Running Central

2004-06-20T12:16:00.000-04:00

Just a short note to say that I will have a roundup of the weekly running accomplishments from the running blogosphere by the end of today. (Hopefully.) I promised this yesterday, but I have been so busy!

Peace.

2004-06-14T09:25:00.000-04:00

I haven't really acknowledged the other runners in the running blogosphere, so I'd just like to take the time to say that you folks are all an inspiration to me. I also have been mulling over another idea I've had for a week or so. And just what is this idea? Glad you asked.

According to Mark's blog, we have over 50 or so daffy bloggers in our 'sphere. And it seems to keep growing, which is nice. Now, it's a truism that most librarians have the urge to aggregate and organize--and then annotate. Yours truly is just such a librarian. In that spirit, I'd like to do a weekly roundup of special running accomplishments throughout our 'sphere. I will use Mark's list of running blogs to pick the best and the brightest stuff. If I miss something, please email me your extra special accomplishment for the week. I would like to post my results every Saturday.

Again...thank you all for "the vibration positive", as Mr. Robert Nesta Marley might say.

2004-06-14T08:34:00.000-04:00

I took off two days and decided, well, I'd better do some big-time mileage on the weekend or else. So, without much ado (yeah, right!) I ran 10 miles--my highest mileage ever. What can I say? You really get a different perspective. I got a little runner's nipple. Gotta purchase some of these. I'll spare you the details, but suffice it to say it was the only thing that caused me discomfort, which all in all ain't too bad.

I've been told that once you reach the 10 mile mark, you can gut out another 3 miles, which means that I'm ready for the half-marathon. Of course, I won't be complacent, considering how in the past I've crashed and burned. I'll stick to the plan.

No hot dogging for this old geezer.

2004-06-10T08:39:00.000-04:00

I don't know too much about the meditation guru Sri Chinmoy, but he has an interesting take on the spiritual aspects to running:

When you run a marathon, you are trying to accomplish on the physical plane something most difficult and arduous. When you do this, it gives you joy because it reminds you of what you are trying to accomplish on the inner plane. As you are determined to complete the longest journey on the outer plane, the marathon, so are you determined to reach the Goal in your inner journey.

Truth be told, I'm not a big fan of Eastern or New Age philosophy, but I do believe there is a meditational aspect to running. It certainly has a way of cleaning out all the mental refuse which has accumulated over the years. And, that can't be all bad. Matter of fact, it's probably why many runners get hooked on running in the first place. I plead guilty.

2004-06-09T07:19:00.000-04:00

I think the matter of dehydration in runners is a topic worth exploring in greater detail. I've been so concerned with my decrepit knees and aching tendons that I've completely neglected other important aspects of my training, namely running long distances in very hot weather. Dehydration will be a concern of mine herein because, well, as you folks probably know, NYC summers are tantamount to the South American tropics. Perhaps I'm exaggerating, but you get the point. In order to run 13 miles in the heat, you have to adapt--and adapt fast.

Bob Glover (The Runner's Handbook) cautions you should "heat train" for races--meaning run during the hottest time of the day for ten to fourteen days. You should also "be in shape," (like we didn't know that already, Bob), run in the shade, and replenish the body's minerals and fluids. Sound advice.

Yesterday, I had the misfortune of experiencing a mild case of heat exhaustion: headache, dizziness, cramping. I need to take Mr. Glover's advice more seriously. In my case, drink lots of water before, during and after the race.

And then there's the other option: don't be stupid enough to run long distances in the heat in the first place. But why would we do that?

2004-06-08T14:37:00.000-04:00

First, a cursory recap of previous runs because yours truly was so lazy he couldn't do a few blogging lines the past few days. Saturday: 4M. Sunday: 6M.

Okay, now that we've gotten that out of the way...

It's hot and hazy in the Bronx. That dehydration problem is front and center again. I failed to drink enough water/Gatorade the night before, and as a result my face became mucho flushed, and my head began to ache. If a routine 4M run can do this to you--well, let's not ponder what will happen if...

Yeah, let's not.

