Thursday, June 30, 2011
Looking forward to some fun running
It’s taken almost two months, but I am finally coming out of my running slump. Anemia, bronchitis, and general malaise have not made running fun these last few weeks. I have not been ready for a real track workout until recently. But I'm looking forward to some fun running in the Spreckels race on July Fourth. If you're not familiar with Monterey County, Spreckels is a pretty cool little town/community (a post office, a general store, a church, a fire department ... and not a whole lot more).
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Sev's the rock
Blake's been working on a column about her coach, Bob Sevene. Here's a little taste of what she will have in Saturday's paper:
I have been fortunate enough in my career to always have a coach present except for one year when I coached myself. That was before I found Bob Sevene. He’s definitely been my rock all these years. It’s a rare day he misses a practice, and he never complains — even if he is riding his bike next to me in cold, sideways rain. It’s nice to know he is willing to suffer with me. The fact he was one of the best 800-meter runners in the country before he was drafted and served in Vietnam means he understands the pain of disappointment after a bad race.
I have been fortunate enough in my career to always have a coach present except for one year when I coached myself. That was before I found Bob Sevene. He’s definitely been my rock all these years. It’s a rare day he misses a practice, and he never complains — even if he is riding his bike next to me in cold, sideways rain. It’s nice to know he is willing to suffer with me. The fact he was one of the best 800-meter runners in the country before he was drafted and served in Vietnam means he understands the pain of disappointment after a bad race.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Coach and Quin
My coach, Bob Sevene, and my son Quin have a unique relationship. Recently, Sev took some time off to visit his old stomping grounds in Boston. Though I talked to him on the phone several times while he was gone, it is not the same as having him here. Even Quin was missing him, and when I had him say “hi” to Sev on the phone, he said, “I go to Bev’s house, right now.”
Monday, June 27, 2011
Running Spreckles
Though I don’t feel that race fit, I'm going to run the Spreckles 10k on the Fourth of July as a hard workout. It’s nice to break up the routine and sometimes it’s easier to push yourself when you have people running next to you. I have a feeling Quin will enjoy the firetrucks and parade. Come on out and enjoy the festivities if you are around.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
sharing the running love
R ecently I had a speaking engagement with a group of girls attending a camp called Smart Choices sponsored by Girls Inc. of the Central Coast. The camp is a summer program for girls entering high school. They live on the CSU Monterey Bay campus for a week and learn about college life, do some outdoor activities, and meet some new friends, all while learning about leadership, self-esteem, healthy lifestyles and much more. Their motto is “strong, smart and bold.” All the girls I met there were refreshingly well-spoken.
I was slated to speak on a morning where the girls were focusing on sports and physical fitness. When I arrived at the CSUMB track, Mike Dove, the director of Just Run, the youth running program, was just finishing up his talk. I was a little later in the program because I had to get my workout in and send Quin off to gymnastics with his grandmother.
Nina Anderson, a standout runner from Notre Dame High School in Salinas, was also there to inspire the girls and give them some pearls of wisdom as they headed into high school. Better her than me, I thought, it seem like ages ago when I was in high school.
Dove had the girls run a mile around the track. He told them to pace themselves and start easy. Of course, they all bolted out with enthusiasm. And, needless to say, a majority of them had slowed considerably by the second lap. Yet, almost all the girls finished in under 10 minutes. It was nice to see a group of girls cheering one another to the finish line. There were some good looking athletes and hopefully some future runners in the bunch.
When I’m talking with young runners, I like to talk about setting goals and being stubborn in your pursuits. But when I spoke to those young ladies I also found myself telling them how much fun sports can be in high school. It’s funny, but I don’t remember too many specifics about my races, but I do remember the comradery, the fun and the laughs. I remember a high school teammate running so hard during a cross country race he closed his eyes on the final stretch. He ran into a tree. My coach picked him up and threw him in the right direction yelling “Run, (expletive), Run!”
In college I remember a teammate struggling through a steeplechase race. With a lap to go, he fell over a barrier but got up and ran to the next hurdle only to fall again. Exhausted, he limped to the last barrier and caught his foot and went down a third time. He then muttered something and stepped off the track in disgust. Luckily, there was a video that caught the entire sequence, and I can assure you it was brought out countless times at parties for a good laugh.
