Teens Run Yonkers Update and Some Seinfeld Airport Trivia

Just a couple of fun and good things to share. Very excited that Teens Run Yonkers began working with another school this week.
We had seven great teens come out with us this past Wednesday to start the program. We kicked off the program by having everyone do
the "Magic Mile" (thank you Jeff Galloway!) and a great place to do it since their school has a nice track right there on sight. What's also excellent is that their school is well positioned to do some great hill runs along North Broadway so I have no doubt that this group will do an awesome job on
the Yonkers 1/2 Marathon in September. Great to see!

Also thrilled that by the end of next week, Teens Run Yonkers will be working out of a new site. This will be great as really the next step in
building our organization is having some amazing interns focusing on volunteer engagement, community outreach, social media and of course, raising funds
for the program. So, if you're reading this and like what you've been hearing about Teens Run Yonkers, yes, of course we're accepting donations! (Yes, I'm using the blog as a bit of a platform for this but hey, if you don't ask. Our program is one of the most cost effective you'll find - so as not to make this a maximum fundraising pitch, I'd invite to check out the first page of the website if you want to learn more; it's www.teensrunyonkers.org . OK, now that we've moved back to blog world, definitely an exciting time for the program!


On a personal running note, I need a marathon. The NJ thing re-inspired me and absolutely have to do one within the next two to three months. Why? Just because I do. It definitely becomes a bit hard to find them here on the East Coast in the summer months but maybe I'm missing something...Anyway, if you have suggestions, I'm open. Definitely feel that with more of the Galloway stuff, I'm going to hit that sub-5 in the next one or two.

Finally, easy Seinfeld trivia segue tonight. I'm picking my wife up from JFK really late. So, Airport Episodes. Several of 'em! (I have a feeling we may have been in this zone before but...) Anyway, one of my favorites involves not just an airport pickup but a date gone bad for George and he wants revenge. Who does he want to exact revenge on - or at least say something to? The episode also involves the installation of cable? Slightly tough one here: What was the initial quoted price for the installation? What is the end price when Jerry decides against semi-pirated cable? Another airport pick-up involves Kramer tracking down a long last roommate who owes him some back rent. What is the name of the roommate? Does he get his money back? What happens to George at the end of this one? There's even more but I'm going to watch the Rangers win Game 6 now! Go Rangers!!

Batman and breaking the rule -- Just a cool quote

I've been pretty upfront about my discounting of using social media as a tool for simply re-posting stuff. So, as the Joker said to Batman (yes, I'm a closet Batman fanatic - some of you may know this, for others, well, I have far more embarrassing moments to share some other time), tonight you're going to have to break your one rule. By the way, that line comes from what I consider to be THE best scene in a somewhat long, drawn out and way too preachy (but still good) THE DARK KNIGHT. It's the one where they're in the cell and Batman is manhandling Heath Ledger a.k.a. the Joker and he's just laughing in his face..

OK, really digressed there....Anyway, the quote that I'm reposting is from last night's Runners World - actually all I know is they sent it to me at 12:59 AM - I wonder if they thought I'd be reading it then? Here it is:


Training for a race is sort of like a metaphor for life—it shows you how important goals are, it shows you how much you are capable of, it shows you the power of dedication. I've never run 13.1 miles, but I know I can do it. I will do it.

Ashley Cadaret, Running: A Love Story, Other Voices blog, Runner's World.com

I really couldn't have described why we do Teens Run Yonkers any better than this. Besides the fact that way too many people are always comparing lives to a marathon, this gets right to the heart of the goal setting process. Love it.

Been too long- A 170 Day Streak - Seinfeld Parking - Rock Stars and Runners

Well, if nothing else, I've learned that bad habits can be formed as easily as good ones. I was mildly surprised (shocked would sound way too over-dramatic) when I looked and realized that the last time I posted was on May 7th. That is truly lame. And oddly, there were at least three or four occasions in this 12 day break when I saw something that inspired to get with it again. But I kept being lazy and saying "any day now, any day (think Dunkin Donuts)

So here goes - lots of random and mildly interesting if not related things..

