Catering to Vegans, Vegetarians and Carnivores Alike!

Well, hello.  We here at TRY headquarters gave our publishing staff most of the holiday off yesterday.  Now we are back to living our everyday extraordinary blessed life.

Tonight - same as always.  5:30 near the bike rental building at Onondaga Lake Park.  Discuss a plan, find like minded runners and then head on our way.

Reminder: Some of you saw me drop off a pair of nice cans last week.  Any week is a good week to drop off some cans or boxes for the food back.  They have two collection boxes in the visitor center building (the one with the bathrooms connected to it).

This Friday night is the Liverpool Relay For Life night at Longbranch Park.  Many of you have turned out for that in past years, so you know the drill.  We are not doing anything special this year, just attending.  So, drop on by for a while, bring a little cash to donate or to buy luminaries, and "celebrate life".  Kids zone starts at 4PM, with opening ceremonies at 7PM.  I'll be there (or back there) by 5:30ish and I know by then, music and food are already available.  Drop me a text or call if you cannot find the group.

If you have the luck of the mouse on your side, this could even happen..."dreams do come true, it can happen to you":
Well, crap-on-a-cracker!  I cannot find the picture of Berms with her winning raffle prize from last year - the "31" and "Scentsy" items that were crazy awesome and the "main" prize of the Lockheed Martin team sales.  So, instead, let me run this mysterious silhouette of the lucky winner:



(Use your imagination on how happy she was receiving her SU 31 bag and all sorts of scented items.)

Since very few of us are participating this year, let's consider supporting one of the events most consistent fundraisers.  Every year, Ron Zuccaro does anything and everything to raise some money for a cause he cares deeply about.  You may have seen this on Facebook, but I have some additional info about Ron doing a "mini-piano concert" at Sparky Town.  (Unfortunately, he is not playing on a tiny piano!  The mini in this case means short duration.)

It is this Wednesday, from 7 - 7:30 at Sparky Town.  There is no charge to get in, but while there you are encouraged to grab some food or drink.  Plus, Ron will have a "tip jar" of some sort and all money given to him that night will go directly to his fundraising efforts for RFL.  If you can not attend the mini concert or even Relay For Life itself and want to support it, please donate directly to Ron's fundraising page.  Consider that as the TRY fundraising page for those of you who don't know Ron well but want to give to our team efforts.

The concert will be mostly instrumental, due to no sound system, but Ron withholds the right to sing in your ear if you get close enough to him.  The cuter you are, the more likely for that to happen!  (I have my fingers crossed.)  He plans to be at Sparky Town from about 6:30 til 8 if you want to get some extra time with him.  The place closes at 8, so no worries about getting carried away and staying out too late.  Please consider coming out to support this unique event that puts the FUN in FUNdraising!



Looking at Sparky Town's website (linked above) makes it sound like they have some interesting food choices, including "organic aquaponic" which is a word I've never written before and one that this spellchecker does not even recognize.  In their own words: "We're serving up fresh, local comfort food while catering to vegans, vegetarians and carnivores alike!"

(Which made me think that in a cannibalistic society that vegans would be labelled 100% organic, right?  Right?!  Chew on that one for a few minutes!)

Lastly, a paragraph on Paige's Butterfly Run and the centipede teams.  Sometimes I get too close to the subject and get a bit stressed out attempting to make the perfect team or teams and forget the point.  So, bear with me if I mess up or forget you or offend you.  (Hopefully not.)  If you are not part of the teams this year, be sure to make your interest known and perhaps next year can be our first 3 team year.  But, not being on a centipede team does not mean you are left out of the fun.  Come on out and run solo and hang out with us all morning.  There are plenty of moments where we need a little extra help with our costumes anyway, so having extra people around makes it easier and more fun.  I know Drew and Corey were both key assistants last year and Catherine has been a key assistant all 4 years we have done it.  So, there are many ways that TRYers play a role in making awesome happen.  Thank you all for the various roles you play!  :-)

A Little Bit Of Everything

Finally, a Tuesday with a beautiful forecast!  Let's hope it holds up as we meet at the normal place and time.  (5:30 at OLP somewhere near the rental building.)  Last week the rain never showed up and turned out too nice and was a shock to almost everyone, heat wise.

