Former great marathoner/roadie Patti Catalano (nee Lyons, now Dillon)

[SteveU]

I'm sure you guys close to my age remember her blazing trails in the late 70s, early 80s. Well, she has discovered letsrun and there's a 1979 Boston Marathon thread, and another 1 or 2 that she's been posting on that are just FANTASTIC. Totally old school with folks like Bob Hodge (a letsrun regular of course), Tom Fleming and many others reliving the old days. Her husband, Dan Dillon, a former star himself, is posting too.

The threads are truly priceless. You guys and gals my age will really appreicate them. If any of you know her, maybe you can get her to come on here. I saw her at some races back in the day, but never met her or anything.

For those of you who don't know or recall, she set several American records in that time period, including 2:27 marathon, 53:40 10M, and numerous others. She dominated just before Joan Benoit got really, really good.

Talk about being a legend! She truly is and letsrun is truly blessed to have her stirring up the memories.

[Zat0pek]

Here's a link. Patti shows up several pages in. You're right, GREAT stuff!

http://www.letsrun.com/forum/flat_read.php?thread=807785

[ttalk]

(This is steveu on the ttalk account)

A warm welcome to Patti Dillion, a new member (and LL member) who I'm hoping will share with us some of her experiences as the first U.S. women's marathoner under 2:30 (as Patti Catalano) and one of the true American distance Legends, as well as inspire some of us, young and old. Her posts have already been part of some wonderful threads on letsrun (see above) that have jogged the memories of those thrilling days of U.S. distance running excellence in the late 70s/early 80s.

She and her husband Dan, an outstanding runner from the same era in his own right (28:04 10k, 43-something 15k and much more), have children who run as well, though I'm not sure if they're high school age yet (I haven't been reading her letsrun posts quite carefully enough, perhaps!).

I invited her to join us here and look forward to her and/or her husband participating when they have a chance in their busy lives.

(p.s. Patti -- you HAVE been activated now to post here or anywhere! :-))

[patti]

Hi Steve,

Thank you for inviting me and showing me around, so to speak.

"Hi!" to everybody.

To bring eveybody up to date a tad. I'm in full swing of training again after an 18 year or so rest interval. My short term goal is to run the Honolulu Marathon in December. My long term goal is to stand on the starting line of the 2008 Olymipic Marathon. And I feel so "brand-new". I'm enjoying the training, though it does get tough at times, same as it ever was. Danny is my training partner on his easy days. Coach Bill Squires in coaching me and I'm following his directions faithfully and without changing it.

Danny and I will be married 12 years in August and we have 2 children, Aaron 11 and Raven 8. Both run. We started a running club for them, so they would have running buddies. www.homeschooled harriers.com. It's small. At the time we started it we had no idea that the families that would come forward wouldn't have an linking about running. Most of the families in the club, have never run before. We found this to be a little daunting in the beginning. It turned out to be the best way for us to have a club. What a true blessing. We like the kids have at least 6 months of consistent running before they can compete. We prefer that they take their time and get to know their "new athletic self" before heading out to a race. And we also wait patiently for them to ask us to let them "please may I run in a race" mode. Saves time. We are primarily a x/c club.

I hope this is the beginning of some fine chit-chat as we wade through all the memories of then and into now.

In Joy, Patti Dillon

[MoMo]

Welcome, Patti!
Great to have you aboard. Best of luck with the 2008 goals.
Just curious: When you talk about your 18-year "rest," how completely were you resting? I assume that just means from serious competitive running? And how hard did that make it to get back again? And how gradually did you start back up? And what sort of racing plans do you have between now and 2008 (in short)?
Curiously, MoMo.

[patti]

Hi,

My "rest interval" was very long indeed. I lived a non-running life some quite a time, eventually moving into the jogger joe phase. I had time off to heal injuries, to operate a health food store and a deli. When I met Danny I was a nanny and only ran occassionally. During our marriage I've run off and on. When I first moved to CT.,my friends here had not a clue that I ran or was a runner. I didn't start running again until after I got invited to attend the Honolulu Marathon 2 years ago. Of which, I missed more months due to injury and health issues. I only started to run the fall before Honolulu. I wanted to look at least half way decent in shorts...not running shorts, bermuda shorts!

As of now, I started to run again...on Labor Day this past September and was compelled to make good on my dream in December running up Diamond Head, of running Honolulu. So, I've been running 7 months including 4 months of gradual training. My training for Honolulu officially begins in August. The higher my fitness level at that time, the better off I will be. I am just absolutely amazed at how I feel. I feel so "brand new". I look forward to seeing what becomes of it all.

[Zat0pek]

Patti, its great to hear from you.

I'm 41 and like you I skipped years of training once I hung up my competitive singlet (though I'll never pretend to have attained the elite level of performance that you did). The struggle was in finding the motivation. I had trained to compete since I was 14, and once law school, career and family became higher priorities for me and I was no longer able to compete at the level I once did, motivated waned and my training dwindled accordingly.

But what got lost on me was one simple fact: I love to run, and always have. I love to compete, and always have. So now it is a matter of finding some balance, fitting it in my life in such a way I can still participate and accept that level of competition with the most important competitor I have - myself.

The Boston group of the mid-70's through early 80's was hugely influential on my fledgling career. A close-knit group of fun-loving, passionate, hard-as-nails runners pushing, challenging, supporting, taunting and pulling each other to reach their limits. The training groups we hear about today seem, to me, more interested in shoe deals, underwater treadmills and the latest bee pollen/"vitamin" B-15 nutrition voodoo than anything else. They seem to me more like delicate little hothouse flowers than the hearty sunflowers that thrive in adverse conditions like the road animals of yore. Perhaps its no coincidence that none of those groups have yet to produce the torrent of 2:09-2:12 marathoners that caming pouring out of the Boston area back then.

Great to see you back, Patti, and thanks for taking your time to share your stories with us. Best of luck on the comeback! Oh, and check your private messages; I responded to the ones you sent last week.

[patti]

Ok, I'll response the private messages, if I can figure out how to get to them! I'm not an elite techie! LOL! I'll tell you that! I'll keep trying though! Thank you! And I enjoyed your analogy to "hearty Sunflowers" I happen to love sunflowers, since my honeymoon x/c trip. I plant 15 different varities in the yard each year. In Joy, Patti

[patti]

Zat0pek, ya'know sometimes we need to hold back/move on/take a break/regroup/get a life. Ya know, I'm glad I did, as it turns out favorably fro me now. I didn't know it a the time when I was strugglijng to find my footing again. I applied everything I learned about myself from running to other things. When I first started my business, a health food store, I had to go the bank with a business plan. I didn't know anything about a business plan, I just wanted a store. So, I broke things down to manageable bits and took it from there. Got a loan, I really don't know how, because I wasn't working at all, and had to from start scratch. I had to learn about designing a flowing floor plan, I mean it was intense, the whole shabang. I sought help when I could. It happend by the grace of God, I'll tell 'ya. I thought of having a store on the ski lift at Mt. Bromely, Vt. in Feb. The store was open for business June 4. Amazing, I only had small amount of cash in the bank and I was concerned about how I was going to make a living and healty cooking was one of the things I enjoyed doing. So hence the store idea. I Unbelieveable and I owe it to my running. I figured , if I could train and run an American record, I could do this store. I opened it 200 yards from and other health food store, too. He-he! I guess I just loved competition!

You're right about the runners from the late seventies, it was a different era. I think it was a carry over from teh generation befor us. Both Johnny Kelley, my personal influence from that era was Jock Semple,from whom I heard lots of stories about his running. They weren't concerned about sponsorships or were distracted by anything that would get in the way of the run. The average American runner today haven't developed a deep passion for the sport. With distance running you need something in the well to draw up, and if it's not there, it's no going to happen.

Speaking of which, I need to get off line, kids want togo for their run. Thank you for your kind and encouraging words, Zat0pek. Chat again , I hope. In joy. Patti Ps. It was in Kanas that I fell in love with sunflowers. We were driving through miles and miles of sunflowers. It was one of the most breath-taking wonders I had ever seen in my life. Someday Danny and re going to rent a winnebago and drive with the kids x/c and run where we ran. My goodness America IS indeed beautiful

[Filipe]

Ok, I'll response the private messages, if I can figure out how to get to them!

It says at the top: Welcome, patti. And below that it says "Private Messages," that's where you get to them. :)

[patti]

Well considering that most of my races were away on the road. I usually headed to airport after the race enroute to the next one! In the very beginning of my running I went to the races and stayed for the festivites. Where as I haven't raced in about 19 years, I'm sure things will change as now I'm a mom and have very few races on my calendar.

After I do hard workouts, I carry on with my day asI have responsibilites and I manage the household.

[patti]

oh, and thank you!

[luv2run]

Any updates, Patti? How is the training going?

[patti]

Hi luv2run. Me too. hehe.

Well there's not too much going on. Just the same fitness training of getting ready for August. That is when training begins for Honolulu. I'm doing a 5km in Wheeling in a couple of weeks. I'm basically racing my first hard race effort in a very long time. I'm excited about getting back in the ring so to speak. I'm looking forward to progressing to another level of fitness. I've come from a long way out and I've still a very long way to go. I can't imagine now, not running. Funny how that works.

My mileage is cut back to help my overall tempo in daily runs. It's helped, as now I can train comfortably at 7:35-7:40. I'll take it! Whereas a few months ago I was struggling and pushing to break 8 minutes a mile consistently.

I've upped my core fitness training...my abs are SOOOoo sore. Each week I learn a new exercise, of which I am hurting over the next couple of days. If I had to think twice about coming back...well, right now I don't want to go there, for fear I may reconsider! he-he. Nothing is ever easy, but then again, who said it would be.

I'm rather enjoying this self induced humbleness. I have brought myself to my knees with the training I have incurred. I really wish I could walk away from it at times, then it would be over. But I can't, because, well, I really don't know how to put it into words, I just can't not do it. So, it continues on a steady pace, trying not to bite off more than I can chew. Thank you for asking.

[luv2run]

Keep it up. Sounds like you are definitely "progressing to another level."

How much mileage are you running now?

[patti]

my mileage varies between about 80 right now. Remember I'm trying to get into marathoning again and it takes MILES! AH!! (sigh)

What about you? Are you training? Racing this summer? What are you aiming for?

[jrun]

Nice site:

http://www.pattidillon.com/

[luv2run]

my mileage varies between about 80 right now. Remember I'm trying to get into marathoning again and it takes MILES! AH!! (sigh)

What about you? Are you training? Racing this summer? What are you aiming for?I am one of the horde, a member of the masses, or to put it bluntly, another high school runner hoping to accomplish something or other before I get my dimploma and head off to more anonymity in college.

I'm a soph ... because of the seasons, I won't race that much this summer but I'll probably jump in a 10k, a 10-miler, and maybe a 5k or two. I'm hoping for 55-60 mpw average. With a 5k goal race that's probably plenty of miles....

I like the website.

[patti]

hi luv2run, saw your stats...nice. Keep them going and you're only a soph soon to be a JR. Great. Yeah, the summer will be your training phase for the next fall season. Do you do any core strengthening training? If so what are you doing?

[patti]

Nice site:

http://www.pattidillon.com/

Thanks, I haven't been there for awhile since I've been posting here and elsewhere.

[luv2run]

I'm not as hardcore (HAHA! GET IT?) as you, but I did do some core stuff daily over the winter (rotating situps, crunches, etc.) and a few times a week during track season this spring. I'm "tapering" (slacking) right now but will be back at it this summer.

I'm thinking probably no more than 15 minutes per day, but it will be daily.
Something like 3 sets of:
32 x rotating situps (left, center, right, center, ...)
32 x flutter kicks (lie on your back, left foot up to 90 degrees or so, back down to the floor as the right foot goes up, etc.)
32 x crunches
32 x superman/back arches

What exercises are you doing?

"I've add weight lifting to my regime and sit-ups and crunches." -- from the website. How's that going?

It seems to me like twice a week would be plenty ... I may lift three days a week this summer but probably not. How much do you do?

[patti]

Hi Luv2run, How's the training going? Do any outdoor meets this week-end? My training is coming along. Doing the new sets of crunches with a medicine ball hurts, I haven't been aboe to do anything for a few days. Even hurt to laugh! Like you I'm lifting 2 times a week. I was doing more, though I couldn't fit everything in my life ...like sleep! So, I had to back off and start anew. Running is coming along fine...if I stay satisfied with 7:30 training pace...NOT! Over time I will get stronger and I just didn't think I was this weak, so far out of it...amazing what time does to ya. One of the tihings I enjoy about training, is that the more you do the more there is to do. It's like the song that never ends. That's there's always room for improvement and with patience running will improve...eventually! So, I keep on keepin'on.

[luv2run]

We had our league meet Friday night. It thunderstormed, delaying the start for abut 2 hours ... that was kind of funny, meet ended at about 11:30 PM. Gotta love track.

Anyways, I got a PR in the 1600, by 7 seconds, which was really awesome. In the 3200 I didn't PR, but ran a pretty even race.

In keeping with the HS track runner's tradition I got a grand total of 27 miles this week. Long run of 7 miles today, haha. "Tapering."

What's your goal for the upcoming 5k? Have you started any speedwork yet?

[patti]

CONGRATS! On your race effort, a PR is always well received. YIKES 11:30 PM, on my goodness. That's past my bedtime.

I'm training through the 5 km. I'm not aiming for the 5 km , I got invited to the race as a guest, and I figured while I'm there I may as well do a hard run, to see what's what. I hope to be able to, I don't know, not fall apart and hold together an even split race. I really would like to see if how close I can get to 6 minute pace and see how I hold up. A race is always different from a an effort run. We'll see. My effort runs are long efforts of 5-10-20 minutes sections. I'm relearning how to hold threshold, similar to tempo running.

[luv2run]

"I'm training through" ... sounds like an excuse to me.

Just kidding, best of luck. That pace is blazing for your first race back.

P.S. We need some more people chiming in here ... come on, some of the legends must have input on a running topic for once! ;)

[patti]

Oh, I'm sorry, it's not an excuse. I don't need/want an excuse. But ya'right, it does give a loop hole. I'm sorry. I don't like to race with loop holes. It was hard for me to accept it when I beat some of my competitors and over heard someone say "Oh I had this____ today and that's why she beat me." Oh, I didn't like hearing that at all, it hurt. I made darn sure I beat them again. hehe

Ok, I'll say it this way...I'm prepared as I'll ever be at this point and I will run up top my fitness level. Sound better? LOL!


I'm glad you understand. Right now for me to get on the line and stand up to be counted IS the race for me. YIKES! I haven't been to that spot in maybe close to 20 years. GULP! hehe. I wonder sometimes why I'm putting myself through this! Then I wonder why I didn't start it a long time ago. Life, ya'know by the time you figure it out...it's ....sigh.

Oh, it's alos "bring your son to work day". Yes, I'm bringing my son with me. He enjoys running in the races, though 5 km is too far for him to race, he'll run it as his run for the day. He's almost 12.

Well, I'm going to Wheeling and running as fast as I can and I pray that I except what God blesses me with graciously.

As to your question before about weights...ugh! I can only lift 2x a week. I'm shocked. I was doing 3-4 days and found myself exhausted!! I'll still try to go for the 3-4 days. It'll happen I'll just keep on and I'll get stronger. I have the time.

Oh get this I did crunches with a 6lb medicine ball....ohyougottabekiddingme!!! I couldn't lift a finger for 2 days, I was so sore, my bones hurt. LOL! Well, it's another thing on my things to do list!! LOL! Oh my..ever hear of the song that wouldn't end it just went on and on. Well, this core guy (Brad) is of those, he just goes on and on with things for me to do. For over an hour he just goes on and on!

Bill Rodgers is running and Tom FLeming (not running not even for a donut) is being inducted into the Wheeling Hall of Fame.

[luv2run]

Update - I had a 3200 race today, PRed by 1 second, which I guess I'll take.

23 miles so far this week, plus probably 7 or so tomorrow. I hate running mileage this low, but it's only for 2 more weeks (if I advance again next weekend).



What's the date of your race? You sound like you are prepared, with all those miles in.

The medicine ball stuff is definitely hard, we got those this year for the track team and for a while we were working with them every other day, almost. (I think they were only 4 pounds.) Yeah, it was pretty tough, but I think it really helps with keeping form at the end of races and with footspeed.

[patti]

Hi luv2run!

CONGRATULATIONS!

A second is big stuff...You better take it!!! It was hard earned. Way to go! That's just wonderful.

Your season is coming to a close...next year you'll be stronger and more prepared with another training season under your legs.

Yes, my mileage is still up and will increase more as I go along here. I still have pretty good leg turnover for the long runs, that how Coach and I determine my mileage. NO slug miles...everything pretty and perky!

I now have allergies, can you believe it? I can't. I'm miserable, never had aproblem before this...ugh! ANd I have ahousehold of pets, so I'm sneezing and well, it will pass.

Did a hard run this morning, and it was good. felt good, though my times weren't impressive. I did it alone, which shouldn't be a factor because I enjoy running hard alone, but today I think I could have use some company. Did a 6 mile tempo at around 6:25 pace, 13 miles total. Tomorrow I'll do an easy double, 10/5 with weights in the afternoon. I haven't gotten the medicine ball yet, but I plan on getting it soon, 6 lbs. Maybe I can get the set.

How much running does your coach hope you will maintain over the summer? Does he give you a program to follow? Do you train alone alot? Do you meet with your teammates at all over the summer? Will you be working? Now You'll be a Jr. right? Oh, college! Where do you hope to go?

[luv2run]

Nice tempo run. That is amazing.

College: no idea (yeah, I'll be a junior), but I hope to find a god blend of academics and running.
Job: Possibly, I'm young for my grade and don't have my license yet, once I get it this summer...maybe?

Our summer training is pretty unstructured. We have an optional program that an alumnus does where we meet every weekday morning and decide on a run, and go run it at whatever pace we want.

I will probably do this for my easy days, run on my own for hard days (tempo, hills, etc.), and do a long run on the weekends. Mileage built up to 55-60 at most, but I want to focus on hard miles, like you. No more 7:30-pace everyday runs.

[patti]

"I will probably do this for my easy days, run on my own for hard days (tempo, hills, etc.), and do a long run on the weekends. Mileage built up to 55-60 at most, but I want to focus on hard miles, like you. No more 7:30-pace everyday runs." luv2run
__________________

Hi luv2run,

there's nothing wrong with doing easy distance. If I may be so bold as to suggest that you do just that for 3 weeks or so after your track season. I think that would be super! You'll need to build up gradually while resting and to let your body regroup. You'll feel refreshed and then you'll be ready to do some tempo work along with some hill repeats.

Gee, if you don't have to drive...great! Save it for later, driving will hurt your running. All the sitting isn't good for the hamstrings!

I'm sure college with start showing up more in your thoughts this coming year. You'll think about it more and you'll get a better feel for what you may like. Something to fill up your runs. LOL!

Sounds great that you have an option to run with others. So, you have a choice. Nice.

I do most of my running alone. I wished I had more people to run with, it makes it easier.

[luv2run]

You'll need to build up gradually while resting and to let your body regroup.Yeah, I agree. It's tough to find a balance.

I will take a week or so off after my last race of track, and then begin building up. I know there's nothing wrong with easy distance, per se, but I don't want to do it 5+ days per week. I'm hoping to have maybe 2 recovery days a week at an easy pace, and make sure my long run and medium distance runs are a little harder....

[luv2run]

I advanced to state yesterday, so I have an extra week until summer training starts. Actually, a little more, since I'll probably take 5-7 days off afterwards.

[patti]

You advance to the state meet. WOW! that's wonderful. I'm so happy for you. CONGRATULATIONS! Please keep me posted.

Well, I ran in Wheeling and broke the ice...I ran the 5 km and in 20:09. It's not what I thought I was going to do.. but it's done and over...it's offical, I'm racing again.

[luv2run]

Congrats, a start is a start. That's a great time for anybody soming back to running. Keep it up ... what's your next goal?

[patti]

When's the states? And what distance? What kind of workouts is your coach having you do to prepare? How do you prepare mentally? What is your goal?

Yes, I'm back in the racing, though I don't have another on until July....long time to wait. I'm pleased it is started. Now that I've have some time to think, my intial reaction was one of disapointment. It got lost on me the extraordinary step I was taking in my life, for I really thought and hoped I would be under 19 minutes. I have a ways to go and I'll keep my focus upwards. I also had to be reminded that nothing came easy to me, I had to work very hard to achieve my goals. So, I will go back into the fitness regime.


Don't eat too many hotdogs today.

[luv2run]

I like hot dogs. I haven't had one since last week, though.

States for me is Saturday at about 11:00 AM. It is the 3200. Since it is so close, I am just backing off and doing a little pace work, 600s/400s at goal race pace. Nothing too hard.
Mentally, I try to visualize and not get too psyched out. This will be the toughest race I've ever been in, my goal is mainly to PR and score points (place top 8).

I still don't know how I want to run the race, considering it could go out in 4:25 and my 1600 PR is 4:26. But I don't want to hang back too far and never be able to move up. Hopefully there is a balance to be found....


Keep up the training!

[luv2run]

Patti -- how's the training going?

States went OK for me, missed my PR by half a second but I was eighth, so ... I can't complain. It was a fun experience.

Now I've got to take a week or so off. I don't know if I'll survive....

[patti]

Hi luv2run,

8th place...you scored!! That's great. Ah, a 1/2 second is great.... Congratulations!! I'd give anything to be 1/2 second from my pr's, lol! You have a long way to go, this is only the beginning for you. To be running so well at this stage of the game and to be so enthusiasic about it you will have a long and wonderful career. Season's over, now you can rest, collect yourself and start another build-up.

How did you team do?
Hey, did see Webb's results yet? Or are you waiting to see it on tv later today? I already know, though I won't mention it in case your waiting to see it on tv.

Asmae won, I saw you on a thread about the the debate on letsrun. Your answer was very good.

It's hot here today. I came back in after only two miles...I'll try again later. I must be tired. I did a hill workout yesterday. I managed to do a 6:33 formed mile at the end. So, I take that as my threshold pace...not too bad. Really, I'm pretty pleased by it, last time I did a timed mile after a hill work out I didn't break 7. Funny how, the effort stays the same and the time changes...I love it.

Have a great day today and enjoy watching the Pre meet.

[luv2run]

Hi luv2run,

8th place...you scored!! That's great. Ah, a 1/2 second is great.... Congratulations!! I'd give anything to be 1/2 second from my pr's, lol! You have a long way to go, this is only the beginning for you. To be running so well at this stage of the game and to be so enthusiasic about it you will have a long and wonderful career. Season's over, now you can rest, collect yourself and start another build-up.

How did you team do?
Hey, did see Webb's results yet? Or are you waiting to see it on tv later today? I already know, though I won't mention it in case your waiting to see it on tv.

Asmae won, I saw you on a thread about the the debate on letsrun. Your answer was very good.

It's hot here today. I came back in after only two miles...I'll try again later. I must be tired. I did a hill workout yesterday. I managed to do a 6:33 formed mile at the end. So, I take that as my threshold pace...not too bad. Really, I'm pretty pleased by it, last time I did a timed mile after a hill work out I didn't break 7. Funny how, the effort stays the same and the time changes...I love it.

