Brian H.'s Running Photos, 2010

Blogmaster's note - Because I've wondered and you've wondered - We've all wanted to know what Brian photographs during his runs. I've asked him to choose ten of his favorites for 2010, and I can't think of a better way to close out the year. Thank you, Brian, and to all, enjoy!

Staten Island, NY

Boston, MA

Portland, ME

The Palisades, NJ

Bear Mountain, NY

Washington, D.C.

Bear Mountain, NY

New Hampshire Marathon, NH

Washington, D.C.

New York City, NY

Brian writes: I hope these photos will help bring to mind your own memories of running during the past year. Sometimes we just need to stop and take in the scenery of the race. Everything happens so quickly. One minute you're at the starting line, and before you know it, in what seems like just a few seconds later, you are finished. Take the time, look around you, be present, and savor the moment. 
2010 was a good year for many of us, to others it was not. Regardless, say good bye to 2010 and hello to 2011. Happy New Year!

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Flyer Reflections 2010

Dave K.

As we head toward 2011, I'm recalling many memories and happy highlights from a Flyers' fantastic 2010. I'd like to share some of my reminiscences, and encourage other Flyers to add plenty more. Here are just a few:

Annual Awards Gala

Deanna C. leaps in runner's joy

The year was kicked-off by the Annual Awards Gala meticulously and fabulously planned by Amy M. and her eager army of Flyer volunteers. There was much fun, food, music, dancing, laughing, praise for many Flyer achievements and achievers, just a little bit of moderate drinking (moderately excessive?), and only one instance of Flyer bloodshed -- yes, one Flyer not only cut a fine rug on the dance floor but also cut through some of her flesh during a dance floor trip-and-fall (though I hear it was done gracefully)! Thankfully, she bounced back fast.

For me, a highlight was for the first time getting to see Flyer Deanna C. demonstrate her famous Deanna C. Leap. And I'm looking forward to seeing lots of leaping Flyers meeting up in the new year at the 2011 Awards Party!

Lloyd H. greets guests

Chinese New Year

In February, I missed out on Lloyd H.'s 11th Annual Chinese New Year Party. However, I'm making a Chinese New Year's resolution to attend this year as I hear it's always a blast.

Check out photos of the event here.

NYC Half Marathon

Elle G. stirs a mean Gatorade

In March, Flyers turned out in force for the NYC Half Marathon to run the race or to staff the Flyers Fluids Station set up flawlessly once again by JoAnn M. Having endured sweltering heat and humidity in 2009, this year us runners and the Flyer volunteers were treated to wonderful weather. Many PRs were set, including by Christine M, Deanna C, Julie C., Kristina H., Julie W., Wendy W., Elizel A., Alexandra C., Rachel D., Gordon R., Dave K. (me!), Jack H., Glen W., Joe J., Mark C., and Joe H.

MORE Than Boston

April included the MORE Half Marathon and the Boston Marathon among the highlights. I got to be one of the Flyer volunteers at the Flyers Fluid Station, pouring water and Gatorade in the pouring rain. Despite the soggy (understatement!) morning, it was wonderful to see so many smiling faces splashing by as Flyers gave service with a smile (me in my fashionable plastic grocery bag boots). Thankfully, JoAnn M secured plenty of ponchos from NYRR as she made sure that everything went without a hitch for the Flyer volunteers.

President Glen W.'s rendition of  Lady Gaga's "Under My Umbrella"

Up in Boston, a flock of Flyers turned out to race, provide support and celebrate with each other. There's nothing quite like the heart-warming and energy-boosting spectacle of that rowdy group of cheering Flyers!

Dan G., Richard G., Brett S., Ed A., & Jon B. cheered us on!

Ed A. once again toted the Flyers banner up to Boston to raise both it and the spirits of Flyers competing. The group was stationed right before the first of the series of hills that culminates in Heartbreak Hill as we chugged through the late stages of the marathon (and before we chugged beers at the post-race celebration orchestrated by Deb M!). Some say it was because he finally ran without his camera, but my guess is that the Flyers' cheering had something to do with Brian H at last roaring through his marathon in under 3-hours!

Ragnar Relay Race

Dave K., Courtney L., Noel C., Heidi J., Christine M., Charlotte N.

In May, I got to participate for the first time in a run-through-the-night relay race at the Ragnar Relay from Woodstock to Dobbs Ferry. There were three full teams of Flyers, and much fun was had by all. I was on Deb M.'s team, and she saw to it that everything went smoothly (and I'm sure that Anne H. will turn up from her second leg of the race one day soon - ha!).