2004-06-03T08:07:00.000-04:00

With yesterday's 3.5 mile run, I am now in the 15 mile range for the week. If I do another 4 miles on Friday, I will be on target for 20 miles for this week.

Confession time. As one approaches that vaunted twenty mile/week mark, it's evident that a higher level of mental toughness is necessary. I've also found that I have to train my body to accept higher mileage. Once this is achieved, however, things get a lot better. To wit: at one point during my 8 mile run I wanted to stop (Achilles tendon pain), but this meant accepting the fact I am a wimp.

And, who the heck wants to be a wimp?

2004-06-01T21:48:00.000-04:00

I did a 4M yesterday with one day's rest after the 8 miler on Saturday. That's 12 miles in three days.

Will this old geezer's body fall apart soon?

2004-05-30T09:26:00.000-04:00

I've been a bit remiss with regard to my blogging duties. The posts have been getting more infrequent and shorter. Part of this was the "exam crunch" I have been experiencing in library school. This is my last semester, and barring any bureaucratic snafus, I should have my MLS diploma in my hot little hand in a week or two. It's been a long haul.

Okay, now my running plans. It looks like I have about six weeks to prepare for the Bronx half-marathon on July 11. I promised I would get around to selecting a training schedule, but that really hasn't worked out. I think I'll tweak the last part of Higdon's schedule.

Looks like I will have to increase my mileage to 18 for this week, and work up to 22 toward the end. All uncharted territory.

2004-05-29T13:52:00.000-04:00

Good news and bad news. First, the bad news. I took off the entire week. No running for this lazy boy.

Now, the good news...I ran 8.2 miles today in Van Cordlandt Park. That's a personal best. The 10 mile plateau is within sight.

2004-05-22T13:29:00.000-04:00

Well, I finally passed the 4 mile threshold with the 10K race I ran today. Okay, I'll admit I wasn't mentally ready, but I quickly adjusted to the circumstances. Once you're in it, you gotta adjust.

And the swampy weather certainly didn't help matters. I must remember to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate before a race. Luckily, my crimson face was helped slightly with this new stuff they were handing out. Not too bad. Better than Gatorade? I don't know.

I did a 10:56 mile--which for this old codger ain't too shabby. But...there's room for improvement. The love handles have to go. Snicker, snicker.

2004-05-19T14:03:00.000-04:00

I am in the throes of the last semester at library school--hence, my absence from the blogging scene.

I did a nice 4M run today. A hazy mist was rising from the ground. Thoughts of peace...and J. Lennon, as well: "All we are saying is give peace a chance."

2004-05-14T11:08:00.001-04:00

Spring is a strange time of the year. One day it is unbearably hot, the next day it is damp and cool. Today's weather falls into the latter category. A small confession: I like to run when it is hot and humid. I know what you are thinking: Is this guy crazy? My justification: it makes me feel more "alive" for some inexplicable reason.

My 4 miler today was workmanlike, but not very life-affirming. This isn't to say that every run must be life-affirming, but there are certainly quantifiable gradations where running is concerned. This is obvious.

2004-05-12T09:04:00.000-04:00

Ahhh, the haze has come! A harbinger of the summer to come. Yes...another hot, humid NY summer. My 4M run in Van Cordlandt this morning was good preparation for what I'll have to endure in July.

Almost forgot...I did a 10:30 mile re the Sunday race.

2004-05-09T12:00:00.000-04:00

An 8AM start to a Sunday race is hell, especially if you've had a work-heavy week as I've had. But, being the trooper I am (snicker, snicker), I did this 5K run in Central Park with my wife. Of course, I am supposed to be upping my Sunday run to prep for the half-marathon...but that's life (sorry, I am so cliche-ridden today).

As for the race...the results haven't been posted yet, but when they come in I'll be sure to alert you all to my awe-inspiring time. Curb your enthusiasm.

2004-05-06T09:05:00.000-04:00

I've noticed during the past several runs it has been more difficult to breathe. I take this to mean the lamentable pollen season is upon us. Even as I write this--after doing a short 2M fun run--I feel my lungs laboring under the weight of these contemptible little devils. And now everyone around me is getting sick.

