Half Wit Message
I received an email from Ron Horn announcing the race results were on line. In his crude, blunt way he confirmed that this was an terrible race weather wise:
1) Imagine if it was 98 degrees and you were abducted, rolled up in a carpet, locked in a van that was abandoned in a parking lot next to the oil refineries in Elizabeth, NJ and left there for 3 days before being discovered. Now add 30 degree to the temperature; THAT"S what it felt like running the Half Wit Half Marathon trail run this past weekend. You couldn't cut the air with a band saw; heck, I tried to pass gas and the air was so think that it wouldn't come out because it had no place to go! Some 55 people had the sense to abandon the race during it, either due to good sense or bad footing, with a few of the more asthmatic ones even pulling up at the 1.3 mile water stop. I recognize these people as the "deep thinkers" of the Half-Wit entries. Why the other 356 morons continued on is anybody's guess! Some did it, no doubt, for the special drink available at the 9.6 and 12.5-mile aide stations. The race started with us having to use a bolt cutter to break into the park and the bathrooms. That should have been an omen to all!! The results are at the bottom of the home page for www.pretzelcitysports.com . My DEEP respect for all that finished; you obviously have incredibly high testosterone levels and do not require anesthesia during surgery.
Monday, August 15, 2005
Words of Wisdom
Fellow half wits. This is a hard core crowd. Some are veterans but some are newbies and may be in for a few surprises.
Ron Checks Line
Ron Horn, the race director, explains the delays. He said he had to use bolt cutters to get into the park and open the rest rooms. Thought it was one of his stories but after the race when I went up to rest rooms there was one of locks laying on the ground.
Half Wit Half Marathon
Heat Index - 110
Distance - 13.1
IQ necessary to think this a good idea - 62
Satisfaction on completion - Unmeasurable
What could possibly possess anyone to run in this weather? Every year the weather for this race is hot and sticky but this has to be one of the hottest ever. It is not called the Half-Wit for nothing.
One advantage I had this year was experience. I knew just how to pace myself and what was ahead. As I result I ran with some confidence. I loaded up with Succeed and Gatorade's new Endurance. I decided carrying a bottle outweighed the inconvenience and except for a few times when I could have used both hands it worked at well. I think by continuingly hydrating and being able to take the Succeed on my schedule instead of when I got to a water stop I fended off the cramping that bedeviled me the last two runs on this course. Although I was very slow at times, I never needed to stop and all my walking was on my terms.
Even in better weather this would be a tough course. The climbs are steep and some of the down hills are worst. The course is kind of a figure 8. The first mile is a simple loop - there are several bottle necks that mean for the back of pack runners a very slow start. The first year I was impatient with this but now recognize it is wise to accept the pace. After that first mile you begin the first part of the loop on mostly single track through the woods. Just after mile three you hit a paved road for about a half mile that takes you to the first water stop. You then hit the first steep drop then there is a long run three miles thru the woods some on established trail but some on it on a trail that must only exist in the imagination of the race director. (In fact at one point he has a sign posted - Trail? And a few yards later - What Trail? )
This section includes a couple of steep climbs but lots of running time. It ends with another very steep drop. The trees sweat stained by previous runners who grabbed them on the way down. You come out onto a baseball field and a water stop. A quick loop around the field and you must climb the infamous 128 steps from hell. Still no idea, why they are there. Sometime long ago someone placed what looks like granite curbing in a facsimile of steps, although some have become dislodged and stand at strange angles and halfway up there is a large tree blocking the way - you either crawl under, over or around.
Most runners on finishing the climb feel relieved - the course slopes gently down and you think that wasn't too bad. Unfortunately, just a few hundreds yards down the path you are faced with another steep climb. There will be two more of those interspaced with some good running on wider track. Good chance to set your own pace. The last climb out of this part of the park is short but very steep and rocky. You emerge back on the roadway to the three mile water stop. You are now about 8.3 into the run. You return along the roadway and reenter the wood. Not far until you cross another road. This is 9.1 and the recommended drop out point. The first time I ran this race I wanted to drop out but didn't realize this was the drop point and continued on. You now enter the last four mile loop. For a couple of miles until the path loops you see the returning runners. Very little level running here and where it is level it is very, very rocky or incredibly muddy. This is the only flat I chose to walk. I am so tired at this point I worry about tripping and don't fancy going down in the muck that has a foul order.
Eventually you come to a steep but runable incline. I take this with some abandoned. I know ahead I have the last steep climb and then too quickly we there (the downhill felt good) - it starts out somewhat deceiving but quickly becomes a rock climb. I see a couple of runners sitting and others stopped bracing on trees and at least one runner trying to work out cramps. I can sympathize. This is where I almost gave up the first year I ran. I sat down and really figured I was done but a runner came along encouraged me to get up and promised the climbing is almost over. I do the same now telling each runner we are only minutes from the top and hang in there. Unfortunately, I don't have any water to share. It is always a bit longer then I expect but finally I see the exit point. There is one last water stop where they also dispense beer. I feel good enough to indulge in one cup, walking slowly until done. Then it is off at a good pace because I know the finish is quite near. There will be one more surprise - another steep drop about 400 yards from the finish. Then I am done.
Very slow. But I feel good. Never stopped, avoided cramps and felt pretty good the whole time. I had heard a young lady before the race say this was her first trail run. Not a good choice for your first. But during the run I assured her that not all trails run are this difficult and I tried to give her some pointers. She finished quite nicely and strong. After the race she thanked me for the advice and said I had been a big help. Nice to hear.
One more side note: after the race I talked to a runner wearing a shirt with a skull and the label Death Race. This is a 125 KM race in the Canadian Rockies. Naturally, I said then this race must seem like a piece of cake. Well he said it is tough but the weather is a lot better - I actually enjoyed the Death Race compared to today. He was only half joking.
