This Running Life

Atlantic City Marathon, Against the Wind

The 1920's in Atlantic City were a time of glitz, glamour and decadence earning them the name, Americas Playground. It has been accessible by railroad since the 1880's, and remains a resort city of hopes, dreams and despair that spawned and survived the growth of Las Vegas. The lure to visitors remains The Boardwalk, pristine beaches, casinos, headline entertainment, and salt water taffy. The Diving Horse that jumps off the pier is long gone, Bert Parks and Miss America has come and gone, and Tom Jones is coming back to schmooze the silver haired women who remember when.

Our purpose on this warm, autumn weekend was to run a fast, flat marathon that touched all the corners of the island, and finished on The Boardwalk and Monopoly Board at Bally's Casino.

I pay attention to the details when it comes to marathon training, including nutrition, hydration, anti-chaffing, and no wardrobe malfunctions on race day, but I had one more worry. Would my friend finish her first marathon?

It didn't take long to realize that Hal Higdon's training plan was working like a charm. She powered through the first half, and had to work hard in the second half due to small craft warning winds that battered fishing boats and runners alikee. Mile 17, Longport, the tip of the peninsula, I realized that my worry was no longer about my friend who joined a pace group and was upbeach from me, it was about how I was going to make my number, or crap out in Atlantic City.

Running alone gives you more time to doubt yourself, but there are no hills, what's the big deal? As a 3-hour, elite marathoner explained later, I had headwinds all the time, I expected tailwinds later, but I didn't feel the tailwinds. This was exactly what I was thinking as a 4-hour, middle of the packer, where is the push home? When will I feel the lift?

Mile 22, back on the boardwalk, as the struggling marathoners are entertainment for the Ventnor coffee sippers sunning themselves on benches, How far are they running George?

When the pain piles up late in the marathon, it is a good time to displace it with a good tune in your head, or a mantra that gets you home. Bob Segar and the Silver Bullet Band was my choice for this day because he must have been a runner when he recorded Against the Wind,

Moving eight miles a minute for months at a time
Breaking all of the rules that would bend
I began to find myself searching
Searching for shelter against the wind.

Just viewed my finishing pictures, which do not match how raunchy I was feeling as I crossed the finish line with my head up, almost a smile, and shortened stride. The wind took its toll today as I departed Bally's with my beer tab still attached to my bib. It looked like I had the never-agains, as I huddled over the courtyard railing, but by Monday morning, was already planning my next marathon at Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, December 10, 2011. Only 55 days away so I better shake this one off and get back on the road.

Against the wind
We were runnin' against the wind
We were young and strong, we were runnin'
Against the wind.

My friend found shelter from the wind surrounded by the hugs and love of her family at the finish line. Life takes on a new look after your first marathon, and you can't tag that on Facebook. It is now an indelible part of her runner's soul.

Running the 5th Avenue Mile

As many of you know, I am a fan of the USATF-NJ Grand Prix. Basically you run several races in three distance categories 5K, 10k, and 15K or longer. Finally you are compared with other runners in NJ. This year, I had Hernia surgery and started training late. Eventually I realized that I couldn't train appropriately for the longer races so I settled in for a year of 5Ks & 10Ks. However, that opened up an opportunity to do something new. I had never run a competitive Mile, had not run in NYC in 30 years, and thought it might be different and fun.

My goal was to break the 7 minute mile and to run it as four 400-meter segments of 1 minute and 45 seconds each. I went to the website found an 8 week training regimen and on Saturday September 24, I arrived in NYC and weaved my way from the parking lot to the registration area by the museum on 5th Ave and 80th Street. The schedule included twelve age-group competitions run from 9 to Noon, followed by the elite men & women races. My age-group was made up of more than fifty men & women in their 70s and up. We were the last age-group for the day, scheduled for an 11:55 start.

As we assembled for the start (right on time) I was struck by the fact that I was standing near the starting line. In NJ, I would be boxed into a street block with 2000 other runners and would likely run with 700 people in front of me. As the gun went off, I was suddenly running with the two favorites Sid Howard from Plainfield and ThomWeddle from Minnesota, last year they had finished side by side in 5 minutes and 50 seconds. Joining us was Pat Cosgrove, an excellent Grand Prix and short distance runner from NJ, who last year ran the Mile in 6:30 and had beaten me in all of our previous encounters. I was feeling good, but rest assured, I knew with whom I was dealing.

The rest of the trip was over before I knew it. I don't remember most of it, except that it was mainly a series of snapshots culminated by the finish line at the bottom of a lovely hill. The two guys had again finished 1-2 in approximately 6:00 and Pat in 6:28. To my astonishment I had held on for fourth in my age-group, and hit the tape at 6:45.

