The 2009 racing season is over for this runner, and preparation for the 2010 Boston Marathon is officially underway.
My last race was on Sunday December 6, when I ran the first leg of the five-leg, 28-mile Mill Cities Relay. The race begins in Nashua, NH and ends in Lawrence, MA, after running through Lowell, MA...mill cities, you know. It was good to experience it, though a little odd in that I didn't know my teammates. The Winner's Circle Running Club was vying for the 'Most Teams Entered' award, and recruited heavily. It would have been a lot more fun for me to participate with buds....
My objective in 2009 was to race less than in 2008, and when I did race, to run competitively. I think I achieved both goals, though I haven't really done a race tally like I do at the end of each year. I figured I could do it here:
January
No races but lots of silly runs in bad weather
February
Mid-Winter Classic 10-Miler, 1:10:58, 2nd in age
Martha's Vineyard 20-Miler, 2:35:09, 1st in age
March
Kerrymen Pub 5K, 19:25, 1st in age
April
Fiddlehead Run for the Arts 5K, 18:40:34, 1st overall
May
Sea Dogs Mother's Day 5K, 19:28, 3rd overall
14th Annual Memorial Mile, 5:41, 1st overall
June
18th Covered Bridges Half-Marathon, 1:30:13, 2nd overall
1st Annual Sea Dogs Father's Day 5K, 19:23, 3rd overall
July
Bridgton Four on the Fourth, 25:43, 5th overall
Ocean Park 5K, 19:06, 1st in age
August
12th TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon 10K, 39:38.9, 1st in age
September
PunkinFiddle 5K, 19:40, 1st overall
October
Tufts 10K for Women, 39:53, 3rd in age
Great Pumpkin 10K, 40:00, 1st in age
November
MRC Turkey Trot, 19:28, 1st overall
Burn off the Turkey, 19:14, 1st in age
December
Mill Cities Relay, 2:58:21, 1st Place Coed Seniors Team
As I said, I achieved my goals, but like most runners I am questioning whether I could have done better. Should I have raced more? Should I have trained more? Is more better? Blah blah blah blyeck. It's over.
Yesterday was day one of an 18-week marathon training program. I am following Coach Hal Higdon's Intermediate I schedule, and I'm looking forward to it. I have never done pace running the day before a long run so it should be interesting. My marathon goal is 3:15, which will be a personal record, and by all accounts, I should be able to do this.
Here's the Plan: Put the blinders on, train smart, and enjoy the ride.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Thanksgiving Week
My week to give thanks began yesterday when I was awarded a very generous gift card from, and for, Hannaford Supermarket. They were a primary race sponsor and truly put the money where where their mouth is. Since I have no income presently, my household account has been getting smaller and smaller with no replenishment in sight. So Providence has moved in.
Quoting one of my favorite phrases:
"...the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way."
I'm not exactly conscious as to what I have decidedly committed myself to recently, except perhaps to continue to run competitively (yesterday) and to get a nice new job (every day), and as promised, things do and will continue to work out. They do don't they? I believe this, hence, the commitment. I am committed to thrive and know there are forces greater than me at play.
Today is Monday, the second day of my thanksgiving week, and I received a very nice lead on a job opportunity from a friend and running client, Janet. I am very grateful for this and worked on it today with excellent results. No interview yet but great connections!
Janet has always held a special place in my heart: She came into the marathon training program in 2008, alone, that is not with a fundraising group or friend to partner with. She was doing this on her own because she had a latent desire which needed air - her fire needed a bellow and this program was it. She was also an interesting and accomplished woman that I liked right away.
Janet responded brilliantly. She came every week for the training group and worked hard. Sometimes she ran alone and other times with new acquaintances. But always she showed up for her own reasons. Janet was purposeful in her quest to regain a sense of athleticism and accomplishment, and she succeeded.
Her words:
"I feel so fortunate to have taken the step to sign up and embark on the journey with you… I ran all 13.1 miles and finished under 2 hours—they were my goals and I reached them. It was unbelievable. Once upon a time many years ago I was an accomplished athlete—someone who was fortunate enough to represent the United States in some international tournaments as a national team field hockey player. I worked hard and it paid off with some incredible experiences. The joy I felt on Sunday made me realize that for me, a sense of athletic accomplishment is important to defining me and it has been entirely too long since I felt that bliss. Thank you..."
