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
Monday, November 21, 2011
Jen & Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure
11/19/11
Jen ran so well in terms of where she stands in the season plan. It was just nice to watch. As if by getting splits and cheering on I was somehow part of her powerful sprinting strides. Two hundred meters of real determination from the strength of a body fully coordinated. It is great, those rarer moments, when you truly feel invigorated just jogging or standing as someone performs something really excellent. It is the shadow, the echo, the fragrance on a pillow of last nights lover now gone, of what it is to actually do something excellent.
Jen ran so well in terms of where she stands in the season plan. It was just nice to watch. As if by getting splits and cheering on I was somehow part of her powerful sprinting strides. Two hundred meters of real determination from the strength of a body fully coordinated. It is great, those rarer moments, when you truly feel invigorated just jogging or standing as someone performs something really excellent. It is the shadow, the echo, the fragrance on a pillow of last nights lover now gone, of what it is to actually do something excellent.
T.G.I.F.
11/18/11
A shitty day, made crappy by work. Sometimes an examination of what is being done is needed and then a decision is made. An answer to the little things, puppy like problems scratching at legs begging for scraps of dignity and patience, is an acknowledgment of the bigger things. Focus on what you want. At home finally and Jen turns to me saying, “So what do you want to do, right now?”
So I say, “Right now? Like right this instant? I want to run, let’s just get out the door and run.” And, after a quick change of clothes and spirits, we slam down a double shot of Vodka to be out the door one run being done together.
A shitty day, made crappy by work. Sometimes an examination of what is being done is needed and then a decision is made. An answer to the little things, puppy like problems scratching at legs begging for scraps of dignity and patience, is an acknowledgment of the bigger things. Focus on what you want. At home finally and Jen turns to me saying, “So what do you want to do, right now?”
So I say, “Right now? Like right this instant? I want to run, let’s just get out the door and run.” And, after a quick change of clothes and spirits, we slam down a double shot of Vodka to be out the door one run being done together.
Working it out
11/17/11
Sun, not really but there was something bright to the run. The freedom of the run breaking up the workday with the ease of a held in fart in front of company that are all of a sudden gone, leaving you to let one rip. The run just slips into the day, seamlessly aligning my inner work of reading and responding with a physical exertion. A certain balancing of mind and body allows relaxation and better work performance. Maybe there is something to that, HR should examine.
Sun, not really but there was something bright to the run. The freedom of the run breaking up the workday with the ease of a held in fart in front of company that are all of a sudden gone, leaving you to let one rip. The run just slips into the day, seamlessly aligning my inner work of reading and responding with a physical exertion. A certain balancing of mind and body allows relaxation and better work performance. Maybe there is something to that, HR should examine.
Talent Pageant
11/16/11
What a wet day. The day’s responsibilities washed over me with almost 100 emails, dozens of phone calls, a number of faxes and so much filing. The rushing past was strong but exasperated by my lack of skill at handling such rough terrain. Just like in running when you change to a new type of race or set of work outs. At first, it seems so much, but after a few tries you acclimate and start to see success. Today’s work load is heavy but I will acclimate to that kind of super busy day just as any athlete acclimates to new workouts. It just takes effort, time and rest. How much of each is when talent comes in as a factor.
What a wet day. The day’s responsibilities washed over me with almost 100 emails, dozens of phone calls, a number of faxes and so much filing. The rushing past was strong but exasperated by my lack of skill at handling such rough terrain. Just like in running when you change to a new type of race or set of work outs. At first, it seems so much, but after a few tries you acclimate and start to see success. Today’s work load is heavy but I will acclimate to that kind of super busy day just as any athlete acclimates to new workouts. It just takes effort, time and rest. How much of each is when talent comes in as a factor.
Wooden Soldier
11/15/11
A struggle through limbs made of wood but not part of trees. A bout of running, that brought about a certain disdain for the activity. A disgusting performance, magnified by expectations lost. However, finishing the workout strong, as well as the subsequent repetitions made for at least a somewhat decent showing. Regardless, a day is done and gone, leaving two runners to think about the next day, the next run.
A struggle through limbs made of wood but not part of trees. A bout of running, that brought about a certain disdain for the activity. A disgusting performance, magnified by expectations lost. However, finishing the workout strong, as well as the subsequent repetitions made for at least a somewhat decent showing. Regardless, a day is done and gone, leaving two runners to think about the next day, the next run.
Be all you can be
11/14/11
Thirty years old today. Seems funny in some ways and perfectly normal in others; regardless I am 30. It feels good as Jen and I take an easy run. As if my legs are just starting to know they are magnificent tools of streamlined genetics allowing a self determined achievement within the limits of their genetics. I feel good, and in some ways proud. Proud that I am still at, faster and stronger, trying to run my best. Not some overshadowing pride seeking to overcome all those around, but rather a type of code of conduct for myself. I want to run great, I mean great. How great is up to me and I like to test my curiosity. I think right now, finally I understand it, I wont say I haven’t given a shit about all the races and PR’s and stuff, no, I will say that crap mattered but not an iota compared to what I am about to say. I always thought it but until right now I guess I never really knew it. I want see what I can do if I achieve the best I can be.
Thirty years old today. Seems funny in some ways and perfectly normal in others; regardless I am 30. It feels good as Jen and I take an easy run. As if my legs are just starting to know they are magnificent tools of streamlined genetics allowing a self determined achievement within the limits of their genetics. I feel good, and in some ways proud. Proud that I am still at, faster and stronger, trying to run my best. Not some overshadowing pride seeking to overcome all those around, but rather a type of code of conduct for myself. I want to run great, I mean great. How great is up to me and I like to test my curiosity. I think right now, finally I understand it, I wont say I haven’t given a shit about all the races and PR’s and stuff, no, I will say that crap mattered but not an iota compared to what I am about to say. I always thought it but until right now I guess I never really knew it. I want see what I can do if I achieve the best I can be.
Shoe Shine
11/13/11
I love my running shoes. I know this sounds weird but I really love them. And by almost anyone’s standards beside mine they are complete shit. I did the last 17.2 mile of my brother’s marathon in a pair of kicks that showed a few little piggys and have the tread removed in a way reminiscent of a sedimentary stone cut in a grooved manner to show different layering.
Another pair I adore is in the start of its’ 7th year of treading ground. Nor am I a sole brand wearer. New Balance, Pearl Izumi, Mizuno, Adidas, Reebok, Asics and others have been the buffer for my foot from the ground. The real unique thing between all the shoes worn is I always pick one that has no plastic in the sole, so that the foot strike can work itself into the shoe rather then the shoe working itself into the foot strike. This trend I have of wearing shoes until they have nothing left, I have worn the tread away so what is left is just some sort of tough sack encasing my foot, is now becoming popular in a slightly different way.
The new five-fingered shoes or “foot gloves” as I prefer, demonstrate what I have been doing all along. This shoe essentially says that as long as the foot is protected from the ground then minimal is the way to go. I just get a shoe and work out the minimalist design best suited for my foot in the way that wind makes out the design of a desert rock; through time and striking. The way, and how often, the wind strikes the monolithic up cropping literally makes the rock’s shape. When I run, I wear down the tread the way my foot desires by treading away the excess. It is no surprise that this is a trend now because I have always been a little ahead of the times….. running pun intended
I love my running shoes. I know this sounds weird but I really love them. And by almost anyone’s standards beside mine they are complete shit. I did the last 17.2 mile of my brother’s marathon in a pair of kicks that showed a few little piggys and have the tread removed in a way reminiscent of a sedimentary stone cut in a grooved manner to show different layering.
Another pair I adore is in the start of its’ 7th year of treading ground. Nor am I a sole brand wearer. New Balance, Pearl Izumi, Mizuno, Adidas, Reebok, Asics and others have been the buffer for my foot from the ground. The real unique thing between all the shoes worn is I always pick one that has no plastic in the sole, so that the foot strike can work itself into the shoe rather then the shoe working itself into the foot strike. This trend I have of wearing shoes until they have nothing left, I have worn the tread away so what is left is just some sort of tough sack encasing my foot, is now becoming popular in a slightly different way.
The new five-fingered shoes or “foot gloves” as I prefer, demonstrate what I have been doing all along. This shoe essentially says that as long as the foot is protected from the ground then minimal is the way to go. I just get a shoe and work out the minimalist design best suited for my foot in the way that wind makes out the design of a desert rock; through time and striking. The way, and how often, the wind strikes the monolithic up cropping literally makes the rock’s shape. When I run, I wear down the tread the way my foot desires by treading away the excess. It is no surprise that this is a trend now because I have always been a little ahead of the times….. running pun intended
Always wear sunscreen
11/12/11
Have you ever heard of the bit called “Always wear sun screen”? It is a toast to the class of 1999, and I can’t recall who it is by but if you search online it will come up. I urge you to listen, in a crass way you could say it is the summation of a lot of fortune cookies, but it struck me tonight. Jen and I had just returned from a run and my brother Doug had it playing in the background as he was sitting at the kitchen table. I asked him to start it over and the words captivated me. I want to take that feeling and add to his bit; Run. Run because of the swell of joy it can bring.
Have you ever heard of the bit called “Always wear sun screen”? It is a toast to the class of 1999, and I can’t recall who it is by but if you search online it will come up. I urge you to listen, in a crass way you could say it is the summation of a lot of fortune cookies, but it struck me tonight. Jen and I had just returned from a run and my brother Doug had it playing in the background as he was sitting at the kitchen table. I asked him to start it over and the words captivated me. I want to take that feeling and add to his bit; Run. Run because of the swell of joy it can bring.
A past calling
11/11/11
Waking up and the slightest movement sends uncontrollable wiggles from muscle pain. The day before extends a hand of fatigue, through 18hours seven of which were fast asleep, as a reminder of yesterday’s workout. This of course stays close, all day, grasping muscles in the tight reminder of meters covered. Something so great comes from that feeling, something in the near future. What envelops the pain that stays inside all day is the super-compensation of increased fitness. Next time the soreness might be as bad but the times during the run will be quicker.
Waking up and the slightest movement sends uncontrollable wiggles from muscle pain. The day before extends a hand of fatigue, through 18hours seven of which were fast asleep, as a reminder of yesterday’s workout. This of course stays close, all day, grasping muscles in the tight reminder of meters covered. Something so great comes from that feeling, something in the near future. What envelops the pain that stays inside all day is the super-compensation of increased fitness. Next time the soreness might be as bad but the times during the run will be quicker.
Middle Mania
11/10/11
That middle part, where the legs get all rubbery right before funk and junk start to mix into cramps hampering turnover. That’s where it hits, right there in the middle, an all too real thought of giving up. This sort of ridiculous idea of stopping is an almost ironic response to the forceful drive of getting over that finish line. Regardless, it comes, and being aware of it is a good thing. Being able to prepare for that hit of false steps allows a pushing through of doubt and right into striking distance of the finish.
That middle part, where the legs get all rubbery right before funk and junk start to mix into cramps hampering turnover. That’s where it hits, right there in the middle, an all too real thought of giving up. This sort of ridiculous idea of stopping is an almost ironic response to the forceful drive of getting over that finish line. Regardless, it comes, and being aware of it is a good thing. Being able to prepare for that hit of false steps allows a pushing through of doubt and right into striking distance of the finish.
Summer days
11/9/11
It must have been 70, or at least high 60’s. A seasonably warm day by any New England standard for early November and yet hiding in the woods were pancake like mounds of snow. These dirt, stone and tree part riddled piles of churned ice spoke of the remarkable change in recent weather. Today it was a pair of shorts and a tight synthetic top. Colin led the familiar route taken during a ‘lunch break run’. It was filled with bs’n and moments of work. Just kind of care free and easy going; it was a real treat. Even through winter’s footsteps are marching up the front steps today the knock on the door was summer.
It must have been 70, or at least high 60’s. A seasonably warm day by any New England standard for early November and yet hiding in the woods were pancake like mounds of snow. These dirt, stone and tree part riddled piles of churned ice spoke of the remarkable change in recent weather. Today it was a pair of shorts and a tight synthetic top. Colin led the familiar route taken during a ‘lunch break run’. It was filled with bs’n and moments of work. Just kind of care free and easy going; it was a real treat. Even through winter’s footsteps are marching up the front steps today the knock on the door was summer.
Breathe it on in
11/8/11
The air felt so good during tonight’s run. As on the days when you have no water and are so parched but then you get that drink leaving you refreshed. Well maybe it was more like the days you are sipping cool water replenishing hydration slowly whilst stretching or lounging in the shade. Yeah that is more like it, a slow sort of comfortable constant indulgence. The air, just to breathe it in was so invigorating. The run was figuratively and literally a breath of fresh air.
The air felt so good during tonight’s run. As on the days when you have no water and are so parched but then you get that drink leaving you refreshed. Well maybe it was more like the days you are sipping cool water replenishing hydration slowly whilst stretching or lounging in the shade. Yeah that is more like it, a slow sort of comfortable constant indulgence. The air, just to breathe it in was so invigorating. The run was figuratively and literally a breath of fresh air.
