Don't Look Back? I Don't Think So, Ron.

Despite what you may have heard Ron sing on his Stepping Stones CD, we ARE going to look back. Again.

First, the workout:
I believe this workout got rained out three weeks ago and so it is way overdue that we do some hill repeats on Faith Hill.  I propose a couple 1/4 mile repeats to get worked into a lather and then hitting Faith Hill hard.

Reminder:
A unique run is available this Sunday night.  Who is interested in doing the Escape From Fright Nights run?  If we did a group outing, it could be fun?

And now, a look back:
Did you know that I don't just write jokes?  And that sometimes I actually write useful information?  Starting last summer, I started a serious of especially useful entries, known simply as "More Meat".  Now, they are all available on one page for easy access.  Enjoy the Meat!  (It's still fresh, even after sitting out all this time.)

Did you know that TRY has it's own bad weather poem?  It's a simple little diddy that keeps our spirits up when the weather threatens to bring us down.  Jen, I think I am going to quiz you on this one, and if you can recite it, you'll win a prize!

Did you know that I'm not the only TRYer that has written about running?  Long before we met her, Malinda was wondering why Some People Just Don't Get It.  Two things jumped out at me on this one.  The first being me picking on Lindsay back when she worked an afternoon/evening shift and could only join in with us on very special occasions.  The second is that the third to last line is basically Escalade's motto of "Believe and Achieve".  Quite the coincidence, eh?

Here's Looking At You

[Editor: Someone forgot the upcoming weekend news, added Tuesday morning.]  This Saturday is the attempt to get a few of us to the Greek Peak Outdoor Adventure Center.  Let me know if you want in.  Sunday morning, Adam is doing his first? hyman at the Bread (for schools) Run in Fabius.  And Escalade is leading up a teal laden team at the Hope For Heather 5k at the inner harbor in Syracuse.  A few TRYers are running or walking the 5k there.  No TRYer has done a "stiletto dash" that I know of, so if you want to go down in history (and perhaps go down in a pile on the pavement) consider putting your heels where their teal is, at Hope For Heather.  Saturday afternoon there is a fundraiser for the benefit of Escalade's and my teammate from the Tough Mudder who is now a quadriplegic.  Last I heard, her hospital bills were up over $60,000!  The event is in Cicero at the American Legion and mutliple bands will be there, there will be basket raffles (Malinda put together two lovely Scentsy baskets for the cause), etc.  Message me if you want more information or want to give any moneys.  [End edit.]

Tomorrow night: weather forecast is very sketchy.  So, as always, decide for yourself if you want to run in the rain or not?  As we get into the fall and the rain and poor weather also coincides with cooler weather, there will be days that don't suit you.  No questioning of your manhood or womanhood will be done if you choose to save your run for another day.  But, someone will always be there (usually me).  And you might be surprised just how enjoyable a bad weather running session can be.  Sometimes a rainbow pops through, or you get pelted so hard in the face that it feels like a cleansing massage by the end.  Or, you get blown so hard that...  Umm, better stop with the examples there.  Let's just say that if you change your plan and ease up a little there is almost no weather in central New York that you can't run through.  (Lightning being the only exception I can think of.)  [Editor: Hello, hail?  And Wayne Mahar?  Pretty sure you don't want to run through either of those acts of God.] And there is something great about running and seeing about only 3 or 4 other people the entire time.  It always gives me an extra feeling of accomplishment as I finish it off, despite the weather.

The wind speed may change this, but I intend to do a couple, one mile, repeats as the interval du jour.

I want to summarize from my facebook post on this topic:  Which of these is not like the other, which of these things does not belong?:
5k
10k
15k
10 miler
Half marathon
Marathon

All but one stand on their own and do not refer to another distance for their definition...you wouldn't call a 5k a "one-third 15k" would you?  So, at TRY we are done calling a half marathon a half of anything.  Henceforth, please refer to it as a "Hyman".

TRY Corey-badger did his first ever hyman this weekend and from what he currently thinks, that will probably be the longest race he ever runs.  Which is not a bad thing.  A hyman takes a lot of training and is a race distance to never take for granted.  It can hand your lunch to you...no matter how ready you think you are for it or how many you've previously completed.  I've been humbled by them.  And I know plenty of other people who have as well.  So, it's just a shame in my mind that Corey-badger's career tally will include the term "half marathon".  It makes it seem like less of a big deal, especially to non runners who don't understand the dedication it takes to get ready for one.  I'm glad that thanks to us, and our willingness to get new words into popular language, that someday decades from now, his obit will list "Philadelphia Rock 'n' Roll Hyman" as one of his proudest races.

