Sunday I woke up in a bad mood. It was my birthday, which probably had a little something to do with it. I guess I can’t complain too much about turning 36, but just last week my 2-year-old pointed to my face and said, “What’s this, Mama?” “A wrinkle, sweetie.”
Quin was quickly forgiven, but not so much my husband Jon, who was rolling on the floor laughing. Despite caked-on sunblock, all these hours training in the sun are going to take their toll.
But regardless of my birthday, I was mostly annoyed because I should have been running in the Wharf to Wharf race in Santa Cruz County that morning. Due to a miscommunication with the race director, I didn't realize they had accepted me in the elite field. That's unfortunate because I really needed a race. I was going to use it as a tune up before my next two races, which will have some very tough competition. Some people use the term “rust buster” which is exactly what I needed seeing that I have not finished a high-level race successfully since competing in the Cross Country World Championships in Spain way back in March. That race feels like ages ago.
I guess I am not the only one who gets grumpy over races. My coach also works with a women who has won the Pittsburgh marathon in the past. Now, she is a good masters runner who usually wins local races and mostly runs for fun. She was just telling him of a recent race and how a young college girl ran just behind her the entire race and then kicked by her at the very end. This was upsetting, and I don’t blame her. It’s one of my pet-peeves when other people aren’t willing to share in the work of leading a race and then go for the win at the last possible second. As the late great Steve Prefontaine once said, “I run to see who has the most guts.” I hate gutless racers.
Even though I have not raced to get a benchmark lately, my coach is pretty good at predicting what kind of shape I'm in and is pleased with the progress we have made, particularly these last few weeks. Saturday I did a hilly tempo run for 6 miles, averaging 5 minutes and 18 seconds per mile and felt comfortable. We have been experimenting with a new course with more hills. The Marina Dunes State park has a newly paved bike path and has been working out great. It also has some of the best views of Monterey Bay.
I left Saturday’s workout feeling pleased with myself, which is why I was surprised to wake up in a foul mood knowing the race was going on without me. But as the day unfolded I slowly snapped out of my funk. I did a nice 18 mile run in Fort Ord, probably running a little too fast since I was frustrated. I drove home and found Jon pushing his bike up the hill with Quin’s bike and carrying Quin with his other arm. He was exhausted and out of breath. This time I got to chuckle. Pay back, buddy. While Jon recovered, Quin and I had lunch on the beach and played a while before naptime.
I did manage to milk my birthday for all it was worth. As Jon and I were relaxing on the couch during Quin’s nap I mentioned how I sure would love some frozen yogurt with lots of peanut butter cups. Jon was not too thrilled that he was going to have to brave Cannery Row on a Sunday afternoon, but got up and left with a sarcastic, “back in two hours.” Later Quin woke and wanted to ride his bike to the fire station — again. While we were down there on this beautiful afternoon, I could hardly remember why I woke up in such a bad mood.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Saturday, July 30, 2011
The gutless
One of the things Blake will talk about in this column is Steve Prefontaine's quote “I run to see who has the most guts.” It also reminded me of the movie "Without Limits" where he talks with great disdain about a runner passing him in the late stages of a race in Europe. We're searching around trying to find that clip and post it to the blog.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Training report
Even though I have not raced to get a benchmark lately, my coach is pretty good at predicting what kind of shape I'm in and is pleased with the progress we have made, particularly these last few weeks. Saturday I did a hilly tempo run for 6 miles, averaging 5 minutes and 18 seconds per mile and felt comfortable. We have been experimenting with a new course with more hills. The Marina Dunes State park has a newly paved bike path and has been working out great. It also has some of the best views of Monterey Bay.
I left Saturday’s workout feeling pleased with myself. Sunday I did a nice 18 mile run in Fort Ord, probably running a little too fast, because I had hoped to be running the Wharf to Wharf (no such luck because of a communications snafu).
I left Saturday’s workout feeling pleased with myself. Sunday I did a nice 18 mile run in Fort Ord, probably running a little too fast, because I had hoped to be running the Wharf to Wharf (no such luck because of a communications snafu).
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Salinas Valley Half Marathon
The inaugural Salinas Valley Half Marathon was a big success in its inaugural year in 2010. Blake is passing it up for the Falmouth Road Race in Cape Cod, Aug. 14.
Here is last year's review of the Salinas Valley Half by the Herald's running columnists Don Buraglio and Mike Dove
It's very difficult for a first-time event to score high marks across the board, but last weekend's Salinas Valley Half Marathon was a success in virtually every aspect. We were both fortunate enough to participate, and decided to provide "behind the scenes" accounts from race day:
Great first impressions: Logistics of the race were a little complicated, but the race committee went all-out to minimize the inconvenience. Transportation between the parking area and start area was provided by luxury touring buses, a dramatic improvement over the cramped, bouncy school buses that most runners are accustomed to.
Prayers welcome: The Soledad Mission was a truly unique and distinctive setting for the start area. It's historic, allows plenty of space for bib pickup and staging, and provides nervous runners a nice spot to ask for some divine intervention before the race. Many of those runners could use it.
