I mostly train alone. That's not entirely true - I mostly train without human company. The only time I run with others tends to be my long runs or races. Occasionally there are others at track, but my easy runs are accompanied mostly by my dog, Sammy, which means for most runs, I don't get the chance to have conversations.
This morning, I ran from Laura's place in DuPont with the intent of running a loop around Haines Point which would have given me a solid ten miler. Within the first mile, a guy passed me on the left, but I kept pace, and we started a conversation. His name was David and he was visiting from Sacramento. He brought his camera with him as he had never been to DC before and was in town on business. When I traveled to London, I did the same thing and try to remember to do it in new cities. I even keep a list of cities I've run.
I changed my route to join David, which meant ditching Haines Point for the Mall. As we went by various memorials and monuments (Lincoln, Vietnam, Washington, American History, Natural History, Capitol, Air and Space, Smithsonian Castle, FDR, MLK, Korean, Watergate), I'd point them out and he stopped to take pictures. I ran with him up Rock Creek Park to the base of Calvert Hill and back to Laura's which gave me my ten. We went faster than the 7:30 I hoped for, but a 7:14 pace won't kill my half marathon on Sunday.
He was a friendly guy. 37, married, 5 boys, and works for the utility company there. He went to BYU and talked about how nice it was that Romney's Mormon faith wasn't really an issue. We spoke about religion and politics too - a couple of my favorite subjects - and parted at the base of the Calvert hill. It's not often I get to run with someone - so thank you David for the company and best of luck!
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Marshall University Marathon Race Report
While the NYC Marathon was canceled due to the hurricane, I did run in the Marshall University Marathon in Huntington, WV. With a fan club of Laura and Sammy, we had a good drive there and back. I bought an iPhone car adapter so we could keep our phones charged and listen to our iTunes rather than have to listen to 420 miles of country music. Also, I was asked by a friend to use a new photo and video site, mobli, to blog our trip. I've posted videos and pictures before, during, and after the race at:
I finished the race in 3:18:28. It was not my best and not my worst. The hotel room I stayed in was a smoking room - in the morning I reeked of smoke and my lungs likely were not operating at full capacity. I knew early on holding my 6:45 pace wasn't going to work, so I backed off until I found a decent pace. The half was run in 1:32. As the race wore on, I backed off some more and since I knew I didn't need a BQ and wasn't getting a PR, I just enjoyed the run. Plus, I have some other races on the calendar (5K on Thanksgiving, 10K first Sunday in December, and a half marathon the following week), so I didn't think killing myself was worth it. But, I'm pleased I am in good enough shape to consider 3:18 a "slow" marathon. The day after the race I feel a little sore, but I could run if my life depended upon it - that wasn't the case after my 3:04 last month.
I'm glad we ran this neat marathon. I can check off West Virginia and look toward 2013 and more states, races, and marathons.
http://www.mobli.com/kennyames
The race went well. I finished in 3:18 - the cool part about it was the final few meters as the finish line is inside Marshall University Stadium on the goal line - they give you a football to carry to the end. I was exhausted so I'm not sure I spiked the ball as much as it spiked me. The course was two loops around downtown Huntington with some running along a path and by a river. The volunteers were friendly, and it was cool to add my 13th state (CA, ID, UT, MN, OH, GA, VA, MD, PA, NY, RI, MA, and now WV) to my 50 state quest and finish my 21st marathon (my marathons are now old enough to drink!).
A Subway in West Virginia labelled our lunches for us.
Ready to race!
Laura and Sammy spot me crossing the 13.1 mile marker.
The final sprint to the finish. I've got the ball in my right hand.
Laura and Sammy pose at a scenic rest stop on the drive home.
I finished the race in 3:18:28. It was not my best and not my worst. The hotel room I stayed in was a smoking room - in the morning I reeked of smoke and my lungs likely were not operating at full capacity. I knew early on holding my 6:45 pace wasn't going to work, so I backed off until I found a decent pace. The half was run in 1:32. As the race wore on, I backed off some more and since I knew I didn't need a BQ and wasn't getting a PR, I just enjoyed the run. Plus, I have some other races on the calendar (5K on Thanksgiving, 10K first Sunday in December, and a half marathon the following week), so I didn't think killing myself was worth it. But, I'm pleased I am in good enough shape to consider 3:18 a "slow" marathon. The day after the race I feel a little sore, but I could run if my life depended upon it - that wasn't the case after my 3:04 last month.
I'm glad we ran this neat marathon. I can check off West Virginia and look toward 2013 and more states, races, and marathons.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
My Thoughts on the Canceled NYC Marathon
In the wake of Hurricane Sandy that devastated New York City and New Jersey and the surrounding areas, the New York City Marathon was canceled less than 40 hours before it was scheduled to start. This was done after assurances on Wednesday and Thursday that the race was still proceeding. Mayor Bloomberg reversed course after an uproar from citizens, runners, and the media made it politically unfeasible to continue. While I'm disappointed, I understand and have already made plans to run a different marathon this Sunday (more on that later).
To my friends and family that supported my charity, The Blue Card, I sent this email:
"This is it - the final few days before the NYC Marathon! I received word that the ING New York City Marathon will proceed on Sunday, November 4, and that this year's marathon is dedicated to the City of New York, the victims of the hurricane, and their families. Running this race has taken on an additional meaning for me and thousands of other runners who are also running for a cause, a time, or for the experience. In my twenty marathons, this is the first I am running for something larger than myself, and I consider it an honor to be able to toe the starting line. I want to thank each and every one of my supporters for your generosity and making possible what should be an unforgettable experience. For those that want to track me, my bib number is 6294 and I will be in the first wave, sixth corral, and my start time is 9:40 AM. Laura and I head to NYC tomorrow, plan to pick up my packet Saturday morning, and then relax on Saturday. Again, thank you most sincerely for your continued support and wish me luck! With most sincere thanks, Kenny."
Some friends and family urged me to boycott the race or to volunteer to help the victims. I was taken aback since it never occurred to me to not run if the race was on. My mindset was that my running would honor the victims and the city as well fulfill my commitment to my charity. It wasn't until I traveled up on Friday after work and saw the destruction and gas lines that it set in.
I posted a few videos on http://www.mobli.com/kennyames. I promised a friend I would video and photo blog on this site that her friend runs. For me, running the race was the only option. I see adversity and want to conquer it. I was in my "I can do this" mode, and the human element escaped me. While I think it was a mistake to cancel because of all the attention of the world and the charity and business that would have poured in (and that the generators that were in question were never used anyway), I do understand. For me, it was another marathon and there will be others. In fact, I signed up to run in Huntington, West Virginia - the Marshall University Marathon - for this Sunday. I'm doing my second straight week of low-mileage tapering, and I hope to be really ready to race my PR.
Sammy and Laura, my two girls, ready for the ride!
The line for gas. I'm also including pictures of some of the damage as well as Laura and I at lunch in NYC and dinner before we saw Argo.
Driving around Wayne, NJ
Lunch in Manhattan with her folks, my cousin Michael, her brother and girlfriend, and her friend.
Dinner at CPK before Argo
While it would have been nice to race NYC, I'm really looking forward to WV and adding another state and hopefully setting a PR or at least getting another BQ. Stay tuned for my race report!
Monday, October 22, 2012
St. George Marathon Race Report
Twelve States (CA, ID, OH, GA, VA, MD, PA, NY, RI, MA, MN, and now UT) and twenty marathons completed. I can recall what a big deal I thought it was when I finished my first marathon, the 2004 Marine Corps, and now I'm at a point where I'm running three or four a year along with several other distances. The early doubts I faced are faded and now I eagerly look forward to each opportunity to add a new state to my list, qualify for Boston again, and try to set another personal record.
My quest took me to a small town in Utah just a two hour drive from Las Vegas. Accompanied by three other DC Road Runner Club Members and a friend from New York City, we embarked on our journey to conquer the rolling hills (mostly down, but some up), of St. George.
(Riding with Courtney and Janet)
The backseat can be a great place to bond while en route from Las Vegas to St. George, UT. We made it to the expo in just about two and a half hours, stops included. Once at the expo, we were mostly all business-like, picking up our bibs and goodie bags. It was neat to have a low number and be considered an elite runner for this race. We scarfed down the pasta dinner at the expo since we didn't want to venture around the town in search of a place. I overstuffed myself (I have to work on this at future races) and then we went to our room to check in and turn in for the night. After watching the O's win the wild card game, I went to bed.
(Bib pick up with Adam)
I woke up around 3AM on my own, a good thirty minutes ahead of my alarm. Kevin woke up soon thereafter and we packed and got ready to head to the start. The hotel offered a decent breakfast where I could get a bagel and put peanut butter on it. We drove down to the start line and parked and then had to walk a good half a mile to the buses that would transport us to the start. We got separated and on different buses, so it was the last I would see of my group until after the race. On the bus, I shared a seat with a nice, tall gentleman from Kansas who was a former Mormon. We passed the time talking politics and religion and running - the trifecta of my favorite topics.
At the race, we were dropped off and I posed for this picture by my home state flag. While I haven't lived there in a long time, I'm proud to be a Bay Stater!
(Moments before the race)
I entered the coral minutes before the starting gun. I heard after the race there was some outrage that the national anthem wasn't played - it was apparently an oversight. But, I was so focused on the race, I really didn't notice. The gun went off and we ran off into the night at around 6:45 AM. The first few miles were in near-darkness: I remember thinking I wasn't at my projected pace as I couldn't see my watch. I did run a slower-than-expected 7:09, but I was able to settle into my groove in a few miles. Until mile 7, I was cruising, but mile 8 was a long uphill - the Veyo climb I believe. The next few miles I just tried to hold equal effort. I remember passing Adam around mile 12, right around the time the hills were done going up and started going back down. The scenery was gorgeous and I made sure to take it in as well.
Around the halfway point I remember thinking that I was cruising and this would be a very good day if I could hold this. I was on pace for 3:01/2 and hoped there were some big downhills to put sub 3 in play. Mile 16 was my fastest as it was just a drop and I wasn't running as much as I was in a controlled fall. After, the hills turned up again and my tight thighs made their appearance. All race I decided to think about my Uncle Evan and Ronnie who passed this summer. Uncle Evan's job was to take care of the hurt in my legs while Uncle Ronnie was in charge of my breathing. It worked for the most part, especially in the last 10K where I started to slow, but in the 25th mile, Uncle Evan must have quit working as my legs just couldn't hold the pace and dropped down to an 8 minute mile. During the last mile, Adam passed me and I tried to stay with him but it just wasn't possible. I did manage to scamper across the finish line just under 3:05 to set a new personal best by six seconds and qualify for Boston for the third time, all three coming in the last thirteen months. I finished 231st out of 5800 finishers - good enough to be in the top 4%
7:09/6:56/45/41/44/40/37/7:28/7:09/7:02/7:10/6:55/42/50/37/28/48/57/7:32/7:07/6:55/7:37/7:30/7:27/8:03/7:41/1:19 (.2) = 3:04:54 BQ and PR!
10K 48:17 (6:48); 1/2 48:33(7:03); 1/2+5.541 37:09 (6:42); 7.578 finish segment 56:55 (7:31)
(Kevin, Kenny, and Adam)
After the race, Kevin found Adam and me. We drank some fluids, ate some food and ice cream and got our clothes. We met up with some of our friends and Adam made a friend from NY. Kevin ran his second best time in 2:52 and won 3rd place in his age group. We had to wait around over two hours for the award ceremony. But, we snapped some neat photos:
Grabbing a well-earned post race drink at Players.
The race was fun, and I am glad I went. We also happened to go to Zion National Park, but those photos and stories are for another post.
My quest took me to a small town in Utah just a two hour drive from Las Vegas. Accompanied by three other DC Road Runner Club Members and a friend from New York City, we embarked on our journey to conquer the rolling hills (mostly down, but some up), of St. George.
