Hats Off To Eric (and Win a Free Flyer Winter Hat, Too!)

Gosh, what to say in my inaugural post as the new Flyers Blogmaster besides welcome to the New and Unproved Flyers Blog?

Well, first, many MANY thanks (at least 732 thanks, and possibly more) to Eric S. for helping me transition into the role of Blogmaster.

Eric created something very special, made all the more special by the many Flyers who have put time, effort and caring into providing us all with informative, interesting, and sometimes extremely entertaining blog posts.  If only we had a Flyers MasterBlog charge card where Flyer bloggers could bill for their services....

And, many thanks, too, to Ed A. including for his darn-tootin' terrific tutelage on how to use the blog software and in otherwise assisting me to have a clue on what to do.

Eric S. and Ed A. bonding over mulch at a Flyers Central Park Clean Up Day

Hats off to both of them! And speaking of hats......

Win a Free Flyers Winter Hat!

In addition to the Flyer apparel featured on the website, there's a new NY Flyer Winter Hat for sale -- $17.50 at the JackRabbit Sports Upper East Side store (1225 Lexington Ave between 84th and 85th).

This new winter hat is really cool (hot?), and you can win a free hat right here on the Flyers Blog by participating in the Flyer Blog Free Raffle (no charge for tickets, and no limit on number of tickets!).

Lara K. Models the New Flyers Hat -- winner receives hat only (model not included)

It's easy to play. Here's how:

• Propose a blog topic and write it down within the comments section of this post (you don't need a Google account to submit comments on the Flyers Blog -- you can just click "annonymous" and write your name at the bottom of your comment).
• You don't have to volunteer to write about the topic, although you increase your chances to win if you do (see two bullets below).
• For every topic that you propose, you get a raffle ticket (I'll write your name on a slip of paper), so the more topics you propose the better your chances.
• If you propose to actually write about the topic for the Flyers Blog, rather than suggest that someone else write about it, then you get an extra raffle ticket for each write-up you propose to submit.

In one week, I'll pull one ticket out of the New Flyer Winter Hat, and the name on that ticket will be the winner of the hat.  If you don't win the hat, you still can buy one at the JackRabbit UES store for $17.50.

Proposing Blog Topics

I'd like the blog to continue to be about the club - running, members and events.

And, I invite Flyers to write from the heart. Please don't feel self-conscious in sharing your joys, your humor, your sorrows, and, within reason, your annoyance (hmm.... will the Ranting Runner return? No 'twas not me).

My goal is for the Flyers Blog to continue to be an interesting, informative, and fun resource outlet for NY Flyers. I can't wait to find out how it continues to evolve, and hopefully me along with it!

There's an exciting blog schedule already set for March, and plans are in the works to let Flyers know when each new item is posted. So stay tuned.

Happy Blogging!

Dave K.
Flyers Blogmaster*

*Footnote: I'm dedicating this year's efforts as Blogmaster to the memory of our beloved family pets, our cat Rollie who lived nearly 17 years (Nov 1992 - Sept 27, 2009) and our goldfish, Watery, who lived more than 9 years (Sussex County Octoberfest, Oct 2001 - February 16, 2011).


Rollie



Watery (on right)



Watery



Read more...

Learning from the New York Flyers

Here's what our runners had to say in response to the statement, "If there’s one thing I learned about life from the NY Flyers, it’s this:"

NipGuards are important. - Scott S.


A small group of people passionate about what they do can accomplish great things. - Donna R.


There is a runner in the world who will never complete even my most basic workout to its proper format no matter how many years I coach the club. - Coach Toby T.


...group runs bring friendships - Jens H.


Nothing breaks your heart like a running injury. - Richard B.


If there's one thing that I learned about life from the NY Flyers, it's this: you are never alone, and always inspired. - Bo K.


I learned that I dislike people who whine just as much as I thought I did. - Jo Ann M.


It takes a lot of people to make the club what it is and the more people that step up, the better the club is. - Ed A.


If there's one thing I learned about life from the NY Flyers it's that there is always someone willing to run farther, drink more, take on one more volunteer op, be more supportive, suffer more injuries; we are a club that will always push the limits of what is possible. - Angela G.


Group insanity is much more entertaining than the individual version. - Cary G.


If there's one thing that I learned about life from the NY Flyers, it's this: You don't have to run alone. - Diederik van H.


If there's one thing that I learned about life from the NY Flyers, it's this: that running can create not only a lifestyle and sense of community, but a family as well... - Heather M.


