Blake Russell: Marathon Mom

Over and Out

2012-02-02T07:20:00.000-08:00

Well, I guess I have written my last Marathon Mom article. The Monterey Herald has decided to focus on a some new areas and figured interest would wane since I did not make the Olympic Marathon team in January. Probably true. I have enjoyed sharing some of my racing and daily experiences with all of you. I appreciate all of the "good lucks, "go for its," and even the "hang in there!" while I am running, though "slow down" is my favorite. Though my brief stint at writing may be over, I am still planning on running the Olympic Track and Field Trials in June. In 2008 I placed 5th in the 10,000 meters while training for Beijing, so let's see what happens when I get to completely focus on the event. It will be a tough team to make, just like the marathon, but I am not willing to give up on my second Olympic Team just yet. Check out my Athlete Facebook page to see how things unfold.

Thanks,
Blake

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Blake-Russell/210955745617641

Falling short of perfect

2012-01-20T06:35:00.000-08:00

Perfect weather, perfect course, perfect atmosphere, but a not so perfect race this past Saturday. A perfect and amazing race is what I needed to make the Olympic Marathon team and unfortunately the reality is I may have to be happy with one Olympic team on my resume. Being a two-time Olympian has been something I have a dreamed about and worked toward since Quin was born, but with the way the last few years have gone, I knew it was a long shot.

When the gun went off, I knew I needed a great race, but things just did not unfold the way I thought they would. My plan was to be in the lead pack as long as possible, and hope to still had something left in the last 10 kilometers to give it a valiant effort. The first mile pace was a 6 minutes and 10 second and then the race got going at 5:35 mile pace. For some reason, even though I have been training at a 5:30 mile pace, I felt terrible and was already dropping off the lead pack at 4 miles. I went through the half marathon point just under 1:15 one of my slowest times ever and was completely discouraged that it felt so bad. With 8 miles to go, realizing that I was having a horrible race I decided not to continue.

Had this happened four years ago, I would have been completely devastated. This time, I knew making the team was more of a dream than a reality. I have not felt like myself since Beijing and my racing just has not returned to the level it used to be. Factor in the fact that American women are running better than ever in the marathon, and it’s a hard team to make. Shalane Flanagan’s winning time of 2:25:38 set an Olympic trials record by more than three minutes. Even the fourth place time of 2:27 by Amy Hastings was one of the fastest times ever run by an American. It didn't even get her a spot on the team.

Frankly, I love the marathon, but I’m tired of it. I have trained for three since Quin, and they have all gone poorly for one reason or another. Just like my original reason for moving to the marathon, I am ready to go back to the track for something new. My coach, Bob Sevene, has always said that I am a track athlete running the marathon. I guess we will test that theory soon enough. I have one more shot at making the Olympic team this summer in either the 10, 000 meters or the 5,000 meters. It will be a similar situation with a handful of women vying for three spots in each event. I called my boss at Reebok hours after the race and asked him to send me some spikes.

My coach always says you can’t have a beginning without an end, so with that in mind I am taking advantage of our cruise vacation we embarked on shortly after the race. I brought my running shoes, but so far I have only used them to chase Quin around the upper deck track. I have a feeling Quin might be a track athlete as well, because as soon as he hit the track he just took off and ran for 10 minutes with a big grin on his face. I am glad he enjoys running and I know I will be itching to get back to it by the time the ship docks.

The bar was set high

2012-01-19T06:36:00.000-08:00

I have not felt like myself since Beijing and my racing just has not gotten back to the level it used to be. Factor in the fact that the USA women are running better than ever in the marathon, and it’s a hard team to make. Shalane Flanagan’s winning time of 2:25:38 set an Olympic trials record by over 3 minutes. Even the 4th place time of 2:27 by Amy Hastings was one of the fastest times ever run by and American, and did not garner even her a spot on the team.

Chasing the boy

2012-01-18T06:34:00.000-08:00

My coach always says you can’t have a beginning without an end, so with that in mind I am taking advantage of our cruise vacation. I brought my running shoes, but so far I have only used them to chase Quin around the upper deck track. I have a feeling Quin might be a track athlete as well, because as soon as he hit the track he just took off and ran for 10 minutes with a big grin on his face. I am glad he enjoys running and I know I will be itching to get back to it by the time the ship docks.

The future

2012-01-17T08:41:00.001-08:00

Frankly, I love the marathon, but I’m tired of it. I havetrained for three since Quin, and they have all gone poorly for one reason oranother. Just like my original reason for moving to the marathon, I am ready togo back to the track for something new. My coach, Bob Sevene, has always saidthat I am a track athlete running the marathon. I guess we will test thattheory soon enough. I have one more shot at making the Olympic team this summerin either the 10,000 meters or the 5,000 meters. It will be a similarsituation with a handful of women vying for three spots in each event. I called myboss at Reebok hours after the race and asked him to send me some spikes.

Blake: Frustrated, ready for a break

2012-01-14T10:46:00.000-08:00

Blake, obviously pretty disappointed, texted just after the race:
"Stopped with eight miles to go. Pretty frustrating to be out of it so early and not feel good. Guess the cruise comes at a good time. I need a nice long break from running."
Blake and her family are heading off on a cruise, but she has promised to do a complete wrap-up of the Olympic Trials for this week's column.
Our Houston coverage team reports she broke with the lead pack, had fallen to 15th at the 10-mile mark and was in 17th when she dropped out.
More pictures, including ones of Blake, and reports from the race at montereyherald.com
Also, Blake posted on her facebook: "Thanks for all the well wishes and good vibes. Unfortunately, it was an off day and I stopped with a lap to go knowing I was totally out of contention. Bummed, but I'll survive."

The race

2012-01-14T09:56:00.000-08:00

Go to montereyherald.com where we did a blow-by-blow of the Olympic marathon trials race with the help of the Big Sur Marathon folks. ... It looks like Blake dropped out during the race, about the 20-mile mark, but we haven't got confirmation yet. - Editor dave

Early reports

2012-01-13T21:22:00.000-08:00

The marathon coverage team has filed from tonight's ceremonies. Check out some of the photos. Go to montereyherald.com and click on the Olympic rings. More coming in just a few hours.

A closer look at Houston

2012-01-13T10:01:00.001-08:00

Here's another look at the marathon course put together by the Houston Chronicle. Weather.com tells us to expect sunny skies with a high of 41 degrees during the race.

Locals in the field

2012-01-13T07:13:00.001-08:00

This week running columnist Mike Dove outlined the local entrants in Saturday's Olympic marathon trails. Read his column here.

Keep in touch Saturday

2012-01-12T08:24:00.001-08:00

With the help of our friends, The Herald will be at the 2012 U.S. Olympic marathon trials in a big way. Running columnist Mike Dove will be on course, close enough to the runners to get splattered with sweat. Julie Armstrong and Sally Smith of Big Sur International Marathon will be in the VIP area, moniteering the action on the full screen and getting the buzz from running experts. Dave Kellogg will be home in Monterey overseeing all our social media feeds, from tweets to Facebook posts. We're anticipating plenty of photos as well.

Packing

2012-01-11T07:36:00.000-08:00

Quin knows Mama has a big race coming up and that he is getting ready to go on an airplane. Last night as Jon was packing some things, Quin decided to pack too. He found a brown paper bag and stuffed it with 2 of Jon's dirty socks, my bikini bottom(for the cruise), some tape, 2 power bars, some gel, a small skate board and lastly a street sweeper. You never know what you'll need, and I like that he's a light packer. He placed it on Jon's bag with instructions not to touch it.

Sev and I depart on Thusday the day before Jon and Quin. Though it will be nice knowing they are there to cheer me on, I don't plan on seeing them until after the race, so I can relax and concentrate on the task at hand. The last time they cheered me on was sitting on a bench in Pacific Grove as I ran by during the Big Sur Half Marathon. Quin asked Dad why he was up so early. This time it will feel really early with the time change, but I imagine adrenaline race day morning will kick in when my alarm goes off at 5am Saturday morning.

Round and round she'll go

2012-01-10T16:57:00.001-08:00

This year's Olympic trials will be spectator friendly, the course isn't point-to-point or out and back,but a four-lap duel, much like the 2008 Trials.

Relax and run your ass off

2012-01-07T07:43:00.000-08:00

With the With the Olympic Trials coming up Jan. 14, I am happy, healthy and most importantly hungry for a spot on the team. I’m in my taper now, meaning my toughest workouts are behind me. As they say, the money is in the bank, the hay is in the barn.

There is nothing I can do now that will help me in the race except relax and know I have done all I can do. Though I can sense my family and friends are getting nervous, I am usually not too nervous until just before the starting gun goes off.

Prior to the 2008 Olympic Trials, my life was pretty simple: Run, eat, sleep.

Repeat. That’s not a bad thing. All of my efforts were focused on a single goal, having a solid race in the Trials and getting the spot on the Olympic team. Though things had not gone perfectly before the 2008 Marathon Trials — I struggled with injuries — I was still a favorite going into the race. I heard several people ask Bob Sevene, my coach, if I was going to make the team. The answer was always a terse, “Yes.” Once you have your coach’s confidence, it’s hard to be too nervous. So my mantra before 2008 was “Relax. You just need a solid race.”

Fast forward almost four years. Things are very different this time around. I have a sweet, extremely active 21⁄

2 year old boy. He seems to have inherited my stubborn streak and love of running and his father’s work ethic and love of Cheez-Its.

The other day he was in his little pedal car driving around the house when he announced he was going to work like Dadda, but needed some coffee first. I asked him if Mama works, and he emphatically said, “No!”

“Well, what do I do?” I asked.

Quin responded, “You run!”

