Tuesday, October 1, 2013
A Little Perspective
Architects should know a thing or two about perspectives. I am referring the method of drawing a building as if viewed in 3-D. It's (or was) one of the first things they use to teach young want-to-be's in studio classes. Today I am writing about a different perspective, as in another point of view.
This past Sunday I ran The Brooksie Way Half Marathon. This is a race that is still a newbie on the racing scene being only 6 years old now, but one that is quickly emerging as one of the best half marathons in the country. Last year it was listed as on of the top 10 most scenic fall half marathons in the country. One of my most memorable racing events of my 45 years of running occurred during the very first Brooksie Way when I raced along side of Bill Rogers for the last 6 plus miles of the race. Needless to say, Boston Billy out kicked me at the end, but that race day is a subject for another posting.
The Brooksie Way is also a course that has become famous for being so challenging. The first 5 miles or so are all basically downhill. Except the downhill is at such a slope you don't really feel as if you are running downhill at all. This is not a good thing for a distance runner to experience. This type of downhill course causes most runners to run too fast during the early miles of a race. It also causes runners to use certain muscles in their legs a bit differently then they normally do during their training runs. The second half of the course is up a series of larger hills. This is especially tough on the runner that started the race too fast and whose legs are likely already fatigued.
I have run all six of the BrooksieWay Half Marathons, each year always doing very well in placing high in my age group category. Two years ago I finished second! Each of the first five years I had always used The Brooksie as a training race for marathons such as New York City or The City of Oaks in Raleigh NC. This year I do not have any marathons on my schedule nor do I plan to race in November. So I had planned to enter The Brooksie as my destination race. I had imagined that if I targeted this race there may be a chance I could even WIN my age group! So that was the plan back this past winter and spring.
Then life sort of got in the way as they say. Nothing bad or serious, simply a series of nagging muscle injuries in the winter and spring set my training back, followed by other personal obligations and priorities involving family and work. Still I managed to get sufficient training completed to where I felt comfortable with my chances of winning this year. Then comes the race week.
In the week prior to race day was not able to keep my running schedule, then a nasty cold germ decided to pay me a visit causing me not to sleep to well the Friday night before the race. Not to make excuses, I set my sites on doing well and keeping my streak of completing all of my Brooksie finish times under the 1hr and 40 minute mark.
The race conditions race morning were near perfect. If I could be nit-picky I would have preferred a few degrees less than the 60 deg. mark and a bit more sunshine. But the weather on race morning was great because they had been forecasting rain for the morning. So all should have been fine, but somewhere deep down I had known for sometime that this was not going to be one of my better races. Nonetheless when the gun went off so did I.
I started what felt like a slow pace but in reality it wasn't. My Garmin was telling me I was a little too fast for the first miles and these miles did not feel too easy for me either, this simply confirmed my prerace sense. During the middle miles and into the big hills, it was doubly confirmed. Still I tried to run my best. The cloudy days did not lift my mental fitness for today either, I really do prefer to run in the sun.
The final long stretch of road was ahead, I decided to try to pick up my pace. I did it for a few yards but this was not my day. I decided to turn this run into a great training run for my next half marathon in only 4 weeks. I finished a bit strong, passing a few runners, at least this helped to improve my spirits for the day. I crossed the finish line and saw the clock tick a few minutes past the 1hr 40 minute mark. My slowest Brooksie Way finish.
At the finish line I was a bit disappointed with the race and I knew my finish was a direct reflection of my race prep, especially during the past month. I met up with several of my training buddies, all who ran great that day. They deserved congratulations for their great efforts.
So what does this have to do with "Perspective"? It took a day or two, but as I received congratulations from many of my running friends I wondered how to express my thanks while also expressing my disappointment. Then there came one more congratulatory note, this one came from another runner friend, an older gentleman who only took up running while in his late 60's. His post to me was "I am green with envy". That's when it hit me! What a dummy I had been these past few days.
The new perspective was the fact that I should be (and am) grateful for the ability to run at all, grateful for being able to share my love for sport with many runner friends, and being able to run faster than 48 other guys in my age group as I finished 4th in my age group and 293 of 2,600 runners in the half marathon. So from this perspective, I say thank you "Noodles" for pointing out how really fortunate and blessed for being able to continue to be a part of this special sport and lifestyle.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and go out and "Run Happy" today :)
Lee
Friday, September 20, 2013
32 Years Ago Today
Do you remember what you were doing 32 years ago today, let alone what the world was like 32 years ago today? I remember vividly but will put off the reason until a bit later in this post.
I was an architect, I was a runner, although not nearly the same extent of running as I do now. Thinking back, the world we live and how we live it has changed so dramatically! As an architect my drawing skills were critical to my career. Back then the technically sophisticed architetural firms were using something called plastic lead to draw on plastic mylar film. There was maybe one large firm in town that might have been experimenting in creating drawings by way of a computer. But the thought back then was that computers were too slow and too expensive to ever be considered as a practical tool in a firm.
