All Comers Track Meets—Article For NW Runner Magazine

This was an article I wrote for Northwest Runner Magazine that ran in the May 2013 issue. I'm finally getting around to posting it here.

(click to enlarge)

Wheels Are Spinning...Finally

Three bike rides in the last three days? Why, yes! Well, the first one was a very slow ride with my sister that was cut short when her rear tire flatted and my patch job didn't hold. But yesterday and today were both legit rides (16 miles and 11 miles, respectively.) Still not very long, but I plan on easing my legs back into this whole endurance thing. It usually takes me a while to get "bike legs" anyway. My "running legs" usually come back a little faster, maybe because I've been primarily a runner for the last 30 years!

I've been riding on the Centennial Trail here in Spokane, along the Spokane River. The weather has been great, if not a tad warm. Tonight, I rode at sunset and paid for it by being sandblasted (bugblasted) by small, winged insects the entire ride. Within the first mile, I learned to ride with my mouth closed, even though my nose was a little plugged due to allergies.

Even though I may never be a hard-core cyclist, I'm enjoying some endurance training once again. I hope running will still be a significant part of my program, but while the weather is nice here, it won't hurt to get in several bike rides, especially since it doesn't seem to irritate my right calf and hamstring.

Still No Riding...But A Little Running

I mentioned a couple of posts ago that I was going to dust off my trusty two-wheeler and start pedaling to get my cardio fix.

Well, the best laid plans...

A surge of work came in nearly two weeks ago that has allowed little free time. Cycling takes more planning than most other forms of exercise, and to get a decent workout, I feel like I need to ride for at least an hour. So I haven't gone for a ride yet since we moved here over a month ago.

However, I've made time to lift weights three days per week. Last week, I had an overwhelming urge to do a short "cooldown" run after each workout. So, last Monday, Wednesday and Friday, I ran two loops around my neighborhood each time for a total of 6.3 miles for the week. There was a time not long ago that I would average that per day, but I'm happy to have "jogged" (that's what it felt like) even that paltry mileage. I did feel some aches and pains, but nothing too extreme.

I'll probably continue with this program for a bit just to see how my body will respond. I still have plans to get out and ride, too.

Even though I intentionally bulked up when I switched to weight lifting back in March, I do need to drop a few of those pounds. The extra 17 lbs. are definitely noticeable during these runs.

So, although it's not much to report, it IS running, even if just a little.

Cartoon

I draw a weekly sports cartoon called Guts Without Glory, which (as of this writing) runs in about 10 newspapers around the country. No, I won't retire on the income ;-)

I do my best to sneak in a running-related cartoon from time to time. I usually forget to post them here, but thought I'd post this week's offering, since it's somewhat autobiographical (I just made the runner a woman instead of a man in this case.)

Perhaps you can relate?

Two Wheels

We're slowly getting settled into our new home here in Spokane. As has been the case in a lot of the Northwest this summer, it's been hot and sunny nearly ever day since we've moved here. As we've driven around the area (and walked on the Centennial Trail next to the Spokane River,) I've noticed just how many serious cyclists there are in the area. Yes, there's a very strong cycling community in Western WA, but given the population of the Spokane area, it seems as if it's an even larger group here, per-capita, anyway. There are two or three cycling clubs, and most of the riders I've seen appear to be pretty hard-core. I've also noticed that there's a large number of middle-aged (i.e. gray haired) men in amazing shape riding expensive bikes.

Given my ongoing, and repeated, running injury episodes, and the inspiration of the many riders in my demographic, I think it's (past) time to once again dust off my trusty Fuji and start pedaling.

We live close to the Centennial Trail, so I have no logistical excuses (I still don't like sharing the road with cars,) and I desperately need to get some cardio fitness back. I have been faithfully lifting weights for several months, so my strength is good, but I've done little more than take frequent walks w/my wife and dog for my "endurance" activity. Yes, my guns are bigger...but so is my gut.

