Borrowing this survey from Kristina:
1. Have a post race beer or a post race dessert?
Dessert, for sure! Not a fan of beer under almost any circumstances. (My beer tickets on race bibs generally just go to waste.)
2. Run with a blister the whole time or a side stitch the whole time?
I think a blister. Though either would suck, I think the blister is a discomfort less integrally involved with the running process itself, so would be easier to try to ignore or zone out from.
3. Run alone or run with friends for every run of an entire training cycle?
Alone! I do for every training cycle, anyway. Running or training with friends is pretty rare in my life. Running is a zoning out/clear out my mind kind of activity more so than a social activity; outside of races, I've done maybe 1% of my total runs ever with other people.
4. Run a flat race in the heat or a hilly race in the cold?
I guess that depends on exactly how hot or cold, and how hilly, we're talking about. But I think I enjoy the Foot Traffic Flat - which is indeed flat and on July 4th so easily reaching the 80s by the time I'm done, much more than I enjoyed the hilly Seattle Half marathon when it was 20s and rainy, so probably flat in the heat.
5. Run a 5K or a marathon?
Definitely depends - but more likely a 5k. I think overall my inherent "talent" (such as it is, which is to say, not much) at running is more geared towards speed than distance.
6. Run without music or without your GPS?
Without music. I used to be much better about doing most of my runs without headphones - currently I actually don't usually listen to music, but podcasts, but I am usually listening to something. But I'd forego that if the alternative was to not have my data to analyze afterward!
7. Train through the winter for a spring race or through the summer for a fall race?
Train through the summer for a fall race. Fall is almost always my main goal race for the year. It doesn't help that winter overlaps significantly with tax season, so it's virtually impossible to get much quality training done then, but I think it'd be challenging myself to get out as much in the dark, damp winter regardless.
8. Would you rather give up running for 1 year to get a BQ or never BQ but run as much as you want?
Given that the amount of running and dedication it would take to BQ is much more than running as much as I want, I think I'd give it up for a year to get the BQ. It definitely sucks to not be running (I can't believe it's been a month since I've run, currently!) but sometimes it's what's best in the long run.
9. Always run in shorts or always run in tights?
I guess this depends in part on how well fitting the shorts are - non-chafing shorts depend on both the shorts and my current body shape/weight and can be quite difficult to actually exist. But weather wise I'd rather be slightly too warm than too cold, so I guess I'd go with tights.
10. Run an ultra marathon or do a triathlon?
Triathlon, since I already do triathlons and have yet to tackle an ultra. I have a long ways to go in mastering the marathon distance before trying to go further, but triathlon offers a lot of variation in distance and thus opportunity to master the specific type you're best capable of doing.
Showing posts with label running. Show all posts
Showing posts with label running. Show all posts
Thursday, September 8, 2016
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Displaying Race Memorabilia
Linking up today with Marcia, et. al., for Tuesdays on the Run. The topic for this week is what you do with race memorabilia - medals, bibs, and so forth.
I've had to do some rearranging lately as some of this was being displayed in what is becoming the baby's room, but I have all of my medals and bibs displayed. I also keep the posters from the Portland Marathon, but otherwise tend to ditch swag such as semi-disposable jackets, drawstring backpacks, etc.
What holds a special place in the living room is shadow boxes from my (and Abe's) first marathon (2013 Portland Marathon). (See how I put these together here.) The problem, though, was once I did a second, I wasn't sure what to do for that one! I've ended up hanging the medal on the original shadow box, so it's at least highlighted beyond my other medals, but haven't decided if I want to make another shadow box.
My bibs, other than that first marathon (but including my second marathon), are all in a frame. I'm on at least the second layer, though, so unfortunately some of them aren't visible anymore!
All my other medals are on these racks in the hallway. (Note: these are Command adhesive products that I think are supposed to be key holders or something with little hooks. I think finding a good holder for medals when you're in a rental and don't want to make huge holes in the wall by anchoring something sturdy enough to hold that kind of weight is difficult, so I was thrilled when I found these as an option.) I suppose at some point these might run out of room (they're already stacked two per hook) but for now it's working just fine!
Besides bibs and medals, I mentioned I have kept the commemorative posters from the Portland Marathon. I still need to frame the 2015 one - but they started making them in a non-standard size, so it's hard to find a frame for it. (These are looking for a new home - they're in the living room, but their spot is going to be taken by something else moving out of the nursery.)
The only other thing that I've kept and don't have displayed is the finisher shirts from Bloomsdays. They're unisex t-shirts, so not something I'm inclined to actually wear, but I can't give them up. At the moment they're sadly in a box in the basement, but perhaps after a few more years of finisher shirts I'll do some sort of display, maybe something like making a quilt.
Abe doesn't do as many races (he's a bit of a cheapskate), so in addition to his marathon shadow box I made him a small holder to display both his bibs and medals. It's basically just a wooden board thingie from a craft store, painted, into which I screwed a couple small hooks at the top to hold the bibs, and the larger hooks for holding medals.
I've had to do some rearranging lately as some of this was being displayed in what is becoming the baby's room, but I have all of my medals and bibs displayed. I also keep the posters from the Portland Marathon, but otherwise tend to ditch swag such as semi-disposable jackets, drawstring backpacks, etc.
What holds a special place in the living room is shadow boxes from my (and Abe's) first marathon (2013 Portland Marathon). (See how I put these together here.) The problem, though, was once I did a second, I wasn't sure what to do for that one! I've ended up hanging the medal on the original shadow box, so it's at least highlighted beyond my other medals, but haven't decided if I want to make another shadow box.
My bibs, other than that first marathon (but including my second marathon), are all in a frame. I'm on at least the second layer, though, so unfortunately some of them aren't visible anymore!
All my other medals are on these racks in the hallway. (Note: these are Command adhesive products that I think are supposed to be key holders or something with little hooks. I think finding a good holder for medals when you're in a rental and don't want to make huge holes in the wall by anchoring something sturdy enough to hold that kind of weight is difficult, so I was thrilled when I found these as an option.) I suppose at some point these might run out of room (they're already stacked two per hook) but for now it's working just fine!
Besides bibs and medals, I mentioned I have kept the commemorative posters from the Portland Marathon. I still need to frame the 2015 one - but they started making them in a non-standard size, so it's hard to find a frame for it. (These are looking for a new home - they're in the living room, but their spot is going to be taken by something else moving out of the nursery.)
The only other thing that I've kept and don't have displayed is the finisher shirts from Bloomsdays. They're unisex t-shirts, so not something I'm inclined to actually wear, but I can't give them up. At the moment they're sadly in a box in the basement, but perhaps after a few more years of finisher shirts I'll do some sort of display, maybe something like making a quilt.
Abe doesn't do as many races (he's a bit of a cheapskate), so in addition to his marathon shadow box I made him a small holder to display both his bibs and medals. It's basically just a wooden board thingie from a craft store, painted, into which I screwed a couple small hooks at the top to hold the bibs, and the larger hooks for holding medals.