Heat Index - 110
Distance - 13.1
IQ necessary to think this a good idea - 62
Satisfaction on completion - Unmeasurable
What could possibly possess anyone to run in this weather? Every year the weather for this race is hot and sticky but this has to be one of the hottest ever. It is not called the Half-Wit for nothing.
One advantage I had this year was experience. I knew just how to pace myself and what was ahead. As I result I ran with some confidence. I loaded up with Succeed and Gatorade's new Endurance. I decided carrying a bottle outweighed the inconvenience and except for a few times when I could have used both hands it worked at well. I think by continuingly hydrating and being able to take the Succeed on my schedule instead of when I got to a water stop I fended off the cramping that bedeviled me the last two runs on this course. Although I was very slow at times, I never needed to stop and all my walking was on my terms.
Even in better weather this would be a tough course. The climbs are steep and some of the down hills are worst. The course is kind of a figure 8. The first mile is a simple loop - there are several bottle necks that mean for the back of pack runners a very slow start. The first year I was impatient with this but now recognize it is wise to accept the pace. After that first mile you begin the first part of the loop on mostly single track through the woods. Just after mile three you hit a paved road for about a half mile that takes you to the first water stop. You then hit the first steep drop then there is a long run three miles thru the woods some on established trail but some on it on a trail that must only exist in the imagination of the race director. (In fact at one point he has a sign posted - Trail? And a few yards later - What Trail? )
This section includes a couple of steep climbs but lots of running time. It ends with another very steep drop. The trees sweat stained by previous runners who grabbed them on the way down. You come out onto a baseball field and a water stop. A quick loop around the field and you must climb the infamous 128 steps from hell. Still no idea, why they are there. Sometime long ago someone placed what looks like granite curbing in a facsimile of steps, although some have become dislodged and stand at strange angles and halfway up there is a large tree blocking the way - you either crawl under, over or around.
Most runners on finishing the climb feel relieved - the course slopes gently down and you think that wasn't too bad. Unfortunately, just a few hundreds yards down the path you are faced with another steep climb. There will be two more of those interspaced with some good running on wider track. Good chance to set your own pace. The last climb out of this part of the park is short but very steep and rocky. You emerge back on the roadway to the three mile water stop. You are now about 8.3 into the run. You return along the roadway and reenter the wood. Not far until you cross another road. This is 9.1 and the recommended drop out point. The first time I ran this race I wanted to drop out but didn't realize this was the drop point and continued on. You now enter the last four mile loop. For a couple of miles until the path loops you see the returning runners. Very little level running here and where it is level it is very, very rocky or incredibly muddy. This is the only flat I chose to walk. I am so tired at this point I worry about tripping and don't fancy going down in the muck that has a foul order.
Eventually you come to a steep but runable incline. I take this with some abandoned. I know ahead I have the last steep climb and then too quickly we there (the downhill felt good) - it starts out somewhat deceiving but quickly becomes a rock climb. I see a couple of runners sitting and others stopped bracing on trees and at least one runner trying to work out cramps. I can sympathize. This is where I almost gave up the first year I ran. I sat down and really figured I was done but a runner came along encouraged me to get up and promised the climbing is almost over. I do the same now telling each runner we are only minutes from the top and hang in there. Unfortunately, I don't have any water to share. It is always a bit longer then I expect but finally I see the exit point. There is one last water stop where they also dispense beer. I feel good enough to indulge in one cup, walking slowly until done. Then it is off at a good pace because I know the finish is quite near. There will be one more surprise - another steep drop about 400 yards from the finish. Then I am done.
Very slow. But I feel good. Never stopped, avoided cramps and felt pretty good the whole time. I had heard a young lady before the race say this was her first trail run. Not a good choice for your first. But during the run I assured her that not all trails run are this difficult and I tried to give her some pointers. She finished quite nicely and strong. After the race she thanked me for the advice and said I had been a big help. Nice to hear.
One more side note: after the race I talked to a runner wearing a shirt with a skull and the label Death Race. This is a 125 KM race in the Canadian Rockies. Naturally, I said then this race must seem like a piece of cake. Well he said it is tough but the weather is a lot better - I actually enjoyed the Death Race compared to today. He was only half joking.
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Mid Summer Weekend
Runners often talk about going thru down times in their running. I am experiencing a little of that now. I think in part it is the heat. I don’t remember being so bothered by the heat in past summers. I have never liked it but now it takes every bit of will power to get out the door. I did a race Saturday (Run For The Hill Of It). Now the weather for this race always seems to be hot and humid and Saturday was no exception. The air temperature wasn’t particularly hot at 8AM but the humidity was already somewhere near 100%. The race is along Forbidden Drive in the northern reach of the Wissahickon Valley branch of Fairmount Park. The first 2.5 miles drop down to Valley Green and then turn and run uphill for 2.5. I was very disappointed with my time. Just didn’t have the turn over I expected. Nothing hurt. I just couldn’t go faster. I don’t think I have ever been lower in a five year age group (18 out of 30). Finished in the middle of the pack (333 out 663) but should have finished higher.
Since my desire to run long wasn’t there on Sunday I decided to bike. I recently bought a bike thinking it would be good to cross train occasionally. It’s a hybrid not built for speed. I decided to use the Schuylkill River Trail. I had no specific goal – just get use to the bike and spend two hours peddling. I enjoyed it a great deal. First impression is that biking is much easier than running. Now I saw bikers who were working very hard – but I just peddled steadily with only occasional bursts of “speed”. I think I was covering miles in about 4 or 5 minutes. Sobering when I realized that I would just barely be staying ahead of the best marathoners. I think this experiment in cross training worked. I should have been on a long run but the ride was fun and used other muscles and skills and today I feel good and ready for a speed workout in spite of the heat.