I hope these girls are lucky enough to find a sport that excites them and will allow them the opportunity to create fun memories. Though running may not be everyone’s first choice, what I love about it is that you will improve if you are willing to put in the time. It’s cheap, rewarding, and can be done almost anywhere. You can make it what you want. For me, running has become a career path, but it has also been a social circle. Heck, if it was not for running, I would never have crossed paths with the steeplechase runner who would become my husband.
I was slated to speak on a morning where the girls were focusing on sports and physical fitness. When I arrived at the CSUMB track, Mike Dove, the director of Just Run, the youth running program, was just finishing up his talk. I was a little later in the program because I had to get my workout in and send Quin off to gymnastics with his grandmother.
Nina Anderson, a standout runner from Notre Dame High School in Salinas, was also there to inspire the girls and give them some pearls of wisdom as they headed into high school. Better her than me, I thought, it seem like ages ago when I was in high school.
Dove had the girls run a mile around the track. He told them to pace themselves and start easy. Of course, they all bolted out with enthusiasm. And, needless to say, a majority of them had slowed considerably by the second lap. Yet, almost all the girls finished in under 10 minutes. It was nice to see a group of girls cheering one another to the finish line. There were some good looking athletes and hopefully some future runners in the bunch.
When I’m talking with young runners, I like to talk about setting goals and being stubborn in your pursuits. But when I spoke to those young ladies I also found myself telling them how much fun sports can be in high school. It’s funny, but I don’t remember too many specifics about my races, but I do remember the comradery, the fun and the laughs. I remember a high school teammate running so hard during a cross country race he closed his eyes on the final stretch. He ran into a tree. My coach picked him up and threw him in the right direction yelling “Run, (expletive), Run!”
In college I remember a teammate struggling through a steeplechase race. With a lap to go, he fell over a barrier but got up and ran to the next hurdle only to fall again. Exhausted, he limped to the last barrier and caught his foot and went down a third time. He then muttered something and stepped off the track in disgust. Luckily, there was a video that caught the entire sequence, and I can assure you it was brought out countless times at parties for a good laugh.
I hope these girls are lucky enough to find a sport that excites them and will allow them the opportunity to create fun memories. Though running may not be everyone’s first choice, what I love about it is that you will improve if you are willing to put in the time. It’s cheap, rewarding, and can be done almost anywhere. You can make it what you want. For me, running has become a career path, but it has also been a social circle. Heck, if it was not for running, I would never have crossed paths with the steeplechase runner who would become my husband.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Some fast women out there
Shalane Flanagan is really running well now, as evidenced by her dominant victory in the women's 10,000 meters Thursday night. She ran a 30:59.97, a Hayward Field record. Kara Goucher of the Oregon Project in Portland was second in 31:16.65 and Jen Rhines was third in 31:30.37.
The other day, Coach Sev told me, "It’s time for coach to get mean. We’ve got a lot of work to do.” He’s not kidding, making this next Olympic Team is going to be a lot tougher than the last time because there are more women running well.
The other day, Coach Sev told me, "It’s time for coach to get mean. We’ve got a lot of work to do.” He’s not kidding, making this next Olympic Team is going to be a lot tougher than the last time because there are more women running well.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Creating fun memories
When I’m talking with young runners, I like to talk about setting goals and being stubborn in your pursuits. But when I spoke to the young ladies attending the Smart Choices camp at CSUMB recently, I also found myself telling them how much fun sports can be in high school. I hope these girls are lucky enough to find a sport that excites them and will allow them the opportunity to create fun memories. For me, running has become a career path, but it has also created my social circle.
More on that in this weekend's Monterey County Herald
More on that in this weekend's Monterey County Herald
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Eyes turn to Oregon
USA Track and Field championships are this week in Eugene, Oregon. Going through trials and start of decathlon, the main action is this weekend. Here's an interesting take on the new false start rule from the RegisterGuard.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Ah, memories
It’s funny, but I don’t remember too many specifics about my races, but I do remember the comradery, the fun and the laughs.
