Random Thoughts for a Winter's Day

Most bloggers have this post around this time of year because, frankly, there isn't a lot to talk about running-wise. So, it's a good time to talk about other things that are happening in our lives and what races around our minds as we wait for the spring to arrive. So, here are some random thoughts for this cold winter day.

• First, an update. I ran 4 miles on Wednesday and 6 miles yesterday outside on the road and am happy to say that my left Achillies is feeling pretty good the day after. I am still trying to be careful not to push myself too hard. For instance, I did feel a twinge when starting to run up hills so, decided yesterday to walk hills instead. That, and the fact that I did lose some stamina in my layoff. But, I have to say, I didn't lose as much as I thought I would as I ran fine and didn't feel winded on flat or downhill ground.

• I believe Bucks County, Pennsylvania is the best place in the United States for running weather-wise. Don't believe me? Ah, I offer you evidence. When I ran yesterday, it was in the upper 20's (F) and the high temp was in the lower 30's. Which is cold. But, I've been reading on various blogs from Massachusetts, Indiana, Missouri, etc. where they are on their treadmills or not running at all because of all the snow and the below zero temperatures they are facing. So, sounds like BC, PA is a pretty good place to run, eh? And, then summer comes and I complain about how hot it is to run outside. Then you read the blogs from the South about not being able to train because of the heat and humidity. So, sounds like I'm in a spot that is not too hot, not too cold, but just right. The defense rests.

• I've contacted my friend about a possible Boston marathon invite this year. I won't say anything more about it until I hear, one way or the other, if I got it.

• I don't pay too much attention to the inductees of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, because, frankly, I don't know what the criteria is in getting in, but, I was glad to see Jeff Beck is being inducted this year. A great guitarist, who was part of the Yardbirds in the 1960's. I remember him best for his 1975 jazz-fusion album, Blow by Blow. Freeway Jam is one of my favorite songs from the album but, the definition of a haunting melody is the song 'Cause We've Ended as Lovers.' Brings back memories of driving around listening to FM when it was considered 'underground' radio.

• Speaking of music, I saw this in the paper the other day. Bryan Ferry, lead singer of the group Roxy Music, is dating his son's ex-girlfriend. There are times I think I live in a different universe.

• Speaking of Hall of Fames, congratulations to Rickey Henderson and Jim Rice on being recently voted into baseball's Hall of Fame. For the life of me, I don't know why they have a rule that you can be on a ballot for 15 years before being kicked off. I mean, if you are truly a Hall of Famer, shouldn't it just take one ballot? And, yet, I like the Veteran's Committee selecting past players that were overlooked. Yeah, I know, kind of hypocritical from my previous statement. Also, I don't think Mark McGwire should ever be considered for the Hall of Fame. And, it's not about the steroids issue. True, he did hit 583 home runs in a sixteen year career. But, he ONLY got 1626 hits. That includes the home runs!!!! That, in and of itself, is not a Hall of Fame number.

• Why do we believe more our negative thoughts than the positive ones? It's easy to say, 'well, that's human nature'. But, why is it human nature? Do people who have confidence just fake it better than the rest of us? Is it just easier to believe it? Really don't know the answer but would love to hear other's views on this.

• Last week, the painter Andrew Wyeth passed away. When reading about his life, I never realized how many prints of his work I have in my own house! If you are ever in the Philadelphia area and are looking for a great little museum, drive out to Chadd's Ford, PA and go to the Brandywine River Museum to see paintings from three generations of the Wyeth family.

• Melissa, from the Blue Dawgs group, sent an e-mail to Kelly and myself asking us to look at page 65 of the February 2009 edition of Runner's World. We had dinner with the guy at the bottom right hand corner at the Harrisburg marathon pasta dinner. He did mention that he was running the Philadelphia marathon a few weeks later. I should go visit the Runner's World offices some day.

