tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32420531891012316832024-03-04T22:42:22.593-08:00Moe's Running CommentaryI am a competitive masters runner, personal trainer and running coach residing in the Burlington, VT area. Running is a source of inspiration for me and perhaps the best therapy for dealing with stress. In this blog I share with you inspiration, motivation, and various thoughts on life as seen through my eyes while I run.runningman802http://www.blogger.com/profile/13797487795077689444noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242053189101231683.post-53912196871935468202019-11-05T10:08:00.000-08:002019-11-06T03:53:55.180-08:00Seeking the Runner's High: My 2019 Race to the Top of Vermont <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I’m seeking a runner’s high, 3,850 feet of height to be
exact. That’s the elevation at the top of the Mount Mansfield toll road. The
summit of Mount Mansfield (Vermont’s highest mountain) is located at 4,393
feet. However, the toll road begins at the base of the mountain in Stowe and
takes you to 3,850 feet, which is still plenty of altitude. Today’s mission is
not to drive up the mountain but to ascend it using muscles, not motors. Some will
choose to cycle and some will hike, but most (myself included) opt to run. <br />
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This is the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.rtttovt.com/" target="_blank">Race to theTop of Vermont</a></b>, a race dubbed as; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Hardest Race ANYONE can do. </i>Anyone willing to accept the challenge of
climbing the 4.3 mile toll road (with an average incline grade of 12% ) and
register before the cap of 800 participants is met can partake in the event.</div>
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I participated in this event for the first time in 2018 and
enjoyed it tremendously. That’s right! You read that correctly, I got enjoyment
from running up a mountain. But, before you call me crazy, read on and you'll find out why.</div>
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I’ll admit it
did seem like a somewhat daunting challenge, especially when doing it for the
first time. So why did I enjoy it so much? Well, first of all there is the
beauty of being in the mountains. The elevation combined with nature gives one
a fresh perspective on the world. Its beauty is evident and the elevation can
make day to day stressors seem small.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Secondly,
the feelings of empowerment that accompany completion of such a challenge transitions
into everyday life, providing strength and perseverance to deal with the
challenges life throws our way. So, here I am back for more.</div>
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My goals today are to make it to the top and enjoy the
experience with minimal walking. I’d also like to stay within shouting distance
of last year’s time of 49 minutes. I haven’t done much in the way of hill
training this year, let alone any mountain running, so I’m not anticipating being
able to best that time. If, however, I can be within two to three minutes of it
I’ll be pleased.</div>
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The “30 seconds until the start” announcement is made. As
the seconds tick down my excitement goes up. The countdown finally reaches
zero. We are off and running! The course starts off with a steep climb of
roughly a 12% grade, so avoiding succumbing to the temptation of going out fast
is wise. Fortunately, I learned this in advance last year (the hard way) by doing
just that. In preparation for the race I did a training run up the mountain; starting too aggresively, I ended up walking before I had even gone one mile. </div>
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After about two-tenths of a mile the course transitions from
pavement to dirt and levels off significantly. Don’t get me wrong, there is still
plenty of elevation to climb (this is a mountain after all) but the incline is
more gradual. The course winds its way up and up through switchback after
switchback with frequent fluctuation in the percent grade. Our journey takes us
through an abundance of wooded areas with occasional clearings providing views
of ski trails and ski lifts which rest in solitude as they await the busy
winter months. At about two miles we are greeted by a charming mountain chapel.
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As the course winds its way further up the mountain I find
myself needing to take a walk break at about the 2 ½ mile mark. The break isn’t
long (only about 15 seconds) but it provides just enough of a recovery to help
me start running again and power myself up and around the next switchback. (I
jokingly tell people I signed up for this race because I heard there would be a
lot of Switchbacks, which is in reference to the ale brewed in Burlington, VT)</div>
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At just over 3 miles the course opens up to stunning views
of Mansfield and the surrounding mountains. If I wasn’t running I would say the
views were breathtaking, but since I’ve been running on an incline for 30
minutes my breath has already been taken.<br />
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The positive imagery of the landscape comes at just the
right time as it provides a beautiful distraction from the steepest part of the
course directly ahead. After several seconds of taking in the sight of the amazing
mountainous landscape to my right I decide I need to face reality. As I turn to
look straight ahead the reality is the steep incline that awaits me. I can see
about two-tenths of mile of the toll road, which does nothing but go straight
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know the specific grade of
this portion, but it is well over the twelve percent average. It’s got to be at
least in the high teens though since some sections of the course are less than
12 percent. Regardless of the numbers, it’s steep!</div>
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I tell myself to make forward progress by any means necessary.
There are numerous poles serving various functions along the side of the road
in this section. I decide to make them my focal points. Run to the first pole
then focus on the next. Like climbing a ladder rung by rung these poles are my
short term goals helping me get to the top. I walk 3 times up this steep
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Chug, chug, chug I think I can, I think I can…I keep chugging away and moving
forward. At last, I reach the top of the steepest section but as the course
rounds a corner the climbing continues. I can only see the next turn and
nothing more. I know that the course levels off soon, but when?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chug, chug, chug I think I can, I think I
can…</div>
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I hear slightly muffled cheering. I’m getting close! Not to
the top, but to the point where the incline levels off, which happens to be my
favorite spot in the race and occurs at 3.7 miles. It’s not my favorite because
of the welcome change in terrain (although this helps) but because of the
multitude of emotions I feel and the delight brought to my senses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A spectacular perspective of the top of Mount
Mansfield is visible at this point which shows its contours, ski trails, hiking
trails, and rocky ridgeline. The cheering from the spectators, race officials,
and volunteers lining the course brings enthusiasm to my tired legs. Knowing
that there is only .6 miles until the finish, with the hardest part behind me
fills my heart with excitement. All of these factors combine to create a
feeling of complete exhilaration!</div>
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The final .6 miles finds my running resembling something of
a makeshift fartlek run, with my pace varying frequently to correspond with the
varying level of power my legs can provide. The road is straight but of course
continues to go up with periodic short steeper inclines. The road then makes
repeated S-turns with a sharp increase in grade at each one. A musical duo
playing guitar and violin provides entertainment at the first turn. I remember them
from last year, the finish is around this bend. Ugh! No it’s not! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s around the next one, it’s got to be! I
can hear it. I can hear cheering. I’m getting close. The road goes straight for
a short stretch and then turns to the left. Rounding that left turn I can see
the finishing chute. Yes! I gather up the remaining power I have in my legs and
kick to the finish, finishing in 51 minutes. </div>
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Although I finished 2 minutes slower than last year I was
close enough to it to feel satisfied with my performance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now it’s time to enjoy the runner’s high.
With endorphins aplenty and a spectacular view from the elevation this is a
literal and figurative high.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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Recently, I watched the award winning documentary <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2NKsblo" target="_blank">Free Solo</a> </i>about Alex Honnold’s historic
climb of El Capitan. There is a scene in which his brain activity is tested and
it is discovered that he has practically no activity in his amygdala. The
amygdala is the region of the brain which processes fear and sends out signals
to trigger the fight or flight response. With this in mind, it makes sense that
he excels at the sport of climbing. While he is at heights that would make the
average person shutter in fear, his brain is telling his body everything is fine, so he remains calm.<br />
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I summited this mountain a different way and for the opposite
reason. My amygdala is quite active, and so I run. Running is quite literally
the flight response.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It quiets the
sensations in the brain which scream that danger is present. Running tells the
body the safety is near and all will be okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It helps the brain slow down the pace of the thoughts that race through it
every day and helps it focus on just being in the moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Being in the mountains has the added benefit of bringing
perspective to life. Things that we stress about on a daily basis are often molehills
that we are viewing as mountains. Being in the actual mountains brings this
fact to light. Too often we become consumed with our day to day tasks. We
hustle here and hustle there not paying attention to the beauty that surrounds us.
Running to the top of Vermont is also a wonderful reminder of how much beauty
we are missing if we don’t look up every once and while. </div>
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<br />runningman802http://www.blogger.com/profile/13797487795077689444noreply@blogger.com0Stowe, VT 05672, USA44.4654332 -72.68740230000003144.2841652 -73.010125800000026 44.6467012 -72.364678800000036tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242053189101231683.post-34473788786400722612019-01-29T13:15:00.000-08:002019-01-29T13:15:30.524-08:00Getting Comfortable With Discomfort: The importance of stepping out of your comfort zone. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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“This isn’t comfortable anymore!” my client Kristin declared
in the midst of running the Green Mountain Half Marathon in South Hero,
VT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our once comfortable pace was now
becoming a bit more challenging for her and even the beautiful scenery along
the shores of Lake Champlain weren’t enough of a distraction from the discomfort
associated with the increased effort. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her goal was to break 2 hours, which she had
last done 10 years ago with a time of 1:59. Going sub 2 hours again would be
such an empowering accomplishment for her that she asked me to help pace her
through the entire race. Recognizing how important it was to her I couldn’t say
no. </div>
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Maintaining our pace was becoming a bit more laborious for
her, although based on her ability to still converse with me it was still reasonable.
I replied; “It’s not supposed to be comfortable!” We continued on our way,
reaching the half way point right on target to go sub 2 hours. The course
meandered through the Vermont countryside with continual breathtaking views
on both sides of the road. Besides the scenic vista of Lake Champlain we also
passed lakeside cottages, farmhouses, fields with cattle or horses, apple
orchards, a winery, and even a birdhouse forest (with a random dinosaur patroling the land).</div>
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All of these sights provided a wonderful distraction from
the physical demands of racing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Overall
our pace fluctuated a bit with the terrain changes, but when we reached the 10
mile mark we were on target to run a 1:57. I had avoided telling Kristin where
we were at pace-wise as she seemed to be locked in to a bit of a zone and I
didn’t want to interrupt her concentration. However, once we reached 10 miles I
let our progress be known to her. I could tell she was starting to struggle a
bit more to keep the pace so I wanted to let her know she was doing well. “We
have 30 minutes to cover 3 miles. This is going to happen! You just have to
hang in there and keep moving” She accepted this news with delight. </div>
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Ahead of us at mile 11 was the biggest challenge of the day,
a hill about ¾ of a mile long which climbed steadily up to the 12 mile mark. At
12 miles it would be either flat or downhill to the finish. “When we get to the
hill don’t worry about speed”, I instructed her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just keep moving! You don’t want to burn
yourself out on the hill and have nothing left for the finish”. </div>
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As we got to the hill I thought of the children’s classic
book.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> The Little Engine That Could</i> in<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>which the little engine repeatedly told
himself “I think I can” when attempting to climb a hill. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although I like the little engine’s “can-do”
attitude, the words “I think” leave the door open for doubt. While
inspirational indeed, I did one better and uttered the words, “I know I can” to
Kristin. As in, this is what you need to tell yourself to ensure success. </div>
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Steadily we climbed, breaking the hill up into increments,
focusing on going from tree to tree, signpost to signpost. I spied a street
sign ahead in the distance which marked the intersection with South Street
where we would turn left and reach the 12 mile mark. I pointed out the sign to
her; “That’s the top of the hill right there. Keep it up, we’re almost there!”</div>
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Shortly thereafter we reached the summit and joyously made
the turn. As we reached the 1 mile to go sign I turned to Kristin and said; “You
have 11 minutes to make it one mile. This is going to happen but you can’t get
cocky and slow down.” She chuckled a little bit at the thought of getting
cocky, but the message was obviously received and understood. Pulling in front
of her I acted as her rabbit to chase to the finish. I mentioned that the final
mile is flat and downhill (a gradual downhill but downhill nonetheless), but it
is also straight. This means the finish line is like a mirage in the distance,
never seeming to get closer. So, we initiated the same tactic as on the uphill
climb, taking it tree to tree, sign to sign, or house to house until finally
the finish was upon us. Kristin dug deep to kick to the finish in 1:58. Mission
accomplished! But it was more than just a sub 2 hour performance. She also set
a PR, besting her time from 10 years ago by one minute. </div>
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After taking a few minutes to absorb the magnitude of what
she’d just accomplished she said to me; “I get it, I get it now!” I often tell
people, and I’ve also stated this in earlier blog posts, that running is a
metaphor for life. Exactly how, is what she now gets. Earlier in the race I
told her that it’s not supposed to be comfortable. That is true in running as
it in life. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you want to become a
faster runner, than you need to have times when you run at a faster pace, which
isn’t comfortable. But, this allows you to acclimate to the faster pace and
raise your threshold for what is considered uncomfortable. </div>
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In life, we sometimes go through challenging times, but
these challenging times make us stronger. We learn and grow in the process,
improving our capabilities for handling adversity. There are periods of comfort
in running and in life, which are necessary. However, if we never leave our
comfort zone we never grow stronger. Our accomplishments are limited and we never
find out that we are capable of far more than we imagined.</div>
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I also stated on the hill that the goal was just to keep
moving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s very easy to fall into the
mindset that we need to have quick progress when we are working toward an
objective. We think that, when making an effort to accomplish something, if
results don’t happen quickly they are not going to happen at all. But success
doesn’t happen quickly, especially when what we are pursuing is a challenging
goal. But if we place emphasis on just making forward progress, we find that
what once seemed unattainable, is in fact, within reach. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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We should not be afraid to experience discomfort. Actually, we should become comfortable
with it. Discomfort by definition does
not imply comfort. But, when experiencing it, if we recognize and understand its
value than we can accept it as a necessary process for making life a wonderful
adventure. For without it, we don’t have the contrast that allows us to make the good times great, or to experience the thrill of high achievement. We end up just existing instead of truly living.</div>
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<br />runningman802http://www.blogger.com/profile/13797487795077689444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242053189101231683.post-78231873337259709902018-06-23T13:18:00.000-07:002018-06-25T09:01:01.621-07:00From Hopkinton to Boston 2018: My Soggy Journey <br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">In the howling wind comes a stinging rain</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">See it driving nails</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Into the souls on the tree of pain<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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These lyrics from<a href="https://amzn.to/2toKCmd" target="_blank"> U2’s Bullet the Blue Sky </a>echo through my mind as I carefully plod through the muddy
field at the Athlete’s Village at Hopkinton High School. The wind is gusting and
the rain is unrelenting, it is in fact a stinging rain at times as the
precipitation straddles the line between rain and sleet. My start time is about
two hours away. I need shelter!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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As I venture into one of the tents set up for this purpose I
can feel it; Heat! Precious heat! Runners fill practically every nook and
cranny but I manage to find a spot near the back entrance where I settle in to
enjoy the warmth for as long as I can. Just outside the opposite
entrance from where I stand, the Gatorade tent blows by. That’s right, the tent
actually blows by. The force of the wind pulled its stakes out of the ground
causing it to topple over and roll like a tumbleweed about 20 feet. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This is going to be a wild one today</i>, I
think to myself.<br />
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I’ve been running competitively for over 30 years but never
have race day conditions been as extreme as they are today. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is wind, rain, and sleet and unfortunately
I’m not talking about an Earth, Wind, and Fire cover band that's serenading runners on the course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wrath of the elements is prominent as the
temperature with the wind chill is<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-1 degree Celsius. My goal originally was to
beat my qualifying time that got me here <a href="http://moesrunningcommentary.blogspot.com/2017/09/" target="_blank">(3:15 set at the VT City Marathon.)</a>.
However, today’s conditions dictate a change of plans. The new goal is simply
to finish, running as efficiently and swiftly as the conditions allow.</div>
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After hanging out in the tent for about 45 minutes I finally
have to give in to nature’s call. As much as I hate to do it I need to venture
back outside to wait in line for the port-o-let. I pick the line that looks the
shortest and patiently wait my turn, periodically bouncing up and down on my
calves with my arms folded in front of me to stay warm. Slowly but steadily the
line moves. By the time I exit the port-o-let the time has come for me to work
my way towards the starting line. The adventure begins!</div>
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Still unsure of what specifically I want to wear for layers,
I jog towards the starting line to get a sense of how I will feel when I’m
running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On my lower body I have my shorts
with wind pants over them. Up top I have a running cap, running gloves, a short
sleeve wicking shirt and arm warmers. But wait, there’s more!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the short sleeve shirt and arm warmers I
have a long sleeve wicking shirt. For my final layer I have a clear garbage bag
with slots cut out for my arms and another for my neck. I never thought I’d be
a garbage bag wearer, but it’s a good way to stay dry and desperate times call
for desperate measures. </div>
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I know I’ll ultimately be uncomfortable in these wind pants
so I take them off and place them in one of the bags of clothes for charity.
Continuing to jog down Grove Street towards the starting corrals I am fairly
comfortable, but I can’t help but think that with my current layers I’ll be
overheating by the time I get to Framingham. Getting the right layers feels
like such a crap shoot today. The line between too few and too many is razor
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I gotta do it! I gotta at least try running without the long
sleeve shirt. I pull it off and am left with just my cap, gloves, short sleeve
shirt, arm warmers, shorts, and of course the stylish clear garbage bag.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Hey, this isn’t too bad! </i>I feel a
slight chill, but I’m not running very fast. By the time I get a few miles into
the race I should be okay. I decide to ditch the long sleeve shirt, so I put
that in one of the charity bags too.</div>
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I proceed to my starting corral ready to get this party
started. I recently read a book titled; <a href="https://amzn.to/2tqIUkk" target="_blank">The Way of the Seal</a> by retired Navy Seal
Commander Mark Divine. In it he uses the term; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">embrace the suck</i>, as a strategy for getting through tough
situations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Basically, instead of
focusing on how miserable the conditions are, embrace them and make the most of
them. With this in mind, my plan is to pretend to be a kid out playing in the
rain, having fun splashing through puddles on my 26.2 mile jaunt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Standing near the front of my corral I hop up and down to
stay warm. The weather conditions are too bad even for there to be the usual
flyover by either military planes or helicopters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The starting gun can’t happen soon enough. I
look to my left and see 2014 winner Meb Keflezighi walking towards the front of
the pack. Although he officially retired from competitive running he’s back to
run this year for charity as a member of <a href="http://www.teammr8.org/" target="_blank">Team MR8</a>. Meb and I have the same fashion
sense. He’s sporting a garbage bag too. If this was the red carpet at the
Oscars and I was asked; “Who are you wearing?” I’d have to say “Glad”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder what Meb would say. </div>
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Finally the starting gun sounds and we are off. My mission
is to spend the first few miles just feeling things out. Not worrying about running
a specific pace, just seeing what feels manageable and using <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=769669&u=1702457&m=56684&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank">heart rate</a> as a
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Fortunately, the weather hasn’t prevented some diehard
spectators from showing up! They aren’t as numerous as usual, but there are
enough to provide some much needed energy to the environment and to be a
positive distraction from the elements. </div>
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The first 3 miles are at a controlled pace as I focus on
adapting to the conditions. I cross the 5k checkpoint in 23:06.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hey,
this is fun! </i>I’m actually enjoying this. I legitimately feel like a kid out
playing in the rain. My chosen apparel, including my garbage bag jersey from
the Glad collection, is providing me with adequate warmth. </div>
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I focus on just being in the moment as the course exits
Hopkinton and travels through Ashland. Much like in Hopkinton, the number of spectators
is down from the usual, but still there is valuable extra energy and enthusiasm
supplied to the environment by their presence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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After Ashland we enter Framingham. Framingham is rocking!
Music fills the air. Spectators with enthusiastic non-stop cheers of
encouragement line both sides of the street all through town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems to be the race day party spot it
always is. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a great adrenaline boost!