The bits of everything -
A reminder that the Liverpool Relay For Life has changed dates this year.  Instead of Father's Day weekend, they have shifted it to the last weekend in May.  So, it's not this weekend, but next weekend.  Is anyone interested in coming out to that?  Please let me know.  (I'll bug the likely suspects on the side to see as well.)

A tip of the cap to Ben.  He completed his "half marathon" as some people call it, or the "hyman" as we call it on Saturday.  Despite being new to distance running and not quite trained up for the distance, word on the street is that he ran it in 1:55.  A very respectable time and extra impressive for a first timer!  Congratulations, Ben.  I hope you gave an extra treat to your early season training partner.  (There is a 95% chance that Ben never reads this blog...I guess I have to let him know about these accolades.)

Whenever I read running books I'm reminded at just how recent of a sport this is in a lot of ways.  The lack of participation by women, the lack of running apparel for women, what sneakers were like, and thoughts about distance running all have changed so much just within my lifetime.  (And I don't think I'm all that old.)  The latest book I completed was a simple read, full of stories about female runners  or groups of female runners or all female races (it was recommended to me in case I follow through on my sex change operation).  One story is about Grete Waitz who showed up for the 1978 New York Marathon never having ran further than 13 miles.  She did not know what to expect, but was a star in Europe at shorter distances and got invited to participate, so her and her husband agreed to it just because they both wanted to see New York City.  She shows up, wins it, and also sets a world record in the process.  Not knowing English (or miles) at the time, she did not even understand the mileage markers or the splits and spent most of the race not knowing how far she had left.  Supposedly she never wanted to do another, but eventually got coaxed into shifting her sights on marathon training and counting that first one, wins 9 of 11 New York Marathons.  That's cray-cray!  With modern competition, that stretch will "never" be duplicated, but it shows just how different things are 36 years later - she just showed up and fumbled her way into a world record.

Another story had a touching description of group running -
"...The women know something that all runners come to understand.  The image of the distance runner is the lone figure in a solitary battle for speed and endurance.  But running is actually one of the most communal sports. 'We're pack animals, we really are.'  And the more runners talk, the easier it feels.  Sure, you can chat during a round of golf or between sets of tennis.  But imagine trying to keep up a conversation as your golf partner lines up a putt or during an intensive volley at the net.  With running, on the other hand, the deeper the talk goes, the more the pain eases. ..."

I thought that was nice!  Even though I had to cut out the parts about sharing estrogen.

About that west shore trail extension -
Four TRYers and two curtain climbers checked out the grand opening of the Onondaga West Shore Extension (I'm not even sure what the official name is) on Sunday and walked away impressed.  We only had a couple hawkward moments.

Watch out, Berms, that guy from the zoo is totally photo bombing you as you are holding, Anakin, the harris hawk!


Hawkward!

I, for one, did not know how they were getting almost 2 and a half miles into that stretch.  Plus, I figured that the road noise from 690 would be intrusive.  But, it turns out there is more shoreline there than you would think so following that leads to a lot of trail length and the trail often is far enough from 690 that you do not hear a thing.  It seemed to have a lot of hill to it, a gentle slope, if you will, but my watch did not measure much elevation change.  There are views of Liverpool, Destiny, and downtown Syracuse and the Dome that are slightly different than any you have ever seen.  Plus there are stretches with trees between you and the lake where it feels like you are at a "nature trail at a zoo".  They even piped in bird noises, seemingly.  They have several break points, including benches, covered slightly, and bike racks.  But no bathrooms.  The stretch seen below only has a port a potty before and after, so you are going without amenities for a 2+ mile stretch.   They made more of an official parking lot, at one end of the "orange lot".  So, I think once they take down the cones, you will use the Solvay exit, drive up to the upper - upper lot, and have parking for a few dozen cars in a paved parking lot.  Basically the spot where I stopped my watch.

I started my watch (green pointer) once we turned around (walking), just before the bridge you have been able to see for a year next to 690 west.  Definitely a ton of road noise there, but you quickly get into the secluded part of the trail and do not deal with 690 again til almost the end.  I ended it just at the edge of the new parking lot (red pointer).



Finally - the Mountain Goat photos.  My computer betrayed me last Tuesday morning, then my internet connection was out Wednesday and Thursday so I saved them for this weeks update.  Enjoy!