He/she/they/my/mine/ours/we/I/etc……
11/7/11
Skipping out at lunch, under-armor wicking away sweat with shorts flashing legs made white from a lack of sun. The road is there with its cold asphalt ready to shoulder the load being disbursed. A true magnitude brought from lungs heaving heavy gasps of air, billows that drive a train. A locomotive traveling down invisible tracks loosely guided by white lines painted on the road. Purposeless would be the farthest from the truth. So methodical is the approach that being privy to the knowledge driving the workout no doubt would be left on the question of why it was being done in the way it was being done. Culminating with a suppression of bowels and a sense of self-satisfaction swimming as a fish in the nausea gripping like the cold wet hands of a swimmer fresh from the ocean placed on skin while tanning in the summer’s sun.
Skipping out at lunch, under-armor wicking away sweat with shorts flashing legs made white from a lack of sun. The road is there with its cold asphalt ready to shoulder the load being disbursed. A true magnitude brought from lungs heaving heavy gasps of air, billows that drive a train. A locomotive traveling down invisible tracks loosely guided by white lines painted on the road. Purposeless would be the farthest from the truth. So methodical is the approach that being privy to the knowledge driving the workout no doubt would be left on the question of why it was being done in the way it was being done. Culminating with a suppression of bowels and a sense of self-satisfaction swimming as a fish in the nausea gripping like the cold wet hands of a swimmer fresh from the ocean placed on skin while tanning in the summer’s sun.
Front Row Seats
11/6/11
There is something iconic about a certain type of day when it comes to cross country races. A mixing of sunshine and brief bits of wind meeting a course made muddy from days prior. Also a definite coolness, not coldness, to the air but not so much contestants would race in anything besides a pair of shorts and a singlet. There is a smell of the dirt; the muddiness ground up here and there from races run prior and warms ups conducted almost endlessly. There are of course spectators watching but some are like me and are not just friends or families, gathering to support a loved one. No, if you are one that knows, then you also feel the great anticipation as all these runners ambling, jogging, drinking water, going to the bathroom for the third or fourth time and all the other things that go on before one races are gathering themselves. They are gathering all that they have for some great effort and if you are at one of these iconic cross country races for the first time and you feel that vibe of men & women putting it all out there well let me tell you, one hell of a show is about to happen.
There is something iconic about a certain type of day when it comes to cross country races. A mixing of sunshine and brief bits of wind meeting a course made muddy from days prior. Also a definite coolness, not coldness, to the air but not so much contestants would race in anything besides a pair of shorts and a singlet. There is a smell of the dirt; the muddiness ground up here and there from races run prior and warms ups conducted almost endlessly. There are of course spectators watching but some are like me and are not just friends or families, gathering to support a loved one. No, if you are one that knows, then you also feel the great anticipation as all these runners ambling, jogging, drinking water, going to the bathroom for the third or fourth time and all the other things that go on before one races are gathering themselves. They are gathering all that they have for some great effort and if you are at one of these iconic cross country races for the first time and you feel that vibe of men & women putting it all out there well let me tell you, one hell of a show is about to happen.
I am the Alpha and the Omega
11/5/11
Franklin Park is less then ten miles from where Jen and I live. It is the stage for a zoo, scenic trails that are often dotted with a walker toting alongside man’s best-friend and is also notorious in our community of runners as the backdrop to immortalized cross-country battles. It is funny, running around the park in the late fall evening, how we take for granted that the greatest runners out there share courses and tracks with amateurs and beginners. In football no middle school child will every play a football game with his peers on a NFL field. However, in running, we sometimes forgot that at any time we so well please (barring travel complications) we can step onto any of the historic marathon courses were some of the best runners ever have run. Today, cantering along these hallowed paths, I am struck by participation with people from the best caliber to the most beginner novice.
Franklin Park is less then ten miles from where Jen and I live. It is the stage for a zoo, scenic trails that are often dotted with a walker toting alongside man’s best-friend and is also notorious in our community of runners as the backdrop to immortalized cross-country battles. It is funny, running around the park in the late fall evening, how we take for granted that the greatest runners out there share courses and tracks with amateurs and beginners. In football no middle school child will every play a football game with his peers on a NFL field. However, in running, we sometimes forgot that at any time we so well please (barring travel complications) we can step onto any of the historic marathon courses were some of the best runners ever have run. Today, cantering along these hallowed paths, I am struck by participation with people from the best caliber to the most beginner novice.
Darknewness
11/3/11
Jen leads the way through the dark. Down fresh sidewalks all concrete with a grey constant blend spattered with a blue hue that comes more often when the cement is still young. The road is sparsely spread with a smattering of light posts breaking the dark up with the ease of a lighthouse except instead of swinging round 360 degrees these cut up the darkness of the run with some sort of regular interval only due to the ground being covered. Ground covered as Jen continues heading down this clean slate run, something truly new because I have not been this way before. As it unfolds with the ease of a lawn-chair on a sunny day due a tan this way Jen leads opens up its own treasure of simplicity in the suburbia of Boston.
Jen leads the way through the dark. Down fresh sidewalks all concrete with a grey constant blend spattered with a blue hue that comes more often when the cement is still young. The road is sparsely spread with a smattering of light posts breaking the dark up with the ease of a lighthouse except instead of swinging round 360 degrees these cut up the darkness of the run with some sort of regular interval only due to the ground being covered. Ground covered as Jen continues heading down this clean slate run, something truly new because I have not been this way before. As it unfolds with the ease of a lawn-chair on a sunny day due a tan this way Jen leads opens up its own treasure of simplicity in the suburbia of Boston.
We Sprinted 200’s
11/2/11
We repeated the workout of a week prior that was made more difficult this week due to not a change in Intensity or repetitions but rather to the finicky friend of weather. A friend that even when it does not bring ideal conditions always brings the reminder of gratitude. Today the day was just very cold, with ice on portions of the track leaving two athletes un-acclimated to handle this new factor. However, even when the sky is hurling hail, ground slick with ice or a 100 degree heat wave draped in the sticky cloak of humidity there is still that calling. “Remember,” Says our companion weather, “that the worst of me is to just a reminder to appreciate my more salient aspects all that more.”
We repeated the workout of a week prior that was made more difficult this week due to not a change in Intensity or repetitions but rather to the finicky friend of weather. A friend that even when it does not bring ideal conditions always brings the reminder of gratitude. Today the day was just very cold, with ice on portions of the track leaving two athletes un-acclimated to handle this new factor. However, even when the sky is hurling hail, ground slick with ice or a 100 degree heat wave draped in the sticky cloak of humidity there is still that calling. “Remember,” Says our companion weather, “that the worst of me is to just a reminder to appreciate my more salient aspects all that more.”
And…
11/1/11
The run has happened and flattened and patterned me with its memory. The run has shed and led and fed bringing out strength and vitality and truth and honesty. The run is questioning and wondering and wistful. The run can be great and horrible and awesome and dreadful. The run was and is and will be what you have brought and are bringing and can ever bring. The run is me and I am the run and if you are the run and so am I then you and I are one and yet so different and all the paradoxes and similarities that can be derived from that statement.
The run has happened and flattened and patterned me with its memory. The run has shed and led and fed bringing out strength and vitality and truth and honesty. The run is questioning and wondering and wistful. The run can be great and horrible and awesome and dreadful. The run was and is and will be what you have brought and are bringing and can ever bring. The run is me and I am the run and if you are the run and so am I then you and I are one and yet so different and all the paradoxes and similarities that can be derived from that statement.
Understanding & Endurance
10/31/11
Punching it with true might. A knee to the head. Backing up, then charging to grapple against each other locked in an effort of understanding and endurance. Sometimes it throws you against the ground and takes it all laughing at you saying, “Is that all? Is that all you have! HA!”
It owned you. But maybe that is a mistake. Other times it can be different, it can be compassionate. It is still an effort of understanding and endurance, but it is not a fight. Instead, you are met with compassion. This time you are told, “Yes it is hard, but if you use your head then you can do it, and how well is up to you!” I guess it is up to the runner to figure out their hard runs.
Punching it with true might. A knee to the head. Backing up, then charging to grapple against each other locked in an effort of understanding and endurance. Sometimes it throws you against the ground and takes it all laughing at you saying, “Is that all? Is that all you have! HA!”
It owned you. But maybe that is a mistake. Other times it can be different, it can be compassionate. It is still an effort of understanding and endurance, but it is not a fight. Instead, you are met with compassion. This time you are told, “Yes it is hard, but if you use your head then you can do it, and how well is up to you!” I guess it is up to the runner to figure out their hard runs.
Doug Deep
My brother, Doug Dagan, is accomplished. From trekking across a Costa Rican rain forest to attending a United Nations conference on climate change with diplomatic status; he is a worldly traveler. He is also a graduate of the esteemed Middlebury College, taught Chemistry/Physics at two different private schools and is now studying Environmental Law at Vermont Law. Oh yeah, and while gaining a law degree at VLS he is going to Yale Grad school too.
He is gifted in many ways; intelligent, articulate, kind and strong. But his best blessing is his determination. As much as he was given it was his determination, which sometimes can mask itself as stubbornness, which allowed all those accomplishments. He was determined on his goals, clear and set.
So when my big brother came to me and said, “I want to run a marathon”, I said something to the effect of yeah you can definitely do that. For me, it was as matter of fact as an afterthought, implicit in its nature. Similar to questions such as do you like butter or how nice is the smell of fresh cut grass. Cliché basic answers to the good things in life and the possible things too. I knew that despite his trepidation, which barely echoed in his words when he talked about the endeavor, he could do it if he set his mind to do it.
It is noteworthy to respect the fact that my brother is a bear of a man. The solid oak legs ripple with grace when he regularly works out but in no way is he slender. To paint a picture: a few Thanksgivings ago my brother, laughing at how small I was (155 lbs), grabbed me under the ribcage to throw and catch me in the air a few times. He actually laughed while doing it! Needless to say my brother does not have a ‘runners build’.
When the race came my brother met the bleak day nervously. Shaking it off, he came to mile six smiling at a mix of relations; brothers, sisters and niece. Getting excited, he kind of dances back and forth, pointing his thumbs to himself saying, “You know why my legs hurt? From kicking so much ASS!!!!” Laughing and cheering he is urged on.
Still chuckling I hop in; joining my brother in support and with a backpack stashed with a couple supplies. We trek onwards with good spirits for the next few miles. There is a light hearted bantering that ensues, at one point my brother locks onto a female’s derrière as a sort of towing vehicle. However, somewhere around half-way it gets serious. There comes a look of fear as a huge splash of doubt sweeps through his tired face; there is a cut-off time at mile 20 and my brother is scared now that he won’t be there in time.
With words as my whip, I break him into a 30 sec run 30 sec jog/shamble. Rep after rep, I urge him on, as he pants away leaving a small stream of sweat. We would talk, but most of the time there was a sense of nonsensical even when he was asking for something he needed. At one point chaffing sets in and I am off through the hundreds of athletes spread around us, begging runners for Vaseline or Body Glide. Finding the latter I head back to him, as he sloppily swipes it under his raw arm pits. Later, I search for an anti-inflammatory. All the while coming back, for another 30 sec on or 30 sec off depending what was due. And so the next seven laborious miles passed for Doug.
The bridge approached in due course and a real sense of relief could be felt as we passed its’ threshold. A sort of fun came back into the race. The next six miles we partook in eating doughnuts, having gummy bears and even drinking beer. He finished the Marathon in 6:38:58 and 20,778 out 21,023 finishers (not starters) which in terms of running isn’t stellar time, but to me it was an awesome journey and an amazing feat for Doug.
My small part was completely of giving of myself to my brother. If you don’t already, you should know he had to give of himself too, and in far more a difficult way. He dug deep and found something inside himself he was unsure existed; a person who could do a marathon. Later he would say he couldn’t have made it with out me, and I don’t know if that’s true or not. What is true is he couldn’t have made it without himself, because when he dug deep his search found nothing less than new boundaries to his soul, and that which he gave of himself was the limits he had set on that beautiful spirit.
-
He is gifted in many ways; intelligent, articulate, kind and strong. But his best blessing is his determination. As much as he was given it was his determination, which sometimes can mask itself as stubbornness, which allowed all those accomplishments. He was determined on his goals, clear and set.
So when my big brother came to me and said, “I want to run a marathon”, I said something to the effect of yeah you can definitely do that. For me, it was as matter of fact as an afterthought, implicit in its nature. Similar to questions such as do you like butter or how nice is the smell of fresh cut grass. Cliché basic answers to the good things in life and the possible things too. I knew that despite his trepidation, which barely echoed in his words when he talked about the endeavor, he could do it if he set his mind to do it.
It is noteworthy to respect the fact that my brother is a bear of a man. The solid oak legs ripple with grace when he regularly works out but in no way is he slender. To paint a picture: a few Thanksgivings ago my brother, laughing at how small I was (155 lbs), grabbed me under the ribcage to throw and catch me in the air a few times. He actually laughed while doing it! Needless to say my brother does not have a ‘runners build’.
When the race came my brother met the bleak day nervously. Shaking it off, he came to mile six smiling at a mix of relations; brothers, sisters and niece. Getting excited, he kind of dances back and forth, pointing his thumbs to himself saying, “You know why my legs hurt? From kicking so much ASS!!!!” Laughing and cheering he is urged on.
Still chuckling I hop in; joining my brother in support and with a backpack stashed with a couple supplies. We trek onwards with good spirits for the next few miles. There is a light hearted bantering that ensues, at one point my brother locks onto a female’s derrière as a sort of towing vehicle. However, somewhere around half-way it gets serious. There comes a look of fear as a huge splash of doubt sweeps through his tired face; there is a cut-off time at mile 20 and my brother is scared now that he won’t be there in time.