• Speaking of the Philadelphia marathon, I met and got an autograph copy of Bart Yasso's book, My Life on the Run. I will fess up here. I didn't know who he was. Now, that I read the book, I'm sorry I didn't talk to him more. It's a good book for a quick read. I did get the book I asked for Christmas and am reading it now. I also received American Lion--Andrew Jackson in the White House which is next on the list. I'm very interested in reading books about historical figures.

Stay warm, everyone. Soon it will be spring!!!!

Talk of the Town

I grew up loving broadcasting. I remember, as a kid, slowly turning the dial of the radio in my room and trying to find and listen to stations all over the US and Canada. I would keep track of the stations that I could find and what frequency they were on for future reference.

Years later, I went to get a Broadcasting & Film degree up in Boston. I worked as a disc jockey at my college radio station. I was a half-time guest once during a college basketball game. I worked for major market radio stations as an engineer and producer. And, I still work in broadcasting, albeit for a corporation and it is web-based. I still find myself in front of camera, from time to time, when they are in need of 'talent' to stand in when testing is being done. So, with all that experience, why was I still nervous going on The Runner's Roundtable last Wednesday as a guest?

I'm not an expert at anything especially when it comes to running. I usually seek advise, not give it. Luckily, the topic was around New Year's Resolutions so I did mention a few that I wrote about last year and on my last blog entry. If you get the opportunity to listen, click on the above link to the website. I can be heard in the discussion group on Episode 12.

With that being said, I am truly amazed by how fast things come out where you don't need a degree in Broadcasting & Film to be a broadcaster and the proliferation of additional media outlets. I'm sooooo yesterday with my blog. Not only is there podcasts available but talk show podcasts, runcast videos and on and on and on. And, they all seem to start up in a matter of months after the latest 'gadget' has been introduced. Below are links to some of the shows, podcasts, videos that I listen to and watch. Believe me, this is a small sampling of what's out there. If you are like me and get bored quickly with listening to the same songs on your iPod, check these out on your next run.

Runner's Lounge
Running from the Reaper
RuncastTV
Confessions of a Runner

and, of course, the granddaddy of them all (or at least the podcaster looks like a granddaddy),

Phedippidations

I think you can subscribe to all of these through iTunes, though don't quote me on that.

If you know of others that you would like to recommend, please let me know. I'm always looking for something else to listen to.

(Notes: My three week doctor-ordered running sabbatical is up. I've been pretty good going to the gym so far but have not run outside as of yet this year. I was going to this past weekend but ice/snow storm hit the Bucks County area on Saturday morning and it was a bit slippery for the entire weekend. I'm going to do a short run today and see how my ankle feels. Maybe I can start joining the Blue Dawgs on Wednesdays again. Good timing on my part as they are calling for highs in the 20's (F) this Wednesday. That's short-run weather if you ask me.)

Goals for the Year 2009!

Happy 2009 to everyone!!!! I hope you had a good holiday season and you are ready for the new year!!!!

I decided, this year, not to have any new year's resolutions. Oh sure, I still plan on continuing what I resolved to do last year such as eat healthy, smarter exercise, beating Steve at Falmouth, etc. But, this year, is a little different. For this year, I enter a new age group. I enter a new decade in life. I turn 50. And, by the end of the year, you will be sick of me saying, I turn 50. But, because I turn 50 (sick of it yet?), I don't want to resolve myself from doing anything. I want to celebrate life. So, my resolutions this year are goals of things I want to do as I wait for my AARP card to arrive in the mail.

Stay Healthy--The one good thing about an injury is that it makes you pause and think about how you are approaching how to run. Things I could get away with even five years ago aren't the same thing I can get away with now. I NEED to make sure I cross train. I NEED to make sure I stretch. I NEED to make sure I am counting the miles on my shoes. I NEED to make sure I am training properly. If I do this, and there are no oceans out there with jagged coral to step on, I can stay healthy. I still have a week before I can start running again (doctor's orders), so I only hope that 'staying healthy' doesn't turn into 'getting healthy.'

