12/24/11
So the bug was not as tough as Jen and got beaten down with a light twenty-five minutes of exercise yesterday. Unfortunately, while declining, it was tough enough to linger around for another 24 hours and so Jen chose to not do the BU mini-meet as a workout. Even a workout meet at its easiest can never be considered light exercise. It was a smart choice, made by experience and understanding. As an athlete you fine tune your relationship with your body all the time. However, with anybody, at any point in their life, that relationship is there. As an athlete, though, you work on the communication with your body daily. Instead of being young, neither in real years nor in running years as Jen is almost twenty-eight and has been running consistently since she was fourteen, and trying to race which likely would have led to a full blown sickness she opts for rest. A wise choice, unless it was the championship meet or some nonsense like that where she would have weeks or months of recovery time and if she didn't run would truly regret it or let down the team. No this was smart, by many athletes’ standards.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Tough like you
12/23/11
Jen is feeling sick. She called out of work this morning, slept a few more hours and has been sucking on zinc-lozenges. Still, between working a new job, outdoors each day, and just being exposed to a lot of people she is hit. There was a mild fever last night, but this morning there is no temperature. She does feel pretty crappy though. So the question is on whether to run. Some might say, no she should lie down and not go out. However, Jen feels differently as we head outside into the mid or low 30’ degree weather. See a light 15 min run, with some drills and strides for someone like Jen is not very strenuous. This is why, as we finish, she is beaming saying she is so glad she wanted to do this run, the bug gets beaten down a bit because it’s not tough like Jen
Jen is feeling sick. She called out of work this morning, slept a few more hours and has been sucking on zinc-lozenges. Still, between working a new job, outdoors each day, and just being exposed to a lot of people she is hit. There was a mild fever last night, but this morning there is no temperature. She does feel pretty crappy though. So the question is on whether to run. Some might say, no she should lie down and not go out. However, Jen feels differently as we head outside into the mid or low 30’ degree weather. See a light 15 min run, with some drills and strides for someone like Jen is not very strenuous. This is why, as we finish, she is beaming saying she is so glad she wanted to do this run, the bug gets beaten down a bit because it’s not tough like Jen
Chariots of Fire
12/22
It is nice watching the sprinters run 48’s for the 400 meter race, even more so on an Indoor Track. They move past you so fast for so long. A 48 is the fastest I can recall seeing in person, on an Indoor track. It is really the body acting in such unison that is intriguing, like watching a woman run a 53 400 meter, not the actual time because there are obviously much faster 400 meter runners. But this is so close to the best, that it captures in a large essence what the best ever have done. Autonomy of complete form with limbs, organs, skeletal muscles and so on all in synch. Not some melee of haste, but a timed approach to covering ground the quickest possible. The 400 meter is such a fun race to watch.
It is nice watching the sprinters run 48’s for the 400 meter race, even more so on an Indoor Track. They move past you so fast for so long. A 48 is the fastest I can recall seeing in person, on an Indoor track. It is really the body acting in such unison that is intriguing, like watching a woman run a 53 400 meter, not the actual time because there are obviously much faster 400 meter runners. But this is so close to the best, that it captures in a large essence what the best ever have done. Autonomy of complete form with limbs, organs, skeletal muscles and so on all in synch. Not some melee of haste, but a timed approach to covering ground the quickest possible. The 400 meter is such a fun race to watch.
Bounding Brendan
12/21
Most of the “drills” / dynamic stretching break down an aspect of the stride and exaggerate it as to explore the potential of using that motion, say high heal recovery or accelerating your foot to the ground, and / or to remind you of that aspect of running in a way that does not degrade your stretch reflex. The primary argument against prolonged static stretching during a warm-up for a workout or pre-competition is that it degrades your involuntary stretch reflex, something to do with the golgi nerve I think. Anyway, not all the drills are right for everyone to do all the time, just like there isn't any set long run right for everyone. Of course if you get into a marathon trainer vs. a 1500meter racer then you can start to make generalizations.
Regardless, of what is right for each individual, which is a long conversation best had one on one, lets talk about one drill in particular; bounds. Since Jenny and I just added it to our routine we are doing it as part of our supplemental day instead of as part of our hard day/ race warm-up. These are fun, and involve taking huge strides, really swinging your arms, but are kind of slow pace. Like slow sprints. Tonight we are leaping across a soft field feeling just a wee bit like grasshoppers. It is nice when you try something new and it just kind of clicks. It makes sense. You realize how it can help and you almost wonder how you haven’t been doing this all along.
