New Endings - And Beginnings (my so-called running career)

I have to share that it's been particularly hard writing this blog over the past several months.  As I know I've said on numerous occasions, the purpose of doing a blog was connecting some of my personal running experiences with the values of Teens Run Westchester:

• Goal Setting
• Commitment to Achievement
• Positive Youth Development
• Healthy Lifestyles

It's been hard to share experiences because- and I will stick with my mantra of this being a whine free zone - I really haven't been able to experience running without resulting pains (I'm stopping with descriptives there).

What I will share is that I went to a well respected sports therapist yesterday - an excellent professional who cares for high profile clients like several of our NY sports teams, elite marathon runners - as well as committed amateurs such as myself.  It took him about 7 minutes of tests to diagnose me and his comment was that "if I don't want to end up eventually in a wheelchair, I should find another sport".   In other words, NO MORE RUNNING - he added that this is what a smart person would do.

Me, being me, I had to ask "just supposing I wanted to be stupid and try running".  He said if that's what you want to do, make sure you have plenty of money and find someone in Toronto that can take care of you often - cause you'll need it.  And eventually you'll end up in a wheelchair.  So, as much as my wife loves me, I don't think that's what she was envisioning for our future.  It's official.  My running days are over.  Writing this is for some reason, helping me.  Not sure why - but it is.

So, what next?  Well, the good doctors recommendation was two sessions of extremely enjoyable (well, not exactly) therapy where they got all the "junk" out of my calves and feet and then we'll see.  For now, no weight bearing exercise - not even out of the saddle spinning - so guess I'll be getting lots of reading done on the stationary bike.  And I guess I'll be getting ripped up top (or not) as I can do upper body strength training.  I'm even off my new love hockey until my feet are back to being able to walk - forget run -without pain.   All in all, lots of fun!

Seriously, I was initially crushed but I have to look at it some fresh ways.  Everything has it's place and time - I had mine and made the most of it.  Most of all, I feel gratified that it inspired me to try to share running as a teacher to help others - teens - learn from the experience.

I guess I could hypothesize that if I hadn't run so often and so much, I would have had more time running.  But for better or worse, that's not the way I do things.  When I love it, I love it.  It's sort of the way I always look at it when I fall in love with a great song, comedy routine or television show (i.e. watching Seinfeld reruns.   I can and will listen to it endlessly until I don't enjoy it and I'm tired of it.  People have often asked why not just do it (the song, the show) occasionally?  My feeling is capture it for all its worth and when you're done, you're done.   I guess in this case, running was done with me.

And after therapy?  As I mentioned, hopefully back to hockey which has and I'm sure will continue to be an exciting challenge for me.  But I will definitely be on the hunt for some new form of exercise that I can throw myself into - the natural seems to be biking.  I've found it particularly hard to bike in Yonkers and Westchester so perhaps the move to Toronto will be the open door there.  If you're reading this and have any suggestions, please share away.

In keeping with the theme of this blog, what's the lesson here?  There are several?

1) Running is truly a mind over body spirit.  I say with modesty that over the past six years, I was able to run 11 marathons and (I think) 16 half marathons with, as my doctor noted, all the wrong connections where it counts.

2) You have a choice to make when you take on something.  Moderation or intensity.  There are arguments for both.   As I said, I threw myself into running and have no regrets.  At the same time, if its right for you to hold back - and on occasions it is -do so.  Your choice.

3) Kind of a cliche but endings are beginnings.  Yes I'm bummed.  Yes I'm going to sell all my running shoes on ebay just to get them out of the house so I don't have to look at them.   But I'm a little excited.  I'm a little excited thinking about finding some new things to challenge me both physically and mentally.  And I'll try to be a little bit patient - but not totally sure about how that will work!

Finally, what does this mean for my involvement in Teens Run Westchester?  It changes absolutely nothing about my commitment to being a part of what I would call TRW 2 - the next generation of TRW.  While I may not be able to be out there on the runs, I will cheer, pour water, write grants and do whatever I can to keep moving forward.

See you out there -

Accentuate the Positive - running, life, etc etc.