Have a great day today and enjoy watching the Pre meet.Our team did fine, we scored one point and tied for 68th. Our girls had a state champ in the high jump though, it was awesome.

Yeah, I saw the Pre Classic results, that is pretty awesome (there's a thread (http://www.dyestat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4259) about it on the elite board). Ritzenheim must be a little dissapointed but I'm sure he and Webb will continue to do amazing things this year.

I don't post on letsrun, I guess it must be a coincidence that somebody has the same name. That's pretty funny though.

Well, enjoy the Classic.

P.S. I'm beginning weights and core exercises today. XC is only 3 months away!

[jaguar]

Hi patty,

Keep us updated on your progress! It's awesome to hear you're back on the running scene. I hope I can someday toe the line with you at a major race-- it would be an honor. You are a true Legend.:) jag

[luv2run]

I knew somebody else would post on this thread eventually!


How's the training, jag?

My first week back has been pretty rough so far ... I'll probably hit 40-45.

[jaguar]

Awesome! Kinda in a down period right now after racing three weekends in a row. I think I'll go back to base training until I get settled in my new home up in Oregon. No stressin'.... it's summertime! :) jag

[patti]

Awesome! Kinda in a down period right now after racing three weekends in a row. I think I'll go back to base training until I get settled in my new home up in Oregon. No stressin'.... it's summertime! :) jag


Hi Jaguar, Hi luv2run,

Sorry for the no messages, Ive been away to a running camp in North Carolina, the ZAP Fitness Camp. I brought my son with me and we had a wonderful time meeting and training with the up and coming athletes. www.zapfitness.com/

Five of their athletes are gong to the Nationals this week-end.

My training is coming around, still doing base wrok with a little threshold thrown in for good measure. I'm doing a 20 miler tomorrow. I bought a medicine ball and an ab wheel along with an assortment of smalll wighted balls for more core work. I rather like doing the work, and I'm looking forward to the resluts of all this enjoyment.

As to the club Danny and I have we had 16 kids participate inteh jr. O and 9 made Jr. Olympians. The kids were happy, as they don't race often and for some it was theri first ever race and the rest have only 3-4 under their belts. Yes, we under race and under train...ruight now just want to intorduce the lifestyle to them and to keep them building a base.

So, How's the training coming along? luv2run are you meeting with the guys in the morning or you going it alone right now?

Jaguar, tell me more about your training and yur favorite distance to race and to train for.

[jaguar]

Hi patti, thanks for the update! You are amazing! I've heard about Zap Fitness. Sounds like they have a very motivated group and are providing the right environment for post-collegiate runners. I hope they stick around and continue with their program. There's a girl in their program, Debbie Thornhill, who I believe I raced once in high school (from Wichita Falls, TX).

I've been between 70-85 mpw since Feb.. I wouldn't say I'm very experienced quite yet.... more like an "up-and-coming" 23 year old! Trying to build myself into an ox:)! My favorite race distance at the moment is the 10K. It's the perfect distance, mentally and physically-- at least for now. I would love to get on the track at the Cardinal Invite next spring and run a quick 10K. I've done one 15K and my first half marathon two and a half weeks ago.... I don't know how you stay focused for this long! Gosh, a marathon is going to seem like an eternity!

What do you think about, patti, when you train/race? Are your thoughts now the same as they were 20-25 years ago?

[jaguar]

By the way, I've been reading "Running with the Legends" lately. Fantastic book! There's a story on almost every great runner from the 70's-early 90's. I'm currently reading about Ingrid Kristiansen. I don't think many younger runners really know about the likes of Priscilla Welch, Lorraine Moller, Robert de Castella, Rosa Mota, Toshihiko Seko, and many others. I've learned a lot about the "running history" before my time. After you've read a few stories you get a feel for what it takes to be the best!

[Filipe]

Patti,

Lately it's been feeling like I've just been running aimlessly--which, I guess I am. I have the goal of running the OKC marathon next April, but it is a long ways off and don't seem to have anything in the interim--maybe a road race or two at school, then an indoor meet or two during the winter when I come home.

I've been trying to work my mileage back up; I was injured for 11 months with a knee sprain, and started running again in February. (I was injured on the second day of track practice my senior year). I'm back up to 40 a week, but I'm finding myself becoming bored with the training--possibly because I don't have anything really to shoot for (until next year) and because I'm doing the same ol' thing daily (distance runs, sometimes throwing in some pickups).

I'm not really sure how to periodize my training for this (if at all). Like Jag, I want to be as strong as an ox, first off. (My strength has always been my strength, followed by my resistance to pain, and my ability to maintain pace. This is why I think the marathon would be a good event for me--though currently, my favorite event is the 10k; I ran a 35:54 solo before my senior year of high school). After rebuilding my strength, I want to work on honing whatever little speed I have (57 or 58 400 speed; 4:50 mile my junior year in high school--entering my sophomore year in college now). And then work from there.

I remember in the winters I would just go out and run on the snowy trails, golf courses, and run everywhere I could think of, doing all distance runs then going out for indoor meets and running at or near PR level. It wasn't a problem for me to do that then; I had races, goals, etc that weren't too far off in time (indoor meets were every two weeks, had the outdoor season).

Maybe I'm just finding myself bored not having any set races; other than the marathon in April. Unfortunately there aren't too many people I know to run with me. All of this leads up to a few questions:


How would you periodize your training (if at all) when your schedule is that of one big race months away, and not much in the interim? I wrote something out, but want to see that I've got the right idea.
Do you think that hooking up with my old high school on some of their training runs might be helpful for me?
Any other words of advice, tidbits of information, etc. that you can offer me and the others who are here?


Thanks!

:) Chris

[TrackDaddy]

Patti,

Lately it's been feeling like I've just been running aimlessly--which, I guess I am.Hahahaha!!!

This sentence is hilarious. :D

No offense, Fil- but this has my side hurting!!!

LOL!

Sorry.

Carry on.

[Filipe]

Hahahaha!!!

This sentence is hilarious. :D

No offense, Fil- but this has my side hurting!!!

LOL!

Sorry.

Carry on.

It's just the truth T.Daddy.

[TrackDaddy]

It's just the truth T.Daddy.I know.

I feel bad for laughing. :(

I didn't at all mean to make fun of you.

It's just the way you phrased it...the visual I got....

Nevermind.

Sorry friend. :)

[Filipe]

I know.

I feel bad for laughing. :(

I didn't at all mean to make fun of you.

It's just the way you phrased it...the visual I got....

Nevermind.

Sorry friend. :)

I wasn't offended. No harm, no foul.

[luv2run]

Hi Jaguar, Hi luv2run,

Sorry for the no messages, Ive been away to a running camp in North Carolina, the ZAP Fitness Camp. I brought my son with me and we had a wonderful time meeting and training with the up and coming athletes. www.zapfitness.com/ (http://www.zapfitness.com/)

Five of their athletes are gong to the Nationals this week-end.

My training is coming around, still doing base wrok with a little threshold thrown in for good measure. I'm doing a 20 miler tomorrow. I bought a medicine ball and an ab wheel along with an assortment of smalll wighted balls for more core work. I rather like doing the work, and I'm looking forward to the resluts of all this enjoyment.

As to the club Danny and I have we had 16 kids participate inteh jr. O and 9 made Jr. Olympians. The kids were happy, as they don't race often and for some it was theri first ever race and the rest have only 3-4 under their belts. Yes, we under race and under train...ruight now just want to intorduce the lifestyle to them and to keep them building a base.

So, How's the training coming along? luv2run are you meeting with the guys in the morning or you going it alone right now?

Jaguar, tell me more about your training and yur favorite distance to race and to train for.My training is all over the place now because of 3-day trips to Northern Michigan and Knoxville. Plenty of hill training though.


That sounds like a really cool camp ... keep us updated on how the camp and club athletes do at nationals.

It sounds like you're definitely working hard at the running and the core/weights. Keep it up! A question though, how often do you think is best to do core workouts? For example, a bit every day, hard 3 days a week, ... ?


Jaguar, I definitely agree with you about the 10k. I can't wait to run another one, although it could be a year till I get the chance. (They seem to get scarcer every year, and with XC/track season it's tough to fit them in.)


Good luck with the training, all!

[patti]

HELLO!

How's the training going? Why the traveling...colleges? Or family? What are you running? Are you going to do low key racing this summer?


Well, "I'm walking on sunshine.." went for a run Sunday night with my husband (he's a 13:32 5km guy) and we were strolling along at a 6:49 pace just chatting away. First time I was able to run under 7's for an hour's run...and chatting the whole time...another breakthrough...it was so enjoyable and EASY!! YES! YES! YES! I'm ok and I'm on my way!

AND AND And that's not all...a few days before that I ran a 20 miler and get this...ready....drumroll please...... I lined up the first 10 at clip along pace (for me) 1:11:18....YES! Hmm, not too impressed with myself I figured I'd do it again......YES! Well, close ...lined up the second 10 and BANG! 1:11:26. YES! AND AND AND that's not all, I did a work out two days later and well, I need to keep that in the Patti file...for future reference...Let's just say.... I was ON!

So, where does that leave me now...well, had a short run this morning...tired...NOOOooo, not from running...it's birthday season at the Dillon's and we all went to the Big Apple yesterday to the American Girl Place, Central Park, kids saw the finish line where Mom broke 2:30, unimpressed, so we moved right along to the Balto Statue..ya'know the Alaskan Huskie who brought the medicine to the village and the little girl lived...I know, it's a kid thing, my kids love dogs (we have 3 and they came with us)...hence my kids B-days. Well, we had a delightful time...the drive was long...traffic..we could have ran faster!!

So, no, I haven't started the core training...still doing some sit up stuff, but not in the groove yet. I need to start as the sunner will fly by.

I don't knw how to post reply to y'all individually..so, hmmm, I can just add on...


Filipe, (Chris) Sounds like you need to do more threshold training to develop your strength even more. For instance, I'm not very fast, (quarter 67) but I could race a 10 km at 5:09 pace...threshold got me there...you ned to created a whole new comfort level and it does take time and consistency...hills, long intervals, 3 minute, 4 minute 5 minute, 7 minute 10 minute sectins to build on. So start at pace where you can maintian form and be steady. Also, you have ayer to build a great foundation..so what are you waiting for...get moving...a year isn't that far off.

How would you periodize your training (if at all) when your schedule is that of one big race months away, and not much in the interim?

Well, first off I had to get in some kidnd of shape...I was completely out of shape...It took me 11 minutes to do a mile whne I started up again.. I have worked steadily up tot he level where i can get fit enough to train for a marathon. This will be the second stagae. The first being getting ready to get ready. Now after the second build up I will be concentrating on threshold world and longer inervales...then I'll do the marahton and gear up again for the next level only wiht more volume and intensity. remember you can only do what you can do, and if you haven't done it in practice you're not going to do it in a race.
Do you think that hooking up with my old high school on some of their training runs might be helpful for me?

That would be great, if you can.
Any other words of advice, tidbits of information, etc. that you can offer me and the others who are here?


I'm a goal oriented runner, and if I don't have a goal deep in my heart... I can't run...not even for the fun of it, I find it difficult...So now I have a goal to sink my teeth into...so I'm going for it...and I'm thriving. Yes, I do a large amount of running on my own. I have to figure out my pace and sort out a lot of stuff...all the while getting to know myself..getting to know exactly what I can do...and my confidence builds from there. I spent a lot of time praying, believe it or not. I thank God for me being here and giving me my family and the joy of running again. I pray a lot, hence I do a lot of miles. I pray to finish them too!

I also try to hook up with other people who enjoy doing what they do, not necessarily runners. I enjoy being around other people who strive to be the best they can be...artist, musicans, other sports people. Not that I hang out with them, I haven't that kind of time. I also read and look for inspirational material to help keep me motivated and on the beam.

So, I suggest you figure out a goal...then go after it...in stages. Let me know, I'll see if I can help you in some way.

Jaguar, yes, I met Debbie, she's sweet and still adjusting the the camp. Sounds like you need more distance...when you train for a distance event your thinking grows with it. When I run my distance runs now, I have so much to think about, ( in between prayers), I think about holding pace, working the hill, zipping the turn, float the stretch...again and again. Ya'know you add the long intervales in stages, so it never seems all that long to me. And besides I love to run distance especially when I'm fit and right now, I'm getting fitter with every run...I love it. If I'm bored with my running, usually, it's a sign I'm tired or I need more variety. I try to vary the courses and the distance runs so that I can keep alert and enjoy the course. Mainly, I keep my goal in the forefront of my thinking, it is never ouot of my sight (site).

Well, I'm going to gear up for my run...hope to hear from y'all and I hope not to take too long between messages...this is now thte only board I have time for.

"on the road again...just can't wait to get on the road again"

[luv2run]

How's the training going? Why the traveling...colleges? Or family? What are you running? Are you going to do low key racing this summer?Traveling is just for vacations/family. I have cousins who run, running with them was fun. Don't see them enough.

My running right now is just building miles with some harder, longer workouts thrown in (tempos, etc.). I have a 10-miler and a 5k coming up, so I'll keep you posted.



Congrats on the training breakthrough, keep it up (everybody)!

[KCTrack]

Hey patti...good stuff...I remember racing your husband on several occasions...not an easy task...in fact I am sure I am 0 for how many times we raced... :(

Good stuff on your training...it really sounds like we are on a similar schedule...I haave not run the 20's yet but doing some of the other stuff...what are you getting ready for...if I remember right Honolulu...oh yea and Hospital Hill... ;) ask Jag about that one...I can't wait until next years race...with us having the National Championship for the women's half marathon I am really looking forward to having a great race and show casing KC...

Later...

[patti]

Hey KCTRACK,
How are you? Yeah, I'm so excited about my running...gee, I can't imagine my life now without it...like what was I doing? DUH! LOL! I spoke to Squires this morning and I told him how happy I was with the breakthroughs, of course, HE knew this was going to happen!!! I can actually RUN and I think I look like a runner now!! I have a 15 miler to do tomorrow with some pussy foot moves.

Yes, Honolulu is the target. I am RUNNING in the Honolulu Marathon and I'm running hard...but what I'm really getting ready for is the Trials..though I hear murmuring about no trials and just winners of the Big Three marathons...NY, B, C. So, we'll see. It won't stop me from doing the time I etched in my heart...I'll still go for it...as a matter of fact, I've been running with that thought in my mind...GRRR! LOL!!

Gotta love the training...ya'know, at one time I won a prize in Boston for my gardens....not now...I'm growing maple saplings in my flower boxes! yikes! My neighbors haven't said anything to me yet...but everybody around me has a NICE yard...oh well, Aaron and I did pull some weeds today....3 hours worth!! LOL! Yes, I'd rather run! And I'm going to...LOL!

how do people do it? I'm at a loss here...kids, dogs, rabbits, cat, chores...lessons, situps... and I have to do lawn care too...forget about it...I'm into naturalizing. hehe

So, KC T what are you getting ready for? Anything coming up soon? I've got nothing! I need an agent! I want an agent! HELLO! Anybody Hear ME!! I need a schedule~....duh* I'm going back out shortly for a short run barefoot...gee, the grass is going dormant and it is starting to hurt my feet, takes about 10 minutes to numb them up...it's worth it though, I look forward to holding form for the long haul...gotta have flicking feet. Hmmm, that has a nice ring to it...

What's the temp where you are? It's hot here, thankfully the heat wave broke we had 12 days of 91 plus with high humdity...I love it...bring it on. I don't like the COLD. When I was running, back in the day, ya'know I only ran through 3 winters...yeah, can you believe it. I took the winters off, I was a wimp....then I started to get invtited to run down South..that was the year I won Racing South Series...yeah, I ran so many races that one year there... Now, it's not so bad...I have kids and I wnat them to be out in the cold to be active, so I gotta be out too> Gotta set an example...Well, I've chatted away too long, you must think I haven't anything else to do...well, it was my break...I'm off to do Mom things...Nice chatting with you.

In JOY :) Patti

[jaguar]

Hey KCTRACK,
but what I'm really getting ready for is the Trials..though I hear murmuring about no trials and just winners of the Big Three marathons...NY, B, C. So, we'll see. It won't stop me from doing the time I etched in my heart...I'll still go for it...as a matter of fact, I've been running with that thought in my mind...GRRR! LOL!!



No way, are you serious?!

I've gradually been putting in more miles. The past year is the first time I've ever been able to train consistently at a high level and stay healthy. The difference has been slowing down the pace and going longer. I've been over 70 for most of the past year, with a long run up to 2 hours. I've found that when I run marked trails without my watch, I concentrate better. You're right though, my thinking will grow as I run and race further. Yeah, come run the Hospital Hill next year!!!!!

[patti]

Hey Jaguar,

How are you? Glad to hear from you. I guess every town has a Hospital Hill...and yours must be the same..up and up. LOL! I'm looking forward to seeing it for myself, (if things can be worked out).

Yes!! Can you believe it, doing away with the system of the Marathon trials. UGH! What are they thinking..or one person thinking. ( arms thrown up in air, big sigh of exasperation!)

I think the system we have now gives the everyday person a chance to go for it! I think it is a fair system. Both the new way and the old, favor the person who has figured out how to train to "peak" for the big race and perform when the pressure is on. The traditional trials process puts all competitors on a level playing field with regard to dealing with the same course, same weather conditions, head -to -head strategies, and that sort of thing. I just think the best way to select a team like this is to run everyone one against the other over a course that is as similar as practical to what the Olympics course will actually be like, and has weather that is similar.

So, why are they even thinking of changing...that I haven't heard...yet...but really, really now! I could just...UGH! I don't know, ( arms back up in air and another sound of exasperation! )

So as to your training....Have you added any work into your long runs yet. How many 20 milers are you doing? Are you alternating...I do, for instance, I'll do a 20 one week the next maybe a 16 miler then an 18 miler, then a 16 miler , then a 20 miler. All have different amount of movees in them. I call pick ups "moves" for my long runs, becasue they usually end being moves in the race. SO in essence I'm practicing my race strategy now, which makes things easier for me when the time comes...I go on auto pilot and just RUN, Whoppee!

I like the way you do some of your long runs...no watch... I call those "freelance days" only I run just not 2 hours or with a plan other than, I stop when the party is over....ya'know. I love those days. I did one last Saturday...I had a blast for myself. I don't did them too frequently, but when I do, and I'm in the mood and I can just go. And I feel great the next day and not miss a beat...Funny how that works!

MMMmmm, the kids and I just made Chocolate chip cookies...I love running... Got MILK? :)

[jaguar]

I have the same feeling if they do axe the Marathon Trials (Ugh!). I just want something big to train for; something special to qualify for and run. Sure, I could train for Chicago, New York, Boston, but so can everyone else! Man, I hope it doesn't happen.

Um, well, I haven't run 20 miles yet! Is 20 miles the magic number?:) I've only gotten up to 2 hours consistently on Sunday's, which for me equates to about 16-17 miles. I pick up the pace as I go and keep it controlled. I would do these over rolling terrain on a marked trail, but since I've come home all I have is the flat OU campus. I do one or two runs a week where I pick up the last 1/4 or 1/2 to low 6min. pace (marathon pace). These don't take much out of me, but I'm guessing these are the runs where I should "focus" on race strategy (?). Once I get out of the heat in the next week and a half, I'll work on increasing my long runs and adding in double days. My fitness has progressed tremendously as compared to this time last year; I just don't get tired!

[jaguar]

Haha, yes, I just saw your auto-pilot comment! That describes my long runs exactly! Love it!

[patti]

Good Morning Jaguar,

I have a nice and sprinkly day here this morning...I'm doing a 15 miler..after I have some java...I'm back to drinking coffee again...Funny how when the miles add up so does the coffee.

If I may be so bold as to make a suggestion about your long runs? Well, I'll make a suggestion, and that's all it is, ok? ok.

Well, first off why not try doing some pick ups during your run. Just start with some pussy foot moves. For instance, every 10' (minutes) do a 1' pick ups. What this will do is to get you to lift you legs throughout the course of the run. You'll will find that you will become stronger the more you do these. After about a few weeks of doing something like this add more time, only just enough for you body to not really notice..add maybe 30 seconds to a 1' and then add maybe a 2' after 3, 1' . Understand? It does take time. I've been doing these for several months now and I am getting faster and stronger. While I do these I am sometimes imagining I am making a surge in a race or responding to one. It also makes the run go by much faster.

Now as to the race startegy...well, it just sort of happens through the pace work in practice. The body isn't going to do what you haven't done in practice. I practice lifting my legs in the later stages of the run...so my legs will lift in the later stages of a race. I'm not racing against people, I'm racing to get my best...and we all know the later stages of a race is critical to the over all performance. I cringe when I hear people say "I was right on it until 18...20. 22, 24.." That tells me they didn't do their work If you haven't done it in practice, it's more likely you're not going to do it when the time comes. So, I practice sections of the race so that I can hold it together. If you want to make a move around 18 miles...well, figure out before hand what your time will be and practice picking it up at the time in your practice. Let's say it's 1:50...so, during your runs do a pick up, lets say start with a 1', then gradually add more time, and before you know at 18 miles, you have a MOVE.

After a while it will come automatically. To give you an example, I've been doing long runs now since January, and I've had work in time all this time..well, last Thursday I did a 20 miler..just run it, no work in it. Well, you know what happened, I did moves in it without even planning to.. So, they are already making their way into my runs and I'm forming a game plan...It takes long time to develop, but it is well worth it...I look forward to see what I can do after a couple of years of these type of workouts. Right now I'm concentrating just on the marathon...nothing else.

Hope this helps.

[luv2run]

Hi everybody...!

What's the temp where you are? It's hot here, thankfully the heat wave broke we had 12 days of 91 plus with high humdity...I love it...bring it on. I don't like the COLD.I hear you, I'm the same way. I hate running in the cold and especially racing in it. I'd rather have 85 degrees than 35.


Something I've been curious about, patti (not that I'll be training for marathons anytime soon, unfortunately). Does your long run ever get longer than 26 miles? Do you do your long run for time (like a 3-hour run rather than a 25-mile run)? Just wondering.

Keep up the training, all!

(I love this thread, it's so positive and motivating.)

[patti]

hey luv2run,

How are you? I just love your handle...luv2run...I do too. hehe.

Ok, on to your question, which by the way is a good one and a little loaded because there's quite a bit of debate about it. This is what I do....drumroll please...First off, knowng that I'm doing a marathon in December I know I have x amount of time. Also knowing that this is my first foray in about 20 years, I do need to get to know myself again and become friends again with my running.

My fire comes from...a heart swelling of a dream and WORK. I will add a tad of time over time. Right now I've done up to 20 miles and it has taken me as long as 2:45 and as fast as 2:22 in the matter of nine months. So, now I will still do 20 miles at a work pace and then I'll start adding time....not miles...to the overall time so that I get accustomed to being on my feet for a certain amount of time.

When I get up to 3 hours I will then begin another system of adding work into the time frame. For instance, ok, let's say I've already have done 3 hours...so I know what it feels like to be on my feet for three hours...now I will start adding pickups in that time frame and not run more than 3 hours just yet....I will add work. If I can't pick up my legs in practice, how am I going to be picked up them when in a race. I practice and I practice holding form while fatigued and try to keep my feet flicking over. I'm more interested in cadence than time...time will come...holding form takes work and strength.

