Friday, January 31, 2014

January Ends

Today, I have completed, for the first time in my life, a month where I ran every day for a total of 172 miles, an average of 5.54 miles per day.  I'm also positive that it has been a long time since I have run that many miles in a month.  I ran outside 30 of those days in temperatures as low as 5 degrees.  One day, I ran twice, both indoors and out.  I know people run many more miles than this in unimaginable temperatures.  But, there is something to be said for running every single day.  As I got older, I thought that I needed more rest/recovery days so there were days that I took off completely.  Yes, I know, these could have been cross-training days which would have been beneficial as well.  Now, with running every day in January, I have discovered a few things:

  1. You can always find time to run at least 2 miles per day
  2. The variable weather makes it interesting, almost like running a different course each day
  3. Recovery comes in the 2 mile runs, training comes in the longer, up-tempo runs
  4. My legs feel fresher than actually taking days off completely
  5. There is no decision to make.  Every day you know that you will run.  It's just a matter of when and where.
  6. Consistency matters
  7. Its good to have multiple pairs of shoes to alternate (more important in summer)
  8. It gives me something to write about
  9. I eat better (although I still have not been able to eliminate ice cream)
  10. Running for the charity that I have adopted, matters!
So now, February begins and a new challenge.  First up is the Miami Marathon on Sunday.  With temperatures in the 70's, I'm not expecting a whole lot except for a tour of Miami, Miami Beach and South Beach on foot.  It is, in essence, another training run with my goal race being Bataan.  The real challenge will be traveling over the next two weeks, one week in the UK.  let's see if I can figure out the running situation while having two days on a plane for 7 hours.

"The marathon can make you humble" - Bill Rogers

Today Day 31: 2 miles; 2014: 173 miles

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Desire Over Reason

Marathoning: The triumph of desire over reason. - New Balance
It makes no sense to run 26.2 miles, especially the extra 385 yards that the .2 dictates.  But, there are hundreds of thousands of finishers all over the globe doing it in areas that, quite frankly, shouldn't be having marathons.  There are many reasons why people run them and each runner will represent a unique reason.  Continuing to run them is beyond all reason.  With that comes desire and desire will always win.

The obsession with running [marathons] is really an obsession with the potential of more and more life. - George Sheehan
 There is a lot of life that can be experienced during a marathon, physically and mentally, the world around you, the lives of other runners, total strangers cheering, weather, courses, thoughts, problems solved, ups and downs, love, struggle, emotions, God's blessings - all in a few hours.  But the real obsession is the holistic experience taken back into our lives from the marathon.  We live in the same world experienced in a marathon and what we take from it only helps us move forward, day after day.  The marathon is never run backwards.  People don't start at the finish.  But what they have learned from past marathons allows them to move forward in and informed, educated, and wise way - past experience, current circumstances, hopes and dreams.  Life is a marathon!  let us run with desire.
Desire Over Reason - 13 degrees


Today Day 30: 3 miles: 2014: 170 miles

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Snow Days

I remember being a kid and getting a free day from school due to snow.  We would play all day outside, sledding, snow-balling, building snow caves/men.  It was just a fun time.  I wonder these days if kids just stay inside and play video games.  When I ventured out on my run today crunching through the snow and sidestepping the ice, I thought about those days; the fun, the innocence, just being yourself with your friends. Snow is novel in NC and kids do seem to get a kick out of being in it.  I saw a few kids today, one carrying a sled, and others playing.  I guess my play these days is running in the snow.  I put my trail shoes on, dress appropriately, and off I go, trying to stay on the virgin snow for optimal crunch while trying to stay upright.  Living in the Northeast for so many years, I am well-practiced.  It also quiet and pretty.

When snow falls in NC, there are a lot of closures, not just schools but many business, local businesses, even fast food chains.  I suspect that major corporations don't close because people will just work from home.  Well, except for the government.  the federal government, as inefficient as they are still delays openings and has closures.  People need to be smart and stay safe so I am a proponent of closures or delays.

It will be stark contrast from running today to running on Sunday.  On Sunday, I will have 3 articles of clothing on, 5 if you want to count shoes and a hat..  But, that is the beauty of running, can do it anywhere and in any conditions - just run!

Parkwood Lake

Today Day 29: 2 miles; 2014: 167 miles

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Primitive Connections

The challenge of a significant physical journey on foot unleashes some primitive connections to our identity of human beings - Jeff Galloway
These connections are enhanced on the trails, true trails, where you have to stumble your way over rocks, roots, mud, through water, up and down hills to get from one place to another in a natural environment.  The road doesn't provide the same connection, or I should say the same primitive connection.  The physicality and mentality required on both road and trail are not necessarily equal either.  Although physically harder, trail running is easier on the body believe it or not.  Terrain is usually softer although highly varied which allows for more muscles to be used and in different ways.  Before there were roads, human beings were running through forests, over mountains, blazing new trails.  Its our identity.