Accentuate the positive.  That's a phrase that keeps coming into my head these days.  It's been an interesting and sometimes challenging couple of weeks for me.  As I tend to be pretty open and honest - what's the point of being anything, but, I do like to use this blog to share and sometimes reflect on changes in my life.   And as always, find some correlations or takeaways that are relevant to Teens Run Westchester.

Well, let's start with my - what I'm starting to call - my personal running journey.  Before, it just used to be my running.  But now that I'm in the place of having to rediscover what works and what doesn't, I consider myself on a new journey that may just encompass my entire life.  As I've explained to a few people in my life who don't really understand why I haven't just taken up biking, I've been (what I like to call) alternatively inspired by some folks.  I won't name any names because it's totally unimportant.  What I will say is that my aim is to never be that person who you see and when you talk about running says "oh, I used to do that but then on and on (knees, feet etc) happened.  Or that are constantly complaining about it.  I know I've said it before but it does bother me to look at some old posts and see my whining about this or that.  I've decided I'm taking the personal journey and long view approach.  I'm trying many things and thinking of myself as a lifelong runner that may be "stopped at port" or going slow around the harbor for a bit.  I have no idea whatsoever why I'm using these marine type of metaphors.  But whatever.

Point being, accentuate the positive.  Over the last four days, I've run ever other day for slightly increasing distances.   Nothing super long but just good solid runs of 40 than 45 minutes.  Being in Canada, hard to say whether I have to do more adjusting the cold or my newer style of running.  Speaking of which, my focus has been on running with the Chi Running technique that I worked on with my instructor.    And interestingly, every time I go out, I go out with the practiced mindset of form over speed - and oddly, my speed while never a big bragging point, has picked up and been respectable.

The other thing that's been intriguing is how much you notice things when you, well, want to notice them.  My instructor had pointed out that I didn't do much with my arms.  So, as a result, I've been really focused on using more of an arm swing as I run.  At the same time, I've been equally focused on an upright posture which allows for energy flow, less front of foot running and a more natural mid foot strike.  Bottom line, I've felt better towards the ends of these runs than even starting.  Really cool.  Not a negative but I've also been advised to "lose the Newtons", shoes I'm sure I've written about due to my devotion to them over the last three years.  While I will continue to pledge my respect and admiration for having supported me through my last 8 marathons and 10 halfs (or something like that), I do recognize that I've formed a dependence on them.  Being out yesterday on a somewhat minimalist but sill well cushioned pair of Asic Gel-lyte 33 felt distinctively different- but very good by the end.  Oh well, fire sale on my many pair of Newtons - get ready ebay community!

So, parallels?  Well, I - or I should say my wife and I have embarked on yet another step along a journey - that being our move to Toronto.  This weekend, we moved into a great place in an area called Summerhill in Toronto.  Adjustments here too?  Plenty but exciting and forward moving ones.  It's always amazing - and kind of a special and good uncomfortable - when you need to get used to a new home, city and neighborhood (yep, all at once!).  Sometimes, its the simplicity of where you store your socks, the place you get coffee and -- even where you do your running.   And certainly the weather when you do that running!  But it's an exciting adventure and that's certainly the way to look at it.  No doubt, your socks may not all fit in the space, the coffee place will be closed that second time you go there (gotta get those hours down!) and you'll freeze your hands off because you didn't wear warm enough gloves (happened Saturday) but it's all an exciting part of starting over and moving forward.

Lesson - easy.  Like I said, look at the positives and keep the negatives to your sleeping moments.  In other words, why bother.  And don't be afraid of changes and the bumps and stumbles along the way.  So many others have said this better and with more grace but it really is a cool journey when you can learn to appreciate the bumps and stumbles along the way.  It makes getting up that much more fun!

How Chi Running just might be saving my running life

Well, you knew it was inevitable...the pitch for Chi Running.  Just a quick note to say that I continue to be amazed by the good things that are coming from a combination of Chi Running, having an alternative off day activity (ice hockey) and actually getting some rest.  Reading this I'm reminded about the inevitable pull of age and the things we do (if we choose) to continue to battle it - but I will happily.  It's kind of funny to think that about this time last year, I ended a streak of 200 (or something like it) straight days of running.  Why did I do that? Beats me - probably just to say I could.  It would be fun to say that I did that in my crazy younger days - but it was just last year when I was 47!