I will start doing an easy first hour with pick ups in the second hour, then an easy 30 minutes with a pick up at 2:30 hours. I will gradually add a layer at a time. I will do Honolulu knowing that I have plenty of work to do, as this will be a stepping stone to bigger and greater things. Meaning I need to do Honolulu to see how I translate the work I've been doing and to bring me to the next level. It will probably take a couple of years doing this type of work before it finally comes to full fruition. It takes time, diligence and consistency. My strength will gather with each and passing level. As I go through the physical development I will also be growing mentally and spiritually. My confidence will gather and I will run as though on a mission and wallla!!!

I usually don't run more than 3 hours...though I have. When I do...it's not a workout of any sort..I just go run a favorite course several times or I go explore a whole knew area...often times I don't wear a watch and I run until the party is over...meaning when it becomes work...I mean what's the fun of running if it's not fun any more...that is when I have done over 3 hours...and I'm not telling how much over...not to give you any funny ideas......luv2run...you are too young to be galloping along for hours on end.....now is the time for you to develop your fast twitch fibers as much as you can...and do core work and hills for form...Though if you want to have fun for an hour and half try running without a watch and no set limit for pace..run how you feel...it is a lot of fun..I have the best time doing this...though I get bored if I do it too often...So it is a once in awhile treat.

Hope this helps you out luv2run...keep up your great attitude and have a great summer running along. Ya'know I gave one of my kids a 'freelance' week. He can run whatever he chooses, but not over 90 minutes...and the premise is that he needs to come back next week and feel refreshed and renewed for the next phase...I'm interested to see what he does....

I've done this kind of work myself and I marvel at what I do and how I feel afterwards...It has given me the drive to feel the same way in my races....GRRR! I find it amazing what an athlete can accomplish when there isn't pressure. I find that I can translate those kind of workouts into my racing...but one needs to be fit to do them...So....injoy..Patti :)

[Filipe]

All it took was reading my new Runner's World to get back into the running thing. Reading the Ed Eyestone article on 2-a-days was just what I needed. It reminded me of the things I did the winter of my junior year when I was getting stronger and faster.

Back to 2-a-days for me. At least 30-40 in the morning, and 40-60 in the afternoon/evening. I'll be strong as an ox and my aerobic capacities will max out, I hope.

[luv2run]

Thanks for the advice patti. My training is very structured, I only run over an hour once or twice a week, long run up to an 90 minutes at the most. This is a good thing for training but I agree that sometimes, you just need to get out there and run, without a watch or a goal.


Filipe, I read that article and found it intriguing. Also, I heard the great coach (formerly of Stanford) Vin Lannana speak recently and he said that 2-a-days are a good idea for about ages 15+. So I'm thinking about starting up.
EDIT: Well, I do 2-a-days occasionally (once a week or so). But I mean on a regular basis, 3+ days per week. But like patti said, I'm not sure running extra miles is what I need right now....

[Filipe]

I'm not entirely sure what I should be working on--I don't know if I'll ever be able to run a faster 400 than 57. I do know though, that I can maintain a pace like no other; so I've always gone on developing my aerobic endurance and strength as far as I can.

Also, whenever I do a lot of speed workouts, I never really improve.

[luv2run]

I'm not entirely sure what I should be working on--I don't know if I'll ever be able to run a faster 400 than 57. I do know though, that I can maintain a pace like no other; so I've always gone on developing my aerobic endurance and strength as far as I can.

Also, whenever I do a lot of speed workouts, I never really improve.Core exercises and daily strides are what I'm doing right now to improve my basic speed. It's great because you can still do endurance workouts while adding in these things.

[Filipe]

Core exercises and daily strides are what I'm doing right now to improve my basic speed. It's great because you can still do endurance workouts while adding in these things.

Yea, I hit my core pretty hard 3 days a week, and do form drills as a part of one of my workouts.

[jaguar]

Good Morning Jaguar,

Well, first off why not try doing some pick ups during your run. Just start with some pussy foot moves. For instance, every 10' (minutes) do a 1' pick ups. What this will do is to get you to lift you legs throughout the course of the run. You'll will find that you will become stronger the more you do these. After about a few weeks of doing something like this add more time, only just enough for you body to not really notice..add maybe 30 seconds to a 1' and then add maybe a 2' after 3, 1' . Understand? It does take time. I've been doing these for several months now and I am getting faster and stronger. While I do these I am sometimes imagining I am making a surge in a race or responding to one. It also makes the run go by much faster.

Ok, thanks for the advice! That sounds like exactly what I need! I like the feeling of being on auto-pilot and just rolling along, but I do need to "snap out of it", so making some moves like this should help. I find that the same thing happens in my longer races; I get in a groove, but I need to open my eyes when it gets tough.... have some spark! Yeah, definitely need to practice on the spark when my legs get tired!

I agree about the coffee... I've even caught myself drinking those mini-Cokes lately!

[quakerxc]

Whoa, can't believe I missed this thread for a long time. I just read the whole thing to catch up. Some great stuff here.

Patti, I see you mention Bill Squires is coaching you? Was he your coach back in the 70s and 80s? I ask because I know he coached one of my running heroes, Dick Beardsley. I met Dick 3 summers ago at a camp I help out at. He's been back every year since (unfortunately I will miss his talk and a chance to run with him this summer since I won't be near home). I had the pleasure of running with him 2 summers ago and we talked about marathoning and training and other things. He's really a great guy. Are you friends with Beardsley? I believe he was coached mostly over the phone, but if you had the same coach odds are you've met him at some point or another.

You've given some great advice on this thread. Some things seem obvious once you read them but they are things I wouldn't have thought of. I'm hoping to make my marathon debut in the next 18 months. If my 5th year eligibility is not approved (for some reason or another), I will likely debut at Chicago this fall. I have a lot of lifetime miles under my belt (I ran around 4000 miles in 2004) so I feel I have the base to start marathon-specific training.

I believe you're dyestat's first and only former world record holder. It's an honor to have you around!

[patti]

quakerxc,

It's a pleasure to chat with you. Oh, you met Beards huh? Yes, nice guy, huh? The best. Oh, I know him through racing...most of us from that era know each other...small world.

Let me see, first off, I was coached by a coach who was coached by THE COACH!! LOL!! Say that three times...giddyup!

Indirectly, I was coached by Squires for 3 years, then he help me again but I ruptured my plantar fascia in Dec. '82...so that ended that...until ....January '05. Now he's advising me....I more or less know what to do and I run things by him and he guides me along...unofficially. hehe. He's retired (don't remind him). We're buddies.

I have a plan and I enjoy having a mentor to guide me along. And he's somebody who has known me a long time, and knows how I "work". I wanted to be able to go ask somebody about some things that can come up from training and Coach certainly knows the STUFFING. I'm blessed to have him be available and open to my running project.

Right now, I think I have about 2 more years of developing...although during the process I hope to have some sparkling moments.

Where are you attending?

Marathoning I love it! The whole process, the thinking, the training. Each marathon is unique and I enjoy preparing months in advance and feeling the development. Like now, for me to be doing what I'm doing now, what you gotta be kidding me, running at a sub 7 clip (on a good day) after not running for a very long time and having my first foray of running do an 11 minute mile. I thought I was gonna die. I mean, I can not stop this now...I have to continue!

"Whoa, I feel good, I knew that I would now I feel good, I knew that I would now, So good, so good..." James Brown..

It was so hard and diffiuclt to get here..the view is fantastic...Oh I know there are other levels to hit and I'm not near the summit, but I'll tell you there's nothing like marathoning/running to be your best. I love the whole strive thing that goes with it...I mean what the heck did I do before. (oh I know, motherhood) but really, running wasn't even in my thinking..(oh dear, I think I'm being a chattycathy. I can do that.)

So, if your going into your fifth year, why are you thinking about a marathon?....gee, what about studying? You're going to need your rest. And if you want, build up strength by doing X/C races. What kind of threshold work have/are you doing? Long intervals ..you need to go in stages...think of an onion...a layer at a time. I'm thinking 2-3 years down the road to be able to get in all the work I need to do...I'm eagerly looking forward to see what the outcome will be.

Let me know how your training comes around and if your running for your school.

In Joy, Patti

[quakerxc]

quakerxc,

It's a pleasure to chat with you. Oh, you met Beards huh? Yes, nice guy, huh? The best. Oh, I know him through racing...most of us from that era know each other...small world.

Let me see, first off, I was coached by a coach who was coached by THE COACH!! LOL!! Say that three times...giddyup!

Indirectly, I was coached by Squires for 3 years, then he help me again but I ruptured my plantar fascia in Dec. '82...so that ended that...until ....January '05. Now he's advising me....I more or less know what to do and I run things by him and he guides me along...unofficially. hehe. He's retired (don't remind him). We're buddies.

I have a plan and I enjoy having a mentor to guide me along. And he's somebody who has known me a long time, and knows how I "work". I wanted to be able to go ask somebody about some things that can come up from training and Coach certainly knows the STUFFING. I'm blessed to have him be available and open to my running project.

Right now, I think I have about 2 more years of developing...although during the process I hope to have some sparkling moments.

Where are you attending?

Marathoning I love it! The whole process, the thinking, the training. Each marathon is unique and I enjoy preparing months in advance and feeling the development. Like now, for me to be doing what I'm doing now, what you gotta be kidding me, running at a sub 7 clip (on a good day) after not running for a very long time and having my first foray of running do an 11 minute mile. I thought I was gonna die. I mean, I can not stop this now...I have to continue!

"Whoa, I feel good, I knew that I would now I feel good, I knew that I would now, So good, so good..." James Brown..

It was so hard and diffiuclt to get here..the view is fantastic...Oh I know there are other levels to hit and I'm not near the summit, but I'll tell you there's nothing like marathoning/running to be your best. I love the whole strive thing that goes with it...I mean what the heck did I do before. (oh I know, motherhood) but really, running wasn't even in my thinking..(oh dear, I think I'm being a chattycathy. I can do that.)

So, if your going into your fifth year, why are you thinking about a marathon?....gee, what about studying? You're going to need your rest. And if you want, build up strength by doing X/C races. What kind of threshold work have/are you doing? Long intervals ..you need to go in stages...think of an onion...a layer at a time. I'm thinking 2-3 years down the road to be able to get in all the work I need to do...I'm eagerly looking forward to see what the outcome will be.

Let me know how your training comes around and if your running for your school.

In Joy, Patti
Patti,
Thank you for your response. My "5th year" is actually my first year in graduate school (at Notre Dame). I ran for 4 years at UPenn (hurt indoors and outdoors freshman year). Don't worry, studying is my primary focus. When I'm in my routine, I do everything well. Running, sleeping, eating, and studying. My junior year, I hit it perfect. Running twice everyday (except Sunday - which was an 8:30am 18-mile long run), being on top of all my classes, and still getting 9 hours of sleep every night. No surprise it was my best season of collegiate running (18th at conference - 25:30 at Van Cortlandt).

I am thinking of marathoning for many reasons. It will no doubt be my best event. I get better as the distance increases and I don't lose my pace much. My 5k pr is 14:53, yet I've been able to comfortably open a 10k in 15:06. I've done some very solid long steady-state runs in the past. Another reason is that I basically do marathon training already. Obviously the workouts need to be geared differently, but the base is there and the long runs just need to be lengthened occasionally. I've done 120 mpw for an extended period of time.

Running while at school shouldn't be much of a problem. I've talked to my adviser and other professors about it and they are all very understanding and are planning things so I will be able to run for the team this first year. Running for the team will be more time-consuming than just running by myself training for a marathon, so I know I will be able to do so in years to come (I'm in a PhD program, so I'm gonna be here a while). 120mpw = less than 2 hours of running total per day.

Currently I am coming off of an injury that hampered my last outdoor season at Penn. I took a month off and was generally unmotivated. I'm starting up again and should run about 50-60 miles this week. I'm feeling much better in general (I feel like garbage when I don't run at all) and I can feel my strength coming back (those first few runs are PAINFUL and can be discouraging). No workouts for me yet (the knee is still a little sensitive and anything fast right now aggravates it). Just building up mileage. I will start doing some tempo runs in a month if all goes well. If my eligibility is approved, I will be training with the team for the year and I will run a few XC races at meets that have open sections (such as ND Invite). It's nice to be out in Indiana where all the big meets happen (ND invites, pre-nats, NCAAs, not to mention the indoor meets here).

I am the opposite of you when it comes to temperature. I will take 40 degrees over 80 any day of the week. It's been so awfully humid out here lately and in the upper-80s and 90s. It's now 9pm here and I am going out for my run after I post this (and it's still not cool enough). I prefer early-mid Spring weather for running (unfortunately Spring lasts about 2 weeks it seems).

Be sure to keep us updated on your training. We love to hear about it.

[patti]

Hi QuakerX/C,

Yes, I know from my own expereince being injuried can be unmotivating to do ANYTHING... unfortunatley me injuries were foot related and it hurt to do cycling swimming even walking, so I ended up at a complete loss and would have to start all over again. Try to keep up a joyful attitude, it helps.

120 miles weeks are nothing to sneeze at...what pace were uyou doing... mostly easy?.. I did high mileage for a while, though now I'm in "less is more" mode. When you start marathon training, you can run things my me if you want and maybe I can help you out.

I hope you will be able to run x/c this fall, it would be great strength training for you. If not, try to nake time to run with the team. I think it would be enocuraging for everybody if you did.

What are you studying? Notre Dame...that's where Squires went.

What was you injury? Are you doing x training? Are you icing your knee? Stretching? Therapy? Take is slow and steady...remember the longer it takes to build up the better off you will be. Try to resist the temptation of running longer when you have a "feels so good" moment. Doesn't work!! They always backfire....I know!!LOL!

Ran this morning...boy is it humid. My legs enjoy running in the humidity, it give my legs with full range of motion....in the winter I have more aches and pains..just little nagging stuff that I can do without...I really prefer like you 40-50- degrees, truly marathoning weather is for me, too. I'm a little tired of feeling worn out from the humidity, though this morning I clipped along at a nice and tidy 7:05 pace with a few 6:50 thrown in... I'm encouraged by the breakthrough I'm having and well,

"CELEBRATE! CELEBBRATE! CELEBRATE! Dance to the music!"

It is ever so sweet...this time last year I wasn't even running!! Check it OUT! I'm just a little excited...I'm looking forward to doing some time trials later this summer...long stuff. I need to find a group and get towed along for some zippy stuff. I'll have to check to see who's doing what around here.

I'm running everything by myself, which can be good, but also stressful. I remember doing very hard workouts with a group and just be towed along for the ride...even though I was hurting, it didn't feel bad...and you always run faster than alone...at least I do.. For me to run faster alone is a learned thing.

Let me know now how you running is coming along...tryy to resist the urge of rushing to come back...steady..
Patti

[patti]

Hi Everybody, Have a great 4th of July...thank you Founding Fathers.

I'm looking forward to the results of the Peachtree Road race. One of the Zapsters is racing...Joe Driscoll. #19. Go Lornagh!! Lovely lady.

Ya'know when I was racing...(way back when) there's one thing I came away with ....DREAM BIG! I had dreams and come to find out...not BIG enough...so go for it! You have nothing, nothing to lose.

"Those were the days my friends,
we thought they'd never end
we'd sing and dance forever and a day.
We lived the live we choose
we'd fight and never lose
For we were young and sure to have our way."

Di di di di di di
di di di di di di
di di di di di di di di di di......

and so it goes...di di di di...

[patti]

(20) Joe Driscoll 30:46

Lornah 31:17 winning for the 4th time!

[KenA55]

http://www.atlantatrackclub.org/at02400.htm

Happy 4th to you and yours as well, Patti. Gawd Almighty, I fell in love with that song as a young teenybopper. Jeannie C. Riley was responsible for that late sixties version, right?

Edit- my bad, Mary Hopkins.

[patti]

Yes, KenA55, Mary Hopkins wrote and sang it...

http://www.letssingit.com/?/song/v7x2lgm.html

Also thank you for the Atlanta link.

[patti]

Training is going ok...I feel a tad flat..well, tired really, recovering from last week's work...as great as it felt...there's a flat side...duh! I find it amazing when you can feel SOOOooo wonderful , like you want to run forever and ever...then, you have a hard time getting out the door. Thankfully, I now it won't last, the flat feeling...unfortunatley I always believe the delightful dancing on the roads will last forever... Somethings I have not learned...though I'm hopeful.

......gardening...ugh! Training and gardening does not compute with me..my back is stiff...Doing core exercises is not panning out like I had hoped..busy being a mom and managing the household...thankfully, I can get the runs in...Looking forward to the next level iin August...

My friend Deka and his lovely wife Theresa are expecting their first child in August...Deka is now a black belt! My son loves Deka...I mean who wouldn't the guy is incredible..great sense of humor and delightful accent.

I have a wager with Stevie Jones...that'd I'd beat him in Honolulu...Hmmmm, one way to get him back into the swing of things.

BR and I will be doing a golf tournament in Hyannis...BR and I golfing...who would've thought. There is a race involved.but the race director wants us to play golf and go for a ferry ride...nice....I'll probably run the 5km with my duaghter and her friend, maybe the Dillon's and Rodger's will run together...that would be something, huh?

Well, hope you are all recovered from the long week-end...any racing to report. (boast) I loved to hear it.

[SteveU]

Patti-

Thanks SSSSOOOOOO much for hanging with this thread I started and helping our young runners. It means so much to have you here. Thanks a million and congrats on your fantastic running ... I mean, WOW, you have gotten pretty fast pretty quick.

p.s. Just have to tell you, Patti ... jag is one of our ALL-TIME FAVORITES! Absolutely a DyeStat Legend. She's been posting here for at least 5 years and we all love her. She helps many younger ones herself!! Thanks for continuing on DyeStat, Jag!

[patti]

Hi Steve! Great to hear from you...sure your very welcome, I'm enjoying myself .. Thank you for not only inviting me here...but letting me know this site existed! I'm enjoying the news very much and find the input invigorating.

Hi Jag, nice to meet you!



I have a few questions, if ya'll don't mind. Thank you in advance. As some of you may know, Danny and I have a running club www.homeschooledharriers.com that we started for our kids..so that they would have running buddies. We enjoyed our runing lifestyle and wanted our children to enjoy what we did. We will be starting our 4th year in September. We find the club rewarding to us as a family. We now have friends we can run with and chat about life through the sport of running. We have many little ones...12 and under. I am hoping you could answer some questions for me.


At what age did you start running?

At what age did you see running as a sport? Do you see it as a health form?

Did your parents have to get you out the door?

When did you start competing?

If you had the chance to be in a running club outside of school what would be the main draw? Track nuts?

How long was your longest race?

Do you run seasonally? For instance just run maybe in the fall, then maybe the Spring?

Are other members of your family runners?

Do you see your running as a lifetime sport?

Do you see your running as a way to be invited to college? (scholarship)

If so, when did you start to train with that goal in your sites?

Do you run alone or with your running buddies?

Do you hang with your running buddies outside of running?

Do you follow your coaches advice in the summer time?
Or do your own thing?

At what age did you start to increase your mileage? 15? 17?

Did you so other sports other than running? If so what?

Did the other sports interrupt your training?

What did you like about your coach?

What didn't you like?

If you could do high school all over again what distance would you do differently?

I know my husband really wanted to break 9 minutes for the 2 mile in High School. I know from listening to him tell the stories about his running in HS that there was nothing different he could do because he was doing everything he could possibly do. He ran 9:26 as a sophmore..then as a junior had pneumonia and as a senior ran 9:08/or 9:11 He was surprised when he finally did break the 9 minute barrier...enroute to a 5km as a Freshman at PC. at the BC Relays, Bill Rodgers, Randy Thomas, Alberto Salazer were also in the race. Breaking the 9 minute barrier was his focus all through h/s. He was State Champ in X/C. What is your focus?

Now Danny also wanted to better his running and instead of going to a college where he would be #1 or 2, he chose to go to PC and be a top runner but not the #1 runner. He trained with John and Ray Treacy and Gerry Deegan, Geoff Smith, Mick O' Shea, Mick Burns, Brendan Quinn, Steve Binns, Nat Muir, Stetson Arnold, John Savoie to name a few. Many are Olympians, 4 minute milers, World Champs...etc..

Danny was usually 2 or 3 man for PC in X/C.

What would be your reason to choose a college? Full scholarship and be the #1 runner? Full scholarship and be maybe #3? Or partial scholarship and train with top runners to get better?

How do you see your running in college? The nearing of the end of a nice career?
Or the stepping stone to another development?
What about after college...informal road races or train for Worlds/Olympics? Do you believe you can have running life of high achievement after college? If so, what steps are you considering now to help make this happen for yourself?

I know it's sorta far off, but now with opportunites starting to come about like ZAP, Hansen and others, would you consider staying in the sport and develop your running for the ling term?

Is it worth being a top American distance runner?
Do you see yourself becoming a world contender?

What would you do to help yourself become a world contender?

[patti]

5K: 17:23 (Grace Race, April '05)
10K: 36:22 (Tulsa Zoo Run, Oct. '04)
15K: 55:46 (Tulsa Run, Oct. '04)
Half Marathon:... Impressive Jaguar...

How's the training coming along? Are you in Oregon yet? What's there for you?

[patti]

Oh dear, I'm sorry...I asked too many questions...sorry.


I hope you've had some great running...the weather has been messy and chilly for this time of year. Wonderful running weather.

As for me, I haven't run in a few days...I just plain don't feel like running...a sign that I'm tired, it'll pass. Ya'know I haven't felt right since the 15 miler.

[luv2run]

Update...

Well, I've been on vacation for a week, but luckily there were nice trails there, specifically a hilly XC ski trail. Also set PRs in the 10-mile and 5k this week, while getting my highest mileage yet this summer. So, I guess everything's been going well for me (!).

How's everybody's training progressing?

[patti]

Hey luv2run, welcome home. Glad you had a fabulous running vacation. PR's!!! AWESOME! Pr's are great!! Congratulations!

Can you tell us what the PR's are? Or are you holding on to them for yourself?

Me? I'm stillnot running...I have poison ivy or something and I'm very uncomfortable...hence I'm tired...lack of sleep due to itch and blisters!!!

So, I'll take a few more days off...nothing I can do other than what I'm doing...

Wonderful to hear of you having some delightful runs. Ah! Makes life great doesn't it? Mmmmm. I just love those kinda of days, weeks!

[luv2run]

Hey patti, thanks for the encouragement. My 10-mile time was a 3-minute PR, 55:39. (I love 10-milers, if I do PR it's always a huge margin.) My 5k was a 17-second PR, 15:39, which wasn't quite what I was shooting for ... but a PR nonetheless, so I can't complain.


It must be tough not to be running, even for a few days, but I hope the break will leave you mentally refreshed and ready to train. Good luck!

[Filipe]

Ugh, I need to stop working (at least retail). I'm scheduled all across the clock, and I'm having the hardest time a. finding time to run, and b. feeling awake enough to run when I actually find the time. :( It's going to take a little bit more out of me to do it, but I'm going to try as hard as I can to at least get in some maintenance mileage (maybe 3-5 a day) until I can get into a good schedule (probably won't happen until school starts).

I'm about 3/4 done with the questions, but I have to go to work :(. I'll finish them later.