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The 10k checkpoint is located in Framingham, which I cross
in 45:58. My pace is pretty consistent with where it was at 5K. I am starting
to heat up to a slightly uncomfortable level, which could mean if I don’t make
a change I will be much too hot by the time I hit Wellesley at 13.1 miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decide it’s time to lose the garbage bag. I
tear it off, leaving me with all the other layers of clothes, with the
exception of my gloves. I take those off too and am tempted to toss them. But
they are small and not much of a burden to carry, so I hang on to them in case
they are needed down the road.</div>
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Since the start of the race there has constantly been
precipitation of some form, only the intensity has changed. It’s gone from
moderate rain to heavy rain to sleet and back again. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The varying headwind speed of 30+ mph sometimes
even causes the rain to blow sideways. Yikes!</div>
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By the time I arrive in Natick (10 miles) my childlike
enthusiasm for the conditions is gone. My legs are feeling a little numb and
I’m drenched. I alternate between putting my gloves on and then after several
minutes I take them back off again. I can’t get the right combination. I’m too
warm with them on and get too cold when they come off. Having a miserable
attitude isn’t going to help matters so I need to refocus as I have absolutely
no intention of dropping out. A quote from the film<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> <a href="https://amzn.to/2MOZDWG" target="_blank">Hesher</a></b><a href="https://amzn.to/2MOZDWG" target="_blank"> </a>starring Joseph Gordon Levitt comes to mind; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Life is like walking in the rain…you can
hide and take cover or you can just get wet. </i>I’ve trained too much to let anything,
including the elements, stop me. I will run and I won’t hide. I will just get wet.</div>
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At 12 miles into this soggy marathon trek we pass Wellesley
College (aka the scream tunnel), where the women of the college typically line
up in force to cheer on all runners with their decibel chart busting screams. Today’s
weather has greatly reduced the size of the tunnel. Even though far fewer women
are out than usual, you wouldn’t know it from the decibel level. The women who
are here are more than compensating for the fewer numbers by screaming even
louder, which I didn’t think was possible. Their cheers give me a rush and
provide an invisible force that pushes me through to downtown Wellesley (the
halfway point) which I reach in 1:38:31.</div>
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With half the marathon still remaining my plan is break the
large goal of the 13.1 miles into smaller ones. I’ll focus on getting from one
landmark to the next. The next one that comes to mind is the fire station in
Newton on the corner of Route 16 and Commonwealth Ave. This point in the race
marks the beginning of the infamous Newton Hills and is located at around mile
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The rain and sleet continue to show no mercy, coming down
with a vengeance. First the rain then the sleet then back to rain. The winds
continue their head on attack with a speed range of 30-40 miles per hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been running with my gloves off but
can’t seem to put them back on again. The fingers are folded inside out and I
can’t seem to undo them. The gloves are soaking wet at this point anyway so I
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The level of numbness in my legs is gradually increasing and
it seems to take more exertion to move them. My <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=769669&u=1702457&m=56684&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank">heart rate monitor</a> shows me
that my heart is beating at 165 beats per minute, which is normal at this point
in a marathon but usually I’m about 30 seconds faster per mile. The conditions
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In preparation for the demands of the Newton hills I reach for a <a href="https://amzn.to/2KkzQaE" target="_blank">GU energy gel </a>from my fuel belt. The weather conditions have caused the
dexterity in my hands to be slightly impaired, so I clutch the gel packet as
best as I can and tear off the top with my teeth. It takes two attempts but the
mission is accomplished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The flavor of
choice is Jet Blackberry. The “Jet” in the title is due to the 40mg of
caffeine, which I’m hoping will have a similar effect on me that spinach (no, this isn't a flavor suggestion) has on
Popeye.<br />
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For the past couple miles I’ve felt a slowly building need
to pee. I don’t like to stop unless I absolutely have to and rarely do I need
to pee during a race, but these extreme conditions mean my body doesn’t have to
sweat much to stay cool. The water has got to go somewhere, hence my growing
need to pee. There’s no way I can hold it until Boston so I decide to go ASAP. I
spy a port-o-let at the side of the road but another runner is entering. There’s
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At last I reach the Newton Fire Station and turn onto
Commonwealth Ave to begin the ascent of the legendary hills of Newton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tell myself to just keep my legs moving and
be on the lookout for a port-o-let.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like
most other sections of the course the spectator numbers here are lower than usual<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>too, but there is still an enthusiastic bunch
who showed up to provide much needed support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I steadily ascend the first hill, as I get to the top I think to myself,
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“one down two to go”</i> (this is in
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The terrain is gradually rolling leading up to the second
Newton hill. As I reach hill number 2 and begin my climb towards its summit I
see them, there are 3 port-o-lets lined up side by side about half way up the
hill. Oh sweet relief! Never do I recall being so happy to see a port-o-let.
The best part is one is actually available. (Phew!). After what felt like an
eternity I leave the port-o-let slightly rejuvenated.* I lost 1 full minute but
the benefit was well worth it. Now I can run without that distraction. I cross
the 30K checkpoint in 2:25:25. My pace is slowing but that’s not a concern. My
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*<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For some
reason there were no news stories about Moe Brown stopping to visit a
port-o-let like there were for Shalane Flanagan. LOL</span><br />
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It’s not long before I reach the infamous Heartbreak Hill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My pace continues to slow. I’m wet, cold, and
fatigued from fighting a headwind for 2 ½ hours, so it’s no wonder. But I know that
there is salvation ahead at the top of Heartbreak Hill. The top of Heartbreak
is mile 21, at this point the terrain is either downhill or flat (relatively
speaking). I make a mental note that the rain seems to have lightened up.
Seconds later all that changes. The sky opens up and down comes one of the
heaviest rainfalls of the day, perfectly synchronized with my ascent up
Heartbreak Hill. I can’t help but chuckle at the irony of this.</div>
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After rounding each bend I look ahead, anticipating the
beautiful sight of the cathedral located on the campus of Boston College. Unless
you are delirious from your marathon journey and experiencing a mirage, the
sight of this cathedral means the top of Heartbreak Hill is near<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">. </i>Steadily, I stride up the hill; left,
right, repeat…left, right, repeat, until finally the cathedral is in view. I
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There’s still 5 miles to go, but at least the most
challenging terrain is behind me. My energy goes through peaks and valleys
(figuratively speaking). I take advantage of the peaks and pick up my pace.
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I need to have another <a href="https://amzn.to/2KkzQaE" target="_blank">GU </a>but my hands have even less
dexterity than before. I use the same technique as before, holding the GU
packet in place with my hand (which feels more like a claw now) and let my
teeth do the work. The GU gives me a bit of a boost as I make my way through
Brookline, then Coolidge Corner onto Beacon Street. My pace continues to
fluctuate but I’m making forward progress and every step gets me closer to
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The Citgo sign in Kenmore Square comes into view. “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I’m almost there”</i>, I jubilantly think to
myself. I reach the 40k checkpoint in 3:21:51. Doing math during marathon
running doesn’t always go well, but I have enough experience with kilometers to
miles translation to easily calculate that this is about 24 miles (24.8 to be
exact). I’m typically finished by now but that doesn’t concern me. Today is
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I feel something lightly brush up against my leg. Looking
down I see that my race bib is hanging by a thread and hitting my leg. Over the
course of 24 miles the strong winds have caused the bib to continually push
against the <a href="https://amzn.to/2tmEjzB" target="_blank">lace locks</a> holding it in place. One of them has slowly but steadily
slid completely off the <a href="https://amzn.to/2Kc4JKP" target="_blank">fuel belt</a>. Now, just shy of mile 25, by bib is being
held in place by just one lace lock. It may survive the remaining 1.4 miles but
I don’t want to take any chances. In order to be an official finisher I need to
have that bib on me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have battled the
elements for close to 3 ½ hours. If I didn’t get recognized as an official
finisher after all this it would suck to no end. I don’t want to take any
chances. I hold the bib in place with my right hand which slightly alters my
gate, and probably looks a little funny, almost like I have a cramp in my side.
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">1 mile to go.</i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>The sign in Kenmore square reads.
Running through Kenmore Square never fails to bring about goose bumps. Not
because there is one mile to go (although that sure is nice) but because it’s
one of the busiest sections (if not the busiest) of Boston and it’s closed to
traffic, enabling spectators to line the streets three, four, and sometimes
five rows deep(possibly even more if the Red Sox game has finished). The energy
from the crowd’s cheers here is off the charts. I’m going to make it! I’m
getting colder and my patience for the conditions has almost expired, but I can
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I continue at whatever pace I can muster, which at this point
fluctuates within the 8:30-9 minute mile range. I run down Beacon Street, then
through the tunnel that goes under Mass Ave and back up to reconnect with
Beacon St. With ½ mile to go I then make what I’ve heard referred to as the two
most famous turns in sports; right on Hereford, left on Boylston. All while
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When turning on to Boylston the finish line is immediately
in sight off in the distance. The sight of it fills me with excitement every
time. Today is no exception. I’ve run 3 ½ hours through the most extreme
conditions in Boston Marathon history and I’m going to make it to the finish
line. I have persevered through the storm. I will do this! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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The finish line is only about 3/10 of a mile in the distance
but it looks like 3 miles. I keep my eyes focused on the road about 50 feet in
front of me, periodically glancing up to see how much farther I have to go.
Little by little I reel myself in closer and closer until at last the glorious
moment arrives. I cross the finish line in 3:34:50. </div>
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I am shivering uncontrollably as I walk down Boylston after
finishing. The area on Boylston right after the finish is where runners get
their medals, food, and a Mylar blanket for warmth. I am intensely cold! I
don’t think I have hypothermia but I will soon if I don’t get warm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t have any recollection of ever being
this cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where the @#*! are those blankets!?</i>
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As tempted as I am to just stop, I know that I need to keep
moving in order to get warm. My Mylar blanket awaits me not far ahead and my
dry clothes are about a block away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
stagger ultimately brings me to the first station, which is where the medals
are handed out. Receiving the medal is what makes finishing feel official, so I
try to cherish the moment. But, my constant shivering is too much of a
distraction for me to revel in the moment for very long. Once again echoing
through my brain is the thought; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Where
the @#*! are those blankets!?</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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I stagger on, finally making it to the Mylar blankets. The
volunteer wraps it around me. It gives me some relief but no wear near the
level I need. I just can’t stop shivering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Taking deep inhalations and exhalations provides me some relief from the
nausea, but more than anything I just need to go someplace warm and sit
down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I continue on but my walking
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I grab a food bag a volunteer hands me, but don’t take time
to consume anything from inside it just yet. I’m on a mission to get my dry
clothes ASAP. As I continue staggering forward my nausea seems to subside, but
not my shivering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My enthusiasm rises as
finally my staggering has carried me to the baggage area where I can get my dry
clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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I happily claim my bag, but now I need to put on my clothes.
Wherever do I do that? A volunteer informs me that there is a heated tent for
changing and some businesses are letting runners change in their rest rooms as
well. Specifically which ones she’s not sure. Like a fish swimming upstream I
work my way back in the direction I just came from, since that is where the
heated tent is.</div>
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Much to my dismay there is a line of soggy, shivering
runners like myself waiting to get into the tent. Ugh! If I have to wait any
longer I may just collapse. I’m almost hypothermic and walking like a drunk
penguin. I don’t have the patience to go around from business to business
asking if I can use their rest room to change. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s when I see them. Right there on the
street corner near the tents is a row of port-o-lets. Once again a port-o-let
offers me my salvation. It might not be the most glamorous or spacious location
to change, but I could get hypothermia trying to find just the right spot. I
enter the port-o-let and about 15 minutes later, like Clark Kent exiting a
phone booth as Superman, I emerge a new man.</div>
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Despite the conditions and my time, this Boston Marathon is
one of my most memorable and one that I will recall “fondly”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The conditions were brutal but I didn’t give
up. I weathered the storm. I persevered and became stronger as a result. I feel
like I am empowered to take on whatever challenges life throws my way. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think of it as a metaphor for life. Sometimes
in life things get tough and may seem overwhelming. But by focusing on just making
forward progress, even if it’s slow, we ultimately enter better times.</div>
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<br />runningman802http://www.blogger.com/profile/13797487795077689444noreply@blogger.com0Burlington, VT, USA44.4758825 -73.21207199999997844.385267 -73.373433499999976 44.566497999999996 -73.05071049999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242053189101231683.post-29526599918312964282017-12-27T09:58:00.000-08:002018-03-06T13:51:38.113-08:00The Quest for Cadence:How improving my running form elevated my passion for running and life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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“Your foot is slapping!” my running partner stated as we
maneuvered our way along the sidewalks of the suburban neighborhoods near my
home on a 5 mile run. To which I replied, “actually my foot is clapping and I’m
giving you a standing ovation.” I used humor to disguise my concern but in my
mind I was curious. She may not have the same caliber running resume as I do
but she is smart and very much tuned in to the sights and sounds of her
surroundings, more so than anyone I’ve ever met. I knew I occasionally slapped,
but since I had become acclimated to it I thought nothing of it. I have been a runner since high school and
have accumulated a very respectable resume. Now at the age of 50 I am still
running strong. Surely my stride must be fine I thought. Or was it?</div>
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Just how much slapping was I doing? I found out a couple of weeks
later. Not long ago I purchased a video
camera with some cool features that appeal to my inner geek, one of them being
slow motion video. I looked at my alleged foot slapping as an opportunity to
use my new toy and do a self-analysis of form.
Several takes were done but one was really all it took. It was all so very clear. My left foot was
striking appropriately (on the mid and forefoot), but my right foot was going
rogue. The heel was hitting the ground first, albeit lightly, but it was just
enough to cause the forefoot to slap when it hit the ground. I had to face
facts. I was, “gulp”, a heel striker. This had to change!</div>
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As both a coach and a runner I have devoted myself over the
years to becoming educated on the principles of good running. So, I knew what I
had to do, this was a job for the dreaded “D” word. That’s right, I had to do
drills. Most runners just want to run,
putting one foot in front of the other letting their feet fall where they may. The
idea of improving form and becoming more efficient sounds appealing, but
because doing drills detracts (at least initially) from the joy of running on
auto-pilot, not all runners are willing to do them. </div>
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Running is a natural movement, but the highly cushioned
shoes we have today enable our feet to strike the ground in an unnatural
manner, leading to an inefficient stride. If we stride inefficiently it’s less
noticeable because the shoes hide much of the impact the body is experiencing.
If this happens regularly the repetition of inefficiency leads to inefficiency
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Modern living also takes its toll. Things such as daily car
driving, frequent use of computers, and excessive staring at smart phones can
promote muscle imbalances. Muscle imbalances alter the natural movement of the
body as stronger muscles work to overcompensate for the weaker ones. In a nutshell,
we move more awkwardly. Not long ago this point was amplified to me while I was
running on a local school track. While doing intervals I had to momentarily
pull off to the far outside lane as dozens of middle school students came out
to run 800 meters as part of their PE class. I couldn’t help but notice how,
having not yet been exposed to several decades of modern living; each and every
student completed both laps with absolutely perfect form.</div>
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Just as repetition of inefficiency leads to inefficiency as
the norm, repetitions of efficient running motion ultimately leads to efficiency
becoming the standard. Drills may not be
fun but they are effective at providing frequent and consistent exposure to the
desired skills. In the case of running, they enable steady forward progress
towards efficient movement patterns becoming effortless.</div>
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After coming to grips with the fact that drills were a necessary
part of the prescription for efficient running, I had to decide which ones were
worthy of my attention. I have learned many in my coaching and running career. In
my 17 years as a coach I’ve learned that if the athlete has too many
fundamentals to focus on at one time it can lead to feelings of frustration
from feeling overwhelmed. This definitely doesn’t enable the right mindset for
learning. I decide to practice what I preach and hand pick what I feel are the
most beneficial drills for my situation.
I decided on these, which I acquired from various sources;</div>
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<b>Keep stride frequency
at 170-180 strides per minute:</b> This is widely considered to be the most
efficient zone to be in, with 180 being considered optimum.* That being said, we
each have our own form intricacies that can cause a bit of deviation from this
number. As long as the stride frequency is no lower than 170 it is generally considered
to be at an effective rate. This is because if your stride frequency is below
170 it’s highly likely you are over-striding, resulting in heel striking. </div>
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To keep track of my stride frequency I chose to utilize a
technique I learned in the classic book <a href="http://amzn.to/2G0v654" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><u>Daniels Running Formula</u> </span></a>by the
legendary Jack Daniels, PhD. This technique involves counting every right foot
strike for one minute and then doubling that number. By this method, if your
foot strike count is within the range of 85-90 you are within that ideal zone. I
do this periodically throughout my run, adjusting my stride accordingly based
on the outcome. Over time these incremental focuses on stride rate will train
the body to naturally and effortlessly run at the desired rate. </div>
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<b>Run like you’re
stepping on hot coals: </b>The reasoning
behind having a high stride per minute count (or stride frequency) is that the
feet are in contact with the ground for less time due to a quicker turnover.
This leads to less stress on the body with the added bonuses of reduced
likelihood of injury and a delayed onset of fatigue. In order to accomplish
this high stride frequency it is helpful to think of the ground underneath you as
being covered in hot coals. In order to
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<b> </b><b>Keeps the hips
pressed all the way forward: </b>The most common issue I’ve encountered in
runners is excessive forward leaning at the waist. While a forward lean is
necessary in order to use gravity to your advantage and not require as much
power from the legs, the lean should come from the ankles. When doing so a
straight line should be formed from the ankles to the shoulders. To get into
this proper forward lean position a valuable technique is, when beginning your
run keep a straight body and fall forward from your ankles. I obtained this
information from the book <u><a href="http://amzn.to/2FZtU1Y" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Chi Running</span></a></u> by Danny Dreyer (a great read
which I highly recommend).</div>
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Once you begin your run the next trick is to maintain this forward
lean position. This is where the hip position comes into play. The hip position
emphasis is something I acquired from watching <u><a href="http://amzn.to/2oMTcsQ" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Without Limits</span>,</a></u> a classic
sports movie about the legendary Steve Prefontaine (Pre). In the film, Bill
Bowerman, Pre’s coach at the University of Oregon (played by Donald Sutherland)
instructed Pre to press his hips all the way forward (albeit with an R-rated
description) after watching Pre run with the aforementioned lean at the waist.
After watching the movie I applied this technique to my own training and found
it to be highly effective. I was definitely going to keep this one in the mix.
If it was good enough for Pre it was good enough for me. </div>
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When first learning of the ideal stride frequency I of
course had to count mine. I consistently came up with 170, but sometimes as low
as 168. Yikes! Okay, not bad really. I was happy that on average I was at least in
the zone, but I wasn’t going to rest on my laurels. I wanted to see if I could improve,
so I kept at it, periodically working in some drills while on medium to long
runs. Unfortunately, my efforts didn’t occur frequently enough to promote
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Now that I was a bona fide foot slapper though, I was on a
mission to eradicate the slap and run with utmost efficiency. During each run I
would randomly and regularly practice a different drill. Press the hips forward
for this minute, focus on stride count for that one. Then I would pretend the
road suddenly turned into a bed of hot coals. I had no choice. I had to move
efficiently across them. </div>
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Little by little the pieces of the running form puzzle came
together. I hit 172 strides per minute. I
took shorter, quicker steps bringing my stride frequency up to 176. At one point
I even hit perfection with 180.
Woohoo!! “Now I’m cooking with
gas” I thought to myself, remembering the saying I often heard as a child when
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This 180 stride frequency proved to be elusive, disappearing
as quickly as it arrived. But I had experienced the feeling of running at the
perfect frequency. My body knew what it had to do to get there, making it more
likely to return. Even though I have yet to make 180 my standard, no longer am
I stuck at 170. My efforts have elevated me to an average of 174, but I’m not
stopping there. I will continue my pursuit of excellence. </div>
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My experiences with working on form emphasized to me how
amazing of a sensation it is to experience improved skills. It’s so easy to
think something is “good enough” and not try to reach the next level. As a
result we miss out on the feelings of jubilation that go along with skill
enhancement. My more efficient form has elevated my passion for running to a
new level. Not only am I enjoying running more (something I never imagined was
possible because I already love it tremendously) but all indications thus far
point to me being faster as well. This passion has spilled over into my life as
a whole as I contemplate what else I can accomplish. I can’t wait to find out!</div>
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I encourage everyone to never stop working on improving, in
running or any other aspect of life. Do not deny yourself the joy and
empowering feelings that accompany your accomplishments. You never know what
hidden talents you may uncover. Keep your mind open to absorbing information
from all sources and people: a tip you automatically dismiss could have been a
life changer.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">* Some elite runners cadence actually goes higher than 180. In the Nike Breaking 2 project, for example, Eliud Kipchoge's cadence ranged from 180-185 strides per minute.</span></div>
runningman802http://www.blogger.com/profile/13797487795077689444noreply@blogger.com0Burlington, VT, USA44.4758825 -73.21207199999997844.385267 -73.373433499999976 44.566497999999996 -73.05071049999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242053189101231683.post-1490130384435584892017-09-10T06:54:00.001-07:002017-09-11T05:42:03.581-07:00You've Got This! Redemption and a BQ at the 2017 VT City Marathon<div class="MsoNormal">
“Follow me”, the race official says as he leads me to the
entrance of the preferred starting corral at the 2017 People’s United Bank
Vermont City Marathon. Because I had run a half marathon time that fell within
the parameters of qualifying for a preferred coral spot, I was receiving a dose
of what felt like VIP treatment. The start of the race was only 5 minutes away
and I needed to get to the starting line-pronto!<br />
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so close, but my arrival had been delayed by a much needed detour to the
port-o-potty. Hustling through the crowd to get to the line and unclear of the
quickest way to get there caused me to utter in frustration-“how the hell do
you get up there!” The race official (God bless him) sensed my need for
assistance and quickly responded. Now, here I am at the line, moments away from
what I am hoping will be a redemption run. Redemption from 2 years ago when at
this very race I experienced my first ever DNF (see my blog post <a href="http://moesrunningcommentary.blogspot.com/2015/05/exposed-to-kryptonite.html" target="_blank">Exposed to Kryptonite)</a>.</div>
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As I stand at the line in anticipation of the starting horn
I feel optimistic (because my training had gone well), excited (it’s race day,
how can I not be?), anxious (it’s race day, how can I not be?) and even though
it might seem contradictory- at peace. The sense of being at peace was because I
was placing no pressure on myself to run a specific time. Sure, I had goals--the
primary one being to improve upon my Boston qualifying time of 3:20 from the
2016 Clarence Demar Marathon-but achieving that goal wasn’t going to be my sole
measuring stick of a good day. I also wanted to enjoy the journey and have fun.