In order to be successful in a marathon, you have to know what you want out of it - Bill Rogers
 This is key for every marathoner especially the 99.9% who will never win a marathon or age group award.  What's interesting is that this quote is from Bill Rogers, one of the greatest marathoners of all time for his wins on Boston and New York City and a former American record holder.  Of course, most people see running as all about time.  I certainly did when I was younger, trying to set a personal best with each race, running to my maximum effort.  I still find time intriguing but I get so much more out of the sport these days, not only in races but through daily runs.  I'll be successful in every marathon that I run as long as I finish, which I have in all 73 marathons attempted.  Its because I know what I want out of each and every one of them.  Goals are different.  I may set a goal and stretch goal for time for either the entire marathon or a portion of it.  In Miami, its to train in heat and humidity and pace accordingly.  Temperatures will be in the 70's with 81% humidity.  Stark contrast to training in the 20's and dew points in negative numbers.  Success will come with the finish line and a paid sightseeing tour of Miami, South Beach and Miami Beach.  Yes, I know I can do this by car, but how primitive would that be?

Today Day 28: 2 miles; 2014: 165 miles

Monday, January 27, 2014

Taper Time

Generally, the week before a marathon is taper time - the time when you allow the legs to recover and heal along with the rest of the body.  In most training regimens, tapering is done over a 2-3 week period.  For marathon manics, I am not sure that there is ever a taper or ever traditional training.  I'm going into the Miami marathon this weekend viewing it as a supported long run.  I will be there for a conference and figured I might as well run.  Its a bit too big for my taste, the logistics are not great, and it will be humid.  Believe me, I am not complaining as I am grateful to even have the opportunity and health to run.  After what most of the country has experienced weather-wise this winter, there is no way I will complain about 70 degrees.  So, let's get back to tapering.  I usually only run 2-3 days the week leading up to a marathon and those days are very light, 2-3 miles.  However, I have remained on my streak of running every day this year at least 2 miles per day but averaging over 6.  Due to business travel, some international, I am not sure if I'll be able to keep the streak alive as the year unfolds.  What's important is to maintain my goal mileage for the year which I am ahead of now. For my taper this week, I will maintain 2 miles per day and then run 26.2 on Sunday.  This will put me at 171 for January, the highest mileage in a month for many years.  I will then start February strong with the marathon.
"'Life' said William James, 'is made of doing and suffering and creating.'  It is all there in the marathon-the doing in training and the suffering in the race and, finally, the creating that comes in the tranquility of the aftermath." - George Sheehan
"The marathon never ceases to be a race of joy, a race or wonder." - Hal Higdon
Today Day 27: 2 miles; 2014: 163 miles

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Hold Fast

On Sunday's throughout the year, I hope to post worship songs that have helped me through a season of life, on a run, or in some other meaningful way.  I know that some folks will ask how can I use one of these songs in the context of running.  Doesn't it diminish the meaning.  To the contrary.  Quite honestly, if we cannot apply the what we learn from the Bible and worship songs to everyday life, we are missing a great opportunity.  This song came on my shuffle yesterday, when I was struggling to finish a 10 mile run.  I used "hold fast" to do just that.  Hold fast to the pace I set out before you, to helping those with meals at the DRM.  It doesn't hurt anywhere near what it is like not to have food or a warm place to sleep or to recover from a life of addiction.  As a matter of fact, that kind of hurt cannot be used in the same context as a run.  As Ryan Bingham (country artist) might say, "if I have that kind of problem, I'll be in pretty good shape."  There also comes a time in a marathon when holding fast will be our struggle, the point where we hit the wall, and we all will, even the elite. So, Hold Fast in all of life's journey's.

"Hold Fast"
by Mercy Me
To everyone who's hurting
To those who've had enough
To all the undeserving
That should cover all of us
Please do not let go
I promise there is hope

Hold fast
Help is on the way
Hold fast
He's come to save the day
What I've learned in my life
One thing greater than my strife
Is His grasp
So hold fast

Will this season ever pass?
Can we stop this ride?
Will we see the sun at last?
Or could this be our lot in life?
Please do not let go
I promise you there's hope

You may think you're all alone
And there's no way that anyone could know
What you're going through
But if you only hear one thing
Just understand that we are all the same
Searching for the truth
The truth of what we're soon to face
Unless someone comes to take our place
Is there anyone?
All we want is to be free
Free from our captivity, Lord
Here He comes


Today Day 26: 6 miles; 2014: 161 miles

Saturday, January 25, 2014

I'm A Freak

I won't
I can't
I'm lost
I'm a freak

Searching for things
I can't see
Mountains in front of me
No nothing will conquer
My existence
Fear will not discover
My brain