The most sophisticed running shoes were made by a relatively new shoe company called Nike, and their Pegus model sold for about $35/pair. Compared to today where there are too many significant specialty shoe manufacturers in the marketplace and a runner can expect to pay at least $100 for a decent running shoe.
Back in 1981, the high tech running gear consisted of a nylon type fiber that frankly was very uncomfortable when wet with sweat. Cotton was the norm. In colder or wet conditions there was this new invention called GoreTex, but it did not come cheap.
When you left your house for a run down the road you likely hoped nobody saw you because it would be considered weird to run down the street in shorts and a T-shirt. Now, I enjoy running into and with many other runners on the roads and along the trails. We all wear some version of a high tech fabric that wicks the sweat from our body and keeps us cool too.
Also, you would start your run and not really be too concerned about how far, how fast, heart rate, route, etc. your run would cover. Now, most runners require a connection to a satellite flying thousands of miles above them in outerspace! This of course makes us all very concerned about previously unnessary facts such as pace, heart rate, hills, etc. Some runners even include a telephone with them on their runs now. Imagine the cord length that would have required in 1981!
Things have changed, we have cell phones, computers, gear, all to help us improve while making our life easier. So while Apple issues the 5th generation of their phone today, think about how you survived back in 1981, 32 years ago today and how did you ever manage to get through your day without such items that are essential in today's world.
Some of you of course were not even a part of this world 32 years ago today, and there is one very special person who came into this world 32 years ago today which is why I remember exactly what I was doing 32 years ago today and the day before 32 years ago today too! Happy Birthday to my lovely daughter and first born, Bridgett who was born 32 years ago today and in the coming weeks ahead will be experiencing another day of birth as she and her husband Shane welcome their first child and daughter into this world. I wonder what the world of technology will be in 2045?
Thanks for taking the time to read this today.
Lee
I was an architect, I was a runner, although not nearly the same extent of running as I do now. Thinking back, the world we live and how we live it has changed so dramatically! As an architect my drawing skills were critical to my career. Back then the technically sophisticed architetural firms were using something called plastic lead to draw on plastic mylar film. There was maybe one large firm in town that might have been experimenting in creating drawings by way of a computer. But the thought back then was that computers were too slow and too expensive to ever be considered as a practical tool in a firm.
The most sophisticed running shoes were made by a relatively new shoe company called Nike, and their Pegus model sold for about $35/pair. Compared to today where there are too many significant specialty shoe manufacturers in the marketplace and a runner can expect to pay at least $100 for a decent running shoe.
Back in 1981, the high tech running gear consisted of a nylon type fiber that frankly was very uncomfortable when wet with sweat. Cotton was the norm. In colder or wet conditions there was this new invention called GoreTex, but it did not come cheap.
When you left your house for a run down the road you likely hoped nobody saw you because it would be considered weird to run down the street in shorts and a T-shirt. Now, I enjoy running into and with many other runners on the roads and along the trails. We all wear some version of a high tech fabric that wicks the sweat from our body and keeps us cool too.
Also, you would start your run and not really be too concerned about how far, how fast, heart rate, route, etc. your run would cover. Now, most runners require a connection to a satellite flying thousands of miles above them in outerspace! This of course makes us all very concerned about previously unnessary facts such as pace, heart rate, hills, etc. Some runners even include a telephone with them on their runs now. Imagine the cord length that would have required in 1981!
Things have changed, we have cell phones, computers, gear, all to help us improve while making our life easier. So while Apple issues the 5th generation of their phone today, think about how you survived back in 1981, 32 years ago today and how did you ever manage to get through your day without such items that are essential in today's world.
Some of you of course were not even a part of this world 32 years ago today, and there is one very special person who came into this world 32 years ago today which is why I remember exactly what I was doing 32 years ago today and the day before 32 years ago today too! Happy Birthday to my lovely daughter and first born, Bridgett who was born 32 years ago today and in the coming weeks ahead will be experiencing another day of birth as she and her husband Shane welcome their first child and daughter into this world. I wonder what the world of technology will be in 2045?
Thanks for taking the time to read this today.
Lee
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Half an Update
Well my plan to run everyday of the month did not pan out this month. July 1st was rainy, stormy and I just simply wimped out. That being said, I did take advantage of the holiday week and did log 40 miles of running this week! Longest weekly total of the year thus far. I still am on target for July becoming my highest mileage month of this year!
Thanks for checking back.
Running Happy.
Lee
Thanks for checking back.
Running Happy.
Lee
Monday, July 1, 2013
A New Half Year's Resolution?
With the ever growing popularity of the Half Marathon as a race event, wouldn't it make sense that we also have a Half Year's Resolution? This being July 1, it's the perfect day to announce your Half Year's Resolution!