Following is what I remember: Before the gun went off I was standing in the 3rd row and wondering what I may need to do to get by. But suddenly I was staring at the lead truck with a clock on top when the gun fired. I was mesmerized by something I had never seen in all my races and somehow I had jumped in front of the two people in front of me. At this point I was running with the guys and then realized that if I continued this foolishness the ambulance would be picking me up at the 1200 meter mark. Wisely I let them go (so to speak) but I was now battling Pat and I pulled away. He knew better, waited for the right moment, and went shooting by me when he was ready. I looked at the 400 meter clock and it read 1:20, it did not bode well. Then John Foster standing on the sidelines cheering called out my name and woke me up, I waved at him, obviously I had a sign on me that said "AMATEUR". At the 800 meter my time was well under the forecasted 3:30 and I never even saw the 1200 meter clock, probably because I was focused on the big finish line at the bottom. My final thought was don't let anyone else pass you and I sped to the finish.

Aside from all the costs and inconveniences of NYC, I may consider going back next year. It was an extremely interesting and well run set of races. Also the Elite runners races following us had some great finishes and were well worth hanging around to see. Toshi D'Elia, who was there to support us, was so moved by what she saw that she is considering coming out of retirement next year for this race. All in all, it was a day well spent. I strongly recommend it.

Teterboro Airport 5K

Well I knew this run was going to be big. Being somewhat new to running at age 60 and new to the Club, I was a little nervous getting ready to run the Teterboro Airport 5K which was held Satuday July 16, 2011. I had heard there's a lot of people (almost 1000), it could get really hot even at 8:30 in the morning and there's no shade at all (obvious as we're running on an airport runway). The Club was advertising this as the race of the month. Uh-oh! I was even thinking I certainly don't want to make the Club I recently joined look bad.

Well I jumped up at 6:30AM, had all my security ID in order and got there really early so I had plenty of time to be nervous. Looking for friendly faces but couldn't find any one I knew. I'm new to the Club and wasn't figuring on seeing anyone I would know anyway, but when I checked the results at home there were a few of us there running with the almost 1000. Some people looked pretty professional to me. It looked like they had all the latest equipment and the best running shoes money could buy. I did some warm ups and ran a few short laps by the hangar. And then at 8:20, they were calling everyone to the starting line. So I checked my shoelaces, will the running chip come off? Will I trip over someone? Could it really be this hot already? Should I stop for water at each station?

At 8:30 sharp off we went. It wasn't too bad although the leaders looked like they were already a mile away. But I just kept to myself and did my thing. And everything worked out fine. I had my second best personal time, it was hot but very doable. I thought I might have that proverbial kick at the end but not really. I was pretty much done by the time I crossed the finish line. The snacks were good and the T Shirt is a keeper. I even wore it to church later (maybe not a good idea). I didn't finish high in my age group 11/17 but was pretty satisfied over all. (Wow...there's a lot of fast men and women who are 60+...I need to keep running and training.)

So in the end there wasn't much to be nervous about although I hear the Ridgewood Run is really big especially as the Club is so involved. Uh-oh! Look for me next Memorial Day and if you see a nervous looking 60+ guy standing around who got there really early, that will be me. Should I do the 5K or 10K? I've got a whole lot of running and practicing to do while also learning not to be so nervous.

Hugo Del Bove
Wyckoff, NJ

Woodstock to New York, Our Ragnar Relay Story

Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus, Runners are from Pluto!

“We Can Do It” is prototypical, a conundrum of friends, who asked friends to pursue a running experience across 197 miles of New York state back roads.

Prototypical ends when you crunch twelve nervous runners with gear, food, water, Gatorade, small bladders and a driver into a mini-van and SUV for 2 days. Our team represented 4 decades of education, music, comedy and theatrics, so there was bound to be a few insults tossed from front to back seat. Personal sacrifices abounded, like playing Springsteen’s “Born to Run” to inspire one of our runners hammering a 9.9 mile leg. My insult vocabulary expanded like a Thesaurus.

Racing two 10K’s in a day is usually unthinkable for the average runner, but take away sleep, hot showers, and conveniences, you have a Ragnar Relay Day, but am getting ahead of myself without describing The Night.

After a magnificent, Catskill mountain sunset, the night trekking ensued. Reflective vest, headlight, taillight and the support of your team starts the night. It gets a lot darker in the hills of New Paltz in contrast with vibrating, downtown college bars, music, and the Yankees/Red Sox game stirring the locals. Outside of town, dogs bark in the dark, but don’t approach. Ginny moves closer, but holds her breath. Jack holds her tight as they walk the moonlit path, on an upstate night.

