point they displayed a history of the event. It takes a great deal of effort to organize an event like this, especially one that went so smoothly.
I decided to ride down on Friday so I would be fresh for the run. It also gave me a chance to attend the Pasta dinner and talk to some of those who would be running the next day. I met a couple of other first timers as well as some experienced ultra runners.
We were blessed with perfect weather - maybe a tad warm. Despite a forecast of cloudy weather, we had brilliant, blue skies all day. Much of the trail runs along the Susquehanna River which was particularly beautiful- a cold, dark blue. I had a great
view of Port Deposit where my father-in-law was born. He would have been 102 this month.
The course is very varied: wooded trails of course, but also fields and a long portion on a wide cinder trail. Parts of the wooded sections were very rocky. There were beautiful white stones that someone told were quartz. The last lap I picked up a small piece as a souvenir and a charm. Several waters crossings but I never got wet, unlike many runners who chose to simply run across. I also saw a couple of spills by some less nimble runners. (The rock hopping necessary to avoid getting your feet wet wasn’t bad the first loop but by the second those hops were a lot more tricky.) I had one runner argue it wasn’t bad getting your feet wet but I worried that running wet would create blisters.
I ran 29 miles well but had some problems toward the end with cramping - I used Succeed but probably could have taken more. The aid stations were about five miles apart. They were well stocked with food (boiled potatoes, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, pretzels and chips) and drink; even ibuprofrin was available. Unlike marathon water stations where at the most runners slow to a walk, Ultras stopped, refilled water bottles and actually ate food.
I liked the laid back Ultra approach - walk the hills, enjoy the aid stations, lots of talking even late in the race. The first hour flew by and even the whole six hours seemed to past quickly. Although many were first timers like me, some runners were dedicated ultra runners; a woman I ran with was using this run as a training run for a fifty miler 9 April (Bull Run).
I finished in 6hr14minutes. I even took time at the mid-way point to change shoes and shirt.
I'll do better next time - wait a minute there WILL BE NO NEXT TIME!
Oh and I left one of my favorite shirts and my finishers hat at the finish pavilion. Wrote the race director. Not much chance for my shirt but maybe I can get another hat.
My first Ultra is complete. Did I say first? I meant to say my one and only.
This is a baby ultra. An ultra is technically anything over the marathon distance of 26.2; a 50K (31 miles) is the shortest ultra.
The Hat 50K has been evolving over the years and at the pasta dinner and at the start/midway/finish point they displayed a history of the event. It takes a great deal of effort to organize an event like this, especially one that went so smoothly.
I decided to ride down on Friday so I would be fresh for the run. It also gave me a chance to attend the Pasta dinner and talk to some of those who would be running the next day. I met a couple of other first timers as well as some experienced ultra runners.
We were blessed with perfect weather - maybe a tad warm. Despite a forecast of cloudy weather, we had brilliant, blue skies all day. Much of the trail runs along the Susquehanna River which was particularly beautiful- a cold, dark blue. I had a great
view of Port Deposit where my father-in-law was born. He would have been 102 this month.
The course is very varied: wooded trails of course, but also fields and a long portion on a wide cinder trail. Parts of the wooded sections were very rocky. There were beautiful white stones that someone told were quartz. The last lap I picked up a small piece as a souvenir and a charm. Several waters crossings but I never got wet, unlike many runners who chose to simply run across. I also saw a couple of spills by some less nimble runners. (The rock hopping necessary to avoid getting your feet wet wasn’t bad the first loop but by the second those hops were a lot more tricky.) I had one runner argue it wasn’t bad getting your feet wet but I worried that running wet would create blisters.
I ran 29 miles well but had some problems toward the end with cramping - I used Succeed but probably could have taken more. The aid stations were about five miles apart. They were well stocked with food (boiled potatoes, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, pretzels and chips) and drink; even ibuprofrin was available. Unlike marathon water stations where at the most runners slow to a walk, Ultras stopped, refilled water bottles and actually ate food.
I liked the laid back Ultra approach - walk the hills, enjoy the aid stations, lots of talking even late in the race. The first hour flew by and even the whole six hours seemed to past quickly. Although many were first timers like me, some runners were dedicated ultra runners; a woman I ran with was using this run as a training run for a fifty miler 9 April (Bull Run).
I finished in 6hr14minutes. I even took time at the mid-way point to change shoes and shirt.
I'll do better next time - wait a minute there WILL BE NO NEXT TIME!
Oh and I left one of my favorite shirts and my finishers hat at the finish pavilion. Wrote the race director. Not much chance for my shirt but maybe I can get another hat.
Sunday, March 13, 2005
Spring Races
I would have blogged about the Northeast Roadrunners 10K earlier but I had trouble getting Hello to post the photos and never got around to posting an account. So here’s a delayed report of that race.
There are relatively few events schedule for February. I guess Race Directors are rightly concerned that February weather is just too iffy and runners just too likely to past an event if the weather is bad to justify holding a race.
Northeast Roadrunners kick off the spring race season with a low key 10K using the bike path on Kelly Drive.
Northeast Road Runners
It’s an out and back. The race starts and ends at Lloyd Hall seen in the photo above and here (note the snow!)
Lloyd Hall
They get a pretty good crowd. I was still in my Ultra training so I went out easy a couple of miles before the race. Ran a hard race but held enough in reserve to do an additional 10 after the race. I was satisfied to break 50 minutes. Iwanted to do 8 minute miles and I nailed it right on,
This is a common ritual at races when runners gather around the board where the finishers tags have been posted in finish order:
Checking Results
and then do the river drives loop. I tried the walk run on the loop. Not sure about this method. It was nice to have the walk to look forward to and it wasn’t as hard to start running after walking as I feared. Still I think I became a little too dependent on the walking. Jury’s out on this but I no doubt will be doing a lot of walking in the Ultra.
Caesar Rodney Half Marathon
Caesar Rodney
So what was I doing running a half-marathon one week before my Ultra. Well I figure for an Ultra a half marathon was a taper. Similar to last week my goal was to run hard but not so hard as to risk injury or prevent a quick recovery. In bad weather last year I ran a 1:49:xx so I wanted to at least match that pace. I amazed myself my coming in quite close to that mark. I will have to see the times when they are posted but I believe I about 1:49:30 chip time.
I have done CR a number of times and always enjoy it. Like the Icicle Run in January you get to use the YMCA’s facilities which makes it easier to get ready pre race and to have a nice hot shower before heading home. There’s a large parking lot across the street, so unlike a Philly downtown race, parking is easy.
The tough thing about this race is the elevation changes.
CR elevation
You start in Caesar Rodney Square (that's Caesar Rodney's statue above) and do a loop that takes you down to the waterfront and then back to Rockford Park. Those four miles are rolling with some hills but the real climb is in the park. Two and half miles of steady climb going thru Brandywine, along Kentmere Parkway and into Rockford Park. There is a stretch along Rt 52 and the turn around is the MNBA building. You then have the pleasure of two plus miles of downhill back thru the parks before making a steep climb to the finish line. This is one of the steepest finishes I have seen and to hear comments from others one of the steepest anywhere.
This is the deceptively calm looking finish area just before the race:
Preparing the finish line
A light week of running this week. Next Saturday the Ultra.
I would have blogged about the Northeast Roadrunners 10K earlier but I had trouble getting Hello to post the photos and never got around to posting an account. So here’s a delayed report of that race.
There are relatively few events schedule for February. I guess Race Directors are rightly concerned that February weather is just too iffy and runners just too likely to past an event if the weather is bad to justify holding a race.
Northeast Roadrunners kick off the spring race season with a low key 10K using the bike path on Kelly Drive.
Northeast Road Runners
It’s an out and back. The race starts and ends at Lloyd Hall seen in the photo above and here (note the snow!)
Lloyd Hall
They get a pretty good crowd. I was still in my Ultra training so I went out easy a couple of miles before the race. Ran a hard race but held enough in reserve to do an additional 10 after the race. I was satisfied to break 50 minutes. Iwanted to do 8 minute miles and I nailed it right on,
This is a common ritual at races when runners gather around the board where the finishers tags have been posted in finish order:
Checking Results
and then do the river drives loop. I tried the walk run on the loop. Not sure about this method. It was nice to have the walk to look forward to and it wasn’t as hard to start running after walking as I feared. Still I think I became a little too dependent on the walking. Jury’s out on this but I no doubt will be doing a lot of walking in the Ultra.
Caesar Rodney Half Marathon
Caesar Rodney
So what was I doing running a half-marathon one week before my Ultra. Well I figure for an Ultra a half marathon was a taper. Similar to last week my goal was to run hard but not so hard as to risk injury or prevent a quick recovery. In bad weather last year I ran a 1:49:xx so I wanted to at least match that pace. I amazed myself my coming in quite close to that mark. I will have to see the times when they are posted but I believe I about 1:49:30 chip time.
