Interesting morning:
1. After my usual Monday jog with the boys, I came home to discover our three sump pumps had all stopped pumping -- leaving a lake in our basement. Not a big deal, except for the fact that our furnace is down there! Some frantic work with a well-planned spare pump, along with some help from a friend, saved the furnace and eventually pumped the basement lake into the yard. If we lose power ... I will lose my mind.
2. While this was going on, I was received text and phone updates from Bowdoin Park from Coach Chuck and Coach Horton. Bottom line: The Hilltop Loop is inoperable due to excessive water run-off and numerous downed trees.
What does this mean? It means the Bowdoin Park 5K course will not be the Bowdoin Park 5K course on Saturday for our home meet.
With Coach Horton taking the lead, we will be restructuring the course to eliminate Hilltop (no tears will be shed) and to add on a bit at the beginning on and around the soccer fields. More updates later in the week, but the course will be a bit longer than 5km but also a bit easier to navigate in terms of terrain. Again: This information should not be met with much disappointment among race entrants.
Rock us like a hurricane? INDEED.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Hurricane thoughts, part 2
Quick summary of today: It could have been worse. But it was still pretty bad.
Here on the home front, we got a whole ton of rain but no lost power. We could stock our backyard with trout and probably go kayaking; that’s how much water we have back there. Yikes! But … no tree limbs down as of this writing (although the wind is picking up pretty good right now). Basement is a bit wet, but in all it could have been much worse.
Reports from campus were not as pretty. Students were evacuated due to flooding in several locations on campus. One student-athlete’s car was flooded to the point of almost being submerged.
But the rain abated rather quickly in the early afternoon, and Coach Chuck reported that several women’s team members gathered for an informal practice and Sunday run. Didn’t think that would be possible today.
The forecast for the upcoming week is looking rather nice – good weather for drying out, getting power back and hopefully getting back to normal in these parts.
Here on the home front, we got a whole ton of rain but no lost power. We could stock our backyard with trout and probably go kayaking; that’s how much water we have back there. Yikes! But … no tree limbs down as of this writing (although the wind is picking up pretty good right now). Basement is a bit wet, but in all it could have been much worse.
Reports from campus were not as pretty. Students were evacuated due to flooding in several locations on campus. One student-athlete’s car was flooded to the point of almost being submerged.
But the rain abated rather quickly in the early afternoon, and Coach Chuck reported that several women’s team members gathered for an informal practice and Sunday run. Didn’t think that would be possible today.
The forecast for the upcoming week is looking rather nice – good weather for drying out, getting power back and hopefully getting back to normal in these parts.
Hurricane day thoughts
As I type this on my back porch, I turn around to a lake that used to be our backyard. Wow! The last time it rained this hard …
Well, now that I mention it, of course I’m going to bore you with some weather statistics. OK. The last time it rained this hard … it was October 8, 2005. How do I know this? Two reasons: 1. I am a clearly established weather geek. 2. I am a proud father with a long memory.
That date is exactly two days after our youngest child, James, was born nearly six years ago (birthday: October 6, 2005). We brought him home from the hospital that soggy October 8 day, six years ago. The pictures are hilarious as we are darting in the house with the little baby in his little car-seat carrier thing, while I’m trying to keep everyone dry with a big umbrella rendered useless blowing in the wind.
On that date, it rained 7.57 inches, as the remnants of Hurricane Tammy blew through our area. For those keeping score at home, that’s about the same amount of rain you should get in a normal span of TWO MONTHS. We got that in one day. In fact, that month (October 2005), it rained more than 20 inches in this area. Ask the four sump pumps in my basement. They remember.
On Friday, October 7, 2005 -- the day after James was born -- a relatively unknown freshman out of Section 9 school Red Hook shocked the Metropolitan Conference by winning the annual cross country championship at Van Cortlandt Park. For obvious reasons, I was not there to see our own David Raucci win the Mets on that day, but it was memorable nonetheless.
Other random hurricane thoughts:
--Early in my coaching career – either 1991 or 1992, I am too lazy to look it up – we participated in the CTC Championships at Van Cortlandt Park, which was in the process of being flooded by Hurricane Bob. All I remember from that day is getting very, very wet, and the times being very, very slow.
--At least our program was able to get everything accomplished that we wanted during our preseason week: Workouts, time trial for the ladies at the Vassar track yesterday (all reports were that it went well), long run, a couple of Minnewaska trips … So if today proves to be a washout in terms of training, so be it.
--Looking on the bright side as what is left of my vegetable garden gets inundated (too bad I did not plant rice?), this coming week’s weather is looking rather nice. So that is good.
--Of course, we are hosting a fancy cross country meet at Bowdoin Park in six days. Heaven knows what the course – especially the Hilltop Loop – will look like after all this rain and wind. All I know is this: If there is a humanly possible way for that course to be ready and runnable by Saturday morning, Coach Terry Horton will get it done.
--In the meantime, try to stay dry, hope for no loss of power, and cue up The Scorpions’ “Rock You Like A Hurricane” …
Well, now that I mention it, of course I’m going to bore you with some weather statistics. OK. The last time it rained this hard … it was October 8, 2005. How do I know this? Two reasons: 1. I am a clearly established weather geek. 2. I am a proud father with a long memory.
That date is exactly two days after our youngest child, James, was born nearly six years ago (birthday: October 6, 2005). We brought him home from the hospital that soggy October 8 day, six years ago. The pictures are hilarious as we are darting in the house with the little baby in his little car-seat carrier thing, while I’m trying to keep everyone dry with a big umbrella rendered useless blowing in the wind.
On that date, it rained 7.57 inches, as the remnants of Hurricane Tammy blew through our area. For those keeping score at home, that’s about the same amount of rain you should get in a normal span of TWO MONTHS. We got that in one day. In fact, that month (October 2005), it rained more than 20 inches in this area. Ask the four sump pumps in my basement. They remember.
On Friday, October 7, 2005 -- the day after James was born -- a relatively unknown freshman out of Section 9 school Red Hook shocked the Metropolitan Conference by winning the annual cross country championship at Van Cortlandt Park. For obvious reasons, I was not there to see our own David Raucci win the Mets on that day, but it was memorable nonetheless.
Other random hurricane thoughts:
--Early in my coaching career – either 1991 or 1992, I am too lazy to look it up – we participated in the CTC Championships at Van Cortlandt Park, which was in the process of being flooded by Hurricane Bob. All I remember from that day is getting very, very wet, and the times being very, very slow.
--At least our program was able to get everything accomplished that we wanted during our preseason week: Workouts, time trial for the ladies at the Vassar track yesterday (all reports were that it went well), long run, a couple of Minnewaska trips … So if today proves to be a washout in terms of training, so be it.
--Looking on the bright side as what is left of my vegetable garden gets inundated (too bad I did not plant rice?), this coming week’s weather is looking rather nice. So that is good.
--Of course, we are hosting a fancy cross country meet at Bowdoin Park in six days. Heaven knows what the course – especially the Hilltop Loop – will look like after all this rain and wind. All I know is this: If there is a humanly possible way for that course to be ready and runnable by Saturday morning, Coach Terry Horton will get it done.
--In the meantime, try to stay dry, hope for no loss of power, and cue up The Scorpions’ “Rock You Like A Hurricane” …
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Vandy was dandy
As I type this on the back porch of my house, there is a raging thunderstorm going on all around me. The storm is quite similar to the one we encountered nearly 12 hours ago, during our morning practice at the Vanderbilt National Historic Site in Hyde Park.
Thankfully, the Vanderbilt workout did not have nearly as much lightning and thunder as I am experiencing as I type. However, it did rain hard. Really hard.
The workout we did is one that our team has not done in many, many years. We did a 2x3 mile tempo (the 3-mile loop is actually a bit shorter than that, but very close), with a brief, 4-minute recovery.
The tempo loop is an interesting mix of road and trail, up and down. The "up" toward the end is quite challenging.
Something amazing happened today: ALMOST EVERYONE LOVED THIS WORKOUT.
For me, it was sort of a "Back to the Future" moment, as Vanderbilt was a training venue that Phil and I used frequently back in the 1990s. For some reason, we stopped going there on a regular basis about a decade ago. The 1-mile river trail was a regular interval venue, but after a few turned ankles, we decided to venture to safer footing for workouts. The trail is in much better shape these days.
Anyway, most of the guys left today's workout satisfied and hungering for a return trip to Vanderbilt to do it again. And that's pretty neat.