So first on Chi Running, I'm not sure if I'm doing this totally right but whatever I'm doing seems to be helping.  First off, four days after doing the half marathon in Florida, my feet and body feels good - specifically not sore (and I know the difference).  I gave it a rest the day after, did an easy run on Tuesday and did a more a more intense run today.  What really struck me though is that the more I follow some of the fairly simple rules - keep a straight column, use the forward lean as the primary means to speed up and most of all RELAX - the better the run.  Today I did another 50 minute run, no walk breaks, continually slight accelerations and ultimately a good temp at the exact clip that's recommended for my next marathon.   Clearly I have some ways to go till I can maintain that pace for 13.1 let alone 26.2 but something to shoot for.

As for the alternative, I'm just having a plain old blast learning something new, falling on my you know what, living out my mini-dream I've had of playing hockey (since I was like 5) and staying on the ice till I just can't walk anymore.  Yesterday, I had my lesson and actually earned a "getting better" from my instructor who I really appreciate for his few words, direct approach and pushing me to get better and go faster.  After my lesson, I stayed on the ice (two hours total) and forced myself to chase pucks and shoot, pivot, pivot, and more pivot and practice crossover. When I got off the ice, I was just drenched with sweat and yea, I couldn't have been happier.

Finally, rest.  What can I say, I guess we all have to listen to our bodies and every five days or so, mine says no,  Occasionally it even yells it.  And now I'm listening and actually enjoying it.  Keep in mind that every fourth issue of Runners World writes a new article (or repeats an old one) extolling the virtues of rest.  Even the great runner Ryan Hall has noted it as being as important as his training days.  So, I guess there's something to it.  Guess I'll keep at it - or not on those particular days.

So, lessons for the day:  Never be afraid to change technique - it may actually work.  Find fun alternatives for your off running days, preferably ones that you find equally exciting and interesting.  And rest - it's actually not that bad.

And, of I forgot, have fun while you're doing all of this -

Quick notes from the Fort Lauderdale A1A Half Marathon - Happy and Appreciative

This blog recently called out to me and said it felt neglected.  OK, obviously that didn't happen  - let's be real.  But I have felt that I've sort of left this blog aside and I wanted to correct that as there's still lots to say and share re: running, Teens Run Westchester and all the we try to accomplish.

As for me, I've been learning something the hard way but feel like the lesson is finally being learned.  And the lesson is real simple - one your parents use to say to you when you did things like waste food, complain about your circumstances and in general, act unappreciative.

Count your blessings and find joy in what you can do.  
Don't bother bemoaning what's past and that you can't do.

Yesterday I completed the Fort Lauderdale A1A Half Marathon at just over 2 and a half hours.   Given some stuff that's been going on with the "health" of my feet, I was thrilled and have the greatest appreciation for being able to just be out there.  Finishing was a bonus and finishing strong without just walking was a super bonus!

The other reason I was thrilled to do this was that - to be honest with you (who are reading this) and myself - is that I felt a bit scared to attempt this after my recent bout with plantar, spurs etc (I'm done whining - just noting).  And that really bothered me.

Now, I'm not extolling the virtues of taking un-necessary risks just to prove things to yourselves.  But balancing the maximum risks (being in some pain and having to bag marathons forever) vs. the rewards (being able to look in the mirror knowing I tried it), I made the decision I made.  Now, I will share that most in my family didn't agree with this.  But sometimes you have to go your own way.

I'm keeping this short and simple by saying

• you always win when you try (I would have felt OK even if I had to walk the whole way just because I put myself out there)    Sorry if that's corny but its true
• I am now an absolute firm believer in Jeff Galloway's Run/Walk Method and Chi Running; the combination of doing the two of these steadily with absolute discipline are the key reasons I was able to accomplish this.  I'm not going all preachy and saying these tools are good for everybody but as for me, they really help

Now if I can just do this on the road....I may have something. (And some news to share)

First off, for those of you who religiously read this blog (OK, OK, let's just say occasionally), you'll know a couple of things 1) I've been wining like (fill in wimpy verb as you choose) about my fee for the last two months) 2) this blog is essentially supposed to be about Teens Run Westchester - you know, our work, lessons learned - stuff like that and 3) OK, I'm saving a little announcement for the very end

So, in regards to the first two, I want to say (hopefully) that it's never too last to change - maybe not as a whole person, your core being and that stuff - but a skill or approach to something. And that thinking holds whether your 8, 18 or 48 (like yours truly).