Beginner's delight: Of the nearly 1,300 runners in the race, more than 400 were first-time half marathoners. More than 200 of them attended the training clinics put on by local race veterans, and the success rate for these first-timers was impressively high. For them, it was truly a day to remember.
Business as usual: Seeing field workers laboring in the Salinas Valley as we ran past gave us both an appreciation for the agriculture industry, and gratitude for the people who were up early on a Saturday morning not to have fun at a race. The ag industry was also the star one of our favorite spots on the course .
Strawberry love!: The Salinas Valley Half took a page from the Big Sur Marathon 's playbook, placing an aid station stocked entirely with strawberries late in the race.
Strawberry season may be coming to an end, but you sure couldn't tell by tasting the wonderful offerings at mile 10. The great berries were only a sampling of what was to come.
Luxurious finish: Pessagno winery hosted the finish area, which was as loaded with perks and goodies as any race we've seen. Runners enjoyed musical entertainment while helping themselves to bagels, fruit, beverages, first aid, physical therapy, and even free Jamba Juice served by a guitar-playing banana. (Seriously.) There was plenty of stuff for runners to talk about.
Conversation starter: If you ever want to meet a lot of new people, try racing in a pair of bright white and red Vibram FiveFingers, which look like gloves for your feet. Donald has been running in FiveFingers for over a year now, and this race was the debut of his new Bikila model, which are a little bit eye-catching.They led to a lot of curious questions and discussions about barefoot running and the Vibram phenomenon.
Generally, though, the most common topic of conversation was what a wonderful race this turned out to be, from the perfect weather to the beautiful course to the outstanding organization from start to finish. We're already looking forward to doing it again next year.
Here is last year's review of the Salinas Valley Half by the Herald's running columnists Don Buraglio and Mike Dove
It's very difficult for a first-time event to score high marks across the board, but last weekend's Salinas Valley Half Marathon was a success in virtually every aspect. We were both fortunate enough to participate, and decided to provide "behind the scenes" accounts from race day:
Great first impressions: Logistics of the race were a little complicated, but the race committee went all-out to minimize the inconvenience. Transportation between the parking area and start area was provided by luxury touring buses, a dramatic improvement over the cramped, bouncy school buses that most runners are accustomed to.
Prayers welcome: The Soledad Mission was a truly unique and distinctive setting for the start area. It's historic, allows plenty of space for bib pickup and staging, and provides nervous runners a nice spot to ask for some divine intervention before the race. Many of those runners could use it.
Beginner's delight: Of the nearly 1,300 runners in the race, more than 400 were first-time half marathoners. More than 200 of them attended the training clinics put on by local race veterans, and the success rate for these first-timers was impressively high. For them, it was truly a day to remember.
Business as usual: Seeing field workers laboring in the Salinas Valley as we ran past gave us both an appreciation for the agriculture industry, and gratitude for the people who were up early on a Saturday morning not to have fun at a race. The ag industry was also the star one of our favorite spots on the course .
Strawberry love!: The Salinas Valley Half took a page from the Big Sur Marathon 's playbook, placing an aid station stocked entirely with strawberries late in the race.
Strawberry season may be coming to an end, but you sure couldn't tell by tasting the wonderful offerings at mile 10. The great berries were only a sampling of what was to come.
Luxurious finish: Pessagno winery hosted the finish area, which was as loaded with perks and goodies as any race we've seen. Runners enjoyed musical entertainment while helping themselves to bagels, fruit, beverages, first aid, physical therapy, and even free Jamba Juice served by a guitar-playing banana. (Seriously.) There was plenty of stuff for runners to talk about.
Conversation starter: If you ever want to meet a lot of new people, try racing in a pair of bright white and red Vibram FiveFingers, which look like gloves for your feet. Donald has been running in FiveFingers for over a year now, and this race was the debut of his new Bikila model, which are a little bit eye-catching.They led to a lot of curious questions and discussions about barefoot running and the Vibram phenomenon.
Generally, though, the most common topic of conversation was what a wonderful race this turned out to be, from the perfect weather to the beautiful course to the outstanding organization from start to finish. We're already looking forward to doing it again next year.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
wharf to wharf
Yeah, I had hoped to run in the the Wharf to Wharf race in Santa Cruz on my birthday. Unfortunately due to a miscommunication with the race director, I didn't get in. That was unfortunate because I really needed a race. I was going to use it as a tune up race before my next two races, which will have some very tough competition. some people use the term "rust buster" which is exactly what I needed seeing that I have not raced a high-level race successfully since competing in the Cross County World Championships in Spain way back in March. That race feels like ages ago.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Running with celebs
Being a former sports editor in Monterey County, I have had my brushes with celebrities at the AT&T pro-am golf tournament in pebble beach (Kevin Costner, Bill Murray), the MotoGP races (Michael Jordan, Brad Pitt) and the Concours de Elegance (assorted rich CEOs). But the Big Sur Marathon? Nah. Geez, I see photos of celebs running in other parts of the country (Matthew McConaughey, Sean Combs) but why not here? Here's a pretty cute blog about running
with Heidi Klum. She really should know that running in Pebble Beach this time of year (68 degrees, overcast) sure beats New York's Central Park in the heat. - Editor Dave
with Heidi Klum. She really should know that running in Pebble Beach this time of year (68 degrees, overcast) sure beats New York's Central Park in the heat. - Editor Dave
Sunday, July 24, 2011
A surprise visit by the drug tester
T his past Tuesday I received a surprise visit that elite athletes don't exactly look forward to. After a hard morning workout and lunch out with the ever energetic Quin, my 2-year old, we returned home to be greeted by the drug tester, a technician from a local lab. Most people are aware that elite athletes get tested for unauthorized or illegal performance enhancing drugs. But what many people don't realize is the folks who do the drug testing can show up at your home or training venue at any hour. It's random drug testing at its finest.