To Janet, I'd like to say, thank you. Gratefully, we continue to work together and I trust she will reach her goals again - to develop consistency with running and a race pace for those days when she wants to make, or best a time.
Another running comrade came to my aid today in the job quest. Margaret completed the half marathon this year and trained with my group when she could. She leads a busy life and often had to train on her own, separate from the group schedule. Margaret serves on the Advisory Board of the organization to which I am applying, and has a good working relationship with the President of the Board. She wrote an email to her concerning my application and I trust her recommendation will be well received, given who I know her to be. I feel extremely grateful for Margaret today, too.
There are five more days in this week of thanks. My objective is to recognize at least something each day that I can give thanks for. Given the start to the week, this will be a slam dunk.
Quoting one of my favorite phrases:
"...the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way."
I'm not exactly conscious as to what I have decidedly committed myself to recently, except perhaps to continue to run competitively (yesterday) and to get a nice new job (every day), and as promised, things do and will continue to work out. They do don't they? I believe this, hence, the commitment. I am committed to thrive and know there are forces greater than me at play.
Today is Monday, the second day of my thanksgiving week, and I received a very nice lead on a job opportunity from a friend and running client, Janet. I am very grateful for this and worked on it today with excellent results. No interview yet but great connections!
Janet has always held a special place in my heart: She came into the marathon training program in 2008, alone, that is not with a fundraising group or friend to partner with. She was doing this on her own because she had a latent desire which needed air - her fire needed a bellow and this program was it. She was also an interesting and accomplished woman that I liked right away.
Janet responded brilliantly. She came every week for the training group and worked hard. Sometimes she ran alone and other times with new acquaintances. But always she showed up for her own reasons. Janet was purposeful in her quest to regain a sense of athleticism and accomplishment, and she succeeded.
Her words:
"I feel so fortunate to have taken the step to sign up and embark on the journey with you… I ran all 13.1 miles and finished under 2 hours—they were my goals and I reached them. It was unbelievable. Once upon a time many years ago I was an accomplished athlete—someone who was fortunate enough to represent the United States in some international tournaments as a national team field hockey player. I worked hard and it paid off with some incredible experiences. The joy I felt on Sunday made me realize that for me, a sense of athletic accomplishment is important to defining me and it has been entirely too long since I felt that bliss. Thank you..."
To Janet, I'd like to say, thank you. Gratefully, we continue to work together and I trust she will reach her goals again - to develop consistency with running and a race pace for those days when she wants to make, or best a time.
Another running comrade came to my aid today in the job quest. Margaret completed the half marathon this year and trained with my group when she could. She leads a busy life and often had to train on her own, separate from the group schedule. Margaret serves on the Advisory Board of the organization to which I am applying, and has a good working relationship with the President of the Board. She wrote an email to her concerning my application and I trust her recommendation will be well received, given who I know her to be. I feel extremely grateful for Margaret today, too.
There are five more days in this week of thanks. My objective is to recognize at least something each day that I can give thanks for. Given the start to the week, this will be a slam dunk.
Friday, November 20, 2009
The Place In Between
Purgatory is not the same as hell, but it sure does seem like it.
"A place or condition of suffering, expiation or remorse..."
For example, imagine how the marathoner feels in the taper phase of an intense training program, a couple weeks out from the big day - restless, anxious, and full of self doubt? Or the injured athlete who can not participate in their sport and must sit out in order to recover - frustrated, angry, critical? Or the skier in wait of snow. Or the job seeker, unemployed and yearning to be productive. Hurry up and wait can throw one off balance.
Purgatory is subversive. It is where momentum stalls. Patience is tried. Skin becomes thickened in more ways than one. Hopes get dashed and fears aroused.
It is where one can feel desperate and verge on panic. Or one can be bored silly.
Purgatory is a place where loneliness gets amplified. Self searching questions emerge to challenge one's commitment, competency, personal value and sense of optimism.
Time to dig deep. Feel it, figure it out, atone as needed. It is time to call on old and familiar, as well as new and untried, coping strategies. This could be a time to read more, marvel at nature, play soft music in the background, pray and breathe deeper, and stay connected.
