The day started with a nice seven mile run, an out and back on Prenzlauer Alle. I do love running in new cities. I only wish it weren’t so dark so late into the morning; right now, there is only daylight from 8am until roughly 4pm.
I’m embarrassed to say it, but I was underwhelmed by my visit to Sachenhausen, the former concentration camp. I theorized that it was because I had visited the US Holocaust Museum in DC and Jerusalem and seen the Memorial in Boston that it was my expectation that I’d just feel numb. However, that was not the case. After a presentation on the history of the camp by our guide, Stefan, we toured the grounds. It was a cold, dreary day that seemed to get colder as the day worn on. The camp is surrounded by houses and it feels like it is a park in the middle of the neighborhood. Maybe I was numb because this was a work camp and not an extermination camp, and most of the inmates were political prisoners and not very many Jews. I’m not sure about the implications of that statement or how I feel.
At the start of the tour, we were standing by a building that used to be used by the SS but now was being used by police for training. It was just outside the confines of the camp, and as we were standing there, German policed started yelling and ran to these two men. It was just a drill, a sting operation, but it unnerved many in the group to hear and see this.
As we were departing, Doug reported to the front desk he saw a swastika on the men’s bathroom stall. Police were alerted, his information recorded, and our tour leader contacted. It was disgusting that it happened, yet reassuring that the Germans took this very seriously.
When we returned to the hotel, we had a discussion. Each person offered a thought, going around the room, and then the floor was open for comment. Here are some of the comments:
- It was interesting how people lived so close yet really didn’t do much. It took two months before a lady living in the town wrote a letter to the head of the camp complaining about the smell of burning flesh.
- Interesting how bad economy leads to depression
- Notion of today’s freedom in contrast with our ancestors
- “Smaller things” make Shoah worse
- Shocking how close to the town the camp was and really not far from Berlin
- “Who could possibly want to live next to a camp? A former camp?”
- How cold it was and we had proper clothes – the prisoners did not.
- Impressed with response of sensitivity of current Germans and impressed that it is funded by German government and that this program is staffed mostly by non-Jews.
- Former SS barracks shouldn’t be used as police training
- Discussed singing of anthem at sporting events and nationalism
After, we went to dinner nearby. The food was pretty good, but we took so long (three hours) that we didn’t have time to go out after for Elana (pronounced like Iguana)’s birthday for karaoke. Instead, we found an Irish pub nearby. And then, bed.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
Day Two - Touring Berlin
I woke up early enough to go for a run. With a steady snow, I was content to alter my pace to just under nine minute miles, as I ran on the streets of Berlin. Few cars were out, and those that were did not pose a problem. I’m not terribly sure where I went, but I went under the Brandbenberg Gate, passed the Reichstag – where a German policeman tried to tell me (first in German, then in broken English) that I had to run around, and not through the Reichstag, which apparently, is frowned upon in this establishment, and passed a memorial that was in Russian. I was taken aback to see a street named for Yitzhak Rabin in Germany. I did a seven mile out and back in around an hour (1:01). Then breakfast!
In the morning we toured Berlin on a bus. I was most fascinated with the history of East and West Berlin and how the two played a large role in the Cold War. Our first stop took us to a section of the Berlin Wall that is still standing, but covered by art. I remember the significance of the wall as I was in middle school when it fell, watching scenes on TV and discussing them in social studies. I snapped a few pictures of the wall and of some of the art. The one of the two guys kissing is called “The Fraternal Kiss” and is one of the more famous paintings on the East Side Gallery which depicts former Soviet leader, Brezhnev, locking lips with the former head of East Germany, Honecker. I also liked the caricature of Checkpoint Charlie, which we saw right before lunch. I almost got my passport stamped, but that cost about $4, and I tried to haggle unsuccessfully so I walked.
After lunch, we went on a walking tour with the founder of the program, Dr. Dagmir Pruin. She is not Jewish, but is a professor of the Hebrew Bible and very learned in these matters. The tour, “Don’t Trust the Green Grass,” – or in this case, white snow – was meant to get us to see the things that weren’t there: the former thriving Jewish community. At its height, Berlin had 170,000 Jews. 55,000 were murdered in the Shoah. That number is relatively low, but bear in mind that some were able to flee before and some did survive. Those that stayed behind did so because they believed that as bad as things were, they couldn’t get worse.
We started the tour at the site of the former oldest synagogue in Berlin. It is now a small park surrounded by apartment buildings. On the site is a memorial sculpture telling the story of the non-Jewish wives married to Jewish men. The men were taken away and the wives protested, and apparently, the men were returned. As we walked in the dreary cold, we stepped passed plaques indicating where Jews had once lived. One that stuck out was of Uri Aron, who was born in 1942 and murdered in 1943. After, we went to a Jewish cemetery where Moses Mendelssohn is buried. He was a German Jewish philosopher to whose ideas were the basis for the renaissance of European Jews, Haskalah (the Jewish Enlightenment). He has been referred to as the father of Reform Judaism.