I'm a freak

This is a portion of a song from Days of the New.  Let me decipher this from a runner's perspective.  The words, "I won't, I can't, I'm lost" are generally not found in a runner's vocabulary.  Going into a race or even a training run, thinking this way defeats you before you even get started.  We are typically driven by mantras.  I have one that I have used since high school which allows me to calm down but remain engaged, "Strong and Relaxed".  Runners can't run when they are not relaxed and at some point strength will be needed to finish at one's best.  Based on the words from the song, one mantra might be "I will, I can, I'm found".  Underarmour put the words "I Will" on their marathon shirts last year.  I still think "I'm a Freak" still applies and I don't mind be labeled as such.  So let's change the words above to "I will, I can, I'm found, I'm a freak".  New runners experience this transformation. At one time in their lives, they couldn't and they wouldn't and were maybe lost.  But, after they start their journey, they realized that they could, they would and they were found.  Just like the song, Amazing Grace, written by John Newton in the late 1700's, "I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now I see." there is a transformation brought about by God's Grace.

In many cases our journey in running and Christian faith allow us to search for things we can't see, which appear to be mountains in front of us, but we exist and must move forward allowing nothing to conquer us physically or mentally.  Let us be freakish in a different way - a good way.

Today Day 25: 10 miles; 2014: 155 miles

Friday, January 24, 2014

As the Face Melts

As the World Turns, As the Face Melts...  Is this soap opera still on?  Is any soap opera still on?  This morning, it was a balmy 13 degrees with a wind chill of 5.  I'm not complaining because I could be living in the mid-west where the wind chill is in negative double digits.  Nevertheless, it is cold in NC.  Yes, I ran outside this morning at 7:15 and that was the temperature.  So, here is my routine of dressing for the run, because it is all about dressing right.  I'll just take you through the order of clothes, layer upon layer.  It takes me about 15 minutes to get ready.  Today, I dressed by the fire place, being warmed by a small fire.  I had my running shoes on the mantle warming them to a toasty temperature.

  1. Underarmour compression shorts
  2. Trail socks
  3. Long tights (you can decide for yourself whether you want to call these tights)
  4. Long sleeve Nike compression shirt
  5. Long sleeve Raleigh City of Oaks Marathon shirt
  6. Long sleeve shirt with thumb holes
  7. Long wind pants
  8. Marathon Maniacs (Brooks) wind jacket
  9. Notre Dame football helmet (have to see it but it is warm, but won't do anything to prevent concussions)
  10. 1 pair of light black gloves
  11. 1 pair of light cotton gloves
  12. body glide on face and nose
  13. Saucony Hurricane shoes
  14. Identification band (thank you Cindy)
Once I am dressed, I am warm so I can't stay inside too long or I will sweat and be cold once I step out the door.  The key is to keep the temperature consistent.  When I then venture out into the cold, it feels no different than being inside a warm house, except on my face.  I have worn a mask but I like to feel the cold, fresh, brash air on my face.  The body glide keeps it from chaffing but it still gets very cold.

You don't have to be a runner to experience the "As the Face Melts" phenomena.  Just spend 30 minutes to an hour outside in these temperatures - much less if you live in upper mid-west like Wisconsin - does cheese freeze?  Cow milk?.  When you come inside, it feels like your face is melting off your head, all over your shirt and into a puddle.  I have this image (OK, I just tried to draw it!) in my mind.


Then I found this one that also slightly looks like my melting face.


The point is, dress for the weather.  It is much easier to do in the winter.  When you come in, enjoy the meltdown, As the Face Melts!

Today Day 24: 4 miles; 2014: 145 miles

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Mixed Messages

I need to mix it up a bit on this blog, have some mixed messages - serious, funny, quotes, pictures, music, etc. I think I have hit on all of them except funny. I am also going to do more quotes - original (hah!, I quote myself, that sounds stupid!), from runners, famous people, writers, God-forbid politicians, entertainers, sports folks, philosophers, whomever and of course from the Bible. So, let's look at funny. My only caveat for funny is that it does need to be running related. There is enough ridiculous stuff posted on social networks related to everything else in the world.


Spectator signs at marathons are the best and they keep getting more creative.  The Des Moines marathon had very active fans.  They were also very creative with their signs.  Some of these are from Des Moines, others from other marathons but I assure you, they are all real.

"Run faster, I just farted"
"Run fast, poop later, never trust a fart"
Sign next to 3 basset hounds - "You think running is hard, try running on these legs"
"Worst parade ever"
"26.2 because 26.3 would be crazy"
"Any idiot can run, it takes a special kind of idiot to run a marathon"
"Run easy, you're not gonna win"


"Go random stranger"
"Motivational Sign"
"May the course be with you"
"Daddy, did you pee your pants?"
"Free nipple massages @ the finish"
"Only a Sh!tload of miles left!"
"26.2 Cheaper than therapy"

So, the next time you go to a marathon or any other race for that matter, be creative with your signs.  Runners love them and makes for a great distraction.  How about a twitter one?