Runners often talk about going thru down times in their running. I am experiencing a little of that now. I think in part it is the heat. I don’t remember being so bothered by the heat in past summers. I have never liked it but now it takes every bit of will power to get out the door. I did a race Saturday (Run For The Hill Of It). Now the weather for this race always seems to be hot and humid and Saturday was no exception. The air temperature wasn’t particularly hot at 8AM but the humidity was already somewhere near 100%. The race is along Forbidden Drive in the northern reach of the Wissahickon Valley branch of Fairmount Park. The first 2.5 miles drop down to Valley Green and then turn and run uphill for 2.5. I was very disappointed with my time. Just didn’t have the turn over I expected. Nothing hurt. I just couldn’t go faster. I don’t think I have ever been lower in a five year age group (18 out of 30). Finished in the middle of the pack (333 out 663) but should have finished higher.
Since my desire to run long wasn’t there on Sunday I decided to bike. I recently bought a bike thinking it would be good to cross train occasionally. It’s a hybrid not built for speed. I decided to use the Schuylkill River Trail. I had no specific goal – just get use to the bike and spend two hours peddling. I enjoyed it a great deal. First impression is that biking is much easier than running. Now I saw bikers who were working very hard – but I just peddled steadily with only occasional bursts of “speed”. I think I was covering miles in about 4 or 5 minutes. Sobering when I realized that I would just barely be staying ahead of the best marathoners. I think this experiment in cross training worked. I should have been on a long run but the ride was fun and used other muscles and skills and today I feel good and ready for a speed workout in spite of the heat.
Norristown Station
On Sunday I took my first long bike ride. I used the Schuylkill River Trail. I started in Conshohocken. This view is what you see as you head north toward Valley Forge. This is SEPTA's Norristown hub. The structure is the terminus for the High Speed Line that runs between Upper Darby and Norristown.
Forbidden Drive Covered Bridge
The Run For The Hill Of It begins at the top of Forbidden Drive (the section of Philadelphia called Andorra). You run south to Valley Green and turn north. This is the view you would have while running north just after mile three.
Forbidden Drive
This is the location for the Run For The Hill Of It that I raced on Saturday, 30 July.
Friday, July 15, 2005
Today's trail run was very hot and very wet. Besides sweating like crazy, my shoes were soaking from the dew. It wasn't a very pleasant run. And I thought of this missive I had sent to the Dead Runners. There had been a discussion of the best type of rain gear and someone else mentioned that at the end of summer runs you are usually soaked anyway:
The rain gear thread caught my attention because Friday I decided not to run due to the heavy rain that was falling. Yet in a sense it was a silly excuse
since these days I am soaking wet after any run. In fact running in the rain may have been pleasantcompared to the hot runs I have done Saturday and Sunday.
Despite the heat I did enjoy my weekend runs. I reflected on the reports of injuries and their relation to effort. On these runs I was just glad to chug along on courses I laid out long ago and have done hundreds of times. My easy pace was unlikely to induce injury.
Saturday morning was beautiful and I should have run early but instead I grabbed another hour's sleep and then a leisurely read of the paper. By the time I did
a few errands my run was starting at noon. The nice thing was I got to listen to From The Top. It was a reprise show that concentrated on the interaction of the kids with master players lkke Issac Stern.
My consolation on running in the heat was a recent pieceI read online (Runnersworld) that said running early morning doesn't conditioned you to run in the heat.
Since I will be doing the Half Wit next month and since it is always very hot it's good I'm getting heat conditioned.
On Sunday there was increased heat and another late start. Still I enjoyed the run and I am grateful that I can do six miles in the heat and feel so good. On Saturday's From The Top a young violinist was coached by Issac Stern. When Mr. Stern died she wrote FTT a letter praising Stern. In it she said:
I read Mr. Stern's obituary today in the New York Times. While his list of accomplishments, both musical and non-musical, was truly astonishing, it was the
last line that touched me personally. It was a quote from him that said, "and you should get up every morning and say thank God, thank the Lord, thank
whomever you want, thank you, thank you for making me a musician."
In recent weeks I have reflected on my running and with every run I say thank you for the gift of running; thank you for making me a runner.
The rain gear thread caught my attention because Friday I decided not to run due to the heavy rain that was falling. Yet in a sense it was a silly excuse
since these days I am soaking wet after any run. In fact running in the rain may have been pleasantcompared to the hot runs I have done Saturday and Sunday.
Despite the heat I did enjoy my weekend runs. I reflected on the reports of injuries and their relation to effort. On these runs I was just glad to chug along on courses I laid out long ago and have done hundreds of times. My easy pace was unlikely to induce injury.
Saturday morning was beautiful and I should have run early but instead I grabbed another hour's sleep and then a leisurely read of the paper. By the time I did
a few errands my run was starting at noon. The nice thing was I got to listen to From The Top. It was a reprise show that concentrated on the interaction of the kids with master players lkke Issac Stern.
My consolation on running in the heat was a recent pieceI read online (Runnersworld) that said running early morning doesn't conditioned you to run in the heat.
Since I will be doing the Half Wit next month and since it is always very hot it's good I'm getting heat conditioned.
On Sunday there was increased heat and another late start. Still I enjoyed the run and I am grateful that I can do six miles in the heat and feel so good. On Saturday's From The Top a young violinist was coached by Issac Stern. When Mr. Stern died she wrote FTT a letter praising Stern. In it she said:
I read Mr. Stern's obituary today in the New York Times. While his list of accomplishments, both musical and non-musical, was truly astonishing, it was the
last line that touched me personally. It was a quote from him that said, "and you should get up every morning and say thank God, thank the Lord, thank
whomever you want, thank you, thank you for making me a musician."
In recent weeks I have reflected on my running and with every run I say thank you for the gift of running; thank you for making me a runner.
