Growing up in an Irish Catholic family in a suburb of Boston, Sunday was typically a very low-key and predictable day for us.
Of course there was the morning Mass. We had several time options to choose from beginning as early as 6:00 a.m. and going until 12:45 p.m. The 8:30 was popular for it's lead-in to the mid-morning brunch; and the 10:45 was the "folk Mass" with guitars and singing and child care in the sound-proof room. As we got older, we took advantage of the Saturday evening Mass, leaving Sunday morning for much needed adolescent sleep.
My family had a tradition of sharing the 'big meal' at mid-day on Sundays. Usually between 1:00 and 3:00 we would sit down to a roasted dinner of some sort, with all the fixings. This would take an hour or so, and was followed by reading more of the Sunday paper, watching the Red Sox or Patriots on television, doing homework or playing outside. Supper was something like cereal, PB&J or leftovers. Lest we forget, Disney came on at 7:00.
It always seemed to me that Sunday was a quieter day than the others. In a state like Massachusetts with its "Blue Laws" not all the stores were open or their hours were abbreviated, and families generally seemed to stay close to home. It might be a day for visiting relatives or catching up on things at home, but definitely not a "work" day.
When I was living on my own, I continued to consider Sunday a precious rest day - I think that was in my blood - but how I opted to spend it changed quite a bit.
There were the college years at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. Yep, 26,000 students and life as a co-ed in a 22-story high-rise dorm. There was always something going on, especially on Saturday nights, and one can imagine how Sunday mornings were spent. Perhaps we can call it a recovery day. Still a day of rest, I suppose; it just might have been shorter than other days.
It was during this time in my life, though, that I began to pursue running for the sake of running. I had always played three sports throughout high school, though never cross country or track. And in college I played Division I lacrosse during the spring season. I was "running" for sure but never for too long. I discovered that Sundays were a good day to take a leisurely run.
During graduate school there were the assorted waitressing jobs that called for Sunday work hours. I worked at the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square, Cambridge, Mass. which boasted a fabulous Sunday brunch. I often worked that shift, and it was one of those gigs where you didn't have to work too hard. People served themselves from the buffet; I just needed to clear their plates and pour juice and coffee. To boot, it was a nice price point per plate! Despite the good tips, I never really liked to work on Sundays. It was a sacrosanct day, after all.
When I moved to Maine in 1987, I'd been running a little more consistently, had participated in some races, and was fairly committed to my fitness and health, in general. In fact, a Sunday morning aerobics class at the Regency Hotel, a walk around Prouts Neck in Scarborough, or a run around Peaks Island became my spiritual practice. And while it may not sound like rest in the true sense of the word, it certainly did not feel like work.
I started training and racing consistently once I joined up with the Run to Win team, coached by Brian (Ziggy) Gillespie. It's here that I learned how key a regular long run is to develop a distance base and provide a foundation for all runs, especially races. Training for marathons, the long runs are the bread and butter and just how long they are is relative to where you are in your training. The schedule I adapted to reserved Sundays for this prolonged activity.
Today, my husband and I live a running lifestyle and can hardly imagine a non-running Sunday. This winter we ran with a group on Sundays training for the Mid-Winter Classic 10-mile race in Cape Elizabeth. We decided the weekly group should continue, as its such a nice way to cover the miles. Beginning March 4th, Ziggy Gillespie's Nor'Easter Run training program will workout on Wednesday evenings with a long run on Sundays; and May 31st begins the Peak Performance Maine Marathon and Half-Marathon training program, also with the group run on Sundays. Not coincidentally, we plan to combine these efforts to enhance the long run with other runners.
Do I still think of Sunday as a day of rest? You betcha, just only after a good long run.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Just Imagine
Last night on my drive home from the Team Nor'Easter social night at Peak Performance Multisport, U2 came on the radio and I found myself, all of a sudden, listening. I was struck, because oftentimes, especially when driving, I'm deep in thought (or something like that) and completely unaware of what is being said or sounding around me. But with a first line going something like, "I'm sick of hearing again and again that there's never gonna be peace on earth," and Bono's continuous plea to "move on" from the pain of it...I was compelled to listen.