With words as my whip, I break him into a 30 sec run 30 sec jog/shamble. Rep after rep, I urge him on, as he pants away leaving a small stream of sweat. We would talk, but most of the time there was a sense of nonsensical even when he was asking for something he needed. At one point chaffing sets in and I am off through the hundreds of athletes spread around us, begging runners for Vaseline or Body Glide. Finding the latter I head back to him, as he sloppily swipes it under his raw arm pits. Later, I search for an anti-inflammatory. All the while coming back, for another 30 sec on or 30 sec off depending what was due. And so the next seven laborious miles passed for Doug.
The bridge approached in due course and a real sense of relief could be felt as we passed its’ threshold. A sort of fun came back into the race. The next six miles we partook in eating doughnuts, having gummy bears and even drinking beer. He finished the Marathon in 6:38:58 and 20,778 out 21,023 finishers (not starters) which in terms of running isn’t stellar time, but to me it was an awesome journey and an amazing feat for Doug.
My small part was completely of giving of myself to my brother. If you don’t already, you should know he had to give of himself too, and in far more a difficult way. He dug deep and found something inside himself he was unsure existed; a person who could do a marathon. Later he would say he couldn’t have made it with out me, and I don’t know if that’s true or not. What is true is he couldn’t have made it without himself, because when he dug deep his search found nothing less than new boundaries to his soul, and that which he gave of himself was the limits he had set on that beautiful spirit.
-
Horse Shoes & Hand Grenades
10/29/11
I almost won. I almost ran. I almost woke up for practice. I almost did go to the track. I almost trained. I almost gave it my all. I almost took more pain. I almost didn’t quit. I almost can have the past back. I almost can do over what I can’t. I almost could do it again. I almost don’t care. I almost gave up. I almost didn’t try again. I almost forgot. I almost lost it all. Almost doesn’t count, what does is what I do now.
I almost won. I almost ran. I almost woke up for practice. I almost did go to the track. I almost trained. I almost gave it my all. I almost took more pain. I almost didn’t quit. I almost can have the past back. I almost can do over what I can’t. I almost could do it again. I almost don’t care. I almost gave up. I almost didn’t try again. I almost forgot. I almost lost it all. Almost doesn’t count, what does is what I do now.
Three’s Company
10/28/11
Jen and I get to run together all the time. However, besides occasionally when we might be bickering, I always find myself so grateful to run together. This is something we both fell in love with on our own, before we ever met. A mutual friend that we shared something with but whom never told us of each other, so that when Jen and I finally met we were surprised. “How could the Run have never told us about each other, I thought I knew the Run so well.” We used to remark to each other. So now, we feel like we want to catch up with this friend together and so each outing is a time with a friend who knows us better then we know each other.
Jen and I get to run together all the time. However, besides occasionally when we might be bickering, I always find myself so grateful to run together. This is something we both fell in love with on our own, before we ever met. A mutual friend that we shared something with but whom never told us of each other, so that when Jen and I finally met we were surprised. “How could the Run have never told us about each other, I thought I knew the Run so well.” We used to remark to each other. So now, we feel like we want to catch up with this friend together and so each outing is a time with a friend who knows us better then we know each other.
Between a rock and a hard place
10/27/11
After time and with pressure comes a diamond. A lifetime for that little piece of rock spans so much longer then humans but still makes for a good analogy. The great thing for us, unlike the rocks that don’t choose what molds them, we often get a major part in the pressures we expose to ourselves. This is exemplified in running. Even being on a team doesn’t bind you completely. We choose how we pick up our feet and then put them down. The speed, the variety, the duration, the way is up to us. What kind of diamond do you want?
After time and with pressure comes a diamond. A lifetime for that little piece of rock spans so much longer then humans but still makes for a good analogy. The great thing for us, unlike the rocks that don’t choose what molds them, we often get a major part in the pressures we expose to ourselves. This is exemplified in running. Even being on a team doesn’t bind you completely. We choose how we pick up our feet and then put them down. The speed, the variety, the duration, the way is up to us. What kind of diamond do you want?
200’s
10/26/11
It was our first workout of this kind in a long time. The last time we ran this intensity was this past winter. This made it certainly a ‘feeling out’ day. The all out sprinting base we have laid over the last 10 weeks or so is going to start a journey towards endurance. This starts today was embark on three reps of 200meter sprints. The workout is administered as last 200 all out, the second to last holding back just a little bit, and the first as a 95% intensity. This type of workout will start the process towards speed endurance as we aim to race the 400 for the majority of the indoor season and just at the end taper out to the 800 and possibly a couple of 1500’s. It is funny, for so long we mastered a different intensity, a sort of relaxed assault of fluidity that was at the same time aggressive. Today it almost felt disconnected and this was to be expected. There is always the weeks of adjustment but then comes the weeks of achievement.
It was our first workout of this kind in a long time. The last time we ran this intensity was this past winter. This made it certainly a ‘feeling out’ day. The all out sprinting base we have laid over the last 10 weeks or so is going to start a journey towards endurance. This starts today was embark on three reps of 200meter sprints. The workout is administered as last 200 all out, the second to last holding back just a little bit, and the first as a 95% intensity. This type of workout will start the process towards speed endurance as we aim to race the 400 for the majority of the indoor season and just at the end taper out to the 800 and possibly a couple of 1500’s. It is funny, for so long we mastered a different intensity, a sort of relaxed assault of fluidity that was at the same time aggressive. Today it almost felt disconnected and this was to be expected. There is always the weeks of adjustment but then comes the weeks of achievement.
Perspectives Paths
10/25/11
A lightness or a load. A burden or a bearing. A desire or a dread. A wish or a fear. A love or a hatred. A moment of glory or a moment of loathing. A chance to put it all out there in the most inspiring way and in a way that it is hard to imagine ever inspiring. All in all the run is many things, but more exact we are many things and the run just shares it with us.
A lightness or a load. A burden or a bearing. A desire or a dread. A wish or a fear. A love or a hatred. A moment of glory or a moment of loathing. A chance to put it all out there in the most inspiring way and in a way that it is hard to imagine ever inspiring. All in all the run is many things, but more exact we are many things and the run just shares it with us.
Track & Feeled
10/24/11
I love the anticipation of a workout. The way it can be sometimes. The feeling is not nervousness, at least in the conventional sense. This is more like Christmas or a wedding night for virgins. This is when you know you are going to kick some ass and the only question is how bad. A sort of lust for speed and watches; knowledge of times and distances covered. This is the passion for something meeting the completion of work necessary to stand in that “field” of passion. The feeling is singular, as are most moments of being part of something bigger than the moment.
I love the anticipation of a workout. The way it can be sometimes. The feeling is not nervousness, at least in the conventional sense. This is more like Christmas or a wedding night for virgins. This is when you know you are going to kick some ass and the only question is how bad. A sort of lust for speed and watches; knowledge of times and distances covered. This is the passion for something meeting the completion of work necessary to stand in that “field” of passion. The feeling is singular, as are most moments of being part of something bigger than the moment.
Nietchze’s Love
10/23/11
I wish on you a horrible run. I wish on you the gut wrenching agony of self-inflicted pain, hurling a meal eaten hours ago out of your intestine up through a stomach brimming with an almost neon yellow bile and purging itself from your mouth in the geyser of self wretchedness that comes from puking. I wish on you the worst race of your life. I wish on you the pain that can only come from letting yourself down when you don’t do the run you should do. I wish on you everything but true burnout. I wish these things not for always. I wish these things so you can know the depths of success through the true empathy of failure, disgust and self-loathing. In fact, in truth and in all honesty in the long run I wish on you nothing but the best!
I wish on you a horrible run. I wish on you the gut wrenching agony of self-inflicted pain, hurling a meal eaten hours ago out of your intestine up through a stomach brimming with an almost neon yellow bile and purging itself from your mouth in the geyser of self wretchedness that comes from puking. I wish on you the worst race of your life. I wish on you the pain that can only come from letting yourself down when you don’t do the run you should do. I wish on you everything but true burnout. I wish these things not for always. I wish these things so you can know the depths of success through the true empathy of failure, disgust and self-loathing. In fact, in truth and in all honesty in the long run I wish on you nothing but the best!
Always pushing up the hill searching for the thrill of it
10/22/11
The best argument made to take advantage of running when you can, while you still can, why you must take advantage of this wonderful present is simple. No one can use your body except you. It is one of the greatest gifts you can have so squander its splendor at a cost. If you run, with proper recovery in between runs, you will be healthier and in my experience happier. Run, run for the thrill of it.
The best argument made to take advantage of running when you can, while you still can, why you must take advantage of this wonderful present is simple. No one can use your body except you. It is one of the greatest gifts you can have so squander its splendor at a cost. If you run, with proper recovery in between runs, you will be healthier and in my experience happier. Run, run for the thrill of it.
Atlas
10/21/11
Has it ever happened, standing at the line on a track, road or green field that you feel the weight of the world on your shoulders? In the cold, heat, humidity, or assailing precipitation it is like the whole world rests across your back. A burden begging that if you get to perform the way you desire you will act a little more in accord with the world. I have experienced some sort of profound communication with the larger universe when waiting, heart and soul beating together, for the cue to begin. Call it narcissistic but there can be such a moment of singularity to the worldly experience when you toe the line seconds before the gun goes off.
Has it ever happened, standing at the line on a track, road or green field that you feel the weight of the world on your shoulders? In the cold, heat, humidity, or assailing precipitation it is like the whole world rests across your back. A burden begging that if you get to perform the way you desire you will act a little more in accord with the world. I have experienced some sort of profound communication with the larger universe when waiting, heart and soul beating together, for the cue to begin. Call it narcissistic but there can be such a moment of singularity to the worldly experience when you toe the line seconds before the gun goes off.
Runningreat
10/20/11
Sometimes I watch people run, people that really know what they are doing as they put one foot after the other. They have a rare relationship with their central nervous system, full of coordinated actions and true agility. By the way they move it is obvious they aren’t some amateur plugging away at their pace displaying full fledged intensity. No, they are definitely not flying by at a sustainable top notch speed. Rather it is the care-free way they move through controlled casual cantering calling to mind an icicle dripping, patiently but still growing through its drip-drip-drip of water. Water that is flowing and freezing around a pinnacle of transparent crystal adding to its girth with its patient liquid feed. As if through the ease of which they run they master themselves, growing greater stride by stride and like the icicle the world can see them grow right from their core.
Sometimes I watch people run, people that really know what they are doing as they put one foot after the other. They have a rare relationship with their central nervous system, full of coordinated actions and true agility. By the way they move it is obvious they aren’t some amateur plugging away at their pace displaying full fledged intensity. No, they are definitely not flying by at a sustainable top notch speed. Rather it is the care-free way they move through controlled casual cantering calling to mind an icicle dripping, patiently but still growing through its drip-drip-drip of water. Water that is flowing and freezing around a pinnacle of transparent crystal adding to its girth with its patient liquid feed. As if through the ease of which they run they master themselves, growing greater stride by stride and like the icicle the world can see them grow right from their core.
Running just as fast as you can
10/19/11
Today I ran faster then I have ever run before. It was a rainy cold day insinuating that we should count this lucky because of what was around the corner; winter. Getting to the track in the dark, there was already a lot of perseverance mustering just delivering our asses to the workout. However, once there it was 100% game time. The warm up was text-book with 15 minutes of easy running followed by some dynamic stretches finishing with three short quick strides but wearing a rain weather running jacket that eventually was soaked by the consistent precipitation of moderate intensity.
Hopping into the van, we strip off the wet tops and take a few minutes to put on spikes and rest before we start the actual work. By the time we get out of the van to start a quick jog to where we will begin our sprints, a good 35-40 minutes has already passed since our arrival. Choosing to use the wind to our advantage we jog further down the track to start our run into the flying 60 meter sprints about where the 100meter race does. Hand rises from side scooping gravity with giant tugs. Oblique’s swing quad down, fully driving foot off of the surface, leaping forward half the body steps the other half pushes. It was like I was flying.
Today I ran faster then I have ever run before. It was a rainy cold day insinuating that we should count this lucky because of what was around the corner; winter. Getting to the track in the dark, there was already a lot of perseverance mustering just delivering our asses to the workout. However, once there it was 100% game time. The warm up was text-book with 15 minutes of easy running followed by some dynamic stretches finishing with three short quick strides but wearing a rain weather running jacket that eventually was soaked by the consistent precipitation of moderate intensity.
Hopping into the van, we strip off the wet tops and take a few minutes to put on spikes and rest before we start the actual work. By the time we get out of the van to start a quick jog to where we will begin our sprints, a good 35-40 minutes has already passed since our arrival. Choosing to use the wind to our advantage we jog further down the track to start our run into the flying 60 meter sprints about where the 100meter race does. Hand rises from side scooping gravity with giant tugs. Oblique’s swing quad down, fully driving foot off of the surface, leaping forward half the body steps the other half pushes. It was like I was flying.
Trippin’ on the Fall
10/18/11
Rain is dropping down outside, suggestions slipping from eaves that hang down off the two floor house. A marked change of coolness in the dreary fall day wringing wistful thoughts of summer that is now well gone. A loss of something, a sort of “taken for granted” that is now known. The days are gone, for a while at least, where you can rocket out of your home in only minimum clothing.