Perhaps, just perhaps, we should all wear surgeon masks over our mouths and retire to little bunkers beneath the earth. Sometimes it just makes sense.

2004-05-05T11:10:00.000-04:00

Did 3Ms yesterday. Knee was pain free.

Sorry to be so curt, but I am swamped with work.

2004-05-03T08:23:00.000-04:00

A very dreary, rain-laden day. The trees are becoming green, with thoughts of a hot, humid summer waiting in the wings.

Time marches on...and I've been a bit lax in deciding what half-marathon training schedule to use. First, I need to up the mileage past 10M. Yesterday, I ran 3M in Van Cordlandt alongside the Irish and Latin soccer players (a ritual in the park on Sunday).

I'm leaning toward Higdon's schedule. We shall see.

2004-04-30T10:55:00.000-04:00

Ran again with little Louie and my wife. Three productive miles. A bit overcast here in the Big Apple, but still a nice Spring day.

Enjoy these moments.

2004-04-29T08:45:00.000-04:00

I know it may be a cliche to say how the mind and the body are connected...and yesterday I found out the hard way. After a job interview, I tried to do a short 3M run, but found my heart wasn't really in it. I knew I could gut it out, but I thought why bother? So, I stopped at 1M--roughly, three laps on the Van Cortlandt track.

So, there's a lesson for all of you: don't run after a mentally grueling experience. Chalk that up to one of the mysteries of the universe.

2004-04-27T08:40:00.000-04:00

The ubiquitous Higdon...yes. Every novice runner knows the man's name. I did a little obligatory surfing to find a good half-marathon training schedule. This is what it looks like. A 12 week program--or 3 months.

With Higdon's schedule, you start out doing 12 miles per week--which I have done for about two weeks. He gets you up to 23 miles per week at the end. Do I really want to subject myself to this?

Of course I do.

2004-04-26T08:02:00.000-04:00

The search is on! Yes, it's that time. Which training schedule will I use for the half-marathon? Good question.

I have Crosstrainer software which is very nice, but somehow I need to see what I have done on paper. I might have to get an old school training diary. My other idea is to dump the whole day to day schedule into an Excel spreadsheet, since I'm partial to spreadsheets. Don't ask.

We'll see. I'll keep you updated!

2004-04-25T15:11:00.000-04:00

Let's do a little recap here: 3Ms on Friday...and today a nice 4M run via NYRRC. Since it was a corporate-sponsored event (JP Morgan whatever), I got lots of free food. Gotta check my history about old robber baron JP Morgan, but I'm sure he wasn't unlike the infamous Andrew Carnegie. Andy liked to get his boys to crack skulls, but at least he gave us all those libraries and such. What a guy!

But I digress. The weather held up pretty nicely, and I ran a 9:56 mile. Hope I won't pay for it.

2004-04-22T09:53:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I ran 3M...with both my wife and "little Louie", our 5 month old pup who has just about destroyed our couch and recliners with his sharp incisors. But that's another blog.

Speaking of dogs and running...my friend from library school gave me an old school running book circa 1980 entitled Running Without Pain by Raymond Bridge. Mr. Bridge has a novel approach to the problem of dogs: "Most dogs that go after runners are quite familiar with having rocks tossed at them, and they will retreat at the first motion of your arm." I don't know about you, but little Louie might think I have a treat for him, not a rock.

2004-04-18T14:21:00.000-04:00

Finally, we have some sun! And as luck would have it...I ran the 4M NIKETOWN "Run for the Parks" with my wife. One of my friends ran, as well.

All in all, it was...HOT. Even my friend who is a 8 minute mile runner acknowledged that this was a hot one. But, then again he hasn't really exerted himself in the sun. Can you see that male ego thing rearing its ugly head again? I knew that you could.

Well, I lumbered like a big ol' oil tanker to the finish line--at a 11:36 mile pace. But that's fine. I felt great. The knee hurt a bit, but not as much as expected. All in all, a fun time was had by all.