The waiting period needs to be trusted and should probably also be managed. It is critical to not let the oppressive forces bear down too hard and extinguish any remaining spark of hope.
Purgatory is the gift of time to return to a state of grace.
"A place or condition of suffering, expiation or remorse..."
For example, imagine how the marathoner feels in the taper phase of an intense training program, a couple weeks out from the big day - restless, anxious, and full of self doubt? Or the injured athlete who can not participate in their sport and must sit out in order to recover - frustrated, angry, critical? Or the skier in wait of snow. Or the job seeker, unemployed and yearning to be productive. Hurry up and wait can throw one off balance.
Purgatory is subversive. It is where momentum stalls. Patience is tried. Skin becomes thickened in more ways than one. Hopes get dashed and fears aroused.
It is where one can feel desperate and verge on panic. Or one can be bored silly.
Purgatory is a place where loneliness gets amplified. Self searching questions emerge to challenge one's commitment, competency, personal value and sense of optimism.
Time to dig deep. Feel it, figure it out, atone as needed. It is time to call on old and familiar, as well as new and untried, coping strategies. This could be a time to read more, marvel at nature, play soft music in the background, pray and breathe deeper, and stay connected.
The waiting period needs to be trusted and should probably also be managed. It is critical to not let the oppressive forces bear down too hard and extinguish any remaining spark of hope.
Purgatory is the gift of time to return to a state of grace.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
November
We are one week into November here in northern New England and I must say it has been a lovely month thus far. The burnt oranges and deep greens lining the streets and creating contrast against the vivid blue sky at the horizon are awe-inspiring. The grasses across the marsh are changed from the light greens of the summer, to brown and orange. The atmosphere has been mostly calm, resulting in a settled-ness, a quiet transition from a more turbulent end to the summer.
One thing I appreciate about autumn is that it can be a generous period for preparation for the long, cold winter ahead. It is not always so, of course. There have been years when we have had very cold Halloweens, and snow before the oak has had time to shed its leaves. This year, however, we have been given a grace period. What needs to get done in and around the homestead to be ready for those harsh and limiting winter days?
It seems to me there is a huge list of things do: Endless raking of acorns and leaves, clearing gutters, putting patio furniture into storage, composting the annuals, testing the snow blower, parking the lawn mower away, and battening down hatches. Inside, we have the storm windows back in place, the wood pellet furnace nicely cleaned and ready to fire up when the temperatures warrant, fresh supplies of dried beans and soup stock in the cabinet, flannels sheets upon the beds, and summer dust wiped away.
It is a time of change, and it suits me. The other day my daughter asked me, unsolicited, which I always love, "You're an autumn baby, aren't you?" That I am, born in October. Perhaps that's why I appreciate so many things about this season. I love the colors and the smells. There is little more refreshing to me than running on a trail in the woods and taking in THAT smell of fall. The air seems clearer and more invigorating, and the running more relaxed.
The pressure of the fast racing season is off, and it's time to rest and think about goals for next year. Of course there are races to run in November, a turkey trot and Thanksgiving day pre-turkey trot, but they seem much more optional than other races throughout the summer. Cross-country races are also in full swing. This coming weekend are the state high school final meets, and larger events will take place down in Boston at Franklin Park.
What a nice time of year here in Maine. I'll try to stay present and not think too much about what is around the corner. Happy November!
One thing I appreciate about autumn is that it can be a generous period for preparation for the long, cold winter ahead. It is not always so, of course. There have been years when we have had very cold Halloweens, and snow before the oak has had time to shed its leaves. This year, however, we have been given a grace period. What needs to get done in and around the homestead to be ready for those harsh and limiting winter days?
It seems to me there is a huge list of things do: Endless raking of acorns and leaves, clearing gutters, putting patio furniture into storage, composting the annuals, testing the snow blower, parking the lawn mower away, and battening down hatches. Inside, we have the storm windows back in place, the wood pellet furnace nicely cleaned and ready to fire up when the temperatures warrant, fresh supplies of dried beans and soup stock in the cabinet, flannels sheets upon the beds, and summer dust wiped away.
