Monday, July 10, 2006
"It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop."
Attributed to Confucius
Everyday I get a quote delivered in my email from http://en.thinkexist.com.
I am always suspicious of Confucius quotes - I have a feeling that many are made up and couldn't be traced back to a documented source, but I thought this quote, whoever penned it, was interesting grist for runner debate.
Runners generally fall somewhere along the divide of those who run hard for specific goals and those who run for running. At anytime during our running we may drift in or out of one camp or more rarely straddle nicely the middle line.
I think we all are aware of the debates concerning the increasingly longer average time for marathons and whether this is good or bad for the sport.
In my marathon runs I have followed the dictum of the quote. I would go slower but I would never stop, but I know professional runners and many amateurs feel that if it's not happening that day then there is no purpose in continuing the run. (This is absent an injury wherein you must stop but rather the strategy of conserving effort for another day.)
As I get older I feel I will need to embrace this quote even if I will always have at least a foot in the run hard camp.
So are you a stopper or a go slowly - or is this another artificial divide without application in the real world?
Attributed to Confucius
Everyday I get a quote delivered in my email from http://en.thinkexist.com.
I am always suspicious of Confucius quotes - I have a feeling that many are made up and couldn't be traced back to a documented source, but I thought this quote, whoever penned it, was interesting grist for runner debate.
Runners generally fall somewhere along the divide of those who run hard for specific goals and those who run for running. At anytime during our running we may drift in or out of one camp or more rarely straddle nicely the middle line.
I think we all are aware of the debates concerning the increasingly longer average time for marathons and whether this is good or bad for the sport.
In my marathon runs I have followed the dictum of the quote. I would go slower but I would never stop, but I know professional runners and many amateurs feel that if it's not happening that day then there is no purpose in continuing the run. (This is absent an injury wherein you must stop but rather the strategy of conserving effort for another day.)
As I get older I feel I will need to embrace this quote even if I will always have at least a foot in the run hard camp.
So are you a stopper or a go slowly - or is this another artificial divide without application in the real world?
Monday, June 26, 2006
Double Trouble Trail Run - The Results
Now I find this interesting:
2005 Results
208 1 : 55 : 9 BROOKS CHARLES HAVERTOWN PA M 58
2006 Results
170 1 : 48 : 36 BROOKS CHARLES HAVERTOWN PA M 59
Despite the adverse conditions yesterday and despite falling I was almost seven minutes faster and 38 positions higher. Checking last year's web posting I see the heat index was 100 degrees. I have a feeling that I like running more in the rain then in the heat.
Now I find this interesting:
2005 Results
208 1 : 55 : 9 BROOKS CHARLES HAVERTOWN PA M 58
2006 Results
170 1 : 48 : 36 BROOKS CHARLES HAVERTOWN PA M 59
Despite the adverse conditions yesterday and despite falling I was almost seven minutes faster and 38 positions higher. Checking last year's web posting I see the heat index was 100 degrees. I have a feeling that I like running more in the rain then in the heat.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Double Trouble Trail Run (15K)
This is one of the runs managed by the infamous Ron Horn of Pretzel City Sports known for his unique run applications. It is held in French Creek State Park. I didn’t remember it as so hilly but it is mostly going up or down. You can choose to run a 15K or continue on for a second loop. I have only ever done the 15.
The weather forecasters predicted heavy rain this weekend. At home it has been mostly intermittent, but as I headed west on the Turnpike it began to rain pretty steadily. It was mostly light for the next couple of hours.
Ron’s races rarely start on time and today was no exception. His pre-race instructions are part of the entertainment, including having the 15K runners taunt the 30K and vice-versa. Ron gives a head start to runners who come a distance – after lining up runners from Florida, South Dakota, and LaPaz, Bolivia he asked if anyone else came from a distance. Someone called out my buddy who is two days back from 18 months in Iraq. It was nice to see him given a warm welcome.
The first mile is always a little slow since it takes time for the pack to string out and there are a few choke points including a narrow bridge. But soon I was running at a good pace. There are two climbs in the race. For a long time I was able to run up the hills, but as the race went on it began to rain harder and more steadily and the trail conditions got muddy going uphill was more difficult. On a downhill I past a runner, but on the next flat he called out on your left as I moved to my right my feet came out from under me and I went down hard on my left side. A lot of the trail is very rocky but luckily this stretch was more so while dirty I had a cushy landing. The passing runner ran back and helped me up but I was fine and quickly back on pace. The runner behind asked if I was ok – you went down pretty hard. Hey falling is part of trail running, I’m great. (But my shoulder did ache a bit – probably regret all this wear and tear when I’m sixty.) So on we went – being passed and passing others. The runner who asked how I was, was just in front of me when we made a 90 degree turn and down he went. The trail turned sharply up and was a channel of deep, red clay. There was no solid footing at all if you tried to go to the sides you slipped down. Better just to slog thru the mud but what an uphill.
But after that the footing while churned mud was a little easier if you edged it out. Also the last couple of miles are mostly downhill. I was surprised that some people were walking but then I have been there in some races.
The last couple of hundred yards are on a macadam type surface with a tiny uphill and I ran in hard as I could.
Well it’s been said before on this list – in running we get to play, rain and mud only make it more fun.
And the promised hot water was actually warm this year so we got to shower before heading home.
On my way home just before I got to the Turnpike I got a flat tire, not good luck but as I was trying to get the lug nuts off a tow truck driver stopped (I had AAA available thanks to my wife's quick work but thought it would take them forever to get to me) and he quickly got me back on the road. Thanks to Crawford Auto and Dan Brookes.