Most of the “drills” / dynamic stretching break down an aspect of the stride and exaggerate it as to explore the potential of using that motion, say high heal recovery or accelerating your foot to the ground, and / or to remind you of that aspect of running in a way that does not degrade your stretch reflex. The primary argument against prolonged static stretching during a warm-up for a workout or pre-competition is that it degrades your involuntary stretch reflex, something to do with the golgi nerve I think. Anyway, not all the drills are right for everyone to do all the time, just like there isn't any set long run right for everyone. Of course if you get into a marathon trainer vs. a 1500meter racer then you can start to make generalizations.
Regardless, of what is right for each individual, which is a long conversation best had one on one, lets talk about one drill in particular; bounds. Since Jenny and I just added it to our routine we are doing it as part of our supplemental day instead of as part of our hard day/ race warm-up. These are fun, and involve taking huge strides, really swinging your arms, but are kind of slow pace. Like slow sprints. Tonight we are leaping across a soft field feeling just a wee bit like grasshoppers. It is nice when you try something new and it just kind of clicks. It makes sense. You realize how it can help and you almost wonder how you haven’t been doing this all along.
Whether weather?
12/20
This time of year outdoor training just kind of bites, as far as the track goes, in the North East. It kind of doesn’t matter where you have set your bio-rhythms as far as time of day to train, if you work a day job then strong chances are running, or at least part of it, is in the dark. The dark is not such a bummer but it comes with all the extra cold of a winter’s night. This of course means even if you are lucky enough to not have snow on the track there is the strong probability that it will be “iced over” a phenomenon where the track freezes and gets slippery and while I strongly believe water is the cause it is unclear if this is from actual ice. This makes running, even in spikes, a somewhat hesitant action. This is not what you want when trying to train. While you remain in relationship with the correct running effort, this should not be a hesitant action. So, it's indoor for us, we are thinking Reggie Lewis, I will let you know more when I do.
This time of year outdoor training just kind of bites, as far as the track goes, in the North East. It kind of doesn’t matter where you have set your bio-rhythms as far as time of day to train, if you work a day job then strong chances are running, or at least part of it, is in the dark. The dark is not such a bummer but it comes with all the extra cold of a winter’s night. This of course means even if you are lucky enough to not have snow on the track there is the strong probability that it will be “iced over” a phenomenon where the track freezes and gets slippery and while I strongly believe water is the cause it is unclear if this is from actual ice. This makes running, even in spikes, a somewhat hesitant action. This is not what you want when trying to train. While you remain in relationship with the correct running effort, this should not be a hesitant action. So, it's indoor for us, we are thinking Reggie Lewis, I will let you know more when I do.
Jumpy Legs
12/19
Sitting in the car can be the worst. If the training has changed up or the workout was particularly hard, it can be down right torture. The way the legs just move underneath you but don’t go anywhere; muscles rippling uncomfortably lending to the belief of movement which is what the lower limbs really crave. They scream to stretch, to stroll, to do anything but be locked underneath you and inside an automobile. This of course is completely impossible to convey to those who are traveling with you and have never felt this uncomfortable predicament. They will look at you semi-sympathetic and semi-weirded out and maybe ask why/ what in a slightly befuddled way. I try to accept it as a fact of running, just like hot days and blisters, but all of that is more of a retrospective point of view because being subjected to “jumpy” legs is anything but out of mind. I mean can you forget about having shiatsu done to you? Just another part of the runner’s burden I guess.
Sitting in the car can be the worst. If the training has changed up or the workout was particularly hard, it can be down right torture. The way the legs just move underneath you but don’t go anywhere; muscles rippling uncomfortably lending to the belief of movement which is what the lower limbs really crave. They scream to stretch, to stroll, to do anything but be locked underneath you and inside an automobile. This of course is completely impossible to convey to those who are traveling with you and have never felt this uncomfortable predicament. They will look at you semi-sympathetic and semi-weirded out and maybe ask why/ what in a slightly befuddled way. I try to accept it as a fact of running, just like hot days and blisters, but all of that is more of a retrospective point of view because being subjected to “jumpy” legs is anything but out of mind. I mean can you forget about having shiatsu done to you? Just another part of the runner’s burden I guess.
In the haystack
12/18
Sometimes people think they are just not tough. “I just can’t do what you can do, no way! Me, run!” they laugh with wrinkles crinkling the corners of their eyes.
You might explain something to the effect but not as succinctly, “Oh you can do it, it just takes time.” To which you will be told all sorts of reasons from genetics to the disposition of their mind on why this is simply not true. And they really believe it. It brings to mind a saying that goes something like this; the only books that impact you are those for which you are ready. Running greets many people who get into it at some point or another as an adult. They hated the act, looked at it as a form of punishment maybe, as a teenager doing basketball or football. Now as an adult, it becomes a way to meditate, to leave stress or to simply enjoy their body for they now know how precious it is to use the body the way it’s designed. They have found their needle, bright shiny and true; running can be great!
Sometimes people think they are just not tough. “I just can’t do what you can do, no way! Me, run!” they laugh with wrinkles crinkling the corners of their eyes.