I remember a high school teammate running so hard during a cross country race he closed his eyes on the final stretch. He ran into a tree. My coach picked him up and threw him in the right direction yelling “Run, (expletive), Run!”
In college I remember a teammate struggling through a steeplechase race. With a lap to go, he fell over a barrier but got up and ran to the next hurdle only to fall again. Exhausted, he limped to the last barrier and caught his foot and went down a third time. He then muttered something and stepped off the track in disgust. Luckily, there was a video caught the entire sequence and I can assure you it was brought out countless times at parties for a good laugh.
I remember a high school teammate running so hard during a cross country race he closed his eyes on the final stretch. He ran into a tree. My coach picked him up and threw him in the right direction yelling “Run, (expletive), Run!”
In college I remember a teammate struggling through a steeplechase race. With a lap to go, he fell over a barrier but got up and ran to the next hurdle only to fall again. Exhausted, he limped to the last barrier and caught his foot and went down a third time. He then muttered something and stepped off the track in disgust. Luckily, there was a video caught the entire sequence and I can assure you it was brought out countless times at parties for a good laugh.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Summer running
One of the beautiful things about training on the Monterey Peninsula is the climate. It never seems to get too cold or too hot to run. Of course, on this the summer solstice, we're getting hit by a mini-heat wave. Short of running on the beach, here's some advice about dealing with the heat when you're a runner from Jeff Galloway. Oh, and the picture, the scene at Del Monte Beach yesterday.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Trying to be a marshmallow runner
This week's column:
B eing a mom and psychology major, I always enjoy reading about child development. An interesting study was recently published based on the Stanford Marshmallow Study done in 1960s. Researchers put a hungry 4-year old child in a room and gave him one large marshmallow. They told the child he could eat the marshmallow immediately after they left, or he could wait for the researchers to return and eat it then. If he waited he would receive an additional marshmallow.
About a third of the children ate it right away, another third played with it, looked at it, but eventually ate it before the researchers returned. The remaining 33 percent waited and received two. The study has followed these kids since then and found that those that were able to have self-control and delayed gratification were happier, did better in school, and were more successful in life regardless of socio-economic factors.
Ultimately, the study stresses that self-control is not innate, but much like a muscle, can be trained and improved over time. I guess you could say running is my marshmallow. Though I didn't begin competing until high school, it became my passion, my drive, my discipline. It was what taught me to set goals and work toward them, hoping to be rewarded for my efforts later. And reaching the Olympics — that was the mother of all marshmallows. A trip to an exotic place, the atmosphere, the excitement, the pride I felt when wearing the Olympic uniform are all unforgettable. It’s the Olympics after all, and the entire world was watching.
Getting to the Olympics meant making a few sacrifices along the way. Once I got more into running in high school, my poor sister was nice enough to wait for me to get a run in before we opened presents and had Christmas breakfast. Now, that is love. In college when most of my friends were gearing up for Friday night, I was in early because I had Saturday morning practice. If I did go out, I was generally nursing a pitcher of water, not a pitcher of beer. Not a bad way to hydrate while having fun. For the last 15 years, vacations for my entire family have revolved around my racing schedule, which I appreciate tremendously. If a workout falls on a holiday, I still do the workout, though with Quin understanding more and more about birthdays and Christmas, that won’t last much longer. Even planning a family had to be specifically timed and additions are on hold for the moment though I feel that tug.
I like to think I would would have been one of the children that waited. When Quin gets a little older, I might try my own marshmallow test, and I wonder what he will do? I hope I will be able to instill some discipline and drive into Quin. I think he already understands that exercise is important. As I went to pick him up from the park after a run, his babysitter told me he must have run 20 laps around the park. Right now he is learning through play. Occasionally, he falls into a pile crying when he misses a basketball goal. My husband or I am always there with a, “Keep practicing. It’s hard to make every basket, buddy.” I am sure we will face bigger challenges soon.
My coach, Bob Sevene, always talks about how running reflects life, and he actually prefers the term “teacher” to “coach” because he says he is not just coaching the body, he’s using athletics to develop the whole person. Pushing your mind and your body to the limits in training and in races is character development at its finest. There are occasional days where I have trouble getting out the door, but I have learned that to get what I want, I have to be willing to put in the time. I have also found that it’s hard to get into a good routine, but once I am there I enjoy it more and more. Discipline seems to breed discipline. I want more marshmallows, so I will keep flexing my self-discipline muscle.