I believe in establishing realistic goals I also have a habit of running at some part of the first day of each month. This way I can truthfully say I have run everyday of the month! The challenge is however to keep that streak going for more than a few days. This month of July begins with a Monday and of course includes the 4th of July holiday. I almost always run on Monday's and I expect to do the same tonight. Tuesday mornings have also been very easy for me to include a run, typically an early morning run at sunrise. Wednesday is of course our training session with Running Fit 501, so the first three days of July will certainly not be a problem.
The 4th of July, as with most holidays also is a great opportunity to get a run in on the schedule. Good weather holidays also represent an opportunity to complete a longer or a more intensive run. This is my plan for this year's 4th of July. While others are awakening to prep for a parade or a day of celebration, I will likely be at my neighborhood track getting some speed work in before the sun rises and the heat of the day arrives.
This then leaves my weak link of this schedule to be Friday. This Friday I plan to be in the office. However, since nearly everyone in the office will be enjoying a very long weekend, I actually plan to have an uninterrupted day. This lack of pressure to start the day will enable me to get a nice easy paced recovery run through the neighborhood in and done before I need to be at work.
Then it's back to our Saturday long runs and a full weekend of running!
Well, that's the plan for my resolution at least. I do look for July to be one of my highest mileage months of 2013, check back soon and see how I do.
Thanks for taking the time to read this and Run Happy :)
Lee
I believe in establishing realistic goals I also have a habit of running at some part of the first day of each month. This way I can truthfully say I have run everyday of the month! The challenge is however to keep that streak going for more than a few days. This month of July begins with a Monday and of course includes the 4th of July holiday. I almost always run on Monday's and I expect to do the same tonight. Tuesday mornings have also been very easy for me to include a run, typically an early morning run at sunrise. Wednesday is of course our training session with Running Fit 501, so the first three days of July will certainly not be a problem.
The 4th of July, as with most holidays also is a great opportunity to get a run in on the schedule. Good weather holidays also represent an opportunity to complete a longer or a more intensive run. This is my plan for this year's 4th of July. While others are awakening to prep for a parade or a day of celebration, I will likely be at my neighborhood track getting some speed work in before the sun rises and the heat of the day arrives.
This then leaves my weak link of this schedule to be Friday. This Friday I plan to be in the office. However, since nearly everyone in the office will be enjoying a very long weekend, I actually plan to have an uninterrupted day. This lack of pressure to start the day will enable me to get a nice easy paced recovery run through the neighborhood in and done before I need to be at work.
Then it's back to our Saturday long runs and a full weekend of running!
Well, that's the plan for my resolution at least. I do look for July to be one of my highest mileage months of 2013, check back soon and see how I do.
Thanks for taking the time to read this and Run Happy :)
Lee
Monday, June 3, 2013
Marathon Pacing Groups
Long before there was ever such a thing as "pacing groups" in marathons and now half marathons experienced runners often made arrangements with one of their running friends who was about to experience their first marathon to "run them in" the final few miles or so. I observed this process long before my first marathon and thought how terrible! Well intended but terrible!
Running a marathon is all about the individual. It is a test of one's physical and mental endurance and ability to over come. There are as many different reasons and challenges to run a marathon as there are runners who participate. When I ran my first marathon I wanted to run the entire 26.2 miles by myself. I appreciated support throughout my training and leading up to the actual event but once the starters gun went off, I was on my own to finish. For if I had a friend "run me in" the final miles it would have meant that I really did not do it all on my one and after all, you only run your first marathon once! Ever!
In recent years nearly all marathons and now most half marathons have this "thing" called "Pacer" or "Pacing Group". A well trained and experienced runner who can run a marathon with reasonably predictable results, carries a little sign listing the targeted finish time on a smaller stick. This dedicated and well intention runner then carries this sign several feet above their heads while running the entire race. The result is a GLOB of runners swarming at each side and slightly behind the Pacer.
While I will never be a part of a Pacing Group, I do understand their popularity, particularly among novice runners. Runners today depend more and more upon other runners for support especially during training. So it makes sense that runners are intimidated by the thought of actually running such a grueling event all on their very own. If a runner chooses to race with a pacing group, fine, that is their personal decision that I totally respect. Unfortunately runners who always run with a pacer will never truly be able to claim a personal achievement and satisfaction of running a marathon by themselves. They do not know what they are missing.
I was reminded of another reason not to favor Pacing Groups yesterday during my run of the Dexter to Ann Arbor Half Marathon. I knew at the start of the race that my string of 7 consecutive sub 1:40 half marathons was in serious jeopardy thanks to a nagging injury and irregular training most of this past winter and spring. Nonetheless, I was healthy to race and was going to give it my best try. To do this I planned to run a steady 7:40 to 7:45 pace for the first 5-6 miles. The race started and I felt I was running easy but the pace fro the first few miles was actually much faster than planned. So I decided t run relaxed, keep it easy, do not push the pace, and hope for the best. For me, I knew this required a consistent and focused mental approach too.
