Runners will demonstrate how to persevere

I ran a little bit harder last night, because it was the only thing that made sense to do.

And while my energy level waxed and waned - strides of anger gave way steps to of depression, then transformed to a hopeful gallop - I finished my run with a little more mental clarity than when I began.

In the wake of the tragedy at the Boston Marathon yesterday, that's all I was seeking - clarity. It's often impossible to find when faced with senseless violence, and as a runner - but more a husband, and father, and human - this situation hit home a little harder for me than other similar events. I couldn't help but think about all the races my wife has attended, waiting to cheer me on as I sprinted down the finishing chute. Or about the race I am doing in June, where I once hoped (but now am not so sure) that her and my daughter would again be there to greet me.

And on that run yesterday, I couldn't help but think about all of the innocent people who simply went out to enjoy an athletic event - a marathon, the pinnacle of challenge, endurance, and health - and left shaken at the least and injured or deceased at the worst. To have an event that is normally full of celebration be tarnished in that way - I am still processing it.

To a lesser degree, I was also heartbroken for the participants of the marathon themselves. Boston is the holy grail of races, if you will, with runners making monumental commitments and sacrifices simply to qualify for entrance. To see that hard work sullied with yesterday's carnage was extremely sad.

But after going out and robotically putting one foot in front of the other like so many of those runners did in Boston, letting my mind race off in a thousand different directions, what I came away with was this: The runners will be fine. Everyone else, though, is going to need help.

See, runners persevere. It's what we do. It's what gets us out of bed at ungodly hours to commit miles to the pavement as some people are just coming home from the late shift or others are waking up to their morning coffee. Whether there are injuries, illnesses, scheduling conflicts - whatever - runners are wired in such a way that when the word "quit" pops up in their heads, some other force erases it and pushes them on.

It's at times like this, and in the face of this kind of tragedy, that runners can set the example for every one else who is affected and teach others how to persevere.

It won't be easy. All of the people affected yesterday - be it those who were injured, or the families and friends of those who lost life and limb - have a far more difficult road ahead of them than any stretch of 26.2 miles a runner could ever encounter.

But the first steps have already been taken. The widespread reports of random kindness - runners immediately donating blood at hospitals, people loaning cell phones to one another to contact lost loved ones, Boston natives opening their homes to runners who were shut out of their hotels - are tremendous. My hope is that, as the days and weeks pass and the news coverage shifts to something else, this spirit stays intact and runners and non-runners alike continue to support each other.

The healing process, much like the old running cliche, will indeed be a marathon, not a sprint. It's time for runners to set the example and spread their enduring spirit to others.

Tips for the New Parent on the Run

Because sleep is for the weak

There’s nothing quite like the sound of the alarm clock, gently arousing you from dreamland and not-so-subtly encouraging you to hit the pavement before the rest of the day begins.

Actually, there is something better. It’s the sound of that same alarm, but after a night of blissfully uninterrupted sleep because your new baby decided to snooze through it.

However, these nights have been coming few and far between lately. Now that the beautiful Norah has joined our family, my sleep schedule has been as consistent as Barry Zito’s knack for posting quality starts. Consequently, my running schedule has also deteriorated, amounting to the stuff that normally shows up in my daughter’s diaper.

Needless to say, I’ve fallen off the wagon, but I am trying to get myself back on it in time for my August 27 date with the Giant Race in San Francisco. The last couple runs have been enjoyable, and I am finding myself with a renewed focus. Deadlines are a good thing.

With that in mind, I pondered how I might be able to help other runners who have recently embarked on a trip to Babyland/Parenthood/The Island of Misfit Slumber, and I have come up with the following tips. Enjoy!

1. Sign up for a race If you are anything like me, you need that little Twinkie dangling in front of your face to keep you motivated. For me, said Twinkie is the aforementioned Giant Race. In addition to being an escape from the incessant summer doldrums of inland Southern California, you get a medal, a Tim Lincecum bobblehead, and you finish on the field at AT&T Park! I’m not sure it gets much better.

Find a race of some form that will get your juices flowing, too. Maybe it is a destination, maybe you want to keep it closer to home with the new arrival. Either way, pick something, pay for it (because once you’ve paid, you won’t bail – that’s money that could have gone to diapers, so it better get used!) and get ready.  Like I said, deadlines are a good thing.

2. Make a plan Any runner with a goal in mind – even if it is just finishing the race – should make a training plan to assist them in the process. There are plenty of them out there, so pick the one that works for you. It’ll help keep you honest.