Friday, July 01, 2005
FRIDAY TRAILS
If you run the the northeast you know this kind of day: dew point 70 humidity 83% temps already in the high 70's. Those are the stats and the reality is a misty fog and an air that is palpable. The woods are very green. Where just a few weeks ago you could see deep into the woods, now a green wall surrounds you – the growth so thick in places that it is like being in a green tunnel. The less used trails are hard to find, even the path greening over. Creepers and vines stretch out into the path scratching arms and legs. Despite this weeks thunder storms Dismal Stream is running low making for an easy crossing. The whole feel now is different – the wood can seem almost oppressive compared to the easy spring running. I am of course soaking wet. But many nice surprises: wild flowers that have escaped the deer, silvery spider webs and rabbits that run a distance with you. As the miles progress I realize that there is not just green but countless shades of green from dark almost black to pale silver and that this wood is pulsing with life; a hint and an echo of a once wilder world. I am gland to be there a while.
If you run the the northeast you know this kind of day: dew point 70 humidity 83% temps already in the high 70's. Those are the stats and the reality is a misty fog and an air that is palpable. The woods are very green. Where just a few weeks ago you could see deep into the woods, now a green wall surrounds you – the growth so thick in places that it is like being in a green tunnel. The less used trails are hard to find, even the path greening over. Creepers and vines stretch out into the path scratching arms and legs. Despite this weeks thunder storms Dismal Stream is running low making for an easy crossing. The whole feel now is different – the wood can seem almost oppressive compared to the easy spring running. I am of course soaking wet. But many nice surprises: wild flowers that have escaped the deer, silvery spider webs and rabbits that run a distance with you. As the miles progress I realize that there is not just green but countless shades of green from dark almost black to pale silver and that this wood is pulsing with life; a hint and an echo of a once wilder world. I am gland to be there a while.
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Double Trouble Trail Run
This is a trail run in French Creek State Park. Runners have the option of running a 15K or doing a second loop for 30K. The trail is of moderate difficulty, mostly single track, with lots of rock. Some of the trail seems to be a stream bed and I remember doing this run after a heavy rain when those beds were running water. Sunday everything was dry but the heat index was 100. I was concerned but I must have managed my fluids well because I ran without cramping and any real discomfort. (Although I got so wet that some of my succeed tablets actually dissolved!)
This is a Ron Horn race, so beginning with the application through pre-race instructions and jokes posted along the trail you have plenty of politically incorrect humor. But Ron does put on a well organized race with plenty of dedicated volunteers. Sample: traditionally Ron starts the race by leading a chorus of insults 15K runners and 30K runners. Among the 15K insults: hope your parents had at some intelligent children.
The race has a difficult start because the trail narrows almost immediately. About a third of a mile into the race you must cross a narrow bridge and then climb a steep incline. This causes a choke point and a very slow first mile. After that it becomes easier to find your pace but passing can still be a problem.
As with many trail runs, we walked the steeper uphills. I was annoyed that I seemed to do these so slowly. It was especially embarrassing to be passed by some tiny woman. I mean shouldn’t my stride length alone keep me going.
Usually I was able to run hard on the downhills. Footing was tricky but you could run. I stumbled but never fell although I did observe a couple of tumbles. Once my foot slammed hard into a hole – I have a bruise on my foot but no serious damage.
Something I had never encountered on a trail run was mountain bikers. I was a bit annoyed that we had to squeeze over to make room on the already narrow path.
I wish I had a map of the course so I had a better idea of how it is laid out. There is at least one great loop because you pass a water stop at 4.5 and then again at 7.5. You circle a lake coming full around. The last mile is downhill or flat. Ironically, I almost made a wrong turn in that last mile. You briefly come out into a parking area and there was no one in front of me. I wasn’t sure where the course went. Fortunately a runner behind me spied the red tape that marked where we reentered the woods. From there it was an easy run on cinder until you come out on a path that has the lake on one side and a pool on the other. Several bathers had walked over to the pool fence and were cheering the runners.
Hopewell Lake as seen from the pool area. The runners finish on the path by the boats.
Not sure the park approves but several runners cooled down by entering the lake. Felt great and was a quick way to lower the core body temperature. Tickets were provided that permitted the runners to use the pool showers – water was freezing but it was nice to get all the grime off before the ride home.
When I walked from the Lake back to the finish area I checked the results board and realized the first 30K runner would be coming in a few minutes. I waited around and he came sailing up the last incline looking great. I clapped for him and a few others nearby did too but mostly it went unnoticed. Good thing achievement is its own reward.
There were many impressive runners competing in that heat and humidity but I was especially impressed with Heide Moebius. She was one of those woman who sprang up the hills ahead of me. Although I could pass her on the downhills she would pass me on the next uphill. Great race Heide.
Heide Moebius
This is a trail run in French Creek State Park. Runners have the option of running a 15K or doing a second loop for 30K. The trail is of moderate difficulty, mostly single track, with lots of rock. Some of the trail seems to be a stream bed and I remember doing this run after a heavy rain when those beds were running water. Sunday everything was dry but the heat index was 100. I was concerned but I must have managed my fluids well because I ran without cramping and any real discomfort. (Although I got so wet that some of my succeed tablets actually dissolved!)
This is a Ron Horn race, so beginning with the application through pre-race instructions and jokes posted along the trail you have plenty of politically incorrect humor. But Ron does put on a well organized race with plenty of dedicated volunteers. Sample: traditionally Ron starts the race by leading a chorus of insults 15K runners and 30K runners. Among the 15K insults: hope your parents had at some intelligent children.
The race has a difficult start because the trail narrows almost immediately. About a third of a mile into the race you must cross a narrow bridge and then climb a steep incline. This causes a choke point and a very slow first mile. After that it becomes easier to find your pace but passing can still be a problem.