I have no goals when it comes to speed, and I probably won't be seeking any club memberships anytime soon, but a few leisurely bike rides per week will definitely do me good.

3 And Out...Again

My daughter Natalie is going into her freshman year of high school. Shortly after we moved into our new home in Spokane Valley, WA, I tracked down the Central Valley HS girls cross-country coach via email and got the scoop on when and where the girls are meeting to train during the summer. Since then, I've been Natalie's chauffeur every weekday morning, as they run at 8:00am sharp. Witnessing these girls already getting serious about the upcoming season got me itching to get back out there myself. I haven't run since March due to a hamstring injury (with the exception of a 1.7 mile fun run at my youngest daughter's elementary school in early June.) So last Thursday, since Natalie had to miss the morning run with the girls, I decided to head out with her and Apollo.

I managed a slow (9:30/mile) three mile slog with Apollo—both of us out of shape—and felt the hamstring just a little. That would have been acceptable, except that the hamstring hurt much worse later in the day. In fact, it felt just like it did when it first sidelined me a few months ago.

*sigh*

I'll have to be content with being a cheerleader for Natalie for the time being.

Relocation. Defintely NOT Vacation

I didn't realize that it's been over a month since I posted here. Moving across the state has been a major event, and MUCH more work than I even anticipated. After being in our previous house for 16 years, we (okay, mostly I) managed to accumulate WAY too much junk. Not quite to the level of Hoarders, but even after three big trips to the dump, we had far too many possessions to transport across the state.

If I ever get this bad, shoot me quickly.

But we made it.

And I'm sitting here in my new office in our new house...in complete and utter disarray. It'll take us a few weeks (months? never?) to get fully unpacked and settled in.

But we're enjoying our new location. Summer here in Spokane is definitely summer by the classic definition, as opposed to Western Washington, where it can be hit-and-miss. We'll also have a distinct winter here, complete with plenty of snow and below-freezing temperatures.

So what is my training status amidst all the chaos? Well, it's on life support. I set up my workout area in the garage last week (we have a 3-car garage now, so there's a nice space for all my gear) and have done a couple of weight workouts. My oldest daughter Natalie, who will be going into high school, has started running with the Central Valley HS girls' cross-country team. They're meeting 5 mornings per week. She's about to get into the shape of her life, whether she's ready for it or not!

Seeing the approaching XC season has me itching to run again, despite my 15 lb. weight gain (mostly muscle...I'm pretty sure, anyway.) I've enjoyed running with Natalie in the past and I'd like to again, but the reality is that my days of being faster than her are probably coming to a close, unless I can resume training the way I'm accustomed to (and how I'd like to), including speed work.

We live in a quiet neighborhood, so there are lots of good areas to run. Lots of hills, too. I'm thinking that I'll be going out for some short, slow jogs sooner than later.

Speaking of which, how are the long-term injuries? My hamstring still speaks up every once in a while if I do something that stresses it. My more recent injury — a muscle (or tendon) pull on the top of my right foot — is more troublesome. I pulled that while falling out of my office chair a few weeks ago (don't ask) and I've felt it ever since.

So I'm still the same old injury prone 40-something guy I've long been. I've just relocated my old, aching body 312 miles further east now, that's all.

Never. Moving. Again.

Backing Out of STP

Wow, time flies. It's been a while since I've posted here. Honestly, there's not much to talk about, other than our big move across the state. We sold our Everett house in 3 days, eventually found one in Spokane and will close on that one on June 25th (we're currently renting back from our buyers so the kids can finish the school year.) As of this writing, we will be Spokane residents in less than three weeks. Wow.

So, about training. Hey, the Seahawks are going to be tough this year, eh?

Okay, I've not run since March, and I've been on my bike twice since then. I have, however, been lifting weights pretty intensely. Oh, and eating. A lot. Consequently, I've gained a good bit of weight, too. Every last ounce rock solid muscle...to go along with that oceanfront property in Arizona I'd like to sell you. Seriously, though, I am getting a lot stronger.

