New Years Resolutions - Why, Why Not, What Now?

What attracts us to New Years Resolutions? Unverifiably, I say the desire for improvement matched with psychological permission. That is, for whatever reason, making the needed changes without the ceremony of a year change is otherwise difficult. Why?

Maybe we feel pressure to remain status quo.

All our friends smoke, so we don't want them to be on a health guilt trip when we do what we know we should.

Similarly, if we are tubby and need to lose weight, and know we need to eat better, less of it, and exercise, our chunky friends might feel put off. It won't help when they see evidence of us looking fitter and trimmer, and simply feeling more confident, with more interest in the opposite sex.

What about running? Any regular reader of this blog knows I've been on and off again. And that periodically, I get on one-man bandwagon and say, "Yup, this is the year." As 2011 winds down, and 2012 approaches, I am thinking of all of this again.

Today is December 9, 2011. It is a Friday. I'm drinking coffee, sitting in my home office. Snow is outside, apparently from a gentle sprinkling from early this morning. Enough to sweep. Not enough to shovel.

Do I wait until tomorrow? Do I wait another three weeks, to start on New Year's Day?

If I don't -- if I start again, in three weeks I'll likely have put 25-30 miles behind me. Not much, not even enough to lose a pound. But, the three weeks following, I might be fit enough to have run another 35-40 miles, totalling 60-70 miles. Those last 35 miles will be different than the first, as I will have begun to find a rhythm.

Of course, I also know the danger of early enthusiasm, injuries from starting too quickly, and the realities of a life which would now incorporate the time required to work out.

I have the tools. I know what to do. Shoes, shirt, treadmill - check. Will I?

I don't know yet.

Once a Runner - Intriguing Read for the Literate Runner, Average for the Rest (review)

Unfortunately, "Once a Runner," John L Parker's legendary book about the plight of a runner, is ultimately forgettable.

It is a search for self and a search for meaning that drives the book, with an existential nihilistic, or, perhaps less philosophically, humanist gear pacing the reading through the selfish individualism of runner Quenton Cassidy. His goal is to both break the 4:00 barrier (a gold standard among milers) and to compete against the world's best. However, he has broken rules which bar him from racing in the key meet.

In general, it is well written. Occasionally has a literary quality, but then drops into average novel-of-the-moment phrasing. It captures the intensity and mindset of the runner fairly well. Drops a lot of the names of known runners (Pre, Liquori, Shorter, etc.)

As it was published in 1978 originally, that could be a problem. As a runner myself, I'm somewhat of a track nerd, and was reading "Runners World" in the late 1970s and early 1980s while those guys names and some of the running sub-culture was as described. Would the world who follows Hall, Cox, Haile (names, which in a few years, may be forgotten by the less-than-hardcore-runner) on the long distance side, or the crowd who watches Webb and so on -- would they 'get it'? The running boom was just kicking into high gear then. Jim Fixx's book, "The Complete Book of Running" had just come out. Coe, Cram, Ovett hadn't really gotten going. Marathons hadn't blown into mega events yet.

As a book, I wonder if non-runners would enjoy it? I'm not sure. I don't think that it transcends the niche audience/market the way Alan Sillitoe's "Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner" has.

Runners who read regularly will devour this, as might the endurance sports enthusiast. Its accolades will remain there. For the rest of the reading public, it is average, if not overdone.

Anthony Trendl
http://runnersdilemma.blogspot.com/

Help Me Win Running Gear - Vote (Often)

The Atlanta Track Club is having a Signage Contest for the Atlanta Marathon.

Whichever witticism receives the most votes wins. So, please, help me win.

Click this link (goes to ATC's Facebook page) and find mine. Look for Anthony Trendl. 

If the link does not work, either the contest will have ended, or, there is a conspiracy against me.

Thanks!

Mosop Wins Chicago Marathon

Mosop wins the Chicago Marathon in 2:05:37 (unofficial).

I signed up. I paid. I let things get in the way (including one 'thing' way more important, my newborn). But really, I have no excuses.