Rain is dropping down outside, suggestions slipping from eaves that hang down off the two floor house. A marked change of coolness in the dreary fall day wringing wistful thoughts of summer that is now well gone. A loss of something, a sort of “taken for granted” that is now known. The days are gone, for a while at least, where you can rocket out of your home in only minimum clothing.
I wear my sunglasses at night
10/17/11
I ran in the dark. Night-time was full bloom, greeting a man on anything but a fool’s errand. As if a night run sheds light like the sun’s reflection from a car then off a window to slap your face with a light handed smoosh of bright potency. This leaves you to ask, “Where did that come from?”
The run in the night lets me shine because it is a way of understanding commitment. A way of saying how much you want to be, of all the varying genetic possibilities the one that encapsulates your specific profile, the best runner. A way to be true to what you love that which you hold dear, the idea of being what you want! The run today, leaves me to see everything as the way it should be.
I ran in the dark. Night-time was full bloom, greeting a man on anything but a fool’s errand. As if a night run sheds light like the sun’s reflection from a car then off a window to slap your face with a light handed smoosh of bright potency. This leaves you to ask, “Where did that come from?”
The run in the night lets me shine because it is a way of understanding commitment. A way of saying how much you want to be, of all the varying genetic possibilities the one that encapsulates your specific profile, the best runner. A way to be true to what you love that which you hold dear, the idea of being what you want! The run today, leaves me to see everything as the way it should be.
Driving Ms. Behavior
10/16/11
The drive is where it’s at, where you can find yourself. What drives you? Is it the rival you want to beat, the time you want to hit or is it because you want to know something about yourself? Something you can only find on hard packed dirt trails, oval tracks 400meters in length or on open roads where the legs whirl with power and hope. Understanding the drive, the urge, the will to be, is part of understanding the essence of the run.
The drive is where it’s at, where you can find yourself. What drives you? Is it the rival you want to beat, the time you want to hit or is it because you want to know something about yourself? Something you can only find on hard packed dirt trails, oval tracks 400meters in length or on open roads where the legs whirl with power and hope. Understanding the drive, the urge, the will to be, is part of understanding the essence of the run.
Borderland Brendan
10/15/11
The Borderland State park sounds like the name of some dramatic setting where there is a violent confrontation on the TV show “Walker Texas Ranger”. In reality it belongs to the town of Sharon, MA and is a popular Cross Country setting for High School Meets. A rocky path rambles around a pond caught in glimpses through trees entwining the perimeter of the body of water. Today Colin, Jen and I race together for the first time in years. A driving of muscles, sinew, ligaments, arms and legs, not at the same pace but certainly an act of stepping together both as an autonomous body’s parts and that of three friends on the path again.
The Borderland State park sounds like the name of some dramatic setting where there is a violent confrontation on the TV show “Walker Texas Ranger”. In reality it belongs to the town of Sharon, MA and is a popular Cross Country setting for High School Meets. A rocky path rambles around a pond caught in glimpses through trees entwining the perimeter of the body of water. Today Colin, Jen and I race together for the first time in years. A driving of muscles, sinew, ligaments, arms and legs, not at the same pace but certainly an act of stepping together both as an autonomous body’s parts and that of three friends on the path again.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Cool, Calm & Confident
10/13/11
Sometimes there is more to the look than meets the eye. That the confidence on the outside can be a reflection of how the race will be run or a preview of how the challenge will be met. The distance must be covered but how is up to the runner. Stepping to the start line, gun held over head of an official ready to fire killing the motionless self with a burst of inertia and with that birth of motion there can also be the birth of a managed plan. Run the race with your head for the first two thirds, says Coach Daniels, and your heart the last third. When you toe that line let your mind tell your body to relax, the real work doesn’t need to be painful until the last third. Of course, the mind continues, I can handle the first two-thirds! The first two-thirds isn’t painful, or at least shouldn’t be if you follow proper pacing, but the last third is so very painful, and how much pain you can take should be left up to the blessed heart.
Sometimes there is more to the look than meets the eye. That the confidence on the outside can be a reflection of how the race will be run or a preview of how the challenge will be met. The distance must be covered but how is up to the runner. Stepping to the start line, gun held over head of an official ready to fire killing the motionless self with a burst of inertia and with that birth of motion there can also be the birth of a managed plan. Run the race with your head for the first two thirds, says Coach Daniels, and your heart the last third. When you toe that line let your mind tell your body to relax, the real work doesn’t need to be painful until the last third. Of course, the mind continues, I can handle the first two-thirds! The first two-thirds isn’t painful, or at least shouldn’t be if you follow proper pacing, but the last third is so very painful, and how much pain you can take should be left up to the blessed heart.
Mesmerrunning
10/12/11
The run can have a hypnotic quality. Small talk with training partners can take on an inundating aspect as the trail acts like the flute and you the cobra. Trance of talk elicits ears catching pools of words and tattoos your brain with sentences ripe with the venting, questioning or bullshitting of the person kind enough to join you for this outing.
The run can have a hypnotic quality. Small talk with training partners can take on an inundating aspect as the trail acts like the flute and you the cobra. Trance of talk elicits ears catching pools of words and tattoos your brain with sentences ripe with the venting, questioning or bullshitting of the person kind enough to join you for this outing.
Steppin’ on my style
10/11/11
How many steps do you take a minute? It is pretty much a biomechanical fact that from the 5k to the marathon elite runners take at least 180 steps a minute when racing and what occurs as they go at faster velocities correlating to the 3k down is they take more steps. If you want some proof to this count the swings of the arms of any of the runners in a lead pack marathon race. Thankfully arms and legs work in synchronization so if you get 45 swings for one arm in thirty seconds then they are running 180 steps a minute. What is also true is that these runners, in their regular training, maintain this quick 180 stepping cadence at all paces except those that are faster velocities training where they take more steps.
This can not be said about a lot of aspiring runners. Interestingly all form comes together a bit better when racing, except for at the end when you may be falling apart. One issue with taking say 160 steps a minute vs. 180 is that when you accelerate you are on the ground and you decelerate as you are falling. The more steps you take to run the same pace means you are spending more time in the air and falling from a slightly greater height because instead of rolling over the ground you are almost grasshopper like bounding over it. This brings up a much more serious issue with a slower cadence. Besides working harder to run the same pace you are risking injury.
Running is a repetitive motion venture. So when you extrapolate the difference of steps from a minute to the difference in all the minutes of a year you can see that you want to manage risk. The new quicker cadence may take some time to adjust to being natural but you will find that upon acclimation it is much more comfortable. The best time to work on this form is when you are easy running. Your form may need adjustments when you are training at faster paces, but chances they are more nuanced because form comes together more when you are running at race paces. However, watch the laborious bounding of a beginner runner, or even a vet who just defies conformity, they are spending a noticeable amount of energy to increase their chance of injury. Maybe they need to make a 180degree turn in their form.
How many steps do you take a minute? It is pretty much a biomechanical fact that from the 5k to the marathon elite runners take at least 180 steps a minute when racing and what occurs as they go at faster velocities correlating to the 3k down is they take more steps. If you want some proof to this count the swings of the arms of any of the runners in a lead pack marathon race. Thankfully arms and legs work in synchronization so if you get 45 swings for one arm in thirty seconds then they are running 180 steps a minute. What is also true is that these runners, in their regular training, maintain this quick 180 stepping cadence at all paces except those that are faster velocities training where they take more steps.
This can not be said about a lot of aspiring runners. Interestingly all form comes together a bit better when racing, except for at the end when you may be falling apart. One issue with taking say 160 steps a minute vs. 180 is that when you accelerate you are on the ground and you decelerate as you are falling. The more steps you take to run the same pace means you are spending more time in the air and falling from a slightly greater height because instead of rolling over the ground you are almost grasshopper like bounding over it. This brings up a much more serious issue with a slower cadence. Besides working harder to run the same pace you are risking injury.
Running is a repetitive motion venture. So when you extrapolate the difference of steps from a minute to the difference in all the minutes of a year you can see that you want to manage risk. The new quicker cadence may take some time to adjust to being natural but you will find that upon acclimation it is much more comfortable. The best time to work on this form is when you are easy running. Your form may need adjustments when you are training at faster paces, but chances they are more nuanced because form comes together more when you are running at race paces. However, watch the laborious bounding of a beginner runner, or even a vet who just defies conformity, they are spending a noticeable amount of energy to increase their chance of injury. Maybe they need to make a 180degree turn in their form.
Work envy
10/10/11
A moment of change happens when we step out the door. A runner leaving the door on some level is always acting on at least one principal; work. Freud said there are two things you need in life to be happy, “work and love”. While I don’t believe that Freud is right on all matters of thought, the breadth of his genius is undeniable and in this instant he is spot on. Remember fellow runners, work is something to be done, but it is rewarding; for the love of passion don’t let running work have some negative connotation.
A moment of change happens when we step out the door. A runner leaving the door on some level is always acting on at least one principal; work. Freud said there are two things you need in life to be happy, “work and love”. While I don’t believe that Freud is right on all matters of thought, the breadth of his genius is undeniable and in this instant he is spot on. Remember fellow runners, work is something to be done, but it is rewarding; for the love of passion don’t let running work have some negative connotation.
World's end
10/9/11
It was that kind of pristine run, the one that you write home about. In the town of Hingham sits “world's end” a beautiful bit of park that was saved from development through a combination of charity and local politics some thirty years ago. Today, it greets the terrific trio, old teammates on the run again, of Colin and the Dagans. An almost sublime experience.
The exercise was full of remainders of Boston, like a scene of the city spilling in through a break in trees as the trail passes by water. However, even though we are definitely still in the greater Boston area it is almost as if we are not. As if at worlds end that world of hustle, fuss and culture which makes Boston the best city in the world does end, or at least for the time spent there.
It was that kind of pristine run, the one that you write home about. In the town of Hingham sits “world's end” a beautiful bit of park that was saved from development through a combination of charity and local politics some thirty years ago. Today, it greets the terrific trio, old teammates on the run again, of Colin and the Dagans. An almost sublime experience.
The exercise was full of remainders of Boston, like a scene of the city spilling in through a break in trees as the trail passes by water. However, even though we are definitely still in the greater Boston area it is almost as if we are not. As if at worlds end that world of hustle, fuss and culture which makes Boston the best city in the world does end, or at least for the time spent there.
10/8
Run on Sentence
Driving down crisp red chutes, outlines of white strips guiding them, with meters of emptiness anticipating my legs full of a hot body riding adrenaline that is ready for the next step and demanding faster motion out of an autonomy already participating to the fullest of its ability… still more!
Driving down crisp red chutes, outlines of white strips guiding them, with meters of emptiness anticipating my legs full of a hot body riding adrenaline that is ready for the next step and demanding faster motion out of an autonomy already participating to the fullest of its ability… still more!
10/7
I was held at gun point once…
A long time ago, but not so long for those twice my age, I stood at my first State Meet. Nervous as hell, and to this day I have no clue what I did for a warm up, I stood in an awkward manner full of teenage limbs minutes before the race began. It was chillingly cold, adding to the fully bloomed anxiety whose numbness was already gripping. Such dread and anticipation! Mostly from that fall morning there comes a recollection of a certain hotness begging to already be three minutes into the race, settling down into a rhythm instead of held a motionless hostage by the gun and mere slaves to the start line.
A long time ago, but not so long for those twice my age, I stood at my first State Meet. Nervous as hell, and to this day I have no clue what I did for a warm up, I stood in an awkward manner full of teenage limbs minutes before the race began. It was chillingly cold, adding to the fully bloomed anxiety whose numbness was already gripping. Such dread and anticipation! Mostly from that fall morning there comes a recollection of a certain hotness begging to already be three minutes into the race, settling down into a rhythm instead of held a motionless hostage by the gun and mere slaves to the start line.
10/6
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOQRSTUVWXY&Z
A broken calf denied evolving fortune. Give heart introspection, judge kindly lofty minded nature over person quenching relentless spirits. Thirst undone, victory washed…
Xude you & zoom!
A broken calf denied evolving fortune. Give heart introspection, judge kindly lofty minded nature over person quenching relentless spirits. Thirst undone, victory washed…
Xude you & zoom!
10/5
Newtonian Physics
There is a direct relationship between high heal recovery and application of force. In other words the more you push off of the ground, all the time but for today’s topic to the specifics of when you are running, the more your foot will recoil up under your body. This brings to mind something to the tune of “for each reaction there is an equal and opposite reaction.” To some a lot of theoretical nonsense but for others it can lead to a better sense of running theory.
There is a direct relationship between high heal recovery and application of force. In other words the more you push off of the ground, all the time but for today’s topic to the specifics of when you are running, the more your foot will recoil up under your body. This brings to mind something to the tune of “for each reaction there is an equal and opposite reaction.” To some a lot of theoretical nonsense but for others it can lead to a better sense of running theory.
10/4
I propose a toast
Stretched out on bed, allergic reaction swallowing face’s skin saddened by forced position. Being sick is a horrible situation. Having itchy hives across my face and stuck in bed all day plus just feeling like crap is the worst for me so I count myself lucky. Tonight starts with a run and me feeling weak at the beginning then some strength seeping in slowly, flirting with me, but again towards the end I am tired. Afterward I am feeling and looking better. Cheers to the elixir that is running!