Next to the cemetery is a former Jewish old age home – ironic. There is now a Jewish high school; its population is 400, half of which are Jewish.
Back at the hotel, Frank Reichherzer, who is studying for his advanced degree at Humboldt University, gave us a brief history of Germany. I was most interested in the Weimar Republic, having written a paper on it for political science class at GWU. Article 48, the Enabling Act, allowed the Nazis to rise to power. What I did not know that was valuable to learn was just how it was that it came about that Germany reunified.
At night, we went to the New Synagogue to dine with Berlin Jews. Many of those are not German, having come from Russia, but it was an educational experience. Food was scarce by the time we arrived, but I managed a donut which is appropriate for Hanukkah. After, we went to Christmas markets and walked around the mall, splitting in small groups to hit the city. We wandered a market and then walked down Prenzlauer Allee to the Brandenberg Gate. Along the way, we drank some of the “hot wine” and stopped at a store where I bought a shirt of the “walking man” on the traffic lights. Not quite sure how to explain that inside joke. Along our walk, we stopped and looked down at the site of where the Nazis burned books. The memorial is a glass window that peers down into empty bookcases – very powerful image. At Brandenberg Gate, a snowball fight broke out, which was fun. Eventually I negotiated a peace, and we made our way to a bar near the hotel to finish the night.
In the morning we toured Berlin on a bus. I was most fascinated with the history of East and West Berlin and how the two played a large role in the Cold War. Our first stop took us to a section of the Berlin Wall that is still standing, but covered by art. I remember the significance of the wall as I was in middle school when it fell, watching scenes on TV and discussing them in social studies. I snapped a few pictures of the wall and of some of the art. The one of the two guys kissing is called “The Fraternal Kiss” and is one of the more famous paintings on the East Side Gallery which depicts former Soviet leader, Brezhnev, locking lips with the former head of East Germany, Honecker. I also liked the caricature of Checkpoint Charlie, which we saw right before lunch. I almost got my passport stamped, but that cost about $4, and I tried to haggle unsuccessfully so I walked.
After lunch, we went on a walking tour with the founder of the program, Dr. Dagmir Pruin. She is not Jewish, but is a professor of the Hebrew Bible and very learned in these matters. The tour, “Don’t Trust the Green Grass,” – or in this case, white snow – was meant to get us to see the things that weren’t there: the former thriving Jewish community. At its height, Berlin had 170,000 Jews. 55,000 were murdered in the Shoah. That number is relatively low, but bear in mind that some were able to flee before and some did survive. Those that stayed behind did so because they believed that as bad as things were, they couldn’t get worse.
We started the tour at the site of the former oldest synagogue in Berlin. It is now a small park surrounded by apartment buildings. On the site is a memorial sculpture telling the story of the non-Jewish wives married to Jewish men. The men were taken away and the wives protested, and apparently, the men were returned. As we walked in the dreary cold, we stepped passed plaques indicating where Jews had once lived. One that stuck out was of Uri Aron, who was born in 1942 and murdered in 1943. After, we went to a Jewish cemetery where Moses Mendelssohn is buried. He was a German Jewish philosopher to whose ideas were the basis for the renaissance of European Jews, Haskalah (the Jewish Enlightenment). He has been referred to as the father of Reform Judaism.
Next to the cemetery is a former Jewish old age home – ironic. There is now a Jewish high school; its population is 400, half of which are Jewish.
Back at the hotel, Frank Reichherzer, who is studying for his advanced degree at Humboldt University, gave us a brief history of Germany. I was most interested in the Weimar Republic, having written a paper on it for political science class at GWU. Article 48, the Enabling Act, allowed the Nazis to rise to power. What I did not know that was valuable to learn was just how it was that it came about that Germany reunified.
At night, we went to the New Synagogue to dine with Berlin Jews. Many of those are not German, having come from Russia, but it was an educational experience. Food was scarce by the time we arrived, but I managed a donut which is appropriate for Hanukkah. After, we went to Christmas markets and walked around the mall, splitting in small groups to hit the city. We wandered a market and then walked down Prenzlauer Allee to the Brandenberg Gate. Along the way, we drank some of the “hot wine” and stopped at a store where I bought a shirt of the “walking man” on the traffic lights. Not quite sure how to explain that inside joke. Along our walk, we stopped and looked down at the site of where the Nazis burned books. The memorial is a glass window that peers down into empty bookcases – very powerful image. At Brandenberg Gate, a snowball fight broke out, which was fun. Eventually I negotiated a peace, and we made our way to a bar near the hotel to finish the night.