Thanks in advance for you help with this!  Two last thoughts on the race:

Corey-badger found out something that makes very little sense if you think about it...that finishing off a hyman can give you the clap -


And Sue, once again, is a medalist, while fashionably donning a previous years race shirt....winning! -


I don't like to link back to old content or talk about history too often, but with the biggest turn outs ever for TRY this year, I realize that many of you don't know the stories and haven't read the old posts, so it'll be new to you.  For those of you who know all this, perhaps your memory is as fleeting as mine and you'll read through the jokes like you've never even read them before.

Did you know that TRY has redefined/invented a word before?  In what is easily the most viewed entry in its history, TRY launched both an insanely unsuccessful T-shirt business and an insanely useful new word in one feel swoop.  Read or read again why the word hawkward should be not awkward at all.

Did you know that TRY started in mid summer 2007?  Did you know that some ninny originally proposed that it should be called TERRY?  (Tuesday Evening Recreational Road Yogging).  TERRY!  Hmmmm.  That name has a nice ring to it, don't you think?  But, thankfully? Kris(ta) overruled with an emphatic "I refuse to do TERRY!"  As hurtful, and dishonest, as that was on her part, it led to the name being trimmed down to TRY, and Yoda was brought on board for a reasonable fee and the group was off and running.  (Ahem.)

That year it only ever had a handful of Lockheed Martin runners. With barely any coordination and any advice and lessons being passed on while running only, I think turnout averaged around five people a week.  The main proof of the learning and lengthening while having fun concept that year was helping Brad and Ally build up their long runs to the point that they completed the ARC Hyman with a smile on their faces.

The next spring some external recruiting was done, with the original story of inspiration that got me off butt and wanting to help others learn the joy of running in mind (story is still not quite ready for re-publication :-(.  The biggest recruitment turned out to be getting Tim(my) on board.  He led to a LOT of Cooper scoopers (Crouse Hinders) joining in.  And in a perfect storm sort of way, almost every recruit wanted to do their first ever Boilermaker in a year where you could still sign up for it into July.  TRY 08 summer session one used emails to coordinate and pass on some advice as the group run was a long run that built up over the weeks to get everyone ready for the Boilermaker that year.  Did you realized that TRY used to meet at different places?  Beaver Lake Nature Center, The Wegmans Good Dog Park end of the park, and Green Lakes State park were all used in the past as the location of a TRY Tuesday night run.  (As the group grew and I refused to have to figure out ahead of time who could make it that week or not, it was decided that a permanent meeting place and time made more sense.)

A couple weeks after the BM that year, the blogspot site went live and the first ever entry was a thing (a couple things actually) of beauty!  And as fun as it is to look at our younger and firmer selves, I like this part because it is proof that I used to be a lot funnier, proof of when intervals became the standard TRY workout, plus shows how some things don't change.  (Except I no longer have a fudge packing fetish):
Some answers to recent questions I've been asked:
Yes, we are running tonight. We always run. (We always TRY).
The group run for the next several weeks will, at a minimum, involve short interval workouts.
Last year TRY trained until late November.
Yes, I really am as awesome as I seem.
No, I do not want to date you.
The blog will be updated at my whim. Check Tuesdays at noon if you want to see the plan for that week. Check more often if you don't have anything better to do with your time.
Yes, I really did pack the fudge last week.
Actually, that IS Croghan Bologna in my pocket, but that doesn't mean that I'm not happy to see you.
867-5309

Fast forward 4 years and 2 months and here we are!  I've made plenty of mistakes over the years, but thanks to you guys for bearing with me and being forgiving and being willing to bring in new people to keep the atmosphere fresh, TRY is still worthy of a very nice thank you from Corey via facebook as he completed a length race that "would not have happened without you guys".  I'll add to his thanks with one of my own - without you, there would be no TRY.  So, thanks for turning terry into TRY and for keeping TRY an inspirational group, that over five years after its inception is still capable of propelling someone further than they thought possible.