Some of the highlights were captured in the blog posting of Jim S. My favorite part was running a dark, late night stretch with Christine M. We were keenly aware of nature's nascent noises and the pitter-patter of our own fleet feet breaking the silence of the darkness while treated to a brief brisk coolness cutting through the thick aromatic air. Fine, agreed, I'll clearly never make it as a poet.

Central Park Clean-up

Flyer Central Park Clean-Up events were held in June and October this year. Heather M. has been leading the events for quite a few years now, and I've enjoyed helping out. Much has been written about the events on the Flyers Blog and in the Flyers newsletter.

I'll add that a highlight for me has been the kind words and deeds of Flyer participants and Central Park Conservancy Volunteers. After the June event, Flyer Janis E. returned with her son to admire the finished work. She then e-mailed to thank the Flyer organizers, and added that she plans to bring her son to participate at future Central Park Clean-Up events.

Diane Z., Steve K., Regina M., Joe J., Heather M., Deb M., Janet H.

And there also were thanks to the Flyers that came from Neddie H. of Central Park Conservancy, who wrote: "I am glad you and your group enjoyed yourselves while working hard to keep Central Park beautiful.”

We all work hard at the Central Park Clean-Ups, but we have plenty of fun, too, and we all leave feeling a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie. If you haven't yet volunteered yet at a Central Park Clean-up event, keep an eye out for the announcement of the next event in the coming months.

Flyers In Heat -- 6 AM Flyer Group Runs

My most vivid memory of July and August is that it was hot and humid! Thank goodness, however, for the 6 AM group runs led by the almost annoyingly humble and always inspiring Francine A.

Francine's twice-weekly e-mails, the accolades she doles out for the running accomplishments of group participants and other personal achievements and milestones, her rising extra-early on many Tuesdays to set up markers for reservoir speedwork, and the caring and enthusiasm that she gifts the group are just a few of her qualities that are incredibly infectious (in a good way!). The camaraderie and close friendships that have developed within this group is quite astounding. If you haven't made it out, it's more than worth it to get up and out at that early hour to participate.

I've benefited not just from the fun of the run, but also from being pushed and prodded and laughed at by folks including John W., Sean J., Mike C. and many others. A favorite run was being regaled by Jim N.'s "Stadium Altercation" story. Come join the group and maybe he'll tell the story again!

Click here for the schedule of group runs led by Francine A. and those led by other Flyers. I hear the Downtown run led by David G., Brian H., Jose A. and Jordan G. is also a lot of fun, and I'm sure it has nothing to do with the pub stop at the completion of the run.

6 at 6 runs rain, shine, hot, cold, and no matter what, including during this Snow Day (albeit dubbed Schmo Day by the group) -- always with a smile!

Bridges & Arches

This year, I missed the September Bridges and Arches Run but I have plenty of memories from last year to keep me going until I hopefully make it back for next year's annual run.

It's a fascinating running and learning adventure -- spearheaded by Sherpa Scott S. with Andreas S. -- where we're treated to lots of info, great stories, and close-up views of Central Park's arches, bridges and other architectural wonders. Although I missed it this year, it is a run (and post-run brunch) not to be missed!

Scott S. leads Flyers up the stairs to view the Bethesda Fountain arch

Fall Marathon Season

Flyers ran many different fall marathons this year. For me, there was fun in the sun in Chicago, followed by the NYC Marathon.

There were many inspiring stories from this fall's many marathons, with one of my favorites involving Mike C. who during his NYC Marathon training floated like a butterfly and got stung by a bee, with his leg swelled up to the size of three, just days before the big race. Yet he went out and muddled through -- to a big-time PR!

Holiday Party

Christine L. and Jessica R. bonding over booze and electronics

In keeping with tradition, and as the year winds down, Flyers feasted at the annual Holiday Party. This year, the party was graciously hosted at a beautiful rooftop venue provided by Flyers Urs and Lori W., and elegantly organized by Elle G., Ed A.and Jo Ann M. with the help of other volunteers such as Betsy P. and Lara K. who handed out nametags to all of the arriving guests.

During the party, President Glen W. reminded all of us about volunteerism. A great New Year resolution for all of us members could be to seek out opportunities for more Flyer volunteerism? Organizers might invite even more assistance, and participants might pitch in even more when feasible.

Thanks


We all know that we owe a big debt of gratitude to the Flyers Executive Committee members -- President Glen W., VP Brian H., Secretary Richard G., Treasurer Brian M., and MAL Emily S. I don't know the half of what they do, but I'm sure I know only a tiny fraction of what they actually have done for the Flyers!

And for those of us who post on, and/or read the Flyers Blog, we of course owe special thanks to Blogmaster Eric S., as the Blog has been a wonderful source of information, a medium for captivating story-telling, and has provided an opportunity for discussion and e-interaction on a wide range of topics.