Thankfully, the Vanderbilt workout did not have nearly as much lightning and thunder as I am experiencing as I type. However, it did rain hard. Really hard.
The workout we did is one that our team has not done in many, many years. We did a 2x3 mile tempo (the 3-mile loop is actually a bit shorter than that, but very close), with a brief, 4-minute recovery.
The tempo loop is an interesting mix of road and trail, up and down. The "up" toward the end is quite challenging.
Something amazing happened today: ALMOST EVERYONE LOVED THIS WORKOUT.
For me, it was sort of a "Back to the Future" moment, as Vanderbilt was a training venue that Phil and I used frequently back in the 1990s. For some reason, we stopped going there on a regular basis about a decade ago. The 1-mile river trail was a regular interval venue, but after a few turned ankles, we decided to venture to safer footing for workouts. The trail is in much better shape these days.
Anyway, most of the guys left today's workout satisfied and hungering for a return trip to Vanderbilt to do it again. And that's pretty neat.
Serious stuff
OK. Our guy at midhudsonweather.com has changed his tune. Looks like Hurricane Irene will take aim at the entire Northeast. What does this mean? It means we need to BE CAREFUL. Every one of us.
In our little world, the other worry that will keep Coach Horton (and me) up at night is the impact the strong wind and heavy rain will have on our beloved Bowdoin Park course. With our home meet looming in the near future on Saturday, September 3.
Time will tell. All we can do is hope for the best, check it out on Monday or Tuesday, and hope the wind and rain damage to the course is not too debilitating.
Be safe, everyone.
In our little world, the other worry that will keep Coach Horton (and me) up at night is the impact the strong wind and heavy rain will have on our beloved Bowdoin Park course. With our home meet looming in the near future on Saturday, September 3.
Time will tell. All we can do is hope for the best, check it out on Monday or Tuesday, and hope the wind and rain damage to the course is not too debilitating.
Be safe, everyone.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Goodnight Irene?
I have been busy with preseason activities and other preparations for the start of the school year, so I have not been as "in touch" with the weather as I like to be.
Thanks to a Will Schanz text, he tipped me off to the daring weather prediction from midhudsonweather.com. Our guy over there is saying that the Hurricane Irene threat that has everyone shaking in their galoshes is, well, all washed up. He is predicting minimal to no impact on our area.
Wow! A bold prediction, indeed.
I have bumped into a lot of Important People at Marist in the past few days. All are worried about the impact that this hurricane -- which, by the time it reaches us will just be a whole lot of rain -- will have on the upcoming Opening Weekend. Moving in a few thousand new and returning students in a torrential downpour is probably not what they had in mind.
But, not to worry! Mid Hudson Weather.com says it's all a sham and a ruse. I hope he is correct.
Given the volatile nature of weather and weather predicting, we all would do well to keep checking for updates.
Remaining preseason practice schedule:
Thursday: Vanderbilt for men's tempo run workout.
Friday: A return trip to Minnewaska.
Saturday: Long run for the men; Time Trial on the track for the women.
Thanks to a Will Schanz text, he tipped me off to the daring weather prediction from midhudsonweather.com. Our guy over there is saying that the Hurricane Irene threat that has everyone shaking in their galoshes is, well, all washed up. He is predicting minimal to no impact on our area.
Wow! A bold prediction, indeed.
I have bumped into a lot of Important People at Marist in the past few days. All are worried about the impact that this hurricane -- which, by the time it reaches us will just be a whole lot of rain -- will have on the upcoming Opening Weekend. Moving in a few thousand new and returning students in a torrential downpour is probably not what they had in mind.
But, not to worry! Mid Hudson Weather.com says it's all a sham and a ruse. I hope he is correct.
Given the volatile nature of weather and weather predicting, we all would do well to keep checking for updates.
Remaining preseason practice schedule:
Thursday: Vanderbilt for men's tempo run workout.
Friday: A return trip to Minnewaska.
Saturday: Long run for the men; Time Trial on the track for the women.
Monday, August 22, 2011
First day of practice
The Mills Mansion hill workout for the men went well. Chuck had the women down at Bowdoin Park and reported that it was an excellent practice.
The weather was fantastic for mid-afternoon: Sunny, warm but low humidity.
While the entire men’s team was not able to complete the workout due to injury issues, the majority of our mob scene of a team (41 on the roster!) was there. It was great to see the freshmen guys running together as a group. In most cases, it was the first time I was able to analyze their running form. It is one of the reasons I enjoy doing this workout first, as we have for several decades now.
And so it begins. A nice workout, a spirited workout, and some great vibes all around … but a quick reminder that it is still summer: August 22. We have a long way to go (three months) on our cross country journey, which is only the first leg on our three-season trek. A nice start.
The weather was fantastic for mid-afternoon: Sunny, warm but low humidity.
While the entire men’s team was not able to complete the workout due to injury issues, the majority of our mob scene of a team (41 on the roster!) was there. It was great to see the freshmen guys running together as a group. In most cases, it was the first time I was able to analyze their running form. It is one of the reasons I enjoy doing this workout first, as we have for several decades now.
And so it begins. A nice workout, a spirited workout, and some great vibes all around … but a quick reminder that it is still summer: August 22. We have a long way to go (three months) on our cross country journey, which is only the first leg on our three-season trek. A nice start.
Sunday tears
Maybe I have been oblivious for the past few years, or maybe I was a bit more attentive on Sunday afternoon as our athletes arrived for the beginning of preseason. Either way, I did notice some sadness and tears from a few of the mothers of our incoming freshman men.
Although our own children are still relatively young, I can somewhat relate to this as a parent. When we first started on this parenting journey 12 years ago, everyone sagely told us, while nodding their head: “You watch. It will all fly by.” Yeah. Yeah. I know. Trust me. I know. I’m sure this was behind a lot of the tears on Sunday afternoon outside the McCann Center.
Part of the parenting gig is dealing with a line from an old Billy Joel song: “Life is a series of hellos and goodbyes/I’m afraid it’s time for goodbye again.”
Each stage of a child’s development is a mini goodbye: The last diaper change. The last kid in a booster seat. The last kid to get on the school bus for the first time (that’ll be us, next Wednesday … woo hoo!). The last time a kid needed that teddy bear to fall asleep. The last time a kid is big enough to carry up to their room, when they fall asleep in the car on the way home from grandma’s house.
On and on and on.
And so there were tears. Here’s a tissue. We understand. And we will try to keep your boys in good hands for the next four years.
Although our own children are still relatively young, I can somewhat relate to this as a parent. When we first started on this parenting journey 12 years ago, everyone sagely told us, while nodding their head: “You watch. It will all fly by.” Yeah. Yeah. I know. Trust me. I know. I’m sure this was behind a lot of the tears on Sunday afternoon outside the McCann Center.
Part of the parenting gig is dealing with a line from an old Billy Joel song: “Life is a series of hellos and goodbyes/I’m afraid it’s time for goodbye again.”
Each stage of a child’s development is a mini goodbye: The last diaper change. The last kid in a booster seat. The last kid to get on the school bus for the first time (that’ll be us, next Wednesday … woo hoo!). The last time a kid needed that teddy bear to fall asleep. The last time a kid is big enough to carry up to their room, when they fall asleep in the car on the way home from grandma’s house.
On and on and on.
And so there were tears. Here’s a tissue. We understand. And we will try to keep your boys in good hands for the next four years.
Running world loses a legendary figure
Thanks to loyal blog follower and good friend Marty McGowan for passing along the sad news of the passing of John J. Kelley. Please do me and yourself a favor, and take 15 minutes out of your day to read this tremendously written remembrance of Johnny Kelley by Amby Burfoot of Runner’s World. You will get a much greater appreciation of the legendary figure and unique personality that was Johnny Kelley.
I cannot say that I knew Mr. Kelley personally, but I was in his presence many, many times at the race named in his honor. The John and Jessie Kelley/Ocean Beach Race each August in New London, CT, is an event I have done 22 times – more than any other race – in my running career. When I first ran the race in 1983, Mr. Kelley was still a competitive age-group runner in his early 50s. He continued to run the race well into his later years.
Mrs. Kelley was a fixture at the race named after her husband. She was a sweet woman who was kind and gentle to all of us runners. When she passed away in 2003, her name was added to the race in honor of her many contributions to the running community.