(There will be some more looking back next week...stay tuned.)

Do People Even Read These?

From looking at the site metrics, I can see a couple dozen page views per week...but at least a few of those could be me proofreading and double checking the links from the places I post the entry.  So, I really don't know if more than about five people skim the entry every week.  So, that and the fact that I've been distracted again, lead to posts like this.  A bit of everything to see who is paying attention.  And rude and scandalous enough that at least one person will feel the need to comment, if only to chastise me:

This week's workout:
Whatever you want to do.  Seriously.  The rain scared most of the people away last week.  Plus the beginners all bailed.  And I was sick and did not even make it myself.  If any of the "new to interval" group makes it, go for 1/2 mile intervals.  I will not actually be there for the run portion...  I'll be there to start things and will sort of lead up the warm-up like I have been, and then I have to leave and go to a class just as the rest of you will start to run.  The class?  Breastfeeding!  I had no idea that they taught you about this?!  37 years ago, I have to be honest, I just was winging it and I had no idea what to do with a boob in my face.  How did I handle it back then?  I sucked.  No, really.  This time, I'm going to have been taught by the best and study my heart out and will make sure that I make the most of this second chance that I never expected to get!  Got milk?

Other topics:


Do you like ovaries?  I know that I love all three of mine!  Over easy.  Did you know that September is Ovarian Cancer awareness month?  And that Escalade has invited us all to join her team in the Hope For Heather 5k in a couple weekends?  You still have a day or two to sign up at the early reduced rate and guarantee yourself a shirt.  This link leads you directly to the registration page to join Escalade's "Head over Heals for Teal" team.  Last year, it was her "first" 5k.  Her lead cows helped her get almost everything she could out of her conditioning, so I know it was a very honest time.   This year, if I didn't blow out her knee last night, she is all set to obliterate that time.  (I don't want to put too much pressure on her, so I'll keep our goals private.)  It will be great to see what someone new to running, and working hard and smart at their training, can gain in a years time.  For more information on the event itself, go to the main website.  There is a stiletto dash.  And the 5k encourages running or walking.  So, there is something for everyone who enjoys a good ovary.  Speaking of which...GAME OVARIES!  

Tosh.0
Get More: Tosh.0 Videos,Daniel Tosh,Web Redemption

Do you remember me asking about going to check out the Greek Peak Outdoor Adventure Center many moons ago?  Well, the time has finally come.  Saturday, September 22nd, we'll be going down there to do the low and high ropes course, a couple zip lines and perhaps a couple of the other random activities that the place has to offer.  We have an inside connection, so expect a VIP tour.  Let me know if you want in and details will be coming out to those who want in.  (Expect a midday arrival down there, to allow for morning long runs, and to get back to Syracuse by late afternoon.)

And a tease:
Have you always wanted to be a philanthropist but didn't have the extra millions laying around to make it happen?  Well, that is what the CNY Future Fund is all about.  It's a circle of giving organization, that uses the power of many small contributions to make a big impact.  I've been a member for a year and now I plan to take a more active role, which includes recruiting you.  That's right, you.  Details will be coming in a future week.  For now, think if you would like to learn how to be a philanthropist and join in with other like-minded neighbors, to help decide what local non-profit gets a good size grant from the Future Fund next spring.  If we don't care about the future, will the future care about us?  Why don't you give it a try for a year and see if you enjoy it?

And a very pointed test for one particular person:
I just got the CTMH stamp set for the "When the fluff are you going to stop scheduling workshops, and instead, actually show up at TRY on a Tuesday night?" kit.  I look forward to sharing it with you.  ;-)

Will Gimmick Runs Take Over?

Happy Labor Day!

For the suggested group run this week I could not decide between 1/4 mile intervals and hill work, so I decided not to decide.  I figured we could do a 1/2 mile warm-up followed by a couple 1/4 mile repeats, and by turning after the first recovery, we'd be right along side "faith hill" at that point and can do a couple sets of multiple hill runs.  Say - 5 hill repeats, an extended rest, then 5 more hill repeats.  (And for the uninitiated "faith hill" is the hill that is right near the .75 mile marker in the park...it climbs up out of the park into Liverpool, but is on a very quiet street so it's relatively safe.  It looks innocent enough, but run up it three-plus times in a row and you'll start to respect it.  As for why it's called "faith hill"?  Well, it didn't make sense to call it Tim McGraw, now did it?)