This is one of the runs managed by the infamous Ron Horn of Pretzel City Sports known for his unique run applications. It is held in French Creek State Park. I didn’t remember it as so hilly but it is mostly going up or down. You can choose to run a 15K or continue on for a second loop. I have only ever done the 15.
The weather forecasters predicted heavy rain this weekend. At home it has been mostly intermittent, but as I headed west on the Turnpike it began to rain pretty steadily. It was mostly light for the next couple of hours.
Ron’s races rarely start on time and today was no exception. His pre-race instructions are part of the entertainment, including having the 15K runners taunt the 30K and vice-versa. Ron gives a head start to runners who come a distance – after lining up runners from Florida, South Dakota, and LaPaz, Bolivia he asked if anyone else came from a distance. Someone called out my buddy who is two days back from 18 months in Iraq. It was nice to see him given a warm welcome.
The first mile is always a little slow since it takes time for the pack to string out and there are a few choke points including a narrow bridge. But soon I was running at a good pace. There are two climbs in the race. For a long time I was able to run up the hills, but as the race went on it began to rain harder and more steadily and the trail conditions got muddy going uphill was more difficult. On a downhill I past a runner, but on the next flat he called out on your left as I moved to my right my feet came out from under me and I went down hard on my left side. A lot of the trail is very rocky but luckily this stretch was more so while dirty I had a cushy landing. The passing runner ran back and helped me up but I was fine and quickly back on pace. The runner behind asked if I was ok – you went down pretty hard. Hey falling is part of trail running, I’m great. (But my shoulder did ache a bit – probably regret all this wear and tear when I’m sixty.) So on we went – being passed and passing others. The runner who asked how I was, was just in front of me when we made a 90 degree turn and down he went. The trail turned sharply up and was a channel of deep, red clay. There was no solid footing at all if you tried to go to the sides you slipped down. Better just to slog thru the mud but what an uphill.
But after that the footing while churned mud was a little easier if you edged it out. Also the last couple of miles are mostly downhill. I was surprised that some people were walking but then I have been there in some races.
The last couple of hundred yards are on a macadam type surface with a tiny uphill and I ran in hard as I could.
Well it’s been said before on this list – in running we get to play, rain and mud only make it more fun.
And the promised hot water was actually warm this year so we got to shower before heading home.
On my way home just before I got to the Turnpike I got a flat tire, not good luck but as I was trying to get the lug nuts off a tow truck driver stopped (I had AAA available thanks to my wife's quick work but thought it would take them forever to get to me) and he quickly got me back on the road. Thanks to Crawford Auto and Dan Brookes.
Monday, June 19, 2006
Media Five Miler
Another Friday night run close to home. Media is the county seat of Delaware County and has a fine, old Courthouse. Real estate values are skewed by the number of law offices in the town, but there are still residential areas which go from rows, to twins, to grand old Victorians.
For many years the Media Five Miler had been managed by the Delco Roadrunners Club. This year some kind of dispute arose and the borough decided to run the race without Delco.
It was not an auspicious beginning for the new group. The race began about 15 minutes late. The start as always was crowded but I got into a good pace quickly. It is a hilly course with sharp uphills and long gradually downs. Because it is two loops you know exactly how to pace for the finish.
But the finish area was disastrous: they had set up two chutes but were only using one. When I got to the finish there was already a back up in crossing the finish line – I think I only lost 20 seconds or so. But after getting thru the chute and circling back looking for some friends I saw that the line now extended more than 20 yards and people were bunching up rather that lining up single file.
There was no water immediately at the finish and the water was very hard to find.
I think the race director and his committee will need to work hard to gain back trust; otherwise the event could quickly whiter away. I heard several people say they wouldn’t come back.
Good things: the crowds were the best ever. Lots of house parties. Great crowds at the finish. On the course, there were plenty of water stops, most with plenty of volunteers. Lots of neighbors were out with hoses. Personally, I don’t like getting wet but it was a nice gesture.
Even with all the glitches I had a good time. It’s always nice to hear your name called out from the sidelines and I saw lots of friends both running and spectating. I like these evening runs and wish there were more of them.
Another Friday night run close to home. Media is the county seat of Delaware County and has a fine, old Courthouse. Real estate values are skewed by the number of law offices in the town, but there are still residential areas which go from rows, to twins, to grand old Victorians.
For many years the Media Five Miler had been managed by the Delco Roadrunners Club. This year some kind of dispute arose and the borough decided to run the race without Delco.
It was not an auspicious beginning for the new group. The race began about 15 minutes late. The start as always was crowded but I got into a good pace quickly. It is a hilly course with sharp uphills and long gradually downs. Because it is two loops you know exactly how to pace for the finish.
But the finish area was disastrous: they had set up two chutes but were only using one. When I got to the finish there was already a back up in crossing the finish line – I think I only lost 20 seconds or so. But after getting thru the chute and circling back looking for some friends I saw that the line now extended more than 20 yards and people were bunching up rather that lining up single file.
There was no water immediately at the finish and the water was very hard to find.
I think the race director and his committee will need to work hard to gain back trust; otherwise the event could quickly whiter away. I heard several people say they wouldn’t come back.
Good things: the crowds were the best ever. Lots of house parties. Great crowds at the finish. On the course, there were plenty of water stops, most with plenty of volunteers. Lots of neighbors were out with hoses. Personally, I don’t like getting wet but it was a nice gesture.