Corresponding to my slightly slower paced was an up and coming thunder of rubber soles running shoes rapidly gaining on me from behind. I know there can be a group of runners from time to time and especially during the early miles. Then before I knew it I was absorbed by this SWARM of runners centered around a runner with one of those stinking pace signs! This was the 1:40 pace group. This was the group that I wanted to beat and that I wanted NO part of being a part of but it looked like I had no choice except to speed my pace a bit and keep ahead. So I did just that. I not only began to run faster than what I had planned, I also begin to loose focus on my run as my mind focused on angry thoughts towards the idea of pacing groups.
Before too long the group caught me again. Not unexpected since I was now "paying" for my recent little surge. But this time I was boxed-in. To be boxed-in means that as a runner you are totally surrounded and cannot run past or around another runner. So here I was, a bit "ticked" and not using my energy reserves wisely. So I decided to let this group go past with the idea that I would pass them later.
Well passing them later never happened as I spent a mile or more battling this GLOB of runners along the narrow two lane road. It was not the fault of this pacing group that caused me not to run another sub 1:40, it was solely my own insufficient training that lead me to finish in1:46. But it was this group that caused me to be disturbed by the continuing and growing trend of pacing groups swelling to take over control of our otherwise great sport.
I urge my fellow runners who have come to depend upon these groups to grow-up and run your race by yourself and reap the corresponding rewards.
I welcome the views and experiences of my running friends and readers.
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Run Happy :)
Lee
Running a marathon is all about the individual. It is a test of one's physical and mental endurance and ability to over come. There are as many different reasons and challenges to run a marathon as there are runners who participate. When I ran my first marathon I wanted to run the entire 26.2 miles by myself. I appreciated support throughout my training and leading up to the actual event but once the starters gun went off, I was on my own to finish. For if I had a friend "run me in" the final miles it would have meant that I really did not do it all on my one and after all, you only run your first marathon once! Ever!
In recent years nearly all marathons and now most half marathons have this "thing" called "Pacer" or "Pacing Group". A well trained and experienced runner who can run a marathon with reasonably predictable results, carries a little sign listing the targeted finish time on a smaller stick. This dedicated and well intention runner then carries this sign several feet above their heads while running the entire race. The result is a GLOB of runners swarming at each side and slightly behind the Pacer.
While I will never be a part of a Pacing Group, I do understand their popularity, particularly among novice runners. Runners today depend more and more upon other runners for support especially during training. So it makes sense that runners are intimidated by the thought of actually running such a grueling event all on their very own. If a runner chooses to race with a pacing group, fine, that is their personal decision that I totally respect. Unfortunately runners who always run with a pacer will never truly be able to claim a personal achievement and satisfaction of running a marathon by themselves. They do not know what they are missing.
I was reminded of another reason not to favor Pacing Groups yesterday during my run of the Dexter to Ann Arbor Half Marathon. I knew at the start of the race that my string of 7 consecutive sub 1:40 half marathons was in serious jeopardy thanks to a nagging injury and irregular training most of this past winter and spring. Nonetheless, I was healthy to race and was going to give it my best try. To do this I planned to run a steady 7:40 to 7:45 pace for the first 5-6 miles. The race started and I felt I was running easy but the pace fro the first few miles was actually much faster than planned. So I decided t run relaxed, keep it easy, do not push the pace, and hope for the best. For me, I knew this required a consistent and focused mental approach too.
Corresponding to my slightly slower paced was an up and coming thunder of rubber soles running shoes rapidly gaining on me from behind. I know there can be a group of runners from time to time and especially during the early miles. Then before I knew it I was absorbed by this SWARM of runners centered around a runner with one of those stinking pace signs! This was the 1:40 pace group. This was the group that I wanted to beat and that I wanted NO part of being a part of but it looked like I had no choice except to speed my pace a bit and keep ahead. So I did just that. I not only began to run faster than what I had planned, I also begin to loose focus on my run as my mind focused on angry thoughts towards the idea of pacing groups.
Before too long the group caught me again. Not unexpected since I was now "paying" for my recent little surge. But this time I was boxed-in. To be boxed-in means that as a runner you are totally surrounded and cannot run past or around another runner. So here I was, a bit "ticked" and not using my energy reserves wisely. So I decided to let this group go past with the idea that I would pass them later.
Well passing them later never happened as I spent a mile or more battling this GLOB of runners along the narrow two lane road. It was not the fault of this pacing group that caused me not to run another sub 1:40, it was solely my own insufficient training that lead me to finish in1:46. But it was this group that caused me to be disturbed by the continuing and growing trend of pacing groups swelling to take over control of our otherwise great sport.
I urge my fellow runners who have come to depend upon these groups to grow-up and run your race by yourself and reap the corresponding rewards.
I welcome the views and experiences of my running friends and readers.