You might explain something to the effect but not as succinctly, “Oh you can do it, it just takes time.” To which you will be told all sorts of reasons from genetics to the disposition of their mind on why this is simply not true. And they really believe it. It brings to mind a saying that goes something like this; the only books that impact you are those for which you are ready. Running greets many people who get into it at some point or another as an adult. They hated the act, looked at it as a form of punishment maybe, as a teenager doing basketball or football. Now as an adult, it becomes a way to meditate, to leave stress or to simply enjoy their body for they now know how precious it is to use the body the way it’s designed. They have found their needle, bright shiny and true; running can be great!
I get a feeling
12/17
It was just so badass. I sat there, Jenny at side, watching this woman rip up a men’s 3k. I mean, of course there a lots of women faster then this out there, but today at this track meet it was the most impressive thing I saw. Just truly great running as she went after goals which turned out to be a 9:12 today. I know right? It brings back how track athletes have special relationships with each other. This seen so clearly today as at this BU mini-meet there are children in the saplings of their prime competing with elderly displaying their fading glory mixed with continuously growing toughness. We are all here running around a track, searching for something; a good feeling
It was just so badass. I sat there, Jenny at side, watching this woman rip up a men’s 3k. I mean, of course there a lots of women faster then this out there, but today at this track meet it was the most impressive thing I saw. Just truly great running as she went after goals which turned out to be a 9:12 today. I know right? It brings back how track athletes have special relationships with each other. This seen so clearly today as at this BU mini-meet there are children in the saplings of their prime competing with elderly displaying their fading glory mixed with continuously growing toughness. We are all here running around a track, searching for something; a good feeling
Saturday, December 17, 2011
To the race, however it may come!
12/16/11
Shaking, dark, alone and sad
Proud, happy, controlled and mad
Fearing, striving, fleeing and cold
Chasing, brave, attacking and bold
Me, you, someone else and them
Foes, enemies, family and friends
I see clearly what i want
you say you need this with a taunt
the curves are chasing and the lanes are straight
today this race neither of us hesitate
i see the finish, a line clearly defined
you do too and so reach saying, "mine!"
But i wont give and you wont take and together we can find
for your or mine the best story is one where we both fought for the line!
Shaking, dark, alone and sad
Proud, happy, controlled and mad
Fearing, striving, fleeing and cold
Chasing, brave, attacking and bold
Me, you, someone else and them
Foes, enemies, family and friends
I see clearly what i want
you say you need this with a taunt
the curves are chasing and the lanes are straight
today this race neither of us hesitate
i see the finish, a line clearly defined
you do too and so reach saying, "mine!"
But i wont give and you wont take and together we can find
for your or mine the best story is one where we both fought for the line!
And in the daylight i dont pick up my phone
12/15/11
It calls so i answer. Stark, cold days greet sad man. Out the door at my parents house in brownfield, me i learned how to run after my problems. A sort of melancholy year, some 7 years ago, i lived there. Trying to find answers to questions that had nothing succinct to say. SO i ran and i found it. I found it all. I ran, i ran till i cried from despair and i ran some more. I am not Tyler Durdin but i fight. I run and i fight until i know something about myself; i am me and that is always worth running for.
It calls so i answer. Stark, cold days greet sad man. Out the door at my parents house in brownfield, me i learned how to run after my problems. A sort of melancholy year, some 7 years ago, i lived there. Trying to find answers to questions that had nothing succinct to say. SO i ran and i found it. I found it all. I ran, i ran till i cried from despair and i ran some more. I am not Tyler Durdin but i fight. I run and i fight until i know something about myself; i am me and that is always worth running for.
Maybe I'll think it to myself.
12/14/11
And when the daylight hits i am gone. Its me, the road and my soul. I can run, can you? Well of course! Then why don't you? Is it what you did before that scares you, the fact that part of you feels for sure that you can't do what you did before? Is it that you are scared to try, scared to do something that you have not done before? Or is it because no one actually told you that the greatest gift you are ever given is you? The truth is you are what you have, and what you have is pretty much dream-able, is something that can become not something that is, except for potentiality, but is something that is always growing. Because what you, me and every other fucking person out there shares is one amazing thing... the ability to do something different tomorrow then you did today.