Even with all the glitches I had a good time. It’s always nice to hear your name called out from the sidelines and I saw lots of friends both running and spectating. I like these evening runs and wish there were more of them.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Prediction Run
I ran the 5K Monk’s Run last Friday night (9 June). Fun, local race. Very hilly course. Clever gimmick - beat the Monk and get a voucher for a food item. Thought I would run easy but, of course, once in the race ran harder. Finished in 24:xx. Finish time slightly skewed because the finished chute backed up and I couldn’t cross the finish line. If I had known I would run so well I wouldn’t have started so far back – but it was fun mostly passing people rather than being passed.
Wonder if I can translate that into a good run tomorrow night in the Media Five Miler which is also a hilly double loop.
At 59 I know it is unlikely I will be winning any age groups, but last night I did win first place in Bryn Mawr Running Club’s first summer prediction run. For those unfamiliar with this type of run, you predict your finish time and run without a watch. I rarely finish even close to my predicted time (and the one time I did my results were somehow lost). Last night I simply predicted a time I thought would be slightly hard (46:20 for a five mile, hilly course). I ran the first couple of miles very leisurely mostly talking to friends. Then I challenged a couple of the hills running up hard because I thought it would be good prep for Friday. I felt the pace had been decent especially since I could still see some fast runners. So after the last hill I returned to a leisurely pace. My friend Joe had predicted a 48 and I felt he was way ahead of pace but since he is a metronome of pacing I wasn’t certain – still I held to my own pace and let Joe past me. When I came in I couldn’t believe that I was only 3 seconds off (and later was told officially 2 seconds off.) It is sheer luck of course. The course includes two crossings of Montgomery Avenue, very busy road. I got green both times I had to cross. If I had caught to light coming back I would certainly had finished out of the money.
Even though I wanted to go home to watch the AFI’s most inspiration movies (which turned out to be a big disappointment), I knew I had to hang around. I was glad I did however. Tom Corrigan is one of the founding members of the Bryn Mawr Running club. He was a great runner and was with me when I ran Boston. I had missed the club banquet in February and was in Nashville when the club had its (in)famous Out and Back run. I was surprised to last night to see Tom in a wheelchair. At first I thought maybe it was just a running injury but I saw it a technical chair and knew it couldn’t be good. Tom has ALS. Although recently diagnosed it has progressed rapidly. It made me very sad but Tom seems remarkably composed and in good spirits. The club has made the Out and Back a charity run for ALS and the run raised $30,000. It was a pleasure to see Tom make the presentation to the ALS foundation.
As for me – as the names got ticked off I began to think possibly I miscalculated, or didn’t hear the time correctly, or was missed again. But finally best prediction – Chad Brooks. Won a new pair of Pumas (Puma was a sponsor for this event.) Hope I like them.
I ran the 5K Monk’s Run last Friday night (9 June). Fun, local race. Very hilly course. Clever gimmick - beat the Monk and get a voucher for a food item. Thought I would run easy but, of course, once in the race ran harder. Finished in 24:xx. Finish time slightly skewed because the finished chute backed up and I couldn’t cross the finish line. If I had known I would run so well I wouldn’t have started so far back – but it was fun mostly passing people rather than being passed.
Wonder if I can translate that into a good run tomorrow night in the Media Five Miler which is also a hilly double loop.
At 59 I know it is unlikely I will be winning any age groups, but last night I did win first place in Bryn Mawr Running Club’s first summer prediction run. For those unfamiliar with this type of run, you predict your finish time and run without a watch. I rarely finish even close to my predicted time (and the one time I did my results were somehow lost). Last night I simply predicted a time I thought would be slightly hard (46:20 for a five mile, hilly course). I ran the first couple of miles very leisurely mostly talking to friends. Then I challenged a couple of the hills running up hard because I thought it would be good prep for Friday. I felt the pace had been decent especially since I could still see some fast runners. So after the last hill I returned to a leisurely pace. My friend Joe had predicted a 48 and I felt he was way ahead of pace but since he is a metronome of pacing I wasn’t certain – still I held to my own pace and let Joe past me. When I came in I couldn’t believe that I was only 3 seconds off (and later was told officially 2 seconds off.) It is sheer luck of course. The course includes two crossings of Montgomery Avenue, very busy road. I got green both times I had to cross. If I had caught to light coming back I would certainly had finished out of the money.
Even though I wanted to go home to watch the AFI’s most inspiration movies (which turned out to be a big disappointment), I knew I had to hang around. I was glad I did however. Tom Corrigan is one of the founding members of the Bryn Mawr Running club. He was a great runner and was with me when I ran Boston. I had missed the club banquet in February and was in Nashville when the club had its (in)famous Out and Back run. I was surprised to last night to see Tom in a wheelchair. At first I thought maybe it was just a running injury but I saw it a technical chair and knew it couldn’t be good. Tom has ALS. Although recently diagnosed it has progressed rapidly. It made me very sad but Tom seems remarkably composed and in good spirits. The club has made the Out and Back a charity run for ALS and the run raised $30,000. It was a pleasure to see Tom make the presentation to the ALS foundation.
As for me – as the names got ticked off I began to think possibly I miscalculated, or didn’t hear the time correctly, or was missed again. But finally best prediction – Chad Brooks. Won a new pair of Pumas (Puma was a sponsor for this event.) Hope I like them.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Hogswart
Tuesday night I ran from my house to Haverford College for the Tuesday night track work with Bryn Mawr. On my way, the kids from the neighborhood were walking to the local school (St. Dennis) for the eighth grade graduation. The graduates were all wearing their robes. One young fellow must a been a little late because he was running along robe flowing around him. I couldn't help thinking it looked like a scene out of Harry Potter.