I've heard this song, "Peace on Earth/Walk On," before, though have never really thought much about it. But tonight I was coming from a positive, spirited, running and triathlon social event, and all was well in my world. I felt content. The song got me thinking about the possibility of peace on earth. What would that be like? I mean, seriously, can you imagine? Can you imagine Israelis and Palestinians peacefully crossing over shared borders; or Iraq and Afghanistan not as war zones; or Africa as a united continent, all people relishing the natural world and cooperating as needed? It's pretty amazing to stop and really think about it; to see it.
Since the beginning of time artists have implored the world to make peace. Through lyrics, music, paintings, drama and poetry, they expose their perspective of reality and try to create something different. Or they question what is. I mean for chrissake, on my way to work this morning Bob Dylan's "Blowing in the Wind" came on. "...and how many deaths will it take 'til he knows too many people have died..." This could have been written today except it was sometime in the late sixties. Long story short, the issue, the longing for peace, is timeless.
The predominance of the artists' need to have it be different and to publicize it, is what I find most intriquing. What about the rest of the world? Where are their (our) perspectives and voices, whether verbal or otherwise? Or maybe it's just that I am most touched by the artists' comments.
Regardless of the vehicle to denounce war and conflict, when it comes to solutions, I think John and Yoko had it right - imagination is the way to go. And here is where and how athletes can emerge and have their speak, assuming peace is a goal.
We've all heard about Olympic athletes using visualization before a key event to 'see' themselves in the winning position. Educators, behavioral psychologists and yoga practitioners all use the power of the mind to create change. Elizabeth Quinn in her piece on "Improve Your Sport Performance with Visualization Techniques" says:
An athlete can use this technique to 'intend' an outcome of a race or training session, or simply to rest in a relaxed feeling of calm and well-being. By imagining a scene, complete with images of a previous best performance or a future desired outcome, the athlete is instructed to simply 'step into' that feeling. While imagining these scenarios, the athlete should try to imagine the detail and the way it feels to perform in the desired way.
So what about 'stepping into' peace, people? It's an incredibly far-fetched and simplistic idea....and what about it? If you, the athlete, close your eyes, and imagine for even just a moment, a peaceful planet; that is far-away lands, people and governments using their words and reaching collaborative solutions, not war; and closer to home, families, communities, competition, and employment working harmoniously. Imagine armies laying down arms and people cooperating. It really is rather mind-boggling.
I suspect, as we hold out hope and practice these images, in even a small way, things will get better. So go ahead. Just imagine.
I've heard this song, "Peace on Earth/Walk On," before, though have never really thought much about it. But tonight I was coming from a positive, spirited, running and triathlon social event, and all was well in my world. I felt content. The song got me thinking about the possibility of peace on earth. What would that be like? I mean, seriously, can you imagine? Can you imagine Israelis and Palestinians peacefully crossing over shared borders; or Iraq and Afghanistan not as war zones; or Africa as a united continent, all people relishing the natural world and cooperating as needed? It's pretty amazing to stop and really think about it; to see it.
Since the beginning of time artists have implored the world to make peace. Through lyrics, music, paintings, drama and poetry, they expose their perspective of reality and try to create something different. Or they question what is. I mean for chrissake, on my way to work this morning Bob Dylan's "Blowing in the Wind" came on. "...and how many deaths will it take 'til he knows too many people have died..." This could have been written today except it was sometime in the late sixties. Long story short, the issue, the longing for peace, is timeless.
The predominance of the artists' need to have it be different and to publicize it, is what I find most intriquing. What about the rest of the world? Where are their (our) perspectives and voices, whether verbal or otherwise? Or maybe it's just that I am most touched by the artists' comments.
Regardless of the vehicle to denounce war and conflict, when it comes to solutions, I think John and Yoko had it right - imagination is the way to go. And here is where and how athletes can emerge and have their speak, assuming peace is a goal.
We've all heard about Olympic athletes using visualization before a key event to 'see' themselves in the winning position. Educators, behavioral psychologists and yoga practitioners all use the power of the mind to create change. Elizabeth Quinn in her piece on "Improve Your Sport Performance with Visualization Techniques" says:
An athlete can use this technique to 'intend' an outcome of a race or training session, or simply to rest in a relaxed feeling of calm and well-being. By imagining a scene, complete with images of a previous best performance or a future desired outcome, the athlete is instructed to simply 'step into' that feeling. While imagining these scenarios, the athlete should try to imagine the detail and the way it feels to perform in the desired way.