First off, as I get things feeds from Runners World every morning, I tend to give them a quick glance and then hit the delete knowing full well that a quick view is maybe the best it's gonna get. Anyway, a couple days ago, one of those quotes of the day really caught my eye. This was the one:

The biggest reward of marathon training is confidence. A 20- or 22-mile training run cannot be purchased, and it can't be rescinded. You are the owner of that strength, and it is a powerful force when life tries to knock you down. You have evidence of your tenacity, your ability, and your passion.

Laura Saladino, Runner's World Challenger of the Week

This is just so true! I was recently talking to the parent of one of our terrific teens. By the way, what amazes me about this young man is his sheer determination. He is out there with us almost every Saturday and he's always just moving forward no matter what...Anyway, I was saying what I believe is the core experience that Teens Run Yonkers tries to bring out is the power of the training. While not diminishing what happens on race day - it's amazing of course - what is truly powerful is one's willingness to put in the hard work for the four to six months before a race. That is where it all happens and as the quote says, that's something you can own forever. Those long runs, the moments after that tell you that you're on the path, the mental toughness you build as you do it - all that is what goes into character.

On another running note, even though I got lazy with my postings, my post marathon running has been good and my streak is at now at 170 uninterrupted days. I'm pretty proud of that. Also, happy to report that I've started experimenting with the Jeff Galloway Run-Walk-Run stuff and finding real value in that. One of my favorite running buddies who is always really supportive suggested it as the way I can finally crack my sub 5. I know it's in me so I really need to do something to break out of 5:09 to 5:15 space. While that's a great improvement from a couple of years ago, I have to get to that. And then who knows....

Finally, while it would seemingly have almost nothing to do with running, happy to share that I went to the Bamboozle fest yesterday. I would say "I went" with my daughter but the reality - as I noted on Facebook - was that in a fit of over fathering, thought it wouldn't be safe so I offered to drive her. At the time I didn't even realize that a few bands I like - All American Rejects and the Foo Fighters - were playing. I did promise that I wouldn't hang with them and let them go off on their own (I did). Well, first off I felt awful for my daughter because she was so psyched and really one of the main reasons she wanted to go was to say Blink 182. Unfortunately, they cancelled about a week ago. Fortunately for me, they replaced them with My Chemical Romance who I happen to like a lot. What was kind of cool was that it was exactly where I had run the NJ Marathon two weeks ago so I new the idea.

While there was tons of traffic there, I was thrill because since I had learned about the area, I was able to find a great and free spot pretty close to the show. OK, spontaneous Seinfeld Trivia Moment. There are at least two episodes top of mind that deal with the challenges of parking in NYC. In one, Elaine and George head out of the city and make some interesting purchases. Where do they go? What do they buy? What's the parking challenge. In another, George's temporary parking gig disrupts a famous Hollywood actor/director's work. Who is it? What happens? What is one of the most famous line's that come out of it?

Beyond the parking joy, I have to say I was blown away by Jimmy Eat World, whom I had never listened to, My Chemical Romance- knew that I would- but mainly by Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters. Not only was the music awesome but there's nothing like seeing someone, whether it's an athlete, actor,or some other type of performer, absolutely love what they're doing. Seeing Dave Grohl just eat up the limelight (and I mean that in a totally positive way) reminded me why I love playing the guitar/bass and singing (something I haven't written about at all but will include going forward) but also why I love what I get out of running and sharing that with the teens in our program. This is corny, but as Rocky said in Rocky 6 (or was it 7, 8 or some other), I'd rather do something I love badly, than quit or do something else. I feel the same. I may not the fastest - or fast at all for that matter - but running these races definitely gives me something that I've never gotten from other things including being in the bands I've been in or other venues where individual efforts are celebrated. As I said in the beginning, owning those accomplishments is as special for me as watching Dave Grohl wail on Monkey Wrench for 10 minutes which I'd have to say ranked among my favorite concert experiences ever. Rock on. And run on....

And it won't be another 12 days...

