128 Days to the Lakefront Marathon!
Three days after running my first marathon, I have already signed up for my second. I remember finishing the Madison Marathon and saying to myself that I was “never going to do that again.
Well, that didn’t last long.
In fact, a few hours after I finished Madison, I felt a little sad. My life felt kind of empty. I realized that having that long-term goal of running a marathon gave my running real meaning. It was also a good excuse for Matt and I to get together and run. And it also connects you to a larger community. As I prepare for the Lakefront Marathon this summer, thousands of other runners will be running with the same goal in mind.
That said, there are things from race day that I don’t look forward to repeating; like the last six miles. I’m also not looking forward to experiencing that painful ache in your legs that lingers an hour or two after finishing. But I am looking forward to getting another crack at that distance.
With good conditions, I’m confident that I can run much better than I did at Madison. I’m also hopeful that I can get in better shape.
So, when my friend Matt told me he had signed up for the Lakefront Marathon, it was only a matter of minutes until I had signed up too. (According to the web site, there are still about 800 spots left!).
If someone had told me a couple of weeks ago that I would be excited about running another marathon, I would not have believed them. The long months of training wore on me and, mentally, I'd had enough. But, I'm excited to use my lessons learned in training for and running Madison toward training for and running another marathon.
I know the fall is a few months away but I imagine the hundreds of other area marathoners out there are already getting set for their fall marathon. Let me know which marathon you’re doing this fall by taking our survey on the Berkeley Home Page. The survey is on the left hand side of the screen. I included most local fall marathons but if you are going somewhere special this fall, it would be great to hear about it!
Posted Thursday May 29, 2008
So That's What a Marathon Feels Like
Wow, I have gained a whole new respect for the marathon. Before this weekend, I knew that the race was 26.2 miles but that was about it. Boy, was I naïve.
This marathon thing started last fall when my friend and training partner, Matt, a veteran of six marathons, talked about running the 2008 Madison Marathon. So in December, we made the commitment and signed up for the race.
We started training in earnest around mid-January, a whole five months before the race. Though we ran most of our miles separately, we logged our long runs together and competed in some of the same races.
During the course of our training, we both had high and low times. We fought off colds, we ran through one of the harshest Madison winters ever. We slipped and fell on ice but got up each time. I set a new PR in the 5K and Matt ran an outstanding 10K on a tough course. Over the months, we each saw a relationship come to an end and in Matt’s case, began a new one. And I turned a year older.
Then, suddenly, it was time to run the marathon.
The temperature was great, the competition was probably the best it’s ever been at Madison and there were hordes of enthusiastic people cheering us runners on.
So, how did we do? Well, we finished. For Matt it was his slowest marathon ever, and for me, I was eight minutes off my goal time.
This isn’t to say that it was a waste of our time. Far from it. I learned more about running in 3 hours than I have in the past 3 years. And Matt got a new perspective on the sport he’s competed in and coached for 10 years.
The race started off well. Up to the 18-mile mark, I was actually well under my goal pace. But the marathon is a completely different experience than any other race I’ve ever run, including half marathons.
Around 18 miles, I started to slow down. And it wasn’t as if I had a choice about it. I wouldn’t say I hit that proverbial wall, I’d rather say with each passing mile, it just became harder and harder for my body to propel itself forward.
By miles 22-23, people I had run with earlier in the race passed me. And I couldn’t have cared less. I just hoped I could keep running.
In the final five miles, I couldn’t get enough nourishment. My body was hungry, thirsty and tired. Around mile 21, I was delighted to find an unused GU packet laying in the grass. I grabbed it, ripped off the tab and sucked it down. (As a sidenote: If you dropped a vanilla GU packet by the pedestrian overpass on West Washington, I thank you.)
But that abandoned GU didn’t help a whole lot. Instead of hitting 6:10-6:15 for each mile, as I had for about 18 miles, I had slowed down as much as 9:15 for one particularly tough mile.
For those who haven’t run the Madison Marathon course, I will say it isn’t easy by any means. Running up Monroe Street is deceivingly hard, the hill up Manitou Way gets longer each time I run it and the Arboretum’s rolling hills aren’t easy either.
But I can’t blame my race on the course. There were times early in the race when I ran out of control. Lesson 1: (out of dozens) Set a specific goal time for the halfway point. Lesson 2: Don’t let yourself run too fast too soon. And Lesson 3: Keep an extra GU packet on hand for energy emergencies.