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Run Happy :)
Lee
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Leesburg VA - April 5, 2013
Enough procrastination! Time to publish my Cherry Blossom 10 Miler race report!
The Cherry Blossom 10 Miler has been a "Right of Spring" in Washington DC for 40 years now. This was the second Cherry Blossom 10 Miler for me with the first one back in 1987. We had planned a return visit to DC for many reasons the primary being simply to sight-see and enjoy a relaxing weekend. Then there was the run of course too.
Once upon a time long before the internet, we had stumbled upon a very interesting bed and breakfast inn in Leesburg VA. It was relatively small but featured a working fireplace in nearly every room. I remembered the one in the small parlor and looked forward to returning to sip my "evening" beverage by the fire. Now with the internet it was very easy to not only find The Norris House Inn but to preview and book our reservations. It was also going to be much easier to find once we did arrive in Leesburg as we now have one of those fancy gadgets called a Garmin Nuvi too!
The arrival at The Norris House Inn was wonderful. We were quite surprised by the improvements over the years including the new innkeepers! The innkeeper was especially gracious and very informative as he brought us up to speed on the past 25+ years at The Norris House Inn as well as the Norris family history too. Our personal residence is almost as old as the Norris House so we literally felt quite at home.
We took the innkeepers advice and decided to splurge our dinner budget and dined at the Wine Kitchen in beautiful downtown Leesburg. This is a small, not too fancy, but extremely fine cooking at a very fair price. It was certainly worth the 12 hour drive from Michigan!
To continue the wine theme for the evening, when we returned to the Inn we rescued a bottle of wine from our luggage and sat in the comfy chairs by the fireplace (w/o fire due to insurance issues) and relaxed. This was the moment I had been waiting to return to for over 25 years. Does it really get any better? Well yes in fact it did! Shortly after we had settled into the chairs another traveller had checked in for the evening. It was after hours for the innkeeper and since we were sitting so close to the front hall of the inn we gladly welcomed the new visitor. We gave her the same directions for parking etc. that the innkeeper provided us. We she returned a few moments later we invited her to help us finish off our bottle of wine.
As it turns out, she had also just driven a long way to arrive at the Norris House Inn, all the way from Manhattan! She is a very energetic interior designer, based in Stowe Vermont but also has a studio in Manhattan where she services her impressive listing of clients. She was in Leesburg to shop for antique items for one of her Manhattan projects. She reminded me a lot of myself at the height of my business, over ten years ago, only I don't think I was ever that energetic. What she did do was remind me that once an entrepreneur always an entrepreneur!
I have enjoyed my still recent position being gainfully employed by a separate business, but I have no doubt that once my working, or more accurately, employment days are over, I will once again return to the business world and find something that I thoroughly enjoy doing and perhaps even make a buck or two in the process! I have several options that continue to lurk in my mind and I am happy to keep them there for at least several more years ahead too. Stay tuned :)
The exchange of ideas ended with the wine and it soon was time to call it a day and return to our room. The next day I would find my way to the old railroad path and run a few miles to loosen my legs for the 10 Miler on Sunday morning.
Thanks for reading and Run Happy!
Lee
The Cherry Blossom 10 Miler has been a "Right of Spring" in Washington DC for 40 years now. This was the second Cherry Blossom 10 Miler for me with the first one back in 1987. We had planned a return visit to DC for many reasons the primary being simply to sight-see and enjoy a relaxing weekend. Then there was the run of course too.
Once upon a time long before the internet, we had stumbled upon a very interesting bed and breakfast inn in Leesburg VA. It was relatively small but featured a working fireplace in nearly every room. I remembered the one in the small parlor and looked forward to returning to sip my "evening" beverage by the fire. Now with the internet it was very easy to not only find The Norris House Inn but to preview and book our reservations. It was also going to be much easier to find once we did arrive in Leesburg as we now have one of those fancy gadgets called a Garmin Nuvi too!
The arrival at The Norris House Inn was wonderful. We were quite surprised by the improvements over the years including the new innkeepers! The innkeeper was especially gracious and very informative as he brought us up to speed on the past 25+ years at The Norris House Inn as well as the Norris family history too. Our personal residence is almost as old as the Norris House so we literally felt quite at home.
We took the innkeepers advice and decided to splurge our dinner budget and dined at the Wine Kitchen in beautiful downtown Leesburg. This is a small, not too fancy, but extremely fine cooking at a very fair price. It was certainly worth the 12 hour drive from Michigan!
To continue the wine theme for the evening, when we returned to the Inn we rescued a bottle of wine from our luggage and sat in the comfy chairs by the fireplace (w/o fire due to insurance issues) and relaxed. This was the moment I had been waiting to return to for over 25 years. Does it really get any better? Well yes in fact it did! Shortly after we had settled into the chairs another traveller had checked in for the evening. It was after hours for the innkeeper and since we were sitting so close to the front hall of the inn we gladly welcomed the new visitor. We gave her the same directions for parking etc. that the innkeeper provided us. We she returned a few moments later we invited her to help us finish off our bottle of wine.