It is a time of change, and it suits me. The other day my daughter asked me, unsolicited, which I always love, "You're an autumn baby, aren't you?" That I am, born in October. Perhaps that's why I appreciate so many things about this season. I love the colors and the smells. There is little more refreshing to me than running on a trail in the woods and taking in THAT smell of fall. The air seems clearer and more invigorating, and the running more relaxed.
The pressure of the fast racing season is off, and it's time to rest and think about goals for next year. Of course there are races to run in November, a turkey trot and Thanksgiving day pre-turkey trot, but they seem much more optional than other races throughout the summer. Cross-country races are also in full swing. This coming weekend are the state high school final meets, and larger events will take place down in Boston at Franklin Park.
What a nice time of year here in Maine. I'll try to stay present and not think too much about what is around the corner. Happy November!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Job Interview: Rant and Rave
A very strange thing happened yesterday and I find myself still trying to make sense of it, though maybe I can't.
I thought I had a job interview with the Director of Admissions at Andover College, Wendy Burbank, in their South Portland, Maine location. The posted position was for an Admissions Representative. Andover College provides career-focused associate degree and certification programs, serving primarily an adult population, rather than recent high school graduates. The college is owned by Kaplan Higher Education Corporation, a national purveyor of higher ed.
I saw the listing on Wednesday, researched the college, and that evening faxed a thoughtful cover letter and a customized functional resume. I did not have the option to send the material electronically. On Friday, I received an e-mail response from Wendy, saying:
"Thank you for your interest in the Andover College Admissions Representative Position. I have reviewed your resume and would like to schedule a meeting to discuss your qualifications.
"I am available to meet on Monday, October 26, at 3:00 p.m. Please reply to this e-mail if you are able to make it.
"The Admissions Office is located at the address below, just walk through the front entrance and let the receptionist know you are here to meet with me. I look forward to seeing you Monday!"
I was very excited, and hopeful, I might add. I am looking for a meaningful position with a good company. The fact that Andover offers alternative students practical information for endeavoring career moves and professional development is a very good thing. The fact that they are owned by a for-profit corporation seems like a good thing. The fact that they are fairly small, 1,100 students, likely means close contact with the student body and a tightly-knit professional team. It was appealing to me in my quest for employment which promotes teamwork, healthy communication, opportunities to provide solutions, to be resourceful. And of course, I understand, admissions means marketing and sales to some degree. I get that, and, it's on my resume.
I canceled the dentist appointment I had scheduled for the past six months. I did more research on the college and Kaplan. I was very careful about the outfit and jewelry I selected to wear, about my hair and nails, the purse and folder I carried. I figured this all matters. I believe it demonstrates attention to detail, professionalism, and simply caring enough about the opportunity. I think how one presents oneself also shows respect for the other person and their role.
Sadly, it wasn't mutual.
I arrived just before 3:00 and followed Wendy's e-mail instructions. I was invited to sit in the waiting area with the 20 other individuals that had received Wendy's response to their applications. We were then asked to go to a corner classroom where a Powerpoint presentation was set-up, and five admission representatives seated themselves in the front. We all waited for the director.
When she came in she thanked us for coming, etc., and noted that we might be wondering what the heck was going on (my words.) Naturally, she said, there's been a large response to the position and this format saves everybody time. She said she'd give us an overview of the organization, a bit about the job, and then take a break. If we wanted to leave at that time we were welcomed to. (I was hanging on every word, searching for hope.) She said, let's face it, the job is about sales. You'll be on the phone much of the time. We have weekly and monthly, personal and team goals. And the team works really closely. And if there wasn't going to be a good fit with her team, she wasn't going to hire said person. (Really?)
I left. Why do I want to work for a company that can't communicate honestly and directly up front?
Obviously this blog is a vent, and I'm not exactly sure why I want to do it here. Maybe because I consider this a professional vehicle with a quality voice, and I had such a disturbing professional interaction that I think I can heal it here. The disappointment I felt was visceral and provoked a whole range of negative thoughts and feelings: humiliation, embarrassment, anger, dashed hope, and sadness. The only positive response I could muster was the old saying, "Things work out as they're meant to." And I believe that, I do. It just sounds weak to me right now.
