Have had some good runs the past few days. For two weeks or so after getting back on my feet from the flu, I struggled alot running. Mainly my breathing was off, I felt lethargic, and I just didn't have alot of "gas in the tank." I did manage to put down some miles here and there, but it was a struggle, and not fun to be out doing what I love to do. But I think I have learned though not to push through every setback, to give the body time to recover, and take just the amount its willing to give on any given day, and not get greedy and attempt to take much more.
Sunday I ran all the way out to the tip of the north end of Pleasure Island and back. Was a beautiful afternoon, sunny skies and temperatures around seventy; however there was a strong wind blowing out of the south which i ran into the teeth of all the way back in this mostly out and back course I took. It was a good challenge though, and an indicator that i was starting to get some more of my running mojo back. Ran Friday about 6.5 miles, Saturday morning a shorter 3-4 miles, and Sunday's run of close to eight miles. Each day/ run i set out with the thought of enjoying the run, taking the pace slower, and being only concerned with finishing and not being exhausted.
Started this week out then by running both Monday and Tuesday after work, going 6.5 miles at close to the pace and effort I was running before my illness Monday, then knocking out a slighty harder and faster 4 plus miles Tuesday. Again I felt pretty good, not only physically but mentally and spirtually. I started to recall again why i like to run, and the positive connectivity I feel between the triumverate of the body mind and spirit. Suffice it to say, its good to be back.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Running on Guts and Prayer
I was fortunate to be able to make it to the starting line last Saturday morning for the 2009 Lo-Tide 5K run in Carolina Beach, NC. The preceding days, I prayed simply for the strength to allow me to participate in the race, and the ability to perform at my best once the gun sounded and the running began. Afterwards, I was able to give thanks for both conditions were granted. It was one of those days were something deep inside of me helped propel me form point A to point B; a combination of such inner fortitude and faith, as well as outward exertion.
Coming off the flu as I did, I knew realistically that I would not be able to run time wise what I would normally be able to, or if I was entering the race fresh and healthy. The weather conditions did not help either. It was a cold damp morning with a persistent, nagging raw breeze. Official conditions later were reported as cloudy and 44 degrees, but rest assured it was a "cold" 44 degrees. The kind of weather whereby its hard to get real loose physically to be able to run fast from the get go and most effectively, as a race the length of a 5K or a 10K inherently demands of its participants. At least those interested in running whatever to them would be considered a "faster effort."
The 5K runners and walkers were assembled at nine a.m. on Cape Fear Avenue near the Sea Merchant. The race starter led all 800+ of us huddled, shivering bodies in a traditional Irish prayer (as the race coincided with St Patty's Day weekend), a motorcycle revved up with a "leprechaun" at the wheel, the commands Ready, Set.... GO were shouted, and we were off and moving in masse, one big old sea of humanity jostling down the macadam streets of Pleasure Island. The race took us all once around the lake (which was quite interesting dodging bodies as the front runners of the 5k weaved on through the back half of the 10K runners)... then out on a loop to 8th St., back in Atlanta St. past the Elementary School and to the beach access on Hamlet St...then the final agonizing fifty yards or so on the inhospitable sand on into the finishing line chute.
I ended up coming in 8th place overall, and won an award for 2nd place in the 30-39 age group category. However, apart from those final statistics, is what can't be measured in any numerical sense...and quite frankly is a heck of alot more important than any of those place tallies or stats anyway. Its the effort put forth, not only the effort I put forth but the effort put forth by each and every person that went out there, toed the line, and finished either of the two races. The beauty of running is that ultimately every one of us on any given day can be winners, for after all, we are essentially competing with and against ourselves.
I won Saturday simply by showing up and giving it my all, running the race on guts for the most part, with a sense that something was there helping me along each and every agonizing step I took. I've run much faster times in my life, but I'm not sure the last time that it took the physical and mental effort that it took me Saturday morning to do what I ended up doing. I do not think I could have gotten to that blessed finish line one second faster than I did. I gave it my all, and in the last analysis of the sport of running as well as the sport called life, its what we may end up eventually being judged by after the last race has been run, and the final finish line has been crossed.
Coming off the flu as I did, I knew realistically that I would not be able to run time wise what I would normally be able to, or if I was entering the race fresh and healthy. The weather conditions did not help either. It was a cold damp morning with a persistent, nagging raw breeze. Official conditions later were reported as cloudy and 44 degrees, but rest assured it was a "cold" 44 degrees. The kind of weather whereby its hard to get real loose physically to be able to run fast from the get go and most effectively, as a race the length of a 5K or a 10K inherently demands of its participants. At least those interested in running whatever to them would be considered a "faster effort."