Although I did not know Mr. Kelley, the sense I got was that he was never really comfortable having a race named after him. He never seemed to want there to be fuss over him, despite his legendary status as one of the pioneers in American marathoning, and despite the countless lives he touched through his running, coaching and inspiring.
Again, please check out the link to Amby’s article on Johnny Kelley. You will learn a lot about an American running legend that maybe you had never heard of, or did not know much about.
I cannot say that I knew Mr. Kelley personally, but I was in his presence many, many times at the race named in his honor. The John and Jessie Kelley/Ocean Beach Race each August in New London, CT, is an event I have done 22 times – more than any other race – in my running career. When I first ran the race in 1983, Mr. Kelley was still a competitive age-group runner in his early 50s. He continued to run the race well into his later years.
Mrs. Kelley was a fixture at the race named after her husband. She was a sweet woman who was kind and gentle to all of us runners. When she passed away in 2003, her name was added to the race in honor of her many contributions to the running community.
Although I did not know Mr. Kelley, the sense I got was that he was never really comfortable having a race named after him. He never seemed to want there to be fuss over him, despite his legendary status as one of the pioneers in American marathoning, and despite the countless lives he touched through his running, coaching and inspiring.
Again, please check out the link to Amby’s article on Johnny Kelley. You will learn a lot about an American running legend that maybe you had never heard of, or did not know much about.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Raining pizzas
OK! Seems we have a new preseason tradition.
On Sunday night, we order pizzas for the team, since our cafeteria meals do not start till Monday morning.
For the second year in a row, I crammed 26 piping hot boxes of delicious T-and-F Pizza in the back of my cluttered and aging Subaru wagon.
And for the second year in a row, they were delivered to the back of Champagnat Hall ... in a torrential downpour! Lovely.
Monday is a busy day as preseason begins, and we will head up to Mills Mansion for our traditional opening of the season workout.
On Sunday night, we order pizzas for the team, since our cafeteria meals do not start till Monday morning.
For the second year in a row, I crammed 26 piping hot boxes of delicious T-and-F Pizza in the back of my cluttered and aging Subaru wagon.
And for the second year in a row, they were delivered to the back of Champagnat Hall ... in a torrential downpour! Lovely.
Monday is a busy day as preseason begins, and we will head up to Mills Mansion for our traditional opening of the season workout.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Santa’s elves
A special shout-out of thanks this afternoon to the following team members: Chris Reynolds, Billy Hild, Nick Hughes and Billy Posch on the men’s side; Jackie Gamboli, Kelley Gould, Kathryn Sheehan on the women’s side.
All were on hand Saturday afternoon to help Chuck and I sort out the gear that we will hand out to the team upon arrival on Sunday. Posch did a little before going to the pool for lifeguard duty (I kept him busy by aquajogging for 25 minutes toward the end of his shift).
We set up camp in the Enhancement Center, one of the few places in the McCann Center that has been virtually untouched by construction crews.
The organization of the day pretty much mirrors how we operate. Chuck had copies of emails, spreadsheets with roster names on it, and was very orderly and efficient in putting together the backpacks of gear for the ladies. I, on the other hand, gave the men vague instructions, only to realize that I had them put the wrong amount of inventory in each bag once we started running out of T-shirts and the like. I had them fix it, and it still wasn’t correct. Finally, after these fits and starts, I realized what I ordered and why I ordered it. And we finally fixed it.
My guys, as usual, rolled with the punches of their sometimes absent-minded coach, and they were extremely helpful throughout the entire process. Again, a hearty thank you for making the day go well, and in advance for making Sunday’s opening day a more smooth process.
See you all tomorrow afternoon.
All were on hand Saturday afternoon to help Chuck and I sort out the gear that we will hand out to the team upon arrival on Sunday. Posch did a little before going to the pool for lifeguard duty (I kept him busy by aquajogging for 25 minutes toward the end of his shift).
We set up camp in the Enhancement Center, one of the few places in the McCann Center that has been virtually untouched by construction crews.
The organization of the day pretty much mirrors how we operate. Chuck had copies of emails, spreadsheets with roster names on it, and was very orderly and efficient in putting together the backpacks of gear for the ladies. I, on the other hand, gave the men vague instructions, only to realize that I had them put the wrong amount of inventory in each bag once we started running out of T-shirts and the like. I had them fix it, and it still wasn’t correct. Finally, after these fits and starts, I realized what I ordered and why I ordered it. And we finally fixed it.
My guys, as usual, rolled with the punches of their sometimes absent-minded coach, and they were extremely helpful throughout the entire process. Again, a hearty thank you for making the day go well, and in advance for making Sunday’s opening day a more smooth process.
See you all tomorrow afternoon.
Track news from the area
1. Thanks to Mr. Bucket for pointing out to me the front page story a few days ago in Dutchess County's Finest Daily Newspaper about the fact that Poughkeepsie High School will be getting a new track.
The old Poughkeepsie High track was, for years, just an asphalt oval. Some years, there would be lane lines, others not so much. Now, the track will have an actual track surface, with lanes, etc. Good stuff.
During my tenure as a Marist runner back in the 1980s, the PHS track was our main workout venue. I did some of my best workouts on that old tar 440-yard track, and it was also the site of my near-miss failed attempt at breaking 60 seconds for the quarter (it's a funny story ...)
Anyway, congrats to the district for doing this, and for Matt Cameron, the former Marist men's lacrosse coach who is the AD at PHS. Matt's a good man, and he does a great job with the Pioneers' athletic program.
2. In Friday's Poughkeepsie Journal, the lead story in the Mid-Hudson section was that Arlington High School will be getting its track resurfaced. The Arlington track is probably the best high school facility in the area. Keeping it up-to-date and fresh is always a good thing. Good for them.
3. My running buddy Fast Tony confirmed my suspicion that the new dorm being built at Dutchess Community College is indeed on the site of the soccer field and track at DCC. Once again, back in the day that old cinder track was the site of long-ago workouts for us in the 1980s.
About a decade ago, the DCC track was resurfaced with an odd colored, asphalt-like substance with narrow lane lines, and it was inexplicably lengthened to more than a quarter-mile (I have wheeled it several times, and I think the distance per lap is like 454 meters; coach Horton can correct me, I'm sure). Anyway, apparently that old DCC track has seen its final days.
The old Poughkeepsie High track was, for years, just an asphalt oval. Some years, there would be lane lines, others not so much. Now, the track will have an actual track surface, with lanes, etc. Good stuff.
During my tenure as a Marist runner back in the 1980s, the PHS track was our main workout venue. I did some of my best workouts on that old tar 440-yard track, and it was also the site of my near-miss failed attempt at breaking 60 seconds for the quarter (it's a funny story ...)
Anyway, congrats to the district for doing this, and for Matt Cameron, the former Marist men's lacrosse coach who is the AD at PHS. Matt's a good man, and he does a great job with the Pioneers' athletic program.
2. In Friday's Poughkeepsie Journal, the lead story in the Mid-Hudson section was that Arlington High School will be getting its track resurfaced. The Arlington track is probably the best high school facility in the area. Keeping it up-to-date and fresh is always a good thing. Good for them.
3. My running buddy Fast Tony confirmed my suspicion that the new dorm being built at Dutchess Community College is indeed on the site of the soccer field and track at DCC. Once again, back in the day that old cinder track was the site of long-ago workouts for us in the 1980s.
About a decade ago, the DCC track was resurfaced with an odd colored, asphalt-like substance with narrow lane lines, and it was inexplicably lengthened to more than a quarter-mile (I have wheeled it several times, and I think the distance per lap is like 454 meters; coach Horton can correct me, I'm sure). Anyway, apparently that old DCC track has seen its final days.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Cycling through Europe with Lisa and Heidi
Earlier in the summer, I ran into Marist Running (and Rowing) Alum Lisa D’Aniello at the Firecracker 4 race in Saratoga Springs. Two days after that race, Lisa joined Marist Running Alum Heidi Richards in Europe for a cycling adventure.
Lisa was able to keep us updated periodically through e-mails from the road. She summarized her entire trip in a wonderfully written article in the Albany Running Exchange’s really excellent newsletter.
Check out this link to ARE’s Road and Trail Talk Magazine (RATT). Aside from marveling at the professionalism and well-written nature of this magazine, scroll down to Pages 11 through 15 for Lisa’s story. It is a long story, but worth the 15 minutes or so to read it (Full disclosure: Lisa sent me the link nearly two weeks ago and I just got around to reading it! Shame on me …).