@Mike #runfar #runfast tkyat marathons #insane c u F2F @ the finish luv cas

Today Day 23: 5 miles: 2014: 141 miles

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Man in Black

Known as the man in black Johnny Cash released a song in 1971 called The Man In Black.  It appears to be a protest song about the human condition at the time.  However, it appears to be as relevant today as it was in in during the Vietnam era.  I don't want to make this post about politics or war and this blog is supposed to be about running.

I wear black a lot.  Maybe it is the slimming effect, hah!  More likely it is because I tend to be a bit low key in my dress, not Gothic mind you, but just low key.  I do tend to wear black shorts and a black sleeveless shirt in marathons.  I do this more during cooler marathons to absorb some of the sun for warmth.  When temperatures are in the 40's I also wear black compression sleeves since these can be easily removed.  With black shorts, black socks, black shirt, black sleeves, black hat and off-black running shoes, I am definitely the man in black.

The other day, this song came on my shuffle and I listened intently.  I listen to all kinds of music and I could have everything from Kid Rock and Eminem  to Johnny Cash in the same playlist.  I may even find a time for Andres Segovia's Baroque guitar.  Anyway, the words hit home especially while running for the DRM.  I want to change the last stanza. We need to see the future as bright but recognize the darkness that looms.  It is in the light that we see and can make things bright.  This year I will wear rainbow bright shirts (the light of the world to come)  and black shorts (to recognize the human condition).  



As it's written:

Ah, I'd love to wear a rainbow every day,
And tell the world that everything's OK,
But I'll try to carry off a little darkness on my back,
'Till things are brighter, I'm the Man In Black.


to

Ah, I'd love to wear a rainbow every day,
And tell the world that everything's OK,
So I'll try to carry off a little brightness on my back,
In Hope and Faith of things brighter,

I'm the Man of Rainbow Bright and Black.

Man in Black by Johnny Cash


Well, you wonder why I always dress in black,
Why you never see bright colors on my back,
And why does my appearance seem to have a somber tone.
Well, there's a reason for the things that I have on.

I wear the black for the poor and the beaten down,
Livin' in the hopeless, hungry side of town,
I wear it for the prisoner who has long paid for his crime,
But is there because he's a victim of the times.

I wear the black for those who never read,
Or listened to the words that Jesus said,
About the road to happiness through love and charity,
Why, you'd think He's talking straight to you and me.

Well, we're doin' mighty fine, I do suppose,
In our streak of lightnin' cars and fancy clothes,
But just so we're reminded of the ones who are held back,
Up front there ought 'a be a Man In Black.

I wear it for the sick and lonely old,
For the reckless ones whose bad trip left them cold,
I wear the black in mournin' for the lives that could have been,
Each week we lose a hundred fine young men.

And, I wear it for the thousands who have died,
Believen' that the Lord was on their side,
I wear it for another hundred thousand who have died,
Believen' that we all were on their side.

Well, there's things that never will be right I know,
And things need changin' everywhere you go,
But 'til we start to make a move to make a few things right,
You'll never see me wear a suit of white.

Ah, I'd love to wear a rainbow every day,
And tell the world that everything's OK,
But I'll try to carry off a little darkness on my back,

'Till things are brighter, I'm the Man In Black.

Today Day 22: 5 miles: 2014: 136 miles

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Reality of the Run

Yesterday, Cynthia and I visited the Durham Rescue Mission for a tour of the their two campuses.  When one thinks of the word campus, a beautiful sprawling college campus or a glorious corporate campus comes to mind.  In this case, campus refers to a place of safety where one can get the help so desperately needed.  Both the men's and women's divisions though do have a campus feel.  The women's division is in an old hotel renovated to house single women, single women with children and a few families.  Nearly everything in the renovated hotel was donated including the beautiful garden area that won best urban garden in the U.S. a few years back.  The men's division is comprised of a church building, a newer addition and surrounding houses.  In each case, those that the DRM is helping have all their housing and food expenses paid for but also work 40 hours a week in return at the mission.  All funding is through private donations - no government help.

Tony Gooch, Director of Development Operations gave us an amazing tour of both facilities providing us with the history of how the DRM was founded as well as the vision of the organization for the future.  It would do the DRM an injustice for me to try and summarize everything.  Much of the information can be found on their website.  However, I would encourage everyone to visit any charity that they are supporting to learn more and see first hand how your money is being used and the difference these organizations are making in the lives of people.  The DRM is a faith-based organization and there were scriptures on doors and walls that brought meaning and life to helping those in need.  Quite frankly, this is what Christian faith is all about and we saw it first hand yesterday.  The good news of Jesus isn't just about the words of the gospel, its about the actions taken based on the words of the gospel.  By the way, just like in the gospel, these doors are not just open to Christians, they are open to everyone in need - accepting all - believers and non-believers alike.  But, once in the DRM program the program includes biblical teachings among all the other life skills training.