Friday, August 19, 2016
Friday Five: Favorite Races
Linking up today with Mar, Cynthia, and Courtney for Friday Five.
While I'm not doing any racing or running currently, I'm starting to think about what I might do for my comeback next summer, and reminiscing about my favorite races that I've done.
1. Portland Marathon (2013 and 2015). I can't imagine doing the work of training for and running a marathon without it being this one. It's well organized, not too hard of a course (relatively speaking, that is), great swag, and shows off the beautiful city!
2. First Run 5k (2013, 2014, 2015). The fact that this takes place at midnight doesn't hurt (I'd much rather stay up than get up extra early!), but this is a super fun way to ring in the New Year!
3. Bloomsday 12k (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016). This race has a long history in Spokane (and is one of the biggest road races in the US), but also with my family (my dad grew up there). When I realized I was really a runner and could handle doing this race, I was so excited to take part in the family tradition.
4. Foot Traffic Flat half marathon (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015). Held on Sauvie Island, in north Portland, this race lives up to its name. It was my second ever half marathon and I've done it every year since, usually setting a new PR. Even with the summer heat, it's a great way to celebrate the 4th of July.
5. Best in the West triathlon. Though not my first triathlon, I wish I'd done it for my first. It's really beginner-friendly, with a clear body of water and well-marked course. My impression may be biased since I performed so well and set a great PR, but I really enjoyed it. I'm definitely leaning towards doing this one next year as my next triathlon to get back into things.
While I'm not doing any racing or running currently, I'm starting to think about what I might do for my comeback next summer, and reminiscing about my favorite races that I've done.
2. First Run 5k (2013, 2014, 2015). The fact that this takes place at midnight doesn't hurt (I'd much rather stay up than get up extra early!), but this is a super fun way to ring in the New Year!
3. Bloomsday 12k (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016). This race has a long history in Spokane (and is one of the biggest road races in the US), but also with my family (my dad grew up there). When I realized I was really a runner and could handle doing this race, I was so excited to take part in the family tradition.
4. Foot Traffic Flat half marathon (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015). Held on Sauvie Island, in north Portland, this race lives up to its name. It was my second ever half marathon and I've done it every year since, usually setting a new PR. Even with the summer heat, it's a great way to celebrate the 4th of July.
5. Best in the West triathlon. Though not my first triathlon, I wish I'd done it for my first. It's really beginner-friendly, with a clear body of water and well-marked course. My impression may be biased since I performed so well and set a great PR, but I really enjoyed it. I'm definitely leaning towards doing this one next year as my next triathlon to get back into things.
Friday, August 5, 2016
Toastmasters: Minimalist Running Shoes
My most recent Toastmasters speech was a "demonstration talk". While the demonstration shouldn't be the entire thing or only source of information, the purpose was to work into your speech demonstrating a process or product, providing additional context with the demonstration.
Having recently bought a new pair of running shoes and having to switch back to a brand I'd previously used after my current brand ceasing making the product lines that were fully minimalist (in my definition), the concept was in the front of my mind and I thought I'd explain the benefits of minimalist running shoes and how they different from conventional shoes. I brought in one of my new minimalist pairs along with a cheap pair of Nikes (that I'll be returning) to compare them to. I passed one of each around the room, while demonstrating with the remaining of each pair.
(This topic also overlaps with this post from a few years ago.)
Title: Minimize Your Shoes to Maximize Your Health.
Running is often portrayed as a very accessible sport - you don't need a team, or a playing field, or any special equipment. Just put on some athletic clothes and shoes and head out the door.
However, there's nonetheless a market, for plenty of things you don't necessarily need for running. And the shoes, in particular, are marketed as something you DO need, as a very specialized tool that will help your running and keep you from getting injured. So after I'd been running for a while, I did what I thought I was "supposed" to do, went to a running store, and got fitted.
They had me run a short distance, and tell whether I over or under pronated, and asked about my arches, and sold me something that was suppose to be just right to essentially fix things that were apparently wrong with my feet. I took those home and started running - and they hurt! I could barely walk in them. I started googling to figure out what went wrong, and ended up going down the trail of minimalist shoes.
Now, at the extreme, these are barefoot shoes, like the Vibram Five Fingers you've probably heard of, that fit like a glove with separate toes, or even running sandals, that are just the flat sole and straps to keep it on. But it's also a large category that looks like a shoe - although at races, other runners can still notice the difference and comment on them, I've found - but is less of a shoe. It's there more to keep your feet from getting dirty, than to fix anything or change how your foot moves, the way that conventional running shoes.
I've been running in minimalist shoes for several years now, and have no intention of going back. So today I have a pair of minimalist and regular shoes to compare, and show you how the minimalist features can actually be better for you.
1. Low stack height.
This is the thickness of the sole, and is typically at least 20 to 30 mm, whereas minimalist shoes are closer to 4 to 8 mm - about quarter of an inch or less. Shouldn't that cushioning help you when you're hitting the ground with impact while running? Actually, there are studies with gymnasts, who of course are jumping off stuff and landing on mats, that show more cushioning actually leads to more injuries! How is that? Because you body knows how to land on the ground. It knows if you're falling or jumping that you'll be landing on the earth and the most surfaces are fairly hard and rigid. It prepares itself to brace and stabilize itself and land without being hurt. But when the landing is on cushioning, it gets confused! The stabilizing doesn't work, and actually leads to more injuries.
2. Zero drop.
The drop is the difference in stack height at the heel and at the toe. This is at least 10 mm on conventional shoes, and zero or just a few mm in mimimalist shoes. Think of women's high heels - most people realize those aren't healthy, because you're raising the ankle of your foot and maintaining a contraction in your ankle, achilles tendon, and calf muscles. But pretty much every modern shoe has a raised heel. Even if it's not as steep as a 4" stilleto, you're still maintaining a contraction, and keeping your ankle from fully expanding and reaching its full range of motion. Over time, this makes it more susceptible to stress or pressure causing it to stretch when it's not used to it, and snap and cause injury.
3. Wide toe box.
Think of the shape your foot when you're barefoot. And then think of the shape of the shoe. Your toes end up being all squished! If you want to take advantage of your foot's engineering and natural architecture, you have ot let the toes splay out and have a solid foundation to land on. They can land properly and brace yourself for that impact if they're all smushed together.
4. Flexible sole and no arch support.
A regular sold is thick and solid - it keeps your foot in one position. But your arch and sole of the foot moves naturally. Minimalist shoes, being thinner and deliberately flexible, can move - however your foot wants to move, it moves with it. It also makes your arch support itself - a problem, perhaps, if it's not used to it, but by nature it will build muscle to be built-in support. Forcing your foot into artificial support is like putting a cast on your arm - and leaving it there indefinitely! Of course it will feel weak and like its can't stand up on its own, because you've let it atrophy.