So Matt and I didn’t accomplish our goals. So what? There were a lot of great highlights I remember from the race. Coming out of the arboretum into a nice crowd of people cheering us on around mile 20, I found two friends had gotten out of bed early to give me high fives. And they were on the course again with about three miles to go when I slowed so much that I looked I was running underwater. But, hey, they still cheered for me.
Another highlight was when I caught up with my friend Matt around the halfway point. For a couple fitting minutes we ran together on the Lakeshore Path, a path that we have logged more than a couple miles on together.
And then there was the final stretch of the race. As I headed for the finish line, friends were there cheering me on. My mom was there too, cheering me on as she had at countless high school cross country meets. Now, at the age of 26, the support is still appreciated.
After finishing, there were pictures, a much appreciated massage and talks with friends. And after it was all over, as Matt and I hobbled back to his car, we saw a man and woman hugging, surrounded by friends and family who were clapping, cheering and taking photos. The woman looked in amazement at the new ring on her hand as she hugged family members with tears in her eyes.
It’s good to know someone had a good day. And me and Matt, well like I said, we finished. Sometimes that’s the best you can hope for.
Posted Tuesday May 27, 2008
The (Final) Countdown to Madison Marathon '08!
Every now and then an especially well-known pump-up song from the 80's, which will remain unamed, pops into my head and all my worries about marathon day are out the window. I’m pumped! Too bad it’s still two days away. Oh well, I’ve waited five months, I can make it two more days.
I would like to take this time to personally thank the Capital Times for printing that nice long article about the recent marathon deaths. That was a nice bit of motivation.
At least the article was balanced out by this quote:
"Life is a risk anyway. If you dwell on life's risks, albeit running or stepping off the curb, you're going to stay in your house," said Ryan Lamppa, media director for the nonprofit organization Running USA.
Thank you Ryan. One of my past posts was about the dangers of marathoning but also about the rewards and why we runners do such things.
But enough about that. It looks like marathon day could be a little warmer than we’ve been used to. I’m not too excited about that but that’s the risk we take running a marathon in late May. Last summer, I ran the half marathon in Duluth at Grandma’s Marathon. Just for perspective, that race is held the third weekend in June!
I mean it is Duluth, but man by the time the marathoners started coming in, it was pushing mid-70’s and humid. Even the half marathon got a little uncomfortable at the end.
And of course we all know about the 2006 Madison Marathon. With temperatures hitting the mid-90’s, the race was called off. The top finishers were able to get in before the race was cancelled but many others didn’t receive an official time.
During that weekend, I was up North competing in the Woods to Water Relay, which runs from Cable to Ashland (about 80 miles). Even in the northwoods, it was sweltering. However, when we crested the iron range and coasted down to Ashland and Lake Superior the temperature blissfully dropped about 15 degrees. I know because I got to run that leg and it stands out as one of my favorite running memories.
Unfortunately Madison has no Lake Superior to keep temperatures mild. So it’s anyone’s guess what might happen.
Either way, I’m ready to run! (Da na naaaaaa Da da da!)
Posted Friday May 23, 2008
And then it was Time to Run
I can distinctly remember signing up for the Madison Marathon back in January. I was excited. It was going to be my first marathon. In fact, I was so excited, I just wanted to run the marathon the next day and not have to wait five months.
Well somehow those five months have passed and the marathon is this weekend and I’m a little scared. I’m scared because I‘m pretty sure I reached my peak conditioning about three weeks ago. And mentally, I think I peaked in January.
I got in some great training over the past few months but these last couple of weeks I’ve really bottomed out. Here’s the good news: I may have just, for the first time in my life, actually tapered. But I’m still a little worried that my conditioning has dropped off and, I hate to admit it, but my motivation has dropped way off.
But conditioning, as in pure speed-type conditioning isn’t so important in a marathon and, mentally, I think my excitement will come back as I pick up my race number at expo and go through all the normal pre-race activities.
So I guess, I’m not too worried. I could be in better shape. But I’m not injured and, for the most part I’m ready to go. I guess what I’m experiencing is just normal pre-race concerns. I mean, c’mon, it’s 26.2 miles. You got to be a little worried.
Good luck to everyone running this weekend! It looks like it’s going to be a good one!
Posted Wednesday May 21, 2008
Syttende Mai: Norwegian for Long, Hilly Run
Man, those Norwegians in Stoughton sure know how to party. One of the biggest events of this weekend’s celebration of Norway’s Independence is a 20-mile run from Madison to Stoughton.
I’ve never had the pleasure of running the race but I’ve heard it’s a little hilly and that it is basically the same effort as running a marathon. (After hearing that, I decided to sign up for a marathon).