[patti]

Hi Filipe!

You work retail...oh my that's hard bieng on your feet all day..UGH! I didn't like when I worked retail...at lest it was in a running store and I got to sit some whne I helped with the shoes... but still it can be a drain. Well, you're doing the right thing...keep on running and do what you can and don't worry about it..enjoy it! The base will build with each and every passing day.

As for me...I'm still out...the poison ivy behind my knee is really sore...it aches and it hurts to walk. I talked to coach last night and we both feel the break will do me good..and I'm still rather tired...now though I think it's being uncomfortable that is draining me. I putting cool compresses on it and I'm getting some relief...but the weather is so hot and humid...I am complaining...I'm sorry...I'm MS. Grumpy today..hehe!

Have a great day at work and keep runnning. Do what you can and maintain your great attitude.

[patti]

[QUOTE=luv2run]Hey patti, thanks for the encouragement. My 10-mile time was a 3-minute PR, 55:39. (I love 10-milers, if I do PR it's always a huge margin.) My 5k was a 17-second PR, 15:39, which wasn't quite what I was shooting for ... but a PR nonetheless, so I can't complain.


It must be tough not to be running, even for a few days, but I hope the break will leave you mentally refreshed and ready to train. Good luck!

WOW! 3 Minutes...that's a chunk a change! and a 17 second PR in the 5km...whoa! ok, now you know what you're suppose to do now right? Keep it in check...PR's are wonderful especially during a building phase....now don't go crazy and run all kinds of miles...I know this...I've done it and it doesn't work..SPLATT! We don't want that to happen. Make sure your easy days are EASY! Coach reminded me again last night...My easy days weren't easy enough...easy means easy...ok? Now lecture is over! hehe.

Go run and enjoy your new level of fitness!

CONGRATULATIONS! :)

[Filipe]

Hi Filipe!

You work retail...oh my that's hard bieng on your feet all day..UGH! I didn't like when I worked retail...at lest it was in a running store and I got to sit some whne I helped with the shoes... but still it can be a drain. Well, you're doing the right thing...keep on running and do what you can and don't worry about it..enjoy it! The base will build with each and every passing day.

As for me...I'm still out...the poison ivy behind my knee is really sore...it aches and it hurts to walk. I talked to coach last night and we both feel the break will do me good..and I'm still rather tired...now though I think it's being uncomfortable that is draining me. I putting cool compresses on it and I'm getting some relief...but the weather is so hot and humid...I am complaining...I'm sorry...I'm MS. Grumpy today..hehe!

Have a great day at work and keep runnning. Do what you can and maintain your great attitude.

Yea, I work at Home Depot in the garden department. I'm walking around all day, lifting things, pricing, answering the phone, and a lot of times I'm looked at for leadership. I should ask for a raise :D.

I figure I probably walk between 3 and 6 miles each of my shifts, which, though not running, will help me a little.

[Filipe]

..


At what age did you start running? 12

At what age did you see running as a sport? 12 Do you see it as a health form? Yes, I have used it at the University of Oklahoma to start getting people out and exercising -- my running club. (http://www.oudaily.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2004/10/12/416b4ffe20d83?in_archive=1)

Did your parents have to get you out the door? Nope, as I started training more and more (lol...2 or 3 miles a day) my dad would run with me after dinner, though.

When did you start competing? 12, I first started running when I heard about this weird sport called Cross Country. The high school advertised middle school races at my school and I decided to start.

If you had the chance to be in a running club outside of school what would be the main draw? The chance to run with me. ;) Actually, the reason I started it was to get more people out running, to have people to run with, and to help the US with obesity and their standing in track and field. Track nut? I guess you could say I am.

How long was your longest race? The furthest I've raced so far is the 10k, though, if I can actually have a stretch of uninterrupted training, I would definitely go towards the marathon.

Do you run seasonally? I run year round, provided that I have the time...*shakes fist at Home Depot*

Are other members of your family runners? My mom was the fastest girl at her elementary school, my dad ran 57 for the 400 when he was in 7th grade, but quit to play baseball and football.

Do you see your running as a lifetime sport? It's the only sport I see doing until I die.

Do you see your running as a way to be invited to college? (scholarship) I did, but was unable to attain one as a result of injuries and poor coaching (the two go hand-in-hand).

If so, when did you start to train with that goal in your sites? Freshman year of high school, I really got big into going for the scholarship--I had the talent, but it was never developed (I could run 18:10-18:30 in the summer before my freshman year, but only ran 19:14 my freshman year, for instance)

Do you run alone or with your running buddies? All my life I've run alone (except for with my dad). There were some times I ran with some runners from the school down the road from my high school, but that was because they weren't afraid to run my workouts (the guys from my high school were).

Do you hang with your running buddies outside of running? I definitely do. Bowling, bonfires, just driving around. You name it, we probably have done it.

Do you follow your coaches advice in the summer time? No. And that would be why I ran faster in the summer/winter than I did during the seasons. You know you're in a bad spot when your coaches say that you know more about running than they do. Or do your own thing? I did my own thing--high mileage, hills, and strength work.

At what age did you start to increase your mileage? 15? 17? 13. I was running 40-60 miles the summer before my freshman year (I turned 14 the August before my freshman year). I've always been a fan of high mileage.

Did you do other sports other than running? If so what? Running is my only sport, though I play pickup games of basketball and football from time to time.

Did the other sports interrupt your training? Not applicable

What did you like about your coach? I really only liked one of my coaches, he was sponsored by reebok, ran 2:20 for the marathon, 14:2x for the 5k. He was knowledgeable and the first day that he came to coach us, he chased me down in an out and back 6 miler (we met up at the 4 mile mark) and started talking running.

What didn't you like? Their emphasis on speed instead of distance. Their insistance that I follow their program when it wasn't helping me.

If you could do high school all over again what distance would you do differently? I'd do it all over differently. I would do a lot more running after practice to make up for what happened at practice, and I would make myself stronger.

I know my husband really wanted to break 9 minutes for the 2 mile in High School. What is your focus? Sub-9 in the 2 mile, sub-15 in the 5k. Never came close though. :(

What would be your reason to choose a college? Full scholarship and be the #1 runner? Full scholarship and be maybe #3? Or partial scholarship and train with top runners to get better? Take the partial and train with top runners. I did that as a youngin in high school; it really helped me with my pain tolerance and strength.

How do you see your running in college? The nearing of the end of a nice career? Or the stepping stone to another development? A stepping stone to another development, I guess. I'll be able to train as I want to, so I will be able to build up my base and strength as I want to and then see what happens from there.

What about after college...informal road races or train for Worlds/Olympics? Do you believe you can have running life of high achievement after college? If so, what steps are you considering now to help make this happen for yourself? I believe that I can have a running life of high achievement after college. So after college, I would like to be able to train for Worlds/Olympics. I'm just doing everything I can to build my aerobic base--walking (at work, my dog, etc), sprinting around (when playing with my dog in the back yard), and building my base through long runs.

I know it's sorta far off, but now with opportunites starting to come about like ZAP, Hansen and others, would you consider staying in the sport and develop your running for the long term? I am actually very close with the Hansons, if I can get my times down, I would maybe consider running for them if they wanted me.

Is it worth being a top American distance runner? Do you see yourself becoming a world contender? What would you do to help yourself become a world contender? I believe it is worth beign a top American distance runner. Though you don't get quite the glory as other professional athletes, I think being the best in your country is a goal to shoot for. I think that I could become a world contender if everything goes my way. I just have to keep learning more about the sport, talking with people like the Hansons, you, and find other good sources of information to learn from.

[patti]

Filipe,

Thank you, thank you, thank you so much for answering my questions.


Thank you for sharing some of the details about your running. You're an inspiration. I would like to know more about your club...I clicked it on, and yes, it did come up but I can't read it...it's blurry and very small print.

Sounds lilke you had a frustrating H/S experience in running and I'm glad you stayed in the sport.

I'm going back to reread your answers. THANK YOU!

[Zat0pek]

Well past my competitive prime, but I'll answer from the perspective of my "career", such as it was.


At what age did you start running? Ran track the first time at 13 (7th grade); started running full-time, year round at 14.

At what age did you see running as a sport? Do you see it as a health form? Saw it as a sport from the beginning. The health form never really was a factor for me. I ran for two reasons: I loved it, and to compete. The health aspect was just a nice side effect to me.

Did your parents have to get you out the door? No, they more often tried to dissuade me from running on 115 degree days or in sub-zero temps. We lived in the country (no streetlights), and if I couldn't get my run in during the day, my dad would follow me in the car so I could run in the headlights.

When did you start competing? 13.

If you had the chance to be in a running club outside of school what would be the main draw? Track nuts? To get better, run faster, meet better competition. I belonged to one club for a year my freshman year in high school before it folded (coach was indicted for child molestation and committed suicide at home as the police were coming to pick him up). That was the end of my club experience.

How long was your longest race? In high school? 10K on the roads. Ran 4 or 5.

Do you run seasonally? For instance just run maybe in the fall, then maybe the Spring? All year round, any conditions.

Are other members of your family runners? No.

Do you see your running as a lifetime sport? Yes, but it waxes and wanes and takes on different forms over my life. I haven't race in years.

Do you see your running as a way to be invited to college? (scholarship) Definitely. My family didn't have a lot of money and while that wasn't my sole motivation, it was a very important side effect.

If so, when did you start to train with that goal in your sites? As soon as I realized I might have the ability to do it; maybe 15.

Do you run alone or with your running buddies? High school, alone in the off-season (no one to run with, really). College teammates all year round. Now, alone.

Do you hang with your running buddies outside of running? My college teammates are still my best friends. Groomsmen at one anothers weddings, godfathers to one anothers kids. Three of us still meet semi-regularly for dinner.

Do you follow your coaches advice in the summer time?
Or do your own thing? I high school I wrote my own off season schedules. Biggest influences were The Self-Made Olympian by Ron Daws, Running the Lydiard Way, Marty Liquori's Guide for the Elite Runner and a few others. I also went to every training seminar I could, including people like physiologist Dr. David Costill (author of A Scientific Guide to Distance Running) and one with the man himself, Arthur Lydiard, when he was touring the States in '80 or '81. High school coach always knew what I was doing and we talked about.

At what age did you start to increase your mileage? 15? 17? Big jump came during the summer between soph and junior years, so 16.

Did you so other sports other than running? If so what? None. I was 6'2" tall and 130 pounds with about an 8" vertical leap. Football and basketball were not exactly options for me.

Did the other sports interrupt your training? N/A?

What did you like about your coach? He treated me with respect and expected a lot out of me.

What didn't you like? He was a little too passive. I wish he had been a bit more hands on. That and I think he just lacked a lot of experience then; he was only about 24 or 25.

If you could do high school all over again what distance would you do differently? Training wise I would change a lot. I only had one gear: As hard as I could go and finish the run. I would slow down an easy days and have some threshold-type work or long intervals and some basic sprint/speed work in my base. That and lift more and add plyo's.

I know my husband really wanted to break 9 minutes for the 2 mile in High School. I know from listening to him tell the stories about his running in HS that there was nothing different he could do because he was doing everything he could possibly do. He ran 9:26 as a sophmore..then as a junior had pneumonia and as a senior ran 9:08/or 9:11 He was surprised when he finally did break the 9 minute barrier...enroute to a 5km as a Freshman at PC. at the BC Relays, Bill Rodgers, Randy Thomas, Alberto Salazer were also in the race. Breaking the 9 minute barrier was his focus all through h/s. He was State Champ in X/C. What is your focus? Be the best I could. Qualify of Kinney (now Foot Locker) was a goal (never got it). Break all the school records by as much as possible. Beat the "city kids." We lived in a rural area and my high school didn't even have a track; I ran all of my intervals in the cemetary and never once had a home track meet in four years of high school. I had a chip on my shoulder about the kids with the tartan tracks. When I was 14, I ran my first AAU Junior Olympic meet. I had on double-knit polyester shorts, a plain red cotton tank top from K-Mart and discount store spikes. Warming up, I saw a fellow competitor in a track club warm up. I freaked, and walkd to the stands and told my junior high coach, "That guy belongs to a track club!" My coach, without missing a beat, yelled back, "So what?! I belong to a 4-H club! Now go warm up!" Point taken. I beat the kid by 6 seconds in an 800. But that underdog mentality never left me.

What would be your reason to choose a college? Full scholarship and be the #1 runner? Full scholarship and be maybe #3? Or partial scholarship and train with top runners to get better? I made the mistake of going to an NAIA school because the offered me the most. A good team, but a horrible experience. I later turned in my scholarship and transferred to walk on at D-I school. Best decision I ever made.

running in college? The nearing of the end of a nice career?
Or the stepping stone to another development? I deluded my self that I would go on and compete while in law school, but I quickly realized that it simply wasn't reasonable. I had given it a good go for nine years and finally had to admit that I simply wasn't going to reach that level that would justify the training and sacrifice in other areas of my life.


What about after college...informal road races or train for Worlds/Olympics? Do you believe you can have running life of high achievement after college? If so, what steps are you considering now to help make this happen for yourself? See above



I know it's sorta far off, but now with opportunites starting to come about like ZAP, Hansen and others, would you consider staying in the sport and develop your running for the ling term? See above

Is it worth being a top American distance runner? Absolutely, if one has developed enough to that point to justify it. But if a guy has gone clear through collegiate running and can't break, say 32:00 for a 10,000 you have to be honest.
Do you see yourself becoming a world contender? See above.

would you do to help yourself become a world contender? Live in a cardboard box if I had to.

[Filipe]

I would like to know more about your club...I clicked it on, and yes, it did come up but I can't read it...it's blurry and very small print.

Well, the summer after I graduated (last summer) I started looking to see if OU had a running club because I wasn't going to be running for the team. When I found that there wasn't one, I decided that I would start one.

I began posting messages on the OU message board about starting a running club, and I received a lot of replies of people who were interested. We started meeting the beginning of the year and then the school paper caught wind of it and wrote a story.


Running club hopes to gain popularity, members
The recently founded group is seeking greater recognition.

Joseph Seals - Daily Staff Writer

October 12, 2004

Every Sunday they can be seen stretching, flexing and warming up for the run. They gather at the reflecting pool just north of Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. From there, they speed down campus streets and into the surrounding areas. Not many know who they are, but perhaps that’s going to change.

Chris Vagasky, University College freshman, founded a running club last summer at OU. Vagasky said the club is about finding out what its members are capable of.

“I took it upon myself to start the running club because I want to stay in shape and push myself,” he said. “There are others who want to get into athletics on campus too.”

Vagasky, who was a member of his high school cross country team, said he founded the club because there wasn’t a running club on campus. The club has about 20 members now, and Vagasky said he expects it to grow.

Some members said one of the most important reasons students should join the club is to connect with other people.

“It’s a good chance to get to know other runners and make friends,” said Rebecca White, graduate student.

White has been running since age nine and was one of the first club members.

White said the club also allows members to meet with other athletes and is a good stress reliever.

Robert Landis, University College freshman, said the club is good for anyone interested in running as a sport and for anyone just wanting to have a good time.

“Members stay in shape, get to meet new people, and hopefully enjoy competitive races for fun,” Landis said.

While the club is going well, Landis said that, with more members, it will get even better. He said he wants to see competitive racing find its way into the club.

“I would like to see many students come out and join and become established as a intramural-like sport,” he added.

Vagasky said the camaraderie is one of the most important reasons athletes and non-athletes alike should join the club.

“We have no set courses and try to have a group run every weekend, but members are free to get together on their own and run if they want to,” he said.

The club is not officially associated with the university and is non-academic. Membership is open to faculty, staff and students and no running experience is necessary to join.

Last year we had about 30 members involved (in our first year, that was amazing). I now offer free coaching for those interested in the OKC marathon, any road races, or for those who just want to get into shape.

[jaguar]

Patti-

Thanks SSSSOOOOOO much for hanging with this thread I started and helping our young runners. It means so much to have you here. Thanks a million and congrats on your fantastic running ... I mean, WOW, you have gotten pretty fast pretty quick.

p.s. Just have to tell you, Patti ... jag is one of our ALL-TIME FAVORITES! Absolutely a DyeStat Legend. She's been posting here for at least 5 years and we all love her. She helps many younger ones herself!! Thanks for continuing on DyeStat, Jag!

Thanks Steve for the kind words! :p Yep, been visiting since Dec. '98 and posting on the boards since around fall '99. I remember "back in the day" when Lauren Fleshman used to post-- definitely inspiring! Now we've got Patti.:) Keep it up Patti!

I've been on the road the past week and trying to catch up with all the messages. Gotta say.... it's gorgeous up in Corvallis, OR!!!! Feels like paradise and definitely different from Oklahoma. My honey says it reminds him of home in Ireland.

[jaguar]

Oh yeah..... this is soooooo weird..... they have "Gas Attendants" in Oregon!!!! There's a $10,000 fine if you pump your own gas. Shocking! :eek:

[Filipe]

Oh yeah..... this is soooooo weird..... they have "Gas Attendants" in Oregon!!!! There's a $10,000 fine if you pump your own gas. Shocking! :eek:

Holy moses!!

Oh well, I wouldn't mind that not having to pump my own gas thing. And yes, I agree, you are one of the top posters here, jag. :)

[Filipe]

Camille, I just read it being a 500 dollar fine, not 10000 dollars. But not being able to pump your own gas is still ridiculous!

Patti, interestingly enough, soon after posting about my running club, somebody from OU sent me a message expressing interest. (She was interested last year, but lost the email address when moving, but she found it and is wanting in)

It's awesome that I have people so interested in it.

[luv2run]

WOW! 3 Minutes...that's a chunk a change! and a 17 second PR in the 5km...whoa! ok, now you know what you're suppose to do now right? Keep it in check...PR's are wonderful especially during a building phase....now don't go crazy and run all kinds of miles...I know this...I've done it and it doesn't work..SPLATT! We don't want that to happen. Make sure your easy days are EASY! Coach reminded me again last night...My easy days weren't easy enough...easy means easy...ok? Now lecture is over! hehe.Thanks for the advice, patti, I will be sure to follow it. Yesterday I ran 4 miles at 8 min/mile, so I am taking it easy often.

Good luck with the training, everybody. It's great to see this thread really starting to take off.

[patti]

"...if I couldn't get my run in during the day, my dad would follow me in the car so I could run in the headlights." Zatopek


Oh Zatopek, that tickled my heart...what a beautiful memory.

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my curiosity. I didn't grow up a runner, Danny did. He never heard of x/c until High School! He said, "ya mean there's a sport without a ball..just running.." LOL!! Yes, he went on to be State Champ with his brother followng the next year..both went to PC. The Dillon boys ran for years without racing...because they never knew there were races.

Now I have your prospective along with Danny's and Filipe.

All very different, ah! But the same... ALL LOVE TO RUN! BINGO! What I'm finding is either you love or you don't...no in between. And that's for kids, too. I figured if you create a mood...good scenic place to run with your peers then BINGO! Well, not quite...you just plain have to fall in love with running, no bells or whistles needed.

I read the same books! I met Ron Dawes, he coached Lorrainae Moller at on time. Soft spoken quiet guy.

Well, I'm going back to reread the answers again... I may have missed some thing the first time around.

Thank you!!

[patti]

Yesterday I ran 4 miles at 8 min/mile, so I am taking it easy often.




luv2run (I do to)

YES!YES!YES! Now you'll roll! Great!

[patti]

Yesterday I ran 4 miles at 8 min/mile, so I am taking it easy often.




luv2run (I do to)

YES!YES!YES! Now you'll roll! Great!

[patti]

Hi Filipe,

When you put on your first race...I'd like to run it!! You're not far from there..yeah know. It's only a matter of time before you will be MR. RD (race director).

What you studying?

Great on receiving another member! What are you going to name your club?

[Filipe]

You got it Patti. You can have bib number 1.

I'm studying meteorology at OU, it's a lot of fun--even if it is a lot of math. :)

The club is CORC (Central Oklahoma Running Club). It is only going to be loosely affiliated with the University, such that we can build our numbers more easily and involve more people. I already work with the Norman Running Club with events and other running related things (they read the article in the paper and stepped forward to offer 10% off running shoes for club members).

I don't know when my first race as RD will be, but I am hoping that I can have it affiliated with the MDA in some way. Maybe having some of the proceeds going to the MDA or something like that.

I've been thinking about a fall road or cross country race, and maybe a spring open track meet.

Edit: PS. You can call me Chris. :)

[patti]

Oh Chris,

Thank you.


"Let me ask you something, to give you an idea what I'm talking about. After a race, do you:

(a) carry on as a normal day, or do you
(b) need to lie in bed in fetal position for a few hours to recover?" Filipe

you forgot:

(C) go home and have a pint of Haagen Daz

I'm a C person

[jaguar]

Camille, I just read it being a 500 dollar fine, not 10000 dollars. But not being able to pump your own gas is still ridiculous!

Patti, interestingly enough, soon after posting about my running club, somebody from OU sent me a message expressing interest. (She was interested last year, but lost the email address when moving, but she found it and is wanting in)

It's awesome that I have people so interested in it.

Hey felipe, I think my mentor was just trying to scare me about the gas pumping thing!:p It's still crazy though!

I have very limited internet access at the moment, so I'm not sure when I'll be able to get online again. Hope everyone is doing well! Nothing wrong with 8 min/mile pace..... develop more aerobically.

[Filipe]

Hey felipe, I think my mentor was just trying to scare me about the gas pumping thing!:p It's still crazy though!

I have very limited internet access at the moment, so I'm not sure when I'll be able to get online again. Hope everyone is doing well! Nothing wrong with 8 min/mile pace..... develop more aerobically.

Call. Me. Chris. :D

We'll take the chances to see you when we can.

[KenA55]

LOL, as future race director/meteorologist, imagine the heat you'll take when your first event gets blown off the calendar by one of those Okie storms!

[Filipe]

I'd be hot if that happened. Piping hot.

[jaguar]

Oh Chris,

Thank you.


"Let me ask you something, to give you an idea what I'm talking about. After a race, do you:

(a) carry on as a normal day, or do you
(b) need to lie in bed in fetal position for a few hours to recover?" Filipe

you forgot:

(C) go home and have a pint of Haagen Daz

I'm a C person

Hahahahaha!!!!!! I'm a C person too!!!!!!

[wineturtle]

Hi Patti,
Thanks for the invite.
To the posters I'd like to introduce myself...... Tom Hyland is my name and I post as wineturtle .I just read the thread and I'm in awe of all the fire and passion I hear about our sport from you runners.. As a former slow sprinter I fell in love with this sport because of the people. I worked as an Official for years in the NYC area and was lucky enough to be mentored by some great Officials and Meet Directors. One of my goals as a high school runner was to run in "The Garden" (MSG)never happened but I got to be on the Garden floor as an Official, in some ways that is harder to do than as a runner. But it is the people you meet that makes it all go around,sweat and blisters surely but the support and shared laughter with in the running family is what it's about.I'll play still mouth for a while and hope I can add some thoughts to the topics you have started.
Patti your list of Q's is thought provoking and insightful I hope to hear more young runners put their feeling into words.It is hard for me to believe that almost 50 years have passed since that second place finish to Bob Koketch in sixth grade. It is truely a life sport.
Enjoy the wonders of the road and the fellowship it brings.