Day One – In Berlin and meeting the group
I made it to Germany just after noon, and, despite the odds, my bag appeared on the carousel. I was surprised, however, that upon exiting the plane, the bag pick up was right outside the gate and right outside the gate was the terminal. I was confused at first because there was no one from customs to stamp my passport. I asked the attendant by security, and he said I was fine. Later, I figured out that since I had already had my passport stamped in Paris, I must be good to go for Europe.
I followed the signs – well, the pictures – and found my way to the bus, stopping only to exchange $200 for about 130 Euros. I was rather impressed with myself for finding the right bus to take and then having the patience to wait for the proper stop instead of asking. I quickly found the transfer to the subway, took it two stops, and exited. That’s when I ran into my first problem: where was the hotel? It wasn’t clear on the map, and I couldn’t find anyone friendly enough to help, until one nice lady gave me directions.
Oh, did I mention the ground is covered in a snow-ice-slush mix? Snish? I’m not sure the technical term. And, my body hadn’t quite eased into the DC cold weather to be ready for the real winter of Germany, which means only eight hours of daylight. I trudged on in the cold dragging my suitcase since the wheels weren’t helping much, and carrying my backpack.
At the hotel, I was advised my room was ready and my roommate had already checked in. Rob is a lawyer from Cincinnati and living in Columbus, Ohio. We started a conversation, unpacked, and then joined up with his friend Ben from Cleveland now living in Columbus as a city planner, and Ben’s roommate Doug, who lives in the Upper East Side of New York City. We strolled around the snish-covered sidewalks of Berlin, stopping at a bakery for coffee and a pretzel. It was next to a Dunkin Donuts, so I snapped a picture and emailed my Dad that this was the proof that DD really is trying to take over the world (inside joke).
We continued our trek and made our way to the Brandenberg Gate where I snapped pictures of a Christmas tree and a menorah. There was Darth Vader having lightsaber battles, a man dressed in a Soviet uniform offering to stamp your passport, a panda bear (confused), and a guy who was painted to look like a statue.
We then made our way to the Reichstag, snapped a few photos, and looked at each other and said, “Yup, time to go back and get warm.” After a brief stop in a clothing store for gloves and at a CVS-like store for 2-in-1 shampoo (Smurf was an option, but none of us bought it), it was back to the hotel to shower before dinner.
At dinner, we were introduced to the program, the program leader, Dr. Dagmir Pruin, her staff, Itay, Anna, and Uly, and introduced ourselves. Then the organized chaos of a buffet dinner began, followed by me lighting the Hanukkah candles. After, we all went out, searching for a bar. Somehow, we settled on an outdoor bonfire bar, where a Turkish man speaking German offered to sell me marijuana. No thanks. I did buy the only beer that didn't seem terrible, and I am quite surprised at the lack of good beer options. We finished at a bar near the hotel and then, jeglagged, called it a night.
I followed the signs – well, the pictures – and found my way to the bus, stopping only to exchange $200 for about 130 Euros. I was rather impressed with myself for finding the right bus to take and then having the patience to wait for the proper stop instead of asking. I quickly found the transfer to the subway, took it two stops, and exited. That’s when I ran into my first problem: where was the hotel? It wasn’t clear on the map, and I couldn’t find anyone friendly enough to help, until one nice lady gave me directions.
Oh, did I mention the ground is covered in a snow-ice-slush mix? Snish? I’m not sure the technical term. And, my body hadn’t quite eased into the DC cold weather to be ready for the real winter of Germany, which means only eight hours of daylight. I trudged on in the cold dragging my suitcase since the wheels weren’t helping much, and carrying my backpack.
At the hotel, I was advised my room was ready and my roommate had already checked in. Rob is a lawyer from Cincinnati and living in Columbus, Ohio. We started a conversation, unpacked, and then joined up with his friend Ben from Cleveland now living in Columbus as a city planner, and Ben’s roommate Doug, who lives in the Upper East Side of New York City. We strolled around the snish-covered sidewalks of Berlin, stopping at a bakery for coffee and a pretzel. It was next to a Dunkin Donuts, so I snapped a picture and emailed my Dad that this was the proof that DD really is trying to take over the world (inside joke).
We continued our trek and made our way to the Brandenberg Gate where I snapped pictures of a Christmas tree and a menorah. There was Darth Vader having lightsaber battles, a man dressed in a Soviet uniform offering to stamp your passport, a panda bear (confused), and a guy who was painted to look like a statue.