So true, he has seen me go out the door and log quite a few miles these last few months, but 99 percent of the time it does not feel like work. A lot of my big runs were on the weekends when I have the most time. My friend called me the other day to say her husband saw me flying down the Marina State Park bike path with my coach following me closely on his bike. I said I was running marathon pace, about 5 minutes 30 seconds per mile, and it was one of my last workouts before starting to taper for the big day. Years ago, I used to have people drive by and say, “Do you know there is a strange man following you?” I even had a cop stop Sev one time while I was doing road workout to make sure he was not stalking me. Though I am tempted to say. “I’ve never seen the guy before” just to add some excitement to our day, I have resisted so far. In fact, we have been such a fixture lately, that the cops wave or stop to ask how training is going. Life is certainly different than four years ago, but Sev has been a constant in the chaos.

I imagine if you ask Sev if I have a chance to to make the team this time his response would be, “I don’t know. Let’s just run the damn race.” Not having completed a marathon since Beiijing, I am not considered a favorite this time around. Sev has been coaching for over 40 years and maintains that this is one
of deepest fields in history.

With only three spots for the Olympic Team there will be a handful of great athletes that don’t make the team.

My mantra this time around will be “Relax . . . and run your ass off!”
Olympic Trials coming up Jan. 14, I am happy, healthy and most importantly hungry for a spot on the team.
I'm in my taper now, meaning my toughest workouts are behind me. As they say, the money is in the bank, the hay is in the barn. There is nothing I can do now that will help me in the race except relax and know I have done all I can do. Though I can sense my family and friends are getting nervous, I am usually not too nervous until just before the starting gun goes off.

Prior to the 2008 Olympic Trials, my life was pretty simple: Run, eat, sleep. Repeat. That's not a bad thing. All of my efforts were focused on a single goal, having a solid race in the Trials and getting the spot on the Olympic team. Though things had not gone perfectly before the 2008 Marathon Trials — I struggled with injuries — I was still a favorite going into the race. I heard several people ask Bob Sevene, my coach, if I was going to make the team. The answer was always a terse, “Yes.” Once you have your coach’s confidence, it’s hard to be too nervous. So my mantra before 2008 was “Relax. You just need a solid race.”

Fast forward almost four years. Things are very different this time around. I have a sweet, extremely active 2 year old boy. He seems to have inherited my stubborn streak and love of running and his father's work ethic and love of Cheez-Its. The other day he was in his little pedal car driving around the house when he announced he was going to work like Dadda, but needed some coffee first. I asked him if Mama works, and he emphatically said, “No!” “Well, what do I do?” I asked. Quin responded, “You run!” So true, he has seen me go out the door and log quite a few miles these last few months, but 99 percent of the time it does not feel like work.

A lot of my big runs were on the weekends when I have the most time. My friend called me the other day to say her husband saw me flying down the Marina State Park bike path with my coach following me closely on his bike. I said I was running marathon pace, about 5 minutes 30 seconds per mile, and it was one of my last workouts before starting to taper for the big day. Years ago, I used to have people drive by and say, “Do you know there is a strange man following you?” I even had a cop stop Sev one time while I was doing road workout to make sure he was not stalking me. Though I am tempted to say. “I’ve never seen the guy before” just to add some excitement to our day, I have resisted so far. In fact, we have been such a fixture lately, that the cops wave or stop to ask how training is going. Life is certainly different than four years ago, but Sev has been a constant in the chaos.

I imagine if you ask Sev if I have a chance to to make the team this time his response would be, “I don’t know. Let’s just run the damn race.” Not having completed a marathon since Beiijing, I am not considered a favorite this time around. Sev has been coaching for over 40 years and maintains that this is one of deepest fields in history. With only three spots for the Olympic Team there will be a handful of great athletes that don’t make the team. My mantra this time around will be “Relax . . . and run your ass off!”

Mama, coffee please

2012-01-06T07:40:00.000-08:00

Quin seems to have inherited my stubborn streak and love of running and his father's work ethic and love of Cheez-Its. The other day he was in his little pedal car driving around the house when he announced he was going to work like Dadda, but needed some coffee first. I asked him if Mama works, and he emphatically said, “No!” “Well, what do I do?” I asked. Quin responded, “You run!” So true, he has seen me go out the door and log quite a few miles these last few months, but 99 percent of the time it does not feel like work.

Marathon stalker

2012-01-05T07:37:00.000-08:00

My friend called me the other day to say her husband saw me flying down the Marina State Park bike path with my coach following me closely on his bike. I said I was running marathon pace, about 5 minutes 30 seconds per mile, and it was one of my last workouts before starting to taper for the big day. Years ago, I used to have people drive by and say, “Do you know there is a strange man following you?” I even had a cop stop Sev one time while I was doing road workout to make sure he was not stalking me. Though I am tempted to say. “I’ve never seen the guy before” just to add some excitement to our day, I have resisted so far. In fact, we have been such a fixture lately, that the cops wave or stop to ask how training is going.

Counting down

2012-01-04T08:34:00.000-08:00

Ten days until the Olympic marathong trials in Houston. ... I'm in my taper now, meaning my toughest workouts are behind me. As they say, the money is in the bank, the hay is in the barn. There is nothing I can do now that will help me in the race except relax and know I have done all I can do. Though I can sense my family and friends are getting nervous, I am usually not too nervous until just before the starting gun goes off.

Planning x-mas morning

2011-12-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

Being a runner sometimes has a few drawbacks.This year Christmas falls on a Sunday. I was a bit bummed when I realized thatbecause Sunday morning has been my scheduled long run for the past 15 years.Now that I am in full-blown marathon mode, I have been focusing on these longruns more than ever. I hate to get out of a routine, but Christmas with Jon andQuin is more important this year. Quin is just over 2 1/2 and really intoChristmas this year.

Feeling good

2011-12-22T06:35:00.000-08:00

My neighbor stopped me the other day and asked, “Don’t youhave a big race coming up?” When I told him the Olympic Trials on Jan. 14, hisreply was the “the real Olympics?” Yep, this is it the real OlympicTrials, not the fake ones. I am starting to get excited though. I have to say, I am really pleased withhow things are going. It seems like the more I do, the better I feel, which issomething I have not been able to say in a long time. That’s the best Christmaspresent I could ask for right now.

A smelly tale

2011-12-21T12:03:00.000-08:00

This morning, I was dressed for running and snugglingwith Quin before his nanny came over. He turned to me and said, “Mama, I smell yourshirt.” Oh, boy, guess it’s time to do an extra-long laundry cycle. My runningshirts have soaked up a lot of sweat these days despite the cold weather. In this week's column I'll be relating some even more harrowing stinky running tales.

Not a fun run

2011-12-13T20:52:00.000-08:00

Oh no! As one of my Facebook friends pointed out, not a good year for Rock'n'Roll marathon series, now this

Benefitting from a 12-year coaching relationship

2011-12-10T09:33:00.001-08:00

A few weeks ago, Quin was playing with his train set after dinner, my husband Jon was watching television and I was surfing the Internet for news (my morning news watching has been replaced by Sesame Street and Curious George). A headline caught my attention: “Runner seeks Mystery Woman.” I decided to read on, imagining that maybe someone was sure they had just run by their soulmate. As it turns out, it was a reporter from CNN who was using the iPod Nike App and every time he ran a personal best a woman’s voice would come through his ear buds and say, “Congratulations. This is (a name he did not recognize). You just ran a personal best.”

Of course I knew exactly who that mysterious voice belonged to, but this guy kept forgetting her name.

He finally decided to run longer than he had ever run before so he could get her name. As he stopped after his longest run ever, he whipped out a pen and paper ready to write the name down. He got the name and ran home to look it up on the Internet. Paula Radcliffe. He was shocked to learn that she not only had sweet voice, but is the world-record holder in the marathon at 2 hours and 15 minutes. Intrigued, he used his CNN contacts in London and talked to her husband/ coach and eventually Paula herself. He got to ask what her husband says to encourage her. She said he usually doesn’t say anything after workouts, because they know each other so well.

Usually just a look would convey his thoughts.

Occasionally, she said he gives her a hug.

As we count down to 2012, I realize my coach Bob Sevene and I are going on a 12- year coaching relationship which is a pretty long in athlete years.

He probably doesn’t realize that I know all his mannerisms and can tell pretty quickly if he is satisfied with my workout.

Often it’s the way he stands, or the way he calls out splits when I am running on the track. He gets quiet when things are not going according to plan. One time, his best-known athlete, Joan Benoit-Samuelson was running a marathon and ran by Sev, but did not hear him say anything. She assumed she was running too slow since she did not hear him and dropped the pace. As it turns out, him not saying anything worked out to her advantage because she went on to a 2:26:17 a breakthrough race in the beginning of her career.

I have to say since I do all my runs and workouts alone, a little encouragement goes a long way. I even appreciate the random golfer or walker that will say, “wow, nice pace.” It’s hard not to feel a little more skip in your stride when someone thinks you are running well. The Olympic Trials are getting pretty close (Jan. 14) and my workouts have been a little up and down due to illness. I am looking forward to my next few longer workouts and I’m hoping they will go well enough to warrant a hug.

Though Coach Sev has been with me through all the training, he stepped out of his coaching role to help watch Quin as Jon and I bravedToysRUs. Wow, now I know why I prefer online shopping. But, it’s hard not to get excited about Christmas with a 21⁄ 2 year old in the house.

Jingle Bell Run

2011-12-05T18:56:00.000-08:00

The Jingle Bell 5k run/ walk and kids 1k fun run looks like a great family event to get everyone in the mood for Christmas! Check it out this Saturday at Lover's Point in Pacific Grove.

TEAM UP TO FIGHT ARTHRITIS!

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Lover’s Point, Pacific Grove

Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis

The Arthritis Foundation is calling for people to take action against arthritis by participating in the second Annual Pacific Grove 2011 Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis. The annual nationwide event kicks off during the holiday season, raising awareness of America’s leading cause of disability, while raising desperately needed funds for research, health education and government advocacy to improve the lives of people with arthritis.

To celebrate the holiday season, participants tie jingle bells to their shoelaces, don festive holiday costumes and join friends and neighbors in support of the Arthritis Foundation’s mission to prevent, control a

nd cure arthritis and related diseases.