(Riding with Courtney and Janet)
The backseat can be a great place to bond while en route from Las Vegas to St. George, UT. We made it to the expo in just about two and a half hours, stops included. Once at the expo, we were mostly all business-like, picking up our bibs and goodie bags. It was neat to have a low number and be considered an elite runner for this race. We scarfed down the pasta dinner at the expo since we didn't want to venture around the town in search of a place. I overstuffed myself (I have to work on this at future races) and then we went to our room to check in and turn in for the night. After watching the O's win the wild card game, I went to bed.
(Bib pick up with Adam)
I woke up around 3AM on my own, a good thirty minutes ahead of my alarm. Kevin woke up soon thereafter and we packed and got ready to head to the start. The hotel offered a decent breakfast where I could get a bagel and put peanut butter on it. We drove down to the start line and parked and then had to walk a good half a mile to the buses that would transport us to the start. We got separated and on different buses, so it was the last I would see of my group until after the race. On the bus, I shared a seat with a nice, tall gentleman from Kansas who was a former Mormon. We passed the time talking politics and religion and running - the trifecta of my favorite topics.
At the race, we were dropped off and I posed for this picture by my home state flag. While I haven't lived there in a long time, I'm proud to be a Bay Stater!
(Moments before the race)
I entered the coral minutes before the starting gun. I heard after the race there was some outrage that the national anthem wasn't played - it was apparently an oversight. But, I was so focused on the race, I really didn't notice. The gun went off and we ran off into the night at around 6:45 AM. The first few miles were in near-darkness: I remember thinking I wasn't at my projected pace as I couldn't see my watch. I did run a slower-than-expected 7:09, but I was able to settle into my groove in a few miles. Until mile 7, I was cruising, but mile 8 was a long uphill - the Veyo climb I believe. The next few miles I just tried to hold equal effort. I remember passing Adam around mile 12, right around the time the hills were done going up and started going back down. The scenery was gorgeous and I made sure to take it in as well.
Around the halfway point I remember thinking that I was cruising and this would be a very good day if I could hold this. I was on pace for 3:01/2 and hoped there were some big downhills to put sub 3 in play. Mile 16 was my fastest as it was just a drop and I wasn't running as much as I was in a controlled fall. After, the hills turned up again and my tight thighs made their appearance. All race I decided to think about my Uncle Evan and Ronnie who passed this summer. Uncle Evan's job was to take care of the hurt in my legs while Uncle Ronnie was in charge of my breathing. It worked for the most part, especially in the last 10K where I started to slow, but in the 25th mile, Uncle Evan must have quit working as my legs just couldn't hold the pace and dropped down to an 8 minute mile. During the last mile, Adam passed me and I tried to stay with him but it just wasn't possible. I did manage to scamper across the finish line just under 3:05 to set a new personal best by six seconds and qualify for Boston for the third time, all three coming in the last thirteen months. I finished 231st out of 5800 finishers - good enough to be in the top 4%
7:09/6:56/45/41/44/40/37/7:28/7:09/7:02/7:10/6:55/42/50/37/28/48/57/7:32/7:07/6:55/7:37/7:30/7:27/8:03/7:41/1:19 (.2) = 3:04:54 BQ and PR!
10K 48:17 (6:48); 1/2 48:33(7:03); 1/2+5.541 37:09 (6:42); 7.578 finish segment 56:55 (7:31)
(Kevin, Kenny, and Adam)
After the race, Kevin found Adam and me. We drank some fluids, ate some food and ice cream and got our clothes. We met up with some of our friends and Adam made a friend from NY. Kevin ran his second best time in 2:52 and won 3rd place in his age group. We had to wait around over two hours for the award ceremony. But, we snapped some neat photos:
The race was fun, and I am glad I went. We also happened to go to Zion National Park, but those photos and stories are for another post.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Ronnie Berger 1950-2012
My Uncle Ronnie Berger passed away on September 11, 2012, after a brave battle. He was my godfather, one of the father-figures in my life, and a mensch. His departure leaves a giant hole in my heart and life. His funeral is today, and I was asked to say a few words. Below are some of the memories and feelings I want to share.
This past Tuesday, I was at lunch in Chinatown in DC with a friend when I received a call from my mother. She was in tears and said he had taken a turn for the worse. The next hour as I tried to eat my vegetarian Indian plate, I waited for more information. My sister texted me to let me know it was serious, and my mom called back to say that I needed to come home. I rushed home and threw together some clothes in a bag and took the Metro to the bus to BWI Airport. I spent an hour at the airport bar drinking Sam Adams - the same beer we had at Brielle's bat mitzvah just a few months earlier in Florida over Memorial Day Weekend. On my flight was Auntie Nancy who was connecting out of St. Louis as she was there seeing a friend. We sat piggyback toward the back of the plane, and when we landed, my dad picked us up to rush us to the hospital. There, they were waiting for us, the last family members, to arrive before unhooking him and letting him go. He died at 9:37 P.M. on September 11, 2012.
Ronald Berger was my godfather. He taught me about life, about being a good person, and Jewish values. A few specific times I can remember where I grew closer to Judaism he was involved: my bar mitzvah, his first diagnosis, and my divorce. When I was home for the High Holidays, we'd go to shul together. Uncle Ronnie was a family man. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do for his close friends and family. Every Christmas we spent the day at his house eating, drinking, kibitzing - basically having the same party year after year. It was great.
Uncle Ronnie was the kind of man who would cheat at board games to beat a ten year old (aided by his older brother, my Uncle Eddie). He was the kind of man who took me aside at my bar mitzvah and said that now since I was a man, I would do tequilla shots with his uncles (again, Uncle Eddie was present). He was responsible for helping me find my Jewish identity. It was during his first diagnosis in 1995 when I found myself going to Hillel to seek some sort of sense and pray for him to get better. And during my divorce, he was there to remind me that things happen for a reason and to be thankful because I wouldn't have to spend the rest of my life with someone that didn't make me happy.
Last night, I went to the Sox versus Yankees games with my brother Matthew, my brother-in-law Ryan, and my college friend, Greg. (Thank you, Uncle David!) We first went to Boston Beer Works across from Fenway and toasted Uncle Ronnie. Then we watched the game from great seats with a nice view of the park. It would have been nice if they had won, but the Sox aren't doing so well this season. If he were sitting with us, he'd have shared his views on who was a bum, who needed to go, and who was the dirt dogs of the team. He wasn't shy with his love of the Sox. One of my favorite memories of the Sox was the July 24, 2004, game against the Yankees where Varitek shoved his mitt in A-Rod's face and Bill Mueller hit a walk-off home run off Rivera for a dramatic win. I went to the game with my friend Adam (a Yankees fan and visiting Fenway for the first time) and he was at the game with Auntie Maryann. We got a beer across the street before the game and celebrated after. Another time, I went to the game with them and on the way home we ate dinner at the Halfway Cafe. He loved the Sox, and I loved spending time with him bonding over the Olde Towne Team.
Mostly, I'm going to miss the times I visited home and stopped by his house. He was almost always there with Auntie Maryann watching Sox or Pats or Celtics. I'd sit down with them, game on in the background, and catch them up on what was new in my life. Living in DC, I didn't get to come home as often as I'd like, but I averaged about 4-5 times a year. I'd updated them on work, social life, politics, my running, and more. I'm going to miss calling you with exciting news or other events in my life. I'm going to miss our times on the golf course.
I already miss you...
This past Tuesday, I was at lunch in Chinatown in DC with a friend when I received a call from my mother. She was in tears and said he had taken a turn for the worse. The next hour as I tried to eat my vegetarian Indian plate, I waited for more information. My sister texted me to let me know it was serious, and my mom called back to say that I needed to come home. I rushed home and threw together some clothes in a bag and took the Metro to the bus to BWI Airport. I spent an hour at the airport bar drinking Sam Adams - the same beer we had at Brielle's bat mitzvah just a few months earlier in Florida over Memorial Day Weekend. On my flight was Auntie Nancy who was connecting out of St. Louis as she was there seeing a friend. We sat piggyback toward the back of the plane, and when we landed, my dad picked us up to rush us to the hospital. There, they were waiting for us, the last family members, to arrive before unhooking him and letting him go. He died at 9:37 P.M. on September 11, 2012.
Ronald Berger was my godfather. He taught me about life, about being a good person, and Jewish values. A few specific times I can remember where I grew closer to Judaism he was involved: my bar mitzvah, his first diagnosis, and my divorce. When I was home for the High Holidays, we'd go to shul together. Uncle Ronnie was a family man. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do for his close friends and family. Every Christmas we spent the day at his house eating, drinking, kibitzing - basically having the same party year after year. It was great.
Uncle Ronnie was the kind of man who would cheat at board games to beat a ten year old (aided by his older brother, my Uncle Eddie). He was the kind of man who took me aside at my bar mitzvah and said that now since I was a man, I would do tequilla shots with his uncles (again, Uncle Eddie was present). He was responsible for helping me find my Jewish identity. It was during his first diagnosis in 1995 when I found myself going to Hillel to seek some sort of sense and pray for him to get better. And during my divorce, he was there to remind me that things happen for a reason and to be thankful because I wouldn't have to spend the rest of my life with someone that didn't make me happy.
Last night, I went to the Sox versus Yankees games with my brother Matthew, my brother-in-law Ryan, and my college friend, Greg. (Thank you, Uncle David!) We first went to Boston Beer Works across from Fenway and toasted Uncle Ronnie. Then we watched the game from great seats with a nice view of the park. It would have been nice if they had won, but the Sox aren't doing so well this season. If he were sitting with us, he'd have shared his views on who was a bum, who needed to go, and who was the dirt dogs of the team. He wasn't shy with his love of the Sox. One of my favorite memories of the Sox was the July 24, 2004, game against the Yankees where Varitek shoved his mitt in A-Rod's face and Bill Mueller hit a walk-off home run off Rivera for a dramatic win. I went to the game with my friend Adam (a Yankees fan and visiting Fenway for the first time) and he was at the game with Auntie Maryann. We got a beer across the street before the game and celebrated after. Another time, I went to the game with them and on the way home we ate dinner at the Halfway Cafe. He loved the Sox, and I loved spending time with him bonding over the Olde Towne Team.
Mostly, I'm going to miss the times I visited home and stopped by his house. He was almost always there with Auntie Maryann watching Sox or Pats or Celtics. I'd sit down with them, game on in the background, and catch them up on what was new in my life. Living in DC, I didn't get to come home as often as I'd like, but I averaged about 4-5 times a year. I'd updated them on work, social life, politics, my running, and more. I'm going to miss calling you with exciting news or other events in my life. I'm going to miss our times on the golf course.
I already miss you...
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
My first win!
I won a race! This Sunday, I ran the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Run/Walk. It was billed as a 5K, but the route around the Capitol and Mall and back to the hotel was actually just shy of a four miler. It felt good to be the fastest on that day and claim the prize!
I wasn't even scheduled to race this particular event. Originally, I was going to run a 5K in Manassas or Columbia per my coach's request to pick up a tune-up race for my fall marathons. But, my former boss who supervised me for two months asked me to run the 10K portion of the Nation's tri this weekend along with him on the bike and another former coworker doing the swim. But, I wasn't needed when the originaly runner was unexpectedly able to run. He let me know Thursday and by then my first two options were no longer available. On Friday, I met my mentor and former boss of four years at the Mandarin Oriental for drinks and remembered I saw on Run Washington that they were holding a race. It was around that time that I was offered a new job that I am pleased to be starting next week!
I showed up to the race bright and early with my number one supporter, Laura. She has been nothing less than stellar! About thirty minutes before the race, all the runners were gathered into a ballroom for "warm-up" which included jumping jacks. They were all dressed in the green shirt the race gave out while I was wearing my club's yellow singlet. An employee of the hotel that was racing told me the warm-up was mandatory - he had me for about a second before I figured out the joke was on me. I took my Asics outside for a quick mile to loosen the legs.