I might even try and resist the donuts the size of my head at Pavel’s in Pacific Grove, maybe.
B eing a mom and psychology major, I always enjoy reading about child development. An interesting study was recently published based on the Stanford Marshmallow Study done in 1960s. Researchers put a hungry 4-year old child in a room and gave him one large marshmallow. They told the child he could eat the marshmallow immediately after they left, or he could wait for the researchers to return and eat it then. If he waited he would receive an additional marshmallow.
About a third of the children ate it right away, another third played with it, looked at it, but eventually ate it before the researchers returned. The remaining 33 percent waited and received two. The study has followed these kids since then and found that those that were able to have self-control and delayed gratification were happier, did better in school, and were more successful in life regardless of socio-economic factors.
Ultimately, the study stresses that self-control is not innate, but much like a muscle, can be trained and improved over time. I guess you could say running is my marshmallow. Though I didn't begin competing until high school, it became my passion, my drive, my discipline. It was what taught me to set goals and work toward them, hoping to be rewarded for my efforts later. And reaching the Olympics — that was the mother of all marshmallows. A trip to an exotic place, the atmosphere, the excitement, the pride I felt when wearing the Olympic uniform are all unforgettable. It’s the Olympics after all, and the entire world was watching.
Getting to the Olympics meant making a few sacrifices along the way. Once I got more into running in high school, my poor sister was nice enough to wait for me to get a run in before we opened presents and had Christmas breakfast. Now, that is love. In college when most of my friends were gearing up for Friday night, I was in early because I had Saturday morning practice. If I did go out, I was generally nursing a pitcher of water, not a pitcher of beer. Not a bad way to hydrate while having fun. For the last 15 years, vacations for my entire family have revolved around my racing schedule, which I appreciate tremendously. If a workout falls on a holiday, I still do the workout, though with Quin understanding more and more about birthdays and Christmas, that won’t last much longer. Even planning a family had to be specifically timed and additions are on hold for the moment though I feel that tug.
I like to think I would would have been one of the children that waited. When Quin gets a little older, I might try my own marshmallow test, and I wonder what he will do? I hope I will be able to instill some discipline and drive into Quin. I think he already understands that exercise is important. As I went to pick him up from the park after a run, his babysitter told me he must have run 20 laps around the park. Right now he is learning through play. Occasionally, he falls into a pile crying when he misses a basketball goal. My husband or I am always there with a, “Keep practicing. It’s hard to make every basket, buddy.” I am sure we will face bigger challenges soon.
My coach, Bob Sevene, always talks about how running reflects life, and he actually prefers the term “teacher” to “coach” because he says he is not just coaching the body, he’s using athletics to develop the whole person. Pushing your mind and your body to the limits in training and in races is character development at its finest. There are occasional days where I have trouble getting out the door, but I have learned that to get what I want, I have to be willing to put in the time. I have also found that it’s hard to get into a good routine, but once I am there I enjoy it more and more. Discipline seems to breed discipline. I want more marshmallows, so I will keep flexing my self-discipline muscle.
I might even try and resist the donuts the size of my head at Pavel’s in Pacific Grove, maybe.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
That self-discipline muscle
My coach, Bob Sevene, always talks about how running reflects life, and he actually prefers the term “teacher” to “coach” because he says he is not just coaching the body, he’s using athletics to develop the whole person. Pushing your mind and your body to the limits in training and in races is character development at its finest. There are occasional days where I have trouble getting out the door, but I have learned that to get what I want, I have to be willing to put in the time. I have also found that it’s hard to get into a good routine, but once I am there I enjoy it more and more. Discipline seems to breed discipline. I will keep flexing my self-discipline muscle.