Before I forget, I want to congratulate Sue on her first triathlon over the weekend.  She didn't get the press that our resident celebrity Escalade did for her first tri, but just like Erin she's been toiling all summer, working on her swimming and her biking and mixing in BRICKs (whatever those are) to prep for her Skinnyman adventure.  So, congratulations on a successful first tri, Sue!  Just because you didn't get interviewed on TV and in the paper doesn't mean that we can act like we're not impressed by your accomplishment.  (Although, I must point out that it's called Skinny"man" and not Skinny"lady"...and that is a scientific fact!)

I've teased a post-run core workout routine for quite a while now.  And even though the rain may spoil it this week, I plan to finally come through on my promise.  If no one else has suggestions, I am going to attempt to lead us through this circuit-ab workout.  So, bring a towel or a mat or just a willingness to get your back dirty and we'll do this after Angela's TRYangle walk.  We'll do twice through each of the main four, which would mean four minutes worth, followed by up to a minute of the stabilizer (which is really just a regular plank).  The good part about this one is it works a variety of muscles and with 30 second cycles it will allow people to tap out early and rest up as needed before moving on to the next one.  So, just like our speed work while running, it will allow people to get their most of it while not holding back others in the group.  

I stole this from a different core-exercise write-up.  Reasons why a strong core is important:

Strengthening your core will allow your body to efficiently transfer force from the lower to the upper body and back again, thus ensuring that any force you exert to move your body forward isn't wasted in moving your body sideways, etc. A strong core will allow you to keep optimal body alignment for whatever you’re doing (swim, bike or run), and this in turn will reduce your fatigue in the long run (good form usually takes less energy than bad form).

And some reminders on how to do core work:

1. If you aren't breathing while doing these, then you're doing them wrong.
2. Go slow. Speed is not important, and will usually lead to using momentum to cheat your way through the exercise.
3. Quality over quantity.
4. Do these with other people. It's great fun, and will keep you motivated.

Finally, back to the title.  I can't help but wonder if "normal" 5k and 10k races are in danger of being endangered?  Amid the explosion of regular races, it seems their has been an even bigger explosion in gimmick races - which I consider anything that isn't just a run.  So, all the obstacle course style races count (Warrior Dash, Tough Mudder, etc) along with a few new ones that you have been talking about.  I can agree, that at it's core, running is rather boring, so it makes sense that race organizers are livening things up for runners which has the benefit of also drawing in non-runners to these events.

Princess Beefeater posted about the Color Me Rad 5k in Albany later this month - Saturday the 22nd.  (Looks, crazy fun!)  And I've heard this type of run referred to as just a "color run" although this is the first I've heard of in the area.

Fleet Feet posted about this last week and I heard a couple of you talking about this on Tuesday night: The Escape From Fright Nights 2.5 mile "fun run" on Sunday, September 30th.  They promise that the zombies and other people out to scare you are trained to not touch you...which makes sense.  

But, seemingly means that they are already being out-gimmicked by this event being held at the Syracuse Kickball Park in Liverpool.  The Run of the Dead obstacle course 5k which is being held on Saturday, October 20th.  This one has zombies that are supposed to chase you down and grab one of your flags.  Lose both flags?  And you've been zombie-fied.  It sounds like there are prizes for getting through with a flag left, for not getting through with any flags, and even prizes for the zombies.  (They are looking for volunteers for that part of the race too.)

In four weeks time, you can get colored up with corn starch, get scared by touch-free frighteners, or have bath salt slurping zombies chase you down to steal your virtue...and those are just the ones I've happened to notice.

Where does this leave us as runners?  The grandpa in me wants to say "Back in my day, we ran boring 5k's and didn't even mind the boredom.  In fact, we looked forward to being as bored as we could possibly be!  I went into a coma once about 2 and a half miles into a 5k and I didn't come out of it for six weeks!  I was in a hospital bed and nothing more than a vegetable...Meatloaf and Sue would have loved me!"

But I can't help but be impressed by the innovation.  I just wonder what it means five years from now.  After being chased by zombies or coming out of a race looking like a pack of skittles or crawling under, over, and through things, how will people feel just showing up and running?  Is the zombie-race apocalypse upon us?