Run DMZ

Wordless Wednesday

2009-12-02T06:24:00.001-08:00

Treadmill Tales

2009-11-30T11:52:00.000-08:00

It took two bum-busting falls on black ice and a near collision with a skidding car for me to break down and buy a treadmill during our first winter in Cape Cod. It cost about a grand on sale at Sears, and it ended up being used more than I expected in our tricked-out basement.

I used it to run at 4 a.m. weekday mornings because it was the only time I had between my crazy Boston commute, only it was so loud it woke everyone sleeping three stories above. During Sunday long runs in January, February and March, it kept me out there when no one else was. I’d tell myself, “I’ll run half outdoors and then finish with the rest on the treadmill.” Then I’d hit the midpoint, with my sweaty hair iced to my face and my Camelback frozen solid, and remember how much I dreaded that machine. I would tell myself I could do another 30 minutes outdoors and then finish inside. And I’d keep at it, until, of course, I’d done the entire run in the bitter cold.

When movers were hauling that treadmill out of the truck in San Diego, one of the men said to me, “You won’t need this here.”

He was right. I never used it. So, now that treadmill is suffocating in my sister’s storage unit in Los Angeles because she’s not using it either.

I thought of that treadmill when I received an email from Ana, who recently launched a Web site devoted to treadmills called RunReviews.com. It's a little different from other running sites in that it only focuses on treadmill running.

I asked Ana, who lives in Romania, what she found so appealing about an exercise machine we affectionately refer to as the “dreadmill.” Here’s her response:

“I love running. I do trail running, but too little (only in summers and when I go to the mountains). In warm weather I run outside in the park. It's very pleasant to run outside and I enjoy this very much especially on sunny days. But I hate running when it rains, it's cold or windy. I simply don't enjoy running at all under these circumstances and this is why I choose the treadmills instead. For me it's a treadmill (not dreadmill) because it helps me do something I want (which is run) whenever I want. It's like my plan B and I'm very happy with it.

I ran on awful treadmills (which I can say dreadmills would have been a better named) but I ran also on professional treadmills which honestly, are wonderful to work with. Now for me it's also a matter of testing something new. I work in the software business so maybe it's my nature to be interested in new technologies. Maybe I just combine 2 passions in one. But I sustain treadmills (professional running machines, not cheap versions that you can find for few dollars) are very helpful for a runner, either it's bad weather reason, or you don't have time to go outside for a run, or you are waiting for a call and need to stay in home and so many other scenarios.”

We just got new treadmills at my gym, and I hope to eventually match up my experience with some of those machines mentioned on the site. You might wish to do the same, especially if you live where harsh winters make a treadmill look mighty attractive and motivation starts to wane.

Building Bridges

2009-11-27T13:26:00.000-08:00

As mentioned in an earlier post, this year’s annual Black Friday Family Hike had to be more like a walk due to injury. For something both short ‘n’ pretty, I decided on a trek to walk over the new David Kreitzer Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge at Lake Hodges.

The pathway/trail to the bridge is easy to reach from a concrete entrance at the end of Sunset Ave. in southern Escondido. I’d run numerous times along the nearby Mule Hill Trail and another used in the old San Dieguito River 10k Trail Run, but this was my first on this path. We were close to the chaos at the North County Faire mall but miles away in terms of scenery and seclusion.

The path initially parallels the 15 freeway, then goes under it. The bridge is within easy sight on the other side.

There are signs – and signs – that this area was hit hard by the 2007 wildfires.

Another natural disaster also was in plain sight: long-term drought. While on the bridge I recognized part of a 10k trail race route on the Rancho Bernardo side that I’d last run a few years back. Then, the trail was surrounded by water on the lakefront side. Today, there are only spiny, desiccated stalks and cracked earth where part of the lake used to be.

When the bridge was dedicated in May, it became the longest stressed ribbon bridge in the world, according to Wikipedia. Learn more and see photos of its construction and note that throughout, the bridge is above water.

From the bridge, you can run, walk or cycle for many miles on soft earthen trails that hug the reservoir, or what’s left of it. Everyone we passed that morning seemed in good spirits, and I noted that not one runner or walker had on earbuds. Smart people. The trails aren’t always wide, and the best way to avoid a collision is to stay alert. I’ll definitely be back, perhaps with my bike or maybe just a water bottle and walking shoes.

My fellow hikers at the end of our brief but beautiful journey. (Once again, our older daughter couldn't come home for Thanksgiving, but I promise to make it up to her at Christmas.)

