Tuesday Recreational Yogging

Winter Maintenance

2012-01-15T19:23:00.000-08:00

Hi TRY-ers! Adam noticed some bad links on the blog, and I am going to fix those. While I am here, I'll add a few reminders.

The following events are open for registration:

Boilermaker (4000/14000 entries as of today)
Mountain Goat
Green Lakes Triathlon (YMCA Members)

There are good number of TRY members signed up for the Boilermaker (me, Aaron, Terry, Ally, ET, Sue, Adam, Roger). I hope everyone else will join in the fun!

Most of us took some breaks over the holidays, but I know I am back in the swing of running. I hope everyone is doing their best to keep in shape over the winter. Don't forget about opportunities for group runs:

Lake Effect running club, Saturday mornings in Liverpool
Fleet Feet Cold Feet on Sunday mornings in East Syracuse

If you are looking to do the Mountain Goat, the 10 week plan starts at the end of February. Any base you have at that point will make you stronger for the program. If that is too early for you, you can start later (the one on the Mountain Goat website is shorter). However, it is a tough course, and the longer training cycle will make it a more pleasant experience.

If you want to contact anyone over the winter, post on the Facebook page. Many of us check that regularly. If you aren't a member of the group but want to be added, add me as a friend and drop me a note!

--Kelly :)

Last week!

2011-11-12T06:48:00.001-08:00

This is the last week of TRY for the year. This run is really to enjoy the lights and spend one last night as a group! We will run at a comfortable pace for everyone...no speed at this one! We will meet at 5pm. I hope to see everyone one last time for the year.

Now we are moving into the winter months, and do your best to keep up your running through the winter. The one thing we have found that improves running is consistency. If you can keep your mileage up through the winter, you will have a much better fitness base for the spring and summer races. Aaron and I spent last winter running during lunch at work. We both had a great season, and I believe our winter base really put us in an excellent position for the year.

There are plenty of motivating opportunities in Syracuse to run through the winter. There are races in the area (Turkey Trot, Jingle Bell Run, Reindeer Run, etc). Fleet feet has the Dusk Runs now (http://www.fleetfeetsyracuse.com/training/dusk-runs) and Cold Feet Training Runs (http://www.fleetfeetsyracuse.com/training/cold-feet-training-runs) later in the year. There are also plenty of running or triathlon clubs in the area to join if that is your thing (CNY Tri, Lake Effect Running Club, Syracuse Chargers, Syracuse Track Club).

Keep an eye open for Terry to organize a cross country skiing event when we get enough snow!

Here is where Terry adds to my post...I'm not sure why he isn't just writing these things ;-)

2 Weeks Left and Fast Women Have the Best Times

2011-11-07T07:43:00.000-08:00

We are nearing the end of the TRY year. We only have 2 weeks left. Wow, this year has gone by fast! We hope to see everyone for the last couple of times for the year :)

This week I recommend doing a 4 mile tempo. That would be a 1 mile warmup, 2 mile at a faster pace, and a 1 mile cool down.

Next week is Lights on the Lake for the final TRY run. Check back next week for details!

[Terry felt like spicing this one up a little...read on]

Next weeks detailed plans:

MONDAY night - a walk under Lights on the Lake. Meeting at the normal Wegman's playground end of the park at 6. Walking from 6 - 7:30ish. Then going to Bankgkok Thai Restaurant for dinner starting at 8. Since I'm hoping for a decent turn out for dinner (It'll be Ivy's first time!) please let me know if you plan to join in as I may warn them and make a pseudo reservation. The point is to walk under the lights but if you can only join in for dinner - or can't make it at 6 and want to run us down under the lights, I'm flexible.

TUESDAY night - a group five mile jog under the lights on the lake. Meeting at normal TRY time at 5 next to the bike rental building and then jogging til 6:15ish? (Lots of people to dodge along the way.)

Note that it is free but they do recommend a $2 donation. If you are like me and haven't donated to the park in a while, this is a great time to give extra money to the park that gives so much back with all the exercising it allows us to do!

I was rather shocked this weekend to stumble across and interesting and insightful article on female marathon running on Grantland.com (which is an offshoot of ESPN.com). Here is the grand finale:

"...women running fair and square in a race from which their own mothers were expressly banned. Less than half a century ago, coverage of the sport in major magazines included descriptions of "fragrant hair" — imagine how they'd react to this new kickass generation of fast and feisty ladies."

It goes into some of the history of women's distance running, Syracuse University gets mentioned, there is a fun sidebar on why the former world record has been disallowed and also on the side there is a link to an article from Running Times that goes into the difference in gender based time standards.

Since we've had a glut of marathon finishers in TRY this fall (and all but one have been women), I thought it was a very timely analysis of the Boston Marathon qualifying time schemes. The articles are probably more interesting to women then men, but we all can get something out of them.

Happy Halloween! / NOT a Shocker

2011-10-31T07:35:00.001-07:00

Kelly is an overachiever and posted while on vacation...so her post is now at the end of this one. Let me add some fluff to the top - since some of you like it fluffy.

Halloween weekend contained some shockers, but I would rather focus on the parts of it that were not shocking:

1) Tim and Lindsay throwing a great Halloween party. Thanks you two! For the generous sharing of your house with TRY and friends and the obvious huge amount of your time that you put into the decorations and the theme. I've been missing the heavenly harp music ever since. It was so tranquil!

2) Catherine (that crazy dare-devil) continuing her assault on every Syracuse area weekend race. This time she checked out the new location for the "AAA Halloween Run" at Jamesville Beach (which used to be the Brueggers Bagel Run at Beaver Lake Nature Center). They moved it to support the growing number of entrants but while Jamesville was more wide open, they definitely lost something in the switch. It wasn't as quaint. And was very muddy. So, it was a slow track that wasn't quite the same course as the Celiac 5k from two springs ago, although it used a lot of the same portions of the fields and trails. There were plenty of costumes, including a man in full pig attire (who did get a bit muddy just like everyone else) and some other fully committed costumes. So, it was still a fun event, just not as cute as it was at the cuter park that gets done up for Halloween.

3) Allyson continuing to be an expert, online fundraiser. In a time when it seems that requests on facebook don't get a lot of support, she threw out a quid pro quo offer that enticed the crowd. (Although one could argue that she would have gotten even better results if she offered more than baked goods?) Rumors from the walking event were that Allyson couldn't contain herself and broke into a run partway through. And the famously nutty Dunn sisters were the fourth largest team fundraiser for the entire event! Impressive.

4) Aaron and Kelly lighting it up in a frigid Marine Corp Marathon. Despite being harbingers of frost, they were primed for great performances at the marathon distance and they delivered. Aaron shaved close to an hour of his former PR and Kelly held off a late charge from him to beat him by a few minutes. (Her little running red woman was a bit too strong for his little running blue guy.) I'm not sure what Kelly's PR had been - so I'll await her comment - but I'm guessing it may have been a shared one with Aaron - in which case she took an hour off from that!

The point of #4 is that - if you put in the time that A & K have in your training and do as much speed work as they've done - good results and getting new PRs are not a shocker - they are expected. And while in a marathon anything can happen - it is great that ordinary happened - and that they both got what they deserved. Great job you two!

Final thought from Terry - I keep hearing more and more about lights on the lake running night. It's now just 2 more weeks away - and we'll be meeting at our normal time and place - 5 near the rental building. And then doing a relaxing jog at group pace (may need to split into two groups if we're too cumbersome) and attempt to do all 5 miles of a down and back. It's free! (But they do accept donations.)

Kelly's remote post (thanks Kelly for being a long distance overachiever!):

Happy halloween! I hope everyone had a fun and festive weekend. What costume did you wear this year?

Aaron and I both had good races at the Marine Corps marathon yesterday. Did anyone else race this weekend?

Aaron and I probably won't make it back in time to join you, but I recommend quarters as a goup to prep for those end of year 5ks. That would be a one mile warmup, 4 x quarter mile intervals with quarter rest in between (regroup after each quarter), and 1 mile cool down.

See you next week!

Getting cooler!

2011-10-24T17:21:00.000-07:00

I read this on a blog this week, and I thought it was a great quote.

"...you don't have to run a marathon to be a runner. There is too much hype and too much pressure on the marathon. Running should be about enjoying it."
--Joan Benoit Samuelson

We are all runners whether we are doing a marathon, 5k, or just out there for a 1 mile jaunt. Make sure to enjoy your time out there!

This past weekend we had Terry and Catherine completed the Eastwood Park to Park 5 mile race. I think Catherine (and maybe Terry?) did every run in the Syrathon (http://www.syracuse.ny.us/parks/SpecialEventsSyrathon.html). Great job Catherine! [Editor: Catherine did indeed complete the 2011 Syrathon. Terry did not. He is a loser. Don't ever forget that. Going into the last race, only 67 people had completed the first 5 races of the 6 race series. So, Catherine is in select company. Please use peer pressure to get her to post a picture of her medal and to show off her shirt. She is too noble of a person to update her facebook profile picture, but maybe you can guilt her into a picture somewhere else? Shirts were available for runners who completed 4 to 6 of the races, so you'll see more of them then the 60 something who did the full 'thon.]

We are getting to chillier temperatures this week, so make sure to bring the right clothing. I know I didn't pack well last week :) We will be out there running at 5pm again. We had a great turnout last week and hope to see everyone this week, too.

I recommend 4 miles with a 2 mile tempo (1 mile warm up, 2 mile at an increased pace, 1 mile cool down).

See you tomorrow!

Give Me a Break

2011-10-17T18:44:00.000-07:00

Kelly needed a much deserved break, so you are stuck with Terry this week. See the entry below for the latest meaty subject - foam rolling.

For this week - a reminder that the TRY meet-up time has been moved up to 5:00. For those of you who can no longer make it: Sorry. But mother nature is a fickle mistress and we are running out of daylight.

The group work-out will either be 1/4 mile intervals or hill repeats at the 3/4 mile mark in the park. It can be decided during the pre-game chat as we meet up.

A special commendation to Lindsay who completed her first marathon on Sunday at the Empire State Marathon! Congratulations on the completion of months of dedicated training. An alley-cat told me that Albany-area-TRYer (and one of the Four Asian Tigers) Kerri completed a marathon this weekend as well. Congratulations to her on once again posting a Boston qualifying time.

Completing the Empire state half marathon were Centipediatrician Bob (Dr. Findacache) and the newest TRYer Steve. Congrats to you both for being half the men of Lindsay and Kerri! (While still being about four times the men that I am!)

Seriously though - congratulations to all of you who have completed your first, your longest or your fastest long races this fall. I hope you take some well deserved moments to revel in your accomplishments! :-) And if you need a break from all those long runs, think about doing some faster, shorter runs (and races). You'll barely notice them compared to your long runs and your marathons and half-marathons and you'll be bringing all that fitness with you...and may be in for a PR without much more than some quick speedwork touch ups.

And a last thought - the former Beaver Lake Bruegger's Bagel Halloween Run, now seems to be the AAA Halloween Run at Jamesville Beach? I assume it got moved for size reasons? It's on Sunday morning October 30th. Anyone want to run that in a group uniform of some sort? Could be fun? Comment or get a hold of me somehow if you are interested...we can figure something out. (Or can do individual costumes...or none at all...just a thought on making a race more fun.) Warning - it's a cross country course - not a road race.

More Meat volume 4 - On a Roll

2011-10-17T17:49:00.000-07:00

Tiffany has been without "the meat" for too long, so here we go with the fourth installment. This time we serve up the meat on a roll - a foam roll. The following is healthy serving of Foam Rolling 101:

We should start where all good stories start - with "myofascial release". Fascia is the soft tissue component of the connective tissue that provides support and protection for most structures within the body, including muscle. Myofascial release is a form of soft tissue therapy used to treat pain and restriction of motion. The goal is to relax the contracted muscles, increasing circulation and stimulating the stretch reflex of muscles and overlying fascia.

Too scientific for you? I agree, just know that foam rolling is self-myofascial release technique. (Which could be a fun new euphemism for "slapping the dolphin".) Here are some informative articles:

This Running Times article calls it The (almost) Magical Foam Roller. It has some handy diagrams showing the key rolling areas for runners - IT band, Hamstrings/Quads, and a very painful looking middle back roll. Some fun quotes -

"But in the case of muscle knots, stretching alone is not enough. When stretching a muscle with knots, you are only stretching the healthy muscle tissue. The knot remains a knot, laughing in the face of the stretch."

"The best way to attack a troublesome muscle knot is direct pressure. A well-trained massage therapist can effectively apply pressure to break up and relieve muscle knots. These knots are pesky. It typically takes several treatment sessions to fix a well-placed knot."

Runner's World provides a similar article. (No good photos here though.) Quotes -

"Using a foam roller can provide similar benefits as deep-tissue massage. By increasing flexibility and decreasing muscle tension, it can help prevent injury and improve performance."

About.com provides a more spread out article that goes into a little more detail and shows all the stretches in pictures. Intro - "Foam rollers offer many of the same benefits as a sports massage, without the big price tag. The foam roller not only stretches muscles and tendons but it also breaks down soft tissue adhesions and scar tissue. By using your own body weight and a cylindrical foam roller you can perform a self-massage or myofascial release, break up trigger points, and soothe tight fascia while increasing blood flow and circulation to the soft tissues."

This is written from a health providers perspective and includes some handy diagrams. It gets a bit more technical on how the how myofascial release things works. Some of it's non-technical quotes - "on a simple piece of foam, [you] can improve flexibility, function, performance, and reduce injuries. In a nutshell, [you use your] own body weight to roll on the round foam roll, massaging away restrictions to normal soft-tissue extensibility."

That's probably enough references. For a more personal take there are some TRY members that use foam rolling (or "the stick") and can give your their opinion. Mine is that foam rolling hurts like a sonofabitch! Which probably means that it works. I used foam rolling a lot this summer to get my newly injured leg back to usable. I have fallen out of the habit but intend to get back into. Even more so now that I've finally read the fine print and how and why it works.

Conclusions:

Foam rolls are cheap - and are a great way to perform some self maintenance for runners. (The old style ones can be less than $20 and the fancy new-fangled ones are $40-$50.)

Last Week at 5:30!

2011-10-09T11:49:00.000-07:00

Terry will correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe this will be the last Tuesday of TRY at 5:30. Next week we will start at 5:00. The last TRY run of the year will be the Lights on the Lake Stroll on November 15 (http://www.lightsonthelake.com/). [Terry's comments - Kelly is exactly right...as always. Due to lack of daylight we have to move the start time for TRY earlier. I know this 5 o'clock start time means some of you aren't able to make it...but unfortunately, there is nothing else to be done. So, starting next week - we will start at 5 PM. Also of note is that there is only 6 weeks left of TRY. Lights on the Lake is starting a week early this year, so the final TRY outing will be on Nov 15th as Kelly pointed out...doing a "fun" group paced run under the lights.]

Today was the Chicago Marathon! We had two TRY members, Ally and Sue, complete the race today. It was a warm day, and I am looking forward to hearing about their races. Make sure to congratulate them both :) [Terry again - I would also like to note that "new girl Jen" ran her first half marathon two Sundays ago as part of the Wineglass Marathon race. Congratulations Jen on achieving a new goal!]

Tuesday will be a 5 mile tempo run. We will do a 1 mile warm up, 3 miles at a faster pace (15-30 seconds slower than 10k pace), and 1 mile cool down. If you want more information on tempo runs, you can start with this article from Runner's World.
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-267--11909-F,00.html

For everyone skipping the tempo, I recommend trying to either increase your speed or distance from the previous weeks. You will see the improvements if you continue to work at it!

Special Oktoberfest Workout

2011-10-03T09:58:00.000-07:00

Guten Tag Runners!

Since Terry appears to be too busy to post a workout, here is a special Oktoberfest work out for this Tuesday. We've done quarter miles and half miles so it is time for miles. Let's do three of them (wish we could be there guys...hahaha). The first should be around a 15k pace, the second should be around 10k pace and the last at 5k pace; half mile warm up, half mile cool down and quarter mile recovery.

Some special advice for the workout...

Escalade - If the mileage is a bit high, just hop on Terry's back for the recovery. He needs the extra work.

Duerr - No talking during recovery, only during the intervals.

Diego - Try to keep your heart rate under 220 this week.

ET - Don't bother with the sneakers. We are working on a Tanqueray sponsorship for you for next year's stiletto dash.

Catherine - Slow down, Wegmans is not allowed to have any more fast runners.

Roger - Keep up with Malinda.

Malinda - Wear a 40 pound backpack so that Roger has a chance.

Sue - In the second half of your marathon, focus on how the Bills blew a 17-3 third quarter lead. Embrace the speed of the darkside.

Ivy - If you decide to come, bring the game!

and finally....

Terry - define Tuesday's real workout already!

Busy weekend!

2011-09-26T06:28:00.000-07:00

I have picked up a cold and am not feeling well! It is a bummer to be sick during marathon training. I had a crummy run yesterday and am wondering how much longer this thing will hang on. I probably should have taken a day off yesterday, but I really wanted to get out there. Do you take days off when you are sick? Maybe Terry could do a "more meat" post on the theories of running while sick (that's a not so subtle hint).

Back to the title of this post...it was a busy weekend! Thanks to Erin/ET for hosting a fun TRY shindig on Saturday. There were lots of laughs, and I enjoyed the company of running mates. I hope everyone else did, too. Thanks to Ivy for bringing the fun game :)

Sunday was a busy race day! Sunday morning was the Teal Ribbon 5k in the Inner Harbor. It was a beautiful morning for a race! Erin/Escalade, Terry, Ally, Catherine, Jake, Katie, and Erin's parents participated in the event. It was Erin's first 5k, and Jake gave a great 5th place showing. Make sure to congratulate Erin, Jake, and all the participants.

Terry and Catherine also participated in the Strathmore Run 4 miler Sunday afternoon. That is a double race for them! I can't wait to hear how it went. I can imagine it was a tough course with the hills in that area!

Did I miss anyone in the races this weekend?

This week I am doing half mile intervals. I plan to do a 1 mile warm up and cool down with 0.5 mile intervals as follows:

0.5 mile at speed
0.25 mile recovery
0.5 mile at speed
0.25 mile recovery
0.5 mile at speed
0.5 mile recovery
0.5 mile at speed

That will be a total of 5 miles. I would recommend anyone that raced this weekend to do a 2-4 mile recovery run based on how you feel. For people who are newer to running, I would recommend cutting the half mile repeats down to 2 or 3 for a total of 4 miles. Let me know if you have any questions!

Erin/ET's birthday is tomorrow so try to show up and wish her a happy birthday! I would imagine there will be a group outing after running to celebrate :)

Out of Topics

2011-09-19T04:16:00.000-07:00

I can't think of anything to write about today...surprised? Not really for me! Terry wrote another post (includes meat sweats). Make sure to check it out.

This week we have Erin/Escalade and Terry doing the Teal Ribbon Run on Sunday. Is there anyone else with races coming up?

This week Aaron and I will be doing a 5 tempo run since we have a 20 miler coming up this weekend. That will be 1 mile easy, 3 miles at a faster pace, and 1 mile cool down. I would guess Erin T., Adam, and others will be up for 0.25 mile repeats. I would recommend 6 of those bad boys :)

See you out there at 5:30 as usual!

More Meat Volume 3 - Smorgasbord

2011-09-18T12:26:00.000-07:00

Meaty morsel 1 - pace calculators:

Ally, Kelly and myself have been having some fun recently with race pace calculators to determine what pace they can realistically expect to run their fall marathons in. (I tend to be more aggressive with their goals - and I must say it's a lot easier to be aggressive when you are not the person running that has to deal with the repercussions of flaming out at mile 22. :-)

I realized that some of you (especially newer runners) may not know about the concept of pace calculators - they use formulas based on empirical evidence to allow runners to plug in one race distance and time and estimate what an equivalent pace would be for a different distance. They also have built in pace recommendations for shorter speed work and for your long distance runs. So, every one of us could get some good information by using them. For those of you running race distances you have never done before - this is a great way to plan for what you can expect.

There are two I've been using this week. This first one is from "McMillan Running" and has a very nice summary page. I liked this one! Page is here.

The only drawback I could see is that it did not have a way to do a random distance, so I had to use the Runner's World calculator to enter my Corporate Challenge time since it has a unique race distance. This one needs some extra clicking to see all the output. Page is here.

Another fun use for these is to compare your times in different races you've ALREADY run, just to see what the calculator considers your best race. It was easy for me to see what the fastest of my few 5k's as this year, but how do I know how to compare ALL of my finishes? So, I plugged in my fastest 5k (ironically, when I was leashed to 4 other people at Paige's), my corporate challenge, my Boilermaker, and my Mountain Goat times to find out that my best performance of the year was actually at the Corporate Challenge. Some time I'm going to go back through my PRs at different distances over the years and figure out my best ever performance! (I know, I don't have a life. But you are reading this, so what does that say about you? ;-)

Meaty morsel 2 - The mythical "meat sweats":

This came up at my families Memorial Day party as some non-family members had never heard of the "meat sweats". This surprised me, because it is a term that we've used often. People confused at the term led me to look up the definition online...and I was shocked to find out, that the "meat sweats" don't exist scientifically!