3. Ditch the plan I know what you’re thinking: “But he just said that having a plan will help keep you honest.” Yep, but that was before you added to Earth’s population. Now that you have a little one who doesn’t care about your running schedule, you can’t care about it either. If you do, the stress of waking up for middle of the night feedings, changings, etc. will be compounded by the fact that you are freaking out about being up at 5 a.m. for your 7-mile run.

Be flexible. If you are exhausted, don’t push it. If you can make it out for half of the mileage, awesome. Anything is going to be good enough at this point, because this is all new for you and the baby.  Which leads me to my next point.

4. Don’t beat yourself up I know you have high expectations for yourself, and that’s all well and good. But I am also fairly confident that most people will be impressed that you are even considering running a race with a new baby at home. So, don’t sweat it if you don’t make it out for a run. Once you cross the finish line, no one remembers how much you trained or did not train. And then you can eat something indulgent.

5. Beat yourself up Full of contradictions, I know. While you can’t get too down about missing a run every now and then, complacency is the enemy. You know what’s another enemy? Calories. According to a University of Pennsylvania study in 2006, sleep deprivation causes you to make poor nutritional choices. Combine that with the fact that you are worrying more about taking care of baby than yourself, and it’s a perfect storm for the return of the Freshman 15. (We’ll call this the Parenthood Poundage, just for funsies.) You’ve got to keep working at it, even if it means sneaking out the door while baby is still sleeping, or powering through interrupted sleep for a quick morning jaunt. One way or another, this will be probably the toughest stretch of training you’ve endured. But it’ll pass.

6. Take advantage of naptime I don’t mean for you to sleep, you wussy. Sleep is for the weak. Naptime, though, is the perfect time to work in a quick weight session or core workout. It’s also high time to research your next race, write a blog that no one will read, make a new running playlist, or just generally relax and screw around a little.

But definitely don’t sleep. Who can sleep during the day, anyway? You’re not Nosferatu.

7. Adopt a mantra Almost every running advice columnist I have ever read will tell you to adopt a mantra to repeat to yourself to get you through the difficult points of your run.

Well, We’re not talking about that here. You’ve got bigger fish to fry, so you need a mantra to get through the middle of the night. I’ve found that something like, “It’s just a phase, everyone says she’ll sleep through the night soon, It’s just a phase, everyone says she’ll sleep through the night soon,” or “This rocking chair is actually quite comfortable, This rocking chair is actually quite comfortable,” are effective. Feel free to steal one of these – I won’t charge a royalty fee this time – or make one to suit your style. But it will help.

Now that I think about it, though, I suppose if you are running on fumes while running your race, a mantra can’t hurt. I’ve recently taken one from Tour de France commentator Paul Sherwen: “He’s digging deep into his suitcase of courage.” Can you think of a better metaphor? I thought not.

8. Have support OK, this one is actually serious. Having a new baby isn’t easy, and trying to train for a race isn’t easy. Put the two together, and you clearly are just a glutton for punishment.

That being said, having a support network is important. Whether it is a husband/wife/partner who won’t kick your ass when you sleep through your morning run -- even though you asked them to do the middle of the night shift because you promise, promise, promised you would get up early and go --  or a buddy who won’t care that you aren’t shooting for a PR this race and who might have to physically carry you across the finish line, you need help.  And it’s OK to admit that you need help, too. You might think you are Superman, but did you know that dirty diapers are actually 38% Kryptonite? Fact.


So, whatever your game plan is as a new parent, good luck. You can do it, but it is going to be difficult.

But hey, you’ve got a kid now…congratulations! Can anything really be more difficult than that? Nope. Now go out and run.

Albert Camus' The Stranger is a lot like running

One of our required readings in high school was The Stranger, by French existentialist Albert Camus. Now, I don't recall all of the details of the book, but from what I remember, the gist is this: A guy goes to the beach, gets really hot and, as a result of his existential nature to follow how he feels at the time, kills someone. Because he was hot and angry.

I couldn't help but think of this story as I ran face first into the punishing 8 a.m. sun on my run today. It was early, there wasn't a cloud in the sky, and I was melting. And it was right then that I thought, "Huh, this Camus guy might be on to something here..."

Not that the sun would cause me to kill someone. That part is crazy. But the part about not being able to ignore the physical discomfort that something is causing you, that part I understand.

There are many times this obsession with discomfort will occur during a run. It could be in the heat, like it was this morning. It could be a nagging shin split, or perhaps that one of your shoes is just a little tighter than the other and it is making you feel lopsided. Whatever it is, the mental part of running, for me at least, can dominate the physical part with ease. If I didn't have a brain, I think running would be a lot easier.