All of these features add up to a shoe that isn't try to fix anything - because until you use the shoes that are trying fix it, there isn't anything to fix! Our feet are designed to support and move and we're just ignoring all of that by forcing into a rigid shoes and not letting it move or develop muscles on its own. Now yes, the more used to a regular shoe your foot is, the more gradually you would want to transition to something else, because it will take time to re-learn and develop that support on its own. But it's really re-learning, because it used to be able to do this, when you were a little kid learning to walk.
So the next time you're looking for the perfect shoe, maybe it's time to look at one that is less of a shoe.
Having recently bought a new pair of running shoes and having to switch back to a brand I'd previously used after my current brand ceasing making the product lines that were fully minimalist (in my definition), the concept was in the front of my mind and I thought I'd explain the benefits of minimalist running shoes and how they different from conventional shoes. I brought in one of my new minimalist pairs along with a cheap pair of Nikes (that I'll be returning) to compare them to. I passed one of each around the room, while demonstrating with the remaining of each pair.
(This topic also overlaps with this post from a few years ago.)
Title: Minimize Your Shoes to Maximize Your Health.
Running is often portrayed as a very accessible sport - you don't need a team, or a playing field, or any special equipment. Just put on some athletic clothes and shoes and head out the door.
However, there's nonetheless a market, for plenty of things you don't necessarily need for running. And the shoes, in particular, are marketed as something you DO need, as a very specialized tool that will help your running and keep you from getting injured. So after I'd been running for a while, I did what I thought I was "supposed" to do, went to a running store, and got fitted.
They had me run a short distance, and tell whether I over or under pronated, and asked about my arches, and sold me something that was suppose to be just right to essentially fix things that were apparently wrong with my feet. I took those home and started running - and they hurt! I could barely walk in them. I started googling to figure out what went wrong, and ended up going down the trail of minimalist shoes.
Now, at the extreme, these are barefoot shoes, like the Vibram Five Fingers you've probably heard of, that fit like a glove with separate toes, or even running sandals, that are just the flat sole and straps to keep it on. But it's also a large category that looks like a shoe - although at races, other runners can still notice the difference and comment on them, I've found - but is less of a shoe. It's there more to keep your feet from getting dirty, than to fix anything or change how your foot moves, the way that conventional running shoes.
I've been running in minimalist shoes for several years now, and have no intention of going back. So today I have a pair of minimalist and regular shoes to compare, and show you how the minimalist features can actually be better for you.
1. Low stack height.
This is the thickness of the sole, and is typically at least 20 to 30 mm, whereas minimalist shoes are closer to 4 to 8 mm - about quarter of an inch or less. Shouldn't that cushioning help you when you're hitting the ground with impact while running? Actually, there are studies with gymnasts, who of course are jumping off stuff and landing on mats, that show more cushioning actually leads to more injuries! How is that? Because you body knows how to land on the ground. It knows if you're falling or jumping that you'll be landing on the earth and the most surfaces are fairly hard and rigid. It prepares itself to brace and stabilize itself and land without being hurt. But when the landing is on cushioning, it gets confused! The stabilizing doesn't work, and actually leads to more injuries.
2. Zero drop.
The drop is the difference in stack height at the heel and at the toe. This is at least 10 mm on conventional shoes, and zero or just a few mm in mimimalist shoes. Think of women's high heels - most people realize those aren't healthy, because you're raising the ankle of your foot and maintaining a contraction in your ankle, achilles tendon, and calf muscles. But pretty much every modern shoe has a raised heel. Even if it's not as steep as a 4" stilleto, you're still maintaining a contraction, and keeping your ankle from fully expanding and reaching its full range of motion. Over time, this makes it more susceptible to stress or pressure causing it to stretch when it's not used to it, and snap and cause injury.
3. Wide toe box.
Think of the shape your foot when you're barefoot. And then think of the shape of the shoe. Your toes end up being all squished! If you want to take advantage of your foot's engineering and natural architecture, you have ot let the toes splay out and have a solid foundation to land on. They can land properly and brace yourself for that impact if they're all smushed together.
4. Flexible sole and no arch support.
A regular sold is thick and solid - it keeps your foot in one position. But your arch and sole of the foot moves naturally. Minimalist shoes, being thinner and deliberately flexible, can move - however your foot wants to move, it moves with it. It also makes your arch support itself - a problem, perhaps, if it's not used to it, but by nature it will build muscle to be built-in support. Forcing your foot into artificial support is like putting a cast on your arm - and leaving it there indefinitely! Of course it will feel weak and like its can't stand up on its own, because you've let it atrophy.
All of these features add up to a shoe that isn't try to fix anything - because until you use the shoes that are trying fix it, there isn't anything to fix! Our feet are designed to support and move and we're just ignoring all of that by forcing into a rigid shoes and not letting it move or develop muscles on its own. Now yes, the more used to a regular shoe your foot is, the more gradually you would want to transition to something else, because it will take time to re-learn and develop that support on its own. But it's really re-learning, because it used to be able to do this, when you were a little kid learning to walk.
So the next time you're looking for the perfect shoe, maybe it's time to look at one that is less of a shoe.
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
Guest Post: A Sneak Peek into The Oregon Trail® Game 5k
This is a guest post by the Downtown Oregon City Association, a 501(c)(3) non-profit working to revitalize downtown Oregon City, Oregon.
Disclosure: I didn't receive anything in exchange for posting this except the discount code for you to use. I'd already registered for the race when I was contacted about this opportunity to help spread the word!
Ford the river or float it? Stop to hunt or keep moving to make it to the Oregon Territory before winter falls?
Before kids were addicted to Pokémon Go, there was The Oregon Trail® Game with a simple premise—take on the persona of a pioneer in 1848 and get your covered wagon from Missouri to Oregon City without breaking a wagon wheel or losing a relative to dysentery.
Now the game has been reincarnated in the form of a 5k race. While fans of the classic 80s video game will enjoy this literal stroll down memory lane, even the uninitiated will enjoy the challenge of getting through the race, and staying alive on the metaphorical trail.
In addition to receiving a timed score, runners will also receive a game score at the end, based on the decisions they make throughout the game. Race Perks In addition to spending a morning running through Oregon City, runners will receive
• A free beer courtesy of Oregon City Brewing company
• Ice cream from Mike’s Drive-In
• Access to the Adidas employee store (50% off all merchandise) with race bib
The Oregon Trail® Game 5K
When: Sunday, Aug. 7 at 9 a.m.
Where: 814 Main Street in Oregon City
Registration: $35 for adults, $15 for children (4-12)
Readers of Balancing Meanderings can use the code Balancing20 to get 20 percent off registration.
Hope to see you out on the trail!
Disclosure: I didn't receive anything in exchange for posting this except the discount code for you to use. I'd already registered for the race when I was contacted about this opportunity to help spread the word!
Ford the river or float it? Stop to hunt or keep moving to make it to the Oregon Territory before winter falls?
Before kids were addicted to Pokémon Go, there was The Oregon Trail® Game with a simple premise—take on the persona of a pioneer in 1848 and get your covered wagon from Missouri to Oregon City without breaking a wagon wheel or losing a relative to dysentery.