As an elite athlete, I have to provide the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency my whereabouts for out-of-competition testing, accounting for every hour of every day. If I am not where I said I would be and they come calling, I have an hour to get back and report, otherwise it counts as a missed test. Three missed tests would mean a two- year suspension. Believe me, I have forgotten to update my whereabouts more than once when I've taken a spur of the moment trip or gone to races. Those trips usually include some frantic emails. Luckily, they make it pretty easy to text or email if something comes up.
I admit, the first few times I had to do drug testing it was a bit embarrassing. But after 15 years of urinating in a cup in front of a stranger, it’s no longer a big deal. It's a necessary thing, I guess, to help keep the sport clean through enforcement and deterrent. I am not naive, though. I know there are people who know how to cheat the tests, but at least we're making an effort to keep it clean.
What's more bothersome is having to fill that cup when, in a manner of speaking, your tank is empty. Drug testers often catch me after a workout or race when I'm dehydrated.
After one particular race I had to drink a lot of water to produce the sample they wanted. Unfortunately, right after testing I had to head off to a wedding. That water I guzzled? Yeah, I had to duck out of the ceremony a couple of times in search of a restroom.
After races, I feel like I'm always the last one out of the drug testing room. In the 2000 Olympic Track and Field Trials I finished seventh in the 10,000 meters, which was the last event of the night, ending at 9:30. I didn't finish with the drug testing until 11:15 p.m. The stadium by then was closed, the buses were no longer running and there was no one around. My husband, Jon, and I had to hitch-hike back to the hotel. Good times.
Tuesday afternoon I called my coach, Bob Sevene, to tell him I had drug testing. He told me, “If you weren’t running well enough to be in the drug testing pool, we’d be in trouble.” True, but I had to cut the conversation short. You guessed it, I had to run off to the bathroom again.
As an elite athlete, I have to provide the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency my whereabouts for out-of-competition testing, accounting for every hour of every day. If I am not where I said I would be and they come calling, I have an hour to get back and report, otherwise it counts as a missed test. Three missed tests would mean a two- year suspension. Believe me, I have forgotten to update my whereabouts more than once when I've taken a spur of the moment trip or gone to races. Those trips usually include some frantic emails. Luckily, they make it pretty easy to text or email if something comes up.
I admit, the first few times I had to do drug testing it was a bit embarrassing. But after 15 years of urinating in a cup in front of a stranger, it’s no longer a big deal. It's a necessary thing, I guess, to help keep the sport clean through enforcement and deterrent. I am not naive, though. I know there are people who know how to cheat the tests, but at least we're making an effort to keep it clean.
What's more bothersome is having to fill that cup when, in a manner of speaking, your tank is empty. Drug testers often catch me after a workout or race when I'm dehydrated.
After one particular race I had to drink a lot of water to produce the sample they wanted. Unfortunately, right after testing I had to head off to a wedding. That water I guzzled? Yeah, I had to duck out of the ceremony a couple of times in search of a restroom.
After races, I feel like I'm always the last one out of the drug testing room. In the 2000 Olympic Track and Field Trials I finished seventh in the 10,000 meters, which was the last event of the night, ending at 9:30. I didn't finish with the drug testing until 11:15 p.m. The stadium by then was closed, the buses were no longer running and there was no one around. My husband, Jon, and I had to hitch-hike back to the hotel. Good times.
Tuesday afternoon I called my coach, Bob Sevene, to tell him I had drug testing. He told me, “If you weren’t running well enough to be in the drug testing pool, we’d be in trouble.” True, but I had to cut the conversation short. You guessed it, I had to run off to the bathroom again.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Adventures in random drug testing
After a workout last week I pulled into our driveway and saw my mom and Quin playing in the garage. He jumped on his bike just as I got out of the car and led me on a merry chase down the street.
“Quin, where are you going?”
“I go see firetrucks.”
No surprise there, we are frequent visitors to the Pacific Grove Fire Department. To make the most of the trip we swung by Pavel’s bakery so I could get a sandwich and yes, a donut.
When we arrived back home a lab tech was waiting for me to take a drug test (the infamous random drug tests elite athletes have to take). I hope she didn't smell the donut on my breath.