I have done CR a number of times and always enjoy it. Like the Icicle Run in January you get to use the YMCA’s facilities which makes it easier to get ready pre race and to have a nice hot shower before heading home. There’s a large parking lot across the street, so unlike a Philly downtown race, parking is easy.
The tough thing about this race is the elevation changes.
CR elevation
You start in Caesar Rodney Square (that's Caesar Rodney's statue above) and do a loop that takes you down to the waterfront and then back to Rockford Park. Those four miles are rolling with some hills but the real climb is in the park. Two and half miles of steady climb going thru Brandywine, along Kentmere Parkway and into Rockford Park. There is a stretch along Rt 52 and the turn around is the MNBA building. You then have the pleasure of two plus miles of downhill back thru the parks before making a steep climb to the finish line. This is one of the steepest finishes I have seen and to hear comments from others one of the steepest anywhere.
This is the deceptively calm looking finish area just before the race:
Preparing the finish line
A light week of running this week. Next Saturday the Ultra.
Monday, March 07, 2005
Thoughts From The List
I subscribe to a listserv (a discussion group on the internet). The group is the Dead Runners Society and while to topics vary, they almost always revolve around running. Here follows my reflections on three recent threads.
Two of the runners reflected on how the enthusiasm has gone out of their running. I responded with:
Among saints there are mystics who had ecstatic
experiences. It is said that they get a glimpse of
the divine and hence of heaven, but frequently these
same saints experience a dark night of the soul - a
"lengthy and profound absence of light and hope. In
the dark night you feel profoundly alone." The dark
night comes on for no readily explicable reason but
seems to be a necessary part of that experience.
It doesn't seem unlikely that highly competative runners
experience a similar phenomenon in their running
lives. The mystics are of course more likely to be
subject to the dark night because they have come so
close to the light. Plodders like me while not immune
are less likely - our peaks are lower but our valleys
are less deep.
I have almost always been mid pack and I run not for
the expectation of great results but for fear of what
will happen if I dare stop.
Good luck guys - hang in there. The great saints did
and were often rewarded with even deeper experiences.
Music and listening to it frequently comes up in list discussions. So favor it and some abhor it. This thread got started when someone asked about Ipods and skipping:
I have always favored listening to music while running
and often became impatient when Runners World would
lecture about not using headphones and their
insistentance on the dangers of headphones. That said
recently I have forgone music as often as I have
use it and ironically I have no mp3 player but
continue to use an old Panasonic cassette player. It
has taken quite a beating and keeps working - it uses
one double A battery that last for hours.
There are two programs I enjoy and will sometimes
schedule a run around:
A local stationhas a program on Sunday mornings that plays Elvis for
three hours. The disc jockey is a lot of fun and is full
of trivia about the King and his music. Makes a three
hour run fly.
On Saturdays Temple University's radio station plays
From the Top.
This is a show that spotlights young classical musicians.
It's only an hour but it is followed by opera from the Met.
I probably wouldn't sit and listen to either of these
shows so running allows me to enjoy some great music.
(For reasons beyond my comprehension Philadelphia has
no full time classical radio station - a few years
back when the WFLN the classical station went off air
Temple WRTI picked up classical music part time much
to the consternation of jazz fans who lost jazz air
time.)
The next thread began when someone posted about the animals one might see while on the run. My contribution follows:
I have written in the past about my fascination with
seeing wild animals on my runs. Admittedly, my life
list is quite a bit tamer then Sally's but I have
enjoyed my glimpses of deer, rabbits, groundhogs,
foxes, chipmunks, egrets, hawks, and vultures. Even
close to home, I have seen in early mornings raccoons
scurry into the sewer and possums sauntering along
barely aware of my presence. I have gotten to run thru
a zoo but I guess those sightings don't count. But
running on the beach I have seen all the various shore
birds, crabs and jellyfish, and even pods of dolphins
off in the surf. I have seen paths covered with wooly
caterpillers and fields full of wonderful butterflies.
I have seen hundreds of robins gathered together and
came home one morning to see my house surrounded by
mourning doves. All winter my wood has been populated
by bright red cardinals and in a couple of weeks will
fill with many other birds back from their winter
holidays. All this for a city boy like myself is
quite wonderful.
I subscribe to a listserv (a discussion group on the internet). The group is the Dead Runners Society and while to topics vary, they almost always revolve around running. Here follows my reflections on three recent threads.
Two of the runners reflected on how the enthusiasm has gone out of their running. I responded with:
Among saints there are mystics who had ecstatic
experiences. It is said that they get a glimpse of
the divine and hence of heaven, but frequently these
same saints experience a dark night of the soul - a
"lengthy and profound absence of light and hope. In
the dark night you feel profoundly alone." The dark
night comes on for no readily explicable reason but
seems to be a necessary part of that experience.
It doesn't seem unlikely that highly competative runners
experience a similar phenomenon in their running
lives. The mystics are of course more likely to be
subject to the dark night because they have come so
close to the light. Plodders like me while not immune
are less likely - our peaks are lower but our valleys
are less deep.
I have almost always been mid pack and I run not for
the expectation of great results but for fear of what
will happen if I dare stop.
Good luck guys - hang in there. The great saints did
and were often rewarded with even deeper experiences.
Music and listening to it frequently comes up in list discussions. So favor it and some abhor it. This thread got started when someone asked about Ipods and skipping:
I have always favored listening to music while running
and often became impatient when Runners World would
lecture about not using headphones and their
insistentance on the dangers of headphones. That said
recently I have forgone music as often as I have
use it and ironically I have no mp3 player but
continue to use an old Panasonic cassette player. It
has taken quite a beating and keeps working - it uses
one double A battery that last for hours.
There are two programs I enjoy and will sometimes
schedule a run around:
A local stationhas a program on Sunday mornings that plays Elvis for
three hours. The disc jockey is a lot of fun and is full
of trivia about the King and his music. Makes a three
hour run fly.
On Saturdays Temple University's radio station plays
From the Top.
This is a show that spotlights young classical musicians.
It's only an hour but it is followed by opera from the Met.
I probably wouldn't sit and listen to either of these
shows so running allows me to enjoy some great music.
(For reasons beyond my comprehension Philadelphia has
no full time classical radio station - a few years
back when the WFLN the classical station went off air
Temple WRTI picked up classical music part time much
to the consternation of jazz fans who lost jazz air
time.)
The next thread began when someone posted about the animals one might see while on the run. My contribution follows:
I have written in the past about my fascination with
seeing wild animals on my runs. Admittedly, my life
list is quite a bit tamer then Sally's but I have
enjoyed my glimpses of deer, rabbits, groundhogs,
foxes, chipmunks, egrets, hawks, and vultures. Even
close to home, I have seen in early mornings raccoons
scurry into the sewer and possums sauntering along
barely aware of my presence. I have gotten to run thru
a zoo but I guess those sightings don't count. But
running on the beach I have seen all the various shore
birds, crabs and jellyfish, and even pods of dolphins
off in the surf. I have seen paths covered with wooly
caterpillers and fields full of wonderful butterflies.
I have seen hundreds of robins gathered together and
came home one morning to see my house surrounded by
mourning doves. All winter my wood has been populated
by bright red cardinals and in a couple of weeks will
fill with many other birds back from their winter
holidays. All this for a city boy like myself is
quite wonderful.
Monday, February 28, 2005
A Different Path This Weekend
Last week I was in Central Park with all the congestion and crowds of New York.
But this week I ran much more solitary routes.
I had two distinctive runs – both a little over two hours. Saturday’s run was on the Greenway in Brandywine Creek State Park in northern Delaware. The portion of land thru which the trail runs is part of the Woodlawn Trust donation. I tried to find more about this organization on line but found little. But the land was a donation to the state to preserve this open space. The trail is part of the northern Greenway.
One path I took included a very steep climb which I thought would be good prep for the Ultra. This was a challenging run because snow and ice covered much of the route. Much of the trail was well trodden but I did find a trail that had not been broken. In fact at one point I thought I had lost the trail altogether but was shortly able to make out a slight depression that indicated the trail direction. It was a pleasure to have a brand new experience on these trails.
On Sunday I did a great 15 mile loop using familiar streets close to home. This is a route I have used for long runs as marathon preparation. The last time I did this route it was in brutal heat; Sunday I contended with cold temps and wind. I preferred the cold. The run was tiring but not the exhausting kind of run that summer heat creates.
I finished both runs tired but satisfied that my conditioning is on target.
Last week I was in Central Park with all the congestion and crowds of New York.
But this week I ran much more solitary routes.
I had two distinctive runs – both a little over two hours. Saturday’s run was on the Greenway in Brandywine Creek State Park in northern Delaware. The portion of land thru which the trail runs is part of the Woodlawn Trust donation. I tried to find more about this organization on line but found little. But the land was a donation to the state to preserve this open space. The trail is part of the northern Greenway.