Lisa, Heidi and another non-Marist friend rode close to 600 miles through four countries. They encountered some excellent terrain, even better food, and most notably some genuine kindness from complete strangers. Reading Lisa’s story will restore your faith in the goodness of humankind.
Again, here’s the link. Go to pages 11-15. You won’t be disappointed.
Nicely done, ladies!
Lisa was able to keep us updated periodically through e-mails from the road. She summarized her entire trip in a wonderfully written article in the Albany Running Exchange’s really excellent newsletter.
Check out this link to ARE’s Road and Trail Talk Magazine (RATT). Aside from marveling at the professionalism and well-written nature of this magazine, scroll down to Pages 11 through 15 for Lisa’s story. It is a long story, but worth the 15 minutes or so to read it (Full disclosure: Lisa sent me the link nearly two weeks ago and I just got around to reading it! Shame on me …).
Lisa, Heidi and another non-Marist friend rode close to 600 miles through four countries. They encountered some excellent terrain, even better food, and most notably some genuine kindness from complete strangers. Reading Lisa’s story will restore your faith in the goodness of humankind.
Again, here’s the link. Go to pages 11-15. You won’t be disappointed.
Nicely done, ladies!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Visit from a Brother
Wednesday was a special day in our little world, as we were able to see Marist Running alum and proud Dominican Brother Matt Janczyk (now Brother Jacob Bertand Janczyk). Brother visited campus on Wednesday. We attended noon Mass together at the Chapel.
After Brother went out to lunch with Father LaMorte, they came back and we showed them around the construction site known as the McCann Center. Matt’s mom came along and it was great to see her as well.
Brother is home briefly in Connecticut this week. On Saturday, he heads down to Washington, D.C., for the next leg in his amazing spiritual journey toward becoming a priest. During his time in DC, Matt will have Internet access and a phone, so communicating with him will be much easier.
It was great to see him on Wednesday, having been more than a year since we were able to catch up with him in person. We are very proud of what he has done, and for the awe-inspiring path upon which he continues.
After Brother went out to lunch with Father LaMorte, they came back and we showed them around the construction site known as the McCann Center. Matt’s mom came along and it was great to see her as well.
Brother is home briefly in Connecticut this week. On Saturday, he heads down to Washington, D.C., for the next leg in his amazing spiritual journey toward becoming a priest. During his time in DC, Matt will have Internet access and a phone, so communicating with him will be much easier.
It was great to see him on Wednesday, having been more than a year since we were able to catch up with him in person. We are very proud of what he has done, and for the awe-inspiring path upon which he continues.
Still a runner?
Marty McGowan sent an impassioned email response after my “Once a Runner?” post. Our old pal has not run a race in 20 years, and yet he rightfully still considers himself a runner. He continues a regular exercise regimen each and every day, and he is most definitely still a runner in my eyes. He made a convincing and valid argument.
My follow-up thought is that maybe the question is a matter of personal reflection and context.
Personal reflection: Perhaps your definition and your actions evolve over time. What you do and what you call it? That’s up to you. It’s a mindset, and maybe that runner’s mindset remains ingrained.
Context 1: When talking to seriously competitive current road racers with seriously competitive current goals (a phase whose ship has sailed) -- athletes who are discussing VO2Max, workouts, length and frequency of long runs, etc. -- one feels less like a runner and more like once a runner.
Context 2: Summer barbecue in a clearly non-running setting. Person comes up and says, “Hey, don’t I see you running along 9G all the time in the morning?” Why yes, that is me, I’m going quite slowly, aren’t I? In that context, one most certainly feels more like a runner and less like once a runner.
Phases and stages. Circles and cycles.
My follow-up thought is that maybe the question is a matter of personal reflection and context.
Personal reflection: Perhaps your definition and your actions evolve over time. What you do and what you call it? That’s up to you. It’s a mindset, and maybe that runner’s mindset remains ingrained.
Context 1: When talking to seriously competitive current road racers with seriously competitive current goals (a phase whose ship has sailed) -- athletes who are discussing VO2Max, workouts, length and frequency of long runs, etc. -- one feels less like a runner and more like once a runner.
Context 2: Summer barbecue in a clearly non-running setting. Person comes up and says, “Hey, don’t I see you running along 9G all the time in the morning?” Why yes, that is me, I’m going quite slowly, aren’t I? In that context, one most certainly feels more like a runner and less like once a runner.
Phases and stages. Circles and cycles.
Other preseason notes
--Freshmen will get their IDs Monday morning from the card office.
--Freshmen will get opening packets from coaches on Wednesday afternoon or Thursday morning from coaches.
--Any class scheduling issues that need to be rectified should be done in the afternoon during one of our double days, with the Enhancement Center Staff.
--Cars! We will have more vans at our disposal this season, which is great news. But we have a big team and thus will need drivers for off-campus practice. We appreciate your contributions and participation. We will collect names, cars and license plate numbers of all possible practice drivers during preseason so that you will have the ability to park in the McCann Lot during the school year (if there is room!).
--Freshmen will get opening packets from coaches on Wednesday afternoon or Thursday morning from coaches.
--Any class scheduling issues that need to be rectified should be done in the afternoon during one of our double days, with the Enhancement Center Staff.
--Cars! We will have more vans at our disposal this season, which is great news. But we have a big team and thus will need drivers for off-campus practice. We appreciate your contributions and participation. We will collect names, cars and license plate numbers of all possible practice drivers during preseason so that you will have the ability to park in the McCann Lot during the school year (if there is room!).
Preseason running schedule
Monday afternoon: Men will go to Mills Mansion for hills; Women will go to Bowdoin Park for 1k repeats.
Tuesday morning: All will go to Minnewaska.
Tuesday afternoon: Double from McCann. Pool will be available from 3-5 p.m. for aquarunning.
Wednesday morning: Move out day. Practice will be early. Site TBA. We will try to get into Bowdoin before it opens, if we can. If not, we may do Vassar Farm.
Wednesday afternoon: Double from McCann. Pool will be available from 3-5 p.m. for aquarunning.
Note about Wednesday afternoon: Athletes that need to get set up in rooms and/or have families in town can discuss with me about alternative second run/workout plans, if it will make life easier.
Thursday morning: Practice site TBA. Possibly Farm Lane/Cator Loop.
Thursday afternoon, early: Eat To Compete seminar/workshop. This will be good.
Thursday afternoon, later: Double from McCann. Pool will be available from 3-5 p.m.
Friday morning: All will go to Minnewaska.
Friday afternoon: Double from McCann. Pool will be available from 3-5 p.m. for aquarunning.
Opening weekend: Long run either Saturday or Sunday TBA. Note that Coach Pete will be away on family business all weekend. Campus is a zoo this weekend and I usually just stay away, anyway.
Monday, August 29: Regular class schedule begins. Afternoon practice begins at 2 p.m.
Tuesday morning: All will go to Minnewaska.
Tuesday afternoon: Double from McCann. Pool will be available from 3-5 p.m. for aquarunning.
Wednesday morning: Move out day. Practice will be early. Site TBA. We will try to get into Bowdoin before it opens, if we can. If not, we may do Vassar Farm.
Wednesday afternoon: Double from McCann. Pool will be available from 3-5 p.m. for aquarunning.
Note about Wednesday afternoon: Athletes that need to get set up in rooms and/or have families in town can discuss with me about alternative second run/workout plans, if it will make life easier.
Thursday morning: Practice site TBA. Possibly Farm Lane/Cator Loop.
Thursday afternoon, early: Eat To Compete seminar/workshop. This will be good.
Thursday afternoon, later: Double from McCann. Pool will be available from 3-5 p.m.
Friday morning: All will go to Minnewaska.
Friday afternoon: Double from McCann. Pool will be available from 3-5 p.m. for aquarunning.
Opening weekend: Long run either Saturday or Sunday TBA. Note that Coach Pete will be away on family business all weekend. Campus is a zoo this weekend and I usually just stay away, anyway.
Monday, August 29: Regular class schedule begins. Afternoon practice begins at 2 p.m.
A few preseason reminders
Summer’s over, as our teams return to campus on Sunday for the start of a brief preseason cross country camp. A few reminders for team members returning …
For the men (women, check with Chuck for exact reporting time), meet in the McCann Lobby (near the Fitness Center) to pick up your temporary room keys (Champagnat 7th floor for men) between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
There is no official practice on Sunday. Plan your running accordingly. Get a run in at home, or if you do it from Poughkeepsie, contact each other about possible group running times. Again, practice does not start till Monday afternoon.