[Zat0pek]

Welcome, wineturtle!

The Lounge can be in interesting place. Lots of non-running subjects down here by people all over the social and political spectrum, but the discussions are of a better quality than you find on most other boards. The fact that its semi-private and well-moderated (a tip of my hat to steveu!) really helps.

Pull up a chair and meet some new friends! Patti's positive outlook is infectious, and the Lounge is the better for having you folks here!

[Zat0pek]

"...if I couldn't get my run in during the day, my dad would follow me in the car so I could run in the headlights." Zatopek


Oh Zatopek, that tickled my heart...what a beautiful memory.

That's just the kind man my dad is. I don't think my parents missed more than a couple races my whole career.

[Filipe]

My dad was at every one of my races, it was always a boost having him there. He's the competitive type, which surely helped me out.

I have to say, I kind of miss running for a team--there were some races where I did things I didn't think I could, all for the good of the team.

[patti]

Good Morning!

Thank you ZatOpek for giving my friend wineturtle a warm welcome.

I was hoping you'd post wineturtle.

He is quite the story teller and has seen many "Wide World of Sports" (running) moments. 50 Years...So please folks, if you have any questions about races at Madison Square Garden, or really any races...he goes to many ask.

Welcome wineturtle! I'm sure you are doing the same thing I did when I first found out about dyestat, READ! There's so much. I'm getting a little bit more adventuresome and branching out. I'm sure you won't take as long as I did, knowing you.

Loveya! P

[Zat0pek]

Thank you ZatOpek for giving my friend wineturtle a warm welcome.

My pleasure. I always enjoy his posts on letsrun, but I tend to post very little over there because of all the "noise" (I'm being polite here) on an unmoderated board. I tend to hang out more here and over at the T&FN board, which rivals and maybe even exceeds this one for how heavily it is moderated.

I have anti-virus, anti-spyware and anti-spam protection on my computer. If boards could just come up with anti-troll software, we'd be all set! :cool:

[Filipe]

My pleasure. I always enjoy his posts on letsrun, but I tend to post very little over there because of all the "noise" (I'm being polite here) on an unmoderated board. I tend to hang out more here and over at the T&FN board, which rivals and maybe even exceeds this one for how heavily it is moderated.

I have anti-virus, anti-spyware and anti-spam protection on my computer. If boards could just come up with anti-troll software, we'd be all set! :cool:

I knew I'd seen wineturtle before. Sadly, he does get kind of lost in the "noise" of which you speak. Welcome aboard, WT, it's good to have another true legend in the house.

[Zat0pek]

I was having a phone conversation with a fellow Legend the other day and the comment was made to the effect that it was too bad we couldn't be having that conversation over a cold beer. I immediately responded that we could. He could grab a beer and so could I and we have a cold one together. . . by phone.

Maybe some Friday afternoon we ought to schedule a virtual TGIF party in the Lounge. Everbody grab a beer and post away!

Whaddaya think of that, everyone?

In fact, I think I'll start a separate thread on this and see what everyone thinks.

[Filipe]

Do it next Friday!! I'm off work (because they're cutting hours).

[Filipe]

At what age did you start running? 14, Sophomore year.
At what age did you see running as a sport? Do you see it as a health form? I had just moved, and it was just something to do. I also figured I could just meet some people before school started. So I signed up for CC.
Did your parents have to get you out the door? Nope.
When did you start competing? Well…I was in races as a sophomore, didn’t start to actually compete until fall of Junior year.
If you had the chance to be in a running club outside of school what would be the main draw? Track nuts? The main draw would be training with people who love running and know what they are talking about/doing. Plus I just like hanging out with people who have the same interests as me.
How long was your longest race? Will be 10 come Crim. That I have raced so far is 10k.
Do you run seasonally? For instance just run maybe in the fall, then maybe the Spring? Nope, now I just train year around.
Are other members of your family runners? My dad, was pretty sweet in high school and after college. So that helped in getting me interested, when we moved I found a box of all of his old medals, plaques, and trophies.
Do you see your running as a lifetime sport? Yes.
Do you see your running as a way to be invited to college? (scholarship) YES.
If so, when did you start to train with that goal in your sites? Half way through fall/ beginning winter Junior year. Edit from Filipe: With my help :D
Do you run alone or with your running buddies? During the school years always. Off season half and half.
Do you hang with your running buddies outside of running? Yep.
Do you follow your coaches advice in the summer time? Or do your own thing? I try to follow the plan, but usually end up doing more. Plus I like reading about a training method and trying it out to see how it works.
At what age did you start to increase your mileage? 15? 17? I have really upped it this year, so 16.
Did you so other sports other than running? If so what? None.
Did the other sports interrupt your training?--------
What did you like about your coach? They are both just good guys. They will do anything to help me, or one of my teammates out. Plus they are always willing to try something new and they are always reading about different training styles. They are just good people who love what they do.

flukerun will finish this after he goes golfing.

[patti]

I agree with you Zat0pek...Filipe can make it next Friday night...luv2run and Flukerun, I'll bring the Gatorade for you. OK?

Danny has often mentioned that this is like a clambake..just mosey and chat and mosey some more..like one big happy (running) family!

Wineturtle, what goes good with a bunch of runners on a Friday night, beside Corona?

I'll bring the chips and pineapple salsa from Trader Joe's (my favorite store).

[patti]

Thank you flukerun, (and Filipe)

You're going to to the Crim. I've done that race...hot. I havew some nice memories of Flint. They still do the music down by the water?

I have some reading to do...thank you!
P

[Filipe]

Yes, they still do the music down by the water afterwards. I heard an awesome band there one year, and the next year in school, one of the kids was a relative of one of the musicians.

[wineturtle]

Thank you all for the welcome. A set time to meet on a set thread sounds like a great idea. What to drink is always a question that must be answered quickly....I've found that a mass market light beer is great to start the process..ice cold ..4 swallows of 3oz and the can is gone.......then the real stuff should come out...I love a french country ale called Jenlain...tart crisp with a bitter background tempered by a hint of sweetness in the aftertaste...
you should not start off with a Chocolate Oatmeal Stout(tho it is good in place of a sweet at the end of a meal)remember this is rehydration not aimless Budpounding.Hide the car keys and repeat as long as the tall tales flow(fishermen may tell fishtails....Runners invented the tall type) but you choose your favorite beverage(some of us are not old enough to drink) and gather around the 'puter much like our parents or grandparents did around the radio,Johnny Dollar,The Shadow and off we go to a common world that changes with each listener but would be recognized by all.
I'm available to the slaptop most of the time I'd love to join in.Set a time.!

[KCTrack]

That's just the kind man my dad is. I don't think my parents missed more than a couple races my whole career.


My mom missed very few as well but when I went out to school in California she could not go to meets anymore except for Nationals...I look back at it now and am kind of sorry I went out just for that reason alone...but I had to do what was best for me at the time...

[patti]

I have a story to share...I'll let Danny tell it though. I do know that Dan's parents went to just about every one of their 3 boy's meets while they were in HS. One funny story at he States, his mom was filming with the old fashioned Super 8 camera and she got the first race that didn't have any of her boys running..ran out of film and didn't get her son winning the States!! Thank goodness she saw it in person! Memories.

Here's Danny to tell you about the one of the others. (there are many)

Hi folks. First time on Dyestat for me.

I think the story Patti wants me to tell is the time I went to race in one of those hilly West Virginia road races. My parents had moved down there after all five of us children had grown up and moved away from their house in Massachusetts. They'd been there a few years by this time, and hadn't seen me race for quite a while except for perhaps a quick glimpse or two of some races I didn't win on TV. I think this particular race was over an hour drive from where my parents lived. I was staying at the race headquarters hotel.

Very early in the morning the day of the race Mom went out for a stroll in the garden behind their house. She heard a grunting noise up in an apple tree directly over her head and when she looked up she saw a pretty good sized Brown Bear. Both were obviously startled by the other. The bear jumped down and ran away toward the nearby woods, and my mom tried to turn and run back toward her house. But she tripped and fell. She realized she had probably broken her arm, but she went back inside the house and didn't tell my dad a thing. She knew that he would have taken her to a hospital emergency room instead of driving her to watch me run.

Several hours after the fall, and as soon as the race was over and we'd had a chance to chat for a few minutes she turned to my Dad and said, "Dear, do you suppose there is a hospital around here somewhere. I've hurt my arm...."

[luv2run]

That's a great story, and kind of (*invents word*) representative of the running community. ...wineturtle said in his first post that he got into the sport because of the people. That is completely true for me, although competitiveness might play a part too (wink). I have many friends who are runners or fans and they are all great people and really fun to hang out with, although many of them can drink and I can't. (Thanks for the Gatorade offer by the way, patti. Be careful though -- I might take you up on it.)

Anyways, training is good for me, please keep posting updates everybody. We want to hear about your run.


Patti, I'm going to try to answer your questions, although I don't really have the perspective that you get from time after high school. Still it's good to sit down and think about it while you can still change things.

[Zat0pek]

Great story, Dan. Looks like we know where you got your toughness! You gonna join us for the virtual TGIF party once we get it set up?

[luv2run]

At what age did you start running? 8.

At what age did you see running as a sport? Do you see it as a health form? 12, for jr. high XC. Definitely I run for health also.

Did your parents have to get you out the door? For a few years.

When did you start competing? I ran road races from age 8, but real competition began in jr. high.

If you had the chance to be in a running club outside of school what would be the main draw? Track nuts? The chance to hang out and do what I love with friends who share a common interest.

How long was your longest race? I've entered 25k "races" (just to finish) and road raced distances up to 10-milers.

Do you run seasonally? For instance just run maybe in the fall, then maybe the Spring? Year-round, with a week or two off after spring/fall seasons.

Are other members of your family runners? My dad, and my sister to an extent.

Do you see your running as a lifetime sport? Absolutely, unless my legs fall off first.

Do you see your running as a way to be invited to college? (scholarship) No. Running is not a means to an end, it is an end unto itself. A little free money wouldn't hurt, though.

Do you run alone or with your running buddies? With friends whenever possible.

Do you hang with your running buddies outside of running? All the time.

Do you follow your coaches advice in the summer time? He doesn't give much summer advice....
Or do your own thing? My training is loosely based on Lydiard and common sense. I have mileage goals and workouts (long run, hills) to do each week. And easy runs.

At what age did you start to increase your mileage? 15? 17? It's pretty much been a steady increase of about 10 mpw per year.

Did you so other sports other than running? If so what? I used to play soccer, but quit.

Did the other sports interrupt your training? Not really.

What did you like about your coach? He's a great guy, concerned, knowledgeable, wants to help me get better.

What didn't you like? Inflexibility and focus on low-mileage, speed. We're compromising, though.

I know my husband really wanted to break 9 minutes for the 2 mile in High School. [...] What is your focus? I set new goals every year based on what I think I can achieve. Mostly to improve my times consistently. (EDIT: Of course this is a BS answer. My goal this year is to be state champ and attempt to qualify for Footlocker, same thing next year, and if I get to
FL Nat's I would be shooting for the win. Who wouldn't?)
Now Danny also wanted to better his running and instead of going to a college where he would be #1 or 2, he chose to go to PC and be a top runner but not the #1 runner. [...]
What would be your reason to choose a college? Full scholarship and be the #1 runner? Full scholarship and be maybe #3? Or partial scholarship and train with top runners to get better? I want to go to somewhere with faster runners than me. I wouldn't necessarily like being buried in the pack but it would be good for me. Money isn't important in the long run.

How do you see your running in college? The nearing of the end of a nice career? Or the stepping stone to another development? One way or another, it's a stepping stone. Even if I never am faster than in college, it's still a transition.
What about after college...informal road races or train for Worlds/Olympics? Do you believe you can have running life of high achievement after college? If so, what steps are you considering now to help make this happen for yourself? I want to be as good as I can be. After doing my best in college, I'll decide based on how good I think I can be what I want to pursue. No matter what, I'll be running for fun. (Of course.)

I know it's sorta far off, but now with opportunites starting to come about like ZAP, Hansen and others, would you consider staying in the sport and develop your running for the ling term? Again, it just depends.

Is it worth being a top American distance runner? Absolutely, although I think that's not the best goal to have long-term.
Do you see yourself becoming a world contender? Anything's possible, but of course I know the odds are against it.

What would you do to help yourself become a world contender? As meatloaf once said, "I'd run right into Hell and back." If I were to decide to go for the top, I would do almost anything that isn't illegal or immoral. Except giving up chocolate.

[patti]

"What would you do to help yourself become a world contender? As meatloaf once said, "I'd run right into Hell and back." If I were to decide to go for the top, I would do almost anything that isn't illegal or immoral. Except giving up chocolate."

I'm with you there. I said I was going to give up chocolate as part of my training for Honolulu. Danny ws sweet enought to give me a chocoalte labe for Valentine's Day...needless to say...I'm still eating chocolate, though not as much.

Thank you for answering the questions. this is really helping me to refine the focus of the running club...we have a lot of kids and I would like for them to develop a lif long love for the sport. One thing that many of has have in common that I have noticed is the company of other enthused runners. Unfortunately, some of the kids only run by themselves and meet once a week with the club, which at times is not enough.

Thank you!

[wineturtle]

At what age did you start running? 10

At what age did you see running as a sport? Do you see it as a health form? 10-now yes then-doubt it.

Did your parents have to get you out the door? No

When did you start competing? 5th grade

If you had the chance to be in a running club outside of school what would be the main draw? The people and the shared goals-plus teamwork-I really enjoy team efforts.

How long was your longest race? I've done some 5Ks but as a race 880 yards(yup that's how long ago)

Do you run seasonally? For instance just run maybe in the fall, then maybe the Spring? I'm on a long road back from illness but I work out daily.

Are other members of your family runners? No

Do you see your running as a lifetime sport? Sure it is almost 50 year now-that a life time thru these eyes.

Did you see your running as a way to be invited to college? (scholarship) In a way,I knew that the more well rounded your life looked on the appy the better the chance. to that end I was always-runner/team mgr.(read this as SLOOOW )

Do you run alone or with your running buddies? I work out both ways but most of my road work is alone--trust me NO ONE goes as slow as I do.

Do you hang with your running buddies outside of running? My track buddies are amoung my friends but most of my group are not even T&F fans-I do get a few to do Millrose with me.

Do you follow your Physicat Therapists advice ?
Or do your own thing? A mix- more up to how I'm feeling that day.

At what age did you start to increase your mileage? Fitness runner ran the same basic long run I did in HS-No college running to speak of.

Did you so other sports other than running? If so what? I swam(life guard) played local/Youth Center round- ball games-*rebound tumbling i.e.trampoline*horseback riding(even a bit of polo). Roller Skating and Ice Skating,entered local skating races/worked PT at local ice rink.But Track was the one that always came first.

Did the other sports interrupt your training? I'd like to think of it as cross training.

What did you like about your coach? Mentor*great person*set real goals for his runners* no one ever got cut for being slow(I was fast enough not to be a plodder-23.5/54/2:06ish

What didn't you like? Found no fault with him but My Frosh coach,another school was disintrested to the point of reading the paper and smoking while we practiced indoors-'nuff said and I didn't even mention his bad breath-see old age mellows you.

I know Dan really wanted to break 9 minutes for the 2 mile in High School. [...] What was your focus? Run in MSG. Moving on to the next round was always my goal,I set my sights on being the 6th man in the relay on the Go Squad,and being on the B relay squad.Our A team was always in the finals/Qed for the Garden. As a Senior I ran against and was beaten by Larry Jamesand Otis Hill when they were just fast froshes not Olympic Gold medalists, John Carlos,Byron and Trevor Dyce beat me ... Olympians too.Teams I ran against still hold NYState records and National titles. T'was fast times in NYCity late 50's early 60's.
How did you see your running in college? Wife, Job,School and not really a talent so just fitness.
What about after college...Fitness runner.
Is it worth being a top American distance runner? For them sure for me never entered my head-Ran X-C 'cause I had to.
Did you see yourself becoming a world contender? Some where around the time I stopped counting my half-birthdays I knew it was not in the cards but I still ran to beat the guy next to me.
My goal turned to working with in the sport as an official and promoting the sport as a lifestyle.When I was selected to be an official at MSG I was thrilled beyond belief and to later get the title ChiefClerk Millrose Games --far out-- wow. Worked Nation and International meets. Worked side by side with Fred Lebow bringing NYCMarathon out of the park and into history----not bad for a slooow sprinter I'd say.We need runners to run our sport ---take an officials course, help out in a road race-bring a sponsor into our sport. You be the next Craig Masback!


So Patti thats my final answer and Dan- I was in the Garden that night you got asked to help out. You can tell that story at the TGIF party, if you wish.

[patti]

Oh Thank you wineturtle...you are so kind.

Danny read the bottom sentence..."Oh, anytime TOM!" "Glad to help out!"

Now I'll have tell the story atTGIF party.

[patti]

Good morning Loungers,

Well, I have some news to share with you. I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease yesterday. I met the news with some feeling of relief, because for some time now I thought my fatigue was my due to my running. NO! It's NOT! Hooray!

Now, UGH! I will need to be monitored for the next 6 months and running a marathon in Decembe is off the agneda. This is where my heart stopped in my throat and tears rolled down. I mean no running...no training...no marathon. (sigh) it isn't the end of the world, my kids are healthy and my husband has a job. God will bless this. I will remain in positive attitude and be thankful for what I can do right now.

As for now, no running at all, which I can't argue with because I'm so darn tired and I dont' feel like it. Though I think I will when I can...but of course not train...just run easy to get the happy cells, they're great fighters.

My muscles hurt, my joints actually ache..I've had a 9 day non stop headache My neck is stiff sore. I am SOOOooo tired. Did I tell you that..i'm so tired. The whites of my eyes where ALL red this past week-end. I looked scray. No, that didn't even drive me tho the doctors. Both have since cleared up, though they are blood shot. Ya'know it even hurts to brush my hair. I have night sweats...I don't feel rested when I wake up in the morning. I pray that the antibiotic gets it all out of me and I get some relief for the symptoms soon.

The kids are great and are pitching in to help more to keep the house humming along. They are the best. I'm so thankful I taught the kids at an early age how to do things. Laundry, cook pasta,...etc.

Well, I'm looking forward to reading all about YOUR running. please keep me updated. I want to know the best time you enjoy running. One of my best times in right at dusk...in the woods, no breeze, no noise, just your own foot steps. At those time I feel like I can run forever.

I'll be reading the other thread about the PARTY! PARTY! PARTY!

I'll be having homemade lemonade or tea with Wolferine's crumb cake.

[KenA55]

Gosh, now you've got me wondering whether my inability to sleep at night because of pain in my neck, back, and right shoulder might be tick-induced. I pulled one off of me just yesterday, though not a deer tick, one of the big ones.

Hope it clears up as quickly as possible for you- now we all know what's behind these sudden and frequent lyrical outbursts at least!? ;)

[Zat0pek]

Wow, Patti, what a bummer! But what a great perspective you have. The young 'uns on here would do well to see the mindset with which you approach this setback.

Hang in their, girl. I'll light a candle for you. Oh, and go buy some Deep Woods Off! :D

[luv2run]

Sorry to hear that, patti. Hopefully you can get it beat quickly and get back to running.... It's great that you have a positive attitude. If you need moral support please remember the loungers are here for you.

As for me, I didn't really run today, I just played soccer with some running friends. Good cross-training, it's on grass, and there's not a huge risk of being injured as long as you aren't dumb about it. (A lot of kids prefer ultimate frisbee though.)

[wineturtle]

Hi Patti,
Truth be told the Lyme thread on Letsrun was started by something you said to me a few days ago .You sounded OK when you were in NYC two weeks ago,lyrical even*****Loungers we have not heard the last notes from this singing Dillon gal,bursting into song is something you'll find her doing often*****so this must have started around the "55" long run or in that timeframe.That's even more of a bummer I know you felt so great after that run.Keep up the brown and white pills and change the run times to nap times.
Have you cyber-zapped Delaware Runner? He seems to be comming around after a long fight,let's hope the early detection makes this a short trip for you. The bright side is we can pratter on and on with out having to break up the gabfest for those pesty runs and medicineball crunches. Remember no Barefootin' Wine,but you can have a PB and frosting sandwich[that's counted as raw and organic (in my book anyway)].LOL
In Joy
Tom

[Filipe]

Wow, so sorry about that Patti. That's really awful, I'll do some runs for you :)

[patti]

I'll do some runs for you

Oh Filipe, what a nice thing to say...thank you. Make sure it's nice and easy hehe ;)

I think the thing that is throwing me off balance here is the 6 month monitoring. The Doctor suggest another blood test in 6 weeks and there after for awhile. I didn't ask why at the time. My headache has not gone away.

Kids made pizza this evening. Mmmm, good. Thin crust with broccoli and chicken. Delicious!

thankyou Loungers for your kind words. Enjoy your runs!

[jaguar]

Wow, yeah sorry to hear about the Lyme Disease! :eek: I remember studying that in Microbiology. Well, you can always turn to the other things you enjoy in life (like your running club, kids, husband) or take up a new hobby! When I took 6 months completely off because of my stress fractures, it was probably one of the most 'enjoyable' times in my life. I met my fiance during the sabbatical (at a Jazz Festival!) and I spent more time with my friends and family. I guess you could say I really "partied it up" during that time and have a lot of great memories! Haha!!!! You're a strong person and will survive. :) jag

[jaguar]

At what age did you start running? I guess 3rd or 4th grade for the Presidential Physical Fitness Mile.

At what age did you see running as a sport? Do you see it as a health form? 13 during 8th grade cross country season. I didn't really see it as a "health form" until about age 21, when I decided to use running as a form of stress relief. Amazingly, those easy relaxed miles 'unintentionally'
allowed me to build a solid aerobic base that has allowed me to reach a new performance level the past year.

Did your parents have to get you out the door? No way-- I've always been intrinsically motivated... pushing myself at everything I do.

When did you start competing? 7th grade track, which was off-season basketball conditioning!

If you had the chance to be in a running club outside of school what would be the main draw? Track nuts? The social aspect.... hanging out drinking beers with other fellow runners who understand! Hahaha!

How long was your longest race? Half Marathon (oops, edit-- furthest race in junior high was 1 1/2 miles, furthest in high school was a 5K road race)

Do you run seasonally? For instance just run maybe in the fall, then maybe the Spring? I run year-round now (not necessarily in the past). Spring and fall are racing seasons.... winter and summer are aerobic base building periods.

Are other members of your family runners? Actually, no. Both my parents were very good athletes at other sports (dad-- collegiate basketball, mom-- swimming, golf, bowling).

Do you see your running as a lifetime sport? Yes! I agree with the others.... as long as I stay in one piece, I hope to be running when I'm 95!

Do you see your running as a way to be invited to college? (scholarship) I did at first, accepting a D-1 track scholarship. But, the injuries and stress were not worth it. The expectations to compete and perform at the D-1 level are unreal! I had a really horrible experience. If I had to do it all over again I would have either tried to get full academic scholarships and run on my own, or go to a low-key Ivy League or D-3 school with strong academics.

Do you run alone or with your running buddies? Alone, and prefer it that way. You're your toughest competitor. It makes it easier too when you jump in races and have people to pull you along!