At the start line, there was the usual countdown and when the "G" word was shouted, I was quickly off the line and out in front. It was the second race I led at the start for a noticeable distance - the first was a club 10K where I came in second after surrending the lead on the final hill to a clubm member I would beat in the next 10 miler. I bounded from the MO behind the police escort and on to Independence where the escort ended when I was directed onto the sidewalk of the north side of the street. The course was "open" meaning traffic would not stop, but there were course marshalls to ensure we knew where we were running.
Around 7th and Independence, as I raced alone, I luckily caught the light and proceeded through. As I started to climb Capitol Hill, I took my first glance back and saw two chasers, maybe 20-30 seconds behind. I was a litttle sore from the 14 miler the day before, but knew I could hold my pace for a while. The first mile clocked in at 5:49, but it would certainly be my fastest. Climbing Capitol Hill left me with a 6:23 second mile, but I did open up a lead and dropped one challenger. Once around First Street, I looked at the distance and knew it wasn't a 5K and prepared for a longer race of up to 4 miles. That's the good part about running around DC so much - I roughly know distances.
I tried to bound down Capitol Hill and put more space between me and my pursuer. I knew the prize for finishing first would be worthwhile, and I did not want to surrender it. Near the Natural History Museum I did not hit the light perfectly, but I took a chance between cars by waving my hands and they gave me the right of way. I did not want to lose because the lights were against me. Around the American History Museum, I felt like he was coming closer so I turned onto the incline at 14th Street and shortened my stride and tried to increase my lead. It seemed to work because I looked back around 12th Street and seemed to be alone. That lead did not cause me to slow - rather I remained steady and set my eyes on the prize.
As I turned towards the MO, I knew I had my first race win in hand. I had led from gun to tape - something I wasn't sure I would ever experience again. I shouted out Laura's name so she could take a few pictures of me finishing. As I ran toward the tape, I broke it by flicking my hands across it, just like Steve Prefontaine did in his wins! All that was left was to be interviewed and go to the barbecue and awards ceremony where I was presented with my booty: a free night at the MO with breakfast! I don't know who was more excited by my win - me or Laura!
I don't run to be the first to cross the tape - I run to see if I can do better than I did last time. This time was a success in that style. Next up is a half marathon before my two fall marathons. I doubt I'll cross the tape first - but I hope I can do better than my last race.
I wasn't even scheduled to race this particular event. Originally, I was going to run a 5K in Manassas or Columbia per my coach's request to pick up a tune-up race for my fall marathons. But, my former boss who supervised me for two months asked me to run the 10K portion of the Nation's tri this weekend along with him on the bike and another former coworker doing the swim. But, I wasn't needed when the originaly runner was unexpectedly able to run. He let me know Thursday and by then my first two options were no longer available. On Friday, I met my mentor and former boss of four years at the Mandarin Oriental for drinks and remembered I saw on Run Washington that they were holding a race. It was around that time that I was offered a new job that I am pleased to be starting next week!
I showed up to the race bright and early with my number one supporter, Laura. She has been nothing less than stellar! About thirty minutes before the race, all the runners were gathered into a ballroom for "warm-up" which included jumping jacks. They were all dressed in the green shirt the race gave out while I was wearing my club's yellow singlet. An employee of the hotel that was racing told me the warm-up was mandatory - he had me for about a second before I figured out the joke was on me. I took my Asics outside for a quick mile to loosen the legs.
At the start line, there was the usual countdown and when the "G" word was shouted, I was quickly off the line and out in front. It was the second race I led at the start for a noticeable distance - the first was a club 10K where I came in second after surrending the lead on the final hill to a clubm member I would beat in the next 10 miler. I bounded from the MO behind the police escort and on to Independence where the escort ended when I was directed onto the sidewalk of the north side of the street. The course was "open" meaning traffic would not stop, but there were course marshalls to ensure we knew where we were running.
Around 7th and Independence, as I raced alone, I luckily caught the light and proceeded through. As I started to climb Capitol Hill, I took my first glance back and saw two chasers, maybe 20-30 seconds behind. I was a litttle sore from the 14 miler the day before, but knew I could hold my pace for a while. The first mile clocked in at 5:49, but it would certainly be my fastest. Climbing Capitol Hill left me with a 6:23 second mile, but I did open up a lead and dropped one challenger. Once around First Street, I looked at the distance and knew it wasn't a 5K and prepared for a longer race of up to 4 miles. That's the good part about running around DC so much - I roughly know distances.
I tried to bound down Capitol Hill and put more space between me and my pursuer. I knew the prize for finishing first would be worthwhile, and I did not want to surrender it. Near the Natural History Museum I did not hit the light perfectly, but I took a chance between cars by waving my hands and they gave me the right of way. I did not want to lose because the lights were against me. Around the American History Museum, I felt like he was coming closer so I turned onto the incline at 14th Street and shortened my stride and tried to increase my lead. It seemed to work because I looked back around 12th Street and seemed to be alone. That lead did not cause me to slow - rather I remained steady and set my eyes on the prize.
As I turned towards the MO, I knew I had my first race win in hand. I had led from gun to tape - something I wasn't sure I would ever experience again. I shouted out Laura's name so she could take a few pictures of me finishing. As I ran toward the tape, I broke it by flicking my hands across it, just like Steve Prefontaine did in his wins! All that was left was to be interviewed and go to the barbecue and awards ceremony where I was presented with my booty: a free night at the MO with breakfast! I don't know who was more excited by my win - me or Laura!
I don't run to be the first to cross the tape - I run to see if I can do better than I did last time. This time was a success in that style. Next up is a half marathon before my two fall marathons. I doubt I'll cross the tape first - but I hope I can do better than my last race.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Roman Run
I conquered Rome in a day - by foot, twice!
The first time was a self-guided walking tour of the city. I started at the Termini once I arrived on the train and took a few moments to orient myself. I took the long way around, but made my way to the Piazza d. Repubblica then headed down Via Nazionale. When I descended the steps, I stopped and grabbed a slice of pizza from a hole in the wall joint (literally) and was blown away by what I saw when I continued my walk: Trajan's Market, Column, and Forum; Victor Emmanuel Monument; and the Forum of Augustus. I walked down toward the Colosseum and stood in amazement at it size and grandeur. Since I had a 2PM tour of the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel, I didn't have nearly enough time to go inside, but it was impressive nonetheless. I headed back up past the Forums and climbed the Victor Emmanuel Monument where I took pictures by the Italian Tome of the Unknown Soldier. My trek countinued and I found myself in the Jewish Ghetto and in front of the Synagogue.
I followed the Tiber River's bends up along until I veered left on Via Della Conciliazione. There in front of me stood the Vatican: St. Peter's Square, St. Peter's Basilica, and the rest of the holy area. After a quick confused moment, I walked along the walls of the Vatican to the entrance of the Museum. I ascended a spiraling walkway and plodded into a garden area where a cafe greeted me. After a panini and a cold Heineken (better than a Peroni!), I continued through the Museum, wandering through the Egyptian collection, tapestries, and classical works of art. At the end of the long walk, I entered the Sistine Chapel. It wasn't as large as I thought it would be, yet it was still quite impressive as I considered the time and care if must have taken Michaelangelo. Due to a couple of wrong turns, I actually went through the Sistine Chapel three times, and was baptized once..
Then it was on to the Basilica, where I paid five Euros to ascend to the top of the Dome. The staircases were winding, narrow, and at time difficult even for someone in as good shape as I. But, the view was worth the climb! Seeing the Square below and the amazing ariel view of Rome was well worth it! After descending, I took a quick loop through the Basiclia, making way for people who were having a religious experience - for me it was just a nice place to witness - but I was impressed with their spirituality. At around 4:45, I left as I had to meet Steve back at the Termini at 5:40.
The walk back was long, but I impressed myself with my sense of direction. I traversed Vittorio Emanuele and noticed I was heading back to the Trajan Column. My sense of direction intact, I climbed back up the stairs and walked up the street to the fountain where my journey began. The train station was nearby, after a small misunderstanding I met Steve, and we took the bus to the hotel.
After a quick shower and email check, we found a taxi and returned to the Jewish Ghetto for dinner. Steve's Italian guide, Danilo, had set us up at the hotel of a friend of his who is Jewish who also owns a restaurant in the Ghetto. We were well taken care of with fish, a falafel platter, a bulki (sp?) that resembled a spring roll, and chocloate mousse. Of course, I enjoyed a few Belgium beers. Steve had the tripel as well, but asked for something with less alcohol by content since he spent the day tasting at a winery, so I grabbed him a Gold Star, an Israeli beer that goes down as easily as a Schlitz!
We wandered back past the Synagogue and through the Capitoine Museum area. We went back to the Colosseum and took some amusing photos of us pretending to be Gladiators, or more accurately, fighters. As it was getting late, we headed back to the hotel, but along the way got ourselves disoriented. Luckily, we noticed the walls of the British Embassy which was a known point as our hotel was close by.
I woke early at 6AM to get my run in so I could say I ran in Rome. Having walked the city the previous day, I had a great sense of a loop I wanted to do. I wasn't sure how long it would take, but I had ninety minutes or so until I needed to be back to shower and pack as we were off to Florence for the next day and a half. My running route took me along the same loop as my walk from the previous day, and I held on to it in a solid eight minute pace. I love running in different cities every chance I get - I hope to be able to lace up once in Florence!
The first time was a self-guided walking tour of the city. I started at the Termini once I arrived on the train and took a few moments to orient myself. I took the long way around, but made my way to the Piazza d. Repubblica then headed down Via Nazionale. When I descended the steps, I stopped and grabbed a slice of pizza from a hole in the wall joint (literally) and was blown away by what I saw when I continued my walk: Trajan's Market, Column, and Forum; Victor Emmanuel Monument; and the Forum of Augustus. I walked down toward the Colosseum and stood in amazement at it size and grandeur. Since I had a 2PM tour of the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel, I didn't have nearly enough time to go inside, but it was impressive nonetheless. I headed back up past the Forums and climbed the Victor Emmanuel Monument where I took pictures by the Italian Tome of the Unknown Soldier. My trek countinued and I found myself in the Jewish Ghetto and in front of the Synagogue.
I followed the Tiber River's bends up along until I veered left on Via Della Conciliazione. There in front of me stood the Vatican: St. Peter's Square, St. Peter's Basilica, and the rest of the holy area. After a quick confused moment, I walked along the walls of the Vatican to the entrance of the Museum. I ascended a spiraling walkway and plodded into a garden area where a cafe greeted me. After a panini and a cold Heineken (better than a Peroni!), I continued through the Museum, wandering through the Egyptian collection, tapestries, and classical works of art. At the end of the long walk, I entered the Sistine Chapel. It wasn't as large as I thought it would be, yet it was still quite impressive as I considered the time and care if must have taken Michaelangelo. Due to a couple of wrong turns, I actually went through the Sistine Chapel three times, and was baptized once..
Then it was on to the Basilica, where I paid five Euros to ascend to the top of the Dome. The staircases were winding, narrow, and at time difficult even for someone in as good shape as I. But, the view was worth the climb! Seeing the Square below and the amazing ariel view of Rome was well worth it! After descending, I took a quick loop through the Basiclia, making way for people who were having a religious experience - for me it was just a nice place to witness - but I was impressed with their spirituality. At around 4:45, I left as I had to meet Steve back at the Termini at 5:40.
The walk back was long, but I impressed myself with my sense of direction. I traversed Vittorio Emanuele and noticed I was heading back to the Trajan Column. My sense of direction intact, I climbed back up the stairs and walked up the street to the fountain where my journey began. The train station was nearby, after a small misunderstanding I met Steve, and we took the bus to the hotel.