The Pacific Grove Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis will take place at Lover’s Point on Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 7:30 a.m. There will be a timed 5K run, a fun run/walk, and an Elf Run for children under 12 years of age. Santa will be there with his elves and other fun activities. More than 118 other Jingle Bell Run/Walks can be found at www.arthritis.org

The Arthritis Foundation is the only nationwide, not-for-profit health organization helping individuals to take control of arthritis by leading efforts to prevent, control and cure arthritis and related diseases -- the nation's number one cause of disability.

To get involved or to form a team, visit: www.jinglebellrunpacgrove.kintera.org or email afallon@arhtritis.org – phone contact: 831-620-1699.

Enjoying the half marathon

2011-11-25T07:34:00.000-08:00

I finally ran the Big Sur Half Marathon after several years of watching from the sidelines. I feel like Quin, who usually throws his arms up and yells, “I did it!” after scoring a basket or eating a cracker in one bite. Usually I am against racing while I am training for a marathon for one simply reason — they never go well. I have always found it hard to get psyched up when it’s not THE race. I have also discovered, the legs just don’t want to go. Strangely, I run faster in practice.

But this year my coach and I decided it was stupid to not run the race since it was so close to home. It was also eight weeks out from the Olympic Marathon Trials in January, so it would help break up my training and give me some variety. I would have had to do a similar workout the day before anyway, so it made sense to use the race for some preparation.

My early enthusiasm started to wane two weeks ago when I began getting sick. If my coach had his way, I would not have run, but he also knew that I wanted to run in front of the hometown crowd. I finished a round of antibiotics the day before the race. It's never fun to try and train through an illness. But when race day came, I was really happy with how I felt, although I wasn't 100 percent.

The race started out as I figured with my Olympic teammate Magdalena Lewy-Boulet and me running a 5-minute, 30-second first mile. Although we slowed, I pulled ahead after mile 2 and ran in the lead until just after mile 12 when Magdalena made a final surge to the finish and won by 19 seconds. I was bummed to lose the win so close to the end, but considering how bad I have felt training the past two weeks, it could have been much worse. I warmed down by running another 5 miles after the race which gave me an even 100 miles for the week.

I got back from warming down to the pier where the elite athletes go to collect our clothes, and found my husband Jon waiting for me. I asked him where Quin was, and he replied, “Don’t be mad.” That is never a good sign. He pointed around the corner where Quin was running back and forth through a giant puddle and was soaked up to the waist. Quin looked up with a big grin and said, “I run through puddle, Mama.” Oh well, so much for going out to breakfast. I am just relieved the rain held off long enough for most of the runners to make it to the finish line.

Thanks to the Big Sur staff and volunteers and all the DLI volunteers for making it a wonderful and special race. The course, which runs along the Monterey Bay, is probably the most scenic half marathon in the country. Seeing that I run those roads almost every day, it made for a mentally easy race because I knew the race course so well.

There was also some excitement at the fourth water stop as a pregnant runner seemed to be experiencing labor pains. Although the baby didn't arrive that day, maybe the Big Sur race director should get naming rights? I propose “Suri” if it was a girl. I truly appreciate all the great cheers from all of the runners I passed on may way to the finish on the out-and-back course. I wish I had had the energy to cheer for each and every one of you. Next time I am on the sidelines I promise to reciprocate.

thanks to big sur half marathon folks

2011-11-23T07:32:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the Big Sur staff and volunteers and all the DLI volunteers for making it a wonderful and special race. The course, which runs along the Monterey Bay, is probably the most scenic half marathon in the country. Seeing that I run those roads almost every day, it made for a mentally easy race because I knew the race course so well.

Puddle runner

2011-11-22T12:49:00.001-08:00

After finishing Sunday's half marathon, I returned to the pier where the elite athletes go to collect our clothes, and found Jon waiting for me. I asked him where Quin was, and he replied, “Don’t be mad.” which never is a good sign. He pointed around the corner where Quin was running back and forth through a giant puddle and was soaked up to the waist. He just looked up with a big grin and said, “ I run through puddle, mama.” Oh well.

second place at Big Sur

2011-11-21T07:39:00.000-08:00

From this morning's race wrapup in the Herald: I was just trying to run my own race. I pushed the middle part a little and didn’t have enough toward the end. I didn’t even know what was going on behind me. You always want to win, but you never know what to expect when you’re in marathon training. You’re not as rested as you’d normally be coming in.

Big Sur Half Race weather forecast

2011-11-19T07:12:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone is getting excited and geared up for the Big Sur Half tomorrow. I just checked the weather, and they are still calling for thunderstorms after 4am tomorrow morning and throughout the morning, so make sure you are prepared. If you don't have a raincoat, a simple trash bag will be better than nothing. Keeping your core dry for as long as possible will help you maintain some heat, as will a hat. If you decide to chuck it during the race, make sure you hand it to a volunteer so it does not float into the ocean. If you have friends and family coming to watch establish a meeting place and, make sure you bring plenty of warm, dry clothes to change into as quickly as possible. Well, let's hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. Good luck everyone.

detailed forecast
http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Pacific+Grove&state=CA&site=MTR&lat=36.6175&lon=-121.921

Breaking down the Big Sur competition

2011-11-17T06:52:00.000-08:00

In this week's Herald column Don Buraglio and Mike Dove run down the elite field for Sunday's Big Sur Half Marathon

Keep Fort Ord Wild

2011-11-16T07:16:00.000-08:00

I admit, I am a nature-lover, so when I learned about the proposed highway through the middle of Fort Ord Land I was beside myself. My coach and I used to be on the Fort Ord Users Committee which a committee of concerned citizens working with the county and the Fort Ord Reuse Committee currently doing the "cleanup" of Fort Ord. Since Quin was born, I have not been invloved, but Sev goes to meetings almost weekly, sometimes until 9 at night. His goal is to keep the trails and land open to everyone-period.

It is shocking to learn about the political process and realize that there are 5 people on the Board of Supervisors Committee that are making enormous decisions for the future of this beautiful area. Not only is a highway planned, but the Board has approved additional housing projects, and a large equestrian center complete with hotels and a racetrack. All of this through miles and miles of pristine land that local and visitors have come to love. I say, take that 12 million and widen existing roads. Help save our land..

Read a full article here:
http://keepfortordwild.org/2011/11/15/citizen-group-files-suit-against-monterey-county-board-of-supervisors/

Marathon Brain

2011-11-14T08:08:00.001-08:00

Well, there's mommy brain, and did you know there is also marathon brain? Generally, I have always heard that exercise makes you smarter. Not so much for this guy who forgot where he parked his car...for two days after running the NYC Marathon. Bet that was a pretty hefty price to pay.

Check out the full article here:
http://rwdaily.runnersworld.com/2011/11/marathon-brain-strikes-again.html

Mommies, Daddies and Half Marathons

2011-11-12T19:11:00.001-08:00

The other day Quin and I were sitting down for lunch, and I was telling him how I had just met my coach for a run.

“You run on the track, Mama?”

“No. I ran on the roads. I have a big race coming up on the roads.”

Quin was silent for a moment, and then asked, “You get hit by a car, Mama?”

“No, thankfully, the cars aren’t allowed on the road while we are racing.”

Again, I could tell the wheels were turning inside his brain. He asked, “Other mommies running?”

“Yep,” I said, “and daddies too.”

He got quiet again, and I waited for another question about next week’s Big Sur Half Marathon. But then he giggled.

“Hee hee,” he said, smiling “I tooted.”

Great. Boys will be boys.

Last year I remember the Big Sur Half Marathon announcer saying that 60 percent of the runners were women, which no doubt included a whole bunch of mommies. In Quin’s eyes, I may be a runner, but I am his mommy first. Our little conversation made me remember a similar talk I had with a co-worker years ago.

My friend, Janice, was not an avid runner, but had decided to enter a local 5K for fun. Her husband and two daughters were out there near the end to cheer her on. As she crested a final hill, her family spotted her and she could see her daughters jumping up and down, getting pretty excited.

Just as she got close, her youngest shouted, “ Mom!

Mom! . . . What’s for dinner!” Caught up in the excitement she had just shouted the first thing that popped in her head. I am not sure what my running friend said, but hopefully, it was a “Ask your father!”

Though Quin has been to many races, he hasn’t seen my husband Jon or me run much (so many more interesting things tug at his short-attention span). He will be traveling to Houston for the Olympic Trials, but I don’t plan on seeing Jon or Quin until after the race, so I can concentrate Next weekend for the half marathon, I think my mom and her husband will watch Quin as Jon and I run. Quin might have his first sleep-over at grandma’s house since the race starts so early.

This year I am happy to be on the starting line of the half marathon as a runner rather than the official starter as I was last year when I was coming off an injury. Though, I admit I did enjoy sitting in McDonalds eating pancakes with Quin while Jon was huffing and puffing along the streets of Monterey and Pacific Grove. Thankfully, this year I am healthy and excited to run.

It’s the first time I’ve run the Big Sur Half. I run along Ocean Boulevard almost ever day, so I’m interested to see how it feels to race on it.

It’s a nice rolling course, and there are usually pretty good crowds of spectators around Lovers Point.

I will be in good company with the returning champion and course record-holder Belainesh Gebre and my Olympic marathon teammate Magdalena Lewy Boulet from Oakland. Both are coming off a great 2011 seasons with personal bests set at many distances.

Boulet, like myself, will be coming in off heavy marathon training with the Olympic trials looming in January. The timing of the race is perfect and allows us both to race and practice drinking water in preparation for the full marathon. The Big Sur Half will be my last race before the Trails in January. I am just looking for a solid race and am not expecting anything spectacular since I cannot afford to back down training now.

More syrup!