More about adventures in random drug testing in this week's column in the Monterey County Herald.
“Quin, where are you going?”
“I go see firetrucks.”
No surprise there, we are frequent visitors to the Pacific Grove Fire Department. To make the most of the trip we swung by Pavel’s bakery so I could get a sandwich and yes, a donut.
When we arrived back home a lab tech was waiting for me to take a drug test (the infamous random drug tests elite athletes have to take). I hope she didn't smell the donut on my breath.
More about adventures in random drug testing in this week's column in the Monterey County Herald.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Running fun with the crowd
Earlier this week I had a track workout at one of the local community colleges. The track was unusually packed with walkers, runners and even a kid’s track camp. With all the commotion, I always get a bit nervous that someone will accidentally step in Lane 1, and we’ll end up colliding if I can’t move in time. Luckily, they were able to keep Lane 1 clear for me and the workout went smoothly despite all the chaos on the track. In fact, the campers had fun running behind me as I went by. Too bad no one had a camera, would have made a cute photo.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Planning
I do have two races planned for before the Olympic Trials in January— both back on the East Coast. I am having some of my best workouts, and am eager to get out there and know I am ready to run with anyone. In fact, I have to say that my workouts are getting better and better.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Elite, but not glamorous
The life of a distance runner is by no means glamorous. When you are young and poor, you start out road racing, share hotel rooms with other runners just to hope to make a few hundred dollars. It’s even tougher now with the wave of foreign athletes that come race the USA road running circuit and aren’t subject to out-of-competition drug testing like the rest of us. It’s really nice when US road races offer American-only prize money as a way to support the American athletes. Even the Big Sur Half Marathon in November does a nice job trying to bring in some American elites.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Looking for races
As great as the training is on the Monterey Penninsula, it’s tough finding any competitive races, particuarly this time of year. The good thing about living in Boston was having a series of track races I could run, and plenty of high-caliber road races within driving distance. It’s nice to not have to travel too far and lose training time getting to races across the country. Racing is really the best workout you can do because it’s hard to simulate that intensity in training.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Sun and run in Pebble
Today was beautifully sunny and as I was running on the trails in Pebble Beach for the first time, I felt lucky to be alive. I comfortably ran along the single-track trails that paralleled many of the golf fairways, and I hardly met a soul. I admit, I love the runs where I feel like I am in the middle of no where enjoying the views and the sound of my own feet hitting the ground.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
New Facebook Page
I bit the bullet and made an Athlete page on Facebook. It's a good place to follow along as I get closer and closer to the Trials in January!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Blake-Russell/210955745617641?sk=wall
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Blake-Russell/210955745617641?sk=wall
Striking a balance
I am happy to say I have not missed any of Quin’s firsts. I was there for the first word, “nanna” or banana, first steps, even the first tantrum. "Cars 2" came out a few weeks ago, and my husband Jon and I thought this might be a good first movie for Quin because the kid lives and breathes cars. He even sleeps holding on to them, and now that he is talking a ton, I often get a call after he's gone to bed, “Mama, I can’t find my jeep.” We hear him playing in bed with them and then sneak in later to move them, so he does not roll over on one in the middle of the night.
Unfortunately, I realized I was not going to be able to go with them because the best time for the movie fell during my Saturday morning track practice. I told Jon and Quin to have fun, but deep down I was disappointed.
My coach, Bob Sevene, met me at the track and I mentioned I was going to try and catch last half of the movie. I think he sensed I was going to rush my usual warm down and stretching to make it to the theater faster. Darn him, for reading my mind. As I was about to start my warm down Sev told me, “Focus, my dear, you’re going up against women that are 100 percent committed to their running.”
I hate it when he’s right, and he always is. When I was in Spain for the cross country world championships earlier this year I realized I have been running pretty well considering I don’t treat running like a regular job. A lot of the women on Team USA start their "jobs" about 8:30 a.m. with some running, stretching and then core exercises at a gym. Then they'll head home for lunch and a nap, that will often last three hours. The day might then be capped with a second session of running or a massage or other medical treatment to keep them healthy.
Though I still get all the mileage and workouts in that I did before Quin was born, I have had to give up the little things, like massages, long recovery naps, and even driving to some different places to run, simply because there is not enough time in the day. Playdates and quality time with Quin at the park are more important to me. I have also found like most parents, that if you want to get anything done it’s only going to happen during nap time. I'm going to miss that little mid-day break. I may not have a normal schedule for an elite athlete, but so far it’s allowing me to try and be great at two things I love: being a mother and running. But as Sev pointed out, I need to do better about focusing on the task at hand.
The other day Quin found his scoot bike at Sev’s house in the corner and wanted to ride it. It’s a cute bike with no pedals, so the kids use their feet and learn balance fast because they can put their feet down. I had just finished a second run during his nap and I was tired. But Quin put his helmet on, albeit backwards, and yelled “Come on Mom. Bev, you come too” and went to the door. I grabbed my coat, and we were off again.