The 5K runners and walkers were assembled at nine a.m. on Cape Fear Avenue near the Sea Merchant. The race starter led all 800+ of us huddled, shivering bodies in a traditional Irish prayer (as the race coincided with St Patty's Day weekend), a motorcycle revved up with a "leprechaun" at the wheel, the commands Ready, Set.... GO were shouted, and we were off and moving in masse, one big old sea of humanity jostling down the macadam streets of Pleasure Island. The race took us all once around the lake (which was quite interesting dodging bodies as the front runners of the 5k weaved on through the back half of the 10K runners)... then out on a loop to 8th St., back in Atlanta St. past the Elementary School and to the beach access on Hamlet St...then the final agonizing fifty yards or so on the inhospitable sand on into the finishing line chute.
I ended up coming in 8th place overall, and won an award for 2nd place in the 30-39 age group category. However, apart from those final statistics, is what can't be measured in any numerical sense...and quite frankly is a heck of alot more important than any of those place tallies or stats anyway. Its the effort put forth, not only the effort I put forth but the effort put forth by each and every person that went out there, toed the line, and finished either of the two races. The beauty of running is that ultimately every one of us on any given day can be winners, for after all, we are essentially competing with and against ourselves.
I won Saturday simply by showing up and giving it my all, running the race on guts for the most part, with a sense that something was there helping me along each and every agonizing step I took. I've run much faster times in my life, but I'm not sure the last time that it took the physical and mental effort that it took me Saturday morning to do what I ended up doing. I do not think I could have gotten to that blessed finish line one second faster than I did. I gave it my all, and in the last analysis of the sport of running as well as the sport called life, its what we may end up eventually being judged by after the last race has been run, and the final finish line has been crossed.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
See You Saturday... Hopefully?
At the starting line for this year's Lo-Tide Run in Carolina Beach, NC. I am registered to run the 5k race, there is also a 10K race and a team competition. For more information on either participating or donating to this great cause please click on the following web link: http://www.lotiderun.org/. The event raises money and awareness for those families who have been afflicted by cancer, and the attendent costs of care and treatment. Last year nearly a thousand runners and walkers partcipated in the event, which also includes a carnival like party before and after the races.
I have had the date circled figuratively speaking on my racing calender for several months. However a recent bout with the flu has left my status come race day in a bit of jeopardy. Truth be told its not so much my participation that is or would be in jeopardy, its performing at my peak that is in jeopardy. But deep in the crevices of my mind I feel that if when called upon, I can marshall the necessary fortitude that it will take to run close to what I could have done had I not been beset by illness. Perhaps its tomfoolery, or wishful naivety; then again each of us I'm sure has read of or encountered supposed extra- human feats that at the time perhaps defied logic and science by a hair or two. And former Olympic champion Jackie Joyner- Kersee once remarked that running was "90% mental and 10% physical."
I havent run since last Tuesday, and have meticulously followed the advice of my doctor and of anything that i have read in print or on-line about running with the flu. It really takes alot out of one's immune system, and attempting to race, although only a 5K, is a tall order to force upon the body only a few days after most of the symptoms have abated. Yet the race is in my back yard, and its one of the biggest, most publicized ones of the year in the area, so with a little luck, a little prayer, a little of this and a little of that.....
The bottom line is that i will have to see how I feel come Saturday morning, I'm still adjusting to being able to be up and about, to do work, eat regularly, etc. Two, three days in sick terms is a bit of a long ways off; I did bike a few miles today so I will see how my body reacts to that, and if positively, I will try running some tomorrow. I must calculate too risk versus reward, and factor in other less tangible aspects like how I feel spiritually and in my gut in the hours leading up to the race. I may have to also see how I feel once the actual race starts, and make adjustments on the fly.
However, one way or the other, alot of money is going to be raised for some very laudable people, who I can only guess appreciate the helping hands extended from each and every one of us who can. And whether I run full bore, or at a light trot in the middle of the pack, ultimately matters little as to why I or any of us should be appreciative this weekend simply to come together in the true spirit of community, charity, and grace. Colds, flus, sprains, strains eventually do heal. Unfortunately not all of us are as lucky; but in the face of tall odds we can help each other to perservere, hope, dream, and work just a little harder at finding some positive solutions. I do hope to see some of you there!