One path I took included a very steep climb which I thought would be good prep for the Ultra. This was a challenging run because snow and ice covered much of the route. Much of the trail was well trodden but I did find a trail that had not been broken. In fact at one point I thought I had lost the trail altogether but was shortly able to make out a slight depression that indicated the trail direction. It was a pleasure to have a brand new experience on these trails.
On Sunday I did a great 15 mile loop using familiar streets close to home. This is a route I have used for long runs as marathon preparation. The last time I did this route it was in brutal heat; Sunday I contended with cold temps and wind. I preferred the cold. The run was tiring but not the exhausting kind of run that summer heat creates.
I finished both runs tired but satisfied that my conditioning is on target.
Sunday, February 20, 2005
The Gates
The Gates
On Saturday I went up to New York to see Christo’s The Gates. This is the much discussed installation of 7500 steel structures with saffron fabric hanging from the horizontal beam.
Some of the reaction has been hostile.
But I found that I liked the installation a great deal. It is probably not a coincidence that the Christo’s gates remind me of Japanese torii.
I had visited Inari shrine in Kyoto, Japan where a thousand torii wind through the countryside. An experience that at the time I was quite taken with. That probably explains my affinity for the gates.
I left home early and got to New York without too much problem. Through the Lincoln Tunnel, up 8th which becomes Central Park West. There I got my first glimpse of the gates. Left on 86th street and across the park to 5th Avenue and down to the Metropolitan Museums parking lot. I had read that the Metro’s roof top garden had a good top view of the gates. I had about an hour to kill, so I strolled through the Park entering at Miners Gate. It was great to be there early for although there were already quite a few people about I did have some areas to myself. I discovered an unmentioned aspect of the gates. You can hear them. As the fabric rustles in the wind there is a unique sound probably reminiscent of a sail.
In The Wind
Just before 9:30 I returned to the museum where to my surprise a large crowd had gathered. I was afraid it would take awhile to get in but after a short delay the doors open and the crowd was handled quite well. I wandered about a bit and then realized I better get to roof before it got any more crowded. The line for the elevator was already quite long so I asked about stairs. They had a stairwell that went right to the rooftop. A guide warned it was five flights but one of the advantages of fitness is that the stairs were no problem. The view was interesting but disappointing – you really couldn’t see all that much of the gates. On the other hand the view from Belvedere Castle had been much more interesting.
From The Roof
I spent a couple of hours in the museum than went back to my car to change into running gear and headed out to the park. I retraced my steps over to the west side of the park and turned north. As much a possible I tried to stay on the path under the gates. I particular liked when the gates were on steps and when they went right up to a tunnel only to continue on the other side.
Through The Bridge
I circled Great Hill then up to Central Park North where I turned east until I circled Harlem Meer. These were my favorite vistas - both looking toward Nutter’s Battery and the view from NB. A short run thru East Meadow back to the museum where I stopped to admire the Obelisk.
oblelisk
I recrossed the park at 72nd and admired the view to Bethesda fountain. Then down West Drive toward Columbus Circle. Any one who has run the NY marathon knows this as the Marathon Finish. The gates are particularly thick here and at one place a series runs side by side. I ran past the Heckscher building where there was another great view. then past the Wellman Rink where I turned north and back eventually to the museum. I think I got to see almost all the gates and ran under many of them.
That’s the tour – is this art and/or is it a success. I can’t say. If some of what I saw in the museum is considered art than the gates certainly are. I can only say they gave me a good feeling, enhanced I must say by knowing they are so transient. The huge crowds I think contributed to the experience. Somehow all us observers became part of the work. I heard one man tell another that normally the park would almost be empty on a cold February Saturday. And now there were thousands of people sharing one experience.
The Gates
On Saturday I went up to New York to see Christo’s The Gates. This is the much discussed installation of 7500 steel structures with saffron fabric hanging from the horizontal beam.
Some of the reaction has been hostile.
But I found that I liked the installation a great deal. It is probably not a coincidence that the Christo’s gates remind me of Japanese torii.
I had visited Inari shrine in Kyoto, Japan where a thousand torii wind through the countryside. An experience that at the time I was quite taken with. That probably explains my affinity for the gates.
I left home early and got to New York without too much problem. Through the Lincoln Tunnel, up 8th which becomes Central Park West. There I got my first glimpse of the gates. Left on 86th street and across the park to 5th Avenue and down to the Metropolitan Museums parking lot. I had read that the Metro’s roof top garden had a good top view of the gates. I had about an hour to kill, so I strolled through the Park entering at Miners Gate. It was great to be there early for although there were already quite a few people about I did have some areas to myself. I discovered an unmentioned aspect of the gates. You can hear them. As the fabric rustles in the wind there is a unique sound probably reminiscent of a sail.
In The Wind
Just before 9:30 I returned to the museum where to my surprise a large crowd had gathered. I was afraid it would take awhile to get in but after a short delay the doors open and the crowd was handled quite well. I wandered about a bit and then realized I better get to roof before it got any more crowded. The line for the elevator was already quite long so I asked about stairs. They had a stairwell that went right to the rooftop. A guide warned it was five flights but one of the advantages of fitness is that the stairs were no problem. The view was interesting but disappointing – you really couldn’t see all that much of the gates. On the other hand the view from Belvedere Castle had been much more interesting.
From The Roof
I spent a couple of hours in the museum than went back to my car to change into running gear and headed out to the park. I retraced my steps over to the west side of the park and turned north. As much a possible I tried to stay on the path under the gates. I particular liked when the gates were on steps and when they went right up to a tunnel only to continue on the other side.
Through The Bridge
I circled Great Hill then up to Central Park North where I turned east until I circled Harlem Meer. These were my favorite vistas - both looking toward Nutter’s Battery and the view from NB. A short run thru East Meadow back to the museum where I stopped to admire the Obelisk.
oblelisk
I recrossed the park at 72nd and admired the view to Bethesda fountain. Then down West Drive toward Columbus Circle. Any one who has run the NY marathon knows this as the Marathon Finish. The gates are particularly thick here and at one place a series runs side by side. I ran past the Heckscher building where there was another great view. then past the Wellman Rink where I turned north and back eventually to the museum. I think I got to see almost all the gates and ran under many of them.
That’s the tour – is this art and/or is it a success. I can’t say. If some of what I saw in the museum is considered art than the gates certainly are. I can only say they gave me a good feeling, enhanced I must say by knowing they are so transient. The huge crowds I think contributed to the experience. Somehow all us observers became part of the work. I heard one man tell another that normally the park would almost be empty on a cold February Saturday. And now there were thousands of people sharing one experience.
Quick Update
Since 11 February I have had great runs includind a 20 miler alont the Perkiomen Trail and Schulyhill Velley Trail. The Perkiomen Trail was made easier and was fun because a friend ran with me. Thanks Mukand.
Then another trail run Friday - reversed part of the course and challenged some good size hills. Some the trails I hadn't run in awhile. Good winter run.
But Saturday was the real fun...
Since 11 February I have had great runs includind a 20 miler alont the Perkiomen Trail and Schulyhill Velley Trail. The Perkiomen Trail was made easier and was fun because a friend ran with me. Thanks Mukand.
Then another trail run Friday - reversed part of the course and challenged some good size hills. Some the trails I hadn't run in awhile. Good winter run.
But Saturday was the real fun...
Friday, February 11, 2005
February Trail Run
February is that in between month. By mid February you are tired of winter, and February teases. This week we had three warm days, but yesterday the temps dropped again and this morning is cold and windy. It's not the bone chilling weather of a couple weeks ago, but following the warmer temps you notice the cold. The days have gotten longer so I start with light.
Morning Woods
Posted by Hello
I run along the white trail, than orange, and finally a small unmarked path that leads to a creek crossing. The photo below doesn't clearly show the creek but this view looks downstream.
Creek Bed
Posted by Hello
After crossing the stream I head toward Ridley Creek Park. This path briefly enters the park and then loops back to the Arboretum. Here the blue and white trails merge for a short time.
The Trail Bends
Posted by Hello
I run into the dawn
Toward Dawn
Posted by Hello
Shortly I will turn back north and return through the woods. It is a empty wood, this late winter wood, but still quite beautiful.
February is that in between month. By mid February you are tired of winter, and February teases. This week we had three warm days, but yesterday the temps dropped again and this morning is cold and windy. It's not the bone chilling weather of a couple weeks ago, but following the warmer temps you notice the cold. The days have gotten longer so I start with light.
Morning Woods
Posted by Hello
I run along the white trail, than orange, and finally a small unmarked path that leads to a creek crossing. The photo below doesn't clearly show the creek but this view looks downstream.
Creek Bed
Posted by Hello
After crossing the stream I head toward Ridley Creek Park. This path briefly enters the park and then loops back to the Arboretum. Here the blue and white trails merge for a short time.
The Trail Bends
Posted by Hello
I run into the dawn
Toward Dawn
Posted by Hello
Shortly I will turn back north and return through the woods. It is a empty wood, this late winter wood, but still quite beautiful.