I get to run today after all. Run in the beautiful city of Burlington with a
stunning view of Lake Champlain and enthusiastic spectators. Positive energy is
all around me. </div>
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At last, the horn sounds and we are off and running. The
glorious sound of ringing church bells mixed with the energizing cheers from
spectators make goose bumps appear. As we loop through the city for 3 miles I
feel pleased with myself. Pleased because I feel I have been running smart. My
pace is not too fast yet not too slow, putting me in a good position to better negotiate
the challenges of the upcoming 24.2(can’t forget the .2) miles. </div>
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For miles 4-8 the course exits the
streets of downtown and enters the wide open and rolling stretches of the
Burlington Beltline (route 127). This part would be tough mentally if it
weren’t for the fact that it’s out and back, allowing runners to encourage each
other as they pass. Runners are also treated to the much needed energizing
rhythms from a band playing Brazilian music at around miles 5 and 7. My effort is consistent throughout this
section although my pace does waver some due to the rolling terrain. As I climb
the hill that exits the beltline at mile 8, I am happy with both how I handled
it and the fact that it is behind me. Upon re-entering downtown the energy from
the spectators pushes me along like a strong tailwind. </div>
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In the 2015 race mile 9 is where I felt the unraveling begin,
with the wheels finally coming off at mile 10 as I slowed to what felt like a walk.
Even though I’m very well prepared and my spring allergies haven’t reached
threat level red like in 2015, I can’t help but have some flashbacks and feel
slight anxiety. The voice of reason in my brain immediately kicks into damage
control mode, making the proclamation; “You’ve got this! You trained. You’re
prepared. Remember, you’re here to have fun.” </div>
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Suddenly, while descending spectator rich Church Street, a
loud voice (not in my head this time) shouts-“Go Moe!” I don’t recognize the
voice but it gives me a burst of energy and happiness. Further driving home the
point the importance of enjoying today’s journey.</div>
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Turning from Church onto Main Street the cheers dampen momentarily
as spectator numbers decrease briefly, only to return again as Main turns onto
Pine Street, bringing spectators in abundance. Energetic tunes blasted from a band on the
corner add excitement to the moment. All this and the decline at the
beginning of Pine Street provide momentum, pushing runners down this straight 1
½ mile open stretch of the course.</div>
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As the course winds its way through partying spectator
abundant neighborhoods, then through picturesque Oakledge Park, there is no
shortage of positive vibes in the air. I soak it all in while staying alert to
my pace. At Oakledge I cross the half
marathon checkpoint in 1:33:57. I’m feeling good, running smart and having fun,
right on par with my mission. Spectators
and athletes mingle in the vicinity of the half marathon checkpoint, which is
also an exchange zone for the 2 person relay.
Once again, an unknown voice shouts from the group-“Yeah, Go Moe"! This bit of encouragement gives me just the
extra boost I need to carry me through the miles leading up the biggest
challenge on the course, that being Battery Street Hill.</div>
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It’s starting to get a little toasty as the temperature and
the humidity start to creep higher. Not a crazy amount but it is taking a
slight toll. I’m noticing my perceived exertion level is climbing a bit even
though my pace is holding steady. With minimal shady spots until mile 21 it
will be essential to take precautionary measures to stay cool. This will involve the periodic self-induced dousing
with water when passing through an aid station (oh yeah, and drinking it too) and
running through the water sprayer stations scattered about the course. I will
also consume my power pills I have stashed in my shorts pocket.*</div>
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<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*Actually they
are electrolyte capsules. Calling them power pills is more fun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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After a loop that includes Oakledge Park and some surrounding
neighborhoods, the course reconnects with Pine Street, this time ascending it
before turning on to King Street. About half way up Pine is a water spraying station, I leap through like a kid running through a sprinkler on a hot summer day. Gotta stay cool!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
King Street is a downhill stretch which is
nice change, but I know what is lurking around the bend-the infamous <i>BATTERY ST HILL. </i>Each foot strike brings
me closer to this impending climb. From the corner of King and Battery to the
top of Battery is ½ mile. It’s a straight ½ mile and looking into the distance
towards the top can be a bit intimidating. It looks like you are running to
infinity, never making any progress towards your goal.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Z9rgNtDt6aPCfWEnQirqIQub4WstIL0czLYRu-ImMHeUKF5JhyjnXF07xn5NEXJv9GrJJLPyvLCxRwu0-Ku_B5cqqwj5g6Jlimcijl8BeF8bAxRGntKGXx0VOeQMY6YYYEI7-SueTLYv/s1600/vcm+battery+st+hill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="225" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Z9rgNtDt6aPCfWEnQirqIQub4WstIL0czLYRu-ImMHeUKF5JhyjnXF07xn5NEXJv9GrJJLPyvLCxRwu0-Ku_B5cqqwj5g6Jlimcijl8BeF8bAxRGntKGXx0VOeQMY6YYYEI7-SueTLYv/s400/vcm+battery+st+hill.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
As I turn onto Battery I hear the motivating beats of the
Taiko drummers coming from their standard location just prior to the steepest
section of Battery (the last ¼ mile). Despite their presence I know that
looking towards the top of the climb could still be psychologically detrimental.
When we have a goal sometimes achieving it can seem like such a lengthy process,
making it appear overwhelming. However, if we break our ultimate goal up into
multiple smaller goals the process becomes far more achievable. I take this approach with climbing Battery.
My smaller goals are ascending the hill 10-15 feet at a time, which is where I
keep my eyes focused. </div>
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Before I know it I’m at the top. At the top of the hill I have a momentary
flashback to 2 years ago. This is the point where I finally pulled the plug and
dropped out of the race. “Not this year”, I think to myself, “I got this!”</div>
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Shortly beyond Battery Street is the 16 mile marker. I cruise past
if feeling good but cautiously optimistic. A lot can happen in 10.2 miles after
all. As a precautionary measurement I repeat
the affirmation in my mind- “You have strength! You got this!” There is some
fluctuation in my pace but overall it’s pretty consistent. My
journey continues.</div>
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Just beyond mile 17 the course loops through Lakewood
Parkway. Always a festive loop this community regularly wins the runner's vote for most spirit. Music fills the air, cowbells ring, cheers
are screamed, and someone even took it upon themselves to make a kissing booth. On the final section of the loop the group Sciatica (the Burlington Marathon band) rocks out for some extra motivation. Or, as their description says on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sciaticarocks/" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>: <i>Sciatica gives runners at mile 18 a sonic baptism of pure rawk.</i> All these sights and sounds are great distractions from the unavoidable
fatigue associated with having run 18 miles. Plus it's kind of cool to know I've been sonically baptized. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99Up2J9t9PNqiEzL_NnPMOX3-xqGxdGppLhK24FRpNDFEtH5JyQGAQd9bxJZsccNrvGdpeAJ0chFrYQxK_q2H9bp-qmmCLt9DWPXGKt0hA9LnbChVfJvVQ2ypHptcIyzJC7VwqjqRWSKJ/s1600/CRAZY-GUYS-BAND-300x273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99Up2J9t9PNqiEzL_NnPMOX3-xqGxdGppLhK24FRpNDFEtH5JyQGAQd9bxJZsccNrvGdpeAJ0chFrYQxK_q2H9bp-qmmCLt9DWPXGKt0hA9LnbChVfJvVQ2ypHptcIyzJC7VwqjqRWSKJ/s1600/CRAZY-GUYS-BAND-300x273.jpg" /></a></div>
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The course meanders through various streets and
neighborhoods until at last I cross the mile 20 checkpoint in 2 hours 27
minutes and 2 seconds. My average pace is 7:21 per mile. The increased temperature
has definitely taken a toll as my pace has slowed from the first half in which
I averaged 7:10 per mile. But, I’m still on track to achieve my primary goal. I
give myself a mental high 5.</div>
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When getting close to achieving a goal the process usually
becomes more challenging. It’s as if we are being tested by the Universe to see
how bad we really want success. The marathon is no different. Miles 20-26.2 are
the most challenging both mentally and physically. The finish line is near, but
even when keeping the same pace every mile can feel like 2. It’s when this
struggle occurs that our abilty to persevere is tested. Perseverance is essential for success in any
venture. This is one of the many ways marathon running is a metaphor for life.</div>
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To get through these final miles I typically use some mental
trickery. When I have 6 miles to go, I don’t think to myself, “only 6 miles to
go.” Instead, I think of it as six one mile runs. For example, since today I am
averaging slightly over 7 minutes per mile I tell myself, “only six 7’s to go.”
I focus on 7 minutes and then the next 7 minutes and so on. Running 6 miles at
my current pace will take over 42 minutes, which in a fatigued state can seem
like an eternity when thinking about it. But, surely I can run another 7 minutes.
Time still seems to go by slower but at least mentally it is easier to deal with
7 minutes at a time.</div>
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My pace starts to waver as my energy ebbs and flows. 7:30 pace one mile, 7:45 pace the next, and then
back to 7:30. I don’t feel like I’m in
danger of hitting “the wall” but my legs are feeling heavier, so I need to run
smart. Go too fast and I risk hitting
the wall. Go too slow and I risk falling short of my goal. These final miles
are dance on the line between these two paces.</div>
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At mile 24 I look at my watch and see that I am still very
much on pace to be sub 3:20. How far below will depend upon how my legs respond
during the final 2.2 miles. I estimate that at my current pace I should be able
to finish with a time of around 3 hours and 15 minutes. As if on cue, the 3:15
pace group cruises by me on my left. “Keep them in your sights Moe and you’ve
got this”, I tell myself.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rF7qSflVe89dpWa3cXHznFwR28KWyh7TZvHCXkA0gyAyzdSWqfvtQJCWjhlVuRxzaXYcNtSH23Z2ntW4YxgROZp3OfFJvWpKrWZsqoEC28mEMK5K31vzSFwSQzzg7sSuwiJtC1VK63rT/s1600/race_3528_photo_53629945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rF7qSflVe89dpWa3cXHznFwR28KWyh7TZvHCXkA0gyAyzdSWqfvtQJCWjhlVuRxzaXYcNtSH23Z2ntW4YxgROZp3OfFJvWpKrWZsqoEC28mEMK5K31vzSFwSQzzg7sSuwiJtC1VK63rT/s400/race_3528_photo_53629945.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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My brain sends a command to my legs; “C’mon, cooperate for
15 minutes, then you can rest all you want.” My legs reply like Scotty in the
engine room of the USS Enterprise; “We’re giving it all we got Captain!” </div>
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The presence of a pace group in my sights acts like a
slipstream. I am by no means running in this group, but knowing that they are
in front of me helps me find another gear. I run strong and steady, my pace
never wavering. Before I know it I am passing North Beach at mile 25, then I’m
on the new stretch of bike path at 25.5.
Excitement builds with every step. My inner voice shouts out- “You’ve got
this Moe. It’s yours! It’s yours!” I dig deeper into my energy reserves to
knock off every additional second I can. Turning onto the chute to the finish I
hear the race announcer call out my name. Giving whatever I have left in my
kick to the finish to cross the line in a time of 3 hours 15 minutes and 18
seconds. </div>
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Happily reflecting upon my race, I feel as though I ran one
of my smartest marathons. First of all, I accomplished my primary goal, besting my previous Boston qualifying time by 5 minutes. Woohoo!! In the process I paced myself well, staying fairly consistent
throughout the race; I made adjustments along the way to correspond with the
conditions; and perhaps most
importantly, I enjoyed the journey. I soaked up all the energy and excitement on the course and as a result I had fun. As obvious as fun’s importance may seem, it
is often forgotten when we pursue our goals. It’s easy to become so fixated on
the process that we overlook the value and importance of it. Without it we
cannot become our best selves. It helps us relax, stay positive, and transmit
that much needed positivity into our environment. </div>
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Another important part of life is to celebrate successes. With that in mind, I thank my legs for
getting me through and tell them now they just have to take me to the beer
tent.</div>
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runningman802http://www.blogger.com/profile/13797487795077689444noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242053189101231683.post-50185161488396453102016-10-12T10:23:00.000-07:002019-02-26T16:45:24.657-08:00A Runner Looks at 50<div class="MsoNormal">
It finally happened. The big 5-0 found me. Well technically
it was a bounty hunter hired by Father Time. The big 5-0 is his nickname. His
mission is to make people succumb to the aging process. I was turning 50 and
was scheduled to be his next target. I had heard rumors that he had been seen
around town, asking people where to find me, conducting stakeouts waiting for
me to unsuspectingly cross his path. Yet, despite his best stalking efforts
I had managed to elude him. Until finally one day I woke up and there he was,
staring me in the face with a cocky, victorious smirk on his face. Upon
recognizing my acknowledgement of being captured he proceeded to read me my
rights;</div>
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You have the right to slow down.</div>
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You have the right to complain about aches and pains. If you
do not currently have any aches and pains, some will be provided to you by the
stress of life.</div>
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You have the right to throw in the towel.</div>
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You have the right to settle for status quo.</div>
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You have the right to get fat.</div>
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You have the right to join AAR…</div>
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That’s it, I had heard enough! Before the letter P could be
uttered I gave him a quick and powerful elbow thrust to the chest before
jumping out the closed window in front of me. As shards of glass rained down I
tucked and rolled, quickly springing to my feet. Realizing I had managed to avoid injury I turned
my head back to look at the Big 5-0. With a smug look on my face I shouted to
him, “Get some rest 5-0, you look tired!” Extreme Ways by Moby played as I speedily
fled off into the city.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmO_WxHIoPx0OdbYTnIwLpD6fYH3TAAkAEagKhUTLscZ7AK8nk89KcO-dyWG2kw1_tttjL8WTlw2QzkH0nGt-56MUpnsXqwgfe-6hXPrHyT_pAa164abHzuJmoJznzX1skzA5PTZB28QS/s1600/jumping+out+window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmO_WxHIoPx0OdbYTnIwLpD6fYH3TAAkAEagKhUTLscZ7AK8nk89KcO-dyWG2kw1_tttjL8WTlw2QzkH0nGt-56MUpnsXqwgfe-6hXPrHyT_pAa164abHzuJmoJznzX1skzA5PTZB28QS/s640/jumping+out+window.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Okay so this is how
it went down in my mind. In reality it was less dramatic. It didn’t play out
like a Jason Bourne movie. I did of course run because I am a runner, that’s
what I do. But its purpose was to clear my head of clutter and think about what
turning 50 means to me, not flee from some pursuing character. Although really
I guess in a sense I was. Running would hopefully allow me to flee from
negative thoughts and leave them far behind. <br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5vZH7Tm-DQ/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n5vZH7Tm-DQ?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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The Bourne Supremacy ending scene</div>
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The Bourne Ultimatum ending scene</div>
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Fifty is an often dreaded landmark age. An age associated with
reaching the top of “the hill” and beginning the descent down the other side.
But is it really? Does it have to be that way? These are questions that run
through my mind as I run through the neighborhoods near my home.</div>
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I’ve always viewed age as just a number, a number
representing how long I’ve been on this earth, but not dictating how I feel or
act. Yet, the stigma associated with 50 is hard to completely ignore. </div>
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Life can be bittersweet. In our youth we have enthusiasm and
energy on our side, but are lacking the knowledge and wisdom gained through
life experiences. As we live life and gain wisdom we typically become less
energetic and enthusiastic. It’s as if the universe is playing a cruel joke.</div>
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But I feel it doesn’t have to be this way. In my 17 years as a health and fitness
professional I’ve learned a great deal about the mind/body connection. How and
what we think has a tremendous affect on our physical health and quality of
life. In other words, if we think old and unable we become old and unable. If
we think young and vibrant thoughts we age more slowly and live without limits.</div>
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50 can and really
should be an ideal age. If you’ve led a healthy lifestyle and have a positive
mindset it contains a wonderful mix of maturity and youthfulness. You are old
enough to have gained wisdom yet are young enough to still have many new and
exciting experiences. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8nvnwINxFBBhBnbs6h3Y6a1r_x0YnuyX6i9S9ALH6CRZ1Gy5HTg3oZzF3TRzP6qW9jBa2DIc4x6w-zpa_jG1W1wzgzSMckgelsd8FMIdFMLobIXdLDLvAiA2VI4102SLkYQS-4O_qUfa/s1600/flexing+bicep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>
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Personally, when factoring in both the physical and mental
components of health, I feel the best I ever have right now. The anxieties I
experienced throughout a great portion of my life have dramatically diminished,
enabling me to approach each day with a greater sense of calm. I have developed
a better understanding of how important it is (and how great it feels) to
contribute to the world by giving back, having compassion and spreading
positivity. </div>
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My experiences and accomplishments have elevated my
self-esteem, resulting in a greater passion for life. These two things feed off
each other. Having new experiences, taking on new challenges and learning new
things increases self esteem, which increases passion, which leads to a greater
desire to have new experiences. Passion is common characteristic in people who age
slowly. They, simply put, have more fun. This passion for life lights up the
brain leading to a healthy attitude and a healthy slowly aging body.</div>
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One’s ability to continue to perform at a high level
athletically is often brought into question starting as early as 40, but more
so at 50. However, despite common misconceptions, an endurance athlete (like me)
can in fact, still perform and compete at a very high level. Research shows
that if the 50 + athlete performs high intensity interval workouts on a regular
basis, any reductions in aerobic capacity will be extremely minimal. </div>
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One major reason why athletes experience a significant
decrease in performance after 50 is that they tend to drift towards focusing
primarily on long slow distance training (LSD). LSD training-while a necessity
because it builds endurance- doesn’t help maintain or improve aerobic capacity.
A higher aerobic capacity translates to being able to run, bike, swim etc...at
a faster pace.</div>
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Also, the 50+ athlete often doesn’t strength train, thereby
promoting the early onset of muscle fatigue. If the athlete is willing to do
interval training and strength training –while providing adequate recovery from
both-they can continue to perform well for years to come. I am totally willing to do this!!</div>
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With this acquired knowledge and optimum state of health why
should I waste it by just accepting the standard perceived limitations of
age? I decide I’m not going to. I am looking at 50 as a new beginning. My first 50 years involved building the
foundation of the person I am supposed to become. Now I will make my remaining
years my best in many ways and become the best person I can.</div>
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Life is a journey not
a destination (I heard that in an Aerosmith song although I’m sure it’s not an
original Steven Tyler quote). I will
continue to learn and grow. I will not
just exist but I will live. The only
limitations I will have will be those I place upon myself, which I don’t intend
to do. </div>
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I don’t know
everything the future holds but I do know it involves me never using age as an
excuse. It will also involve me working on my martial arts skills. Father time
can be ruthless. I will be prepared should his bounty hunters return.</div>
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runningman802http://www.blogger.com/profile/13797487795077689444noreply@blogger.com0South Burlington, VT, USA44.4669941 -73.17096040000001344.2856751 -73.493683900000008 44.6483131 -72.848236900000018tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242053189101231683.post-8609971432011698402016-05-03T10:57:00.000-07:002016-06-08T08:38:15.719-07:00Assorted Thoughts Over 15 Miles<div class="MsoNormal">
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39 degrees is what my smart phone weather app tells me the
current temperature is<i>. </i>But wait! The
“Real Feel” is 37 degrees. <i>Guess I better put on that extra layer</i>, I think to
myself with a chuckle. I realize the
value of the “feels like” temperature, but sometimes it seems a bit humorous to
think that when the difference is so minimal anyone would step outside and
say; “Hey, hold on. It’s not 39, it feels like 37! I’ve been lied to!” </div>
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I’m going for a run and with the high today expected to
reach 57 I expect to warm up quickly, so I decide to skip the extra layer. Today’s
long run route is spontaneous. By that I mean I planned on running but I don’t
have a specific route mapped out. I’m just going to run and decide where to go
at the time I’m presented with an option. To paraphrase Yogi Berra, when I come
to a fork in the road I’ll take it.</div>
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My intent today is to build endurance. However, since it’s
April and I’m experiencing a bit of cabin fever, my other goal is just to enjoy
being outdoors. I’m in the mood to zone
out and not deal with traffic, so I decide that I will seek less traveled
roads. </div>
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My primary distance goal with today’s run is to do at least
14 miles, which will put me in a good position to perform well at the half
marathon distance or to train for the inevitable fall marathon. I have brought
along my ipod so I can listen to podcasts as a positive distraction and a way to
learn while I burn (calories that is). I
insert my ear buds and press start, starting my first podcast while
simultaneously cueing me to start my run. I begin with an episode of the NPR’s TED Radio
Hour. Today’s episode is titled “What We Fear”, it examines the pros and cons
of fear, what causes fear, and how different people deal with it. </div>
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Fear is described as something that is both beneficial and
restrictive. It is beneficial because we need fear for survival. For example,
if we are out in the wild and see a tiger fear lets us know we should flee the
scene for survival sake. However, it can be restrictive because our brain also
allows us to be storytellers. When confronted with an uncertain situation, such
as starting a business or changing jobs, we often tell ourselves the worst case
scenario story. We devise elaborate thoughts of how things can go horribly wrong
thereby possibly preventing us from taking action that will help improve our
lives. </div>
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My journey takes me by the back entrance to the nearby
fairgrounds. This is a less busy time of year there with most events taking
place inside their event center, not in the outdoor sections. I’ve run through
the grounds before under similar circumstances and it has been quite pleasant,
so my internal GPS tells me to turn right and proceed into the fairgrounds.</div>
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I ascend up the primary roadway that goes through the
grounds then turn left into the main exhibition area. If it was September this
area would be filled with excited fair-goers while the smell of fried foods and
cotton candy satiated the air. Today though, all the shops are boarded up with
nothing but the crispness of spring filling the air. I run through the heart of
the fairgrounds and then loop back around the backside of the grounds,
following a dirt road that runs along a wooded section. </div>
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Suddenly, my focus is pulled away from the road ahead of me
as I see movement in the corner of my right eye. Turning and looking in that direction I spy a fox about 30 feet ahead of me walking towards the woods. Because my
unexpected appearance has startled him, after glancing my way he does a short
sprint towards the safety of the woods before stopping to study me from
afar. The road I’m running on veers to
the left away from the woods, so I continue on it so as to not disrupt the
fox’s plans. Recognizing that I’m not a threat he continues about his business,
which based upon his repeated wandering
with his nose to the ground is looking for critters to prey upon. </div>
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My first thought is that this looks like a grey fox not the more common red fox. However, I know that red foxes can look like grey foxes upon brief examination. However, I got fairly close to to this fox and didn't see much that resembled red. I always appreciate wildlife sightings,but since I was able
to get so uncommonly close I was especially appreciative of this moment, regardless of the type of fox.<br />
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(<i>Upon
returning home I looked up the differences between the two and learned that red
foxes have black on their legs that kind of resembles black socks. I don't
recall seeing black on its legs at all. It makes me wish I had a camera
during my run so I could have possibly gotten a photo to look back upon and
figure out what type of fox I </i><i>had the pleasure of witnessing. I'll have
to remember that for the future).</i></div>
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Grey Fox</div>
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About 25 yards later I turn to look back
towards the fox. He continues to walk back and forth along the woods, searching
the grounds. He then sits down in the common seated dog position, with his butt
down and front legs fully extended supporting his torso in an upright position
as he looks out toward me. He appears calm, looking my way in a manner that
indicates he is as intrigued by me as I am of him. Within about 30 seconds of
this moment two fox pups emerge from the woods. It looks like the “he fox” may
actually be a “she fox” and mama is keeping tabs on her young. </div>
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Red Fox<br />
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I love having these synchronistic moments. It makes me feel like my day is unfolding the
way it is supposed to. If I had started
my run 30 seconds sooner or 30 seconds later I would have missed being in this
right place at the right time. </div>
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I watch the foxes for about another minute and then resume
my run, following the dirt road until it reconnects with the paved roadway as I
head back towards the fairgrounds exit.