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone

2009-11-26T02:54:00.000-08:00

From today's New York Times:

The Turkey Day Trot, Explained

Wordless Wednesday

2009-11-25T01:45:00.000-08:00

An Honor to Serve

2009-11-23T07:44:00.000-08:00

Certainly one of the biggest beneficiaries of my spare time this year has been the San Diego Track Club, particularly since I lost my job this summer. Not only have I served on a couple of committees, done one-off assignments and helped out at every race I'm in town for, but I unexpectedly went from being a training program e-newsletter editor for three months to an interim administrative director for six months. That's a huge shift in responsibilities.

On Saturday night the track club held its annual banquet and I was among the "Super Volunteers" to receive recognition and a really nice embroidered, fleece jacket. A lot of wonderful people received special honors, including Mike, our volunteer coordinator, who was named Volunteer of the Year, and Marison, our own program's volunteer coordinator, who received the coveted Spirit Award. I liked something Mike said that evening that explains why a lot of running programs have a chronic shortage of volunteers. Mike mentioned that when you volunteer, you are putting someone else's running goals ahead of your own. It's true, and it's a big reason most avid volunteers are older and have been running for awhile. They are ready to give back, sometimes in a big way.

My husband and I had the pleasure of sitting next to Irene and Michael at the dinner, and she's written a great post on the event's venue, guest speaker and honorees, so I'm just going to steer you to her blog for more details. Because, being the good volunteer that I am, it's not all about me.

A Tear Away from Ending It

2009-11-19T14:24:00.001-08:00

I really, really like the nurse practitioner that is my primary care provider. She really knows a lot. She really knows me too.

For more than two years I have complained to her off and on about the same ankle injury. She listens, recommends a conservative course of treatment and tells me to get back with her in six to eight weeks if there is no improvement. For awhile this fall, there was improvement, which I think is why she was surprised to see me this morning.

My achilles tendon had by then swollen to twice the size of the healthy one on the other leg just by running errands the day before. Fortunately, the tendon is still attached to my “calf muscle,” so it’s not severed. But the huge knot and chronic pain point to a significant tear. Maybe even a “recreational-ending” one.

For those that are interested, the course of action for now begins with prerequisite x-rays of my foot and ankle, which are required for me to get an MRI. The MRI will settle once and for all the extent of damage and maybe shed some light on what biomechanics are behind this chronic injury. From there I will limp over to the orthopedics wing to consult with an ankle specialist. Options at the moment range from surgery to physical therapy.

In the meantime, I am taking prescription-strength anti-inflammatory medication and continue to rest, ice, bandage and elevate the ankle. I also have to wear my running shoes during all waking hours.

All this is SOP. What came next was her advice, runner to runner. She said she knows I’m not “the 24-Hour Fitness kind of runner” and that I need to soak in the outdoors and not just log miles on the treadmill. She asked some pointed yet seemingly random questions and I suddenly saw where she was going. I’ve been on the verge of tears since.

I’m going to hold off saying more until the ankle specialist has issued a diagnosis and prognosis. Forget a turkey trot. Forget taking on my peers in the 2010 SDTC Grand Prix. My new goal is to be fit enough in a week for the family’s annual walk/hike, which just got a whole lot shorter and more level.

'The Skinny' on Those Maniacs

2009-11-19T05:46:00.001-08:00

Just finished reading today's Wall Street Journal that includes an article on the rising trend of 'mega marathoners' and just what motivates someone to essentially devote so many waking hours and income to run marathon after marathon. To no one's surprise, those in pursuit of such big goals tend to be middle-aged and at their peak income, at least when they start chasing race tallies rather than race times.

For 'Mega Marathoners,' the Race is On ... To Run More Races

Here's a passage that stood out to me:

Scientists have studied compulsive running, not only in humans but in rats and mice. Some compare it to eating disorders like anorexia nervosa.

Michael Sachs, a professor at Temple University in Philadelphia who studies exercise addictions and usually runs 18 miles a week, says for most people, running multiple marathons is simply a passion, like skiing or surfing, and not a disorder. He says runners enter addiction territory only when they can't control their urge to race. "If running marathons is at the top of your list of values above all else," says Dr. Sachs, "that might be something to worry about."

What's your take on this theory?

Wordless Wednesday

2009-11-18T05:35:00.000-08:00

Who Is Killing the Raccoons?

2009-11-16T10:07:00.000-08:00

This morning made four.