And when the daylight hits i am gone. Its me, the road and my soul. I can run, can you? Well of course! Then why don't you? Is it what you did before that scares you, the fact that part of you feels for sure that you can't do what you did before? Is it that you are scared to try, scared to do something that you have not done before? Or is it because no one actually told you that the greatest gift you are ever given is you? The truth is you are what you have, and what you have is pretty much dream-able, is something that can become not something that is, except for potentiality, but is something that is always growing. Because what you, me and every other fucking person out there shares is one amazing thing... the ability to do something different tomorrow then you did today.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
My burning lungs
12/13/11
The breathing is so rhythmic, no at times hypnotic. A sort of patient taking from conscious thought to a more reactionary driving of the body over the ground. As if the less thinking makes for more action or that within ultimate action there is no thought. In for two steps out for two steps and down the road or around the track the lungs go. Sort of pumping an organ for all its worth; give more oxygen! However, this demand for organ performance must be met with some sort of fiery passion to sear the necessity of fully capitalized resources otherwise it simply would not happen. If you don’t want something, at least on some level, with passion then you will never get it.
The breathing is so rhythmic, no at times hypnotic. A sort of patient taking from conscious thought to a more reactionary driving of the body over the ground. As if the less thinking makes for more action or that within ultimate action there is no thought. In for two steps out for two steps and down the road or around the track the lungs go. Sort of pumping an organ for all its worth; give more oxygen! However, this demand for organ performance must be met with some sort of fiery passion to sear the necessity of fully capitalized resources otherwise it simply would not happen. If you don’t want something, at least on some level, with passion then you will never get it.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Track Talks
12/12/11
"A teacher is never too smart to learn from his pupils. But while runners differ, basic principles never change. So it's a matter of fitting your current practices to fit the event and the individual. See, what's good for you might not be worth a darn for the next guy."
-Bill Bowerman
"A teacher is never too smart to learn from his pupils. But while runners differ, basic principles never change. So it's a matter of fitting your current practices to fit the event and the individual. See, what's good for you might not be worth a darn for the next guy."
-Bill Bowerman
Monday, December 12, 2011
Drill bit Dagan
12/11/11
I love drill workouts. These twenty or so minutes set aside for various hopping, skipping, kicking and other rhythmic movements to extract a snippet of running form and hyper focus on this action. As if by breaking down the nuances of the stride through motions bent on exaggerating a particular focus point such as the acceleration of the fore leg to the ground, that point will become stronger in the actual act of running. And with proper administration and integration into an existing program it is pretty much conclusively true that running "drills" help you become faster and more injury free like a properly administered stretching program. To the drill day!
I love drill workouts. These twenty or so minutes set aside for various hopping, skipping, kicking and other rhythmic movements to extract a snippet of running form and hyper focus on this action. As if by breaking down the nuances of the stride through motions bent on exaggerating a particular focus point such as the acceleration of the fore leg to the ground, that point will become stronger in the actual act of running. And with proper administration and integration into an existing program it is pretty much conclusively true that running "drills" help you become faster and more injury free like a properly administered stretching program. To the drill day!
Sunday, December 11, 2011
ah ah ahunch... Bless me
12/10/11
I just kind of knew. Before the gun went off, before the six women gather to their lanes, before the heat before them goes off; Jen is going to win her heat in the 200 meter sprint. I didn't know yesterday, or earlier this morning or even before/ while she was running her 400 meter 90 minutes or so ago. But sometime in the last thirty minutes I just knew it. Jen is going to win her heat and she isn't seeded with some super fast time, just the 29.40 that she ran at Reggie Lewis a week ago. Still the fastest she has run is a 28.57 and that was a couple years ago so all the women in her heat are in that ability. The race goes off and as the remaining 50 meters approach Jen's face is locked in on the finish line, arms paddling her down the river of track that leads to the white segment running perpendicular to the runners. Clearly ahead of the field, the next competitor a 29.10, Jen finishes in 28.80. It is a season's best, and the best in the last two years. It was nice to have a hunch come true.
I just kind of knew. Before the gun went off, before the six women gather to their lanes, before the heat before them goes off; Jen is going to win her heat in the 200 meter sprint. I didn't know yesterday, or earlier this morning or even before/ while she was running her 400 meter 90 minutes or so ago. But sometime in the last thirty minutes I just knew it. Jen is going to win her heat and she isn't seeded with some super fast time, just the 29.40 that she ran at Reggie Lewis a week ago. Still the fastest she has run is a 28.57 and that was a couple years ago so all the women in her heat are in that ability. The race goes off and as the remaining 50 meters approach Jen's face is locked in on the finish line, arms paddling her down the river of track that leads to the white segment running perpendicular to the runners. Clearly ahead of the field, the next competitor a 29.10, Jen finishes in 28.80. It is a season's best, and the best in the last two years. It was nice to have a hunch come true.
Friday, December 9, 2011
run.
12/8/11
try. lose. sweat. pain. blood. tears.
slow. torture. hate. necessity.
obsession. strength. spikes.
flats. train. dirt. grit.
gravel. patience.
mastery. desire.
passion. fast.
win. love.
race.
it's a lifestyle.