Beautiful evening, fairly strong NW winds as a high pressure system moved in. But the wind settled just as we began. Nice, hard workout. 4x400, 300, 200 with 100 yard jog between intervals and 400 jog between sets. Goal was to go a little faster then 5K pace, picking up the pace each interval. Pace leader was like a metrodome and made sure we kept hard to the intervals, so we got a great aerobic workout.
Tuesday night I ran from my house to Haverford College for the Tuesday night track work with Bryn Mawr. On my way, the kids from the neighborhood were walking to the local school (St. Dennis) for the eighth grade graduation. The graduates were all wearing their robes. One young fellow must a been a little late because he was running along robe flowing around him. I couldn't help thinking it looked like a scene out of Harry Potter.
Beautiful evening, fairly strong NW winds as a high pressure system moved in. But the wind settled just as we began. Nice, hard workout. 4x400, 300, 200 with 100 yard jog between intervals and 400 jog between sets. Goal was to go a little faster then 5K pace, picking up the pace each interval. Pace leader was like a metrodome and made sure we kept hard to the intervals, so we got a great aerobic workout.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Friday Morning Run
My little postage stamp of a woods is nothing like a real wilderness, but for me it is a refuge that I look forward to for ninety minutes each Friday. This morning it was there were lowering clouds and rumbles of thunder and I expected to get drenched any minute but the rain held off to just after I finished.
The light from the constantly changing sky animated the woods and brought it to life in way that a clear blue sky wouldn’t have. The woods are that bright, alive green of late spring and the large, older trees really do seem like pillars in a temple.
Along the trail I stop to tie my shoe and as I look up there is a deer just in front of me. She was coming down the trail in the opposite direction – as soon as she saw me she turned and disappeared noiselessly in that magically way of deer.
This is a comforting wood; it is cool and damp and very quiet – there is bird chatter but not the cacophony of early spring.
The only new disturbance is a man made clearing near the arboretum deer fence. There are new plantings encased in plastic tubes – protection I suppose from the deer. They will be quite beautiful someday, but now it is a little jarring, a strange alien intrusion in “my” wood.
I round the field where I saw the fox kits two weeks ago, but they are gone and the den appears, at least for now, abandoned.
One last stretch of wood and then the field that leads back to the highway.
As always I am reluctant to leave this sanctuary but it has given a very lovely morning.
My little postage stamp of a woods is nothing like a real wilderness, but for me it is a refuge that I look forward to for ninety minutes each Friday. This morning it was there were lowering clouds and rumbles of thunder and I expected to get drenched any minute but the rain held off to just after I finished.
The light from the constantly changing sky animated the woods and brought it to life in way that a clear blue sky wouldn’t have. The woods are that bright, alive green of late spring and the large, older trees really do seem like pillars in a temple.
Along the trail I stop to tie my shoe and as I look up there is a deer just in front of me. She was coming down the trail in the opposite direction – as soon as she saw me she turned and disappeared noiselessly in that magically way of deer.
This is a comforting wood; it is cool and damp and very quiet – there is bird chatter but not the cacophony of early spring.
The only new disturbance is a man made clearing near the arboretum deer fence. There are new plantings encased in plastic tubes – protection I suppose from the deer. They will be quite beautiful someday, but now it is a little jarring, a strange alien intrusion in “my” wood.
I round the field where I saw the fox kits two weeks ago, but they are gone and the den appears, at least for now, abandoned.
One last stretch of wood and then the field that leads back to the highway.
As always I am reluctant to leave this sanctuary but it has given a very lovely morning.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Broad Street
Well defying conventional wisdom and, yes, common sense I ran the Broad Street Ten Mile Run last Sunday. I just couldn’t resist continuing the streak since this is the one race I have run every year since I began running.
The expo this year was at the Eagles football stadium, Lincoln Financial Field, and I thought it was a pretty successful venue, easy to get to and easy to park.
This was another record setting crowd but the organization seems to be able to handle it and there were no significant delays in getting my number or goodie bag.
Early Sunday I drove to Roosevelt Park and parked under I95 not far from the finish but a good hike to Broad and Pattison for the subway ride to Broad and Olney. When I got into the station I decided I would improve my chances for a seat by moving up a few cars, I walked into the door and there was Diane and Neil. Turned out we were on an express so the trip uptown was quick and easy.
Then the usual pre-run Broad Street routine – circle the Central High Track and few times, sit in the bleachers, catch up with as many friends as possible (but in the crush missed many more). The entry in and out of the field is a choke point and may be past the point of being able to handle the crunch of runners. Race down to the baggage bus, then back to the 8 minute start area (actually stood between the 7 and 8 points because I knew people overseed themselves).
It was a perfect weather day: cool temps, low humidity, bright sunshine. Race began on schedule and the crush at the mats was not as bad as I thought it was going to be. The first mile was a little slow because of the overseeding and the large number of runners but it was a good pace for me. Also the water stops seemed to be working fairly well. I skipped the first one having taken Endurance just before the start. I would take water three times and then nothing after mile seven. It seemed about right given the weather.
I was continually passing people (and would continue to do so until the end) so I was somewhat surprised that my time was only 82 minutes (almost exactly the same as last year). I had thought my average mile was under 8:30 but I think I must have slowed down somewhat in the middle miles when I missed a couple of mile markers and didn’t have my splits. I was quite pleased with my last mile which was one of my fastest and where I past a couple of my Bryn Mawr running mates. Laura said she heard someone call hear name but knew it was me when she heard “Just one more repeat” as we entered the Navy Yard. She was one of a few who asked somewhat puzzled “didn’t you just run a Marathon?”