Friday, June 17, 2011
A few sacrifices along the way
Getting to the Olympics meant making a few sacrifices along the way. Once I got more into running in high school, my poor sister was nice enough to wait for me to get a run in before we opened presents and had Christmas breakfast. Now, that is love. In college when most of my friends were gearing up for Friday night, I was in early because I had Saturday morning practice. If I did go out, I was generally nursing a pitcher of water, not a pitcher of beer. Not a bad way to hydrate while having fun. For the last 15 years, vacations for my entire family have revolved around my racing schedule, which I appreciate tremendously. If a workout falls on a holiday, I still do the workout, though with Quin understanding more and more about birthdays and Christmas, that won’t last much longer. Even planning a family had to be specifically timed and additions are on hold for the moment though I feel that tug.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Run in the Name of Love
Being one of the top running communities in the country, it seems like every weekend we have a choice of races to run. But this Father’s Day, there will be a rather unique running event in Carmel. "Run in the Name of Love" is hosted by Susan Love, one of the honchos of the Big Sur International Marathon and the Just Run youth running program. Love has quite a touching personal story as portrayed in this story in The Herald.
“Run in the Name of Love” was originally a race held at the University of Virginia, in memory of Love’s son, Brian. It has expanded in scope —all participants will be running or walking in the name of someone they love. There is a unique on-line tribute book where tributes and photos can be submitted. Tribute bibs can be purchased with the honorees printed on them. There is even a tribute board at the celebration where names and messages can be written.
Because it's Carmel, dogs are invited to participate in the 2K. Even dog t-shirts are available for purchase and they receive dog biscuits when they cross the finish-line!
The history of this event and all of the information about the race, pictures, etc. can be found at runinthenameoflove.org
“Run in the Name of Love” was originally a race held at the University of Virginia, in memory of Love’s son, Brian. It has expanded in scope —all participants will be running or walking in the name of someone they love. There is a unique on-line tribute book where tributes and photos can be submitted. Tribute bibs can be purchased with the honorees printed on them. There is even a tribute board at the celebration where names and messages can be written.
Because it's Carmel, dogs are invited to participate in the 2K. Even dog t-shirts are available for purchase and they receive dog biscuits when they cross the finish-line!
The history of this event and all of the information about the race, pictures, etc. can be found at runinthenameoflove.org
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Marshmallow runner
An interesting study was recently published based on the Stanford Marshmallow Study done in 1960s. In this week's column, Blake will explore the idea of delayed gratification when it comes to running. Maybe that's what makes her a great runner. Me? I can't resist a good marshmallow.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Strength Training
I woke up this morning incredibly sore. My arms are aching and my quads are equally sore. I racked my brain to think what I might have done in practice to make me so sore. Nothing came to mind since I just do easy runs on Mondays. Then, I realized it was from Quin jumping in and out of the pool 800 times yesterday. Guess I found a new form of strength training.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Getting back in the routine
Sorry for delay in posting Blake's latest column. Major computer problems. Here it is:
Last week I watched 43 episodes of Thomas the Train and three back-to-back fire truck movies. Quin was sick, and instead of playing baseball or taking long walks to the fire station to peep in the windows, we were laid up on the couch. I hate to see my little guy too sick to play, but I have to admit, I enjoyed my extra snuggle time. Sadly, even though I wanted to stay with him the entire time, I had to get out the door for some runs.
I am definitely a creature of habit, and like most athletes, I have found it helps to keep the same routine. I am almost always out the door at the same time, though I like variety on my runs. When I was working full-time as a physical therapist, I never had time to procrastinate. My day was pretty full, so lingering even 20 minutes, meant I was going to be late for work, or need to cut a run short. After I moved to Monterey and had the opportunity to run fulltime, I actually found the open days really hard to adjust to. That really irked my husband, a former elite runner who is out in the business world. He calls me a corporate virgin since I have never worked in a cubicle or had to attend a meeting. I think I am lucky to call the great outdoors my office.
With Quin, there is not much time to linger since I am usually rushing back to relieve a baby- sitter, or running in the door and taking him to an activity or play date. But I am not the only one who seems to stick to a routine. I have become accustomed to seeing familiar faces on many of my runs. I look forward to seeing Jim and his cocker spaniel usually near the Pebble Beach gates.
I pass Bill and Barbara White who are always walking along 17 Mile Drive with their matching red coats. Bill usually informs me if I am late. This week I was and shouted, “Hard to get out.