After exiting the fairgrounds I continue down a more well traveled road,
with the plan to turn off onto a lesser traveled town road about a half mile
ahead. This road also has a pedestrian path along the side of it which will
allow for a more comfortable running route. </div>
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After a couple of minutes on the main road I pass a local
small auto garage and car dealership. The cars on display are all used, or
pre-owned to use current terminology. They don’t look new enough to have a rear
view camera or brakes that are applied automatically by the car instead of the
driver. Some of them may even have, dare
I think it, manual transmission. </div>
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The thought of modern cars having so many features makes me
dread the act of having to buy a new car, which hopefully won’t happen for a
long time. I don’t want all these
features. I want to be the driver not the passenger. I want to be the decision
maker. I want to be the one who applies
the brakes, who steers, who looks behind me as I backup. </div>
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In the not too distant future cars are reportedly going to
be able to drive on their own, essentially turning the driver into a passenger.
I’m really not a fan of this. Driving should be an experience not a mundane
task, there are already enough of those in our lives. I'm reminded of an ad campaign that Volkswagen had years ago in which their slogan was, " On the road of life there are passengers and there are drivers". I really like that slogan because I feel it is a good metaphor for life. People who are drivers are in charge of their life, they are taking their life in the direction they desire. Whereas passengers just let life happen to them. Cars that do the driving are symbolic of living life just as a passenger.<br />
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Also, being aware of and
reacting to things in our environment (as is necessary when driving) is part of
having a healthy body and mind. Having to do this contributes to helping us
stay mentally sharp and improves communication skills between the brain and the
body. Driving in itself doesn’t help with physical health, but at least there
is that brain/body communication component. Take that away and there is one
more factor in our world that contributes to poor health.</div>
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When I was in elementary school we were supposed to have jet
packs by the year 2000. I’d rather have one of those than an automated car.</div>
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Making my way onto the pedestrian path the TED podcast ends
and I tune in to the next podcast in the
cue which is “Garbage Time”, a
sports and pop culture podcast from FS1 (Fox Sports) with host Katie
Nolan. Her intelligent line of questioning and sense of humor make it a very enjoyable
listen. This episode is an interview with Tom Werner, chairman of the Boston
Red Sox whose resume' also includes time as a television producer. He mentions that after working at ABC in the
70’s he was cocky enough to leave the network and become a producer (and a very
successful one at that). </div>
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<o:p> </o:p> </div>
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The word cocky can conjure up imagery of arrogance, which
can have negative connotations. However,
he was using the term to describe his confidence based on previous
success. Having confidence is a
component of success in any venture. I
think about how well this compliments the information from the TED podcast on
fear. Confidence is important for
success but I feel a certain amount of fear is as well. Having some fear allows
us to make smart decisions so that arrogance doesn’t lead to foolishness. </div>
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<pre style="background: white; line-height: 15.6pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.6pt;"> </span></pre>
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At this point I’ve completed 13 miles and I’m feeling pretty
good, so I decide to extend my run 1 mile further than I originally planned,
making it 15 miles total. I do this by taking miscellaneous side streets.As I
wind through the maze of suburban streets my legs start to feel a little heavy,
so with about a mile and a half to go my run starts to resemble more of a fast
paced shuffle. About 20 feet ahead of me a chicken walks across the lawn of one
of the homes and begins to cross the road.
I’ve run through here dozens of times in the past and never encountered
a chicken. Even though it is a small town it still seems like an unusual
location for a free roaming chicken to appear, so I briefly think maybe I’m
hallucinating. But I quickly realize it is a real chicken, which as I get
closer completely crosses the road. </div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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Something I’ve noticed about running is that the longer I
run the goofier my sense of humor becomes.
Today that leads me to think I should go to the chicken and say; “Dude,
let’s end the debate once and for all. Why exactly did you cross the
road?” I laugh to myself as I think this.
At this point I’m heading straight back home which is probably a good think so
my goofiness doesn’t get too extreme. </div>
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As I approach my driveway and slow to a stop I realize how
happy I am that I didn’t have a pre-determined plan for today’s run. It allowed
me to enjoy it so much more. Sometimes in life you just gotta go with the flow.</div>
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runningman802http://www.blogger.com/profile/13797487795077689444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242053189101231683.post-82654297894030650942016-02-01T05:58:00.001-08:002016-10-13T06:13:45.164-07:00Flowing into Happiness<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">It’s 8 am. A fresh coat of
snow blankets the earth and a light fog fills the air as I begin my standard
Sunday long run.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Today I’m running with my
headphones for some musical inspiration. My musical selection is quite diverse
but even with it set to shuffle I feel like my ipod can sometimes read my mind,
as it often picks the right song at the right moment. As I tread lightly across
the new fallen snow to get a sense of the degree of slipperiness, Beethoven’s
Moonlight Sonata is the first melody that serenades my eardrums.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">One might not associate
this with a workout song but its cadence is perfect for warming up. And despite
being about moonlight it seems to be fitting. Being early in the day on a
Sunday the rest of the world seems to still be at rest, providing a similar
stillness as the moonlight hours. It’s
just me running through a silent snow covered foggy town. The song seems to be
the soundtrack for this moment, emphasizing the so called loneliness of the
long distance runner. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I love my long runs, they
provide me with a form of meditation, an opportunity to get inside my head and
clean out the gunk that has accumulated from a hectic work week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Despite the fact that I’m
running while listening to music I am still very much able to clear my head. In
fact, exercising to music has been shown to induce a state of ‘flow’ or
‘getting into the zone’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Flow is<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="il">the</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>point during an activity<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>in which mind and body work in perfect
synch, you are totally in the moment and movements<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>seem<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="il">to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>flow without
conscious effort. Recent research at <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Brunel University’s
School of Sport and Education showed that<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="il">music</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>can make
the experience of cardiovascular<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="il">exercise</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>far more
positive. Promoting a state of flow is a way in which this happens. <span class="apple-converted-space">R</span>esearchers concluded that <span class="il">music</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>and imagery could enhance athletic
performance by triggering emotions and cognitions associated with flow. </span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #494949; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">While music certainly
isn’t required for a flow state, sometimes it helps. Today is one of those days
for me. As my strides take me over varied terrain thoughts of my week and daily
obligations disappear. The rhythm from assorted melodies on my ipod and my
breathing are all I’m aware of. I’m out playing in the snow approaching the day
with a childlike enthusiasm. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Not long ago I listened to
an NPR episode of the TED Radio Hour in which the subject was Maslow’s hierarchy
of human needs. In 1943 Psychologist Abraham Maslow proposed that healthy human
beings have a certain number of needs, and that these needs are arranged in a
hierarchy, with some needs (such as physiological and safety needs) being more
primitive or basic than others (such as social and ego needs). Maslow’s
so-called ‘hierarchy of needs’ is often presented as a five-level pyramid, with
higher needs coming into focus only once lower, more basic needs are met.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">One of the discussions during this TED radio hour episode was
with Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (see pronunciation below).</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> The “gist” of this discussion was that after
a certain point,</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> increases in material well-being don’t seem to affect happiness.
Research shows that people who, regardless of what they are doing, become totally
absorbed in the activity (thereby being in a state of flow) tend to be the most
truly happy. This explains why I am feeling so at peace and consumed with
happiness.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> Mihaly </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Csikszentmihaly; How do you say that?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">His TED talk on the
subject is here:</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/mihaly_csikszentmihalyi_on_flow">http://www.ted.com/talks/mihaly_csikszentmihalyi_on_flow</a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Recently, while perusing
through television channels in search of something that struck my fancy I came
across the film “Stick It”, a film in which the main characters are gymnasts.
The description of this film from Imdb.com is as follows: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">After a run-in with the
law, Haley Graham (</span></i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1335291/?ref_="><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Missy Peregrym</span></i></a><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">) is forced to return to
the world from which she fled some years ago. Enrolled in an elite gymnastics
program run by the legendary Burt </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Vickerman (</span></i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000313/?ref_="><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Jeff Bridges</span></i></a><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">),</span></i><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"> Haley's
rebellious attitude gives way to something<span style="background: #EEEEEE;"> </span>that
just might be called team spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">This film met with mixed reviews but it had some really
interesting cinematography and some memorable scenes. One such scene stands out
in my mind because I felt it really exemplified the power of being in a state
of flow. Haley (the lead character) had a life that was in turmoil. She came
from a broken home, had an unsupportive mother, and was viewed by many as being
unable to live up to her potential. As a result she was rebellious.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Despite all this and the negative distractions that go along
with them, when on the balance beam in this particular scene she tunes out her surroundings
and puts her heart and soul into her routine. She stumbles at one point but
doesn’t lose focus. From this point forward is where she achieves 'flow'. She gets right back on the beam, pouring her emotions into
her routine using them as fuel to power her to a beautiful and flawless finish. My
perception is that while she’s on the beam she feels that all negativity is
gone and there is only beauty in each moment as she gracefully expresses herself through her routine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Perhaps this is what the
world needs for greater peace, happiness and an overall healthier state; more
flow. We are so consumed by day-to-day tasks that often involve multi-tasking that
we don’t take time out to lose ourselves in something, to completely immerse
ourselves in one particular action. When we are multi-tasking, we cannot
possibly devote all of our attention to one thing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Flow is also far more
likely to occur with mastery. By this I mean the more frequently an activity is
done, the more skill you acquire. Skill improvement occurs as a result of an
enhanced mind and body connection. Since flow is <span class="il">the</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>point<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>in which mind and body work in perfect
synch, this enhanced connection leads to this perfect synchronicity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Today there is too much of
an emphasis on shortcuts. It’s difficult to master something if you are taking
shortcuts. Also, it’s important to be persistent and not give up. More and more,
people give up too quickly when trying something new. By doing this the
meditative state of flow is avoided and the empowering self esteem building
sense of accomplishment is bypassed as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">All of these flow preventing
factors can prevent happiness. A lack of happiness often leads to negative
thinking which leads to poor health (both physical and mental) and negative
actions towards ourselves and others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Okay so maybe getting in
the zone won’t cure all of the world’s problems, but it sure isn’t going to
hurt. So my advice to myself and others is to slow down from time to time, take
time to immerse yourself in something and work at mastering it. Play an
instrument, write a book, do some woodworking, go for a run,... whatever. The
activity doesn’t necessarily matter as long as it challenges you enough to
require focus. I guarantee the action won't be regretted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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runningman802http://www.blogger.com/profile/13797487795077689444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242053189101231683.post-7100144473820546422015-11-24T07:49:00.000-08:002015-11-25T08:20:14.441-08:00Ode to the Wall<div class="MsoNormal">
On October 25<sup>th</sup> I ran in the LOCO Marathon in
Newmarket, NH. My goal for running this
race was to set a new personal record and break 3 hours in the process. This
course is very conducive to doing just that.
I’ve been running marathons for over 30 years and know the importance of
proper pacing. That being said, it was also important to not hold back too much,
otherwise I would risk having an excessive amount of ground to make up. So I went at it with controlled aggressiveness,
knowing that I would either be successful or “crash and burn”. </div>
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Unfortunately I crashed and burned, which involved “hitting
the wall” very hard around mile 20, something I haven’t done in 15 years. If
you are an endurance athlete you are no doubt familiar with this term. For those unfamiliar, “hitting the wall”
refers to the point when your muscle glycogen (the body’s most efficient fuel
source) is depleted.</div>
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While at first I was upset that it happened, it turned out
to be an empowering experience. Having an extinct fuel supply, yet still having over 6 miles to travel with nothing but your feet to carry you, makes one find out how
deep inside themselves they can dig for strength. It also puts life in
perspective, making everyday stressors seem petty.</div>
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While I would have loved to have achieved my goal, I must
say I am happy I hit the wall, as it recalibrated me. Despite the effort it took I was able to finish in a respectable, Boston marathon qualifying time of 3:20. Most importantly though, post race I am approaching
each day with more passion, calmness and confidence, knowing I can handle
anything life throws my way. I also
learned what I need to do in my training going forward, increasing the odds that
my next attempt at a personal record will be successful. This inspired me to write <i>Ode to the</i> <i>Wall</i>. </div>
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The “wall” represents more than just a runner depleting their
fuel supply. It is anything in life that stands in the way of you achieving
your goal. Therefore, it is my goal and hope that my Ode to the Wall is a
source of inspiration for anyone who has had a setback in pursuit of their
goals,athletic or other.</div>
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<u>Ode to the Wall<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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The horn sounds and racing begins. With strength and speed
the hills and valleys are effortlessly traversed. Hopes run high that this will
be standard fare. Yet as time passes and heart rate rises, the threat of your
appearance lingers faintly in the air.</div>
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Kilometers and miles pass with no credible hints of your
arrival. My imagination erupts with visions of race day glory. Could I set a
record, could I win!</div>
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I confidently run on.
I feel good, I feel strong, “Bring it on!”</div>
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Hold that thought. Stay cool. I think to myself. The
experienced marathoner knows that after mile 18 is when you notoriously
strike. Like a lion attacking its prey,
you wait until the moment when your victim appears weakest. </div>
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Miles go by, no indication of you in sight. With cautious optimism I power on.</div>
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Mile 16, Mile 17, the legs, they start to feel a bit heavy,
my pace begins to waver. </div>
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Have some water, have some GU, that’s what I need to
do. </div>
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This process re-energizes me. It was a false alarm. My hopes
and dreams return. I run on.</div>
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I cross mile 20, you waste time no more, with the velocity and
abruptness of a snipers bullet you strike. A pace once mighty becomes feeble.
The day’s hopes of glory segue into hopes of survival.</div>
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I dig deep within myself for the power to propel myself forward.
The hare has become the tortoise. Seconds feel like minutes. </div>
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Walk, jog, run, repeat, just keep the legs moving. Your
blows are powerful but I will not be broken. I can still finish respectably. </div>
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After much perseverance, in the distance I finally see it, a
sign that says finish. Is this for real? Or did I die and enter heaven? </div>
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It is in fact for real, yet they are one in the same. The
finish is heavenly on this day. </div>
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Today I was your victim, but little do you know that your
attack has made me stronger and wiser. I have learned more about your ways and what
it takes to defeat you. Mark my words I
will return and it will be with a vengeance. There is a crack in your armor and
I’ve got a hammer.</div>
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runningman802http://www.blogger.com/profile/13797487795077689444noreply@blogger.com0South Burlington, VT 05403, USA44.4493489 -73.1607806000000144.3586739 -73.322142100000008 44.540023899999994 -72.999419100000011tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242053189101231683.post-88251347442104460392015-10-13T12:43:00.000-07:002016-12-21T07:47:37.526-08:00Staying Sane In An Insane World<div class="MsoNormal">
"What a mistake that was!" I think to myself as I turn off the evening news. Like anyone else I
want to know what’s going on in the world, but 30 minutes ago I was in a good
mood. Now, after hearing negative story after negative story, I’m a bit
melancholy. I decide I need a dose of
endorphins, so I put on my workout gear for a little running therapy.</div>
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Dusk begins to settle in as I venture out into my
neighborhood, beginning with a jog then progressing into a moderate paced run. I sometimes run with an ipod, but not
tonight. I’m feeling the need to be without technology, running with just the
sounds of nature and my thoughts.</div>
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Having just watched the news my thoughts are of course on the
world today and how easily accessible information is. Between television,
radio, internet and even the endangered newspaper, from the moment we wake up to
the time we go to sleep we are easily inundated with information. Unfortunately,
much of this information is negative. Frequent news topics such as the growing
concerns over foreign policy, foreign relations, the economy, health care issues, and
school shootings can easily provide many reasons to feel scared, angry, sad, or
hopeless. </div>
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The media outlets, however, would not bombard us with this information,
if in fact there was no demand for it. I’ve heard that various television
networks have experimented over the years with a focus on positivity, which unfortunately
resulted in poor ratings. <span class="apple-converted-space">People want to know, and
certainly need to know, about the dangers in our world. That being said, while
it may be human nature to want to know about the dangers and events in the
world, it is possible to be overloaded, causing negative effects to both
physical and mental health. Just as a boat only sinks if it lets in the water
around it. Negativity will bring us down if we let it consume us.</span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space">But how do we prevent this? How do we make a difference in
the world? How do we create positivity? Putting an end to all the stress and
strife in the world is no simple task. Fortunately, there are things we can do
which will have a positive effect on ourselves and our environment. Which, in
the spirit of the expression “pay it forward”, will have a domino effect and
lead to others benefiting as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333;">Since I’m
running, the first thing that comes to mind is <b>exercise.</b> There is a strong body
and mind connection. By exercising regularly, both your brain and body become
healthier. </span>Scientists have been
linking physical<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: text1;">exercise</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>to
brain health for years and there is compelling evidence that physical exercise
helps the brain resist shrinkage and increase cognitive abilities. For example, we now know that, regardless of
your age, exercise promotes a process known as neurogenesis, which is your
brain’s ability to adapt and grow new brain cells. Additionally exercise
reduces cortisol levels, which in turn reduces stress and anxiety. All of these factors combine to make a more
positive state of mind. <span style="background: white; color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white;"><b>Positivity</b> contributes to
happiness and research has shown happiness to be contagious. I recently read about
research in which the researchers looked at twenty years' worth of data on more
than 5,000 individuals and found that when any one person was happy, their
friends became more likely to share that joy. </span></div>
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<span style="background: white;">Benefits spread out to three
degrees of separation, meaning a better chance at</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span class="il"><span style="background: white;">happiness</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span style="background: white;">for not only their
friends' friends, but also their friends' friends' friends. It’s been my
experience that periodically challenging myself by stepping outside of my comfort
zone, such as with a higher intensity or longer duration workout, leads to
empowerment and as a result, greater happiness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white;">Getting outside also helps tremendously. </span></b><span style="background: white;"> </span><span style="background: white;">Studies by
researchers in England and Sweden have found that runners who exercise in a<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="il">natural</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>green setting with trees, foliage and
landscape views, feel more restored, and less anxious, angry and depressed than
those runners who do the same workout in a gym or other urban setting. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white;">I have personally found that running outside at different
times of day is also great for creating a pleasant state of mind.. For example,
in the early morning I get to experience serenity from the stillness that
exists in the hours pre-hustle and bustle of the work day. In the evening, I
get to eliminate the stress that accumulated during the day and sometimes see
some magnificent sunsets in the process. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white;"><b>Expressing gratitude is a common practice for producing positive
emotions too. </b>It’s certainly worked for me.<b> </b> </span><span style="background: white; color: #202022;">Taking a few minutes each day to write down a few things we are grateful
for in our life, whether big or small, brings on feelings of positivity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">I’ve been reading a lot
lately about the health benefits of being creative and it’s quite fascinating. </span></b><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">What I’ve learned, in a
nutshell, is that<b><span style="color: #3b5436;"> </span></b></span>the link between creativity and health has been
well established, so anything that allows you to be more creative in your
life benefits the physiology of your body and mind. Creative expression releases endorphins
and other feel good neurotransmitters, reduces depression and anxiety, improves
your immune function, relieves physical pain, and activates the parasympathetic
nervous system, thereby lowering your heart rate, decreasing your blood
pressure, slowing down your breathing, and lowering cortisol. I’ve experienced this first hand. Besides
running, nothing puts me in the zone and helps me relax (or in the moment) like
creative tasks. When I’m writing or doing home improvements, for example, the
world is tuned out and I’m totally in the moment and stress free.</div>
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<b><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">And of course, periodically
disconnecting, as I have done for this run, is extremely important.</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #3b5436;"> </span><span style="background: white;"> Being connected all the time to a smart phone,
mobile device or computer means we’re subject to interruptions, we’re
constantly stressed about information coming in, we are at the mercy of the
demands of others. It’s hard to slow down when you’re always checking new
messages coming in. Disconnecting also means avoiding TV and radio, thereby
avoiding being flooded by more negativity.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #202022;">Adding<b> fun</b> into each day is often overlooked because adults mistakenly feel there is no place for it in their life. But this belief is false,play is absolutely crucial for everyone young and old. </span>Just
because we’re adults, that doesn't mean we have to take ourselves so seriously
and make life all about work. We all need to have fun. <span style="background: white;"> </span><span style="color: #202022;">Fun (a.k.a play) </span><span style="background: white;">is
a time to forget about work, commitments, and everyday stress. In one of my favorite TED talks, DR Stuart
Brown of the <a href="http://www.nifplay.org/" target="_blank"><b>National Institute for Play</b>,</a>
<span style="color: #222222;">suggests that a lack of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="il">play</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>contributes to shrinkage of the brain.</span> Sharing laughter and fun can also foster
empathy, compassion, trust, and intimacy<span class="apple-converted-space"> with others. It also helps us adapt and problem solve
by stimulating our imagination. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;">On this thought I conclude my run. As anticipated my mood has
been elevated, I’m now happy again. As I do a cool down walk I promise myself
to practice all the things I’ve been thinking about. I hope you do too. The world is counting on us!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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runningman802http://www.blogger.com/profile/13797487795077689444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242053189101231683.post-10004697060480910302015-07-20T15:48:00.000-07:002015-10-14T08:59:02.521-07:00Rejuven-8-tion; Getting Back my Mojo at the Stowe 8 Miler<div class="MsoNormal">
I step out of my car and the humid air of this hot July
morning quickly envelops my body. It’s been a fairly cool summer thus far so this
heat and humidity combination makes for an extra dramatic transition as I
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I’m at the Stowe 8 Miler in Stowe, VT. I haven’t done much testing of my speed since
my lackluster performance at the VT City Marathon (see my blog post <i>Exposed to Kryptonite</i>) so I am unsure
what to expect. However, I’m hoping to at least equal my performance from 2012
(the last time I did this race) in which I ran a 52:57, averaging 6:38 per
mile. Today’s toasty conditions may work against me though. </div>
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As I walk towards the registration table I hear a <i>whoosh</i> sound overhead. As I look towards
the sky my eyes are greeted by a dozen or more hot air balloons, spanning from almost
directly overhead to Mount Mansfield in the distance. I’ve been to races where there have been
flyovers by military jets, but never has there been a hot air balloon
flyover. Today’s race happens to
coincide with the Stowe Balloon festival. Hence, the sky full of balloons.