Again the finish area was handled well given the number of runners crunching in. The kid on the baggage bus had my bag ready even before I asked for it.
I walked over to the park savoring the crowd and the runners still streaming into the Navy Yard. Bryn Mawr and Northeast tailgates were set up next to each other so I got to see everyone and then I spied a runner wearing a Dead Runners Shirt. I knew right away it had to be Ron Steve. I was able to introduce him to Diane and eventually give him a ride back to his hotel.
There doesn’t seem to be any ill effects. I took off Monday and Tuesday but had no DOMS and ran an easy five this morning. Looking back I’m glad I decided to go for it.
Here’s an interesting article about Broad Street that appeared in today’s Inquirer:
Well defying conventional wisdom and, yes, common sense I ran the Broad Street Ten Mile Run last Sunday. I just couldn’t resist continuing the streak since this is the one race I have run every year since I began running.
The expo this year was at the Eagles football stadium, Lincoln Financial Field, and I thought it was a pretty successful venue, easy to get to and easy to park.
This was another record setting crowd but the organization seems to be able to handle it and there were no significant delays in getting my number or goodie bag.
Early Sunday I drove to Roosevelt Park and parked under I95 not far from the finish but a good hike to Broad and Pattison for the subway ride to Broad and Olney. When I got into the station I decided I would improve my chances for a seat by moving up a few cars, I walked into the door and there was Diane and Neil. Turned out we were on an express so the trip uptown was quick and easy.
Then the usual pre-run Broad Street routine – circle the Central High Track and few times, sit in the bleachers, catch up with as many friends as possible (but in the crush missed many more). The entry in and out of the field is a choke point and may be past the point of being able to handle the crunch of runners. Race down to the baggage bus, then back to the 8 minute start area (actually stood between the 7 and 8 points because I knew people overseed themselves).
It was a perfect weather day: cool temps, low humidity, bright sunshine. Race began on schedule and the crush at the mats was not as bad as I thought it was going to be. The first mile was a little slow because of the overseeding and the large number of runners but it was a good pace for me. Also the water stops seemed to be working fairly well. I skipped the first one having taken Endurance just before the start. I would take water three times and then nothing after mile seven. It seemed about right given the weather.
I was continually passing people (and would continue to do so until the end) so I was somewhat surprised that my time was only 82 minutes (almost exactly the same as last year). I had thought my average mile was under 8:30 but I think I must have slowed down somewhat in the middle miles when I missed a couple of mile markers and didn’t have my splits. I was quite pleased with my last mile which was one of my fastest and where I past a couple of my Bryn Mawr running mates. Laura said she heard someone call hear name but knew it was me when she heard “Just one more repeat” as we entered the Navy Yard. She was one of a few who asked somewhat puzzled “didn’t you just run a Marathon?”
Again the finish area was handled well given the number of runners crunching in. The kid on the baggage bus had my bag ready even before I asked for it.
I walked over to the park savoring the crowd and the runners still streaming into the Navy Yard. Bryn Mawr and Northeast tailgates were set up next to each other so I got to see everyone and then I spied a runner wearing a Dead Runners Shirt. I knew right away it had to be Ron Steve. I was able to introduce him to Diane and eventually give him a ride back to his hotel.
There doesn’t seem to be any ill effects. I took off Monday and Tuesday but had no DOMS and ran an easy five this morning. Looking back I’m glad I decided to go for it.
Here’s an interesting article about Broad Street that appeared in today’s Inquirer:
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Friday, May 05, 2006
Depart, oh night!
Set, you stars!
Set, you stars!
At dawn I shall win!
I shall win! I shall win!
Country Music Marathon - Nashville Tennessee
Let me get this out right away as a kind of catharsis - I am kind of sad because on Sunday I lost my digital camera. Worst part is that I think I lost it right in the hotel lobby - it saddens me to think someone in the hotel would walk away with the camera and not turn it in to the desk. I don't mind the lost of the camera so much as the photos it contained. Fortunately it was only the last day since I have been downloading them each day.
Well anyway - the flight to Nashville thru Raleigh was uneventful. Lots of clouds so there wasn't a lot to see but both legs of the flight were short.
Downtown Nashville turned out to be somewhat of a surprise. There isn't much there, there. Along Broadway there are the tourist honky tonks, but the area doesn't have much life. To my surprise there are no stores of any kind. No food stores, no small corner stores, no boutique stores. These may be coming. On Sunday there was a program where people got to pay a small fee and then tour a large number of current and projected condominiums. I think once these are occupied there will be more human activity, but for now it is extremely bereft of residential life.
We did the touristy things of visiting the Ryman, the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame. My favorite visit was to the Parthenon - an exact replica of the Greek Parthenon, complete with a glided statue of Athena. A staff member who told us about the Parthenon was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, and understood when I compared the Parthenon to the Philadelphia Art Museum. One of those small ironies of this small world.
My first view of the Parthenon was about 6 AM on Saturday (29 April). It had threatened rain, and there were showers not far to the west, but after a brief sprinkle the day was dry and remained so. In fact mid race the sun briefly shown and it got quite warm. The Parthenon is in Centennial Park the site of world fair type event in 1897 Nashville. Like Memorial Hall in Philadelphia it is the sole survivor of that event. I stopped by the information booth to say hello to Karen Bingham, then enjoyed the grounds.