As with many trail runs, we walked the steeper uphills. I was annoyed that I seemed to do these so slowly. It was especially embarrassing to be passed by some tiny woman. I mean shouldn’t my stride length alone keep me going.
Usually I was able to run hard on the downhills. Footing was tricky but you could run. I stumbled but never fell although I did observe a couple of tumbles. Once my foot slammed hard into a hole – I have a bruise on my foot but no serious damage.
Something I had never encountered on a trail run was mountain bikers. I was a bit annoyed that we had to squeeze over to make room on the already narrow path.
I wish I had a map of the course so I had a better idea of how it is laid out. There is at least one great loop because you pass a water stop at 4.5 and then again at 7.5. You circle a lake coming full around. The last mile is downhill or flat. Ironically, I almost made a wrong turn in that last mile. You briefly come out into a parking area and there was no one in front of me. I wasn’t sure where the course went. Fortunately a runner behind me spied the red tape that marked where we reentered the woods. From there it was an easy run on cinder until you come out on a path that has the lake on one side and a pool on the other. Several bathers had walked over to the pool fence and were cheering the runners.
Hopewell Lake as seen from the pool area. The runners finish on the path by the boats.
Not sure the park approves but several runners cooled down by entering the lake. Felt great and was a quick way to lower the core body temperature. Tickets were provided that permitted the runners to use the pool showers – water was freezing but it was nice to get all the grime off before the ride home.
When I walked from the Lake back to the finish area I checked the results board and realized the first 30K runner would be coming in a few minutes. I waited around and he came sailing up the last incline looking great. I clapped for him and a few others nearby did too but mostly it went unnoticed. Good thing achievement is its own reward.
There were many impressive runners competing in that heat and humidity but I was especially impressed with Heide Moebius. She was one of those woman who sprang up the hills ahead of me. Although I could pass her on the downhills she would pass me on the next uphill. Great race Heide.
Heide Moebius
Friday, June 24, 2005
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Run Run Run
I ran two Friday night races in June. The Cinqo De Monko (the Fifth Running of the Monk) was a last minute decision. We will be using a new timer for the Haverford Township Race. When I spoke to him last week he mentioned this neighborhood 5K he was timing. He touted it as a great race and at the last minute I decided to give it a try even though I had done my usual Friday morning trail run. It was a warm, muggy night and the course was very hilly with an interesting figure eight loop. Nice event with beer and hamburgers as an after race treat.
This last Friday I did a much bigger race. The Media Five Miler. Beautiful night - the best weather they have had in years. 1206 registered and 1108 finished. I wanted to try my newest toy, a garmin forerunner, that my wife had gotten me. I think there must be some delay in how it calculates pace because it showed me faster on the uphills and than the downhills. My pacing seemed to be all over the place. I had a disaster (or rather I caused a disaster) early on in the first mile. I knocked another runner down or least I was the runner closest to her when she went down. It was so crowded at that point she may have been tripped from behind. I was very upset and was sure she would be furious with me. But she got up, insisted she was ok, and insisted I go on. After the race I apologized again but she was dismissive and said at least she had an excuse for being so slow. It was nice she was so forgiving – I think I would have been angry and much less charitable.
Saturday I got to be at the shore and did a run along the beach. The forerunner confirmed my estimate of the distance from Ventnor to the end of the island. I was amazed at how inconsistent my pacing was. I had attributed my wildly varying pace Friday to the hilly course. But here on the beach I expected to see a steadier pace yet I found it very hard to settle into a set pace. I was surprised of how a little increase in effort affected the pace but also how difficult it was to sustain that effort. It brought home that focus is a key to pacing and if I let my mind wonder it will be very raggedy.
Next Sunday a 15K trail run (it is the Double Trouble – you have the option of doing a second loop and making it a 30K but looks to be hot and humid and I will be quite satisfied with 15).
I ran two Friday night races in June. The Cinqo De Monko (the Fifth Running of the Monk) was a last minute decision. We will be using a new timer for the Haverford Township Race. When I spoke to him last week he mentioned this neighborhood 5K he was timing. He touted it as a great race and at the last minute I decided to give it a try even though I had done my usual Friday morning trail run. It was a warm, muggy night and the course was very hilly with an interesting figure eight loop. Nice event with beer and hamburgers as an after race treat.
This last Friday I did a much bigger race. The Media Five Miler. Beautiful night - the best weather they have had in years. 1206 registered and 1108 finished. I wanted to try my newest toy, a garmin forerunner, that my wife had gotten me. I think there must be some delay in how it calculates pace because it showed me faster on the uphills and than the downhills. My pacing seemed to be all over the place. I had a disaster (or rather I caused a disaster) early on in the first mile. I knocked another runner down or least I was the runner closest to her when she went down. It was so crowded at that point she may have been tripped from behind. I was very upset and was sure she would be furious with me. But she got up, insisted she was ok, and insisted I go on. After the race I apologized again but she was dismissive and said at least she had an excuse for being so slow. It was nice she was so forgiving – I think I would have been angry and much less charitable.
Saturday I got to be at the shore and did a run along the beach. The forerunner confirmed my estimate of the distance from Ventnor to the end of the island. I was amazed at how inconsistent my pacing was. I had attributed my wildly varying pace Friday to the hilly course. But here on the beach I expected to see a steadier pace yet I found it very hard to settle into a set pace. I was surprised of how a little increase in effort affected the pace but also how difficult it was to sustain that effort. It brought home that focus is a key to pacing and if I let my mind wonder it will be very raggedy.
Next Sunday a 15K trail run (it is the Double Trouble – you have the option of doing a second loop and making it a 30K but looks to be hot and humid and I will be quite satisfied with 15).