Then, Duerr started throwing the term around at the TRY mid-summer play night picnic and I promised him to put some information in writing at some point, just to share the shocking truth:

There appears to be no proof that the meat sweats are a real phenomenon. :-(

And for this reason, Wikipedia will not allow a page on the meat sweats to exist! Wikipedia is too good for the meat sweats! Details:

Urban dictionaries best definition has it as:

To consume an obsene amount of meat resulting in perfuse sweating.

"I went to the brazilian bar-b-que restaurant, w/ 30 different types of meat, and got the meat sweats!!!."

And it was even "The Urban Word of the Day" on August 27th of this year! That's pretty funny. But searching for a definition on Wikipedia only leads to a deleted page. And in order to get details on why it was deleted you can go to this explanation page. To save a click, it says "cannot be sourced by a credible source." and " it appears to be a newly coined neologism which might merit a mention in competetive eating but not its own article" . Doing a general search does show that the term shows up exactly once in a Wikipedia article when talking about man versus food. And since I wasn't sure of the meaning of "neologism" I had to look that up - "is a newly coined term, word or phrase, that may be in the process of entering common use, but has not yet been accepted into mainstream language."

Interestingly, the generic google search that I did, turned up a blog entry that had occurred while the old Wikipedia entry was still up. Here is the blog entry, but the best part it here - "Ali mentioned that he was having an onset of "meat sweats". I'd heard the term before, but didn't use it myself. I went on Wikipedia to learn about them, and learned a couple of interesting points. First off, veggie burgers can also give you meat sweats, which is lame. Vegetarians ruin everything - now they are ruining cool terms like "meat sweats". I hope no one changes the term because of that. ".

(I may or may not have used that just for the vegetarian hatred.)

Conclusion - the meat sweats, as real as they may seem on backyard picnic on a hot summer night, are not scientifically proven. To the point that the definition of the term is scrubbed from having a Wikipedia entry (which I did not even realize was possible until originally looking this up back in May). For those of you who want to still use the term - know that you are on the cutting edge of the English language, (and perhaps human evolution?) and through your diligent eating of meats and sweating large amounts of sweat afterwards, can someday make this world make a little more sense.

Why do you run?

2011-09-11T13:24:00.000-07:00

I was reading a running blog, and the author asked a question. Why do you run? When I thought about it, I came up with a lot of answers. I run tostay in shape, to prepare for a race, to get outside and see the sun during thewinter, stress relief, to sweat out all my winnings (hahaha), to improvemyself, or to get to buy lots of shoes. There are a lot of reasons. But the best reason? Because running makes me feel great, and I loveit. Plain and simple! I might not always want to get out there anddo a long run or a hard workout, but at the end of the day, it feels awesome toget out there and get it done. I hope I am always able to run…I want tobe one of those 80 year olds finishing a race. Fast or slow…it doesn’tmatter to me. As long as I can get out there and do it!

Why do you run?

Congratulations to all the racers on a great weekend! Ally is the proud owner of a new PR (1:45:26) at the ARC half marathon. Awesome time! Terry ran the 5k and didn't PR, but it looks like he had a good race. Aaron and I also did the Finger Lakes Triathlon (Olympic distance). We both had great races and were very happy with our run times. Did I miss anyone who raced this weekend?

All right…this is supposed to be about this week’s run. We’ll make ita little different this week at Aaron’s request.

1 mile warm-up
2 x 1/2 mile repeats with 1/4 mile rest between each, total 1.5 miles
1 mile Indian relays – Run in a line at a pace that is easyfor everyone. The person at the back of the line sprints at full speed tothe front of the line and then slows to the pace of the group. It is afun way to get in some sprints.
1 mile cool down

Let's hope for a good turnout. Indian relays are a lot more fun with a large group :)

Rainy day

2011-09-05T11:21:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a nice weekend! Did everyone get their runs in? Saturday and Sunday were tough days. We definitely suffered during our runs! Today is a rainy day, but I am enjoying it. It is a nice day to relax and finally get some stuff done around the house.

This week I'm planning on running a 1 mile warmup, 2 mile tempo at 10k race pace, and 1 mile cool down. Ron will be leading a shorter run. I'm sure Adam will be up for 4-6 x 1/4 mile workout if anyone is interested. I hope we have a nice turnout for a little cooler day. I know I'm looking forward to the cooler weather!

This weekend Aaron and I are doing the Finger Lakes Triathlon. The ARC 5k and Half Marathon on are Saturday. Is anyone doing that race?

Don't forget to check out the next post. Terry made another informational post :)

More Meat Volume 2 - Getting Off on a Tangent

2011-09-04T10:05:00.000-07:00

The second meaty entry is all about racing smarter and not harder.

Certified race courses are measured on the tangents (the straightest line between the corners -- while still being on the pavement or trail). To not add anything extra to the race distance, you want to take the inside of every corner and a straight line between alternating corners. Crowded races make it hard to do so, but even in the Boilermaker, I have plenty of places on the course where I shake my head wondering why the racers are such sheep? Why do they make such baaaaad in race decisions?

Well, it is sheepish, but it is human nature as well. We tend to follow the group in front of us. Plus we are so used to driving on the roads, that we take a similar path that we would in a car - and pull into that right hand lane and run in that lane as soon as we turn a corner, instead of looking up at the next turn in front of us and running directly towards it (and staying in the left lane for a while in the process.)

To demonstrate just how much difference this can make, I did a test at Onondaga Lake Park. I did multiple loops of "Angela's Try-angle" with two different mindsets. The first was to run it as if it was closed off to traffic and I was running it attempting to do the shortest path possible. The second was to run it as if it was a training run and I was being polite and staying to the extreme right at all points. I did just over 3 loops each - just enough to get to 1.25 miles for the optimum path case. The results are very telling.

First check out the optimum (tangential) case:

And then the right hand side case:

Click around on those pages to see the details. I attempted to have them as close as possible but went a few steps further in the right hand side case. It worked out that if I had stopped at the same point I think I would have nailed the exact time for both, but this was close enough.
The summary -
Optimum path: 1.26 miles in 10:15 or 8:10 per mile.
Right hand path: 1.32 miles in 10:17 or 7:49 per mile.

If this was a race course I would have gotten credit for crossing the same finish line in both cases. But just on the choices I made - I added .06 miles to my race distance. That may not seem like that much, but it is a huge difference - I'll round down to a 4% increase. In a 5k that would be an extra 1/8th of a mile. In a half marathon that would be over an extra half a mile. Then obviously for a full marathon that would be over a mile extra that you would be adding.

The other way to think about it this is even easier to visualize the difference. I finished the same exact race in the same exact time but due to the path I ran, the dumber me had to run almost 20 seconds faster per mile faster than the smarter me just to keep up. If I had thought ahead I would have wore my heart rate monitor to show exactly how much harder my body was working, but I didn't, so I'll just say that there was a major difference. Sadly, I was basically dieing in the dumber case and couldn't wait to stop. (Even Escalade could have seen how much I was huffing and puffing.)

The test I did was extreme and I wouldn't expect anyone to actually make that bad of decisions in a race, but from what I see people doing, I have no doubt that people add 2+% to some race courses. (Depends on the number of turns taken and the width of roads, etc.) For those of you with GPS watches, you quickly learn that you need to run further than the race distance to finish the race. The goal is to keep that extra to a minimum.

Since you are an enlightened TRYer if you are reading this, please do yourselves a favor for me. When race day comes, don't run the roads like you drive them, or even how you train on them. When the roads are closed off, they belong to you. So, do what you can to run the optimum path through the course. It can easily make the difference between finishing a long race strong or fading at the finish. And it can even more easily make the difference between a PR or not. The best part, is that the gains are for free. You don't need to do anything extra to save 2-4% other than to use your head. Your legs take enough abuse on race day, lighten their load by abusing your brain a little too. :-)

(Unrelated comments - for those of you who don't have a GPS watch, definitely click around on the page that "View Details" takes you to. The map and the splits and the details available can be really helpful to keep track of your training and your racing -- and as I said above I forgot to wear my heart rate which would have been a graph as well. So, think about what you are missing out on and realize that the price of the GPS watches like mine - are dropping by the day.)

[Editors note, as I proofread the entry above, I decided that it wasn't quite meaty enough, so here is an addition to bulk it up.]

For a more real world example, I grabbed a portion of the Boilermaker course where its cleared out enough to maneuver and where I always see a herd of sheep as I round the corner. The lesson, once again, is don't curve into the right hand lane just because the person in front of you is. Or because that is what you would do in a car. (Don't be yellow!) Turn the corner, look up, and pick as straight of a line as you can for that upcoming right hand turn. (Be red!)

As for the blue line on the map? All I can say is, "It's electric! Booogie-woogie-wooogie-wooooh!" (But unless you are dressed up as a cow, you don't want to be that guy either. Line dancers make for some of the least efficient course runners you'll ever encounter.)

Fair

2011-08-29T17:18:00.001-07:00

If you wanted to know the plan, you should have come to the fair :)

See you at the usual time and place!

[Editors note: And Kelly used to criticize me for mailing in posts? *sigh* "You write it on the run, baby. And if that's the way you write it baby, then I don't want you around." -Just kidding. But needed to throw in a "Speedwagon" reference.]

More Meat Introduction and Volume 1

2011-08-28T13:51:00.000-07:00

More Meat Introduction:

When TRY started up and a majority of it's members were new to running or distance running, I actually used to put useful information about running topics pertinent to the group in the emails (first year) and eventually the blog. But as time went on, I ran out of helpful topics to put in (and the now experienced group had less need of that information), so the blog entries became fluffier and fluffier, to the point that they are are so fluffy that I'm gonna die:

With Kelly doing a great job with the weekly TRY blog entries and nailing down the week-to-week details, it has freed me up to be more creative in what I have time to post. And I believe it has been long enough that some new topics are out there that are worth exploring. So, over the next couple months I plan to do a few updates that I think will be informative and useful to at least some of us each week. By the end, I hope to have hit on something that everyone has thought "that's good to know" at least once.

Since the topics are meant to be helpful (and not entertaining) and in honor of our very special member Adam Duerr (who thinks the solution to EVERY problem is "more meat") I came up with the meaty name. (For any Mary Moe's out there reading this, please note that there is no actual meat in this entry...it's a metaphor. So you can keep reading.) Enjoy: (Well, that's what I would normally say, but this isn't meant like that....hmmmm. I guess I should say...) Enlighten yourself:

More Meat Volume 1. Topic - Knee pain, osteoarthritis and glucosamine

It's actually taken me a couple weeks to put this together, because, well, the results are very mixed. Some articles rave about the positive results from taking glucosamine and chondroitin. Others point to studies that showed no improvement from taking the supplements. So, this will be an even-handed description of what I've found, but an overall thumbs-up from me. I've heard from running friends who swear it has helped them with their knee pain -- to the point of allowing them to run pain free for the first time in months/years, so I do believe it's worth trying if you are in that position. (I'm looking at you, Malinda.)

The first link is to a Runner's World article from 7 years ago. Seems very positive on the benefits. The highlights:
The medical literature in support of glucosamine/chondroitin is cautiously positive, though some observers are concerned that many of the studies have been funded by supplement manufacturers. This is particularly true in Europe, where the supplements are big-business prescription medications.

If you have temporary joint pain, by all means try glucosamine or glucosamine and chondroitin. The products are little regulated in the United States, so go with a respected, big-brand company that produces quality products. This way, you're unlikely to have a bad reaction. Be sure to stick with the program for two to three months, as these are slow-acting supplements.

Don't use glucosamine/chondroitin to push through the pain barrier, however. That could lead you down the road to permanent damage. Run sane, not sorry. It's more important to preserve your knees than your running.

The second link is from a supplement manufacturer (I picked one - Wellesse - that is available at BJ's for those shopping for it)- so of course they are going to recommend it. Note that they don't claim that it works, only that it "may provide..." Their big finish:

Something that many runners find can help them combat knee problems, especially those leading to osteoarthritis, is glucosamine and chondroitin supplements. These two substances, which can be found naturally occurring in human cartilage to help cushion the joints may help to prevent further knee problems and bring relief. Glucosamine and chondroitin may provide better mobility, flexibility and lubrication for all joints but especially knees.

If you are an avid runner, try taking a liquid glucosamine and chondroitin supplement with MSM for at least 30 days while continuing your normal exercise routine. It may make a huge difference and allow you to keep on going! Isn't it worth a try to keep doing something you love?

At this point, I switch over to wikipedia where some of the more neutral results show up. I am linking to the three components that are almost always sold together (and other articles I'm not linking to, recommended to look for a package that contained all three.)

Glucosamine:
Plenty of details and goes into multiple studies with mixed results.
A 2009 scientific review of available studies concluded that glucosamine sulfate, "glucosamine hydrochloride, and chondroitin sulfate have individually shown inconsistent efficacy in decreasing arthritis pain", though "many studies confirmed pain relief with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in combined use".

... recent European League Against Rheumatism practice guidelines for knee osteoarthritis grants to glucosamine sulfate the highest level of evidence, 1A, and strength of the recommendation, A.

In the United States, glucosamine is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for medical use in humans. Since glucosamine is classified as a dietary supplement in the US, safety and formulation are solely the responsibility of the manufacturer; evidence of safety and efficacy is not required as long as it is not advertised as a treatment for a medical condition.

In most of Europe, glucosamine is approved as a medical drug and is sold in the form of glucosamine sulphate.^[58] In this case, evidence of safety and efficacy is required for the medical use of glucosamine and several guidelines have recommended its use as an effective and safe therapy for osteoarthritis. The Task Force of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) committee has granted glucosamine sulfate a level of toxicity of 5 in a 0-100 scale,^[58] and recent OARSI (OsteoArthritis Research Society International) guidelines for hip and knee osteoarthritis also confirm its excellent safety profile.

Chondroitin sulfate:
...The study also found chondroitin sulfate to have a significant effect in reducing joint swelling, effusion, or both. ^[31] These results indicate that glucosamine and chondroitin do not effectively relieve osteoarthiritic pain in the overall group of osteoarthritis patients, though it may be an effective treatment for those suffering from moderate-to-severe pain.[2] Some of the researcher's ties to Pfizer (who makes celecoxib), have brought into question the validity of the study.

In 2007, a review by Bruyere et al. about glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate for the treatment of knee and hip osteoarthritis concludes that both products act as valuable symptomatic therapies for osteoarthritis disease with some potential structure-modifying effects.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM):
"No definitive conclusion can currently be drawn" and there is no "definitive evidence that MSM is superior to placebo in the treatment of mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee."

Patients who took MSM reported reduced pain and improved physical function, but no evidence was found of a more general anti-inflammatory effect;

Overall conclusions:
Mixed scientific results. Very good anecdotal results (including from people I know). Take a version of the supplement with all three components in it. Give it several weeks to feel (or not) the results. Liquid forms are available if the pill form has caused problems in the past. Use a trusted brand since it is unregulated by the FDA in the US.

Final thought: If you are suffering from moderate knee pain: It's no guarantee but it's worth a try.

(Let me know if you found this interesting or helpful? And please post a quick comment if you've used glucosamine in the past and what your experience was with it?)

Try a Tri next year?

2011-08-28T08:13:00.000-07:00

Since our current blog writer won't toot her own horn or incriminate herself with photos, I felt this had to be done behind her back:

Most of you have heard about this, at various levels, but I want to draw more attention to it -- we have three current TRY members who have done their first triathlons in the last 14 months. (And a 4th that has been doing them for a few years). So, for those of you who have done a lot of running and perhaps are burning out from running the same ol' 5k, or the amount of time it takes to train for a half marathon and beyond -- maybe next year is the year to consider breaking out of your rut and doing a triathlon? Since you are training for three sports, it still will take a lot of your time -- but there is less repetition, less wear and tear on the same muscle groups, and likely better overall body fitness for time you are putting in. I'll leave details to the experts - but know that just as in running, there are a few choices for distances and many growing training groups to help get your biking and swimming training in. I encourage people how are feeling to urge, to hit up one of the TRY tri-ers and pick their brains on how to attempt you first triathlon next year. We are lucky to have multiple recent experts among us -- should give a great and varied perspective on what it takes and tips that helped them turn the 'y' into an 'i'.

Need inspiration? Look at how much fun tri-ers have -

Kelly going GW on us:

Aaron taking it up a notch with some sort of crazy fingers salute (the GHLH?):

ITWAN smiling her constant mid-race smile thinking "I saw him standing there":

And perhaps the best two reasons I can think of to start doing tri's:

(Can you say that this doesn't raise your ....ummm, how shall I put it... "interest level"? It can't be that hard to learn how to swim can it? Can I do a doggie paddle? And supposedly you never forget how to bike, right? I think I'm all set.)

Who's in?

2011-08-22T19:55:00.000-07:00

Who's in for TRY this week? I'm planning 6 x 0.25 miles. Others will be doing various distances...feel free to join in with someone. I hope to see everyone out there.

Congratulations to Sue for completing the Turning Stone half marathon and Adam for completing the Tromptown half marathon!

This is a short and sweet entry this week because I'm tired :)

Another TRY Week!

2011-08-14T16:11:00.000-07:00

Check out the post below for something new :)

Congratulations to Terry on his Mad Cow 5k finish last weekend. I missed his finish last week, but better late than never!

Also congratulations to Aaron and Erin T. for having a great TRY showing at the Cazenovia Triathlon today (and yes, I survived). We all had our challenges but all finished with age group awards. Thanks to Terry and Catherine for being excellent supporters. It was great to see the cow hats/bells out there in full force. Even the gorilla got a cowbell!

Terry and the gorilla! Funny that we swim with her at the Y.

Good luck to Sue next week in the Turning Stone Half Marathon!

Tuesday will be by Adam's lead. I would suggest 3-4 x half miles to change it up, but I don't know if he will go for that. I will be doing an easy run since I'm guessing I will still be recovering.

And about the race today? I found out that even on a bad day full of struggles, I am lucky to be out there. There are people who have a lot bigger issues in their lives than just a bad race. I fought through the day, and I am glad I finished :)

New - Featured Race

2011-08-14T15:27:00.000-07:00

I'm going to test out a new thing on the blog. Aaron is the first victim, but I'll be contacting others who told me about their races. Comment on this post if you think this is something that you would like me to continue. If not, I won't continue it :)

This is Aaron's most memorable race. He responded to my questions. I added only a few notes, and they are designated with the italics.

Featured race and distance:
Woolsports Musselman 2011 - 70.3 Triathlon
Half ironman distance -1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run

Date:
17 July 2011

Location:
Geneva, NY

Best part:
Toss up between the residents hosing us down, the well stocked aid stations on the run course, and the ice bath at the finish line.

Worst part:
The heat and passing wineries without stopping in for a tasting.
It was a 95 degree and humid day!

Recap of your race:
Swam fast but between trying out my calf guards for the first time and not eating enough, the bike was a little slower than anticipated. The run started off well but the heat caught up with me in the second half and my time goals were replaced with survival goals. Nowhere near a PR but just finishing was a victory.

Everybody loves the Gerega Wave :)

Race tips:
- Swim fast, get out front and then cruise. Drafters are posers and deserve to be kicked in the head :) Note - everyone drafts in the swim. Only silly people don't take advantage of it.
- Always have a backup goal in case the race doesn't go your way. Finishing vertical and healthy is always a good option.
- Carry a small flask or bottle of water on the run. You don't want to get thirsty in between aid stations.
- Practice running hills and running in the heat before attempting the Musselman.
- Eat something other than Jelly Belly energy beans.
- Sign up for the DoubleMussel so that you have an excuse if you don't PR at the Musselman.

Why should someone sign up for this race?
For a 70.3, the price is quite good and the event is very well run. I was faster at the Syracuse 70.3 and liked the bike a little better, but overall, the Musselman was a better total package.

The Five W's - WWWWWHooooooooosh...

2011-08-09T04:41:00.000-07:00

The story of TRY, from an investigative journalists perspective -- we're ripping the lid off of it!

WHO:
Anyone who is looking for jogging camaraderie, looking to improve their running, and is willing to do so without offending other members who may not be as comfortable or as fast at running as you. (Kelly picking on people's weight is the ONLY exception. Cause that is funny!)

There is a lot of experience in the group with marathons, selling drugs, half-marathons, being a woman, triathlons, being a hottie, injury recovery, being a douche-bag, 5 ks, milking a cow, 15 ks, serving steaks, being blind, running a news station, etc... So, if you have questions about running (or life), this is a great place to get some useful answers from people who have been there, done that.