But—due to being way out of cardio shape myself, and getting a message from my sister that she's not ready to do the Seattle to Portland ride, either—I decided to pull the plug and got a partial refund. Neither my body nor my heart are into it right now. I'll do it another year, when I'm not packing up my entire life and moving 300 miles away.

I am, however, eager to very slowly and gradually start working in some short, easy runs. Every once in a while, I STILL get reminders that I REALLY messed up my hamstring. So any fast and/or extended running may still be on the very distant horizon. And, to be honest, I'm fine with that. I've grown so accustomed to getting injured from running that I'm learning to just roll with the punches and take whatever I can get. Once in Spokane, I'll probably do some easy bike rides with my sister, and possibly some easy runs with my oldest daughter. And continue lifting weights and eating. Eventually, I'll be the guy who looks like a pro wrestler, wearing Brooks gear.

Yeah, right...

After a workout last week. Lifting weights, and forks, consistently.

Moving

I'm unfortunately not talking about the kind of moving done while running. Haven't done any of that for about 7 weeks now.

I'm talking about selling our house and moving across the state, from Everett to Spokane, WA. Our house sold three days after being listed. The inspection took place yesterday and, barring anything crazy, the sale will close on May 20th. We'll move by the end of June (the kids get out of school on June 17th.) In the meantime, we'll be making trips to Spokane to hunt for a new house.

Somewhere in the mix, I need to get my behind on the bike. I'm already going to be unprepared for the Seattle to Portland bike ride (July 13th-14th), but if I don't get my body used to time in the saddle, it could be a long 200+ miles. I imagine it will be anyway.

For the most part, my ailing hamstring feels pretty good. One of my daughters hurt herself about a week ago, and I bolted up the stairs, which re-aggravated the hammy, so it seems that it wouldn't take much to set it off again. So, with the need to get on the bike and the impending relocation, it might be a while before I'm running again.

But I'll be back!

Stolen Innocence

Running, in my mind, epitomizes simplicity, purity and innocence. Who doesn't remember the childhood joy of running through the summertime sprinkler, playing tag, or chasing fireflies at dusk?

Running only requires a bit of God-given gravity and the ability to quickly put one foot in front of the other. No other sport is as pure and simple.

Runners will agree that the activity is freeing in a way that nothing else is. Cares can be left behind while our feet metronomically hit the ground and our lungs rapidly exchange carbon dioxide for oxygen. We often run on "auto-pilot," allowing our creative juices to flow freely. Our senses heighten, taking in the surrounding sights and smells as we cover ground.

Runners are, for the most part, a very friendly, diverse and accepting bunch. We cheer each other on during races (even from the sidelines), encourage one another as we reach for goals, and support one another as we battle through injuries. Political and religious differences are usually set aside as we revel in the commonality of our chosen sport.

Yesterday, however, what is arguably the running world's most visible and famous institution was attacked. The repercussions obviously go far beyond the running community, but we as runners take it personally. Much like the country came together after the 9/11 attacks, runners are showing their characteristic support and unity now more than ever. This community, thanks to online social media, is numerous. We communicate extensively and often. Today, many of us are wearing race shirts as a sign of support and remembrance for those who were affected by the bombings.

I'll go out on a limb to speak for the running community that I'm privileged to be a part of. I truly hope that the pathetic, waste of skin coward or cowards responsible for this act of terror are caught and brought to justice, and punished accordingly. I'll keep to myself the form I believe that punishment should take.

Let's all agree that, while we may mourn and share sadness, we won't be deterred from pursuing our passion.

We runners may get knocked down from time to time, but we always get back up...and run more. We as runners may have had a bit of our childlike innocence stolen from us yesterday, but our resolve and passion can't be stolen.

Thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families...