If you are an obsessive runner like me, then you have probably heard about the changes the BAA is making to the Boston Marathon. I must say, I am overjoyed with their changes. I could see three possible routes they could have taken:
1. Leave everything as is or close to it and make Boston essentially a mass participation event with only slightly difficult to obtain qualifying standards.
2. Make a massive shift in the standard to make Boston a truly exclusive event
3. Compromise between 1 and 2, making front runners and mid pack runners happy.
They went with 3. Faster runners will have the opportunity to register first. For the open male division, a 2:50 (2:45 for 2013) gets you what is essentially guaranteed entry. 10 minutes slower gets you a pretty darn good chance, and if you just make it, it becomes a crapshoot.
#1 would have been a travesty and could have become the face of a paradigm shift in the running world. We are already in the midst of the second running boom. The first happened in the 70s and 80s. Runners like me were a dime a dozen and average marathon finishing times were almost an hour faster than they are today.
In today's running world, there are tons more people running, but average times have slowed considerably. Though part of that is due to the booming of the mid to back pack, the front of the pack has thinned considerably. I direct you to the following article titled "The Decline of the American Marathoners" with data to prove it: http://www.hillrunner.com/jim2/id78.html Though slightly dated, it still illustrates a disturbing trend, that faster runners seem to be disappearing, that the "amateur elite" is a dying breed, a relic from the past.
I love that there are more people out there running, and I have read so many inspiring stories about how running has turned peoples' lives around. I cannot possibly stand here and say mid and back of the pack runners are bad for running. However, I have wondered what has happened to the "sport" of running and more importantly, what has happened to the meaning of a "race."
To me, running is all about getting faster and running the best that my abilities will allow. Races are tests of my training, all out efforts where nothing is left in the tank to see what I'm made of. I'm not sure if all, or even the majority of present day runners approach the sport the same way. Let me say again, there is NOTHING wrong with this!! My friends frequently point out that I should probably spend more time on other things (and at least partially, they might be right!).
With that said, the dedicated few really seem to get screwed these days, especially at big races. Lotteries, ridiculous race day logistics, excessive running traffic, etc really are not conducive to running fast races, particularly marathons. Some races such as NYC and Chicago cater to runners faster than 2:35 and 2:31. Other races like Gansett only allow people who qualify, (3:05 for open males). Still others offer some perks for people in the low 2:30s. I think that more races should be doing things like this, catering to those who aren't just out there to finish but who are out there to run themselves to the brink. Either smaller exclusive races, or races that help faster people out are the answer.
Though it's hard to find those fast amateur elites (I don't consider myself one, yet), they are ultimately what the sport is all about, and it's a joke that they would get left behind. I'm just glad that Boston has at least done its part to keep the sport of running at the forefront. It remains a relatively exclusive race, and faster runners don't have to gamble with registration problems. Giving incentive for people to run faster is how it should be, and this system certainly encourages it!
Bravo BAA. To all race directors out there, don't forget about those dedicated few that train as hard as elites but just don't have the genes to knock off those extra minutes to be considered "elite." They helped build the sport into what it is today, and if this running boom ever dies down, they will be the ones out there when the dust settles.
Showing posts with label Why I Run. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Why I Run. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Friday, January 7, 2011
Why do I Run?
This is a question that I've had a lot of trouble answering for a while. After 12 years of this, and more specifically, after my return to running in 2007, I'm much more equipped to provide an answer.
Before giving the reasons why I run, it's probably easier to give the reasons I don't use.
Running is a great aerobic exercise and a great way to stay in shape. Although I love being in shape and feeling healthy, I certainly don't need to run 70-90 miles a week to do it. It's rather universally understood that the health benefits from running significantly drop off as mileage is added. If anything, running high mileage is "less healthy" since it could increase injury risk.
Running has nothing to do with weight. I've pretty much weighed the same for the last 8 or 9 years. If anything, I could stand to gain a few pounds. Though I try to eat "healthy" food, it's really only because junk makes me sluggish. I don't even really count calories, I usually just check the box to make sure it's worth my time and money to consume. And, whoever comes up with serving sizes is not a runner!
Now the good part, why exactly I do it!
I have never felt worse after a run than I have before, even after a bad one. No matter how tired or stressed I am beforehand, I always feel rejuvenated afterward. No matter how badly I want to skip a run, when I finally get my butt out the door, I'm always thankful. Even after 12 years, this still holds true.