After doing a little research on Syttende Mai, (which involved 10 minutes trying to figure out how to spell it) I discovered that it is the Norwegian equivalent of the Fourth of July. Of course, the difference being whereas we fought off some unmotivated Britons to claim our independence, the Norwegians had to battle large, angry hordes of Vikings. Then, after fighting off Vikings, Denmark swept in and took over Norway. After finding no redeemable qualities in Norway, Denmark handed the country off to Sweden. More fighting ensued, and finally in 1814, Norway claimed its independence.
So, it’s a big deal to the people of Norwegian heritage in Stoughton. And over the years, the race has been a big deal. I’m no historian, but I’ve hear that back during the running boom, the event attracted runners of an international caliber. I think one year, the woman’s winner even ran the course in a world record time for 20-miles!
This year, the historic 20-mile race starts near the Capitol square in Madison at 7:30 a.m. and finishes in Mandt Park in Stoughton. On top of the 500 or so runners, another couple hundred people walk the course each year!
Posted Friday May 16, 2008
Interview with Joe Kurian!
If you've run a race in Madison, chances are you've run with Joe Kurian. Okay, maybe not with him but in the same race at least. Joe has won or been in contention of winning almost every major road race in Madison and Milwaukee. He recently won the Lake Monona 20K in 1:06.11 (5:20 mile pace!). In addition to running, Joe stays busy as a graduate student at the UW. He and his wife, Aimee, also have a young daughter, Holly.
I see you are a postdoctoral fellow at UW. Is it hard to balance that work with running?
Running is a part of me, without it, there is no balance. I guess I better keep myself healthy so I can keep doing this for a while!
Do you mainly train by yourself or do you occasionally join up with other runners?
I guess this gets back to the balance question. My time that's open for training is dictated heavily by an unpredictable, toddler driven schedule. As a result, I do it when I can and sometimes get lucky to connect with a few favorite running partners. I had, however, recently been able to do a scheduled Sunday run from Berkeley Running Company. I enjoy those runs because they are a no pressure opportunity to share this passion with other runners.
Looking at past race results, it looks like you’ve had some pretty impressive races, including wins at the Madison Marathon and Lakeshore Marathon. What would you say is your proudest running moment so far?
Jeez, it's hard to say which moment made me most proud. I have had my share of race wins and those are satisfying, but when I can remember being most proud was after the 1999 Chicago marathon when I "ran the whole way." From that point on I felt I could accomplish anything in running if I put my mind to it.
The year you won the Madison Marathon (2006) it was like 95-degrees and you still managed to run a 2:41.47. How did you deal with the heat?
The past couple Ironmans I had done before that race were in excruciating heat. Those definitely prepared me, particularly by giving me a sense of what would be reasonable to expect for pace, time, etc. I took it easy early on and it really paid off in the end. Maybe I should think of doing that more often!
This past fall, you took second at the Lakeshore Marathon. According to an article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, you fell on your face in the last mile but still managed to finish the race in second place?! How did you do it?
That was another HOT race. It was the same day as the Chicago marathon aid station debacle. Funny what a shot of adrenaline will do at that point in a marathon. Once I came to (almost fully) I realized what happened and what had to be done and the adrenaline pushed me to the finish. I remember sitting down when I crossed the finish line feeling a bit of pain on and about my face, not to mention fully dejected. Sitting down was a bad idea, there was no adrenaline rush or race to finish after I took that seat. It made walking around in the weeks after the race a heck of a lot more difficult than normal. Note to self: whatever the circumstance, don't sit down on a marathon finish line ever again.
Where would you say is your favorite place to run in Madison?
The Arb, of course!
What are some of your favorite local races?
Madison Marathon and Ironman Wisconsin. In the Milwaukee area I like doing the Southshore half marathon, the John Dick Memorial 50k and, of course, Lakefront Marathon.
What are some of your interests outside of running?
My toddler, Holly, has become my primary interest. It's something new everday with her...never quite know what she's going to come up with next. That's a lot of fun! Before her I spent more time triathlon training and home rehab/remodeling. I don't mind the break from either. Then there's always science...but I won't bore you with that stuff!
If you could run with any runner, past or present, who would you pick?
My dad. He had a hip replacement not long ago and his running days are basically over. It would have been nice to share running with him more often when we had the chance.
Do you have any long term goals for the sport like a specific time in the marathon or to run an ultra marathon?