I have had the date circled figuratively speaking on my racing calender for several months. However a recent bout with the flu has left my status come race day in a bit of jeopardy. Truth be told its not so much my participation that is or would be in jeopardy, its performing at my peak that is in jeopardy. But deep in the crevices of my mind I feel that if when called upon, I can marshall the necessary fortitude that it will take to run close to what I could have done had I not been beset by illness. Perhaps its tomfoolery, or wishful naivety; then again each of us I'm sure has read of or encountered supposed extra- human feats that at the time perhaps defied logic and science by a hair or two. And former Olympic champion Jackie Joyner- Kersee once remarked that running was "90% mental and 10% physical."
I havent run since last Tuesday, and have meticulously followed the advice of my doctor and of anything that i have read in print or on-line about running with the flu. It really takes alot out of one's immune system, and attempting to race, although only a 5K, is a tall order to force upon the body only a few days after most of the symptoms have abated. Yet the race is in my back yard, and its one of the biggest, most publicized ones of the year in the area, so with a little luck, a little prayer, a little of this and a little of that.....
The bottom line is that i will have to see how I feel come Saturday morning, I'm still adjusting to being able to be up and about, to do work, eat regularly, etc. Two, three days in sick terms is a bit of a long ways off; I did bike a few miles today so I will see how my body reacts to that, and if positively, I will try running some tomorrow. I must calculate too risk versus reward, and factor in other less tangible aspects like how I feel spiritually and in my gut in the hours leading up to the race. I may have to also see how I feel once the actual race starts, and make adjustments on the fly.
However, one way or the other, alot of money is going to be raised for some very laudable people, who I can only guess appreciate the helping hands extended from each and every one of us who can. And whether I run full bore, or at a light trot in the middle of the pack, ultimately matters little as to why I or any of us should be appreciative this weekend simply to come together in the true spirit of community, charity, and grace. Colds, flus, sprains, strains eventually do heal. Unfortunately not all of us are as lucky; but in the face of tall odds we can help each other to perservere, hope, dream, and work just a little harder at finding some positive solutions. I do hope to see some of you there!
Friday, March 6, 2009
Down and Out in the CB
I prop my weary bones up to the computer to type this entry. I exeggerate some, but not too much. Thursday morning I was diagnosed at the local medical center on the island with Type-A flu. The worst strain, according to the professionals. Rest, plenty of fluids, rest, rest, and more rest, two anti-virals twice a day, and in about a week I should feel ok again. Until then....
As a runner this can be like getting a death sentence. And quite humbling. Its not the physical aspects of sickness or injury that bother a runner so much as it is the mental aspects of having to put it in park for the time being. For we runners are hard wired to get our fix most days, in fact it has been documented that we actually become addicted physiologically to the activity. Right now though I do not feel like I could walk down to the beach without having to stop and rest several times en route. I am reminded of a quotation in the liner notes of Jane's Addiction's album Ritual de lo Habitual: "Sometimes in order to realize you were well, someone or something has to come along and hurt you." To go from running eight miles with the apparent ease of the breeze one day, to feeling aches in muscles I didn't know I had the next, can beget humility even in the intermittently over-fed ego like mine.
Today I laid around on my bed and looked out at the sunny warm day unfolding tantalizingly out of reach for me. And I thought about how nice it would be to lace up a pair of beat up sneakers and jog a short mile or two. No, not thoughts about 400 meter repeats, 10 % long run rules, hill training, age group awards; just a little run outside, spending just a little time doing something that I love to do.
So for now I will bide my time and follow the good doctor's orders, though i'll be a chomping at the bit in a few days to get back out there. Hopefully when I do, i'll take a little bit of this lesson with me onto the open road. For each day, like each run, is truly a blessing. Perhaps I was losing sight of this a bit...
As a runner this can be like getting a death sentence. And quite humbling. Its not the physical aspects of sickness or injury that bother a runner so much as it is the mental aspects of having to put it in park for the time being. For we runners are hard wired to get our fix most days, in fact it has been documented that we actually become addicted physiologically to the activity. Right now though I do not feel like I could walk down to the beach without having to stop and rest several times en route. I am reminded of a quotation in the liner notes of Jane's Addiction's album Ritual de lo Habitual: "Sometimes in order to realize you were well, someone or something has to come along and hurt you." To go from running eight miles with the apparent ease of the breeze one day, to feeling aches in muscles I didn't know I had the next, can beget humility even in the intermittently over-fed ego like mine.
Today I laid around on my bed and looked out at the sunny warm day unfolding tantalizingly out of reach for me. And I thought about how nice it would be to lace up a pair of beat up sneakers and jog a short mile or two. No, not thoughts about 400 meter repeats, 10 % long run rules, hill training, age group awards; just a little run outside, spending just a little time doing something that I love to do.