So what about 'stepping into' peace, people? It's an incredibly far-fetched and simplistic idea....and what about it? If you, the athlete, close your eyes, and imagine for even just a moment, a peaceful planet; that is far-away lands, people and governments using their words and reaching collaborative solutions, not war; and closer to home, families, communities, competition, and employment working harmoniously. Imagine armies laying down arms and people cooperating. It really is rather mind-boggling.
I suspect, as we hold out hope and practice these images, in even a small way, things will get better. So go ahead. Just imagine.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Excuse Me Goal
My eight year-old daughter has been exploring the proper usage of the noun "excuse." When she asked if the neighbors were home yet from Sugarloaf and I said "I wasn't sure," she asked, "Is that an excuse?" Well, no, but I suppose it could be if I needed to cover the fact they were home for some strange reason.
It's easy to understand how the meaning could be difficult to comprehend when a young mind hasn't discovered the need for rationalization or self-defense. The dictionary defines the noun as "An explanation offered to justify or obtain foregiveness." Unfortunately, I've learned all too well the meaning of the word when it comes to running, and racing in particular.
Yesterday I raced the Mid-Winter Classic 10-Miler in 1:10:58, a 7:06 pace. My goal was to better last year's time and do it in 6:50s. But to accomplish any goal there have to be deliberate, appropriate steps to get there. I know this; this is a basic tenet of training. In order to run ten miles at a 6:50 pace, I would have had to train, at least once a week, at a faster pace per mile. A good workout would have been mile repeats at a 6:15-6:30 pace, progressively increasing the number of repeats each week. It also would have been important to run longer than the race distance, also weekly. That means run 12-14 miles for the long training run, instead of ten. I did neither of these things.
Other steps toward the goal might include regular strength training, dynamic stretching, core work, a conscientious healthful diet, lots of good rest, hydration of the non-alcoholic sort, keeping a positive mental attitude, and reducing overall stress in your life. I achieved these partway.
I mean you know there was the late October marathon and recovering from that, which led right into Thanksgiving and cornmeal stuffing and then Christmas and homemade eggnog and then New Year's, pop!, and then the inauguration, cheers Obama, and oh, the weather, did I mention this winter weather, I missed so many days of running, I can't stand the treadmill and I don't have a gym membership anyway, and I just can't seem to get a good night's sleep anymore, I am 50 after all and you know what that means to one's hormones and chemistry, and school vacations and snow days and childcare, and homework, and the economy, and the competition, I knew Ellie was going to beat me - she is the better long distance runner, after all, and the salt and sand that I had to breath in mixed with the freezing temperatures, I felt nauseous at mile four, and the hills, and that headwind in the final stretch, OMG. What's a poor road racer to do?
Thankfully, I do know and understand I was not trained to run any better than I did. I can only imagine what the twenty-miler is going to look like in two weeks. I guess I'd better start getting creative. SG will be understanding excuses in no time!
Kudos to all of you who ran and raced, and who achieved and exceeded your goals, as I know many of you did. Keep up the great work - you are an inspiration!
It's easy to understand how the meaning could be difficult to comprehend when a young mind hasn't discovered the need for rationalization or self-defense. The dictionary defines the noun as "An explanation offered to justify or obtain foregiveness." Unfortunately, I've learned all too well the meaning of the word when it comes to running, and racing in particular.
Yesterday I raced the Mid-Winter Classic 10-Miler in 1:10:58, a 7:06 pace. My goal was to better last year's time and do it in 6:50s. But to accomplish any goal there have to be deliberate, appropriate steps to get there. I know this; this is a basic tenet of training. In order to run ten miles at a 6:50 pace, I would have had to train, at least once a week, at a faster pace per mile. A good workout would have been mile repeats at a 6:15-6:30 pace, progressively increasing the number of repeats each week. It also would have been important to run longer than the race distance, also weekly. That means run 12-14 miles for the long training run, instead of ten. I did neither of these things.