Heading to the gym at daybreak, I spotted the fourth very big and very dead raccoon in the very same place as three others, give or take a few yards. These casualties of cars, coyotes or some other collision are all just around the corner from our house, on the main throughfare through our housing development. The carcasses are removed by the time schoolchildren head up the street, but by whom I do not know.

I'm not sure how often you've encountered a raccoon, but these critters are very big (21 to 60 pounds) and often rabid. I've seen maybe three my entire time here, all while running in the dark. They like to hide in storm drains until you pass, though wild ones can be aggressive. And now I come upon four of them, all stone cold dead, in one week and in one place.

Even more disconcerting: What are my neighbors doing with the road kill?!

An All-Too-Typical Saturday Morning

2009-11-14T11:25:00.000-08:00

Once again I sat out what appeared to be another superb Saturday morning run with our training program. I guess when you re-aggravate a tenacious ankle injury that took months to heal, it takes more than a couple of weeks to mend again.

Instead, I volunteered at our aid station at Morley Field, near North Park, which meant sitting in a cushy director's chair with my spiced chai latte and shooting the breeze with fellow volunteer Erin while runners came and went. I also shot photos for our online album, some of which I'll share here.

First, the group decides on a route - or several options, in this case. Ordinarily we follow a map with a prescribed run, but today everyone decided to wing it. That flexibility and innovation is what I love best about this group.

We always do a warm-up first.

Oh, come on...you wouldn't have been able to pass up this shot either. (Besides, it's not like I was 'behind' everyone.)

Most of the group just before everyone took off in all directions.

That's fellow San Diegan running blogger AKA Alice, who ran with part of her herd this morning.

Just as our runners were finishing up, the men's USATF Dirt Dog Championship Race was starting.

More from near the front of the pack.

And our fearless leader with a boo-boo on his arm where he fell down on the course. He skinned his knee too. Gotta love the additional challenges of cross-country.

I wish I could have stayed to watch the women's race. I'm sure it would have inspired me. But I had to get home in time to make a salad to complement the fixings at Christine and Todd's place, where we intend to enjoy an afternoon of football and fellowship. I better watch what I eat, though, since you don't burn nearly as many calories running your mouth all morning.

Some Wordless Days Don't Go As Planned

2009-11-11T05:32:00.000-08:00

I spent yesterday in Point Loma babysitting an 8-month-old. We spent the morning strolling all over Shelter Island and surrounding residential areas. The weather was perfect. The setting, perfect. The baby's disposition, perfect perfect perfect. My camera, not so perfect. It wouldn't work and there were some wonderful Wordless Wednesday photos just waiting to be captured. One image was of a pod of lunchtime runners all wearing their iPods and Vibrams with the bay, city skyline and mountains in the background. (I will say this, those barely-there "shoes" make you look much cooler if you're running in longer board shorts than itsy bitsy running shorts, guys.)

So there's no photo for today. Instead, let me cast aside my disappointment and thank each and every veteran and family member of a veteran for their service and their sacrifices on behalf of our country. That includes my all-time favorite veteran, who is still upstairs snoring away as I type this.

Fall Harvest, At Last!

2009-11-08T07:25:00.000-08:00

This weekend has been marked on my calendar since August, when a farm in Fallbrook took out a notice on Craigslist to let everyone know that persimmon picking would begin the first full weekend in November.

That weekend finally arrived, along with an email invitation to former customers of Little Quail Ranch deep in Valley Center, where we set out Saturday morning. The timing worked well for me because I’d decided to take the day off from our half marathon training program to ditch some e-waste at our suburb’s annual recycling event. It’s usually full by mid-morning, but as a sign of the times, there was still plenty of trash truck space at all the recycling stations by 9 a.m. People are indeed holding on to their stuff now, which is probably just as good for the environment.

From there we drove up to northern San Diego County, though my husband did so under duress. It’s college football season, after all.

To win him over, I repeatedly vowed to be quick and to not go over budget, and I kept that promise, though at only $1.25 a pound (a dollar less than currently in supermarkets), it was hard to stick with just 10 pounds’ worth. The place was packed just an hour into opening day, with families and couples coming from all over the region to snip off all that firm orange fruit from row upon row of trees. As we were getting our loot weighed, cars were being turned away due to lack of parking.

This is as close as it comes for San Diegans who can’t indulge in fall apple picking like you folks way up north. And just so you know, there are two popular types of persimmons in the USA, fuyu (shown here) and the heart-shaped hachiya. Both are high in glucose and come in at 100 to 150 calories per fruit. Last year we bought hachiya variety at a farm stand near Marysville, Calif., over Thanksgiving weekend, forgetting the cardinal rule for that highly astringent variety. Trust me, when you bite into an under-ripe hachiya, you don’t forget it.