WHAT:
TRY - Tuesday Recreational Yogging. As explained by the two greatest minds of modern cinema. Ron Burgandy explains the exercise trend:

And master of the force, Yoda, explains the name:

Well, except that he got it wrong. Because there is a try, now. [Yoda voice] Wrong I was, hmmmmm?! Slipping, I must be? [end Yoda voice]

WHERE:
Physically, we meet at the Wegman's Playground end of Onondaga Lake Park. Or, if you prefer a visual aid, look at this map:

Electronically, the members are coordinated and meet at the website: www.thereisatry.com ("there is a try" is the smooshed together word in the middle). Yes, there is some internet magic at work and the "old" site is still where the content is hosted, so you can still go there. But please tell new people and please remember the simple name, so that you can always find the web site, even if you lose your bookmarks and your browsing history. No excuses! Even if you are blonde.

WHEN:
With very few exceptions, we meet every Tuesday night from March through November, at 5:30. (With a courtesy 5 minutes provided, so we actually hit the pavement at 5:35.)

Come a few minutes early for socialization. Stay a few minutes afterwards for more socialization and for the occasional food or ice-cream outing.

Exceptions to the norm are late in the season (think November-ish) when we run out of daylight and have to meet earlier. Or the two times a summer when the Corporate Challenge or our play date get in the way.

A calendar is provided at the top of the website to help figure out the exceptions.

WHY:
A teaser for the newer people. The why will be coming in a week or two. (For the long time members -- I have never posted the "marathon marathon story"...and it seems like that is an oversight. For that is really the 'why'.

HOW:
We meet up at the park. We quickly triage what people are looking to run that night and sort of split up into groups that are doing like-minded runs. The group run has become an interval workout, because it is the most effective training run that keeps the group together (somewhat), while still allowing each individual to optimize their workout.

Here is a recent article from active.com about intervals-101. But I'll clip the highlights:
"The goal of interval training is to slowly "build up" time spent running at a very high levels, which increase our body's ability to run at a sustained anaerobic pace for longer periods of time."

"The physiological change resulting from pushing the body past its normal comfortable speed of running is increasing aerobic and anaerobic capacity and recruiting the use of fast twitch muscles. This enables us to operate at a higher and faster level and increasing tolerance to lactic acid build up. The actual translation of interval training is to steadily increase your comfortable running pace."

"By effectively mixing intervals into your routine, you will find that you'll get much more out of your distance or timed runs. Interval training is a fantastic way to improve your stamina for those tough parts of the run when you would normally hit the brakes and slow down."

"By properly including intervals into your running routine, you'll find yourself not only pushing through the tough times in your training, but you'll also be astounded by that extra speed you have at the end of a race. Your mile pace will improve dramatically and you will be setting a new personal best in no time!"

Any level of runner, can gain from doing intervals - so I do encourage everyone to do them on Tuesday nights with us. If you haven't done them before - let a leader of TRY know - and we'll help ease you into them.

Triathlon Time

2011-08-08T18:28:00.001-07:00

It seems that is a busy time for triathlons! Today was the Iron Girl sprint triathlon at Oneida Shores. Aaron, Erin T., and I spectated and saw a lot of great performances. Congratulations to former TRY-er Maria on a great finish!

It was fun to watch all the women race, but it reminded me how much energy it takes to cheer. It was a good reminder to thank all the people who have taken the time out of their lives to support me in my races. Make sure you do the same!

Upcoming races:
The following people are doing the Cazenovia Triathlon this week: Aaron, Erin T., and Kelly (me). If you are interested in doing a triathlon in the future, feel free to ask any of us about our experiences. We are having a great time doing them!

The plan:
This week the plan is 1 mile repeats. You knew it was coming. We will be doing a 1 mile warm up, 1 mile at 5k race pace or faster, half mile recovery, 1 mile a little faster than the first, and a 1 mile cool down. That is 4.5 miles total. I hope to see everyone there!

--Kelly :)

P.S. I posted pictures from the TRY outing in Cicero in the next post.

Pictures from TRY Cicero Outing

2011-08-08T18:25:00.000-07:00

This is a slide show of the pictures I took at the lake night in Cicero. If you don't want your photos on here, let me know, and I might remove them :)
--Kelly

Big Shock - Repeats Tomorrow :)

2011-08-01T17:47:00.000-07:00

Hey all,

Tomorrow night is TRY night again. Where the heck did another week go? I'm in denial that today is the first of August already, but I look forward to seeing everyone out there again tomorrow night!

The plan is 3-4 x half mile intervals with quarter rest in between. For those not doing repeats, there are some newer runners doing 2-3 miles and maybe some others doing distance runs.

If you are have a distance/plan in mind, feel free to comment on this post. Maybe someone else will want to join you on your run. Remember, Tuesday nights are about meeting up to have a fun night running with others and finding new running partners. It is a chance to work towards your goals and help others get there, too.

I also intend to update the calendar with upcoming races, so add a comment to this post if you have any upcoming races.

--Kelly :)

BM BR 11

2011-07-26T03:41:00.001-07:00

This is your regular host, Tbone: For a week or two (and what an ugly couple weeks it was!) I had lost my way. And for those who thought I was "crabby" keep in mind that my sign is Cancer, so it would make perfect sense for me to be crabby. Thanks to those of you who remembered me during my cancerous time. But a bigger thank you to Kelly for offering to take over the blog for a while. The current plan is for Kelly to shepherd the group and for me to add some spice alongside. So think of her as the good cop. And me as the bad cop. Thanks Kelly! :-) (Read the next blog entry for her entry this week.)

Here is my promised, traditional, post Boilermaker photo-fest.

For anyone who ran the Boilermaker and didn't know about the "fun" finish line camera view, go to this page and find yourself. It can be a bit like "Where's Waldo", but it's worth the time to watch yourself limp, float, stumble, list, etc, across the finish line. It is listed by "gun time" which starts exactly at 8:00 AM, so it's easy to use your gun time to narrow down your 3 minute window. And the "right" versus "left" is from the runners perspective. So, to see my salute to the camera, I know I was on the left, so I pick the "LEFT CAMERA" and my gun time was 1:21:20ish, so I pick 09:21 AM, and voila, I'm there giving my special salute at 1:21:21. Which just so happened to be the exact same moment, the automated still camera got this shot.

That's right. I'm pointing at you, Mr. Camera-man. (You can do stuff like this and the ol' GW when you haven't ran your hardest and have the energy to play around.)

For another fun one, pick the right camera at 09:06, skip ahead to almost the end and watch what Kelly does at the 1:08:44ish mark -- after crossing the second timing pad, she does some sort of long-floppy-armed-I-want-to-be-in-the-thriller-video-remake maneuver. Nice work Kelly! (This is probably what you do when you actually run your hardest...things happen. And they aren't always pretty. She had composed herself just a couple seconds later. Which is a shame, because a picture mid-flappy arms would have been a classic.)

I'm not going to go through the other TRYers just yet, but you should. It's actually much easier this year, with brightroom providing all those finish shots, so you know when and where each person finished.

And now, the bulk of this weeks entry: A tradition unlike any other! The embarrassing mid-race photos brought to us by Brightroom.com and my online stalking.

Kelly and her booties of levitation +2. (She has been a turd to me lately -- and obviously she's "a floater.)

Kerri - leading up "TRY: East" every week. Right Kerri?

Aaron - missing the patented GW here. Sneak up on you Aaron?

Terry - there were slightly better shots available, but check out the stud to his left. He needs to spend less time in the gym and spend some time taming down his "o-face". Seriously, Terry is perfectly calm, why is Mr. Stud making a scene like that?

Erin - first time BMer. Not quite a first time TRYer yet. Tonight?

Adam - as a first timer, he wisely chose to pace behind a nice old lady with a visor and a fanny pack. (Good lesson here -- when in doubt, pace off of retired librarians. They know the Dewey Decimal System and how to get to the finish.)

(Just kidding Adam -- I know you crushed her net time.)

John. What can I saw about this? Other than to make it stop! There weren't any other solo shots available so I had to put us all through it. Let this be a lesson to everyone. If you are going to take your shirt off, at least make an "o-face"!

Ivy. She has an amazing ability to find me in a crowd even though we barely know each other. I've never felt like I was being stalked before. It's kind of refreshing, actually! First time BMer. Maybe a first time TRYer tonight?

Maria. I thought she was drunk after the race. But she looked so happy throughout that I now have to conclude that she was just high on life that day. Must be the confidence that comes along with a strong core from doing stand up paddle boarding.
The start (along with JJ before he was blinding us with his white chest of disorientation+1)

The finish.

The glamour shot. She's everywhere!

And if you aren't Maria and still want to finish the race with a smile, then do the 5k like this guy.

Seriously, you then have extra time on your hands to ham it up for the camera.

But I kid...he has the fastest PR of any of us, so if he wants to "only" do the 5k...then he's more than earned the right to.

That's it. I think I got at least one representative shot of all the TRYers. Just a reminder that a lot of TRYers weren't there...I hope to see more of you there next year!

A parting shot: This year, was the first time in a few times that I didn't have something more recognisable on for a hat or clothing. And directly following last year where I was very easy to pick out in a crowd. (With the cow hat and the cowbell.) And I must say, it wasn't as fun. So, if you truly want to experience the crowd at the Boilermaker, I recommend hamming it up a little. It's a great rush when you feel that large of a crowd reaching out to you specifically. I missed it this year. And made a mental note to pass along that "winning the crowd" does help you

New Writer

2011-07-24T16:38:00.000-07:00

This is Kelly, and I'm going to blog for a few weeks until Terry stops being crabby :) We'll see if he edits that one! I am not nearly as creative, but I'll make sure I post every Sunday.

I do have a question for all our "faithful" readers. Has anyone done a fun race or a memorable running related event in the last month or two? If you have, leave a comment. Thanks!

This week there will be some first time TRY-ers in addition to the regular cast of characters. For those who are new runners, Ron will lead a two mile run at a comfortable pace for everyone. For those looking for speed work, we will stick with quarters again. There will be a 1 mile group warm up, 4-6 quarter mile repeats, quarter mile rest between each, and a 1 mile cool down.

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone out there at OLP!

Why Bother?

2011-07-18T18:52:00.001-07:00

Since only a couple people have the time to read the blog, there is no sense in me taking the time to write it.

You know the drill. At OLP at 5:30.

Injuries and Play Date

2011-07-11T05:22:00.000-07:00

The most important thing to know for this week: TRY will not be meeting at the park. We are doing a playdate involving running, kayaking, swimming, and eating. Read to the end for details.

But first, something that all of us can use from time to time -- a little primer on running related injuries:

This came to me via active.com and it looks like it was a runners world article. I thought it was good enough to warrant everyone's attention. It has a little description and help for the following injuries:

1. Runner's Knee

2. Achilles Tendinitis

3. Hamstring Issues

4. Plantar Fasciitis
5. Shinspints

6. Iliotibital Band Syndrome (ITBS)

7. Stress Fracture

So, read the article now if you need to or have interest, or just note that this will be available in the blog articles for the next time that something flares up and you need to find out how to deal with ITBS.

Our mid-summer play date is going to be at Aaron and Kelly's again this year. They have graciously offered up their place and their waterfront for us again.

The plan:

Meet there by 5:45 for a run through the neighborhood. The thought is to do a "fun", group speed work-out.

After the run, there will be some water time - for swimming, kayaking, and perhaps some frisbee tossing. And, theoretically, Maria will be bringing her "stand up paddleboard" for people to demo. It is something that seems to be quickly gaining popularity as the next big thing in self-powered water sports, so I am excited for the opportunity to try it out and hope that other people come to take advantage of it.

After the water play - we will do a small backyard barbecue. A & K will provide the meat (and the bananas?) but will need us to help provide our drinks and sides and desserts.

So, what I need from you is a response if you will be attending (no need to let me know if you will not be attending - save me some emails, please). The sooner, the better for the yesses...on Monday if you can...and then I'll be getting in touch with the attendees, with directions and with some coordination of food. There can be some maybe's so don't feel left out if you can't answer right away -- as long as I have a general headcount on Monday night, that will work fine.

I think this makes sense? If not, please get my attention.

Don't know what stand up paddleboarding look likes? Here you go.

Boilermaker Week 2011

2011-07-04T06:32:00.000-07:00

This Tuesday's run at the park should be something with a little bit longer interval mixed in. So, let's plan on 1/2 mile intervals. We can pick total distance and number of repeats before the run starts.

Heads up - next week is going to be our traditional "field trip" week and we will not be meeting at the Liverpool park. The current plan has us heading to Cicero again - for a run followed by some playing in the water and then a backyard cookout at the Gerega/Murlick household. Unfortunately, the turkey will not be attending this year. :-(

We keep ending up with less and less Boilermaker participants (which makes me sad), but to each their own -- I guess not everyone appreciates what it provides like I do. So here is the yearly, BM driving, parking and meet-up information (same as last year) for the few TRYers that are participating:

I have not decided on my race attire this year, so I don't know if I'll have a funny, easy-to-find, hat on or not? You'll just have to find my beautiful face instead.

A Little Tardy

2011-06-28T04:45:00.000-07:00

The title either means that I'm slightly late, or slightly special. Who says I can't be both?

Getting back from an extended weekend get-away, so I'm a little behind here. We'll have to see if we can dodge the storms this afternoon and get our run in. Now that the Corporate Challenge is over, I'm not sure what is on the docket. We will huddle before the run and come up with a plan. (With a few of us getting ready for the Boilermaker, longer speed work makes sense, but for others of us not doing the Boilermaker, should probably go back to 1/4 milers. Heck, Sue even did speed work on her own last night, so we should probably commemorate that somehow!)

Wait!

From what I heard and saw about the Corporate Challenge, it seemed like a lot of TRYers got a PR or were pleased with their performances. Nice! The crowd shots online at syracuse.com were crazy -- makes the approximately 7000 people look like a huge race. And all the team shirt colors mixed together help to make the photos really pop. Here is a shot where Brian (and Bill and Brian) are clearly visible in the fore. I'm sure there are other people in there if you know where to look:

Speaking of knowing where to look, in this video you can see Grabby right away, Tim finishing up his race about 3/4 of the way through, then Catherine right after that is the star of her own segment. And once again, if you are good at crowd spotting, I bet there are a couple other TRYers visible in the background shots.

It was great having some personal race support there this year, so thank you to the rowdy cheering gang from TRY that supported the runners and made it more fun for us! (And gave it more of TRY feel to the whole night, even though there was no TRY for a night.)

There Is No TRY

2011-06-20T19:08:00.000-07:00

For one Tuesday every June, Yoda was right -- there is no TRY. The Chase Corporate Challenge takes over OLP and TRY is put off for a week. Most TRYers are able to participate so it's not a big deal. For those of you who aren't on corporate teams, I hope you find another place to train tomorrow or enjoy a slightly easier running week and use the night off as part of a step back week in your training.

For those of you new to the CC, it's as boring of a race course as you'll ever run. Despite being next to the lake, it just comes across as awful. I think it's partly to do with the four lane road, that is almost perfectly flat and mostly straight. And it's never fun when the turnaround is just a cone in the middle of the road that almost brings you to a stop as you come around it. And the finish drags on forever as it's 3.5 miles instead of a 5K and the way that the road curves away from you (and the width of the road plays a part as well) makes it seem like the finish will never get there.

But you can use some of this knowledge to your advantage. Look for your teammates, friends, and fellow TRYers as you cross each other on the out-and-back course. Give them a shout of encouragement! You'll notice that it gives you a boost too. And as you get past the low bridge, start to turn it on. You can rest when you are dead. And a lot of beginning runners fade at that point because it is longer than a 5K and because the finish is a bit of an optical illusion. So, get your drink just before the bridge (last drink break), get under the bridge and start to slowly use up whatever energy you have left. There is plenty of ground to cover, so pick someone a ways ahead of you and slowly reel them in. Nice and relaxed. Long comfortable strides. Deep, steady breathing. Most of the people around you haven't been doing speed-work. So, let your experience kick in and feel your body respond. You've done this before. They haven't. Now is the time to show it. Another big thing with this big of a race is to not burn out your energy at the beginning dodging traffic. Start a little slower than you want to. Let it open up a little. Then use that energy to run and make up for the little bit of lost time...not to dodge people. At the end, use the road to your advantage. Don't be out in the middle as you are doing the long, slow bend to the right. Be on the right hand edge. The shortest distance between two points is a straight line. And race courses are measured from the inside edge of turns. So, every corner that you take wider than you have to is wasted steps. Run smart. Run hard. And the most important thing to do in any race: Enjoy yourself! This is supposed to be fun. Make sure you remember that. And for goodness sake, if you hear a cowbell, be sure to smile. Every time a cowbell rings, a cow gets it's wings. Remember that. It's important.

After the race enjoy your company tent and any amenities it may provide. Go around finding your friends at other companies (always a fun thing to do the CC) and then as things are winding down, walk on over to the Retreat and join in for what is always an informal after hours gathering. Various people will be wearing their companies' shirts or the CC shirt and it makes for a simple, but festive post race atmosphere.

Good luck everyone! :-)

Weather forecast is mid-to-high 80s with the chance of a storm. Perfect CC weather! We lucked out there, so be thankful for that.

Flag Day

2011-06-13T19:06:00.001-07:00

Following through on our incredibly long 3 week build-up to the Corporate Challenge, we will be doing 1 mile long repeats tonight. For the intermediate/advanced joggers, shot for 2 full ones:

1 mile warm-up, 1 mile at race pace, 1/2 mile active recovery, 1 mile at race pace, 1/2 mile cool down.

For the beginners, shoot for 1 full mile, with a shorter interval or two added:

1 mile warm-up, 1 mile at race pace, 1/2 mile active recovery, 1/2 mile on, 1/4 active recovery, 1/4 on, 1/2 mile cool down.

That way the two versions overlap pretty well. There is still a week til the CC, so let it all hang out tonight. Then, if you want to optimize your race day performance, take it a little easier this weekend.

Speaking of this weekend -- some of you new TRYers might not have any idea about "Relay For Life" coming up on Friday night. If you have any interest in staying up late and running in the dark, with a high likelihood of tripping, talk to Ally. She wants to talk to you about the event and how unique, interesting, and fun it can be. (It is even for a good cause.) And let's be honest, now that Ally is married, this is probably your only chance to spend the night with her! (Most likely, it is, anyway.) So, talk with her tonight. You won't be disappointed.

That's it. I'm tired.

A Well Oiled Machine

2011-06-06T18:48:00.000-07:00

This week we will continue the plan from last week, building up to the Corporate Challenge in 2 more Tuesdays. For those who are able:

Week 2 (June 7th): 1/2 mile intervals. ("800s") Beginners 2-3, Advanced 4.

For people that aren't up for speed work, you don't have to do it, of course. But keep in mind its the optimal way to get the best workout, in the quickest amount of time and shortest overall distance ran. And since it teaches your body to perform under duress, it will help you in your races as you fatigue near the end. So, it really is a workout to strive for once a week. And doing it with the group on Tuesday lets you share your misery.

Speaking of sharing your misery -- "The Centipediatricians" defended their crown in the Paige's Butterfly Run on Saturday morning. They were a "well oiled machine" and somehow turned running leashed together into something that felt comfortable.

Congratulations on the feat and for all of the entertainment you brought to PBR 2011.

Upcoming days of note:

In two Fridays -- Relay for Life.

In two Tuesdays -- Corporate Challenge.

In five Sundays -- The Boilermaker.

Distracted

2011-05-30T18:38:00.000-07:00

I want to apologize for being distracted lately. I got too busy building my t-shirt and panty empire and forgot what buttered my bread:

Butter. (Unless it would be the knife? I could use some help with what that expression actually means in the comments...for now I'll assume it's butter that butters my bread.)

So, while the t-shirt and panty sales are off the charts (now featuring a MaraThong!), I need to get back to my butter, which is making up random workouts for TRY. Since a lot of us will be doing the Corporate Challenge on June 21st (L team sign up is due soon, so I would think other companies would be as well), let's plan out the next three weeks to help optimize our performances. (Afterall, the last two championship races have featured TRY members!)

Week 1 (this week): 1/4 mile intervals. (Often referred to as "400s" in training plans -- 400 meters) Beginners shoot for 3 to 5. Intermediates, shoot for 6.

Week 2 (June 7th): 1/2 mile intervals. ("800s") Beginners 2-3, Advanced 4.

Week 3 (June 14th): 1 mile intervals. ("1600s") Beginners 1-2, Advanced 2-3.

Week 4 -- Race day -- 3.5 miles of the boringest course you'll ever run! But the "event" itself definitely has its merits.

I think almost everyone knows how we do our intervals for TRY...warmup, on, off, on....cooldown. If you have questions, please ask an experience person (or me) before we start. You can mix and match distances on a night if you want to, but I am lazy and tend to do what involves the least thinking and just do the same interval length on a given night.

That's it. Let's ramp it up for the next 3 weeks.

Extra stuff:

Who wants to donate to Paige's Butterfly Run? (Or feel free to join in for the race.) But, for now I'm soliciting donations to the winning Centipede Division Team (new video!) from last year. The donation page is very plain, but that's what they provided. If you have some change to spare...it's for a great cause.

I hope you all are using "hawkward" in your daily conversations. I know it got used and abused during out Habitat for Humanity build event last week. Good times!