Friday, February 04, 2005
Friday's Run
Last week the snow seemed to deep for a trail run so I stayed close to home. This week I didn't want to lose the opportunity to be in the park so I chose to run on the multi purpose path in Ridley Park. The path is a 5 mile loop - a two mile uphill and two mile downhill. Just after you enter the park you pass this waterfall. Despite the warmer temps this week you can see the ice hanging down.
waterfall
Posted by Hello
After a two mile climb the path straightens out - I stopped and looked back getting this photo:
looking back
Posted by Hello
I then turned and got this photo - just ahead is the border with Tyler Arboretum and the turn that will lead to the two mile downhill.
toward tyler
Posted by Hello
A little further on I snapped this sign which explains the deer fence and what happens when too many deer browse the vegetation. I wanted to add photos of the deer but the two I saw disappeared too quickly for a photo.
about deer
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I enjoyed this run a great deal and only regret I didn't get on the trail.
Last week the snow seemed to deep for a trail run so I stayed close to home. This week I didn't want to lose the opportunity to be in the park so I chose to run on the multi purpose path in Ridley Park. The path is a 5 mile loop - a two mile uphill and two mile downhill. Just after you enter the park you pass this waterfall. Despite the warmer temps this week you can see the ice hanging down.
waterfall
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After a two mile climb the path straightens out - I stopped and looked back getting this photo:
looking back
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I then turned and got this photo - just ahead is the border with Tyler Arboretum and the turn that will lead to the two mile downhill.
toward tyler
Posted by Hello
A little further on I snapped this sign which explains the deer fence and what happens when too many deer browse the vegetation. I wanted to add photos of the deer but the two I saw disappeared too quickly for a photo.
about deer
Posted by Hello
I enjoyed this run a great deal and only regret I didn't get on the trail.
Saturday, January 29, 2005
After The Snow
Last weeks light snowfall was followed by 12 inches last Saturday and another inch or so on Sunday. Nothing compared to some places, but enough to make a mess of roads. I decided against a trail run. Despite the cold temps all week I thought it likely that I would find myself slogging through the snow without much traction. Reluctantly, I just made my normal morning loop.
Today I did my other regular run by Merion Golf Course. Except for the scary bit when you have to negotiate busy Ardmore Avenue it was a pleasant run. Mid level clouds, altocumulus, hinted at tomorrow's possible snow. It amazing how quickly we acclimate. Today's 27F felt quick comfortable. In fact I was almost too warm.
probably not enough miles but a good Saturday run.
Last weeks light snowfall was followed by 12 inches last Saturday and another inch or so on Sunday. Nothing compared to some places, but enough to make a mess of roads. I decided against a trail run. Despite the cold temps all week I thought it likely that I would find myself slogging through the snow without much traction. Reluctantly, I just made my normal morning loop.
Today I did my other regular run by Merion Golf Course. Except for the scary bit when you have to negotiate busy Ardmore Avenue it was a pleasant run. Mid level clouds, altocumulus, hinted at tomorrow's possible snow. It amazing how quickly we acclimate. Today's 27F felt quick comfortable. In fact I was almost too warm.
probably not enough miles but a good Saturday run.
Friday, January 21, 2005
Snow Run
First snow has fallen. Not much. (It came Wednesday during rush hour causing huge delays.) The first big storm is scheduled for tomorrow. But for today there is a nice thin layer of white in woods. As I took to the trail it was 15F with a wind chill of -1. I felt comfortable in my layers and found the going easier then I expected.
On some of the trails I was the first human but tracks of others were common. Some entered and crossed or followed only a short distance. But some went straight ahead for some distance. Rabbit and deer tracks are fairly easy to pick out but others I’m not so sure of – some are probably predators mostly likely foxes. On one stretch there were myriad tiny tracks bunched closed together near the center of the track as if a tribe of creatures had gone on a pilgrimage for they all seem to go in one direction with no return trip. The only animals I saw today were deer. They seemed strangely bold, allowing me to get quite close and stopping to watch my progress before disappearing into the distance. Perhaps hooded and mittened, bent forward to be sure of my footing I don’t look quite human and they are puzzling out what this intruder could be. The woods themselves are all winter beauty, dark trees against white – everything at once soften yet clarified. I made a great loop around until finally entering the return leg where I followed my own tracks back out into the world.
First snow has fallen. Not much. (It came Wednesday during rush hour causing huge delays.) The first big storm is scheduled for tomorrow. But for today there is a nice thin layer of white in woods. As I took to the trail it was 15F with a wind chill of -1. I felt comfortable in my layers and found the going easier then I expected.
On some of the trails I was the first human but tracks of others were common. Some entered and crossed or followed only a short distance. But some went straight ahead for some distance. Rabbit and deer tracks are fairly easy to pick out but others I’m not so sure of – some are probably predators mostly likely foxes. On one stretch there were myriad tiny tracks bunched closed together near the center of the track as if a tribe of creatures had gone on a pilgrimage for they all seem to go in one direction with no return trip. The only animals I saw today were deer. They seemed strangely bold, allowing me to get quite close and stopping to watch my progress before disappearing into the distance. Perhaps hooded and mittened, bent forward to be sure of my footing I don’t look quite human and they are puzzling out what this intruder could be. The woods themselves are all winter beauty, dark trees against white – everything at once soften yet clarified. I made a great loop around until finally entering the return leg where I followed my own tracks back out into the world.
Monday, January 17, 2005
Icicle Ten Miler
This race takes place in Wilmington, Delaware. Its ten miles covers much of the course of the more popular Caesar Rodney Half Marathon. Yesterday there were 400 runners - one of the best turnouts in recent years. For the past couple of years the weather has been poor (check the photos for 2004) for the run but for a change conditions were good. About 30F and dry roads.
The host of the race is the YMCA. One of the nice things about this run and Caesar Rodney is that you get to use the Y’s facilities and have a hot shower before you head home. I went out for a warm up run along the Brandywine:
The road used by the race is to the left. To the right is a flowway that parallels the Brandywine. The high bridge in the background is I95.
The race organizers got a bit of an interruption of the race sign in when the fire alarm sounded. They cleared the building and had the fire department check. Nothing more that a smoky microwave.
This is a race for hill lovers. I would estimate that 80% of the race is up or down. After a loop through downtown Wilmington you enter Brandywine Park. You then run on Kentmere Parkway designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead specifically to tie the two parks together. You pass the Delaware Art Museum (currently under renovation) and enter Rockford Park. You have a mile and half on Route 52 which includes the turnaround. The out is mostly uphill so you get downhills almost to the end – with one last hill to get to Delaware Avenue and the run to the finish at the Y.
Bottom of the Hill
Top of the Hill
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Looking down from the top of the hill
I ran much better than last year – but so did everyone. Finished in the middle of the pack and in the middle of my age group. Finish time was 1:25:53. Not bad on a hilly course early in the season. I had done a leisurely couple of miles before the race and repeated that afterwards and so was satisfied with my mileage count.
I like winter runs. By the way I wore mittens which I found much warmer than gloves - definitely better than gloves.
This race takes place in Wilmington, Delaware. Its ten miles covers much of the course of the more popular Caesar Rodney Half Marathon. Yesterday there were 400 runners - one of the best turnouts in recent years. For the past couple of years the weather has been poor (check the photos for 2004) for the run but for a change conditions were good. About 30F and dry roads.
The host of the race is the YMCA. One of the nice things about this run and Caesar Rodney is that you get to use the Y’s facilities and have a hot shower before you head home. I went out for a warm up run along the Brandywine:
The road used by the race is to the left. To the right is a flowway that parallels the Brandywine. The high bridge in the background is I95.
The race organizers got a bit of an interruption of the race sign in when the fire alarm sounded. They cleared the building and had the fire department check. Nothing more that a smoky microwave.
This is a race for hill lovers. I would estimate that 80% of the race is up or down. After a loop through downtown Wilmington you enter Brandywine Park. You then run on Kentmere Parkway designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead specifically to tie the two parks together. You pass the Delaware Art Museum (currently under renovation) and enter Rockford Park. You have a mile and half on Route 52 which includes the turnaround. The out is mostly uphill so you get downhills almost to the end – with one last hill to get to Delaware Avenue and the run to the finish at the Y.
Bottom of the Hill
Top of the Hill
Posted by Hello
Looking down from the top of the hill
I ran much better than last year – but so did everyone. Finished in the middle of the pack and in the middle of my age group. Finish time was 1:25:53. Not bad on a hilly course early in the season. I had done a leisurely couple of miles before the race and repeated that afterwards and so was satisfied with my mileage count.
I like winter runs. By the way I wore mittens which I found much warmer than gloves - definitely better than gloves.
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Natural Running
I realize that one of the side benefits of running is that I am much more aware of and in tune with the “natural” world. (I use quotes because I don’t think that urban living is unnatural – but “natural” has come to mean the things in the world less touched by and controlled by humans). For example, like most every runner, I am attuned to the weather, topography, the changing seasons, the changes of light and dark in ways that most are not.