And that is how I came to this conclusion: Albert Camus' The Stranger is a lot like running.

Just don't kill anyone while you're out there. I don't think the existentialist defense will fly in court.

All quiet...

...when the doctor tells you not to run. Damn foot.

More than likely it's just tendinitis, but the doc has advised an extra week of non-running, bringing my total up to 3 weeks off. On one hand I love being able to not feel guilty for missing a run, since there is the whole "doctor's note" excuse. On the other hand, I can only do so much stationary rowing and biking at the gym.

Anyway, I'll check in after next week, when I remove the shackles for the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department Mud Run. Full report and photos of the insanity to follow...

Race Wrap-Up: A Run Through Redlands

In my mind, Redlands is known for three things: ridiculously hot summers, oranges, and hills.(Remember, this is in my mind. Temperature and terrain assessments may vary based on experience.) So, why not bring them all together in one event, appropriately titled A Run Through Redlands?

For the past couple of years, I have been meaning to try out this local race, but other plans have always gotten in the way. Now, since I am a homeowner in this fine city, I figured I should step up to the plate (or start line, as it were) and give it a go.

And so, on a warm Sunday morning following a late Saturday night, I participated in the half marathon of A Run Through Redlands. What follows are my impressions of what is, overall, a great local happening that, with some minor tweaks, can be truly outstanding.

Course
I mentioned the hills. Undulating through Redlands' south side, the course presented its fair share of challenges. After opening with two flat miles, the next five were gradually up, culminating with a steep trek up Mariposa Drive. However, it could have been worse: Initial course maps called for running up treacherous Rossmont Drive at mile 6.5. Luckily, that was changed to a less-demanding route.


With only about 600 runners in the half marathon, room to run was at a maximum (once you diverted from sharing the course with the 10K runners). Aid stations were evenly spaced, and runners were treated to the scenery of beautiful Prospect Park and some of Redlands' finest Victorian-style homes.
Grade: B+

Scenery
After the parks and the old Victorians, Redlands still has some phenomenal views. Cresting Sunset Drive around mile 8, runners could look southeast to the vineyards of San Timoteo Canyon. And, did you know there is a house in Redlands that looks exactly like a castle? Yeah, I didn't either, until running this race. That was actually one of the higher points of this event, being able to absorb some of the town's eccentricities up close and personal.
Grade: A

Organization
Bib and timing chip pick-up were a breeze on Saturday afternoon, and the course was clearly signed so that runners knew exactly where to turn. The starting lines for each race were in different locations, so it was a little confusing to find where each race began. But, the emcee was vocal enough and communicated everything clearly so that you could find your spot. No timing corrals made for a mad dash at the start, which could be improved.
Grade: A-

Perks
For the $45 entry fee, runners received a cotton T-shirt with the race's logo, which features a classic Redlands home each year. (This year, that home belongs to the parents of our good friend Katie!) Finisher's medals were given to half-marathoners, while 5K and 10K runners were awarded participant's ribbons. Freshly-squeezed orange juice, water, and orange slices were available at the finish line. (See, I told you Redlands was known for oranges.)
Grade: B

Community Support
For a town that, to me, prides itself on keeping everything local, the community turnout was a bit disappointing. Volunteers were fantastic, blocking off streets and keeping runners safe the entire time. But, for running primarily through neighborhoods, I expected more people out in their front yards offering moral support and more cowbell. Save the final aid station, energy from spectators -- even in the finish chute -- was low.
Grade: C-

Runner's High(light): Mile 12 Aid Station
A massive shout out to the students and faculty of Moore Middle School, who absolutely BROUGHT IT at their mile 12 aid station. Students in the school's dark green colors sprinted forward from the water tables, bringing the refreshments to the runners. The school mascots were out, and for the warm weather, you've got to hand it to the kids willing to wake up early on a Sunday morning to sweat it out in giant-headed lion costumes.

The best part of this aid station, though, was the music. When you're at mile 12, sans iPod, and the "Oh, yeeeah!" of Sweet's "Ballroom Blitz" is blaring at you, it's kind of difficult not to get pumped up.

Needless to say, this aid station put all of the others to shame and gave a well-timed energy boost.
Grade: A+


Hitting the Wall (aka, the Lowlight): The Finish Chute (or lack thereof)
As any runner will tell you, the best part of a race is turning down the homestretch and seeing the giant FINISH sign beckoning you to, well, finish. It is like a beacon of hope, an oasis of freedom from the shackles of running, and every other dramatic analogy all wrapped up into one huge bag of awesome.