A few preseason dorm reminders for the three days we will be staying in Champ as a team (note: These were send in email form as well):
--It will be HOT. There is no AC. Bring fans and prepare to sweat. The major, midsummer heat seems behind us, but the dorms can be warm.
--Bring a lot of water, Gatorade, etc. As per first item.
--Bring lots of snacks in case you get hungry throughout the day/evening. You will be able to eat 3 meals a day in the cafeteria, but you may still be hungry.
--We must leave our temporary rooms spotless for the permanent residents. We cannot move furniture or use any items in the room (refrigerators, etc).
--You can bring your own fridge and use it if you want.
--We will have a team curfew of 10 p.m. each night. Strictly enforced.
--Any behavior that is deemed unacceptable by housing, security or any coach from any other team will render you evicted from campus till the beginning of the regular semester. There is a zero tolerance policy regarding this during preseason. Don’t even think about it …
Cafeteria meal times, starting Monday
Breakfast: 7 to 8:30 a.m.
Lunch: 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Dinner: 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Note: Our budget gets charged for every person at every meal, so please eat all meals in the cafeteria. Breakfast included. It’s free food. Eat away.
Upperclassmen physicals: They will begin at 8 a.m. Monday at the training room, which is currently still located at the football stadium. Arrive early and let’s get through the line quickly.
NCAA meeting: It will be at 10:45 a.m. Monday at the Goletti Theater. Your promptness and attentiveness are required.
For the men (women, check with Chuck for exact reporting time), meet in the McCann Lobby (near the Fitness Center) to pick up your temporary room keys (Champagnat 7th floor for men) between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
There is no official practice on Sunday. Plan your running accordingly. Get a run in at home, or if you do it from Poughkeepsie, contact each other about possible group running times. Again, practice does not start till Monday afternoon.
A few preseason dorm reminders for the three days we will be staying in Champ as a team (note: These were send in email form as well):
--It will be HOT. There is no AC. Bring fans and prepare to sweat. The major, midsummer heat seems behind us, but the dorms can be warm.
--Bring a lot of water, Gatorade, etc. As per first item.
--Bring lots of snacks in case you get hungry throughout the day/evening. You will be able to eat 3 meals a day in the cafeteria, but you may still be hungry.
--We must leave our temporary rooms spotless for the permanent residents. We cannot move furniture or use any items in the room (refrigerators, etc).
--You can bring your own fridge and use it if you want.
--We will have a team curfew of 10 p.m. each night. Strictly enforced.
--Any behavior that is deemed unacceptable by housing, security or any coach from any other team will render you evicted from campus till the beginning of the regular semester. There is a zero tolerance policy regarding this during preseason. Don’t even think about it …
Cafeteria meal times, starting Monday
Breakfast: 7 to 8:30 a.m.
Lunch: 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Dinner: 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Note: Our budget gets charged for every person at every meal, so please eat all meals in the cafeteria. Breakfast included. It’s free food. Eat away.
Upperclassmen physicals: They will begin at 8 a.m. Monday at the training room, which is currently still located at the football stadium. Arrive early and let’s get through the line quickly.
NCAA meeting: It will be at 10:45 a.m. Monday at the Goletti Theater. Your promptness and attentiveness are required.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Marty remembers 9/11
Check out this link to an excellent remembrance of 9/11 by Marist Running Alum and good, dear friend of this blog Marty McGowan.
Marty is a great guy and about as loyal a Marist Running alum as there is. He is still an active member of the Marist Track Family, despite the fact that is has been 35-plus years since his graduation.
Thanks for sharing the link, Marty.
Marty is a great guy and about as loyal a Marist Running alum as there is. He is still an active member of the Marist Track Family, despite the fact that is has been 35-plus years since his graduation.
Thanks for sharing the link, Marty.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Once a Runner?
The question was a simple and innocuous one, and my response was quick and without thought – a common practice for me as I tend to think and talk without a filter most of the time. In this case, the answer to the question proved to be quite revealing for me, and is the subject of this rambling post.
While sitting with a prospective student-athlete and her parents – both of whom were runners – last week, we were discussing the recruit’s high school career. And then, as we were discussing the rather prolific and successful marathon running of her parents, the dad asks of me: “Do you still run?”
My knee-jerk, immediate answer was this: “No. Not really.”
And then I thought to myself, “What, am I an idiot?”
Of course I still run! But I do not consider myself a runner, at least within the parameters by which I thought they were asking, nor by the standards by which I considered adequate many, many years ago.
I still run, but I do not consider myself a runner. This is a very complex thought process, I have come to realize. I run every day; I aqua-jog several times per week, as much as the pool schedule and my own schedule allows. Most weeks, between jogging and aqua-jogging, I am logging about 8-9 hours of aerobic activity. But I am not training.
I know; this does not make sense. I will try to explain. Basically, I jog in the morning with my early-a.m. pals, and I do whatever they are doing. Generally, it is something in the 50 minutes to an hour range. That’s it. No long runs. No speed. No plan. No nothing.
Oh sure, I still race, and I do my best when I toe the line. But there is no set training pattern for the races. I run the races at whatever my fitness level happens to be on that day, and that is that. Pre-race nerves? Haven’t felt them in years. It’s quite liberating, actually. I just run as hard as I can for that given distance on that given day.
I stumbled upon this haphazard pattern many years ago, when I realized that trying to “train like a competitive runner” just wasn’t fitting in to my crowded life schedule at home, at Marist and elsewhere. I continued to run, but no longer as a runner. At first, I felt guilty and I felt like a bum. Now, I do not feel anything. I just wake up and do my thing, on autopilot. I just jog and aqua-jog and let it be.
I am entered in the Mohawk Hudson River Marathon on Oct. 9, and look forward to toeing the line with several alumni and friends. But I must caution that I am not actually “training” for the race. Long runs have been scarce to non-existent. I try to plan them, but it just does not happen.
This pattern certainly has its pitfalls. During 2009 and the first half of 2010, my weight ballooned (for me) out of control. But since reeling in my diet and getting wet in the pool more frequently, the weight has come back down to acceptable levels and voila! – my time in the recent 11.6-mile John J. Kelley/Ocean Beach Race in Connecticut dropped a full 8 minutes from 2010 to 2011.
But again, this is incidental. This was not a goal. It just happens, as my daily jogging just happens.
Have I become the embodiment of the title of the legendary John L. Parker Jr. novel “Once A Runner”? Possibly. Will I ever become a runner again? Possibly. But I can’t say that, other this post, I give it a heck of a lot of thought.
There are dozens of runners to coach and advise (present, alumni, etc.), family activities and duties too numerous to mention (I’m not complaining; it’s all good!), and aging family members in New Jersey to keep tabs on (as my ever-aging Subaru has worn a groove into the Thruway over the past two years).
Sure, as I jog with my morning pals or attend races with my Junk Yard Dogs brothers, there are moments when I feel like a runner. But more often than not when in the company of these men, the conversation turns to things other than our own running. Much like golfers talking about their errant short game and poor tee shots, there are few things more dreadful than listening to a runner drone on and on about his training and racing.
And so, as preseason begins in exactly a week and we will once again get consumed with the activities of our Marist Running program, this Once a Runner topic and theme will be put on the shelf till next summer at least. God willing, I’ll keep up my morning jogs, my pool work, and jump in the occasional race with my usual vigor and midpack performances, hopefully upticking in the right direction (but if not, so be it).
Am I a runner? While the question is certainly open for debate, I am perfectly comfortable answering “no” to that query at this time, and moving on to the next topic.
While sitting with a prospective student-athlete and her parents – both of whom were runners – last week, we were discussing the recruit’s high school career. And then, as we were discussing the rather prolific and successful marathon running of her parents, the dad asks of me: “Do you still run?”
My knee-jerk, immediate answer was this: “No. Not really.”
And then I thought to myself, “What, am I an idiot?”
Of course I still run! But I do not consider myself a runner, at least within the parameters by which I thought they were asking, nor by the standards by which I considered adequate many, many years ago.
I still run, but I do not consider myself a runner. This is a very complex thought process, I have come to realize. I run every day; I aqua-jog several times per week, as much as the pool schedule and my own schedule allows. Most weeks, between jogging and aqua-jogging, I am logging about 8-9 hours of aerobic activity. But I am not training.