Regardless of the reason, it makes for quite a festive start to the day.</div>
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Going into the day my mind had been filled with clutter and mental
gunk from a busy, stressful week. The demands of everyday life and running a
business had been weighing on my mind. I was excited to run today but I was
still, nonetheless, slightly distracted. The impressive display of balloonery, however,
helped put me in good spirits.</div>
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I arrive at the registration booth, after completing my form
and submitting payment for the entry fee I am handed a free jar of Bove’s pasta
sauce(one of the race’s sponsors) and a lively colored orange race t-shirt. I return
to my car equipped with my race booty, then proceed to suit up and warm-up. I
still have 50 minutes until the start so there is plenty of time to prepare. <br />
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At last the time to report to the starting line is at hand.
The start is on a gravel road in an athletic field. I line up a few rows from the front. I’m not
going to win this thing but I do intend to run fast enough to require being
able to separate myself from the pack as soon as possible. </div>
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5….4….3….2…1…. Go! We
are off and running. The first tenth of a mile (approximately) of the course
remains gravel before turning onto a paved road. I stay within the pack while
on gravel, but as we turn onto the paved road I look for areas to run more
freely. The left side of the road allows me to do this as there is more space
between runners. So, that’s where I steer
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Going into this race I decided I was going to enact the
strategy of having a controlled start, running the first mile at a slower pace
than my 6:38 target. This would allow
for additional warm-up and enable me to feel out what my capabilities are. The
number 6:45 entered my mind as a good target pace. After crossing mile one and
hitting the “split time” key on my watch I see that my time for mile 1 is; drumroll……………….6:45.
Right on pace! </div>
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I’m loosening up and feeling good. These facts combined with
the fact that mile 2 is flat makes me decide to increase my pace a bit. I cross
mile 2 with a split time of 6:25. Mile 3 is one of the tougher ones because it
has a short but steep hill as Luce Hill Rd turns onto Barrows Rd which goes by
Stowe High School. Therefore, my goal is to just maintain a sub 7 minute pace, then make up any lost time on the back side as the course goes downhill
through mile 4 after the high school.</div>
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Upon reaching this section, I find the downhill to be very
refreshing. My pace increases almost
effortlessly while the trees are making for very helpful spectators, providing
substantial amounts of shade. I cross
mile 4 in 26:30, pretty much at my pace for the 2012 race. The upcoming
sections of the course are rolling, with no major inclines. However, there will
be little relief from the sun, which is now beating down more intensely with
the humidity rising, causing a double whammy (pardon me for incorporating fancy
meteorological terms..lol). Therefore, even though I’m feeling strong,
maintaining this pace is by no means a sure thing.</div>
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As I continue along at what feels to be a consistent pace I
gradually reel in runners who I have seen in the distance ahead of me. I’m not
sure how many runners are ahead of me, but it doesn’t seem like it could be a
large number. I’m also curious as to how many there are ahead of me in my age
group, which is 40-49. When I ran this race in 2012 the age groups were in 5
year increments so I took home a plethora of goodies as a result of finishing
second in the 45-49 division. Doing so again this year will be significantly
more challenging with the larger range in ages within the division. Really that’s not a major concern though.
Today’s race is primarily against the clock.<br />
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At mile 5 I begin to feel some heaviness in my legs, the
heat and humidity are taking their toll, causing some effects of mild dehydration
to make my pace feel more laborious. As
the course turns left off from the Moscow Rd and onto the River Rd there is a
short, yet steep feeling ascent. There
is a runner who appears to be in his early to mid twenty’s who has stopped to
walk up this hill. He has the leanness of a fast runner. He must
have been done in by the heat. “Just
keep the legs moving Moe”, I think to myself, “and then open up your pace again
at the top.” </div>
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Upon reaching the summit of this mini-mountain I see water. Water in cups! Water from hoses! This is no mirage. There is a hose perched
atop a ladder raining water down to the ground below, enabling runners to run
through and cool off. I, of course, am
happy to partake. This water is perfectly timed, I think to myself as I run
underneath this makeshift rain cloud. Ah,
sweet exhilaration!</div>
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Immediately following the hose is a water station. Now that,
for the time being, my external need for water has been satisfied I can deal
with my internal need. I grab a cup and drink it down.</div>
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Upon consuming the water and discarding the cup I spy yet
another hose perched above the course a few feet ahead. I capitalize on what
will most likely be my last chance for cooling off and run through this second rain
station. All this water has enabled me
to feel some rejuvenation. I charge forward to make my assault on the final 3
miles. </div>
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As a result of the water I’m able to pick up my pace a bit and
I feel stronger too. The remaining miles don’t have any major terrain changes
so my plan is to put myself on cruise control and then unleash whatever I have
left during the final mile. This current stretch is flat and on a dirt road, so
aside from the heat it makes for good running. I steadily make progress on some
of the runners ahead of me and end up passing several. </div>
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At mile 7 the course enters Stowe village before turning up
the Mountain Road for the final stretch. Here is where I shift into a higher
gear to give everything I’ve got left.
As I exit a short stretch of bike path that connects with Route 100 in Stowe
village I see another runner about 10 seconds ahead of me. This guy has been in
front of me the entire race, I’d love to finally pass him but I need to do it
strategically so he doesn’t pass me back.
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The turn from Route 100 onto the Mountain Road is upon us.
This means there’s about a half mile to go. I hang back and, for now, avoid additional acceleration as the course takes us across a bridge over the Little
River. Immediately after the bridge, the road turns right. At this point the
road has a gradual but constant incline. This is where I choose to make my
move. With only about four tenths of a mile to go I know that I can kick it in
all the way from here. I pass this
runner I’ve had my eye on for several miles and never look back.</div>
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I dig deeper into my fuel reserves and pick up my pace. I
know that very soon I will round a bend and see the turn for the finish by The
Golden Eagle Resort. However, I still
need to make sure I don’t begin my final sprint too soon. I round the first
bend and see another runner potentially within striking distance. With each
foot strike I move closer and closer to him. I’m reeling him in, but even so, there
may not be enough distance between us and the finish line to catch him.<br />
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After rounding the next bend I hear an
increased amount of cheering and spectators are lined up on the right side of
the road. I know the finish is right there, a short distance ahead. I see the runner in front of me turn left onto
Eagle Ridge Rd where the finish is located, which means that I will be unable
to chalk up another victim. All I can do is just give whatever I’ve got left
and finish as quickly as I can. I cross
the finish line in 53:58. </div>
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I ended up with a slower time than my 2012 race, however, I
learned that overall I finished 9 places higher (24<sup>th</sup> vs 33<sup>rd</sup>).
The heat and humidity definitely took their toll resulting in most people’s
times (even the top runners) being 1-2 minutes slower than usual. The
realization of this fact made me feel ecstatic about my performance, just what I
needed to push myself out of my funk. Age
group-wise I performed better than expected, finishing 5<sup>th</sup> out of 57
competitors (just 26 seconds shy of taking home a prize).</div>
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The stresses of life (aka the clutter) that consumed my mind
at the beginning of the day were now completely replaced with happiness and a
sense of being at peace; Thereby, proceeding to further emphasize the importance
of incorporating challenge into our lives and stepping off of our normal well
beaten path of routine. It’s through
challenging ourselves and stepping outside of our comfort zone that we gain a
renewed appreciation for what is really important in life. Our threshold for
discomfort is raised, which brings about a greater enjoyment of life as a
whole. Additionally, we find out that we are capable of much more than we
think.</div>
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As I sit on the deck at the Rusty Nail Bar and Grille with
the sun beating down on my face and a Smuttynose (another race sponsor) Old
Brown Dog Ale in my hand, I reflect on how important it is to celebrate. For life is best enjoyed with balance. Work
hard and challenge yourself, but take time to celebrate your accomplishments
and life itself.<br />
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runningman802http://www.blogger.com/profile/13797487795077689444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242053189101231683.post-36193875868611344872015-05-31T11:09:00.002-07:002015-10-14T09:00:22.050-07:00Exposed to Kryptonite: My 2015 VT City Marathon <div class="MsoNormal">
“F#@%!" I utter. Not
loudly, yet at a volume loud enough to be audible to the runner passing on my
left. It’s very evident I’m hurting. I’ve
just reached mile 10 of the Vermont City Marathon, a section of the course
which begins with a modest descent before leveling off. Certainly not
challenging terrain, and not far enough into the race to induce “hitting
the wall”. Yet, here I am, feeling as though I am about to do just that. </div>
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All week long the pollen count has been incredibly high. As a
result I’ve been battling intense allergy symptoms which have provoked my
asthma. My breathing has been inefficient and slightly labored, even with the
help of medications. Yet through it all I remained optimistic that it would
clear up by race day. </div>
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Race morning found me with slight nausea, but my breathing
much more unrestricted. I’ve had many a
race in my career in which I haven’t felt the best in the pre-race hours, yet I
performed surprisingly strong and felt almost invincible once the race got
underway. I was hoping today would be one of those days.</div>
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While not feeling strong, I certainly had been feeling
decent from the time the starter’s horn bellowed at 8:03 am. I had been running at a consistent pace and was
on pace to complete a very respectable marathon, finishing somewhere in the
vicinity of 3 hours 15 minutes. That was, until I hit mile 10. As a result of
inefficient breathing my body was using glycogen (it’s most efficient fuel
source) at an elevated rate. Once the glycogen goes away, so does any semblance
of speed. So now, at mile 10, the needle
on my internal fuel gauge is flirting with “E”. <br />
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I reach for a GU energy gel from my Fuel Belt. I have each
individual GU packet stored in the belt with the top half of the packet facing
down. This allows for fast and easy access, enabling me to remove the GU packet
as if I’m removing a gun from a holster. Also, the packets tend to stay in place more securely this way. I blindly
reach down and grab the first packet I feel. As I pull it up into view I see it’s
the flavor “chocolate outrage”. I am aware that I may just be delaying my
inevitable termination from the race. Yet I can’t help but hope that this “chocolate
outrage” will provide me with the “rage” of energy I need.</div>
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Upon consumption I have a slight spike in my energy, yet it
is certainly no rage and it is very short-lived. An epic battle of “tug-of- war”
now begins in my mind. The sensible side of my brain gives a tremendous pull, proclaiming: <i>You should drop out! You
have nothing to gain by staying in the race! If you do you will end up walking, being on the course for hours longer
than anticipated and it will take at least twice as long to recover once the
run is over!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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The stubborn side of my mind then tugs back mightily,
proclaiming that I should: <i>Suck it up! Dropping out is a sign of weakness! You should stay in the race and finish, even
if it is a slower time than you’ve ever done!</i> <i>At
least you’ll have completed the mission!</i> All the while there is a lingering
optimism in the back of my mind that I will still get my second wind, a resurgence
of energy that carries me through the remaining miles. </div>
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I’ve never been one to drop out. If I start, I intend to
finish. The mere thought of a “DNF” (Did Not Finish) is difficult to comprehend. I am also slightly concerned with how my
decision will be perceived. I normally am not tremendously concerned with what others
think about my actions. However, as a trainer and a coach I want to set a good
example. Will dropping out send a bad message? Will taking 5 ½ - 6 hours (or more) make me
look unskilled? Which of my current choices is the lesser of
two evils? These thoughts may be unfounded, but for an
athlete who, for the first time in years is suddenly forced to come to terms
with the fact that he is human, are completely natural. </div>
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I tell myself I will postpone the decision by giving myself
until Oakledge Park, the halfway point. If I am going to get a second wind it
should happen by then. At each aid station I consume both water and Gatorade,
hopeful that they will join forces to give me the resurgence I so desperately
seek. </div>
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With each foot strike the tug-of-war continues in my mind,
with no clear winner in sight. My pace slows significantly with each mile, down
to as low as 9:30 when I finally hit Oakledge Park in a time of 1 hour 45
minutes. Doubling this time would
certainly make for a very respectable marathon. However, that would require
averaging 8 minute miles from this point forward. I face the reality that this will not happen.
It was all I could do to hit the last mile in 9:30 and I feel my energy waning.
I still, however, cannot bring myself to actually drop out. If I do drop out
here I will still have to walk back to the start. So, I might as well continue
to run. The battle wages on!</div>
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I continue to shuffle along at whatever pace I can muster. There
are no significant terrain changes but my pace continues to slow, with it now down to 10:00 per mile. I'm also feeling out of sorts and not exactly steady on my feet. I make the decision that I will pull out of
the race as I hit the bottom of Battery Street. This will allow me to have
minimal walking distance to get to the baggage check area where my warm up gear
is stored.</div>
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However, as I turn the corner from Maple Street onto Battery
I am quickly seduced by the rhythmic beat of the Taiko drums and the
intoxicating cheers of energetic spectators. The drums are being played at the
base of Battery Street and the spectators are lined up along the hill. Both
combine to provide a powerful driving force that propels runners up the hill. I
can’t deny myself this experience, nor can I resist! <br />
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I continue to run(my pace still somewhat resembles a
run so let’s go with that) with my eyes focused no more than 15 feet in front
of me to avoid being done in by the daunting hill. As I ascend the hill I hear cheers of; “Go
Moe!” To avoid burning excess energy I avoid turning to look at the crowd but I
wonder how so many people know who I am. Then I remember that along with my
number my first name is written on my bib. I love how spectators will cheer for you even if they don’t know you. It’s
one of the many things that make marathons so rewarding. </div>
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My legs start to burn with the fires of accumulating lactic
acid. I tell myself to just keep moving,
make it to the top and worry about the rest from there. The beauty of this stretch
of the course is that the drum beat and spectator’s cheers provide so much
energy they can make even the slowest runner feel fleet of foot. As a result, I
summit the hill much quicker than I anticipated. </div>
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As I round the corner to turn into the Battery Park, the
tug-of-war is over. My body has made the decision for me. With all of my glycogen
depleted, running is no longer an option. I slow to a walk and exit the course,
officially proclaiming my sensible brain as the winner. </div>
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I stand in Battery Park to reflect for a few minutes. I’m at
peace at the moment but fear that as the fatigue wears off I will become upset
that this happened. In my 31 year career as a runner I have NEVER DNF’ed. </div>
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As I slowly make my way to the baggage area, then to the
finish line to transition into the role of spectator, I pause to think further. There really is nothing I could have
done differently. What made me have a bad race is a poorly timed peak to allergy
season with a pollen count that is higher than it’s been in years. Even Superman has Krytponite to deal with. I
was just exposed to my Kryptonite, which happened to be in microscopic granular
form. The good news is that I didn’t drop out because of an injury. I live to
run another day!</div>
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runningman802http://www.blogger.com/profile/13797487795077689444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242053189101231683.post-76216537676837727022015-04-20T06:21:00.002-07:002018-01-07T16:01:38.421-08:00From Hopkinton to Boston<div class="MsoNormal">
April 20<sup>th</sup>,
2015 marks the 119<sup>th</sup> running of the Boston Marathon. I have competed
in this amazing event 7 times, including 2013 when the tragic bombings occurred. I feel extremely fortunate that I finished
the race and had exited the finish area before the explosions occurred. However, that didn’t take away my feelings of
anger and sadness. <span style="background: white;">The Boston Marathon occurs on Patriots day;
a day of families, happiness and rejuvenation.
How dare someone bring so much hurt to this day! I knew I had to return for my 7th Boston in 2014 to join in the “take back the race” effort. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="background: white;"> </span><br />
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This year I
have chosen to forego the race to participate in the Vermont City Marathon in
hopes of getting a personal best time. As great of a race as Boston is, it
offers its own unique challenges (such as heartbreak hill and the adjoining
hills of Newton, MA) which make running a personal best time difficult. However, I will still be following the race
this year with excitement, and most likely with a slight sense of sadness that
I am not there. </div>
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The
Boston Marathon has always held a great deal of mystique for me. I still recall
sitting in the back seat of the family car as a child and looking up in awe at
the “It all starts here” sign while traveling through Hopkinton. We had
relatives in the area and would periodically travel there for visits. Little
did I know that one day I would be running in this extraordinary event and gaze
at that sign through much older eyes. </div>
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The marathon
itself is a metaphor for life; you get out of it what you put in. By
persevering through the challenges you experience the joy of achievement and
success. In this blog post I have chosen
to share with you my experiences at the 2011 Boston Marathon (in which I set a
course personal best) to help illustrate this point.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">From Hopkinton to Boston; The 2011 Boston Marathon through
my eyes</span></b></div>
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It’s Monday, April 18<sup>th</sup>,
8:00am and I’m walking up Hayden Rowe in Hopkinton, MA. I’m on my way to the Hopkinton Middle School,
home of the Athlete’s Village for the 2011 Boston Marathon. On Sunday evening, I was fortunate enough to
be able to stay with friends in Hopkinton, avoiding the need to catch the
official race day transportation bus to the starting line, which left early
that morning from Boston. </div>
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I’m walking up Hayden Rowe, because
the streets surrounding the middle school and starting line are closed to
traffic. My friends dropped me off as
close to the Athlete’s Village they could get, which was just under half a mile
away, leaving me to walk the remaining distance, this is fine as it allows me
to work off some race-day jitters. </div>
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As I approach the Athlete’s Village,
I can feel the energy in the air.
Thousands of runners are spread out on the school grounds, stretching,
hydrating, and doing their best to stay warm.