Hot + Awkward = Hawkward

2011-05-23T18:42:00.000-07:00

Let's see. I suppose I should mention that last week set a record for TRY attendance. Impressive! Thanks for everyone who was able to attend. :-)

Tomorrow a few TRYers are taking time off from their normal lives and helping out for a day with Habitat for Humanity. I appreciate your generosity with your time! Just watch out for Brian. He's been known to fall off of roofs. Seriously.

At TRY, the main group will do some form of speedwork again. Keep putting in the work! For those of you just getting into speedwork - it's not always going to go smoothly. It's definitely not going to be fun. But if you aren't getting tired out and aren't running out of energy, then you aren't trying hard enough. You don't know your limit until you reach it. So, keep digging down. Keep pushing your limits. It will pay dividends in all manner of your running later this summer.

The fun stuff this week:

1) For those of you clamoring for TRY apparel. There is now a link on the right hand side of the blog, and provided here. TRY has it's own t-shirt (and panty) shop! (You're welcome ladies!) trytees.spreadshirt.com Now, admittedly I had little to no idea what I was doing, so I just threw some designs together quickly. I picked a few different shirt types and a few different colors (which you can customize further). For those of you who seriously want shirts (or panties) with TRY or the TRY logo on them, take a look at what is there and give me feedback on what type of shirt, what type of text, and whatnot that you'd like. I can quickly make the design and put it out there for you to order from. I think you can also do self-customization. So, you can do that without me helping...but if you do, please let me know and I'll go back in and add that design to our shop. I am going to order a couple choices soon, just to see how they turn out. So, if you want to see something before you trust it, let me know and I can show them off once I get them.

2) I want to invent a word. Well, it's already invented but has an incorrect meaning on urban-dictionary. So, I want to rebrand a word. And that word? Hawkward.

It's new meaning:

Something that is simultaneously hot and awkward. Why spend the time saying "I find this situation is both hot and awkward?" When you could just say "This is hawkward." Or better yet, just pause and say "Hawkward!"

Examples from my own (and I'm sure everyone else's life) where the word could have been used if it had been invented:

When you are physically hot and awkward -

[At the Mountain Goat post race party]

Person 1: "That race kicked my butt again this year. I don't feel well. I can barely walk straight."

Me: "Yeah, I'm feeling hawkard too!"

When something is hot (in a sexual way) while being awkward too

[Me and my sister are making out with each other]

Sister: "OMG. You are a really good kisser!"

Me: "You are too, sis! Wow! This is hawkward!!!! LOL!"

Sister: "Def. What time is mom coming home?"

Me: "Not for another half hour."

[We resume making out.]

More generally, when something is "hot" (as in very good) but undoubtedly awkward.

[A red-tailed hawk is perched in a tree along the thru-way. An opposum get's absolutely t-boned while attempting to cross the highway.]

Hawk [to itself]: "Welcome to ouchtown bro! Wait a minute! That is Orestes Opposum! He was a good friend of mine. We played cards every Tuesday night. :-("

Hawk [continues thinking]: "But, my hawklets are eating me out of nest and tree right now. They could really use some fresh meat or they are going to be malnourished."

Hawk [realizing what has to be done]: "This is hawkward!"

[Swoops up Orestes (the parts of him anyway) for some take-home dinner.]

I think we can all relate to a couple of those scenarios. So, please help me make "hawkward" an everyday word. Thank you!

Wait? You've never made out with a sibling? None of you have? ... HAWKWARD!!!!

Now that's more like it

2011-05-16T18:11:00.000-07:00

Cool. Rain. Cool rain. Either way, I'm glad that yellow thingie is gone for the week again. It burns!

The important things this week:

1) We may have some new people in attendance. Let's keep doing a great job helping and encouraging new TRYers.

2) There is an official post TRY dinner outing tonight. So plan for that if you are able to.

Why is there an official outing? Because a TRYer is moving away and we want a chance to socialize with her a little more while she is still here. Kerri is following her heart to Albany soon, so come out and enjoy her company while you still can! She wasn't in TRY very long, but her quick smile and fast, orange-clad feet made an instant impression. It's sad to see her go, but TRY's loss is her gain...so it's a happy occasion seeing her move on to enrich her life. :-)

3) Lockheed Martin's Federated Fund is supporting a "Habitat for Humanity" project next Tuesday. So if anyone wants to join Kerri and me in helping to build a house for a local veteran, let me know and I can provide information. (LM people can look on our local website.)

Ok, now onto the fun. It's audio-visual day! Enjoy the following video's and pictures:

These videos were on facebook over the weekend, but for those who missed them -

I was able to get a creepy, rapping, bear of some sort to record our summer anthem - "Singapore Some Water on Me".

And in preparation for this years Paige's Butterfly Run, I put together a montage of last years winning Centipede Division team - The Centipediatricians.

Pictures from the Mountain Goat Run - (not as many TRYers this year :-(

Malinda:

Bob:

Terry:

Jessica doesn't ever make it TRY, but I do invite her, so she counts!

Not quite a TRYer but she's at the park almost every Tuesday...and it was very neat that they reserved bib number 44 for her 44th birthday on race day. Tina clearly enjoyed her first every Goat:

Catherine:

Our Poster Girl (a Mountain Goat tradition, but not as "out there" as in years past.)

And a special treat from anyone who read to the end. Aubrey went and got married. Here's a cute picture from her destination wedding in Aruba. Congratulations Aubbers!

Classy

2011-05-09T19:07:00.000-07:00

Since these topics are so important, I'm going to keep it really simple this week:

The Relay For Life sign up time is upon us. We need to sign up by May 15th in order to guarantee shirts (and to make it easier on the organizers). So, please sign up in the next day or two if you plan to participate. (The event is Friday June 17th and Saturday June 18th.) For those of you that don't know what I'm talking about, let me know.

If you want to do the Boilermaker 15k this year, sign up soon! Since last week, about 1500 people have signed up, leaving only about 1800 spots left. The Boilermaker is Sunday, July 10th.

That's it. Come out and enjoy some overdue lovely weather on a Tuesday night. :-)

My Spirits Are Dampened

2011-05-02T19:19:00.001-07:00

I suppose I should be happy because the weather cooperated really well for the Celiac Event on Saturday and the Mountain Goat on Sunday. But, would it be so hard to have a decent Tuesday weather forecast? I can't get excited about putting an informational blog entry together when I know that most people are going to be frightened off by the rain. Oh well.

Some important notes:

1) The Boilermaker is going to limit entries this year and a lot of people are going to be left out. As of last check, a little over 3000 spots remain. So, if you want to do the Boilermaker 15k, sign up soon!

2) The Relay For Life sign up time is upon us. We need to sign up by May 15th in order to guarantee shirts (and to make it easier on the organizers). So, please sign up in the next two weeks.

3) It seems like TRYers and friends (and four legged friends) had a good time at the events this weekend. Money was raised, medals were won, and Adam even took the monkey off my back. All good.

4) Due to a serendipitous set of events, the "Bermuda TRY-angle" is henceforth to be known as "Angela's TRY-angle". That way, we can remember something that should not have been lost, every time we do our cool-down walk. :-(

For tonight, the sore-legged from this weekend should just do a shake out run. while others can do a speed workout if they are ready and able.

There Better Be a Crapton of May Flowers This Year

2011-04-25T17:49:00.000-07:00

That is, if it's true what they say?

For those of you that haven't heard the tale (tail?) of the Four Asian Tigers, they live! It turns out, that it was indeed, too hot to run, so I hope they had someone SingaPour some water on them. The rumor I heard was around 90 degrees with high humidity. But they persevered. Congratulations ladies! I was enthralled by the updates you were able to put up from across the world and am very happy that it looked like you had so much fun. Hopefully I'll get an in-person update soon.

The rest of the glamor shots will have to wait -- since my internet stalking has fallen short. But there is this instant-classic photo:

It even looks like Kerri might by doing a tiger paw?

We are proud of you ladies! Way to represent! :-)

This week:

Tuesday: Another rainy day.

Friday: Battle of the bands...possible outing.

Saturday: There is still time to sign up for the Celiac trail run or field walk.

Sunday: The Marshall Tire Mountain Goat. (At least it won't be as hot as Singapore.)

I give up...maybe next week, I'll do the "launching the 2011 TRY season" entry? I've been waiting for a decent day and it's just not happening. :-(

...it's hot, hot, sticky heat, drench my head, head, to my feet...yeah! (Am I the only person who has been singing that the last couple weeks?)

I Don't Have Much To Say

2011-04-19T03:57:00.000-07:00

When is the last time there was a good forecast going into a Tuesday? Just asking, I know "we'll weather the weather" and all that, but it would inspire me more to know that it might be a bright and sunny afternoon for running one of these weeks.

The "Four Asian Tigers" are in Singapore for the Corporate Challenge Championship after some flight problems that cost them at least a day of travel.

I was impressed by a couple comebacks last week at TRY. (Aubrey and Amy came back after not seeing them for way too long!) Will anyone surprise me this week?

With the really fast girls gone, there is nothing specific going on, training-wise, so we can pick a workout based on who makes it tonight.

For those of you who ordered syrup -- I will have it with me. In my Jeep without heated seats or satellite radio...and yet somehow I continue to live?!!! How?!!!! ;-)

Apparently you just run, for an extended period of time

2011-04-11T18:02:00.000-07:00

I wanted this week to be the official start of TRY, but the weather is going to suppress the numbers again. Oh well, I'm going to make this my funnest blog entry ever anyway. I'll just use the fluff and save the substance. What is TRY? Here is the answer, in two life defining videos:

Yogging.

There is no try. (When 800 years old, you reach, you still won't know everything!)

And yogging is even funnier in a foreign language.

News for the week:

Syracuse Chiefs opening day afternoon -- Wednesday.

No one has signed up for the Celiac Run/Walk? A few of you took part last year, did I lose you?

Three TRY members are heading to Singapore to compete in the Chase Corporate Challenge International Championship. Best of luck to Katie, Kelly, and Kerri! (And Aaron who has to put up with them.) In your honor (and with Ally's HUGE contribution of a song choice) here is a song penned just for you three. I hope it helps you get through your race! It's pretty much the best song written since Friday.

Original lyrics here. (I had no idea these lyrics were so bizarre. So you have to bear with my spoof in some places.) Video here...play it while singing the now better version.

This one is for the Three K's as they travel around the world:

"Singapore Some Water on Me"

Step outside, check the day:

Has it cooled down? No way!

This heat is like a bomb, God c'mon get it down

Running round the world from my radar home

Here cause we're champs, Lion City vamps

San Francisco women, we will kick your fannies.

(Your fannies, hey, hey!)

Thunder 'n' a light-a-ning, a flash a little light

Four Asian Tigers, we will run all night

Sometime, anytime, sneakers on our feet

South-east Asia ain't ready for me

Come on! Take a bottle, shake it up
Break the bubble, break it up

[singa]Pour some water on me, ooh, it's too hot to run

[singa]Pour some water on me, til the race is done

[singa]Pour your water on me, I can't get enough

It's hot, sticky heat, drench my head to my feet, yeah

Glisten. Red tights, yellow tights, green tights, go

Four running women in an Asian show
Mirror queens, mannequins, running for the love

Pre-race stretch-a-ing, loosen up
(Loosen up)
I loosen up

You gotta squeeze a little, push a little, sprint a little more

Separated from Malaysia by the Straights of Johor

Sometime, anytime, sneakers on my feet

South-east Asia ain't ready for me, yeah yeah

Sprint a little more

Take a bottle, shake it up
Break the bubble, break it up

[singa]Pour some water on me, ooh, it's too hot to run

[singa]Pour some water on me, til the race is done
[singa]Pour your water on me, oh, I can't get enough
It's hot, sticky heat: drench my head to my feet, yeah

Here at the races, we brought the dream

Sweet to taste, victory

'Cause it's hot, so hot, sticky heat
(Hot!)
Drench my head, my head to my feet
(Head!)
Do you take water, one cup or two?

Take a bottle, take a bottle
Shake it up, shake it up
Don't chew bubble-gum, near a cop
Near a cop

[singa]Pour some water on me, ooh, it's too hot to run

[singa]Pour some water on me, til the race is Dunn
[singa]Pour your water on me, oh, I can't get enough

[singa]Pour your water on me, oh, it's too hot to run

[singa]Pour some water on me, wet it, come wet it

[singa]Pour your water on me, ooh

[singa]Pour some water on me, yeah

Water me

It's a Blowout

2011-04-04T19:49:00.001-07:00

No, not the championship basketball game -- that is more of rock fight as I type this up. The weather forecast for Tuesday is a blowout. And it's testing even my normally cheerful disposition. Wind chill of 31 degrees with 96% chance of rain...20+ mile per hour wind (not counting the gusts). NICE!

This is one of those days where I think you would be insane to TRY. But I'll be there. At 5:30. Anyone else I see there, I will make a mental note to mark you down as "prone to make poor life decisions" and will have to keep an extra keen eye on you for the rest of the running season. :-) Seriously, if the weather plays out as predicted, don't come out. Unless you want to.

News:
Did you know that you can get to the TRY blog through a shortened web url:
www.thereisatry.com (yes, I paid for the domain name. Through go daddy. What can I say, I'm a big fan of elephant killers apparently.)
Next Tuesday, you can look forward to a special song written for the TRY ladies headed off to Singapore to race.
Opening Day for the Syracuse Chiefs is next Wednesday.
Making Tracks for Celiacs 5k trail run or 1 mile walk is Saturday, April 30th. Have I mentioned it enough yet:

This next part makes me feel a little guilty that I can't offer it to all my running buddies, but I guess it can't be helped. Maybe it can encourage others to seek out sponsorship from their respective companies? It doesn't hurt to ask.

Non-Lockheed Martin employees -- go to the "TRY Lockheed Martin" team page to sign up for the event by "joining our team".

Lockheed Martin employees -- follow the instructions below -- it is a free entry to the first 30 who sign up, thanks to the generous donation from the Lockheed Martin Federated Fund.

Letter emailed at Lockheed with details within it for everyone:
The "Making Tracks For Celiacs" 5k Cross Country Run and 1 Mile walk is Saturday, April 30th at Jamesville Beach County Park. (Registration at 9, events at 10.)

Due to the support of the Lockheed Martin Federated Fund, the registration fee is covered for the first 30 Lockheed Martin employees who respond to me. For friends and family, the registration fee is $15 until April 15th, and $20 from that point until the day of the event. Children age 6 to 12 is $5 and age 5 and under are free.

For those getting the registration fee paid for by the federated fund, you have to email me directly and I'll pas s along the information to have it added to the team page. (Unfortunately that is the only way to get you your free entry this year.) Family and friends should follow the "Join Our Team" link through the website.

The information I need from you:
Name

Email

Address, City, State, Zip Code

Registration type: Walker or Runner

Gender

Age

T-shirt size

The 5k course is a cross country trail and consists of roughly half open field running and half trail running. There are enough hills to get your attention and the trail portion could be muddy at this time of year. The fields are uneven as well, so you need to be mindful of your footwork the entire race.
The 1 mile walk course is through the same open fields.

The main event website. Click on Syracuse, NY on the left hand side.
The team fundraising website. (Team TRY Lockheed Martin - there are a couple group glamour shots from last year on there). You have to authenticate to get to it from work or send this information home to sign in there.

This is a fundraising event, so you are encouraged to raise funds, but it certainly is not mandatory. The biggest help will be to get enough people to maximize the Federated Fund contribution.
For those who fundraise over $100, you are entered in a special raffle for an undisclos ed prize. (Think iPod or something similar.)

There are several gluten free vendors that provide free samples in the vendor area and there is a large basket raffle that you can participate in.
Parking is free and this is a family friendly event. There are some games and face painting for children.

For more information on Celiac Disease. If you happen to know people in your life that have celiac disease or are gluten sensitive, let them know about this event as it is still not very well known in our community.

Last years event was in mid-May. This year it has been moved up and just happens to be on the day before the Dunn Tire Mountain Goat Race. So, instead of that scaring you off, I am challenging all comers to do the "May Day Daffy Challenge". A 5k on the 30th, and a 10 miler on May Day, for 13.1 miles of all the hills you could want that weekend. All participants in the May Day Daffy Challenge will get a handshake from me. :-)

This is the second year that I've organized the Lockheed team for this event. Some feedback from last year:
The goodie bag was excellent - but you only get one per family. (Lots of gluten free items that you woudn't normally consume. People had fun cooking and eating them.)
The shirts were very nice. (Technical weave. Last year they had plenty of extra and were selling them very cheaply late in the event.)
The 5k course was definitely not a road race. (Some people hated it and it's ankle threatening terrain. Some people loved getting back to their cross-country running roots.)
The event and especially the run was loosely organized. (We are working on improving upon that. Could use some volunteers to help out! Let me know if you are interested in that.)
The Lockheed Martin team and the Federated Fund contributions were a major part of the event and a significant source of the overall funding. They really appreciated us being there last year...let's impress them even more this year!

End of letter.

Closing thoughts -- I was blown away during some internet stalking efforts recently. I was looking up a race result of a TRYer to see how they had done. And could barely believe my eyes! I knew they were ready for this type of performance, as they had earned it with their training plan they've been following the last few weeks...but to see it played out in an official event is still different animal altogether. This is one of those races that they'll be able to remember for the rest of their career and I could not have been more proud of what I saw:

Mark Fitzpatrick had gotten 659th out of 1466 in his division at the Cherry Blossom 10 mile race in Washington DC! Great job breaking into the top 660 Mark! I can't help but think our shared Mountain Goat training run prepared you for just such a finish.

On a lesser note, Kelly Murlick did ok over the weekend too.

:-)

Sorry, you two, couldn't help it. At least those two paragraphs had more drama then tonights second half, right? Obviously I jest -- Kelly lit it up! And Mark did exactly what he was hoping for in an early season long race. (And as perhaps only Mark truly knows - he is "still the man" when it comes to the TRY blog entries.)

For the love of God, please let this end!!!! (The game and this weeks blog update.) Uggggghhh.

Baby, It's Cold Outside

2011-03-28T18:47:00.001-07:00

At least I think it's cold for this time of year? I was hoping for some temperatures that were a little more lamb-y!

Anyway, since it's March and its chilly I am not inspired yet.

We'll meet up and run whatever speed work the Singapore Singers need to do to get ready for their globe-trotting mission.

Coming up in April:
Discussions of what to do with TRY this year. Would yoga for runners (yoga for yoggers) interest anyone?
Opening Day with the Syracuse Chiefs
Singing in Singapore
Celiac Run/Walk at Jamesville Beach
Snow? Rain showers? Early may flowers?

Spring Damage

2011-03-21T18:23:00.001-07:00

March is such a lion and such a lamb. It's so scary but so cute at the same time! Or maybe that's just me?

It's the pre-season so I'll keep this week quick. Cool, marginal weather should greet you tomorrow night. We'll group up according to like-minded goals for your run.

Sue passed along this link from the local news. Apparently a lot of people have noticed how bad the park is.

That's all I have.

It's Time to TRY

2011-03-14T17:47:00.000-07:00

With the abundance of evening daylight and the potential for nicer weather, it's time to TRY once again. For the next three Tuesdays we'll keep it very informal with more interesting things on the docket for the beginning of April.

What you need to know now:

Normal place and time -- group run meetups at 5:30 at the Wegman's playground end of Onondaga Lake park. The weather tomorrow night sounds like it'll be spring like, so come on out and join in. If people are up for it, I'd like to walk over to the Retreat afterwards and snack, or drink, or eat depending on the crowds desires. A more social start to the spring yogging season.

I ran at the park a couple weeks ago and was shocked at how bad the pavement is getting to be. Lots of bumps and cracks and dippity-do's. If they don't repave it soon, it'll be like off-roading there this summer. Pay attention if you rollerblade or bike there, because it's definitely not the smooth road it used to be.

Other notes of interest:

The Mountain Goat training runs start this Saturday. So, for those of you getting your Goat on or just looking for a safe, hilly run, it's that time of year. The first week is around a 5 mile run. I am not in good enough shape this year to consider the "Lord of the Rings" run any time soon, so if I do the training run, I'll just be doing the group run distance.

The calendar is mostly updated on the TRY blog. Dates to pay attention to include -

April 13th (Wednesday) Syracuse Chiefs Opening Day tailgate. Skip out of work at noon for an afternoon of play.

April 30th (Saturday) The Making Tracks for Celiacs 5k and 1 mile walk at Jamesville Beach. It's moved up about 3 weeks this year. Looking for participants and volunteers to help make this event bigger and better than ever.

June 17th and 18th (Friday - Saturday) Liverpool Area Relay For Life -- Always looking for new people and new energy!

October 16th (Sunday) Empire State Marathon and Half Marathon around Onondaga Lake. I'm sure volunteers will be needed if you don't want to participate.

There are several other races already listed -- if ones you are doing are not, let me know and I'll add them so that we have a calendar that shows all the races that TRYers take part in.

Random spring thoughts:

With my fathers passing last year, the operation of the family maple syrup business has passed on to my mother and the workload to me and my siblings. So I've been taking a much more active roll in that this year, which means that my winter fun stopped about a month ago and that it may be hard for me to make all the Mountain Goat training runs.

