For some reason I thought this book was just an expose on the Tarahumara Indians. (Running is ingrained in their cultural.)
But this book is so much more. Christopher McDougall delivers intimate glimpses into an eccentric group of super runners - the likes of; Scott Jurek, Jenn Shelton and the mysterious Caballo Blanco. (We common runners can hardly believe their accomplishments.)
It begins with adventure, mixes in historical data and physiological science then ends with one helluva race.
"There is nothing like a challenge to bring out the best in man." - Sean ConneryIf you are a runner - this is a must read! Born to Run
The Eugene Marathon (May 2 2010)
My physical training is done; now to deal with the mental stuff that fills every waking moment.“You’re not running fast enough to get in under 2 hours.”
So starting today I’m going stop and ask myself, “Is this thought empowering or disempowering?”
“This will be the first race I DNF!”
“You're over dressing – I will be the only runner in long sleeves.” Ect, etc
Obviously claiming a DNF is defeating the purpose for even running the race. This is just crazy thinking. I’ve run this distance before and know I could even run further if I slowed down.
So instead, I will picture Scott Jurek and remember this line –
“Running fast and running far is not about winning. It's not about money. It's not even about suffering, or redemption. It's about discovery.”Self-talk is a very powerful way to transform negative thoughts.
In my dreams…. running around Hayward Field as the crowd cheers. Finishing strong as the timer blinks away the seconds…
"People want to come down and jog a lap on Hayward Field and think 'Pre' is running alongside them step by step…" Oregon coach Vin LanannaAll through the last 3 Eugene Marathons, the gates were locked – we could only peer in and wonder...
The best part of this race - excluding the gigantic chocolate truffle - is the course. It runs along hallowed ground… following parts of Pre’s Trail!
The bottom loop encircles a wide open field with scenic views of the Willamette River. I would run there everyday – if I didn't have to drive.
“The six-mile stretch of wood-chip and bark-dust paths was initially constructed by the city of Eugene in 1976 to commemorate Oregon’s distance-running legend Steve Prefontaine."
The Bad:
I like how some runners are now posting goals for their upcoming race.
No longer is one goal proclaimed, but two or three. (As we all know race completion expectations are not so black and white.) I like this plan - no more finish before a blank blank time pressure.
Examples
Runbulldog numbers his outcomes with #1 as the most achievable goal.
“Goal #1 — finish the marathon with a smile on my face and a happy left foot.”
And then they get harder…
Runner26 begins with a summation “My biggest goal is to remain uninjured.”
She then starts with her most ambitious goal and ends with this; "I'll take it…I trained decently, ran for fun, and had a blast!”
Runnerkara has a 10k race this Saturday. Her typical goal is to beat her last time – despite lack of training or wellness...
Possibilities:
"The best pace is a suicide pace, and today is a good day to die." - Steve Prefontaine
"What Was I Thinkin"
“Always set some short term goals in training.” – Tim NoakesThe mileage from my running records shows I ran a total of 838 miles last year. (2008)
I have an abacus at the bottom of my stairs. When we first moved into this house (a two story), I wanted to know just how many times a day I went up and down the stairs.
It’s made of wood with two rows of brightly color rings. Just a child’s toy – but it provides accurate data. I love its simplicity.
When running I use a sort of mental abacus system. I count off segments of my run. These can be miles, city blocks or even minutes. (I started using this method way before Garmin.) The process chronicles my run and gives me a sense of completeness.
“I'm pleased with my life, with the journey.” Tina TurnerA small sample of what other runners count:
"When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around." Willie Nelson
As I said to myself, “No please – not my back…” my running schedule materialized; but like smoke from a Genie's bottle, it disappeared into thin air. I’ve been here before and know the routine. No running until the back pain is under control...
Quotes that helped:
“Learn to get in touch with the silence within yourself, and know that everything in life has purpose. There are no mistakes, no coincidences, all events are blessings given to us to learn from." Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
* Stop blaming myself.
"If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten." Tony Robbins
* There is always something I can learn about my body.
"It’s human nature to start taking things for granted again when danger isn't banging loudly on the door.” David Hackworth
* I will never grumble about going for a run again!
"Everyone has been made for some particular work, and the desire for that work has been put in every heart." Rumi
* My work is running.
"Don't give up. Don't ever give up." Jim Valvano
* Looking over my race bibs and times – I’ve still got a lot to do.
"Life is about timing." Carl Lewis
* Taking some time off from running (even if it is forced) gives me time for reflection.
"Find a place inside where there's joy, and the joy will burn out the pain." Joseph Campbell
* My joy is to just be outside – whatever I do out there will carry me through the day. I’m going to attempt a very gentle run later today. And if I have to walk – that’s OK!
Another “I feel great at the finish race!” (That’s two 10ks in a row.) My time was about the same time as last year but I did stop at every water station. (I’m testing out this routine – as I usually don’t drink anything till after the race.)
Happy with some of my splits too!
This year, the mint fields were already harvested, but there was still a lingering distant whiff in the cool morning breeze.