Now the game has been reincarnated in the form of a 5k race. While fans of the classic 80s video game will enjoy this literal stroll down memory lane, even the uninitiated will enjoy the challenge of getting through the race, and staying alive on the metaphorical trail.
In addition to receiving a timed score, runners will also receive a game score at the end, based on the decisions they make throughout the game. Race Perks In addition to spending a morning running through Oregon City, runners will receive
• A free beer courtesy of Oregon City Brewing company
• Ice cream from Mike’s Drive-In
• Access to the Adidas employee store (50% off all merchandise) with race bib
The Oregon Trail® Game 5K
When: Sunday, Aug. 7 at 9 a.m.
Where: 814 Main Street in Oregon City
Registration: $35 for adults, $15 for children (4-12)
Readers of Balancing Meanderings can use the code Balancing20 to get 20 percent off registration.
Hope to see you out on the trail!
Friday, February 26, 2016
Friday Five: Running Books on My To-Read List
Linking up today with Mar, Cynthia, and Courtney for Friday Five.
Despite the fact that I've been running (to varying degrees) for over five years now, I've hardly read any books about it! I've gotten lots of information online, through blogs, etc., but have done fairly little in depth studying/research through books. Reading the Hansons Marathon Method in preparing for my last marathon, and Born to Run more recently are some of the few exceptions. But I want to read more! Here's some of the running-related items on my Goodreads list. These ones are mostly memoir-type books, explaining the journey that an athlete has taken, generally including both life experience and tips for others following in their footsteps.
Any other great running books you recommend I put on my to-read list?
1. Marathon Woman: Running the Race to Revolutionize Women's Sports, by Katherine Switzer
The woman famous for breaking the barrier for women to run in the Boston Marathon tells the story of that achievement.
2. Eat and Run: My Unlikely Journey to Ultramarathon Greatness, by Scott Jurek
The vegan ultrarunner talks about his life, giving advice and inspiration.
3. What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, by Haruki Murakami
A memoir reflecting on the interaction of running and life.
4. A Life Without Limits: A World Champion's Journey, by Chrissie Wellington
The story of rising to a win at the Ironman World Championships.
5. The Sports Gene: Inside the Science of Extraordinary Athletic Performance, by David Epstein
So how did the athletes in the other books above reach their peak? Hard work, or are they just lucky with innate talent? This book explores that.
Despite the fact that I've been running (to varying degrees) for over five years now, I've hardly read any books about it! I've gotten lots of information online, through blogs, etc., but have done fairly little in depth studying/research through books. Reading the Hansons Marathon Method in preparing for my last marathon, and Born to Run more recently are some of the few exceptions. But I want to read more! Here's some of the running-related items on my Goodreads list. These ones are mostly memoir-type books, explaining the journey that an athlete has taken, generally including both life experience and tips for others following in their footsteps.
Any other great running books you recommend I put on my to-read list?
1. Marathon Woman: Running the Race to Revolutionize Women's Sports, by Katherine Switzer
The woman famous for breaking the barrier for women to run in the Boston Marathon tells the story of that achievement.
2. Eat and Run: My Unlikely Journey to Ultramarathon Greatness, by Scott Jurek
The vegan ultrarunner talks about his life, giving advice and inspiration.
3. What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, by Haruki Murakami
A memoir reflecting on the interaction of running and life.
4. A Life Without Limits: A World Champion's Journey, by Chrissie Wellington
The story of rising to a win at the Ironman World Championships.
5. The Sports Gene: Inside the Science of Extraordinary Athletic Performance, by David Epstein
So how did the athletes in the other books above reach their peak? Hard work, or are they just lucky with innate talent? This book explores that.
Friday, January 15, 2016
Friday Five: My Favorite Running Moments
Linking up today with Mar, Cynthia, and Courtney for Friday Five.
As I've developed as a runner over the past five years, my goals and abilities have changed. I didn't start with any goal more specific than "finish a 5k with my friends", but since then have accomplished many more. As I think about my next goals, some of my favorite moments throughout that time came to mind.
1. My first marathon. The only run or race I've ever cried at the finish. I've never been so relieved to be done with something, yet still so glad to have done it. Even before I was a runner, and didn't think of myself as a runner, if you'd told me sometime I'd run 5ks, I'd be "eh, seems possible". If you'd told me I'd run marathons, I'd say you've gone bonkers. There's definitely something to be said for doing something beyond your wildest dreams.
2. When I did a 5k with my whole family. They walked it, I didn't convince them (that I know of) to start training to run anything. But I got to share an experience with them that's become a huge part of my life, and I think they enjoyed the accomplishment of their own!
3. My first 10k under an hour. While PR-setting races are often pushing the boundaries of what I think I can do, this one was seriously past what I truly thought I was capable of. It was only a random conversation with a colleague the day before that made think it was a reasonable goal to even pace myself so that it was possible from the start.
4. My first 5k, when I didn't know if I'd be able to run the entire way without stopping, but I did! It was slow, but I finished it without walking. I've taken walking breaks in plenty of runs and races since then, but it set me on a the path of setting goals that are at least a smidge beyond what you think you can do.
5. The first mile I truly ran - in 8th grade, for the miles test in PE. Before that, I just walked/jogged the mile with my friends (somehow having the idea that it was around 12 minutes in my head, then as an adult wondering how the hell I was that "fast" without even trying!). The last year the Presidential fitness tests were required, the time for my age was 9:00. I don't know what set it off, but I decided I wanted to finally beat the standard. My parents took down to the bike path to practice running for a month or two beforehand, and the day of, I finished the mile in 8:56 or 8:54! (I can't even remember which! I have the 4/6 stuck in my head, but can't remember if it was 56/beat by 4 seconds, or vice versa.)
As I've developed as a runner over the past five years, my goals and abilities have changed. I didn't start with any goal more specific than "finish a 5k with my friends", but since then have accomplished many more. As I think about my next goals, some of my favorite moments throughout that time came to mind.
1. My first marathon. The only run or race I've ever cried at the finish. I've never been so relieved to be done with something, yet still so glad to have done it. Even before I was a runner, and didn't think of myself as a runner, if you'd told me sometime I'd run 5ks, I'd be "eh, seems possible". If you'd told me I'd run marathons, I'd say you've gone bonkers. There's definitely something to be said for doing something beyond your wildest dreams.
2. When I did a 5k with my whole family. They walked it, I didn't convince them (that I know of) to start training to run anything. But I got to share an experience with them that's become a huge part of my life, and I think they enjoyed the accomplishment of their own!
3. My first 10k under an hour. While PR-setting races are often pushing the boundaries of what I think I can do, this one was seriously past what I truly thought I was capable of. It was only a random conversation with a colleague the day before that made think it was a reasonable goal to even pace myself so that it was possible from the start.