Two marathons--For someone who was ready to swear off marathons last fall, suddenly I'm ready to do a two in a year. I swear marathons are like child-birth for women. You say never again just after you are done and then suddenly you are planning the next one. I would like to do a spring marathon if able. But, I am not going to push to hard with this as I am more interested in doing an 'unusual' fall marathon with SteveRunner. Unusual? Steve and I agreed to look for a marathon in a part of the world that we wouldn't ordinarily visit. The latest edition of Runner's World had the marathons scheduled for 2009. So far, there is one in Newfoundland (or was it Nova Scotia?), Portland, and California that looked interesting. I need to settle on a few and then look at the price of travel. Stay tuned.

Take me out to the ballgame--This is not an original idea. In fact, I stole it from Tom Hanks when he turned 50. You see, Tom Hanks hired a bus and went from city to city, with his friends, to see different baseball parks throughout the country. I'm not rich enough to hire a bus. Nor, do I have that many friends that would be willing to travel with me for a day let alone a week. But, I found a week in June that would allow me to travel to Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago, St. Louis and Kansas City to see a baseball game every night. And, possibly, running a race in Kansas City before returning home. I think its doable.
SteveRunner and I were going to do this but, Steve had to bow out. I was bummed thinking that I wasn't going to be able to do this. But, another friend of mine, who is also turning 50, said he was interested in making the trip. So, it might be back on afterall.

A triathlon?--Chief White put this thought in my head last year. There is a class that starts in April on training for a sprint triathlon in July. I grew up swimming so I don't have a fear of water. I do have a mountain bike. Yes, it's not a triathlon bike but, before I commit to a new bike, I want to see if I like doing, training, discussing about triathlons. I want to talk more with some of my Blue Dawg friends about what to expect from this.

Going to a bowl game--Every year I look forward to watching the bowl games for college football. I have no idea why other than I'm big on almost anything that is traditional. I think there are too many bowl games. And, then I watch most of them. With no rooting interest. I don't like the papajohn.com bowls or any other commercial named bowl games. I think it's short-sighted and stupid to name a bowl game after a corporation. However, I don't mind a commercial name in front of a traditional bowl game name. So, I will watch the AT&T Cotton Bowl. Having said all that, I've always wanted to go to a bowl game. Doesn't really matter which one, really. As long as it's warm. But, it's hard to pick up and leave during the holidays. I guess I just want to say, 'I've been there.'

Falmouth--I hope Steve and I get a chance to run the Falmouth Road Race together this year. I want to show that a 50 year old can still beat some smart aleck 'kid' like him. :-)

I expect this to be a different year for me than normal years. I might not get chances to do some of the Bucks County 5k Spring series, Broad Street, or Philadelphia Distance Run. But, I don't want this to be an ordinary year for me. As you can tell by the list, I will be poorer in the pocket but richer in spirit. My resolution for this year? Enjoy life as much as I can and be grateful for the things I have. It's as simple as that.

(Notes: I will be a guest on the Runner's Roundtable , a podcast show that is live on Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 4 pm EST. If you miss it, you will be able to download it later. I haven't done this before but, I believe, you will be able to text in questions during the show. )

My Christmas Card to You

This is the Christmas card we sent out to all our friends and family. I thought it was a good idea to share with you as well. Thank you all for reading this blog. It has been an interesting year to write this blog as I have come to know and care about people whom I've never met yet know about their lives through their blogs. I have had a chance to meet new friends along the way and share in special moments with one's whom I've known for years.

There are two other things I would like to share with you. One, is a short video, that I may be doing from time to time, called, 'What are the dogs up to?'. I don't have children but I will say I have some 'parental' feelings for the dogs we have. No, I'm not trying to get them into Harvard but I do know the feeling of coming home from a bad day at the office and them putting a smile on my face from the joy they are having in life. Below is a clip of Ellie Mae having fun. I hope it puts a smile on your face as well.