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Ventnor 10K (Wayland Memorial Run)
Second year running this small 5k/10k that opens the summer season. Race is held on Absecon Island which besides Atlantic City holds Ventnor, Margate, and Longport. Race is perfect venue for a runner wanting a PR, flat and straight. Runners run straight south on Atlantic Avenue through Ventnor, Margate and Longport. The turn around is a small traffic island on a cul-de-sac near the end of the island. This year the weather was very pleasant with temps in the 70's, low humidity and lots of sunshine.
Since both races begin together the trick is not to get sucked out too fast with the 5K runners. Fortunately, Joe Gallagher with whom I regularly run on Tuesdays was also doing the race. Joe has a very good sense of pace. Last year I ran with a sore hamstring and couldn't keep up with Joe but this year I was able to comfortably maintain pace with him. I had biked the course Saturday and knew to be patience with the distances. A young fellow, Dan, kept pace with us. A few blocks from the turn around he began asking about where it was but I had kind of lost track myself - it felt like we should be there but there was still a ways to go. I joked to Dan that together Joe and I were a hundred years older then him - hang in there. Turned out he was 13 and the youngest runner in the race and my joke was truer than I thought (and maybe a little depressing!!). Finally I spied the flashing yellow light that marks the narrowing of Atlantic Avenue where it meets the bay. (You can see how narrow the island becomes as inlet and ocean meet. Interesting tidbit about Longport - the first street is 11th avenue - ten blocks having disappeared in a long ago hurricane. The risk of living on a barrier island.) At the turn around a friend who had been fishing in the area was there to cheer us on. I felt strong enough to begin pulling away from Joe and passing a few other runners.
I maintained a strong, steady pace back. Couldn't quite increase speed but I don't think I slowed too much. There were no mile markers except for mile one and then for the last mile. The finish is a turn east and right up to the boardwalk ramp. I finished hard and just broke under 50 minutes (about 49:44) - little slower then I expected since I thought I had done better than an 8 minute pace. It is hard for me without mile markers to adjust my pace, but overall I was pretty satisfied with my effort.
Next up will be the Media Five Miler. Shorter distance but tough because of the hills (and the possibility of really hot weather).
Second year running this small 5k/10k that opens the summer season. Race is held on Absecon Island which besides Atlantic City holds Ventnor, Margate, and Longport. Race is perfect venue for a runner wanting a PR, flat and straight. Runners run straight south on Atlantic Avenue through Ventnor, Margate and Longport. The turn around is a small traffic island on a cul-de-sac near the end of the island. This year the weather was very pleasant with temps in the 70's, low humidity and lots of sunshine.
Since both races begin together the trick is not to get sucked out too fast with the 5K runners. Fortunately, Joe Gallagher with whom I regularly run on Tuesdays was also doing the race. Joe has a very good sense of pace. Last year I ran with a sore hamstring and couldn't keep up with Joe but this year I was able to comfortably maintain pace with him. I had biked the course Saturday and knew to be patience with the distances. A young fellow, Dan, kept pace with us. A few blocks from the turn around he began asking about where it was but I had kind of lost track myself - it felt like we should be there but there was still a ways to go. I joked to Dan that together Joe and I were a hundred years older then him - hang in there. Turned out he was 13 and the youngest runner in the race and my joke was truer than I thought (and maybe a little depressing!!). Finally I spied the flashing yellow light that marks the narrowing of Atlantic Avenue where it meets the bay. (You can see how narrow the island becomes as inlet and ocean meet. Interesting tidbit about Longport - the first street is 11th avenue - ten blocks having disappeared in a long ago hurricane. The risk of living on a barrier island.) At the turn around a friend who had been fishing in the area was there to cheer us on. I felt strong enough to begin pulling away from Joe and passing a few other runners.
I maintained a strong, steady pace back. Couldn't quite increase speed but I don't think I slowed too much. There were no mile markers except for mile one and then for the last mile. The finish is a turn east and right up to the boardwalk ramp. I finished hard and just broke under 50 minutes (about 49:44) - little slower then I expected since I thought I had done better than an 8 minute pace. It is hard for me without mile markers to adjust my pace, but overall I was pretty satisfied with my effort.
Next up will be the Media Five Miler. Shorter distance but tough because of the hills (and the possibility of really hot weather).
Friday, May 27, 2005
Goals
The local weekly paper runs an occasional column written by Amy Binder. In her latest column Amy wrote a about not wanting to do a marathon or even a half-marathon. I wrote the following as a response:
Running just for fitness is great and if that works for Amy great but here is another perspective.
Goals help both with motivation and with interest. Boredom – compared to what? Sitting and watching life past you by. Choose your course carefully. A run need never be boring. If you don’t mind headsets listen to music or a book. If you do mind headsets write your next column or that book.
Racing any distance but especially racing the long distances turns a solitary exercise into a community event. The half marathon is a good distance. It tests without breaking but don’t forget that every distance has that “what was I thinking” point. Those moments really mean nothing unless your dissatisfaction persists after the race. That is less likely to happen if you train properly: this means long, slow running, but also speed work, stretching, weights, nutrition, and rest. Ten mile training runs probably will get you to the half but it’s better if you have done the race distance or better before the race. On the other hand a marathon doesn’t really require more than a good base and a couple of twenty milers. A small minority insists you should have a training run of 26 or more. My Boston qualifier was at Philadelphia after a disappointing NY so there may be something to the super long run theory but the injury risk is high. There are lots of good training programs out there – including Galloway’s walk run method. When done with care injuries can be prevented. Many aging runners like the longer distance precisely because of the more sedate pace. Your hamstring is more likely to be stressed by speed than long, slow distance.
In the Philadelphia area we have the perfect trifecta of running: May - Broad Street (10 miles), September -Philadelphia Distance Run (13.2), and the Philadelphia Marathon (26.2).