As it turns out, she had also just driven a long way to arrive at the Norris House Inn, all the way from Manhattan! She is a very energetic interior designer, based in Stowe Vermont but also has a studio in Manhattan where she services her impressive listing of clients. She was in Leesburg to shop for antique items for one of her Manhattan projects. She reminded me a lot of myself at the height of my business, over ten years ago, only I don't think I was ever that energetic. What she did do was remind me that once an entrepreneur always an entrepreneur!
I have enjoyed my still recent position being gainfully employed by a separate business, but I have no doubt that once my working, or more accurately, employment days are over, I will once again return to the business world and find something that I thoroughly enjoy doing and perhaps even make a buck or two in the process! I have several options that continue to lurk in my mind and I am happy to keep them there for at least several more years ahead too. Stay tuned :)
The exchange of ideas ended with the wine and it soon was time to call it a day and return to our room. The next day I would find my way to the old railroad path and run a few miles to loosen my legs for the 10 Miler on Sunday morning.
Thanks for reading and Run Happy!
Lee
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Running This Week
For the past week or so I have been making mental notes as to what to say in my next blog posting here. It was to be about my recent trip and race experience to Washington DC to run in the 40th annual Cherry Blossom 10 Miler. Needless to say, the events at the Boston Marathon this week have sort of placed a damper on my thoughts. I still intend to post a summary of my experiences, all which were good by the way, it's just that I don't believe my race experiences are all that important this week.
I will say however, that the Cherry Blossom Race starts and finishes at the base of the Washington Monument. The race features a field of nearly 18,000 runners including many world class elite runners. In fact this year the 10 Mile race was the USATF National Championship for women runners. The morning sun had yet to rise as I arrived to the race staging and finish area and the number of runners began to swell. As the crowd drew larger I thought to myself that this would be a great opportunity for a terrorist to set a bomb and cause great havoc and worse. Imagine, thousands of runners and the Washington Monument!
I have actually had similar thoughts at many races since 2001. While running over the Ambassador Bridge and through the Detroit Windsor Tunnel during the Detroit Marathon or Half Marathon I had envisioned a bomb blast to occur exactly as I hit the mid point of the bridge or tunnel! Then while running in the NY City Marathon in 2008, the same thoughts occurred while running the bridges in NYC. Fortunately back then nothing whatsoever occurred.
While Bostonians, the country, most of the world, and all of the running community across the world shares in the morning and grief from the Boston blast, we also are grateful that those of us who had friends or family there competing all came home safely. Our RF 501 training group had about 10 people represented and while there were a few very close calls, and some "shake-ups" everyone is OK.
I promise to share my race and travel experiences soon so please continue to check back here. Thanks for taking a few moments to read this.
Run Very Happy today!
Lee
I will say however, that the Cherry Blossom Race starts and finishes at the base of the Washington Monument. The race features a field of nearly 18,000 runners including many world class elite runners. In fact this year the 10 Mile race was the USATF National Championship for women runners. The morning sun had yet to rise as I arrived to the race staging and finish area and the number of runners began to swell. As the crowd drew larger I thought to myself that this would be a great opportunity for a terrorist to set a bomb and cause great havoc and worse. Imagine, thousands of runners and the Washington Monument!
I have actually had similar thoughts at many races since 2001. While running over the Ambassador Bridge and through the Detroit Windsor Tunnel during the Detroit Marathon or Half Marathon I had envisioned a bomb blast to occur exactly as I hit the mid point of the bridge or tunnel! Then while running in the NY City Marathon in 2008, the same thoughts occurred while running the bridges in NYC. Fortunately back then nothing whatsoever occurred.
While Bostonians, the country, most of the world, and all of the running community across the world shares in the morning and grief from the Boston blast, we also are grateful that those of us who had friends or family there competing all came home safely. Our RF 501 training group had about 10 people represented and while there were a few very close calls, and some "shake-ups" everyone is OK.
I promise to share my race and travel experiences soon so please continue to check back here. Thanks for taking a few moments to read this.
Run Very Happy today!
Lee
Sunday, February 10, 2013
A License to Marathon?
As a part of my "day job" my role is to mentor the less experienced staff to ultimately become a top notch architect. This past week while talking to a young man who has thus far invested over 5 years of his life in earning his Masters of Architecture degree plus another two years or so gaining experience within a firm, I found myself talking to him as if he was one of the runners in our Running Fit 501 training course!
First to put this in perspective you need to understand just how much time it requires to become an architect. For further clarity, one cannot legally represent themselves as an architect until they passed a nationally based series of tests referred to in the profession as Professional or Licensing Exams. But before one can take the exams, they must first earn a professional degree from one of 52 schools or colleges of architecture in the US. This degree has recently evolved into a 5 Masters degree. Students earn their Masters within only 5 years as all architecture curriculums consist of intensive and grueling course work.