I know; this does not make sense. I will try to explain. Basically, I jog in the morning with my early-a.m. pals, and I do whatever they are doing. Generally, it is something in the 50 minutes to an hour range. That’s it. No long runs. No speed. No plan. No nothing.
Oh sure, I still race, and I do my best when I toe the line. But there is no set training pattern for the races. I run the races at whatever my fitness level happens to be on that day, and that is that. Pre-race nerves? Haven’t felt them in years. It’s quite liberating, actually. I just run as hard as I can for that given distance on that given day.
I stumbled upon this haphazard pattern many years ago, when I realized that trying to “train like a competitive runner” just wasn’t fitting in to my crowded life schedule at home, at Marist and elsewhere. I continued to run, but no longer as a runner. At first, I felt guilty and I felt like a bum. Now, I do not feel anything. I just wake up and do my thing, on autopilot. I just jog and aqua-jog and let it be.
I am entered in the Mohawk Hudson River Marathon on Oct. 9, and look forward to toeing the line with several alumni and friends. But I must caution that I am not actually “training” for the race. Long runs have been scarce to non-existent. I try to plan them, but it just does not happen.
This pattern certainly has its pitfalls. During 2009 and the first half of 2010, my weight ballooned (for me) out of control. But since reeling in my diet and getting wet in the pool more frequently, the weight has come back down to acceptable levels and voila! – my time in the recent 11.6-mile John J. Kelley/Ocean Beach Race in Connecticut dropped a full 8 minutes from 2010 to 2011.
But again, this is incidental. This was not a goal. It just happens, as my daily jogging just happens.
Have I become the embodiment of the title of the legendary John L. Parker Jr. novel “Once A Runner”? Possibly. Will I ever become a runner again? Possibly. But I can’t say that, other this post, I give it a heck of a lot of thought.
There are dozens of runners to coach and advise (present, alumni, etc.), family activities and duties too numerous to mention (I’m not complaining; it’s all good!), and aging family members in New Jersey to keep tabs on (as my ever-aging Subaru has worn a groove into the Thruway over the past two years).
Sure, as I jog with my morning pals or attend races with my Junk Yard Dogs brothers, there are moments when I feel like a runner. But more often than not when in the company of these men, the conversation turns to things other than our own running. Much like golfers talking about their errant short game and poor tee shots, there are few things more dreadful than listening to a runner drone on and on about his training and racing.
And so, as preseason begins in exactly a week and we will once again get consumed with the activities of our Marist Running program, this Once a Runner topic and theme will be put on the shelf till next summer at least. God willing, I’ll keep up my morning jogs, my pool work, and jump in the occasional race with my usual vigor and midpack performances, hopefully upticking in the right direction (but if not, so be it).
Am I a runner? While the question is certainly open for debate, I am perfectly comfortable answering “no” to that query at this time, and moving on to the next topic.
Fun times in Beacon and a win for Dr. K
(Race photos by Nin Lei)
On Saturday morning, my son Joey and I ran in the Denning’s Point 5K along the Hudson River waterfront in Beacon. This race benefits a local cancer fundraising group and features an awesome trail course.
The first mile and the last mile run along a flat, gravel and dirt path that parallels the Amtrak/Metro North tracks. The middle mile is single-track cross country, with hills, rocks, roots, branches and somewhat challenging footing. Given that Joey will be doing middle school cross country in the fall, this was good practice. He ran a very respectable time of 26:06, accompanied by some old dude in a Marist Track shirt.
Up front in a competitive pack of runners from the southern Dutchess County area was good friend to the program Keith Strudler. Dr. K is a tenured communication professor here at Marist. He is an extremely competitive triathlete, a recently turned master (40 years old) and remains very fit and very competitive.
He won this race against many local road racing stars, and he did so after having completed a vigorous, early-morning cycle and swim workout (not uncommon for competitive triathletes). Nicely done for Dr. K!
Top finishers
1. Keith Strudler (Beacon, 40) 16:19
2. Phil Shea (Beacon, 30) 16:25
3. Knox Robinson (Beacon, 36) 16:38
4. Michael Debronsky (Beacon, 19) 16:49
5. Mike Slinskey (Hopewell Junction, 41) 17:02
6. Mike Chow (Wappingers Falls, 32) 17:09
A long running example
Coach Terry Horton emailed after the previous post to remind me that Mike Cocca was indeed a regular member of the 4x400-meter relay during his senior year.
In terms of sprinters converting to road racers after college, Coach Horton certainly set a great example for the hundreds of athletes he coached at Arlington High School before his retirement as a teacher and coach out in Freedom Plains.
That example continues today.
Even though many of our athletes are not aware of it, Coach Horton was an excellent intermediate hurdler and sprinter in high school and college (not to mention a football player). And most are probably not aware that well into his adulthood, until a balky back and knee failed him, Terry was a fantastic age-group road racer and marathon runner. Take it from me: I witnessed the back of his singlet at many Mid-Hudson Road Runners Club races throughout the years.
We hope that he can regain his old form and overcome the ravages of many years and many miles; if not in races, just simply to get back to jogging on a regular basis.
But as he said in his email: “I do plant the seed of considering moving up to take advantage of their natural advantage of having speed.’’
Amen to that.
In terms of sprinters converting to road racers after college, Coach Horton certainly set a great example for the hundreds of athletes he coached at Arlington High School before his retirement as a teacher and coach out in Freedom Plains.
That example continues today.
Even though many of our athletes are not aware of it, Coach Horton was an excellent intermediate hurdler and sprinter in high school and college (not to mention a football player). And most are probably not aware that well into his adulthood, until a balky back and knee failed him, Terry was a fantastic age-group road racer and marathon runner. Take it from me: I witnessed the back of his singlet at many Mid-Hudson Road Runners Club races throughout the years.
We hope that he can regain his old form and overcome the ravages of many years and many miles; if not in races, just simply to get back to jogging on a regular basis.
But as he said in his email: “I do plant the seed of considering moving up to take advantage of their natural advantage of having speed.’’
Amen to that.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Sprinters turned road racers
There were many highlights and memories with last year's inaugural Red Fox Trot 5K. One of the coolest for me was seeing Marist Track Alum Mike Cocca run in the race.
Cocca, as you will remember, was an awesome sprinter on our team. And when I say "sprinter," I mean short sprinter. I think we did bump him up to the 400 a few times in the 4x400, but it was very reluctantly. So anyway, it was really cool to see Cocca running in a 5K.
And now today, my email inbox has a message from recent graduate John Kristie, who said he is signed up for the Fox Trot and wants an Alumni Racing Team singlet. Kristie was a sprinter as well, his primary event being 400 meters.
Regular readers of this fancy blog know how proud I am of all alumni runners. It is especially gratifying to see sprinters stay with the sport after graduation. It doesn't happen nearly as often as with the distance athletes. So when it does, it is certainly worth noting.
Once again: The Red Fox Trot 5K is on Saturday, September 10. We are hoping for a large alumni, family and friends turnout. Sign up now or email me for a race application.
Cocca, as you will remember, was an awesome sprinter on our team. And when I say "sprinter," I mean short sprinter. I think we did bump him up to the 400 a few times in the 4x400, but it was very reluctantly. So anyway, it was really cool to see Cocca running in a 5K.
And now today, my email inbox has a message from recent graduate John Kristie, who said he is signed up for the Fox Trot and wants an Alumni Racing Team singlet. Kristie was a sprinter as well, his primary event being 400 meters.
Regular readers of this fancy blog know how proud I am of all alumni runners. It is especially gratifying to see sprinters stay with the sport after graduation. It doesn't happen nearly as often as with the distance athletes. So when it does, it is certainly worth noting.
Once again: The Red Fox Trot 5K is on Saturday, September 10. We are hoping for a large alumni, family and friends turnout. Sign up now or email me for a race application.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Chop wood, carry water
Those that know me well know that one of my favorite pastimes is reading – specifically, reading baseball books.
I just completed one of the more unique and enlightening baseball books I have ever read: “The Way of Baseball,’’ by former Major Leaguer Shawn Green.
In many ways, this biographical baseball book is similar to others. There are great details about the rise and fall of his career, including some pretty cool tell-all, behind-the-scenes details – such as how he could detect pitchers’ tipping their pitches. Fascinating, inside-baseball stuff.