Finally, I am a kid at heart. I remember all the corny Christmas specials and movies from my youth. But, there was one that wasn't so corny. At least, to me. There is a scene in 'A Charlie Brown's Christmas' where Linus explains the true meaning of the holiday. I wanted to share that with you as well. It doesn't matter your religion to understand the sentiment behind it. We can all pray and hope for peace on earth, goodwill to all.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and I hope you have a joyful and prosperous 2009! 2009 will be a special year for me. I hope to see you then.

2008--A Year in Review

At the end of each year, it is a time of reflection of what we have done. Below are some of the highlights of my 2008. I'm not quite done for the year as I will post once more before Christmas.

Overall: I ran 14 races this year. Sometimes it's hard to look at yourself objectively but I think I had an off year this year. It has been mainly due to being injured more than I have been before. I was off my feet for about a month's time in June/July and am now nursing an unidentified ankle injury which I sustained in late October. I did well in the spring Bucks 5k Series and had a half-marathon PR in the Philadelphia Distance Run in September. My ability to run was too inconsistent to say I had a good year.

Best Race: It was not my fastest time. But, it was my best race all year. The Dead Harriers 5k in August. I didn't expect to run a race that day. But, it was a Wednesday and I had a bad day and I wanted to 'blow off some steam'. What better way than to run all out like a 5k? I started the race with Chief White. And, when it was all said and done, I had a 'one for the ages' race against him throughout the entire event. Back and forth. Strategy in play. In the end, it was as much a mental win as a physical one. We still talk about it when we see each other. By far, it was the best race I ran in for 2008.

Worse Race: Penn Relays Distance Classic 20k. As much as I liked the idea of still being part of the Penn Relays and doing a lap around the track of Franklin Field, I don't think I would do this race again. The field was too small to be enjoyable over a longer distance. Most of the race was on MLK and Kelly Drives, which I have run many times before in the Philadelphia marathon and Distance Run. I finished far back in the pack and yet had a time that would have been close to breaking a 2 hour half-marathon. I remember feeling very sluggish in this race. Not one of my better days.

Biggest surprise: I started doing a cross-training program in the beginning of the year. I was doing it to be a little stronger in case I did get a Boston marathon invite. I was doing some stretching, cardio, etc. exercises. Thirty minutes a day. Two-three times a week. After two weeks, I saw a vast improvement on my hill runs on Wednesday nights. I mean vast improvement. So much so that someone mentioned to me, months later, about how well I was running hills in the beginning of the year. I was surprised, after two weeks, I would see that much improvement. I was going to continue to do the training for Falmouth. But, Steve didn't get in and lost interest in continuing the improvement. I'm hoping next year to do it in 'spots' for upcoming races.

Proudest moment: I was not feeling well during the Philadelphia Distance Run. It was not a day to set any records. I wanted to finish around 2 hours and would have been satisfied in just doing that. I almost dropped out of the race. But, it was a day I convinced myself, that, if I keep moving my legs, good things will come. And, with less than 1/4 mile to go, I picked up the pace enough to set a PR for a half marathon distance. I was proud, in the fact, I have finally learned my lessons from the past. Don't just run a race. Finish a race.

Biggest disappointment: Looking back on my blogs for 2008, I wrote a lot about possibly getting in the Boston marathon this year. Though I was disappointed I didn't get an invite, in reality, I didn't deserve one so it was a short-term disappointment. One of my goals for 2008 was to break my 5k PR. All through the spring, I was knocking on the door. Central Bucks 5k was around 25 minutes. New Hope-Solebury was under 25 minutes. I was ready to breakthrough. Just looking for the race to do it in. I was not expecting to do it (or come close) in the Doylestown 'Red, White & Blue' 5k. I felt good that day. I pushed myself hard but, temporarily let up at the end, when I miscalculated what my potential finishing time could be. I shouldn't have let up at all. And, paid the price of not 'finishing' the race and missed my PR by 1 second. I still remember, crossing the finish line, convinced I had done it and then look down at my watch, only to realize how close I had come. Though it was a good effort, I was disappointed that I convinced myself I couldn't do it in the middle of a race.