I have until late winter to decide for next year. My criteria will not be "I plan to get in racing shape," but to already be in some yet undetermined level of fitness and training.

Usain Bolt 4x100 World Record

Usain Bolt and the Jamaicans blow out the 4x100 WR. Track officials must repair their lane -- smoke is coming from the melted rubber.

37.04 (previous record, also Bolt's, 37.10)

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PADS Run September 10 (Wheaton, IL 5K)

Race Date: September 10, 2011
Start Time: 8:00am
Location: 703 W. Liberty, Wheaton, IL
Courses: 5K Run (USATF course certified, mostly flat); 5K Walk
Fee: $30/person pre-registration ($35/person race-day registration) *CARA members receive a $5 discount
Click here for registration information

John J. Kelley is Dead - Boston Marathon Legendary Runner

John J. Kelley

Personal information
Born	1930
Medal record[hide] Men's Athletics Competitor for the United States Pan American Games Gold 1959 Chicago Marathon

John Joseph Kelley (born December 24, 1930 in Norwich, Connecticut, United States was the winner of the 1957 Boston Marathon and the marathon at the 1959 Pan American Games,[1] and a member of two United States Olympic Marathon teams. He is often dubbed John "The Younger" to avoid confusion with John A. "Johnny" Kelley "The Elder", the similarly named winner of the 1935 and 1945 Boston Marathons. (Contrary to popular belief, these two John Kelleys are not related.)

Contents 1 Competition 2 Career Summary 3 John J. Kelley's Boston Marathons 4 Trivia 5 Life Beyond Running 6 See also 7 References 8 External links

Career SummaryAn excellent competitive runner during his high school years at Bulkeley School in New London, Connecticut, Kelley began racing in marathons during his college years. From 1950 to 1954, he attended Boston University, a Massachusetts school located about a mile from the Boston Marathon finish line. While at Boston University, he would excel in team races and would run his first two Boston Marathons, in 1953 and 1954. He finished fifth in the 1953 race before following up with a 7th place finish the next year. After graduation from college, Kelley would finish 2nd in the 1956 Boston Marathon and made his way onto the U.S. Olympic Marathon team which competed in Melbourne, Australia during the same year. He would go on to win the Boston Marathon outright in 1957 while setting a new course record on the remeasured course. After his win at Boston, Kelley would win several other marathons including eight consecutive wins of the Yonkers Marathon in Yonkers, New York.^[1] As a result of his record setting performance at Yonkers in 1960, he again found his way onto the U.S. Olympic Marathon team and competed in the 1960 Olympics in Rome. He placed 21st and 19th in the Melbourne and Rome Olympic marathons respectively.

John J. Kelley's Boston Marathons

• 1953 2:28:19 5th

• 1954 2:28:51 7th

• 1956 2:14:33 2nd

• 1957 2:20:05 1st

• 1958 2:30:51 2nd

• 1959 2:23:43 2nd

• 1960 DNF

• 1961 2:23:54 2nd

• 1962 2:28:37 4th

• 1963 2:21:09 2nd

• 1964 2:27:23 7th

• 1965 2:25:23 14th

• 1967 2:25:25 12th

• 1968 2:37:03 15th

• 1969 2:31:36 22nd

• 1970 2:36:50 63rd

• 1971 2:44:10 96th

• 1972 2:40:05 79th

• 1973 2:41:13 66th

• 1974 2:32:18 78th

• 1975 2:34:11 169th

• 1976 2:46:43 154th

• 1977 2:46:26 353rd

• 1980 2:55:45

• 1982 2:55:50

• 1983 2:55:30

• 1984 2:58:35

• 1986 3:01:40

• 1987 3:08:46

• 1988 3:28:53

• 1989 3:46:50

• 1992 4:07:32

Trivia

John J. Kelley is the only runner to ever win both the Boston Marathon and the Mount Washington Road Race, which he won in 1961. He made the ascent in one hour and 8 minutes 54 seconds, nearly seven minutes faster than the winning times in the three previous years the race had been held, 1936-1938.