We then made our way to the Reichstag, snapped a few photos, and looked at each other and said, “Yup, time to go back and get warm.” After a brief stop in a clothing store for gloves and at a CVS-like store for 2-in-1 shampoo (Smurf was an option, but none of us bought it), it was back to the hotel to shower before dinner.
At dinner, we were introduced to the program, the program leader, Dr. Dagmir Pruin, her staff, Itay, Anna, and Uly, and introduced ourselves. Then the organized chaos of a buffet dinner began, followed by me lighting the Hanukkah candles. After, we all went out, searching for a bar. Somehow, we settled on an outdoor bonfire bar, where a Turkish man speaking German offered to sell me marijuana. No thanks. I did buy the only beer that didn't seem terrible, and I am quite surprised at the lack of good beer options. We finished at a bar near the hotel and then, jeglagged, called it a night.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Berlin-bound!
With a short stay in the Air France lounge first to type this. It is my goal to blog daily while on my trip to Germany. The theme of this trip is to bring young American Jews to Berlin to witness modern Germany. It's sort of a, "We've come a long way since that thing 70 or so year ago." Sponsored by the German government, I will get to see Potsdam, Sachsenhausen (the former concentration camp), meet with a German MP, Wittenberg, the Holocaust Museum, and take part in discussions on German relations with Israel, the US, and on policy such as immigration. I look forward to drinking real German beer in Germany, going for a run on the streets, and seeing the city and the parts of the country we visit.
Of course, I have to get there first.
Nothing is so disconcerting as getting an email while on the bus to the airport telling you that your connecting flight from Paris to Berlin has been canceled. I was relatively calm as I figured they would put me on a later flight, which is what they did, but the counter folks did not find out about the change before I did. That was interesting as they checked my bag, sent it on its way, then would have to locate it to put a new tag on it. I give my bag a 50/50 chance of meeting me when I land. If that's the case, all I have are my jacket, backpack, clothes, and Red Sox hat (you can't travel internationally with your Sox hat, right?).
The flight is boarding soon - I stayed up most of last night in hopes I will sleep on the flight and be well rested when I land. Next post from Europe - and hopefully pictures.
The journey begins...
Of course, I have to get there first.
Nothing is so disconcerting as getting an email while on the bus to the airport telling you that your connecting flight from Paris to Berlin has been canceled. I was relatively calm as I figured they would put me on a later flight, which is what they did, but the counter folks did not find out about the change before I did. That was interesting as they checked my bag, sent it on its way, then would have to locate it to put a new tag on it. I give my bag a 50/50 chance of meeting me when I land. If that's the case, all I have are my jacket, backpack, clothes, and Red Sox hat (you can't travel internationally with your Sox hat, right?).
The flight is boarding soon - I stayed up most of last night in hopes I will sleep on the flight and be well rested when I land. Next post from Europe - and hopefully pictures.
The journey begins...
Sunday, November 7, 2010
New York City Marathon: Race Report
We have a new champion for title of "Kenny's Favorite Marathon." Congratulations, New York City Marathon, for grabbing the title away from my previous favorite. Actually, and let me be clear, I simply had the most fun at NYCM than in my previous marathons. For number 14, NYC was low-pressure, since I knew I wasn't going all out because I PR-ed five weeks ago at Wineglass Marathon in Corning, NY, with a 3:13. My 3:26 in NYC was solid, and I ran it without a watch (accidentally checked it in my bag and when I realized and tried to get my bag back was told it was too late). For a marathon with over 45,000 runners, they did a very good job top to bottom. The crowd support was fantastic, the organization was great, and the course was top-notch.
The expo was well organized if crowded. I went there on Saturday to the Javits Center to pick up my packet. They ran out of small shirts so I had to settle for a medium. Why they didn't plan properly for this confused me, but the shirt looks good even if it looks a little big.
Inside was crazy. There were many people who traveled from other countries to attend and they swarmed the expo. I can't recall the last time I had trouble finding someone whose primary language was English! But, it was neat to see so many people excited to run the NYC Marathon, and I found myself included among the excited!
The marathon started on Staten Island just before the Verrazano Narrows Bridge and winds into Brooklyn where it spends almost half the marathon. A long stretch runs along 4th Avenue. I just decided to run what I thought I could and was holding steady around 7:30s early on. I think I picked up the pace when my friend, Chris Sabatini, jumped in around mile 9 and stayed with me until the halfway point. Entering Manhattan was very cool and I resisted the urge to speed up. I ran down towards the Bronx with a smile on my face most of the way - I was loving it. In the Bronx, I determined that because so many Red Sox seasons had died there, my marathon would not die in the Bronx! And it didn't! I plowed through the sparse sections of the Bronx until I was back in the city. But, with 35K to go, I started to feel it and my pace must have dropped off, as my splits indicate. I kept churning my legs in Central Park, but I had nothing left except a late sprint at the end, not enough to get in under 3:26 (I stopped to pee for 20 seconds, so let's call it 3:25).