The Country Music Marathon combines with a Half Marathon and the vast majority of runners are halfties. The course begins just outside the park and you first head back downtown. I loosely hooked up with the four hour pace group - that is I identified the leader and resolved to keep them in sight. Rather then the crush and shuffle you usually experience in a large race we were easily running at pace immediately.
A few miles into the race you turn onto music row - an area of Nashville I believe called Belmont, a pleasant neighborhood. The race is a small collection of out and backs. This first is probably the nicest with lots of spectators and things to see. We saw the leaders coming back on their loop. One runner way out in front and I wondered at this until I realized he was a half marathoner and hence pushing the pace harder than the marathoners. I was rather amazed, when we ran back toward town at the large number of runners still coming. I have a picture in my mind of a huge wave of runners in front of me and an equally huge wave coming at me. I don't remember ever seeing this before.
(22,000 started - about 5000 marathoners - my time was a relatively slow 4:08 but I was 1006 runner finishing.)
I had run most of this leg with the four hour group, although I briefly lost contact at a water stop. At one point the leader needed a potty break and handed the four hour flag to a woman. This must have energerized her because the next mile was about 25 seconds faster then we had been running. Actually, I felt comfortable with the pace and continued on, just a little slower. It is somewhere in this area that I saw the blue man - I said out loud that can't be healthy and a woman running near said I was thinking the same thing - but it was startling (saw him later at the finish line).
Next loop out is down a large divided highway (8th ave). We leave the halfs about mile eleven separated by Elvis. Then proceed on 8th to the Metrocenter business park that loops along the Cumberland River where you can see the layers of sandstone laid down when this area was under a shallow sea. My favorite band was just after we left this portion of the loop. The bands were great even though you only get to hear for a few moments. The early part of the race when you are running with the halfs have the most then they thin out. -
At mile 9 they gave out jelly bellies. Don't think these will make it as a race food. For the next block there were jelly bellies everywhere - I assume they were just too hard to handle.
I am still comfortably with the four hour group - there are now just four of us. The run back toward downtown is a long uphill and here I lose contact with the leader. I catch up on the downhill and almost catch up when we run thru a park just before coming into downtown. However, with about 6 miles left I am slowing down. Don't feel bad - just no turnover. Because of the heat I have been carefully monitoring for cramps but they seem clear.
I am somewhat surprised by how many people are already walking. It seems somewhat unusual, although warm it is not excessively so.
I prefer to slog on slowly. The final loop is out to Shelby Park - it appears to be a somewhat down on it heels park but you do loop a small lake and when you come out you know you have mostly downhill for the final three miles. Again I marvel at the thousands still coming many of them walking and as slow as I am going I am passing many other runners.
The final mile is past a really ugly junkyard before turning into Stadium area. The final short leg is on Victory Avenue quite fitting given my mantra - Vincero!
Final chip time is 4:08:28. Off goal but acceptable. Finish area is well arranged especially considering that the marathoners and halfs merge here (and there were still many halfs coming in.) I lingered only briefly, stopping to chat with Karen Bingham of the Penguin list before making the trek back to the hotel of the pedestrian bridge that links downtown with the stadium. (This seemed a unique feature for Nashville-the idea I believe to allow and encourage people to use the downtown restaurants and bars before and after stadium events.)
Saturday night there was the post race concert that featured Phil Vasser. Didn't know what to expect but it turned out he gave a great show then came back for an encore and played for another hour.
We originally planned on staying thru Tuesday but we pretty much expended the things to do downtown and didn't really want to do any bus tours and shuttles. So we changed our flight and I finished this account sitting on the tarmac in Nashville delayed by thunderstorms in Chicago.
(Post script - we are sitting delayed in Chicago!!!!)
Well this has not been a terrible vacation but it has not been one of my favorites.
Whether I will travel to another marathon remains to be seen. I rather doubt if my wife will be eager to go again.
Set, you stars!
Set, you stars!
At dawn I shall win!
I shall win! I shall win!
Country Music Marathon - Nashville Tennessee
Let me get this out right away as a kind of catharsis - I am kind of sad because on Sunday I lost my digital camera. Worst part is that I think I lost it right in the hotel lobby - it saddens me to think someone in the hotel would walk away with the camera and not turn it in to the desk. I don't mind the lost of the camera so much as the photos it contained. Fortunately it was only the last day since I have been downloading them each day.
Well anyway - the flight to Nashville thru Raleigh was uneventful. Lots of clouds so there wasn't a lot to see but both legs of the flight were short.
Downtown Nashville turned out to be somewhat of a surprise. There isn't much there, there. Along Broadway there are the tourist honky tonks, but the area doesn't have much life. To my surprise there are no stores of any kind. No food stores, no small corner stores, no boutique stores. These may be coming. On Sunday there was a program where people got to pay a small fee and then tour a large number of current and projected condominiums. I think once these are occupied there will be more human activity, but for now it is extremely bereft of residential life.
We did the touristy things of visiting the Ryman, the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame. My favorite visit was to the Parthenon - an exact replica of the Greek Parthenon, complete with a glided statue of Athena. A staff member who told us about the Parthenon was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, and understood when I compared the Parthenon to the Philadelphia Art Museum. One of those small ironies of this small world.
My first view of the Parthenon was about 6 AM on Saturday (29 April). It had threatened rain, and there were showers not far to the west, but after a brief sprinkle the day was dry and remained so. In fact mid race the sun briefly shown and it got quite warm. The Parthenon is in Centennial Park the site of world fair type event in 1897 Nashville. Like Memorial Hall in Philadelphia it is the sole survivor of that event. I stopped by the information booth to say hello to Karen Bingham, then enjoyed the grounds.