4. My first 5k, when I didn't know if I'd be able to run the entire way without stopping, but I did! It was slow, but I finished it without walking. I've taken walking breaks in plenty of runs and races since then, but it set me on a the path of setting goals that are at least a smidge beyond what you think you can do.
5. The first mile I truly ran - in 8th grade, for the miles test in PE. Before that, I just walked/jogged the mile with my friends (somehow having the idea that it was around 12 minutes in my head, then as an adult wondering how the hell I was that "fast" without even trying!). The last year the Presidential fitness tests were required, the time for my age was 9:00. I don't know what set it off, but I decided I wanted to finally beat the standard. My parents took down to the bike path to practice running for a month or two beforehand, and the day of, I finished the mile in 8:56 or 8:54! (I can't even remember which! I have the 4/6 stuck in my head, but can't remember if it was 56/beat by 4 seconds, or vice versa.)
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Year of Running: 2015
Best race experience?
The triathlon I did this year (my second ever), Best in the West. I performed ridiculously well, even on quite minimal specific training (but was at a much lighter weight and I'd say better general fitness level), hitting paces for all the legs that I barely even thought possible for me in a triathlon (or outside a triathlon - I beat my then-5k-PR in the run!).
It was also a well put on race.Tthough I'd say they could use some improvement in pre- and post-race communications (I think they're going through growing pains and haven't yet learned what needs to be delegated), the race itself was very well done. Organized, well-marked, good support and volunteers.
Best run?
Probably a tie between the Best Dam Run 10k and the mile time trial I did during the marathon taper. These two runs are fairly close to each other as far as equivalent paces (relative to the distance), and are not only amazing bests for me at those distances, but also indicate much better times for all other distances than I've currently achieved.
Best new piece of gear?
Heartrate monitor. (I have the Garmin strap, which links up with my watch.) After this year's marathon, I wanted to take it somewhat easy on the running while we try to get pregnant, so I figured it'd be a great opportunity to deliberately work on aerobic base training. I used the Maffetone formula to set my range (and have alerts set on my watch to beep when I'm above or below), and have been doing that for nearly all of my runs for the past 2 1/2 months. Finally in the past few weeks, I think I'm seeing noticeable improvement at my easy paces!
I also ran a 5k this month that was within a minute of my 5k PR - with just having this heartrate training as my recent running, no speedwork, significantly lower mileage than when I set the PR (which was at the end of marathon training). I think that definitely speaks to it doing something to, at least, maintain my fitness.
Best piece of running advice you received?
"Attitude determines altitude - you have to believe you can do it, in order to do it." From a colleague prior to my 10k PR. While there are certainly limits to this - I can't go out and run a sub-20 5k right now, no matter what I believe in - when you're on the edge of achieving something new, I think believing in yourself matters. It matters mentally, in terms of motivation and keeping my yourself going in the moment, but also in strategy. If I didn't believe I could get sub-60, I would have paced myself different from the start, and it really would have become a physical impossibility.
Most inspirational runner?
I'll say my husband. He accomplished his first (and he says only) half ironman. He didn't hit all of his time goals, but he finished and I think that's an amazing accomplishment!
Favorite picture from a run or race this year?
From the triathlon:
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| image source |
If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, what would they be?
The year of racing and PRs!
This year's races:
January: First Run 5k (PR), 2.62 Micro Marathon, Fight for Air Stair Climb 80 floors (age group place!)
February: PRC Winter 5k Predict
March: Race for Paws Virtual 10k (unofficial PR), Shamrock Run 5k (PR)
April: Hop Hop half marathon (PR)
May: Bloomsday 12k (PR)
June: Twilight 5k
July: Foot Traffic Flat half marathon (PR)
August: Hood to Coast
September: Best in the West sprint tri (PR), Forest Grove Lions Club Run for Sight 5k (PR), Best Dam Run 10k (PR)
October: Portland Marathon (PR)
November: Tacoma City Turkey Trot
December: Ho Ho 5k
Friday, December 4, 2015
Friday Five: Dream Races
Linking up today with Mar, Cynthia, and Courtney for Friday Five. Today's theme is dream vacations - we mean destination races, right?
Here are the races that have been in the back of my mind to do eventually. Some are more realistic than others...
1. Run for the Hill of It - A race that goes up the hillside near my hometown. 2,000 feet up over 8 miles! The Lewiston hill is the hill of the valley, the highway that leads out of town, the signal to know which direction is east. Though this would obviously be a ridiculously tough race, I'd love to say I made it up the hill.
2. Boston Marathon - What runner doesn't dream of Boston? Of course, it's totally unrealistic for me - no, not because of the qualifying times (I just have to maintain my current ability until I'm 75 or 80, no biggie) - because the third Monday is always in close proximity to April 15th, tax day. While I've trained for (and PR'd) a half marathon to keep myself moving during tax season, training for a full is out of the realm of possibility. Will have to save that for after I retire.
3. The Great Wall of China Marathon - Any trip to visit such an icon would be amazing, but to race on it seems extraordinary. And really the tour packages (that you're required to buy with the marathon entry) look like reasonable enough packaged tour purchases, so if I were going all the way to China might as well do it this way and see some sights on foot.
4. A US-Canada border crossing race - I've heard of the Detroit Marathon before, and there are others, such as the Bay of Fundy International Marathon. While I'm sure a marathon hurts just as bad in any country, the novelty of the border might be somewhat of a distraction.
5. A Ragnar Trail relay - I've done the Hood to Coast twice now (and haven't ruled out doing it again), but I don't really see doing any other road relays, such as the Ragnar ones - it's more about the iconic event of HTC and living in Oregon, than it being a relay per se. But the Ragnar Trail events, where you camp in a central spot and relay on three set trails - sounds more enjoyable. There's still the running at odd hours part, but no cramped van, at least.
Here are the races that have been in the back of my mind to do eventually. Some are more realistic than others...
1. Run for the Hill of It - A race that goes up the hillside near my hometown. 2,000 feet up over 8 miles! The Lewiston hill is the hill of the valley, the highway that leads out of town, the signal to know which direction is east. Though this would obviously be a ridiculously tough race, I'd love to say I made it up the hill.
2. Boston Marathon - What runner doesn't dream of Boston? Of course, it's totally unrealistic for me - no, not because of the qualifying times (I just have to maintain my current ability until I'm 75 or 80, no biggie) - because the third Monday is always in close proximity to April 15th, tax day. While I've trained for (and PR'd) a half marathon to keep myself moving during tax season, training for a full is out of the realm of possibility. Will have to save that for after I retire.
3. The Great Wall of China Marathon - Any trip to visit such an icon would be amazing, but to race on it seems extraordinary. And really the tour packages (that you're required to buy with the marathon entry) look like reasonable enough packaged tour purchases, so if I were going all the way to China might as well do it this way and see some sights on foot.
4. A US-Canada border crossing race - I've heard of the Detroit Marathon before, and there are others, such as the Bay of Fundy International Marathon. While I'm sure a marathon hurts just as bad in any country, the novelty of the border might be somewhat of a distraction.