-JD
try. lose. sweat. pain. blood. tears.
slow. torture. hate. necessity.
obsession. strength. spikes.
flats. train. dirt. grit.
gravel. patience.
mastery. desire.
passion. fast.
win. love.
race.
it's a lifestyle.
-JD
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Sore Repeat
12/7/11
So sore, so sore everything feels every moment of movement and most moments of stillness. The current muscle communication clearly speaks the language of pain. It is there when I awake because it was there while I slept a light rest broken with the aches that are here now as much then. The pain and soreness almost come in new waves which never really break so much as subsides to cold dull uncomfortable oppression of all movement. Was it worth it? Would I do it again? The answer to the first question is an immediate yes and to the second query this is again so many times already.
So sore, so sore everything feels every moment of movement and most moments of stillness. The current muscle communication clearly speaks the language of pain. It is there when I awake because it was there while I slept a light rest broken with the aches that are here now as much then. The pain and soreness almost come in new waves which never really break so much as subsides to cold dull uncomfortable oppression of all movement. Was it worth it? Would I do it again? The answer to the first question is an immediate yes and to the second query this is again so many times already.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
One Well
12/6/11
The weight room is an interesting place; sort of everything that the track is not. With its enclosure and items that focus on being in one place to exert energy through which performance is achieved. Yet in their very distinct differences there are, of course, far more similarities. For while the motions that the body performs may be so far different it is hard to imagine the relationship between something like benching and running but it is easy when you cut to the heart of it. Here it is! A play on the passion, for the desire to accomplish something in the weight room is so similar to the desire to accomplish something on the track. This is akin to a drummer sharing something with a vocalist, a sort of drinking from the same emotional / inspirational well. Drink deep fellow athletes!
The weight room is an interesting place; sort of everything that the track is not. With its enclosure and items that focus on being in one place to exert energy through which performance is achieved. Yet in their very distinct differences there are, of course, far more similarities. For while the motions that the body performs may be so far different it is hard to imagine the relationship between something like benching and running but it is easy when you cut to the heart of it. Here it is! A play on the passion, for the desire to accomplish something in the weight room is so similar to the desire to accomplish something on the track. This is akin to a drummer sharing something with a vocalist, a sort of drinking from the same emotional / inspirational well. Drink deep fellow athletes!
Ready, set, REST!
12/5/11
It is so clear, and yet so unthinkable… at first. Then comes the moment when you know it all makes sense, it just clicks. Time off, really? As I face that running through this setback has shown no real improvements over the last few weeks the time off becomes easier to swallow. Nonetheless, there is a palpable feeling pulling me the other way. A true yearning to keep going, to try again another few days and maybe the strain in my left upper hamstring will get better. We runners hate to not work. This brings to mind how difficult the time off will be; a grueling marathon of non-specific exercises. I catch myself grinning and an epiphany is had; I enjoy the idea of this time off only when I look at it as a sort of test or workout. Yes a workout of rest; and I for one plan on kicking ass.
It is so clear, and yet so unthinkable… at first. Then comes the moment when you know it all makes sense, it just clicks. Time off, really? As I face that running through this setback has shown no real improvements over the last few weeks the time off becomes easier to swallow. Nonetheless, there is a palpable feeling pulling me the other way. A true yearning to keep going, to try again another few days and maybe the strain in my left upper hamstring will get better. We runners hate to not work. This brings to mind how difficult the time off will be; a grueling marathon of non-specific exercises. I catch myself grinning and an epiphany is had; I enjoy the idea of this time off only when I look at it as a sort of test or workout. Yes a workout of rest; and I for one plan on kicking ass.
Sunday Sailing
12/4/11
To sail away, through meters, wind, sun and clouds. To catch the feeling and just poof you are gone! The freedom is beautiful and always there within two shoes mixed in free time. What more than to look ahead, backwards glances just to see where it was that was last stepped, and the true vision is placed on where you are going. Step out the door and sail, to wherever the hell you please, they’re your damn legs, it’s your damn life or did you forget that?
To sail away, through meters, wind, sun and clouds. To catch the feeling and just poof you are gone! The freedom is beautiful and always there within two shoes mixed in free time. What more than to look ahead, backwards glances just to see where it was that was last stepped, and the true vision is placed on where you are going. Step out the door and sail, to wherever the hell you please, they’re your damn legs, it’s your damn life or did you forget that?
The Great Race
12/3/11
I love watching a great race. As I see it there are two types that fall in that category. One is the epic battle, that of two or more runners passing, fighting, charging, stalling and daring one another to the finish. This is of many players, or at the very least two; where the viewer’s desire for the outcome can make some racers villain and others heroic. The other, as I see it, is the lone battle. The driving of a pair of legs, through mastery, over terrain that seems to fling them forward with a finish line ready to accept their embrace with none close enough to even challenge their supremacy. As the spectator you feel part of both. The voyeurism of the moment, I guess. The beauty of the race is the races within the race. That there can be many battles fought over different lines of victory and you can just sit back to watch the display.