Sometimes I miss the days I could come in from a run and relax with a cup of coffee and a favorite show. But most of the time, I feel very fortunate to have a unique job that allows me to spend a lot of time with Quin. I did not skimp on my warm-down the other day and managed to slip into the movie with about 30 minutes to spare. It was nice to share that “first” with Jon and Quin. Life may be a little more tiring with Quin, but it is so much more fun. I am happy with the balance I have found between pursuing my own career goals and being the best mom I can be. For now, though, I will have to adopt my husband’s philosophy — I’ll sleep when I’m dead.
Unfortunately, I realized I was not going to be able to go with them because the best time for the movie fell during my Saturday morning track practice. I told Jon and Quin to have fun, but deep down I was disappointed.
My coach, Bob Sevene, met me at the track and I mentioned I was going to try and catch last half of the movie. I think he sensed I was going to rush my usual warm down and stretching to make it to the theater faster. Darn him, for reading my mind. As I was about to start my warm down Sev told me, “Focus, my dear, you’re going up against women that are 100 percent committed to their running.”
I hate it when he’s right, and he always is. When I was in Spain for the cross country world championships earlier this year I realized I have been running pretty well considering I don’t treat running like a regular job. A lot of the women on Team USA start their "jobs" about 8:30 a.m. with some running, stretching and then core exercises at a gym. Then they'll head home for lunch and a nap, that will often last three hours. The day might then be capped with a second session of running or a massage or other medical treatment to keep them healthy.
Though I still get all the mileage and workouts in that I did before Quin was born, I have had to give up the little things, like massages, long recovery naps, and even driving to some different places to run, simply because there is not enough time in the day. Playdates and quality time with Quin at the park are more important to me. I have also found like most parents, that if you want to get anything done it’s only going to happen during nap time. I'm going to miss that little mid-day break. I may not have a normal schedule for an elite athlete, but so far it’s allowing me to try and be great at two things I love: being a mother and running. But as Sev pointed out, I need to do better about focusing on the task at hand.
The other day Quin found his scoot bike at Sev’s house in the corner and wanted to ride it. It’s a cute bike with no pedals, so the kids use their feet and learn balance fast because they can put their feet down. I had just finished a second run during his nap and I was tired. But Quin put his helmet on, albeit backwards, and yelled “Come on Mom. Bev, you come too” and went to the door. I grabbed my coat, and we were off again.
Sometimes I miss the days I could come in from a run and relax with a cup of coffee and a favorite show. But most of the time, I feel very fortunate to have a unique job that allows me to spend a lot of time with Quin. I did not skimp on my warm-down the other day and managed to slip into the movie with about 30 minutes to spare. It was nice to share that “first” with Jon and Quin. Life may be a little more tiring with Quin, but it is so much more fun. I am happy with the balance I have found between pursuing my own career goals and being the best mom I can be. For now, though, I will have to adopt my husband’s philosophy — I’ll sleep when I’m dead.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Focus, focus, focus
In her column this week Blake talks about striking a balance as an elite athlete and a mother. She feels lucky not to have missed many of young Quin's firsts (first words, first steps), but still faces tough choices, like when she arrived home after a long run and Quin insisted they go bike riding. Let's hear it for cross-training!
Saturday in the Monterey County Herald.
Saturday in the Monterey County Herald.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Big Sur Marathon
Received this Facebook post from the folks at Big Sur Marathon this morning:
In less than 3 hours, we've registered folks from 48 states and 7 countries! This is so cool!
Wow, people love this marathon, they really do.
In less than 3 hours, we've registered folks from 48 states and 7 countries! This is so cool!
Wow, people love this marathon, they really do.
Running with the Bulls
Competing in the Boston Marathon was on Blake's bucket list, but I get the idea she might have had more fun running with the bulls in Spain. I get that idea after reading this Runners World blog
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Sleeping with jeeps
Quin, the kid, lives and breathes cars. He even sleeps holding on to them. Now that he is talking quite a bit, I often get a call after he's gone to bed: “Mama, I can’t find my jeep.” We hear him playing in bed with them and then sneak in later to move them, so he does not roll over on one in the middle of the night.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
The juggling act
Sometimes I am a little envious of the days I could come in from a run and relax with a cup of coffee and a favorite show. But most of the time, I feel very fortunate to have unique job that allows me to work and spend a lot of quality time with Quin. I am happy with the balance I have found between pursuing my own career goals and being the best mom I can be. For now, though, I will have to adopt my husband’s philosophy- I’ll sleep when I’m dead.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
The balancing act
When I was in Spain for the World Cross Country Championships, I realized that I have been running pretty well considering I don’t treat running like a regular 8-5 job. A lot of the women on the USA team start their day running about 8:30. They run, stretch, do core exercises at a gym, go home eat lunch and then get the luxury of a 3 hour nap before running again or getting a massage or other medical treatment to keep them in one piece and healthy. Though I still get all the mileage and workouts in that I used to before Quin was born, I have had to give up the little things, like massages, long recovery naps, and even driving to some different places to run, simply because there is not enough time in the day. Playdates or quality time with Quin at the park are more important to me. I have also found like most parents, that if you want to get anything done it’s only going to happen during nap time. I may not have a normal elite athlete schedule, but so far it’s allowing me the chance to try and be great at two things I love...Motherhood and Running.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Blast from the past
A North Carolina high school track coach was in Carmel a few weeks ago for a wedding when he stumbled across Blake's column. Blake has talked about dominating her high school division in North Carolina and the coach confirmed that, by forwarding this link She was Blake Phillips in those days, check out the 800, 1,600 and 3,200. Can't miss her.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
This week's column
I t’s scary to think that one day I will be telling Quin how I remember a world with no Internet, email or texts. Heck, those may even be out of date by the time he gets to college. But it’s a good thing email was just catching on when I started at the University of North Carolina. Without it, I may not have met my husband, Jon, who was attending Wake Forest.
