Fitness Reality Brought Me 1.75(1) Miles

1.751 miles run
0.251 miles walked

total: 2.002 miles
course: home treadmill

There I go again, including minutia. Why? Easy: It is more than I ran all last month. That .001. Will it make a difference? Of course not, but I do wish I had run that 1/1000 mile last month.

I have run four times this week. 5.5 miles run. Strange to know that's the total for the week. Add in the .05/mile walked and I'm still under 6 miles. That's just a reality I gotta face until it is safe to increase.

What's your fitness reality?

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Why I Keep a Running Blog - 1.25 Miles

1.25 miles run
0.15 miles walked

total: 1.40 miles
course: home treadmill

Yeah, yeah. Why am I including such an insignificant detail -- that I walked 14% of one mile?

Because, simply, this is my blog. Mere self-indulgence isn't the point. I would tell it better then. Pride? I hope not. Kind of embarrassing, if you think about it. Can't brag about running a buck and a quarter.

And that's the point. No, no, not the embarrassing part. I mean the part in which I put it out there. I'm vulnerable. I do keep a private spreadsheet of all of this, but in being out there, two things happen:

1) My pride remains in check.
Instead of my little secret, good or bad, I have things nicely digital. The ups and the downs.

I had one person once tell me to cool it regarding how much I blog about running. That hurt, because they had the impression this was "Look at me, I'm doing well." To the contrary. Look at my last few posts: under 5K. I used to warm up longer than that.

2) It keeps reality in check.

There are a few realities. By logging things publicly, there is a sort of accountability. If, say, I decide to go ultra, what's the cost? Let's say my knees and all survive. Those hours of training whither away at things more important to me, like reading to my boy.

• Age, knocks and bruises through the years, paying the consequences of bronchitis a few times -- the physical stuff.
• Time: faith, work, family -- the stuff that isn't running.

Running is a good thing for me, but it needs to be the right amount. I don't buy into the "all things in moderation" myth. The right amount, whatever that is. Not more. Not less. If nothing, then that's the right amount.

Sure, it is good to track progress, or to backtrack a log to analyze an injury. But there's more to life than a PR, isn't there?

If you run, know why. If you invest your time in it, know what's not getting invested in. Simple displacement. Every hour run is not tossing a ball with your boy, or having dinner with your spouse.

Don't lie to yourself and say, "I'm healthier at 80 miles a week." Are you? If you are running quick 6:30 miles, not counting prep and warmdown, you are looking at over 8.5 hours each week. Add in shoe shopping, showers, drinking Gatorade. Nothing wrong with that if the rest of life is in check.

I've been down the road of investing too much. I don't want that to happen again. Yeah, I'm a long way from too much, but it all starts with one mile, doesn't it?

Do the math.

150% More Than My Last Run - 1.5 Miles

1.50 miles run
total: 1.50 miles
course: home treadmill

Starting is somewhat easy. It really isn't easy, but it is easier than continuing, don't you think? I'm still starting, so I can't say it has become particularly difficult, but it wasn't easy either.

My face is red. My thighs ache a little from the last run, and standing for three hours at an art gallery last night. Standing is easier than running, unless you've just been running. Or, in my case, hadn't been running much at all.

All I can say is I ran. Not fast. Slow, if you think about fast and slow in terms of running. Not far, if you think about short and far in terms of running. Just ran.

One Mile Equals One Mile

1.002 miles run

total: 1.002 miles
course: home treadmill

That's it. A mile. See yesterday's post for context. Basically, trying to do something. Anything. Before New Year's Day.

It hurt. I went slow. Exhausted. Add more out of shape type words.

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)

read more


Watch more videos on Flotrack

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