I can't imagine just living the "rat race," going to work, getting home, doing stuff around the house, watching TV and repeating it the next day. Sitting in traffic, sitting at a desk, worrying about money and making more, none of it really adds to much. None of it really makes me feel "alive." Once I get that heart rate elevated, once I start striding, and when I'm flying over the ground propelled by nothing other than my own power, life feels real. When the pain becomes nearly unbearable, and when I keep running through it, that is when I feel most alive. It happens in the middle of speedwork, during the end of really long runs, and at random times during tempo efforts when the struggle becomes tough. I have yet to find anything that replicates that feeling.
Running rewards those who work hard. The PR has always been awesome. To put in the training, execute the race, and cross the finish line hitting that goal time creates the greatest sense of accomplishment in the world. No amount of money, worldly possessions, or advanced degrees can replicate it. I don't have a clue why I'm more proud of my most recent marathon PR than I am of my recent successes at my job, but I've just come to accept it.
Those reasons certainly get me very close to the answer. However, there are probably a lot of people that use those reasons, but most of those people probably wouldn't bother running at 2 in the morning. I think there is still more.
I thrive on competition. I have nothing but respect for runners of all levels. However, runners near my ability and those in front of me are all targets. I keep "unofficial" track of names and times and look forward to seeing certain faces at races. Each year it seems I find 1 or 2 people right around my ability and we duke it out for most of the year. So far, each year, I've left more and more rivals in the dust and set my sites on even tougher foes. I love the mutual respect and extra motivation driven by competition.
I'm running to discover my ultimate limit. It isn't enough just to run a bit faster than I used to. I want to maximize my mileage and hit whatever speed my genetic makeup will allow. 20-30 years from now when I look back at this time, I want to make sure I have no regrets. I know for a fact that giving running everything I have will leave me regret free. I now wonder and debate every day whether I should have continued running immediately after High School and into college. Maybe I could have gotten somewhere in the collegiate running scene or maybe not. But, I won't let that happen again! Even if I suffer a bad injury and end up falling off my high level, it will still be worth it because I'll know I gave it everything I had.
That is why I run at all hours and hit mileage between 70-90 miles a week when peaking. That is why eventually, I hope to hit mileage comparable (though probably still less) to elite athletes. For all my toil, I get very little material reward. I still need a real job and I still need to pay for shoes and race fees just like every other amateur runner out there. Sure the occasional gift certificate and other random stuff is cool, but it certainly doesn't pay well relative to the work! The motivation and drive has to come from within because all that external stuff won't be there at 2am when I have to run 4 miles because I'm working at 4am.
Before giving the reasons why I run, it's probably easier to give the reasons I don't use.
Running is a great aerobic exercise and a great way to stay in shape. Although I love being in shape and feeling healthy, I certainly don't need to run 70-90 miles a week to do it. It's rather universally understood that the health benefits from running significantly drop off as mileage is added. If anything, running high mileage is "less healthy" since it could increase injury risk.
Running has nothing to do with weight. I've pretty much weighed the same for the last 8 or 9 years. If anything, I could stand to gain a few pounds. Though I try to eat "healthy" food, it's really only because junk makes me sluggish. I don't even really count calories, I usually just check the box to make sure it's worth my time and money to consume. And, whoever comes up with serving sizes is not a runner!
Now the good part, why exactly I do it!
I have never felt worse after a run than I have before, even after a bad one. No matter how tired or stressed I am beforehand, I always feel rejuvenated afterward. No matter how badly I want to skip a run, when I finally get my butt out the door, I'm always thankful. Even after 12 years, this still holds true.
I can't imagine just living the "rat race," going to work, getting home, doing stuff around the house, watching TV and repeating it the next day. Sitting in traffic, sitting at a desk, worrying about money and making more, none of it really adds to much. None of it really makes me feel "alive." Once I get that heart rate elevated, once I start striding, and when I'm flying over the ground propelled by nothing other than my own power, life feels real. When the pain becomes nearly unbearable, and when I keep running through it, that is when I feel most alive. It happens in the middle of speedwork, during the end of really long runs, and at random times during tempo efforts when the struggle becomes tough. I have yet to find anything that replicates that feeling.
Running rewards those who work hard. The PR has always been awesome. To put in the training, execute the race, and cross the finish line hitting that goal time creates the greatest sense of accomplishment in the world. No amount of money, worldly possessions, or advanced degrees can replicate it. I don't have a clue why I'm more proud of my most recent marathon PR than I am of my recent successes at my job, but I've just come to accept it.
Those reasons certainly get me very close to the answer. However, there are probably a lot of people that use those reasons, but most of those people probably wouldn't bother running at 2 in the morning. I think there is still more.
I thrive on competition. I have nothing but respect for runners of all levels. However, runners near my ability and those in front of me are all targets. I keep "unofficial" track of names and times and look forward to seeing certain faces at races. Each year it seems I find 1 or 2 people right around my ability and we duke it out for most of the year. So far, each year, I've left more and more rivals in the dust and set my sites on even tougher foes. I love the mutual respect and extra motivation driven by competition.