Do you hang with your running buddies outside of running? I guess so, if you consider my fiance my "running buddy".

Do you follow your coaches advice in the summer time? Yep

Or do your own thing? I know what to do for my easy days, but I consult him for the harder stuff

At what age did you start to increase your mileage? 15? 17? I didn't keep track of mileage in high school so I'm really clueless on how much I was doing back then. I guess my first "noticeable" increase was Freshman year of college when I went from 30 to 60 in like 6 weeks. Very stupid, but I was just doing what my coach had everyone doing. I eventually ended up with my 5th stress fracture.

Did you so other sports other than running? If so what? I competed in basketball until the 8th grade.... danced for 6 years, softball for 2 years, gymnastics for 3 months (I sucked @ss!). I think I could have ultimately been a pretty good golfer.

Did the other sports interrupt your training? Not at all

What did you like about your coach? I've had several coaches. My first two high school coaches didn't really know much about training distance runners properly, but they were incredible motivators! They believed in me, and that was all I needed.... someone to tell me "you can do it" and "I think you can push a little harder." You really don't know what your potential is during that time, so having that extra "umph" makes a difference. Nothing good to say about my last high school coach or my college coach-- I don't even consider them worthy of the title "coach".

My current coach (my fiance) knows what it takes to be the best and is training me to eventually perform at the highest level. He's good at keeping my workouts balanced-- having the right periodizations and build towards the marathon. He's taught me to think longterm and stay consistent. He's also a good cook and makes sure I stay relaxed and get my sleep despite my hectic school schedule.:)

What didn't you like? The injuries!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I agree with the others-- if there's anything more high school coaches need to be doing, they need to cut out the large doses of speed and develop their runners more aerobically. The speed is there, and there's only so much you can do to further improve upon it. The aerobic potential is nearly limitless! I don't see how high school coaches don't mind pounding out 16x400m, but they're afraid to have they're runners jogging 60 (mostly easy) miles/week! High school runners who aspire to run collegiately would be much better prepared for college if they're at at least 60 miles/week by their senior year of high school.

I know my husband really wanted to break 9 minutes for the 2 mile in High School. [...] What is your focus? Wait, are these questions meant for high schoolers?! I'm confused now! When I ran low 5 min. for the mile and low 11 min. for 2 miles several times as a Soph. (winning State in both events), I instantly knew my goal was to break these barriers. However, my stress fractures my junior and senior years curtailed these goals, so I never achieved them. I haven't raced on the track in FOREVER, but my guess is with the way I've been performing on the roads at the present, I could easily be sub 5 and sub 11.

Now Danny also wanted to better his running and instead of going to a college where he would be #1 or 2, he chose to go to PC and be a top runner but not the #1 runner. [...]
What would be your reason to choose a college? Full scholarship and be the #1 runner? Full scholarship and be maybe #3? Or partial scholarship and train with top runners to get better? Like I said, the academics is what mattered the most to me. When I took my recruiting trips, I didn't really care too much whether I would be the #1 runner on the team or #7.... I was looking for which school had the best academics, overall environment, and had a decent offer. I turned down several full track rides and even a large financial aid offer to Columbia (eek! :eek: ) to attend a school where I had 95% paid for. I mean you just "know" where you feel the most comfortable and will be the happiest. Unfortunately, the coaches who recruited me left for another school and I ended up with a horrible coach and collegiate running experience; I probably should have transferred if I really wanted to work with the coaches who recruited me, but I signed with the school because of their academic programs.

How do you see your running in college? The nearing of the end of a nice career? Or the stepping stone to another development? I thought it would be a "stepping stone", but that's not really how it turned out. College coaches only have you for 4-5 years. Most want to get as much out of you in those 4-5 years, so they push you hard day-in/day-out. You have to perform, and if you're injured you're expected to come back as soon as possible to be racing and performing again at a high level. It's like a "business" (at least that's my my coach told me)-- the coach has pressure to win and have his athletes perform. Otherwise, the coach gets the boot or the runners get the boot. This isn't how it is everywhere, but from what I experienced at the D-1 level (and from what I've heard from other D-1 runners), this is how it often is. If I was a high school recruit, I would pick the brains of the senior runners (who are graduating and have nothing to lose) to find out the "truth" about a running program and the coach.

What about after college...informal road races or train for Worlds/Olympics? Do you believe you can have running life of high achievement after college? If so, what steps are you considering now to help make this happen for yourself? Road racing at the present-- both small and big. The stress is lower in road races (vs. the track), and there's races every weekend to choose from. Financially, it helps to pick up a few $$$$ here and there..... hoping to build up to the marathon and eventually hit the jackpot at a major road race! I put my aspirations of attending medical school on hold to pursue a more flexible avenue of doing graduate research and running on the side. I'm loving it so far!!!!!!!!!! I believe the steps to help me achieve my goals (Major Road Races, Olympic Marathon Trials, competing in the various USATF Championships) are a matter of running more miles and staying healthy to allow for more consistent training. It's all a balance-- taking your hard days hard and easy days easy to train the different energy systems properly. It's also a matter of taking care of the little things (or I guess BIG things!) such as how to fuel yourself adequately and getting enough sleep, which can sometimes be tricky when you're a student.

[jaguar]

I know it's sorta far off, but now with opportunites starting to come about like ZAP, Hansen and others, would you consider staying in the sport and develop your running for the ling term? Yes! Long term thinking is where it's at.

Is it worth being a top American distance runner? Definitely.... if you have the God-given potential, you might as well get the most out of what you have! Sure, running is a blue-collar sport that requires sacrifice, but you only live once.

Do you see yourself becoming a world contender? Anything is possible. I haven't hit a plateau, and I continue to easily drop huge chunks of time off my road PRs.

What would you do to help yourself become a world contender? If I had the option, I would just run! No job or school, just running. Paula Radcliffe has everything she needs to allow for the perfect environment, so definitely would try to consider her approach and the approaches of other elite athletes.

[patti]

Wait, are these questions meant for high schoolers?! I'm confused now! When I ran low 5 min. for the mile and low 11 min. for 2 miles several times as a Soph. (winning State in both events), I instantly knew my goal was to break these barriers. However, my stress fractures my junior and senior years curtailed these goals, so I never achieved them. I haven't raced on the track in FOREVER, but my guess is with the way I've been performing on the roads at the present, I could easily be sub 5 and sub 11. Jaguar

Sorry Jag, Ya'know I think you are the second lady ( I think ) I've chatted with the whole time I've been online doing chats..since April. I'm sorry to have been male oriented in questions.

You know, I would just absolutely enjoy chatting with the ladies...maybe you and I can start a thread for the young lasses. I know I didn't run in H/S, who would have thought of doing THAT! I was a cheerleader. Hip, Hip Hooray! RA-RA-RA-!

There are so many things that are different for the girls. Safety for one. I really feel safe alone, but I'm on the alert and ready to pounce over a fence or scoot in somebody's yard. I have learned not to be afraid to ring somebody's door bell for assistance. Even at my age, I still get grief, oh bother.

Thank youf ro your support and sugestions. I do have other activites to do, though no energy to dhem..when things clam down I know, I'll be doing what I enjoy, this being one of them. It will come like the tide coming in one wave at a time.

[jaguar]

Haha, yes, we're definitely the minority on these forums (although in the real world there's more women than men!).:)

I guess the only crap I have to deal with as a woman is the whistles and horn honks. I used to give the finger :p, but now I'm afraid of flipping off someone I know. As far as the possibility of being attacked.... I carry runner's pepper spray on my shorts (clips on). I'm more scared of the dogs than the possibility of someone jumping out from the woods, but I definitely feel safer with the pepper spray. The other good "defense" is possessing the ability to run FAST! Haha! NO WAY would I wear headphones on the run-- too risky! Gotta go to the lab.... Ill be back.:)

[wineturtle]

Mom,Wife..............Winner

[patti]

GOOD MORNING LOUNGERS! ( imagine Robin Williams' voice from the movie Good Morning Vietam)


"Whoa-oa-oa! I feel good, I knew that I would, now
I feel good, I knew that I would, now
So good, so good,

Whoa! I feel good, I knew that I would, now
I feel good, I knew that I would
So good, so good, So good, so good,
So good, so good"

Plop, plop, fizz, fizz, fizz, oh what a relief it is, fever broke, pain is gone, Silliness has taken it's place! (to the tune of the old alka selzer commerical)

Yes, my running buddies, I feel just delightful, thank you very much. Had a wonderful night's sleep, no sweats, eyes are clear, neck isn't stiff, joints are just a tad creeky, but that's always the case nowadays. NO HEADACHE! Hooray! I can smile with my whole self now!

I'm not out of the woods, though I can see the clearing up ahead.

I think I can make it now, the pain is gone
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
Here is the rainbow I’ve been praying for
It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.

And That's All Folks!

Have a great day!

[KenA55]

...

[MoMo]

Glad to hear you're feeling better, patti.

I know that, growing up in Idaho and then the backwoods of southern Indiana, I used to come home constantly with ticks. My mother used to regularly go through our hair to check for them. I guess we're lucky we never got anything like Lyme.

Anyway, best of luck with your continued recovery.

(And thanks for the wonderfully positive spirit and good humor you always bring to this site.)

[luv2run]

(And thanks for the wonderfully positive spirit and good humor you always bring to this site.)Quoted For Emphasis...


Let's hear about how running's going, people. For me, a 10-miler yesterday and an 11-miler today. I love just doing distance with some friends and chatting the whole time. We have a lot of great parks with running trails in my area. Moving at a clip through the woods as morning is rising around you...I could survive on it day in and day out.

[Filipe]

I'd really like not to be working, so that I would have the time to do the kind of training I want to. But I'll get by on what I can.


ps. It's great to hear about how you're feeling, Patti.

[Filipe]

Well, Patti...

I went out and did a run for you :)...it was only 3 miles, but it was a long day of work (outside all day in the 90 degree heat + sun) so I was dehydrated; secondly, some arseholes in a work van (big mistake--the name was plastered all over it) decided to drive about 50 in a subdivision to run me off the road so I didn't feel safe running anymore, otherwise I would have.

I'm sure the manager/owner/whoever will enjoy my phone call tomorrow morning.

[jaguar]

Quoted For Emphasis...


Let's hear about how running's going, people. For me, a 10-miler yesterday and an 11-miler today. I love just doing distance with some friends and chatting the whole time. We have a lot of great parks with running trails in my area. Moving at a clip through the woods as morning is rising around you...I could survive on it day in and day out.

I've been in my new home for a week and finally feeling adjusted. I had a disappointing run tonight though-- I was going at a pretty good clip for about 85% of the run, and then it was like I "bonked"! I got about 14.3 miles (105 min.), but I had planned to do at least 15-16 miles. I should have planned it better so I could fuel up halfway.... I was exploring a new trail around Corvallis, and I strayed a bit too far. I'm going to go to the store tomorrow and get more snacks, food, and hopefully some gels if they have them. I think I need to eat more-- it's just been hard the past week with all the moving and research. I got in 78.5 steady miles for the week-- not too bad while adjusting to a new place! I'm looking forward to starting double days.

[patti]

Thank you Filipe, the run felt refreshing.

Now, could be ever so kind and do an extra set of crunches...hehe!

[patti]

Hi Jaguar,

Wow! you are going to get in some fantastic running now where you are! What are you getting ready for? I'm sorry, fif you have already mentioned and, I didn't go back to read. A 15 miler is nice...way to go. Are you going back to school? Oregon State? P

[Filipe]

Thank you Filipe, the run felt refreshing.

Now, could be ever so kind and do an extra set of crunches...hehe!

Pff...you should see the abs I've got ;)

An extra set is nothing. NOTHING!



ps...

Jag, if I decide I want to swing up to the PacNW for a visit, can you bunk me up? :D

[patti]

Good afternoon,

You could say I'm too tired to talk/chat, so I'm learning sign language. I can do the alphabet! Hooray!

And I'm also learning to play the piano. My 9 year old daughter is a marvelous teacher. Let's see since I'm not running at the momnet. Raven thought it would be cool, if I learned how to walk, skip, hop, roll, and bounce the ball with my right hand and then my left hand! Of course, all on the piano. I never knew one could do so much.

Off to yet another rest time.

Oh, Filipe, I think I could do another set, I'm feeling a tad better! hehe!

[Filipe]

I think I'll have a 12 pack by the time you get healthy enough to run again. ;)


:D

[patti]

oh, good! I'm hoping for an 8 pack.

I have a wager with one of the ZAP fitness guys, Ian Connor, that I'd have one by The Mayor's Cup @ Franklin Park by October.

I mean, of course if you don't mind, if you can't handle it or anything, ya'know, you can let me know. OK? (hehe)

Ah!, I'm having fun. Off from the flowers today?

I's hot and humid here today. UGH! Thankfully the sun isn't out. Danny and are going to take the kids to the beach later, he'll do a run and I'll watch the little guppies.

[Filipe]

Yep, I've got the day off today. I was excited about that. It was supposed to be really hot today, but it hasn't gotten that bad at all. I think I'm going to head off for a run while it's still somewhat cool and before the storms arrive. And then I'll do more abs.

[patti]

Good morning LL,

Gee, it's very hot and sticky! My kind of weather...I really enjoy this stuff...unfortunately, I can't go out and romp in it. Oh well, I feel a lot better today. I'm going to be just fine. I am biting at the bit to get out, I'll wait though.

Hey Filipe, take it easy on the sets, wouldya? It hurts to laugh today. I could use some arm work though, my tri's are a tad shakey, don't want that. Thanx. :D

Saw Jan Merrill Moran running this morning at Harkness. She's a 1976 Olympian, former American holder in the 2 mile (indoors), 10km (road). She's a coach at the Coast Guard Academy now and Waterford High School X/C coach.

[wineturtle]

Patti you wrote;

Sorry Jag, Ya'know I think you are the second lady ( I think ) I've chatted with the whole time I've been online doing chats..since April. I'm sorry to have been male oriented in questions.

You know, I would just absolutely enjoy chatting with the ladies...maybe you and I can start a thread for the young lasses. I know I didn't run in H/S, who would have thought of doing THAT! I was a cheerleader. Hip, Hip Hooray! RA-RA-RA-!

There are so many things that are different for the girls. Safety for one. I really feel safe alone, but I'm on the alert and ready to pounce over a fence or scoot in somebody's yard. I have learned not to be afraid to ring somebody's door bell for assistance. Even at my age, I still get grief, oh bother.

As your health improves and your energy level returns,I hope you get a project like this going.Our sport needs positive role models. I was lucky to get to work with Nina, MS Switzer, Pat Green ,Eliz Phillips,Louise Tricard and many other of the pioneers in womens running while at the NYRRC and NYC WPSAL.The Mini and the Travera Twosum were favs of mine because so many women stepped up to work on these events and became a driving force with in the NYRRC because of this exposure.It's not all about being skinny and running fast it is about a life style of good health and good people,both running in a race and working on a race are part of the total picture.I am looking forward to this projects' launch.
Jag I've read some of your posts...wow .. I feel your passion for our sport and see a keen eye and proud voice. Please Join Patti in this project I have the feeling of something good is starting here.

[luv2run]

Hi everybody...

Well, I've been doing situps and other core stuff three days a week. I would think this is enough for my muscles to recover, but they still seem too tired. For instance when I run long or do hills, my abs sometimes = start hurting or even start to cramp up a little.

Will this pass as I get stronger, or do I need to take it a bit easier on the core work and recover? Thanks in advance for the advice.

[patti]

"For me, a 10-miler yesterday and an 11-miler today."

And today you are sore from core work. May I suggest you take a rest. Let your body relax a tad to unravel. Rest, I know can be nasty word...but it needs to be your friend.

luv2run, we know you do!

You may have a world class runner in there trying to get out and if you keep this up, he'll forget about it.

[jaguar]

Hi Jaguar,

Wow! you are going to get in some fantastic running now where you are! What are you getting ready for? I'm sorry, fif you have already mentioned and, I didn't go back to read. A 15 miler is nice...way to go. Are you going back to school? Oregon State? P

Hi patti, right now I have no clue what to train for! There's a big race in my hometown in Oklahoma on Labor Day weekend, and I think they're going to fly me in for it (I'm the defending champ!). Besides that, there's so many races to choose from. I got this book called Road Race Management Directory, and it lists all the "major" road races in America. Now that we're on the west coast we're looking at races in Cali./Oregon/Washington (10K and up).... but we're also considering all the USATF Championships (which are mostly on the East coast). A lot depends on my school and research-- I have a flexible academic schedule, but there may be weekends I have to go in to help my professor. The good thing about being in Oregon is everyone "understands".... 'ya know, the committment to running and competing at a high level.

Yep, I'm at Oregon State Univ. getting my Master's and eventually Ph.D. in Nutrition and Exercise Science. They have AMAZING bone and muscle physiology labs (which is why I chose this program), so I'm already getting quite a bit of hands-on experience. There are soooooo many trails here I'm almost overwhelmed! Our apartment is a 4 1/2 min. run to these dirt, tree-covered trails along the Willamette River. The scenery is just spectacular and has me excited to get out the door every day! Food is actually much cheaper (forget the need for a Walmart!), so we definitely won't go hungry. I could go on and on and on about how great it is here..... and I've only been here for a week! Ha! It truly is a runner's paradise.
:) jag

[jaguar]

Hi everybody...

Well, I've been doing situps and other core stuff three days a week. I would think this is enough for my muscles to recover, but they still seem too tired. For instance when I run long or do hills, my abs sometimes = start hurting or even start to cramp up a little.

Will this pass as I get stronger, or do I need to take it a bit easier on the core work and recover? Thanks in advance for the advice.

Are you doing the core stuff every other day or three days in a row?

[Filipe]

l2r...

Ab muscles are like any other muscle, they need to get some recovery time. If they don't seem to be recovering like usual, take a few days off the abs.




On my side of the computer...

I am sick of working. I don't want to do it anymore. If it was like what Jag was doing, I'd have no problem with it, but this working all over the clock thing doesn't work for me. This working 6-8 hours in the hot sun day after day doesn't work for me. I come home and collapse on the couch.

Yes, I'm asking for a pity party, because I don't think I'm going to become the kind of runner I would like to be. I just can't get the kind of training I need to.

:( :( :(

[patti]

Oh, Filipe, poor baby...I think you need (c) a pint of Ben & Jerry's!

Somebody sounds tired...I'm sorry, you feel so tired. Too many hours among too many people, it's too hot and just too much. Are you drinking enough water during work? Eating enough greens? How about milk with a few oreo's?

Well, first off, take a look at yourself, you are great guy. You're kind and generous of spirit. You're a sweetheart. Look at the running club you started, where would those people be without you? You're on your way to being Mr. RD.

Listen, I'll ease some of your burden for ya. I'll do my own core work tomorrow. How's that? :D I can do it, I'm feeling much better today and besides I'm tired of resting all this time anyway.

Loveya Filipe!

I recommend (c)

[Filipe]

Thanks Patti. I am definitely tired. I came home from work today and I collapsed on the floor in front of the TV, though I was only asleep for 30-40 minutes, I was sound asleep, in such a deep deep sleep that it was very hard for my mom to wake me up.

I've always got a water bottle when I'm working, and when that runs out, I stop at the water fountain every 5 minutes or so. I could probably be getting more greens, I really don't remember the last time I had any was. :confused: I have milk every night before bed.

I have to work at 7am tomorrow morning for 6 and a half hours in the garden. More walking around, loading bags of top soil, mulch, and whatever else needs to be loaded, more helping people, more seeing what else needs to be done. Yes, the assistant manager said I was the best temp they had...but it's come at a cost. I'm beat.

I think I might try to get a 1-3 mile run in tonight before I go to sleep, just so I can say that I ran.

Back to those spreadsheets, then a run...then sleep.

PS. My mom brought me a cup of frozen chocolate custard tonight. :)

EDIT: Those spreadsheets won't be done until tomorrow.

[jaguar]

ps...

Jag, if I decide I want to swing up to the PacNW for a visit, can you bunk me up? :D

Haha, well, not until I get some more furniture! I'm very limited at the moment with a bed, TV, two chairs, and a few book shelves. No couch yet! I laugh now..... all I want to do is be able to plop down on a couch, watch a little Nancy Grace on FoxNews, and eat a big bowl of ice cream! Ohhhh, how I miss those days!:p

[jaguar]

l2r...

I just can't get the kind of training I need to.


No worries felipe! You're still young, figuring out how to balance everything, and learning what makes you the happiest. My first two years of college were extremely rough between the Pre-Med. courses and trying to run collegiately. Then, when I had to give up the collegiate running because of injuries, my parents ultimately made me get not one, but TWO part time jobs during the school year (and I was trying to run 60 miles/week at the time)! Wooooo, that was rough, but fortunately one job was only a temp. job! I used to kill myself on a daily basis-- whether it was trying to "get in the miles", go to school, or go to work. What was I thinkin'..... that's not good for your health! So here I am.... finally figured out "the balance" that makes me the happiest. See my quote below, Semper Salveo!.... that means, "Always in good health." To me, health means everything.... as long as I have my health, I'm happy.:)

Edit: I forgot to get to the moral of my story! "Strike a balance" between everything. It sounds like you should just bag the running or bag your job! Your running is just another stress. Focus on your sleep and diet. Don't put so much pressure on yourself to do everything! Too much stress from too many things will wear on your over time and you'll be fatigued and may get sick.

[Filipe]

Believe it or not, I'm thinking about killing myself with seeing if I can get transferred down to Home Depot in Norman to work weekends and to work at the mesonet during the week...trying to get in 20-30 hours a week of work to have more money. I don't know if either will happen, but I want that money...especially with having an apartment now.

I just ran 2.75 miles tonight at a 6:45 pace, it felt good, I'm glad I went out and did it. I'll be somewhere around 20-25 miles for the week...woohoo. :rolleyes: At least I walk as much as I do at work...

I haven't been doing much lifting (only pushups) but I still look in good shape...and I'm convinced it has something to do with all the work I do around Home Depot.

Speaking of work, I have more complaints...(always seems like something, eh?)

I really am considering being a narc...particularly if what I asked the kid to do didn't get done.

I was getting ready to leave and two of the managers called me on the phone and told me they wanted the fertilizer aisle to get cleaned up with everything put away in their proper hazmat buckets, etc. Since I was leaving, I asked the guy who was going to be in for a couple more hours to do it, and I showed him exactly what he needed to do. As I was driving away, I saw him sitting at the cash register doing NOTHING. If it's not done when I get in, I'm going to be hot.

[Filipe]

Edit: I forgot to get to the moral of my story! "Strike a balance" between everything. It sounds like you should just bag the running or bag your job! Your running is just another stress. Focus on your sleep and diet. Don't put so much pressure on yourself to do everything! Too much stress from too many things will wear on your over time and you'll be fatigued and may get sick.

I am not giving up the running. :)

And I only have a couple weeks left of the job.

[luv2run]

"For me, a 10-miler yesterday and an 11-miler today."

And today you are sore from core work. May I suggest you take a rest. Let your body relax a tad to unravel. Rest, I know can be nasty word...but it needs to be your friend.Yes, I know I should be following this advice, especially because it'll be hard to do so during the season. Jag, my goal is core stuff every other day but I'm trying to find a happy medium between staying flexible and taking 3, 4, 5 days in a row off.