After a quick shower and email check, we found a taxi and returned to the Jewish Ghetto for dinner. Steve's Italian guide, Danilo, had set us up at the hotel of a friend of his who is Jewish who also owns a restaurant in the Ghetto. We were well taken care of with fish, a falafel platter, a bulki (sp?) that resembled a spring roll, and chocloate mousse. Of course, I enjoyed a few Belgium beers. Steve had the tripel as well, but asked for something with less alcohol by content since he spent the day tasting at a winery, so I grabbed him a Gold Star, an Israeli beer that goes down as easily as a Schlitz!
We wandered back past the Synagogue and through the Capitoine Museum area. We went back to the Colosseum and took some amusing photos of us pretending to be Gladiators, or more accurately, fighters. As it was getting late, we headed back to the hotel, but along the way got ourselves disoriented. Luckily, we noticed the walls of the British Embassy which was a known point as our hotel was close by.
I woke early at 6AM to get my run in so I could say I ran in Rome. Having walked the city the previous day, I had a great sense of a loop I wanted to do. I wasn't sure how long it would take, but I had ninety minutes or so until I needed to be back to shower and pack as we were off to Florence for the next day and a half. My running route took me along the same loop as my walk from the previous day, and I held on to it in a solid eight minute pace. I love running in different cities every chance I get - I hope to be able to lace up once in Florence!
Monday, August 20, 2012
Scars Fade
Early in my running career, I was just beginning to discover what kind of runner I was and could be. With one marathon, a ten miler, and a ten kilometer under my belt, I was training for my second marathon with a friend who was coaching me. We picked the 2005 Leesburg 20K as a good measure of my progress as it was about two months into my training and two months before the marathon. The day was hot, like most August days, and I went out too fast. At first, I thought I was doing great, pulling down 6:10 miles, but by the third mile I started to feel it catch up with me as the course turned onto a slow, long uphill trail. The best thing I did that day was ignore my inclination to quit - I slogged it out and trudged across the finish line in 1:47, nearly fifteen minutes slower than my projected time. I was confused, upset, and disappointed in myself - my only silver lining was that I did not quit.
(Photo courtesy Laura Goldin)
As we drove back to DC, I glowed from the feeling of conquering a course that had defeated me years earlier. I thought about some of the things that have happened in my life since then: the challenges, heartaches, and failures but also the accomplishments and personal highs. Maybe some scars never heal, but with time, they can fade to where you barely notice they ever existed. We need them to remind ourselves so we can really appreciate the achievements and cherish those who support us and share in our joy.
It has been seven years since I raced that course where I was humbled. And so it was earlier yesterday that I returned to the Leesburg 20K in an attempt to erase my earlier racing mental scar. I've grown quite a bit in the intervening years, changed much about myself, and earned some personal and professional scars. Part of me used the course to train for my upcoming fall marathons; part of me to take on the course that beat me.
My racing plan called for a pace of around 6:45 and to finish near 1:25. The weather seemed to cooperate as it was a cool yet humid 70 degrees at race time with overcast. I started out holding myself back for the first two miles around the town. By the time I hit the trail for the climb uphill, I felt all right yet the toll of a 60 mile week and speed work only three days earlier crept into my mind and was felt through my sore legs. Miles 3 and 4 were in the 7 minute range, and I wondered if I was going to be terribly off pace today. Yet, as a woman surged past me, the third overall at the time, my legs started to feel better as I shortened my pace, focused on form, and unclenched. Once in my groove, I was able to ascend the W&OD Trail with the best effort I had in me.
And then, I remembered the JFK 20K. Held by my club, DC Road Runners, in the past it has been raced as an out and back on the Capital Crescent Trail. Similar to this stretch, it is an incline on the way out and a decline on the way back. I recalled how I raced that in the past - hold steady early on and then use a strong kick after the turnaround to take advantage of the descent. Once I hit mile 8 which ended the final hill, a smile crept on to my face secure in my race experience as I let my legs go to work. My strides were short and mostly consistent, my head and back straight, and my arms tucked and pumping.
I settled into a spot in the race where I had a target ahead of me (that same woman who would place third for the women) and a chaser behind. I neither caught nor was caught, but I did get within seven seconds of catching her. A solid finishing kick cemented my course personal record of 1:24:06, 23 minutes faster than my only other time, and only about 30 seconds slower than my PR which was run in ideal conditions.
6:49/6:47/7:00/7:11/6:53/6:51/6:51/7:07/6:46/6:34/6:24/6:18/2:35
(Photo courtesy Laura Goldin)
As we drove back to DC, I glowed from the feeling of conquering a course that had defeated me years earlier. I thought about some of the things that have happened in my life since then: the challenges, heartaches, and failures but also the accomplishments and personal highs. Maybe some scars never heal, but with time, they can fade to where you barely notice they ever existed. We need them to remind ourselves so we can really appreciate the achievements and cherish those who support us and share in our joy.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Grandma's Marathon Race Report
Minnesota was very kind to me - I guess that's why they call it Minnesota Nice. I flew in early to Minneapolis and drove my rented car about two and a half hours north to Duluth. The road was scenic, even the large stretches of road that was under construction. The view of the city on Lake Superior as you enter was breathtaking - the way the bridges and the water meet as you come down the road - it was all very picturesque. The packet pick up was easy and well organized. Since I got there around lunchtime, I decided after I picked up my packet that I would grab lunch at their pasta dinner. It was there that I received the call from my mother saying my Uncle Evan, who had been battling lung cancer for months, wasn't doing too well. She told me that I should run tomorrow as best as I can and to think of him. I sat at lunch contemplating.
I stayed in Moose Lake, Minnesota, which is a solid forty-five minute drive south of Duluth. I really didn't want to stay for two nights, the minimum of most hotels in the area, and the price here was reasonable. When I pulled into the parking lot around 2PM, it was completely empty of cars. I had visions of the Shining... Inside, I was able to check in to my room, where I grabbed a nap, then a dip in the pool and jacuzzi. I like to soak before my marathons - it keeps me loose. After, I found a tiny place to grab my pasta dinner, went back to my hotel room, and watched Oceans 13 while soaking in the tub in my room. It was a suite - sweet!
Race morning started like most race mornings. I drove into town, parked, and hopped on the train that took runners to the starting line. The train was packed, and I had nice conversations with the people around me when I wasn't trying to sleep. The only trouble with the train was that it arrived a little too close to the start of the race for my comfort. I wanted to go to the bathroom one more time, but the lines were too long. Also, there were state police officers manning the area near the bushes to prevent runners from going there. I'm guessing they drew the short end of the straw that morning when assignments were doled out!
I seeded myself based on my expected finishing time and started chatting with the guys near me. I really did not know what I was capable of that day since the starting temperatures were warm and in the 70s, but it was the humidity that worried me. I was sweating in the first few miles which is never good. After starting off a little faster than I should have, I found a groove around 7:30 pace. Lake Superior was on my left for most of the race, so I enjoyed staring off into it. The crowd support was decent as we ran toward Duluth, and I joked with a few spectators, "Which was to Duluth?" "That guy stole my wallet!" and "Are they still chasing me?"
I knew early on with the heat that this was not going to be a personal best day, so my plan was to just to have fun and run the race I was capable of and get the bad memory of the heat and struggle of the Boston Marathon out of my mind. I needed to remind myself that Boston was a fluke and that I am a good marathon runner. That was a goal I was determined to accomplish.
In mile 15, I passed a guy who started walking, so I made it my goal to try to motivate him to stay with me. He told me he was a triathlete and this was his first marathon. I encouraged him and gave him some good mental imagery, but he faded after a few miles. I did this with a few runners, and some stayed as long as they could and others said thanks but they were fine.
Heading into mile 19, I noticed that my last few miles had crept in 8:00 minute per mile pace. The temperatures had dropped a bit as clouds came in, and it was then I decided I was going to try to lay down the hammer for the final 10K. As I neared the 20 mile mark, I picked up my pace, sharpened my form, and turned over my legs with better efficiency. Plus, I kept in mind what my mother had told me, so I said to myself, "Okay, Uncle Evan, you're running with me the final 10K!" And, it worked. I dropped nearly a minute per mile off my pace the next mile. I started to feel good and my legs felt capable of holding this pace, so I tried to maintain it as best as I could, all the time repeating in my head, "Stay with me, Uncle Evan!" I passed people and the crowd saw me surge and cheered louder, which only fueled my mental game. At one point in the 22nd mile, I became so overcome emotionally thinking about my uncle, I started to cry! I had to tell myself to stop crying because I needed to breath calmly and normally. The thrill of passing people late in the race was exciting and I was on my mental game. As I passed the 23 and 24 mile markers, the end game was in sight. All I had to do was hold this pace. There were a few small hills remaining, but it was nothing that was going to deter or slow me. The 26th mile was when I started to fade again, but by then I had come too far and was too close to the end to passively back off. I went into my "sprint" for my finishing kick and held off a few runners I was pretending I was competing with, and I crossed the finish line a few seconds over 3:20.
Splits:
7:04/13/18/22/27/29/23/32/36/18/27/32/38/53/37/34/41/8:02/8:08/8:24/7:27/45/48/46/47/59/1:59 (.2) - 10K 45:32/ Half 1:37:22/ 16.2mi 2:01:22 / 19.3mi 2:26:35 / 23.1mi 2:56:04 / 25mi 3:10:46 - 487th out of 5785 finishers
For the temperatures that day, I was impressed with my effort. I had erased the scar of Boston, and reminded myself I can run a marathon without walking and feel strong. It was the 19th marathon I completed in my 11th different state. I am well on my way to finishing the 50 state club by the time I am 50. I did experience a weird situation with my eye after the race. I couldn't get them to both focus for about ten minutes. I almost went to the medical tent, but it cleared up, so I grabbed a snack for the road and water and Gatorade. Then I took off for Minneapolis where I caught the Twins v Brewers game.
It started at 1:05, but I managed to scalp a club level ticket for half the ticket price since the game was already in the third inning. Inside, a fellow Sox fan bought me a beer, impressed that I ran the marathon then made it down to the game. In addition to running a marathon in every state, I also want to catch a game at every active ballpark. This trip I was able to do both.
At night, I went to a sports bar called Sneaky Pete's which was pretty decent. I sat next to a farmer in from North Dakota to visit his girlfriend who was in the hospital after cancer surgery. When the bar turned into a nightclub, I met two girls that are cousins. But, that's a different story for a different type of blog. ;-)
In the morning, I grabbed breakfast at the airport and was texting Keith while trying to find the Larry Craig Memorial Bathroom stall when my Dad called to tell me Uncle Evan had passed away just minutes earlier. I paused, reflected, and said a prayer, then called my brother who booked me a flight from Baltimore to Providence. I would like to remember the words of wisdom he gave to me the night before Boston and his confidence in me that I'd finish as well as the thoughts I had during my race. Life is funny sometimes as there are no guarantees, and each race and every run I pause to appreciate what I have and how fortunate I am.
I stayed in Moose Lake, Minnesota, which is a solid forty-five minute drive south of Duluth. I really didn't want to stay for two nights, the minimum of most hotels in the area, and the price here was reasonable. When I pulled into the parking lot around 2PM, it was completely empty of cars. I had visions of the Shining... Inside, I was able to check in to my room, where I grabbed a nap, then a dip in the pool and jacuzzi. I like to soak before my marathons - it keeps me loose. After, I found a tiny place to grab my pasta dinner, went back to my hotel room, and watched Oceans 13 while soaking in the tub in my room. It was a suite - sweet!
In mile 15, I passed a guy who started walking, so I made it my goal to try to motivate him to stay with me. He told me he was a triathlete and this was his first marathon. I encouraged him and gave him some good mental imagery, but he faded after a few miles. I did this with a few runners, and some stayed as long as they could and others said thanks but they were fine.