Runners like to jokingly use the term addiction, but that is a misnomer. Running is in fact a practice. An exercise that engages body and mind and rather then a flight from self is a mirror to the soul. Will I get out of bed before dawn on a cold morning and conquer my demons? Will I face down my doubts at mile twenty that another 10K is impossible?
This is not the dependence of addiction but the independence of the disciplined soul.
Why run a marathon? Because it is hard. Because it will challenge every fiber of your being. Because it will provide not just a momentary high but a continuing insight into your core being. Think of how many of your days are forgettable – but that marathon day will be etched in your memory forever. Rather than time dragging (well ok maybe some of those last miles) I am always amazed by how quickly time flies during a marathon. The pain is momentary; the accomplishment is forever.
Run for fun and for pleasure but also run for challenges and for the test of who you are.
The local weekly paper runs an occasional column written by Amy Binder. In her latest column Amy wrote a about not wanting to do a marathon or even a half-marathon. I wrote the following as a response:
Running just for fitness is great and if that works for Amy great but here is another perspective.
Goals help both with motivation and with interest. Boredom – compared to what? Sitting and watching life past you by. Choose your course carefully. A run need never be boring. If you don’t mind headsets listen to music or a book. If you do mind headsets write your next column or that book.
Racing any distance but especially racing the long distances turns a solitary exercise into a community event. The half marathon is a good distance. It tests without breaking but don’t forget that every distance has that “what was I thinking” point. Those moments really mean nothing unless your dissatisfaction persists after the race. That is less likely to happen if you train properly: this means long, slow running, but also speed work, stretching, weights, nutrition, and rest. Ten mile training runs probably will get you to the half but it’s better if you have done the race distance or better before the race. On the other hand a marathon doesn’t really require more than a good base and a couple of twenty milers. A small minority insists you should have a training run of 26 or more. My Boston qualifier was at Philadelphia after a disappointing NY so there may be something to the super long run theory but the injury risk is high. There are lots of good training programs out there – including Galloway’s walk run method. When done with care injuries can be prevented. Many aging runners like the longer distance precisely because of the more sedate pace. Your hamstring is more likely to be stressed by speed than long, slow distance.
In the Philadelphia area we have the perfect trifecta of running: May - Broad Street (10 miles), September -Philadelphia Distance Run (13.2), and the Philadelphia Marathon (26.2).
Runners like to jokingly use the term addiction, but that is a misnomer. Running is in fact a practice. An exercise that engages body and mind and rather then a flight from self is a mirror to the soul. Will I get out of bed before dawn on a cold morning and conquer my demons? Will I face down my doubts at mile twenty that another 10K is impossible?
This is not the dependence of addiction but the independence of the disciplined soul.
Why run a marathon? Because it is hard. Because it will challenge every fiber of your being. Because it will provide not just a momentary high but a continuing insight into your core being. Think of how many of your days are forgettable – but that marathon day will be etched in your memory forever. Rather than time dragging (well ok maybe some of those last miles) I am always amazed by how quickly time flies during a marathon. The pain is momentary; the accomplishment is forever.
Run for fun and for pleasure but also run for challenges and for the test of who you are.
Friday, May 06, 2005
Morning Run
It seems to me that I had heard that warmer air was coming and that a nice weekend was in store but today is cloudy, damp and very cool. Now I hear talk that a northeaster will bring rain tonight and into tomorrow.
It has been a couple of weeks since I headed south on my favorite trail. Someone has cleared the fallen trees I climbed over and under all winter. I had actually run past the first point when I realized suddenly that I was usually clambering over a fallen giant. Now fresh sawdust marks the spot. The mornings should be brighter but today is gloomy. The green on a gray day has a different quality, richer, deeper. The woods are filled with white dogwood. These slender trees will disappear in the summer but now they dominate the woods. Not many flowers survive the deer but here and there patches of wild flowers bloom and the Arboretum protected by its deer fence is full of flowering trees. The birds are in full throat – I wish I had the ability to pick out all the separate songs. A woodpecker is drumming away – I look for him as the sound increases but I never do seem him.
I haven’t run since Sunday’s race to rest the hamstring. It continues to seem achy but not painful. And as in the race it seems the ache subsides with time. Not sure how I should proceed – more rest or just some slow running. Am I doing any harm with a slow run? It seems like a knot and the discomfort sometimes low toward the back of my knee and then seems higher. Strange.
On the trail the time seems to slip away quickly. Time so relative - the last mile of a race seems to last forever and this quiet, slow run seems to be over too soon. The land is at once old and filled with new things; the air itself has an aroma perhaps of the earth itself waking up. And briefly I feel very connected to everything around me – it is a good feeling. I gave thought to a runner on my email group whose lost her Dad in a tragic accident. I hope she will find peace on her trail as she celebrates her father’s life.
I volunteered to help at Bryn Mawr’s Out and Back race tonight. Last year it was a cold, wet affair with rain that only got heavier as the night went on. It looks like this year may be a repeat.
It seems to me that I had heard that warmer air was coming and that a nice weekend was in store but today is cloudy, damp and very cool. Now I hear talk that a northeaster will bring rain tonight and into tomorrow.
It has been a couple of weeks since I headed south on my favorite trail. Someone has cleared the fallen trees I climbed over and under all winter. I had actually run past the first point when I realized suddenly that I was usually clambering over a fallen giant. Now fresh sawdust marks the spot. The mornings should be brighter but today is gloomy. The green on a gray day has a different quality, richer, deeper. The woods are filled with white dogwood. These slender trees will disappear in the summer but now they dominate the woods. Not many flowers survive the deer but here and there patches of wild flowers bloom and the Arboretum protected by its deer fence is full of flowering trees. The birds are in full throat – I wish I had the ability to pick out all the separate songs. A woodpecker is drumming away – I look for him as the sound increases but I never do seem him.