Running teaches one how to deal with failure and disappointment, and to persevere. I'll figure out how to make a good living doing something I thoroughly enjoy. A Running Conversation is alive and well and I am looking for more. I'll keep you posted.
I thought I had a job interview with the Director of Admissions at Andover College, Wendy Burbank, in their South Portland, Maine location. The posted position was for an Admissions Representative. Andover College provides career-focused associate degree and certification programs, serving primarily an adult population, rather than recent high school graduates. The college is owned by Kaplan Higher Education Corporation, a national purveyor of higher ed.
I saw the listing on Wednesday, researched the college, and that evening faxed a thoughtful cover letter and a customized functional resume. I did not have the option to send the material electronically. On Friday, I received an e-mail response from Wendy, saying:
"Thank you for your interest in the Andover College Admissions Representative Position. I have reviewed your resume and would like to schedule a meeting to discuss your qualifications.
"I am available to meet on Monday, October 26, at 3:00 p.m. Please reply to this e-mail if you are able to make it.
"The Admissions Office is located at the address below, just walk through the front entrance and let the receptionist know you are here to meet with me. I look forward to seeing you Monday!"
I was very excited, and hopeful, I might add. I am looking for a meaningful position with a good company. The fact that Andover offers alternative students practical information for endeavoring career moves and professional development is a very good thing. The fact that they are owned by a for-profit corporation seems like a good thing. The fact that they are fairly small, 1,100 students, likely means close contact with the student body and a tightly-knit professional team. It was appealing to me in my quest for employment which promotes teamwork, healthy communication, opportunities to provide solutions, to be resourceful. And of course, I understand, admissions means marketing and sales to some degree. I get that, and, it's on my resume.
I canceled the dentist appointment I had scheduled for the past six months. I did more research on the college and Kaplan. I was very careful about the outfit and jewelry I selected to wear, about my hair and nails, the purse and folder I carried. I figured this all matters. I believe it demonstrates attention to detail, professionalism, and simply caring enough about the opportunity. I think how one presents oneself also shows respect for the other person and their role.
Sadly, it wasn't mutual.
I arrived just before 3:00 and followed Wendy's e-mail instructions. I was invited to sit in the waiting area with the 20 other individuals that had received Wendy's response to their applications. We were then asked to go to a corner classroom where a Powerpoint presentation was set-up, and five admission representatives seated themselves in the front. We all waited for the director.
When she came in she thanked us for coming, etc., and noted that we might be wondering what the heck was going on (my words.) Naturally, she said, there's been a large response to the position and this format saves everybody time. She said she'd give us an overview of the organization, a bit about the job, and then take a break. If we wanted to leave at that time we were welcomed to. (I was hanging on every word, searching for hope.) She said, let's face it, the job is about sales. You'll be on the phone much of the time. We have weekly and monthly, personal and team goals. And the team works really closely. And if there wasn't going to be a good fit with her team, she wasn't going to hire said person. (Really?)
I left. Why do I want to work for a company that can't communicate honestly and directly up front?
Obviously this blog is a vent, and I'm not exactly sure why I want to do it here. Maybe because I consider this a professional vehicle with a quality voice, and I had such a disturbing professional interaction that I think I can heal it here. The disappointment I felt was visceral and provoked a whole range of negative thoughts and feelings: humiliation, embarrassment, anger, dashed hope, and sadness. The only positive response I could muster was the old saying, "Things work out as they're meant to." And I believe that, I do. It just sounds weak to me right now.
Running teaches one how to deal with failure and disappointment, and to persevere. I'll figure out how to make a good living doing something I thoroughly enjoy. A Running Conversation is alive and well and I am looking for more. I'll keep you posted.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Gifts and Goals
Yesterday I registered for the 2010 Boston Marathon. It was not something I had planned to do when I qualified at the Mount Desert Island (MDI) Marathon in October last year, and I definitely was not going to do it the following April, 2009. But the qualification was good for 2010 as well...
The reason I was not concerned about running in Boston was mainly because I have completed five marathons and understand how critically important it is to have focus and discipline during the four to six months of training leading up to it. It takes up a lot of room in one's life, and it's hard work. In fact, after finishing my second Boston in 1999, I swore them off. "Enough of this," I said. Of course I had to amend this and say, "Well, maybe when I'm fifty."