Heading into mile 19, I noticed that my last few miles had crept in 8:00 minute per mile pace. The temperatures had dropped a bit as clouds came in, and it was then I decided I was going to try to lay down the hammer for the final 10K. As I neared the 20 mile mark, I picked up my pace, sharpened my form, and turned over my legs with better efficiency. Plus, I kept in mind what my mother had told me, so I said to myself, "Okay, Uncle Evan, you're running with me the final 10K!" And, it worked. I dropped nearly a minute per mile off my pace the next mile. I started to feel good and my legs felt capable of holding this pace, so I tried to maintain it as best as I could, all the time repeating in my head, "Stay with me, Uncle Evan!" I passed people and the crowd saw me surge and cheered louder, which only fueled my mental game. At one point in the 22nd mile, I became so overcome emotionally thinking about my uncle, I started to cry! I had to tell myself to stop crying because I needed to breath calmly and normally. The thrill of passing people late in the race was exciting and I was on my mental game. As I passed the 23 and 24 mile markers, the end game was in sight. All I had to do was hold this pace. There were a few small hills remaining, but it was nothing that was going to deter or slow me. The 26th mile was when I started to fade again, but by then I had come too far and was too close to the end to passively back off. I went into my "sprint" for my finishing kick and held off a few runners I was pretending I was competing with, and I crossed the finish line a few seconds over 3:20.
Splits:
7:04/13/18/22/27/29/23/32/36/18/27/32/38/53/37/34/41/8:02/8:08/8:24/7:27/45/48/46/47/59/1:59 (.2) - 10K 45:32/ Half 1:37:22/ 16.2mi 2:01:22 / 19.3mi 2:26:35 / 23.1mi 2:56:04 / 25mi 3:10:46 - 487th out of 5785 finishers
For the temperatures that day, I was impressed with my effort. I had erased the scar of Boston, and reminded myself I can run a marathon without walking and feel strong. It was the 19th marathon I completed in my 11th different state. I am well on my way to finishing the 50 state club by the time I am 50. I did experience a weird situation with my eye after the race. I couldn't get them to both focus for about ten minutes. I almost went to the medical tent, but it cleared up, so I grabbed a snack for the road and water and Gatorade. Then I took off for Minneapolis where I caught the Twins v Brewers game.
In the morning, I grabbed breakfast at the airport and was texting Keith while trying to find the Larry Craig Memorial Bathroom stall when my Dad called to tell me Uncle Evan had passed away just minutes earlier. I paused, reflected, and said a prayer, then called my brother who booked me a flight from Baltimore to Providence. I would like to remember the words of wisdom he gave to me the night before Boston and his confidence in me that I'd finish as well as the thoughts I had during my race. Life is funny sometimes as there are no guarantees, and each race and every run I pause to appreciate what I have and how fortunate I am.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
2012 Marathon Calendar and The Blue Card
If all goes according to plan, my 2012 marathon calendar will be as follows:
April 16, 2012 Boston Marathon, Massachusetts - finished in a time of 4:07 on a very hot day (nearly 90)
June 16, 2012 Grandma's Marathon, Duluth, Minnesota
October 6, 2012 St. George's Marathon, Utah
November 4, 2012 New York City Marathon
The New York City Marathon is going to be especially meaningful for me this year. I ran it in 2010, having gained entry through being rejected three straight years (a provision they are phasing out). After I ran Boston, I received a tweet from The Blue Card asking if I was interested in running the NYC Marathon with their charity team. Upon further investigation, I learned this organization collects money for Holocaust survivors who are in need. I felt it tied together perfectly my love of running with my recent trip to Poland with family. My solicitation letter is attached, and if you consider donating, I would really appreciate your support!
Friends and family,
I want to thank you for generously giving to the Blue Card. As you know, I'm running the New York City Marathon this year to help raise funds for this incredible charity. I'm sending this update to thank those of you who have already given and ask those who have not had the chance to consider supporting me. You can donate through imATHLETE at the following website:
[DO NOT REMOVE - the link to your donation page will be inserted here]
As many of you know, last summer I had the opportunity to travel to Poland with my family. Organized and led by my uncle, David Wluka, whose parents survived the Holocaust, we shared a tremendous journey. Joined by our family from the U.S., Australia, and Israel we visited the town of Nowy Dwor, where Uncle David’s father, Icek “Hank” Wluka is from, toured the town, attended and participated in the re-dedication of the restored Jewish cemetery, and took a trip to Auschwitz.
The Wluka family had been an integral part of the Nowy Dwor Jewish community since at least the early 1800s, which is what the recovered records show. Uncle David’s grandfather, a blacksmith, died before the war and was buried in the cemetery. The story as I understand it is that his grandmother was among those who fled Nowy Dwor and died in the Warsaw Ghetto. Hank Wluka along with his seven brothers and sisters were trapped in the Nowy Dwor Ghetto. All were part of the transport to Auschwitz in May of 1942; Hank was the only survivor.
Having been moved deeply by this experience, I returned home to D.C. in search of a meaningful way in which to contribute. When the opportunity arose to run the NYC Marathon this fall with The Blue Card, it seemed like a perfect fit with my passion for running. As a veteran of over eighteen marathons in ten states plus the District of Columbia, this will be my first marathon running with a charity.
The Blue Card was established by the Jewish community in Germany in the early 1930s, to help Jews already being affected by Nazi persecution through loss of jobs and other forms of oppression. In 1939, The Blue Card was reestablished in the United States to continue aiding refugees of Nazi persecution resettling in America. To this day, many of their Board members are the children and grandchildren of The Blue Card's original founders. After the Holocaust, the mission of the organization was expanded to help survivors of the Shoah from all European countries. It continues its work to this day.
The Blue Card is a fantastic group which assists Holocaust survivors live in dignity. I hope you will support my efforts to help this worthy organization.
Thank you for your support!
Kenny Ames
Washington, USA
P.S. My next marathon is this Saturday, June 16, in Duluth, Minnesota. In my quest to run a marathon in every state, I am registered for Grandma's Marathon which hopefully will be my 11th state and 19th overall. You may track my progress by visiting http://grandmasmarathon.com/site/index.php?page=runner-tracking, and enter my name and follow the instructions. THANK YOU!!!
April 16, 2012 Boston Marathon, Massachusetts - finished in a time of 4:07 on a very hot day (nearly 90)
June 16, 2012 Grandma's Marathon, Duluth, Minnesota
October 6, 2012 St. George's Marathon, Utah
November 4, 2012 New York City Marathon
The New York City Marathon is going to be especially meaningful for me this year. I ran it in 2010, having gained entry through being rejected three straight years (a provision they are phasing out). After I ran Boston, I received a tweet from The Blue Card asking if I was interested in running the NYC Marathon with their charity team. Upon further investigation, I learned this organization collects money for Holocaust survivors who are in need. I felt it tied together perfectly my love of running with my recent trip to Poland with family. My solicitation letter is attached, and if you consider donating, I would really appreciate your support!
Friends and family,
I want to thank you for generously giving to the Blue Card. As you know, I'm running the New York City Marathon this year to help raise funds for this incredible charity. I'm sending this update to thank those of you who have already given and ask those who have not had the chance to consider supporting me. You can donate through imATHLETE at the following website:
[DO NOT REMOVE - the link to your donation page will be inserted here]
As many of you know, last summer I had the opportunity to travel to Poland with my family. Organized and led by my uncle, David Wluka, whose parents survived the Holocaust, we shared a tremendous journey. Joined by our family from the U.S., Australia, and Israel we visited the town of Nowy Dwor, where Uncle David’s father, Icek “Hank” Wluka is from, toured the town, attended and participated in the re-dedication of the restored Jewish cemetery, and took a trip to Auschwitz.
The Wluka family had been an integral part of the Nowy Dwor Jewish community since at least the early 1800s, which is what the recovered records show. Uncle David’s grandfather, a blacksmith, died before the war and was buried in the cemetery. The story as I understand it is that his grandmother was among those who fled Nowy Dwor and died in the Warsaw Ghetto. Hank Wluka along with his seven brothers and sisters were trapped in the Nowy Dwor Ghetto. All were part of the transport to Auschwitz in May of 1942; Hank was the only survivor.
Having been moved deeply by this experience, I returned home to D.C. in search of a meaningful way in which to contribute. When the opportunity arose to run the NYC Marathon this fall with The Blue Card, it seemed like a perfect fit with my passion for running. As a veteran of over eighteen marathons in ten states plus the District of Columbia, this will be my first marathon running with a charity.
The Blue Card was established by the Jewish community in Germany in the early 1930s, to help Jews already being affected by Nazi persecution through loss of jobs and other forms of oppression. In 1939, The Blue Card was reestablished in the United States to continue aiding refugees of Nazi persecution resettling in America. To this day, many of their Board members are the children and grandchildren of The Blue Card's original founders. After the Holocaust, the mission of the organization was expanded to help survivors of the Shoah from all European countries. It continues its work to this day.
The Blue Card is a fantastic group which assists Holocaust survivors live in dignity. I hope you will support my efforts to help this worthy organization.
Thank you for your support!
Kenny Ames
Washington, USA
P.S. My next marathon is this Saturday, June 16, in Duluth, Minnesota. In my quest to run a marathon in every state, I am registered for Grandma's Marathon which hopefully will be my 11th state and 19th overall. You may track my progress by visiting http://grandmasmarathon.com/site/index.php?page=runner-tracking, and enter my name and follow the instructions. THANK YOU!!!
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
My 2012 Boston Marathon Recap - Heat Wave!
I finished the 2012 Boston Marathon. That's the good news. After eight years and seventeen marathons, my eighteenth (chai!) marathon fittingly was the Boston Marathon - the race I've wanted to run since I was a kid who got Patriots Day off and wasn't sure why it was a holiday. It was also my tenth different state (CA, ID, OH, GA, VA, MD, PA, NY, RI, and MA) which enters me as a standard member in the 50 State Marathon Club - a goal I hope to finish before I turn 50.
The bad news was the race hit almost 90 degrees and my race plan was useless around the 10K mark when I felt like I was at the 20 mile mark. In the week leading up to the race, I watched the forecast with dread like many of my fellow runners as the predictions kept climbing higher. Naively, I thought I could slow down by 15-20 seconds off my projected time and still bang out at BQ, or at least post a respectable time. I was wrong, but at least I think I learned something with this race.
I traveled up on Saturday morning, receiving a ride to BWI Airport from my friends Max and Eve who were headed to Baltimore to grab brunch (thank you!). A short flight to Green, my folks met me and we headed straight into Boston to stop by the expo where I would pick up my bib and packet. I was brimming with excitement and energy all the way there. After we found parking, my iPhone camera came out for several photos I would take (at the entrance, picking up my bib, along signs in the expo, etc). Picking up my bib was fellow runner and 2010 Wineglass companion, Jennifer Sample, who surprised me with a photo. Later, I ran into my friend and 2011 Pocatello, Idaho, traveling companion, Grace Leonard. The two of us along with my parents wandered through the expo. I resisted many urges to buy everything in sight; my mother was sucked toward the Adidas store where she attempted to buy what she could for my niece. I don't think my folks had ever been to a marathon expo and my Mom was taking advantage of the free samples and handouts while my Dad found a place to sit down. Grace and I chatted and then helped our friend Alex with her bib so she could take advantage of the deferment option since she wasn't going to travel due to the heat predictions.
Once I had enough of the expo, my folks and I grabbed some lunch at the nearby Legal Test Kitchen; it was a bit of a challenge finding something to eat for our last kosher for Passover meal, but we were successful. Then, we headed home to relax, eat some Chinese food to break Passover, and I enjoyed some time with my niece and nephew. Molly looked very cute trying on the shirt I bought her and wearing my visor and jacket.
Sunday, the day before the race, was a low key day. I made a bagel run, watched my Dad play tennis down at the Sharon Tennis Club, and had lunch with my cousin Abby who was in town for a wedding. We watched the Sox play a little ball, and then headed to my Uncle Evan and Auntie Sheila's with my parents and Auntie for the carb-loading pasta meal. My aunt and uncle live in Milford, MA, which is a short drive to the start of the race in Hopkinton. After dinner, Uncle Evan and I watched the Celtics versus Bobcats game on TV and had a very good conversation. He's battling an illness, and he gave me some great advice and inspiration. It dawned on me that compared to what he was going through and how bravely he was handling his situation, having to run 26.2 miles on a hot day wouldn't even compare. He predicted I'd finish but in a slower than expected 3:17 - boy I wish he were right about the time!