I've mentioned just a few highlights from throughout the year, and I hope that others will comment below by adding more Flyer highlights that made 2010 so special.

Happy New Year!  - Dave K

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'Tis the Season

Andreas S.

As a long-time Flyer I especially enjoy the time around the Holidays. This is the time of year when we meet up for group runs or races through the fresh and chilly air in Central Park. But even beyond the Park, there are many parties and other gatherings, club-wide or with smaller groups, that make the season so festive. Yet the Flyers have a long-standing tradition of also remembering the less fortunate that might not be able to join in the holiday cheer.

I've participated in a number of the Toys for Tots runs organized by Sandy A. How nice it is to run down Fifth Avenue, admire the Holiday windows at Saks and then gather for caroling under the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. I have never been that good at karaoke or other sing-alongs, but standing under that tree and singing with a bunch of Flyers decked out in holiday gear always makes me feel “warm and fuzzy”. After the stint in the spotlight of tourists’ cameras we would then visit the children’s hospital on the Upper Eastside to hand out toys we collected. I will never forget the glowing eyes of these kids, sadly stuck in the hospital during Christmastime, when we would sing carols just for them.

Flyers at Toys For Tots

For many, many years, the Flyers have also been organizing a fundraising campaign during this season for the Food Bank of New York City. With our contributions we have been helping the many New Yorkers who live in low-income neighborhoods to get nutritious food so they can lead a healthy lifestyle. These fundraisers always make me realize how important and gratifying giving back is.

And then there is the “Soles for Souls” sneaker donation program that Dave K. and Diane Z. have been so wonderfully organizing year after year. What better way to repurpose old running shoes than to send them to third world countries? Amazing that my ’06 Saucony’s are treading dirt someplace in Africa now!

For me all of this is what makes it great to be a Flyer during the Holidays: Having fun together, partying and singing but also giving back to others that are not as lucky as we are.

Have a Happy Holiday and a great New Year!

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Running For Two

Angela G.

Paula’s done it. Kara’s done it. It seems that these days, running through pregnancy is quite common and even encouraged. The old way of thinking had women exercising very little, or not at all. But times have changed and studies show that staying active during pregnancy may improve your health and your baby’s. Even if your job doesn’t depend on your running performance, you can still gain the benefits of running while pregnant, but you will need to make some adjustments.

I’ve been a runner for over thirteen years and have never imagined myself purposefully abstaining from the sport I love. When I found out I was pregnant, one of the first questions I asked my doctor was, “Can I still run?” Because of my vast running experience, my doctor gave me the green light. But she warned that I might get tired more easily and to take it easy. With all the reading I had done about professional runners sailing through nine months of running for two, I figured that cutting my mileage and decreasing my speed would do the trick. I imagined myself running several times a week, like I had done pre-pregnancy, and maintaining my status as a regular runner. But, I soon realized that pregnancy is hard work! Being tired all the time was an understatement, and I hardly had enough energy to eat regular meals, much less run a loop in Central Park. I’ve since adjusted my expectations and now I run for the fun of it. What used to be an average six or seven miler, has now been cut to three or four. I stop and walk if I feel the need, and I hydrate before, during, and after my run. Though I still daydream about marathons and marathon training, I don’t set goals for myself other than to listen to my body (and have fun out there!). I stay on even surfaces and steer clear of slippery spots and ice patches. Speedwork and hill repeats are a distant memory.

Just like a rookie runner, I’m finding that I enjoy running for the sake of running these days. Though I don’t run nearly as much as I had envisioned, the rewards don’t disappoint. When I finish a run, I have more energy and feel peaceful at the same time. If you’re thinking about running through pregnancy, here is a brief list of my (non-expert) advice:

Paula Radcliffe, World Record Marathoner

• Get your doctor’s permission
• Listen to your body
• Now’s not the time to race or train
• Choose even, well lit surfaces
• Stay hydrated
• Be careful not to overheat

Using these pointers during my pregnancy, hopefully I'll eventually be able to run like Paula and Kara, too!

Happy Running (for Two)!
- Angela G.

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If we can't laugh at ourselves...

This is a little jab at us runners (you probably shouldn't watch if your feelings are easily hurt). Very funny!

I didn't create the video, and as much as I'd like to give the creative person credit, that person would like to remain anonymous. Given the humor, you might be able to guess!

Hope everybody has a great holiday party, and I'll see you all at the Gala!
- Blogmaster

PS: If the link below doesn't work, you can also see the video here.