Watch out world, Katie is done procreating (at least for now?) and is ready to rock:


It's the GW!  A race photo staple:


Long time, no see.  Hello Janna!


A repeat from last week, but why not take another look at the meat-less assassin:


And floating head Duerr!


Not a TRYer, but she's joining some of us on Team Beef thanks to Berms.  And I noticed her name as I was scouring for people I knew.  Donna O'beef:


It's VIP Steve on his way to his 10 second massage:


Speaking of Berm's here she is:


And her "roommate" Leo as well:


(Not wearing matching outfits...there must have been a roommate rift that day?)

Finally, Cynthia says forget the "Gerega Wave", I prefer the "Mead Mitten":


And a happy ending, with some of the finer points in life that has been denied to us for multiple years has returned.  This is someone I sort of know named Ashley.  I think Jake and her cross paths at cross-fit as I've noticed them in group photos, but I haven't seen him in person to ask about her.  Enjoy, but don't tell her, because she could undoubtedly kick my non-cross-fit ass.  Anyway, she has done the Mountain Goat the last 3-4 years and looks stylish doing it.  She wanted to come out to TRY at one point but her work schedule did not match up at the time.  Perhaps it's time for our recruiting chair to reach back out to her?

All Together Now - It's Centipede Time

I think this makes 3 out of 4 weeks that a beautiful (for that week) Monday gives way to a questionable (for that week) Tuesday, weather wise.  The forecast currently has a 40-50% chance that we'll see rain around TRY time.  So, be prepared to get wet.  At least it will be a way to stay cooler as we adjust to the sudden onset of summer temperatures.  It would seem that Mother Nature cannot find her Goldilocks moment this spring.  It continues to be too cold or too hot and never "just right".

Oh well.  Meet at 5:30 next to the rental building.  Don't forget that the park is accepting food donations for the food bank.  Share your cans and boxes with those who have less than you do!

I've been reading a running book filled with short stories and the latest "vignette" I read was about a recurring centipede team from the "Bay to Breakers" race in San Francisco.  (That is a crazy 7.4 mile race in San Francisco where you evidently can see a little bit of everything.  Just google "bay to breakers race images" from a non-work computer.  Yes, it is a race that lets people run naked.  Be warned that once you see it, you cannot un-see it.)

Here is a clean example of a centipede team with a minimalist costume - looks like they were playing up the races nudity angle with skin toned clothing:

The Bay to Breakers is where the concept of a centipede team first appeared. The story goes that a group ran linked together back in 1978 and it got enough attention that a centipede division was put in place the following year.  Their rules are that THIRTEEN members must be connected at all times and measure SIXTY feet in length.  There is no co-ed requirement, but they do have the antenna and tail specification.  They get elite teams there and from the story I just read, it sounds like the best all female team sometimes can break 6 minute miles.

Some of the fun quotes that I wanted to pass along that capture the uniqueness of running as part of a centipede:
"Running is usually an individual sport. It can be so isolating. This is the one time, when you are literally tethered together, you are truly running as a team."
"We ask out loud, 'Are you okay? Are you okay? all down the line. If you hear a yes, you push hard. If you don't hear anything, you look for water."
When picking out a captain - "We usually pick somebody that I know is aware of everybody's ability and is somewhat compassionate."

Interestingly their teams are allowed two blockers to run ahead clearing the way and two floaters who can take over if someone has to jump out of the team to tie a shoe or make a pit stop.  Obviously the top teams take their centipede-ing very seriously, while having a bit of fun too.

The Paige's Butterfly Run centipede division, removes the seriousness, keeps the fun, but insists you do it in a family friendly way.  The TRY entry has won the division the last four years and last year we also had a second team along for the fun.  Who wants in this year?  Paige's Butterfly Run is in 4 weekends (June 7th) so we really needed to decide on our teams this week.

We'll end with a tradition like many others...our twice yearly race photo binge.  (Done after the Mountain Goat and Boilermaker, with the intent to both honor and embarrass - because how often does a mid-race photo turn out good - the TRYers that lit up race day.)

Alright, the photo site is not working correctly right now.  :-(  So I'll have to spice this up with photos later today.

Here is your appetizer though.