Life Beyond Running

After the pinnacle of his career as a runner, he went on to a successful career as high school running coach. At Fitch High School in Groton, Connecticut, Kelley coached Amby Burfoot, winner of the 1968 Boston Marathon. In addition to coaching, Kelley would find work over the years as a newspaper columnist, free lance writer, cab driver and running wear store co-owner. John Kelley married Jacintha C. Braga in 1953, and has three children, Julia, Kathleen, and Eileen.

  See also

• List of winners of the Boston Marathon

References

1. ^ Colaizzo, Pete; Hauman, Riel; Wilson, Maurice; Civai, Franco (2007-01-19). "Most Wins within a Single Race Series". Association of Road Racing Statisticians. http://www.arrs.net/Tr_AllSeriesWins.htm. Retrieved 2007-01-23.

External links

• Profile at www.sports-reference.com
• http://www.cityofyonkers.com/parkssite/John%20J.%20Kelley.htm
• Running Past Profile
• John Kelley's College Scrapbook
• Kelley's HOF Induction Speech

Read Amby Burfoot's Runner's World tribute: http://footloose.runnersworld.com/2011/08/john-j-kelley-rip-1930-2011-1957-boston-marathon-winner-americas-first-modern-road-runner.html

source: Wikipedia

My Keister Has Moved (Mere 1.4 Miles)

1.4 miles run1.4 miles walked

total: 2.8 miles

78°F | °C
Partly Cloudy
Wind: S at 2 mph
Humidity: 71%
course: neighborhood loop

With the amazing addition to our family, much has been turned around. Once again, as is the sad saga of my fitness, I am out of shape. For such a short run, I'm tired and sore.

Any interesting ads on my blog?

I weighed myself pre-run, and was unimpressed. I'm going to avoid weighing myself for the next month, and, if I stick with just getting my keister out there, expect progress.

The Runner's Devotional: Inspiration and Motivation for Life's Journey, On and Off the Road

The Runner's Devotional: Inspiration and Motivation for Life's Journey, On and Off the Road

I have two vignettes of my running adventures here. Both address things I have learned as a runner, each with a hard example showing how I learned it.

Take a look, and, let me know if you find my entries.

Ever wondered if there’s a purpose to your running and what it has to do with your spiritual life? The Runner’s Devotional will inspire you in your faith while encouraging you to excel at the sport you love! This book is for runners of all levels—casual and avid, competitive and recreational—who want to improve their running skills, attain personal running goals, and grow closer to God. Fifty-two devotional readings will keep runners motivated, inspired, and running in the right direction, both on and off the road, through life’s many peaks and valleys. Each devotional includes an inspirational reading, a personal story from a runner, Scripture application, running tips, and questions to consider. Additional features include health and fitness tips, and weekly runner’s logs.

From the Back Cover

Find inspiration and meaning while excelling at the sport of running!

Ever wonder if your running has a purpose and how it connects to your relationship with God? The Runner’s Devotional will inspire you in your faith while encouraging you to excel at the sport you love! This book is for runners of all levels—casual and avid, competitive and recreational—who want to improve their running skills, attain personal running goals, and grow in their faith.

The Runner’s Devotional features:

• Weekly devotional readings to keep you motivated and inspired
• Personal stories of faith, challenge, and victory
• Scripture explanation to help you apply the Bible to running and your life
• Health and fitness tips
• Weekly runner’s logs
• Race training schedules for 5k, 10k, half marathon, and marathon
• Journaling pages

DuPage PADS Run/Walk Registration is Open

I'm reposting an e-mail I just received. I have volunteered at this race for a few years, and otherwise, have volunteered with PADS overnight stay.

As races go, it is well-managed, with the involvement of some of DuPage County's running community's best and brightest (and fastest). It goes through the neighborhoods of Wheaton, in an area with old and beautiful trees, finishing at PADS' HQ next to the Illinois Prairie Path.