I think I've reached my distance capacity for running (50k), in a physical and mental sense. I would like to run the marathon under 2:22 before 2012. I also ran Crazylegs for the first time a few weeks ago. That was a speed I'm not familiar with. As I start structuring my training a bit I'd like to gain the speed to be more competitive in that race, or at least hold on for more than 2 miles! I better do that soon before I get too old.
Posted Thursady May 8, 2008
The Marathon is Almost Here!
Along with thousands of others, I’m gearing up for a spring marathon. Well actually at this point, I should say gearing down.
I notched my last long run this weekend and, as expected, am really sick of running. After five months of repetitive miles, most of which were through snow, I’m ready to take it a little easier. Maybe go for a walk or read a book, anything but run.
I’m signed up for the Madison Marathon, which is still a good three weeks away. For many other Wisconsin marathons, race weekend is fast approaching. This weekend, Journeys Marathon is taking place in Eagle River. I hope the snow has melted! And next weekend, the Green Bay Marathon, Wisconsin’s largest marathon, will be run.
For those of you who have trained for a marathon, you know that it is quite a time commitment. Now, all of a sudden, my training is dropping off.
I don’t know about the rest of you fellow marathoners but I’m going to use the extra time to do anything non-running related. I have a stack of books that I’ve placed on hold at the library and I have a couple DVDs from season three of The Office that I could catch up on. All great activities and all non-running related.
I haven’t started feeling nervous about the big day, not yet at least. I imagine around mid-May, I’ll start thinking about it a little more. By then, with a little time off of running, I’m sure that I will be more eager than ever to run.
Posted Monday May 5, 2008
Say It Ain’t So Jerry
Madison’s running community took a major blow when Badgers cross country coach, Jerry Schumacher, announced he will be leaving Madison to take a job with Nike.
Coach Schumacher will be relocating to Portland, Oregon to be some kind of elite, super coach. To make matters worse, he will be taking his elite athletes with him. Jonathan Riley, Matt Tegenkamp and Chris Solinksy, include some of those runners that will be heading out to Oregon with Schumacher.
It’s not like I’m good friends with these guys but every now and then, at least once a week, I will come across one or some of them on a run through the arboretum. And once during the winter, my friend Matt and I saw Simon Bairu and Riley on the loop around Lake Wingra. Normally, these guys don’t give much notice to the rest of us, which is fine. But on that cold winter day, Jonathan Riley gave me a distinct nod of the head. As an amateur runner, nothing is cooler than exchanging casual greetings, or head nods, with Olympians.
Of course, all of this is good news as it means that Schumacher and his group of runners are getting the attention they deserve. With the move to Oregon, they will have better training conditions and opportunities. And who can blame them after this last winter we had?
Schumacher’s decision to leave raises other questions. Like the rest of you, I’m wondering what will happen to the annual Jerry’s Race? For those of you unaware of Jerry’s Race, it only costs $10 to enter and the winners get to be on tv! As of today, the web site still announces this year’s race is on for August 16.
Either way, Coach Schumacher deserves a big thank you for all he has done to establish Madison and the UW as the place for distance runners!
I just hope UW can find someone who can build on what Schumacher has created. That's why I'm nominating cross country coaching legend Randall T. Marks for the job. Go Badgers!
Posted Thursday June 19, 2008
That Good Ol' Hometown 5K
Like I said in a previous post, I think just about every runner has that local hometown 5/10K they do every summer.
Mine is aptly named the Hometown Days Run. No matter where I’m at in my training, I try to do this race every year. Not because of the great competition, scenic course or large cash prizes (there are none) but because it’s in Verona, my hometown.
Each year the race is held the first weekend in June. For this year’s run, I was fresh off of a marathon and a night of running around in the rain at the Hometown Days Festival.
So, on a couple hours of sleep, I signed up for the 10K. The turnout was relatively low and though it wasn’t raining yet, the foreboding black clouds were gathering.
During the race, I had a great time running a nice pace with one of my friends from high school. We finished a long ways off of a PR but it was fun running together.
Another great thing about local road races is meeting other area runners.
As long as I can remember, I have seen an older man barreling through the streets of Verona in a pair of sweat-soaked shorts and little else. He finished not far behind my friend and I in the 10K. We got to talk to him a little bit and learned that he is a seasoned marathoner, having competed in Boston, Chicago, Minneapolis, Grandma’s, etc. It was great motivation for what will probably be a long, hot summer of training.
Posted Monday June 9
Time for those Summer 5Ks
There’s nothing like a little time off. Be it from work or running.