As has been way too documented, I've been diagnosed with just about everything that has a medical term that can impact one's foot. Or should I say feet since I have these issues on both. Somewhat humorously, the table next to my bed looks like a cross between a science experiment and the foot paid section at CVS. In the past two months I've purchased:

A toe separator
A bunion splint
The Futuro Plantas Fasciitis Night Splint (thank you to my esteemed Fraternity Brother Louis Harron for the recommendation); and most recently, my favorite;
The Strassberg Sock - the good news on this one is that it's so popular that I had to go to multiple locations of my favorite running store to get this in my size - so I'm in good company with my suffering (not that I like to see others suffer)

And I wear them to bed in all kinds of interesting combinations - it's almost like some kind of medical fashion show. (Let's see - I think I'll do the Strassberg on the right complemented by a toe separator on the right)

I've also had the fun of trying a couple dozen new types of sneakers - most of which helped me adjust my BMI lower since they lifted my another couple inches even after I removed them. As some of you may know, over the last three years, I've been a very steady Newton customer and have often extolled their value to fellow runners. While I didn't blame them for my troubles, I did feel as though I needed some shoes with a bit more heft and padding. I never got rid of them - I would just look at them longingly as I put on the new "boats" of the day. I started the Brooks Adrenaline, a few different Sauconys and other more typical non-minimal wedgy running shoes. No knock to any of them, they just didn't do it for me. Finally, a few weeks ago, with an hour to kill in DC before my fraternity reunion dinner, I walked into a family owned place I had been before called Pacers. The guy there was really helpful -first of all he introduced me to yet another wonderful prop that I've become a fan of - the plantar fasciitis sock. I think if I can't think of what to do next, I'm going into the Plantar Fasciitis industry - clearly it's growing with lots of room for product expansion.

Anyway, this guy introduced me to the Mizuno Wave Inspire 9 - and I have to say, it's been the best yet. It's the first shoe that I do find myself going back to and enjoying running in. For the past few weeks, I've felt good enough to do fairly reasonable recovery-ish mileage on the treadmill. I just decided to be good to myself. Finally. this Sunday, with a half marathon registered for February 17, I got myself out there (outside that is in the snow) and didn't feel half bad. Kept it slow and steady.

What I haven't said (with all this build up) is that I haven't been taking this lying down. I do recognize that my body just may not ever want to do another uninterrupted 250 days of running like I did last year. And I may not be able to do all the marathons that I want. But I'm not stopping. And I had decided I was going to keep trying things until I found a good formula that would keep me running.

Several years ago, I had bought Danny Dryer's book Chi Running. At the time, I read through about half and it never really took. But I always kept it all my shelf. When I started getting into Newton's several years ago, I noted that Danny Abshire, Newton's running guru often mentioned Chi Running as sharing some qualities - the lightness to the touch of the feet, the focus on the mid to forefront, the focus on a straight column.

So, looking for solutions again, I picked it up off the shelf and was excited when I re-read the title and sub description. "effortless, injury free running". I'm starting to believe it. Over the past month, I've read the book at a clip of about 10 or 15 pages a day. While I can't say that I've done all the exercises, I have spent a good time practicing what is described as the focuses - attention to running with a straight column, doing what he calls a body scan every so often to be mindful of your form. Most important though is the relaxation and letting your running - your energy movement come from your core (in clearer term the strength around your mid/pelvic section. Essentially, your letting your legs and arms be extensions of that core - there's no big focus on leg strength or push offs. Your run is really being powered by your lean and your cadence. OK, if you're interested enough, I would grab the book - it's easy to find

What I want to share is that I had a breakthrough at the most unlikely time. I went to my basement to get my laundry. I also happen to keep my running shoes and treadmill down there (along with the many seinfeld dads). Since I had to grab a pair of shoes, I decided since I'd worn the boats for the last few runs, I could sneak in a pair of my Newtons. Since I hadn't had them on for a while I thought, better be sure they're still feeling OK.