If you can't run or volunteer, please, send them a check or call. Even $20 will help.
(705 W. Liberty, Wheaton, IL 60187 (630)682-3846 www.dupagepads.org)

DuPage PADS Run/Walk Registration is Open! Join us on Saturday, September 10th at 8am for the DuPage PADS Run/Walk! Our 5K CARA approved course appeals to serious runners, casual joggers, and families alike.     Whether you're an individual runner, family, group of friends, company, club or congregation, you are invitied to be a part of this FUNdraiser!     Pre-registered participants receive an official PADS RUN T-shirt (runners receive a "Dri-Fit" shirt, walkers receive a cotton shirt) and goody bag. In addition, we'll have a free drawing for door prizes.

Take a step to end homelessness today! Register here. 705 W. Liberty, Wheaton, IL 60187 (630)682-3846 www.dupagepads.org

Marathoner Samuel Wanjiru Has Died

Marathoner Samuel Wanjiru Has Died(more Wikipedia and Universal Sports)

Samuel Kamau Wanjiru (November 10, 1986 – May 15, 2011) was a Kenyan athlete who specialized in long distance running. He became a professional at a young age and broke the world record in the half marathon when he was 18 years old. In 2007, he broke the 20 km road running record and improved the half marathon record by over twenty seconds.

He moved up to the full marathon and won at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in an Olympic record time of 2:06:32; becoming the first Kenyan to win the Olympic gold in the marathon. The following year, he won both the London Marathon and Chicago Marathon, running the fastest marathons ever recorded in the United Kingdom and United States, respectively. He retained his Chicago title in 2010 in a season fraught with injury.

Contents [hide]
1 Running career
1.1 Early career
1.2 World records and Olympic gold
1.3 London and Chicago wins
2 Personal life
3 Death
4 Achievements
5 Personal bests
6 References
7 External links

[edit] Running career[edit] Early careerWanjiru started running at the age of 15. In 2002, he moved to Japan and went to Sendai Ikuei Gakuen High School in Sendai. He had success on the Japanese cross country circuit, where he won the Fukuoka International Cross Country at sixteen years old in 2003. He went on to win in both Fukuoka and at the Chiba International Cross Country consecutively in 2004 and 2005.[1] After graduating in 2005, he joined the Toyota Kyūshū athletics team, coached by 1992 Olympic marathon silver medalist Koichi Morishita.[2]

Wanjiru has a 5000 metres best of 13:12.40, run as a 17 year old in April 2004 in Hiroshima, Japan. At the age of only 18, Wanjiru broke the half marathon world record on September 11, 2005 in the Rotterdam Half Marathon with a time of 59:16 minutes, officially beating Paul Tergat's half-marathon record of 59:17 minutes. This was preceded two weeks earlier by a bettering of the 10,000 meter world junior record by a margin of almost 23 seconds in the IAAF Golden League Van Damme Memorial Race on August 26. His WJR time of 26:41.75 was good enough for third place in the race behind Kenenisa Bekele's world record of 26:17.53 and Boniface Kiprop's 26:39.77. It was Kiprop who held the previous world junior mark (27:04.00 minutes), set at the same meeting the previous year.[3]

[edit] World records and Olympic goldWanjiru took back the half marathon world record, which Haile Gebrselassie broke in early 2006, with 58:53 minutes on February 9, 2007 at the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon[4] and improved it to 58:33 on March 17, 2007 in the City-Pier-City Loop in The Hague, The Netherlands. While improving his own record, he recorded an unofficial time of 55:31 for 20 km, which was faster than Haile Gebrselassie's world record but was never ratified due to the timing methods in the race.[5]


Wanjiru approaching the finishing line at the 2008 Summer OlympicsWanjiru made his marathon debut at Fukuoka Marathon on December 2, 2007, winning it impressively with a course record of 2:06:39.[6] He started 2008 by winning the Zayed International Half Marathon and receiving a prize of US $300,000.[7] In the 2008 London Marathon, he came in second, breaking 2:06 for the first time. In the 2008 Summer Olympics, Wanjiru won the marathon gold medal in an Olympic record time of 2:06:32, smashing the previous record of 2:09:21 set by Carlos Lopes of Portugal in the 1984 Olympics.[8] He received the AIMS World Athlete of the Year Award that year in recognition of his performances.[9]

