May 2008
May 29, 2008
The 53 Commandments of "Running"!
Sara St. Clair from out RTBeacon Training Group passed along this to me, "The 53 Commandments of Running". Thought it was interesting? Anyone else have any Commandments they want to share?
The 53 Runner's Commandments
by Joe Kelly
1. Don't be a whiner. Nobody likes a whiner, not even other whiners.
2. Walking out the door is often the toughest part of a run.
3. Don't make running your life. Make it part of your life.
4. During group training runs, don't let anyone run alone.
5. Keep promises, especially ones made to yourself.
6. When doing group runs, start on time no matter who's missing.
7. The faster you are the less you should talk about your times.
8. Keep a quarter in your pocket. One day you'll need to call for a ride.|
9. Don't compare yourself to other runners.
10. All runners are equal, some are just faster than others.
11. Keep in mind that the later in the day it gets, the more likely it is that you won't run.
12. For a change of pace, get driven out and then run back.
13. If it was easy, everybody would be a runner.
14. When standing in starting lines, remind yourself how fortunate you are to be there.
15. Getting out of shape is much easier than getting into shape.
16. A bad day of running still beats a good day at work.
17. Talk like a runner. "Singlets" are worn on warm days. "Tank tops" are worn to the beach.
18. Don't talk about your running injuries. People don't want to hear about your sore knee or black toe.
19. Don't always run alone.
20. Don't always run with people.
21. Approach running as if the quality of your life depended on it.
22. No matter how slow you run it is still faster than someone sitting on a couch.
23. Keep in mind that the harder you run during training, the luckier you'll get during racing.
24. Races aren't just for those who can run fast.
25. There are no shortcuts to running excellence.
26. The best runs sometimes come on days when you didn't feel like running.
27. Be modest after a race, especially if you have reason to brag.
28. If you say, "Let's run this race together," then you must stay with that person no matter how slow.
29. Think twice before agreeing to run with someone during a race.
30. There is nothing boring about running. There are, however, boring people who run.
31. Look at hills as opportunities to pass people.
32. Distance running is like cod liver oil. At first it makes you feel awful, then it makes you feel better.
33. Never throw away the instructions to your running watch.
34. Don't try to outrun dogs.
35. Don't trust runners who show up at races claiming to be tired, out of| share, or not feeling well.
36. Don't wait for perfect weather. If you do, you won't run very often.
37. When tempted to stop being a runner, make a list of the reasons you started.
38. Never run alongside very old or very young racers. They get all of the applause.
39. Without goals, training has no purpose.
40. During training runs, let the slowest runner in the group set the pace.
41. The first year in a new age group offers the best opportunity for trophies.
42. Go for broke, but be prepared to be broken.
43. Spend more time running on the roads than sitting on the couch.
44. Make progress in your training, but progress at your own rate.
45. "Winning" means different things to different people.
46. Unless you make your living as a runner, don't take running too seriously.
47. Runners who never fail are runners who never try anything great.
48. Never tell a runner that he or she doesn't look good in tights.
49. Never confuse the Ben-Gay tube with the toothpaste tube.
50. Never apologize for doing the best you can.
51. Preventing running injuries is easier than curing them.
52. Running is simple. Don't make it complicated.
53. Running is always enjoyable. Sometimes, though, the joy doesn't come until the end of the run.
Remember....Run Happy!
Trail Challenge Anyone?
This Sunday, May 25th, beginning at 6am, the Pineland Farms Trail Challenge will be off and running for it's 3rd consecutive year. This Trail Challenge is quickly becoming a "must" stop for trail running "Aficionados’". Ian Parlin and Erik Boucher started this event based on their passion for off road and trail running. Ian, President and founder of Trail Monster Running, the area's foremost trail running club, has run a number of trail challenges and recently ran a 50K. The clubs mission is simply: Trail Monster Running is Maine’s only trail running club. We are committed to exploring off-road running opportunities in Maine and throughout New England and sharing information with other like-minded runners about the places we run. From 5k cross country races to 100 milers, Trail Monsters run them all.
And run them all they do! The Pineland Farms Trail Challenge boasts a 25K, 50K and a 50 Miler! This unique event's symbol is a tractor and finishers of the 25K receive a silver cowbell, with finishers of the 50K receiving a gold cowbell! Additionally, there is a 4K Carnicross, where runners can share the trail with there favorite dogs. After the event there is a community and family flair with live music, a barbeque and potluck, Gritty McDuff's beer, soda, etc... The organizers give out handcrafted awards to winners. If your not running come out, volunteer and take part in a great family event! This years event already boasts 470 pre-entries and race day sign up should push this race over the 500 participation mark!
Ian recently gave a "Trail Running" Clinic at our Thursday night training group. He lead a group on a 6 mile run along the Fore River Sanctuary Trail and then gave a presentation to 35+ on "Why Trail Running," equipment, Trail Monster and the distinct differences between running on roads and trails and the different levels of trail running.
Trail Monster is also is organizing the "Bradbury Mountain Trail Running Series". The Series features a 6 mile (Bradbury Scuffle - June 15th), 9 mile Bradbury Mountain Breaker - August 10th) and 12 mile (Bradbury Bruiser - September 14th). Maine Running and Vasque are sponsors and with Ian's organization and passion, this series is sure to grow.
Trail Running, try it!! and remember, Run Happy!
Weekly Back Cove Series! No Free Shoes, but you'll love it!
Okay.....beautiful weather, folks chomping at the bit and a free 5K every weds night! What formula do you need to bring out people for an old fashioned, line em up and get a time every Wednesday night from May 14th thru September 10th??? Not much! The 6th annual Weekly Back Cove Series brought out the running community with 109 participants! Last year our biggest group was 109 in August!
4 years OK 4 (four), (yea! that's right, 4 runners!) showed up for the 1st run of this annual event which is a great asset to the Portland Running Community! Stu Palmer, Maine Running, Portland Trails, Maine Track Club, Mizuno, RunToWin and the Portland Parks Department are all involved in making this event happen by donating, supporting and organizing. You can now register on line at www.mainerunning.com and when I opened pre-registration, there were 56 entries and 1/2 didn't even show up! Dan Franek won in 17:21, with Katie Davisson winning the women's in 19:44 to take the early series lead. Men and Women with the fastest average time over any 6 races win a years supply (4 pair) of Mizuno Footwear. Also, this year the Maine Track Club will sponsor a community spirit award, which will honor a participating individual or individuals who represent the "Community Spirit" of the Back Cove Seris for commitment, improvement, determination and dedication to the event! Could be volunteer or a runner who exemplifies improvement or commitment over the series.
Maine Running Community has their share of leaders in the running industry, Mark Grandonico was just voted as the Eastern Region Director for the Road Runners Club of America. Mark's tireless contributions, dedication and commitment to the Maine Track Club and Road Racing, is well worth noting and we are fortunate to have him in our own community...congrats! Mark. Howard Spear, Race Director for the Maine Marathon and the Portland Sea Dogs 5K, was all smiles this past Sunday, as the Sea Dogs 5K is now the largest 5K in the State! Beautiful weather brought out 400+ race day registrants and 1,906 finishers with 2,203 participants. Howard, as always, does a terrific job of organizing and creating a great event.
New products at Maine Running include Vibram's Five Fingers (Time Magazine's Best of Innovation, 2007). The product is designed to mimick barefoot running and advocate TC Hazzard regularly run's races in them. Check out www. vibramfivefinger.com for more information.
The Spring Running Season is off to a tremendous start and we're only just beginning! Get out there and enjoy the weather and remember.....Run Happy!
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