I also notice the other creatures that share my neighborhood. Some are common like crows and squirrels. Others more rarely sighted like foxes. Sometimes it happens just outside my own door. A while back I wrote about coming home to find the house surrounded by mourning doves. And last week as I was leaving the house I noticed that the ornamental pear tree just in front of the house was filled with scores and scores of robins. I have seen congregations of robins before (I think I wrote before about such a congregation) but this was outside my own front door and in such numbers. I moved slowly not wishing to disturb them but even my slight movements spooked them into scattering. But that moment. . .
So Saturday I was out for a run. It had rain most of the morning and I put off my run to early afternoon hoping for a dry spell. I took the route that leads me past Merion Country Club. As I went up Golf View Road – Merion golf course to my right – there are large homes on a couple of acres (the McMansions of the 1920’s) to my left. I noticed a flock of deer standing stark still like lawn ornaments.
I expected them to run and indeed they did, but toward me. They covered the ground between us almost instantly and then we were running side by side separated by a small privet hedge. Then, suddenly, a buck jumped the hedge almost directly in front of me and raced for the golf course. The others found a small gap in the hedge and raced through. For a second I was tempted to race after them but instead I watched them disappear into the golf course.
I looked around hoping someone else had seen this magical moment but I was all alone. No traffic, no walkers, no one in sight. What prompted this behavior is a mystery. Why did they run toward me? Did the buck just want to show off?
It felt strangely satisfying as if the deer made me part of their running group.
I realize that one of the side benefits of running is that I am much more aware of and in tune with the “natural” world. (I use quotes because I don’t think that urban living is unnatural – but “natural” has come to mean the things in the world less touched by and controlled by humans). For example, like most every runner, I am attuned to the weather, topography, the changing seasons, the changes of light and dark in ways that most are not.
I also notice the other creatures that share my neighborhood. Some are common like crows and squirrels. Others more rarely sighted like foxes. Sometimes it happens just outside my own door. A while back I wrote about coming home to find the house surrounded by mourning doves. And last week as I was leaving the house I noticed that the ornamental pear tree just in front of the house was filled with scores and scores of robins. I have seen congregations of robins before (I think I wrote before about such a congregation) but this was outside my own front door and in such numbers. I moved slowly not wishing to disturb them but even my slight movements spooked them into scattering. But that moment. . .
So Saturday I was out for a run. It had rain most of the morning and I put off my run to early afternoon hoping for a dry spell. I took the route that leads me past Merion Country Club. As I went up Golf View Road – Merion golf course to my right – there are large homes on a couple of acres (the McMansions of the 1920’s) to my left. I noticed a flock of deer standing stark still like lawn ornaments.
I expected them to run and indeed they did, but toward me. They covered the ground between us almost instantly and then we were running side by side separated by a small privet hedge. Then, suddenly, a buck jumped the hedge almost directly in front of me and raced for the golf course. The others found a small gap in the hedge and raced through. For a second I was tempted to race after them but instead I watched them disappear into the golf course.
I looked around hoping someone else had seen this magical moment but I was all alone. No traffic, no walkers, no one in sight. What prompted this behavior is a mystery. Why did they run toward me? Did the buck just want to show off?
It felt strangely satisfying as if the deer made me part of their running group.
Friday, December 31, 2004
Upper Main Line YMCA New Year 5K
Well it's not actually run on New Year's Day but on the morning of the 31st. I would like to do a New Year run but there are none that are convenient. There is a 4 mile run in Central Park that sounds like fun but it is hardly practical for me.
So I wrapped up my year with this mornings 5K through the neighborhood near the Y. It is a very hilly course. One of those when you are only briefly on level ground.
I haven't run this course for a couple of years. In past years it has been very cold but today very mild.
Didn't set any PRs but ran well considering how full of Christmas coookies and chocolate I am.
Tomorrow brings a new year and a new training regime. I have three months to prepare for my Ultra-Marathon. Here we go.
Well it's not actually run on New Year's Day but on the morning of the 31st. I would like to do a New Year run but there are none that are convenient. There is a 4 mile run in Central Park that sounds like fun but it is hardly practical for me.
So I wrapped up my year with this mornings 5K through the neighborhood near the Y. It is a very hilly course. One of those when you are only briefly on level ground.
I haven't run this course for a couple of years. In past years it has been very cold but today very mild.
Didn't set any PRs but ran well considering how full of Christmas coookies and chocolate I am.
Tomorrow brings a new year and a new training regime. I have three months to prepare for my Ultra-Marathon. Here we go.
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Posted by Hello
Christmas Running
I almost always run in the morning. Only Tuesdays, when I have faithfully run speed work first on Kelly Drive and then, when that commute became too daunting,
Haverford College with the Bryn Mawr Running Club, has broken this pattern. But this time of year for a couple of weeks I make time to run in the evening to enjoy the
Christmas lights. I try over the space of several evenings to run as many of the streets within two miles as I can.
I am nearing the end of my marathon recovery still limiting both the days and miles I am running, but these are relaxing runs and fit into the recovery
Some random thoughts and reactions to what I see: too many white lights; lots of people seem to have white lights only on their interion trees; (I am somewhat of a Christmas nut and put up two large trees as well as two small trees - my Santa tree (on which all the ornaments are Santas) does have white lights but my downstairs tree has multicolor lights - my other two trees (small ones) have no lights); what's
with cartoon characters - spongebob squarepants makes me laugh but what does he have to do with Christmas; ran past a house with all blue lights didn't seem very
Christmassy (pretty sure they weren't celebrating Hanukkah); a little further all green as I got closer the lights spelled go eagles, cut but... Some people
have gone back to the old C5 lights, nice but wow they must burn electric.
The big canvas snowman, santas, trees (and yes spongbobs) are interesting but the are noisy since a fan runs to keep them infalted. In the day most people let them deflate leaving a pile of canvas on the lawn and that seems a little sad.
I like lights that twinkle but never had much luck keeping twinkling lights lit. My wife bought me a novelty item a flasher bulb in a small box with the
legend "break in case of emergency".
So I run past the tasteful, the garish, the simple,the overtop and all of it great fun. A great custom,Christmas lights, tying us both to our pagan and Christian roots,helping us celebrate light come into the world.
There are more streets to explore and probably more surprises.
Merry Christmas
P.S. In the interest of full disclosure: for the first time I have put lights outside my own house - I lighted two artificial trees with non-twinkle white lights to light a Santa I purchased this year.
Monday, December 13, 2004
Prediction Run and Reindeer Romp
Bryn Mawr Running Club sponsors through the year a series of predictionruns. This is a run where speed doesn't necessarily win but pacing does. Runners get to pick from three courses 5, 7, 10. (Although these
are approximations - the five mile course is actually 5.4). These courses are the ones used by the Club for their Wednesday night runs during the summer. Each participant picks their expected finished time. No watches are allowed. For the Christmas prediction run the entry fee is an unwrapped toy that is giving to a local charity. They also collect running shoes and accept donations for socks for the homeless. Very sociable event since most everyone is running at a relaxed pace. I have never even been close to my predicted time although this year doing the five mile course I was within a minute. I wasn't able to hang around after the race so I don't know who won but in the past the winner is usually within 10 seconds or less. I saw a friend later in the day who told me he was within 30 seconds and knew he hadn't won. The course after you get off Montgomery Avenue is pleasant but I was disappointed by the paucity of Christmas decorations. I guess it is déclassé among the rich to have too much Christmas.
Sunday was the Reindeer Romp to benefit the American Cancer Society.
CBS's Sunday Morning had done a segment on cancer survival that morning.
I love this race since it's a four minute run from my house to the start. This race runs a course I had laid out several years ago. The first couple of years it was very informal - it was "almost a 5K". But a couple of years ago a local runner and entrepreneur Kevin Nolan took it under his wing. He worked on sponsorship and got the course professionally measured. The first year he did it, despite his best effort, a course marshal sent everyone down the wrong street. But this year the markings were excellent and unlike last year when the weather was terrible, the weather was decent (mostly cloudy, low 40's). It has a wonderfully civilized starting time - 3PM. I've been running the course a couple of times of week with very slow times, so I only went out expecting to break 24 minutes. The course utilizes a roadway owned by the regional transportation provider (SEPTA). This "busway" is closed to all traffic except buses and since there is no service Sunday afternoons it makes a great runway. The first ¾ mile is downhill. You run to Haverford Road and loop back up the busway and after a ¼ mile you go out onto a parallel roadway and through residential streets until you loop back to the busway. Mile two is mostly uphill and then you come down a long slope, a short quarter mile flat then the hill back to the start. A challenging course. This year one of the police officers I had worked with and whom I had encouraged to run for fitness ran his first 5K. I warned him about going out too fast on the initial downhill, but it is just too irresistible. I passed him about the first mile mark - he had burned out on the first mile (and I must confess it felt good to show that the old man still had it.)