It’s only 9:20 P.M. and we lost our first runner on a railway trail that covertly leads across the Beacon Bridge and Hudson River. Our driver Jeanette rights the ship, and navigates the backstreets of Poughkeepsie, where we found our lonely runner waiting at Exchange 14. Jenna was all smiles and piled into the van that careened up a one-way street taking dead aim at a downtown trolley. The “Waz” was on the loose, sporting a Nordic helmet with Dall sheep horns that even Marist students found a little strange on a Friday night. The second legs were going faster, but the devil is lurking in the 3rd leg. After handing off the baton to Van II, Van I was emotionally spent and tried to sleep for two hours. 4:20 A.M. time to start the mighty third leg.

It’s hard to gloss over the gut wrenching 3rd leg, which is the essence of Ragnar. After 29 sleepless hours, a runner’s will to finish is put to the ultimate test, but 11 people are waiting, there is no time to feel sorry for your self. When you finish a race as 12 instead of 1, you get that Ragnar Relay loving feeling. It might compare to winning a major championship when teams stack up to touch the trophy, but the question is still open, why did we run the Ragnar Relay?

To feel alive,
To feel the love of team,
For a fleeting moment,
To feel fulfilled as a runner.

Woodstock to New York, A Ragnar Relay Story

All the 5K's and 10K's and 1/2's and marathons are run, so is that all there is, than I will keep running? Than along comes Ragnar with a movie called Hood to Coast, and a tuxedoed Master of Ceremonies in lime green frame glasses who may have fallen off the bus to Woodstock. Oh, it's Bart Yasso, Runners World, and the coolest runners in the world. Signed my waiver, and it was time to meet my team. Neurotics, Neurologists, Nutritionists, Narcissists, Nurses, a 50 doing 50 States, and that's Van #1. I guess the normal people, like me, are in Van #2. Surprise! We are all nutz!

Was taught to never answer a question with a question, but why we are running Ragnar may only be partially answered May 13-14, 2011. The altruistic observer says it's to be part of a team, feel the exhilaration of crossing the finish line, get a bunch of hugs, take some pictures, and go back to Jersey. If it was only that simple, there would be no essay contest, elite runners will take home the trophies, and the volunteers take out the garbage, but there must be more.

It's eleven enablers on your team, with the collective hope that you will bring something to the table. A new recipe, an internet joke, a smile, be yourself. Do you like peanut butter? "If you don't get on the bus, you will miss the trip," Ken Kesey advised back in the 60's when the real Woodstock took place. So, am on the bus to Woodstock to New York Ragnar Relay. Was passed the Ragnar Bible (Safety regulations and local etiquette), and was instructed to read and follow. Lots of rules and gear, and I get to run at night. What's next?

Team practice runs start the epic journey, as everyone gets to know each other and sweat together. This is more than a 20 mile run in the country as each runner does three legs of various distances and difficulty. Something must happen when you "rest" in the van between legs because everyone is fretting the third leg. We need to practice our rest and recovery which is my specialty, sleeping on buses. Some kind of atrophy gremlins must crawl into the vans to make this run a little more challenging, so will keep a lookout, and bring bug spray as per the Ragnar Checklist!

I am the oldest on the bus, and was the only runner on our team who made it to Woodstock, Bethel, and Monticello in August 1969. Just ran into my friend who took that ride 41 years ago, up the New York Thruway, across Route 17M and ditched my car when we could drive no further. The details got sketchy, but he remembers me jumping on a passing fruit truck and tossing watermelons over the side. Oh, to be 17 again!

So, the question is open, why are we running Ragnar Relay and the answer is quite simple, to feel alive. To enjoy the energy, the intellect, and yes, the recipes of my fellow teammates. Will try to remember more details than Woodstock '69, as Bart Yasso encourages us all to enjoy the journey, and so we will.

Kevin Burns
"We Can Do It"

A Day with Bart Yasso

I signed up for Little Rock's Marathon because my company has a large manufacturing and service center on Little Rock International Airport, so I combined a two-year project with 26.2 miles. LIT, as it is known in flying acronyms, fancies itself as "the biggest little city." It did not matter that they copied the tag-line from Reno, Nevada, this is Clinton Country.

After two great days of work, meeting my French and American counter parts in LIT, was time to check into the Health & Fitness Expo in the sub-floor of The Peobody Hotel, host of the 9th event. Received my lucky Irish bib number 317, in honor of Saint Patrick's Day, so I started to feel more spiritual confidence. Have not met a marathoner who wasn't superstitious and full of rituals, and I am no different.

After activating my chip, I turn to the first vendor table, and there he is. Same green-framed glasses he wore in Hood To Coast running movie as Master of Ceremonies on the Red Carpet Premier in 360 theaters across the country. Hood To Coast followed four unlikely teams on their epic journey to conquer the world's largest relay race. Same smile, sense of humor and wit as he held court in the Expo hall. He signed his book, took pictures, and seemed to know everyone by first name in the room. He was the rock star of this running show, and was only warming up.