I love watching a great race. As I see it there are two types that fall in that category. One is the epic battle, that of two or more runners passing, fighting, charging, stalling and daring one another to the finish. This is of many players, or at the very least two; where the viewer’s desire for the outcome can make some racers villain and others heroic. The other, as I see it, is the lone battle. The driving of a pair of legs, through mastery, over terrain that seems to fling them forward with a finish line ready to accept their embrace with none close enough to even challenge their supremacy. As the spectator you feel part of both. The voyeurism of the moment, I guess. The beauty of the race is the races within the race. That there can be many battles fought over different lines of victory and you can just sit back to watch the display.
Run away thought
12/2/11
I can’t say I remember my first run. I was so young, 7 or 8, training for the presidential physical fitness awards. But that is only a time I can’t remember when I was running. Like recounting a summer of training, I can’t remember all those runs. Just like I know I was training for this fitness thing and I just can’t remember the first run, or at least right now. Who knows, maybe it will come screaming back to me; a subway running late so hurtling forward to make its stop out of the recessed station of all memorable moments.
Regardless, this is only the first time I can’t remember when I ran, but who cares; I mean that has happened hundreds of times by now. Just ask yourself some random date and see if you can recall what you did that day, even with a good running log. What I will say is that I can never even come close to recalling the first time I ran, at some ridiculously young age, mind hardly formed and I screaming happy to be forwardly propelling myself. I like it that way, that sort of it-was-always-part-of-me thing. The way you always knew your mother tongue, as far as any real thoughts go, you sort of always knew it. That’s what it is with running, it just has always been.
I can’t say I remember my first run. I was so young, 7 or 8, training for the presidential physical fitness awards. But that is only a time I can’t remember when I was running. Like recounting a summer of training, I can’t remember all those runs. Just like I know I was training for this fitness thing and I just can’t remember the first run, or at least right now. Who knows, maybe it will come screaming back to me; a subway running late so hurtling forward to make its stop out of the recessed station of all memorable moments.
Regardless, this is only the first time I can’t remember when I ran, but who cares; I mean that has happened hundreds of times by now. Just ask yourself some random date and see if you can recall what you did that day, even with a good running log. What I will say is that I can never even come close to recalling the first time I ran, at some ridiculously young age, mind hardly formed and I screaming happy to be forwardly propelling myself. I like it that way, that sort of it-was-always-part-of-me thing. The way you always knew your mother tongue, as far as any real thoughts go, you sort of always knew it. That’s what it is with running, it just has always been.
Dancing in the dark
12/1/11
Into the dark the steps go, to places unseen but felt by toes fleetingly footed down on pavement that flirts away into the ground left behind. Like the dance, where feet go as if thinking on behalf of the dancer. This is a dance during a reunion of long time lovers, intruded upon by peering head-beams that know not what they are seeing leaving the loving couple to masquerade openly with the anonymity of belonging to the public populace their guise. Just a runner, the road, as much clothing as the weather dictates and some kicks; oh how the night run greets me with love!
Into the dark the steps go, to places unseen but felt by toes fleetingly footed down on pavement that flirts away into the ground left behind. Like the dance, where feet go as if thinking on behalf of the dancer. This is a dance during a reunion of long time lovers, intruded upon by peering head-beams that know not what they are seeing leaving the loving couple to masquerade openly with the anonymity of belonging to the public populace their guise. Just a runner, the road, as much clothing as the weather dictates and some kicks; oh how the night run greets me with love!
The stretch session
11/30/11
Just take 10 minutes of time after an easy run or workout. From a very methodical yoga or a rope routine to using a free form flowing sort of mix-it-up basic stretches there is a lot accomplished in these ten minutes. The body enjoys being stretched at least on some level. I know this as an unequivocal fact, otherwise why do people sometimes groan with pleasure when they do it?
Just take 10 minutes of time after an easy run or workout. From a very methodical yoga or a rope routine to using a free form flowing sort of mix-it-up basic stretches there is a lot accomplished in these ten minutes. The body enjoys being stretched at least on some level. I know this as an unequivocal fact, otherwise why do people sometimes groan with pleasure when they do it?
Lunch Break Work-Out
11/29/11
I didn’t want to take more than the thirty minute lunch break so I practiced a warm up done if one shows up late to a race. It is completely conceivable that, due to traffic, to bad directions, to anything that can go wrong during travel, you show up late to a race. At this point, using the time that you have allowed, you get ready to run. And so was the case today. I did a thirteen minute warm up followed by some easy dynamic stretching, maybe a total of thirty seconds, and then two light progressive strides. This all ended with a cumulative time of sixteen minutes. Here I gave myself two minutes rest and then at eighteen minutes I started my nine minute hard bout.