Stretched out on bed, allergic reaction swallowing face’s skin saddened by forced position. Being sick is a horrible situation. Having itchy hives across my face and stuck in bed all day plus just feeling like crap is the worst for me so I count myself lucky. Tonight starts with a run and me feeling weak at the beginning then some strength seeping in slowly, flirting with me, but again towards the end I am tired. Afterward I am feeling and looking better. Cheers to the elixir that is running!
10/3
Purpose & Paths
With purpose and reason, but in judged pace, it is out the door at a second floor apartment. Down steps with walls that strongly hold smoke that filled this hallway hours ago as the downstairs tenant does not do the decent thing and go outside with his cigarettes. Auto-pilot drives the two over streets run a dozen times or more by now. For the third or fourth time we end at Blue Hills and enter the magical trails stuck in the middle of suburbia with its’ roads riff with pedestrians, cars, and miserable man made sidewalks pitifully incapable of comparing to nature’s touch of pure paths.
With purpose and reason, but in judged pace, it is out the door at a second floor apartment. Down steps with walls that strongly hold smoke that filled this hallway hours ago as the downstairs tenant does not do the decent thing and go outside with his cigarettes. Auto-pilot drives the two over streets run a dozen times or more by now. For the third or fourth time we end at Blue Hills and enter the magical trails stuck in the middle of suburbia with its’ roads riff with pedestrians, cars, and miserable man made sidewalks pitifully incapable of comparing to nature’s touch of pure paths.
10/2
Every end is but a beginning….
After yesterday’s pretty good workout, especially all things considered, I started thinking about the next step. We are now in fall, a fact that crept up on me, and the BU mini-meets are coming soon. Not too soon but soon enough that adjustments need to be addressed if not actually made. We are going to continue on this ten or eleven day cycle twice more starting the first of the two cycles today. Then we will keep the training scheme the same except the sprint days will change from all out sprints to speed endurance.
The BU mini-meets are in the middle to the end of December and we are going after the 400meter at the beginning of the indoor season. At the end/towards middle of Indoor, so middle of January and all of February, we will transition to the 800meter. This means that in less then three weeks the sprint days will move from all out sprints of 60 meters or so with four or five minutes rest in between each to 200’s-500’s at 95%-all out efforts. These 200-500meter sprints will be accompanied by a lot of rest, up to eight or ten minutes after a single 200. This type of training will take all the speed we have been working on for the last few months and start to turn it into speed endurance for the 400meter. It is exciting to see the year start to unfold from the end of one phase of training and into the beginning of another phase.
After yesterday’s pretty good workout, especially all things considered, I started thinking about the next step. We are now in fall, a fact that crept up on me, and the BU mini-meets are coming soon. Not too soon but soon enough that adjustments need to be addressed if not actually made. We are going to continue on this ten or eleven day cycle twice more starting the first of the two cycles today. Then we will keep the training scheme the same except the sprint days will change from all out sprints to speed endurance.
The BU mini-meets are in the middle to the end of December and we are going after the 400meter at the beginning of the indoor season. At the end/towards middle of Indoor, so middle of January and all of February, we will transition to the 800meter. This means that in less then three weeks the sprint days will move from all out sprints of 60 meters or so with four or five minutes rest in between each to 200’s-500’s at 95%-all out efforts. These 200-500meter sprints will be accompanied by a lot of rest, up to eight or ten minutes after a single 200. This type of training will take all the speed we have been working on for the last few months and start to turn it into speed endurance for the 400meter. It is exciting to see the year start to unfold from the end of one phase of training and into the beginning of another phase.
10/1
You just call, out my name, and I’ll come running….
Today’s tempo started with a phone call from Colin. Someone had dropped the ball on setting up a move and he called on us two to help. Up and down stairs we flew carrying boxes and furniture by an old XC crew. The move was done and so was work but ahead of us stood the track. Originally we were aiming for a high volume tempo workout but settled on a little less. Moving people’s household goods takes a toll on the legs, bringing a tired sense to the body. At the end of the day we did the work all the while coming through for a friend in need.
Today’s tempo started with a phone call from Colin. Someone had dropped the ball on setting up a move and he called on us two to help. Up and down stairs we flew carrying boxes and furniture by an old XC crew. The move was done and so was work but ahead of us stood the track. Originally we were aiming for a high volume tempo workout but settled on a little less. Moving people’s household goods takes a toll on the legs, bringing a tired sense to the body. At the end of the day we did the work all the while coming through for a friend in need.
9/30
A Shadow of the Past or an Inkling of the Future
The three met in front of Colin’s condo building. Shaking the porch light off, they sifted between bands of darkness and cascades of street lamp lights. The night was bustling as per the usual Friday evening in Quincy and Colin’s story of the cross country teammates acted as a nice blanket to all the hustle of one of Boston’s immediate neighbors. A night run that seemed as if it was a memory of something done before, but no! It is a night run that seems of many to come!
The three met in front of Colin’s condo building. Shaking the porch light off, they sifted between bands of darkness and cascades of street lamp lights. The night was bustling as per the usual Friday evening in Quincy and Colin’s story of the cross country teammates acted as a nice blanket to all the hustle of one of Boston’s immediate neighbors. A night run that seemed as if it was a memory of something done before, but no! It is a night run that seems of many to come!
9/28
A Matter of Motion
Sometimes when I run it’s like a lot of the rest of the world is somehow gone. Drifting away like dreams forgotten the next day after waking you up puzzled just that past night. I can remember that there are things and pressures out there, but they don’t matter. Right now, they don’t matter at all. Just like the dream doesn’t matter the next day.
The dream does have meaning. Perhaps of some fear, desire, drive or love that you are coping with in your everyday waking life. But as far as getting up the next day and doing your thing, the dream is just a point in a direction and that day is due to unfold. Just like the rest of the world comes back, you can’t run from them forever. However right now, at this moment of motion, they don’t matter at all.
Sometimes when I run it’s like a lot of the rest of the world is somehow gone. Drifting away like dreams forgotten the next day after waking you up puzzled just that past night. I can remember that there are things and pressures out there, but they don’t matter. Right now, they don’t matter at all. Just like the dream doesn’t matter the next day.
The dream does have meaning. Perhaps of some fear, desire, drive or love that you are coping with in your everyday waking life. But as far as getting up the next day and doing your thing, the dream is just a point in a direction and that day is due to unfold. Just like the rest of the world comes back, you can’t run from them forever. However right now, at this moment of motion, they don’t matter at all.
9/27
Great Times
The shorter route, discovered after our first trip to Braintree High School, gets us there today in about 15minutes. It’s a nice route, flying by our recently discovered easy day haven of Blue Hills Parks and Recreation. This is a reminder of the fun filled running that fills those easy days. Autopilot running where Jen and I get a sort of one-on-one time with each other even though we often are together at work and spend most of our free time with each other, this time is somehow different or somehow better. However, today is not an easy day.
Stepping onto the track after 15minutes of easy running we continue to do the rest of the warm up. Some light drills followed by some quick short strides and then it’s on with spikes. Even though today is not an easy day and does not come with that “easy going fun” that is often present on those days it is, however, filled with a more vibrant expression; Joy. We are prepared for today’s sprints and eager to work hard. It is seen in both of us as we do our four all out surges. In between each 60 or so meter dash is filled with four or five minutes of rest and that gives us plenty of one-on-one time.
The shorter route, discovered after our first trip to Braintree High School, gets us there today in about 15minutes. It’s a nice route, flying by our recently discovered easy day haven of Blue Hills Parks and Recreation. This is a reminder of the fun filled running that fills those easy days. Autopilot running where Jen and I get a sort of one-on-one time with each other even though we often are together at work and spend most of our free time with each other, this time is somehow different or somehow better. However, today is not an easy day.
Stepping onto the track after 15minutes of easy running we continue to do the rest of the warm up. Some light drills followed by some quick short strides and then it’s on with spikes. Even though today is not an easy day and does not come with that “easy going fun” that is often present on those days it is, however, filled with a more vibrant expression; Joy. We are prepared for today’s sprints and eager to work hard. It is seen in both of us as we do our four all out surges. In between each 60 or so meter dash is filled with four or five minutes of rest and that gives us plenty of one-on-one time.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
9/26/11
Mon
Treasure
We discovered a treasure trove today and capitalized this evening. Knowing what was there, it was still funny covering the half mile from our place to the “x on the map”. Pure amazingness! More riches than we can take in today or tomorrow or even this month. The trails at Blue Hills are runner’s gold.
Treasure
We discovered a treasure trove today and capitalized this evening. Knowing what was there, it was still funny covering the half mile from our place to the “x on the map”. Pure amazingness! More riches than we can take in today or tomorrow or even this month. The trails at Blue Hills are runner’s gold.
9/25/11
Sun
Déjà vu
Have I been here before? Well of course yes! You have run this course many times chirps my brain. Yet there is something more to this repeat, something really different. Not like I have run this run before but like I have run this stride before; this moment of time has already happened. Déjà vu is eerie and awe filled when it happens anytime, but this is emphasized when it happens while running.
Déjà vu
Have I been here before? Well of course yes! You have run this course many times chirps my brain. Yet there is something more to this repeat, something really different. Not like I have run this run before but like I have run this stride before; this moment of time has already happened. Déjà vu is eerie and awe filled when it happens anytime, but this is emphasized when it happens while running.
9/24/11
Sat 24
What will be, will be, how well, we’ll see
Five years he hadn’t been at the track. Stepping on it looking as if he just realized he accidentally ran into someone he did not want to see, clear as day the awkwardness painted his face. How little does he know! Almost everything he associated with training is going to change. Yes, he will have to bring it but the constant training to just race well is done. He will accomplish much and will reap the benefits of being healthy. There is no guarantee to how well he will do, but as long as he provides the commitment and no X factor outside the range of training intercedes, then he is going to be more then just fine. Colin may even be really fucking great!
What will be, will be, how well, we’ll see
Five years he hadn’t been at the track. Stepping on it looking as if he just realized he accidentally ran into someone he did not want to see, clear as day the awkwardness painted his face. How little does he know! Almost everything he associated with training is going to change. Yes, he will have to bring it but the constant training to just race well is done. He will accomplish much and will reap the benefits of being healthy. There is no guarantee to how well he will do, but as long as he provides the commitment and no X factor outside the range of training intercedes, then he is going to be more then just fine. Colin may even be really fucking great!
9/23/11
Fri
Track Talks
“End each workout feeling you could do another repeat” – Ryan Hall speaking about a particularly salient piece of advice from his Coach at Stanford
Track Talks
“End each workout feeling you could do another repeat” – Ryan Hall speaking about a particularly salient piece of advice from his Coach at Stanford
9/22/11
Thursday
A terrific trio
Driving to Colins with a quick thought that it is the second time we have run together and the first time he has with Jen. We arrive for a run after earlier getting home from work in the dark but still eager to get in a stroll. He takes us out on roads that are familiar to him but still new to us. He lives only a mile from us, but we didn’t run there as per our low mileage training plan. It is nice to get out on the roads with him, old teammate just leads and we follow.
A terrific trio
Driving to Colins with a quick thought that it is the second time we have run together and the first time he has with Jen. We arrive for a run after earlier getting home from work in the dark but still eager to get in a stroll. He takes us out on roads that are familiar to him but still new to us. He lives only a mile from us, but we didn’t run there as per our low mileage training plan. It is nice to get out on the roads with him, old teammate just leads and we follow.
9/21/11
Wed
The Critical Zone
Racing and running hard demand a certain set of thoughts. A certain conscious course of action and neural firing happens in our mind when it demands our body to move fast and hard. It is loudest in what is known as the critical zone. The critical zone is the last 25% of the race. In the cacophony that hammers away at our minds, like a child of eight free on a piano with a bagful of Halloween candy, there comes an almost eerie trail of thoughts. The world screaming at you and the funniest thoughts pop up. Snippits of bizarre songs, punch lines to jokes and frail memories hardly held are just a few I have experienced. It’s funny, when our bodies are doing something so graceful, and for even a “novice” runner there is grace in the all out effort of racing, we have a sort of auto tune of humor. Maybe that is microcosm of life, try your best so grace will come from what you do and there will always be humor in your life.
The Critical Zone
Racing and running hard demand a certain set of thoughts. A certain conscious course of action and neural firing happens in our mind when it demands our body to move fast and hard. It is loudest in what is known as the critical zone. The critical zone is the last 25% of the race. In the cacophony that hammers away at our minds, like a child of eight free on a piano with a bagful of Halloween candy, there comes an almost eerie trail of thoughts. The world screaming at you and the funniest thoughts pop up. Snippits of bizarre songs, punch lines to jokes and frail memories hardly held are just a few I have experienced. It’s funny, when our bodies are doing something so graceful, and for even a “novice” runner there is grace in the all out effort of racing, we have a sort of auto tune of humor. Maybe that is microcosm of life, try your best so grace will come from what you do and there will always be humor in your life.
9/20/11
Tuesday
“…then don’t fix it”
So we have been experimenting with taking a ten or eleven day cycle and going sprint day, two days easy, sprint day, three days easy, tempo day, three days easy and then repeat. The cycles alternate with a tempo block run and the next cycle has cruise intervals, tempo paced bouts of three to fifteen minutes with about one minute rest for each five minutes just run. This has been our third or fourth cycle and it has been going really well.