2004-04-14T19:09:00.000-04:00

I ran 4 miles on Sunday, which hurt. Yes. But I decided I wasn't going to be a wimp, so I ran 2 miles today. Even in the disgusting rain.

OK folks--where is the sun?

2004-04-09T22:44:00.000-04:00

Knee is feeling very loose. Maybe, just maybe...don't jinx it now.

2 miles today on the track. Yes, that's too wimpy...so, Sunday I'll be doing 4 miles on the notoriously hilly Central Park loop. Mind you, this won't be the whole loop but a good portion of it.

2004-04-08T20:04:00.000-04:00

Another drizzly day here in New York.

I didn't bike, and I didn't run. What can I say? Perhaps, I shouldn't even be posting. That's an unwritten blogging rule. Don't blog if you don't have nuthin' to say. I live by it. Except for today.

I am feeling a bit blue about our world. But, remember, another world is possible! We can dream it. A world without guns and blood and standing armies.

If we just...ran. Ran, ran. Perhaps we might see the light.

2004-04-07T09:03:00.000-04:00

Okay, okay I know...you haven't posted in two days. As if you cared...snicker, snicker. But the truth is...well...okay...I didn't run for three days. In truth, I wanted to rest the knee. Sure, sure. Would I lie?

But, today I was back on the Van Cortlandt track for 8 laps--which I believe is equal to about 2 miles. Don't quote me on it.

I am looking forward to this 4M race on April 18. Nothing like Central Park on a Sunday morning.

2004-04-07T07:39:00.000-04:00

I guess I'm more than intrigued by this phenomenon called ultramarathoning. Kirk Johnson's book To the Edge is really a fascinating look at what goes on in the mind of these incredible athletes. I know I called them a bit daffy--but really who isn't in this upside down world?

What's so funny (no, awe-inspiring) about the author is that he decided to run Badwater (see March 24 post) before running his first marathon. Now that I respect.

2004-04-04T12:47:00.000-04:00

Bob Glover (see March 27 post) points out that according to exercise physiologist Owen Anderson biking is #1 on a scale of 1-10 in terms of the best cross-training exercises. I biked about 2 miles today, and plan to do so on the days I do not run.

Or at least I'll try. Snicker, snicker.

2004-04-04T09:19:00.000-04:00

Since it's inevitable that I'm going to whine and moan about my knee, it seems like the perfect time on a Sunday morning to do it yet again. Though this time it won't be me whining per se, but Joe Ellis in his very useful book Running Injury Free. (BTW, thought I'd plug my favorite used online book store Alibris with that link.)

I immediately flipped to the chapter about knee injuries and lo and behold! the man has experienced the trauma (ok, too much hyperbole, I know) of chondromalacia patella, or in layman's parlance--runner's knee. Ellis recounts how his knee locked while on a long airplane flight, and all the painful travails associated with it. Boy, did this sound familiar. I remember having the same experience on countless subway rides through Queens. When you get up it feels as though someone has taken a mallet to your knee cap. Yes, I'll spare you the gruesome particulars.

Point is...Ellis' book is a great find for me, and anyone who needs guidance as to the do's and don'ts of running. And there are a lot of don'ts, as we all know.

2004-04-03T19:03:00.000-05:00

I exchanged my running shoes for a wider size. Without a doubt, they are the best running shoes I have bought, and they better be. I won't tell you the price, but suffice it to say New Balance will never be in the red selling these suckers.

I took two days off, but broke the drought by running 3 miles with my wife today. We ran the paved loop around Van Cortlandt Park. It's good for building up mileage, but I must run a more difficult route like the 6 mile Central Park loop. It's a hilly path--certainly not for the faint of heart. I did the loop 2 years ago and experienced my first runner's knee outbreak. It was not pretty.

2004-04-01T08:32:00.000-05:00

I'm in the process of preparing for the half-marathon in July, which like the marathon entails adhering to a strict running schedule. I've checked out Hal Higdon's website. He's got some pretty good schedules. Oh, and BTW this man looks quite healthy for his age!

I'm going to compare schedules to see which one is best for me. According to my wife, you really need a month of running as a base before you begin training for "the half." Well, I've got maybe a week so far.