I actually had a decent night's sleep which for me is odd since I get a little nervous prior to marathons. I woke early, showered, and was ready to roll around 6:30 when my aunt drove me to the runner's village. It took a bit, but we finally found the drop off point and she was able to exit well before the roads closed. I soaked up the feeling of just being there, proudly strutting in my DC Road Runners Club jacket. I was probably a little overly excited to find a port-o-john that was fresh earning the weirdest picture I took of the day. I remember so many moments as I enjoyed just earning the right to be there and soaking up the experience of being in the runners' village, hanging out in the tent, and chatting with fellow runners. I found Matt Anderson in my club and Grace made her way over as well; the three of us found a spot under the tent to avoid the sun and relax and shut our eyes. I had been trying to find Ben Richter from my club who had my racing shirt, and I caught him just as I was headed toward the corral.
When my corral was called to the race, I headed toward the start, dropped my bag off, chatted it up with fellow runners, and found a port-o-john to release the last second jitters. Again, I tried to soak up everything, the experience of entering the corral, of taking my place among the qualifiers that I had earned, and thanking and fist-bumping the volunteers. It didn't seem like I was there that long as the start came faster than I expected, but soon we were walking and then jogging, then actually running across the starting line - my first Boston Marathon had begun! I did try to hold back to a 7 minute mile, which was what I had discussed would be fine with my coach. But, neither one of us really understood just how hot it was going to be. In retrospect, I should have gone out at a 7:30/8 minute pace, but it really didn't matter since I wasn't going to set a personal best or finish with a time near what I had hoped. My goal quickly became just to finish and I pulled back a little. It was around then I realized I was having trouble breathing and my legs were feeling slightly heavy. After, I heard other runners also had breathing troubles due to the heat. I had thought it might at first be because I was anxious and nervous. I was also looking at the crowd wondering if I would be able to spot family and friends and hoping they would spot me.
I hit mile 9 not far off a decent pace, which is where I saw Carl Ford of my club. I remember passing a body of water on the right and just held on to a solid pace as I approached the Wellesley campus. You bet I stopped and kissed three girls (on the cheek)! Some had interesting signs like, "Kiss me, I'm a (fill in the blank)." I remember one said runner and others said pre-law or pre-med, and I remember a girl with a sign that simply said "Gay." Shortly after making out with the hot college girls, I heard and spotted my cousin Jessica, Uncle Evan and Auntie Sheila's daughter, who was posted right before the half. I happily stopped to catch a break and some water they had. I said hi to her crew that included her daughter Missy, and we took a few pictures and chatted for a minute before I was ready to resume.
After passing the half, it occurred to me that based on how I was feeling, it was going to take quite an effort of body and mind to make it through the second half. The thought of quitting never seriously entered my mind as it was not an option - not after speaking with my uncle, not after telling everyone I know I was running as I wasn't about to answer them in the days after that I quit, and not with the thought of my Mom, Dad, brother and niece waiting for me near the finish line. This was a mental-gut check, and I do not have a DNF and do not want one! My plan to finish evolved over the second half of the course. I allowed myself my first walk break at mile 14 as I walked through the water stop then started running.
My strategy was going to be to run three miles and walk through the water stop. The plan was to do this at 14, 17, 20, and finally 23. But, that plan quickly fell apart. I did make it to 17. Then around 18.5 there was a hill I just couldn't climb so I walked it. I ferried on until mile 20 and walked through the water stop and hoped to run two miles then walk through the next water stop, but that turned into one mile and then run what you can and walk until ready again. I was determined to run up and down all of Heartbreak Hill, and I did shuffle along in what is technically considered running. From there, I tried to run through as much shade and water that I could. Grab a cup of Gatorade and a cup of water - drink the Gatorade and dump the water on my back.
I vaguely recall passing Boston College and feeling a bit better as the students were very supportive (and the downhill helped). I remember shuffling along in Brookline, walking as needed and running when I could. I stopped and said hello to Steve Zukoff in my fantasy baseball league. We shared an awful picture - but, I only had another two plus miles to go. I barely remember running passed Fenway, but I do have a picture of me hamming it up for the camera with the Citgo sign in the background. As I hit one mile to go, I knew somewhere my family would be, and I did not want my niece Molly to see me walking. I did manage to run almost all of the last mile (sneaking a break in an underpass where no spectators could see) and then me gearing up for the final finish.
Turning into the last straight-away, I approached the finish line when I heard my name and turned to look on my left where they were. Molly's facial expression was one of shock and excitement - I can only imagine what she thought after being out there for hours and seeing so many people run by her to see her Uncle Kenny as one of the runners. I finished as strongly as I could across the finish line, and quickly put hands on knees just yards after.
The dirty secret they don't mention is once you finish, you still have close to a mile to walk it feels like to get your belongings and meet your family. I hobbled and grabbed my bag and sat by the post for family meet-up with the last letter of the name as "A" and waited for my folks to find me. My friends Jim and Kelly met up, and Jim joined my folks for a beer and lunch at a bar somewhere near the Back Bay stop. I couldn't eat or drink, but I did my best to put something inside me. We then parted after lunch, entered the station, and got on the commuter rail back to Stoughton, MA. And like that, my first Boston Marathon was over.
Every marathon I learn something new. My first marathon taught me I could do it, my second taught me qualifying for Boston was going to be harder than I thought, another taught me that under poor conditions it is wise to back off, Pocatello taught me that all my hard work did pay off, Savannah taught me that I can still improve, and Boston 2012 taught me to be humble. Before the race, the organizers said that due to the heat, we shouldn't view this as a race but as an experience. It was an experience unlike any other. Of course, immediately after, I began looking forward to next year's Boston Marathon as well as thinking which marathons I can run the rest of 2012. 40 states to go, and hopefully I'll be able to run Boston every year from now until I cannot run anymore.
The bad news was the race hit almost 90 degrees and my race plan was useless around the 10K mark when I felt like I was at the 20 mile mark. In the week leading up to the race, I watched the forecast with dread like many of my fellow runners as the predictions kept climbing higher. Naively, I thought I could slow down by 15-20 seconds off my projected time and still bang out at BQ, or at least post a respectable time. I was wrong, but at least I think I learned something with this race.
I traveled up on Saturday morning, receiving a ride to BWI Airport from my friends Max and Eve who were headed to Baltimore to grab brunch (thank you!). A short flight to Green, my folks met me and we headed straight into Boston to stop by the expo where I would pick up my bib and packet. I was brimming with excitement and energy all the way there. After we found parking, my iPhone camera came out for several photos I would take (at the entrance, picking up my bib, along signs in the expo, etc). Picking up my bib was fellow runner and 2010 Wineglass companion, Jennifer Sample, who surprised me with a photo. Later, I ran into my friend and 2011 Pocatello, Idaho, traveling companion, Grace Leonard. The two of us along with my parents wandered through the expo. I resisted many urges to buy everything in sight; my mother was sucked toward the Adidas store where she attempted to buy what she could for my niece. I don't think my folks had ever been to a marathon expo and my Mom was taking advantage of the free samples and handouts while my Dad found a place to sit down. Grace and I chatted and then helped our friend Alex with her bib so she could take advantage of the deferment option since she wasn't going to travel due to the heat predictions.
Once I had enough of the expo, my folks and I grabbed some lunch at the nearby Legal Test Kitchen; it was a bit of a challenge finding something to eat for our last kosher for Passover meal, but we were successful. Then, we headed home to relax, eat some Chinese food to break Passover, and I enjoyed some time with my niece and nephew. Molly looked very cute trying on the shirt I bought her and wearing my visor and jacket.
Sunday, the day before the race, was a low key day. I made a bagel run, watched my Dad play tennis down at the Sharon Tennis Club, and had lunch with my cousin Abby who was in town for a wedding. We watched the Sox play a little ball, and then headed to my Uncle Evan and Auntie Sheila's with my parents and Auntie for the carb-loading pasta meal. My aunt and uncle live in Milford, MA, which is a short drive to the start of the race in Hopkinton. After dinner, Uncle Evan and I watched the Celtics versus Bobcats game on TV and had a very good conversation. He's battling an illness, and he gave me some great advice and inspiration. It dawned on me that compared to what he was going through and how bravely he was handling his situation, having to run 26.2 miles on a hot day wouldn't even compare. He predicted I'd finish but in a slower than expected 3:17 - boy I wish he were right about the time!
I actually had a decent night's sleep which for me is odd since I get a little nervous prior to marathons. I woke early, showered, and was ready to roll around 6:30 when my aunt drove me to the runner's village. It took a bit, but we finally found the drop off point and she was able to exit well before the roads closed. I soaked up the feeling of just being there, proudly strutting in my DC Road Runners Club jacket. I was probably a little overly excited to find a port-o-john that was fresh earning the weirdest picture I took of the day. I remember so many moments as I enjoyed just earning the right to be there and soaking up the experience of being in the runners' village, hanging out in the tent, and chatting with fellow runners. I found Matt Anderson in my club and Grace made her way over as well; the three of us found a spot under the tent to avoid the sun and relax and shut our eyes. I had been trying to find Ben Richter from my club who had my racing shirt, and I caught him just as I was headed toward the corral.
When my corral was called to the race, I headed toward the start, dropped my bag off, chatted it up with fellow runners, and found a port-o-john to release the last second jitters. Again, I tried to soak up everything, the experience of entering the corral, of taking my place among the qualifiers that I had earned, and thanking and fist-bumping the volunteers. It didn't seem like I was there that long as the start came faster than I expected, but soon we were walking and then jogging, then actually running across the starting line - my first Boston Marathon had begun! I did try to hold back to a 7 minute mile, which was what I had discussed would be fine with my coach. But, neither one of us really understood just how hot it was going to be. In retrospect, I should have gone out at a 7:30/8 minute pace, but it really didn't matter since I wasn't going to set a personal best or finish with a time near what I had hoped. My goal quickly became just to finish and I pulled back a little. It was around then I realized I was having trouble breathing and my legs were feeling slightly heavy. After, I heard other runners also had breathing troubles due to the heat. I had thought it might at first be because I was anxious and nervous. I was also looking at the crowd wondering if I would be able to spot family and friends and hoping they would spot me.
I hit mile 9 not far off a decent pace, which is where I saw Carl Ford of my club. I remember passing a body of water on the right and just held on to a solid pace as I approached the Wellesley campus. You bet I stopped and kissed three girls (on the cheek)! Some had interesting signs like, "Kiss me, I'm a (fill in the blank)." I remember one said runner and others said pre-law or pre-med, and I remember a girl with a sign that simply said "Gay." Shortly after making out with the hot college girls, I heard and spotted my cousin Jessica, Uncle Evan and Auntie Sheila's daughter, who was posted right before the half. I happily stopped to catch a break and some water they had. I said hi to her crew that included her daughter Missy, and we took a few pictures and chatted for a minute before I was ready to resume.
After passing the half, it occurred to me that based on how I was feeling, it was going to take quite an effort of body and mind to make it through the second half. The thought of quitting never seriously entered my mind as it was not an option - not after speaking with my uncle, not after telling everyone I know I was running as I wasn't about to answer them in the days after that I quit, and not with the thought of my Mom, Dad, brother and niece waiting for me near the finish line. This was a mental-gut check, and I do not have a DNF and do not want one! My plan to finish evolved over the second half of the course. I allowed myself my first walk break at mile 14 as I walked through the water stop then started running.