On the sprint days, it is really just intuitive belief that drives our feeling of accomplishment. But with the tempo runs, the hallmark workout to measure endurance, we have been seeing a good return on the training effect. These gains in fitness have been met with mild surprise due to our twenty minute jaunts or days off in between track days. The long work days and traveling rigors of the last eight weeks has been part of the reason we have chosen to train this way. That and the part of the year it is, spring track is a ways off and winter is still well in the distance. However, as things start to relax, I am reminded “if it ain’t broke…”
“…then don’t fix it”
So we have been experimenting with taking a ten or eleven day cycle and going sprint day, two days easy, sprint day, three days easy, tempo day, three days easy and then repeat. The cycles alternate with a tempo block run and the next cycle has cruise intervals, tempo paced bouts of three to fifteen minutes with about one minute rest for each five minutes just run. This has been our third or fourth cycle and it has been going really well.
On the sprint days, it is really just intuitive belief that drives our feeling of accomplishment. But with the tempo runs, the hallmark workout to measure endurance, we have been seeing a good return on the training effect. These gains in fitness have been met with mild surprise due to our twenty minute jaunts or days off in between track days. The long work days and traveling rigors of the last eight weeks has been part of the reason we have chosen to train this way. That and the part of the year it is, spring track is a ways off and winter is still well in the distance. However, as things start to relax, I am reminded “if it ain’t broke…”
9/19/11
Mon
One small step for
After a very long day, that came after a weekend encased in 500miles of driving, a run was done. This run did not have some spectacular effort put into a bout, but some spectacular effort went into just getting out the door. A kind of reminder that the easy days aren’t always easy and that greatness is made out of some big things and a lot of little things.
One small step for
After a very long day, that came after a weekend encased in 500miles of driving, a run was done. This run did not have some spectacular effort put into a bout, but some spectacular effort went into just getting out the door. A kind of reminder that the easy days aren’t always easy and that greatness is made out of some big things and a lot of little things.
9/18/11
Sun
To Make a Diamond
I think Jack Daniels said, “A great coach is just a good coach and a great athlete getting along well.”
There is so much truth in that statement and a backwards glance at luck. Not that there aren’t more knowledgeable coaches than others, it is just that after a time coaches figure a lot of the stuff out. I can honestly say, as far as my training theory goes, around 75% of what I do now will never really change. Where as the 25% or so that does change will serve to make me a much better coach. What will change will be nuanced and cannot be gleaned from a book. It is the compounding of experience, under scrutinizing pressure and over a length of time.
To Make a Diamond
I think Jack Daniels said, “A great coach is just a good coach and a great athlete getting along well.”
There is so much truth in that statement and a backwards glance at luck. Not that there aren’t more knowledgeable coaches than others, it is just that after a time coaches figure a lot of the stuff out. I can honestly say, as far as my training theory goes, around 75% of what I do now will never really change. Where as the 25% or so that does change will serve to make me a much better coach. What will change will be nuanced and cannot be gleaned from a book. It is the compounding of experience, under scrutinizing pressure and over a length of time.
9/17/11
Sat
on the ol’ dusty road
A run is a journey. Traveling distances through streets, over streams, down paths glistening from emerald pockets of fresh fern growth with gnarly roots bursting then burying themselves in shady earth. A run can take you places and sometimes these are places untouched by steps.
A journey inside, that of a wandering mind feeling free to abstain from overly preoccupied callings and somehow unburdened by the constant motion which has a low constant level of alertness but with no real hard acts of focus. It can be an inner moment of true escape into relaxation or an effort of utmost grit accompanied with the knowledge of one’s ability. There is so much to running that is just a pure gift. A chance to really open up.
on the ol’ dusty road
A run is a journey. Traveling distances through streets, over streams, down paths glistening from emerald pockets of fresh fern growth with gnarly roots bursting then burying themselves in shady earth. A run can take you places and sometimes these are places untouched by steps.
A journey inside, that of a wandering mind feeling free to abstain from overly preoccupied callings and somehow unburdened by the constant motion which has a low constant level of alertness but with no real hard acts of focus. It can be an inner moment of true escape into relaxation or an effort of utmost grit accompanied with the knowledge of one’s ability. There is so much to running that is just a pure gift. A chance to really open up.
9/16/11
Friday
We have a mattress in the living room covered with a dog blanket so the girls can hang out on it and so that we can too. A comfy place where the family gathers to just “hang”; an activity that is best done lying on the same level.
Today started with about two hours of driving. From our home, then to the shop and next to Rhode Island with a return trip many hours later. A sandwich trip filled with working all day in the country side of New England. The sun is not too hot with plenty of shade. Shade that couldn’t stop the person's home from bearing heat as we were relocating their house hold goods.
This was a large dwelling with plenty of stairs often climbed carrying items, objects, furniture and focus all over this small castle. Tonight, a few pints at the Sly Fox pub around the corner, and we are laying on the living room mattress with our dogs, still dressed and falling fast asleep one happy family. Maybe not a real run but a breadth of distance was covered anyway.
We have a mattress in the living room covered with a dog blanket so the girls can hang out on it and so that we can too. A comfy place where the family gathers to just “hang”; an activity that is best done lying on the same level.
Today started with about two hours of driving. From our home, then to the shop and next to Rhode Island with a return trip many hours later. A sandwich trip filled with working all day in the country side of New England. The sun is not too hot with plenty of shade. Shade that couldn’t stop the person's home from bearing heat as we were relocating their house hold goods.
This was a large dwelling with plenty of stairs often climbed carrying items, objects, furniture and focus all over this small castle. Tonight, a few pints at the Sly Fox pub around the corner, and we are laying on the living room mattress with our dogs, still dressed and falling fast asleep one happy family. Maybe not a real run but a breadth of distance was covered anyway.
9/15/11
Thursday
Track Talk
“There are plenty of coaches who don’t know anything about running except how to put one foot after the other and both in their mouth.”
-Jen Dagan
Track Talk
“There are plenty of coaches who don’t know anything about running except how to put one foot after the other and both in their mouth.”
-Jen Dagan
9/14/11
wed
A new race
Found out about Colin’s race next year. Colin is a college teammate and friend of ours who recently became our employer. He has been challenged to break 18minutes in a fairly flat 5k road race. If he does, about ten thousand dollars will be donated to breast cancer research. The race is in about a year and we are all excited as if it was in about a week. Sometimes it is the anticipation that gets you all worked up, like a kid on Christmas eve and other times it is finding out about months of preparation that has you going full tilt, like a woman who finds out she is pregnant.
A new race
Found out about Colin’s race next year. Colin is a college teammate and friend of ours who recently became our employer. He has been challenged to break 18minutes in a fairly flat 5k road race. If he does, about ten thousand dollars will be donated to breast cancer research. The race is in about a year and we are all excited as if it was in about a week. Sometimes it is the anticipation that gets you all worked up, like a kid on Christmas eve and other times it is finding out about months of preparation that has you going full tilt, like a woman who finds out she is pregnant.
9/13/11
Tues
“when all it does is slow me down”
Today would be the fifth day since we last ran hard and that would be irritating. Instead of risking it, we do a workout at Walpole High School. It’s only a mile or two out of our way home from work, and Jen had been able to pop home earlier this evening to let the girls outside on a much deserved bathroom opportunity. Even though we haven’t found a track closer to home, the goal of the last two days, today we are able to accomplish the goal of today. Four sprints of about 55yards for Jen and 60yards for me with about four to five minutes rest in between. Each sprint is done from a flying start hit at pretty much top speed. We use a hurdle to mark out where the 25 yard hash mark on the Football field is and then run to the start of the two mile for Jen and myself to the start of the Mile. Its fun and not really different than our last few sprint workouts. There is, for me, a change, the uncomfortable company of another runner at the track.
I see them out of the corner of my eye. They never run towards me except when I am blistering down the track at full sprint. Not really able to take a good look, as they disappear in a streak if I take my eyes off the true focus of sprinting all out which is, for me, an imaginary dot just above eye level that is past the finish line. Sprinting, especially when moving at top speed as opposed to accelerating, is a sort of engaged effort where you have to use your peripherals’ in order to see things right in front of you and so I never get a good look at this pesky ambler.
At all other times this awkward pest manages to be doing something on the other side of the track. But I know who it is; it’s my own sort of “ghost of Christmas past” a “ghost of last couple of days”. The ghost is haunting me with the admitted and annoying fact that we still don’t know where to go for a closer to home workout. At best we have some local guesses and one Track at a High School a couple exits down 93, but we want something closer for a long term go to place and this ghost knows it, and so reminds me of it just by being around.
There is nothing I can do about this workout partner. I bring them with me by my knowledge that I don’t know of a Quincy track even after searching for two days. Today they are here, bringing up the workouts shifted and the time not lost, or even wasted because we learned more of the city getting turned around, but taken from us when we are in a time of busy work, moving and buying a car. But then with a tap on my shoulder it’s my good friend “ghost of running future”.
He says, “Don’t mind that other ghost, you guys love the track so much you will find your way back and make it work somehow.” He is a calming presence who sort of rewrites the pesky awkward “ghost of last couple of days” interactions over the last few minutes with a new vibe of shyness and anxiety. Seeing “ghost of last couple of days” in a new light, I remind myself that “ghost of future running” is also part “ghost of future self”.
“when all it does is slow me down”
Today would be the fifth day since we last ran hard and that would be irritating. Instead of risking it, we do a workout at Walpole High School. It’s only a mile or two out of our way home from work, and Jen had been able to pop home earlier this evening to let the girls outside on a much deserved bathroom opportunity. Even though we haven’t found a track closer to home, the goal of the last two days, today we are able to accomplish the goal of today. Four sprints of about 55yards for Jen and 60yards for me with about four to five minutes rest in between. Each sprint is done from a flying start hit at pretty much top speed. We use a hurdle to mark out where the 25 yard hash mark on the Football field is and then run to the start of the two mile for Jen and myself to the start of the Mile. Its fun and not really different than our last few sprint workouts. There is, for me, a change, the uncomfortable company of another runner at the track.
I see them out of the corner of my eye. They never run towards me except when I am blistering down the track at full sprint. Not really able to take a good look, as they disappear in a streak if I take my eyes off the true focus of sprinting all out which is, for me, an imaginary dot just above eye level that is past the finish line. Sprinting, especially when moving at top speed as opposed to accelerating, is a sort of engaged effort where you have to use your peripherals’ in order to see things right in front of you and so I never get a good look at this pesky ambler.
At all other times this awkward pest manages to be doing something on the other side of the track. But I know who it is; it’s my own sort of “ghost of Christmas past” a “ghost of last couple of days”. The ghost is haunting me with the admitted and annoying fact that we still don’t know where to go for a closer to home workout. At best we have some local guesses and one Track at a High School a couple exits down 93, but we want something closer for a long term go to place and this ghost knows it, and so reminds me of it just by being around.
There is nothing I can do about this workout partner. I bring them with me by my knowledge that I don’t know of a Quincy track even after searching for two days. Today they are here, bringing up the workouts shifted and the time not lost, or even wasted because we learned more of the city getting turned around, but taken from us when we are in a time of busy work, moving and buying a car. But then with a tap on my shoulder it’s my good friend “ghost of running future”.
He says, “Don’t mind that other ghost, you guys love the track so much you will find your way back and make it work somehow.” He is a calming presence who sort of rewrites the pesky awkward “ghost of last couple of days” interactions over the last few minutes with a new vibe of shyness and anxiety. Seeing “ghost of last couple of days” in a new light, I remind myself that “ghost of future running” is also part “ghost of future self”.
9/12/11
Mon
“Is it a sure fire way to speed things up”
No track, again. MapQuesting High Schools that did not end up owning the elusive 400meters of stripped patience; stretched elliptical shapes made flat on the sides, with curved ends akin to the outline of a giant capsule. Hunting for something not found, disappointed us yesterday and we did not do a run at all. This time, unlike Sunday’s frustrating run, an almost insatiable emotion enters us. As if we are being tested on whether or not we really want to run. We get home and determination is made as we are out the door.
Tomorrow we are getting to a track and will do the right workout rather than some road workout that just isn’t the same return for what we are really trying to accomplish. Tomorrow we will be more rested than ever. As we firing out the door for an easy 20 or so minutes, a lot of the bottled up bitterness over not being able to get what we wanted, a track workout yesterday and then again today, disappear in a puff of passion changed to a set path of a plan. Tomorrow we sprint!
“Is it a sure fire way to speed things up”
No track, again. MapQuesting High Schools that did not end up owning the elusive 400meters of stripped patience; stretched elliptical shapes made flat on the sides, with curved ends akin to the outline of a giant capsule. Hunting for something not found, disappointed us yesterday and we did not do a run at all. This time, unlike Sunday’s frustrating run, an almost insatiable emotion enters us. As if we are being tested on whether or not we really want to run. We get home and determination is made as we are out the door.
Tomorrow we are getting to a track and will do the right workout rather than some road workout that just isn’t the same return for what we are really trying to accomplish. Tomorrow we will be more rested than ever. As we firing out the door for an easy 20 or so minutes, a lot of the bottled up bitterness over not being able to get what we wanted, a track workout yesterday and then again today, disappear in a puff of passion changed to a set path of a plan. Tomorrow we sprint!