The key to this lunch break planning was I warmed up in one direction and now am returning back to work at a faster speed but for a shorter amount of time. What ends up happening as I hammer out nine minutes, is I return to where I started after going into a light, handful of minutes, jog. Then it’s back in the office where I spend the rest of the day awkwardly stretching while answering emails and filing, leaving coworkers to glance in the weirdest ways at my movements around my desk and chair. Well, what can I do? A lunch break work-out is better then one at night in the pitch black and cold.
I didn’t want to take more than the thirty minute lunch break so I practiced a warm up done if one shows up late to a race. It is completely conceivable that, due to traffic, to bad directions, to anything that can go wrong during travel, you show up late to a race. At this point, using the time that you have allowed, you get ready to run. And so was the case today. I did a thirteen minute warm up followed by some easy dynamic stretching, maybe a total of thirty seconds, and then two light progressive strides. This all ended with a cumulative time of sixteen minutes. Here I gave myself two minutes rest and then at eighteen minutes I started my nine minute hard bout.
The key to this lunch break planning was I warmed up in one direction and now am returning back to work at a faster speed but for a shorter amount of time. What ends up happening as I hammer out nine minutes, is I return to where I started after going into a light, handful of minutes, jog. Then it’s back in the office where I spend the rest of the day awkwardly stretching while answering emails and filing, leaving coworkers to glance in the weirdest ways at my movements around my desk and chair. Well, what can I do? A lunch break work-out is better then one at night in the pitch black and cold.
Sleepyhead
11/28/11
Humming, strumming I’m out the door running
thundering, wondering or just emotional funneling.
The steps take my eyes and open them up
As if what I saw before was not enough.
Sleepyhead, it’s time to wake up!
They can’t think of what to say the day I burst
Quenching my aching soul’s running thirst
I make my day alive and with inner energy vibrant
time to put out the passionless fire with glories hydrants
Sleepyhead its time to wake up!
You say I can’t cover the distance without you
Showing a hole that is anything but new
Now more than ever hear the bell lap’s call
Watch steps closely, be an athlete, stand tall.
Sleepyhead its time to wake up!
Humming, strumming I’m out the door running
thundering, wondering or just emotional funneling.
The steps take my eyes and open them up
As if what I saw before was not enough.
Sleepyhead, it’s time to wake up!
They can’t think of what to say the day I burst
Quenching my aching soul’s running thirst
I make my day alive and with inner energy vibrant
time to put out the passionless fire with glories hydrants
Sleepyhead its time to wake up!
You say I can’t cover the distance without you
Showing a hole that is anything but new
Now more than ever hear the bell lap’s call
Watch steps closely, be an athlete, stand tall.
Sleepyhead its time to wake up!
Fast to slow
11/27/11
What’s the difference between running slow and running fast? Well that depends on what angle is being taken. From the point of view of velocity it is pretty quantitative and from the perspective of the person running, there is all the obvious differences. It is tiring to the body and involves certain hardness but in some ways, like the ways a funny song can sometimes stick in your head during the hardest part of a race, there is no difference in your mind from fast to slow.
What’s the difference between running slow and running fast? Well that depends on what angle is being taken. From the point of view of velocity it is pretty quantitative and from the perspective of the person running, there is all the obvious differences. It is tiring to the body and involves certain hardness but in some ways, like the ways a funny song can sometimes stick in your head during the hardest part of a race, there is no difference in your mind from fast to slow.
Comment worthy weather
11/26/11
There has been a bit of a warm spell and today was the best workout day in months. It was the perfect temperature, low 60’s, sunny and no wind. Braintree High School’s newly finished track is the setting of today’s athletic play. A burnt or slightly brownish red fills the meters with a strip of white here and there tying the whole thing together. The new turf field, plopped inside the track, has a giant B in the middle, leaving me to be self-indulgent and remark that the track does belong to me. The run today unfolds pretty well for me and very well for Jen. However, in some ways the workout is just not as remarkable as the weather; it was just so beautiful. Months from now I don’t know if I’ll recall the times ran today, but I will recall today and how it felt outside days before December.
There has been a bit of a warm spell and today was the best workout day in months. It was the perfect temperature, low 60’s, sunny and no wind. Braintree High School’s newly finished track is the setting of today’s athletic play. A burnt or slightly brownish red fills the meters with a strip of white here and there tying the whole thing together. The new turf field, plopped inside the track, has a giant B in the middle, leaving me to be self-indulgent and remark that the track does belong to me. The run today unfolds pretty well for me and very well for Jen. However, in some ways the workout is just not as remarkable as the weather; it was just so beautiful. Months from now I don’t know if I’ll recall the times ran today, but I will recall today and how it felt outside days before December.