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Temperature Turmoil

Eric S., Canadian

Years ago when I started running, I encountered the same problem many of us encounter when we run: How do you dress for different weather conditions? At the start of the Brooklyn Half one year, some friendly Flyers and I were expressing our frustration at the stress we always felt before every cool-weather race. How many layers were necessary to keep a runner comfortable? How many would be too much? Having too many was fine and dandy if you had a lot of clothing you could just throw away, but what if I really liked that extra long-sleeved shirt? It was the same question at each race, so finally, the “type A” side of my brain took over, and I started writing down what I wore and how comfortable I was after each run. It didn’t take long – really just running from fall, through the winter, and into the spring. The key was to figure out what the threshold temperature was between wearing a layer and adding/subtracting one. When was it too cold to run in shorts? When did I need to add gloves? What about a jacket?

So I started writing things down – namely, the temperature, what I was wearing, and whether it was too warm, too hot, or perfectly comfortable for me. Yep, type A all the way. It seemed like a lot of trouble for the first couple of weeks, but then I got use to it, and it became pretty obvious what I needed to wear at what temperature pretty quickly. I’d recommend everyone do this.

Finally, I came up with a handy little chart that I put on the fridge for reference, where it stayed for five years. Here it is:

I mean it when I say it was handy. No more fretting about what to wear - just a glance at the chart and I was set! Granted, sometimes I had to look at the "Feels like" temperature, which would on occasion adjust the temperature into the next bracket, but the chart still worked great. Maybe some of you might want to use the same very chart. Or maybe you’ll adapt it slightly by a few degrees. At any rate, I hope it helps somebody. On the other hand, you could just find another source online.

At this point, I could perfectly well end this blog post. Unfortunately, I personally know that the Blogmaster, that tyrant, wouldn’t be happy with such a short, uninteresting post. That’s why I never posted this last winter, when I first thought about it. I just didn’t feel like there was much to it. So I figured out what I needed to do.

I moved to Canada.

Things are a little different here. Now, Canada’s not the 365-day long frigid wasteland that everyone else in the world seems to think it is. The day I moved here, in mid-July, Ottawa was at the tail end of a 100°F heat wave, much like what was going on in NYC at the time. Normals are in the 80s like many nice summery American places.

But it does get cold in winter – much colder than NYC. For the first little while, I turned a blind eye to the winter, but the truth was unavoidable. I finally looked at the monthly forecast, and for January, the average high is 20°F. 20°F! And the average low is 4°F. By comparison the average NYC high temperature is 38°F, low of 26°F.

Anyway, back to my topic. So much for my chart. If I want to run here in winter, I’m going to have to suck it up and get used to the cold. And let’s just be clear about something: I hate the cold.

At any rate, I’m of course reworking my little chart. I can no longer call ten degrees the “stay indoors” temperature. And now, the lower temperatures include a ski mask. It’s true - it’s cold here in winter. But I’ll deal with it one day at a time, and I’ll keep running, whatever it takes.

Anyone else have any weather-related running advice?
- Eric S.

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The Long-Awaited NYC Marathon Gumby Recap

Brian H.

Happy Holidays!

Many of us take the marathon very seriously, and of course we should - it's a grueling physical challenge. But another thing we forget about the distance is that we can have FUN with it. That's the magical word that sometimes is lost within our challenges in life and running.

For first time marathoners, this joy and fulfillment is experienced to the fullest. They don't know what to expect, and are relishing every sight and sound of the race. And after your first marathon, you now have the experience and the time that you want to beat.  You now have an expectation to reach and with that expectation we gain pressure - pressure to accomplish a personal record, adding the emotion of the event.

But after many marathons, how can a person continue to have FUN when running 26.2 miles? Well, have you ever seen these random surveys that ask you silly questions about a specific topic? I can clearly remember one  marathon survey asking, "Have you ever ran a marathon in a costume?"

This became my new challenge! So at this year's NYC marathon I completed what I like to call "the impossible." To me the race was far different and challenging than any other marathon that I have done thus far, but in a fun manner.  I have learned through the many marathons that you learn and gain a different perspective through each and every race.  You grow as a runner or what they call "mature".

I was going to represent Team for Kids, an organization that I coach through the marathon season, so a fun costume would be appropriate. The first question was - what to wear?

I decided to put a survey out for Facebook friends to decide on which costume I should purchase and narrowed my choices to three costumes:

1) A bunch of grapes. Initially, I was thinking "the Big Apple" but the apple costume was not as great as I had expected. So I considered a "Fruit Of The Loom" style grapes instead.

2) A caterpillar. Multiple arms and legs would have made a great costume to dress up with multiple sneakers.

3) Gumby, a widely known TV character.