I know that my description here did not do justice to what we saw yesterday.  However, what we did see yesterday reaffirms my commitment to the organization.  It's the reality of the run. We also hope to volunteer at various community events.

Today Day 21: 4 miles; 2014: 131 miles

Monday, January 20, 2014

MLK Day

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
-Martin Luther King, Jr.


Today Day 20: 2 miles; 2014: 127 miles

Sunday, January 19, 2014

What Faith Can Do

I finished up the weekend with a 10 mile run after completing 16 yesterday - squish training as I call it.  On Saturday, I ran in silence, no music, nothing really except an occasional "hi" to another runner.  Mostly, it was because I messed up my shuffle and didn't have time to fix it before my run.  But, running in silence allows for more pure thoughts - pure meaning not influenced by the music you listen to.  I have also listened to podcasts of sermons from my favorite pastors.  Those are quite good and gives you time to ponder.  Last night I fixed my shuffle and loaded it with music.  I loaded it with a bunch of of 80's/90's classic rock and then some Contemporary Christian Rock.  Once I got out on the road, I found myself having a craving the contemporary Christian Rock and Rap/Hip-Hop (yes there is a such a thing).  Each time a classic rock song came on, I went to the next track and then the next until I found what I wanted and needed.  There is such good uplifting music in this genre - many people miss it altogether because its associated with Christianity.  It's too bad.  I'm going to swap out the music on my shuffle again fr the runs this week.  Here is a song from Kutless.

What Faith Can Do

Everybody falls sometimes

Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think it's more than you can take
But you are stronger, stronger than you know
Don't you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining

I've seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do

It doesn't matter what you've heard
Impossible is not a word
It's just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody's scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It'll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing

Overcome the odds
You do have a chance
(That's what faith can do)
When the world says you can't
It'll tell you that you can!

I've seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do
That's what faith can do!

Even if you fall sometimes
You will have the strength to rise


Today Day 19: 10 miles; 2014: 125 miles

Saturday, January 18, 2014

On The Fence - Art of The Run

Running affords you so many experiences and life in full vivid details.  Today was a silent run on a brisk day filled with blue sky, tall green pines and orange waves of sun dancing through the trees.  The American Tobacco Trail (ATT) affords runners, walkers and bikers the best of a rails-to-trails adventure with paved as well as soft surfaces.  It can get boring because all you see are pines and the sky.  There is still an art to the simplicity of the trail.

Cynthia Anne loves fences and takes lots of pictures that highlight fences.  She also has been my running photographer for the years I have known her.  Not only does she endure the time it takes for me to run, she also sees the event in a different way.  She enhances her photography to capture the right moments.  I'll highlight a few on the blog throughout the year.

Today Day 18: 16 miles; 2014: 114 miles

Here's a few or her enhanced pictures with my comments.
Madison Mini-Marathon - Sitting on Lake Mendota at U. of Wisconsin enjoying post-race chocolate milk
50th Marathon on 50th Birthday in New Orleans with my nephew Shawn - What a fun weekend!

Raleigh 8000 - the hill looks daunting

 Illinois Marathon finished on the 5o yard line at U. of Illinois - I Love You, Cynthia

New Jersey Ultra Festival - 50K




Friday, January 17, 2014

Life On A Run

Today, I reached 98 miles for the month which means tomorrow I will surpass 100 on my long run.  This also means that I will move beyond my commitment to DRM with additional donations. at the end of the month.  I ran a bit less today because I'm playing Racquetball at lunch and have two longer runs coming up this weekend.  It will be a chilly start tomorrow with temperature around 25.

One of the first songs heard on my shuffle this morning was Kenny Chesney's Life On A Rock, so I modified it to Life On A Run.  I'm sure Kenny wouldn't mind.  His lawyers might, but not him!

Some say running is the land of misfit toys,
An insane mix of girls and boys.
Nothing really changes, like a stretch of road time forgot.

That's just runnin', that's just runnin'
That's just livin' life on a run, yea.

Well you don't lose a race, you just lose your mind.
Runnin' on the left side's gotta be learned.
Happy hour's from 6 to 3 but it never really stops.

That's just runnin', that's just runnin'
That's just livin' life on a run, yea.

We got pasta dinners, and medals and winners,
Gu and salt on a stick.
Running is sublime and from time to time,
I gotta go get my fix, yea

We roll with the flow, friends come and go
Usually by the edge of the road.