This race, however, did not have one.

And, to make matters worse, there were three timing pads at the finish, and none were marked. So, I just ran all the way to the last one, even though I wasn't even sure that one signified the end of the race. No emcee cheered you home, and the response from the crowd around the area was tepid at best.

So, while there was still a sense of accomplishment to completing the 13.1 miles, it was all a bit watered down. It was as if everyone came for the 5K and forgot that the half marathon was still taking place.

No finish sign?! 
Grade: D-

Hardware
Who doesn't love a medal, right? While a bit small, it was a nice token to receive this year's Finisher's Medal, emblazoned with the previously-discussed T-shirt logo. A nice touch for a small town race.
Grade: B

Suggestion Box
While A Run Through Redlands more often than not hit on all cylinders, there are some areas that could be improved. The energy of the aid stations should be increased to give runners that little extra oomph, and the organizers should reach out to more of the local student populations to supply it.

The 10K started before the half marathon, leaving participants of the latter to weave in and out of the 10Kers who had decided to walk. Why not start the half first, since it is the longest distance?

Finally, by starting three different races in two different locations, there were no starting signs or a proper finish chute. While these might seem like minor oversights to a casual spectator, as a runner it really diminishes from the fanfare that is involved in most races if you come to the finish line feeling like you simply finihsed a training run. My solution: Re-route the courses so they can start and end at the same point, throw up some big ass signs, and you've got yourself a true event.

Overall Grade: B
For a local race, A Run Through Redlands offered wonderful scenery, a challenging course, and seamless organization. With some small changes, it can truly shine.

But, can you beat the convenience of sleeping in your own bed the night before a big race? I'll trade that for a couple of flaws any day of the week.

Get-Pumped-Up-and-Drag-Your-Ass-Out-the-Door Song of the Day: Andrew W.K.

Back by popular demand, it's the Get-Pumped-Up-and-Drag-Your-Ass-Out-the-Door Song of the Day!

Today's offering: "Party Hard," by Andrew W.K.

This white jeans-clad one-hit-wonder's campy ode to blowing off steam is, as the title suggests, one big party. Combining a crunchy, industrial rhythm with piano-chord breakdowns was nothing short of ballsy back when it came out in 2001, and today its bouncy tempo makes it the perfect mate for a speedwork playlist.

I'll never forget the endless parade of shit I got from my friends when I bought this album back in college. It was silly, and over the top, and just plain ridiculous to listen to in a setting where most people were still finding their inner-Dave Matthews. But, just as it does today, Andrew W.K.'s music made me smile. It was that simple, and I loved it.

I may not follow Andrew W.K.'s career at all today, and I don't even know where that old copy of his CD is. But, I know that "Party Hard" is an essential track for any runner who needs a kick in the ass. It's a high energy, feel-good song, and that's what you need when you're headed out the door after it's been raining all day.

Enjoy! And remember, if this song doesn't get you fired up, you don't have a pulse!

Party Hard - Andrew W.K.
I Get Wet, 2001
Island Records

Sidelined

Public enemy number one for any runner (besides stray dogs, blisters, and inconveniently-timed bowel movements): injury.

I have to say, I feel lucky that I have never encountered any major injuries during my time as a runner...

...

...

Sorry, I had to go find some wood to knock on.

As I was saying, I have never had any major injuries, besides shin splits. Now, though, I am not so sure.

For the past week or so I have been experiencing some pain in my left ankle/foot, what I suppose to be tendonitis. I must have come back a little too vigorously post-marathon, cranking out five mile runs like I was a Kardashian chasing something shiny, and I think it's caught up with me.

Have I gone to the doctor yet? Of course not, that would just be silly. I figured I would try to treat it myself first, with good old RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation, for those who forget acronyms pre-OMG and LOL). So far, so so...

As a result, I have been doing a lot of swimming and a lot of pining for the roads. Sure, I love being in the water, but I've found my comfort zone with running, and I've built up a good amount of base mileage. I am only hoping that I don't lose that now.

So, I'll be back out running sometime this weekend, and I guess that, for now, I can take solace in the fact that I feel like I am healing. No major layoff time, like my running partner Gary (4-5 weeks, as of right now). No physical therapy, like another running friend, Jimmy. Just some rest and relaxation.

Hopefully, with a few more days, that R & R will change to running and running.