Until relatively recently students with their degree in hand can begin to take their exams. The exams consist of seven separate test in the topics of structures, heating systems, electrical, site planning, construction documents, management, etc. It behooves the candidate to gain practical experience before attempting to study for these exams. But just not any experience will do for in order to obtain the license the candidate must also compile a record of experience working directly under the tutelage of another licensed architect in all of the basic areas of architecture. Think of the internship a medical student must obtain. Now, come to understand that unlike the medical student, the future architect is left to fend for themselves to gain the balance of experience they need and since much of this experience is typically only performed by someone who is already licensed, the future of the future architect is extended long into the future.
In reality the future architect must first earn a degree, pass seven grueling tests and gain experience. The total time from when the student enters their first college class to when they eventually obtain a license to practice architecture it about 15 years! Now add to the equation compensation. For comparative purposes one can generally equate compensation in the profession of architecture to being less than compensation one might receive in the teaching profession. Both professions are significantly under compensated especially when balanced against their respective responsibilities and risk.
So here I sat this past week outlining a plan of attack for this future architect as he prepares to enter the world of gut wrenching exams during the next several years and my advice to him was to schedule carefully, have a back-up plan, and most importantly schedule relief and time off between exams so he can recover properly before entering the preparation stage of the next exam. Sounds exactly like what the runners in the RF 501 training sessions hear from their coaches as they prepare to run their marathons.
Thanks for reading this, there will be no test on this but you are required to: RUN HAPPY :)
Lee
First to put this in perspective you need to understand just how much time it requires to become an architect. For further clarity, one cannot legally represent themselves as an architect until they passed a nationally based series of tests referred to in the profession as Professional or Licensing Exams. But before one can take the exams, they must first earn a professional degree from one of 52 schools or colleges of architecture in the US. This degree has recently evolved into a 5 Masters degree. Students earn their Masters within only 5 years as all architecture curriculums consist of intensive and grueling course work.
Until relatively recently students with their degree in hand can begin to take their exams. The exams consist of seven separate test in the topics of structures, heating systems, electrical, site planning, construction documents, management, etc. It behooves the candidate to gain practical experience before attempting to study for these exams. But just not any experience will do for in order to obtain the license the candidate must also compile a record of experience working directly under the tutelage of another licensed architect in all of the basic areas of architecture. Think of the internship a medical student must obtain. Now, come to understand that unlike the medical student, the future architect is left to fend for themselves to gain the balance of experience they need and since much of this experience is typically only performed by someone who is already licensed, the future of the future architect is extended long into the future.
In reality the future architect must first earn a degree, pass seven grueling tests and gain experience. The total time from when the student enters their first college class to when they eventually obtain a license to practice architecture it about 15 years! Now add to the equation compensation. For comparative purposes one can generally equate compensation in the profession of architecture to being less than compensation one might receive in the teaching profession. Both professions are significantly under compensated especially when balanced against their respective responsibilities and risk.
So here I sat this past week outlining a plan of attack for this future architect as he prepares to enter the world of gut wrenching exams during the next several years and my advice to him was to schedule carefully, have a back-up plan, and most importantly schedule relief and time off between exams so he can recover properly before entering the preparation stage of the next exam. Sounds exactly like what the runners in the RF 501 training sessions hear from their coaches as they prepare to run their marathons.
Thanks for reading this, there will be no test on this but you are required to: RUN HAPPY :)
Lee
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Running Gear For Buildings?
Originally Posted on my previous blog site and remains appropriate now in January 2013
by Lee Mamola on 10/19/11
Perhaps one of the greatest improvements involving running gear in the past dozen years or so is the invention of so called "Tech Fibers". Tech fibers are clothing fibers that have been scientifically designed to wick moisture (aka sweat) away from a body. These special blends of polyester fibers are woven into light weight shirts, jackets, pants, socks, hats and are worn by runners in both hot and cold conditions to allow the runner to run in efficient comfort. They have become an essential component of the running experience.
It was not all that long ago that cotton was king and runners were clad in hot and heavy moisture soaked T-shirts in summer. In winter this same cotton gear worked to hold moisture close to the runner's body and allowing the wetness to become cold and thus turning a winter run into a winter chill if not freeze session.
So what does this have in common with architecture? Actually a great deal! In today's energy and environmentally sensitive world the proper attention to moisture control in a building's overall performance and projected long term life is absolutely critical.
In today's world of tightly constructed and highly insulated buildings there is less room for error in the design and the construction of the exterior building shell or envelope. Older buildings with less insulation and unintended air leaks actually provided for a more forgiving envelope assembly and thus moisture penetration was less likely an issue in these structures.