That's just runnin', that's just runnin'
That's just livin' life on a run, yea.
Oh, I love runnin', I love runnin'
I love livin' life on a run, yea.

Life on a run
Yea yea
Yea yea
I love livin'
Life on a run


Today Day 17: 3 miles: 2014: 98 miles

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Morning Joe

I know that one of the financial networks has a program in the early morning called Morning Joe.  I'm a fan of morning "joe" but of the kind that gets my heart rate up a bit.  I guess the financial program could also do this depending on your interests and investment portfolio.  My morning "joe" is generally a cup or two of Caribou or Donut House coffee.  This is my prerequisite before my morning run and certainly before any marathons.  This leads me to the topic of when to run.

I have always been a morning runner.  I think it is a fantastic way to start the day for a variety of reasons:

  1. It gets blood pumping to very part of the body early in the day, like a cleansing
  2. It helps me prepare for the day in prayer as well.  There is no better way to creatively figure out the day
  3. It gets it done.  There is too much potential for things to get in the way preventing a run later in the day
  4. For me, there is a tiredness and stiffness at the end of the day which make runs harder
  5. Mornings are fresh and quiet and in the summer are cooler, especially in NC
  6. On weekends, early morning runs give more time for other things
  7. It gives you a chance to do two runs (OK, stop rolling your eyes!) But seriously, although I don't do it often, the opportunity is there for two specific workouts.  Last week I ran easier in the morning followed by an up-tempo treadmill workout at lunch
  8. Stress builds during the day and makes runs harder later in the day
  9. Almost all races are held in the early morning.  Might as well do training runs when races are going to be held
  10. I believe it trains the body to burn fat more efficiently since glycogen depletion occurs overnight.  This is a double-edged sword because glycogen is needed for quality workouts but once you deplete glycogen in a marathon, the body needs to know what to do - which is to process fat for fuel
Isn't is funny that lists are generally done in 3's, 5's and 10's?  Anyway, I will stop here since these came to me first.  Fortunately, I have a relatively flexible environment where I can run pretty much any time.  Generally I run around 7 AM during the week and 8 AM on weekends.  If I do want to sit around with a little extra morning "joe" or the weather may be better at lunch, I will postpone running until lunchtime.  It also gives me some variety running elsewhere and on different surfaces.  Rarely do I  venture out in the evening.  For me, it is just the worst time to run.  I physically and mentally find it difficult to get it into gear.  It's different for everyone and the key is finding your happy time just like finding your happy pace - time where consistency can be achieved because being a runner is all about consistency. 

Today Day 16: 4 miles; 2014: 95 miles


Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Moments

Its hard to write every day.  Well, it's not hard to write, just hard to write something interesting, that is, to say, that anyone finds these posts interesting.  Today, while running during lunch time, I had one of those moments where I really wasn't sure what to write about.  I was running among the tall pines and thought about a "land of the pines" theme.  Then, I had a few aches during the run and thought about writing about running through pain, but in a lighthearted way.  I ventured home to run today because Cindy heard some loud explosion/gunshot and I wanted to check out the area around the house and neighbor's house.  Everything seemed in order but when I left I saw a maintenance crew up the hill from us.  Maybe it was something in the water or gas line.  Anyway, I get into the car and the song below comes on - Moments.  By now, if you have read any other posts on the blog, you realize that I have adopted the Durham Rescue Mission for my charitable running this year.  So, the words of the song hit home immediately. Many of us have had our moments (the good ones) but because we have, it doesn't guarantee us being immune from the future hardships of life (the bad ones.)  But we all have value to humankind both in our good and bad moments.  These are not chance meetings but guided and directed on purpose.  Our moments should be just that.  Moments of helping one another.

By Emerson Drive
I was coming to the end of a long, long walk
When a man crawled out of a cardboard box
Under the E. Street Bridge
Followed me on to it
I went out halfway across
With that homeless shadow tagging along
So I dug for some change
Wouldn't need it anyway
He took it lookin' just a bit ashamed
He said, You know, I haven't always been this way

I've had my moments, days in the sun
Moments I was second to none
Moments when I knew I did what I thought I couldn't do
Like that plane ride coming home from the war
That summer my son was born
And memories like a coat so warm
A cold wind can't get through
Lookin' at me now you might not know it
But I've had my moments

I stood there tryin' to find my nerve
Wondering if a single soul on Earth
Would care at all
Miss me when I'm gone
That old man just kept hanging around
Lookin' at me, lookin' down
I think he recognized
That look in my eyes
Standing with him there I felt ashamed
I said, You know, I haven't always been this way

I've had my moments, days in the sun
Moments I was second to none
Moments when I knew I did what I thought I couldn't do
Like the day I walked away from the wine
For a woman who became my wife
And a love that, when it was right,
Could always see me through
Lookin' at me now you might not know it
But I've had my moments