But this baseball book was truly a breath of fresh air as Green discusses in detail the zen-like qualities of his preparation and his personality, and how they had an impact on his excellent career in the game. In the spirit of “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” and “The Warrior Athlete” and “Way of the Peaceful Warrior,’’ to mention a few Eastern-thought based books that I have thoroughly enjoyed through the years, Green delves into deeper topics not normally found in a baseball book. Lessons learned here can be applied to any sport or any situation.
One quote that I had never heard of that I really liked was this: “Before enlightenment, chop wood and carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood and carry water.” After Googling it, I realized that this is a far more common statement/quote that I was originally aware.
Not being the smartest person in the world, I will not try to explain the quote. Google it yourself and figure it out, or give it some thought and come up with your own meaning. The way Green describes it, the moral behind the “chop wood/carry water” quote is to live in the moment, to “be present” and to immerse yourself in the ordinary, everyday activities of your life.
Anyway, it was a thought-provoking quote in a very enjoyable and thought-provoking book that I will not soon forget.
I just completed one of the more unique and enlightening baseball books I have ever read: “The Way of Baseball,’’ by former Major Leaguer Shawn Green.
In many ways, this biographical baseball book is similar to others. There are great details about the rise and fall of his career, including some pretty cool tell-all, behind-the-scenes details – such as how he could detect pitchers’ tipping their pitches. Fascinating, inside-baseball stuff.
But this baseball book was truly a breath of fresh air as Green discusses in detail the zen-like qualities of his preparation and his personality, and how they had an impact on his excellent career in the game. In the spirit of “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” and “The Warrior Athlete” and “Way of the Peaceful Warrior,’’ to mention a few Eastern-thought based books that I have thoroughly enjoyed through the years, Green delves into deeper topics not normally found in a baseball book. Lessons learned here can be applied to any sport or any situation.
One quote that I had never heard of that I really liked was this: “Before enlightenment, chop wood and carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood and carry water.” After Googling it, I realized that this is a far more common statement/quote that I was originally aware.
Not being the smartest person in the world, I will not try to explain the quote. Google it yourself and figure it out, or give it some thought and come up with your own meaning. The way Green describes it, the moral behind the “chop wood/carry water” quote is to live in the moment, to “be present” and to immerse yourself in the ordinary, everyday activities of your life.
Anyway, it was a thought-provoking quote in a very enjoyable and thought-provoking book that I will not soon forget.
Newsflash: Schanz not happy with 17:06!
Correction time, OK?
Schanz texted me that he was NOT HAPPY with his 17:06 at Dynamic Duo, as previously reported. Fair enough, Will, and duly noted.
However, I still maintain that Schanz has had a good and positive summer, and that he is setting himself up for a good and positive fall XC season.
Schanz texted me that he was NOT HAPPY with his 17:06 at Dynamic Duo, as previously reported. Fair enough, Will, and duly noted.
However, I still maintain that Schanz has had a good and positive summer, and that he is setting himself up for a good and positive fall XC season.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
The gift that keeps on giving
Last night, my oldest son Joey and I went to Yankee Stadium to see the Bombers play the Angels. The night started out ominous. On the train ride down from Poughkeepsie, it was pouring sheets of rain.
When we got to the Bronx, it was raining sideways. The walk from the train station to the stadium was like walking through a small stream. But by the time we got into the Stadium, the rain subsided. Miraculously, despite about 2 inches of rain, the game started on time.
It was a long and entertaining game with a less-than-positive result. But once again, there are rarely bad days at the ballpark, and last night was no exception. We even saw current team captain Tommy Lipari, who was there with his family. Tommy came and visited us in Section 234 as the Yankees rallied to tie the game in the bottom of the seventh inning.
We were able to attend the game thanks to the generous StubHub gift certificate given by graduating senior parents. It is truly the gift that keeps on giving … thank you.
When we got to the Bronx, it was raining sideways. The walk from the train station to the stadium was like walking through a small stream. But by the time we got into the Stadium, the rain subsided. Miraculously, despite about 2 inches of rain, the game started on time.
It was a long and entertaining game with a less-than-positive result. But once again, there are rarely bad days at the ballpark, and last night was no exception. We even saw current team captain Tommy Lipari, who was there with his family. Tommy came and visited us in Section 234 as the Yankees rallied to tie the game in the bottom of the seventh inning.
We were able to attend the game thanks to the generous StubHub gift certificate given by graduating senior parents. It is truly the gift that keeps on giving … thank you.
Red Fox Trot update
In my usual disorganized fashion, I have emailed Red Fox Trot 5K applications to various alumni. If you are a blog follower and you are interested in participating in the Red Fox Trot 5K, which is on Saturday, Sept. 10, email me at runhed246@hotmail.com and I’ll get you an application.
Or better yet: Go to www.mhrrc.org and register online!
We are hoping for a huge Marist Alumni Running turnout at the race. Afterwards, we do plan a very informal Marist Running alumni reception on the river. The more the merrier!
I am still in the process of finalizing the course, as ongoing campus construction has hampered my putting the finishing touches on it. Right now, the plan is for the course to go under Route 9 on the new pedestrian walking path. Once the course is completed, I will let you know.
For those who ran the race last year, the first 1.25 miles and the last 1.25 miles will basically be the same. It’s that middle mile or less that will be altered a bit. And oh yes: By popular demand, the riverfront finish will be flat and will avoid that nasty hill this time around.
Hope to see many of you there …
Or better yet: Go to www.mhrrc.org and register online!
We are hoping for a huge Marist Alumni Running turnout at the race. Afterwards, we do plan a very informal Marist Running alumni reception on the river. The more the merrier!
I am still in the process of finalizing the course, as ongoing campus construction has hampered my putting the finishing touches on it. Right now, the plan is for the course to go under Route 9 on the new pedestrian walking path. Once the course is completed, I will let you know.
For those who ran the race last year, the first 1.25 miles and the last 1.25 miles will basically be the same. It’s that middle mile or less that will be altered a bit. And oh yes: By popular demand, the riverfront finish will be flat and will avoid that nasty hill this time around.
Hope to see many of you there …
The alumni connection
Sorry for the big gap in posts. A lot going on as my summer days wind to a close with the beginning of preseason looming. Actually, here in Marist Athletics, summer is officially over as the fall sports teams have started their preseason – football and volleyball reported today, men’s and women’s soccer later in the week.
Congrats to most recent alum Nick Webster, who ran in the Dynamic Duo road race in the Albany area with Marist sophomore Kiersten Anderson. Web ran the 3-mile course in 15:18, a very solid time indeed. To show how fast this race was, that rapid time was good for 13th place. Wow!
Current Marist junior Will Schanz ran in the race and was pleased with his time of 17:06. I do not want to jinx it, but Will has had a remarkably injury-free summer.
At the race, Web was sporting his brand new Marist Alumni Racing Team singlet and it paid immediate dividends as he met long-ago Marist Running alum Chris McCloskey. McCloskey, the former school record holder in the 1,500-meter run and now a long-distance triathlete, ran 16:54.
Chomps, as he was known by his teammates back in the day, has completed a stunning metamorphosis as an athlete. Back in his Marist Running days, Chomps despised cross country. Strong word, to be sure, but it is true! He was all about track, and he was all about speed. He was an intense workout runner, an intense and fiercely loyal teammate. Phil and I – Phil especially – loved to verbally spar with Chomps over any topic, usually sports related.
So anyway, imagine our surprise when Mr. I Hate XC decided in his late 20s to not only take up triathloning, but to take it to the extreme. He is doing a Half Ironman in September – a very valid excuse for his missing the Red Fox Trot 5K. And next summer, God willing, he will be completing the Lake Placid Ironman (that’s a FULL Ironman Triathlon).
So, for those keeping score at home, our boy Chomps went from hatin on a 5-mile trail race with a few hills to now tackling a race that will take him half a day, 140-plus miles and a lot more ups and downs than the back hills at Vanny. Fascinating.
For the record, we are proud of him.
And now, Web and Chomps are on the same team – the Marist Alumni Racing Team.
Congrats to most recent alum Nick Webster, who ran in the Dynamic Duo road race in the Albany area with Marist sophomore Kiersten Anderson. Web ran the 3-mile course in 15:18, a very solid time indeed. To show how fast this race was, that rapid time was good for 13th place. Wow!
Current Marist junior Will Schanz ran in the race and was pleased with his time of 17:06. I do not want to jinx it, but Will has had a remarkably injury-free summer.