2011-11-10T06:56:00.000-08:00

After reading the story of my friend whose young daughter was so excited to see her in a race she yelled, "Mommy, what's for dinner," editor Dave asked what I thought Quin would yell. Knowing Quin, he’d probably yell, “Mama, more syrup!” The kid is going to turn into a waffle. It's a regular at our breakfast table.
I think my Mom and her husband, Alan, will have Quin the morning of the Big Sur Half since Jon is running too. Though Quin has been to many races, he hasn’t seen Jon or me run much (so many more interesting things tug at his short-attention span). He will be traveling to Houston for the Olympic Trials, but I don’t plan on seeing Jon or Quin until after the race, so I can concentrate.

Mike Dove

2011-11-09T18:36:00.000-08:00

If you run in Monterey County you've no doubt heard of Mike Dove. Not only does he co-author a running column in the Monterey County Herald, he also helped establish the Just Run program, which encourages school children to exercise.

Some good news came our way today about Mike, he has made it to the finalist round of AARP Create The Good’s “Win & Do Good” national volunteer story competition. He is one of seven finalists, and has already won $5,000 for his preferred charity, the Big Sur International Marathon JUST RUN program. Online voting is underway to select the grand prize winner, who will be awarded an additional $10,000 for their charity of choice.

Dove’s volunteer story was one of more than 1,800 entries from across the nation in the Win & Do Good contest. The public is now voting online to select a grand prize winner from among seven finalists.

Voting in the Win & Do Good contest is open to the public. Finalist entries can be viewed at http://www.createthegood.org/sweepstakes. Voting is open until November 18, and individuals may vote as often as once a day.

So remember, vote early and vote often.

Recent interview

2011-11-09T07:49:00.000-08:00

Check out a fairly lengthy Q and A on my marathon preparations done by Gary Cohen.
http://www.garycohenrunning.com/Interviews/Russell.aspx

Half marathon thoughts

2011-11-09T07:11:00.000-08:00

This year I am happy to be on the starting line of the Big Sur Half Marathon rather than the official starter like last year because I was coming off an injury. Though, I admit I did enjoy sitting in McDonalds eating pancakes with Quin while Jon was huffing and puffing around the streets of Monterey and Pacific Grove. Thankfully, this year I am healthy and I'm excited to run the race for the fist time. I run along Ocean Boulevard almost ever day, so I'm interested to see how it feels to race on it. It’s a nice rolling course, and there are usually pretty good crowds of spectators around Lovers Point.

Mommys and daddys too

2011-11-08T09:07:00.000-08:00

The other day Quin and I were sitting down for lunch, and I was telling him how I had just met “Bev” for a run.
“You run on the track, Mama?”
“No. I ran on the roads. I have a big race (the Big Sur Half) coming up on the roads.”
Silence for a moment, and then Quin asked, “You get hit by a car, Mama?”
“No, thankfully, the cars aren’t allowed on the road while we are racing.”
Again, I could tell the wheels were turning, and he asked another question. “Other mommys running?”
“Yep,” I said, “and daddy’s too.”

What's for dinner mom?

2011-11-07T06:23:00.000-08:00

My friend, Janice, was not an avid runner, but had decided to enter a local 5k for fun. Her husband and two daughters were out there near the end to cheer her on. As she crested a final hill, her family spotted her and she could see her daughters jumping up and down, getting pretty excited. Just as she got close, her youngest shouted, “ Mom! Mom!....What’s for dinner!” Caught up in the excitement, she had just shouted the first thing that popped in her head. I am not sure what Janice replied, but hopefully, it was a “Ask your Father!”

NYC marathon video

2011-11-05T22:18:00.000-07:00

For those of you up early wondering what to do with your extra hour, check out the link to the live NY marathon Sunday morning. A great elite field and perfect weather will make for some exciting races on both sides.

http://www.universalsports.com/marathon/events/event=US0100723/index.html

More barefoot running

2011-11-03T09:31:00.000-07:00

More internet buzz about barefoot running this week. I just can't imagine going sans shoes on the streets of Pacific Grove in a couple of weeks for the Big Sur Half.

More on the half

2011-10-31T17:05:00.000-07:00

The organizers of the Big Sur Half Marathon say the Nov. 20 race will have "the deepest ladies field ever." Last year Blake was the official starter and then took Quin for pancakes while her husband pounded out 13 miles along the Monterey Bay. This year Blake is entered, hoping the race will help her training for the Olympic Marathon Trials. Last year Belainesh Gebre, 23, shattered the course record, running 1 hour, 9 minutes and 43 seconds. Also in the field this year is Magdalena Lewy-Boulet, the Olympic marathoner who won the Wharf to Wharf this year.

This week's column: Full on marathon mode

2011-10-30T10:36:00.000-07:00

It seems like just yesterday that my husband Jon and I were bringing our newborn son home from the hospital. I felt I had all the time in the world to recover from child birth and get ready for the next Olympic Trials. Quin is 2 and half now, and boy has the time flown by. I have had more than my fair share of bumps in the road since Quin was born, but now things seem to be falling into place just in time. I have been training hard these last few months, but now that the Trials are 11 weeks away we are in full marathon mode. That means increasing the number of miles I run each week, which seems to make workouts and long runs take forever.

This past weekend I decided to treat myself and take a little more time to drive to one of my favorite parks, Nisene Marks in Aptos. It’s about a 45 minute ride from the Pacific Grove homebase, but well worth it.

Before Quin was born, Jon, Coach Sev and I ventured up there every Sunday. It was always a nice change to run through the redwoods and on trails that wind up to a scenic lookout point. This time of year is especially nice with the leaves changing colors and the cool air because of the dense trees.

So Sunday I left Jon and Quin eating waffles and met Sev to drive up there for our run. We parked in our usual spot, and I started off down the road to do one of my loops. I decided to go up the West Ridge trail which takes me about an hour and 6 minutes to get to the top. I come back down on a windy fire road. Despite not having run this loop in years, I still remembered every turn and every root I used to trip on.

It’s nice to see some things don’t change. It’s quite a tough first hour with all the uphill, and I am a little obsessive about trying to reach the top in a good time. My legs were really burning by the time I reached the lookout point, but then I knew I had a good chunk of downhill to recover.

I made it back to the parking lot feeling good and strong. As I was stretching, a couple ran by me and I heard the man say tell his partner what the strategy for their run was: “We’re going to start slow, then in the middle we are going to run slow, and at the end we are going to keep running slow.” His partner and I both laughed. I like it, but I can’t afford to run slow right now and take in all the scenery.

With one of the deepest women’s marathon fields ever assembled for January’s Olympic Trials, slow and steady will not win the race.

I pulled in the driveway at home just as Jon and Quin were coming back from the beach on a beautiful 80 degree day.

“You have a good run, Mama?” Quin asked.

“Yes, I did munchkin.”

I still can’t believe Quin is speaking in full sentences and is a little boy now. But, it will be years before he understands why I am doing all this running. I’ll probably tell him I wanted one more shot to do something special.

Fitting it all in

2011-10-29T15:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Coach Sev for working out early this morning around Lover's Point, so I could get to a very important function- the Carmel Halloween Parade. I made it home just as Jon and Quin were getting in the car. Luckily, Quin already had on his Halloween costume and was ready to go. It was a fun morning, followed by some early trick or treating at Carmel Plaza. I am surprised Quin still took his usual nap with the sugar high. I guess there is some truth to a sugar crash. Mom jumped into bed as well:)

big sur half, here we come

2011-10-27T22:24:00.000-07:00

Yep, Blake has entered the Big Sur Half Marathon in her (adopted) hometown of Pacific Grove on Nov. 20. This year's race is packed with elite runners. Blake says she's planning to run hard, but not to expect a peak performance. Her training is focused on her giving her best performance at January's Olympic trials.

Something special

2011-10-27T07:07:00.000-07:00

“You have a good run, Mama?” Quin asked.
“Yes, I did munchkin.”
I still can’t believe Quin is speaking in full sentences and is a little boy now. But, it will be years before he understands why I am doing all this running. I’ll probably tell him I wanted one more shot to do something special.

Now in full marathon mode

2011-10-26T06:09:00.000-07:00

It seems like just yesterday that Jon and I were bringing newborn Quin home from the hospital, and I felt I had all the time in the world to get ready for the next Olympic Trials. He is 2 1/2 now, and boy has time flown by. I have had more than my fair share of bumps in the road since Quin was born, but now things seem to be falling into place just in time. I have been training hard these last few months, but now that the Trials are 11 weeks away we are in full marathon mode which means a little higher mileage and workouts and long runs that take forever.

2011-10-24T22:11:00.000-07:00

No Quin, Coach Sev isn't wearing a halloween mask in this picture from the article in Monday's Herald. He's doing it all for science. Read more here

No slow and steady here

2011-10-23T21:11:00.000-07:00

After a long run today, I made it back to to the parking lot feeling good and strong. As I was stretching, a couple ran by me and I heard the man tell his partner their strategy: “We’re going to start slow, then in the middle we are going to run slow, and at the end we are going to keep running slow.” She and I both laughed. I like it, but too bad I can’t afford to run slow right now and take in all the scenery. With one of the deepest women’s marathon fields ever assembled for January's Olympic Trials, slow and steady will not win the race.

Cross Coutntry in Toro Park

2011-10-21T07:39:00.000-07:00

I love going out to Toro Park, and yesterday was the first time I had been there as a spectator. It's a great venue for cross country and the runners couldn't have asked for a more perfect fall day. Quin was into the first race, but then his attention turned to the leaves and trees. Boys will be boys.

And so it begins

2011-10-20T13:52:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I have officially started marathon training. It feels like just yesterday that Jon and I were bringing Quin home from the hospital, and I felt like I had all the time in the world before the Trials. Regardless, I am in marathon mode and looking forward to some hard, fun workouts. This morning I went out to Toro Park, one of my favorite places to run. Though majority of my run was in the fog, I actually ran high enough to see the sun. I did not see my usual herd of cows, but I did trip and almost land in a big pile of poop. Later this afternoon, Coach Bev, and Quin and I are headed back out to Toro Park to cheer on the PG High Cross Country Team.