I felt I ran well and finished 23:15 - not bad since I've been running lightly since the marathon and really only expected 8 minute miles. I was getting ready to leave when Dick Fitch who times a lot of local races told me that I had placed first in my age group (bless five year age groups - the 50 year old had run 20:xx something). There were 350 runners and another 150 walkers so a nice turnout for a nice cause. My only regret is that I didn't bring a camera so I could have had a photo of Santa giving me my medal.
Bryn Mawr Running Club sponsors through the year a series of predictionruns. This is a run where speed doesn't necessarily win but pacing does. Runners get to pick from three courses 5, 7, 10. (Although these
are approximations - the five mile course is actually 5.4). These courses are the ones used by the Club for their Wednesday night runs during the summer. Each participant picks their expected finished time. No watches are allowed. For the Christmas prediction run the entry fee is an unwrapped toy that is giving to a local charity. They also collect running shoes and accept donations for socks for the homeless. Very sociable event since most everyone is running at a relaxed pace. I have never even been close to my predicted time although this year doing the five mile course I was within a minute. I wasn't able to hang around after the race so I don't know who won but in the past the winner is usually within 10 seconds or less. I saw a friend later in the day who told me he was within 30 seconds and knew he hadn't won. The course after you get off Montgomery Avenue is pleasant but I was disappointed by the paucity of Christmas decorations. I guess it is déclassé among the rich to have too much Christmas.
Sunday was the Reindeer Romp to benefit the American Cancer Society.
CBS's Sunday Morning had done a segment on cancer survival that morning.
I love this race since it's a four minute run from my house to the start. This race runs a course I had laid out several years ago. The first couple of years it was very informal - it was "almost a 5K". But a couple of years ago a local runner and entrepreneur Kevin Nolan took it under his wing. He worked on sponsorship and got the course professionally measured. The first year he did it, despite his best effort, a course marshal sent everyone down the wrong street. But this year the markings were excellent and unlike last year when the weather was terrible, the weather was decent (mostly cloudy, low 40's). It has a wonderfully civilized starting time - 3PM. I've been running the course a couple of times of week with very slow times, so I only went out expecting to break 24 minutes. The course utilizes a roadway owned by the regional transportation provider (SEPTA). This "busway" is closed to all traffic except buses and since there is no service Sunday afternoons it makes a great runway. The first ¾ mile is downhill. You run to Haverford Road and loop back up the busway and after a ¼ mile you go out onto a parallel roadway and through residential streets until you loop back to the busway. Mile two is mostly uphill and then you come down a long slope, a short quarter mile flat then the hill back to the start. A challenging course. This year one of the police officers I had worked with and whom I had encouraged to run for fitness ran his first 5K. I warned him about going out too fast on the initial downhill, but it is just too irresistible. I passed him about the first mile mark - he had burned out on the first mile (and I must confess it felt good to show that the old man still had it.)
I felt I ran well and finished 23:15 - not bad since I've been running lightly since the marathon and really only expected 8 minute miles. I was getting ready to leave when Dick Fitch who times a lot of local races told me that I had placed first in my age group (bless five year age groups - the 50 year old had run 20:xx something). There were 350 runners and another 150 walkers so a nice turnout for a nice cause. My only regret is that I didn't bring a camera so I could have had a photo of Santa giving me my medal.
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Posted by Hello
Winter officially begins on or about 21 December. But for me the official first day of winter was Friday, 3 December. I ran the trails that day in what for me was the first winter run. Two weeks ago there was still color in the woods as the trees held some foliage. But heavy rain and winds stripped all the color away. As I step out of the jeep the temp was 29 Farenheit. Frost covered the ground. My tracks stood out as dark spots in the white. The winds had brought down trees. One large tree completely blocked by path. This tree had taken several smaller trees down and looked like a giant's game of pick up sticks.
The woods look very different with the foliage gone. You get a greater sense of the topography. (And you also realize just how high you must climb.) Whereas the other three seasons are about color, winter is about shapes. You see how the skeleton trees and how they stand individually. And not only the trees; the shape of the creek is much more apparent.
This will be a short run since I am still in marathon recovery. It was good to see the wood in winter mode. I plan on many long runs here especially if I do decide to try a 50K trail run.
Thursday, November 25, 2004
Happy Thanksgiving
In today’s paper there’s an article by someone from the Ayn Rand institute who says we all got it all wrong the Thanksgiving is all about gratitude for productivity. Well maybe. But on my morning run (the first after the marathon. Don’t you love those first runs. Never sure if every thing will work, but restless after three days off – running is addictive.) I found myself grateful just for all the things around me.
So just on this run and not even beginning to count all my other blessings I am grateful for clouds – black, gray and white all roiling across the sky. I am grateful for the patches of brilliant blue and a sun the makes the edges of clouds fiery white. The ornamental pears planted by the town a few years ago hung on to their green leaves after the maples had changed and dropped. But this week they had a committee meeting and decided all together to switch on the red and yellows. I am grateful for green fields and leaves, red, orange and yellow. I am grateful for other runners and shouts of good morning and Happy Thanksgiving. I am grateful for barking dogs, for leaf litter and muddy paths, for honking geese and squirrel houses high in the trees.
And that't just this morning. This year I have enjoyed many great runs through fields and woods, on the beach with ocean waves, in Canadian towns and Mt. Desert Island. For all I am grateful.
Throughout today I will reflect on friends and family and all that means and all the blessings I have been given and how very much I have to be grateful for.
In today’s paper there’s an article by someone from the Ayn Rand institute who says we all got it all wrong the Thanksgiving is all about gratitude for productivity. Well maybe. But on my morning run (the first after the marathon. Don’t you love those first runs. Never sure if every thing will work, but restless after three days off – running is addictive.) I found myself grateful just for all the things around me.
So just on this run and not even beginning to count all my other blessings I am grateful for clouds – black, gray and white all roiling across the sky. I am grateful for the patches of brilliant blue and a sun the makes the edges of clouds fiery white. The ornamental pears planted by the town a few years ago hung on to their green leaves after the maples had changed and dropped. But this week they had a committee meeting and decided all together to switch on the red and yellows. I am grateful for green fields and leaves, red, orange and yellow. I am grateful for other runners and shouts of good morning and Happy Thanksgiving. I am grateful for barking dogs, for leaf litter and muddy paths, for honking geese and squirrel houses high in the trees.
And that't just this morning. This year I have enjoyed many great runs through fields and woods, on the beach with ocean waves, in Canadian towns and Mt. Desert Island. For all I am grateful.
Throughout today I will reflect on friends and family and all that means and all the blessings I have been given and how very much I have to be grateful for.
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
PHILADELPHIA MARATHON 2004
Goal sub 4 hours. Results 4:05:04
Let me get the disappointment part over first. If I hadn’t run the first 20 so well I wouldn’t be so disappointed by the 4:05:04. But there it is. Almost a classic case of the clichés of running: hitting the wall – the race has two halves the first 20 and the last 6.2 – you have to run the whole race not part, etc., etc.
I didn’t feel bad during the last six. My left arm cramped briefly but mercifully my legs didn’t. I just didn’t have energy and turnover. I’m annoyed at myself because I finished with a caffinated clif shot in my pocket. Kind of a waste to carry it 26 miles and not use it. More on that later. Let’s start at the beginning and the good things.
A couple of days before the race a young fellow I had run with a few times emailed and said he was doing Philadelphia as his first marathon. He had read my blog and knew my time from last year and wanted to do about that pace. I warned him I was a terrible pace setter but that I would enjoy running with him so we made arrangements to meet up. (As it turned out Mukand using the pod on his shoe kept us on pace). I did debate whether you are better off running within yourself or making it a social experience. Undoubtedly if I was going, for example a Boston Qualifier, I would probably want to run undistracted but on this day I’m a mid pack runner just interested in a good time and if I get a good race time that’s icing on the cake. As I told Mukand if you run by yourself you just obsess over all your aches and pains.
Philly’s expo this year was on Eakins Oval just in front of the Art Museum. I was skeptical but the large tents they set up worked well. I found the number/chip/shirt pick up easy and the expo easy to navigate. They used the same tents for the post race refreshments so it was an efficient use of resources. I went over to the kids’ races to find Mukand since he had mentioned his kids would be running. Always fun to see the little guys run. Hope they always run.
Didn’t hang around long; I wasn’t sure I parked legally and didn’t want to come back to find a ticket or worse towed. And I had a pasta dinner to get ready for.
Sunday morning I did the easy ride to Mantua (love hometown running) and parked easily, walked over the Schuylkill Expressway and River to Eakins Oval. I had unwisely chosen to wear old socks thinking of “nothing new” and comfort but they were too stretchy - a mistake I won’t repeat. I fussed with them but knew it was to no avail.
Used the stick, vasolined all over, made sure I had my gels and Succeed. Baggage check was easy. A courteous young volunteer asked are you doing the marathon, do you have everything you need. Have a great race. Very nice.