My strategy was going to be to run three miles and walk through the water stop. The plan was to do this at 14, 17, 20, and finally 23. But, that plan quickly fell apart. I did make it to 17. Then around 18.5 there was a hill I just couldn't climb so I walked it. I ferried on until mile 20 and walked through the water stop and hoped to run two miles then walk through the next water stop, but that turned into one mile and then run what you can and walk until ready again. I was determined to run up and down all of Heartbreak Hill, and I did shuffle along in what is technically considered running. From there, I tried to run through as much shade and water that I could. Grab a cup of Gatorade and a cup of water - drink the Gatorade and dump the water on my back.
I vaguely recall passing Boston College and feeling a bit better as the students were very supportive (and the downhill helped). I remember shuffling along in Brookline, walking as needed and running when I could. I stopped and said hello to Steve Zukoff in my fantasy baseball league. We shared an awful picture - but, I only had another two plus miles to go. I barely remember running passed Fenway, but I do have a picture of me hamming it up for the camera with the Citgo sign in the background. As I hit one mile to go, I knew somewhere my family would be, and I did not want my niece Molly to see me walking. I did manage to run almost all of the last mile (sneaking a break in an underpass where no spectators could see) and then me gearing up for the final finish.
Turning into the last straight-away, I approached the finish line when I heard my name and turned to look on my left where they were. Molly's facial expression was one of shock and excitement - I can only imagine what she thought after being out there for hours and seeing so many people run by her to see her Uncle Kenny as one of the runners. I finished as strongly as I could across the finish line, and quickly put hands on knees just yards after.
The dirty secret they don't mention is once you finish, you still have close to a mile to walk it feels like to get your belongings and meet your family. I hobbled and grabbed my bag and sat by the post for family meet-up with the last letter of the name as "A" and waited for my folks to find me. My friends Jim and Kelly met up, and Jim joined my folks for a beer and lunch at a bar somewhere near the Back Bay stop. I couldn't eat or drink, but I did my best to put something inside me. We then parted after lunch, entered the station, and got on the commuter rail back to Stoughton, MA. And like that, my first Boston Marathon was over.
Every marathon I learn something new. My first marathon taught me I could do it, my second taught me qualifying for Boston was going to be harder than I thought, another taught me that under poor conditions it is wise to back off, Pocatello taught me that all my hard work did pay off, Savannah taught me that I can still improve, and Boston 2012 taught me to be humble. Before the race, the organizers said that due to the heat, we shouldn't view this as a race but as an experience. It was an experience unlike any other. Of course, immediately after, I began looking forward to next year's Boston Marathon as well as thinking which marathons I can run the rest of 2012. 40 states to go, and hopefully I'll be able to run Boston every year from now until I cannot run anymore.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Tracking Boston
Six days to go...
Here is the email I sent to my friends and family.
Friends and family,
First, thank you to my wonderful and supportive friends and family through all the years of training, racing, and competing. I'm very lucky to have everyone of you in my life. As you know, I've pretty much been training for this one race, the Boston Marathon, for about eight years since I ran my first one (Marine Corps Marathon 2004) days after the Red Sox won their first title in 86 years. And, to this day, my mom and dad still ask when I tell them I'm running a marathon: "Which one are you running - the Marine Marathon?" So, as I get set to run the "Marine Marathon" again, here is some useful information to watch the race and my progress.
To watch the race online, I believe you can stream it through: http://universalsports.com/2012/04/09/universal-sports-network-presents-multiplatform-coverage-of-the-2012-boston-marathon/
Attached is the Boston Marathon spectator guide as well as the course map.
To track my progress, sign up for text alerts.
TEXT - Simply text the word RUNNER to 345678 using your US mobile
phone. You will then receive an sms text response with instructions on
how to submit a runner’s bib number. (You will be opted in to receive
4 messages during the race. Message and data rates may apply. Text
STOP to cancel, Text HELP for help. This program is available on the
following carriers: AT&T, Boost, Nextel, Sprint, T-Mobile, US
Cellular, and Verizon Wireless.)
http://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/participant-information/att-athlete-alert.aspx
My bib number is 4186. It will confirm with the reply: "Boston
Marathon Alerts: Ur signed up 4 race alerts 4 bib 4186 (Kenny S. Ames)
& entered to win a VIP race experience. Txt STOP 2cancel."
Also, if you plan to be along the course, please email me your planned location to watch so that I may look out for you.
Again, thank you everyone for your support and encouragement through the years. My quest has taken eight years, over fifty pairs of running shoes, through seventeen marathons, run a marathon in nine different states (CA, VA, ID, OH, GA, PA, VA, MD, NY, RI), raced 80 races ranging from the 1 miler to 5K to the ten miler and up to the marathon, and a few bumps and bruises - all in my strive to race the Boston Marathon - the greatest race in the greatest city! It's finally almost here - and I have to carbo-load on matzah until Saturday night! But, I'm looking forward to mom's pasta sauce as my secret weapon!
See you along the route or at the finish line...
Kenny Ames
P.S. The photo attached is from the marathon in Pocatello, Idaho, where I first qualified for Boston. It was the most amazing feeling...
"Success does not come to the most righteous and rigorously disciplined but to those who continue running." - Amby Burfoot
"The real purpose of running isn't to win a race; it's to test the limits of the human heart." –Bill Bowerman
"We find time for the things that are important to us. Period." - Scott Douglas, Scott's Original Miscellany, Running Times - March 2011
"Anybody can be a runner. We were meant to move. We were meant to run. It's the easiest sport." - Bill Rodgers
"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
"What I've learned from running is that the time to push hard is when you're hurting like crazy and you want to give up. Success is often just around the corner." - Sir James Dyson, Inventor of the Dyson vacuum cleaner
"Man imposes his own limitations, don't set any." - Anthony Bailey
"A marathon is like life with its ups and downs, but once you've done it you feel that you can do anything." - Anonymous
"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the Gift." - Steve Prefontaine
"We all know that if you run, you are pretty much choosing a life of success because of it." - Deena Kastor
"Methinks that the moment my legs begin to move, my thoughts begin to flow." - Henry David Thoreau
"Winning has nothing to do with racing. Most days don't have races anyway. Winning is about struggle and effort and optimism, and never, ever, ever giving up." Amby Burfoot
"When you run in the morning, you gain time in a sense. It's like stretching 24 hours into 25. You may need to sleep less and get up earlier, but if you can get by that, running early seems to expand the day." - Fred Lebow, founder of the New York City Marathon
"There's no magic to running far or climbing Everest. Endurance is mental strength. It's all about heart." - Bear Grylls, Host of Man vs. Wild
“If you can find meaning in the type of running you need to do to stay on this team, chances are you can find meaning in another absurd pastime: Life.” - Robert Towne, screenplay for Pre
"You feel good while you're running and you feel even better when you're finished." - Fred Lebow
"The expression 'misery loves company' is meant for winter running. As I'm lying in bed on dark, cold mornings, it's a lot harder to talk myself out of getting up when I know I'm accountable to other people." - Jason Lehmkuhle, of Team USA Minnesota, runner-up at 2008 U.S. Half-Marathon Championships
"Running should be a lifelong activity. Approach it patiently and intelligently, and it will reward you for a long, long time." Michael Sargent
"Run into peace." - Meister Eckhart, 14th-Century Philosopher
"There's no such thing as bad weather, just soft people." -Bill Bowerman
"The distance race is a struggle that results in self-discovery. It is an adventure involving the limits of the self." Paul Weiss
"Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty, and persistence." - Colin Powell
"Running, one might say, is basically an absurd pastime upon which to be exhausting ourselves. But if you can find meaning in the type of running you need to do ... chances are you'll be able to find meaning in that other absurd pastime - LIFE." - Bill Bowerman
“Remember, the feeling you get from a good run is far better than the feeling you get from sitting around wishing you were running.” - Sarah Condor
“Running is a statement to society. It is saying 'no' to always being on call, to sacrificing our daily runs for others' needs. When we run we are doing something for ourselves.” Phoebe Jones, runner
“The obsession with running is really an obsession with the potential for more and more life.” - George Sheehan
"I've learned that finishing a marathon isn't just an athletic achievement. It's a state of mind; a state of mind that says anything is possible." - John Hanc, running writer
"It's the one thing that's mine. My runs everyday are my thing. It's my therapy, my hour to myself. Nobody can really take it away from me... It's such a huge part of me. I love to say that I'm a runner." - Summer Sanders, Olympic gold-medalist
"There is something magical about running; after a certain distance, it transcends the body. Then a bit further, it transcends the mind. A bit further yet, and what you have before you, laid bare, is the soul." - Kristin Armstrong, Mile Markers blog at Runner's World
“When you run, you log on to yourself. You flip through the pages of your being.” - Kevin Nelson, The Runner's Book of Daily Inspiration
"Training for a marathon started out as a life-list thing, and it turned into a lifestyle." - Mike Post
"Racing is the greatest sport. Your competitors push you to run better, stronger, and faster; and you can only fail by quitting." Kenny Ames 2-6-12
Monday, April 9, 2012
One week to go...
With one week to go until Boston, I am being needlessly worried by weather.com predicting weather in the 80s for Marathon Monday. Accuweather, however, has the day listed at 62 degrees. Wunderground has the high at 64. I'm not going to panic until Friday at the earliest since it is too soon to tell. I will simply go on with my taper and hope for the best. I do think about the race pretty much every hour. I can focus on the immediate - ie work and life - but in my spare time, like walking, or during down time - I think about the race and what it will mean and how great it will be. Let's hope the weather is great and my training and strategy pays off.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
The Boston Redemption
[In a letter from the BAA] Dear Kenny, if you're reading this, you've finally qualified. And if you've come this far, maybe you're willing to come a little further. You remember the name of the town, don't you?
[Kenny] Hopkinton!
I had a dream last night that I was running the Boston Marathon. It varied from dreams I'd had in the past because this time, I'm actually registered to run Boston where in past I dreamed of what it would be like to run it. I got up this morning and despite running a fever (pun intended), I trotted over to Teddy Roosevelt High School, got in my speed work at the track (8x400 with 2:1 rest:speed). The first one was slow at 82 seconds, but the rest were right in range at 77-79 seconds. I saw Mary at the track as I was leaving - she had taken a hiatus to recover from her last marathon. I'm cautiously optimistic because I feel decent and if things stay as they are and the weather is good, Boston could be the day I've dreamed it to be.
I did a half in Flushing, NY, this weekend. Stayed with Adam. The course was a bunch of loops of the tennis center and the world fair area and while it was flat with some hills on bridges, I was sore as there was no taper at all except to take Friday off and my speed was Wednesday instead of Thursday. I did manage to PR in 1:27:14, a 31 second PR over my Gar Williams time from December, but it took a solid last mile and a sprint at the end. Mile 12 was my slowest - nearly 7 minutes - and I only got my motivation back when someone tried to make a move to pass with a mile to go. That stirred my competitive juices and I kicked it up a notch, holding him off and also catching two guys in the finishing chute. One tried to beat me, but I held such a furious sprint, he stopped giving pursuit. I do get competitive!
The rest of my training is rather focused as I taper on just staying healthy. I have 18-20 Saturday, a tempo run Tuesday, my last track run Thursday, then a final long run with high end work on next Saturday. Then it is some sharpening and healing. I think about running Boston all the time. I find I'm so excited, I can barely sit still or hold a thought in my head. I think it's the excitement only a distance runner can feel, a runner at the start of that long 26.2 mile journey whose conclusion is uncertain. I hope I can make it across the finish line in under three hours. I hope to see my friends, and family, and fellow runners at the end and shake their hands. I hope the finishing line is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope.
Friday, March 16, 2012
One month until Boston and St. Patty's Day 8K Report
As I write this, I am wearing my green tie. Since St. Patrick's Day is a Saturday, I do not plan on wearing a tie, but I enjoy this green tie which means today is my only chance to wear it. One month from today is the 116th running of the Boston Marathon. For the first time in its history, I am registered to run, having qualified last fall with times of 3:07:36 in Pocatello, Idaho, then 3:05:00 in Savannah, Georgia. Yet, I remain wary of saying I am "going" to run this race, because I wouldn't want to jinx my health or conditions, or anything. I am registered to run, and that is all I can say for certain at this point.