A solid performance

2011-10-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

Seven years ago in Minneapolis I raced my first marathon and won.I returned there two weeks ago badly in need of a good performance. This year’s USA 10 Mile Championships was on the last 10 miles of the marathon course, so I was excited to get back on it. But I was also desperate for another positive racing experience, especially since my last race was horrible. The heat and humidity in New Haven had forced me to drop out during the race. Before that I had an OK performance at the Falmouth 10K and before that I had been forced to withdraw during the Boston Marathon. Even before that I had been forced withdraw from the New York marathon before it even started because of an injury.

My coach and I knew that I really needed to have a solid race before we started the long journey to January's Olympic Trials in Houston. Getting to New Haven had been a nightmare of delays, being stranded in airports and red-eye flights. I was determined not to repeat that. I left for Minnesota two days early to give myself a travel cushion. Except for some small delays, I had a smooth trip.

I arrived just before sunset on the Friday before the Sunday race, just in time to squeeze in a short run. As I ran along the bike path next to the river, I remembered how nice the fall can be in the Midwest. The trees were all changing colors and the air had a crispness to it that is hard to describe. Fall weather always makes me think of my college cross country days in North Carolina — the bright sun, cool weather and the smell of grass and dew.

I rarely have a day to myself with nothing to do, but that was the case Saturday. I went on a short run and did some fast strides, then settled into my room to relax. Race weekends are usually festive and fun. The meets usually have a hospitality suite for us to get some light meals, snacks, and hangout. It never feels like a race until I eat my weight in peanut M&Ms. Darn them and their big bags.

My workouts have been going well, but I was a little worried about how I would feel with a 7 a.m. start because of the two-hour time difference between Minnesota and California. I usually get up three hours before a race, so this meant 4 a.m., which really felt like 2 a.m. Since I couldn't fall asleep until midnight, I decided to not to do my usual light run when I woke up. I heard someone else’s alarm go off next door followed by a loud groan. I thought, "I’m with you there."
The good thing about racing is that race morning, adrenaline and routine take over. Before I knew it, we were on the starting line listening to the national anthem.

The women had a seven minute head-start over the men in order to make it a competition among the sexes to see who could get to the finish line first and get a cash bonus. As we wound around the streets of Minneapolis, nothing looked familiar to me. Eventually our pack of 20 dwindled down to five by the 5-mile mark. By mile seven it was three of us. The eventual winner, Janet Cherbonan a new American citizen, put on a surge. I was running neck and neck with Julie Culley the current 5k Champion until she pulled away with a mile to go. I finished a strong third with a time of 54 minutes and 40 seconds, roughly a 5:29 mile pace a on hilly course. The men won, again.

This last week I took a much needed physical and mental break. It was great timing since the in-laws were in town. We managed to hit the steam train in Felton, the beach several times and even picked grapes at a vineyard. Planned downtime from running is rejuvenating. It took about five days before I got the itch to run again. With about three months until the Olympic Trails, I have a lot of work to do, but I am looking forward to getting as fit as possible.

Frightful flights

2011-10-11T10:31:00.000-07:00

The nightmare of New Haven started with a flight delay, a long wait at the San Francisco Airport and, eventually, a red eye flight east. With that in mind, I left two days early for Minnesota for the 10-mile championship to give myself a travel cushion. The flights went fairly smoothly, at least compared to New Haven, and I got to the hotel just before sunset. I quickly put on my running shoes and headed out for a short run on a bike path along the river. I had forgotten how nice the fall can be in other parts of the country. The trees were all changing colors and the air had a crispness to it that is hard to describe

Looking back at Minnesota race

2011-10-10T07:35:00.000-07:00

In this week's column Blake recounts last week's third place finish at the USA 10 mile championship in Minnesota. It was a crucial race for her for several reasons:
"It was seven years ago in Minneapolis that I raced my first marathon and won. This year’s 10 Mile Championships was on the last 10 miles of the marathon course, so I was excited to get back on it. But, aside from having a positive experience there years ago, I was desperate for another seeing that my last race was horrible. I had died a miserable death in the heat and humidity at the 20K in New Haven last month. My coach and I knew that I really needed to have a solid race before we started the long journey to the Olympic Trials in Houston."

Time off

2011-10-08T20:57:00.000-07:00

After my 10 Mile race last weekend, I planned to take about a week off of running. I usually take some time between seasons to give myself as much a mental break as a physical break. It's nice to be taking time off as planned rather than taking forced time off from injury. Since I usually never take days off from running, I have been looking forward to my break. But, it usually only takes a few days before I am eager to get out the door again. Monday starts official training and soon I will be diving into marathon training.

This week has been relaxing and fun with the in-laws in town. We have spent time on the beach, done a steam train ride at Roaring Camp and even helped some friends pick grapes at their private vineyard. Quin was surprisingly good with his cutters for a 2 and half year old. We all managed to leave with all our fingers intact and had a great time.

10 Mile USA Championships

2011-10-03T08:34:00.000-07:00

Ijust got back from a short trip to Minneapolis for the 10 Mile USA Road Championships. I am happy to report that I am pleased with the race and finished 3rd overall in a solid field of competition. There was a large group of about 15 women until about the 5 mile mark where the race broke down to about five. By mile 7, we were down to 3 and gradually Janet Cherobon, the eventual winner and current 20k Champions pulled away to win in 54:15. Julie Culley finished 2nd in 54:28 and is the current 5k USA Champion. I rounded out number three in 54:44 roughly 5:29 mile pace.

Results and a video of the finish can be found here.
http://www.runnerspace.com/video.php?video_id=54237-Mens-and-Womens-Finish-Live-Webcast-Replay-USA-10-Mile-Championships-2011

Early report from Minnesota

2011-10-02T10:54:00.000-07:00

Strong showing by Blake in Minnesota, finishing third in elite 10 miler. "Happy. Good effort," she reported in an early morning text. Now, onto a plane for home to be welcomed back by her "boys." She promises to post more later.

Looking good for Minnesota race

2011-10-01T09:13:00.000-07:00

Imagine Blake's surprise (or horror) at seeing her editor in the Monterey airport at 5 a.m. before flying off to compete in the weekend's Medtronic 10 mile race in Minneapolis. Purely coincidence, Editor Dave and wife were off to Toronto to visit their daughter. Other than the surprise sighting, Blake's flights seemed to go smoothly, a good sign considering the disaster that was the Falmoth trip. The 10-miler has a Sunday 10 a.m. start. Good luck Blake.

On world records and pace setters

2011-09-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

  Last week a New York Times reporter asked what I thought of a new rule the IAAF Track and Field Committee passed stating that women’s records were only going to be allowed from races with women’s only fields, not mixed starts where women run with men.
   This decision means that Britain’s Paula Radcliffe is still the world record holder with a 2 hour, 17 minute, 25 second marathon run in a women’s only start. Her earlier time of 2:15:42 is no longer the world record since she had male pacemakers, but is the “world best.” Likewise, Deena Kastor is no longer the American record holder with her 2:19:36 set in London since she also had male pacemakers. The “new” American record is now Joan Benoit's 2:24:52 set in the 1984 Olympics, which was a women’s only race. She has a personal best of 2:21:21. Retroactively changing records for reasons other than for the use of performance enhancing drugs just seems wrong to me.
  As we talked for a few minutes, I began to realize it is a confusing situation. Pace setters, also known as "rabbits," have been used as long as I can remember. Even Roger Bannister, the first man to break the 4-minute mile barrier, used a rabbit to help ensure he was on pace. Nobody will argue that a pacemaker doesn’t help. It’s similar to race car driving. The rabbit can shield you from the wind and ensure you are running at the right speed. In a marathon, running with a pacemaker can help keep you relaxed mentally.
If you watch one of the high-level marathons on television like Chicago or London they almost always have three or four male pacemakers for the elite men. The elite women, however, are at a distinct disadvantage now that they are hovering around that 2:20 range. If you are a women who is good enough to pace that time, then you are too good to be a pacemaker. To put Radcliffe's former 2:15:25 world record into perspective, she had to go through the half marathon around 1:07:30. My New Zealand friend and fellow-Reebok runner Kim Smith just ran the fastest half-marathon on U.S. soil in Philadelphia with her time of 1:07:11 or 5:08 mile pace. It’s no wonder Radcliffe needed male pacemakers because only three or four women in the entire world could run that pace through the half. Absolutely mind-boggling.
  If you ask Bob Sevene, my coach who also coached Benoit, he would say the sport is in trouble of losing fans and pacemakers have something to do with that. When you turn on a track meet or a major road race, all you hear is talk of breaking American records or world records. Of course, records are meant to be broken, and it’s exciting when it all comes together, but I think it is just as exciting to watch a an actual race verses a time trial. The Boston Marathon has not had pacemakers for years and if you watched that race this year, it was as suspenseful as they come. When you bring great athletes together, great things usually happen. That day, American Desiree Davila was on fire and made it one of the most exciting Boston Marathons in years, narrowly missing the win.
  I think in the end I am against male pacers simply because women tend to abuse them. They run with training partners, boyfriends or husbands which does provide an unfair advantage. I had one instance struggling through the last windy 10k of a marathon in Chicago when another American came blowing by me. She was neatly tucked in behind her male training partner. Getting passed by one spot was the difference between a $10,000 payout and getting nothing at all. As it worked out, I had run almost the entire race alone.
  But I also don’t think the super-elite women should be punished because they are too fast. Maybe there needs to be more emphasis on finding elite women capable of pacing to a world-record. Maybe it is a bit of feminism oozing out, but I think we can do our own pacing, thank you very much. Perhaps we should re-evaluate pacing in general. Ultimately, I am a fan of just racing, and one thing is for sure, there will be no pacemakers in the Olympic Trials marathon this January.

World record or world best?