Biggest thrill: Hawaii. In every way. Running on Waikiki Beach in the mornings. Running around Diamond Head with Frayed Laces and her boyfriend one afternoon. Taking surf lessons in Honolulu. Visiting the island of Kauai for the first time. Everyday, since I left, I think about some part of that trip. I hope it will not be another 20 years before I can visit again.

Scariest moment: Swimming in Kauai and stepping on an unidentified object. Having the foot doctor, weeks later, say, 'this could be serious'. I was scared. But, not as scared as your own father telling you he has cancer. That happened in August. And, you freeze. Not knowing how different your life might be from that moment on. Thankfully, my father has recovered and he is doing well. Well enough that he and my mother are able to travel and will visit during the Christmas holidays.

What I will remember most from this year: I challenge you to do this exercise. Write down what you think you will remember this year. Then, next year, look at it again and see if that's still the thing you remember most about that year. Last year, I said I will remember the Ocean City Half marathon the most because of the weather. This year, when I think of the half marathons I have run in my lifetime, I have to remember that I did run that race. It's not quite as important in memory as I thought it would be.
This year, I think, I will remember the Harrisburg marathon the most. Not because of my awful performance. But, because of friends who set PRs that day. And, the fun we had that weekend at the 'expo', the pasta dinner, the race itself (and my friends cheering me on at the end) and sitting around having breakfast at Perkins afterwards. There is a lot of joy of sharing moments with friends. It's something I come to appreciate more and more through the years.

(Notes: If you want to hear 'bad acting' (and who wouldn't!), take a listen to SteveRunner's Fdip episode 165. I have a small part in a skit that Steve performs. I have all the range of acting skills as a B-movie extra. Steve and the rest are great.
I go to the doctor today for my ankle. It has been bothering me since before the Harrisburg marathon so I guess it's time to find out what is really wrong with it. I'm anxious to get back running. I think it's when you can't is when you most want to.
Update on December 16, 2008--I had X-rays yesterday and it doesn't show a stress fracture (which was my biggest fear). I need to consult with my doctor on next steps. )
Update on December 19, 2008--I have Achillies and Peroneal tendonitis. So, no running for the next three weeks. I will need to go to physical therapy. I can cross train and play racquetball so will start doing that. If I'm not cured by the end of January, then it's the boot for me! (I will need to shut down everything and stabilize my foot/ankle. Also, found out that my right leg is a half inch shorter than my left. So, am I 6'3" or 6' 2 1/2"? I guess it depends on which way the winds blowing that day.)

A Letter to Santa

Dear Santa:

I know you are busy this time of year but I wanted to give you my list of what I want for Christmas. I've been an awfully good boy this year. For instance, I had to listen all year to Kelly whining about hills. As you can imagine, Santa, that's not easy. Come to think of it, all of the Blue Dawg group had to listen to her whining. Maybe you should give them something special this year as well!

And, I was very patient with little StevieRunner as he complained about not getting his sub-4 hour marathon again. I know, Santa, this happens all the time. And, I'm sure I'm not the only one that has to go through this. But, please, Santa, could you find a way to make little StevieRunner run a marathon under 4 hours next year? Not as a present to him but as a present to the rest of us? I know there isn't a lot of talent to work with there but we can all hope for a Christmas miracle, can't we?

So, here are some of the things I want when you come to my house for Christmas:

DryMax socks--Santa, these are hard to find. They are my favorite running socks and the ones I have now are starting to fall apart. If you could give me a half dozen, that would be swell!

Garmin 405--I know my Garmin 201 works just fine but, I'm a boy and boys like new toys. I was good and didn't ask for a 205, 301, or 305. And, I don't necessarily need the heart-rate monitor. It just looks so much easier to run with! I have heard you need nimble hands to work the 405, but, honest, Santa, I'll be patient in playing with it.