The Country Music Marathon combines with a Half Marathon and the vast majority of runners are halfties. The course begins just outside the park and you first head back downtown. I loosely hooked up with the four hour pace group - that is I identified the leader and resolved to keep them in sight. Rather then the crush and shuffle you usually experience in a large race we were easily running at pace immediately.
A few miles into the race you turn onto music row - an area of Nashville I believe called Belmont, a pleasant neighborhood. The race is a small collection of out and backs. This first is probably the nicest with lots of spectators and things to see. We saw the leaders coming back on their loop. One runner way out in front and I wondered at this until I realized he was a half marathoner and hence pushing the pace harder than the marathoners. I was rather amazed, when we ran back toward town at the large number of runners still coming. I have a picture in my mind of a huge wave of runners in front of me and an equally huge wave coming at me. I don't remember ever seeing this before.
(22,000 started - about 5000 marathoners - my time was a relatively slow 4:08 but I was 1006 runner finishing.)
I had run most of this leg with the four hour group, although I briefly lost contact at a water stop. At one point the leader needed a potty break and handed the four hour flag to a woman. This must have energerized her because the next mile was about 25 seconds faster then we had been running. Actually, I felt comfortable with the pace and continued on, just a little slower. It is somewhere in this area that I saw the blue man - I said out loud that can't be healthy and a woman running near said I was thinking the same thing - but it was startling (saw him later at the finish line).
Next loop out is down a large divided highway (8th ave). We leave the halfs about mile eleven separated by Elvis. Then proceed on 8th to the Metrocenter business park that loops along the Cumberland River where you can see the layers of sandstone laid down when this area was under a shallow sea. My favorite band was just after we left this portion of the loop. The bands were great even though you only get to hear for a few moments. The early part of the race when you are running with the halfs have the most then they thin out. -
At mile 9 they gave out jelly bellies. Don't think these will make it as a race food. For the next block there were jelly bellies everywhere - I assume they were just too hard to handle.
I am still comfortably with the four hour group - there are now just four of us. The run back toward downtown is a long uphill and here I lose contact with the leader. I catch up on the downhill and almost catch up when we run thru a park just before coming into downtown. However, with about 6 miles left I am slowing down. Don't feel bad - just no turnover. Because of the heat I have been carefully monitoring for cramps but they seem clear.
I am somewhat surprised by how many people are already walking. It seems somewhat unusual, although warm it is not excessively so.
I prefer to slog on slowly. The final loop is out to Shelby Park - it appears to be a somewhat down on it heels park but you do loop a small lake and when you come out you know you have mostly downhill for the final three miles. Again I marvel at the thousands still coming many of them walking and as slow as I am going I am passing many other runners.
The final mile is past a really ugly junkyard before turning into Stadium area. The final short leg is on Victory Avenue quite fitting given my mantra - Vincero!
Final chip time is 4:08:28. Off goal but acceptable. Finish area is well arranged especially considering that the marathoners and halfs merge here (and there were still many halfs coming in.) I lingered only briefly, stopping to chat with Karen Bingham of the Penguin list before making the trek back to the hotel of the pedestrian bridge that links downtown with the stadium. (This seemed a unique feature for Nashville-the idea I believe to allow and encourage people to use the downtown restaurants and bars before and after stadium events.)
Saturday night there was the post race concert that featured Phil Vasser. Didn't know what to expect but it turned out he gave a great show then came back for an encore and played for another hour.
We originally planned on staying thru Tuesday but we pretty much expended the things to do downtown and didn't really want to do any bus tours and shuttles. So we changed our flight and I finished this account sitting on the tarmac in Nashville delayed by thunderstorms in Chicago.
(Post script - we are sitting delayed in Chicago!!!!)
Well this has not been a terrible vacation but it has not been one of my favorites.
Whether I will travel to another marathon remains to be seen. I rather doubt if my wife will be eager to go again.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
As I write it is a beautiful, bright spring afternoon. With the exception of yesterday’s heavy rain it has been a beautiful spring week here. I really enjoyed Friday’s trail run thru a wood well into its spring greening. I took yesterday off but did go to a runners’ clinic offered by Springfield Hospital. Tried to get some magic advice that would conquer my late race cramps but unfortunately the docs and techs only had the common sense advice I already knew.
Ran this am when it was still overcast and cool, the drives loop was perfect since eight miles at marathon pace was exactly what I wanted. Crowded day since a crew regatta was taking place on the river. It was fun passing all the kids getting ready to row. Some of the booths smell awfully good.
It was crowded and noisy until I got well onto Martin Luther King Drive. There I encountered a goose family with four tiny goslings. The parents didn’t seem to care how close I was but I didn’t push their tolerance.
Got back to Kelly Drive right on schedule where I momentarily had myself convinced my car had been stolen until I realized I was in the wrong block.
Couple more days of light running then it’s off to Nashville. I’m a little nervous not having flown in so long (not in flying per se but all the getting to the airport, and getting around in an unknown city). I believe this is the earliest start (7AM) I have ever had for any race. I decided my mantra will be:
Depart, oh night!
Set, you stars!
Set, you stars!
At dawn I shall win!
I shall win! I shall win!
Chad Brooks
Monday, April 03, 2006
Run In Run Out
A two race week end – one as runner, one as volunteer.
Saturday I did the Tyler Arboretum 10K.