Yet there is not one solution or proper way to "dress" a building to assure it's comfort during the run or existence of a building's life. First the building's location or micro climate must be clearly understood. Then there are various types of wall assemblies that involve not only a myriad of materials between the inner and outer surfaces, but it is critical to where these materials are located within the wall assembly. The location of certain materials is dependent upon the micro climate of the building site. The most variably located materials are vapor barriers, air barriers, and water barriers. Most building and home owners do not have a single clue as to what these items are yet alone how they should be installed in a given wall assembly. Yet these items are critical to the long term successful performance of their building or home.
While many older buildings were constructed with what we consider to be something a kin to an air or moisture barrier I believe it is a fair comparison to say that these barriers are like the old cotton shirts worn by runners years ago.
As the runner's tech shirt works equally well in hot and cold conditions so do certain newly developed air and/or vapor barriers that are properly located and installed within a given wall assembly. Thanks to this new building technology our buildings and plan to "run long" for well into the far future.
Thanks for stopping by and reading and RUN HAPPY!
Lee
Thursday, January 24, 2013
How Many Buildings Do You Draw A Day?
This question asked of an architect is comparable to asking a runner how many miles do you run each day. As a runner being asked this question by a non-runner I am first grateful for their interest and then go on to explain that there really are no two training days alike for a runner. So neither are there any two days alike in the world of a practicing architect.
Actually, most architects rarely draw anymore let alone draw buildings! The profession is dominated and perhaps even overwhelmed by the new technology involved with the design of a building, no matter how small and simple or large and complex. Most experienced architects rarely spend much of their work week (let alone any part of any day) drawing either via a computer or that old fashioned way thing called sketching. Most of an architect's typical day involves communications, contract issues, business matters, marketing, and I suppose you can even say blogging. So how is it that buildings get drawn at all? Good question, the easy answer is on the back of those who want to be an architect one day! That's the routine of many architects who are viewed as being successful by their peers, their clients, and the public.
Runners on the other hand also rarely do the same training routine from one day to the next. This is for several reasons. The most basic is biological. When a runner experiences a tough (either long or fast or sometimes both) their body needs time for the damage to tiny muscle fiber to repair. Thus one of several rules to train by, never run hard two days in a row. So simple biology prevents an experienced runner from repeating the same tough workout day after day.
Then there is the mental aspect to training. Most runners are training for a race that probably months away from their race day. The simple process of breaking the monotony of running the same distance each day will cause a runner to run various distances each workout.
But such a variance of distances over the same course or portion of a training route will soon cause a runner to become bored with the training experience and seek other routes. These variations in distances, intensity of training, and routes all combine to provide the runner with sufficient variety to keep their training fresh.
The next evolution of a runner's training routine is to not to run and train alone but to do so with others who share the runner's passion and goals. The best example of this is seen in an active running club or training group. Personally I feel very blessed to be a part of one very successful such group that being the Running Fit 501 Marathon and Half Marathon training session sponsored by one of the best running stores in the country and consisting of the best group of runners I could ever hope to share my running experience in recent years and I hope for many years to come too.
Thanks for taking the time to read this, I welcome your feedback and comments.
Run Happy
Lee
Actually, most architects rarely draw anymore let alone draw buildings! The profession is dominated and perhaps even overwhelmed by the new technology involved with the design of a building, no matter how small and simple or large and complex. Most experienced architects rarely spend much of their work week (let alone any part of any day) drawing either via a computer or that old fashioned way thing called sketching. Most of an architect's typical day involves communications, contract issues, business matters, marketing, and I suppose you can even say blogging. So how is it that buildings get drawn at all? Good question, the easy answer is on the back of those who want to be an architect one day! That's the routine of many architects who are viewed as being successful by their peers, their clients, and the public.
Runners on the other hand also rarely do the same training routine from one day to the next. This is for several reasons. The most basic is biological. When a runner experiences a tough (either long or fast or sometimes both) their body needs time for the damage to tiny muscle fiber to repair. Thus one of several rules to train by, never run hard two days in a row. So simple biology prevents an experienced runner from repeating the same tough workout day after day.
Then there is the mental aspect to training. Most runners are training for a race that probably months away from their race day. The simple process of breaking the monotony of running the same distance each day will cause a runner to run various distances each workout.
But such a variance of distances over the same course or portion of a training route will soon cause a runner to become bored with the training experience and seek other routes. These variations in distances, intensity of training, and routes all combine to provide the runner with sufficient variety to keep their training fresh.
The next evolution of a runner's training routine is to not to run and train alone but to do so with others who share the runner's passion and goals. The best example of this is seen in an active running club or training group. Personally I feel very blessed to be a part of one very successful such group that being the Running Fit 501 Marathon and Half Marathon training session sponsored by one of the best running stores in the country and consisting of the best group of runners I could ever hope to share my running experience in recent years and I hope for many years to come too.
Thanks for taking the time to read this, I welcome your feedback and comments.
Run Happy
Lee
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