Perspective - Remembering A Moment

This post has nothing to do with my current running agenda, but then again maybe it does. Make sense? It is more of one of those "life" moments when you realize anything is possible.

I am going back to 1997 when I was living in the Boston area and was an occasional runner. I liked to go to the Brookline Reservoir where the running path around the reservoir was approximately one mile. It was a nice quiet spot away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

It was dusk and the amount of daylight could be measured in minutes. I was finishing my last lap when I spotted a car key laying on the path. It was attached to a pink stretchy band that slips around your wrist. I could see about three or four other runners out on the path. I did not recall seeing the key on an earlier lap. I stopped and picked it up hoping someone in the parking area would be looking for it. As I approached the parking area I observed a woman dressed in an all pink running suit. As I got closer to her I held up the key for her to see. I could see her smile and begin to walk toward me. The woman, who I would estimate to be 70 years old, exclaimed, "Thank You". She went on to tell me how she had been looking around her car and the parking lot for the key. I detected a slight accent as she spoke. I responded by saying something like, "I'm glad I found it and found you." I went on to say, "It would not be a good day to lose your key." The woman's expression changed to one with a twinge of anguish. As she looked directly at me she pushed the left sleeve of her running jacket up to a point where I could observe a series of numbers, now faded, tattooed on her forearm above her wrist. With a strong and compassionate voice she said, "Young man, I survived the Holocaust, I do not have anymore bad days." I didn't know how to respond. She gave me a hug. I went to my car and drove off. I'm not sure I recall anything about my drive home, I was paralyzed with emotion. I occasionally think of this event when I think I'm having a bad day. Then again is it really a bad day? All in perspective.      

USMC Half-Marathon

 

This race was not on my original schedule of races, but my friend Pamela Starr suggested I run it for my birthday weekend. I was scheduled for a long run, so why not add some excitement and enjoyment to a long run. I have not run this race, but had heard many positive comments. It was very well organized. I would recommend it for anyone looking for a Fall half. Just be sure you train for hills!

I was pleased to hear that we would not be running over the Hart Bridge, used in the Gate River 15K. It is a very high bridge at the end of the 15K. The course map for USMC showed two bridge crossings in the first three miles. How bad can that be? Each bridge was just shy of one mile. The first bridge the Main Street Bridge, pictured above, had a metal grate surface which was a bit tough on the feet. The Acosta Bridge was up next, a bit longer and comparable in height. So, at the three mile mark I was pleased to see we were still on pace and the bridges had not taken a toll. Not yet.

The course flattened out as we ran through some very nice business and residential neighborhoods of Jacksonville. The start time temperature was in the low 70's and as the sun rose, so did the temperatures. Much of the course was shaded and protected the runners. All that would come to an end. Somewhere between mile 10 and 11, we were directed to the "Riverwalk", a beautiful area on the North side of the St. John's River. It provided us with a fabulous view of downtown Jacksonville. Only problem, no shade, none, nada, zilch. Bright, open, sun drenched last two miles. By now the temperature had climbed into the 80's.

Along the "Riverwalk" we were surprised by the fact that the "Riverwalk" climbs about four stories, for no apparent reason. Talk about a killer point in a race, this was it. It wasn't the common "wall" that we hit, this was a manufactured hill. To add insult to injury, this portion ends with a corkscrew type downward spiraling ramp. All very tight turns.(I hope you are picturing this). Round and round we go, down at least six levels until we are back at river level and back onto the sunny walkway. I could see our hotel. I knew that the finish was one mile ahead. No more hills.

I finished with a respectable time, maybe even a tick quicker than I had expected. Having not trained for hills, the bridges were a struggle. We train in the Florida heat, but we never get used to it. Along the way I had seen several other Orlando runners. At the finish I found Pamela and then found Firehouse Subs and treated myself to a tasty turkey sub. Disappointment overwhelmed me when the Dunkin Donuts booth was out of stock.