The cold hard truth
11/25/11
The ice bath is not always necessary to do with ice. As winter hits the tap water can suffice. Aren’t familiar with what I am talking about? Ah, the uninitiated. It is like the mythological births out of water; you become something new. It is a test, but one that is easy to pass. Just sit in really cold water, often with chunks of scooped ice swimming around your abdomen, for 7-15 minutes or as is the case that I am in for 20 minutes in the coldest bath of tap water that you can summon. As the winter approaches the water gets colder and their almost comes a slow birth out of the acclimation to this 50 some degree water. I wish it was high 30 but you take what you can get. Standing in cold water for some other sort of situation suffices if done on repetition. Otherwise, if you have never iced than you have never lived and yeah, I mean that.
The ice bath is not always necessary to do with ice. As winter hits the tap water can suffice. Aren’t familiar with what I am talking about? Ah, the uninitiated. It is like the mythological births out of water; you become something new. It is a test, but one that is easy to pass. Just sit in really cold water, often with chunks of scooped ice swimming around your abdomen, for 7-15 minutes or as is the case that I am in for 20 minutes in the coldest bath of tap water that you can summon. As the winter approaches the water gets colder and their almost comes a slow birth out of the acclimation to this 50 some degree water. I wish it was high 30 but you take what you can get. Standing in cold water for some other sort of situation suffices if done on repetition. Otherwise, if you have never iced than you have never lived and yeah, I mean that.
Thanksgiving Day
11/24/11
The trail traveled through the woods criss-crossed with puddles of cold muddy brown fluid. Easily ambling away from dangerous crossings we stay dry and pour into the cranberry bog that lays about a mile behind Colin’s house. We travel in and around the bogs gathering minutes of easy running in the warm sun that blankets this area roughly the size of five or six football fields. A beautiful cranberry cultivation with perimeter paths, so often traveled during various outings around which to run through is not permitted or even feasible, this time taking thankful runners towards a Turkey dinner; Thanksgiving Day snapshot of a runner.
The trail traveled through the woods criss-crossed with puddles of cold muddy brown fluid. Easily ambling away from dangerous crossings we stay dry and pour into the cranberry bog that lays about a mile behind Colin’s house. We travel in and around the bogs gathering minutes of easy running in the warm sun that blankets this area roughly the size of five or six football fields. A beautiful cranberry cultivation with perimeter paths, so often traveled during various outings around which to run through is not permitted or even feasible, this time taking thankful runners towards a Turkey dinner; Thanksgiving Day snapshot of a runner.
My Run
11/23/11
It’s there time after time. As long as I ask, it is there. It never says “not now” or goes away on me. It’s been there through some real shitty parts of my life. Always just outside my door, always just waiting for me. Letting me see something out about myself that I always felt but maybe never knew. Or better yet something I know can come but I will still have to work for. It is also with me now, when things are going so well. It’s there for me still, always outside my door, waiting for me to find out something new about myself. Or, perhaps, confirm something I always knew.
It’s there time after time. As long as I ask, it is there. It never says “not now” or goes away on me. It’s been there through some real shitty parts of my life. Always just outside my door, always just waiting for me. Letting me see something out about myself that I always felt but maybe never knew. Or better yet something I know can come but I will still have to work for. It is also with me now, when things are going so well. It’s there for me still, always outside my door, waiting for me to find out something new about myself. Or, perhaps, confirm something I always knew.
Light & Legs
11/22/11
The football team is practicing and so the lights are on. A little haven of brightness, in the deep dark nights, that comes so early in the evening as December approaches. A haven offering refuge to hungry legs ready to eat up what the beaming lights shines down on, and that which to many of the practicing pigskin players probably simply forgot. Something they take for granted, like the bleachers or the hills, just background and in this case it was plainly the perimeter of the turf field. But that precious perimeter is 400 meters of grit, guts and love for those like us. A place to bend thoughts into hard fact via watches and with the concrete knowledge of time over distance come the breaking wind of where you will be in the future. Tonight legs are on the chase, the chase for dreams.
The football team is practicing and so the lights are on. A little haven of brightness, in the deep dark nights, that comes so early in the evening as December approaches. A haven offering refuge to hungry legs ready to eat up what the beaming lights shines down on, and that which to many of the practicing pigskin players probably simply forgot. Something they take for granted, like the bleachers or the hills, just background and in this case it was plainly the perimeter of the turf field. But that precious perimeter is 400 meters of grit, guts and love for those like us. A place to bend thoughts into hard fact via watches and with the concrete knowledge of time over distance come the breaking wind of where you will be in the future. Tonight legs are on the chase, the chase for dreams.
Track Talks
11/21/11
“Avoiding injury should be one of the primary goals of a good training program”
-Jack Daniels
“Avoiding injury should be one of the primary goals of a good training program”
-Jack Daniels
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