Other steps toward the goal might include regular strength training, dynamic stretching, core work, a conscientious healthful diet, lots of good rest, hydration of the non-alcoholic sort, keeping a positive mental attitude, and reducing overall stress in your life. I achieved these partway.
I mean you know there was the late October marathon and recovering from that, which led right into Thanksgiving and cornmeal stuffing and then Christmas and homemade eggnog and then New Year's, pop!, and then the inauguration, cheers Obama, and oh, the weather, did I mention this winter weather, I missed so many days of running, I can't stand the treadmill and I don't have a gym membership anyway, and I just can't seem to get a good night's sleep anymore, I am 50 after all and you know what that means to one's hormones and chemistry, and school vacations and snow days and childcare, and homework, and the economy, and the competition, I knew Ellie was going to beat me - she is the better long distance runner, after all, and the salt and sand that I had to breath in mixed with the freezing temperatures, I felt nauseous at mile four, and the hills, and that headwind in the final stretch, OMG. What's a poor road racer to do?
Thankfully, I do know and understand I was not trained to run any better than I did. I can only imagine what the twenty-miler is going to look like in two weeks. I guess I'd better start getting creative. SG will be understanding excuses in no time!
Kudos to all of you who ran and raced, and who achieved and exceeded your goals, as I know many of you did. Keep up the great work - you are an inspiration!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Running from a Different Angle
The winter months are a great time for planning spring and summer events such as your race schedule and training plan, outdoor home projects, summer camps, and if you're lucky, a vacation.
Through my business, A Running Conversation, Peak Performance Multisport has hired me to develop running programs and clinics. Here's a look at what's on the horizon at Peak:
Peak is also the lead sponsor with several road races and triathlons, and often has training clinics or expos associated with those. You can find it all on their web site.
As you try to convince yourself you will run outside again someday (it is snowing like crazy right now!), and plan your spring races, consider taking advantage of these terrific sessions. All the presenters are high caliber athletes and can really help you to structure your training in a way you might not have known how to do otherwise. It is all about running well - that is strong and healthy and injury-free. Hope to see you there.
Through my business, A Running Conversation, Peak Performance Multisport has hired me to develop running programs and clinics. Here's a look at what's on the horizon at Peak:
- March 4th begins a six-month training program coached by Brian "Ziggy" Gillespie, the Forecaster's 2008 Coach of the Year, meeting every Wednesday evening at Peak
- March 18th, 7:30 pm, a clinic with Ziggy, "How to Prepare for a 5K Race"
- April 15th, 7:30 pm, a clinic with massage therapist Julia Kirtland, "Athletes' Preventative Maintenance: Self-Care Techniques"
- April 29th, 7:00 pm, an informational session and registration for the upcoming 18-week marathon training program
- May 4th begins the First Annual Nor'Easter Run Scavenger Hunt Series. Pairs of runners will head out from the shop each Monday evening in May with a list of objects to gather. There will be a weekly winning team, as well as a series winner. Sure to be a blast.
- May 20th, 7:30 pm, a clinic with fitness trainer Erica Napuli, "Strength Training for Runners"
- May 31st, an 18-week marathon and half-marathon training program begins with an eye on the Peak Performance Maine Marathon event on October 4th.
- June 17th, 6:00 pm, a clinic with USM Women's Cross Country Coach George Towle, "How to Improve Your Running Skills"
- July 22nd, 7:30 pm, a clinic with nutritionist Anne-Marie Davee, "Eating for Peak Performance"
Peak is also the lead sponsor with several road races and triathlons, and often has training clinics or expos associated with those. You can find it all on their web site.
As you try to convince yourself you will run outside again someday (it is snowing like crazy right now!), and plan your spring races, consider taking advantage of these terrific sessions. All the presenters are high caliber athletes and can really help you to structure your training in a way you might not have known how to do otherwise. It is all about running well - that is strong and healthy and injury-free. Hope to see you there.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Last Mid-Winter Group Run
What a difference a day makes! Yesterday's group run over the Mid-Winter Classic 10-Miler course was such a breeze compared with last Sunday's snow storm challenge! Thirteen of us, plus David who started late, covered the course in good time despite the cold temps and westerly wind. It really wasn't too bad; the streets were clear with the exception of an icy patch across the marsh and a tough shoulder along Route 77; the sun was shining brightly and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. I know at least one group member, Janet, opted to run the course on Saturday in much warmer temps, and I bet a few chose to do that. Nevertheless, we got 'er done.