I turned on my treadmill at an easy 5 mph. Now, remember, I'm a slow guy so this use to be my base speed. For the last few runs, I've been in the 12:30 to 13:00. I started at 12 and just clicked into this perfect form. My breathing was clicking perfectly so I had this perfect cadence going between my feet, breath, hands etc - bottom line, it was just all coming together. By the 2.5 mile point, I was at a good 5.7 mph clip and feeling like I could have kept going and going and going. Truly a beautiful thing and I was in heaven. I only stopped because I had already run 5 miles this morning and have a TRW training this evening and just wanted to be sure. But I think - like golfers when they find that perfect stroke that they always want to get back - I've found mine.

Now if I can just do the same thing on the road. And I think I can.

THis has been a really long post. So I'll start off my next post with my news - stay warm, dry and happy

Wow - it's been awhile. Back on my feet, my first Yoga Class and Hitting the Ice!

Well, like it said above, wow - it's been awhile and it's been an interesting time for both me and Teens Run Westchester. First off, we are piloting our first ever Winter Training Program with an eye towards the participant running in the Celebrate Life Half Marathon. I want to respect their confidentiality so suffice to say, they are a nonprofit that is doing exemplary work with youth from throughout Westchester County. On January 15th, we began the program by simply having the group run a mile to get a gauge for their various paces. I'm thrilled to say that I have no doubt that every one of these teens have it in them; they have the natural tools to run for long distance i.e. a half marathon. The challenge has been more about outside elements - the weather, training on dark winter nights. Bottom line, we are going through a very positive and instructive learning process. And in the process, I do believe we're doing very good work with these teens.

One of things that is really fantastic to see from an organizational perspective is the development of our mentors and their leadership. John Rubsam (and I hope he doesn't mind me mentioning him here) is a doing a fantastic job as the Project Leader for this pilot program. In this role, which is new to TRW, John is managing the relationship with the partner nonprofit, leading the runs and generally overseeing the progress. The other two mentors that are part of the team, Katie and Marie, are also amazing! What's very cool to me is that while I wasn't looking to step back, other people in our organization are really stepping up as leaders. And that's truly the only way TRW will grow. And so it will. Which leads me a bit to my own personal story....

Over the last several months, it seems that my feet decided to declare all out war against me and the running. In retrospect and in all fairness, they had every right to - but more on that later! Here's the story -

Right after Hurricane Sandy, my wife and I went to Toronto where she is doing some consulting work. In fact, we were very fortunate- since we lost the power in our home, we drive to Canada where the organization she's consulting for had provided housing WITH ELECTRIC and everything. My first day in Toronto, and just three weeks before I was scheduled to run in the Philadelphia Marathon, I decided what better way to get to know Toronto than do my 2nd to final long run (20 miles) along the main drag of the city. And so I did. And it was good. Until the next day when, after my recovery run, my left foot was twice it's normal size. What I initially thought was a stress fracture was really just a bunion on my left food screaming in pain. To keep this short - and I know I've written about this before (sorry about the rep), stayed off the foot for a week, let it heal and yes, incredibly brilliantly, still ran the marathon. After, did an overly aggressive recovery schedule because....

Fast forward three days before Christmas and I've gotta start training for the Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon on 2/17. I had done this one before, really liked it and in fact, had one of my better times. So I was really looking forward to it and even hoping for some improvement. NOT! I went out for a long run (14 miles) and the next day was in agonizing pain. But very different kind. In fact, it was on the other foot and could barely walk. Again, don't want to bore you with more details. Bottom line, in the course of the last month, I've learned that I have bunions on both feet, heel spurs on both and plantar fasciitis much more so on my right - it's pretty likely that's due to the overcompensating for the bunion on my left. So am I stopping?? No. But as I stated initially, this is clearly my feet saying that as much as I may love this and doing all the runs with the teens, my 48 year old feet aren't quite willing to keep the same work schedule.

No, I'm not stopping but am a strict schedule of no more than 3/4 days of running of which 3 will be easy - and I do mean easy. I've also been reading and practicing Danny Dreyer's ChiRunning. It does seem to be helping but I'm not going to make a full out pitch for it quite yet. Finally, I'm off my favorite running shoes, Newtons, for a bit in favor of more supportive Mizunos. I guess the times they are a changing..