I’ve certainly enjoyed my break from running. The last time I was out was at the Madison Marathon, which was about 10 days ago.
I do plan on getting back at it soon because, like most runners, I’ve already got a couple local summer road races picked out.
I’ve always heard that the WaunaFest 10-mile race is a good one. It certainly has a lot of history. Past winners include Olympic marathoners Rod DeHaven and Jenny Spangler. In recent years, the race hasn’t been quite as competitive as it was in the past when guys like Rod DeHaven would show up and hold 5:00 pace over the hilly 10-mile course.
But it’s still a great race with promises of “Traditional German” beverages at the finish line. A non-running friend who lives in Waunakee says he is always baffled when he sees dozens of runners standing around after the race drinking their “Traditional German” beverage at 10 in the morning. Of course, he might be more understanding if he ran a 10-mile race himself.
A couple weeks ago, I promised to run the Verona Hometown Days 10K. And, even if it is my first day back since the marathon, I plan on making good on my promise. It’s a nice little race with lots of great door prizes and it is has the distinction of being the first road race I’ve ever run. In that race, I remember kicking down a classmate at the end of the race. No big deal, except that my classmate was a girl. As an adult, I have no problem with the fact that many women could take me out in pretty much any race. But in middle school, it would have been disastrous to lose to a classmate, especially a girl.
Considering how much running I've done lately, I might have to rely on my kick again to save myself from embarassment. Unfortunately, I probably won't have a kick this time.
Posted Wednesday June 4, 2008
Summer Runnin'
Just like that, the weather went from cool to hot and humid.
There are a number of things to keep in mind when running in hot weather: time of day you run, hydration, exertion, etc.
Of course we’ve all heard about the importance of drinking water in warm weather but I didn’t realize that it can affect the amount of work that your heart has to do. One personal account illustrates this relationship. This post is far from scientific but still gives some interesting insight.
I think the most dehydrated I’ve been actually took place during the winter. Matt and I were on one of our first long runs in preparation for the Madison Marathon when all of a sudden my body shut down.
It happened while running through the arboretum. And, even though I know this isn’t a good idea, I scooped handfuls of snow into my mouth to try and get some moisture into my body. Eventually, I got my hands on some Madison tap water, which from what we’ve heard may not be much better.
But back to the snow. I think I got more dirt and I don’t want to know what else than water but it did seem to help. I don’t think we will have to worry about the dangers of eating snow anytime soon but here’s a brief warning from a Canadian web site. If they are afraid of eating snow in Canada then we know it must be unsafe.
Anyways, back to warm weather running. I won’t attempt to give you an accurate portrayal of what you should and shouldn’t do when running in a warm climate so here’s a link to what Jeff Galloway has to say on the subject: Hot Weather Running.
And of course, as a runner you have to be aware of overhydrating. Here's an article from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that a reporter wrote about the 2006 Madison Marathon where she experienced severe hyponatremia.
Posted Friday June 6, 2008
Interview with Aimee Kurian!
In her first endurance race in almost two and a half years, Madison runner Aimee Kurian won the Madison Marathon. Aimee joins her husband, Joe, who won the race in 2006, as a marathon champion. Aimee tells us how the race went and offers some advice to new marathoners.
When and how did you start running?
I started running right before college as an alternative to a gym workout, and really got into it my junior year of college with my first marathon, etc. Running really helped me develop more healthy ideals about my body and eating habits, and it is the most effective stress reliever in my book.
What were your goals going into the Madison Marathon?
Honestly, I just wanted to run under 3:10 and if that wasn't possible at least under 3:17 (which was formerly my PR) and wanted to stay strong mentally (which is a lot of the battle as anyone who has run a marathon knows!). Madison Marathon was my first endurance event in about 2.5 years (since before I was pregnant), so it meant a lot to me and symbolized a lot about the changes in my life since I last raced.
When did you take the lead in the marathon?
I was in about 3rd or 4th through most of the race. Megan Thomas was not having a good day and I passed her at about 18 before the arb (Megan is tough- she ran a 3:16 while really darn sick!!) and at about mile 19 I passed Holly Fearing. I saw a few friends right around the start of the arb and that put me in a good place mentally—I am so thankful for the support I had that day.
What were your feelings over the last couple of miles when you were leading and close to winning?
It was surreal- I mean, I knew that I was running pretty strong this spring, but my gosh, to be in the lead was unbelievable. I knew what it took to gut out those last miles and again, I saw so many friends in the last few miles that I was able to just bring it in to the finish. I was so overcome with emotion in the finishing chute when I saw Joe (husband) waiting for me. It was really special to be able to win the same race he's won.