For those of you that have gotten syrup from me in the past, I'm taking orders for this year. It is just starting to be made -- and I'll have it here within a few weeks. (For those who have never gotten syrup from me -- the first container is free -- just to make sure you like it -- but after that I ask that you pay so that my mother has something to live off of. She is mentally disabled. So the proceeds go to a good cause.) Since I have no memory, I have no idea who has, and who hasn't gotten freebees -- so you can lie if you want to take advantage of me. But, keep in mind that you'd be taking money from the mentally disabled...so you'd have to be able to live with that. I don't have exact prices yet, but will be very close to last years.

A couple people have expressed interest in seeing a maple syrup operation in action. What those in the industry call the "sugar bush" or the building where the boiling is done as a "sugar shanty". In two weekends, the 26th and 27th, my hometown of Croghan, NY is having it's Maple weekend, including pancake breakfasts at the American Maple Museum and free shanty tours of local operations. (There is still one operation that uses a team of horses to collect the sap, the last I knew.) If you are interested in going up there that weekend, let me know and I can help you figure out what you need to know. And if you want, I can arrange for you to come see my families operation at some point. (We aren't on the tour circuit.) Croghan is about a 2 hour drive (each way) but includes a drive through the Tug Hill Windmall farm, so there is some unique scenery along the way to make it more interesting.

For those of you who don't know this -- my grandfather is enshrined in the Hall of Fame in the Maple Museum (even though the website doesn't list him -- I need to let their web person know about the omission - there should be a Nelson Widrick listed around 1980.) For those of you that do the pancake breakfast - museum admission is included! What a bargain.

My grandfather was enshrined for his "contributions to the maple industry". (Or something similar.) But he never contributed this:

Eat your heart out, Nelson! That is 'The Paiges' and my name is on that bad-boy forever, baby!!!!

Ok, I'm going to stop talking now. Hope to see a few of you tomorrow! :-)

One Last TRY

2010-11-16T04:58:00.000-08:00

This is the last official TRY night until next March. 4:30 at the normal place. (And for those who heard I may be out of town...my trip was put off until tomorrow morning, so I'll be there.)

This Sunday - Jingle Bell Run at long branch park. I've only heard a couple people doing this, so I didn't put a team together. Sign up individually and I'll see you there. Bring bells! If you cannot participate, but want to contribute, how about making a donation to this cute little Christmas elf?

Next Monday - Run under the lights on the lake. Get there whenever you can from 5-9, for a unique running opportunity, and if you want to do the group run, meet at 7:50 at the Wegman's playground end. Then we'll do a 5 mile run to go down and back through all the lights.

Next Tuesday - Any dog owners want to walk under lights on the lake on the dog night? I haven't heard back from any of you so this may not happen as a group.

And a run that comes recommended from a TRYer -- the It's a Wonderful Run 5k, in Seneca Falls on Saturday, December 11th in the late afternoon. Run under and next to Christmas lights, in scenes that inspired the famous movie - It's a Wonderful Life. (Last year was the first year they held this.)

Happy Holidays!

Running Out Of Daylight

2010-11-09T04:15:00.001-08:00

Only Two weeks left of TRY for the year. Due to being back on Eastern Standard Time, we'll have to meet at 4:30 (start running at 4:35) for this week and next. I know most people cannot make it at that time, but its the only way to get the run in before dark.

A reminder of a couple upcoming events: (Links were provided 2 weeks ago):

The Jingle Bell Run (5k) at Long Branch Park on Sunday, November 21st. FYI - Lockheed Martin did not sponsor the team last year (for whatever reason) and therefore the previous organizer is not putting the team together. (And I agree, without the funding, why bother?) I still plan to run it though. Please let me know if there is interest and maybe I'll sign up a TRY team just for the fun of it. (If a few of you are doing it, that is.)

Some sort of walking night with dogs included at Lights on the Lake. (Tuesday night November 23rd.)

And actually, I didn't mention the "Lights on the Lake Stroll" on Monday, November 22nd. Due to a bowling league conflict I will be running that night from 8 until 9, doing the 5 mile out-and-back at a comfortable group pace. If you want to join in, please let me know and I'll coordinate with you. (It'll be as simple as meeting at the Wegman's playground end around 7:50ish.)

John put this in the comments -- for those who haven't heard there is the "Empire State Marathon and Half Marathon" being held in Syracuse next year on Sunday, October 16th. Thanks John.

Upcoming Racing and News

2010-10-25T20:31:00.000-07:00

By now everyone knows the routine -- show up by 5. Decide what sort of run you want to do and hopefully someone will join in with you. As always the "group" run should be some sort of speedwork.

Other stuff:

Adam asked in comments when the time changes again. That shouldn't be necessary until Daylight Saving Time ends, which is Sunday the 7th. So there will be today and next week at the 5:00 PM start time with the time moving earlier on the 9th of November. (Which means there are only 2 weeks at that time before the week of Thanksgiving. We will still do something on that Tuesday, but they have a walk your dog night so it was crowded last year.)

TRY is winding down for the season. :-( Sounds like that means that there are only 4 weeks remaining and perhaps some finale that week of Thanksgiving!

But that doesn't mean the fun is over. There are some fun things coming up. A few things I plan to take part of:

The Halloween Run (5k Brueggers Bagels Run) at Beaver Lake, this coming Sunday morning. Price is $22. Wear a costume, or not. Let me know if you will be there and I'll keep an eye out for you. Details here.

The Jingle Bell Run (5k) at Long Branch Park on Sunday, November 21st. $17 now or $25 day of event. Details here.

Some sort of walking/running night with dogs included at Lights on the Lake. (Tuesday night November 23rd.)

Details here.

The last chance trail run/pancake breakfast at Highland Forest on Saturday morning December 11th. Its a choose your own adventure run (or skip the run completely) and then eat in the lovely new lodge. Three of us adventured out there last year and dared to run a little way in the snow and the crazy hills. It was fun and the breakfast made it a nice outing.

Details here.

Ok, if you are still reading, lets have some fun. What costume ideas are there for this Sunday mornings Halloween Run at Beaver Lake?

Aaron - Flipper the Dolphin?

Aubrey - A ghost? (Since she moved back to Syracuse but is invisible at TRY.)

Ally - A figure skater?

Adam - An early bird?

Various members - some sort of crutches, casts, knee braces, foam rollers etc to commemorate an injury filled season? (Some sort of MASH unit group costume.)

Me - A Douchebag?

Etc...

Feel free to post your own creative costume ideas in the comments section. :-)

Without Your Fearful Leader Again

2010-10-17T18:58:00.000-07:00

I am on business travel again this week, back to the DC area. So, it is up to the brave attendees to once again start themselves. My travel commitment may have me doing this a couple more times before the end of the year. So, the lesson, is to be careful what you agree to because you may end up having to do it. :-( I need to avoid the temptation of late night business meals and find some time to exercise this time as my trip from a couple weeks ago had me 3.5 pounds heavier when I got home! Yowser! I'm impressed the plane was still able to get off the ground with T-Tubby on board.

Last week there were 6 TRYers there in various groups/forms, so despite the windy, chilly weather it was nice to see such a good turnout for this time of year. And that was without a few of the regulars being able to make it. So, I know many TRYers are still out there running. :-)

I hope the real Aubrey feels better this week! (And yes, I knew the first "Aubrey" comment could never be the Aubbers that I know and adore. Although it was quite funny.)

That's it. Have a good week.

Coasting To The Finish

2010-10-12T04:59:00.000-07:00

Honestly, have I put anything worthwhile on here all summer?

And when is the last time that Aubrey commented?

I believe the writing is on the wall: we're just coasting until Thanksgiving and lights on the lake kick us to the curb. (We don't look like Mick Jagger. :-(

Try, TRY Again

2010-10-05T04:38:00.000-07:00

It may be a week or two earlier than we needed too, but we are shifting the TRY start time to 5 PM for the next few weeks, so that it isn't too dark as we finish. So, for those who can still attend, we will be starting our runs by 5:05. I know some of you can't make it at that time or won't brave cold, rainy fall weather like today...but make it if you can. If not, find a time to run that works for you and the weather forecast.

There are still a few fun runs coming up in the area so there is a lot to keep pushing towards. And most of them that I know of are "short", so for October and November you can do shorter training runs and still prepare for races. It makes it easier to dodge the bad weather and a easier to sneak in runs despite the decreasing daylight time. So, think about continuing, or re-starting, or starting some speedwork and see what you can do about improving your pace this fall, without the worries of long distance workouts looming over you. (I know a couple of you still have half marathons or more in your near future, but I think that is now the minority.)

Consider maxing out for 5ks or 10ks and doing one or all of:

The Halloween themed run at Beaver Lake. (The Brueggers Bagel Run)

The Christmas themed run at Onondaga Lake Park -- the long branch end. (The Jingle Bell Run the weekend before Thanksgiving.)

The Thanksgiving themed turkey trots. Locally at Baldwinsville, but probably in a town near you if you are travelling for the holiday.

And those are just three fun ones that I know of -- so there is plenty left to run for and plenty to look forward to for the next couple months.

Personally - I've let myself get the heaviest I've been all year, and probably in the worst running shape I've been in since February. So, I have to look in the mirror, vomit in my mouth at what I see, and get back at it. If I see you at TRY, great, but I hope to see a lot of you at the fun local races coming up!

The End of September

2010-09-26T10:37:00.000-07:00

Reminder that this is the last week meeting at the 5:30 time and that I will not be there. So someone else please round up the troops and start the run once the regulars are there and 5:35 rolls around.

Last week was as big of a turnout as we've had in a while, so keep on, keeping on! Now that fall temperatures are here (theoretically) it's actually my favorite time of year to run. (Not that I have been running, mind you -- but that doesn't change the fact that it's my favorite!) One of these weeks I'll get back into my running routine, I swear.

See you guys in two Tuesdays.

Seventy Point Three

2010-09-21T05:13:00.000-07:00

This week is the next to last week that we'll meet at the normal place and time. (Once the calendar flips to October, the meeting time will move to 5.)

Next week I will be out of town, so I'll need someone to do the very minimal coordination I do and get the run started. At this point of the year and with my level of apathy, I trust someone to take charge on the spot.

I don't have a personal reference point on how this rates, but due to the times involved I naively have to say this is worse than a marathon: three TRYers (that I know of) completed the Syracuse "half Ironman" triathlon this weekend. Congratulations to Aaron, Kelly, and Maria!

Maria had done multiple triathlons in the past, but never one this long. Just under a year ago, she did her first half marathon. So to add a long swim and long bike before that is impressive.

And either impressively or crazily, Aaron and Kelly signed up for this race without ever completing ANY length triathlon.

So, kudos to the three of you for showing faith in your mental toughness and dedication in your training to push yourself to limits only you knew if you could reach or not and going where no TRYer had ever gone before. You are all awesome. Now get some rest.

The 100th Post?

2010-09-14T05:12:00.001-07:00

According to the "dashboard" there were 99 posts before this one. I suppose I should have realized that before now and done more of a celebration?

Hmmm. How about a quick 100th post party?

Hoorah!!! Pass the cake!! Yummy.

Ok, that was fun, thanks for attending.

Speaking of attending, last week I put out a teaser that there might be something more fun this week. Well, due to a scheduling conflict, that did not work out. So, tonight will be the normal TRY evening. Meeting at the Liverpool park at 5:30. And not having to sweat through our tech-wick. That'll be something new! I'm not sure I can run without sweating out a couple pounds?

A quick congratulations:
Two TRYers completed their first ever marathons this past weekend in Rochester. Congratulations Jen and Jax! Doing a late summer marathon means that their long runs were right in the midst of our unusually hot summer! Not easy to do, but they stuck with it and persevered.

The years blend together and so do the running stories, but I think I'm getting this right:
"Jax" is not only a cheesy-poofy snack! She was not even a distance runner until last year but she did her first Mountain Goat, Boilermaker and half marathon in '09. And now she has added her first marathon in '10.
Jen had a one year head start on her with her distance running doing her first Mountain Goat and Boilermaker in '08. And after her first? half marathon last year she wanted to up the ante. And how better to make use of the reduced time she had this year due to her much-much longer commute than to spend a crap-ton of time building up her distance running base?
So, the two of them are in their 2nd and 3rd year as distance runners and have already put the cherry on top their distance running careers.

Congratulations on achieving your goals and for putting in all the sacrifices that go along with it! (The time, the pain, the skipping other fun things this summer along the way before/after your runs.)

While I was dodging the heat and dodging the rain, you two were out there doing your long runs. You didn't just try. You did! I'm impressed. :-)

(And your greatest reward is that you are forever the dual stars of the 100th TRY blog post! It doesn't get much more glamorous than that.)

September Already?

2010-09-07T04:46:00.000-07:00

Where did my summer go? (Actually don't answer that -- too depressing).

Some September thoughts - this is the month that some TRYers have been training for all summer. I wish you well with your marathon's/half marathons/and half iron-man triathlons (Hymens?). Trust in your training and remember to have fun on your big race day. :-)

Next week is probably going to be a fun field trip week, so expect something out of the ordinary next Tuesday night...but I need to work out the details before I pass them along.

Tonight is another nice warm night, but how bad can it be. Someone suggested Indian relays, so we'll have to see if we can round up some Indians and get them to race each other? Or isn't that what Indian Relays are? I don't really know. I guess we can figure that out later.

For those who know we switch the meeting time in the fall -- we will keep the time at 5:30 until October, at which point we start to switch to earlier times as remaining daylight dictates.

One Last Heat Wave?

2010-08-31T05:20:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought we were ready for cooler fall temperatures and comfortable running weather, I get surprised and see 90s in the forecast again.

Assuming it gets as hot as expected, we will do what we did that one week in early July - run the "bermuda triangle" with extension loop. That will keep us close to Mr. Mister ('hey soul sister!') and close to drink breaks. You get to pick your pace and the number of loops you do and everyone will stay relatively close together, stay mostly in the shade, and hopefully stay upright.

Since we are slightly out of practice with the heat again, be careful the next couple days, especially for you folks doing your long runs.

Reminder that tomorrow night is this years TRY night at the fair. Anyone interested in going can text me for a meet-up plan.

I think that's it. In mid-September I'm hoping for a fun week or two at TRY, so I am looking for suggestions on what to do to change things up?

End of August Flurry

2010-08-24T05:02:00.001-07:00

Tonight is the same as always this summer: choose your own adventure run.

Some upcoming "events" in chronological order:

Tonight- Katie has requested we go to Tully's on 7th North Street for a rare post TRY outing. Since Katie has been on the DL for a while there is nothing that will brighten her day more than eating with some sweaty runners! And tonight is a fund raising night, so a portion of the bill will go to a charity - her church, I believe. :-) For the non-runners amongst us, plan on meeting at Tully's at 6:40.

Saturday- A new, unique local race. Join me and almost TRYer Kerri at the Manlius Mile. It's a mile race, starting at 9:30 on Saturday morning. (Registration is earlier.) Looks like it is about half on roads and about half on a "trail" that I can't imagine being very trail like...but maybe? Since I'm out of shape, I'm tempted to do this, because how hard can it be to race for a mile? It's cheap (relative to 'normal' races) at $12/$15 and all proceeds go to charity in memory of a local runner. I suppose its expensive on a per mile basis but "High quality" t-shirts are given to all registered runners! For LMCO runners, this is a Federated Fund supported event, so you doing this will mean another $25 going to the charity. So, free money! (Kind of.)

Next Wednesday - TRY night at the Fair. There are some interesting free concerts at the fair again this year, but none more interesting (to me) than Lady Antebellum. Wednesday, September 1st, join me in what could go down as the most people ever "attending" a free concert at Chevy Court. Supposedly there is no show at the grandstand that night and with the popularity of "Lady A" in both the country and pop circles, it could be a packed house. For you men who have no interest in country music, think of it this way -- tons and tons of horny women thinking overly romantic thoughts and drinking wine slushies. How can that be a bad thing?

I suppose I would like to know if I should expect to see you at Manlius Mile on Saturday or the TRY night at the fair next Wednesday. (That is, let me know if you will be there, no need to let me know if you will not be there.) We can figure out where to meet once I know who to expect.

Doggy Days

2010-08-17T04:48:00.000-07:00

I'm sick of August. Or perhaps August is sick of me? Either way, it's the same-ol', same ol'. I'm not in a mood to think.

With Kelly gone for business travel, who's going to step up and lead us tonight? It might be boys night out? Uh-oh. We seem to have lost all our women? (And our women are our stars!)

For the opposite of boys night out -- there is a race on Saturday that several TRYers have done before and enjoyed: The Willow Bay 5K for Women. So, if you are feeling your woman power, enjoy a unique local race where you don't need to worry about boys and their boy cooties.

That's it. Weather forecast looks good.

The Pain Train

2010-08-10T06:14:00.000-07:00

I might have to turn the reigns over to someone more motivational...or someone doing more running. As it is, I'm in permanent recovery mode and not doing a good job of rallying the troops in the midst of my personal fitness struggles.

My random thought for this week:

There have been an inappropriately large number of TRY injuries this year. If we count everyone that has ever had something to do with TRY (running on Tuesdays, helping with Relay for life, doing a couple other miscellaneous things), there may be up to 40 people that could be considered TRYers.

Going back to the very end of last year, I know TRYers who have had foot surgery, heel surgery, knee surgeries, and other random surgeries. (I can think of 5 separate surgeries.) I also know of sprained ankles, sprained knees, sore knees, sore shins, broken bikes, pulled hamstrings, pulled pork, you name it. (At least another 5 people limited by more than the run of the mill injuries.)

So, while I would hope all these problems are all a bad coincidence, it would seem that there has been as much recovery time for people as their has been normal training time. Recovery can get very frustrating...and two Tuesdays ago I was once again annoyed at my poor and painful performance running. Then, as often happens at the Liverpool park -- when I'm finishing or finished with a lousy run and feeling sorry for myself, God puts me in my place. As I was standing there, frustrated with my sore left leg, I look in the parking lot and see a guy 'walking' towards the park on crutches. With no left leg at all. So, in the midst of my self-loathing, God sent an amputee to remind me what I have to be thankful for. (In the past it's been someone in a wheel chair, or one of "Jerry's Kids" with arm braces to walk, or someone with obvious mental disabilities being led around by a helper. Whatever the messenger -- it's happened more often than I can remember.)

For everyone having a tough time running this year:

Remember that running just for the fun of it is a blessing. And running pain free is doubly so. :-)

That's all I have. Just a reminder that we still have it better than we tend to realize that we do.

Tonight:

Choose your own adventure for your intervals/steady run. Same as always.

For Ally:

Yes, I fully realize that my injury and lack of recovery 7+ weeks later is my own fault. In no way was todays post meant to deny that. (I figured I would save you the email.)

Volunteering and Fun Race Opportunity on Saturday

2010-08-04T19:03:00.000-07:00

For the life of me, I can't figure out why people keep telling me about the Mad Cow 5K coming up on Saturday morning? But they do. But they do.

Due to continued references to the race, I looked into it and it sounds like a hoof-stomping good time. It's a rather small race (about 150 people last year) and is a fund raiser for the Madison County Community Action Partnership. The race is in Nelson, just a bit east of Cazenovia.

I called around and found out that they do not have any cow bells for sale or for giving! That just doesn't seem right. Considering that I'm just an individual person, who does not have a race named after cows, and I have over 200 bells! In order to right this wrong, I offered my bells for their race and they accepted. (There is no beating my bells!) So, on Saturday morning I will be selling my various cow bells. At a minimum it should make the race more entertaining and they agreed to split the proceeds. So, half of the sales will be donated to their CAP and half of the sales I'll be able to donate to the American Cancer Society.

I'm looking for a willing assistant or two. I have one extra cow hat for someone to wear. Depending on if I have help or not, I'll be running in the race in my Boilermaker cow costume. But at a minimum I'll be ringing bells and attempting to make the morning more fun. I will be there by 7 but the race doesn't start until 9. Registration closes at 8:30 and is $25.

Please let me know if you would like to help (or if you will be there running). For those of you who did the Relay For Life this year and want to bring your fancy bells to cheer people on...that would be great too. There would be no more appropriate race for those bells. And they aren't going to ring themselves.

Race link.

The hat and bells:

P.S. For those who haven't seen or heard of my bell sales, please let me know if you would like to buy any. (The bells were donated by an anonymous philanthropist, so all $5 get donated to ACS for general sales.)

TRY Internet Stalking

2010-08-03T04:28:00.000-07:00

Tonight:

Meet at the park. Chit-chat. Decide what you want to do. (I apologize but the disorganization continues.) Last week the diligent folks did 1/4 mile intervals, so after checking with them, we'll see if they are up for 1/2 mile intervals to give them a change.

More importantly:

It's (overdue) time for the "TRYers at the Boilermaker" internet stalking, made possible by the enablers at brightroom.com!

This year I attempted to grab the nicest photos though...nothing embarrassing except for mine. I think I got all the TRYers...if I missed someone let me know and I'll add them in.