I've also tried my first two yoga classes and they've been a combination of challenging, entertaining and helpful. The challenging part is that this stuff is hard. Especially when you (presently) have limited flexibility and feet aren't exactly in grip mode. The class I went to on Friday was entertaining... It was me and six women. The teacher started off by asking me if I was OK with six women and working on our butts. I said that's fine - I'll sit in the back! But it wasn't for any reason but so that they couldn't see how lame I was at all these poses. And I'm still not clear on all the spiritual stuff - but it is kind of relaxing.

But today, I truly found my #1 alternative for my non-running days. I started my hockey lessons today and I have to say I have a renewed appreciation for this sport which I have loved since I was like 5 years old and I watched the Philadelphia Flyers win the Stanley Cup. I always dreamed of being out on the ice with all that cool equipment and playing this awesome game. I got a little taste of it when I was about 11 or 12 and went to some hockey clinic where I grew up. But it was just once or twice.

I had a 1/2 hour lesson with a coach that was a great workout. But even better was after, the ice was free for another hour for practice and I just kept skating and practicing and probably wouldn't have stopped but my legs were definitely beat. Very psyched to keep working on it. And this will be great for some other updates I will be sharing in the next few days.

If you're still reading this long blog, glad you're interested, feel free to comment, yawn, laugh or cry. Shanti Shanti (as they seem to say at the end of yoga!)

And we're back

And we're back....

Yes, it's been quite a while since I've done a post and that's for any number of reasons; typical holiday distraction, business, lack of real content - the list goes on and on.

But I am happy to be doing this again. Personally, the end of the year was a bit of a mixed blessing. We had a wonderful holiday where we (while let me give my wife quite ample credit as she does most of the work) had at any given time somewhere between 18 and 20 people at our home. This included a lovely Christmas Eve Dinner as well as celebration on Christmas Day. What was most amazing of all was that, since we (my wife and I) were heading to Toronto on the day after Christmas, we had the place completely vacant (all guests had checked out of the inn) and clean. That includes the Christmas tree.

OK, this is a semi-Seinfeld riff - and maybe it has to do with being Jewish- but I really feel crummy about just tossing the tree out the next day it's like a dead body. I mean there it is in your house, decorated to the nines, everybody staring at it likes it's some sort of semi-god. And then on December 26th; it's as useless as a bucket with a whole in it that has to be tossed ASAP. While I know that lots of people keep them around for awhile, I still feel really bad when I drive around in early to mid January (NOW) and see these unwanted trees just waiting to get trashed along with smelly garbage. Some day, someone really entrepreneurial is going to come up with some wonderful use for these trees. They have to!

Anyway, why a mixed blessing? Well, to try to look at the positive, I can only say that my health at the end of 2013 has to be better than I've started out with. It started a few days before Christmas. To get my training kicked off for the Ft. Lauderdale Marathon which is on February 17th, I did a 14 mile run. Very even, nice pace from Yonkers to Tarrytown. I initially felt good after. A day or so later, my left foot starting feeling the way it felt back in November before I almost bowed out of Philly.

I decided to give it some space and it actually started to feel a bit better. So, being me (not always smart) I decided to do some speedwork on the day of Christmas eve. Big mistake. My foot felt fine during the run but was toast by an hour after. To the point where I was hobbling around on Christmas Day. I guess the only pleasure I can take is that I kind of felt like Bruce Wayne/Batman in the beginning of the Dark Knight Rises when he was hobbling around. That's as close as I'll probably come to being Batman.

OK, more rest. In fact, I kept on the bike until January 2nd. Thinking I must now be OK, I did a very, very light run on a treadmill. While it felt OK while I was doing it, an hour after, the pain was so excruciating I thought I'd pass out.

As I'm reading all this, really depressing so I'm done. Bottom line, between the feet and a flu which I hope is on the way out, my new year has started out anything but healthy. Hope better things are to come!! Bottom line, I have a feeling the Daily Runner might be the Daily Biker or Daily something else for a bit.

On a happier note, thrilled that Teens Run Westchester is starting it's first ever Winter Training Program this Tuesday January 15th. Looking forwards to keeping you up to date on that.

Actually, lots of other stuff to write about but this is really long already so to be continued...