5. A Ragnar Trail relay - I've done the Hood to Coast twice now (and haven't ruled out doing it again), but I don't really see doing any other road relays, such as the Ragnar ones - it's more about the iconic event of HTC and living in Oregon, than it being a relay per se. But the Ragnar Trail events, where you camp in a central spot and relay on three set trails - sounds more enjoyable. There's still the running at odd hours part, but no cramped van, at least.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Run Commuting
I ran to work yesterday! Well, ran + took the train + ran to work.
Though I do technically live in Portland, which does have a decent public transportation system, it's not so decent in the suburbs. For example, there's one single bus line that goes by my work building, and it only runs during rush hour in the morning and evening, and only on week days, and only every 40 minutes. When you account for the time restrictions plus that it's running in traffic so not any faster than your own car, it's not even a remotely decent option. (When I lived south of work, I determined that it would take over an hour to ride it the 5 miles to work. From where I live now, I'd have to take the MAX east into downtown, in order to catch a bus back southwest to get to work, taking an hour and a half in total (versus just taking 9 miles of freeway straight down). No thanks!)
I use the MAX (light rail) to go into downtown, but the line that runs west of downtown just goes straight out west, nothing further down, such as south towards where I work. BUT, there's a newer train line, the WES (westside express service), that basically parallels the freeway I'd take south (and extends further south beyond that) (though only runs during rush hour, on weekdays, every 30 minutes). It was problematic, though, in not getting quite close enough to work - I'd have to walk or run or bike, and until last week I didn't think that was feasible, cause I didn't have anywhere to shower and get ready for work after an active commute.
Then I found out that there's been a shower/locker room in my building the entire four years my firm has been there, I just hadn't registered that fact in my mind (wouldn't have considered running any distance to work at the time I once knew about it!). So I can run (in a season with less chance of rain, I might bike) to and from the train, and it saves me 5 miles of running, making the total distance feasible. The commute takes longer than driving, sure, but if I did the same mileage as a separate workout, my total time spent isn't any longer. (The train portion is 10 minutes - about the same as driving if there's no traffic, but there usually is traffic, and so even adding in cushion to arrive early for the train, it nets out pretty even.)
It's still not a totally direct set up and it's a bit more mileage than I'd prefer to have in one day, but it's doable, at least on occasion. I think I'm going to aim for once a week to start, and see about maybe adding in a second day sometimes.
To prepare, I brought supplies for the run commute day to work the day before - breakfast and lunch, clothes and toiletries. On my run I wore my camelbak (sans water bladder), carrying my wallet, phone, and makeup (I might buy an extra set of makeup to keep at work if this does become routine, but didn't want to spend it right away). I wore my blinky reflective vest for the front, and clipped a bike light onto my camelbak (since it was covering the vest). I also brought a headlamp in my pack in case I needed it for the evening, but didn't end up using it.
My route ends up running 1.75 miles to the WES station near me, then taking the train to the station nearest my work. From there's it's another 2.6 miles of running. I have to go up to my office to grab my clothes and such, then use the locker room on the first floor to shower and get ready. I ended up ready and at my desk just under two hours from when I left the house - not too bad for getting in a solid workout and commute!
On the way home, it's the 2.6 miles back to the train, train to the transit center, then I actually took the MAX home, leaving me only half a mile for my final leg from there. I could take the MAX in the morning, and only have one leg of running, but since the WES is only every half hour, the timing would have to be more carefully planned (if I miss a MAX, it could make me miss the WES entirely (or else build in a ridiculously large time cushion); but while running I plan it based on a slower pace, and if needed can just run faster). But no real time constraints coming home, plus the MAX runs more often, so it works out well (plus it removes a run portion that would be uphill on the way back!).
How the morning went:
I realized when I got up and knew I had to get dressed and out the door pretty quickly, that there wasn't time for going to the bathroom #2. (To clarify, no in the sense of having time to do it, but that it takes a while of being awake for it to happen, so I think I've now met my oversharing blogging quota for the day.) On the rare occasions when I run in the morning on a weekday, it's short enough for that not to matter (by the end of a couple miles things have jiggled around enough inside that I'll be able to easily go by the time I get home, but not so much that I start needing to go during). This did start become an issue by the last mile or so of my run, which got slightly uncomfortable but fortunately nothing of an urgent situation.
How the evening went:
This is my more typical running time, so running wise it felt more normal. I was able to leave a little on the early side, so it was light out when I left, just getting dusk when I was getting to the train station. By the time I transferred to the MAX it was fully dark, but my short bit home from there had enough light that I felt safe enough with my blinky lights, and didn't need any additional light to see.
The WES train is pretty nice - the seats were larger and more like a charter bus, than the MAX or a city bus. There's even wi fi on the train, though I tried to connect and it was really slow so switched back over to cell coverage (nice in theory, at least).
Having grown up in a more rural area, and then lived in various parts of the suburbs, I felt a bit like a kid playing at "office" thinking about how I had to leave in time to catch my train. Living and working where I do, a bit removed from the Portlandia culture, and being part of a conservative industry that places more value on prestigious cars and having the privilege to not rely no public transportation, than necessarily contributing to environmental goals, it just feels a bit out of place to have an alternate arrangement going on. But I'm glad to have an opportunity to reduce my driving fuel and carbon footprint at least one day a week, and fit in some extra exercise in the process.
Though I do technically live in Portland, which does have a decent public transportation system, it's not so decent in the suburbs. For example, there's one single bus line that goes by my work building, and it only runs during rush hour in the morning and evening, and only on week days, and only every 40 minutes. When you account for the time restrictions plus that it's running in traffic so not any faster than your own car, it's not even a remotely decent option. (When I lived south of work, I determined that it would take over an hour to ride it the 5 miles to work. From where I live now, I'd have to take the MAX east into downtown, in order to catch a bus back southwest to get to work, taking an hour and a half in total (versus just taking 9 miles of freeway straight down). No thanks!)
I use the MAX (light rail) to go into downtown, but the line that runs west of downtown just goes straight out west, nothing further down, such as south towards where I work. BUT, there's a newer train line, the WES (westside express service), that basically parallels the freeway I'd take south (and extends further south beyond that) (though only runs during rush hour, on weekdays, every 30 minutes). It was problematic, though, in not getting quite close enough to work - I'd have to walk or run or bike, and until last week I didn't think that was feasible, cause I didn't have anywhere to shower and get ready for work after an active commute.
Then I found out that there's been a shower/locker room in my building the entire four years my firm has been there, I just hadn't registered that fact in my mind (wouldn't have considered running any distance to work at the time I once knew about it!). So I can run (in a season with less chance of rain, I might bike) to and from the train, and it saves me 5 miles of running, making the total distance feasible. The commute takes longer than driving, sure, but if I did the same mileage as a separate workout, my total time spent isn't any longer. (The train portion is 10 minutes - about the same as driving if there's no traffic, but there usually is traffic, and so even adding in cushion to arrive early for the train, it nets out pretty even.)