Katie, leading the way and looking classy as always. (That is one fast woman!)

Kelly, looking almost peaceful. (That's just annoying, Kelly! Please exert yourself next year.)

Kerri. Either this will encourage her to make it to TRY or will scare her away...why don't people like stalkers? It takes a lot of dedication and commitment. Why isn't that more welcomed in society?

Scott got sick of hearing my cowbell for 7 miles and blew my doors in.

Mark. Well, this is understandable, because with a bib like that, you have to party like it's nineteen-ninety-nine. (This one cracked me up. Well done Mark.)

It's Terry and his bleeding nipple of power + 2. (Yeah, like anyone would want to guard that closely in a basketball game. That is how you create separation from the defense, right there.)

Gerega-ga being shy for once. Not one close-up that showed up on his default page. And I'm waaaay to lazy to look through thousands and thousands of photos to find any others in the lost and found. (Just noticed while proofreading, that the lead guy is one of those crazy barefoot runners. I've read some articles and I could understand that humans are intended to run that way, so maybe it is better. But how can you run down random roads like that...seems like you step on something sharp/painful several times along the way.)

And Christine. Hasn't been around TRY for a long time, but she's at the park some and does do stuff with friend of TRY Patricia's group.

Have You Herd?

2010-07-27T05:12:00.001-07:00

Heard? Nope...herd. The TRY herd was very small last week. A lot of that was coincidence and I think attendance will bounce back this week. But if not, please let me know what is going on? Sick? Summer vacations? Injuries? Apathy?

I need to reboot my summer exercise plan myself. So, I'll be there tonight, hoofin' it in the lovely summer heat. Who's with me?

I Don't Have Much To Say

2010-07-20T09:05:00.000-07:00

Just like Pedro Sanchez, there are times where the words just don't come to me. So, follow your heart, that is what he always did. (Also, Summer Wheatley can suck it!)

I was too lazy to go grab the brightroom boilermaker photos or get screen caps of the finish line cameras yet...but all those things are out there for the internet stalkers amongst us. Have at it.

For tonight, it's back to regular training as we are 7-8 weeks away from some of those early September half marathons and low double digit weeks away from those early October marathons. Where does the year go? I don't really want to train for any of those do I? Actually, that's just the summer doldrums talking...of course I (and you!) want to train for those fun, fall runs. Think of the crisper air, the easier breathing, and running without sweating through your clothing. Put in the work now so that you are ready to excel when the autumn curtain falls.

Due to a slightly messed up ear and head I think I am stuck doing a slow and steady run tonight. We'll talk amongst ourselves to see who is up for something more aggressive and group up accordingly.

Normal time and normal place: 5:30 at the Liverpool park.

A Week Off

2010-07-13T03:10:00.000-07:00

I will say this first -- I'm a little disappointed in the TRY turnout at the Boilermaker. C'mon people, this is perhaps the most fun "normal" race you can take part in anywhere and its just an hour down the thruway. The start was even managed well this year...so no more excuses! This should be a yearly celebration run. Utica has the long distance running hall of fame and one of the best races in the country. Please do what you can to ALWAYS take part...let's keep a good local thing going.

Today:

A week off from running and, of course, a chance of some storms to ruin our fun. But no matter the weather, we are heading to Aaron and Kelly's house on the south shore of Oneida Lake for some water based fun. (If it rains we'll have to stay out of the water, of course.) They will also be hosting a picnic and will be providing all the goodies. All you need to do is bring your swimsuit, some water shoes, some bug spray and actually that's it. (Let me know if you are going and I'll provide directions.)

This is especially intended for those of you who want to try out kayaking or canoeing and never get a chance. We should have 3-4 kayaks and 1 canoe...so there will be plenty of opps to get out there and paddle a little and see if you like it. Also some tubing behind a jetski will be available for the more adventurous. (I think I'm already too beat up to try that.)

So, come on out and enjoy a rare TRY week off. :-) (Back to the grind, next week.)

TRY Something Different

2010-07-07T19:49:00.000-07:00

Since many of us will be running the Boilermaker this Sunday, there will be a TRY field trip to Cicero for some kayaking, tubing, and fun on Tuesday, July 13th! Everyone is welcome at our (Kelly and Aaron's) house any time after 5 to try out the kayaks and whatever other water toys that end up here. We will also grill burgers and have snacks and drinks. If that's not enough, there are cheap chicken wings just around the corner at Cooper's Landing if anybody is feeling brave.

If you would like to join us, please comment on the blog or let Terry know that you will be attending. This will allow us to buy the right amount of food and get you directions to our house.

All About the Boilermaker

2010-07-07T05:43:00.000-07:00

Driving directions:
Do yourself a favor and do not follow the website directions. Go this way instead. (I just have it marked from the thruway exit to a parking lot in the general area where I usually end up parking.) Me and others have been using it the last couple years and it saves a ton of stress and 20+ minutes of sitting in traffic. You are parking near the start line so it is convenient for picking up your packet that morning and returning the stuff to your car and then the post race shuttles drop you off right near by after the post race party. So, trust me, on this one -- take the Dyke (road) to the race!

Pre Race Location:
I tend to hang out near point A, or just a little to the east of it -- that is towards the packet pick-up tent. (In general - it's a little ways down the road to your left as you are lined up for the start of the race.) Look for me there for some pre-race chit chat and to calm you nervous runners down! (That side of the start corrals is also conveniently located on the Dyke road direction side of the starting line...so if you follow my driving directions you'll be walking right by that spot at some point.)

Post Race Gathering:
Please look for me and others are the unofficial TRY meet-up spot. Located along the flow of traffic just after you grab your frozen pop and turn the corner.

Google map with location marked as 'B'. Also a post-race party map marked with X:

A slight change to a boilermaker tradition:
I am trading in my bifurcating beaver -

For a bodacious bovine -

So, look for the horns near the meeting spot...as with the beaver, it should make it really easy to spot me.

And since a leg injury and life have caused me to lose my way the last month, I am switching my goal of getting a PR (personal record) to running the race for PR (personal reasons). So, even though it will be annoying, I am going to wear the cow hat and a cowbell for the entire boilermaker. It will give me some adrenaline from the crowd (if you win the crowd, you win your freedom!) and it will give me the conviction to keep going. For I will run as a dairy cow in a tribute to my father. I can't even remember the last time I saw him run...he had really bad legs by the time I was growing up due to his overworking of them on the farm. But on this Sunday, he will run 9.3 miles with me.

For those of you running the BM for the first time or for those of you that are experienced but struggling at some point along the way --
Think of me and my cowhat and my cowbell. I'll be on the course somewhere, behind some of you and ahead of others of you...hoofin' it to the best of my abilities. And when you think of me or when you hear cowbells on the side of the course - smile! This is supposed to be fun! :-)

Best of luck to you all!

Please stop by at the end...at least to say a quick moo.

(Let me know if you have any last minute race questions. FYI -- I will not be doing a group expo outing this year...too much going on, unfortunately.)

Comments only again

2010-07-06T06:38:00.000-07:00

See comment section

2010-06-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

There is no TRY

2010-06-22T06:01:00.000-07:00

[Editor - how dare my guest blogger use that as a title!?? That really steams my Yoda soda!]

There is only oppressive heat and high humidity.

That means its corporate challenge week! There will not be an official TRY run this Tuesday June 22^nd as the JP Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge will be taking place on the parkway. Good luck to anyone participating!! As usual, it looks to be one of the hotter and more humid days we will see all year so make sure you hydrate accordingly and don’t push too hard. It’s a short race but running in the heat still gets dangerous and it’s really not worth hurting yourself to shave a few seconds off your time. Don’t feel bad about reeling it in if you’re not feeling 100% there won’t be many PRs out there. And remember there are plenty of other races coming up for a shot at redemption and most of them actually have timing chips. See Terry’s mountain goat recap for more thoughts on why you shouldn’t worry about running this race too hard.

In the past we’ve done meetups after the race and a lot of times head over to the outside bar at Retreat to hang out although we could probably decide as a group what to do and where to go tomorrow [editor - today]. There are generally a lot of runners out post-race so don’t feel bad about slumming it and not showering first – changing into a dry shirt is a good idea though. The Lockheed tent is one of the bigger ones and close to the t-shirt pickup so that would be a good place to meet other tryers. If you can’t find us, Terry should have his phone after the race (right Terry? [editor - of course!]) and we usually do a scavenger hunt to look for anyone we know that will be there. If you know where your tent will be and want to hang out or at least talk about how your race went let us know as well.

RELAY TRYERS – A big thank you to everyone that participated in the Relay For Life! The event seemed to be a great success and Terry did a phenomenal job organizing again this year. Plenty of late night runners and extra effort by the early birds (evening and morning) as well. There has been a lot of positive feedback about the “runners” at the event and having the cowbell lap as an official part of the festivities was a very visible example of the influence our group has had on the event as a whole. Terry you deserve all the credit for putting this together and getting us all involved. Hopefully it’s gratifying for you to see that your efforts to make the event more fun for everyone involved are paying off! Also, a few members of the herd made the local news…more famous TRYERS! Guest TRYERs Laura and Sam were on a clip of the event on Channel 10 Sunday morning and Terry is now famous for his role as a talking cow.

And lastly, congratulations to Aaron and Kelly for taking part in both the Relay and Green Lakes Triathlon this weekend! I’m not sure what happened at the race but I think Kelly exceeded expectations and Aaron has a story? Anyway, great job guys. Much more impressive than sleeping for 13 hrs straight which is what I did. [Editor - I'm not sure I've woken up yet?]

Mutiny on the Parkway

2010-06-15T04:42:00.000-07:00

[Editor - This weeks entry and new poll on the right (please vote!) were written by a guest. So, if you notice higher quality content and better humor, you are not mistaken.]

After years of plotting and scheming my diabolical takeover of the TRY blog is nearing completion. Muhahaha

Now if only I had admin privileges…

We’re going to mix it up a little with the intervals this week cause I’m in charge and I say so. The run will be a combination of ¼ and ½ intervals.

1 mile warm up followed by:

½ fast ½ recovery

¼ fast, ¼ recovery

¼ fast ¼ recovery

½ fast ½ recovery

Up to this point we’ve always done ½ mile recovery after our intervals no matter what the length…however, in the interest of keeping the run at 4 miles while still fitting in four quality intervals I shortened the recovery time after the shorter intervals. I’m confident we can all handle this.

That last ½ interval is going to suck but just think of it as the annoying last .5 in the 3.5 mile corporate challenge. We’re trying to train our bodies to endure inhuman amounts of pain here and churning out a strong ½ late in the run will do just that! Or just do another ¼ if you really want. Okay, inhuman pain was an exaggeration but we are trying to get used to running fast when we are already tired so we run faster in races. Especially races that are randomly .4 miles longer than they should be.

Speaking of the corporate challenge, it’s next week! Tuesday (6/22) so for most of us this will be the last speed workout before the race.

This may be a goal race for some of you or just a stepping stone on your way to greater (or longer?) things. Who knows, you may find yourself running on another continent. Either way, don’t go to the usual spot to meet next Tuesday at 5:30. You won’t get a parking space and TRY won’t be there. But if you are at the race we usually meet up before or after the run and there will be a blog entry with info on that next week.

Lastly, Friday is the relay for life. There’s still time to sign up or donate to your favorite TRYers website:

Click here to visit my PERSONAL page.

What, what’s that you say…I’m not what? I’m not your favorite TRYer?

Fine.

Click here to view the TEAM page for Lockheed Martin

Happy [Belated] Flag Day!!

Get out there and wave what Betsy Ross gave ya!

[Editor - here is the first look at the new cowbells available now!]

Is There A Doctor In The House - a Prescription for Fun

2010-06-08T02:53:00.000-07:00

We will step the intervals up another notch this week before starting over with shorter intervals again next week. Time for our first mile repeats of the year:
Mile warmup
Mile at speed
1/2 Mile recovery
Mile at speed
1/2 Mile cool down
So, two miles at speed in the midst of a four mile run.

I should have done this part before -- I think a few of you will find this useful:
For anyone curious about what a GPS watch provides you or who has been thinking about a GPS watch - here is what the output looks like. (Assuming I've opened up the permissions properly.) I put off getting a GPS watch for a couple years, but once I received mine as a gift, there was no going back. It provides distance, pace, elevation (so-so quality -- can't truly trust the elevation but it gives you a rough idea), heart rate (with optional strap), and a great google map summary of your workout. If you glance around at what happened during the Paige's run, you can clearly see where we took a quick breather later in the race and I can clearly see that I was overheating/overstressing...because my heart rate just kept climbing. I'm surprised to see how high my heart rate ended up. Normally it would not do that at the paces we were running. (Which allows me to think about my race day preparation and execution and attempt to figure out what went wrong.)

GPS watches are still expensive, but I highly recommend them. The online summary is great (and a free feature to use), it helps you manage your pace during races or long runs, and allows you to not have to measure/map out runs ahead of time. Especially while traveling, it's great to just be able to run out the door and trust the watch to know when I've covered the distance I wanted to cover.

About the Paige's Butterfly Race -- this was on facebook on Sunday, so not much new here for those who saw the pictures:
It all started by seeing a brief mention of the race and fun 'centipede division' in a weekly work email distribution. I noticed the blurb, forwarded it to some co-working TRYers and asked simply 'are you thinking what I'm thinking?' Turns out that some others were intrigued. Some recruiting/re-recruiting/begging later and we had our 5 team members. There was some behind the scenes brainstorming for theme ideas and finally a vote on which version to use.

The team trusted me when I said the costume would be all set. And with some major help from my consigliere Catherine and her sister, I showed up with two bags full of costumes. The set-up was confusing and hectic (some volunteers weren't able to tell us where to go, so it took a while to figure it out on our own)...I started handing out props and clothing and bless their hearts, they just kept putting them on. So an ordinary group of runners became Dr Dre, Doc Halladay, Dr McDreamy, Dr Pepper, and Dr Seuss (mispelled).

Dr Seuss and Dr Pepper did a great job setting the pace and picking our path, while the three in lab coats did a great job of not slowing them down too much. We made quite a scene and kept getting our pictures taken whether we wanted them or not. A murmur swept through the crowd whenever we walked or ran through...as we stood out a bit.

For our efforts we won the centipede competition race as well as the costume contest.

But more importantly we won Paige's parents thanks. They thanked us for our creativity and for adding so much fun to their event.

And I'll end with this thought -- one of the team members was heard saying "I've never ran a race for fun, before". Which reminded me -- it's important to have fun once in a while. So, if you've never ran a race for fun before, think about it. Find a fun race to do, whether it be a concept or a location, and run it below your pace. Look around. Enjoy the scenery. Enjoy the crowd. You just might like it! And you never know just how far that fun will take you. You might even end up being famous for it. :-)

A special thanks to the Centipediatricians. For trusting me. And for not just playing along, but for playing it up. You won the crowd! You were awesome.

Kinda Funny

2010-06-01T02:36:00.000-07:00

I'm a couple hours away from Syracuse at my families this morning...waking up at 5:30...to rain. So, I had to laugh that after almost unbearable heat and days of beautiful sunshine, that Tuesday morning would start with rain. Figures. But we certainly need some, so hopefully Syracuse is getting it as well. (Doppler map shows its much lighter there, but seems to be hitting.)

Reminder -- for the LM team, signs up are due in a couple days for the Corporate Challenge. I assume thats true for others as well.

This weekend is Paige's Butterfly Run. It's one of the "Syrathon" races and one I have never done. Some TRYers have joined with me on a "Centipede" team where we will run linked together -- should be worth a laugh if you happen to be doing the race yourself or want to be downtown for an early start on the taste-of-Syracuse.

Tonight -- should be really nice TRY-time weather conditions. Let's step it up with some Memorial Day cookout burning off 1/2 mile intervals. Probably will do three 1/2 mile on portions embedded in a 4 mile run.

That's it...I need to drive back to the Cuse!

Ladies and Gentelmen Can I Please Have Your Attention

2010-05-25T03:55:00.000-07:00

I've just been handed an urgent and horrifying news story. I need all of you to stop what you are doing and listen.
CANNON BALL!!!!

Ooops, wrong script. Ah yes, here is this weeks update:

A TRYer had her car attempted to be broken into while we were running last Tuesday night! It was a an amateurish attempt -- but they completely ruined her door lock to the point that her key no longer worked. Just like I did, she assumed that a busy parking lot was safe, and had left some obvious valuables sitting out in the open. Thankfully nothing was stolen, but about $100 worth of damage was done to her car...so it was still an expensive break-in.

Takeaways:
Indio is the man! (And is now a Friend of TRY).
Be careful with your stuff. This is a reminder that you should never leave your purse and electronics sitting out. I know some of you tuck things into your trunks -- and I thought that was excessive paranoia -- but not anymore. I was wrong. You were right. Good job not trusting humanity.
We will now be meeting beforehand and wrapping up TRY afterward on the parking lot side of the rental building. It's not nearly as nice of a set up...but me and whoever else wants to can keep an eye on the parking lot for those 10-15 minutes as we're talking...and that can be 10-15 minutes on Tuesday nights that the parking lot is being watched over. I like the Liverpool park a lot and I want it to be a safe place...so I plan to do my part and provide a visible presence that might keep little punk bastards from attempting to break into vehicles.

Tonight:
Please know your limits and if you start to feel lightheaded, please back off. In fact, I am not going to put a recommended group run idea out there because I don't want to encourage anyone to push too hard on what is kind of our first summer-hot day this year. Certainly its our first hot Tuesday night. Perhaps a slow and steady run is in order. Also, throughout the day hydration is very important on a day like this.

Relay for Life:
Some expected teammates have not signed up yet. Please sign up if you know you are doing this as it helps planners figure out what size teams to expect. Here is our LM Team page.

A little color:
Here are a couple group shots from the fun Making Tracks for Celiacs event this past Saturday. Who is up for Frisbee Golf at Jamesville sometime? (It has a large frisbee golf course...it looked fun.)

I Can Clearly See Your Nuts

2010-05-18T03:17:00.000-07:00

It's time to sign up for Relay For Life! An email will be coming later this morning. (I'll re-post that here later).

Tonight:
1/2 mile intervals...time to finally step it up. As always, what you run is optional, but some sort of speed work is ideal for optimizing your running training.

This weekend:
Celiac 5K/1 Mile walk. There is still time to sign up! I checked out the trail on Sunday and its going to be fun...take you back to your high school cross-country days. Only this time you won't have a coach yelling at you. Or a face full of zits. Ahhhh, good times. :-)

The Boilermaker:
Only 8 weeks away! And the registration cost goes WAY up after the end of May. It's time to sign up kiddies!
15K Race early registration through 5/31/2010 - $35
15K Race late registration 6/01/10 - 6/25/10 - $50
No Race Day Registration 5K Run early registration through 5/31/10 - $20
5K Run late registration 6/01/10 - 6/25/10 - $30
No Event Day Registration 3-Mile Walk early registration through 5/31/10 - $15
3-Mile Walk late registration through 6/01/10 - 6/25/10 - $ 20
Event Day Registration until 10:00 am

Some inspiration:
This story about baseball and running really resonated with me....choked me a up a little. (Ok, it choked me up a lot. But I think maybe the room was really dusty and bothered my eyes while reading it?) In defense of my wussy-ness, I'm a huge baseball fan and I watched this on TV and it got one of my all-time favorite baseball players a world series ring (he had been traded by the Phillies to the Marlins earlier that season.) Plus, Amy in the story is my age. And she's been dead for 17 years...she only got to live half the life I did. :-( I'm thinking of tie-ing this into our Relay for Life night...perhaps a midnight chicken run is in order?

Random central NY story:
You can skip to the 2 minute mark if you don't want to watch the whole few minutes...some fun national exposure for a local company.

Wondering about the title of this post? Think its what my therapist told me when I started talking about my cowbells? Nope, that would be "I can clearly see YOU'RE nuts".

Your versus you're makes a huge difference...in this case, I can clearly see your nuts:

Thanks for the tip off Aubrey and bringing this joy into our lives. Stay classy! Seriously.

Naturally, It'll be Cool and Rainy

2010-05-10T20:12:00.000-07:00

Another Tuesday, another below average weather day. Will anyone show up? Who knows? I can certainly understand if you don't. The few, the brave, the yoggers will get to pick their poison...but it's time to do some speedwork again after a couple weeks of rest and recovery.

Also -- not many takers on the volunteer opportunity this Saturday morning yet. Who wants to help raise money to fight breast cancer with me? Don't forget that there is also a 5K run to do at the "Race for the Cure" as well. Do either, do both, and make for a memorable morning at the fairgrounds.

Next Saturday (the 22nd) is the "Making Tracks for Celiacs" cross-country 5K. Several TRYers have already signed up...but we can do better! (I'm organizing a "team" entry, but there is not an official team component in the race yet this year. I would like more people on my team, though.)

But enough business...it's a yearly tradition -- the ever popular Mountain Goat TRYers Photo Day! (Thank you, Brightroom.)

Katie leading the way. (Now that is one fast woman!)