At the race, Web was sporting his brand new Marist Alumni Racing Team singlet and it paid immediate dividends as he met long-ago Marist Running alum Chris McCloskey. McCloskey, the former school record holder in the 1,500-meter run and now a long-distance triathlete, ran 16:54.
Chomps, as he was known by his teammates back in the day, has completed a stunning metamorphosis as an athlete. Back in his Marist Running days, Chomps despised cross country. Strong word, to be sure, but it is true! He was all about track, and he was all about speed. He was an intense workout runner, an intense and fiercely loyal teammate. Phil and I – Phil especially – loved to verbally spar with Chomps over any topic, usually sports related.
So anyway, imagine our surprise when Mr. I Hate XC decided in his late 20s to not only take up triathloning, but to take it to the extreme. He is doing a Half Ironman in September – a very valid excuse for his missing the Red Fox Trot 5K. And next summer, God willing, he will be completing the Lake Placid Ironman (that’s a FULL Ironman Triathlon).
So, for those keeping score at home, our boy Chomps went from hatin on a 5-mile trail race with a few hills to now tackling a race that will take him half a day, 140-plus miles and a lot more ups and downs than the back hills at Vanny. Fascinating.
For the record, we are proud of him.
And now, Web and Chomps are on the same team – the Marist Alumni Racing Team.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Happy Birthday, Mr. President!
On my way home from jogging with Artie this morning, I heard on NPR that today is President Obama’s 50th birthday. While I think it’s 100 percent certain Mr. President does not read this fancy blog, I felt compelled to wish him a HAPPY BIRTHDAY today, since it is a big milestone in the life of a middle-aged man.
No worries, blog faithful. I will not be turning this into a wretched political blog, or even a wretched political post, today.
However, I do have to admit to being a big fan of Mr. President. I find him to be an extremely likable, down-to-earth guy. He’s the best public speaker and orator in my lifetime (Mario Cuomo is a close second), and to me he seems like a remarkably intelligent person.
Now, I’m not going to debate his policies here. The whole debt crisis thing? I’m not smart enough to discuss that at length. I will say this: Mr. President must have compromised quite a bit, because the good gray New York Times editorial pages are very displeased with him at the moment.
Anyway, like I said: I’m a big fan. The dude (wait, can you call the President a dude?) is about my age – I turn 47 in a few weeks. He’s got a young family of school-aged kids, like me. He’s slim, trim and in shape. Mr. President’s got GAME! Have you ever see him play basketball? He could whip up on most of our Marist Runners in a game of one-on-one – NOT THAT I WOULD EVER ALLOW THAT!
One last point: Something I cannot stand with modern political discourse is the vitriol and sometimes downright hatred that is spewed. And, it’s from both sides! I despise the Obama-bashing, because I happen to like him and I voted for him, and I hope he runs again and wins. But I despised the Bush-bashing, and I was never a big fan of W’s policies. Whatever happened to respecting the office and the person in that office?
Like I said, I was never a Bush fan. But he seemed like a pretty good, upstanding fellow – not to mention one of the most fit presidents in history. I didn’t vote for him either time, but I would love to go jogging with President Bush and even have him over for a backyard barbecue.
Same goes for Mr. Obama, who I did vote for, and who today turns 50. Perhaps he will celebrate by sinking 50 free-throws? And while it’s highly unlikely he will celebrate with a 50-mile run (which sounds like a great idea to me), it’s worth wishing him happy birthday here. And many more.
No worries, blog faithful. I will not be turning this into a wretched political blog, or even a wretched political post, today.
However, I do have to admit to being a big fan of Mr. President. I find him to be an extremely likable, down-to-earth guy. He’s the best public speaker and orator in my lifetime (Mario Cuomo is a close second), and to me he seems like a remarkably intelligent person.
Now, I’m not going to debate his policies here. The whole debt crisis thing? I’m not smart enough to discuss that at length. I will say this: Mr. President must have compromised quite a bit, because the good gray New York Times editorial pages are very displeased with him at the moment.
Anyway, like I said: I’m a big fan. The dude (wait, can you call the President a dude?) is about my age – I turn 47 in a few weeks. He’s got a young family of school-aged kids, like me. He’s slim, trim and in shape. Mr. President’s got GAME! Have you ever see him play basketball? He could whip up on most of our Marist Runners in a game of one-on-one – NOT THAT I WOULD EVER ALLOW THAT!
One last point: Something I cannot stand with modern political discourse is the vitriol and sometimes downright hatred that is spewed. And, it’s from both sides! I despise the Obama-bashing, because I happen to like him and I voted for him, and I hope he runs again and wins. But I despised the Bush-bashing, and I was never a big fan of W’s policies. Whatever happened to respecting the office and the person in that office?
Like I said, I was never a Bush fan. But he seemed like a pretty good, upstanding fellow – not to mention one of the most fit presidents in history. I didn’t vote for him either time, but I would love to go jogging with President Bush and even have him over for a backyard barbecue.
Same goes for Mr. Obama, who I did vote for, and who today turns 50. Perhaps he will celebrate by sinking 50 free-throws? And while it’s highly unlikely he will celebrate with a 50-mile run (which sounds like a great idea to me), it’s worth wishing him happy birthday here. And many more.
Another continent for Joe T
(Photo of marathon race banner in Germany with Joe Tarantello)
Congrats to Marist Running Alum Joe Tarantello for knocking off another continent in his quest for worldwide marathon domination (as Schab would say).
Joe T completed a marathon in Fussen, Germany, earlier this summer. He said he was disappointed in his 3:22ish finish. With this marathon, Joe T has conquered North America (obviously), Australia and now Europe. Next on the agenda next summer: Africa. Nice!
Here is Joe’s race report via e-mail:
“Race conditions were pretty bad -- around 50 and ice cold pouring rain for about 90 percent of the race. The race was mostly on hard packed dirt but it had been raining for days so much of it was just mud and puddles. It was out in the countryside so the scenery was beautiful but it definitely was a struggle to finish. I've been doing 60-65 miles a week since the beginning of April. Not too many workouts but either a tempo run or track workout once a week so not really sure what happened out there. I was thinking worst case scenario 3 hours but I guess you can't underestimate the marathon (Editor’s note: INDEED).’’
Nice job, Joe. Hope to see you at the Fox Trot 5K.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Track serious photos
(Photos courtesy of Bob Kopac)
Here are a few photos taken by Mid-Hudson Road Runners Club official photographer Bob Kopac from last Friday’s MHRRC Summer Track Series at Spackenkill High School. The turnout was low because there was a torrential downpour at around 5 p.m. I mean, it was coming down in sheets and buckets.
But, as often happens this time of year, by 6:15 or so, the sun was out and the rain was drying off quickly from the grass. The series – or, as my youngest son James used to say a few years ago, the “track serious” -- was a go!
Congrats to Billy “Fresh” Hild who ran a modest PR in the 1,600 (4:47) on his old high school track. Not a bad effort, considering it is the middle of the summer, he has been doing zero speedwork and it was his second run of the day.
Kudos also to Cuesta for pacing Fresh and a gaggle of local high school boys through a judicious opening 800 meters in around 2:24. Now is the time when I would have some wise-guy comment to say about Cuesta … but I will not! Nicely done, bro.
One of these photos includes Fresh lapping his high school coach (and Marist alum) Mr. Bucket, who was pacing my son Joey in the 1,600 meters. You can also see Joey’s finishing kick with Mr. B in the background.
And lastly, you’ll see that James proved to be a tough cookie by completing two more kids’ races after taking a nasty spill that required two big band-aids on his knee in the 200-meter dash.
Many thanks to Bob for these excellent photos.
Walsh runs 9:33 for road 2-miler
Marist alum Matt Walsh submitted the above two photos from the “33rd annual Parker House/Parkway Toyota 2 Mile Fun Run & Beer Party,’’ which took place this past Saturday in Sea Girt, N.J. Walsh finished second in a very respectable 9:33.
Walsh reported via text that the winner ran 9:26. He said that the winner was wearing a Garmin watch that recorded the race distance as 1.98 miles. Close enough!
Walsh’s good buddy and Marist Running alum Scotty LaPiedra finished 12th overall in 11:11. I say this with the utmost admiration for Walsh and ScottyLa, but it’s a safe bet that our boys enjoyed both the “fun run” AND the “beer party” aspect of the festivities.
Nicely done.
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