Sick baby at home.” Finally, I pass the cool surfer dude, Roger, as he’s getting his board ready. He was not there last week when I ran by, and I wonder, was he on vacation or hurt? Do surfers get hurt?
I am wondering if my regulars missed me because by the end of the week, I was sick with a cold and sinus infection. I tried to keep my routine, and even convinced my coach I was up for my usual Saturday morning workout. But after a pathetic 3 mile warm-up, I knew it was time to call it a day, and instead we went to get some coffee. Luckily, Quin and I are on the mend. I am back to my usual schedule, and he is back playing cars and doing his nightly lap running through the house.
Last week I watched 43 episodes of Thomas the Train and three back-to-back fire truck movies. Quin was sick, and instead of playing baseball or taking long walks to the fire station to peep in the windows, we were laid up on the couch. I hate to see my little guy too sick to play, but I have to admit, I enjoyed my extra snuggle time. Sadly, even though I wanted to stay with him the entire time, I had to get out the door for some runs.
I am definitely a creature of habit, and like most athletes, I have found it helps to keep the same routine. I am almost always out the door at the same time, though I like variety on my runs. When I was working full-time as a physical therapist, I never had time to procrastinate. My day was pretty full, so lingering even 20 minutes, meant I was going to be late for work, or need to cut a run short. After I moved to Monterey and had the opportunity to run fulltime, I actually found the open days really hard to adjust to. That really irked my husband, a former elite runner who is out in the business world. He calls me a corporate virgin since I have never worked in a cubicle or had to attend a meeting. I think I am lucky to call the great outdoors my office.
With Quin, there is not much time to linger since I am usually rushing back to relieve a baby- sitter, or running in the door and taking him to an activity or play date. But I am not the only one who seems to stick to a routine. I have become accustomed to seeing familiar faces on many of my runs. I look forward to seeing Jim and his cocker spaniel usually near the Pebble Beach gates.
I pass Bill and Barbara White who are always walking along 17 Mile Drive with their matching red coats. Bill usually informs me if I am late. This week I was and shouted, “Hard to get out.
Sick baby at home.” Finally, I pass the cool surfer dude, Roger, as he’s getting his board ready. He was not there last week when I ran by, and I wonder, was he on vacation or hurt? Do surfers get hurt?
I am wondering if my regulars missed me because by the end of the week, I was sick with a cold and sinus infection. I tried to keep my routine, and even convinced my coach I was up for my usual Saturday morning workout. But after a pathetic 3 mile warm-up, I knew it was time to call it a day, and instead we went to get some coffee. Luckily, Quin and I are on the mend. I am back to my usual schedule, and he is back playing cars and doing his nightly lap running through the house.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
LA marathon
Major League Baseball operating the Los Angeles Marathon? A lot of bad jokes to be made there (designated runners?). Dodgers owner Frank McCourt apparently owns the marathon as well, so it falls into this divorce mess according to the LA Times.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Being with sick child
In this week's column, Blake tells us what havoc a sick child can have on an elite runner's routine. She spent several hours curled up with her 2-year old watching Thomas the Train and dreaded leaving him to go on training runs. Any mother who works outside the home probably has similar experiences or memories (One of editor Dave's earliest memories was being home sick, his head in his mother's lap, watching I Love Lucy, then being upset because the news broke in reporting JFK had been shot).
Blake's column appears in Saturday's Herald. You can subscribe to the E-edition at www.montereyherald.com
Blake's column appears in Saturday's Herald. You can subscribe to the E-edition at www.montereyherald.com
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Schedule adjustments
While I was working full-time as a physical therapist, I never had time to procrastinate when it came to running. My day was pretty full, so lingering even 20 minutes, meant I was going to be late for work, or need to cut a run short. After I moved to the Monterey Bay area and had the opportunity to run full-time, I actually found the open days really hard to adjust to. That's something that really irked Jon, the former elite runner, hard working man I'm married to. Jon calls me a corporate virgin since I have never worked in a cubicle or have had to attend a meeting. I think I am lucky to call the great outdoors my office.
Of course, now with Quin, there is not much time to linger since I am usually rushing back to relieve a babysitter, or running in the door and taking him to an activity or play date.