So for now I will bide my time and follow the good doctor's orders, though i'll be a chomping at the bit in a few days to get back out there. Hopefully when I do, i'll take a little bit of this lesson with me onto the open road. For each day, like each run, is truly a blessing. Perhaps I was losing sight of this a bit...
Monday, March 2, 2009
Random Ramblings
Had a conversation with my friend 'Massachusetts' Jim last week. We chat about running from time to time. He's run a few marathons including Boston, and other distance races a few decades ago. Though today he looks more like an old retired middle linebacker than a former distance runner. Started talking about training, and mileage; how hard it is or must be to put down weekly totals well over 100 miles like some primo runners do. He told me about the daily work-outs Bill Rodgers would do back in the 1970s. Run 10-12 miles slow and easy in the morning, then do a real hard 6 mile run with Randy Thomas and other elite locals in the evening. Used to do a loop around the area where Boston College is located. Anybody could show up and run with them at night Jim told me... of course, he added with a chuckle, hardly anyone could keep up.
Had the thought while finishing a longer run, that me or anyone else should never apologize for going all out, whether in running, or any other facet of one's life.
Ran a controlled harder pace Saturday morning. Did my 6 to 7 mile loop, the middle part of which goes thru the woods in the state park. Checked my watch back at the usual spot on the ramp going up the boardwalk and it read @ 49 and half minutes, almost a minute faster than my previous 'PR' for the loop. I use the term loosely as I'm not racing or going all out, plus I'm estimating the distance. A standard run done fairly regularly can be a good barometer of the shape i'm in at any time. Though the value of runs on an individual basis can be deceiving if based soley upon the time on a stop watch. I've seen it written (by whom i can't recall) that "perceived exertion" is a better yard stick, for it takes into account factors such as weather, mood, rest, what one ate for lunch, etc. Late Saturday afternoon I went back out again and did a real easy 3+ mile jog in the rain after lifiting some free weights. Some girl at a gas station called out "hey I know you must be cold,"..............."and wet," I called back to her from across the street.
Some times when I run I like to zone out and listen to whatever birds I can hear at the time. Blue Jays and mocking birds can be notoriously noisy; also around here I tend to hear alot of red bellied woodpeckers. Thier call or song that is, though i do also hear them pecking away at trees. Or its just a melodious cacophony of many feathered species. And for those of you who live on Pleasure Island, why do all those turkey vultures congregate on Monore between 6th- 7th streets? Certain days I have not only seen many, many of them in the trees beside the road, but a good half dozen or dozen of them on the peak of a roof of this one particular house. Would think this would be a bit disconcerting if I lived there.
A quote from Mark Twain I found in the book Dr. Sheehan on Running: "Anyone who has had a bull by the tail knows five or six things more than someone who hasn't."
Had the thought while finishing a longer run, that me or anyone else should never apologize for going all out, whether in running, or any other facet of one's life.
Ran a controlled harder pace Saturday morning. Did my 6 to 7 mile loop, the middle part of which goes thru the woods in the state park. Checked my watch back at the usual spot on the ramp going up the boardwalk and it read @ 49 and half minutes, almost a minute faster than my previous 'PR' for the loop. I use the term loosely as I'm not racing or going all out, plus I'm estimating the distance. A standard run done fairly regularly can be a good barometer of the shape i'm in at any time. Though the value of runs on an individual basis can be deceiving if based soley upon the time on a stop watch. I've seen it written (by whom i can't recall) that "perceived exertion" is a better yard stick, for it takes into account factors such as weather, mood, rest, what one ate for lunch, etc. Late Saturday afternoon I went back out again and did a real easy 3+ mile jog in the rain after lifiting some free weights. Some girl at a gas station called out "hey I know you must be cold,"..............."and wet," I called back to her from across the street.
Some times when I run I like to zone out and listen to whatever birds I can hear at the time. Blue Jays and mocking birds can be notoriously noisy; also around here I tend to hear alot of red bellied woodpeckers. Thier call or song that is, though i do also hear them pecking away at trees. Or its just a melodious cacophony of many feathered species. And for those of you who live on Pleasure Island, why do all those turkey vultures congregate on Monore between 6th- 7th streets? Certain days I have not only seen many, many of them in the trees beside the road, but a good half dozen or dozen of them on the peak of a roof of this one particular house. Would think this would be a bit disconcerting if I lived there.
A quote from Mark Twain I found in the book Dr. Sheehan on Running: "Anyone who has had a bull by the tail knows five or six things more than someone who hasn't."
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