No shirt in this race – they gave out a pair of bright orange socks
Run IN - Run Out
which match my Ochoco's – so I changed into them immediately. I
noticed a few other runners did the same. Geek fashion - gotta love it.
The last two years this race has been done in wet weather – last year
very wet. After one of the driest March on record it looked like race
day was going to be another wet one. Just before the nine o'clock
start the rain is falling pretty steadily but it is just an April's
Fools joke and the rain quickly ends.
I only have one goal – like last year, I want to run the course
without walking. Now there is no particular virtue in this. Some who
walk the steepest hills will finish much faster than me. But I enjoy
the challenge of changing pace and step to get up those inclines.
The course loops through the Arboretum grounds along trails I know
well from my Friday runs. It is all in woodland without much flat
running, but knowing the course well gives me a slight advantage since
I know what to expect and how long the upticks last. It is pure
pleasure to me and the time races by. No, I am not going very fast
but only a couple of people past me and I past more than a few. I am
having fun with the volunteers and the other runners and of course my
beautiful wood just on the verge of spring time green.
I had expected to break 60 minutes but I come in just under 61 – just
a little too relaxed.
________________
A brand new 5K was run in Havertown,Sunday.
The race brochure describes the race thus: "On Sunday, April 2, 2006, the family and
friends of Kevin Cain will hold the first annual Kevin Cain "Make My
Day 5K" Walk/Run through the streets of Havertown. Kevin would have endorsed everything about the Race, except one detail– placing his name on the Race. Kevin loved raising funds for worthy causes, working with children in countless youth programs, and making a difference in his community. He just hated taking credit for it. On June 22, 2005, Kevin lost his courageous battle with cancer. Despite
being ill for several years, Kevin continued to coach and mentor children. He lived for the day - in the hospital one day and coaching the next day. Kevin was an inspiration to all who knew him. In addition to coaching, Kevin co-founded the Billy Lake Memorial Basketball League in 1992, in memory of his brother-in-law Billy who
died of ALS. Kevin was also the founding director of the Billy Lake ALS Marathon, an annual event to raise funds for ALS research."
For a first time event it had an amazing turn out – there were almost 200 runners and as many walkers. There were lots of kids – a tribute to Kevin the Coach.
I didn't have much to do before the race but once the runners began coming in I posted the tags to the board and once the board was filled I began listing the winners. Now for all these years I have grumbled about how long it takes to get award results but now I saw how difficult it is. I didn't want to miss anyone so I checked and double checked. In addition I had to put up with the runners pressing in to check their results. Yikes – paybacks. My list was actually meant to
be a backup for the electronic results but as it turned out it was my
list that they used. Boy I hope it was right!
Well kudos to the organizers – they did a great job for first time out
of the gate.
A two race week end – one as runner, one as volunteer.
Saturday I did the Tyler Arboretum 10K.
No shirt in this race – they gave out a pair of bright orange socks
Run IN - Run Out
which match my Ochoco's – so I changed into them immediately. I
noticed a few other runners did the same. Geek fashion - gotta love it.
The last two years this race has been done in wet weather – last year
very wet. After one of the driest March on record it looked like race
day was going to be another wet one. Just before the nine o'clock
start the rain is falling pretty steadily but it is just an April's
Fools joke and the rain quickly ends.
I only have one goal – like last year, I want to run the course
without walking. Now there is no particular virtue in this. Some who
walk the steepest hills will finish much faster than me. But I enjoy
the challenge of changing pace and step to get up those inclines.
The course loops through the Arboretum grounds along trails I know
well from my Friday runs. It is all in woodland without much flat
running, but knowing the course well gives me a slight advantage since
I know what to expect and how long the upticks last. It is pure
pleasure to me and the time races by. No, I am not going very fast
but only a couple of people past me and I past more than a few. I am
having fun with the volunteers and the other runners and of course my
beautiful wood just on the verge of spring time green.
I had expected to break 60 minutes but I come in just under 61 – just
a little too relaxed.
________________
A brand new 5K was run in Havertown,Sunday.
The race brochure describes the race thus: "On Sunday, April 2, 2006, the family and
friends of Kevin Cain will hold the first annual Kevin Cain "Make My
Day 5K" Walk/Run through the streets of Havertown. Kevin would have endorsed everything about the Race, except one detail– placing his name on the Race. Kevin loved raising funds for worthy causes, working with children in countless youth programs, and making a difference in his community. He just hated taking credit for it. On June 22, 2005, Kevin lost his courageous battle with cancer. Despite
being ill for several years, Kevin continued to coach and mentor children. He lived for the day - in the hospital one day and coaching the next day. Kevin was an inspiration to all who knew him. In addition to coaching, Kevin co-founded the Billy Lake Memorial Basketball League in 1992, in memory of his brother-in-law Billy who
died of ALS. Kevin was also the founding director of the Billy Lake ALS Marathon, an annual event to raise funds for ALS research."
For a first time event it had an amazing turn out – there were almost 200 runners and as many walkers. There were lots of kids – a tribute to Kevin the Coach.
I didn't have much to do before the race but once the runners began coming in I posted the tags to the board and once the board was filled I began listing the winners. Now for all these years I have grumbled about how long it takes to get award results but now I saw how difficult it is. I didn't want to miss anyone so I checked and double checked. In addition I had to put up with the runners pressing in to check their results. Yikes – paybacks. My list was actually meant to
be a backup for the electronic results but as it turned out it was my
list that they used. Boy I hope it was right!
Well kudos to the organizers – they did a great job for first time out
of the gate.
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