The temperatures are expected to reach the mid 60’s and the sun is
shining, but there is a steady wind that puts a slight chill in the air. I don’t want to expend too much energy
walking around, so I search for a spot that’s out of the wind as much as
possible, where I can sit and relax and stretch.</div>
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Directly behind the school, I see a
spot located between two buildings, which can provide both shelter from the
wind and sunlight to help me stay warm.
As is typically the case on race day, I’m anxious to get started. However, I’m not scheduled to report to the
starting line for at least another hour, so I bide my time by listening to
motivational music on my iPod and visualizing the race ahead.</div>
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My training for this year’s race
was more aggressive (as far as mileage and speed-work go) than in the
past. As a result, I have high
expectations for the race, with a goal to accomplish a new course personal
record. However, with challenges unique
to the Boston course, I'm not expecting do to complete a personal record
marathon time. I knew that I was prepared
to run strong, but variables such as how you respond to weather conditions,
make the marathon a challenge regardless of how well-conditioned one may be. </div>
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With that in mind, I am having some
doubts about whether I can really run a PR.
Fortunately though, these doubts are overcome with the help of Steven
Tyler and Aerosmith. On my iPod are
several Aerosmith songs, one of them being “F.I.N.E.” In the chorus for this song, Steven Tyler
repeats the words <i>“I’m ready, so ready,”</i> and while I know he isn’t talking
about being ready to run a race, it reminds me that I am, in fact ready.</div>
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Finally, it’s very close to the
time that I need to report to the starting line. I shed my warm-up clothes and my iPod, giving
them to race volunteers to transport to the finish. I want to get to the start early enough to
watch the elite women, who are scheduled to start before the elite men. Between television and news articles, I have
heard so much about these women, and am excited to see them in person. I am also interested in watching some of the
elite men, however the fact that I am scheduled to start at the same time makes
that impossible.</div>
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The elite female runner I’m most
interested in seeing is Kara Goucher, who in 2009 came within seconds of being
the first U.S. female winner of the Boston marathon since Joan Benoit Samuelson
in the early 1980’s. Each of the elite
women does their warm-up near the starting line. Kara Goucher just so happens to do a warm-up
run within 20 feet of me. While I had
envisioned her being taller, she was just as attractive in person as in
magazine photos. All of the women,
including her, looked very fast.</div>
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The time has now come for me to
race. The starting line is sectioned off
into corrals, which runners are assigned based on qualifying times. I am in corral #5, meaning that I will be no
more than 2.5 minutes from crossing the starting line once the starter’s pistol
is fired. In my corral, I strategically
locate myself on the left-hand side.
This is my 5<sup>th</sup> Boston Marathon, and I have learned that being
on either the inside or outside of the pack allows me to run much more free and
without encroachment. </div>
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After the typical ceremonial events,
such as the singing of the national anthem are performed, the starting pistol
is fired. The 2011 Boston Marathon has
begun. The first four miles are a steady
decline, so past experience tells me it’s very important to control my
pace. It’s very easy to go too fast on
the downhills in early stages, which will ultimately catch up with me as I
approach the infamous heart-break hill. </div>
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To achieve my goal of setting a new
personal record, I will need to average approximately seven minutes per
mile. However, as the pack is usually so
congested during the first few miles of these races, I’m being forced to run at
a 7:30 pace. Going too slow now will
require that I have to make up more time later on. A 7:30 pace is slower than I should be going,
but unfortunately there is not much I can do about it. For now, I will look for any opportunities I
can to open up my pace.</div>
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After the first mile, I’m able to
pick up my pace. I will aim to gradually
make up time over the upcoming miles as opposed to running a few too quickly. I cross the 5k checkpoint at 22:03, which is
right at my target pace, so much for not making up that time too
quickly. I am wearing my heart rate
monitor to keep myself honest. While my
heart rate has fluctuated some, it has not risen too high, indicating that I’m
still running within my capabilities.</div>
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The start is always full of
excitement, with hundreds of spectators lining the course. Approximately 3 miles into the race, we enter
Ashland and pass by one of the liveliest spots, TJ’s Spirits. We’re greeted by patrons who’ve arrived early
on in the day to celebrate and cheer on the continuous stream of runners. There’s so much energy from the spectators
during this stretch that I have to actively focus on my own pace. Looking ahead, I see a steady, uninterrupted
stream of runners, and I know the same can be said about what’s behind me. We must resemble a human river running
through the streets of Massachusetts. </div>
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Leaving Ashland, we enter
Framingham and I cross the 10k checkpoint (43:29), putting me right at 7-minute
miles. I am on pace and still feeling
strong. This stretch of the course is
straight and wide, which can make it tough on a hot day with no place to hide
from the sun. Fortunately a nice tail
wind guides us along and keeps us cool.</div>
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At the 15k checkpoint (1:04:45),
the course runs by Lake Cochituate. While
my eyes are focused on the road ahead, having that scenic vista makes the run
mentally easier. My pace at this point
has decreased to 6:56 per mile. I think
to myself: <i>at this pace, I could break 3
hours</i>. I know, however, that the
hills of Newton may tell a different story.</div>
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The next famous landmark is the
Scream Tunnel at Wellesley College, but that’s not for another 4 miles. For anyone not familiar with this famous part
of the Boston Marathon course, this is where the women of Wesley College stand
and scream at the top of their lungs for all the runners passing by. Keeping a controlled pace by Wellesley
College takes extra focus, and since I have 4 miles until then, I must keep my
pace controlled for now.</div>
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This is my 5<sup>th</sup> Boston
Marathon, and each time there has been a large, hand-written sign in Natick,
stating <i>Detour</i> with a large arrow
pointing to a keg party at a nearby house.
Sure enough, this year is no different.
While I’m always up for a free beer, I don’t feel that that would be too
conducive to setting a PR marathon time.
So I opt not to take the detour. </div>
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I continue to run along at a
strong, steady pace through Natick and crossing into Wellesley. I know that any minute now I’ll be hearing
the screams from hundreds of Wellesley college women. Based on past experience, Wellesley is a
point in the race I can use to gage my performance. While only just shy of the half way, in years
past, any indications of a bad race usually start to appear in the form of
fatigue at this point. The cheering
women at Wellesley provide a great boost, but if I’m having a bad day, this
boost is very short-lived. So I approach
downtown Wellesley hoping for the best.</div>
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Rounding the bend just before
Wellesley, I start to hear the distant screams.
As expected, the traditional lives on, and the women are lined up outside
of the college. As I get closer and
closer, the screams become louder and louder.
It takes everything I have to maintain my composure and keep my pace
steady. Running through the infamous
scream tunnel, I move closer to the right side of the road where more of the
women are located to absorb up as much of the energy as possible. Numerous signs are held up saying kiss
me. While tempted, I’m on PR pace and
don’t want to lose momentum. If only
these ladies could be lined up at the finish, I would be happy to oblige.<br />
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I eventually exit the scream tunnel
as the course dips down, only to rise back up again into downtown Wellesley,
the official half way point. While
downtown Wellesley is certainly not lacking in spectators, the scream tunnel is
a tough act to follow. But, as always,
the cheers of the crowd are uplifting. I
hit the half marathon at (1:31), slightly ahead of pace with miles just under 7
minutes each. Even better news is that
I’m still feeling great with no signs of fatigue, and my heart rate continues
to remain steady. The sun is still
beating down, and if it wasn’t for the wind, this might be uncomfortably
hot. The tail wind is still providing a
nice, cooling effect. </div>
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The next town we’ll be passing
through is Newton, where the real fun begins.
As I continue to run through Wellesley towards Newton, I replay my
strategy in my mind for dealing with the Newton hills: quite simply, survive. I will do my best to maintain my steady pace,
with the understanding that it may in fact decrease slightly. My goal is to keep this to a minimum however.</div>
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While not that steep, the hills
present challenges because of their location in the race. Starting at approximately mile 18 and
continuing through mile 21, this is where runners typically hit “the wall,” the
point at which runners begin to lose fuel and have to dramatically slow their
pace. Having to deal with hilly terrain
can bring on “the wall” sooner if proper pacing has not been sustained. Due to the downhill stretches in the early
stages of the race, at this point the runner’s legs can feel like Jello, thus
making the uphills that much more of a challenge.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6XVp0tVUSo4PWZqQ8DAoNmEVAaAo78a-2h1LjHd63dDUj5Tw0QrLrg01tQRQq7skRZQDwywPfv6-zzY585XOdU5roj3olDXbmoHYNZghtrYCAeUsMeMosyHjxfQM63HWjfcQcD9xKEIiK/s1600/johnny+kelley+statue+newton+ma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6XVp0tVUSo4PWZqQ8DAoNmEVAaAo78a-2h1LjHd63dDUj5Tw0QrLrg01tQRQq7skRZQDwywPfv6-zzY585XOdU5roj3olDXbmoHYNZghtrYCAeUsMeMosyHjxfQM63HWjfcQcD9xKEIiK/s1600/johnny+kelley+statue+newton+ma.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Statue of Boston Marathon Legend Johnny Kelley located in Newton, MA</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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When I crest the top of heart break
hill (the last of the Newton hills) at mile 21, I will then open up my pace and
aim for a strong, final 5.2 miles. As
the course crosses over Interstate 95 and enters Newton, the number of
spectators increases. I know that any
moment, we’ll be rounding the bend, turning off Route 16 and onto Commonwealth
Avenue by the Newton fire station. This
is where the hills begin.</div>
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To help prevent cramping from
dehydration, I take two electrolyte capsules, <!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img height="1" src="file:///C:/Users/Owner/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.png" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_1" width="1" /><!--[endif]-->drink some water, grit my teeth,
and prepare for hill #1. Hills have
always been one of my strong points.
While disliking them like most other runners, I tend to perform well on
them. While on my initial ascent, I
cross the 30k checkpoint (2:10). I’m
still at my 7-minute mile pace and well on my way to achieving my PR. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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From past experience, I recall that
there are some flat and downhill stretches between the major hills. While running my first Boston Marathon in
2004, these downhill stretches deceived me into thinking the hills were behind
me. I won’t be fooled so easily
today. As I approach the second of the
Newton Hills, I am starting to feel some leg heaviness. This hill is the steepest of the three, and
I’m anxious to have it behind me. I
power my way up, increasing my pace in the process. As I do so, I see runners on both sides of me
having their own encounters with “the wall.”
Some are walking and some are jogging at very slow paces. I feel for them, but hope that’s not me in a
couple miles. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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At the top of the hill, I’m feeling
more fatigued than I should. Perhaps I
got slightly greedy, and went faster than I should have. I’ll do my best to use the stretch between
here and hill #3 ( aka heartbreak) to recover. <span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">There are mile markers at every
mile along the course, and I use them to make sure I’m on pace. At this point in a marathon, each mile can
feel like two. The last mile marker I
saw was mile 18. Looking ahead, I see
mile marker number 20. Somehow, I missed
mile 19. Perhaps I blacked out for a
while. Regardless, I’m happy to see that
this is in fact mile 20, and that it didn’t take me 15 minutes to run 1
mile. Mile 20 also means heartbreak hill
is just ahead. I focus on keeping my
legs moving for 1 more mile, and know then that the hills of Newton will be
behind me.</span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span></div>
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Ascending heartbreak hill does feel
a bit more laborious than Newton Hill #1, but overall, I feel good. I keep my eyes peeled for the church on the
campus of Boston College. This is a
beautiful sight, not only because of the architecture, but because it means
that I’ve reached the summit of Heartbreak Hill. I continue to chug my way up, and finally,
the church is within sight. In my head,
I rejoice. There’s still 5.2 miles to
go, but it feels awfully nice to have those hills behind me. </div>
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Just pass the top of Heartbreak
hill is the 35k checkpoint (21.7 miles), which I cross at 2:32. This translates to 7 minute, 2 second
miles. Still on track for a PR, this
consistent pace means I’m using energy efficiently.<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Boston College is also a high-energy stretch
of the course, as students show up in force to cheer on each and every
runner.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">This energy helps build the
excitement of entering Boston.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Shortly
after Boston College, the course enters Brookline.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">The Boston skyline is now in sight in the
distance. </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">While great to see, there are
still over four miles to go.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">I need to
keep my excitement in check as the last four miles are typically the toughest
of any marathon.</span></div>
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Continuing down Commonwealth
Avenue, just past Mile 22, the course descends to Cleveland Circle turning onto
Beacon Street. My legs are feeling quite
lively, so I attack the downhill, taking advantage of every opportunity I have
to knock seconds off my time. I round
the corner onto Beacon Street. The
street is open, long, and straight, with no turns in sight. This can be tough mentally, especially in a
fatigued state. <br />
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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There may be just about four miles
remaining, but after running 22, it can feel like a long four miles. To make this more bearable, I utilize one of
my common strategies of breaking the remaining miles down into segments. Instead of having 28 minutes left to run, I
tell myself I have four 7 minute segments. <span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">I hit mile 23 with my most recent
mile split being 7 minutes, 15 seconds.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">This is slightly slower than what I’d been averaging, but not slow
enough to negatively effect my PR quest.</span></div>
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Continuing down Beacon Street, more
and more buildings of downtown Boston are becoming visible, including glimpses
of the famous Citgo sign, located in Kenmore square. Suddenly my pace drops dramatically. Every step feels like I have ankle weight attached to me. While I haven’t hit
“the wall,” it’s certainly taunting me.
It’s as if it’s taken human form and is running behind me, whispering in
my ear, telling me that today is not my day after all. I have visions of my PR slipping away. My legs are heavy, and with each step the ankle weights grow in size. My split for
Mile 23 is 8 minutes, a full minute below what I have been averaging. </div>
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I think to myself, just get through this. Even if you don’t achieve a PR, you’ve still
had a great time. But then another voice
speaks to me louder and screams; <i>No! You’ve
trained too hard! You came here to PR,
and that’s all that’s acceptable! </i><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">I know that my fuel is running low, and each
step is pulling “the wall” closer to me.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">I have two Gu energy gel packets remaining and quickly consume
both.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">I then hit the next water stop
where I drink both water and Gatorade.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">I
may not have much fuel left, but I’m going to use every bit of it to get to
the finish line as fast as I can.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span></div>
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The combination of Gu, water, and
Gatorade do their job as I feel a bit of a spike in my energy. I dig deep and put the throttle down. I hit Mile 25 with a mile split of 7:20. I’m too fatigued to do the math, but I’m confident
that if I keep this pace that the PR will be mine. The course then takes me through Kenmore
square, certainly one of the most exciting sections of the course, not just
because there’s only one mile to go, but because this is a rare opportunity to
run though one of the busiest sections of Boston. I try to put on a good show and hide my
pain. Hopefully I’ve succeeded.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Just past Kenmore square, the
course dips down underneath Massachusetts Avenue. I am elated because the finish line is oh so
close, about ¾ of a mile. At the same
time, I feel like I’m running on fumes.
The course is requiring me to run uphill to re-connect with Beacon
Street, thereby causing me to work a little harder. My low fuel supply has left me in a bit of a
daze, but I’m confident at this point, I can maintain my pace. </div>
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Upon reconnecting with Beacon
Street, I see the turn onto Hereford Street just ahead of me. Inside, once again, I’m rejoicing because I
know that Boylston Street, the location of the finish, is at the other end of Hereford. Knowing this has caused me to
accelerate. I turn onto Hereford Street
and see the runners in front of me, ascending a slight incline and rounding the
corner onto Boylston Street. In my
fatigued state, even a slight incline can feel like heartbreak hill all over
again. But as I approach this incline,
knowing what lies around the corner gives me the boost I need to propel myself
onward with my speed unaffected.</div>
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I round the corner onto Boylston,
and in the distance I see one of the most glorious sights that any runner can
see, the finish line of the Boston Marathon.
It’s looming in the distance, which in my dazed and dehydrated state,
makes it resemble a mirage. I know
however, that this is no mirage. This is
the real thing. Even though the finish
line is in sight, there is still about a half mile to go, and in open stretches
such as this, you can run and run and feel like you’re not making any
progress. My internal fuel supply gage
is on ‘E.’ The ankle weights on my feet are once again getting larger. With the finish oh so close, I’m bound and
determined to get my PR.</div>
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This final stretch is loaded with
spectators. The energy they supply with
their cheers resembles the force of a tail wind, pushing me along to my
destination. I know that every step
brings me closer to the finish, so I focus on the road in front of me, not the
finish line in the distance. As I
continue to run down Boylston, the cheers become louder and louder as I get
closer to the finish. Typically, the
adrenaline of being near the finish allows me to bring out my inner Carl Lewis
and kick to the finish.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93apxzomQmIqhi1heZonLvgVHK8drR_fpicuXaW1UziZmLPWP_1f3Kcivtvke9FWflRcuUa_BTyfEXzEKaZloslzh3aXtjpTZYqbkJ61B-0qu0L5fOjDA5zi5UXSXDARn0uaWy5K5E0YV/s1600/boston_marathon_finish_line_a_l1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93apxzomQmIqhi1heZonLvgVHK8drR_fpicuXaW1UziZmLPWP_1f3Kcivtvke9FWflRcuUa_BTyfEXzEKaZloslzh3aXtjpTZYqbkJ61B-0qu0L5fOjDA5zi5UXSXDARn0uaWy5K5E0YV/s1600/boston_marathon_finish_line_a_l1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My brain summons my legs to kick
into a higher gear so that I can sprint to the finish. But, much like Scotty in the engine room of
the USS enterprise, my legs say; “<i>we’re giving it all we got captain.” </i> I continue on, picking up my pace slightly,
but not to the degree I would like. The
finish line is within reach, no more than ¼ mile away. At this point I’m running on sheer determination. I put my head down, dig deep, and use every
bit of my remaining fuel to power my way towards the finish line. About 20 feet from the finish I I hear the
announcer say: “<i>Maurice Brown from Burlington, VT.” </i> This makes me feel like a rock star as I cross the
finish line in 3:06:03, exactly 60 seconds faster than my previous best Boston
Marathon time.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Despite my concerns at mile 23 and
my close encounter with “the wall,” today was, in fact, my day. I can now officially use every runner’s two
favorite letters of the alphabet, PR, when referring to my time.</div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whether your goal is to run a marathon, become more healthy and fit, start a business, etc...there are often setbacks along the
way. These setbacks can resemble “the
wall” that a marathon runner may encounter.
But just like in a marathon, these setbacks often occur when you’re
close to success. With any goal, the
closer you are to success, the more obstacles you encounter. What makes the difference between success and
failure in these instances is how you handle yourself in the challenges you
face.</div>
runningman802http://www.blogger.com/profile/13797487795077689444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242053189101231683.post-5957272602574140962015-02-10T07:32:00.000-08:002015-10-14T09:03:04.048-07:00Running and Happiness (Slaying The Beast)<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s 27 degrees; a tropical paradise compared to the
persistent single digit temperatures that have become the daily standard of
late. I’ve been getting much too familiar with the treadmill so I decide this
is the perfect opportunity to take my run outside. It’s 5:00 pm; daylight still dominates, but
darkness will be setting in soon, so I strap on my headlamp and head out the
door.</div>
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I take one of my standard routes which travels through the
neighborhoods on the hill above me. I enter a short stretch of pedestrian path
that connects the two neighborhoods. New
fallen snow blankets the earth and covers the trees along the path, muffling
each foot strike and giving the appearance of passing through a white tunnel. In the distance, headlights from a steady
stream of traffic on the highway illuminate the horizon, but, like my footsteps,
no sound is heard. With dusk setting it the experience becomes dream-like. </div>
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An endorphin rush typically accompanies every run, but
surreal moments like this amplify the experience. I’m totally in the zone, running effortlessly
in a state of solitude. Being in this state makes me think about how running
really is a catalyst for happiness. Moments like this provide happiness, but it
goes deeper. One of the major sources of happiness in life is constant
improvement; challenging yourself, enhancing your skills and abilities. Doing
so makes you feel alive. Running offers many opportunities for this to happen.</div>
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Beginning runners often have a goal of completing a 5K. Once
this is accomplished, if so desired, plenty of other opportunities exist for
progression and additional challenge, such as taking on a 10K, then the half
marathon or even the marathon distance; beyond that there are ultra marathons.
With any event an additional challenge of trying to improve time can be added. Furthermore,
running can act as a stepping stone to other events such as the triathlon. Regardless
of your experience or running history, there are always opportunities for
continued challenge, growth and motivation. </div>
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I have been running since high school and have progressed in
a manner similar to that which I just described. With 18 marathons behind me my
focus now is on improving my time. The marathons I’ve run have been for the
sake of experiencing different races and as a “carrot” so to speak; a source of
motivation to keep my conditioning level high.
The majority of my marathons have been on hilly courses, so it was more
about the experience. Now, I’m becoming more focused on improving my overall
finishing time. With Father Time in pursuit of me I know the time is now for
action! The goal; break 3 hours. </div>
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I’ve heard breaking 3 hours in the marathon referred to in
running circles as “slaying the beast”. This is fitting because it can feel like an intimidating creature at times. I’ve flirted with slaying the beast in the
past and just 3 years ago came the closest yet, finishing in 3:02 at The Cox
Sports Marathon in Providence, Rhode Island.