The show must go on, as they say.

2004-03-31T09:52:00.000-05:00

Drizzly and miserable today, but I still ran. Yes, my calendar says 7 big months before the moment of truth. So, you run in crappy weather. And you better like it, or else.

Truth be told, it wasn't too bad. I gulped down a bit of creamy honey, and that helped. No more power bars. I think I like the honey better, in fact.

Oh, the standard 2 miles again in Van Cortlandt. Building my base mileage for now.

2004-03-29T07:59:00.000-05:00

I spent part of yesterday at the Super Runner's shop. I bought what I hope is a better pair of sneakers. I stay with New Balance because they are the most comfortable, and because I have a fat foot (meaning wide) these shoes give me more room. Unfortunately, I've realized I have too much room sometimes, and they sort of flop around while I run, like ducks in water. The pair I purchased seem snug width-wise, but after running a bit I'm hopeful that they will stretch. If not, I guess I'll have to buy a new pair.

Side note. One very cool thing about New Balance as a company is that many of their shoes are made in the US, which bucks the infamous outsourcing trend which is plaguing our country.

2004-03-28T11:11:00.000-05:00

Ran 2 miles with my wife on the Van Cortlandt track. Some pain in the knee, but nothing incapacitating. The sun came out as we ran, warming us up.

My new running mantra is "loose". Need to stay loose.

2004-03-27T17:02:00.000-05:00

Goals. I guess at this early stage in my training I should really set down what I hope to accomplish in the next three months.

Well, my spare tonnage definitely has to be reduced. This would certainly help my running. I am 167 pounds. First goal: By July, I'd like to lose about ten pounds. Bob Glover makes the point that a lighter body helps diminish that worrisome "injury" variable. I think that's an excellent point.

Second goal: I would like to run and finish the half-marathon hosted by New York Runners on Sunday, July 11 in the "Da" Bronx.

2004-03-27T08:39:00.000-05:00

Bob Glover's excellent The Runner's Handbook is a must read for beginning and intermediate runners. This book has all you need if you are learning about what to do and what not to do. For me, it's what not to do. I think I've done many of the things he says will result in an injury i.e. stretching cold muscles, understretching, overtraining, etc.

Oddly, in the old days, stretching was not considered an integral part of runner maintenance. Heinrich (see March 24 post) even points out that he never stretched before or after a race. In 30 years, we've come a long way.

2004-03-26T10:45:00.000-05:00

Overcast skies, but definitely warming up in NYC. I ran about 2 miles on the Van Cortlandt track. I wanted to run a lot more, but figured I must, must pace myself. I felt pretty good, with some stiffness in the left leg. No sign of pain in the left knee.

All systems GO!

2004-03-25T10:39:00.000-05:00

Weather-wise, it's raining here in New York. Another off day for me. I biked yesterday, but probably won't do anything physical today.

My knee feels pretty good. I iced both knees last night. Tomorrow, I'm going to try to go over a mile and see what happens. The rest of my body and brain want to run farther, but my joints at this point won't allow it.

2004-03-25T08:59:00.000-05:00

More on Heinrich's thought-provoking book.

I was intrigued by the amount of energy (to coin a term) the man expended attempting to find the right racing fuel. He tried drinking three six packs of beer during the course of a long race. But this bright idea inevitably failed. He says, "While starting to congratulate myself on the great run, with just three beers to go I suddenly felt weak." Well, of course you did--I mean I like beer, lots of beer...but maybe it isn't such a good idea to do a mini-pub crawl while in the midst of a race. This guy is a trip!

Heinrich, though, finds solace in the comfort of Ocean Spray cranberry juice--which he finds packs a nice sugary, high carb wallop. Now that makes much more sense.

Ok, I admit having a grudging admiration for these ultramarathoners. Anyone who goes to this much trouble to experiment with running fuel should get mad props.

2004-03-24T10:15:00.000-05:00

It's amazing when you stumble upon something which is right under your nose. Case in point: the bike path in Van Cortlandt Park. There are hardly any people about...no congestion, no angry solicitors, no rank smells. Simply, the sugary emanations wafting up into the ether care of the Stella D'oro factory.