Of course, now with Quin, there is not much time to linger since I am usually rushing back to relieve a babysitter, or running in the door and taking him to an activity or play date.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Creature of habit
I am definitely a creature of habit, and like most athletes I have found it helps to keep the same routine. But I am not the only one that seems to stick to a routine. I see many familiar faces on my runs. I look forward to seeing Jim and his cocker spaniel near the Pebble Beach gates. Then there's Bill and Barbara White walking along 17 Mile Drive with their matching red coats. Bill usually informs me if I am late. Then there's the cool surfer dude, Roger. I often see him as he’s getting his board ready. He was not there last week when I ran by, and I wonder if he was sick or hurt. Do surfers get hurt?
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Sick call
Last week I watched 43 episodes of Thomas the Train! Quin was sick and instead of playing baseball or taking long walks, we were laid up on the couch. I hate to see my little guy too sick to play. By the end of the week, I was sick as well with a cold and sinus infection. I tried to keep my routine, and even convinced Coach Sev I was up for my usual Saturday morning workout. But after a pathetic 3 mile warm-up, I knew it was time to call it a day, and instead we went to get some coffee. Luckily, Quin and I are on the mend. I am back to my usual schedule, and he is back playing cars and doing his nightly lap running through the house.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Local Olympic Trials Qualifier
Congratulations are in order for Castroville's Daniel Tapia who finished 7th this past weekend at the San Diego Rock 'n Roll Marathon in a stellar time of 2:16:49. If his name sounds familiar, it is because he won the Big Sur Marathon in 2010, his first marathon, in a time of 2:26:09. Looks like I will have some company on the airplane for the Olympic Trials in Houston!
Another post-baby comeback
Looks like Deena Kastor is ready to get back in the race four months after giving birth to a baby girl. And what a field to compete against in your first race back. Saturday's NYRR New York Mini 10K seems world class
Sunday, June 5, 2011
European track adventures
Saturday's column:
When people find out I'm a professional runner, they often ask what kind of races I do. They are usually surprised to learn there is a series of national championship races in the United States ranging from the mile to the marathon. Most elite runners plan their year with the Outdoor Track and Field Championships in mind and then make a mass exodus to Europe at the beginning of July.
Hopping a plane and heading to Europe for the summer track circuit is the highlight of the year for many and the reward for all the hard work put in earlier. It’s the fun part, where you get to travel, race against some of the best in the world, in some of the most spectacular venues in the world. Unlike track meets in the U.S., meets in Europe really draw in the crowds. There is an energy that's hard to recreate in this country — although the crowd gets very fired up at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore., site of this year's national championships on June 23-26. As a track athlete on tour in Europe you feel like a rock star — watch out Charlie Sheen.
Bob Sevene, my coach, is a veteran of the European summer track circuit and has quite a storehouse of 'wild west' type stories from there, many which I'm sure have been embellished for entertainment purposes. Some of my favorites include the financial adventures of a certain world record holder. Apparently there was a time when meet directors would pay the prize money or appearance fees in cash under the table. This particular world record holder had a habit of carrying his cash in a paper bag. No surprise, he once lost $30,000 when someone lifted the paper bag. That same runner, or so Sev tells it, once deposited $50,000 in a Paris bank and then couldn't remember where he had opened the account. Great runner, not so great thinker.
Sev also has stories of athletes coming back to their hotels after disappointing performances only to find they were no longer welcome there.
I have always wanted to go race in Europe for the summer. I worked for years to get fast enough to make it worthwhile competing on that circuit. Unfortunately, once I did reach an elite level my work schedule or an injury would keep me in the good ol' USA.
I have thought about trying to get in a few track races this summer in preparation for the January's Olympic Marathon Trials, but the thought of leaving Quin for over a month is too daunting. I even kicked around the idea of bringing both Quin and Sev along, but I think that might be too much to ask of my coach. Handling Quin has been quite a challenge lately. I was hoping the terrible 2 syndrome was just a myth.
Though Europe is not in the cards this year, I plan on doing some road races this summer as preparation for the marathon trials. They may not be as exciting as running in a huge stadium packed with fans, but I am looking forward to toeing the line again.