I had him sign my book and the next thing I know, he has Pam Oliver from FOX Sports on his cell phone. "Hang out, she'll be here soon," and explains she is here to take down Troy Aikman, her NFL booth anchor, in the 1/2 marathon. Bart is Pam's coach and hopes she can pull through.

Never snapped that picture with the vivacious Pam Oliver because she was detoured to Central High School in Little Rock to pay homage to the site of forced school desegregation during the American Civil Rights Movement. In 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower ordered the 1,200-man 101st Airborne Division from Fort Campbell, Kentucky to escort the nine students into the school. Good reason for Pam missing a photo opp with yours truly.

An Expo life is not an easy life, but Bart bounces with youthful energy and interest in everyone's reason for running Little Rock. He was in vintage form at the Peobody Pasta Party on Saturday night with his patented speech on how we are on this journey together. Does not matter what speed you run tomorrow, elite or walkers, we are in this together for a reason.

I can hear Bart's voice on the mike at the early start for 14:00 milers and walkers as I escorted Carla from Chicago from the Peobody Hotel to the starting line. Checked my watch and it was 5:54. Reassured Carla that she had plenty of time. Asked her what she expected to do today, and she hoped for 6:30 in the dark, cold, windy morn, and I began to encourage her. "Extend the arms and the legs will follow," I shouted, "c'mon, we have a race to run today." Carla picked up the gait and we laughed all the way down the River Walk where Bart was welcoming the early starters. I asked Carla to finish in 6:00 today, hugged her, and pushed her into the starting corral. I proceeded to the Elite Tent for an early morning massage with Darryl Griffith's Massage Team that had been working overtime for three days at the Expo and race. The Kenyans were already in the Elite tent when I arrived at 6:02. They were huddled in a circle in front of the space heaters that were attempting to thwart the wind and chill of the morning.

Received my follow up massage and pre-race stretch. Decided to head for warmer ground in the Marriott Courtyard lobby with my New Jersey friend, Terry. We enjoyed a cup of Rustico coffee, and the growing company of chilled runners. At 7:50, stepped outside and found our respective corrals. Bart was on the podium pumping up the crowd, and entertaining before the start. No speeches, we were off on time!

My marathon time and struggle with hernia pain was insignificant, as I heard other runners' troubles. Over 3,000 jammed the Clinton Library for some great BBQ, beer, and N'awlins style music, but the night was young. All that wind caused flight delays, and Bart was staying over. Did not know this until Terry and I stopped at Duggan's and Gusano's on our way up the River Walk, and walked alone to the Peobody.

Bart was holding court, so I thought, at the lobby bar, but it was the lady from St. Louis who was leading the choir tonight. Sat down and started to get roasted by Kansas City, St. Louis, Denver, and Wilmingon, NC. Bart was an innocent bystander as the gauntlets were being dropped like rocks. Runners sure have funny rituals as they express their friendship and love of the sport. Bart kind of reels it in, and sets up another round of debate as everyone is enjoying the round table. Inevitably, last call drives us back to our rooms and the fate of a 4:00 AM wake up call is imminent.

The Bart Yasso epic drama red carpet hard core elite absurd running story is coming to a Fairway near you. Through the power of 3-putts, and slicing drives, have invited Bart to RG&CC for a round of golf and a Fairway-to-Fairway run, Jersey style. He has not set a date, but I believe we will meet again, soon, as our interests collide over fairways and trails. Thank you Bart Yasso for all you have done for the sport of running, and how to cherish the families we come from.

Roxbury, CT: Step Back in Time

Did you ever want to go back in time when there were no $20.00 entry fees, micro chips, compuscore, bad t-shirts, mile markers, closed roads and convenient water stations, and just run races for the joy of running? Well, I found a place about 85 miles away tucked into the Western Connecticut hills called Roxbury. We actually drove through a New England framed town called New Milford with lots of little shops and am sure I passed up a great stack of pancakes at the local eatery.

Roxbury is a self-sustaining running club that puts out a bucket to collect race fees for their annual December marathon and half marathon. The course description says it best, as they don’t wish to attract the feint of heart, “all hills.” This answered every question I ask fellow runners when I arrive at a new course.

There is a huddle around the starting line due to 18-degree temperature and a light breeze. Roxbury’s President decided to explain the course through a ratty, old bullhorn with a frozen battery to 100 people who just wanted to run. It was stand-up comedy at its best, as this Lynard Skynard impersonator rambled on about Judds Bridge and Botsford Hill.