And, let's not forget, maybe my 20 minute biking session (is session the right word?) will strengthen my legs.

And my knee.

2004-03-24T07:07:00.000-05:00

I picked up an interesting book written by the ultamarathoner Bernd Heinrich entitled Why We Run: A Natural History. I have to say something impolitic right now: ultramarathoners are nuts! I understand the compulsion, but let's be clear about this: 26 miles is about as much as any human being can take. Anything over that is bordering on the insane. But, I repeat myself.

The worst of it is this Badwater thing. I mean anyone who is willing to run long, long, long distances in the heart of Death Valley needs their head examined. I just want to do my 26.2, pack it in, and call it a day.

2004-03-23T20:10:00.000-05:00

Ok, I have to fess up.

Yes, it's that time. My wife ran and finished the marathon in 2002. Some of you out there are probably thinking, This guy is running the marathon to compete with his wife. It's a man thing. And you'd be right.

I admit I was a bit jealous. Ok, a lot jealous. Damn, maybe it was coming out of all my pores.

But it looks like we are going to run the thing together this year. So, that jealousy variable won't rear its ugly head again.

Or, so we hope.

2004-03-23T18:18:00.000-05:00

I suppose I should mention that in addition to being a runner...scratch that, a "runner in training"...I am also a vegetarian. Three months. I guess those two variables (vegetarian, runner) make me one of those crunchy granola sorts. Ha ha. I love that term. Like everything else in our society, in our world, we need labels. But in some sense perhaps I am buying into the "label" meme by referencing it here.

I also own a pit bull puppy. Oops, pit bull puppy mix. So, perhaps that makes me a crunchy granola with a predilection for killer dogs. Does that make any sense?

What happened to my knee?

2004-03-23T13:43:00.000-05:00

Wonder of wonders! Today, I actually put foot to pavement. No grass here, folks...we city folk are relegated to running on the streets. But, I digress so early.

How far did I run? A wimpy, little mile. No applause, please. But I promised myself I better follow through, considering this is, in fact, a "running" blog. I didn't want to disappoint. I ran on a track near Van Cortlandt Park . We're talking a 15 minute mile. And why so slow, you ask? I thought we had gone over that.

Because of my jellyfish knees.

2004-03-22T09:49:00.000-05:00

Well, it's 30 degrees outside. I should be doing a short one mile run, but of course I am not. I've done some stretching exercises. My left knee hurts a bit after that. Need to build it up.

2004-03-21T17:22:00.001-05:00

My wife made a good point about my running blog. It's kind of silly to post stuff on a running blog if you haven't started running yet. True enough, I haven't run a mile since last November. This was the "Race to Deliver" hosted by New York Road Runners on Saturday November 23, 2003. My pace was 9:46 per mile.

The Race to Deliver race was the race I pushed myself too hard and injured by left knee. Mind you, it wasn't as bad as when I injured my right knee, which required months of physical therapy. So, like a fool I sped up, not taking into account how injury prone I am. It is March and I still feel pain in my knee. One redeeming point:this was the race that qualified me for the NYC marathon.

I guess it is a bit silly to post to a self-styled "running" blog, when you haven't run a mile in a few months. But, mentally I have to prepare. Right.

2004-03-21T14:49:00.000-05:00

I’ve had two outbreaks of runner’s knee. Before I begin my training for the marathon I will have to make sure that my knees are strong. I ordered this piece of equipment to try to build my quadriceps. Leg curls should help to build them up. Will this prevent another “outbreak”? I have no idea. You can also buy patella straps to support your knee.

There are also numerous exercises one can do to increase the strength of the muscles around the knee. They are quite tedious, so if any of you contemplate doing them be prepared to have a Walkman or mp3 player on hand to relieve the boredom.

2004-03-21T08:24:00.000-05:00

I have created this blog to deal with some of my fears about running the New York City marathon. And, of course, if I actually get through this (snicker, snicker), hopefully someone out there in the blogosphere will learn from my mistakes and/or successes.