It's still not a totally direct set up and it's a bit more mileage than I'd prefer to have in one day, but it's doable, at least on occasion. I think I'm going to aim for once a week to start, and see about maybe adding in a second day sometimes.
To prepare, I brought supplies for the run commute day to work the day before - breakfast and lunch, clothes and toiletries. On my run I wore my camelbak (sans water bladder), carrying my wallet, phone, and makeup (I might buy an extra set of makeup to keep at work if this does become routine, but didn't want to spend it right away). I wore my blinky reflective vest for the front, and clipped a bike light onto my camelbak (since it was covering the vest). I also brought a headlamp in my pack in case I needed it for the evening, but didn't end up using it.
My route ends up running 1.75 miles to the WES station near me, then taking the train to the station nearest my work. From there's it's another 2.6 miles of running. I have to go up to my office to grab my clothes and such, then use the locker room on the first floor to shower and get ready. I ended up ready and at my desk just under two hours from when I left the house - not too bad for getting in a solid workout and commute!
On the way home, it's the 2.6 miles back to the train, train to the transit center, then I actually took the MAX home, leaving me only half a mile for my final leg from there. I could take the MAX in the morning, and only have one leg of running, but since the WES is only every half hour, the timing would have to be more carefully planned (if I miss a MAX, it could make me miss the WES entirely (or else build in a ridiculously large time cushion); but while running I plan it based on a slower pace, and if needed can just run faster). But no real time constraints coming home, plus the MAX runs more often, so it works out well (plus it removes a run portion that would be uphill on the way back!).
How the morning went:
I realized when I got up and knew I had to get dressed and out the door pretty quickly, that there wasn't time for going to the bathroom #2. (To clarify, no in the sense of having time to do it, but that it takes a while of being awake for it to happen, so I think I've now met my oversharing blogging quota for the day.) On the rare occasions when I run in the morning on a weekday, it's short enough for that not to matter (by the end of a couple miles things have jiggled around enough inside that I'll be able to easily go by the time I get home, but not so much that I start needing to go during). This did start become an issue by the last mile or so of my run, which got slightly uncomfortable but fortunately nothing of an urgent situation.
How the evening went:
This is my more typical running time, so running wise it felt more normal. I was able to leave a little on the early side, so it was light out when I left, just getting dusk when I was getting to the train station. By the time I transferred to the MAX it was fully dark, but my short bit home from there had enough light that I felt safe enough with my blinky lights, and didn't need any additional light to see.
The WES train is pretty nice - the seats were larger and more like a charter bus, than the MAX or a city bus. There's even wi fi on the train, though I tried to connect and it was really slow so switched back over to cell coverage (nice in theory, at least).
Having grown up in a more rural area, and then lived in various parts of the suburbs, I felt a bit like a kid playing at "office" thinking about how I had to leave in time to catch my train. Living and working where I do, a bit removed from the Portlandia culture, and being part of a conservative industry that places more value on prestigious cars and having the privilege to not rely no public transportation, than necessarily contributing to environmental goals, it just feels a bit out of place to have an alternate arrangement going on. But I'm glad to have an opportunity to reduce my driving fuel and carbon footprint at least one day a week, and fit in some extra exercise in the process.
Friday, November 6, 2015
Friday Five: Best Race Signs
Linking up today with Mar, Cynthia, and Courtney for Friday Five. Today's theme is best race signs. I've probably seen some during races that, at the time, I liked even better then these - but I often forget them not too long after the race! I'm almost always focused enough on my time goal that I don't like taking pictures, either. But here are my favorites as best as I can recall.
1. Worst Parade Ever
Especially as a former marching band member who's suffered from far too many parades (in a stuffy uniform, holding a heavy instrument) to possibly enjoy spectating one, I find this quite on point.
2. You're not almost done
In the last miles of a marathon, this realism can be greatly appreciated!
3. Mortuary ahead - look alive
I don't think there was actually a mortuary coming up, but it's also quite appropriate near the end of a marathon.
4. Inspirational message
The cynic in me adores this.
5. Press here for power
I don't think I'd seen this variation of sign until this year's marathon, but then it was all over the place. At first I thought they were rather silly, by again, by the end, it was a cute little burst of inspiration, and a fun way to interact with spectators to get some energy.
ETA:
Bonus #6 - actually one of my favorites that I saw during this year's marathon that I totally forgot about until twelve hours after publishing this post:
Pain is temporary. Race results are on the internet forever.
1. Worst Parade Ever
Especially as a former marching band member who's suffered from far too many parades (in a stuffy uniform, holding a heavy instrument) to possibly enjoy spectating one, I find this quite on point.
2. You're not almost done
In the last miles of a marathon, this realism can be greatly appreciated!
3. Mortuary ahead - look alive
I don't think there was actually a mortuary coming up, but it's also quite appropriate near the end of a marathon.
4. Inspirational message
The cynic in me adores this.
5. Press here for power
I don't think I'd seen this variation of sign until this year's marathon, but then it was all over the place. At first I thought they were rather silly, by again, by the end, it was a cute little burst of inspiration, and a fun way to interact with spectators to get some energy.
ETA:
Bonus #6 - actually one of my favorites that I saw during this year's marathon that I totally forgot about until twelve hours after publishing this post:
Pain is temporary. Race results are on the internet forever.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Toastmasters: Speaking to Inform: The Road to 26.2
After finishing the first Toastmasters manual (Competent Communicator), you get to choose from several advanced manuals. Generally working on two at once - both because you finish two to complete each level, and each advanced manual only has five speeches/projects, so that puts you at ten total which is the same as the CC manual. While I'll probably eventually branch out, for now I stuck with what seemed most relevant to my professional life - Speaking to Inform and Speeches by Management. I kicked things off with a very timely speech to inform everyone a bit about the history of the marathon. (The pics included were included with my speech in a google slides presentation.)
Title: The Road to 26.2
It all started with a guy named Pheidippides.
In 490 BC, he ran 40 kilometers - about 25 miles - from the city of Marathon to Athens, to announce that they, the Greeks, had defeated the Persians in the Battle of Marathon. He proclaimed his news… and then collapsed and died.
When the modern Olympics began in 1896 - hosted in Athens - the marathon route was revived, following the 40 kilometer route that could have been Pheidippides’ path, with the winner finishing in just under three hours. But, you ask - no one’s getting tattoos of 25.0 on their feet: Why are modern marathoners running longer than the original distance?
Well, the initial distance of 40 km remained the rough distance for races for a few years until 1908. In these London Olympics, the course designers wanted the marathon to begin at Windsor Castle, and finish at the stadium, which was 26 miles. Then, from entering the stadium, they wanted runners to lap around the track and finish in front of the Royal Box. This resulted in another 385 yards, thus we have the marathon distance of 26 miles and 385 yards, or 26.2 miles, or 42.195 kilometers. This distance was accepted as the standard distance by IAAF (International Associations of Athletics Foundation) in 1921, and has been used ever since.