Most of the runners in the Atlantic Coast Conference were on a email list that contained lots of humorous back and forth banter, with some occasional trash talking. Jon, or JR as he signed off on his messages, was one of the best runners in the conference and did his fair share of trash talking. I admit that I was a little intrigued.
We did not end up meeting face-to-face until after graduation during the NCAA track and field championships. I was hanging out in the lobby of our hotel, playing cards, and someone invited him to join us. Though he remembers things a bit differently, the next day he followed me around, held an umbrella over my head during a rain storm, and went to buy me a cookie when I said I was hungry. I was hooked before the cookie, but that sealed the deal — this one was a keeper.
He invited me to meet his family on the Fourth of July in Boston. Apparently there wasn't full disclosure to his parents. They told me later they were pleased to see that the Blake he told them about was a woman — yeah, not the first time people have read my name and assumed I was a male.
So, we embarked on the post-collegiate running journey together. Right away it was obvious it was going to be a little easier for me since Jon was working a full-time job at a bank and trying to fit runs in before and after work. I was in graduate school with a more flexible schedule and was able to do more during the day. It also worked out great for me because when I ran with Jon and some of his buddies, I would chase them, pushing myself more than I might have when working out alone.
Most of the time it's great to be married to another runner. They understand the time commitment, the drive, and the disappointment after a bad race. But as Jon and I would discover, it was almost impossible for us to have a good race on the same day. At his peak, he was one of the best steeplechase runners in the country, but the event was starting to take its toll. Jumps into a water pit and over barriers all those years had wreaked havoc on his Achilles and back. He raced his first marathon the same time I did and suffered a partial tear in his Achilles during the race. I won the race. Looking back, it was a turning point. Jon’s racing days were over and mine were just gearing up.
I don’t think I can point to a running couple who can boast of success on both sides. Eventually, someone’s career has to take a backseat either by choice or injury. Jon knew at the end of that marathon that I had a shot at making the Olympic team, but I needed help. We made drastic changes in our lives to help me pursue my goals. I tried to work a few less hours to get off my feet and eventually migrated to the Peninsula.
Now, he enjoys running with friends mostly on the weekends. A few weeks ago Jon ran a half marathon in the pouring rain in Santa Cruz. He came home muddy and smelly, and Quin was intrigued. When Jon told him he had just gone for a run, Quin said, “I go running now” and went to get his shoes. I am glad he can show Quin how nice it can be, even in the rain.
We did have a nice family day at the Spreckles 10k this July the Fourth. I used it as a fun workout, and Jon used it as a nice change of scenery while Quin and Coach “Bev” sat on the curb and cheered us on as we ran.
Most of the runners in the Atlantic Coast Conference were on a email list that contained lots of humorous back and forth banter, with some occasional trash talking. Jon, or JR as he signed off on his messages, was one of the best runners in the conference and did his fair share of trash talking. I admit that I was a little intrigued.
We did not end up meeting face-to-face until after graduation during the NCAA track and field championships. I was hanging out in the lobby of our hotel, playing cards, and someone invited him to join us. Though he remembers things a bit differently, the next day he followed me around, held an umbrella over my head during a rain storm, and went to buy me a cookie when I said I was hungry. I was hooked before the cookie, but that sealed the deal — this one was a keeper.
He invited me to meet his family on the Fourth of July in Boston. Apparently there wasn't full disclosure to his parents. They told me later they were pleased to see that the Blake he told them about was a woman — yeah, not the first time people have read my name and assumed I was a male.
So, we embarked on the post-collegiate running journey together. Right away it was obvious it was going to be a little easier for me since Jon was working a full-time job at a bank and trying to fit runs in before and after work. I was in graduate school with a more flexible schedule and was able to do more during the day. It also worked out great for me because when I ran with Jon and some of his buddies, I would chase them, pushing myself more than I might have when working out alone.
Most of the time it's great to be married to another runner. They understand the time commitment, the drive, and the disappointment after a bad race. But as Jon and I would discover, it was almost impossible for us to have a good race on the same day. At his peak, he was one of the best steeplechase runners in the country, but the event was starting to take its toll. Jumps into a water pit and over barriers all those years had wreaked havoc on his Achilles and back. He raced his first marathon the same time I did and suffered a partial tear in his Achilles during the race. I won the race. Looking back, it was a turning point. Jon’s racing days were over and mine were just gearing up.
