A Course Synopsis

Full size pdf map

Yesterday, I did a drive-by over the new course for this year’s Eugene Marathon. The route has changed since last year. We (both half and full marathoners) will have to run 9 miles before we get down to the river : (
Nonetheless, this stretch has lots of level wide open spaces.

Synopsis

• Not sure why we start alongside Hayward Track and not on the track.
• Takes off downhill but then weaves uphill through old growth homes.
• Passes two Bakeries and a McMenamin’s pub!
• Bark mulch trails around Amazon Park. Not sure we can get off road?
• Only a few hilly areas – see hands on map.
• Should be water stops at every mile.
• Mile markers need to be more evident.
• After we [the Half-marathons] hit the Autzen Footbridge it will be easy cruising!

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Everyday is a Training Day

Even thought I don’t run everyday – Everyday is a training day.
When I’m prepping for a race there is not a single day go by that I don’t think about some aspect of the challenge.

*Physical* Nutritional* Psychological

Last year while I was training for my very first half marathon, I was totally obsessed with the notion that as I increased the mileage injury would ensue. Every little pain was the precursor to some fatality that would derail me from my goal - > Completing a half-marathon. This year, however, the mental part of the training is vastly different. I know my body can run 13 miles – and feel great at the finish line.
So this year, I’m upping the ante – to finish faster.

Physical

Do some form of physical activity everyday. If not a run or walk day; work-out with some weights. When I don’t go to the gym I have an assortment of hand weights (2lb – 25lb), strength bands and a Swiss ball to play with. Include squats and sit-ups.
(I incorporate these 4x a week.)

Nutritional

Try to keep your immune system happy. Eat healthy Foods! You know what the bad foods are. (I won't get on my vegetarian rant.)
Food is Fuel for a runner.
This year I gave up my pre-run cup of coffee. It was not as important as my running/training. (A huge sacrifice for someone who depends on caffeine just to wake up.)
Can’t go wrong:
1 bagel + 1 banana + 1 Tbsp nut butter (about 75 grams carbs)
Bonus Benefit: provides 12 grams of protein

Psychological

Keep your thoughts untainted, positive and filled with strength. I try to remember what I have already accomplished instead of beating myself for what I have not done.
Practice visualization techniques.

“The ability to visualize a desired outcome is built into your brain… help you succeed in matching that picture with your performance.” Michael J. Gelb

I have a short video clip of me crossing the finish line last year – smiling and cheering. I play this over in my mind when struggling with running just one more mile.

Eugene Marathon
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T-Shirt Thursdays

Memory tripping with old race shirts. Send me pictures or links of your favorites and I will post them here!
[Click envelope on the side bar for my email address.]

Night time races! I’ve only run a few.
One was on Halloween and the other New Years Eve.
Fun but somewhat dangerous events.
Thanks Devin for the shirt.

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Torrents of Rain

Today’s long run was particularly unpleasant. I’m not one to complain about the weather but when every item of clothing including cap are soaked and your feet are sloshing about in your runners - that’s when I get mad. This, of course, just made me run faster.
(Sorry Mr. Galloway; my long run was faster than you suggested.)
I did survive. And this quote now makes sense.

“That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” – Nietzsche

--- Trees I Run By ---

The route I took this morning follows the Willamette River. All along the shore are tall trees with their branches reaching out. They have just started to show signs of life - tiny sprigs with 5 shiny leaves are appearing. They have pleasant medicinal scent to them.
These numerous trees are Black Cotton Woods.
It is easy to link the word cotton to their name because in the spring they produce massive amounts of floating fluffs.
(Not so wonderful if you have allergies.)

Populus balsamifera
Black cotton wood

Notes:
In the Willamette Valley of Oregon, black cottonwood matures in 60 years or less , but studies show that the species grows well for as long as 200 years.

• has a resinous fragrance from the sticky buds.
• this resin has a sweet, balsam odor.
• the resin from the buds is used for natural health ointments.
• bees use this sticky resin as a caulking in their hives.
• the species are endangered in Illinois, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

Ever run with an umbrella?