After the race, they make you walk for another mile with just tin foil as you get cold to grab your bag. I found this girl I spoke with in the coral going to Harvard law and we chatted for a bit. She thought it was it 2:45 and was running late, but I reminded her of the time change. After, I grabbed my stuff, changed into my Patriots jersey and headed to meet my friend Deron at a bar in the financial part of town to watch the Patriots embarrass themselves against the lowly Browns. At least I could celebrate with some nice Brooklyn Lager!
After, it was on to Chris and Gwen's to pack, load up Sammy, and head back to DC. Not a bad race!
Splits:
5K 23:11 (23:11 = 7:29) / 10K 46:10 (22:59 = 7:25) / 15K 1:09:44 (22:34 = 7:17) / 20K 1:33:23 (22:39 = 7:18) / 25K 1:57:50 (24:27 = 7:53) / 30K 2:21:54 (24:04 = 7:46) / 35K 2:47:25 (25:31 = 8:14) / 40K 3:14:47 (27:22 = 8:50) / 13.1half 1:38:43 = 7:32 / 26.2 full 3:26:01 = 7:52 (8:09 second half)
New York City was a fun race to run. What I enjoyed the most was the crowd and the city. I had a ball running without my watch (I accidentally checked it), and since I PR-ed five weeks earlier with a 3:13, I was free of time and could just enjoy the run. I enjoyed running about six miles to the halfway point with my friend Chris Sabatini. I loved running down into Manhattan. I remember when it got tough as I entered the Bronx thinking, "So many Boston Red Sox seasons have died in the Bronx - my marathon won't!" And I ran well through that three mile stretch - only to die once back in Manhattan. Central Park was grueling and I couldn't wait for the finish line. I tried to finish strong, yet just missed a 3:25 by seconds - but 3:26 is certainly great for a run in which I ran just for the enjoyment. After, I got a beer and watched the Pats lose to the Browns at a bar with Deron. Not a bad race!
Monday, November 1, 2010
The Rally for Sanity was In-SANE!
I'm not the type who likes to participate in rallies or large gatherings. I guess I am a little claustrophobic about standing shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands of other people. Plus, I am only 5'6" and that makes it hard for me to see over many people. But, I did venture down to the Stewart-Colbert Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear.
I started the day with a 10-mile run, my last "long" run before running NYC on November 7th, in which I ran from my house down to the Mall via the new MBT trail and turned around at 14th Street. I was on the Mall around 8am, and already the area by the stage was filling up; that grassy area by 3rd and 4th Streets was packed four hours ahead of time. I couldn't imagine standing or sitting in one place for over 7 hours! I did manage to snag two towels they were giving away that were pretty cool: a two-headed Stewart-Colbert logo. Later, I gave one to Keith.
When I returned home, I showered, changed, and drove down with my roommates, Mark and Jess. We parked near my work by Union Station and gambled we would not receive a parking ticket. Jess brought her shiatsu, Tchi (sp?) who I call Swiffer, and limped around on her bad leg. The most fun I had on the Mall was taking pictures of the people and signs. I enjoy people-watching.
Being Halloween weekend, many people came in costume and carried funny signs. There were several witches. And, there were several tea references.
I particularly like this email. Who are these yellow people?
Oh, those were the days! This politician is particularly frightening - most people named Sarah usually scare me, though.
For anyone who has ever answered mail on the Hill, the CAPS LOCK SIGN is particularly funny!
This tea party mad hatter guy gets around. What's with this blue costumed person?
I love Mark Twain quotes!
Here I am with my friend from my running club, Lisa. She was handing out small signs. My roommate Jess took one.
Oh, my - it's the radical gay agenda!
Another good picture of reasonable people!
Let common sense prevail!
I started the day with a 10-mile run, my last "long" run before running NYC on November 7th, in which I ran from my house down to the Mall via the new MBT trail and turned around at 14th Street. I was on the Mall around 8am, and already the area by the stage was filling up; that grassy area by 3rd and 4th Streets was packed four hours ahead of time. I couldn't imagine standing or sitting in one place for over 7 hours! I did manage to snag two towels they were giving away that were pretty cool: a two-headed Stewart-Colbert logo. Later, I gave one to Keith.