And the winner, from my online poll was: Gumby! This was fortunate, because the multiple sneakers needed for the caterpillar would have been costly, and I found the Gumby costume on sale.

Gumby, representing Team for Kids!

However, the costume presented some questions in which I was not prepared for.  It completely covered me from head to toe, which presented many different problems that I had to solve beforehand, including - visibility, ventilation and sanitation challenges. My roommates told me to run around the block with my costume on at 3 a.m. in the morning to give it a "test" run.  But envision this, you are coming home from a late night at the bar, somewhat intoxicated, and you see Gumby running around... wouldn't you run after Gumby?!

So I decided to just "go with it," making different modifications such as a pee flap, ventilation holes on the top, a drinking hole for a water bottle, hemming the legs of the costume so the feet won't drag and adding a bandanna over Gumby's head to give him a little personalize of who I was.  The ethic of not trying out anything "new" before you run a marathon was definitely out the door for this one!

The race: Arriving in Staten Island in a private bus was definitely helpful and roaming around athlete's village was a scene.  One of my Alzheimer's teammates told me later that, "finding our coach was a little easier in the mob of 50,000 people because all you had to do is just spot Gumby out of the crowd". Very funny!

The starting chutes of the corrals seemed challenging where there were throngs of throw away clothing on the ground.  I decided to keep my face open until the start and BOOM, the race began.

At first, the race was very different looking through some screened eyes as ventilation was not the number one priority.  Visibility through the costume's eyes presented the most difficulty in seeing runners next to you, in front of you and when shifting lanes.  The race was totally in tunnel vision.

The crowd and runner support throughout the entire race was fantastic.  Many cheered, "Go Gumby!". I was a little disappointed that many small children were somewhat frightened by the costume, but once I envisioned a six-foot Gumby running straight at a child, it kind of made sense!

The Highs:
There were four points of the race in which I absolutely loved.

1) In Brooklyn, a women came over to ask if I could take a picture with her, as I said this was fine...she takes the picture, then she hurries to get more of her kids in the mix to take another...and another!  I was stuck for about 5-10 minutes with this family along the side of the road!  Only later to find a runner screaming out to the family, "even gumby has to finish the race!"

2) Another high was stopping along the elevated barriers on the side of the Queensborough Bridge (the quietest section of the marathon, where no spectators can go) to cheer the runners on for encouragement, where the uphill battle of emotions between exhaustion and excitement mix.  It was nice to cheer fellow runners and make them smile during that very isolated part of the race.

3) Running up 1st Avenue with a Gumby costume in the middle of the street waving your hands up and down to encourage the crowd to cheer and cause an uproar.  I must have used so much energy doing this, but it was all worth it!  I passed a local bar and the crowd just chanted: "GUM-BEE...GUM-BEE...GUM-BEE!" Increasing in intensity and loudness.  It was awesome!

Still wearing a smile on First Avenue!

4) The Flyer Gel Station
What else is there to be said? Every Flyer looks forward to this moment where they pass the tunnel of camaraderie of volunteers.  Seeing your friends when you need it the most is absolutely the best!  That carried me all the way to 20 where I got to see the infamous Pat D. in a kilt, playing his fabulous bagpipes!

The Low:
I was running for FUN in a Gumby costume, and was also trying to coach the members of my team to the finish line.  No matter what I did to prepare, I finally hit the point in the race where things get rough. At mile 22, back in Manhattan, it was difficult seeing anything.  It was already difficult to see with the costume on, but now the sun was glaring straight into the runners faces, including mine. The thoughts rolled around in my head asking myself: Why, oh, why did you need to run a marathon in a costume?  Why are you continuing with a costume?

So finally, growing impatient while climbing the 5th avenue hill, I took off - running the rest of the race at my own, full-out race pace with the costume on.  I needed to just get finished, get the costume off and be done, and then go back on the course to coach the rest of my team.

Looking back, maybe this may have seemed a little discouraging to other runners as they struggled up 5th avenue and the last 4 miles of the marathon and suddenly saw a costumed Gumby sprinting full speed ahead of them to the finish line. I felt a little bad, but I just wanted complete the entire race in costume, and now I can finally say that I did it!  I had FUN, experienced a whole different outlook and embraced the moment.

I ended up only with a chafed nose as the screened costume of the eye rubbed up against my nose throughout the race.  Leaving me with a red nose, many people asked what next year's costume may bring?  Maybe since I have this red chafed nose, maybe Rudolph the red nosed reindeer will be thrown in the mix.

We shall see when next year rolls around. I'm currently taking suggestions! Congrats to everyone who ran!