When people find out I'm a professional runner, they often ask what kind of races I do. They are usually surprised to learn there is a series of national championship races in the United States ranging from the mile to the marathon. Most elite runners plan their year with the Outdoor Track and Field Championships in mind and then make a mass exodus to Europe at the beginning of July.
Hopping a plane and heading to Europe for the summer track circuit is the highlight of the year for many and the reward for all the hard work put in earlier. It’s the fun part, where you get to travel, race against some of the best in the world, in some of the most spectacular venues in the world. Unlike track meets in the U.S., meets in Europe really draw in the crowds. There is an energy that's hard to recreate in this country — although the crowd gets very fired up at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore., site of this year's national championships on June 23-26. As a track athlete on tour in Europe you feel like a rock star — watch out Charlie Sheen.
Bob Sevene, my coach, is a veteran of the European summer track circuit and has quite a storehouse of 'wild west' type stories from there, many which I'm sure have been embellished for entertainment purposes. Some of my favorites include the financial adventures of a certain world record holder. Apparently there was a time when meet directors would pay the prize money or appearance fees in cash under the table. This particular world record holder had a habit of carrying his cash in a paper bag. No surprise, he once lost $30,000 when someone lifted the paper bag. That same runner, or so Sev tells it, once deposited $50,000 in a Paris bank and then couldn't remember where he had opened the account. Great runner, not so great thinker.
Sev also has stories of athletes coming back to their hotels after disappointing performances only to find they were no longer welcome there.
I have always wanted to go race in Europe for the summer. I worked for years to get fast enough to make it worthwhile competing on that circuit. Unfortunately, once I did reach an elite level my work schedule or an injury would keep me in the good ol' USA.
I have thought about trying to get in a few track races this summer in preparation for the January's Olympic Marathon Trials, but the thought of leaving Quin for over a month is too daunting. I even kicked around the idea of bringing both Quin and Sev along, but I think that might be too much to ask of my coach. Handling Quin has been quite a challenge lately. I was hoping the terrible 2 syndrome was just a myth.
Though Europe is not in the cards this year, I plan on doing some road races this summer as preparation for the marathon trials. They may not be as exciting as running in a huge stadium packed with fans, but I am looking forward to toeing the line again.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Hayward is where the heart is
There's a part of Blake that would love to be running in the national championships in three weeks or so at the Mecca for American track and field — Hayward Field at the University of Oregon. But she's going to focus on road races as she prepares for the Olympic Marathon Trials in June.
Friday, June 3, 2011
A summer plan
I have always wanted to go race in Europe for the summer. I worked for years to get fast enough to make it worthwhile competing on that circuit. Unfortunately, once I did reach an elite level my work schedule or an injury would keep me in the good ol' USA.
I have thought about trying to get in a few track races this summer in preparation for the January's Olympic Marathon Trials, but the thought of leaving Quin for over a month is too daunting. I even kicked around the idea of bringing both Quin and Sev along, but I think that might be too much to ask of my coach. Handling Quin has been quite a challenge lately. I was hoping the terrible 2 syndrome was just a myth.
Though Europe is not in the cards this year, I plan on doing some road races this summer as preparation for the marathon trials. They may not be as exciting as running in a huge stadium packed with fans, but I am looking forward to toeing the line again.
I have thought about trying to get in a few track races this summer in preparation for the January's Olympic Marathon Trials, but the thought of leaving Quin for over a month is too daunting. I even kicked around the idea of bringing both Quin and Sev along, but I think that might be too much to ask of my coach. Handling Quin has been quite a challenge lately. I was hoping the terrible 2 syndrome was just a myth.
Though Europe is not in the cards this year, I plan on doing some road races this summer as preparation for the marathon trials. They may not be as exciting as running in a huge stadium packed with fans, but I am looking forward to toeing the line again.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Remember her?
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
It's National Running Day
Well, good morning, did you know it's National Running Day? At our house we all gather around the running tree to open our presents ... oh, wait ... We get up early to search for our new running shoes that our running bunny delivered the night before ... no, oh, I know ... We run house to house, and declare "trick or running treat" and people give us Gu's and Gatorade.
Nice thought, now go and enjoy your run. You're supposed to on National Running Day.
Nice thought, now go and enjoy your run. You're supposed to on National Running Day.
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