I'm running to discover my ultimate limit. It isn't enough just to run a bit faster than I used to. I want to maximize my mileage and hit whatever speed my genetic makeup will allow. 20-30 years from now when I look back at this time, I want to make sure I have no regrets. I know for a fact that giving running everything I have will leave me regret free. I now wonder and debate every day whether I should have continued running immediately after High School and into college. Maybe I could have gotten somewhere in the collegiate running scene or maybe not. But, I won't let that happen again! Even if I suffer a bad injury and end up falling off my high level, it will still be worth it because I'll know I gave it everything I had.
That is why I run at all hours and hit mileage between 70-90 miles a week when peaking. That is why eventually, I hope to hit mileage comparable (though probably still less) to elite athletes. For all my toil, I get very little material reward. I still need a real job and I still need to pay for shoes and race fees just like every other amateur runner out there. Sure the occasional gift certificate and other random stuff is cool, but it certainly doesn't pay well relative to the work! The motivation and drive has to come from within because all that external stuff won't be there at 2am when I have to run 4 miles because I'm working at 4am.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
2010 Review: How Fast? Faster, but never fast enough!!
I went into 2010 with three goals:
1) Break 3 hours in the marathon
2) PR at as many race distances as possible
3) Significantly increase my mileage
I had no idea what to expect with my huge mileage increase, and never could have predicted my final results. Goal #3 was a huge success, my mileage from 2009 to 2010 increased by about 70% for a 2010 total of 2700 miles (pending the 31st). All that extra mileage transformed me into a significantly better runner at all distances. Here is an example of a few:
5K 17:24 to 16:53
10K 38:45 to 34:52
15K 57:53 to 54:11
1/2 Marathon: 1:29:15 to 1:18:09
Marathon: 3:09:12 to 2:44:54
My 5K times became much more consistent from race to race. After that 16:53 all my "fast course" times were between 17:00-17:05, a couple of others that were hilly were slower. Overall though, that was much more consistent than my 2009 times.
In the "lactic acid threshold range" 10K-half marathon, I have become a little better at running hard from start to finish rather than running negative splits. In general, I've become willing to accept more pain and suffering early.
At the marathon distance, after running my first in March 2008, I can finally say I have the endurance needed to actually run the event hard. I ran an evenly paced effort at just about the right pace. My marathon time is also finally "in line" with my other times. No longer does my 5K predict a much faster marathon time!
In general, I'm better at running through rough patches, knowing that those patches eventually fade. It takes a lot more for me to give in now than it used to.
2010 has been by far my most successful running year ever. I directly attribute it to my more aggressive training regiment. I run to answer the question "How Fast?" The answer: much faster than I could have dreamed, but not fast enough!
2010 is not my highpoint but merely the beginning. Training builds on itself over days, weeks, months, and eventually.......years. I've experienced months of successful training. Let's see what another year brings.
1) Break 3 hours in the marathon
2) PR at as many race distances as possible
3) Significantly increase my mileage
I had no idea what to expect with my huge mileage increase, and never could have predicted my final results. Goal #3 was a huge success, my mileage from 2009 to 2010 increased by about 70% for a 2010 total of 2700 miles (pending the 31st). All that extra mileage transformed me into a significantly better runner at all distances. Here is an example of a few:
5K 17:24 to 16:53
10K 38:45 to 34:52
15K 57:53 to 54:11
1/2 Marathon: 1:29:15 to 1:18:09
Marathon: 3:09:12 to 2:44:54
My 5K times became much more consistent from race to race. After that 16:53 all my "fast course" times were between 17:00-17:05, a couple of others that were hilly were slower. Overall though, that was much more consistent than my 2009 times.
In the "lactic acid threshold range" 10K-half marathon, I have become a little better at running hard from start to finish rather than running negative splits. In general, I've become willing to accept more pain and suffering early.
At the marathon distance, after running my first in March 2008, I can finally say I have the endurance needed to actually run the event hard. I ran an evenly paced effort at just about the right pace. My marathon time is also finally "in line" with my other times. No longer does my 5K predict a much faster marathon time!
In general, I'm better at running through rough patches, knowing that those patches eventually fade. It takes a lot more for me to give in now than it used to.
2010 has been by far my most successful running year ever. I directly attribute it to my more aggressive training regiment. I run to answer the question "How Fast?" The answer: much faster than I could have dreamed, but not fast enough!