Marathon #10 - lessons learned - (and for Seinfeld Fans) gotta support the time

Well, happy to say I completed my 10th Marathon yesterday, the New Jersey Marathon. Overall, I'd say it ranks up there with the favorites. First off, the course is really pleasant for a couple of reasons. It seems to be a trend to say that the course is "flat and fast" as a way to attract mid to back of the packers such as myself. Several times I've found this to be questionable if not plain old false advertising. In this case, it's not. The course is - with very little exception - either flat or mildly declining. There are a few small bridges which can barely count as an uphill but if you wanted to make a case... In addition, very pleasant scenery whether it's just looking at the water on the back bay or Ocean or if you're being absolutely blown away by the breathtaking homes in Allenhurst and Deal, NJ. As for Asbury Park, you tend to be mostly on the boardwalk. I knew it was kind of a magical day as I was running right near that place that Springsteen orginally played and my ipon shuffle just happened to land on "Rosalita". Now that tells you you're having a karmic day! That really happened.

In terms of my - and I use the term loosely - performance, I was pleased. After my dismal last marathon in Miami which took me 5:40 (my worst I had done since my 4th Marathon when I was in usually in the six hour range), I was looking for solid improvement and I didn't want to overstress myself mentally or physically. So, I was happy to come in at 5:15 but with some spring left in my step and a smile on my face. That ranks among my top three - best was 5:09 - and at least heads me back in the direction of a sub 5 which is my BIG goal. Even though completing a marathon always counts as a big goal. And of course, I'm already thinking of what's next. But I'll give myself a day or two to breathe...

So, in keeping with the theme of this, what did I learn? Well, I think it's more mental than physical. One of the things we're always talking about in Teens Run Yonkers is effort over outcome. I really am proud of the way I trained for this marathon especially in comparison to my last one. I did two very legitimate 20 mile runs. I did appropriate taper runs in the last two weeks. I fueled intelligently both before and during (OK, a bit less so after but no one's perfect). And in the interest of being kind to myself and celebrating a success, I really am happy to be headed back in the direction of improvement and that sub 5 marathon goal. With some fine tuning, some better discipline and technique, that goal is within reach. And that feels good. So, lessons learned? Tracking yourself - whether its in diet or exercise doesn't just make you aware - it's one of the best ways to see what you did that led up to success or failure. Finally, and sorry for the touchy feel - celebrate your successes as opposed to beating yourself up if things weren't perfect. If you left it all out at the 26.2(second?)mile, that's a lot to be proud of.

Finally, this thing was in New Jersey. It was all about New Jersey. One really fun part of this was running the race in my New York Rangers hat (as is my tradition). There were a few people out there along the course in their NJ Devils Shirts point at my hat. I shouted to a few of them - see you in a week!. Once the Rangers put away the Caps (fingers crossed)and NJ does away with my former hometown favorite Flyers, it looks like we may have the classic 1994 rivalry series. And who loves New Jersey more than David Putty!!!. What does Putty do because he has to support his team? And who gives Jerry and the gang the tickets to the game. As a bonus: George declines the invitation to join them at the game. Why? What are two somewhat unique characteristics of the girl that he's dating. Go Rangers! (and I'm not painting anything)

No tip # - just my own - and yes, some Seinfeld for you

Still feeling blocked but somewhat less so. Glad to get the feedback and hear that the Seinfeld stuff was missed and will try to get that in here but in a more authentic way. I didn't like the forced feeling of having to come up with the transitional opportunity. While I never ready made them up, I liked the more natural feeling of the way my connection to Carlyle had come up. And now I am tempted to read some Thomas Carlyle. So I will


Anyway, from a running perspective - as that's what this is supposed to be - so the blog police told me - feeling pretty ready and excited for the New Jersey Marathon this Sunday. I have to say in retrospect that I really did not train well for the Miami Marathon so I really got what I deserved; a very lame performance. Yes, great to say I finished but I was looking for something more. Interestingly, I did something I rarely do and looked at how I had trained for the Miami race. Incredible that the longest run I had done - and I'm embarrassed to say it was a 15 mile run on the treadmill (due to massive snow if I remember correctly) the week before the actual marathon. Before that one, it was a 13.4 run. No 16, 18, or 20 miler in the bunch. Really!!!