They say that running makes you healthier, but I've never seen it quite this dramatic. Check out the runner trailing Malinda earlier in the race.

Then, after running just a couple more miles, look at how the wear and tear of a life have just fallen off the guy. He looks like a completely new man! (If that isn't an advertisement for the benefits of exercise, then I don't know what is. Amazing transformation there.)

The TRY poster girl makes another appearance. Not quite as "in your face" as the original appearance two years ago, but still a solid effort on her part.

Kelly, making a striking appearance in her running skirt...even showing a little midriff! Very risque for a Sunday morning race, but hey, better her than me attempting that look, right?

How do you know when you could be running just a teensy-weensy bit harder? When you are waving to the camera the whole time. Aaron! Quit smiling! Put your hand down! And start pumping those arms harder! Always posing for the paparazzi aren't you -- just like your famous singing cousin -- Lady Ga-gere-Ga. (Please be more serious and wear your "poker face" next time.)

I don't think we've scared her off just yet, so Jessica, welcome to TRY and welcome to your first Mountain Goat TRYers Photo Day!

Who is that hiding behind Friend of TRY Colleen? Why it's Catherine! No hiding in the lost and found on us!

And where were Mark and I during all the finish line photography fun? Well, momma always said that race day is like a box of chocolates -- you never know what you're gonna get. We just didn't feel like runnin' no more.

May Day!

2010-05-03T18:33:00.000-07:00

I had lots of thoughts for this weeks update, but they've been trumped by the events of the weekend. A very experienced and darn good runner (certainly a lot better than me, for a reference point) from LMCO remained in the hospital the last I knew after failing to finish the Mountain Goat. After I failed in my own way, to finish Sunday, I had a chance to see 90% of the 10 milers go past my vantage point at the 9.75 mile mark. I saw one guy collapse and sort of helped him (a couple others beat me to him) and I got to see how he responded to the paramedics and that he was obviously incoherent and uncooperative to the point of his own detriment. And it got me thinking...is this all worth it? Is this even remotely healthy what we put ourselves through on a day like this? Is this sort of event that a community should encourage? And that was before I learned about my co-worker and the fact that he was still not doing well in the hospital today. So, I've gotten the message and want to make sure that I pass it on.

At times I've felt sorry for myself for having my condition where I can't push myself to the brink of exhaustion like I used to during the days of my youth. My elevated heart rate and weakened pulse forces me to tap out and walk before I would choose to. The first couple times it was very much a blow to my ego. And as I'm walking off to the side of the course as hundreds of people "I should be beating" run by, it's a very frustrating experience. All the training down the tubes. The goal and the glory of finishing 187th eluding me, yet again. :-(

But, you know what? After a couple times, you get over it. The humility turns into clarity - it doesn't matter. The race doesn't care about any one of us. None among us is going to win. (Well, Katie and Malinda being the exception in certain local races, but they don't count...they are getting kicked out of TRY soon. Shhhh! Don't tell them.) None of us are professional runners. We are engineers and IT professionals. Pharmacists and teachers. Elderly care providers and male strippers (part time, for extra spending money. Don't judge me! Times are tough, you do what you have to in order to get by.) So, if the race day isn't going how you planned it in your mind...think about why you are out there. You are out there to have fun. Know your limits. Stop and drink the power ade. The extra few seconds aren't going to matter. Walking isn't going to ruin your life. Doing worse than you did last year isn't going to cause your momma to look down on you. Getting beat by someone who never should beat you isn't going to get you fired from work. We sign ourselves up for these races and we talk ourselves into exactly how fast we need to run them in order to be happy with ourselves. We want the age group awards. We want that shiny medal. We want to wear the shirt with pride so we can tell people the story about it. But it's all just silly selfishness. 2000+ people could care less that I limped off the course and hobbled back the way I came. Sure, I made a personal ceremony out of unpinning my race number and tucking it in my pocket. And I'll always remember that the guy was singing Toby's "She's my little whiskey girl" as I did it. But no one else cared. The race didn't stop. The goats didn't stop grazing. Colvin didn't get any less daunting. Ronnie Z didn't stop Tik-Tok-ing. (Wait, he didn't sing? I thought maybe I just didn't see him?) The only person it mattered to was myself. And I'm over it.

So, I'm proud of the people who walked for the first time. And I'm proud of those of you who went slower than you wanted to and faded in the second half. Your first career DNF? Good for you! You knew your limit. You knew this is just something you do for fun. A hobby you do after work and on the weekends. And you saved yourself so that you can do it after work this Tuesday and so you can do it again this weekend.

If you are injured? Or if you are physically exhausted? Slow down. Walk. Stop if you have to. No one will judge you for it as long as you don't judge yourself.

(Wow, that got long! Maybe I am finally feeling better and back to my old wordy self?!!!)

For tonight - let's see who shows up. A few people will be nursing post race soreness and may need a recovery week. So, a "game time decision" run is in order and we'll group up according to like minded runners.

More Sunday thoughts - many of you did better and better the more I've heard about the conditions. Definitely 2 to 4 or more minutes were lost out there. So, while you can't "count" that at least keep it in mind at how much better that time would seem if you took 3 minutes off of it. Excellent performances amongst the TRYers! Including peoples first tastes of the Goat.

Mark and Katie -- thanks for hosting what might be becoming a Mountain Goat tradition -- the nice post race gathering at your place. That was very much appreciated! And I've figured something out...next year when the opening gun is fired, I'm going to immediately turn around and just walk to your house. No need to bother with the course itself. And since I'm going to be walking anyway, I might as well head to my final destination. And while I figured, it would be close -- check this out - my random pin placements came up as exactly 10.0 miles. (Seriously, I didn't even cheat. Dead serious! I'm as shocked as anyone is...although I'm sure I'm slightly off where I dropped the pins. Pretty funny though.)

Ok, I'm saving anything useful for another week. :-(

Pre-Mountain Goat Week

2010-04-26T19:51:00.000-07:00

Another rainy Tuesday. This time before our first big group race of the year - the Mountain Goat. The group run will be a game time decision, depending on who is there and what they need to get out of the run. I am injured, so I'll be limping along at a medium pace.

But more importantly, Mark and Katie are hosting a post Mountain Goat Run party at their house. In celebration of the race and Katie's birthday. So, whether or not you are running this Sunday, you are invited to their house.

Details:
3 PM, Sunday afternoon. BYOH. (Bring Your Own Hydration). Mark will have some cook-out type food. If you want anything special beyond that, you can bring it, but no need for anything except for your choice of hydration. Please RSVP to Mark so that he can plan for the amount of people to expect.

Mountain Goat Packet Pick-up:
Noon to 7 PM Friday
9 AM to 4 PM Saturday
At the new Fleet Feet store on Bridge Street.

Good luck in the race on Sunday...hopefully I'll see you there or at Mark and Katie's afterward.

Some Times They Come Back

2010-04-18T18:33:00.000-07:00

A potpourri of topics:

Today (Monday) is the last day to register for the Allyson Dunn Tire Mountain Goat at the regular rate.

I have added subscription links to the sidebar so that you can receive the blog via an RSS feed.

Don't forget that TRY has a facebook page. I added some group photos from the past couple years. Please add your own to make the page seem a little more homey for everyone. (Let me know if you want to be added -- I can't remember if it is invite only or not.)

The previous blog post described a fun race that I hope a lot of you can join in on. The "Making Tracks for Celiacs" 5K run/1 mile walk.

It's Patriots Day in Boston. Which means that Katie is running her Boston Marathon. I've signed up for the text messages Katie...looking forward to them interrupting my work day.

For you beginners reading this. We meet here. At mile marker 0.0 at Onondaga Lake Park.

I plan on going out to the Retreat or Tully's this week after the training run to celebrate a dream coming true - You can go your separate ways or you can join in faithfully. Everyone will be welcomed with open arms. Be good to yourself!

The group run: (As if anyone is still reading this scatterbrained list). It's time to lengthen out our intervals. So, it'll be 1/2 milers tonight. Probably 3 1/2 milers in a 4 mile run. (Or 4 in a 5?) We'll see who wants to do it during the pregame chat.

We have some new people interested in joining in TRY in the next couple weeks. Please help me make them feel welcome. I'd like to remind the regulars that when you miss a night because the weather isn't ideal, or because it's inconvenient for you, or because you don't feel like running...that it isn't just you that misses out. It could be that night that someone new checks us out. And doesn't have anyone their pace to run with. Or that there is one less smile to welcome them. One less kindred spirit with the same running goals. So, if you enjoy the group camaraderie, remember that you are a big part of that. And that without you, this group is just a weird guy writing rambling blog entries. And that would make for a lonely luchador.

Email Solicitation For Cross Country Race on May 22nd

2010-04-18T08:33:00.000-07:00

Tired of racing on pavement? All those switchbacks at the Race for the Cure making you want some better scenery? Want to get nostalgic and go back to your years running cross-country in high school? Check out this rapidly growing local event.

When: Saturday, May 22nd (9 AM Registration, 10 AM Event)
Where: Jamesville Beach County Park
What: 9th International Run/Walk for Celiac Disease
How Much: $15 for adults until May 1st, $20 after that and day of event. $5 for children 6-12
Why: To run on the USATF sanctioned cross country course where the NY State Section III championship has been held for the last 2 years. (Or more?)
Why: Also a 1 mile walk for those not up for the run.
What else: There are goodie bags available, a large raffle, gluten free food tastings, gluten free vendors, and other distractions to fill your morning.

There is also a fund raising component to this event. Please sign up through the team fund raising site, even if you don't plan to individually raise money. I have set up for the LM Federated Fund to donate and they will provide additional money for each LM employee who participates.

Event web site: http://celiacwalk.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=340373 (Need to click on Syracuse, NY Walk/Run on the left hand side)
Alternate (shorter) web site that you can actually remember: http://www.celiacwalk.org/
Lockheed Martin team fund raising site: http://celiacwalk.kintera.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp?ievent=340373&team=3731527

If you unable to take part but want to contribute, use the Lockheed Martin team page above to make a general donation to the team or to find your favorite co-worker to donate to.

There should also be volunteer positions available for the day of this event. If you or your friends and family would like to help out, please let me know and I can put you in touch with the local organizers who will be glad to hear from you.

That is the minimum amount of information that I wanted to pass along (see below for my further ramblings). Please let me know if you have any questions about this event. I plan to be in contact with those who sign up a time or two before the event itself.
-Terry Widrick
-315.456.3349

P.S. For those with inquisitive minds, feel free to read on for more miscellaneous information:

I helped organize and participated in the running portion of this event two years ago when it was still held at Willow Bay. The race itself that year went down to the Salt Museum and back. I got 4th place! Out of eight participants. (Hey, those kids and that girl that beat me were fast! That race will always be my highest overall finish.) For those that were a part of TRY, this is when I pretended to have won a puppy! :-)

Last year, the event moved and a race director took over and moved the run to the Section III cross-country race course at Jamesville Beach. I was out of town on business travel so I was unable to attend, but the race had 69 finishers (up from 8!). Due to the unique location and the fact that this is one of the few adult cross-country races in the area, I expect this race to gain popularity quickly. My goal is to put a Lockheed Martin stamp on it, starting this year. And I need help with that, since, quite honestly, I am slow. I am working on getting LM t-shirts for those who participate but don't know the details of that just yet.

May is Celiac Awareness Month (which is why the event is held in May):
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that is triggered by the protein gluten, found in wheat, barley, rye and other grains. It can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms include anemia, weight loss, chronic fatigue, osteoporosis, infertility, and a variety of gastrointestinal problems. Untreated celiac disease can be life threatening. One out of every 133 Americans has celiac disease and most don’t know it.

Wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coeliac_disease
Google search: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=celiac+disease&sourceid=navclient-ff&rlz=1B3GGGL_enUS233US233&ie=UTF-8

Or a more personal perspective - I do not have celiac disease but a couple good friends of mine do. It is sad and depressing to witness what they are unable to eat: Pizza, bread, donuts, pancakes, potato chips, cakes, beer, candy bars, snack bars, cookies, breading on anything fried, etc... Basically all of my favorite foods! (There are starting to be more and more gluten free options (marked with a GF on the packaging), but they tend to be more expensive, less tasty, harder to prepare, and higher calorie. So for those of you still reading this, that are thinking "what is the big deal, giving up wheat can't be that much of a sacrifice"? Well, it is a huge deal for people who suffer from it. It completely changes the way you grocery shop, cook, eat, and order food when dining out.

Please support the cause if you are so moved to do so.

A Decent Forecast!

2010-04-12T20:55:00.000-07:00

For the first time in a month we have a decent forecast to look forward to. Since I continue to not post a series of "What TRY is About" informational links for potential new members, let me just throw it into this update.

But first, since I get sick of reading my own writing, here is a touching story from one of our own and the road she took that is taking her to the Boston Marathon on Monday morning. Congratulations Katie. You've done what no other TRYer can lay claim to -- you are Boston bona-fide!

This weeks run: 4 mile run with 1/4 mile intervals. (Since not many people were able to take part last week. We'll restart with 1/4 miles again.)

For those looking for some background --

What TRY is about:
TRY is not email based. It is web/blog based...I am not actually supposed to send emails from work, you are probably not supposed to actually receive emails at work. So, for those who can, please start using the blog as your source of the updates.

TRY meets every Tuesday night at 5:30 at Liverpool's Onondaga Lake Park, near the Wegman's playground and right next to the bike rental area. The "group" run is typically 4-5 miles, but is optional. People are always encouraged to run shorter/longer/faster/slower as their training and body dictates. Every once in a while there is an exception to the meeting location and this summer there may be additional nights added (possible track nights on Thursdays a few times?). See the blog and the calendar app for reference. Follow along on twitter. Follow along on your smart phone. Whatever suits you.

TRY welcomes all speeds and running experiences...but it skews for newer runners or for runners attempting to improve their running times/techniques. TRY encourages running for the enjoyment of it. If you aren't enjoying yourself, then why bother? TRY wants to see a smile on your face. Often.

TRY believes that speed work is the most efficient use of your running time and the most useful training technique. We mix in different length intervals (kept very simple on group night) and tempo runs. For those of you that have never attempted speed work or have never TRULY given it a fair chance -- what are you waiting for? For anyone other than an absolute beginner, you are doing yourself a disservice to not mix in speed work into your training. It makes you faster, it gets you in better cardiovascular shape, and it helps you lose weight. Train smarter! Trust me. And trust every Runner's World that you'll ever flip through...they always mention the benefits of it.

TRY likes to help people improve. Let me know what your goals are for the year and I can either give you real advice, make something up to give you fake advice (sometimes I can be a real prick -- and honestly, I'm not as nice as you think I am), or can make sure you talk to the TRY member that has the experience and knowledge you are looking for.

TRY wants to make TRY more interesting and more fun. TRY has noticed that first time "users" tend to really enjoy the group experience. But each year, that persons interest seems to decrease a little. TRY takes this personally and blames TRY for this failure. So, TRY is looking for ideas on how to keep returning members captivated. Some ideas being tossed around:
Add some core exercises at the end of the runs.
Add some speed tracking nights -- clock a 1/4 mile or a mile run, say, in mid May, mid July, and mid October...just to see progress throughout the summer. (And give a fun goal outside of the confines of formal races.)
Play some shuffleboard, bocce, or volleyball after the runs...to take advantage of the fun park that we sometimes take for granted. All those options are available right next to where we meet every week.
Suggestions?

TRY encourages you to stop and smell the roses. Sometimes you need to ignore your watch. Here are some photos I stopped to take while running this Sunday morning. Sure, may pace suffered. But my spirit was buoyed. :-)

Why, why, does it always rain on TRY?

2010-04-05T19:54:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, weather just isn't fair. Sure, we weather it, whether we like it or not, but this is getting just plain silly. How is it that in the midst of near record nice weather in late March and early April that the third straight lousy weather Tuesday is hitting us? Oh well, it gives me an excuse for not getting my TRY roll-out in place for this week, since I doubt any non-hardcore members will make it out. (For my laziness with my updates, I blame Easters, crazy forlorn cousins, and having a cold...let's just say it's been a long few days.) I did make some more tweaks to the blog site and the biggest addition is that TRY is now a Tweeter! If anyone actually uses twitter (and cares) you can add "thereisatry" to the list of "people" you are following. I'm new to it myself, so I don't know quite what I'm doing, but I'll figure something out. I've also added a recent comments panel so we can more easily see what Ally is saying to herself in the comment sections of the posts.

Assuming it's not dangerous out (lightning or large dogs raining down) this week is the first official encouragement to do speed work. Plan for 4-5 1/4 mile intervals embedded inside of a 4 mile run. It's time to crank it up...speed work benefits all running abilities, so there is no [good] reason for anyone not to do it.

And since this is the "kick-off" week for TRY, I'm hoping some people will be able to head to The Retreat afterward for a little socialization. Assuming no one was hit by lightning, that is. (If someone has been hit by lightning we'll have to move our socialization to the local emergency room.)

Also, don't forget about the Syracuse Chiefs opening day celebration on Thursday. Weather looks iffy at this point, but maybe we'll get lucky?

Whether Weather

2010-03-30T02:50:00.000-07:00

With the cold and rain last week and the probable chilly rain today, I've gotten some questions:

Will we run tonight?
Are people still going to run?
Is TRY canceled?
Etc...

Here is a little diddy that works well with kids and with TRY:

Whether the weather is cold or
Whether the weather is hot,
We'll weather the weather,
Whatever the weather,
Whether we like it or not!

(I stole it from a cartoon.)

TRY does not stop for rain. TRY does not stop for cold. TRY does not stop for cold rain. TRY only stops if the weather is putting my life at risk: thunderstorms, tornadoes, rogue waves, microbursts, or if it is literally raining cats and dogs (big dogs that could crush me on impact, not little dogs that just bounce off a windbreaker).

So, I will always be in the parking lot...no need to ask. But, if the weather doesn't inspire you, then stay inside. I don't expect anyone to actually show up and run in lousy weather, but the option is there and you can show up if you want to. Last summer/fall during the midst of an annoying rain storm, a few of us basically ran under a double rainbow. It was miserable and beautiful at the same time. Inspiration can come at the oddest of times and that is why I always TRY.

This will be the last week of the pre-season. So the run will be whatever steady distance you feel like running. Next week, brings April, and the first attempt to organize some speed work. Giddy-up! Dream about 1/4 mile intervals! Yummy.

TRY Preseason Continues

2010-03-21T19:09:00.000-07:00

I've decided that March is going to be considered the pre-season and to keep TRY low key. For the next two weeks, the TRY run will be moderate paced distance. In April the speed work can start for those who are ready.

In my first attempt to make the blog more useful, I added a calendar application to the blog (hopefully it is visible above)? Please let me know what races/events you plan to do and I will add them to the calendar so it can be a resource to you and all TRY members as to what races are when.

So far I have:

Mountain Goat Training Runs

Mountain Goat Race

Making Tracks For Celiacs Walk/Run

Relay For Life

Chase Corporate Challenge

Boilermaker

TRY Begins and Mountain Goat Training Runs

2010-03-14T17:58:00.000-07:00

I have some fun and useful updates planned, but they will have to wait a week or two.

For this week, I'll focus on just the timely issues:

The first group TRY run is this Tuesday. 5:30 start time at the Wegman's playground end of Onondaga Lake Park. Plan on running between 3 and 5 miles, to be determined by who shows up and what their plans are. (You can always do you own thing.)

This Saturday morning, the Mountain Goat training runs start. Check here for a training plan, FAQs and a waiver form that you can fill out ahead of time. That group run will be 5 to 5.5 miles, but I intend to do the entire course (about 9.5 miles to and from the MOST). If you are ready for that, capable of running 9-11 minutes miles, and willing wait for the slowest member, let me know and join in. (Bring a drink to carry, since we will be beyond all but one of the drink stations set up.)

I hope to see a bunch of you this week!

Winter Update

2010-01-19T19:46:00.000-08:00

Random "mid"-winter notes and thoughts, from the mind of raving lunatic.

1) Anyone want to cross-county ski this Saturday morning? I think the snow will hold up at Highland Forest and we'll be able to go there. $3 if you have skis, $13-$18 if you need to rent, depending on how long you want to ski for. (90 minutes for the $13 total price is usually enough for inexperienced skiers.) I promise to help beginners survive the day and lead you on a trail suitable to your skills. You can also rent snowshoes and downhill sled (BYOS) there. Link.

2) Anyone looking for a wintertime volunteer activity? I'm looking to sign a group up to volunteer at the New York State Special Olympics Winter Games. No idea what we would be assigned to do - anything from parking lots, to setting up/tearing down, to just being cheerleaders at the activities. The deadline is the 27th, so please let me know by the end of this week and I'll coordinate further before the deadline. The event itself is Feb 5-6. I'm planning to volunteer on Saturday the 6th, with an eye towards the skiing events at Highland Forest. Link to the games here. Or if you want to volunteer on your own here. If we get enough people, I think they would assign us a group, if not, then we may get split up. Come out and help support some of those in our community that can't do what we take for granted every moment of every day. (For you LMCOers - one of the poster children is our concierge's nephew...and she is the person who put the mention of this event in our in brief emails. She helped me set up at the Relay for Life event last summer so I'm hoping to repay her a little at her event.)