I don’t think I can point to a running couple who can boast of success on both sides. Eventually, someone’s career has to take a backseat either by choice or injury. Jon knew at the end of that marathon that I had a shot at making the Olympic team, but I needed help. We made drastic changes in our lives to help me pursue my goals. I tried to work a few less hours to get off my feet and eventually migrated to the Peninsula.
Now, he enjoys running with friends mostly on the weekends. A few weeks ago Jon ran a half marathon in the pouring rain in Santa Cruz. He came home muddy and smelly, and Quin was intrigued. When Jon told him he had just gone for a run, Quin said, “I go running now” and went to get his shoes. I am glad he can show Quin how nice it can be, even in the rain.
We did have a nice family day at the Spreckles 10k this July the Fourth. I used it as a fun workout, and Jon used it as a nice change of scenery while Quin and Coach “Bev” sat on the curb and cheered us on as we ran.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Olympic trials
Here's a look at the course in Houston for the Olympic Marathon Trials in January. The course seems perfect for Quin, that kid loves to run in circles.
Friday, July 8, 2011
A running romance
In her column this week Blake will be writing about a running romance, the one that sprung up between her and her husband Jon, who is a pretty good runner as well. It all started with the internet, the NCAA track championships and cookies, yummmm ...
Saturday in the Monterey County Herald
Saturday in the Monterey County Herald
Thursday, July 7, 2011
A running relationship
Most of the time it is great to be married to another runner. They understand the time commitment, the drive, and the disappointment after a bad race. But as Jon and I would discover, it was almost impossible for us to have a good race on the same day. At his peak, he was one of the best steeplechase runners in the country, but the event was starting to take its toll. Jumps into a water pit and over barriers all those years had wreaked havoc on his achillies and back. He raced his first marathon the same time I did and got a partial achilles tear during the race. I won the race. Looking back, it was a turning point. Jon’s racing days were over and mine were just gearing up.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
The appeal of running in the rain
A few weeks ago Jon ran a half marathon in the pouring rain in Santa Cruz. He came home muddy and smelly, and Quin was intrigued. When Jon told him he had just gone for a run, Quin said, “I go running now” and went to get his shoes. I am glad he can show Quin how nice it can be- even in the rain.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Spreckles 10k
We had a fun July Fourth yesterday. Jon and I both ran the Spreckles 10k while Coach Bev was on Quin patrol. While Jon and I were plugging away around the fields and roads of Spreckles, Quin was sitting in the the firetruck and may or may not have flooded the engine pumping the gas. Oops. It was nice family morning topped off by good food and Quin's first bouncy house.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Getting along with Coach Sev
L ast week my coach, Bob Sevene, was visiting his old stomping grounds in Boston. I talked to him on the phone several times during the week, as I often do when he is out of town. But it's not the same as having him here. Even Quin was missing him. After Quin talked with him on the phone he declared, “I go to Bev’s house, right now!”
I've been fortunate to always have a coach, except for the one year I coached myself. That was before I found Sev. He’s definitely been my rock all these years. It’s a rare day he misses a practice and he never complains, even if he is riding his bike next to me in cold, sideways blowing rain. It’s nice to know he is willing to suffer with me. Sev was one of the best 800 meter runners in the country before he was drafted and served in Vietnam. He understands the pain of disappointment after a bad race.
This past Tuesday, Sev was back and we returned to our routine. I pulled up at Monterey Peninsula College and did my usual 3-mile warm up. Sev was down on the track waiting and enjoying the unusually warm weather. Often there is a group from the local running club doing a workout, but this day we had the track to ourselves.
I have not been ready for a real track workout until recently. It’s taken almost two months, but I am finally coming out of my running slump. Anemia, bronchitis, and general malaise have not made running fun these last few weeks.
I mentioned to Sev that I had some good runs, and I was feeling a lot better than before he left. “Good,” he said, “because it’s time for Coach to get mean. We’ve got a lot of work to do.” He’s not kidding, making this next Olympic team is going to be a lot tougher than the last time because there are more women running well.
Tuesday's workout was not too tough, but I know it’s just a matter of time before they become very challenging.
Sometimes he explains what's in the workout before I start running. More than once I've been prompted to ask what he’s been smoking. He just grins and tells me to quit stalling. Yes, I am a procrastinator in my old age.
A few years ago I started a workout running slower than Sev wanted. He told me, “Now, that you are older, you might want to warm up a little more.” My reply, I believe, was “bite me.”
When I returned to running after Quin was born, Sev not so gently pointed out that he wasn't sure my butt would ever be small again. I believe I invented a few curse words after that one. I mentioned it to Jon and his response was, “Brave man . . . and you look lovely dear.” I actually appreciate Sev’s honesty in a way, though I may not want to always hear it.