Yesterday I did 6 real easy, 8-minute pace. Today was hard, but tomorrow will be easy again. I'm trying to enter harder workouts feeling refreshed and mentally hungry, and I'm trying to look at the big picture when it comes to taking it easy/off. If I can do that, I should be okay. Thanks for the advice, patti, jag, felipe! I will try to follow it and not do too much too soon.


patti: Good luck with the core workout, but remember to take it easy yourself, eh? Get recovered ASAP so we can stop worrying about you.

[jaguar]

I just ran 2.75 miles tonight at a 6:45 pace, it felt good, I'm glad I went out and did it. I'll be somewhere around 20-25 miles for the week...woohoo. :rolleyes: At least I walk as much as I do at work...


Whoa, that sounds a bit quick! Maybe until your work is over you could just use running as a form of stress relief, eh? Seriously, slow it down and just shake out your legs for a light jog. Work, sleep, eat.... then run! You'll feel much better if you just slow things down.:)

[jaguar]

Yes, I know I should be following this advice, especially because it'll be hard to do so during the season. Jag, my goal is core stuff every other day but I'm trying to find a happy medium between staying flexible and taking 3, 4, 5 days in a row off.


I would think as long as you're just doing the core stuff every other day AFTER your run, the soreness should eventually go away. It seems like it always takes the abs and back a little longer to adjust as compared to the arms and legs.

[jaguar]

This is exactly what I was talking about (see answer and reply by Lindsey Scherf below)! If there's anything I should have done differently with the collegiate running, I should have gone to an Ivy League or D-3 School where there's less pressure with the running and a greater emphasis on academics. They don't give athletic scholarships, but they do help you get HUGE financial aid packages.

FW: Do you think that having a more Division-III-like setting (Harvard is in the Ivy League, which doesn't offer athletic scholarships) in which you didn't have an athletic scholarship hanging over your head help you to be more stress-free and just able to focus on your training? Is that type of setting one of the reasons why you chose Harvard?
LS: The nice thing is that everyone on the team wants to be there and it's a real positive environment. The academic environment really fit and the classes are so interesting because the professors are super brilliant. I clicked with the coach and the whole environment, so I just crossed my fingers to get in.

http://www.fast-women.com/athletes/interviews/2005/lindseyscherf.html

[Filipe]

Whoa, that sounds a bit quick! Maybe until your work is over you could just use running as a form of stress relief, eh? Seriously, slow it down and just shake out your legs for a light jog. Work, sleep, eat.... then run! You'll feel much better if you just slow things down.:)

That's all I had planned on doing. I just run by feel and yesterday felt nice and easy.

[patti]

Did you get a good night's rest last night? Energy restored? Is today another hard day for you or easy? I hope easy. REST, is a key word. I'm not suggesting not to run, I'm merely suggesting to go easy for this week. Thinking back to your big pr's and then hearing you're tired, I am thinking that perhaps an easy week would restore some lift in your legs and make your heart sing.

I'd like to see you do the tango during x/c in the fall.

One of the many things I learned from running and training at a high pitch level was the distinct line between hard days and easy days and RACE days. If my easy days were not easy enough, my hard days were too hard for me and I wouldn't progress. Try to have more days running with your buddies and not have an agenda other than having a good time running with your buds. No watch.

[luv2run]

Yes, I am trying to rest. For instance, I did 10 last Saturday and 11 Sunday, but they were not hard paces, and then Monday I did 6 @ 8-minute pace. Tuesday I did some hills, and Wednesday was again really easy, 6.5 @ 8:30 pace. Today will be not much distance but pretty hard.

I know I'm walking a pretty thin line, so I will try to back it off a little. Today I wanted to go out and run a real fast workout but I know that, 3 months down the line, that won't make a big difference, whereas going a bit easier would. So I will try to follow your advice and back it off for a bit.

Tell you what, I'll go hard today, take tomorrow off except for maybe 2 easy, and do no more than 10 saturday and 8 easy sunday. Please?

Haha, I sound obsessed. I am obsessed. But thank you for keeping me looking at the big picture. I will try to do so everytime I run a workout.

Thank you so much for the help! It means a lot to me to have your advice (and everyone's on this thread). And, once again, good luck with the recovery patti.

[luv2run]

I would think as long as you're just doing the core stuff every other day AFTER your run, the soreness should eventually go away. It seems like it always takes the abs and back a little longer to adjust as compared to the arms and legs.I've been doing them in the morning, just to make sure I don't skip them. But I will follow your advice.

Next week I am going to a running camp where we do some ab work. So I will just do their workouts and use this as an easier/recovery week.

[Filipe]

Did you get a good night's rest last night? Energy restored? Is today another hard day for you or easy? I hope easy. REST, is a key word. I'm not suggesting not to run, I'm merely suggesting to go easy for this week. Thinking back to your big pr's and then hearing you're tired, I am thinking that perhaps an easy week would restore some lift in your legs and make your heart sing.

I'd like to see you do the tango during x/c in the fall.

One of the many things I learned from running and training at a high pitch level was the distinct line between hard days and easy days and RACE days. If my easy days were not easy enough, my hard days were too hard for me and I wouldn't progress. Try to have more days running with your buddies and not have an agenda other than having a good time running with your buds. No watch.

Though I worked yesterday, it was an easy day. And I felt great when I went out and ran last night. Today-Saturday are my days off of work, so I'll be doing yardwork, running, and relaxing.

[patti]

Thank you! The both of you, luv2run and Filipe for being so receptive to advice. I hope for the best for both of you. I'm looking forward to hearing and seeing stories of your future developments. I find it exciting watching the work in progress. As to me, OboyOboy! I Feel fantastic...phew! I was down for the count and I was so sad about it. But da-da! I got up! hehe! So, here's where I am...6 days on antibiotics and good nutritional foods, lots of greens :D! Are helpng me to recover. I have 15 more days and counting until I will attempt to run...I will after the meds are done. The break right now is refreshing my attitude and that in itself is strengthening my drive towards my goals.

I was at Border's Cafe yesterday...(a/c) and I was browsing the running books and came across Paul Tergat book. Interesting. World record holder raised in hut!

His training partner Jimmy Muindi, his brother Nickolas and their neighbor David, (got second in Honolulu) are coming to stay with us in October for several weeks. Jimmy won Honolulu 4 x and I met him there. I've become quite close to him and his family. And to listen to him chat about his live style...I mean no wonder they can run so well. Farmers...in the real sense. Jimmy grows his own food and has dogs to help keep the baboons out of his garden. Can you imagine? I told him we had dogs and they live in the house with us. He laughed.

The humdity finally broke so the whole Dillon household got a great night's rest. (no a/c).

I will start my core today! Right now. So, chat later. Have a wonderful day.

Filipe enjoy your day off. Say "Hi" to your mom!

[Filipe]

Thanks Patti. I'm jealous--my bookstores don't have those kind of books. We've got the bare minimum to be considered a running section -- Running for Dummies, Idiot's Guide to Running, a Galloway book, the new Daniels book, the Pfitz book, and some Runners World books. No Lydiard, no Tergat, or anything like that. :(

[wineturtle]

Psst Patti,
http://www.letsrun.com/forum/flat_read.php?thread=954777

Just incase your interested in the products of the Criollo,the Forastero or their hybrid bean the Trintarios..................................

[patti]

Hey wineturtle how are you?

I've got a minute (or 2). I peeked at the site you sent..Well, now I wouldnt' dare go on...I've had desperate moments and have eaten Pillsbury Chocolate frosting out of the can no less! (minus the peanut butter) I know, I know, there's no telling for taste. Now, mind you I make my own chocolate frosting for my cakes. So for me to have PCF in the house, well, don't tell anybody. I have used it in emergencies...for spontaneous little girl tea parties.

For those of you who do not know, I enjoy chocolate. My hubby gave me a 65 lb chocolate (labbie) for Valentine's Day.

I'm feeling fiesty!!! YES! YES! I'm looking forward to getting on "the road again." Thank you GOD!

PHEW! I'll tell you this, this Lyme, is nothing to sneeze at and has really strengthened my resolve to GO FOR IT! To really reach for the stars. Health is not to be taken for granted. It'll be so wonderful to celebrate health by crossing the finish line in Honolulu.

I think I caught the Lyme early, not the 72 hours window frame, but in a month's time..so we'll see if the antibioctics get it all. If not, I just do another round. No sweat.

Right now, I'm into greens, fruit and smoooooothies! Delish!

[patti]

Good Mornign LL,

How's the running? What are you doing for runs?

I'm feeling really great! I'm looking forward to getting out there again. My energy level is almost back. I'm did a full day yesterday, and I'm not tired...so, I'm out of the woods. I still have 2 weeks left on meds..that'll go by quick.

Tomorrow going to the Cape with BR for the Johnny Kelley Tribute road race. Hmm, lets see who else is going to be there...Jack Flutz, winner of the '76 Boston Marathon. I know other runners are going, but I can't remember right now.

We don't have to play golf...BR and I were concerned..I don't have a swing and neither does BR. We are going on the cruise tomorrow evening, should be fun. BR is going to do the 10km, me, I don't know what to do, I'm thinking about running the 5 km with my daughter. I think I'll be fine. I should be fine. So, we'll see, I'll know Sunday.

Hi JAG!

Filipe, how's the day off going? ENJOY!

[Filipe]

It was a hot day yesterday...I still managed to cut the grass and pull weeds. Sometimes you just gotta know when to take a rest day too. And that's exactly what I did yesterday--I felt a twinge in my knee so I scrapped the run. Today and tomorrow are days off too, I'm not sure what I'm going to do though. I move into my apartment in exactly 3 weeks.

[luv2run]

I'm taking it somewhat easy also, today is off and tomorrow is easy.

How're the core workouts going patti?

[patti]

Hi Luv2run,

How's the summer going? Easy days..nice! You're going to be in fantastic shape by the time x/c rolls around. I'm looking forward to seeing how you translate the training. It's going to be interesting to see what you are going to do. GRR!

No core stuff today..I'm a little sore from being a little too enthused about doing the same number of sets. I have a ways to go, I lost some , but the thing about core work, it comes back quick.

[Sulus]

Hmm....I don't think I have the willpower to read through 18 pages of this, so could someone give me the gist of this thread? Is it basically a LL version of the old LSR?

[patti]

Hi Sulus,

I'm Patti and we're just all hanging out chit chatting about our running life and life as it comes.

So, how are you? And how's the running?

[Sulus]

I'm doing ok, just fretting over having very little left of my Summer (class resumes 18 Aug.) But it's been going well for the most part, so at least that's a good thing. Running has been mixed. June was a wash due to some tendonitis in my foot. But for the most part July has been going well. I should hit 80 this week (70 in 6 days thus far) and my foot feels fine. I also did a 280 mile relay race up north last weekend where my team got second to the one from Eastern Michigan. So I'm kinda pumped about that. But yeah...things have been going pretty ok lately. I really like being home for the Summer. I suppose I'm just going to have to savor it before I'm stressed this fall from rediculous training and working on my senior thesis. Fun stuff.

[luv2run]

Hey Sulus ... this thread is pretty much on-topic (as opposed to LSR). We're mostly discussing running, but also life in general...please join in.



Hi Sulus,

I'm Patti and we're just all hanging out chit chatting about our running life and life as it comes.

So, how are you? And how's the running?Haha, a classic understated response. Go to www.pattidillon.com (http://www.pattidillon.com/)

[jaguar]

Hmm....I don't think I have the willpower to read through 18 pages of this, so could someone give me the gist of this thread? Is it basically a LL version of the old LSR?

18 pages?! Good lord.... maybe changing your viewing options would make it a little easier for 'ya, eh (I see 5 pages)? :)

[luv2run]

I'm off to running camp, will report back Thursday.

Patti, good luck with the recovery.
And everybody else, I hope to hear good reports on the running!

--happy training--

[Sulus]

18 pages?! Good lord.... maybe changing your viewing options would make it a little easier for 'ya, eh (I see 5 pages)? :)

Yeah, the default option is like 10 posts per page or something. Just changed that up. Anyone race this weekend?

[wineturtle]

Congrats Raven Dillon!!!Trophy and medal!!!Way to go!!WHOOOOOOey Ha!

[Filipe]

Patti...

The earliest I see myself hosting a race is next spring. If I do something next spring it would be either a small track meet or road race. If I do something in the fall, it would be a road race or cross country race. Would any of your Zap! guys want in on it too?

This would be a race with most of the proceeds going to charity--most likely the MDA and Jerry's Kids.

[patti]

Good Morning LL,

We're back from the Johnny Kelley road race. Fabulous time for all. Golfing, Harbor cruise, live music (Blues), fireworks, racing. A fantasitc time. The race director, Paul Collier, did a great job of organizing a wonderful family week-end. I'm looking forward to going next year.

Raven and I had a lovely time time on the sightly rolling, shaded 5 km course. We ran together with Raven picking it up and on her own the last mile. Dust,mmm.


Does anybody have any running news to tell us about?

What about Lance, huh? I missed it! I'm sure they'll replay it on tv and I'll hopefully catch it.

Worlds coming up..anybody doing the webcast thing?

Filipe, have a good time reading.

[wineturtle]

I'm told dial-up will not support the cast and that even with the right connections the clarity is poor and the motion blurred. Others say the problems were only with the London cast and 'sinki will be fine.My cablesystem (Timewarner) has PAX and they will do a one hour wrap up package each day.
A few year ago Life University aired some track meets from their league-and used PAX also.Sue Thomas and track what a powerhouse ratings line up.WTFIC

[patti]

Thanks wineturtle. I have PAX, so a wrap-up will do it for me + LL. I'm looking forward to hunkering down to watch the Worlds. Did you hear Powell has a groin injury? I was looking forward to seeing him and Gaitlin go at it. And El Guerrouj is out? Oh my goodness...on sabbatical now for the rest of the year!

I've been talking to some people who have had Lyme and this is how it went for them...fatigue, tiredness to more fatigue. I find it to be similar to training, you don't know you're doing too much until it's too late. LOL! The after effects, such as life. I'll be just fine, I need to find the balance..that's all. So today I ran an ever soooooo e a s y hour. Feel the same, only I "feel" so much happier. If I'm going to be tired, might as well enjoy it, is what I say. The kids said I 'looked' happier..So there you go, out of the mouths of babes. I know, I know, I know, what the doctor said...and I do respect what she had to say..though I want my 'happy cells' and I'll play it by ear. And I won't cry on LL shoulders if I fall flat on my face. OK? OK! GOAL: Cross finish line at Honolulu.

I'll try to do some core stuff this afternoon and we'll see how it goes.

"On the road again..." (kinda)

[patti]

MR. RD (Filipe),

You're really going to do this, aren't you. Way to go! You are somthing, I'll tell you. You as RD along with your club members, I sure you'll have a very fine race. Please keep us posted about the progress, ok?

[Filipe]

Yea, I'm really going to do this. I'll tell you what, Patti, we're all something. Each and every one of us. It's just what we do with our something that sets us apart.

I'm very tempted to have a series of races. Like a cross country race in the fall, a track meet in the spring, and a road race in the summer.

I've got a name for it...

Put a CORC in it for the MDA Racing Series

of course, I'm not the most creative person, maybe someone else can think of something better.

[patti]

NO, no "CORC in it" has a catchy ring to it. I'm at a loss here though Filipe...help me out what does it stand for?

What about school?

[Filipe]

NO, no "CORC in it" has a catchy ring to it. I'm at a loss here though Filipe...help me out what does it stand for?

What about school?

CORC = Central Oklahoma Running Club

School starts August 22. I move back down to Oklahoma August 11. I'm taking 17 hours this semester, and am going to wait until the club is a little better established before I take on the responsibilites of putting on a race.

[patti]

Oh...that makes sense. Thank you. WOW! That's ambitious..race series..That's wonderful. Well, you start with a seed and it will take root and it will grow.

How's the running going? Enjoy the rest? Ready to rock'n'roll?

[Filipe]

Oh...that makes sense. Thank you. WOW! That's ambitious..race series..That's wonderful. Well, you start with a seed and it will take root and it will grow.

How's the running going? Enjoy the rest? Ready to rock'n'roll?

The rest was good, it was very much needed. My knee no longer has any twinges, and I went for a 6 miler this morning with my friend (my last time seeing her before I move back down to OK). We ran 7:30 pace and I was as comfortable as could be.

Just need to get a little more consistent with my training--finish getting in a good base period, then see what I'll do about racing.

[Filipe]

I've got the route for the 5k all set. It is entirely within the confines of OU and its Greek (frats/sororities) community.

You can take a gander at it here:

http://tinyurl.com/dsw5k

[patti]

Oh, an out and back in a loop kind of thing. Nice. Flat.

Well, you're on your way, Filipe, how exciting.

I didn't do core work this afternoon, visited a neighbor instead. Some things are just as important. P

[Filipe]

;) I'm not super concerned about making sure I get in a core workout, work usually takes care of that for me.

The course is generally flat. There is a slight downhill about 1k into it, and a quick uphill (fairly steep, but short) just over 2 miles into it. I'm going to have to bike the course when I get down just to verify that it is 5k. Maybe if I can get a wheel as well.

[patti]

GOOD MORNING LL!

Yes, I ran this morning..I'm getting out of the woods. My energy level is improving along with my attitude. It's been frustrating with this Lyme thing and well, I've accepted a level of fatigue that I can work with...and you know what..I'm not nearly as tired. Funny how that works, huh?

I have a full days work ahead of me, kids have activites and I have household things to get in order. Hopefully, I'll be able to get some more work in..I feel great..only have 9 more days on the antibiotic.

How's everybody's running coming along? Hard to believe July is almost gone.
it's hot, hot here in Ct. though the humdity isn't too bad.

How's Kansas? HOT?

[KCTrack]

Kansas has been awful this summer although today it is going to finally break...this past weekend I ran a 5K and as I was driving to the race at 6:15 am I saw a temp showing 84 degrees already...needless to say the 5K was not very fast...hopefully the rest of the summer will be okay...

[Filipe]

Yesterday morning wasn't too bad when I went out for a 6 miler with a friend. This morning I went outside to do a recovery run and it was WAY too humid. It's only 85 here right now, but the dewpoint is 74, giving us a humidity of 72%. I couldn't breathe, and it made a 7:00 pace run feel impossible.

[patti]

Heat Wave (not by Martha Reeves & The Vandellas) thank you TOM!

WOW! Is it ever HUMID! I could barely crawl through the stuff, it was so thick. Ran 10 without a watch and didn't look at the clock but from how I felt...it was S L O W! and not easy..gee, I felt like a lug. But it is over and done. Have 8 more days and counting on the med.

HAve any of you seen Willie Wonka movie yet..any reviews. Aaron is in the play this Friday and I'm thinking about brining the kids to the movie. I saw the orginal one with Gene Wilder...I really didn't like..I prefer to see Gene Wilder in Blazing Saddles..not Willy Wonka.

I've been reading the other sites and enjoying what each of have tosay...I'll be joining in sometime soon.

I hear there's people from CA looking to build a hotel in NH. I'd like to say poor Souter, but I live in New London.

Aaron is going to interview Kelo for a school project. Any questions you may have please forward.

I'm watching Cold Mountain ( in parts)..it's right where ZAP fitness is...beautiful training area.

Any good book to read?

Winetrurle sent along this great poem to me. 'To Be of Use' by Marge Piercy

To be of use
by Marge Piercy

The people I love the best
jump into work head first
without dallying in the shallows
and swim off with sure strokes almost out of sight.
They seem to become natives of that element,
the black sleek heads of seals
bouncing like half submerged balls.
I love people who harness themselves, an ox to a heavy cart,
who pull like water buffalo, with massive patience,
who strain in the mud and the muck to move things forward,
who do what has to be done, again and again.

I want to be with people who submerge
in the task, who go into the fields to harvest
and work in a row and pass the bags along,
who stand in the line and haul in their places,
who are not parlor generals and field deserters
but move in a common rhythm
when the food must come in or the fire be put out.
The work of the world is common as mud.
Botched, it smears the hands, crumbles to dust.
But the thing worth doing well done
has a shape that satisfies, clean and evident.
Greek amphoras for wine or oil,
Hopi vases that held corn, are put in museums
but you know they were made to be used.
The pitcher cries for water to carry
and a person for work that is real.
"To be of use" by Marge Piercy © 1973, 1982.
From CIRCLES ON THE WATER © 1982 by Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. and Middlemarsh, Inc.
First published in Lunch magazine. Used by permission of Wallace Literary Agency.

I love you all. God Bless, have a fantastic day...I'm going to the library and then the beach!

[Filipe]

If you find any good books, post them up in my library thread :)

Have a good day today, the cold front went through here, but it's still a little cloudy and pretty humid too. That will clear up though.

[KCTrack]

What a difference a day makes...today I did a track workout in 55 degree weather...felt great...

[patti]

DANG! 55? hey KC T, send some our way! 55! 55! I may have to get better quicker than I thought, I wanna get out play in it! GRRR!

So, ok...KC share...what did you run? Felt good, huh? 55? You must've flew! Save some for later!

Too hot to go to the beach here..I know even the beach is too hot, we'll go late this afternoon. My skin is too sensitive to the sun right now. Nixed the library, will go tomorrow though, forgot about piano lessons. But may go to Border's, lovely place to sip and read.

[Filipe]

What a difference a day makes...today I did a track workout in 55 degree weather...felt great...

Was 63 this morning here...going to be about 75 for a high :D

Tomorrow morning it'll be close to 50. I can't wait!

[wineturtle]

Patti,
Thanks for posting that poem by author,playwrite.essayist and poet Marge Piercy. Sylvia Carter,who writes a food centric home and hearth column
in Long Islands Newsday and other papers nationly used a quote from this poem in her regular Weds piece"a La Carter".I was taken with the quote and went to the whole poem,reminding me how long it has been since I've read a poem that wasn't song lyrics.Sylvia tells me she has read a lot of Ms Piercys work and all are powerful statements some of them could be called feminist but in the quick look I'd be more inclined to label them humanistic.
You are right this "Heat Wave" did not come from Ms Reeves&the Vandellas.In came from Mother Nature and she sings a mean tune when she wants.
Heal quickly dear patticat and heal well.You are blessed with a wonderful family and they in turn are blessed with you as MOM.That picture of Raven running with you brought a lump to my throat,good knee lift,controlled arms and wrist and that "Make um spilt blood stare"LOL
To all keep cool,keep hydrated and keep track of your vitals in this heat.
Tom
"I love people who harness themselves,an ox to a heavy cart,
who pull like water buffalo,with massive patience
who strain in the mud and the muck to move things forward,
who do what has to be done,again and again"

[KCTrack]

DANG! 55? hey KC T, send some our way! 55! 55! I may have to get better quicker than I thought, I wanna get out play in it! GRRR!

So, ok...KC share...what did you run? Felt good, huh? 55? You must've flew! Save some for later!

Too hot to go to the beach here..I know even the beach is too hot, we'll go late this afternoon. My skin is too sensitive to the sun right now. Nixed the library, will go tomorrow though, forgot about piano lessons. But may go to Border's, lovely place to sip and read.


I did a session of 8 X (200 - 400) with 200 jog in between...nothing too hard and did want to leave something for later...