3) A reminder that there are a few winter races (and spring races) coming up:
a) Snowshoe race at Beaver Lake on January 30th. (5K)
b) Chilly Chili 5k in Cazenovia on February 7th. (You'll have to somewhat rush to your Super Bowl parties after that -- but you'll be able to chow down guilt free.)
c) All you lonely hearts, pay attention to this one! The "Cupid's Chase" 5K run at the Liverpool park on February 13th. It mentions it is "...the best way to make a love connection in the new year." So, for those in need of a love connection, you know where to go. You're welcome, and please, quit asking me out on dates! I'm not interested. And for me, I'm wondering what the heck that means? Are they going to do something unique at the race? (There is a "skirt chaser" series of races gaining popularity where women get a head start and the men are supposed to [try to] run them down. [Timewise, not literally run them down] I wonder if there is some quirk in this event for them to make such a bold statement.)
d) Tipperary Hill 4 Miler (Shamrock Run) on March 6th
e) And the Mountain Goat is looming (10 miler on May 2nd). Only 2 months til the training runs start! I have in my mind to do the entire course every week, so if you want to join in for that, be ready to run 10 hilly miles by March 20th.
f) Other winter races are around the area as well. There is always a link to the Fleet Feet running calendar on the side of the blog.
g) Some TRYers are already training for the Boston (Katie's bona-fide!) and Cleveland marathons, so they are skipping their winter hibernation. Join in if you are looking for running partners. (Information available on request.)

Miscellaneous stuff that you may not know:
1) Beaver Lake has moonlight skiing and snowshoeing coming up in the next several days and stay open til 9 (9:30?) under the light of the fullish moon. (I may set up a group for that some night -- people have to let me know if they want in. Snowshoe rentals are available there, skis are not.) They'll do that again in late February around the full moon.
2) You can cross-country ski anywhere there is snow, of course, but they have trails/tracks available at the Erie canal parks in various places, at Long Branch Park, at Oneida Shores, at Green Lakes State Park (free to get in this time of year), Beaver Lake, Highland Forest, golf courses, etc... So for those looking for an inexpensive alternative to running outside, cross-country skiing really is an excellent choice. (Ok, so you have to buy the equipment, but after that its very cheap outings.) If there isn't enough snow around Syracuse itself, there are multiple places north of here within an hours drive that always have plenty of snow. If you want to try before you buy, Highland Forest has rentals and I've heard a rumor that EMS has rentals as well. (The northern places have rentals as well. Salmon Hills (This page says it's closed!!!?? can anyone confirm that for me?) and Osceola ski center.
3) I thought there was a third thing you may not know, but I guess not. You are very smart people! You only don't know two things. That's amazing, actually!

This gets it's own paragraph -- The Relay For Life event is June 18th and 19th. So, for those who want to do it, block it off. (For all you planners out there that actually commit to things more than 2 days ahead of time! But, don't forget my credo - "Indecision is the key to flexibility!" Or, "Why commit to something today, that you may not feel like doing tomorrow?").

Last Week of the Year

2009-11-24T04:37:00.000-08:00

Even though the weather is still cooperating for a while, this will be the last TRY weekly "yog" of the year. (Cars and Lights on the Lake will take over the park for the next month.) The plan for tonight is to meet at 5:30 at the Liverpool park to walk (or run if you want to) under the lights on the lake on the "Dog Walk" night. Refreshments for humans and dogs are available for sale. At least a couple TRYers will be bringing their dogs. Come join in for a festive finale and bring along a four legged friend. (Or if you don't have any four legged friends -- bring your dog instead!) We'll coordinate the walkers/runners once we see who makes it tonight. Call my cell phone if its hard to find people in the dark.

Don't forget about the Topricin Worst Race Photo Contest! Entries are submittable for another week. As of this weekend there were only 12 entries and a couple of the examples I posted last week, here, would be in the top five "worst". Also, there are still very few people registered to vote, so if one of us can find a really awful looking photo, there would be a decent chance of winning the prize. ($100 - $200? value for winning, so its worth digging for that lousy race photo that you hate of yourself.)

This past weekend was a great race weekend for TRY. Two first time marathon finishes, one first time half-marathon finish, one marathon PR, and one 5K PR! Good job everyone! (Well, everyone, except for me.) Congratulations on going farther and faster than you ever have before. :-) All your hard work this summer and fall paid off. I am very proud of all of you!

Enjoy the rest of the year everyone! Posting/emails will be sparse through the winter...see you all (with perhaps some new recruits) come spring time.

Christmas Lights and a Contest

2009-11-17T05:39:00.000-08:00

Next week there are two chances to walk/run through the Liverpool Lights on the Lake before it is opened up to vehicles.

Monday, the 23rd, is the Verizon Lights on the Lake Stroll.
Tuesday, the 24th, is the Verizon Lights on the Lake Dog Walk.

Both nights are open from 5-9 and you can buy refreshments, meet "holiday characters", and walk the 2 miles of the lights on the lake.

I am planning on TRYing to get a group to jog/walk on Tuesday night, starting at 5:30. Please let me know if you plan to make it and we can coordinate a holiday ending to the TRY running season. For those of you with dogs, it seems like that would be a fun night out with the pooch.

A great opportunity for you all was sent to me last week by Malinda -- the Topricin Race Photo Contest. They are asking for your worst race photos. Entries will receive a free sample of Topricin and the winner will receive a free 6 month supply of Topricin and the entry fee to their next race of choice. (Up to $150!) It is not completely set up yet, but to vote, you need to become a fan of Topricin on facebook (or use twitter). I just checked out their facebook site and became a fan and they only have 9 fans right now! So, it seems to me like this contest is prime for the picking. If one of us can come up with a really lousy race photo, I think we could easily overwhelm the voting and get a great prize for one of our members! (For those that don't know, Topricin is a homeopathic pain reliever that has helped a few of us through some injuries the last couple years. Malinda's father is a distributor/marketer and he and Malinda have both been very generous at giving Topricin to TRY members. So, please support this contest and check out the product some time if you need some pain relief -- it's basically the official pain reliever of TRY! And trust me, its much better than the sports creams that you are used to.) It's available online or in Wegmans (and I assume other local stores).

Don't forget about the Jingle Bell Run this Sunday (weather forecast looks warmish but with chance of rain) or the opportunity to donate to the cause.

Tonight: The last official TRY meeting of the year. Liverpool park at 4:30. 5 mile run with a 4 mile tempo for those looking for a harder workout.

Some inspiration - here are a few of my favorite TRY related race photos from the last couple years. Some are "bad", some look good. I need to go back and dig up some of my bad ones for the contest (normally I only save off the ones that were halfway decent). Please join in...it'll be fun if a few of us are competing and I hope that one of us has one lousy enough to end up the winner.

November Races

2009-11-09T17:45:00.000-08:00

For those of you that want to end your running year with a race or two:

1) On Sunday, the 22nd, the Jingle Bell Run/Walk is being held at Long Branch Park. It used to be a 5k/10k at Onondaga Lake Park but they changed it this year. So, it's not the same exact event that I'm familiar with, but I assume it won't change the atmosphere much. If you didn't get enough use out of your striped tights at Halloween, now is your chance! Or if you have a dog and want to run a race with it, this is your chance! Put antlers on the pooch and bring it along. This is the only local race that I've ever had to dodge a dog in! It's a fun little event that a lot of people dress up festively for and we had a large TRY contingency at it last year. (I even traveled over 2000 miles to participate myself.) At least 6 people from TRY that supported it will be out of town this year for the Philadelphia marathon/half marathon, so I'm hoping for some replacements. If anyone else feels guilty about bailing out on a fun, local race, join me in pledging one of our own. Malinda is taking up the torch (or would that be antlers?) and raising money this year. Please join her. Or support her if you can't end up running the race yourself. Donate to her here.

2) On Thanksgiving day, the Baldwinsville Turkey Trot takes place at Baker High School. I've never done this one and this year I'll be running in Watertown instead since I'll be home for the holiday. For anyone around Syracuse on Thanksgiving you may want to join in so that you can pig out guilt free the rest of the day. 5K and 10K options are available.

For tonight's group run -- we are meeting at 4:30 at the Liverpool park. The speed work will be full mile intervals.

Lastly --
My theory for why they don't have a Jingle Bell Run 10K anymore? I think Katie smoked the competition so badly last year that the competition committee canceled the event. (Now that is what I call bona-fide! Getting a whole race canceled! Nice work Katie.)

Not The Same Thing

2009-11-03T05:27:00.000-08:00

We are running out of daylight! This whole earth-tilt-thing is really starting to be a problem.

So, we are moving the start time to 4:30 until Thanksgiving, at which time we go on hiatus for a while due to lights on the lake.

Same Thing

2009-10-27T06:20:00.001-07:00

Same thing. 5:00 PM start. Nice fall afternoon to run if you are up for it.

Nothing Special

2009-10-20T05:16:00.000-07:00

The baseball playoffs are killing me. I need some sleeeeeep!

Tonight, 5:00 PM. Normal place. Looks like some lovely fall weather so come out and enjoy it.

The Five Spot

2009-10-13T05:21:00.001-07:00

Reminder. Starting tonight, the group run starts at 5:00. (Well, by 5:05) Same place.

We'll keep it at 5:00 for the next 3 or so weeks when it'll have to move again when daylight saving time switches.

The suggested group run will be 4 or 5 miles with 1 mile intervals, but we have been in a choose your own adventure mode for a while.

The only other thing I'll say today is a shout out to Maria. Our triathlete star did something she's never done before -- ran a half marathon this weekend. Congratulations Maria! You are our half-iron woman! :-)

Last Time For This Time

2009-10-06T04:39:00.000-07:00

Ladies and gentlemen, can I please have your attention. I've just been handed an urgent and horrifying news story. I need all of you, to stop what you're doing and listen. Cannonball! [At this point I would cannonball into a pool.]

Ok, not the news story I meant to pass along. The important news is that we are going to start moving the TRY time back in order to get the run in before darkness sets in.

This week: regular time. (5:30)
Next week and for the next few weeks: 5:00 (with a 5 minute courtesy window, so the runs will start at 5:05.
Eventually: even earlier (4:30)

I know this limits some of you from being able to make it, but there isn't much we can do. And lets be honest, not that many people are making it anyway. Hopefully some of you can still keep attending. (And for a couple of you, the earlier time may even help make it again?) For you newer people, TRY keeps running until Thanksgiving week, or later, so there is still plenty of time to run with the group.

Once the snow flies, you can still run at the Liverpool park, but daylight becomes an issue...so any semblance of group runs usually goes out the wintry window.

Speaking of wintry windows: I know there is some interest in people either learning how to ski/snowboard or skiing/snowboarding more. And also some interest in learning how to cross-country ski. So, please let me know if you have interest in either type of skiing and especially if you don't have people to ski with and want to learn and I may just attempt to put together a couple to a few winter outings that help people learn to ski/snowboard or get out cross country skiing. We'll time it so that Aubrey and Brian can join in during a weekend visit! Let me know if you have interest and I'll maintain a list to get a hold of when late December rolls around.

There is a half marathon that 2+ TRYers are running this weekend: Durkee's Bread Run

Tonights run: Is anyone even still reading? Even if they are, are they going to follow the group run? Unlikely. Run like Forrest -- run like the wind blows.

Run Smarter, Not Harder

2009-09-29T04:08:00.000-07:00

Group run: tonight at 5:30 at OLP. (Within a couple weeks the time will have to move up to 5:00 for lack of light reasons.) The actual run? Whatever you are up for. I think I'm healthy enough to run intervals again, so I'll attempt to lead up a 4-5 miler with 1/2 mile intervals.

Some TRYers still have their fall laid out for them. Their ultimate test for this year is still to come and their training plan is in place. But for others, their big test is behind them. So what do they do now?

That's right Jacque*, I'm talking to you. You've had an awesome year, reaching new lengths in your running and keeping a great mood along the way. But now the pressure is off and I'm guessing that motivation might be lagging. So, what now?

Focus on some little things:
Think about your running form. Do you carry your hands higher than you need to? Do you come across your body with your arms more than necessary? Why not think about that when doing a short run? Make some minute improvements in your running efficiency that will aid your running for years to come.

Think about training smarter. Long, steady runs are perfect for training for long races. But they are not very good for cardio fitness or for weight maintenance/loss. So, start working on speed differentiation during your runs. Instead of doing a steady 8 miler. Go out and do a 5 mile tempo. Instead of a regular 4 miler. Mix in some 1/4 mile intervals. Get those legs moving, get that heart pumping and push yourself harder in your shorter runs. It'll pay dividends for any future running that you do of any length. Plus, its mentally rewarding. When you see those split times getting faster after just a couple weeks of pushing yourself, you know you are making strides. (Ummm, bad pun. :-)

Do some shorter races. There are 5ks and 10ks all the way through Thanksgiving (at a minimum). So, why not circle that local Turkey Trot held near wherever you will be on Thanksgiving morning and have that as a goal out there to keep you training until the snow flies. That speed work that you will be incorporating will help you maximize your performance in a "short" race. You'll gobble up the 5 kilometers in no time.

Enjoy your running. Not that you haven't been. But the pressure of building up to new lengths is over...so make sure that training is fun again. Enjoy having to run "only" 4 miles. Explore new places to run. Do some trail runs underneath fall foliage. Etc.

*Names have been changed. Any overlap with real TRYers is purely coincidental.

Celebration Week

2009-09-22T04:29:00.000-07:00

We had another TRYer complete a half marathon this weekend. So, add Sue to the list of September half marathoners. Good job, Sue!

The run this week will be whatever you want it to be. I’m injured, so it will be slow and steady for me.

Reasons to celebrate this week:

1) All of the successful half marathon finishes in the last two weeks.

2) All of the TRY birthdays last week.

3) Since this is a bit of a transitional period…the summer runners might be calling it quits soon and the fall marathoners are starting to crank up their mileage.

4) We’re losing another TRYer – Annette is leaving the Syracuse area soon to move near New York City. She got engaged in August and is following her heart to be with her fiancé. At her going away outing for her work gang she told me that the Relay For Life event/run was her favorite/most memorable run of the year. Awww. (Thanks Annette! I’m still hoping you make it back for next years Relay weekend…we may need Bella and your legs to shine on camera again!)

5) There is more than one engagement going on in TRY. Amy (and Ben) just got engaged over the weekend! So, congratulations to those little love birds. :-) (You are NOT allowed to leave the area like Annette and Aubrey have! I’m starting to notice a bad trend with these women whose names start with “A”. Ally, any news for us?)

How to celebrate:

I know not everyone involved in the above 5 items can make it, but we’ll celebrate without them as necessary. The plan is to go to the Retreat after running and have dinner/drinks with a little special surprise for the birthday people. I am going to make a reservation tomorrow for 6:45 for “x” number of people since I’m hoping it will be more than a table full. So, please let me know if you will be attending so I can plan for the approximate turnout. If you can’t run but can still make it, that is fine – shoot for 6:45 at the Retreat on the dining room side. (Non-TRY guests are welcome.)

I know a couple (or more) of you bowl on Tuesdays, so I was thinking that for anyone that wants to keep the celebration going, we can invade your bowling alley to say hello. Flamingo Bowling has “1 dollar mania” going on tomorrow night starting at 8:30. And I need to practice. So, I am planning on saying hi to the TRYers at the bowling alley and then bowling a couple games for $1 each (plus $1 shoe rental if you need it). Hard to beat that price.

So, people can just join in for that too, if the earlier stuff doesn’t fit in.

Recapping today’s agenda:

TRY run at 5:30

Retreat dinner/drinks/dessert at 6:45 (Please give me a headcount for this.)

Flamingo bowling at 8:30 – 10? (Not as important, but if you plan on doing this it would be nice to know ahead of time.)

After hours – track down Amy’s dart team at whatever bar and make faces at them while they are trying to concentrate during darts.

So You Say Its Your Birthday?!!!

2009-09-15T03:51:00.000-07:00

What is up with all the mid-September TRY birthdays? (I hesitate to do this, since I don't call out everyone's birthdays...but there are way too many to ignore this week.)

The birthdays that I know of:
Sunday - Kim (Hey, she showed up a time or two last year! She still counts as a TRYer.)
Monday - Brian and Malinda
Today - Lori (and my nephew Cory)
Tomorrow - Jen

Happy Birthday everybody! (And to the non-birthday people -- give your favorite birthday TRYer a birthday hug.)

So, I was thinking about the odds of 5 birthdays from a small group (20-something) falling within four calendar days. Seemed small until I thought about what happens "9 months" before mid-September. So a little research found that the human gestation period is 266 days from actual conception. And September 15th is 258 days from New Years and 265 days from Christmas.

I think we have our answer! Your parents were all feeling "romantic" around the holidays and as a result you came into the world in mid-September. Awwwww....holiday romance...something about those Christmas lights! :-)

Congratulations for all the half-marathon finishers this weekend (in Syracuse and Rochester). Brian, Terry, Ally, Lindsay, Aaron, Kelly, Jen, and Jacque (her first!).

Tonight -- I don't know. 4-5 miles with 1/2 mile intervals I suppose? People will be hurting from their races/long runs...so do whatever suits your needs.

After -- rollerblading anyone? The women rollerblading afterward a couple weeks ago reminded me that I haven't used mine all year. So, I've dug them out and put them in the car...figure it can help me get a better workout in while taking it easy on my kickball ravaged leg. So, plan on rollerblading some on the nice days in the next few weeks.

Fantasy Versus Reality

2009-09-08T08:13:00.001-07:00

In honor of back-to-school time, this is my once-a-year TRY skip day. (For a fantasy football draft. I know, lame. But I have to do it.)

So, please do your best to coordinate your runs with the other people. Not many people have been doing the intervals, but if you want to, we are due for full mile length ones. But, do what you need to do tonight.

This coming weekend a couple TRYers are attempting their first ever 1/2 marathons. So, best of luck to Jacque and Lindsay (and others?) as they set their sights on a new length! And good luck to the other 1/2 marathon repeaters as you toe the line in Syracuse and Rochester. Trust in your training and don't forget to enjoy yourselves along the way!

And speaking of Lindsay -- her boy-bringing-milkshake-making was not enough for her at the fair last week. She also won a grill master award for her steak grilling ability. Congratulations (again) Lindsay! Here is the link and here is a glamour shot:

Fair Enough. Some people just don't get it.

2009-09-01T04:07:00.000-07:00

The big news of the week is that a fringe TRY member is a milkshake making champion! Congratulations Lindsay on your continued culinary excellency. I don't suppose you have a donut to go along with that milkshake, do you? :-)

(And for those of you wondering, Lindsay has said that if her schedule ever changes, that TRY would be "one of the running clubs that she would consider joining". Thanks for the consideration Lindsay! That's very kind of you. ;-)

Anyone interested in going to the fair tomorrow night? Rick Springfield of "Jessie's Girl" fame is the free concert and a couple TRY members are going to be there. If you are interested, let me know and I can work out some sort of informal coordination on when and where to meet up.

The run for tonight will be whatever the heck you want it to be. Gosh! (The suggested group run will be 4-5 miles with 1/2 mile intervals.) Regular time and place.

Lastly, I'd like to share a piece of inspiration from one of our own TRY members (thanks for sharing your poem!):

Some people just don't get it…

Some people just don't get it…
How can she run so far so fast?
Some people just don't get it…
What is she nuts, has she lost her mind?
Some people just don't get it….
How can she find that fun?
Some people just don't get it…
Why on earth would you run?

Only a runner truly understands…
That feeling you get when you run like you are on top of the world
It's a high like no other, a mind-chemical high,
a perfectly legal and addictive drug
Only a runner truly understands…
There is no better way to escape the pressures and stresses of life,
And to enter that world of your own
where your only form of transportation is your legs and mind alone
Only a runner truly understands…
That joy you get from a handshake just before a race
Or the shouts of encouragement that make you push that much harder
Or the feeling of self accomplishment and self satisfaction when you finish
Only a runner truly understands…
That if you're willing to go the distance, go the extra mile
with determination and effort, you can often achieve even more...

For those of you who don't get it….
we run because we want it,
it's satisfying and because we prove to ourselves
We are capable of much more than we sometimes realize.

With that in mind, runner or not,
If you want something bad enough,
Push yourself and never give up.
Don't let insecurities get in your way.
If you believe, you WILL achieve
And you too will notice,
Some people just don't get it…

-Malinda A Greene

Miles and Miles We Go

2009-08-25T04:36:00.000-07:00

As indicated in the email yesterday, we are pushing off our field trip to Beaver Lake Nature Center until September. Tonight will be at the normal time and place (Liverpool park at 5:30).

Since we did 1/2 mile repeats last week, this week will be 1 mile repeats. So, plan on doing 3, 1 mile intervals embedded in a 5 mile run.

That's it. (See, I can be brief!)