Where is your favorite place to run in Madison?
If I'm solo, I love the trails in the arboretum, and the arboretum 10k loop. I also enjoy running with the jogging stroller, so anywhere where there aren't too many curves, traffic and bumps to navigate is great with me!
What is your favorite local race?
I LOVE long-distance stuff. I really like the Madison Marathon (and half)- it's a great time of year. My favorite race though, might be the John Dick 50k, near Oconomowoc, which takes place in February....picture running about 31 miles (five 10k loops) in 8 inches of snow & ice, with the friendliest group of running nuts you've ever encountered. I have never actually finished that one, but I came close this past year and aspire to someday soon.
I think you said in an article that you are competing in the Wisconsin Ironman in September. Will this be your first Ironman? What are your goals for the event?
This is the 2nd time I've been signed up, but the first time I will be at the starting line (I became IronMom in 2006 instead of IronMan). My priorities and schedule have drstically changed since the last time I was training for an Ironman distance, so my goal for IM WI is to finish, comfortably (or not too uncomfortably anyway) and be able to enjoy the day. I'm crossing my fingers and praying to the weather gods for decent weather this year- the weather can really make or break this race!
With two running parents, has your daughter Holly shown any signs of being a future runner?
Holly is super athletic & strong, has been since the moment she was born, so I imagine she'd be a great runner or triathlete someday. She definitely likes the energy of races, loves the jogging stroller and "runs" everywhere these days. I hope that the active lifestyle her parents lead will rub off on her, but we're going to let her choose her hobbies...hopefully that will include running. It would be a wonderful aspect of my life to be able to share with her.
What advice would you give to a new marathoner?
Patience is one of the keys of marathons. It takes patience to survive the months of training, patience to make it through 26.2 miles on race day, patience when and if you get injured, and patience with yourself and performance if you don't live up to your expectations, or the weather didn't cooperate, etc. Be patient with marathoning and it will pay off- if not in a PR, then with some sort of personal growth or goal. Finishing a marathon is one of those things that makes you feel like a million bucks (well after the nausea and soreness wear off anyway!).
Posted Monday June 16, 2008
Better than Sleep
My friend Matt will often wake up at 4:30 a.m. to get in his morning run. Maybe things will be different this summer, but I have never really been able to get myself on a morning run schedule.
I usually go after work but I really love running at night. Last night, I got in my first good night run of the summer. I hadn’t planned it but I had missed a couple days of running and the opportunity suddenly presented itself at 10 p.m. last night for a night run.
The weather was perfect. Not too warm not too cold. It felt good to get out and do something constructive as well. My weekend included more late nights then I would’ve liked and it felt good to get back in touch with my ultimate goal of running a good marathon this fall.
That’s the thing with running and especially for training for a marathon: There will be times when you fall off your training. But running will always be there when you come back to it.
I saw more people out running than I thought I would. Some waved at me, others ran past, lost in their own Sunday night thoughts. Along the Lake Monona bike path near the Monona Terrace, the water has risen almost level with the path. An inch or two higher and the water will creep across the path.
In addition to getting in a couple good night runs, it is even more fun to get in that occasional night race.
There is at least one night race in the area that I’m looking forward to running this summer. The Full Moon Run is July 17 at Olin Park, here in Madison. The race start time? 9 p.m.
Posted Monday June 23, 2008
Running to the Beat of a Different Drummer
Hey! The Olympic Track and Field Trials (June 27-July 6) are starting soon. Several athletes with Madison ties will be competing for a spot on the Olympic team. All of those athletes are immensely talented but when it comes to interesting characters, it’s hard to compete with Gabe Jennings.
In college, he was well-known for drumming in the stands while other athletes competed. And of course, he took that fabled trip to South America on a bike his dad bought at a garage sale.
Runners World recently did a very interesting (and long) piece on Gabe and his quest for his second Olympic team berth.
Jennings, of course, was a multi-time state champ in track and cross country as student at Madison East. Now he lives in Eugene, Oregon and has a very legitimate shot at placing in the 1500.
I would like to take this time to say that one of the first pair of running shoes I bought were from Gabe Jennings. He was very nice.
I enjoyed the article because it dispells some of the myths of Jennings but also creates a couple new ones. I had no idea that he is such an avid reader. He's devoured many great classics but he also says he has read several ancient texts in their original Latin! There is also a part about him donning a wet suit and hopping into the much-polluted Willamette River as part of his training. A great article!
Good Luck Gabe!