The first three miles were chatty as guest runners like myself exchanged pleasantries with local Roxbury runners. Spirits were high as we descended at least 300 vertical feet entering a dirt road that shall be known as Damn Dirt Road for the next 4 miles. 4x4’s and runners use this road for their purposes, and now the pack runs silent. Up easy and hard downhill over a few side hill icy patches that formed overnight. Had to concentrate on ruts and loose footing and follow the pack through this rugged terrain. Every time you passed or were passed, encouraging words from Roxberians were expressed, “looking good,” keep it up,” “you can do it.” I realized this was not about time, skill and speed, but about everyone finishing safely, and enjoying the run.

Well, my stopwatch says it was a worthy effort and was quite pleased to see the finish line. The “SWAG” consisted of a bottle of water and a bag of apples, probably picked from one of the local orchards we passed. There was no DJ chirping on a microphone, only a few tired runners with an open hand saying “nice run Jersey.” I learned a valuable lesson about running clubs and the joy of participation, friendship, and helping each other up the next hill. It has inspired me to give back to my club as I plan another “Fairway-to-Fairway Run” which is a free run for North Jersey Masters to support each other in the New Year. Wishing all a Happy and Healthy 2011!

First NJM Fairway-to-Fairway

What is all this golf stuff doing on NJM’s website? Golf season was over in October and it’s way too cold to grip a club. As many runners can attest, there is nothing softer on the feet and joints than running golf course fairways. I have been fortunate enough to be able to get up early, and run them barefoot, as I live on the 10th hole at Ramsey Golf & Country Club. I thought about how I could share this experience with my friends at North Jersey, discussed it with John Foster, and the e-mails started trickling out on November 24. This was way too short a notice during Thanksgiving week with Ashenfelter and Dick Meighan and NYRR already committed, but 8 runners promised to be there.

What a morning! Thirty degrees, sunny, should I wear gloves, shorts or leggings, better load up the layers. 10:15, it’s time to go, but we are missing two. NJM runs like the trains, on time. Mike Machuca taught me that lesson when I was a NJM newbie.

Downhill through Ramsey Golf & Country Club’s, (RG&CC) first seven holes and everyone is smiling. Passed a few wary golfers who were all bundled up in frost bite gear. Through downtown Ramsey, next stop Fairway #2, Darlington County Park and Bergen County’s newly renovated golf course in the Ramapo foothills.

We encountered a closed gate that six of us shimmied through and were making our way through the staging area of the Mahwah 10K. I asked the group to keep all eyes open for a hole in the fence so that we could access the golf course. Fence number two was negotiated easily by scaling a fat tree trunk that Mother Nature dropped on the border fence, and before we knew it, we were dancing on the 5th fairway of Darlington.

At this point, Jim Weismann takes the lead and the cross-country experience is about to expand. Jim has never met an incline that he didn’t want to climb, so we started up those Ramapo foothills, but are off any course calculation that I made in my e-mail.. Hats are off, gloves are off, down to one layer, and this just got serious. We are looking for a hole in the fence to return, and kept climbing. Bob Hollis is smiling because he is at one with Mahwah, his hometown, but Christy is starting to get concerned on her first long run over ten miles. Third fence, steep road embankment, thickets of bramble that has lost its foliage and most thorns, puts us out on Campgaw Road. Now it’s time to depart Ramapo Valley Reservation and enjoy the downhill side through Maryrest Cemetery. The group runs fast and silent as they remember their lost loved ones. 5 miles to Fairway #3 on the other side of Mahwah stands Apple Ridge Country Club.

The group is relieved, but I sense Jim may be disappointed that we didn’t keep climbing the Campgaw Ski area. Re-entering Ramsey, the planned water stash that nobody thought they needed welcomes the sweating six. 16 oz bottles went down easy as dehydration in the winter seems out of place, but skiers and mountain people know it all too well.

Having Jim and Greg Paddon’s Garmin working overtime helps the group push on to the trifecta of fairways, Apple Ridge. Christy is still running strong with her male alpha dogs leading for the last two hours. Gliding down Lake Street with a half mile to go, I observe the ease Peter Molyneux is running after 12 miles. His shorter gait and rapid turnover is a style I have tried to copy for the last three years as he is one of the premier runners in the state.

The runners reward for a great workout is the Lakeside Grill where crocks of soup are downed as fast as pints of beer and ice water. How can the 2nd Fairway-to-Fairway top this day?

The jingle bells will be ringing on December 19th at RG&CC!

A Runner’s Camelot

Camelot in running terms has come to mean a place or time of idyllic happiness, “when weekly workouts with professional coaching in the spring, summer and fall are conducted in a supportive and friendly club environment. By running in groups with others of similar speed and ability, and by learning training techniques through shared experience, members dramatically improve” and reach their place. Runners are motivated, connected, and excited about their achievements. There is hope and optimism in every step taken.