When I returned home, I showered, changed, and drove down with my roommates, Mark and Jess. We parked near my work by Union Station and gambled we would not receive a parking ticket. Jess brought her shiatsu, Tchi (sp?) who I call Swiffer, and limped around on her bad leg. The most fun I had on the Mall was taking pictures of the people and signs. I enjoy people-watching.
Being Halloween weekend, many people came in costume and carried funny signs. There were several witches. And, there were several tea references.
I particularly like this email. Who are these yellow people?
Oh, those were the days! This politician is particularly frightening - most people named Sarah usually scare me, though.
For anyone who has ever answered mail on the Hill, the CAPS LOCK SIGN is particularly funny!
This tea party mad hatter guy gets around. What's with this blue costumed person?
I love Mark Twain quotes!
Here I am with my friend from my running club, Lisa. She was handing out small signs. My roommate Jess took one.
Oh, my - it's the radical gay agenda!
Another good picture of reasonable people!
Let common sense prevail!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Wineglass Marathon Report: A New PR
Bad news: I did not qualify for Boston. That would have taken a 3:10:59 marathon. Good news: I set a new personal record! Three hours, thirteen minutes, and thirty-five seconds is my fastest marathon time out of my thirteen marathons. On one hand, I wish I had qualified for Boston, but on the other hand, I feel elated that I ran my best race to date. I can't be disappointed with my time or effort.
I started out smart as I noticed the 3:10 pacer took the group out a bit fast. I ran my race at the beginning and kept the pack in sight. By mile five, I had caught up and was solidly in the pack. I mainly focused on my breathing, the course, the conversation with others in the pack, and the song stuck in my head ("Let it Rock"). We hit the halfway mark at 1:34 even, which was a minute faster than the 1:35 goal. I felt good and stuck with the group and the pace. I think running with them kept me on pace for as long as possible. Kudos to Pacer Craig who for his first time pacing the 3:10 folks, did mainly a good job. B+ for Craig, and I emailed my feedback to the pace team captain.
At mile 15, I started to feel really good thinking about what it would be like to cross in 3:10 and the joy I'd experience. It was the longest I had stayed close to this pace group, and I started to envision the rest of the race and repeated in my mind: "Hold on until the mile 20 marker; just stick with the group until mile 23; take your last Gu; then with 3.2 miles to go if you are on pace, do not quit as you can do it especially if you are that close to your goal!"
I made it past the mile 20 marker still with the group, but not too long after, as we got off the long road and onto a community park trail, my thighs really tightened up and I couldn't turn my legs over to keep pace. I ran mile 20 in 7:22, and that was the last sub 8 minute mile I ran. The rest were right around 8:00, as I slugged it through the rest. I knew I was still on pace for a PR - all I had to do was not give up. That echoed through my head: PR if you just keep your legs moving; PR if you just keep your legs moving; PR - just move those legs! With less than two miles to go, I found that last bit inside of me to hold steady. It was now a question of 3:14 or 3:13; did I want to call myself a 3:13 marathoner? If yes, then just keep the legs moving.
I kept those legs moving. I even switched into that last gear as I hear the rephrase of my email signature: "Even when you have gone as far as you can, and everything hurts, and you are staring at the specter of self-doubt, you can find a bit more strength deep inside you, if you look closely enough." - Hal Higdon
The last mile was simply a test of wills. I wanted the race to be over, but I wasn't quite at the finish line. "Just keep those legs moving!" I finally saw the footbridge, and then the legs moved even faster - whatever I had left. I love finishing strong, so I ran over the bridge to the finish line shouting, "PR!" as I raised my arms in the arm to a loud crowd - it was amazing! I had accomplished my goal of running a marathon faster than I had, and I can now call myself a 3:13 marathoner!
I waited by the finish line a few minutes until my trip-mate, Jennifer, crossed the line, gasping for air. She set a new PR for herself but more than half an hour and crossed well under her goal of 3:20. There, we hung out at the finish line festival, grabbed some of the food, and went to the Y to shower. After, we went to a local bar to drink while we waited for Ken and Hilary to finish the race, shower, then join us. I had three Rogue Dead Guy Ales - how appropriate!
Leftovers:
I never root against anyone at a marathon, but I sent bad wishes to the guy wearing the Free West Bank (front) Free Gaza (back) shirt. He probably ran a sub 3 marathon, and the pace group I was with agreed that it was an odd choice to make such a political statement at a race.
What's next?