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Getting Schooled by Running

I haven’t been running lately. There – I said it. A risky confession on a running club’s blog, I know. I’m not going to dwell on what brought on this condition (or lack of conditioning, which is really more accurate) – the chronic injuries, the work schedule, the chronic injuries exacerbated by the weight gain caused by the not running... I’m just not running much these days, and though I am not happy about it, deep down I still have a confidence in myself as a runner that, ironically, comes from the running I’ve all but abandoned. You might say that my running has actually helped me come to terms with my not running.

I was not a lifelong runner; there is no scrapbook of my high school track meet clippings, nor box of race medals from my youth. I am one of those people who came to running later in life: in my thirties when the scale approached numbers I didn’t dare whisper and the Gap started running out of size numbers that fit me. In a span of two years I ran for more than 20 minutes for the first time in my life, competed in my first 5k, dropped 50 pounds, and trained for and ran my first marathon.

Indeed, starting to run as an adult has given me a useful perspective on running. Acquiring the habits of the sport and experiencing its pains and triumphs when my brain was already somewhat seasoned has given me an objectivity that lets me reflect about running in a broader way that goes way beyond blisters and proper hydration and verges on philosophical. Or maybe that’s just my navel-gazing nature, unleashed by the powerful meditative aspects of running. Either way, there are lessons I’ve learned from the ten years or so I’ve been a runner – and I definitely consider myself a runner now, though I have logged but 3 miles in the last month – that can be analogized to life in general.

Running teaches you about long-term planning, for example: how to break down a huge task, such as training for a marathon, into manageable parts. And running teaches you the necessity of patience, as you plod out the daily miles in anticipation of the big race. There are many more of these, as any runner will tell you, and some day I may succeed in compiling a list of these lessons, these running “truths”, if you will. But lately, as my Nikes gather dust and my knees creak from disuse, I have found one in particular giving me hope: the familiarity bred of practice. That priceless notion that, because I’ve done it before, I know I can handle it again. Any coach or anyone who’s trained for a race will tell you that the benefits of a training run are not just physical. Sure, doing the 18- or 20-miler builds your endurance and conditions your feet for the pounding of a full marathon, but no less important is the psychological benefit – the experience of having finished those 20 miles in training lets you know, and not just suspect, that you could do 20 miles again if you had to. (And what’s marathon but another 20-miler, topped off by a 10k?) It’s that psych-out factor that makes the practice so important, whether it’s running a marathon or giving a presentation or asking your boss for a raise. If you practice, and challenge yourself ahead of the game, you’ll know you can do it when the big moment comes around.
 

So as a year off from racing rolls into another one and the pounds continue to creep on, it’s that psych-out factor that’s going to keep me from losing all hope that I will run again. If I weighed almost 200 pounds once and managed to get down to a size 8, I can certainly drop 30 pounds now – I know that because I’ve been there before. I was a non-runner once, too, and then learned the sport and ran hundreds of miles – I know I can do that again as well. And this time around, I have the advantage of all of the truths I've picked up along the way.

I may not be a lifelong runner but I am still a runner. A non-running runner for the time being, but still a runner – with all of the experience and wisdom that entails. Running taught me that. - Uli. H.

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Writing About Writing About Running

Diederik v. H. in Central Park

Although I never took his class, the wisdom of a much-revered Columbia University Journalism professor stayed with me since it was passed on to me by one of his students. Don’t go looking for your debut, he would tell aspiring authors in his book writing class. It will find you.

Since graduating in the 1990s I would occasionally struggle with the anxiety familiar to any not-quite-there-yet writer. When will I ever write that first book? And what on earth will it be about? Recalling the lesson of the book ‘coming to you’ would often calm me down. Try to trust that it will simply, unexpectedly present itself, I told myself - like a great love.

When my book found me exactly a year ago, I was still stunned. The idea of De rennende Hollander (Dutch for The Running Dutchman) came to me with a such unusual clarity that it took me moment to realize that this was it. The first book! One reason I was a little slow recognizing the signs was that I never expected to write about myself, or running, or me running.

Four, even two years ago I couldn’t have imagined this. As a journalist I shunned the ‘I’, ‘me’ and ‘mine’. My stories were intended to be distant and impartial. Not only did I not write about myself - I tried to be invisible as a writer. Moreover, I was barely what I’d call a runner at all, until I joined the Flyers in the early days of 2009.

The tough magazine assignment it all started with.

Then I gradually discovered how running brought me joy, good health, inner peace, self-confidence and new friends. I used to proclaim that ‘people don’t really change’. Now, I was changing. Running was changing me.