2011-09-28T11:28:00.000-07:00

In this week's column, Blake weighs in on the IAAF acknowledging only those women's world records set in all-women competitions. Performances achieved in mixed fields would instead be referred to only as a "world best." The ruling brings the use of male pace setters into focus.
" I also don’t think the super-elite women should be punished because they are too fast. Maybe there needs to be more emphasis on finding elite women capable of pacing to a world-record. Maybe it is a bit of feminism oozing out, but I think we can do our own pacing, thank you very much. Perhaps we should re-evaluate pacing in general. Ultimately, I am a fan of just racing, and one thing is for sure, there will be no pacemakers in the Olympic Trials marathon this January."
Read more in Thursday's Monterey County Herald.

She's back

2011-09-26T12:48:00.000-07:00

Blake's column will resume this week in the Monterey County Herald. It will run every other Thursday, rotating with "The Running Life," the excellent column by Mike Dove and Donald Buraglio.
This week Blake talks about new regulations that will keep women's world records from being set in coed races:
"If you watch one of the high-level marathons on TV like Chicago or London they almost always have three or four male pacemakers for the elite men. The elite women, however, are at a distinct disadvantage now that they are hovering around that 2 hour, 20-minute finishing time. If you are a women that is good enough to pace that time, then you are too good to be a pacemaker. To put Paula Radcliffe's former 2:15 world record into perspective, she had to go through the half marathon in a 1:07:30. My New Zealand friend and fellow-Reebok runner Kim Smith just ran the fastest half-marathon on U.S. soil at the Philladelphia Half with her time of 1 hour, 7 minutes, 11 seconds or 5:08 mile pace. It’s no wonder Paula needed male pacemakers because only three or four women in the entire world could run that pace through the half! Absolutely mind-boggling.

PG Triathlon Part II

2011-09-23T07:11:00.000-07:00

After the Pacific Grove Triathlon, Jon and I had Quin at the park, and we ran into Alexis Smith, who took fourth in the race and is a friend of mine. She was packing up her car as her 1-year old, Gabriel, was napping. Understandably tired from a long day, she was ready for a nap herself, but we got to talk a few minutes. Her first comment was, “Everybody is so young.” We are both in the same boat, that dreaded word, “Veteran” seems to preface my name in most articles. I read “Old Guard” the other day referring to myself and the other women on the last Olympic marathon team. Even the other day my coach was telling me how the young runners will be gunning for us “veterans.” It’s just the nature of the sport. I remember feeling pretty proud of myself when I beat an older established runner.

PG Triathlon, Part I

2011-09-22T07:03:00.000-07:00

Recently Jon, Quin and I walked down to catch the Pacific Grove Triathlon. I was specifically interested in the Women’s Professional race at noon seeing that my friend and local Tri gal Alexis Smith was competing. Her little boy, Gabriel just turned 1, and we have commiserated on numerous occasions on the woes of getting back into shape after pregnancy, and much more. We both do most of our training on our own and both rely heavily on our parents for help with our little ones so we can train properly.

We managed to catch the start of the Triathlon and to see some of the bike portion. I was trying to catch Alexis on the bike while keeping an eye on Quin along Ocean View Boulevard. Unfortunately, he was more interested in running up and down the dirt stairs along the ocean than he was in the bike race. Sorry Alexis. I don’t know much about the triathlon, but Alexis got stuck in “no man’s land” meaning she was riding alone. I imagine it’s the same as running though, and not where you want to be on a windy day with no one around to help. She held on for a solid fourth place finish with Gabriel there to greet her at the finish line. ... (more tomorrow)

Meanwhile, in New Orleans

2011-09-21T07:36:00.000-07:00

Interesting story on Rachel Booth, another elite runner who is a mom and has had to wrestle with running in heat and humidity (that will happen when you move to New Orleans)

Hot running

2011-09-20T07:30:00.000-07:00

Other than some lingering fog there is only one draw back to training in on the Monterey Peninsula — you get used to the mild weather. The weather in my past two races has been hot and humid. The first one was respectable, but my last race was a disaster. I got up at 5:30 a.m., three hours before the start to do a 10-minute run and some quick strides. As I exited the hotel I felt like I was stepping into an oven. It actually felt a little cooler when I started warming up for the race two hours later. I think I was a little deceived by the temperature. I wound up having to drop out after six miles.

In any case, I learned the hard way that you can’t take heat acclimation for granted. I guess there was a reason we went to Beijing training camp three weeks before our events in the Olympics. But for these small races, I don’t have the time or the means to go acclimate like I did before the Olympics. Live and learn. I luckily do not have any more hot and humid races planned unless a freak warm spell hits the Houston Olympic Trials in January.

Hiatus

2011-09-15T16:01:00.000-07:00

I am taking a little hiatus from writting and plan to resume in October. In the mean time, it is business as usual in the Russell household- running hard and playing hard. Quin came to my workout last weekend and helped Coach "Bev" time me in between throwing rocks and playing in the dirt. He even informed Coach Bev that the tree looked like a T Rex...and so it did.

Run at work, what the heck

2011-09-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

A little public service announcement: On Friday, the Road Runners Club of America will promote the 6th Annual RUN@WORK Day nationwide. Company-based wellness programs, human resources departments, running clubs, running events, running shoe stores, and individuals nationwide are encouraged to plan fun runs and walks around the country with their employers.The goal of RUN@WORK Day, presented by the Road Runners Club of America, is to encourage adults to get 30-minutes of exercise each day, in accordance with the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, either before work, during lunch, or immediately following work. RUN@WORK Day also encourages companies to help employees schedule time for physical activity. Incorporating exercise into one’s daily routine can markedly improve one’s overall physical health.More information can be found at http://www.rrca.org/programs/run-at-work-day/.

New Haven wrap

2011-09-07T11:38:00.000-07:00

Here's a wrapup of Monday's race from TMC News. Perhaps more insightful was this observation from Hartford Courant blogger Lori Riley: "It was overcast but very humid, which contributed to the slower times. Many of the elite runners had come down from altitude training recently and weren't used to the humid weather."

Blake from New Haven: Crossroads

2011-09-05T08:40:00.000-07:00

Blake from the 20K U.S. Championships: "Dropped out before 6 miles. Kind of at a crossroad. Not sure if it was the heat and humidity or something else."

Back to school

2011-09-04T08:30:00.000-07:00

With kids starting back to school, it has got me thinking about preschools for my little guy. Even though I would not want him to start until next year, I decided to check out a place last week. We stopped by around noon and found a small group finishing up lunch and playing. I confess, as I walked in and saw all the play stations and brightly colored little tables and chairs, I got a huge lump in my throat and my eyes started to water. My reaction to just thinking about preschool does not bode well for what will happen to me when we take Quin to college. Now I know why my dad would always hug me and tell me to come live at home, adding I can bring Jon.
As we stood in the doorway and talked to the teacher, a little boy came and took Quin’s hand and tried to entice him to come play. Being on the shy side, Quin clung to my leg, but curiosity finally got the best of him. By the time I got some information, Quin was having fun and not ready to leave. I feel good that in a year, I can see him in preschool and know that it will be a great social and learning experience for him. He will be ready, but will I?
I’ve mentioned in the past that my coach, Bob Sevene, works with a female runner in Pittsburgh who is a full-time, single mom. Her husband died unexpectedly while running due to an undiagnosed heart condition. She told him the other day that her three boys will finally all be in school, and she is looking forward to having mornings free to run and workout without having to keep an eye on them.
"Not that I don’t love them,” she said.
Sev, being a father of two, told her he understands completely.
I am sure every parent struggles with guilt from being away from their child because of their job. My job is running and preparing for the Olympic Trials. That has allowed me to spend a lot of time with Quin. But even a full-time parent needs some “me” time just to stay sane. At least when Quin is in school, I will have two or three guilt-free hours when I know he is learning and having fun.
For now, I will take advantage of every moment and spend as much time as possibly with him. I have had the same weekly running schedule for 15 years, but just recently changed my afternoon runs to different days to allow me to spend more time with Quin. It seems to be working because I feel less stressed. I know after my long workout mornings, I can just relax and do something fun with Quin in the afternoon rather than head out for another run.
This weekend I am traveling to Hartford, Conn. for the 20K USA Road Championships on Labor Day. I have not gone to a race without Quin since the World Cross-Country Championships in March. I am looking forward to being able to relax a little more and focus on the race. I might even pack a book! Even though my husband Jon is always in charge of Quin at my races, I still find it hard to turn off the Mom mode. Sev is always reminding me that races require focus and visualization. I have a feeling he told his Pittsburgh runner the same thing he told me the other day and the same thing a lot of moms need to hear, “It’s OK to do this for yourself.”

Bad start

2011-09-03T21:42:00.000-07:00

Not off to a good start on my trip to New Haven for the 20K championship. Missed my connection in sfo due to fog. Taking a red-eye to JFK tonight then driving to New Haven. Good times. Quin asked when Mama was coming home and Jon said Monday. Quin replied, "I want Monday now!" missing my sweetie:( and my bed.

A look at the field

2011-09-03T06:37:00.000-07:00

Here's a look at the field for the Stratton Faxon New Haven 20K, which Blake is running on Monday.

A Doonesbury Race

2011-09-02T07:05:00.000-07:00

Here's a little about the race Blake's running in on Labor Day, but it's the logo I like best

Changing schedules

2011-09-01T05:57:00.000-07:00

I have had the same weekly running schedule for 15 years, but just recently changed my afternoon runs to different days to allow me to spend more time with Quin. It seems to be working because I feel less stressed because I know after my long workout mornings, I can just relax and do something fun with Quin in the afternoon rather than head out for another run.

Taking advantage

2011-08-31T06:17:00.000-07:00

I am sure every parent struggles with guilt from being away from their child because of their job. But even a full-time parent needs some “me” time just to stay sane. At least when Quin is in school, I will have 2 or 3 guilt-free hours when I know he is learning and having fun. For now, I will take advantage of every moment and spend as much time as possibly with him.