Running is a sport that expresses sports and games which are sublimations of aggressive urges, as we sublimate the desire to fight, into the ritualistic activities like formal running competition in USATF, NYRCC and the neighborhood’s 5K. Running seems to be the highest form of sublimation. Marathons are the proof.

So they trained and they trained, they ran and they ran, through summer’s heat and states of repression. Statistics, coaches, fellow runners and family all said you were ready, but ready for what? Camelot, of course.

On the marathon starting line, a catharsis occurs as the last six months fast forwards through our minds and soul. Am I ready? The starting cannon awakens me and it is time to go. I come from a special place where it is not enough to simply finish a marathon; it has to be raced to the nth degree. It is the underlying form that drives our achievement. It is the means to our end…Camelot.

Race Sniglet

September 18, 2010, Fallen Heroes 5K, NBGP-500 pts, Bar A (Anticipation), Lake Como (Belmar), New Jersey,

Race is held to support the mission of the FMBA (Firemens Mutual Benevolent Association) to improve the health and safety of our brothers and sisters and to secure the well-being of the widows and children of our fallen heroes. The bagpipe presentation and remembrance of 343 firemen and all who lost loved ones on September 11 had a thousand people at Bar A fighting back tears, but the day was about strength and resilience demonstrated by all who attended.

In the race the overall winner was Dominic D’Agastino, age 16 of Wallington, NJ in a time of 16:46. Dominic is a member of the Dassault Aerospace Fly Faster racing team out of Teterboro, NJ, and he sure ran faster then everyone else. North Jersey Masters Christy Dellapenta and Kevin Burns teamed with Dominic to take first place in the Coed Team Division for Dassault Falcon RaceTeam. We hope to see Dominic at Tuesday's NJM workout as he develops into one of Bergen County's finest runners. Imagine how fast he will be after Coach Joel oversees his development.

There was something about this day that inspired all to run their best as Christy and Kevin posted PR's on their NJM race records. Coach Joel's speed work on Tuesday was a difference maker as Christy and Kevin sprinted through the finish line. Weather was ideal as the sun burned off the cloud cover as everyone finished at Bar A. For those over thirty, Bar A is a club that entertains over 3,000 on a summer's Friday night. Bruce and Southside Johnny appear often in a multi-tiered environment that includes 8 lanai's, a grotto, at least 10 bars, BBQ, and ProTour Volleyball courts. Mayor Michael Ryan, mayor of Lake Como, aka South Belmar, kept the speeches short and kept the firemen and families in the spotlight.

If running and the Bar A barbeque lunch was not enough, down 16th Avenue, Hurricane Igor was supplying 5-8 footers for world class surfers competing for $25K first prize at Belmar Beach. "Wind is weird, but the surf is pumping - busting longboards like toothpicks at Belmar."

Aloha, mahalo, see you in Belmar next year.

THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH

Early in the 16th century Ponce De Leon spent his time traveling around Florida looking for the "Fountain of Youth". Since that time many seniors have traveled to Florida in search of the magic waters but failed to find it. In the 21st century there is emerging proof that "Running" is the long sought after youthfulness elixir. By this we mean that at an advanced age we still possess the characteristics of vigor, flexibility, bounciness, smooth body surfaces, and baby faceness.

How does running become the elusive "Fountain of Youth"? Is it because of the extra doses of Vitamin D, or the improved circulation, or the abundant oxygen? Or is it a combination of these things which provides us with an extremely powerful Immune System that delays the aging process? It really doesn't matter as long as it works. One thing is certain though, the the results from current products in the marketplace cannot live up to the basic characteristics of youthfullness; running stands alone.

I have been a member of the North Jersey Masters since 1980. My observations over the years indicate that as a group our running club appears significantly younger than the general population. Many of our "older" members seem to be 10-20 years younger than their actual age. Today, when I look at people with whom I ran 30 years ago, it is hard to believe that they are more than 60 years old.

The most difficult characteristic of youthfullness: vigor provides some proof. In the last two years we have seen two sixty year old club members run a marathon in under four hours. This year we have also seen more than a half dozen 70 year olds in New Jersey run 5Ks in less than 8 minutes per mile; 5 years ago there were none. As we age the the bar keeps moving up, to where the 70s are now the new 50s. Therefore, I must conclude that we have found the "magic Fountain". It didn't start that way. We began by doing something that we enjoyed and accidentally found something that has eluded humans for centuries.

To support my thesis, recent empirical evidence (2008) from Dr. James Fries and his Stanford University School of Medicine team indicate that "Running" may help you live longer and healthier. In 1984, Dr Fries began a study of 961 older runners (age 50 and up); 538 were runners and the rest (423) were non-runners. The researchers collected yearly questionnaires from all subjects to help explain their ability to perform daily activities such as bathing, dressing, walking, ability to grip objects, and maneuver out of a chair. Twenty-one years later the results showed that runners were healthier and happier and remained independent longer than did non-runners. Running delayed the onset of age-related disability and frailty by a whopping 16 years.