The notion of writing about it started to grow on me. Just a few words, maybe? Why not, really? I had been devouring the books of Dean Karnazes, Pam Reed, Christopher McDougall, and especially Haruki Murakami. They helped and inspired me. They were writers and runners, like I was. Why wouldn’t I share my experiences, like they did?

An assignment editor at the weekend magazine of my newspaper in Holland agreed. So I sat down - and struggled with 2500 words. I have cranked out many a magazine feature of that length in a day. This one took me weeks. I couldn’t find my flow, rhythm or tone. When I had filed the piece, I craved the satisfaction and liberation I generally feel after hitting ‘send’. It wasn’t there.

An alternative book cover.

‘Re-write’ is not a phrase we love to hear. Thankfully, I rarely hear it. This time the editor was clear. You have some good stuff, he said. Start over.

There was only one way. I cleared my schedule and spent two days furiously writing. The words suddenly came in waves. When it was done, it was good. I did not love the photos of coach Toby Tanser and me. But the story about gradual change through running looked all right.

I have never received so much feedback to anything I have written, and I doubt I ever will. Among the many reactions were two emails from publishers in Amsterdam. One of them would print my book within a year.

Writing about running proved to be liberating. I had a story to tell. Many stories, in fact - about running and living in New York, being a part of the Flyers, camaraderie through running, my childhood, triumphs and fears and dreams - they all spilled out of me. It was like therapy, Central Park being the shrink’s couch, my Mac the ever-patient shrink.

Once again, the writing process was, at first, scary. But after struggling I followed another piece of advice from a book-writing friend. Write like no one else will ever read. Let it out, she told me. You’ll deal with the world later.

She was right, and I did. Book writing turned out to be just as exciting and interesting as running marathons. It takes time and patience. Think, trust, and learn the distance and course. Over-confident first timers will stumble, as I have. Exprience counts, as I discovered. But when the flywheel is at its optimum speed --Murakami’s metaphor-- long-form writing and long-distance running can be equally gratifying and soul-warming.

Selling the book at the Amsterdam Marathon expo

As a general assignment reporter I cover a wide variety of stories. One day I’ll be at the United Nations in New York, the next at a college football game in Texas. I talk to fallen CEOs and inspiring teachers, corrupt politicians and young filmmakers. Over the past few months alone I wrote about the Tea Party, the Democratic Party, the track star-turned-pro-basketball player Marion Jones, Boardwalk Empire creator Terence Winter, the Los Angeles River and the BP oil spill. I clearly do not believe that one needs personal experience or PhD level knowlegde to cover these subjects.

But I do now believe that a deeply felt sense of your subject is helpful when writing a first book. It’s a tough process, not unlike a first 26.2 miles. Knowing what you’re doing --and believing that you really do-- is key. The book found me because it was about stuff I know a little something about: my self and my running.
- Diederik van Hoogstraten

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The Knickerbocker 60k - An Ultra-Experience!

Deb M.

I always wondered who would want to do the Knickerbocker, a 60K race in Central Park comprised of 9 inner loops. No cheering crowds, bands, or any of the fanfare associated with a marathon – and this was longer than the 26.2M distance! Most people don’t even know there is a race going on in the park let alone an ultra-marathon.

Well, this year I signed up. Shortly after I completed the Mohawk-Hudson marathon in mid-October, I felt I needed another goal for the year: an ultra. I was looking for a 50K trail race but couldn't find one nearby for November. So I thought I may as well try the Knickerbocker – it was cheap, local and I figured I would know at least a couple of others attempting this feat. Nine 4-mile loops of the park, my backyard, how hard could that be? Well I soon realized that it is a 60K = 37.2 miles!
Suddenly race day was approaching and I really wasn’t sure what to expect. What do I wear? What do I eat? Can I even run 37+ miles? After trying to recruit some friends to do this race with me and failing, I decided to have them help pace me instead – that would get me through. So I asked for volunteers and assigned my Flyer friends to various loops of the race. They were to meet me at a specific time at Engineers Gate (EG) based on a 9-9:30 pace, which I thought seemed liked a respectable goal to get me in about 5:45. I had my rabbits in place.

Knickerbocker Flyers!

On race morning we had to pick up our numbers and shirts at NYRR. I surveyed the crowd to see what others were wearing. Most had on layers and hats. I chose to wear shorts (Race Ready, for all my gels), a Flyer shirt and a throwaway shirt. I went home to get a hat - it was chilly and I wanted to fit in with the ultra crowd. Waiting for the start at EG was very low-key with only about 200 runners. What a different experience than camping out on Staten Island, ready to cross the Verrazano Bridge. I saw several Flyer friends – Brian H., Deanna C., Fabrice B., Scott C., Julie W. and Denise I. – which helped calm my nerves. Then it was time to line up, I positioned myself mid to front pack. We were off, very relaxed start going at a comfortable pace. I ran into Iris C. who warned me to start off at a slow pace in order to sustain the distance. I eased back a little; this is going to be a long day, I thought.