In summary a great day, a birthday celebration. Pamela did question me when I used the word "FUN".

One Second, Just ONE Second!!

 

The final selections for the 2014 Boston Marathon were concluded on Monday. My friend Terry Smith had registered as he had achieved a BQ at the 2013 Boston Marathon, his time, 3:53:23. Terry not only qualified, but he did it at Boston last year. The Boston Marathon requires a runner to qualify for the opportunity to run the race.

Terry received notification that he did not get accepted as he did not meet the minimum time. What was the minimum time, 3:53:22. Yes, that's correct, a difference of one second. ONE second! Go back and read "ONE second", that's all it takes. One click of the second hand, one blink of the eye.

I had breakfast this morning with Terry, our usual Friday ritual. I could tell he was disappointed, but Terry is not one to be deterred. He was talking about his next marathon and another BQ. I have known and run with Terry for about five years and that is his demeanor. Take a punch and keep moving forward. He probably won't like the fact that I have written this post centering on him. He is a person that situations are not about him, but others. He is always focusing on how other people are doing. He is what I call my "running Guru", he is always instructing, always encouraging. I never leave a breakfast without some piece of information I can use in my training. I'm not the only person who has become a better runner because of his expertise. For those of you who know Terry his demeanor is low-keyed and patient. I would not be where I am today without his words of encouragement and training suggestions. I hope that I can once again reach a pace where I can run with him. For now, I will meet him every Friday and get my dosage of running wisdom. To him I am very grateful. I know he will qualify and be at Boston once again. If I follow his advice I may have the opportunity to BQ and run with him in 2016. Thank you my friend.  

"Gold Medal" Day - DeeDee Trotter

Several years ago, on a different blog, I wrote about the gracious personalities of runners I have met. This week I had the distinct privilege of meeting DeeDee Trotter, Gold and Bronze Medal winner at the London Olympics in 2012.

She was at Fleet Feet Sports to kick off a shoe collection drive for homeless people in the Orlando area. On Tuesday afternoon she was putting together cardboard boxes to hold the donated shoes. Her personality was so outgoing, yet humble. On Wednesday, she stopped by to greet the new group of "No Boundaries" participants. We were all inspired by her story. She remained and posed for photos with us, she even "shared" her Gold Medal. On Friday, she returned to drop off shoes she had collected from a friend. The excitement was evident as she mingled with the staff.  

Too often we don't hear about the good things being done by athletes through various charities. This week I got to experience and witness an athlete going "hands on". No question that DeeDee is a world class athlete. Better yet, she is a world class person! 

Time Flies When You're Having Fun!

Looking back it has been awhile since I last posted. "Time Flies When You're Having Fun!".  I have been maintaining, well actually increasing, my training miles since my last post. I am trying something new because of scheduling issues. I am running back-to-back on the weekends. I know that goes against what I have preached because REST is important. I seem to be doing well and getting rest on weekdays. I do run short mileage once during the week. So far, so good.

I am coaching a half-marathon training group on Saturday mornings. I really enjoy assisting newer runners who are training for their first half-marathon. It is a pleasure to pass on what I have learned from so many experienced runners over the years. As I've told them, "I don't want you to make the same mistakes I made." On Wednesday of this week I will begin coaching a "No Boundaries" running program for new runners. These are the people who have made a life changing decision to get out and walk/run. We will meet on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings. Not sure how my running schedule will be impacted by these duties. I don't mind, I will figure something out.

On October 20th, I will be running the Empire State Half-Marathon in Syracuse, NY. It will be my first half since the OUC last December. Much like I tell the new runners, "don't worry about your time." I want to be able to run well and feel good afterward, that's all. I will evaluate my training at that point and move forward as I outlined in an earlier post.

A special "Thank You" to my friend Pamela Starr for running with me on Sunday's. She has been instrumental in keeping my training moving forward. She too is training for a half-marathon. It has been a fun several months of long, hot miles. Oh, and she enjoys a stop at Panera after the run. Need to re-fuel! 