Conversely, I'm proud to have done a 15.0 mile on the 110th day of my 110 days of running back towards the end of March. The following week was a killer, 2 mile uphill 16 miler that I did a bit slower than I would have liked but better than my e-coach suggested. I started the first week of April with a 20 miler, the following week while I was away included some very steady 8s, the next another 20 miler and two weeks of quality taper. Reminds me of when I did the first one of these and everyone kept saying "respect the distance!". Well, this time I feel like I did. My training for Miami, plain and simple, did not!.


That all sounds kind of serious and self-deprecating. But I think instead of my borrowed tip, I'll provide my own. I continually believe and try to share this with anyone in Teens Run. Training for marathons is one of these really excellent experiences where what you give to it is truly what you give back. A half-hearted commitment to quality training will almost always provide you with a half-hearted result that you'll have a hard time being proud of. On the flip side, dedicating yourself and your energy to producing something of quality and that is authentic, will almost always deliver a similar result and impact. Good lesson to learn.


And since it was requested, and I never took the easy opportunity to use it, there's an episode of Seinfeld where Elaine brings up a friend of hers that has an opportunity that provides a great place to watch the New York Marathon. And in Kramer-esque fashion, Kramer says "yea, I keep meaning to enter that" as if he was signing up to see a movie. What's the name of the episode and what's the main theme? George also comes up with a somewhat novel idea for meeting women - what is it and does it benefit him in the end? Enjoy!

A little writer's block - some Seinfeld Trivia and Tip 13

I have to admit to being a bit choppy on the blog as I've had a bit of writers block. So they say the best thing to do is just write. And so I am. Also, just want to say that if you're loving the look of this blog less, my apologies. Blogger changed the formatting a few days ago so it's very challenging to put in spacing (trust me, it's not for lack of trying!). After today, I'll poke around and see if I can adjust it. Actually, I may have been a bit intimidated after spending most of the the weekend in Concord, Mass. If you're not so familiar, Concord was home to great writers and thinkers like Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry Thoreau, Thomas Carlyle and Louisa May Alcott. So, it's definitely a challenge to hit the page after thumbing through Walden, Self-Reliance or Little Women. Do you think those guys would have blogged? No doubt Walden would have gotten a ton of likes on facebook. Imagine it - guy alone, living in a cabin, hanging out; the ultimate status update... Anyway, had a great time there just decompressing after some fairly intense weeks for myself and family. Great to just be there, run, look at old stuff and relax. Concord is also a runners (and bikers by the way) paradise - there are ton of both all over the street and there are nice mixes of street paths, real trail and grass all over the place. On a related note, did a really fun run on Friday; eight miles on Mamaroneck Avenue from White Plains to Mamaroneck and back - since I was able to survive that hill, I feel truly ready for this Sundays New Jersey Marathon. By the way, the mention of Carlyle gives me a little bit of legitimate license to throw in some sorely missed (yes?) Seinfeld Trivia. The writings of Thomas Carlyle were mentioned in one of the earlier seasons of Seinfeld. Can you name the episode, how his name comes up and the quote? And as a bonus, what unusual and somewhat embarrassing interaction takes place between Kramer and Elaine during the episode? And finally, Tip 13. I would put this one - warm up and cool down - as an unsung hero. No one realizes how important it is till you don't do it. So, it's really simple. DO IT! Yes, stretch, warm up with some easier running and wrap it up with some lighter. I truly believe your body will listen to your brain so, as the tip notes, tell it the direction it's headed and it will respond appropriately. Here's the info.... Beginner Running Tip 13 : Warm up and cool down By doing a warm up you are letting your body know that it will have to start working soon. It is important to do this so that your heart and legs can adjust properly. So don’t sprint out of the door, but start with a brisk walk, followed by very easy running for a couple of minutes. Then stretch. At the end of your workout take a couple of minutes to cool down. So run very slowly or walk the last minutes of your workout and end with some stretches. This will improve your recovery rate and reduce muscle pains.