I was on pace through mile 21 but was done in by the hills near Brown
University. How ironic that I was brought down by a University that shares my
name.</div>
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I now have my sights set on the Vermont City Marathon this
May for my next attempt. A quest which I have proclaimed as <i>Operation 259; </i>as in, the operation will
be a success if I finish in 2:59 or less (I find assigning a title to a goal
makes it more fun). The course does possess some rolling terrain but overall is
conducive to a fast time. I view the
rolling terrain as a metaphor. When
pursuing a goal there will be highs and lows, challenges and victories, but by
being persistent you will be successful. Plus, running in my own backyard will
be more fun. My quest will be updated in
future blog posts.</div>
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Everyone, runner or otherwise, has a beast to slay in their
life, or a barrier that seem<span class="syllable"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #666666;">s </span></span>impermeable. Whatever yours is, go at it
with a vengeance! Don’t let it intimidate you. Be persistent! Sensations of power and happiness will
follow.</div>
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runningman802http://www.blogger.com/profile/13797487795077689444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242053189101231683.post-62067007056523868382014-11-11T06:43:00.000-08:002015-10-14T09:05:01.408-07:00From Staten Island To Central Park<i>The NYC Marathon is held on the first Sunday of November. Since this year's race was just recently completed I thought this would be a great opportunity to share my experiences from the race when I ran it in 2008.</i><br />
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It’s six o’clock am and I’m sitting
under a tree behind a building at Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island. Fort Wadsworth is a military base located by
the Verrazano-Narrows<span style="color: red;"> </span>Bridge. Today it is also the ‘Athlete's Village.’ It’s where everyone participating in the
marathon awaits the start. </div>
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Due the fact that there are
multiple street closings on race day, runners need to take one of the official
transportation buses to ensure arrival at the start on time. With just under
40,000 runners to transport, buses leave from downtown Manhattan and New Jersey
as early as 5 o’clock am. This is why
I’m at Fort Wadsworth hours before the 9:40 am start. </div>
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I’m sitting under a tree behind a
building to relax, conserve energy, and get some shelter from the wind. The temperature is supposed to reach the low
50’s, however right now it’s cold and windy.
I don’t know the exact temperature but it’s somewhere in the low
30’s. With the wind chill it’s got to be
even colder. Even with multiple layers
on, it doesn’t take long for me to get cold.
I decide to get up, walk around, and get a hot beverage to help me stay
loose and warm. </div>
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As I walk around, I see people from
numerous countries. The New York City Marathon attracts runners from all over the world. It is also, along with Boston, Chicago,
Berlin, and London, part of the World Marathon Majors Tour. The World Marathon Majors is a series of
marathons in which runners accumulate points based on how they finish. At the end of the tour, which takes place
over approximately a 2-year period, the top male and female runners split
$1,000,000 in prize money. As a result,
it attracts a high number of elite runners.
While I won’t be taking home $1,000,000, I still find it very exciting
to be part of an event of this caliber.</div>
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I don’t want to use up too much
energy, so I sit down once again. There
are some large tents set up for runners to sit down, stretch, and relax
in. However, after looking inside, I see
that there does not appear to be much space for another body. I decide to seek out another tree, but first,
I have some business to take care of. </div>
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I have to visit the
port-a-potty. Now normally, this
wouldn’t be noteworthy, but as I quickly realize there’s no exposure to the
wind, inside the port-a-potty is the warmest place in Athlete’s Village. I’ll admit it, the thought of spending a
couple more hours in here to warm up does cross my mind. After all, there are hundreds of them with
practically no lines. Would anyone
really know? Maybe if the ambiance were
better, I might consider this more. But
it is a portable public bathroom after all, so I exit and once again take a seat under a
tree behind a building. </div>
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After three hours of trying to
relax, focus, and stay warm, the time has finally come for me to shed
everything I’m wearing except for my race gear and report to my corral. A corral is a spot where runners gather just
before being directed to their place at the starting line. Runners are assigned to a corral based on
their expected finishing time. Now the
word corral conjures up images of thousands of runners being herded together
like cattle. While there are no race
officials on horseback chasing runners to the corral, there are directions
being given over the loud speakers. </div>
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The corrals are gated areas in
which race officials act like bouncers at a club, allowing only individuals
assigned to the corral, to enter. Since
I had qualified for a guaranteed spot in this year’s race, I didn’t have to win
my entry via their lottery system. Therefore, I am positioned in a corral near the front of the pack. </div>
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While standing at the start, I can
feel an incredible amount of energy in the air.
There are competitors and reporters from all over the world. The starting area is lined with buses and
helicopters overhead. Seeing the
Verrazano-Narrows Bridge towering in front of me is an awesome sight. I’m enjoying the moment and soaking in the
entire experience, but at the same time, I’m very anxious to start. To quote Tom Petty, “the waiting is the
hardest part.” </div>
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Before the race starts, the elite
men are introduced. The elite women had
a 9 o’clock start time and therefore are already running. Mayor Bloomberg speaks to the crowd of
runners and spectators, and of course, no sporting event is complete without
the singing of the Star Spangled Banner. Once the preliminary events are complete, the starting gun fires. The 2008 New York City Marathon has
begun. </div>
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Approximately the first 1.5-1.75
miles are spent crossing the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. There is a median strip in the form of cement
barriers down the center, with runners occupying the entire bridge both the
right and left sides of the median.
Whenever I compete in any running event, especially one of this size, I
try to avoid being boxed in. However, I
quickly find myself with the median strip on my left, a wall of runners on my
right, and not much room to run freely as a result. </div>
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There’s a guy running in a SpiderMan costume in front of me who’s struggling to put his mask on. There is just enough room to his right for
me to squeeze by, so I pick up my pace long enough to get around him. I take care not to interfere as I go by him,
just in case this is the real SpiderMan on his way to fight crime somewhere.</div>
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There are so many runners on the bridge that I find it difficult to run comfortably. Making progress involves running around
people, while being careful not to trip myself or others. Because of this, I quickly realize that today
is not a day for a personal best time.
There are just too many people to deal with. I decide to make the focus just enjoying the
whole experience.</div>
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As we exit the bridge, runners on
the right side (which is the side I’m on) take one route, while the runners on
the left take another. We will meet
again soon, no doubt. We approach mile
2, and there are thousands of spectators lining the streets. The fist sign being held up by a spectator says,
“welcome to Brooklyn.” This is my first
time in Brooklyn and there are thousands of people to welcome me. How thoughtful! </div>
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After running about a half mile
through the streets of Brooklyn, we merge with the other lane of runners. Seeing two groups of thousands of fast moving
runners merge is a very surreal experience.
It resembles two fast-moving streams merging to form a powerful
river. To organize the merger of these
forces there is a man-made median strip consisting of sawhorses with yellow
police tape connecting them. After about
a mile, this median strip gives way to a series of traffic islands, which allows
for less separation of the two lanes of runners. </div>
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Much to my surprise, I soon spot
another group of runners to my right. It
almost looks as if there is a separate race being run. However, this group of runners then merges
with us. It turns out that there were
runners on the lower deck of the bridge as well. </div>
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Mile 3.5 is where all runners
finally merge. Because there are fewer
runners on the left side, at mile 5 I decide to cross over at a break between
the islands. This allows me to open up
my pace and run more freely. It’s not
until the 10k mark that I realize the error of my ways. </div>
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It turns out that due to the
separation of lanes when exiting the bridge, the runners on the left hadn’t run
the same distance as those on the right.
They had run approximately 2/10 of a mile less. I came to this realization when at the 10k
mark, there was a section of matting on the road on the right side but not the
left. This matting is on the course
every 5 kilometers, as well as at the halfway point. It picks up the signal from a chip each
runner wears on their shoe to determine their split times, as well as their
official overall time. This is no big
deal, just that my 10k will show as being slower than it actually was. </div>
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I figure there must
be some type of course diversion soon to make the mileage for both sides of the
road equal. I didn’t want to get stuck
running further than I had to.
Therefore, after passing the 10k mark for the left side of the road, I
quickly switch back to the right side, where I should have stayed all
along. </div>
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Sure enough, at 8 miles this
diversion occurs. The runners on the
left side of the road temporarily separate from those on the right side, only
to reconnect a few minutes later. From
this point forward, the mileage is the same for both the left and right sides
of the road. </div>
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The course continues to wind its
way through the spectator-filled streets of Brooklyn. I’m feeling strong and averaging a pace of 7
minutes per mile. I’m comfortable with
my pace, and know it’s not unrealistic to maintain it. I also am wearing a heart rate monitor to
help ensure I pace myself correctly.
It’s easy under these circumstances to get an endorphin rush from all
the cheering and go too fast. My goal at
this point is to keep my pace steady and avoid this temptation. </div>
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At the half marathon mark, my time
is 1:33. As any runner knows, doing math
while racing can be difficult. However,
it doesn’t take much effort to determine that I’m on pace for a 3:06 marathon. It’s not a personal best, but I could
certainly live very happily with that. </div>
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I’m now running in Queens, with the
crowds just as lively and numerous as they were in Brooklyn. At mile 16, the course enters Manhattan via
the Queensboro Bridge. The bridge
starts at mile 15 and ends at mile 16.
There are no spectators on the bridge, but I can hear the distant
roaring of cheering ahead. At this point
I have separated myself considerably from those runners behind me. I feel like I am running on the bridge by
myself. I know this experience will be
short-lived, so I try to enjoy it. </div>
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A runner soon comes up behind me
and starts to pass me on the left. As I
turn to see who it is, I quickly realize that it’s SpiderMan. He’s ditched the mask and is now running with
his face exposed for all of New York to see his true identity. I think to myself, "I would like to beat
SpiderMan, but if I don’t it’s not a big deal, he is a super hero after all."</div>
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During the final ¼ mile on the
bridge, I approach yet another person running in costume. This time it’s someone dressed as Minnie
Mouse. I didn’t know Minnie was a
runner; I don’t recall any mention of her in the Celebrity Runner’s section of
the race program. As I pass, I turn to
look at Minnie. Much to my surprise,
this person dressed as Minnie, is a man.
Now I’ve been a runner for over 30 years, and I’m a competitive person. At this point, I’m not as concerned with who
beats me, as long as I know I gave 100% and ‘put it all out there’ so to
speak. I quickly decide though, that
there is absolutely no way I’m going to be beat my Minnie Mouse. I pass Minnie and never look back. </div>
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After exiting the Queensboro
Bridge, the course enters Manhattan. While I’ve never competed in the Olympics, I’ve got to believe that this
experience is comparable (at least in regards to energy in the air) to an Olympic Marathoner running
through the tunnel and entering the stadium near the finish. It goes from quiet to crazy. There is so much energy and excitement from
the crowds that it takes extra focus to maintain my pace.</div>
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The course turns onto First Avenue, which is also lined with cheering crowds every step of the way. This is a good thing because the course is
starting to get tough, and the extra motivation they provide is extremely
helpful. What makes this part of the
course tough is that it’s absolutely straight for 4 miles. This makes it tough mentally. I look ahead and see runners miles ahead that
aren’t turning. They’re just going
straight; It’s like they’re running to infinity. I don’t want to run to infinity! What makes this part of the course physically
tough is that there’s a gradual incline that also never seems to end. Not only are we running to infinity, we’re
doing it uphill! </div>
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Finally the course levels out as we
enter the Bronx at mile 20. I’m still
maintaining my pace, but I’m doing it a little more laboriously. I’ve been hydrating and taking Gu Energy Gel
regularly throughout the race, but this is a common feeling. I believe it was Olympic Marathoner, Frank
Shorter, who once said, “a marathon consists of two halves: the first half is
miles 1-20, and the second is miles 20-26.2. “ I’ve now entered this ‘2<sup>nd</sup>
half.’</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The time and effort required to run
one mile feels doubled. This is where
the mental component of the race becomes prevalent. I’ve been running marathons off and on for at
least 16 years. In that time, I’ve found
that the best way to deal with the mental and physical challenge of the last
6.2 miles is to count them down in my mind.
Along with this, I break the remaining miles down into segments. For example, from looking at the course map
prior to the race, I recall that the course enters Central Park at mile
23. I make this my short-term goal. Instead of 6.2 miles to go, there are only 3
miles until Central Park. When I reach
Central Park, I’ll then break down the remaining mileage into additional
segments. </div>
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The course only goes through the
Bronx for 1 mile, re-entering Manhattan at mile 21, and going through Harlem
around mile 22. The spectator support is
still tremendous and energizing. At this
point I’m just focused on keeping my legs moving, keep my pace, and counting
down the miles. I feel like I’m
shuffling through Harlem. Somehow I
don’t think that this is what the Rolling Stones had in mind when they sang, “<i>Do the Harlem Shuffle</i>.” </div>
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I’ve been getting water or Gatorade
at each station, and taking electrolytes throughout the race. I’m still noticing some of the effects of
dehydration though. It’s taking more
effort to maintain my pace, and the surest sign of all, I’m thirsty. I decide that at each and every water station
from this point forward , that I’m going to get both water and Gatorade. </div>
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I continue to chug along at what feels like a
steady pace. However, my split times
are increasing and my pace has gone from 7 minutes per mile to about 7 minutes,
10 seconds. I can often maintain a strong
and consistent pace through the final miles of a marathon. Today my pace just seems to be
fluctuating. I’m experiencing peaks and
valleys in my energy. I try to enjoy my
peaks and focus on keeping my legs moving through the valleys. </div>
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Finally I reach Central Park. While this is a great moment because there
are only 3.2 miles to go, I’m not too pleased to discover that upon entering the park the course steadily inclines. It’s a
gradual incline that seems to continue on for miles. In actuality, it was probably only a ¼ of a
mile. I keep my eyes focused on the road
about 25 feet in front of me, and focus on chugging along to get the next mile
marker. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96Fp1kAdcakl5auCXcBRgIXxeAXuaQXag9e7yG9Z-G3naZUK1CFxSIAicfYbajWZ6jVrGFeBSc1miH_PhexnlWAidMxnSRk3toyJsk0CnsMyPFEaDwRlL96reHQTu-HvLkSR9Rk_HfFY7/s1600/nyc+marathon+40k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96Fp1kAdcakl5auCXcBRgIXxeAXuaQXag9e7yG9Z-G3naZUK1CFxSIAicfYbajWZ6jVrGFeBSc1miH_PhexnlWAidMxnSRk3toyJsk0CnsMyPFEaDwRlL96reHQTu-HvLkSR9Rk_HfFY7/s320/nyc+marathon+40k.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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At the 40k mark, I cross the final
set of matting before the finish to detect my split time with the chip in my
shoe. I’m too fatigued to do much math,
but I do know that 40 kilometers is a little less than 25 miles. I think to myself, "Hallelujah I’m almost at
the one mile to go mark", which in my mind at that point, was the 2<sup>nd</sup>
best point of the race. Number one is
obviously the finish line. </div>
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The course continues to wind its
way through Central Park. There’s
enough distance between the runners in my vicinity and me to make it feel like
I’m the center of attention. It’s too
bad that I can’t put on a better show and pick up my pace for a nice, strong
kick to the finish. That’s not going to
happen today though. I just hope I don’t
look as bad as I feel. I’m tired and
really hungry. Thanks to the incline, my
pace over the last mile was down to 8 minutes, which is well below my normal
race pace. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
I continue to have peaks and
valleys in my energy level, only now the peaks don’t last as long. I haven’t hit ‘the wall,’ but I can see it
lurking up ahead. If this race were 26.3
miles instead of 26.2, I’d probably hit it.
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Finally I reach the 26-mile mark,
another bittersweet moment. There are
only 2/10 of mile to go, but it’s uphill, not a steep incline thankfully, but a
gradual one nonetheless like the others.
In this case though, the sweet outweighs the bitter. While my fatigued state has probably given me
a false perception of the incline, the fact that I’m practically at the finish
makes me not mind having to shuffle my tired legs up any hill.</div>
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I give my all to get to the finish
as quickly as I can, crossing in 3:11:13, 1,855th place overall. My time is a palindrome! It’s not a personal best time, but one I’m
certainly happy with, and while I may have had 1,854 people ahead of me, there
were at least 37,135 behind me. I did
finish ahead of Minnie Mouse, but I’m not sure about SpiderMan. That doesn’t matter though. Despite being tired and really hungry, I feel
incredible. I just ran the NYC
Marathon!</div>
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<br />runningman802http://www.blogger.com/profile/13797487795077689444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242053189101231683.post-76800671527657508312014-10-19T13:17:00.000-07:002015-10-14T09:06:20.875-07:00Duct Tape Use #1002<div class="MsoNormal">
Duct tape, no tool kit is complete without it. There is a saying that there are 1001 uses
for it, but one could argue its uses are actually endless. Today I have it
wrapped around my upper right thigh. It
is being used as reinforcement for the ACE bandage I have wrapped around my
leg. My right adductor muscle (inner thigh) has been being overworked due to overpronation(excessive
inward rotation) of my right foot . This is happening as a result of recurring
effects of a sprained ankle I suffered 10 years ago. </div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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I’m doing some physical therapy to correct imbalances and am
awaiting a new pair of custom orthotics. Until they arrive I am running with
the support of an ACE bandage to relieve some of the workload on my adductors.
It has been working well. However, due to constant motion and contracting thigh
muscles during running, the clips that come with it don’t hold, nor does the athletic
tape which I previously tried, this led
me to the use of the all purpose repair device-duct tape. </div>
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As I run I can feel the support around my leg and feel
confident the duct tape will continue to do its job. This leads me to thinking about the workings
of the human body and how it really is a remarkable machine. If well conditioned it is capable of more
than we likely can even imagine. Through
repetition it can be programmed to become stronger, more capable, and more
efficient. If you have muscle
imbalances, exercises can be done to correct them. If you have a skill you want
to improve, do activities that emphasize that skill and you will improve.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOafUbJTndTxGp8ulFVgXJlRUJNnbfumPd1jMhW3KUSUIw33I4mRHPaEFlj6yjEa7uShYbGtIpRR9sKQFMHUFXoBHeryw-FOmaWUk8Iw64LvYFjegJL08eImqm5hgLTcvUyWth-676h2M/s1600/if+you+can't%2Bfix%2Bit%2Bwith%2Bduct%2Btape%2Byou%2Bhaven't%2Bused%2Benough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOafUbJTndTxGp8ulFVgXJlRUJNnbfumPd1jMhW3KUSUIw33I4mRHPaEFlj6yjEa7uShYbGtIpRR9sKQFMHUFXoBHeryw-FOmaWUk8Iw64LvYFjegJL08eImqm5hgLTcvUyWth-676h2M/s1600/if+you+can't%2Bfix%2Bit%2Bwith%2Bduct%2Btape%2Byou%2Bhaven't%2Bused%2Benough.jpg" /></a></div>
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Since the body is designed to move, a moving body is
generally healthier. A lack of movement leads to a poorly functioning body and
unfortunately a lesser quality of life. Yet
since modern living has contributed to sedentary lifestyles, it has been my
observation that many today have become comfortable with discomfort. People become so comfortable with various ailments
that it becomes a way of life for them. They don’t know how much better things
can be, so it’s just accepted as part of the aging process and no action is taken to tap into the power they have to change it.<br />
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I'm glad that I started running back in high
school, despite having asthma, because it gave me a passion for keeping myself healthy and
always working towards improving myself and my quality of life. <br />
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I often listen to audio books during long runs. Recently I
completed <i>David and Goliath</i> by Malcom
Gladwell, which examines how what we view as disadvantages are often actually advantages, and vice versa. There are several real
world examples mentioned in the book, one of them being Richard Branson.