2010 is not my highpoint but merely the beginning. Training builds on itself over days, weeks, months, and eventually.......years. I've experienced months of successful training. Let's see what another year brings.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Local Races Starting to Get Left in the Dust
This is the first weekend in history in which I've doubled up on races. There are quite a few rather accomplished local runners who do the same quite regularly. Though I don't plan on doing it often, this was one weekend where I wanted to run in both the Turek House 5K and the Rockville 10K. This weekend has shown me that I may need to be more selective in my races next year if I want good competition.
I race for two reasons, to run an all out effort on a marked/accurate course, and to race other runners. I love to compete against people of similar ability to me. Up until this year, finding races was never a problem. I could pretty much enter any race and have competition. However, I'm slowly moving up in the field and a lot of the smaller local races are not cutting it anymore.
I still enjoy racing often, so I can't exclusively sign up for big expensive races. I also despise the logistical nightmare that is large races. There is something so satisfying about just showing up, parking, using your car as a base, and running without having to stand around for hours on end. I think all of this is still possible, I just need to take a careful look at available races, and be willing to drive just a bit further.
Overall, I think this a good problem to have. I have always said I would rather finish last, run a PR, and have a great race with people than just win small local races (while blowing away the field) all the time.
I race for two reasons, to run an all out effort on a marked/accurate course, and to race other runners. I love to compete against people of similar ability to me. Up until this year, finding races was never a problem. I could pretty much enter any race and have competition. However, I'm slowly moving up in the field and a lot of the smaller local races are not cutting it anymore.
I still enjoy racing often, so I can't exclusively sign up for big expensive races. I also despise the logistical nightmare that is large races. There is something so satisfying about just showing up, parking, using your car as a base, and running without having to stand around for hours on end. I think all of this is still possible, I just need to take a careful look at available races, and be willing to drive just a bit further.
Overall, I think this a good problem to have. I have always said I would rather finish last, run a PR, and have a great race with people than just win small local races (while blowing away the field) all the time.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
The beginning
Those who get to know me quickly realize that I spend a lot of my free time running. There are very few non-runners that truly understand why I run as much as I do. Most runners "get it" but a lot of them think I'm crazy. My goal is wonderfully simple, to find out the limits of my potential. To that end, I have dedicated myself mind, body, and spirit to being an amateur runner. It requires unwavering dedication and a love for the sport that goes deeper and stronger than any professional athlete. I do this for fun, yet it costs hard earned money, hurts a lot, and gives no glory other than times, places in local races, and various interesting but ultimately symbolic awards.
I keep quite a detailed Excel file that tracks my daily mileage and cumulative miles over various time periods. It allows me to see trends in weekly, monthly, seasonal, and yearly mileage. It also contains results and splits for the many, many races I have run. However, it is seriously lacking in many areas.
Numbers, miles, and times are only half of a runner's story. The other half comprises specific details of workouts, how he felt during those workouts, what the weather was like, and what he was thinking about.. Despite my best efforts to keep a handwritten training log, it has not worked out. So this is my attempt at keeping a more detailed online log. My hope is that the digital environment (and some eager followers!) will make me more likely to keep it up to date. How I feel over time and at various mileage loads is just as important as times and splits in deciding future training schedules. Keeping this training log is an important evolutionary step forward.
So beginning with week 170, 10/4/2010, runs # 924 and 925, this training log will keep track of all data beyond the data. Stay tuned for more information on how I got here, where I'm going, what my goals are, and just why I choose to run as much as I do. Maybe I'll make this blog layout a bit more presentable too... And in case you were wondering, yes I am that much of a running nerd/geek that I know how many times I've run since my 2nd running life started on July 5th, 2007.
I keep quite a detailed Excel file that tracks my daily mileage and cumulative miles over various time periods. It allows me to see trends in weekly, monthly, seasonal, and yearly mileage. It also contains results and splits for the many, many races I have run. However, it is seriously lacking in many areas.
Numbers, miles, and times are only half of a runner's story. The other half comprises specific details of workouts, how he felt during those workouts, what the weather was like, and what he was thinking about.. Despite my best efforts to keep a handwritten training log, it has not worked out. So this is my attempt at keeping a more detailed online log. My hope is that the digital environment (and some eager followers!) will make me more likely to keep it up to date. How I feel over time and at various mileage loads is just as important as times and splits in deciding future training schedules. Keeping this training log is an important evolutionary step forward.
So beginning with week 170, 10/4/2010, runs # 924 and 925, this training log will keep track of all data beyond the data. Stay tuned for more information on how I got here, where I'm going, what my goals are, and just why I choose to run as much as I do. Maybe I'll make this blog layout a bit more presentable too... And in case you were wondering, yes I am that much of a running nerd/geek that I know how many times I've run since my 2nd running life started on July 5th, 2007.
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