How lucky are we? It's great to have been proven right in making one of life's great decisions, and to be running at a time where those of us above 50 can count on many more years of fun. Also it is important for the club's newer and younger members to keep running, so that they too can lead a long and healthy life of new discoveries and records. Unlike Ponce De Leon they have, just like us "older" types, stumbled upon the Fountain of Youth.

IN PURSUIT OF 2 MINUTES - Continued

At the most recent Dunkerhook workout, Jose Fernandez queried about an article that I posted on "This Running Life", on May 20, about improving my 10K race times by 2 minutes. I was stunned! Not only did somebody read my article but three months later was inquiring about the status. I thought that no one had seen it, and if someone saw it they would have forgotten it by now. C'est la vie, I can't hide anymore and must now respond .

Since May the 20th, I ran a disastrous 10K at Ridgewood and then devoted June and July to running 5Ks for the Grand Prix Mini-1. Currently I am using the August lull in the racing calendar to prepare for the upcoming Fall Grand Prix races, which includes several 10K races. At the same time, I continue my main goal of developing a perfectly aligned body. It should translate into the proper biomechanics followed by the elusive 2 minutes improvement in the October and November 10Ks. I believe that my hard work is on the verge of paying off. Below is a list of the Fall races which will be used to evaluate failure or success, they include the 2009 results for future comparisons.

• October 3 - Mahwah 10K (53:55)
• October 10 - USATF-NJ XC 8K (44:50)
• October 17 - Paramus Run 10K (56:06)
• November 14 - Giralda Farms 10K (54:25)
• November 25 - Ashenfelter 8K (42:28)

The two minute target (1 Minute for 5Ks) is based on a study by Dr Nancy Hamilton at The University of Northern Iowa which concluded that aging is not the main culprit in slowing us down after 40. It is not age but a shortening stride length which leads to poor running biomechanics. According to the study, we should be able to run into our 90s by improving flexibility. It is the "flexibility of the hip and knee joints, as well as the quadriceps that are the key factors in preserving stride length" and running times.

The question still remains about how to do it. That must be left for another time. But if you wish more information on biomechanics, check the following two sources: The "Peak Performance" website at www.pponline.co.uk/encyc/0122.htm, and the PDF file at www.tswong.net/hkpe/others/multiapproach_eng.pdf.

Can't Change the Weather So I Changed My Shoes

Do red cars go faster? Some say yes, especially law enforcement. Do yellow shoes go faster? A fellow runner asked me and I tried to explain that one should never underestimate the deep bond between a runner and his yellow footwear.

For the past month of June, I tried four times to break 24 minutes in 5K's, but could not break the pattern. I wasn't in a rut because my results were competitive in my age group, but not in my mind. The heat was wearing me down and I was ready to wait until Fall, or the Jingle Bell, or whatever. I needed a change, but was it training, diet, stretching, or what?

My spirits needed a lift so I purchased a pair of yellow racing shoes just in time to run on my company's team in the Teterboro 5K. I looked out my window and scouted the course that was still hot, flat and straight. I would be at one in the hot sun flying over 100 degree tarmac in my magical (metaphysical) yellow shoes. They made me cheerful and happy as I dripped in sweat at the crowded start wondering if this was my day to break 24.

Flat and fast felt good with a little headwind from the north for the first mile. Turned 180 degrees at the cone which draws out the Teterboro monster which is convection heat from all directions. Kept the zen thoughts streaming, because there are no songs written about yellow shoes. I passed a guy I never passed before but recognized from all the championship runs in June. In the last mile, where the finish line radiates like a mirage in the hot desert, realized am not getting passed. Sprinted through the finish line where the EMT's were treating runners like an Express Lane at Shop Rite.

Yellow shoes were my lift when I needed it most, what lifts you?

Kevin Burns
23:22

A View from the Middle of the Pack

It’s July and one race is hotter than the other. Instead of saying hello, runners ask if is hot enough for you? It’s 8 weeks since the Our House 5 Miler, and my tolerance for the heat has improved along with my pace, but the 2010 burn continues. President’s Cup cooled off to 84 degrees while Pine Beach climbed to 85 with 85% humidity, and the jellyfish were stinging in the Toms River.

It was so hot Tuesday, Coach Joel moved his chair under a nearby shrub for partial shade and relief from a 90 degree start at Paramus Catholic. One of his observations was NJM runners are still getting acclimated to the heat which meant better race times for all the sweat.