[edit] London and Chicago winsAt the Granollers Half Marathon in February 2008, in which Wanjiru won, the Kenyan stated his intent for the future, saying, "in five years' time I feel capable of clocking a sub 2 hours time for the marathon."[10] In April 2009, Wanjiru won the London Marathon in a time of 2:05:10, a new personal record and also a new course record. He was pleased with the achievement and stated that he hoped to break Haile Gebrselassie's world record in the near future.[11] At the Rotterdam Half Marathon, Wanjiru clocked a 1:01:08 on 13 September, which was won by Sammy Kitwara with a time of 58:58.[12] In October 2009, Wanjiru won the Chicago Marathon in a time of 2:05:41, setting a new course record for the city and the fastest marathon time ever run in the United States.[13] The wins in London and Chicago helped him reach the top of the World Marathon Majors rankings for 2009, earning him a jackpot of US$500,000.[14]

He signed up to defend his title at the 2010 London Marathon, but he encountered knee trouble at the midway point of the race and decided to drop out to avoid further injury – the first time in six marathons that he had failed to finish.[15] He chose to run at the 2010 Chicago Marathon in October, but a stomach virus before the race had harmed his preparations and he entered the competition with the lesser aim of reaching the top three. Tsegaye Kebede took the opportunity to forge a lead, but Wanjiru (despite a lack of peak physical form) persevered with the pace and caught up with the Ethiopian. He took the lead in the final 400 m to defend his title in Chicago with a time of 2:06:24. "It was the greatest surprise I have ever seen in my life", remarked his coach, Federico Rosa, on the performance.[16][17]

[edit] Personal lifeHis cousin Joseph Riri is a world-class marathon runner,[18] and Wanjiru's younger brother Simon Njoroge is also a long distance runner. Wanjiru was mentored by Stephen Ndungu, a marathoner and a pace maker.

He was arrested by Kenyan police at his house in Nyahururu in December 2010 and charged with threatening to kill his wife and illegally possessing an AK-47. He denied both the accusations and claimed that he was being framed.[19][20] Because of these troubles, Wanjiru did not compete in any spring marathons in 2011. Sammy passed away May 15th, 2011.

[edit] DeathOn May 15, 2011, it was reported that Wanjiru died from a fall after jumping from a balcony at his home.[21]

Foolish? No, Just Slow and Tired 2.00 Miles

2.00 miles run
0.25 miles walk

total: 2.25 miles
course: COD track

What was I thinking? I spent the weekend switching stuff from one room to the other, then, painting one of those rooms. I had help painting, but the ceiling was mostly my job. Michelangelo has more respect from me than ever.

My legs feel like Jello. My arm begs me for permission to fall off. All I could suffer through today were two very slow miles around College of DuPage's track. Another lap seemed to be a bad idea, so I walked a lap and licked my wounds.

These are the workouts, in a way, which matter most, the one which are more about mental focus than physical exertion. Back at it tomorrow, rested or not.

Buy something: Search Amazon.com for iPad 2
Search Amazon.com for Michelangelo

On Racing: I Was Younger, Now I'm Older

When I was younger, I had a rule for myself, "No one over 60, or under 15 can beat me." If it was a big race, my goal was to finish no worse than behind the 10th female. Most of the time, I managed OK.

Now I am older. My goal is to finish at least tied wih the guy in last place.

Minimalistic Running: Is Naked Next?

Barefoot running. No Nike or ASICS on your feet.

No shirt. No socks. No bandana.

If the running minimalism religion takes off, who will Runner's World sell ads to? Lady Godiva Running Club? That issue would sell better than the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.

The idea of being free from things contraining a good run is important, but the marketing trend push it as an idealogy seems counter to the point.

Zola Budd ran without shoes before it was cool: Amazon.com Books: Zola Budd

The Barefoot Running Book Second Edition: A Practical Guide to the Art and Science of Barefoot and Minimalist Shoe Running Hmm?