Coach Wayne

After many years of running I am finally doing some training for my core and upper body. I have read articles, listened to lectures, discussed it with fellow runners, but never did anything to improve these areas. Shame on me! Sure I did some cycling and swimming and enjoyed both of those activities. Recently, my friend and fellow marathoner, Wayne Talbott, began a program to help me improve my core and upper body strength. I was never a "gym" type person working on indoor equipment. So my twice a week workouts in Bluejacket Park are ideal. I knew I needed this training in order to make a successful attempt at a BQ. I didn't know if I was going to like "pumping iron". As it turns out, with 10 weeks of workouts, I am enjoying this new endeavor. I have a long way to go, but I can feel an improvement already. So, I will keep this up and hopefully by the time I run my half-marathon in October, this training will help me reach my time goal. Thanks, Coach Wayne.

"Tunnel To Tower"

I am asking for your support in my fundraising efforts for the "Tunnel To Tower" organization. There will be a 5K race at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs, September 7, 2013. This organization assists firefighters, first responders, and military personnel.

I am raising this money in tribute to Jonathan Ielpi, FDNY, Squad 288. Jonathan was killed at the World Trade Center on 9/11. One of the 343 FDNY firefighters who lost their lives that day.

The "Tunnel To Tower" run is a tribute to FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller. When his route to the WTC was blocked by traffic, he gathered his equipment and ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the WTC. Tragically, he lost his life that day.

http://www.t2trun.org//campaign/display/profile.do?campaignId=17234

Slowly But Surely

It may not seem like many miles to some of you who will read this, but for me it is a steady improvement. I logged 18 miles this past week. I already have 6 miles in the books for this week. My plan is to get my weekly mileage up to about 25 prior to my October 20th half-marathon. My run this morning, 6 miles, was done in 1:06. On Thursday, I ran the Watermelon 5K, with a 2 mile warm up and 2 miles post race. I was not racing the 5K, but wanted to be close to my goal pace. I finished in 31:30 or a 10:10 min/mile pace. I am making progress and that's what counts. I have 14 weeks until the half-marathon so I believe I am on track for my goal. As my base increases, I will add speed workouts. I need to remember that a 10:00 min/mile pace gets me to my BQ qualifier. I would like to be in the area of 9:30 min/mile (2:04) for the half-marathon. Watermelon 5K photo courtesy of Pamela Starr. 

Where it Began

I can't believe my love of running started some 50 years ago. The attached photo is from a high school meet in 1963. Yes, that is me, a bit thinner, some hair and much more speed. I ran cross country and track for Great Neck South High School (NY). My event in track was the 880 yard run, we didn't know what meters were back then. The thrill of competition, your teammates and Mr. Ernie Clark our head coach made for some memorable times. Some times when I run now I can still hear him yelling at me. In those days coaches could be tough without fear of being fired. It wasn't unlike Coach Clark to have a cigarette or two while we were practicing. We had a great team. The school opened in 1958 and the track team went undefeated in dual meets until my senior year. The bus ride back to the school from Garden City, NY was a long one. I still have contact with several of my former teammates. Running has brought me many friends. 

Why?

There is no single answer as to why I have decided to take on this challenge. I know I was burned out after 2011 and running wasn't fun. I had always told my running groups that when it stopped being fun, it was time to stop. I did that, then I missed the challenge. I had friends attempting to qualify for Boston in 2013 and I felt let out of the process. I saw their excitement and I wanted to feel that again. The tragic events at this years marathon solidified my decision to get back to Boston.

Prior to running Boston in 2011, I was given a shirt by my running group that was imprinted with the following, "Right on Hereford, Left on Boylston", directions for the last half-mile of the Boston Marathon. I still have that shirt and I see it almost every day. My yellow race shirt from 2011 hangs next to it. It's time to wear them again.

It's time to make one more "Right on Hereford, Left on Boylston".