Richard Branson, founder of Virgin records and several other successful
companies, is dyslexic. </div>
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Oftentimes when there is a diagnosis of dyslexia it is viewed
as a reason why one is less likely to succeed in life. However, the successful
person with the right mindset, such as Richard Branson, views it as a reason to
work a little harder than the next person. This creates a great work ethic, as
well as the ability to persevere, both are essential to success in any field. </div>
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This is how I view asthma. Instead of a reason why I couldn’t
be an athlete it gave me the desire to persist and not let it stop me. I feel
it made me a healthier person than I would have been otherwise, resulting in a
better quality of life as well.</div>
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So, this machine known as the human body can be positively
programmed or reprogrammed through thoughts as well as actions. Even if you are
a negative thinker you can change your thought process to a more positive one,
thereby increasing your capabilities in, and enjoyment of, life. Yes it is a
gradual process, but the fact remains it can be done. We have the power within us to alter the
quality of our lives. Certainly there are things that happen which are out of
our control, but how we react and respond to these events is within our own
control.</div>
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There is a speech in the film, <i>The Great Dictator</i> which comes to mind. This film <span style="background: white; color: #545454; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">is a<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-style: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1940</span></b></em><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="background: white;">American satirical political comedy-drama film starring, written,
produced, scored, and directed by Charlie</span><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background: white;">Chaplin</span><span style="background: white; color: #545454; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">. </span><span style="background: white;">It is also</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #545454; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></span>Charlie
Chaplin’s only speaking role. There is a speech from it which I find powerful
and inspiring, in particular this segment;</div>
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<i><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">In the
17th Chapter of St Luke it is written: “the Kingdom of God is within man” - not
one man nor a group of men, but in all men! In you! You, the people have the
power - the power to create machines. The power to create happiness! You, the
people, have the power to make this life free and beautiful, to make this life
a wonderful adventure.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Running inspires me to make this life free and beautiful, and
a wonderful adventure. </span>When I run strong it inspires me even more so.<span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"> </span>As
I conclude my run the duct tape is still holding strong, doing its job without
fail. But this duct tape did more than
just support my inner thigh muscles, it strengthened my mind. It enabled me to
run strong today without any discomfort so my mind and body could soak in the
endorphins and empower me. It’s amazing what a little duct tape can do!</div>
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runningman802http://www.blogger.com/profile/13797487795077689444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242053189101231683.post-1443034012053069652014-09-06T11:30:00.000-07:002015-10-14T09:07:27.610-07:0050 Shades of Green<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
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I’m hunched over a fence post. A wave of nausea has
enveloped me. I’m feeling light- headed and there is tingling all the way down
my arms into my fingers. Any moment I’ll
be starting my run.</div>
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Why am I going to run if I feel this way? I’m competing
in the Green Mountain Relay, a 200 mile team relay race in Vermont. It is Sunday afternoon, day 2 for the race. I
have already run 2 other legs since the race started early Saturday
morning. I am awaiting my teammate, who
will be arriving any moment to hand off to me so I can run the final leg. This
is a 5 ½ mile section of the course which begins with what appears to be the
mother of all hills.</div>
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Between driving and running, my team is constantly on the
go, leaving very few opportunities for sleep, or eating anything substantial. Whenever
there is an opportunity to sleep I find myself unable to because I am so wired. This hectic pace has taken its toll,
resulting in my current state, which is why I am now hunched over in the
exchange zone turning 50 shades of green due to nausea, dehydration, and low
energy. If on any other day I awoke
feeling this way I would have definitely skipped my run. I don’t have a choice today. </div>
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After much anticipation my teammate is spotted rounding
the bend and approaching the exchange zone. I get into position for the
handoff, having no idea what’s going to happen once I start running.</div>
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As I start my run I just focus on keeping my legs moving.
With each turn I look ahead only to see the hill continue upward. I seem to be running up a never ending hill
with the needle on E and no relief from the nausea. I continue on at whatever pace I can muster.</div>
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When I started my run my teammates drove ahead a couple
of miles to cheer me on. I am happy to
see them and I get a temporary boost. They tell me I am looking strong. I think
to myself, they are either lying or I should be nominated for an Oscar.</div>
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After taking turn after turn with no relief in sight a wonderful
thing happens. I round a bend and there is what appears to be the top of the
hill. This hill has been quite a tease, fooling me many times into thinking it
was finally over, only to round the corner and see it continue. But alas, this
is in fact the top of the hill, or should I say mountain.</div>
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As I reach the top
the road levels off before proceeding downhill. When this happens I feel a wave
of energy slowly consume my body and my nausea dissipate. I, figuratively speaking, do a 180. No longer
am I slugging away as if running with cement shoes, now I feel like I have
wings. I am setting a faster pace than I had done at any other time in the
entire race. </div>
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I spy a runner in
the distance approximately ¾ of a mile ahead of me. I am feeling stronger, can I catch him? I am
sure going to try. I keep my eyes
focused on the unsuspecting victim ahead of me, little does he know I am about
to strike. With each foot fall I feel my
feet getting lighter and lighter. Like one of those dreams where you are
running but your feet never hit the ground.</div>
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I continue running, gaining momentum, and finally pass this runner I've had in my sights. I
keep running strong with my pace never wavering. As I approach the finish my
entire team joins me and we run together all the way to the finish line. If I
had quit while climbing the hills I never would have been able to experience
this awesome feeling of exhilaration.</div>
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One of the things I like about running is that it is a
metaphor for life. You get out of it what you put in.Something I have
learned from these types of relay races is that no matter how run down, beat
up, and weary I feel, I can rally and do what needs to be done. And when I do I
always feel an intense sensation of strength and power unlike any I’ve felt
before.</div>
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Oftentimes life beats us down, draining our enthusiasm,
making it seem like whatever we are trying to accomplish just isn’t going to
happen. So we are tempted to succumb to its pressures and give up the hunt.</div>
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But if we keep on keepin’ on we grow stronger and
stronger, gaining momentum, making it harder and harder to be stopped. This
positively affects every aspect of life because it ultimately gives you the
feeling that you can handle any situation that comes your way.</div>
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One of my favorite motivational speeches comes to
mind. It’s a speech Rocky makes to his
son in the film <b>Rocky Balboa</b>. Here
is an excerpt;</div>
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<i>Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all
sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how
tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there<span style="background: #F1F1F1;"> </span>permanently if you let it. You, me, or
nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s
about how hard you can get it and keep moving forward. How much you can take
and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Additionally, in the metaphor department, the road to
achieving anything worthwhile is an uphill climb. Just as a hill often gets steeper towards the
top, our obstacles become greater the closer we are to success. It’s as if the
universe is saying; “Show me how bad you want this!” </div>
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<o:p> </o:p> </div>
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However, only by persevering up the hills (taking on
life’s obstacles) do we get to experience the rush of the downhills (the
rousing sensation of success). Experiencing
the peaks and valleys of life is an essential part of the human experience.
They are what make life a thrilling ride and a phenomenal adventure. Without
the challenges the successes aren’t as numerous or as rewarding. </div>
runningman802http://www.blogger.com/profile/13797487795077689444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242053189101231683.post-19470332091736674352014-08-08T06:19:00.000-07:002015-10-14T09:08:23.206-07:00Outrunning Father Time<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s my birthday, my 48<sup>th</sup> to be specific.
Normally birthdays aren’t really a big deal to me and overall they still
aren’t. I approach them with a fairly positive mind set. After all age really
is a state of mind, and due to my healthy lifestyle, my biological age is much
younger than my chronological age. Plus I think of myself as ageless. By that I
mean I don’t consider myself as being or feeling a certain age, I am just me. </div>
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However, the big 5-0 is looming in the distance and I’m not
sure how I will react to that once it arrives. But that’s still a couple of
years away. I decide to start my day off
with a run, because I enjoy running and I am typically in a good mood the rest
of the day whenever I run in the morning.</div>
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Outdoor exercise is always like play to me. Whether I’m
running, riding my bike, or doing something else, it always makes me feel alive
and happy, which is another reason I want to start my day with a run. I always
find it fascinating that people are often mystified that I choose to do some
type of recreational sport or exercise during my free time and vacation. </div>
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Exercising doesn’t have to be viewed as a chore, in fact in
shouldn’t. Perhaps it’s the name
“work-out”. When working out we are
often doing things that we did for play as children. Perhaps a better name for
exercise is “play-out”. Then it creates positive imagery. </div>
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As George Bernard Shaw said; “we don’t stop playing because
we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing”. I believe this is true and a large reason why
I don’t feel like I am growing older. Play is a major part of my life.</div>
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Today I decide to incorporate some speed intervals into my
run. I have some Fall races to run so I
want to keep my body tuned up for faster running. Plus, it’s said that the
first thing to go with age is speed. I want to run fast to reinforce the fact
in my mind that I still got it. </div>
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Today’s workout, excuse me, “play-out” consists of five 800
meter intervals at 6 minute mile pace with a 2 minute recovery jog between
each. I spend the first mile warming up
and feel pretty decent. As I dig down to attack the first interval I’m amazed
at how strong I feel. That strength lasts through the entire interval. I think
to myself; “this is awesome, but how will number five feel?” </div>
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This is such an atypical interval workout because usually
this pace is more challenging, but to my surprise I feel strong during each
speed interval. I also feel recovered well before the 2 minute recovery time
has elapsed. <br />
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This is one of the many things I love about running. When
you feel “in the zone” and each step is effortless it’s a feeling like no
other. You feel alive and powerful! It is sublime! Today was the perfect day to
feel this way, a great birthday present from the running Gods.</div>
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I read an article not long ago about how the current data on
age related decline in performance is based upon a relatively small pool of
athletes. It hasn’t been until recent years that more athletes have been
competing into their 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, and beyond. Therefore, the full effect
of age on performance has yet to be determined. There are numerous examples of
older athletes performing at a high level in a variety of sports, including
endurance running. One that stands out in my mind is a gentleman named Ed
Whitlock who ran sub 3 hours in the marathon numerous times between the ages of
69 and 74. </div>
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There are many variables in what determines when and how
quickly a person slows down, which is good to know because I still intend to
set a personal record in the marathon and go sub 3 hours in the process. </div>
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The standard state of mind people seem to have from my
experience is that once they hit 40; that’s it! They can’t do anything new or
improve and therefore don’t even try. It may sound cliché but truly the only
obstacles we have are those we place upon ourselves. So no one should ever feel
like they are too old to do something. It’s the quest to learn and grow at all
times that makes for a more fulfilling life.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEige8L9bw4XBT9gYFnF6-ETOpgb2Ed8uI1XnAY9023AwqVAEhMlQyTeXwpeAmt94rFHEKttkaO-l2e0e_LkPTsQ_tbAJkxv3LRNThnwdLD9qJF_8yW4a6WvJTwWo2g0ZEJ6_TURkCgmvSlk/s1600/RFT+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEige8L9bw4XBT9gYFnF6-ETOpgb2Ed8uI1XnAY9023AwqVAEhMlQyTeXwpeAmt94rFHEKttkaO-l2e0e_LkPTsQ_tbAJkxv3LRNThnwdLD9qJF_8yW4a6WvJTwWo2g0ZEJ6_TURkCgmvSlk/s1600/RFT+Logo.jpg" width="186" /></a>When I started my run there was someone in the distance behind
me. That person is still there, it’s Father Time. He’s sporting some new fancy lightweight
racing shoes and running apparel. He’s realizing that he has to up his game if
he wants to catch me. He looks like he may be getting faster, but with today’s
run I feel like I put some distance on him. He’s yelling at me telling me I have to slow down.
I yell back, telling him that he’s going to have to catch me first.<br />
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runningman802http://www.blogger.com/profile/13797487795077689444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242053189101231683.post-67854217061391487742014-08-01T10:06:00.000-07:002015-10-14T09:09:32.796-07:00Making A Louden Swain Effort<div class="Default">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">I was running across a bridge
which spanned high above the river below. About midway across my thoughts
drifted to the opening credits of the movie <i>Vision
Quest</i> which I had seen on TV just days earlier. The opening credits had the
main character running across bridge after bridge. When I saw this movie in the
theater when it first came out back in the 80’s I didn’t think much about the
opening scenes, other than feeling some motivation to run. Now, after seeing it approximately 30 years later I’m
still motivated to run, but I think; “man there are a lot of bridges in that
town!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Vision Quest is a classic 80’s
sports movie </span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">about a high school wrestler
named Louden Swain who is the champion of his weight class. However, he’s not content to just remain
champion of his weight class. He wants to drop down two weight classes to take
on an undefeated wrestler named Shute (pronounced Shoot) who is widely viewed as
unbeatable and everyone thinks Louden is crazy to even consider taking him on.
But Loudon Swain had a vision of himself as a champion and is on a quest to
make that vision a reality. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">He becomes focused on his goal
and does everything he can to achieve it. This includes eliminating self doubt, </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">ignoring negative
talk from others, following a strict diet and even running to and from work to
get in shape and burn extra calories (in a classic metallic silver 80’s style
sweat suit no less).</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNr_bltaY-JuPTRl9XmdINgdFzy9zFCf-FhdikiROYqq5TQWnzZioeSrD5OHYo2av6ehM4A2efZvxh6TuGR7u4UW3b6uo_qhUx_d5YiT6eEphGlfWedmdZG_218kpx0-4JbO_6GPRkafmo/s1600/louden+swain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNr_bltaY-JuPTRl9XmdINgdFzy9zFCf-FhdikiROYqq5TQWnzZioeSrD5OHYo2av6ehM4A2efZvxh6TuGR7u4UW3b6uo_qhUx_d5YiT6eEphGlfWedmdZG_218kpx0-4JbO_6GPRkafmo/s1600/louden+swain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">It’s always interesting to see
a movie years after it originally came out, especially an 80’s movie, because I am no </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">longer viewing the film
through the eyes of a teenager. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">As an
adult it is easy to have a more critical eye. However, with Vision Quest I don’t
see the film as being better or worse, I just see it different. For example,
Louden Swain’s quest for more is a great metaphor for life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">At some point in our lives, or
even multiple points, we have our own Shute to wrestle, figuratively speaking. We
have a challenge to take on that may seem almost insurmountable. Or, like
Louden Swain, you may not be content with where you are in life and have a desire
for more. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Taking on the Shutes in life is never easy. Everyday there are obstacles and challenges that try to stop
you. Many times people begin their quest but become easily discouraged when
they encounter obstacles. Sometimes
the obstacles come in the form of an event, sometimes it's a person or persons, other times it's something else. In today’s hectic
world there are certainly no shortages of potential obstacles that could
interfere with fulfilling your quest. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Making a vision a reality is
never a simple process. If it was everyone would be doing it. Not everyone is
willing to put in a Louden Swain type effort. In the film there is a scene
where Louden goes to tell Shute that he plans to wrestle him. He finds Shute in
the stands at the football field. Shute is doing his workout, which involves walking
up the bleachers carrying a log on his shoulders. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">This is how our obstacles may
look at times, slightly intimidating by sight. But those who approach life with
a Louden Swain effort (are persistent, stay focused, ignore negativity, and are
determined) have the ingredients for success.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfRC6zquQna_BuhdRwn2_jSdmQSfyXMsI7aRC1tnRpnPFHpU52xUVlna2NP_mJ-orhQJWJPrValFqEGjF7yEEgbzqjFRR18ZgLAAVB-VIuGxjAcVQJLhFnk-dhGRsnr4Bxc-2Bxhvfy9n/s1600/shute+carrying+log.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfRC6zquQna_BuhdRwn2_jSdmQSfyXMsI7aRC1tnRpnPFHpU52xUVlna2NP_mJ-orhQJWJPrValFqEGjF7yEEgbzqjFRR18ZgLAAVB-VIuGxjAcVQJLhFnk-dhGRsnr4Bxc-2Bxhvfy9n/s1600/shute+carrying+log.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Spoiler alert; as expected Louden
Swain defeats Shute. Don’t let knowing this stop you from seeing the film
though if you haven’t already done so. The story is all about the journey, plus
it has a great soundtrack and it might just get you motivated to train. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Thinking of this film during my
run gets me pumped up to keep running. I make a note to myself that I need to get
the song “Lunatic Fringe” by Red Rider on my ipod, which is one of the songs on
the soundtrack. I think I’ll pass on the metallic silver sweat suit though.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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runningman802http://www.blogger.com/profile/13797487795077689444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242053189101231683.post-45104918682683918942014-07-11T12:44:00.000-07:002015-10-14T09:10:46.412-07:00A Lesson From The Hawk<div class="MsoNormal">
Recently, while running on the back roads near my home I
spied a red tailed hawk which landed in a tree about 1/10 of a mile ahead of
me. I've always been fascinated by birds of prey so I kept my eyes on the hawk
as I got closer, hoping that I could get a better look at it. </div>
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When I was about
50 yards shy of the hawk it spread its wings and took flight. However, just as
it did so a crow flying nearby immediately flew up beside the hawk and began to
squawk and pester it. The crow was very
aggressive and would not let up. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7UOxC69xuWk421jR6UkwTTnPJKiisz9j7IWqTd9mqSihjoxwaY1UNjglY8LJNeBPB_9kUpUuhh89YjyxTryO_Swrj_HueF1_n3UySrCBa6HHqncRNIPT3ipXBuIBH1DjX4EnvuzLW9qW/s1600/arial-manuvers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7UOxC69xuWk421jR6UkwTTnPJKiisz9j7IWqTd9mqSihjoxwaY1UNjglY8LJNeBPB_9kUpUuhh89YjyxTryO_Swrj_HueF1_n3UySrCBa6HHqncRNIPT3ipXBuIBH1DjX4EnvuzLW9qW/s1600/arial-manuvers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The hawk, of course, is a very powerful bird and could do a
lot of damage to the crow if it chose to. However, the hawk chose to simply
ignore the crow and continue on its way. Not only did it continue on its way,
it also chose to fly at a higher altitude. The crow continued to pester the hawk
for about another minute, but then gave up. </div>
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I've seen this happen on more than one occasion. In fact,
only a few days later I once again saw a red tailed hawk being pestered. This
time however, the hawk was being pestered by close to a dozen crows. Despite
being outnumbered I’m sure that the hawk could have easily handled the crows.
However, like the one I had previously seen, the hawk chose to continue on its
journey and deal with the crows by simply flying faster and higher. It was as
if the hawk had better things to do and felt that dealing with the crows wasn't
worth the energy expenditure required to fight them off. So it ignored them and
continued onward, staying focused on more important things. </div>
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Why a crow would harass a powerful bird of prey like the
hawk is beyond me. I’m sure an ecologist could explain the reasoning behind
such actions. However, since running
often promotes deep thinking it occurred to me that the hawk was setting a
great example on how we should live life.</div>
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Often in life when trying to improve one's self; whether it
be trying to lose weight, overcome challenges, make lifestyle changes, run a
marathon, get a better job, start a business, or some other action that promotes a higher
quality of living(taking flight if you will); it is not uncommon to encounter naysayers. People will say things such as; “you can't do
it”, “it will never happen”, “ it’s a waste of time”. Statements such as these can take away your
focus, filling you with negativity and doubt. </div>
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At times like these, it's important to take a lesson from
the hawk. Those negative statements are just like squawks coming from crows.
They’re just noise which should be ignored. Letting every negative comment get
to you impedes your progress. Like the
hawk, your energy is better spent on staying focused on where you are going and
achieving your goal. </div>
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While it’s of course always important to listen to
feedback from people whose opinions you value, you want to ignore the squawking
from all the others. Don’t let the
squawks from the crows cause you to live in mediocrity. Be a hawk; stay
focused, rise higher, and pursue your dreams.</div>
runningman802http://www.blogger.com/profile/13797487795077689444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242053189101231683.post-31261649499845030042014-07-02T06:37:00.000-07:002015-10-14T09:11:50.273-07:00If Everyone Ran<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
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<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
<u1:p></u1:p>
<u1:p></u1:p>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;">On a recent morning
I awoke feeling some stress. My mind was filled with all of my duties for the
day and it seemed like I had too much to do and not enough time. I knew I had
to take action, so I went for a run. Exercise was on my to-do list so I thought
this would be a great way to start the day.
Plus, I needed to sharpen my axe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">I recently heard a story about two
lumberjacks. They were out chopping down trees. One said, "I'm going to
take a break and go sharpen my axe." The other said, "I don't have
time to do that. I've got too much work to do."<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="textexposedshow">He kept
chopping and chopping. The first man went and sharpened his axe. He came back
three hours later and chopped down twice as many trees as the man with the dull
axe, and he did it in half the time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span class="textexposedshow" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Running to me is like
sharpening my axe. My mind is sharper, my thoughts are clearer, and I can
concentrate better, resulting in a more productive day. Additionally it lowers
stress.</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;">The level of
cortisol, our stress hormone, is highest in the morning to help with the sleep/wake
cycle. So it makes sense that morning could be a time of elevated stress.
Cortisol also is part of the body’s natural fight or flight response. Running (actually exercise as whole) simulates
the action of fighting or fleeing, which lowers cortisol levels. When cortisol is lowered, so is stress. So I
embarked on my run. With each foot strike I felt the stress dissipate and an
empowering “bring it on” attitude appear. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;">I spied
another runner coming toward me, as she passed we exchanged hellos. It
occurred to me I rarely meet an angry runner.
I remembered an experience I had at this year’s Boston Marathon pre-
race expo. I was at one of the exhibition booths checking out some of the latest
gear when another runner, a woman from Wisconsin, struck up a conversation with
me. She told me how she flew in from Milwaukee and the plane she was on was
full of runners. The stewardess had commented to her how she had never been on
a flight with people as pleasant as on this one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I proceeded
to think about how perhaps the world would be a better place if everyone ran.
Politicians and world leaders should literally have to “run” for office.
Besides being a certain age they also need to have logged a certain number of
miles to be an eligible candidate. Maybe
congress would accomplish more if they debated issues while running. World
leaders could solve disputes by racing a 10k. Maybe there would be fewer disputes among
people and countries if everyone ran. After
all, running tends to<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> </span><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">make you see the world without fear or anger
and</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> </span>builds confidence.<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">A quote from ultra-marathoner and best-selling author Dean Karnazes came
to my mind; “There are so many things in life that divide us, that separate us
and tear us apart, be it race, religion, creed, socioeconomic level,
nationality or any variety of other factors. But running is something that we
all share in common. Regardless of any of these divisive factors, we all run in
the same way. It is a commonality we humans share in a world that emphasizes
our differences.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">On that thought I finished my run with the classic runner’s high, a
possible plan to solve the world’s problems, and I was ready to take on my day.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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runningman802http://www.blogger.com/profile/13797487795077689444noreply@blogger.com0