My training has been going mostly well. This week, I have had some tightness in my calf muscles, most notably on my upper left calf just below the back of the knee. It hasn't kept me from running, and it is not a pain but rather a discomfort, but it is something I am monitoring. It feels more like a spastic muscle or perhaps a strain that I feel when I walk yet not really when I run. I woke up and didn't feel it this morning, but it has slightly been noticeable today. I'm hopeful it will go away soon and that I will be in excellent health for Boston.
This week was a rather good week for my running. I ran 20 miles on Saturday in 2:29:18, a solid 7:28 pace that felt fine which was nice since I ran up Massachusetts Avenue for a few miles. I returned on Capital Crescent which in the direction I headed was mainly downhill. From there, I went through Georgetown and along the Mall until I hit my 20 miles and then took a bikeshare home. On Sunday, I raced the St. Patrick's Day 8K, probably the race I have done the most (RRCA Club Challenge is likely in second place). I ran a PR 30:55, better than my previous by over 90 seconds. I felt sore and stiff but pushed through and had a fine final mile to get in under 31 minutes. My weekday runs were solid, and I have a fine track session on Thursday, running 16x200 meters in 35-36 seconds. I ran with Sammy twice (9 miles Tuesday and 7 on Friday), and she chased a few squirrels and cats. She absolutely loves running with me, and she has a very nice gait that compliments mine. I do worry that as she approaches nine years old, she may start to slow down.
This week I am supposed to do 22 miles on Saturday, a track workout during the week, and taper for a half marathon in NYC next Saturday. I'm looking forward to hanging out with my friends Adam and David and hopefully see my cousin Michael and his husband Shepp while there as well.
One month to Boston... One month to Boston... One month to Boston... (not that I'm counting the days or anything).
(UPDATE: My bib number will be 4186 and I am in the first wave, fifth corral!)
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Mock 2016 Democratic Iowa Caucus
Sharing a blog posting from my professor at JHU for the class I am taking: Primaries, Caucuses, Conventions, and the General Election. I was a Martin O'Malley organizer, and tied for first in the caucus!
Robert Guttman
Director, Center on Politics and Foreign Relations (CPFR), Johns Hopkins University
Democratic Presidential Possibilities: 20 in 2016
Posted: 02/10/2012 12:46 pm
President Cuomo. President O'Malley. President Warner. President Beebe.
It may seem strange in the middle of the 2012 presidential contest to be looking ahead four years at names that are not that well-known or known at all to today's voters. But as we know things move quickly in politics.
Looking ahead to the end of Obama's second term or the end of Romney/Santorum/Gingrich/Paul's first term, let's see who might be the serious Democratic presidential candidates four years from now.
I put on a mock 2016 Democratic presidential Iowa caucus in my graduate government class at Johns Hopkins this week with students wheeling and dealing to get other students to support their presidential preference.
While I thought New York Governor Andrew Cuomo would be the front runner I was surprised that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Maryland Governor Mark O'Malley tied for first place in our 2016 mock Iowa caucus.
And, the most surprising choice for second place was the Governor of Arkansas Mike Beebe.
The mayor of Chicago Rahm Emanuel and the governor of Colorado John Hickenlooper both were in the early running. Some of the students thought Emanuel would be a lively and interesting choice but might have too much baggage and might fly off the handle as he has been known to do in his political career.
Many of the students were impressed that the governor of Colorado had started a successful brewery in Denver before going into politics.
The governor of Maryland, who I heard speak several months ago, is a very good speaker and has a reputation as a very competent governor who is also the chair of the Democratic Governors Association.
His neighbor to the south, Virginia Senator Mark Warner, was planning to run for president before but decided not to run. If he decides to go for it in 2016 he would have to be considered one of the Democratic front-runners for the nomination.
The person I see as the front-runner is New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. Even though he received no mention in my class he will be one of the shining stars for the Democrats four years down the road.
Surprisingly, the Governor of Arkansas Mike Beebe was popular with some of my students and they were not from Arkansas. I am not sure of his attraction but he might be in the mix of possibilities in 2016.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand from New York also received some votes in our mock caucus as did Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick had one vote in our caucus.
Also, surprising to me Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Homeland Security Director Janet Napolitano each had students supporting them in our early voting.
Senator Sherrod Brown from Ohio, who has spoken at one of my conferences is very impressive and well informed on the issues but may be a bit too liberal for a general election candidate, received mention at our mock caucus.
Former DNC Chair Tim Kaine who is now running for a Senate seat in Virginia would be a possibility in 2016 if he wins his election this fall.
Since we usually like choosing governors as presidential candidates long shot choices could be the governor of Washington Chris Gregoire or the governor of Montana Brian Schweitzer. The governor of Delaware Jack Markell was also discussed.
Very long shot possibilities might include the mayor of Newark Corey Booker and the attorney general of California Kamala D. Harris.
At this point the only really well known name nationally is Hillary Clinton and she has indicated it is time for her to step out of the spotlight. I take her at her word but she is still one of the most popular Democrats -- along with her husband, in the country.
However, it seems as if the torch will pass to a new generation of Democrats that we hardly know anything about at this time. But by this time in the middle of the 2016 presidential contest the idea of a President Beebe or President O'Malley or President Cuomo might seem quite plausible and realistic.
And, since the GOP presidential race has become somewhat of a farce and a comedy at the moment maybe the Democrats should choose a real live comedian and nominate former Saturday Night Live star Senator Al Franken from Minnesota as their standard bearer in 2016. Actually he has the name recognition and speaking skills to be a credible possibility in 2016.
My early prediction is that O'Malley, Warner and Cuomo will be the Democrats to watch in 2016. There will be new political stars and sensations that will capture our imagination that could put someone presently not on our radar screen into the White House four years from now.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-guttman/democratic-presidential-p_b_1268775.html?view=print&comm_ref=false
‘Almost President’ Gives Also-Rans Their Due
I started reviewing political and historical books for Roll Call, the newspaper that employs me. Here is my first one.
‘Almost President’ Gives Also-Rans Their Due
By Kenny Ames
CQ Roll Call Staff
Jan. 31, 2012, Midnight
Scott Farris has a personal perspective on losing. In 1998, as the Democratic nominee for Wyoming’s lone House seat, he was handily defeated by former Rep. Barbara Cubin.
So his sympathy for defeated presidential candidates comes naturally and lends an air of empathy to the professional experience he brings to the subject of his first book, “Almost President: The Men Who Lost the Race but Changed the Nation.”
Everyone loves a winner. Losers of presidential elections are not typically celebrated in classrooms across the country; most people don’t remember their names.
But Farris, a former bureau chief for United Press International and Congressional staffer, makes the case for the relevancy of several men who lost an election while changing American politics.
Some are obvious: Barry Goldwater’s 1964 campaign, in which he suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of President Lyndon Johnson, is an example frequently cited by pundits of a losing candidate whose effect was both profound and long-lasting. The Arizonan is credited with helping to create the modern Republican Party, more Southern, Western and conservative than it was.
Others are less obvious and less frequently mentioned but in many cases are just as profound.
Some united the country during difficult times, others brokered coalitions that subsequent aspirants would use, a few inspired future generations through ideas ahead of their time and some broke down barriers. In pointing to these successes, Farris succeeds in making the book as much a celebration of American democracy as it is a collection of biographies.
He devotes the first chapter to the concession speech: a novel American tradition that proves our democracy works. There have been disputed elections in our history, yet, by conceding graciously, the failed candidate ends his campaign for the presidency, denies his supporters the chance to challenge the results and urges the country to unify behind the victor.
Even during war, he argues, it is a testament to our system of government that we are stable and secure enough to hold elections, and losers such as Stephen Douglas (on the verge of war in 1860), George McClellan (1864) and Thomas Dewey (1944) kept the country united through their actions. (Wendell Willkie’s 1940 campaign deserves more of a mention than Farris gives it on this score.)
And then there are the trailblazers.
Al Smith became the first Catholic to win the nomination of a major party, paving the way for John F. Kennedy’s victory. Yet, the 1928 election did not just change the way America and Catholics viewed each other but also set a path to push prejudice to the fringes, a legacy Mitt Romney surely hopes will benefit him.
Goldwater is fondly remembered as the catalyst for the modern conservative movement. While history has treated his message and movement kindly, it has not done the same for George McGovern, in many ways the liberal counterpoint to Goldwater.
Like Goldwater, McGovern suffered a devastating electoral defeat. Unlike Goldwater, McGovern rarely gets much credit for giving birth to a new Democratic Party.
His effort garnered a paltry 37 percent of the vote in 1972 and won only one state and the District of Columbia in the Nixon re-election landslide. But the South Dakota Senator’s coalition of academics, minorities and liberal unions eventually helped elect Barack Obama.
Farris concludes with a look at the last three men who lost: Al Gore, John Kerry and John McCain. Each has remained relevant after their losing campaigns. After Gore’s prolonged 2000 battle ended more than a month after Election Day, he went on to wide fame as a prophet of climate change. Kerry and McCain returned to the Senate, with Kerry playing a central role in foreign policy as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee and McCain resuming his role as political maverick.
Farris suggests that’s a good thing. Continued service to the nation should be embraced, he argues, and something valuable is lost when presidential also-rans are cast aside.
History can celebrate the role of Douglas in keeping the two-party system alive and the Democratic Party viable as the loyal opposition. Ross Perot taught future campaigns how to circumvent the media and speak directly to the public. Before McGovern, William Jennings Bryan led a reborn Democratic Party with a progressive populism that in some ways is still alive today.
Farris wants voters to celebrate them, too.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Another Solid Training Week - 1/27/12
The week started off Saturday morning with a 20K along the C&O Canal on snow/sleet mix. The footing wasn't terrible, but there were places where I could feel the front of my toes slip a little. I tried to adjust by making sure I was mid-foot striking, which is the form I'm going for, and I think it helped a little, but it wasn't really going to make too much of a distance. My goal for the race was to run without looking at my watch and to hold back some. The weather and the ground made that easy. I spent most of the race running with Josh Hunsberger, a 2:50 marathoner. With about four miles to go, I said to him, "How far do you think Matt (Anderson) is ahead of us?" We guessed around a minute, so I told him I was going to try to catch him, knowing I didn't have the legs for it after a tough week of speed and strength training. In a minute or two, Josh caught me and said I had stirred his competitive spirit. I let him go, and he did catch Matt and hold him off at the end. When I finished in 1:27:55 (8th overall), I was laughing, proud of myself that I goaded him into catching Matt, who was surprised it wasn't me passing him. On Sunday, I biked 30 miles, doing a lap of RFK and three laps of Haines Point. I thought the Patriots would score a point for each lap, and I figured they would need to top 30 to win. Turns out I was wrong, but glad the Patriots won, otherwise, I'd have worn a coworker's sparkle-and-lace Ravens jersey. She was a good sport wearing my Richard Seymour Patriots jersey around the office on Monday. Monday was a strength training day with an hour run; Tuesday was hills - I did a new type of workout that I called 90-60-30 where I sprinted up a hill for 90 seconds, then ran down, then up a different hill for 60 seconds, then down, then up for 30 seconds and repeated three times and three in one last 30 second hill at the end - this hill training should help prepare me for Boston; Wednesday was a repeat of Monday; and Thursday was tempo work at the track - I ran two miles of warm-up then ran a downhill mile in 6:17 to get me to the track followed by three miles around 6:26 then back home uphill for one mile in around 6:57 then finished with two for a total of ten miles after Sammy joined me for the last bit. Earlier today, I did five very wet miles around my neighborhood with Sammy, who smelled like wet dog when I left for work, and tossed in a strength training set before work. I'm a bit sore today, and I hope to get a solid 17-18 in tomorrow at some point to start the new week. Otherwise, nothing else noteworthy happening today.
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