I met Mukand at the 8 minute mile mark (my stated goal was 8:45 but I knew it helps to be seeded a little ahead of goal). Introduced two other friends who had shared a wonderful pasta dinner with me the night before. They were planning on running a little faster (they would finish 3:50).
The early miles of a marathon always seem so easy. We ran comfortably enjoying the city and the other runners. A runner saw my dead singlet and introduced himself as a dead runner. Unfortunately, I don’t remember his name (he was from Ohio and I looked at Ohio runners hoping it would jog my memory but it didn’t work – I hope he jumps into the list with his impressions).
We progressed thru the city down Race, Columbus Blvd, South Street, Chestnut, up 34th, pass the Zoo, which hadn’t take my suggestion and put some animals on display, and into Fairmount Park. In the city, at various points on Chestnut, there had actually been some spectators. Just after crossing Girard Avenue you drop down and then face the longest, steepest hill of the race. A homemade sign at the top declares, “Last Hill”. Liars!
I like the loop thru the Civil War Memorial, past Memorial Hall (for any Jack Finney fans out there – Philly has many Time and Again places but Memorial Hall is at the top of that list) and into the horticultural center which takes to a steep drop down to West River Drive. I warn Mukand not to overstride and then proceeded to fly down – do as I say not as I do.
Still we are on West River Drive and running well. I notice a lot of people are very wet (once again – why does anyone wear cotton). And I predict there will be a lot of cramping later.
Not long after we past the half marathon point, a young fellow says you seem to know the course. (As is my wont I have been talking non-stop). It turns out Damon is running his first marathon on his 26th birthday. Cool. His goal sub four (he finished 3:55 chip). He lives in NJ but this is his first visit to Philly. Where’s the Rocky statue? South Philadelphia at the Spectrum. Will we past the steps Rocky ran up? Mukand tells him yes and that in fact he had run up them that morning. I explain that shortly, just after the next water stop, we will past those steps. (Steps my grandfather help lay btw). We run past the museum – it’s crowded here as they squeeze you into a shute to separate you from the finish. The crowd is large and noisy (seemed to be more spectators this year then any I remember). We are around the museum and on West River Drive approaching Boat House Row. Damon is on my shoulder and asked “Where are those steps?” He had missed them – don’t worry we assure him you’ll see them at the finish line. On down West River Drive. I try to remember something about the sculptures we are facing. I can never remember the Viking at the end of Boat House Road. He’s not, as people think, Eric or Lief but
Thorfinn Karlsefni. (How's that for a household name!!!)
There is a water stop about 15.5 – General Grant . I lost contact with Mukand at this point. Later he would email and say his arch hurt and that he slowed. I was still running well – in fact I covered this section 16 to 18 miles as well as I ever had. Damon was still with me and introduced me to his sister who was also running (and would finish at 4:00 hrs chip) as his new best friend.
Now I don’t know why but I hate miles 18 thru 20. They seem interminable. You pass from Kelly Drive onto Ridge Avenue then Main Street in Manayunk. I think I made some tactical errors here. I should have walked thru the water stop just past the Falls Bridge and made sure I took my Clif Shot and got both water and gator aid. As it was I only got water. The next water stop is just before the turnaround (20 miles) in Manayunk. It was not a long stop and I was on the wrong side and missed it. You get another chance after making the turnaround but this side only seemed to have water. I am still trying to figure out why I didn’t use my gel (even if I had to stop). Mental fatigue I suppose. I had gotten it into my head I was not going to walk at all during this race. And I never did but I wonder if my stubbornness didn’t cost me a sub 4. I saw my friend Joe Gallagher walking and he finished in 3:57. Walking thru the water stops may have been a better strategy.
Well it got ugly here: the mile times dropped and dropped. At mile 23 I tried to psyche myself that if I picked it up to 9 minutes miles I could still make 4, but I knew it was 1) impossible and 2) I was lying. Still even though I was being passed left and right I felt pretty good. The race was no disaster. I was enjoying the stragglers still coming toward Manayunk (thinking how do they do it – they will be two more hours on the course). There were lots of cramping runners now. It had started in Manayunk but now it’s common. They are over to the side trying to stretch or doing that funny stiff leg waddle you do when cramped. I was churning along slow but steady – no cramps but I was afraid to test my legs by changing stride too much. When you’re a long time runner on the drives you say to yourself – hey I done this – it’s that easy jog back to Lloyd Hall- I’ve done it a thousand times.
The finish is anticlimactic – but a very nice volunteer helps with chip removal. I think these kids should be commended for getting out there. I posed for a finish photo – it’s highly unlikely I will buy it but I am curious of how I looked after 26. Longish wait for food but enjoyed chatting with the people around me. One woman missed a Boston qualifier by five minutes. Now that must hurt – yet she was in good spirits. Chicken broth felt good. Baggage pickup and another great, polite, courteous kid. There is hope for the world. (And by the way no problem dropping off – no problem picking up – got my bag in 30 seconds – the Army should take lessons from this bag check.)
But here’s my treasure --- Mukand wrote me:
“What a fabulous experience that was!
Thanks for teaming up and for the "running tour of Philadelphia".
If the Philly marathon is 26 miles and 385 yards of history,
then you are the best tour guide for it.”
Now that was nice to hear.
Can an experience be at once disappointing yet very positive and entertaining – I think so. Thanks Philadelphia.
Goal sub 4 hours. Results 4:05:04
Let me get the disappointment part over first. If I hadn’t run the first 20 so well I wouldn’t be so disappointed by the 4:05:04. But there it is. Almost a classic case of the clichés of running: hitting the wall – the race has two halves the first 20 and the last 6.2 – you have to run the whole race not part, etc., etc.
I didn’t feel bad during the last six. My left arm cramped briefly but mercifully my legs didn’t. I just didn’t have energy and turnover. I’m annoyed at myself because I finished with a caffinated clif shot in my pocket. Kind of a waste to carry it 26 miles and not use it. More on that later. Let’s start at the beginning and the good things.
A couple of days before the race a young fellow I had run with a few times emailed and said he was doing Philadelphia as his first marathon. He had read my blog and knew my time from last year and wanted to do about that pace. I warned him I was a terrible pace setter but that I would enjoy running with him so we made arrangements to meet up. (As it turned out Mukand using the pod on his shoe kept us on pace). I did debate whether you are better off running within yourself or making it a social experience. Undoubtedly if I was going, for example a Boston Qualifier, I would probably want to run undistracted but on this day I’m a mid pack runner just interested in a good time and if I get a good race time that’s icing on the cake. As I told Mukand if you run by yourself you just obsess over all your aches and pains.
Philly’s expo this year was on Eakins Oval just in front of the Art Museum. I was skeptical but the large tents they set up worked well. I found the number/chip/shirt pick up easy and the expo easy to navigate. They used the same tents for the post race refreshments so it was an efficient use of resources. I went over to the kids’ races to find Mukand since he had mentioned his kids would be running. Always fun to see the little guys run. Hope they always run.
Didn’t hang around long; I wasn’t sure I parked legally and didn’t want to come back to find a ticket or worse towed. And I had a pasta dinner to get ready for.
Sunday morning I did the easy ride to Mantua (love hometown running) and parked easily, walked over the Schuylkill Expressway and River to Eakins Oval. I had unwisely chosen to wear old socks thinking of “nothing new” and comfort but they were too stretchy - a mistake I won’t repeat. I fussed with them but knew it was to no avail.
Used the stick, vasolined all over, made sure I had my gels and Succeed. Baggage check was easy. A courteous young volunteer asked are you doing the marathon, do you have everything you need. Have a great race. Very nice.
I met Mukand at the 8 minute mile mark (my stated goal was 8:45 but I knew it helps to be seeded a little ahead of goal). Introduced two other friends who had shared a wonderful pasta dinner with me the night before. They were planning on running a little faster (they would finish 3:50).
The early miles of a marathon always seem so easy. We ran comfortably enjoying the city and the other runners. A runner saw my dead singlet and introduced himself as a dead runner. Unfortunately, I don’t remember his name (he was from Ohio and I looked at Ohio runners hoping it would jog my memory but it didn’t work – I hope he jumps into the list with his impressions).
We progressed thru the city down Race, Columbus Blvd, South Street, Chestnut, up 34th, pass the Zoo, which hadn’t take my suggestion and put some animals on display, and into Fairmount Park. In the city, at various points on Chestnut, there had actually been some spectators. Just after crossing Girard Avenue you drop down and then face the longest, steepest hill of the race. A homemade sign at the top declares, “Last Hill”. Liars!
I like the loop thru the Civil War Memorial, past Memorial Hall (for any Jack Finney fans out there – Philly has many Time and Again places but Memorial Hall is at the top of that list) and into the horticultural center which takes to a steep drop down to West River Drive. I warn Mukand not to overstride and then proceeded to fly down – do as I say not as I do.
Still we are on West River Drive and running well. I notice a lot of people are very wet (once again – why does anyone wear cotton). And I predict there will be a lot of cramping later.