I haven’t run since Sunday’s race to rest the hamstring. It continues to seem achy but not painful. And as in the race it seems the ache subsides with time. Not sure how I should proceed – more rest or just some slow running. Am I doing any harm with a slow run? It seems like a knot and the discomfort sometimes low toward the back of my knee and then seems higher. Strange.
On the trail the time seems to slip away quickly. Time so relative - the last mile of a race seems to last forever and this quiet, slow run seems to be over too soon. The land is at once old and filled with new things; the air itself has an aroma perhaps of the earth itself waking up. And briefly I feel very connected to everything around me – it is a good feeling. I gave thought to a runner on my email group whose lost her Dad in a tragic accident. I hope she will find peace on her trail as she celebrates her father’s life.
I volunteered to help at Bryn Mawr’s Out and Back race tonight. Last year it was a cold, wet affair with rain that only got heavier as the night went on. It looks like this year may be a repeat.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Marathoner
Some background: Last week a woman in Georgia went missing – she went out for a jog and didn’t return. It was assumed she had been abducted or worse and a large search effort was made. It turned out she had seemingly gotten cold feet on her impeding wedding and fled – not a wise choice and she made it worst by creating a story of abduction with imaginary assailants. One of the stories about her disappearance described her as a marathoner. At first some questioned this fact and thought this was untrue. It turned out that she had indeed run at least one marathon. On my runner discussion group the thread turned to whether running one marathon in the past allowed one to still be called a “marathoner”. This is my response:
Well I consider myself a marathoner and even an ultra-marathoner (with only one under my belt) just as long as I also get to admit I am strictly mid-pack, go at my own pace non-racer. I do the distance because I love it. I love races even though I rarely race. Frankly, I am surprised whenever I hear someone say they could never do the distance – of course they could – whether they could race the distance is another issue. I am still taken aback when serious, hard core runners with outstanding marathon times say to me that could never do an ultramarathon. I am flattered by their admiration but at the same time I know of course they could do it just not at the competitive level they are use to. I work hard for my four hour marathons. Could I be faster? Maybe. But I would be risking injury. My genetic gifts are what they are. There is a local pol, Greg Vitali who is a very good runner. (Broad Street in 61 minutes at 48yrs). Very competitive – hard worker - he also spent almost six months in a cast last year because of a running related injury. I have chosen my path (and even that generates some criticism – you have heard it – I am going to ruin my knees, I will have arthritis, two marathons a year is too much, I will wear out, etc. And I get this from both runners and non-runners) and do not begrudge others theirs. I feel sorry for those who run under prepared or even prepared decide that one is enough. I feel even sorrier for those who tell me that they could never do the distance. But they have chosen according to their lights. I don’t want to be second guessed and will not do it to them. But I will accord to all that accept the distance the title marathoner whether it was last week at 3:00 or twenty years ago at 5:30. I was a soldier and police officer. The fact I no longer pursue those occupations does not mean I can’t assume the office emeritus. When I die I hope my wife places my SFC chevron, my police badge, and one of my Corning glass marathon medal on display at my funeral and if my ashes are laid in the ground I hope they are buried with me. (I chose the glass medallion because I think its neat to think the glass might survive a thousand years and be dug up by some future archeologist.). To each of those offices I lay claim. I am a marathoner now and forever.
Some background: Last week a woman in Georgia went missing – she went out for a jog and didn’t return. It was assumed she had been abducted or worse and a large search effort was made. It turned out she had seemingly gotten cold feet on her impeding wedding and fled – not a wise choice and she made it worst by creating a story of abduction with imaginary assailants. One of the stories about her disappearance described her as a marathoner. At first some questioned this fact and thought this was untrue. It turned out that she had indeed run at least one marathon. On my runner discussion group the thread turned to whether running one marathon in the past allowed one to still be called a “marathoner”. This is my response:
Well I consider myself a marathoner and even an ultra-marathoner (with only one under my belt) just as long as I also get to admit I am strictly mid-pack, go at my own pace non-racer. I do the distance because I love it. I love races even though I rarely race. Frankly, I am surprised whenever I hear someone say they could never do the distance – of course they could – whether they could race the distance is another issue. I am still taken aback when serious, hard core runners with outstanding marathon times say to me that could never do an ultramarathon. I am flattered by their admiration but at the same time I know of course they could do it just not at the competitive level they are use to. I work hard for my four hour marathons. Could I be faster? Maybe. But I would be risking injury. My genetic gifts are what they are. There is a local pol, Greg Vitali who is a very good runner. (Broad Street in 61 minutes at 48yrs). Very competitive – hard worker - he also spent almost six months in a cast last year because of a running related injury. I have chosen my path (and even that generates some criticism – you have heard it – I am going to ruin my knees, I will have arthritis, two marathons a year is too much, I will wear out, etc. And I get this from both runners and non-runners) and do not begrudge others theirs. I feel sorry for those who run under prepared or even prepared decide that one is enough. I feel even sorrier for those who tell me that they could never do the distance. But they have chosen according to their lights. I don’t want to be second guessed and will not do it to them. But I will accord to all that accept the distance the title marathoner whether it was last week at 3:00 or twenty years ago at 5:30. I was a soldier and police officer. The fact I no longer pursue those occupations does not mean I can’t assume the office emeritus. When I die I hope my wife places my SFC chevron, my police badge, and one of my Corning glass marathon medal on display at my funeral and if my ashes are laid in the ground I hope they are buried with me. (I chose the glass medallion because I think its neat to think the glass might survive a thousand years and be dug up by some future archeologist.). To each of those offices I lay claim. I am a marathoner now and forever.
Monday, May 02, 2005
Ships and runners
I liked the way this capture the runner and the mothballed ship in the background.
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