by Monica on February 13, 2010
Before you run the New York Marathon, read Liz Robbin’s A Race Like No Other– 26.2 Miles through the streets of New York. Actually, I think the book should be tucked into every swag bag with the t-shirt and race number. Runners could fight pre-race jitters in bed the night before engrossed in these captivating stories. Moreover, they could throw it in with their water and power bars the next morning and pass the dreaded hours of waiting time at the start with Paula Radcliff and Hendrick Ramaala. Runners would appreciate the many volunteers they were about to pass in a whole new light (who may actually hand them their water). They would become familiar with the sacrifices of the bold-hearted elite racers like those they will follow through the streets of NY. And how could they not be motivated by reading about the many individuals who overcame heart-wrenching adversity to make it to the starting line? I would have loved that before I ran in 2008. This book had me at mile one.
We, at a bold pace, have devoured Liz Robbins’ astute and edifying articles about running and other sports in the New York Times and Well Blog. In fact, Liz’s article The Best Marathon Advice You’ll Ever Get (a favorite) will be sent to new marathoner friends in perpetuity. Are you sensing how delighted we are that Liz Robbins’ has agreed to answer our a bold pace questionnaire?
10 Questions for Liz Robbins:
1. Running skirt: friend or foe?
Foe. When I run, I want to wear shorts. When I play tennis, I wear skirts. When I played lacrosse and field hockey, I wore tartan plaid polyester skirts. Enough said.
2. What is your idea of the perfect run (when, where)?
When I covered the N.B.A. for the New York Times, I had my favorite runs on the road.
Venice Beach (not all the way to Santa Monica Pier) – a nice 5-miler watching the ocean
Dallas – Katy Trail (I always seemed to do that run when it was 92 degrees)
Miami – South Beach boardwalk/trail
But, my favorite quick run is in my backyard. A few blocks to Central Park, one loop on the upper bridle path, one loop on the reservoir.
3. What do you most value in a running friend (or do you prefer music/sweet solitude)?
Encouragement. I run faster with a friend.
4. What is your present state of running mind? How are those knees…will you ever run the NY Marathon?
My present state of running mind is…incredibly frustrated. I haven’t had a run longer than 30 minutes for months, and I’m spending most of my time on the elliptical right now. My doctor wants me to have arthroscopic surgery. My doctor thinks it’s essential because cartilage is roaming free in my right knee. I knew the pain and the clicking noises were not good signs. Any advice?
5. Who is your favorite runner to watch (or to cover) and why?
Hendrick Ramaala.
Because he is so genuine and so wise. When I did research for my book, I stayed with him and his family for five days in Johannesburg, and they couldn’t have been more hospitable. Hendrick, the 2004 NYC champion, has time for everyone, young runners, recreational runners, he loves to impart his wisdom. Plus, at age 38, he goes for broke and always thinks he can win. He is an inspiration!
A close second would be Paula Radcliffe. Even though it’s very difficult to watch her as she bobs her head and always looks in pain (since she is), a race is never boring when she is entered.
6. We think runners are tough (especially women runners!). How do they compare to the basketball players or tennis players you have written about?
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by Jamie on November 30, 2009
An excellent start; the 2009 Philadelphia Marathon swag is the best ever. A smart Kick Asphalt technical shirt, runners’ gloves and a (zippered) mesh bag.
Sunday, 11/22, 5:10 am. It’s finally time…Kim and Kerry are running their first marathon. The mood in the car is optimistic and light.
The day is made for marathon running, cool, bright and cheery. We choose the facilities at the Starbucks on Callowhill and 20th. The line of ardent runners recount tales of race bibs purchased on Craig’s List and compare favorite marathons (it’s NY by a mile.) We women get a bad rap when it comes to time in the loo…those Starbucks men sure took their time!
The new wave start is touted. With roughly 7,500 marathoners, 7,200 half marathoners and 1,575 8K runners, the streets are mobbed for the first mile or 2.
Kim and Kerry (the K’s) are low key, savoring the architecture (the Beaux-Arts Memorial Hall in Fairmont Park is a midpoint standout), the sparkly rivers and the quirky marathoners along the way. Kim discovers her mantra at mile 4…..never say never. The ever vivacious Kerry chats with fellow runners, collecting their stories.
I’ve run Philadelphia twice. This time, I am doing the half. I’ve read of runners who purchased a half marathon bib and then proceeded to run the full marathon. Those are not my people. The leisurely half is great fun. And so is the finish line. But the day is all about the marathon; we half-runners are merely poseurs. I forgo my Mylar blanket, medal and banana.