The 400 I worked down from 84 to 75 and the 200 I kept around 37 - 38...so it was okay but for how hot it has been the cool helped the workout seem a lot easier...

[Filipe]

I am in such a great mood right now!!

The newest member of my running club is none other than the girl that I am falling for. :D

[patti]

"The newest member of my running club is none other than the girl that I am falling for. :D " Filipe

O! Happy Days! :)

Celebrate! Celebrate! Dance to the music!

So I imagine your runs are going to be in the stellar realm for awhile, huh? Good for you!

Humidity finally broke! Hooray! I ran for an hour and actually felt like I was running. Not tired, so I like that, have one more week left and I hope it will be all gone. I think it will be, I'm feeling pretty good now.

Official training begins August 1st! Whopee!

[KCTrack]

"The newest member of my running club is none other than the girl that I am falling for. :D " Filipe

O! Happy Days! :)

Celebrate! Celebrate! Dance to the music!

So I imagine your runs are going to be in the stellar realm for awhile, huh? Good for you!

Humidity finally broke! Hooray! I ran for an hour and actually felt like I was running. Not tired, so I like that, have one more week left and I hope it will be all gone. I think it will be, I'm feeling pretty good now.

Official training begins August 1st! Whopee!

I sent our weather on to you patti...I knew you needed the break... ;)

[luv2run]

Hello everybody ... how was the running while I was gone? Congrats on getting back out there on the roads, patti.

The first day or two of running camp was crazy, heat index of 115 or so. But then a few storms swept through and dropped the temperature.

[patti]

HI Luv2run,

You go to a running camp and all you can talk about is the weather! LOL!

Ok, ok, ok, I know that the next best thing to talk about aside from running is, ie...weather, favorite flavor of ice cream, cookies to dunk or not to dunk...and if you do, what cookie is the best (I prefer homemade chocolate chip cookies)...but you were away at a running camp! Details...we need details.

Did you have a good time?

Where?

How many miles did you get it?

How many other people?

Who was the guest speaker/runner? If any.

How was the food?

Cabins? Dorm? Tent? (lol, ya never know)

What did you learn that you didn't know before?

And anything else you would like to share with us.....puuuullllleeeeeaaasssssee!

While you were away..Filipe..is (in LOVE.)

KCtrack is doing intervals.

I'm running again..

I don't know what Ken55 is doing nor Zat0pek..at least I can't remember right now. I've read them on the other threads same as Track Daddy.

Oh my, I don't even know what Jaguar is doing...sorry Jag.

Haven't heard from Sulus.Wineturtle is awesome. (his usual self)

[Filipe]

While you were away..Filipe..is (in LOVE.)


Oh my, I don't even know what Jaguar is doing...sorry Jag.



pfff :D

Jag is getting settled in in Oregon, I believe. Doing a lot of running, work, etc.

I worked 8 hours today, work 8 hours Saturday, and 8 hours Sunday. Then I'm done working. Which means I'll be able to get into a solid training schedule :D

[luv2run]

Ok, ok, ok, I know that the next best thing to talk about aside from running is, ie...weather, favorite flavor of ice cream, cookies to dunk or not to dunk...and if you do, what cookie is the best (I prefer homemade chocolate chip cookies)...but you were away at a running camp! Details...we need details. They had cookies once at camp, but no milk for dunking. I ate five.

Did you have a good time? Definitely (!).


Where? Brooklyn, Michigan, with the University of Michigan's Coach Warhurst.


How many miles did you get? Around 55 from Sunday afternoon to Thursday morning, on 2-a-days.


How many other people? About a hundred.


Who was the guest speaker/runner? If any. In past years we have had Nick Willis and Nate Brannen (UM students), as well as Tim Broe (national champ in the 5k, Olympian). This year they were racing in Europe but there were some less high-profile students from UM and Eastern Michigan there.


How was the food? Pretty good, better than my school cafeteria food.


Cabins? Dorm? Tent? (lol, ya never know) We had 2 boys cabins with 20-30 kids per. Girls slept in rooms of 8, or something like that.


What did you learn that you didn't know before? I've been to the camp before, but this year I learned more about what college coaches are looking for and what I should focus on in training. I learned a lot about form running, improving speed, core strength, etc. Coach Warhurst also told me the same thing you said, patti, about taking plenty of easy days. (Tomorrow is off for me.)


And anything else you would like to share with us.....puuuullllleeeeeaaasssssee! It was tons of fun! Once I recover I think I'm a minute faster just from all the hills and miles.

[Filipe]

So I imagine your runs are going to be in the stellar realm for awhile, huh? Good for you!

One can hope ;)

[Filipe]

Official training begins August 1st! Whopee!

Official training begins July 31! YAY!

[patti]

Coach Ron Warhurst is great! The Warhurst's and the Dillon's were in Honolulu together...his son must be walking and talking by now. Danny knows Coach Warhurst pretty well, from X/C as Danny ran against his boys (yes, Danny mostly beat them, hehe) Lisa Weinenback, the last American woman to win Boston, is a Michigan grad along with Greg Meyer and Herb Lindsey.


Ron is great...I'm glad you heard...easy is easy, hard days are just that hard. You want you races to feel easy..duh, I know it doesn't make sense, but that's how it goes... all the work to make the RACE feel easy...a sign you trained well. I'm sure you know what I mean.

You're going to fly this fall. I'm looking forward to your stories!

What an opportunity to go away to Michigan. You're a Junior right? College. Ohmygoodnessgracious...college, big stuff ahead.

Well, enjoy the rest and I'm sure you're going to be galloping along with your buds the next few days jibber-jabbering about your time away....just rest afterwards...I know how it is one can get caught up in the and go ZIP! Make sure you rest. ( I know you will).


Filipe...July 31? Why not August 1? LOL. Ah, the difference a day makes...one day you're not in love and well, the next day ...Hmm, ( I'm teasing and it's the last time. ok?) (Yeah right!)

Any mowing to do today on your day off? No, I didn't find any boks to read at the library. I mustn't be in the mood to do more reading. Right now I'm catching up on other reading I do. So, I'll go back to that. Sorry, to be of no help to you. Have you ever read any books by Linda Greenlaw. Now she's good..she was a Captain of a fishing boat, the only woman I think to captain one. Now, she's a good read. Her character was in the movie "Perfect Storm". Her first book it the best I think, though Filipe, I can't remeber the title, I'm sorry. Her writing takes you in immediately. And even in OK you can smell the ocean in her book.

Well, I'm off for my run....Hip, hip, Hooray! Just an easy hour...I'm working my way back in. I haven't done core and anything else for that matter for awhile.

My son Aaron is in a play today..."Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" He plays Charlie's grandfather. He gets to sing and dance. I'm thankful he has enthusiasium, because he inherited my singing and well, I can't carry a note! Don't tell him!

Well, the Dillon's family has grown, we got 2 more birds yesterday (we're up to 12 now) LOVEBIRDS! (Thinking of you, Filipe.) We named them Titus and Lucy. Gee, they are the cutest, they love attention and they playful. They are fun to watch..though I can't get them on my finger.. yet...ouch they bite!

Have a great day! Loveya'll!

[Filipe]

Filipe...July 31? Why not August 1? LOL. Ah, the difference a day makes...one day you're not in love and well, the next day ...Hmm, ( I'm teasing and it's the last time. ok?) (Yeah right!)

Any mowing to do today on your day off? No, I didn't find any boks to read at the library. I mustn't be in the mood to do more reading. Right now I'm catching up on other reading I do. So, I'll go back to that. Sorry, to be of no help to you. Have you ever read any books by Linda Greenlaw. Now she's good..she was a Captain of a fishing boat, the only woman I think to captain one. Now, she's a good read. Her character was in the movie "Perfect Storm". Her first book it the best I think, though Filipe, I can't remeber the title, I'm sorry. Her writing takes you in immediately. And even in OK you can smell the ocean in her book.

Well, the Dillon's family has grown, we got 2 more birds yesterday (we're up to 12 now) LOVEBIRDS! (Thinking of you, Filipe.) We named them Titus and Lucy. Gee, they are the cutest, they love attention and they playful. They are fun to watch..though I can't get them on my finger.. yet...ouch they bite!

Have a great day! Loveya'll!

Have a nice run Patti. Enjoy your core work as well. I always start my training on Sundays, which is why I am starting my official training July 31. :)

My dad and I took care of the mowing last night (he mowed, I cleaned up around the yard--weed whacked, picked up the dogs messes, wrapped the hoses, etc--before he mowed). Today we just have other yardwork to focus on--weeding, mulching, etc. My mom wants our yard done by next Saturday, which is my sister's grad party.

I've actually read "The Hungry Ocean" by Linda Greenlaw, as well as "The Perfect Storm." Believe it or not, there was a time in my life where I wanted to be a professional fisherman (angler, taking people out on charters and such, fishing in tournaments).

I'd love to hae a bird or two in my apartment (like taking my bird Fred back to school with me), but my apartment doesn't allow pets. ::shrug::


Time to get to the yardwork. Have a good day, ya'll.

[Filipe]

Oh, this is my take on training--if anybody is interested.

If "Wild Bill" Holden can walk ~12 miles a day every day to get from his home in Arizona to Wrigley Field ( http://www.thisoldcub.com/walk2.htm ) on 2 barely there knees, in some old shoes, while being overweight...Anyone can run 12 miles a day, provided they had the time to and weren't critically injured.

It's 2-6 mile runs a day, or 3-4 mile runs, or 1-12 miler. Break it up however you want to, but just about anyone can run 12 miles a day.

[luv2run]

Coach Ron Warhurst is great! The Warhurst's and the Dillon's were in Honolulu together...his son must be walking and talking by now. Danny knows Coach Warhurst pretty well, from X/C as Danny ran against his boys (yes, Danny mostly beat them, hehe) Lisa Weinenback, the last American woman to win Boston, is a Michigan grad along with Greg Meyer and Herb Lindsey.


Ron is great...I'm glad you heard...easy is easy, hard days are just that hard. You want you races to feel easy..duh, I know it doesn't make sense, but that's how it goes... all the work to make the RACE feel easy...a sign you trained well. I'm sure you know what I mean.

You're going to fly this fall. I'm looking forward to your stories!

What an opportunity to go away to Michigan. You're a Junior right? College. Ohmygoodnessgracious...college, big stuff ahead.

Well, enjoy the rest and I'm sure you're going to be galloping along with your buds the next few days jibber-jabbering about your time away....just rest afterwards...I know how it is one can get caught up in the and go ZIP! Make sure you rest. ( I know you will).Yes, thank you, I am definitely resting a lot. I have a race this Sunday, then some hard stuff for a few days, and then I promise I will have an easy week and drop the mileage before XC officially starts up.

"all the work to make the RACE feel easy" -- Coach Warhurst told me something a lot like that. I think he said that races should feel just like the workouts we were doing, relaxed and controlled. It's not really the same thing, but I know what you mean.



We also learned a lot about core stuff, which I know is a topic of interest on this thread. A lady who helped run the camp gave us some great info on core exercises.


Happy training all!
The key seems to be hitting the important groups -- upper abs, lower abs, and obliques. I think that lower back is very important too. Warhurst also mentioned that the key upper body muscles were the pecs and (I think) the lats.

So my previous workout was pretty good, with exercises for the upper abs/obliques, the lower abs, another upper abs, two for the back, and pushups and pullups for the chest/back arm-pumping muscles. If you are doing core workouts, try to work all of the groups--I think it should help a lot.



Filipe, I agree on the 12-a-day thing, although it might not be the best way to train for XC a lot of Americans could benefit from just getting out there and putting in the mileage.

[Sulus]

"Very nice."
-Ron

[luv2run]

Haha. Every time anything positive happened at camp that was his compliment. I don't know where the joke originally started but it's hilarious. It's on the back of their racing jerseys and everything.

[Filipe]

Filipe, I agree on the 12-a-day thing, although it might not be the best way to train for XC a lot of Americans could benefit from just getting out there and putting in the mileage.

If anything, it would burn off a lot of calories, and if done aerobically, you'd develop your endurance extremely well. Even if you broke it into two 6 mile runs a day for 6 days and a 12 miler once a week...doing 2 workouts (speed, hills, tempo) and the rest as aerobic runs, you'd still do a good job developing everything.

Sure you'll be a little sore at first, but after you get used to it, it would be smooth sailing.

[patti]

luv2run...how was your race?

[wineturtle]

Hi Patti,
How is the rest and recouperation coming I see your resting for about 10 miles a day now.LOL I guess 50-60 mile a week IS resting to you.
It sounds like you house is a little Noahs Ark I guess we need a full accounting of the animals....
It is great that your kids are doing so many good thing with their time and having fun while doing it. Aaron(and unofficially)Raven reading to the younger kids is way cool(see old guy try to talk hip!LOL).Reading aloud is becoming a lost art. Have they thought of reading for the blind (Lighthouse has a program)Kids books in kids voices...not sure if they have a program like that.Someone I know used to do readings for them.He taped them at the radio station he worked at and sent the tapes into them.
Enjoy the weekend races and parties,stay cool and hydrated.Mother Nature tends to bite you in the #$$ if you do not respect her power.

[luv2run]

luv2run...how was your race?Sorry about the delayed response. Our team was running in Northern Michigan for a few days, we just got back.

The race went okay, I PRd for 4 miles (20:36). I went out in 4:57 or so, which was according to plan, but faded pretty badly (not according to plan) the next two miles before kicking it in a little.

My time was about 45 seconds faster than last year, which isn't quite what I was hoping for but is still a pretty good result. Practice officially starts next Monday (the 8th), so I will have an off day and a few easy days before then.




How is the running going now?

Filipe, how have official practices been?

jaguar, haven't heard from you in a while, how is your training?

Anyone else ... updates?

[Filipe]

Well, running hasn't been too bad when I've had time for it :D

As soon as I'm done getting all my stuff ready to move back to Oklahoma, things will be good.

Got my running club all set up, with the runs ready:

Sunday: 8am
Mon-Fri: 7am/7pm
Saturday: 8am

I'll be marking them on the sidewalk around campus to get people's attention so they hopefully show up. I'll be at each run, running about 1.25 miles from my apartment to the meeting point, running 4-6 miles at the run, running 1.25 miles back on weekdays...giving me 13-17 miles a day M-F, then probably around the same for Saturday and Sunday, unless I need a recovery day, which will be Saturday.

The schedule will look something like this:

Sunday: 10-12 miles
Monday: AM: 6-8 miles PM: 6-8 miles
Tuesday: AM: 6-8 miles PM: 6-8 miles
Wednesday: AM: 6-8 miles PM: 6-8 miles
Thursday: AM: 6-8 miles PM: 6-8 miles
Friday: AM: 6-8 miles PM: 6-8 miles
Saturday: 6-8 miles

Total Mileage: 75-100 miles The runs will all be aerobic in nature (even if I decide I want to do some intervals or a tempo-ish run; the intervals would be 800s or miles at a 5:30-6:00 pace; tempos would be around 6:00-6:15 pace). My strength after all this training will be my strength--I'd like to think I'll be like an ox after this.

I'm also going to be starting to box and kickbox with my friend and her boyfriend. So that will provide extra cardio and strength. And when I do strength work, I will do some cardio beforehand.

[patti]

Good Day LL,

Today is a good day! Clean bill of health from the doctor and all systems can go full throttle! YES! YES! YES! GRR! I'm so exicted about being able to go-go-GO!

I've been feeling tired and sluggish, for a bit and I thought I was doing too much (probably) and I didn't want to cry on your shoulders, hence my quietness, I though I'd slip up if I chimed in) and I said I wouldn't. The tender spot I had on the inside of my leg gave me an excuse to rest some, by keeping me a bay with only a 45 -60 run each day. Leg is fine as long as I still ice. Ya'know I'm not doing the dixie cup thing...forget that..I'm into Gigantic ice...quart size. I'm using my half/half cartons.

Oh, I've enjoy reading the other threads and answers. I love you guys!

luv2run...another PR! WOW! That's nothing to sneeze at. "Very nice." Good for you. You are starting off at a high level of fitness...boy0boy am I looking forward to see how your X/C develops. GRRR! Go for it! August 8..I'll be praying for you.

Filpie...way to go on your club..you dog....you're something! Schedule looks great. I hope for the best for the club and I hope that the people that come with be enthralled with running as much as you are. (How can they not) I may be out in OK sometime next April. I'll let you know OK..then I can run with your club!! That would be SOOOo cool!

Wineturtle, love you! My Pets keep me busy. I got them for the kids...yeah right! Well, the love birds bite and I still can't get them on my finger. All the pets are rescued pets and the birds were not handled..so I'll win them over with love and time and FOOD!

All pets get along. Snoopy the cat, leaves the birds alone now. Louie the bunny still chases Snoopy around. I was going to stop it, but it just too funny watching the two of them. The puppies well, they are labs and they don't settle down until after 3-4 years old...still have a ways to go there. So names ready...finches (6) are named after the Honolulu Marathon runners. Jimmy, David (Jimmy Muindi's neighbor), Nicholas (Jimmy's brother), Albina, Alevtina, Svetlana. The parakeets (4), Deka, Sunny, Picolo, BR. Love birds, Lucy and Titus. Puppies, John Wayne, Scout, Cookie. I know you guys really don't care about all this...but hey ya'know this is what's all about for me. Kids, cookies, running..chatting, details, table talk..Love it!

So, now I'm back on the roads....core will soon follow. I'll confidently go until exhaustion now because I'm not concerned about my helth, well, I am...but I know I'm heathly.

Ok, Rob deCastella, and his lovely wife, Theresa are expecting their first baby any day now. I'll keep you posted.

Today is Stevie Jones B-day...A standing 0 for Stevie...he turned 50!

Tomorrow is the Johnny Kelley 11.6 mile road race. It is free! The Harriers are doing water stations. Live music, oysters on the half shell and clam chowa on the Ocean Beach Board walk will provide the back drop to a a lovley gahtering of die-hard runners. The Dillon children are up to their elbows in cookie dough..award winning homemade chocolate chip cookies. (yes, the kids have won 3 years in a row for their cookies and brownies and pies at the County Fair). If you like to attend this fine race...I know the race director and he'll comp your number. hehe!

So, now that I've chatted way to long...I'll sign off for now. (thank you God you are probably saying)

Time to play ball with the pups.

Oh, by the way, I'm a working mom now.

[luv2run]

Congrats on getting back to running patti!
It's great that you've gotten through it. Best of luck on getting back in shape.



P.S. You can't just end a post like that, it's too suspenseful ... what are you doing for work?

[patti]

LOL~LOL~LOL~ :D

Yes, I'm a working mom and still a work in progress!

Glad you asked luv2run.

I just signed on with Marathon and Beyond Speakers Bureau...How cool is that? Dickie Beardsley (Beards) Helen Klein (ultra marathoner extraordinarie...(@ 80+) and Coach GP Pearlberg...and MOI! hehehe! I love it!

I hope to meet and run with all of you at some point...there's always a method to the madness. ;)

"On the road again...can't wait to get on the road again...
to meet and run with my running friends
I can't wait to get on the roads again!" hehaw! :D

[jaguar]

jaguar, haven't heard from you in a while, how is your training?



Training is great! I did my first road race last weekend since getting to Oregon and actually ran a 1 second PR in the 5K! I haven't even started speed training yet.... just ran that off of aerobic base training. Good gosh, the weather here is perfect all the time. Sure, it warms up in the middle of the afternoon, but the early morning and late evening are nice and cool with low humidity and lots of trees, which makes it much easier to race in (as compared to the extreme conditions we endure in Oklahoma!). No wonder people flock to the West coast to run monster PRs!

[patti]

AH! Well, you blessed little girl you! A PR! As luv2run now says (since he's been to camp) "Very Nice!". Way to go girl!

Oh, boy0boy, for at least one of my runs during this heat wave I'd enjoy being in Oregon.."beam me up Scotty".

Other than you are on cloud nine things going well for you?

[Filipe]

Training is great! I did my first road race last weekend since getting to Oregon and actually ran a 1 second PR in the 5K! I haven't even started speed training yet.... just ran that off of aerobic base training. Good gosh, the weather here is perfect all the time. Sure, it warms up in the middle of the afternoon, but the early morning and late evening are nice and cool with low humidity and lots of trees, which makes it much easier to race in (as compared to the extreme conditions we endure in Oklahoma!). No wonder people flock to the West coast to run monster PRs!

I had a question for you...but I forgot what it was...I'll let you know when I remember it.

[patti]

Hello LL!

Gee, where were you guys?!**** HELLO!

What a par~tae!

I hope we will be able to do it again..what a breathe of fresh air... AH!..I'll say.

Time is fast, life is a blink!

Well, the few precious minutes I had to spend with my fellow loungers was well spent, I love you all.

And yes, I am feeling a tad joyful.. :) Thank you very much!

Life is good. Off meds, Danny passed the RI electical test..(it's a tough one.). I have a job now..and kids are great! Pets are heathly.."life is good".

Do any of you know the story behind the slogan "Life is Good!".

This is what I heard when I was at ZAP Fitness last year in NC...

A couple down to their last $50 needed some way to make a living..$50 buck is all they had left ( I can identify) when one of them came upon the idea...

"50 BUCKS!"

"LIFE IS GOOD!" and printed it on a t-shirt...and well the rest is history.. cha~ching!...Yes, I too have added many $ into their "Life is Good" for t-shirts, hats, stickers...because..bottom line...when it is all said and done..."LIFE IS GOOD!"

Thank you Aaron, Raven, Anna, Sarah, Conor, Triston, Charee, Aidan, Abby, Jasmine, Jaklia, Nioka, Devon, Amy, Tynia, Simone, Zack, Sebastian, Olivia, Kara, Kevin, Suzie, Sondra, Andrew, Erica, Howie, Shaye, Samatha!

Ok, I' ready for the next par~tae only after a HARD week of training!! :)

[jaguar]

AH! Well, you blessed little girl you! A PR! As luv2run now says (since he's been to camp) "Very Nice!". Way to go girl!

Oh, boy0boy, for at least one of my runs during this heat wave I'd enjoy being in Oregon.."beam me up Scotty".

Other than you are on cloud nine things going well for you?

Haha! Thanks! Yeah, I feel a bit spoiled here.... hope I don't get soft.:D

Everything else is great! Just vibrating and dissecting rats. Not too demanding! About to start with hormonal assays.

[patti]

RATS! uuuooohhhh! RATS~ RATS~~ You're dissecting rats...

I once dissected a cat..I learned alot.

Well JAG!, you were missed along with the others...ah, what a nice visit, until next time! :D

[Filipe]

I was out truck shopping. My dad got a raise so I'm going to be getting a truck to take to Oklahoma.

Jag, I remembered my question.

Can I have that research about the % aerobic of the different races? Thanks.

[patti]

Filipe, your dad gets a raise and you are GETTING A TRUCK! "Life is Good"! :D

life is > than no truck!

[jaguar]

I was out truck shopping. My dad got a raise so I'm going to be getting a truck to take to Oklahoma.

Jag, I remembered my question.

Can I have that research about the % aerobic of the different races? Thanks.

Wow, that's awesome about the truck!!!!!!!! I remember when I first got my car... it was such a surprise. Ahhhh, yes, savor this moment. Probably one of the best!

Do you mean the following article?

http://ingrid-kristiansen.com/holisticfitness/running.htm