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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