This marked the end of an eight-week training group sponsored by Peak Performance Multisport, in preparation for the Mid-Winter Classic. Race day is next Sunday, February 1st. Get this: seventy people registered for this Sunday group run! I think that's awesome. All did not turn out at one time, of course, but each week saw a new face or two and individuals had the benefit of running with others. Some folks made significant progress running ten miles for the first time, and/or running this challenging course for the first time. Others kept their base strong. Kudos to all who came out (or ran indoors) and met the myriad challenges of winter running in Maine.
There is interest in keeping the Sunday group runs going. Yeah baby! Check out Nor'Easter Run for future events.
This marked the end of an eight-week training group sponsored by Peak Performance Multisport, in preparation for the Mid-Winter Classic. Race day is next Sunday, February 1st. Get this: seventy people registered for this Sunday group run! I think that's awesome. All did not turn out at one time, of course, but each week saw a new face or two and individuals had the benefit of running with others. Some folks made significant progress running ten miles for the first time, and/or running this challenging course for the first time. Others kept their base strong. Kudos to all who came out (or ran indoors) and met the myriad challenges of winter running in Maine.
There is interest in keeping the Sunday group runs going. Yeah baby! Check out Nor'Easter Run for future events.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Nor'Easter Run
Peak Performance Multisport in Portland, Maine has launched a new running club called Nor'Easter Run. The Club follows on the success of Peak's Team Nor’Easter, which was launched in the fall of 2007 to benefit the multisport community. Within a year, that Club grew to over 100 members. Alas, not all of us are triathletes and Peak recognizes that runners want to get in on the fun too!
Becoming part of a team or club has huge benefits, not only in discounted store merchandise and race entry fees, but for personal and social reasons. We all need to affiliate with others to varying degrees; in fact, some people prefer to run only by themselves as a meditative practice. But even the most introverted person can gain something from being a part of a group.
In 1991, I joined the Run to Win Ladies Team, coached by Brian "Ziggy" Gillespie. The team consisted of about 15 women, all at various points in their running careers. Some had never done a road race, had never run with others, had no idea what they were doing let alone what they were capable of doing; while others were elite racers in need of coaching. I still belong to that team except new this year, it'll be known as Nor'Easter Run.
After eighteen years I continue to value the affiliation with Brian and the team members. Men became part of the mix sometime during the 1990's, and the size of the team fluctuates from season to season depending on one's other commitments: personal life and work situations, physical health and motivation, and other time constraints. One thing I have learned from this experience is that a group such as this becomes a microcosm of life. Teammates get to know and care about each other; they help each other to improve as runners by putting their best effort forth during practice and races; and they simply share themselves with each other.
The coached group is only one aspect of Nor'Easter Run. The Club is for anyone interested in running, getting discounts at Peak Performance, attending social gatherings and other clinics, staying informed about group runs and other trainings. The coaching component is an additional option.
If you want to learn more about Team Nor'Easter and Nor'Easter Run, the monthly social is on Wednesday evening, February 4th, at 7:00 P.M. at Peak Performance Multisport, 317 Marginal Way in Portland. Also, in future blogs I'll inform you about upcoming Nor'Easter Run events.
Becoming part of a team or club has huge benefits, not only in discounted store merchandise and race entry fees, but for personal and social reasons. We all need to affiliate with others to varying degrees; in fact, some people prefer to run only by themselves as a meditative practice. But even the most introverted person can gain something from being a part of a group.
In 1991, I joined the Run to Win Ladies Team, coached by Brian "Ziggy" Gillespie. The team consisted of about 15 women, all at various points in their running careers. Some had never done a road race, had never run with others, had no idea what they were doing let alone what they were capable of doing; while others were elite racers in need of coaching. I still belong to that team except new this year, it'll be known as Nor'Easter Run.
After eighteen years I continue to value the affiliation with Brian and the team members. Men became part of the mix sometime during the 1990's, and the size of the team fluctuates from season to season depending on one's other commitments: personal life and work situations, physical health and motivation, and other time constraints. One thing I have learned from this experience is that a group such as this becomes a microcosm of life. Teammates get to know and care about each other; they help each other to improve as runners by putting their best effort forth during practice and races; and they simply share themselves with each other.