Nine years later I turned fifty and ran MDI the next day. (I even wore bib number 50. It was very celebratory.) I'd been working with a group training to run the Peak Performance Maine Marathon (PPMM) and covered the requisite training miles with them. I had trained, and I had raced well in other distances that season. So I was ready and my husband was running it as well. (He qualified and ran Boston 2009.)
But still when it was all said and done I thought, "Phew, that's out of my system. No need to do another marathon."
Here's what transpired to prompt yesterday's decision to commit to Boston with a capital "C": Again this year I worked with a group of runners participating in an eighteen-week training program leading up to the PPMM, [and Bay State, NYC, and the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco.] Many were first-timers in both the full and half marathon distances. Many were working to cover the distance, to complete the race, and to ward off demons telling them they couldn't do it. They were not racing to meet a Boston-qualifying standard. That was not the goal for most, and yes, it was the goal for some. There were a few veteran marathoners who hold that goal front and center. In truth, I know most marathoners aspire to qualify for Boston. After all, it is the Grand-daddy of marathons.
I've been inspired by these runners. They possess incredible enthusiasm, commitment, and positvity toward the training process and eventual outcome. They work really hard and keep their dream alive. They have helped me realize that I've been given a gift, a present of sorts. I have a green light to go to Boston and cover 26.2 miles with 25,000 other lucky runners. As the saying goes, don't look a gift horse in the mouth. In other words, don't be ungrateful when you receive a gift.
I am not a gifted runner. Don't get me wrong. I am lucky to be an older woman when it comes to Boston qualifying standards. Women have a full half of an hour on men's standards. That's a lot. And yes, I earn it by training properly. Most importantly though, is I realize that I have been given an opportunity to do something special. It's a gift.
I also have to admit I've been in a bit of a funk and needed a serious goal. I raced the Beach to Beacon 10K in early August and then did not race again until September 26, a solid eight weeks. That is uncharacteristic of me and indicative of burn-out, perhaps. Admittedly I became super busy with preparing for the marathon and all that that entailed. Something had to give. Now I'm ready to buckle down again. I have ample time to get my head wrapped around the effort, to prepare psychologically; and I also have a good reason to run, to physically prepare my body.
I've surprised my husband with my decision, but I feel grounded about it. It makes perfect sense to me - new runners have inspired me and preparing for a marathon legitimizes what I do. It seems very purposeful; and it's a sense of purpose, a goal, which I have needed.
The reason I was not concerned about running in Boston was mainly because I have completed five marathons and understand how critically important it is to have focus and discipline during the four to six months of training leading up to it. It takes up a lot of room in one's life, and it's hard work. In fact, after finishing my second Boston in 1999, I swore them off. "Enough of this," I said. Of course I had to amend this and say, "Well, maybe when I'm fifty."
Nine years later I turned fifty and ran MDI the next day. (I even wore bib number 50. It was very celebratory.) I'd been working with a group training to run the Peak Performance Maine Marathon (PPMM) and covered the requisite training miles with them. I had trained, and I had raced well in other distances that season. So I was ready and my husband was running it as well. (He qualified and ran Boston 2009.)
But still when it was all said and done I thought, "Phew, that's out of my system. No need to do another marathon."
Here's what transpired to prompt yesterday's decision to commit to Boston with a capital "C": Again this year I worked with a group of runners participating in an eighteen-week training program leading up to the PPMM, [and Bay State, NYC, and the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco.] Many were first-timers in both the full and half marathon distances. Many were working to cover the distance, to complete the race, and to ward off demons telling them they couldn't do it. They were not racing to meet a Boston-qualifying standard. That was not the goal for most, and yes, it was the goal for some. There were a few veteran marathoners who hold that goal front and center. In truth, I know most marathoners aspire to qualify for Boston. After all, it is the Grand-daddy of marathons.
I've been inspired by these runners. They possess incredible enthusiasm, commitment, and positvity toward the training process and eventual outcome. They work really hard and keep their dream alive. They have helped me realize that I've been given a gift, a present of sorts. I have a green light to go to Boston and cover 26.2 miles with 25,000 other lucky runners. As the saying goes, don't look a gift horse in the mouth. In other words, don't be ungrateful when you receive a gift.