9/11/11
Sun
“why you wanna give me a run around”
Running my brother’s truck all over town looking for a track that is never found and in some ways that fact is sort of felt the whole time. Down streets or avenues never seen before with unrecognizable buildings looking at our fool’s errand with what is personified disdain brought forth out of the true feeling fingering the back of our necks with the uncomfortable suggestion, “Are you sure you should be going this way?”. Eventually we do get to the elusive High School.
Greeting us is heavy machinery, construction paused for a day of rest but underway in the manner of a chess game over halfway done but with participants not there. These pieces are part of building a track. Great news for the future, but right now it breaks over us in a sort of betrayal of expectations. The time and effort of the search has taken its toll on the riders even though the car is doing all the running around town. In fact we get so tired from running around, searching for something that was never found, and we do not do a real run.
“why you wanna give me a run around”
Running my brother’s truck all over town looking for a track that is never found and in some ways that fact is sort of felt the whole time. Down streets or avenues never seen before with unrecognizable buildings looking at our fool’s errand with what is personified disdain brought forth out of the true feeling fingering the back of our necks with the uncomfortable suggestion, “Are you sure you should be going this way?”. Eventually we do get to the elusive High School.
Greeting us is heavy machinery, construction paused for a day of rest but underway in the manner of a chess game over halfway done but with participants not there. These pieces are part of building a track. Great news for the future, but right now it breaks over us in a sort of betrayal of expectations. The time and effort of the search has taken its toll on the riders even though the car is doing all the running around town. In fact we get so tired from running around, searching for something that was never found, and we do not do a real run.
9/10/11
Sat
Inner compass
Jen likes to trust finding her way but I don’t. I always have this nagging feeling which is a sort of stale fart that I can’t shake and it ruins the entire run with a gross undercurrent; you might get lost. She teases me without even saying anything, just by her sure confidence in finding her way and of course she always does. It reminds me to relax a bit and follow her lead.
Inner compass
Jen likes to trust finding her way but I don’t. I always have this nagging feeling which is a sort of stale fart that I can’t shake and it ruins the entire run with a gross undercurrent; you might get lost. She teases me without even saying anything, just by her sure confidence in finding her way and of course she always does. It reminds me to relax a bit and follow her lead.
9/8/11
Tried tempo and true
Up at 5am and out the door. Weaving through the streets of Boston in a 16foot pack truck to drop off a couple of deliveries brings a tired couple to Walpole’s Track. A short tempo workout of five minute on and one minute off is covered four times for myself and five for Jen. I went a tad too quick averaging 5:18 and Jen ran solid sub 6:00 to 6:05. We quit while ahead but still felt spent from the day.
Up at 5am and out the door. Weaving through the streets of Boston in a 16foot pack truck to drop off a couple of deliveries brings a tired couple to Walpole’s Track. A short tempo workout of five minute on and one minute off is covered four times for myself and five for Jen. I went a tad too quick averaging 5:18 and Jen ran solid sub 6:00 to 6:05. We quit while ahead but still felt spent from the day.
9/7/11
First run in Quincy
It is a day of work, moving a man into one of the lavish brownstone apartments placed in a posh section of Boston. Rain still standing watch, at two days deep now and it is an inaugural run in Quincy. Wandering this way and that, seeking refuge in the peaceful routes inside a Cemetery, then heading home and another day’s run is done. The fact that it is a first time, a moment of chance entered into what route was covered. A pulling of this and that; perhaps the end-choice comes from within, so it is personified in the roads, structures, plants and signs that call us this way and that.
This is akin to a night on the town. The sounds, taxies, lights, bars and people, speak from the city. They are part of what is a place, its very character, its very essence. This run today, was akin to the very first night on a town, an initial brief chat. Somewhat sad, drooped in rain, it was uplifting to see the potential.
It is a day of work, moving a man into one of the lavish brownstone apartments placed in a posh section of Boston. Rain still standing watch, at two days deep now and it is an inaugural run in Quincy. Wandering this way and that, seeking refuge in the peaceful routes inside a Cemetery, then heading home and another day’s run is done. The fact that it is a first time, a moment of chance entered into what route was covered. A pulling of this and that; perhaps the end-choice comes from within, so it is personified in the roads, structures, plants and signs that call us this way and that.
This is akin to a night on the town. The sounds, taxies, lights, bars and people, speak from the city. They are part of what is a place, its very character, its very essence. This run today, was akin to the very first night on a town, an initial brief chat. Somewhat sad, drooped in rain, it was uplifting to see the potential.
9/6/11
Another Day
A long day, wet for a while. Over eight hours of actual unloading, assembling, carrying and holding. A day of work that was difficult at times but not hard. In some ways a fun day; our brother moved to Boston, we worked together and there was pizza. No run per say, but the day was full of running our minds, working bodies and stomachs in unison and that was good.
A long day, wet for a while. Over eight hours of actual unloading, assembling, carrying and holding. A day of work that was difficult at times but not hard. In some ways a fun day; our brother moved to Boston, we worked together and there was pizza. No run per say, but the day was full of running our minds, working bodies and stomachs in unison and that was good.
A One Track Love Song
9/5/11
Back at the track, labor-day weekend rest fully seeped in; feeding hungry legs. Legs craving the workout stretching out before their warm-up leads them to cry in chorus “Come to me stretch of track, lined and curved in places.
We will devour more than a snack, and eat all your tastiness.
Let us own you for this while and you will own us two.
Now sing us a song in style as we come to you!”
And so the track’s lanes, lines and love replies
“You may have this moment, but you must be true.
If you want to own us then of course we own you too.
Tire not of our patience, for we are always there.
Learn to never hate us, and this time we can always share.”
Back at the track, labor-day weekend rest fully seeped in; feeding hungry legs. Legs craving the workout stretching out before their warm-up leads them to cry in chorus “Come to me stretch of track, lined and curved in places.
We will devour more than a snack, and eat all your tastiness.
Let us own you for this while and you will own us two.
Now sing us a song in style as we come to you!”
And so the track’s lanes, lines and love replies
“You may have this moment, but you must be true.
If you want to own us then of course we own you too.
Tire not of our patience, for we are always there.
Learn to never hate us, and this time we can always share.”
Home Sweet Home
9/4/11
Moved in! At last, we have spent the night at our new residence. Awaking on Sunday morning; the first day of the week and the first day our heads lift off of the bed recently laid down; long lost slumber mate hidden away in storage for a month. We are home in Quincy, a southern neighbor of Boston.
Moved in! At last, we have spent the night at our new residence. Awaking on Sunday morning; the first day of the week and the first day our heads lift off of the bed recently laid down; long lost slumber mate hidden away in storage for a month. We are home in Quincy, a southern neighbor of Boston.
Fun in the Sun
9/3/11
Sprinting again and this time a lasting smile of the true heat of summer kisses down on the track in overflowing sun rays. Truth pours out of bodies ripping along 50-60meter sprints. In the five minutes between the four sprints there is a gathering of energy, focus and coordination. Swimming strongly through air the sun’s kiss feels like it is rippling around them. It is fun.
Sprinting again and this time a lasting smile of the true heat of summer kisses down on the track in overflowing sun rays. Truth pours out of bodies ripping along 50-60meter sprints. In the five minutes between the four sprints there is a gathering of energy, focus and coordination. Swimming strongly through air the sun’s kiss feels like it is rippling around them. It is fun.
Watering-Hole Walk
9/2/11
A walk is not a run. Not a run but you cover distance with your feet. We walked, walked for a while but did not run. A walk of fun, but with the purpose of arriving two miles away at a bar. Tired and sore from a hard few weeks of work, not run attempted that day would have been nearly as good for us.
A walk is not a run. Not a run but you cover distance with your feet. We walked, walked for a while but did not run. A walk of fun, but with the purpose of arriving two miles away at a bar. Tired and sore from a hard few weeks of work, not run attempted that day would have been nearly as good for us.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Please be patient
sorry for those who read this blog! We are still waiting to get internet at our new place, I have the blogs for each day typed, but cannot post until we get the net hooked up. I am doing this one from a computer at work and is just an update for my loyal readers. Please expect a massive backlog posting in the next few days!!!!! :)
Friday, September 2, 2011
the truth is in the jest
The street leading towards Gillette Stadium is crowded with people wearing Jerseys walking towards parked cars that are stashed at various places. The preseason game of Patriots vs. Giants is only half done but the spectators who take for granted their opportunity to watch such great athletes are leaving. Jen and I wrapped up another twelve plus hour day and are striking along towards the stadium, street lights guiding the way. At some point a man leaving the game says, "Great night for a run". I think he was being a wise ass, but I couldn't help but agree.
Hump Day
Midweek and already we sit at almost 40 hours. The craziness of work will dwindle in another ten days, but today the mantra of an AA member creeps into mind, "one day at a time". Working about 14 hours today, and no day off yet this week, we ease through the grind with a smooth pill of rest. Oh how easy it is to swallow a day off when you have been running ragged doing other things!
spin cycle
Working another twelve hours, then punching out, the run sits on our mind. Not an obligation, nor a duty but a desire to do what is right for the future. Heading to the laundromat the day's work does not cease. A quick O.K. is given from the attendant because it is past the last load time. Hurriedly throwing dirty articles in the washer, out the door and off we go. The run finishes as the clothing is spinning dry. While the clothing and run is done, there is the odd sensation that we are now the items twirling, fast and free as a top on Christmas morning.
The Tree & the Bush
Last week's 60hours of work is still in us as we finish our Monday with a twelve hour day. Mustering courage to arrive at the track at just past 8pm, the sun's light gone for the day. Going through the motions of a warm up, both knowing that the right thing is to do the workout.
The idea is consistency. If we put the workout off until tomorrow we will just be more tired then. However, the thirty to forty minute hard run is truncated to a 5k. An easier tempo workout than anything from the last few weeks.
The tree is strong but does not bend and when a mighty wind blows, it can crack and break. The bush flows with the wind and bends to any will, even a slight breeze. We like to think we are somewhere in between, a happy medium.
The idea is consistency. If we put the workout off until tomorrow we will just be more tired then. However, the thirty to forty minute hard run is truncated to a 5k. An easier tempo workout than anything from the last few weeks.
The tree is strong but does not bend and when a mighty wind blows, it can crack and break. The bush flows with the wind and bends to any will, even a slight breeze. We like to think we are somewhere in between, a happy medium.
Monday, August 29, 2011
come on irene
And the hurricane Irene blew. Blowing the electricity from much of Boston, a young girl's birthday candle out in a puff. Ten or so hours we had no power and dismissing the idea of not running we waited, passing the time with a few beers and then a couple hours nap. Stirring around, before waking up, there is a letting go of when the power would come back as we just wondered when a run would be possible. Getting up around 7pm, the storm broken, the electricity returned and we start to get ready for a night run.
a worthy week
Almost thirteen hours. Thirteen hours on a Saturday. Giving the both of us almost 60hours of work for the week. Straggling home, the storm brewing a frothy windy mess, we are both pooped. A week of moving various people's furniture, books and an array of personal belongings which make me tire just recounting them. All over Boston we ran these items and it has changed the week.
Accomplishing the two main objectives for the week, a tempo run Monday and sprints on Friday, we are both on the same track. Darkness creeps in, a welcome intruder, within thirty minutes of being home. Without any regret we call our third day off for the week. A rarity, but one that has worth.
Accomplishing the two main objectives for the week, a tempo run Monday and sprints on Friday, we are both on the same track. Darkness creeps in, a welcome intruder, within thirty minutes of being home. Without any regret we call our third day off for the week. A rarity, but one that has worth.
Four little words
Stepping over your knee. Four words to repeat, and there is a direct relation to the amplitude with which you step over and the distance you are trying to run. At the beginning of a distance race it is a mild reminder but, just like, "go to your arms" it should be be focused upon towards the end of any race with true intensity. In a shorter race, say the 800 and down, it should be emphasized the whole way. Sprinting a 60yard rep, four total for the day with five plus minutes rest in between, my mind calls upon those four words with a concerted input ending in an output freed through my body.
Friday, August 26, 2011
up & down the river
Out. Out down jumbled streets. Eyes loosely capture worn sidewalk dotted with bursting ground leaving tar pealing away with the love of a small bandage attached to a child about ten who has had it stuck to her for a few days due to a small wound producing tears bringing forth a Neosporin smeared band-aid healing the wound before the adhesiveness has been lost and washed away. Following the opposite side of the street's flow for a half mile feeding to a mild tributary bringing a waterfall of hill. Climbing for a while flattens into a calm winding trickle. Then, through a wide lush gushing the fountainhead is found and we turn around to ride the river home.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
this little light of mine
First night run since Jen made the move from Bangor. Reflector vests reflect what the night brings. Shining patches of light streaks through busy streets remind the vehicles of us on our feet. Even with the lights shining down on us, umbrellas of brightness around corner stores and the penetrating sometimes aggressive stairs of traffic pacing by it is still prudent to wear a reflector vest.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Setting a pace
A tempo day, back at Walpole high school. At around six pm kids from young teens to late single digits are practicing football on a turf field. Parents dot the fence encasing the track. Showing up twenty-five minutes earlier the warm-up is finished.
Time to run, as legs gather momentum towards the start line for running, round and round we go. As our pace is gathered we relax into a soft place. It is here that we know, as the boys clash against each other and the noise makes a pounding sound, that outsides callings are somehow quenched by effort. That it is through trying, mustering every carb cache we have that we find freedom.