The coached group is only one aspect of Nor'Easter Run. The Club is for anyone interested in running, getting discounts at Peak Performance, attending social gatherings and other clinics, staying informed about group runs and other trainings. The coaching component is an additional option.
If you want to learn more about Team Nor'Easter and Nor'Easter Run, the monthly social is on Wednesday evening, February 4th, at 7:00 P.M. at Peak Performance Multisport, 317 Marginal Way in Portland. Also, in future blogs I'll inform you about upcoming Nor'Easter Run events.
Monday, January 19, 2009
One for the Books
Twelve committed runners faced the challenging winter weather yesterday and ran the Mid-Winter Classic 10-Mile course in Cape Elizabeth in a fairly aggressive snow storm. One runner called it "a character-building run," while others thought it was plain old frustrating. It was definitely "one for the books."
We set out at around 9:00 with about 3-4 inches of snow already accumulated. It continued to snow steadily and the onshore wind was fairly strong. This meant the beginning part of the run down Scott Dyer to Spurwink and Eastman Roads was fairly pleasant, as we went away from the ocean. The toughest part was finding traction going up the Spurwink hills. That slipping and sliding back really does make the effort feel a bit silly. And was it slow going. Often, the best traction was off to the far left of the road where there were a couple inches of fresh snow.
One runner met up with an oncoming snow plow and had to jump off the road. Otherwise, it seemed like traffic was fairly forgiving and gave way.
We finally hit the half-way point at the marsh on Sawyer Road. Here, the wind came whipping across the marsh from the ocean, blowing the snow sideways and making for very challenging running. We saw a couple other runners out on the course, forging their way across the marsh as well. Spirits seemed high despite the conditions.
Then of course came the tough miles on Route 77. The wind was in our face, the traction was bad, and it felt like we were getting nowhere. I actually found relief by taking some walking steps while I drank water.
"As soon as we get to Rudy's the wind will be behind us," Paul said. Sure enough, we felt the tail wind with about two miles to go. The last mile of this race is a good one: It begins with a gradual descent, only to head back up as you approach the high school. It's a very strategic part of the race, because the finish line is all the way behind the high school, a good quarter mile or more from the entrance. Remember that...
The group enjoyed bagels and bananas while standing and stretching in the snowfall. We all agreed we would likely feel aches and pains on account of the unevenness of the run. I felt more tired than usual for the effort. One thing remained true: We were very pleased and satisfied we got out and did it. Let it snow.
We set out at around 9:00 with about 3-4 inches of snow already accumulated. It continued to snow steadily and the onshore wind was fairly strong. This meant the beginning part of the run down Scott Dyer to Spurwink and Eastman Roads was fairly pleasant, as we went away from the ocean. The toughest part was finding traction going up the Spurwink hills. That slipping and sliding back really does make the effort feel a bit silly. And was it slow going. Often, the best traction was off to the far left of the road where there were a couple inches of fresh snow.
One runner met up with an oncoming snow plow and had to jump off the road. Otherwise, it seemed like traffic was fairly forgiving and gave way.
We finally hit the half-way point at the marsh on Sawyer Road. Here, the wind came whipping across the marsh from the ocean, blowing the snow sideways and making for very challenging running. We saw a couple other runners out on the course, forging their way across the marsh as well. Spirits seemed high despite the conditions.
Then of course came the tough miles on Route 77. The wind was in our face, the traction was bad, and it felt like we were getting nowhere. I actually found relief by taking some walking steps while I drank water.
"As soon as we get to Rudy's the wind will be behind us," Paul said. Sure enough, we felt the tail wind with about two miles to go. The last mile of this race is a good one: It begins with a gradual descent, only to head back up as you approach the high school. It's a very strategic part of the race, because the finish line is all the way behind the high school, a good quarter mile or more from the entrance. Remember that...
The group enjoyed bagels and bananas while standing and stretching in the snowfall. We all agreed we would likely feel aches and pains on account of the unevenness of the run. I felt more tired than usual for the effort. One thing remained true: We were very pleased and satisfied we got out and did it. Let it snow.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