Not long after we past the half marathon point, a young fellow says you seem to know the course. (As is my wont I have been talking non-stop). It turns out Damon is running his first marathon on his 26th birthday. Cool. His goal sub four (he finished 3:55 chip). He lives in NJ but this is his first visit to Philly. Where’s the Rocky statue? South Philadelphia at the Spectrum. Will we past the steps Rocky ran up? Mukand tells him yes and that in fact he had run up them that morning. I explain that shortly, just after the next water stop, we will past those steps. (Steps my grandfather help lay btw). We run past the museum – it’s crowded here as they squeeze you into a shute to separate you from the finish. The crowd is large and noisy (seemed to be more spectators this year then any I remember). We are around the museum and on West River Drive approaching Boat House Row. Damon is on my shoulder and asked “Where are those steps?” He had missed them – don’t worry we assure him you’ll see them at the finish line. On down West River Drive. I try to remember something about the sculptures we are facing. I can never remember the Viking at the end of Boat House Road. He’s not, as people think, Eric or Lief but
Thorfinn Karlsefni. (How's that for a household name!!!)
There is a water stop about 15.5 – General Grant . I lost contact with Mukand at this point. Later he would email and say his arch hurt and that he slowed. I was still running well – in fact I covered this section 16 to 18 miles as well as I ever had. Damon was still with me and introduced me to his sister who was also running (and would finish at 4:00 hrs chip) as his new best friend.
Now I don’t know why but I hate miles 18 thru 20. They seem interminable. You pass from Kelly Drive onto Ridge Avenue then Main Street in Manayunk. I think I made some tactical errors here. I should have walked thru the water stop just past the Falls Bridge and made sure I took my Clif Shot and got both water and gator aid. As it was I only got water. The next water stop is just before the turnaround (20 miles) in Manayunk. It was not a long stop and I was on the wrong side and missed it. You get another chance after making the turnaround but this side only seemed to have water. I am still trying to figure out why I didn’t use my gel (even if I had to stop). Mental fatigue I suppose. I had gotten it into my head I was not going to walk at all during this race. And I never did but I wonder if my stubbornness didn’t cost me a sub 4. I saw my friend Joe Gallagher walking and he finished in 3:57. Walking thru the water stops may have been a better strategy.
Well it got ugly here: the mile times dropped and dropped. At mile 23 I tried to psyche myself that if I picked it up to 9 minutes miles I could still make 4, but I knew it was 1) impossible and 2) I was lying. Still even though I was being passed left and right I felt pretty good. The race was no disaster. I was enjoying the stragglers still coming toward Manayunk (thinking how do they do it – they will be two more hours on the course). There were lots of cramping runners now. It had started in Manayunk but now it’s common. They are over to the side trying to stretch or doing that funny stiff leg waddle you do when cramped. I was churning along slow but steady – no cramps but I was afraid to test my legs by changing stride too much. When you’re a long time runner on the drives you say to yourself – hey I done this – it’s that easy jog back to Lloyd Hall- I’ve done it a thousand times.
The finish is anticlimactic – but a very nice volunteer helps with chip removal. I think these kids should be commended for getting out there. I posed for a finish photo – it’s highly unlikely I will buy it but I am curious of how I looked after 26. Longish wait for food but enjoyed chatting with the people around me. One woman missed a Boston qualifier by five minutes. Now that must hurt – yet she was in good spirits. Chicken broth felt good. Baggage pickup and another great, polite, courteous kid. There is hope for the world. (And by the way no problem dropping off – no problem picking up – got my bag in 30 seconds – the Army should take lessons from this bag check.)
But here’s my treasure --- Mukand wrote me:
“What a fabulous experience that was!
Thanks for teaming up and for the "running tour of Philadelphia".
If the Philly marathon is 26 miles and 385 yards of history,
then you are the best tour guide for it.”
Now that was nice to hear.
Can an experience be at once disappointing yet very positive and entertaining – I think so. Thanks Philadelphia.
Monday, November 01, 2004
Long Run - Valley Forge and the Perkiomen Trail
Don’t you love fall. After many dreary days, Sunday was just beautiful. Temps in the 70’s may have been a little warm but it was breezy enough to compensate. I needed a long run so I headed out to Valley Forge. I had planned on starting at Conshohocken and running to Valley Forge but the first few miles out of Conshohocken are pretty much industrial wasteland and I didn’t want that today. There is a section of the Schuylkill River Trail where the trees form a canopy that is quite lovely so I began my run running from VF toward Philadelphia. The recent rains had knocked a lot of leaves off but there was still plenty of cover. The old Betzwood Studios have been rehab as the Lubin Office Complex which is nice, but what wasn’t so nice is the huge apartment complex they have built adjoining the trail. It’s obvious trees have been cut down even along the trail. I hope the architect and engineers have a good flood water management system because this area is flood prone and when Floyd went thru the area was under a couple of feet of water. This was a brownfield and I suppose the developer O'Neill Properties deserves some credit but I can't help thinking all that impervious surface is going cause trouble downstream.
After three miles I turn back reentering the park and picking up the Perkiomen Trail. This is a rail to trail project which runs twelve miles north out of Valley Forge National Park. A couple of miles parrell Rt. 422; not my favorite section but, I suppose because this part is treeless and the path warms, there were scores of grasshoppers and wooly caterpillars. The grasshoppers seemed lethargic and you could almost step on them before they would jump; the caterpillars just bustled along on some mysterious mission. I hope not too many were bicycle road kill. You then cross the Perkiomen Creek, take a sharp S curve down and run along this large stream. This section is really quite beautiful. At one point the trail hugs a rocky cliff with great vistas of the Perkiomen and the surrounding countryside. The colors are all the rich reds, oranges and yellows of fall. The wet summer has given this bonanza of color. This is definitely a trail I will revisit. About five miles into the run the trail skirts some private property. Someone had place two bikes along the trail with a sign that said “Free Bikes”. I must say I was quite tempted to take one and see if it was in working order. I ran a little more than an hour and reluctantly turned back for the return trip to VF. I thought the return trip would drag but the miles seemed to fly by. When I got to the edge of Valley Forge Park I took a trail that led to the Schuylkill River and completed my run on this lovely path.
I wasn’t conscious of sweating or water loss but I was salt crusted and was glad I had taken my camel pack despite the weight.
Even the ride home was nice. The Schuylkill Expressway itself glowed and the exit for Gulph Mills was stunning in the parade of color presented as you wound down to what will become Montgomery Avenue.
Did I tell you – I love fall.
Don’t you love fall. After many dreary days, Sunday was just beautiful. Temps in the 70’s may have been a little warm but it was breezy enough to compensate. I needed a long run so I headed out to Valley Forge. I had planned on starting at Conshohocken and running to Valley Forge but the first few miles out of Conshohocken are pretty much industrial wasteland and I didn’t want that today. There is a section of the Schuylkill River Trail where the trees form a canopy that is quite lovely so I began my run running from VF toward Philadelphia. The recent rains had knocked a lot of leaves off but there was still plenty of cover. The old Betzwood Studios have been rehab as the Lubin Office Complex which is nice, but what wasn’t so nice is the huge apartment complex they have built adjoining the trail. It’s obvious trees have been cut down even along the trail. I hope the architect and engineers have a good flood water management system because this area is flood prone and when Floyd went thru the area was under a couple of feet of water. This was a brownfield and I suppose the developer O'Neill Properties deserves some credit but I can't help thinking all that impervious surface is going cause trouble downstream.
After three miles I turn back reentering the park and picking up the Perkiomen Trail. This is a rail to trail project which runs twelve miles north out of Valley Forge National Park. A couple of miles parrell Rt. 422; not my favorite section but, I suppose because this part is treeless and the path warms, there were scores of grasshoppers and wooly caterpillars. The grasshoppers seemed lethargic and you could almost step on them before they would jump; the caterpillars just bustled along on some mysterious mission. I hope not too many were bicycle road kill. You then cross the Perkiomen Creek, take a sharp S curve down and run along this large stream. This section is really quite beautiful. At one point the trail hugs a rocky cliff with great vistas of the Perkiomen and the surrounding countryside. The colors are all the rich reds, oranges and yellows of fall. The wet summer has given this bonanza of color. This is definitely a trail I will revisit. About five miles into the run the trail skirts some private property. Someone had place two bikes along the trail with a sign that said “Free Bikes”. I must say I was quite tempted to take one and see if it was in working order. I ran a little more than an hour and reluctantly turned back for the return trip to VF. I thought the return trip would drag but the miles seemed to fly by. When I got to the edge of Valley Forge Park I took a trail that led to the Schuylkill River and completed my run on this lovely path.
I wasn’t conscious of sweating or water loss but I was salt crusted and was glad I had taken my camel pack despite the weight.
Even the ride home was nice. The Schuylkill Expressway itself glowed and the exit for Gulph Mills was stunning in the parade of color presented as you wound down to what will become Montgomery Avenue.
Did I tell you – I love fall.
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