Time to run, as legs gather momentum towards the start line for running, round and round we go. As our pace is gathered we relax into a soft place. It is here that we know, as the boys clash against each other and the noise makes a pounding sound, that outsides callings are somehow quenched by effort. That it is through trying, mustering every carb cache we have that we find freedom.
Remember you can always run
A day of annoyance seemingly nonexistent. The pain of logging a day that has disappeared into the past, not even gone in a flash. What was normal moments are now filled with copious awkwardness. Relax, it was just the lack of the run. Remember that a day off is good for the legs, but it often leaves the heart lost.
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxy & z
air assaults all around
Buffering between breaths
clamorous cacophony clangs
entrapped encased ending
feeling falling fair
head hurts heart
inside integrity inflairs
jestingly jokes jump
killing kindness know
love live laugh
my mothers might
never no not
open outside only
please promise passed
quitely quickness quelled
run race rush
so surrender sought
true true truth
understanding unvieled unthinkable
very vast valiant
willingly work wish
xemplify xamine xist
youth young yes
&
zeal zealous zest
Buffering between breaths
clamorous cacophony clangs
entrapped encased ending
feeling falling fair
head hurts heart
inside integrity inflairs
jestingly jokes jump
killing kindness know
love live laugh
my mothers might
never no not
open outside only
please promise passed
quitely quickness quelled
run race rush
so surrender sought
true true truth
understanding unvieled unthinkable
very vast valiant
willingly work wish
xemplify xamine xist
youth young yes
&
zeal zealous zest
Saturday, August 20, 2011
speed kills- all those who dont have any
"I believe that you're born with a certain gift for speed and a certain gift for endurance and that both can be improved with work." -Jack Daniels
Starting a run from a good forty meters from where Jen waits with watch. Gaining momentum to hit the spot at full sprint I proceed with an all out effort for six seconds. Six seconds of stepping over my knee followed by a full application of force to the ground. A relaxed aggressiveness moves me forward with giant strides off-placed with balanced swinging of arms. Then Jen shouts and I stop, six second done and it is her turn to get a good running start and to then do six seconds of all out sprinting. In between is roughly five minutes rest as we rack up three six second sprints.
If toughness, training direction and racing opportunity are equal then speed is the definition of talent in running. With our spring season so many months away we are working on the base of our talent, with an upper limit set by genetics. However, if you never recruit this base of speed then genetics don't matter, you will never have that dormant speed to use.
Starting a run from a good forty meters from where Jen waits with watch. Gaining momentum to hit the spot at full sprint I proceed with an all out effort for six seconds. Six seconds of stepping over my knee followed by a full application of force to the ground. A relaxed aggressiveness moves me forward with giant strides off-placed with balanced swinging of arms. Then Jen shouts and I stop, six second done and it is her turn to get a good running start and to then do six seconds of all out sprinting. In between is roughly five minutes rest as we rack up three six second sprints.
If toughness, training direction and racing opportunity are equal then speed is the definition of talent in running. With our spring season so many months away we are working on the base of our talent, with an upper limit set by genetics. However, if you never recruit this base of speed then genetics don't matter, you will never have that dormant speed to use.
A candle burns brightest when left to light again
A day off from running creeps into our week unplanned but prudent. So much has been happening but at one point or another a candle cannot be burned at both ends. A day of rest adds wax to waning candle so that it may burn bright again another day.
clean laundry
Starting a load of laundry at the Walpole laundromat, the end result to clean articles that are dirty. To pass the time we are out the door, off for a twenty minute run. Checking in, still fifteen minutes of washing to go we start hopping, skipping and jumping around the parking lot in a series of "drills". Switching the wet clean clothing into a large dryer we have more time to kill with more drills to accomplish. Finishing up the dryer's load we culminate our workout with three hard uphill strides. Packing the freshly laundered clothing up, sweet detergent smell light in the air reminding me of growing up with sweat drying to a salty crisp on skin that has worked a full day before this run, we none the less feel that the process has made ourselves clean.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Tempo run
Track workouts. What are they? A lot of vocabulary is thrown around in running. One of the most ingratiating is "speed work" but whenever I hear it casually used by a runner I know they don't really have a clue what they are talking about. For them, it is anytime they go to the track. For us, track workouts have a few very nuanced components.
One major issue is accountability of pacing. The idea is to run an even intensity, and this means an even pace if there aren't any barriers such as wind. A second issue is rest in comparison to the bout that was just run. This means for some workouts there is very little rest in comparison to what was just run. For other workouts there is, approximately, an even amount of rest-time to run-time. Finally for another type of workout there is much more rest-time than time just ran.
Anaerobic threshold, or tempo, running is the pace correlating to what an athlete could do for 40-60 minutes in an ideal racing situation. Like all the workouts, the key to it is an even intensity; one of calculated measured pacing. To run faster is just as detrimental as to run slower. For some runners this is 10k pace, while for others it is just quicker than their half marathon pace. This can be done in a solid 20-40 minute tempo run, or can be done in "cruise intervals" or 3-15min blocks with roughly one minute rest for each 5 min just ran. SO 3 x 7min Tempo would have roughly 90 seconds rest in between.
The bare minimum is 20 minutes total with an upper limit of 40 minutes total. A 20 minute tempo run might seem daunting, or even 4 or 5 by 5 minute tempo with one minute rest in between. However, once acclimation is acquired to this pacing the true benefits of this training is gained. It gives you confidence in performance, and a real belief in the strength of your legs. Most importantly it can replace a long run, with much more race specific training and none of the repetitive-motion-injury associated with running long. I know I am reiterating but the key, once again, is even-pacing. If you can understand that... then temptastic!
One major issue is accountability of pacing. The idea is to run an even intensity, and this means an even pace if there aren't any barriers such as wind. A second issue is rest in comparison to the bout that was just run. This means for some workouts there is very little rest in comparison to what was just run. For other workouts there is, approximately, an even amount of rest-time to run-time. Finally for another type of workout there is much more rest-time than time just ran.
Anaerobic threshold, or tempo, running is the pace correlating to what an athlete could do for 40-60 minutes in an ideal racing situation. Like all the workouts, the key to it is an even intensity; one of calculated measured pacing. To run faster is just as detrimental as to run slower. For some runners this is 10k pace, while for others it is just quicker than their half marathon pace. This can be done in a solid 20-40 minute tempo run, or can be done in "cruise intervals" or 3-15min blocks with roughly one minute rest for each 5 min just ran. SO 3 x 7min Tempo would have roughly 90 seconds rest in between.
The bare minimum is 20 minutes total with an upper limit of 40 minutes total. A 20 minute tempo run might seem daunting, or even 4 or 5 by 5 minute tempo with one minute rest in between. However, once acclimation is acquired to this pacing the true benefits of this training is gained. It gives you confidence in performance, and a real belief in the strength of your legs. Most importantly it can replace a long run, with much more race specific training and none of the repetitive-motion-injury associated with running long. I know I am reiterating but the key, once again, is even-pacing. If you can understand that... then temptastic!
Monday, August 15, 2011
coaching respect
We start our tempo workout at Walpole High School's track, which wraps around the turf football field. There are about 80-120 youths, ranging from around 3rd to 6th grade, practicing football in rain and wind as we huff and puff through our managed workout.
"Don't drop the ball!! Why don't you listen?! You gotta do it this way!", screams one of the coaches to a child as they practice just feet from me next to the sideline. While the workout takes a considerable amount of concentration its' actual intensity is not that hard with a pace that correlates to what could be maintained for around an hour in a race situation.
Slipping from my mouth comes, and not at a level to be called inaudible, "what an asshole" before I can think of how inappropriate it is for me to say that in front of children. Regardless, my run continues and so does the practice for the children. Not sure if anyone heard, the minutes tick away as I put together a combined total of almost forty minutes of running at 5:30ish pace.
As my run is ending, maybe about ten minutes left of anaerobic threshold running, I hear a change in the way the coach is talking to the kids. "Remember, use the hands god gave you," he says with the same Boston accent but a lot less tough gruff. I then find myself remembering that children are lucky to have people that care as much as these men do in their lives. I hope that these coaches remember, as they are brimming with passion, that the worst injury any child can suffer is that of losing love for a sport and that as coaches they hold so much of a young athletes esteem in their hands. Successful workout done I walk away from the track with a begrudging respect for a man that does not do things my way but is still there, in wind and rain, for the kids.
"Don't drop the ball!! Why don't you listen?! You gotta do it this way!", screams one of the coaches to a child as they practice just feet from me next to the sideline. While the workout takes a considerable amount of concentration its' actual intensity is not that hard with a pace that correlates to what could be maintained for around an hour in a race situation.
Slipping from my mouth comes, and not at a level to be called inaudible, "what an asshole" before I can think of how inappropriate it is for me to say that in front of children. Regardless, my run continues and so does the practice for the children. Not sure if anyone heard, the minutes tick away as I put together a combined total of almost forty minutes of running at 5:30ish pace.
As my run is ending, maybe about ten minutes left of anaerobic threshold running, I hear a change in the way the coach is talking to the kids. "Remember, use the hands god gave you," he says with the same Boston accent but a lot less tough gruff. I then find myself remembering that children are lucky to have people that care as much as these men do in their lives. I hope that these coaches remember, as they are brimming with passion, that the worst injury any child can suffer is that of losing love for a sport and that as coaches they hold so much of a young athletes esteem in their hands. Successful workout done I walk away from the track with a begrudging respect for a man that does not do things my way but is still there, in wind and rain, for the kids.
Getting on track
Finding the track at Walpole High School was easy. Just a handful of miles from Patriot Relocation sits the six lanes surrounding a turf football field. Getting there, a warm up is started. Looking at Jen, an understanding flashes between eyes that are weary from moving and adjusting to a new place. She knows what is best but doesn't say anything. As we hit about five minutes into our warm up, a suggestion flows forth from a mouth that was withholding the best idea for a bit.
"Today is just going to be an easy twenty minutes with strides and tomorrow will be the workout"
As the idea hits her, relief cascades over her face and she is happy. The goal today was to do a workout, however yesterday we didn't even know where the track was located. Today, confident of returning the next day, its almost as if we did accomplish the workout.
"Today is just going to be an easy twenty minutes with strides and tomorrow will be the workout"
As the idea hits her, relief cascades over her face and she is happy. The goal today was to do a workout, however yesterday we didn't even know where the track was located. Today, confident of returning the next day, its almost as if we did accomplish the workout.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Together Again
Leaving the ware house, at about 11:45pm, off to see my wife for the first time in a week. Interstate 95 is clear, except a smattering of late night traffic. Our dog Sable sits in the front seat of a blue moving van, panting along to the music keeping me awake as we hum along highway expecting our reunion. Draining the cup of coffee, nature's wake up juice, I know in an hour we will be together again. Picking her up at my High School teammate's house, she quickly presses her lips against mine. Bangor is gone, a part of the past now, somewhere we used to live. Now it is the Boston area and while we haven't even moved into our place yet, it already feels like home.
how why and where
We all run. Sometimes we run from what we want, driven by fear of failure. Then there are other moments, where we run towards what we desire. Both are often done with single-minded purpose, looking at one thing, an answer at the end of a question; can I do this?
Then there are the moments of standing still, but these are an integral part of our runs. For it is here, at the moment that we do not move at all, that we start towards or away from something. It is here, when we stand still and listen to our desires, that we truly decide how, why and where we are about to move.
Then there are the moments of standing still, but these are an integral part of our runs. For it is here, at the moment that we do not move at all, that we start towards or away from something. It is here, when we stand still and listen to our desires, that we truly decide how, why and where we are about to move.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxy & z
All beaten can Dagan ever freely go? How I jest! Knowingly loving my next option, placing quiet resolve, subtly trying unites values... withdrawal X's you & zest!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
driving me crazy
Against the grain of traffic, a sharp bend reaches out on the road leading to busy route one. Only a few hundred meters from the bustle of that busy street, this quite road receives the offshoots of a more aggressive artery bleeding itself from Foxboro into Boston.
At 9pm, running through a gentle drizzle that is greeting this lone athlete as a faint caress of the cities night a sense of peace is settling. Heading back to the ware house I take this sharp bend a few hundred meters before route one. Coming around the bend is a pair of headlights that are unaware of the man working towards their origin of only scant minutes past. With a practiced side hop, I land deep in the grass growing from the shoulder and the car whips by laying on the horn. Glancing at the license plate I yell back at the screaming car, "I have the right of way license plate ########" and continue on. Returning to the shop a few minutes later I am tempted to call the police to file a report against this self entitled moron of the roads, but have a change of mind. Hopefully, this driver has one too and understands their role in respect to the non automobile driving person.
At 9pm, running through a gentle drizzle that is greeting this lone athlete as a faint caress of the cities night a sense of peace is settling. Heading back to the ware house I take this sharp bend a few hundred meters before route one. Coming around the bend is a pair of headlights that are unaware of the man working towards their origin of only scant minutes past. With a practiced side hop, I land deep in the grass growing from the shoulder and the car whips by laying on the horn. Glancing at the license plate I yell back at the screaming car, "I have the right of way license plate ########" and continue on. Returning to the shop a few minutes later I am tempted to call the police to file a report against this self entitled moron of the roads, but have a change of mind. Hopefully, this driver has one too and understands their role in respect to the non automobile driving person.
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