School daze

2011-08-30T05:48:00.000-07:00

With kids starting back to school, it has got me thinking about preschools for my little guy. Even though I would not want him to start until next year, I decided to check out a place last week. I confess, as I walked in I got a huge lump in my throat and my eyes started to water. My reaction to just thinking about preschool does not bode well for what will happen to me when we take Quin to college. Now I know why my Dad would always hug me and tell me come live at home, adding I can bring Jon.

Heading to New Haven

2011-08-29T15:47:00.001-07:00

This weekend I am traveling to New Haven, Connecticut for the 20k USA Road Championships on Labor Day. I have not gone to a race without Quin since last summer and am looking forward to being able to relax a little more and focus on the race. I might even pack a book!

Back to the fog and classic cars

2011-08-28T07:28:00.000-07:00

Back from Cape Cod and the Falmouth Road Race straight to the fog of the Monterey Peninsula.
I can’t say I missed the fog too much. It was nice to wear shorts and let Quin play in the sprinklers at his grandparent’s house in Massachusetts. I admit, being from North Carolina, the heat and humidity back there reminded me of home. Though training in that kind of weather is tough, it actually feels good to really sweat. Quin even learned a new phrase during our brief stint in Massachusetts, “Mama, soooo sweaty!” My husband Jon added, “And stinky!” I always got a good laugh from him as I chased him around the house trying to give him a sweaty, stinky hug.
Quin has turned into a seasoned traveler. He has a small rolling suitcase filled with his toys and favorite blanket and marches through the airport, getting grins from onlookers. He insisted on rolling his luggage down the ramp to the Monterey flight. Unfortunately, the steps onto the airplane were too big for him to climb. Since he wouldn't let go of his suitcase, Jon had to carry both Quin and his luggage onboard. I think Quin was looking forward to coming home too because he kept telling random people that he was going to California to see T and Ani, which is what he calls my mother and her husband.
The day after coming home, my coach, Bob Sevene, and I went to Hartnell College for a track workout. Guess my old age is starting to show because some of the local walkers commented to him that I looked a little stiffer on my warm-up than usual. I used to be able to bounce off of airplanes with no problem. When I was living in Boston, I flew to a race at Stanford. Afterward, I took a red-eye home, landed, and drove to work where I got in another run before working a full day as a physical therapist. Looking back I am not sure how I had the energy. You do what you have to do. Luckily for me, Sev is a smart coach and takes travel into consideration when coming up with my workouts. It was short and easy, and I walked away happy.
The next day my sister and her husband arrived for a long weekend to enjoy some of the activities of Classic Car week here on the Peninsula. It's easy to take this area for granted, but the events always remind me how lucky I am to live in such a wonderful and fun place. Downtown Pacific Grove was hopping, and it was impossible to do a run without going past a gaggle of expensive cars.
My sisters’s husband was in heaven with all the cars, and decided to attend one of the many car auctions. To my sister's surprise, they walked away with a 1965 Malibu Coup with 650 horsepower that requires racing fuel. In his words, “I think I am scared of my car.” When he pulled up to our house it sounded like a jet had landed. All the neighbors were drawn out to take a look. All I can say is that I am glad her husband did that, and not mine!
The excitement was nice while it lasted, but I am happy to be back in a routine and to have all my running routes less clogged with tourists or spectators for the Pebble Beach events. Maybe there is something to be said for the loneliness on the long-distance runner? I like it quiet enough that I can hear the ocean and see my usual friends along the trails. I have about a week and half to enjoy before I get back on a plane and travel to New Haven, Connecticut for the 20K USA Championships, a race I won the last time I ran it in 2005 ages ago.

To read more of Blake Russell or to contact her, go to to her blog at montereyherald.com/marathonmom.

Next up, 20K USA Championships

2011-08-27T08:17:00.000-07:00

The excitement of Classic Car week here on the Peninsula was nice while it lasted, but I am happy to be back in a routine and have all my running routes less clogged with tourists or spectators for the Pebble Beach events. Maybe there is something to be said for the loneliness on the long-distance runner? I like it quiet enough that I can hear the ocean and see my usual friends along the trails. I have about a week and half to enjoy before I get back on a plane and travel to New Haven, Connecticut for the 20k USA Championships, a race I won the last time I ran it in 2005 ages ago.

"I think I'm scared of my car"

2011-08-26T06:56:00.000-07:00

My sister and her husband visited last weekend to enjoy some of the activities of Classic Car week here on the Peninsula. It's easy to take this area for granted, but the events always remind me how lucky I am to live in such a wonderful and fun place. Downtown Pacific Grove was hopping, and it was impossible to do a run without a gaggle of expensive cars.
My sisters’s husband was in heaven with all the cars, and decided to attend one of the many car auctions. To my sister's surprise, they walked away with a 1965 Malibu Coup with 650 horsepower that requires racing fuel. In his words, “I think I am scared of my car.” When he pulled up to our house it sounded like a jet had landed. All the neighbors were drawn out to take a look. All I can say is that I am glad her husband did that, and not mine!

Seasoned traveler

2011-08-25T06:51:00.000-07:00

Quin has turned into a seasoned traveler. He has a small rolling suitcase filled with his toys and favorite blanket and marches through the airport, enticing grins from onlookers. He insisted on rolling his luggage down the ramp to the Monterey flight. Unfortunately, the steps onto the airplane were too big for him to climb. Since he wouldn't let go of his suitcase, Jon had to carry both Quin and his luggage onboard. I think Quin was looking forward to coming home too because he kept telling random people that he was going to California to see T and Ani, which is what he calls my mother and her husband.

Oh the agony!

2011-08-24T07:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Coach Sev and I went to Pacific Grove High to do some drills with the Cross Country Team. I had spoken to the team last year, and Coaches Watkins and Light were nice enough to invite me back and put them through a workout. Sev explained the drills as I demonstrated and did some with them. I had a tough workout in the morning and very little recover time before meeting with the team which probably did not help. They were different than some of the ones I usually do, and man, I am paying for it! I have a feeling there are some very sore athletes hobbling around PG High today!

We were born to run

2011-08-24T06:46:00.000-07:00

Before bows and arrows and before horses were tamed, we did “persistence hunting” where we ran kudu, wildebeest and zebra into exhaustion. These animals can’t pant when they gallop. They overheat. People would find a big animal and chase it till it collapsed. You need no technology to do this, just the ability to run long distances, which all of us have. You can see proof of this capability every November when 45,000 people run for many hours through the streets of New York.- Dr. Daniel Lieberman, an evolutionary biology professor at Harvard, from a story in the New York Times

Cute Blog from NYTimes: What a Cow can teach you about running

2011-08-22T07:24:00.000-07:00

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/18/what-a-cow-taught-me-about-running/

A family (running) vacation

2011-08-21T07:51:00.000-07:00

My love/hate relationship with the Falmouth Road Race continues. Last Sunday was my first elite level race since March — that's right, I'm not counting the train wreck that was the Boston Marathon. It was nice to get back out there after five months. The weather in Cape Cod was just as I suspected, hot and humid. But there was also plenty of energy and excitement at the starting line. Eleven thousand runners lined up in the tiny town of Woods Hole, a quintessential New England harbor town with shingled buildings, lobster signs, and colorful boats in the harbor.

I was the No. 6 American finisher and eighth overall. It was disappointing because I don't feel I ran up to my fitness level. After digesting the race for a while, I realize I might have been a little too optimistic going in. I have run it several times and for some reason I just never have a great race. Also, it might not have been the best strategy to run a race at the end of a family vacation. Let’s face it; when you have young ones and lots of family around, do you ever get the chance to really relax, even on vacation?

Since my husband Jon’s parents live in Plymouth just before the Cape. It was a perfect opportunity to see them and get in a high-caliber race. Unfortunately, whenever we visit, it feels like we are going all day long trying to fit in as much family and fun as possible since we don’t make it back that often. According to my coach, Bob Sevene, it was a good week to flee Monterey because of the summer fog and cold. It was great to let Quin play in the tidal pools and ocean waves without having to worry about putting him in a wetsuit or having him turn blue.

Jon and I ran each morning while his parents got their quality time with Quin. It worked out great for us because we love running on the trails near their house. Jon’s parents even bought Quin a bike to ride at their house. They didn't know what they were in for. Many mornings Quin had his helmet on and was heading out the door at 8 a.m.

As race day approached, it felt like old times because Jon was running too. When Jon was an elite athlete — he was an outstanding steeplechase runner in college — I loved having him around race morning, keeping me company and yet understanding at the same time my pre-race jitters. Though Jon was not racing, per say, he was pleasantly surprised with his time. Guess that running streak is paying off. For me, I find it hard to not compare myself to when I was at my peak and to be satisfied with steps in the right direction. I will keep chipping away until I break through.

A running couple

2011-08-20T07:48:00.000-07:00

As race day approached for last Sunday's Falmouth Road Race, it felt like old times because Jon was running too. When Jon was an elite athlete — he was an outstanding steeplechase runner in college — I loved having him around race morning, keeping me company and yet understanding at the same time my pre-race jitters.

Cycling boy

2011-08-19T06:45:00.000-07:00

The Russells might want to consider a career in triathlons for young Quin, after all, the boy sure loves to bike. After a recent visit to the Massachussets inlaws, Blake noted: "Jon’s parents even bought Quin a bike to ride at their house. They didn't know what they were in for. Many mornings Quin had his helmet on and was heading out the door at 8 a.m."

Reflecting on Falmouth

2011-08-18T06:42:00.000-07:00

Blake was disappointed in her race at Falmouth, "It was disappointing because I don't feel I ran up to my fitness level. After digesting the race for a while, I realize I might have been a little too optimistic going in. I have run it several times and for some reason I just never have a great race. Also, it might not have been the best strategy to run a race at the end of a family vacation. Let’s face it; when you have young ones and lots of family around, do you ever get the chance to really relax, even on vacation?" More in this week's column.