I know somewhere 'round a trashcan fire tonight
That old man tells his story one more time
He says

I've had my moments, days in the sun
Moments I was second to none
Moments when I knew I did what I thought I couldn't do
Like that cool night on the E. Street Bridge
When a young man almost ended it
I was right there, wasn't scared a bit
And I helped to pull him through
Lookin' at me now you might not know it
Oh, lookin' at me now you might not know it
But I've had my moments

I've had my moments
I've had my moments
I've had my moments

Today Day 15: 6 miles; 2014: 91 miles

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Road to Bataan

I have 5 states left to complete my 50 state journey of marathons across this great land.  This year, my plan is to tackle New Mexico, Wyoming and Alaska.  Next year I will finish the states and possibly DC with Montana, Hawaii and DC.  Of course I will sprinkle a few others across the landscape as well, like Miami, Cincinnati and Baltimore this year.  I am sure there will be another one or two and possibly and ultra.

The Bataan Memorial Death March is foremost on my mind right now.  I will use Miami as a supported long run and a heat acclimation run.  I don't do well in humidity and heat so I will progress in Miami at a leisurely  pace enjoying the sights and sounds and putting another $26 in the bank of DRM.  I'm there for a conference so I might as well run!

It is hard to comprehend what occurred in Bataan, Philippines in 1942.  Here is an excerpt but a simple search will give you all the historical details necessary to understand this atrocity.
The Bataan Death March, which began on April 9, 1942, was the forcible transfer by the Imperial Japanese Army of 60,000–80,000 Filipino and American prisoners of war after the three-month Battle of Bataan in the Philippines during World War II. All told, approximately 2,500–10,000 Filipino and 100–650 American prisoners of war died before they could reach their destination at Camp O'Donnell. The reported death tolls vary, especially among Filipino POWs, because historians cannot determine how many prisoners blended in with the civilian population and escaped. The march went from Mariveles, Bataan, to San Fernando, Pampanga. From San Fernando, survivors were loaded to a box train and they were brought to Camp O'Donnell in Capas, Tarlac.The 128 km (80 mi) march was characterized by wide-ranging physical abuse and murder, and resulted in very high fatalities inflicted upon prisoners and civilians alike by the Japanese Army, and was later judged by an Allied military commission to be a Japanese war crime.  The Japanese failed to supply the prisoners with food or water until they had reached Balanga. Many of the prisoners died along the way of heat or exhaustion.[5] Prisoners were given no food for the first three days, and were only allowed to drink water from filthy water buffalo wallows on the side of the road. Furthermore, Japanese troops would frequently beat and bayonet prisoners who began to fall behind, or were unable to walk. Once they arrived in Balanga, the overcrowded conditions and poor hygiene caused dysentery and other diseases to rapidly spread among the prisoners. The Japanese failed to provide them with medical care, leaving U.S. medical personnel to tend to the sick and wounded (with few or no supplies)
 The Bataan Memorial Death March is a challenging march through the high desert terrain of White Sands Missile Range, conducted in honor of the heroic service members who defended the Philippine Islands during World War II, sacrificing their freedom, health and, in many cases, their very lives.  There are two routes; a marathon route and a shorter 14 mile route.  There are many different categories as well related to the military and civilian populations.  There is also a wounded warrior category for service members maimed in battle.  I'll be running the civilian light division.  The heavy division requires runners/marchers to carry 35 pounds in their ruck sack.  I'm already carrying 35 pounds in additional weight so I thought that adding more would not be advisable.  There are still survivors of the Death March from 1942 and all will be present in New Mexico.  You can shake hands and tell them thanks for their valued service.  I would suspect that 2/3 of the marchers will be from the military.  It will be quite an event.

It also appears to be one tough event, sandy desert roads, ankle deep sand in what is termed the "sand pit", warm temperatures, and blowing wind (hmm, is that redundant?  I mean, if there is wind, it must be blowing!)  Maybe I should say wind that can blow sand into your face at 30-50 mph.  OK, that's more of a visual.  It is also hilly with one stretch being 7 miles long, uphill.  What is hard to comprehend is that many of our soldiers experience this daily in the middle east wars. The telling toughness of this event, being a marathon distance, is that the cutoff is 13 hours, which is more than most 50 mile events.  I need to set a goal to make sure I am challenged accordingly.  I'm running most marathons now between 4:10 and 4:40 given the day.  I would like to set a goal of a 6 hour marathon at Bataan.  I'm not even sure that will be achievable.  I won't be disappointed no matter what the time ends up being.  This is a true life experience event to pay tribute to our military, to show our gracious thanks to the Bataan survivors, and to challenge myself to do something for those in need.  My one constant at every marathon, really every running event, even my daily runs is the support of my wife-to-be, Cynthia.  She will also be the one to document the event with her photographic art.