The first 1.46M stretch is an out-and-back to 102nd St., before battling the 9 repetitive loops of the park, so it was nice to see Brian and others in the lead circling back. Brian, of course, was taking pictures while going at his speedy pace. The first loop was on my own, with Joe J. meeting me for loops 2 and 3. I shed a layer mid-loop, set into a comfortable pace and see Bob C. taking photos up ahead. I pick up Joe at EG and see several Flyers cheering me and others on, including Noel C. who is working the water station. Rounding the 102nd St. transverse, an official shouts out, "You are the 8th woman." Okay, not bad, I thought, let me see if I can pick it up and pass some of those females in front of me! Heather M. joins us for loop #3 and as we pass W. 72nd St. we see Jodie F. and her son screaming “Go Deb!” with sign and cowbell in hand. It was a lift every time I saw them out there for my many loops of the park!

Joe J. and Bob C. helped pace Deb to her goal time.

Joe decides to stay on for loop four and Bob joins us for part of it and then drops back to help a couple of other friends. Next up – Siggy T. and Kenny H. are assigned loops 5-7, very critical loops as I will start to tire I think. I get to EG and the crowd has grown with more Flyers as well as Asphalt Green Tri Club friends. A rush every time you pass through for your next loop. My rabbits are ready and we are off for #5. Unexpectedly Janis E. joins us for loops 5-6 and brings me much-needed Advil for later in the race. Other assists come from Charlotte N., Pat D. and Alisa N. who run loops with us in the latter part of the race. I lose Glen W. to help pace Brian and Jim N. jumps in for short spurts to check in on me.

About 4 hours into the 60K, Brian laps me but not before taking my photo! Shortly after Deanna passes me with her entourage, looking strong. Siggy and Kenny decide to stay on for loop 8 when we pick up my last rabbit, Sungwon H. at EG. Again I feel the energy passing through this area as an official shouts out, #212 two more loops! Okay I can do this, I thought -- almost done. Still feeling good but starting to tire in loop #8. My pace slows somewhat and I ask Siggy how I am doing – his Android paces us, talks to us and takes photos too! You’re right there he shouts; I know he doesn’t want to tell me I’m slowing. Since there are no mile markers, I have been pacing myself every loop to stay within a 36 minute range = 9 minute or so pace. I have been right on though this loop I fall back slightly, I feel it.

Rabbits!

After doing 16 miles with me, the boys are done, left to cheering. Sungwon takes me in for the last and final loop. I need her; I am starting to fade. I have eaten only gels and a piece of bar all day, the perfect nutrition plan for me since I worry about digestion issues with solid food. Now it's just Sungwon and I, with my goal of breaking 5:50 still looming. She sets the pace. Come on stay with me, she shouts repeatedly. I’m trying, I fire back. She’s good and knows I want to come in at a certain time. Sungwon shouts to the crowd, “Go Debbie”, and they shout back, “Go Debbie.” It makes me smile every time. I am not talking on this last lap, having been chatty on all my other loops. She knows I am hurting and is persistent to get me through. "Last hill," she shouts. Liar! I know there are several more. Sungwon then decides to play a game of road kill; those of you who have done relays know how this goes. You basically pass the person in front of you and count the number of “road kill” you get by the end of your leg. So this helped me to pick up the pace. Every time we passed someone Sungwon would shout, “nice race!” to the runner and “road kill!” to me.

Into the finish!

As we were nearing the finish I saw my goal time in sight. A huge crowd had formed at the finish area. Sungwon had me go for one last road kill. A guy was several feet ahead of me. She shouts – go get him! I pick up my pace and pass him with the finish clock reading 5:44:44 (official time: 5:45:13). An official shouts out 5th female! I am done. I am an ultra marathoner. I smile, that was the most exciting experience I have ever had in Central Park – a place I have run in thousands of times. My Flyer friends are gathered at the finish, congratulating me on my race as we wait for more runners to come through. I learn that Deanna placed first female and Brian set a PR! Siggy’s Android friend is now videotaping Sungwon and I as we recount that last loop and the game of road kill. I am finally eating solid food. What a day!

I could not have run 37.2 miles without the support of all my dear Flyer friends. This ultra experience has reinforced how much running, and my friends through running, has done for my life. In good and bad times, as running partners and training buddies (even rabbits) – they always have my back. Thank you all!

Happy Thanksgiving! - Deb M.

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