Just because

2011-08-17T06:25:00.000-07:00

Well, just because life feels this way sometimes

Tough competition

2011-08-16T09:12:00.000-07:00

Interesting article by Universal Sports looking ahead to the Olympic Trials and the London Olympics:
Unless a number of monumental upsets are strung together at the Trials in Houston in January, the U.S. is likely to field its strongest ever Olympic squad in the women's marathon. The quality of the field is so deep that a medal contender or two won't even qualify. ... Blake Russell is still a threat.

Eighth at Falmount

2011-08-14T14:21:00.000-07:00

Blake finished eighth at Falmouth in 38 minutes, 2 seconds. The female winner was Magdalena Lewy-Boulet, who also won the Wharf-to-Wharf locally. Click here to see the top women finishers

Early word out of Falmouth

2011-08-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

Nothing official yet on the Falmouth Road Race, but Blake wasn't overjoyed with her performance. "Not sure. Not great pretty disappointed. Maybe 5 American?" she texted shortly after finishing.

Getting ready for Falmouth

2011-08-14T06:02:00.000-07:00

It’s not often that something good comes from a bar bet, but the Falmouth Road Race I am running this morning is an exception to the rule.
The mastermind behind this race was a bartender and avid runner named Tommy Leonard. He decided it would be fun to run from the Captain Kidd bar in Woods Hole to the Brother’s Four bar in Falmouth Heights on the Cape of Massachusetts. The distance was roughly seven miles along the ocean with some rolling hills and flat roads ending on the streets of Falmouth. Ninety two runners 92 runners toed the line for the first race in 1972. It has since grown to 10,000 strong attracting every one from Olympic champions (Frank Shorter and Bill Rodgers have run) to weekend warriors.
In the time I was living in Boston I always managed to work it into my racing schedule. I have run it many times. Looking back though, I have a love-hate relationship with this race and have decided it’s a bit like childbirth. You look forward to it, plan and prepare, but as race day approaches you start to wonder, “What was I thinking.” It’s not that the race is that bad or painful, it’s that August weather on the Cape can be unpredictable. It seems to be either hot and humid or cold with sideways rain and wind.
Most years, while I'm waiting to warm up I find myself sweating . . . and it's only 7 a.m. The residents along the course usually have their hoses and sprinklers on to douse the runners, but often the water is way too hot to provide any refreshment. There is a good size hill near the end of the race and a deceptively long stretch after that to the finish line. It makes you wonder if you will ever get there. The finish is under the largest American flag I have ever seen. But, just like childbirth, as soon as it’s over you forget you were in agony and want to do it all over again. I guess that's why the race sells out year after year.
The last time I ran this race was in 2007 as I was getting over a broken bone in my foot. I was not feeling great in the first place, but as I ran down the first steep hill in the opening mile I hyper-extended one of my toes. I was pretty sure I had broken something, but since it was a point to point race, I managed to finish. Apparently football players are not the only ones who get turf toe. Man, did that hurt. I couldn't walk for three weeks afterward.
Luckily, I am going into this race with no aches or pains and am excited to race. I did a long, hard workout last weekend and felt really good. Afterward my coach, Bob Sevene, said with a stern tone, “Now, let me tell you something.” I thought I was in trouble for running too fast, and was getting ready to defend myself when he said, “You’re in better shape than I thought you were.” Oh, I was pleasantly surprised because he has not said that before.

Forecast

2011-08-13T06:06:00.000-07:00

It looks to be a warm one again for Sunday's Falmouth Road Race. Forecast is a high of 80 degrees under cloudy skies. In this week's column, Blake talks about breaking a sweat before having a chance to warm up first thing in the morning before the race and being sprayed with hot water along the course. She also plans to update her blog after the race.

Love and hate at Falmouth

2011-08-12T06:06:00.000-07:00

I have a love-hate relationship with this week's Falmouth race and have decided it’s a bit like childbirth. You look forward to it, plan and prepare, but as race day approaches you start to wonder, “What was I thinking.” It’s not that the race is that bad or painful, it’s that August on the Cape can be unpredictable. It’s seems to be either hot and humid or cold with sideways rain and wind. Most years, I am often waiting to warm up and am already sweating from the heat at 7 a.m. The residents along the course usually have their hoses and sprinklers on for the runners, but often the water coming out of them is scalding. There is a good size hill at the end and a deceptively long stretch after that to the finish line that makes you wonder if you will ever get there. You finish under the largest American flag I have ever seen. But, just like childbirth, as soon as it’s over you forget you were in agony and want to do it all over again. I guess that is why the race sells out year after year.

Beer, running and Tommy Leonard

2011-08-11T06:09:00.000-07:00

There's a great profile of Tommy Leonard, the founder of the Falmouth Road Race in this month's Runner's World. The race, which will be held Sunday, attracts a who's who of running stars, including our own Blake Russell this year.
"Like Liz Taylor and Richard Burton and Eddie Fisher, beer and running and Tommy Leonard are a love triangle for the ages, not least because Tommy has kept both mistresses happy over the years ... "
It's a humorous story of a runner who worked as a bartender most of his life and became so enthralled by Frank Shorter's Olympic Marathon win that he decided to establish his own road race and make Shorter a participant. And, by God, he did it ...

Heading for Falmouth

2011-08-10T07:10:00.000-07:00

It’s not often that something good comes from a bar bet, but the Falmouth Road Race I am running on Sunday is an exception to the rule. The mastermind behind this race was a bartender and avid runner named Tommy Leonard who decided it would be fun to run from the Captain Kidd bar in Woods Hole to the Brother’s Four bar in Falmouth Heights on the Cape of Massachusetts. The distance was roughly 7 miles along the ocean with some rolling hills and flat roads ending through the streets of Falmouth. In 1972 ninety-two runners toed the line, and it has since grown to 10,000 strong attracting Olympic Champions to weekend warriors.

Without limits

2011-08-08T06:24:00.000-07:00

Blake's remark about how she feels about "gutless" runners brought in more than a few viewers to the blog as Runners World felt it worth a mention. The three of us (Editor Dave, Husband Jon and Blake) had hoped to find a clip from the movie "Without Limits" where Steve Prefontaine goes off about a runner who sat on his shoulder the entire race only to outkick him in the end. No luck on our part, anybody out there got it and can tell us more about the scene?
And while we're at it, Billy Crudup as Pre in "Without Limits" or Jared Leto in the lead role in "Prefontaine"?

A running streak

2011-08-07T06:15:00.000-07:00

My husband Jon is on a running streak. He hasn’t missed a day running in more than two months. That’s a lot considering the past few years he has been more of a weekend warrior squeezing in 20-30 miles over the two days. That’s a training regiment I wouldn’t exactly recommend. Frankly, Jon probably wouldn’t recommend it either considering the way he would limp around on Mondays and Tuesdays.

I mentioned to my coach that Jon had been doing a lot of running, and he reminded me that it was about time for his annual alumni reunion race. A few years ago, Jon and his Wake Forest teammates decided to reignite their competitive drives and do a 24-hour relay, for fun. I can’t say running three 10ks a few hours apart, sometimes in the middle the night, would be my first choice for fun. Yet Jon always comes home with funny stories that seem to outweigh the running pain and sleeping in a van with eight other smelly guys.

Whatever the reason for his renewed running, I am glad Jon has found time to work it into his day. He has even made himself get up at 5 a.m. to get a run in if he knows he has a busy day ahead. It’s quite impressive because I know he is not a morning person. I remember after we were married Jon said to me, “Oh God, you’re one of those people.” I looked at him confused, “What do you mean?” Jon’s response, “A morning person.” I confess, I love mornings. Of course, the advantage of marrying a morning person is at least your coffee is always ready when you finally stumble out of bed on the weekends.

I am taking a little credit for his streak. He came home last week and was exhausted. He slumped down on the couch and said, “I’m going to ruin my streak.” Being a runner I understand how hard it is to run at the end of a busy day. That’s why I do most of big training runs and workouts in the morning and leave the shorter runs for the afternoon. I convinced him to just go for a short run to take the pressure off. He reluctantly got out the door, but he seemed pleased with himself when he returned and even ran a little more than he planned.

Though Jon is using his streak for motivation, I know a lot of runners who go a little overboard in order to keep their streaks alive. I’ve known runners to jog around an airport or do a late night run to make sure they got their run in for the day. Personally, I don’t believe in a streak for the sake of a streak if the quality is not there. I don’t see how you can get a quality run in at midnight or while dodging cars and sucking in fumes at an airport.

One of the last times Jon did a lot of running was in Beijing when he was with me for the Olympics. During one of my workouts before the Olympic marathon in China, I ran him ragged as he shuttled water for me. When we returned to our hotel the maid was cleaning it, so we had to wait. Jon collapsed on the hall floor, a pile of sweat, tears and general weariness. Yep, I snapped a picture, he was even too tired to put his hand up to block me.

I may not believe in running streaks, but I do believe believe in gaining momentum which is essentially what Jon has been doing. He is finally fit enough to enjoy his runs and has even been tinkering with a few workouts. I keep prodding him to see what he thinks he can run in a mile in, so I can have a workout buddy. He’s not biting.

A picture of fatigue

2011-08-06T06:20:00.000-07:00

One of the last times Jon did a lot of running was in Beijing when he was with me for the Olympics. During one of my workouts before the Olympic marathon in China, I ran him ragged as he shuttled water for me. When we returned to our hotel the maid was cleaning, so we had to wait to get in our room. Jon collapsed on the hall floor, a pile of sweat, tears and general weariness. Yep, I snapped a picture, he was even too tired to put his hand up to block me.I like to pull that picture out every once and a while, just to tease him.

Streaking

2011-08-05T06:20:00.000-07:00

Jon is streaking, oh wait, badly worded there, don't go watching for a naked runner in Pacific Grove. Jon is on a running streak. He hasn’t missed a day running in more than two months. That’s a lot considering the past few years he has been more of a weekend warrior squeezing in 20-30 miles in two days. That’s a training regiment I wouldn’t exactly recommend. Frankly, Jon probably wouldn’t recommend it either considering the way he would limp around afterward.