I am scheduled to run NYC in five weeks. I still need to put together a good recovery plan. My legs are sore and I hope to run a little by Wednesday. I also do not know if I should try again at NYC or what my goal should be or if I should just run it and not worry about time and enjoy the experience. But, I can answer that the next few days. Tonight: Good beer from Churchkey!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Back to Workshop
It has been roughly ten years since I last was part of a writing workshop. Over the summer, I applied to and was accepted to participate in the Jenny McKean Moore Community Writing Workshop (how do I fit that on my resume?). Last night was our first meeting, and I must state I feel quite underaccomplished (Grammar check? not a word? Okay, I'm making it one). Compared to the rest of the group, roughly a dozen, we have a number of already-published writers. Many in the group have projects they are working on, and I have only an idea in my head. But, I am confident that I will have something in writing as I will be forced to actually write!
In other news, I am scheduled to run Wineglass Marathon in less than three weeks. I am in the tapering stages, and it is possible taper-crazy will hit me the week before the race. My training times are where they should be (tempo miles at 6:45-50/Yassos at low 3:00/Mile repeats at <6:30). I have done my long runs slow and on some increased my pace to run the last 5-6 miles at race pace which needs to be near 7:15. Let's hope this is my Boston Qualifier!
In the sporting world, the Red Sox season is ov-ah! It's too bad the team couldn't overcome all their injuries, but such is life. The Patriots started off well with a good win against Cincy - and I won a bet with my old roommate, the Ohio fan. Speaking of which, I joined him to watch OSU beat Miami.
And, lastly, in politics, family friend Bill Keating won the Democratic nod in MA-10. I like Bill - good guy, honest statesman, and he took on Billy Bulger! I really hope he wins the general in November.
That is all - end communication...
In other news, I am scheduled to run Wineglass Marathon in less than three weeks. I am in the tapering stages, and it is possible taper-crazy will hit me the week before the race. My training times are where they should be (tempo miles at 6:45-50/Yassos at low 3:00/Mile repeats at <6:30). I have done my long runs slow and on some increased my pace to run the last 5-6 miles at race pace which needs to be near 7:15. Let's hope this is my Boston Qualifier!
In the sporting world, the Red Sox season is ov-ah! It's too bad the team couldn't overcome all their injuries, but such is life. The Patriots started off well with a good win against Cincy - and I won a bet with my old roommate, the Ohio fan. Speaking of which, I joined him to watch OSU beat Miami.
And, lastly, in politics, family friend Bill Keating won the Democratic nod in MA-10. I like Bill - good guy, honest statesman, and he took on Billy Bulger! I really hope he wins the general in November.
That is all - end communication...
Monday, August 16, 2010
Got rid of the TV!
I've thought about this for quite some time. I know I should be watching TV less and reading more, but to actually go through with it and get rid of the TV and DirecTV in my room was a big step. I've seen the studies that show you get a better night's rest without a TV in the bedroom. I've heard anecdtotal evidence that the bedroom should be for relaxation and intimate activities. It wasn't easy, but the impetus was the DTV box stopped working, and that made it easy to disconnect and put the TV in storage in the basement. Now, the only active TV's in the house are the living room and the basement/den. I plan to read more and get through more books quicker. This way, I won't be watching so many reruns of shows I have already seen, and I will force myself to watch shows I actually like and not just sit there watching the screen. Currently, I watch Mad Men, Entourage, and Breaking Bad through Netflix. I record Lie to Me and Leverage and Family Guy and the Office. This season was also the first I did not renew MLB Extra Innings, and of course I did not get the NFL Sunday Ticket. I do not think the NFL package, at $319, is worth it when I can watch a good chunk of Pats' games on national TV or go to a bar and buy food with that money instead and be social. My DTV package is already the most basic plan (ESPN, TBS, TNT, and really not much more). I hate that a la carte is not an option as I would love to have Sci-Fi and AMC and History Channel, but that would cost $20 a month more and it is overpriced. I'm curious to see how this TV move affects my life as far as more time to read and better night's sleep. Let's see how this plays out.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Parking markers
This past week, DC was dumped on. By a lot of snow. A lot. I haven't been to work since last Friday around midday (three work and a half work days off). The federal government has been closed since last week. And, I have already broken one shovel (shoveling my roof to make sure the weight doesn't collapse the roof). Due to the record snow, it has taken significant efforts to dig out one's cars. In Boston, it is common for people to leave markers to reserve these spots. While it is not legal to do in Chicago or DC, I hear recently in Boston the mayor started to allow it for a day or two. I walked around my neighborhood and saw some of these examples here in DC. Here are a few of such examples.
First, here is my home. I dug a medium-sized car out from in front of my property. In fact, I have seen vans park in this spot. Notice the clean, wide spot. Notice the lack of a marker. This is public property and it would be wrong for me to mark it mine if there were no snow, so I have no ownership over it, in my opinion, in any circumstance. Other people feel differently.
The first example is called "Lone Chair." Say it like Dark Helmet in Space Balls for full effect. It is what is says it is; just a lone chair guarding a spot.