One guy ran with his Thor horns on to honor the Scandinavian Days. Next year I’m going to braid my hair.
I Love the homemade direction signs.
After I found my pace, I slipped into an observational trance - noticing the way other runners held their arms. I tend to run with my arms at waist level. For several years I ran with a dog and had better leash control with my arms at that level.
But what I witnessed was crazy:
I finally get a chance to run a race on the beach. This weekend, on Manzanita Beach, there is a 5k / 10k race entirely on the sand. An out and back with the Pacific Ocean as my running mate, the wind tossing my hair, and a forgiving surface under my feet…
Except the more I read about running on sand – the more I worry - it may not be such a good thing.
Risks of racing on the sand:
"One cannot collect all the beautiful shells on the beach. One can collect only a few, and they are more beautiful if they are few."
Anne Morrow Lindbergh
In the jargon of the sport, I hit the wall. I was cruising along – keeping an eye on my pace. The 10 mile marker was the last I remember…
After that I ran the best I could. Coming in 2 minutes slower than last year. (Hey, the course had changed - more hills. (excuse #12)
I did however accomplish my backup goal which was coming in under 2 hours.
The Wild, the Weird and the Wonderful
Something we need to strive for – if we want to live in the moment. Running for the pure joy of running. Feeling your legs take you along for the ride. Imagine a place where it’s always sunny and warm…
And I was doing OK till I noticed the track was EMPTY. As I stepped onto the giving surface, I had to struggle with the desire to time the laps. Instead, I just felt the softness of the surface and the warmth of the heat rising from the black.
Yeah I had a great run. No goal - no disappointment.
And cyktrussell – you don’t need an excuse to slow down and enjoy your run. Just Do It.!
Above quotes:
"The goal is not to have a goal." - John Cage
"Just Do It" - Nike
This week’s theme at Runner's Lounge TIaRT is.... Common mistakes and cardinal sins of running. What are some of the most common mistakes you make with your running?
My numero uno mistake in running (with regards to racing) is starting off to fast. Despite the fact I've read millions of articles on negative splits and managing pace, I still fall victim to this anomaly. The starting gun goes off; I'm caught up in the surge of runners - as they propel me to new heights. Yeah right - by mile 3 I'm panting - WTH was I thinking. I'm way older than kara goucher!
Strategies:
"It is easy to run too fast in the early stages of the race and slow down at the end. It takes discipline to hold your pace and invest in a pretty photo finish." - Jenny HadfieldPS: Open to other suggestions – please!
This week’s theme at Runner's Lounge TIaRT is… A year in Review in 52 words or less...
What worked:
Galloway’s Half Marathon training schedule, starting races with a slow first mile, my new runners, running with a cell phone, Twitter, watching the Olympics, no coffee before my run.
What didn’t:
Birthdays, running 2 miles before doing track work, racing in the heat (never again), watching horse races, soya cheese.
“The only people who never fail are those who never try.”
Ilka Chase
No, not snow – just a white moment.
“Everything feels harmonious, unified, and effortless.” GolemanAround the 2 mile mark everything seemed in sync - the path, the trees, even the wind.
“When skills and challenge match, then flow is most likely to emerge.” - GolemanPre race chatter: “That Santa looks like a girl?”
Around this time, every year, I look back at last year’s mileage and compare it to this years'. And then attempt to sketch out some aspirations for next year.
I’ve only been keeping track of annual mileage since 2001. Thanks to online running journals it’s so easy now.
Last year’s miles 786
This year’s miles 793 (Over 800 by year’s end :)
Aspirations:
Another Turkey trot under my belt. I’ve run this race for 8 years in a row! It has become a very popular race / tradition with over 1400 runners and walkers attending.
Unfortunately the start tends to be very slow as too many people are squeezed into a single street.
As I point of courtesy, I never stand in the very front – not even close. I know I can’t run a 5 min mile. So it took about 5 minutes to work our way through the slower crowd. (And you know just how precious those minutes are when you cross the finish line:)
Other than that - the race fell into the splendid category - no rain, small hills and an energetic crowd. It was great to see the number of kids running too - Good job!
(I just heard on the news 1 in 3 American children are overweight…)
Focal Points
Exercise Zones 
We’ve all seen these Target Heart Rate charts. Find your age group and then decide how hard the work-out is after counting your heart rate. But how effective are these charts?
Here is one of the basic formulas:
Take 220, subtract your age, = HRmax.
But Daniels (Daniels’ Running Formula) found an elite runner who had a HRmax of 148bpm. He was only 30. So if he used this formula he would be seriously over-training.
“Like any muscle, the heart’s strength and effectiveness is increased through regular endurance exercise.” GallowayWhat I’m looking for is moderate workout level. I’m increasing my aerobic workouts to 5 times a week. I don’t want them all to be at max levels. (Thinking 3 Max and 2 Mod.) What heart rate would be a mod workout for me? If I go too slow - no aerobic boost. So I guess I better find my HRmax average - then put on my math cap and workout out a 60% zone.