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Powerbar Timeline

I still remember the commotion around their booth after a 10k race. (This was way back during the 80s ; )
There was a couple of very healthy looking individuals behind the table and they were cutting up, what looked like, slabs of chocolate with a guillotine paper trimmer. Everyone in line was given a free 2 inch sample of this new wonder fuel for athletes.
They also gave us a booklet with instructions on how to properly use this bar – apparently you had to eat it with a full glass of water. Maybe this miracle Powerbar could turn us into bright eyed robust runners too.
I did buy a few but ended up eating them for a boost while working night shift. They were just too sticky to eat casually and I would guess, not very good for your teeth.
Reading wikipedia, I recently discovered Brian Maxwell (a Canadian and marathon runner) started the Powerbar Company with his girlfriend, Jennifer Biddulph, a nutritionist who later became his wife.
(It may have been Brain himself handing out those free samples many years ago…)

"This was the first "energy bar" for use by endurance athletes, such as ultra marathoners and cyclists, while competing."

The company eventually earned $150 million before it was purchased by Nestlé in 2000 for $375 million.

Sadly, in 2004 Brian Maxwell dropped dead at the age of 51. (Apparent heart attack.)

Today Powerbar has a pretty serious website detailing all their products and also offering free information on anything from cross training to nutrition. Worth checking out.

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Free Tea Sample

Belated thanks to Jeffrey of zhitea for the free sample of Oolong tea.
I received a tea I don’t usually buy - as the one cup of Oolong I tried was too earthy and bitter. But this blend; Ginger Peach Oolong, made a very delicate liquor.
They have an extensive compendium of teas. I would recommend this tea and plan on ordering a jasmine blend soon.
Besides the tea I really like their logo:

Zhi – It’s the journey” ~


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I Run Alone

Of the 197 miles I have run this year - 177 of them have been alone.
Last night, after work, I silently read Robert Sullivan’s account of his running club - the 7 at 7. (Runner’s World April 2008)
He spoke about meeting his runner pals and how they developed a partnership. 7 is for the time and the mileage.
He quotes:

“…the run that says run even if you don’t want to, because there’s another idiot standing outside of your house in the pouring rain, wondering where the hell you are.”

As I read, I felt a slight twinge in my heart – for I run alone. No one is waiting for me.
Feeling totally misanthropic, I began to realize that I actually like running alone. I can choose my own departure time, location, and pace. I can change my mind and can even run in circles picking up trash. No one is counting on me or keeping track of the miles.
A free spirit.

Staten Island post cards NYPL Digital Gallery
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T-Shirt Thursdays

Memory tripping with old race shirts. Send me pictures or links of your favorites and I will post them here!
[Click envelope on the side bar for my email address.]

Thanks Bob for sending in this shirt.
From Lincolnwood, Illinois
Another crazy turkey t-shirt design!

T-Shirt Archives
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Running In The Rain

A cheery sight. An explosion of tiny pink blossoms.
Nothing shouts out Spring to me more than the sight of the first flowering trees.
In the rain I can even smell their scent before I round the corner. (Running in the rain does have some rewards.)
This beautiful blossom was pinched from a small group of trees along the boulevard.
To note: It is native to central and eastern Europe – not Oregon.

--- Trees I Run By ---

Prunus cerasifera
purple leaf plum

Characteristics:

• fragrant.
• blooms before leaves emerge.
• fruit attracts birds.
• one of the first trees to flower.(Around here.)

start to finish

pencil (When did they become not reusable?)
vaseline lip gloss
yellow of a toy truck
blossoms in the puddles...

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Seven Ways Runners Can Go Green

I know it’s St Patrick’s Day – not Earth Day: but when you see the color green today use it as a reminder to practice something good for the environment.