The marathon also quickly became an event outside the Olympics, with the Boston Marathon beginning the next year in 1897. It’s grown from 18 runners to 30,000, and is now incredibly competitive to even get in. Even with an adequate qualifying time, there’s no guarantee, only by beating the time by a large margin will you definitely earn a spot.
These are the minimum thresholds for qualifying for the 2016 Boston Marathon; they’re graded for age but are still pretty tough times for the average hobby jogger to meet. The requirements for women 75 to 80 and 80 and up - 5:10 to 5:25 - is actually basically the range I’m aiming for at this year’s Portland Marathon. So I just have to maintain this level of fitness for another 45 years, and then I’ll totally get my BQ.
Speaking of my participation, as a female, - it wasn’t until fairly late in the 20th century that women officially participated in longer athletic events, such as the marathon. The first woman credited with finishing a marathon was Marie-Louise Ledru, who ran in the Tour de Paris Marathon in 1918. A decade later is the “officially timed” first woman, Violet Piercy who completed the Polytechnic Marathon in London in 1926, with a time of 3:40:22.
But the real turning point in marathon history was the running of the Boston Marathon in 1967 by Kathrine Switzer.
While women were not officially allowed to enter at this time, she registered as “K. V. Switzer”, thus remaining under the radar - until the race began. When a race official saw a woman on the course, with an official bib, he literally tried to physically remove her from the course. However Switzer’s boyfriend, also running the marathon, shoved the official aside so Switzer could continue running. She finished in 4:20, nearly an hour behind Bobbi Gibb - another woman running unofficially, who’d also run the year before.
It took another five years for women to be allowed to officially participate in Boston, but female participation has grown since then, with women making up 43% of marathons in 2013, and more than 50% of most current running events.
Today, there are more than 500 marathon races held each year around the world, and there are an estimated 550,000 marathoner finishers in the US each year. The record finishing time currently stands at 2:02:57 overall (by Dennis Kimetto of Kenya in 2014), and 2:15:25 for women (by Paula Radcliffe of the UK in 2003). Even as the records are consistently whittled down, the average finishing time has crept up, from just over three and a half hours in 1980, to over four hours today. Some people bemoan that fact, saying it’s been watered down, but I think that represents that the sport has become more and more accessible. More people taking on the challenge, seeing it as hard but doable.
In less than two weeks, the streets of Portland will be filled with 10,000 marathoners, some qualifying for Boston, some just trying to finish (such as yours truly). Either way, we’ll all be following in the footsteps of the great Pheilipides, but hopefully surviving at the end.
Resources:
Wikipedia - Marathon (and linked individuals)
Runner's World - A Brief History of the Marathon
Ask History - Why is a Marathon 26.2 Miles?
Running USA 2014 Annual Marathon Report
NYT - Plodders Have a Place, But is it in a Marathon?
Wikipedia - Boston Marathon
Title: The Road to 26.2
It all started with a guy named Pheidippides.
 |
| Source |
In 490 BC, he ran 40 kilometers - about 25 miles - from the city of Marathon to Athens, to announce that they, the Greeks, had defeated the Persians in the Battle of Marathon. He proclaimed his news… and then collapsed and died.
When the modern Olympics began in 1896 - hosted in Athens - the marathon route was revived, following the 40 kilometer route that could have been Pheidippides’ path, with the winner finishing in just under three hours. But, you ask - no one’s getting tattoos of 25.0 on their feet: Why are modern marathoners running longer than the original distance?
 |
| Source |
Well, the initial distance of 40 km remained the rough distance for races for a few years until 1908. In these London Olympics, the course designers wanted the marathon to begin at Windsor Castle, and finish at the stadium, which was 26 miles. Then, from entering the stadium, they wanted runners to lap around the track and finish in front of the Royal Box. This resulted in another 385 yards, thus we have the marathon distance of 26 miles and 385 yards, or 26.2 miles, or 42.195 kilometers. This distance was accepted as the standard distance by IAAF (International Associations of Athletics Foundation) in 1921, and has been used ever since.
The marathon also quickly became an event outside the Olympics, with the Boston Marathon beginning the next year in 1897. It’s grown from 18 runners to 30,000, and is now incredibly competitive to even get in. Even with an adequate qualifying time, there’s no guarantee, only by beating the time by a large margin will you definitely earn a spot.
 |
| Screen shot of this page |
These are the minimum thresholds for qualifying for the 2016 Boston Marathon; they’re graded for age but are still pretty tough times for the average hobby jogger to meet. The requirements for women 75 to 80 and 80 and up - 5:10 to 5:25 - is actually basically the range I’m aiming for at this year’s Portland Marathon. So I just have to maintain this level of fitness for another 45 years, and then I’ll totally get my BQ.
Speaking of my participation, as a female, - it wasn’t until fairly late in the 20th century that women officially participated in longer athletic events, such as the marathon. The first woman credited with finishing a marathon was Marie-Louise Ledru, who ran in the Tour de Paris Marathon in 1918. A decade later is the “officially timed” first woman, Violet Piercy who completed the Polytechnic Marathon in London in 1926, with a time of 3:40:22.
But the real turning point in marathon history was the running of the Boston Marathon in 1967 by Kathrine Switzer.
 |
| Source |
While women were not officially allowed to enter at this time, she registered as “K. V. Switzer”, thus remaining under the radar - until the race began. When a race official saw a woman on the course, with an official bib, he literally tried to physically remove her from the course. However Switzer’s boyfriend, also running the marathon, shoved the official aside so Switzer could continue running. She finished in 4:20, nearly an hour behind Bobbi Gibb - another woman running unofficially, who’d also run the year before.
It took another five years for women to be allowed to officially participate in Boston, but female participation has grown since then, with women making up 43% of marathons in 2013, and more than 50% of most current running events.
 |
| Source |
Today, there are more than 500 marathon races held each year around the world, and there are an estimated 550,000 marathoner finishers in the US each year. The record finishing time currently stands at 2:02:57 overall (by Dennis Kimetto of Kenya in 2014), and 2:15:25 for women (by Paula Radcliffe of the UK in 2003). Even as the records are consistently whittled down, the average finishing time has crept up, from just over three and a half hours in 1980, to over four hours today. Some people bemoan that fact, saying it’s been watered down, but I think that represents that the sport has become more and more accessible. More people taking on the challenge, seeing it as hard but doable.
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| Photo purchased from 2013 race photographer |
In less than two weeks, the streets of Portland will be filled with 10,000 marathoners, some qualifying for Boston, some just trying to finish (such as yours truly). Either way, we’ll all be following in the footsteps of the great Pheilipides, but hopefully surviving at the end.
Resources:
Wikipedia - Marathon (and linked individuals)
Runner's World - A Brief History of the Marathon
Ask History - Why is a Marathon 26.2 Miles?
Running USA 2014 Annual Marathon Report
NYT - Plodders Have a Place, But is it in a Marathon?
Wikipedia - Boston Marathon
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