Fourth of July is here already, and expect abundant sunshine. Highs in the upper 90s. Think I will practice my hydration intervals, raise the flag high, and taste some of Jersey Shore’s finest.

Kevin Burns

IN PURSUIT OF 2 MINUTES

Several years ago, in my late 50s-early 60s, I had a bout with lower back Sciatica which radiated pain throughout my body. After much trial and error to correct the problem, I developed a plan which eventually corrected it. Soon I began running again but exhaustion always creeped into the last part of a workout or race. For example, my running time of a 5K would be split in half at two miles, of course the last mile was mostly marked by the embarrasment of watching people go by.

Originally I excused my failure on getting old or not working hard enough. But soon I realized that there was a limit to working harder, and began surfing the web for another solution. A British running website suggested that by using the proper running posture (biomechanics) I could improve running time by as much as two minutes in a 10K. This had to be my problem, because at the time, my body ran in different directions at the same time. All I needed was to change my biomechanics, but how?

The answer was to use the same tools that I had used for eliminating the earlier Sciatica problem. Simply square the shoulders and hips, straighten the spine-neck-head, use gravity to drop the arms and legs in a straight line towards the ground, and loosen all my joints. The rebuilding of my body is reaching completion, but my pursuit of the two minutes is now threatened by age. Last year I entered the "Bermuda Triangle of Life"; I became a septuagenerian and wondered if age deterioration would offset the gains from my improved biomechanics.

Well, now is the time to test if the 2 minute goal will provide me with continued running into my 80s. There have been good indications from time to time, but setbacks like the Newport 10K two weeks ago have dimmed my hopes. There is only one thing to do, try my new body in a series of races like the USATF-NJ Grand Prix racing circuit and see what happens. There will be about 15 races by Thanksgiving which will point to success or failure. I look forward to checking my running times against the historical information that the website provides. Hopefully the times will be significantly faster than those in my late 50s.

Wish Me Luck.

Race Day Journal

Our House 5 Miler, Summit, NJ
Sunday, May 2
Weather: Sunny, 88 degrees, 59% humidity
Pain Index: 10

Back in my Harley Running Club days, Shawn Gallagher and I would drive just about anywhere in the state to run a "TAF" race. We lived on the same block in Bergenfield so carpooling was a cinch, but we missed one spot in the Garden State, Summit, NJ. When you ask a fellow runner about an upcoming location, you tend to get a minimal answer based on the old adage, if you have nothing good to say, don't say it. Always heard nice things about Summit from my friend who was the building inspector and he would go on about how the old houses were out of code, but he never talked about the hills.

Got to the 1:00 PM race in just enough time, but the 92 degree readings on the Garden State Parkway spelled trouble ahead. At the start, greeted a few familiar faces from NJM, but very few for a 700 point extravaganza! Summit's Village Green was the staging area and the only flat spot I would see all day.

Clean start and settled into a pace when NJM's Bettina Garber ran by with a purpose. We have trained and run in many races over the last year so this seemed like a normal race. These were the last coherent thoughts I had for the next 4 miles. Bettina had disappeared in mile three and I was just hanging on. One hill followed another and I remembered to give myself permission to walk 10 seconds in mile 4, but the worst was still to come.

Dousing my head at the water station provided little relief from the heat and my lack of training in April. Finally a wake up call in mile 5 when another NJM runner passed politely and silently by. Shawn and I always talked about getting picked in the final stages of a race and those thoughts propelled me. The same NJM runner picked me in mile 7 last December, so I had to make up my mind to settle on the outcome or make my move. Am sure I looked like a tortoise climbing the last hill but never looked back after I repassed my NJM friend.

Coming down homestretch, another NJM voice broke my thoughts of pain as John Foster encouraged me to finish strong, and so I did, breaking 45 minutes, my worst 5 mile USATF race ever. Limped over to Bettina, John and Greg who offered me an icy bottle of water and congrats on finishing. How could Bettina look so refreshed after a day like this? The comforting truth was we all suffered together enduring this record breaking heat wave in May. My journal reminds me why I joined this club. The People.

Runners Come Together To Aid Haitian Victims

An event occurred on Saturday February 6 that, once again, emphasized what we have always known – runners are good, caring people who are always ready to lend a helping hand.

Sponsored by the Ridgewood Running Company, a three mile ‘casual’ run was held in windy 25 degree weather to raise money for the suffering people of Haiti. Approximately 60 runners were on hand for the cause which raised $562. That figure will be matched by the Ridgewood Running Company, according to the store manager Beth O’Conner, making a total of $1,124.

Athletes from high school age to masters runners in their sixties made the effort and several North Jersey Masters members were in attendance. The prize at the end of the run was an array of donuts and bagels as well as hot coffee. Although it was a cold day, all who participated left with a warm feeling in their heart.