Sev seems to know when to coddle me and when to needle me. He knows my motivation comes from completing a good workout and trying to better it the next time. The more I run, usually the better I feel and seeing some good times in practice are what builds my confidence. I think his gift is picking workouts that are challenging, but allow me to succeed and walk away feeling good. He is quiet motivator, so when I get a compliment I usually tease him, “What’s the date? I need to write that one down.”
Though I don’t feel that race fit, I decided to do the Spreckles 10k on the Fourth of July as a hard workout. It’s nice to break up the routine and sometimes it’s easier to
push yourself when you have people running next to you. I have a feeling Quin will enjoy the firetrucks and parade. Come on out and enjoy the festivities if you are around.
I've been fortunate to always have a coach, except for the one year I coached myself. That was before I found Sev. He’s definitely been my rock all these years. It’s a rare day he misses a practice and he never complains, even if he is riding his bike next to me in cold, sideways blowing rain. It’s nice to know he is willing to suffer with me. Sev was one of the best 800 meter runners in the country before he was drafted and served in Vietnam. He understands the pain of disappointment after a bad race.
This past Tuesday, Sev was back and we returned to our routine. I pulled up at Monterey Peninsula College and did my usual 3-mile warm up. Sev was down on the track waiting and enjoying the unusually warm weather. Often there is a group from the local running club doing a workout, but this day we had the track to ourselves.
I have not been ready for a real track workout until recently. It’s taken almost two months, but I am finally coming out of my running slump. Anemia, bronchitis, and general malaise have not made running fun these last few weeks.
I mentioned to Sev that I had some good runs, and I was feeling a lot better than before he left. “Good,” he said, “because it’s time for Coach to get mean. We’ve got a lot of work to do.” He’s not kidding, making this next Olympic team is going to be a lot tougher than the last time because there are more women running well.
Tuesday's workout was not too tough, but I know it’s just a matter of time before they become very challenging.
Sometimes he explains what's in the workout before I start running. More than once I've been prompted to ask what he’s been smoking. He just grins and tells me to quit stalling. Yes, I am a procrastinator in my old age.
A few years ago I started a workout running slower than Sev wanted. He told me, “Now, that you are older, you might want to warm up a little more.” My reply, I believe, was “bite me.”
When I returned to running after Quin was born, Sev not so gently pointed out that he wasn't sure my butt would ever be small again. I believe I invented a few curse words after that one. I mentioned it to Jon and his response was, “Brave man . . . and you look lovely dear.” I actually appreciate Sev’s honesty in a way, though I may not want to always hear it.
Sev seems to know when to coddle me and when to needle me. He knows my motivation comes from completing a good workout and trying to better it the next time. The more I run, usually the better I feel and seeing some good times in practice are what builds my confidence. I think his gift is picking workouts that are challenging, but allow me to succeed and walk away feeling good. He is quiet motivator, so when I get a compliment I usually tease him, “What’s the date? I need to write that one down.”
Though I don’t feel that race fit, I decided to do the Spreckles 10k on the Fourth of July as a hard workout. It’s nice to break up the routine and sometimes it’s easier to
push yourself when you have people running next to you. I have a feeling Quin will enjoy the firetrucks and parade. Come on out and enjoy the festivities if you are around.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
A case of mistaken identity
Editor Dave here: The other day the payroll department got after me about some paperwork of Blake's they lost. "You tell HIM, that Blake guy, he's got to sign his w409 form or he doesn't get paid." I guess it's not the first time Blake has been identified as a male (oh, and by the way, she had signed that form).
Of course, Blake has a much funnier story about mistaken identity. "After Jon (her future husband) and I had been going out for awhile he invited me to Boston on the Fourth of July to meet his family. I guess his parents weren't exactly clear on who this 'special someone' Jon was bringing home was. They later confessed they were happy to see I was a woman. Most people do assume Blake is a man’s name."
Of course, Blake has a much funnier story about mistaken identity. "After Jon (her future husband) and I had been going out for awhile he invited me to Boston on the Fourth of July to meet his family. I guess his parents weren't exactly clear on who this 'special someone' Jon was bringing home was. They later confessed they were happy to see I was a woman. Most people do assume Blake is a man’s name."
Friday, July 1, 2011
Trading barbs
A few years ago I started a workout running slower than Sev wanted. He told me, “Now, that you are older, you might want to warm up a little more.” My reply, I believe, was “bite me.”
When I returned to running after Quin was born, Sev not so gently pointed out that he wasn't sure my butt would ever be small again. I believe I invented a few curse words after that one. I mentioned it to Jon and his response was, “Brave man . . . and you look lovely dear.” I actually appreciate Sev’s honesty in a way, though I may not want to always hear it.
Sev seems to know when to coddle me and when to needle me.
When I returned to running after Quin was born, Sev not so gently pointed out that he wasn't sure my butt would ever be small again. I believe I invented a few curse words after that one. I mentioned it to Jon and his response was, “Brave man . . . and you look lovely dear.” I actually appreciate Sev’s honesty in a way, though I may not want to always hear it.
Sev seems to know when to coddle me and when to needle me.
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