I am not a gifted runner. Don't get me wrong. I am lucky to be an older woman when it comes to Boston qualifying standards. Women have a full half of an hour on men's standards. That's a lot. And yes, I earn it by training properly. Most importantly though, is I realize that I have been given an opportunity to do something special. It's a gift.
I also have to admit I've been in a bit of a funk and needed a serious goal. I raced the Beach to Beacon 10K in early August and then did not race again until September 26, a solid eight weeks. That is uncharacteristic of me and indicative of burn-out, perhaps. Admittedly I became super busy with preparing for the marathon and all that that entailed. Something had to give. Now I'm ready to buckle down again. I have ample time to get my head wrapped around the effort, to prepare psychologically; and I also have a good reason to run, to physically prepare my body.
I've surprised my husband with my decision, but I feel grounded about it. It makes perfect sense to me - new runners have inspired me and preparing for a marathon legitimizes what I do. It seems very purposeful; and it's a sense of purpose, a goal, which I have needed.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Peak Performance Maine Marathon
The Peak Performance Maine Marathon, Half-Marathon, and Relay went off yesterday under overcast skies and fairly mild temperatures. The weather the night before was rain, thunder, and lightening, and so there was a shared sigh of relief among all participants on Sunday morning.
With the exception of a few upcoming marathons, namely, Bay State, Manchester City, Nike Women's, and New York City, the majority of the Peak Performance training group I've been working with since May 31st, achieved their goal to run either the full or half-marathon in Maine yesterday. Twenty-eight group members ran the half, and fourteen completed the full. Congratulations go out to all.
The group trained together for 18-weeks throughout the summer. Everyone had a schedule to follow, and then weekly, came together as a group in various pre-determined locations for the "long run." We were fortunate to have several Team in Training runners join the group about three weeks into it. Runners were able to recognize other runners at their pace and over the course of the four months experienced a wonderful sense of camaraderie. Most runners know the benefit of running with friends - it makes the time go by; it often challenges one to work harder; and it helps one develop a sense of commitment. I think this group received all that by the end of the program.
Many were racing the distance, whether the half or full, for their very first time. I believe the time results of these efforts are less important than the bravery it required to toe the line and the commitment it took to accomplish it. Lives are changed!
Of course, as it goes with running and anything that stretches one's abilities into unknown territory, there was some attrition in the group during the program. Injuries happened, lives became busy and stressed, plans and priorities simply changed. And that's okay. One of the reasons I value running so much, is it teaches us how to cope with failure and disappointment, and how to be flexible and forgiving of one's limitations. It motivates us to try harder and to not give up; and it provides a vehicle for us to share our trepidations, achievements and improvements.
Here are the results from yesterday's races:
Half-Marathon:
Sarah Blodgett – 3:00
Jessica Brown – 3:00
Debbie Chasse – 2:09
Susannah Clark – 2:06
Karen Gilbert – 2:14
Karla Gilbert – 2:14
Michelle Goldman – 2:05
Chris Gould – 2:02
Nora Gross – 2:13
Robert Jolicoeur – 2:10
Katharine McCarthy – 2:04
Emily Morris – 2:21
Stacy Morris-White – 2:01
Carrie Newton – 2:25
Margaret O’Keefe – 2:08
Deb Patry – 2:26
Curtis Picard – 2:15
Julie Smith – 2:05
Jenn Stockless – 2:37
Ashley Stone – 2:11
Nan Tanner – 2:10
Ellen Theodores – 3:15
Chelsea Thompson – 2:24
Stacey Trembley – 2:57
Kristin Watson – 2:15
Cindy Wegener – 2:10
Laura Welles – 2:00
Louisa Wickard – 1:50
Marathon:
Jennifer Christensen – 5:13
Troy DeRoche – 4:02
Cathryn Douglass – 5:07
Shawn Gilbert – 4:39
Jamie Hiltz – 4:39
A.J. Hungerford – 3:34
Andrea Jordan – 4:53
Shelly Lajoie-Carlson – 5:01
Darrin Lary – 4:02
Robyn Merrill – 3:43
Steve Taylor – 4:19
Chuck Thorp – 3:20
Donna Tucci – 5:23
Linda Whitten – 5:50
Congratulations, again. Now it's time to rest and recover, and set new goals.