I cheer the runners at Lloyd Hall (after mile 25.) This year, runner’s first names are boldly printed on their bibs. We yell out their names as runners grit their teeth, limp, cry or (happily) accept candy from the crowd. A group of young women are singing the Black Eyed Peas’ latest. The entire song. At mile 25.5. I don’t like them one bit. A bystander is obsessively playing the Rocky theme—a runner requests Sinatra. A middle aged man, with his entourage, is running his 100th Marathon. The crowd goes wild. A young couple run by, the man’s shirt says, “I love my marathoner”, pointing to the woman.
LDF’s, Ann and Jill, jump in at mile 23, with stories to tell, just what the K’s are craving.
Kim and Kerry run past. They seem calm, classy and jubilant. They did it.
Monday finds the K’s with the inevitable sore and unsightly toes and that painful stair walking. Talk quickly turns to their chances of getting into the New York Marathon next fall. The glorious conversation continues….
by Jamie on October 15, 2009
The last time I ran a marathon, I took the Boltbus. This time, I am flying to Chicago…with some trepidation. The week before the race finds me frantically combing through my running log and training plans with that sinking feeling. It finally dawns on me that, thanks to my so called life (and sore knee), I have completed fewer long runs and less total mileage than ever before. Some of my long runs were dire. I worry, is a dark running cloud following me?
Chicago is my kind of town. A stroll through Millennium Park reveals flowered landscapes reminiscent of London’s Green Park, Grant Park (the setting of Obama’s election night speech) and the Jay Pritzker pavilion, an outdoor concert site designed by Frank Gehry. Its steel ribbons adorn the cityscape (once referred to as the City of the Big Shoulders.) We pass the Cloud Gate, an elliptical sculpture reflecting the skyline and the Crown Fountain, glass block towers that project video images of Chicagoans amidst jets of water. The Art Institute of Chicago’s Modern building is airy, light filled and uncrowded. We contemplate the mastery of a Magritte sunset. While passing the Gold Coast (Oprahland), overlooking Lake Michigan, we glimpse a beach with palm trees! We recall The Spirit of the Marathon documentary, wondering, “is this where they trained?”
The food is terrific. At Mercat a La Planxa, we savor Barcelona tapas and pineapple mojitos. The flavors are bold and vivid. Andrea discovers a night-before-the- race gem, Fianco-a neighborhood trattoria; new wave, yet hearty Italian fare. Jane and Ralph, married, veteran marathoners (and doctors!) bring a lighthearted air to dinner, reminding us to enjoy the ride.
We taunt the marathon gods by running in customary but new sneakers (Andrea), a brand new Chicago Marathon shirt (Jean) and a 2007 Vermont Marathon shirt (my own brand of lunacy.)
The race is huge, yet every detail is impeccably orchestrated (lightening quick check in at the expo, plentiful porta potties, Gatorade and water.) Waiting for the race, it is so very cold. By mid race, the temperature reaches the 50’s and it is sunny.
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by Jamie on September 28, 2009
Running in Philadelphia is great fun; eating there, even better. A perennial favorite, The Philadelphia Distance Run, took place on Sunday, 9/20. Next year, the race will be “rebranded” as the ING Rock ‘n’ Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon. Even road races are beginning to resemble suburban malls……
The Race Expo takes place at the Philadelphia Convention Center. We listen to a panel of marathon winners (they muse over the concept of luck in racing). I have my picture taken with Catherine (the Great) Ndereba, currently the 7 time winner of the Distance race, an Olympic medalist! The lovely Ms. Ndereba radiates serenity and benevolence.
Kismet! Monica wins a pair of Sir Isaac Newton sneakers (the next, big thing in running). Newton’s are engineered to mimic the advantages of barefoot running. We try the sneakers on and my feet are immediately transformed. I rue my 2 newly purchased pairs of Asics. We find KT Tape in the goodie bag. I try it out and experience immediate relief from a nagging sore knee. Crazy!
We have lunch across the street at the Reading Terminal Market. The market is the heart and soul of Philadelphia; gritty, urbane and comfy with a European flair. So many choices: Amish roast chicken and soft pretzels, Thai salmon, Italian Market cheeses, remarkable breads and hearty turkey sandwiches. We enjoy our Pakistani kabobs while catching up on the world, big and small.
On Sunday morning, Kerry, Kim, Ann and Jill are poised to run their first half marathon. They are at once apprehensive, bubbly, confident and ready. Last minute decisions abound: we mull over iPods, sore knees (I decide to wear my magic tape and feel good throughout the race-and afterwards!) and throw-away clothes.
What is it with the pre-race porta-potty scene? We arrive at the start 45 minutes early and line up. The line is eternal. The wheelchair racers start off. We inch forward. Kerry remains optimistic; line anxiety takes our mind off of pre-race panic. Goal finally accomplished, we enter our corral with seconds to spare.
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