A comfortable pair of running shoes--My Adrenaline GTS 5's are on their last legs. I have a pair of Adrenaline GTS 7's to replace them but I don't think they will be as comfortable as my 5's. Why, Santa, do shoe companies 'upgrade' running shoes every year? And, they never fit the same so I have to find another shoe to replace them? It would be great if you can get me a pair of running shoes that I know I can run a marathon in with no problems.

Triathalon gear--I know, Santa, this is a big surprise to you to see this on my list. And, I was going to wait until my New Year's resolution to announce this but, I think I want to do a triathalon in 2009. Not a great big one but a sprint. Chief convinced me I could do one and I heard there is a class forming in April so I won't be working out alone. And, he didn't even convince me after a few 'adult beverages'!!!! No, I'm hoping that 2009 is a special year for me, and I think I want to compete in a triathalon to see if I like it.

A new left Achillies tendon--I know this one isn't going to be easy for you to deliver. And, realistically, I should be asking the 'birthday boy' for this. But, if there is a way to get me a new one, that would be swell. I think the other one is getting kind of old and worn out. For the past few months, it's been nothing but trouble when I run on it. I thought I would rest it a bit after my last marathon. But, I went out last Saturday, and it was still hurting me. Make it stop hurting, Santa!!! It's ok to walk around with it. Maybe if I get those new comfortable running shoes, I won't need a new Achillies tendon afterall!!!!

The book Hello, Everybody! The Dawn of American Radio by Anthony Rudel--I've always been interested in radio, Santa, and this sounds like a fun book to read. I saw a review in Spirit magazine on a Southwest airline flight I took and they said it was really keen. Could you put this under the tree too?

Peace and happiness to all--This is a tough one, Santa, and one that you have been working on a lot. But, I have friends that didn't have a particularly good year in 2008. Could you make 2009 a better year for them?

Thank you, Santa, for all you do. I promise not to make a fire in the fireplace Christmas Eve so you'll be able to come down the chimney this year. And, I will leave out some cookies for you and some carrots for the reindeer. I can't leave them by the Christmas tree or else the dogs will eat them. So, they will be on the counter in the kitchen. I hope you have good weather the night before Christmas. I'll see you in the mall!!!

Your best buddy,

Joe

Going over to the 'Dark Side'

It started out resting my ankle, my body, my spirit. I have run only once since the Harrisburg marathon. And, even then, my ankle was bothering me. So, I decided to rest some more. But, it has become more than that. You see, I have seen the 'dark side' (and, shhh, I liked it!!!)



I woke up last Sunday morning. Not bright and early. I slept in. And, then, I had a cup of coffee. I not only had a cup of coffee, I enjoyed it. I sipped it. I relished the aroma and the flavor. So much did I enjoy the experience, I had a second cup of coffee. I didn't guzzle it to get out the door to go run.



With my cup of coffee, I read the paper. The ENTIRE Sunday newspaper. From beginning to end. I didn't just skim headlines. I read articles. I read the questions posed to Walter Scott in Parade magazine and read the answers. I leafed through the inserts to see what was on sale. I read the comics. And, sipped my coffee.



For the holidays, I ate. Boy, did I eat. And not a Powerbar in sight. Turkey. Potatoes. Stuffing. Pies. Cookies. And the leftovers for turkey, potatoes, stuffing, pies and cookies. And, I went back for more. Mmmmmmm!!!!!!



Some people say they get antsy if they don't run. I didn't. I'm beginning to feel the 'dark side' is taking over my soul. I know I didn't make a pact with the devil to say I would live this life if I ran a marathon under 5 hours. Because, if I did, he didn't deliver. So, it must be something else. Something I'm not seeing.



I believe this is only a temporary condition. I believe, as my pants get tighter, I will have a 'spiritual awakening' and see my 'evil ways' of the two of the seven deadly sins I am committing of gluttony and sloth. In the meantime, could you pass another slice of pie, please?