Best wishes are in store for the following runners for their upcoming events:
Betty Rines – Bay State Marathon in Lowell, MA on October 18
Chuck Thorp – Manchester City Marathon on November 1
Carrie Newton – New York City Marathon on November 1
A.J. Hungerford - New York City Marathon on November 1
Emilie Manhart – Nike Women’s Marathon in San Fran on October 18
Kristin Quatrano - Nike Women’s Marathon in San Fran on October 18
Good luck!!
With the exception of a few upcoming marathons, namely, Bay State, Manchester City, Nike Women's, and New York City, the majority of the Peak Performance training group I've been working with since May 31st, achieved their goal to run either the full or half-marathon in Maine yesterday. Twenty-eight group members ran the half, and fourteen completed the full. Congratulations go out to all.
The group trained together for 18-weeks throughout the summer. Everyone had a schedule to follow, and then weekly, came together as a group in various pre-determined locations for the "long run." We were fortunate to have several Team in Training runners join the group about three weeks into it. Runners were able to recognize other runners at their pace and over the course of the four months experienced a wonderful sense of camaraderie. Most runners know the benefit of running with friends - it makes the time go by; it often challenges one to work harder; and it helps one develop a sense of commitment. I think this group received all that by the end of the program.
Many were racing the distance, whether the half or full, for their very first time. I believe the time results of these efforts are less important than the bravery it required to toe the line and the commitment it took to accomplish it. Lives are changed!
Of course, as it goes with running and anything that stretches one's abilities into unknown territory, there was some attrition in the group during the program. Injuries happened, lives became busy and stressed, plans and priorities simply changed. And that's okay. One of the reasons I value running so much, is it teaches us how to cope with failure and disappointment, and how to be flexible and forgiving of one's limitations. It motivates us to try harder and to not give up; and it provides a vehicle for us to share our trepidations, achievements and improvements.
Here are the results from yesterday's races:
Half-Marathon:
Sarah Blodgett – 3:00
Jessica Brown – 3:00
Debbie Chasse – 2:09
Susannah Clark – 2:06
Karen Gilbert – 2:14
Karla Gilbert – 2:14
Michelle Goldman – 2:05
Chris Gould – 2:02
Nora Gross – 2:13
Robert Jolicoeur – 2:10
Katharine McCarthy – 2:04
Emily Morris – 2:21
Stacy Morris-White – 2:01
Carrie Newton – 2:25
Margaret O’Keefe – 2:08
Deb Patry – 2:26
Curtis Picard – 2:15
Julie Smith – 2:05
Jenn Stockless – 2:37
Ashley Stone – 2:11
Nan Tanner – 2:10
Ellen Theodores – 3:15
Chelsea Thompson – 2:24
Stacey Trembley – 2:57
Kristin Watson – 2:15
Cindy Wegener – 2:10
Laura Welles – 2:00
Louisa Wickard – 1:50
Marathon:
Jennifer Christensen – 5:13
Troy DeRoche – 4:02
Cathryn Douglass – 5:07
Shawn Gilbert – 4:39
Jamie Hiltz – 4:39
A.J. Hungerford – 3:34
Andrea Jordan – 4:53
Shelly Lajoie-Carlson – 5:01
Darrin Lary – 4:02
Robyn Merrill – 3:43
Steve Taylor – 4:19
Chuck Thorp – 3:20
Donna Tucci – 5:23
Linda Whitten – 5:50
Congratulations, again. Now it's time to rest and recover, and set new goals.
Best wishes are in store for the following runners for their upcoming events:
Betty Rines – Bay State Marathon in Lowell, MA on October 18
Chuck Thorp – Manchester City Marathon on November 1
Carrie Newton – New York City Marathon on November 1
A.J. Hungerford - New York City Marathon on November 1
Emilie Manhart – Nike Women’s Marathon in San Fran on October 18
Kristin Quatrano - Nike Women’s Marathon in San Fran on October 18
Good luck!!
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