I'm sure there will be more writing about Bataan in the coming weeks but for now, I am on the Road to Bataan.

Today Day 14: 4 miles; 2014: 85 miles

Monday, January 13, 2014

Run Elegantly Out There

Today is a rest day and normally I would not run on rest days.  I would enjoy some hot java in my comfy pants and catch-up on the weekend news with Good Morning America, take a leisurely shower and head to work.  I also term these as recovery days to let the legs heal from the longer runs over the weekend.  I'm now in my 13th consecutive day of running, with each mile helping someone.  However, I still need those recovery runs to give the legs (and the rest of the body) a rest.  And now, pushing 54, I need that more than ever.  So now, recovery or rest will be in the form of simple, short runs of 2-3 miles.  While I was running today, I thought about simplicity and how an easy run with the purpose of rest and recovery offers the pure joy of movement, an uncluttered mind, and the desire for more simplicity, not only in running but in life.  Trail Runner magazine is doing 31 days or running inspiration on their site for January.  Today's running inspiration was related to simplicity.



How much do we over-complicate things in general?  Some people look at complexity as a feather in their cap.  Sure, solutions are needed to complex problems but that does not mean that the solutions have to be complex.  They should be as simple as possible.  In engineering terms, this is called elegant.  An elegant solution is one that abstracts complexity and presents it as simple.  Running is about as simple as you can get, yet we tend to confuse the the complexity of a goal with the simplicity of reaching that goal.  So, what we must do is run elegantly out there.

Today Day 13: 2 miles; 2014: 81 miles

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Normalcy

Yesterday, after I wrote the post, "Running Will Do That", I felt like people may read it wrong thinking that I am saying that runners are better people and that running is the only activity that affords acceptance and community.  I don't mean to infer that at all.  In essence, I am just making an observation based on the 100's of races that I have run, the thousands of miles that I have meandered all over this country and the friends that I have been connected to through running.  Believe me, we runners are all humans and have our quirks, idiosyncrasies, and quite frankly are a bit strange at times.  We are sinners and saints in our own ways. But, we are a community.  I have read many John Ortberg books, thanks to my friend Ed (or Eddie as he is lovingly known by his southern family).  John Ortberg is a pastor in Menlo Park, CA.  You don't have to be a Christian to enjoy both the seriousness and humor in his books.  Certainly his topics are presented in the light of Christianity but the topics are relative to ALL humans and ALL of us can learn from them.  In his book Everybody's Normal Till You Get To Know Them, John makes the point about the importance of community but in the context of normalcy.  Here is an excerpt from the front/back flaps (supposing this is a technical term for the book world):
The need for community is woven into the very fabric of our being.  Nothing else can substitute for the life-giving benefits of connecting with others - not even God.  He won't preempt the way he himself has designed us to reflect his own intensely relational nature.
But there is a hitch to our experience of community, says John Ortberg:  We're all weird.  Folks around us may seem normal enough but just wait till you get to known them - and they get to know us.
Who doesn't want to be liked, to be wanted, to have solid, satisfying [relationships]?  Ortberg shows what relationships are made of.  He reveals the benefits of authenticity - what it means to live with an "unveiled face," as the Bible puts it.  He encourages us to trade the stones it's so easy to cast at others for acceptance.  He opens our eyes and hearts to empathy, the art of reading people.  And he takes us through the ins and outs of conflict, forgiveness, confrontation, inclusions and gratitude.
So what does this have to do with running? Maybe nothing, but i would challenge us as diverse human beings in diverse communities to consider these principles.  OK, so what does it have to do with running?

Today during my 12 miler on a beautiful winter day in North Carolina, with so many runners, walkers, bikers, (and some dogs) passing by, I thought about what makes me feel "normal."  Running is my normalcy with an elevated heart rate, a breathing cadence full of song, and muscles trying to find that last bit of glycogen.  I don't feel normal sitting at a desk - my mind gets numb, my lower back hurts, and my heart rate feels too low.  It all goes back to normal when I get on the roads and especially the trails.  Kenny Chesney has a song that I have also written about called Be As You Are.  I am mostly me when I am running or can run or have run - my normalcy, as much as it might not be normal to you.

So, the challenge is to find your normalcy or where you can be as you are.  What is your normalcy?

Today Day 12: 12 miles; 2014: 79 miles

By the way, other books by John Ortberg (and no, I don't get compensated for this marketing message):  If You Want to Walk on Water You Need to Get Out of The Boat; The Me I Want to Be; The Life You've Always Wanted; When The Game is Over, It All Goes Back in The Box; Love Beyond Reason; God Is Closer Than You Think; Who Is This Man