Seven Ways Runners Can Go Green

1. Recycle your old shoes. I have a system – when my runners disintegrate I use them as garden shoes. I have a hard time parting with old runners... But shoes I don’t like go directly to the thrift store.
2. Take you own water bottle to races. Many of the races I go to now provide a large Gatorade container with fresh water – so you can refill your bottle.
3. Don’t buy little bottles of water.
4. Wear your running shirts – don’t leave them in the closest. When you're ready... bundle a few up and take them to the thrift store. I also cut them up and use them to polish my furniture. (PS. Before you part with your old favorites, send me a picture of them and I will memorialize them here.)
5. Pick up just one piece of trash along your run – map out Trash bins so you don’t have to carry it with you the whole run. (I’ve been seen in the early AM. Running with a beer can in my hand.)
6. Run/walk/bike instead of drive. Use those legs of yours!
7. Grow something you can eat. Even if you just have a planter. Try lettuce, spinach – tomatoes!

Have a great day – try and catch a Leprechaun!

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Mud Running

This morning's run was a muddy trail race> Not having run many trail races; I’ve come to the conclusion – Trail running is swell if the path is dry!

Yeas

• Kind of fun splashing in the puddles – like most of the other runners.
• New sexy look with mud sprayed up your back.
• You can wear old dirty runners.
• Watching others trying to navigate around the mud.

Nays

• You don’t enjoy the surroundings because you have to keep a steady eye on where your next footstep might land.
• Your shoe can be pulled off – muck vacuum situations.
• If you fall – you must continue to run with mud on your ass and hands.
• The Inability to brake on extreme turns.

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T-Shirt Thursdays

Memory tripping with old race shirts. Send me pictures or links of your favorites and I will post them here!
[Click envelope on the side bar for my email address.]

Thanks Sally for adding this new shirt to my collection.
Which lane do you fancy?

T-Shirt Archives
Daily T-Shirt fix

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Exotic Tree

Admittedly – I didn’t spend a lot of time running while I was in Hawaii. It was to warm for really long runs and time always seemed to be an issue - >Way too many things to do. Like:: snorkeling, swimming, beachcombing, lighthouse viewing, whale watching, sunrises, kayaking, bird watching, hiking, playing in waterfalls, cider cone climbing, sand sifting, Geocaching, Miller times and fine dinning...just to name a few.

--- Trees I Run By ---

The Banyan Tree
ficus benghalensis

One of my runs took me through this grove of Banyan Trees. Jungle like the roots dangling overhead. [A little creepy.] The leaf looked like a magnolia tree so I was surprised to read it was related the fig.

"Banyans will generate roots from our branches that will extend down to the ground creating another tree without the need to produce flowers, fruit or seeds to generate offspring."

Apparently Banyan trees did not originate in Hawaii – they were imported from places like India.
They were given as gifts to the Hawaiian Queens and Kings.
From looking at this leaf, I found nearby, I would say this was a fiscus_benghalensis or Indian Banyan.




Banyan Tree Trivia
The first banyan tree in the U.S. was planted by Thomas Alva Edison it was given to Edison by Harvey Firestone after Firestone visited India in 1925 and was planted in the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. The tree, originally only 4 feet (1.2 m) tall, now covers 400 feet (120 m).
Have a great day!

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Going on Vacation

I’m starting to plan next week’s runs – I will be on vacation! And I have no idea where I will be running. (Kind of exciting.)
Running is a critical part of my life – so I never forego workouts even when I’m away.
So looking forward to early morning runs, sunrises, - going snorkeling and gorging on fresh pineapple!
This is my last running post for the moment.
~
Introducing a new segment...I will identify and research one new tree each run. No, I won’t be sidestepping into people’s yards – just picking up leaves or twigs along the way.

--- Trees I Run By ---

Today, at the 2.2 mile mark, I passed under a magnificent Douglas-fir tree.

The Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii

I found this sprig at the base of a very large tree. (For surviving in city limits.) Diameter 2 - 2.5 feet! This grove of very large Douglas fir trees are found in a small area in North Eugene. Why these trees were not chopped down for lumber is unknown to me. But I am in awe every time I run under them.
: )
BTW - It's Oregon's State Tree

Reference
National Audubon Society Field Guide To TREES

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