Welcome Home, Meb

2009-11-06T13:33:00.000-08:00

Today San Diego welcomed home Meb Keflezighi, the first American to win the New York City in 27 years. Meb’s family emigrated from Etirea when he was young and he went to elementary, junior high and high school here in San Diego. His family, classmates, coaches and teachers and track friends attended the special event at the San Diego Hall of Champions in Balboa Park. A former sports broadcaster, who ran NYC in 1977, gave Meb an original LeRoy Neiman poster from that year. (As he accepted the gift, Meb mentioned that despite running NYC five times, he'd never gotten a poster.)

Most people, particularly those who read running blogs, are familiar with his story, which includes winning the silver medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics. Then a few years later he fractured his right hip (from, he says, being “too lean for too long”) and many wrote him off because of his injury and his age. “A year and a half ago, I couldn’t even walk,” he recalled.

He said during that time he came to realize who his true friends were, and how much he appreciated them. “Close friends are those who care for you as a human being,” he said.

He repeatedly credited praying hard and working hard for his amazing comeback. And, to no one's surprise, he showed no bravado despite being one of the greatest marathoners in the world.

During the question-and-answer portion, someone from our track club asked if he kissed the ground or did a pushup after crossing the finish line in Central Park. “Both,” he joked. “I planned to kiss the ground and then I saw the dirt and though, maybe not.”

Later he told the crowd of about 150 people that he wanted people to remember him for his perserverance in the face of so much adversity.

“I just want to be the hope for people who are struggling,” he said.

He also gave props several time to San Diegans. "It's really a small community where everyone knows your name, and when you go into Vons and people ask: Where's your next race?"

Yeah, like that happens to me all the time :-).

The press conference opened with everyone watching Meb reading Letterman's Top 10 on the New York City Marathon.

His extended family brought a sign for Meb.

Members of the San Diego Track Club went onstage afterward for a photo with Meb.

Are You Balanced?

2009-11-05T09:13:00.000-08:00

Saw this over on Daily Mile yesterday and thought others might like to take this simple quiz to determine if maybe, ahem, you have a real issue with exercise. Be honest, now. It's very easy to tell what the "correct" answer is. Let us know the results, too.

Exercise Quiz: Are You An Exercise Perfectionist?

Guest Wordless Wednesday

2009-11-04T06:38:00.001-08:00

From a friend's collection of photos during a recent trip to Vermont.

Bringing It Home

2009-10-31T11:31:00.001-07:00

Our Saturday training runs typically are held in either East County or near the coast, but not near my coast in La Jolla or Del Mar. The exceptions have all been races or those runs I've hosted. That includes this morning's trail run in Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve.

It was nice to not wake extra early and not worry about mysterious car sounds or consuming so much gas to basically go for a run. All I had to do was grab my handheld water bottle, a few copies of the map and do a slow-jog warmup to our gathering spot at Canyonside Community Park (where it's FREE to park and open early, by the way).

I wasn't ready to christen my new Nikes, so I wore my old Mizunos, which removed any doubt that they were at least partially responsible for my prolonged achilles tendonitis. A mile into the run I felt that old familiar ache. And seven miles later, under otherwise perfect conditions, I couldn't stand the stabbing pain any longer.

Once everyone had returned safely to home base, I walked home via a gigantic dirt hill shortcut and passed through a neighborhood I normally only see in the dark or at dawn. I realized it's been many months since I was home this early on a Saturday morning. Seeing everyone in action, and happy, almost made me forget how much my ankle hurt. Almost.

You Talking to Me?

2009-10-29T10:09:00.000-07:00

Most of you don't look at my online training diary, but if you did you'd notice I'm in the throes of another online rowing challenge. This is my first since February and it requires me to row 31,000 meters between Oct. 25 and 31. Doing this using gym equipment creates an additional challenge because sometimes both machines are in heavy use and sometimes the 30-minute rule is enforced. So I'm essentially doing this in four days instead of seven.

I took on the challenge because, after almost a full year without racing, I need new spark plugs and this is the best way to get a cheap tune-up. And, if this morning is any indication, my body's running much better already.

Usually if I'm going to row long, I run short. But I woke to perfect 45-degree weather and decided to run 5 miles around Lake Miramar first. A mile into it, a guy in a warmup suit heading my way did a U turn in front of me, and I figured I'd use him as a rabbit. Only I caught him a half mile later and did what any woman twice his age and half his height would do: I chicked him.