It's Meat Loaf.  Full time awesome, part time running ninja.  (Don't mess with the running ninja.)

Sixo De Mayo

Meet at OLP at 5:30.  Run or walk at 5:35 after picking your goal for the night and aligning with like minded TRYers.

I was challenged last week to actually provide running relevant content in this running group blog.  While on it's face it seemed like an outlandish challenge, I accepted.  Be warned that this entry contains information that actually could make you a better (and more informed) runner.

But first, let us get the elephant out of the room, shall we?  Every year at this time, Sue Wait (may she rest in peace) liked to remind anyone who would listen that "cinco de mayo" did not celebrate Mexico's Independence Day.  (That's September 16th.)  Her quest in life was to right this wrong and make sure that people learned that it actually celebrates the Battle of Thermopylae where King Leonidas of Sparta led an allied Greek army against the invading Persian army of Xerxes.  Read all the details here.  Thank you, Sue, for your dedication to the truth.  The world is a sadder, and less informed, place without you in it.

This past weekend was TRY runner-ific.  A few of us braved the drive and the weather and contributed to the Making Tracks for Celiacs event in Jamesville.  The highlight for me was using my Jeep like the very manly vehicle that it was and towing a truck out of a tricky spot where it had gotten stuck in 0 inches of muck and mire.  Seriously, for 24 hours, I felt like such a man that I did not even have a single urge to play this Shania Twain hit. Another high point was watching one of my nephews ice the field in the 5k.  Unfortunately he was not pushed, so he cruised to a victory without having to show his true skill.  Lastly, it is always nice to have TRYers come out and support another TRYers passion project.  So, thank you to all of you who made it out and to all of you who could not make it out but made a point to donate to the cause.  Me and my first wife appreciate it!

On Sunday several TRYers delayed their Star Wars Day celebrations to light up 10 miles of pot hole free asphalt through Syracuse.  The ones I saw in person and the pictures I saw on Facebook were sporting smiles so it seemed like "the Goat" delivered another great race day experience.  The only negative I noticed was that Escalade bragged online (and therefore implicated her father in the process) that she was "doing the baby goat".  Not only is that immoral...but I'm pretty sure that it is illegal?!  Escalade, you may want to move in with a relative and lay low for awhile until this whole thing blows over.

Lastly, and also on Sunday, at least one (elusive) TRYer ran through 3 miles of colored cornstarch and showed the world that dad rhymes with RAD.  Congratulations to the ever elusive one:




Now, the "challenge" for this week.  Sit down. Follow these links. And learn:

1) This beauty goes into the mechanics of your stride to convince you that you need strong and flexible hips, glutes, and hamstrings to help you run faster.  The "Hip Extension" and "Recovery Phase" sections are the best description I have ever read on the subject and truly do help to visualize the suggestions I've passed on in the past about "good form running".  Then it has a few exercises and a stretch that could all be done at home if you have an elastic band.  (And 3 of the 5 do not need anything other than your body.)

2) Ever wonder about a post race massage and whether it would be worth it to wait in line to be rubbed down by someone still covered in the previous 17 runners sweat?  Or maybe more recently, ever wonder how good of a time Steve was having in the VIP tent?  (Should we call him "VIP Steve" from now on?)  Well, wonder no longer, as this article gives scientific answers to your massage questions.  Don't feel like reading it?  Then at least know that massage does aid in recovery and light self massage can be useful beforehand.  (Not THAT self massage, Ron.  I mean foam rollers and tennis balls and the like, which I've written about in the past.)  The part I found most shocking in the article?  That compression apparel seems to be a lie.  There was no proof found to show that it increased performance or prevented injury.  But there are mixed results showing that it can boost recovery.  As Meat Loaf famously did not sing (this Meat Loaf, not our meat free Meat Loaf), "One out of three ain't bad".

3) End with a quick one saying that 4 seasonal produce items are the best in season options for runners.  (Fine, don't read it, but at least know that it's asparagus, beets, kale, and strawberries.  Hmmm, how would those four taste in a smoothie?)

That's it.  Yes, I realize I crushed that challenge...you're welcome planet Earth.

(Major bonus points for anyone that clicks every link and reads the three challenge articles and listens to all the songs.  Please post a comment to claim your prize.  Seriously.)