Our second example is the trendy "Stick on a Patio Chair." The patio chair clearly will not be needed for many months, so why not put it to good use? I'm not sure the purpose of the stick other than to assist the chair. This is the equivalent of placing a jacket on the seat near you in a theater.
This one is a personal favorite. I call it "The Nutcracker Valet." As you can see a sign is posted and the nutcracker's job apparently is to stand there and guard the spot. I wonder what the lawn chair is for; is it for the Nutcracker to sit down during breaks? Also, what do you tip such a valet?
Here is an odd one known simply as "Up Periscope." I almost wish it were a flag stuck in the snow as that would be funnier.
"Sign on a Pole" reminds me of the college roommate who leaves notes around the dorm reminding you to take your clothes out of the laundry or that it is your turn to clean the dishes. It is classic passive-aggressive.
What do you get when you have two chairs facing each other? It's "The Great Debate!" Today's topic: can this space be claimed?
What do you do when you have two spots to reserve? You form a "Chair-Chain," of course!
And lastly, my favorite, "The Crime Scene." This is the only one I take seriously. If someone has this much time and owns yellow tape, maybe you should just let this one be.
First, here is my home. I dug a medium-sized car out from in front of my property. In fact, I have seen vans park in this spot. Notice the clean, wide spot. Notice the lack of a marker. This is public property and it would be wrong for me to mark it mine if there were no snow, so I have no ownership over it, in my opinion, in any circumstance. Other people feel differently.
The first example is called "Lone Chair." Say it like Dark Helmet in Space Balls for full effect. It is what is says it is; just a lone chair guarding a spot.
Our second example is the trendy "Stick on a Patio Chair." The patio chair clearly will not be needed for many months, so why not put it to good use? I'm not sure the purpose of the stick other than to assist the chair. This is the equivalent of placing a jacket on the seat near you in a theater.
This one is a personal favorite. I call it "The Nutcracker Valet." As you can see a sign is posted and the nutcracker's job apparently is to stand there and guard the spot. I wonder what the lawn chair is for; is it for the Nutcracker to sit down during breaks? Also, what do you tip such a valet?
Here is an odd one known simply as "Up Periscope." I almost wish it were a flag stuck in the snow as that would be funnier.
"Sign on a Pole" reminds me of the college roommate who leaves notes around the dorm reminding you to take your clothes out of the laundry or that it is your turn to clean the dishes. It is classic passive-aggressive.
What do you get when you have two chairs facing each other? It's "The Great Debate!" Today's topic: can this space be claimed?
What do you do when you have two spots to reserve? You form a "Chair-Chain," of course!
And lastly, my favorite, "The Crime Scene." This is the only one I take seriously. If someone has this much time and owns yellow tape, maybe you should just let this one be.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
January 20, 2009
The four of us arrived at the Purple Gate before 7am. There was a neat and orderly line and we proceeded to get to the end at First Street. We waited like good citizens for three hours until we realized that we were going to be shut out unless we did something. We moved to the back of a group of people in front of the gate. There were so many people there that it was like sand going through an hour glass. The shear force of people pushing dragged us through the gate, into security, and through and we found a spot on First Street in front of the Capitol around 11:15am, minutes before the ceremony began.
We had a decent view - I would say we were within a football field's length of the podium and grandstand. It was truly a moving experience and we're very glad that we made it in. I feel bad for the thousands of people who had tickets that did not get to see it, and I feel worse for the thousands trapped in the 3rd Street "Tunnel of Doom."
We were fortunate to get tickets to the Arizona State Society Ball. It was held at the Historical Society of DC, 801 K Street, and it was very close to the official inaugural ball at the DC Convention Center, just a block away. We had no trouble getting through security, which didn't screen us for our ball, and no problem getting into our ball. The food wasn't great, but we anticipated that as several articles prepared us for what to expect. The ball itself was fun - there was dancing, mingling, and even a photo booth. All in all, not a bad experience.
We had a decent view - I would say we were within a football field's length of the podium and grandstand. It was truly a moving experience and we're very glad that we made it in. I feel bad for the thousands of people who had tickets that did not get to see it, and I feel worse for the thousands trapped in the 3rd Street "Tunnel of Doom."
We were fortunate to get tickets to the Arizona State Society Ball. It was held at the Historical Society of DC, 801 K Street, and it was very close to the official inaugural ball at the DC Convention Center, just a block away. We had no trouble getting through security, which didn't screen us for our ball, and no problem getting into our ball. The food wasn't great, but we anticipated that as several articles prepared us for what to expect. The ball itself was fun - there was dancing, mingling, and even a photo booth. All in all, not a bad experience.
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