He didn't like it and started a chase and that's how I ended up finishing that run a minute per mile faster than usual. He never did catch me.

Then an hour later I am rowing away, listening to my iPod and watching the closed captioning for "The Early Show" when I realize the trio next to me is talking about me. One's a personal trainer and one's on the rower next to me, trying to match me stroke per stroke. She gives up in less than 10 minutes.

Afteward, as I wiped down my machine, she and another woman asked me if I always row like this. "No," I answered. "Yesterday I did 10,000 meters but today, because I ran for five miles prior, I stopped at 7,000 meters."

"Oh," the woman on the rower says to her friend on the elliptical. "I should have known; she's a badass."

"Yep," the other woman says, "I told you that's why you couldn't keep up. She's a badass."

I thought of setting the record straight. I really did. But instead I smiled at them, wished them well and thanked my badass for such a great jump start to the day.

You Guys Are So Smart

2009-10-29T10:02:00.000-07:00

To those who guessed yesterday's mystery man was Robert Englund, a.k.a. Freddy Kreuger: Congratulations. You are very wise and know your warped characters.

I felt incredible guilty taking that photo because it was very obvious the man wanted to be left alone. His dog was much friendlier once he realized I wasn't part of the papparazzi. I bet he'd have liked a copy of this photo, too, but I wasn't about to ask for his email address. Ah, well.

(Not Quite) Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-28T05:25:00.000-07:00

I took this photo while we were at Laguna Beach a number of years ago and thought it apropos for the week of Halloween. Try to guess the 'gore porn' character this actor played. (I had to scan the photo since I couldn't find the CD holding the image, so the photo is not as crisp as I'd like.)

A Long Way From Alaska

2009-10-26T04:40:00.000-07:00

Happy 21st Birthday, Alex!

In case you can't remember, this was our front yard and this was your favorite time of the day. The neighborhood no longer exists, but fortunately the mountain still does.

Perfect Beginning to the Weekend

2009-10-24T14:01:00.000-07:00

A large group almost is guaranteed every time we meet to run in Coronado. It is, hands down, one of the best places to run in San Diego. It's flat. Highly scenic and not prone to extremes in weather.

This morning I ran the circumference of the "island" while a lot of people extended the run out onto the strand that connects Coronado to Imperial Beach. I ran the first three miles with some women who are faster than me, and it felt great to keep up with them. The second half I ran most of the way with a woman on the master's team and finished a few minutes ahead of her (of course, she ran the Nike Half Marathon last week and I didn't).

The sun burned through the fog just as I was coming off the bike path and into Tidelands Park where we started. Total distance was 6.6 miles and average pace per mile was a confidence-boosting 9:14. I think the computer program may have been too generous but it was definitely the fastest I've run since my injury and I'm holding on to it.

I finished out the morning with a wonderful brunch meeting at Tent City, where our planning committee unanimously voted for my suggestions for the final run of the program in December. I've got a lot of work ahead of me, but it's work I can't wait to start.

Do You 'Participate' or Run In a Race?

2009-10-23T05:07:00.001-07:00

Yesterday at lunch my friends Louise and Jeanette and I were discussing race cut-offs and what some race officials do once a deadline has passed, particularly for really labor- and resource-intensive events like big-city marathons and Ironmans.

Then this morning I saw this piece in the New York Times, which, as it does around this time every year, features numerous articles on running and marathons.

Plodders Have a Place, But Is It In a Marathon?

Here's an excerpt on the different attitudes:

Purists believe that running a marathon should be just that — running the entire course at a relatively fast clip. They point out that a six-hour marathoner is simply participating in the event, not racing in it. Slow runners have disrespected the distance, they say, and have ruined the marathon’s mystique.

Slower marathoners believe that covering the 26.2 miles is the crux of the accomplishment, no matter the pace. They say that marathons inspire people to get off their couches, if only to cross off an item on the Things to Do Before I Die list. And besides, slow runners are what drive the marathon business, they say.

Guest Edition: [Mostly] Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-21T04:50:00.000-07:00

(My friends Louise and Rolly recently helped out at the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii. This week we're featuring some of Louise's photos from that event.)

A Friends and Family Post

2009-10-19T18:41:00.001-07:00

And I'm going to be magnanimous and not point out which one of these talented dancers is my kid. And only link to the homecoming rally dance that also features the football players.