I learned that you don't have to be good at something to enjoy it. - Francine A.


To support and inspire one another, on and off the road. - Deb M.


The Flyers have taught me that we still can have all of the fun, friendships, and passion of childhood -- plus enjoy the decadent eating and drinking of a strengthened metabolism -- thanks Flyers! - Dave K.


Being able to go just a little bit crazy makes it a whole lot easier
to stay sane. - Dana M.


If there's one thing I've learned from the Flyers it's that there really are good, genuine people in the world. - John L.


If there's one thing that I learned about life from the NY Flyers, it's this: a lot of problems can be solved around the loop. - Ashley K.


the one thing i learned from the ny flyers is how that it's possible to begin a new friendship where it feels like you are simply picking up from the past - Elle G.


we tear up the dance floor as well as we tear up race courses all over the world! - Lara K.


“You can get it if you really want, but you must try, try and try, try and try, you'll succeed at last.” - Andreas S. (via Jimmy Cliff)


“Many times I thought of quitting but my heart won’t buy it.” - Joyce S. (via Sinatra)


Enduring friendships. - Gary H.


Hate everyone; trust no one. - Anick J.


Sometimes you just need a little push. - Christine L.


Running and socializing with the New York flyers provides the foundation to keep us grounded and provide a warm, positive environment we all need, as there are lots of difficulties in life! - Anne H.


If there's one thing that I learned about life from the NY Flyers, it's this: There is nothing stronger than a running bond! - Vicky T.


If there's one thing that I learned about life from the NY Flyers, it's this: that the world has a bunch of awesome people with whom I would love to do a loop any day. - John W.


If there is one thing that I learned about life from the NY Flyers, it is that, while hard work pays off, I will never be as fast as Deanna, Brian, Leslie, DJ, Tony, Christine, Jessica and a host of other 'mates...simple as that, but I can draft the wake of air that they leave behind them... - Alan G.


That there is no limit to what people can achieve -- in running and in life in general -- if they set their mind to it. - Uli H.


What I learned from the Flyers is that a slow runner such as myself encounters the same obstacles as the top performers and we all have the same inner dialogue -- somebody (who shall remain nameless)was just as disappointed at not breaking 3 hours in the marathon as I was not breaking 5! - Jim M.


Thanks to some eagle-eye Flyers and their high def cameras, I run almost every race wearing waterproof mascara and colorstay lipstick. - Nora S.


The world would be a much better place if I were in charge. - The Ranting Runner


I learned that just because they make Lycra in your size doesn't necessarily mean you should buy it. - Jon D.


Runners will talk about anything. - Eric V.


There are thousands of reasons for joining other than the marathon bus. - Yan P.


Life never stops: You can be out till the early dawn partying like its 1999, and when you finally get yourself together enough to leave someone asks you, "what time are we running tomorrow?" - Sean J.


Flyers to me means Fantastic friendships. - Jordan G.


It does not matter if you run fast or slow, it is all the support you get from such a great group of people who all love the sport -- thanks Flyers! - Janet H.


Running isn't just about running. - Eric S.

Read more...

Penultimate

Eric S.

I never expected to do this. Last year, when I told our esteemed president, Glen W.,  "I want to get more involved again with the club this year." I was thinking more along the lines of organizing a happy hour or something."  He asked me to get the blog going. The key in my accepting the position was his rigid parameters: "Make it whatever you want it to be."

I've tried to run the blog with little input from myself. I've wanted it to be about the club - running, members and events. In order to track visits, I installed a counter, but I never looked at again after that. I was more interested in creating something of quality that reflected the club. My thought was that if it was a good blog, people would read it and enjoy it. Who needs numbers when you can have supportive comments?

So it's been a great blog. I've learned a lot... about running, training, the people in the club, and I even got inspired to start cooking! Thanks to everyone that submitted posts, including our regulars and not so regulars, like Ted The Runner (and no, it was never me). A special shout-out goes to Ed A. who was very helpful with proofreading articles and catching grammar, typos, and more than a few punctuation errors that I missed.

Unfortunately, though, after my moving to Canada in the second half of the year, I've unfortunately felt a growing disconnect with the club. It was inevitable, really. There are more and more names that I see on the Flyers' website that I don't know, and there are many events and races that I don't attend or participate in. As the term came to an end, I decided it was appropriate for me to move on.

And that leaves me here. But this won't be my last post. My next one will be, and it'll be reflective of us - the club -  than me or any single member or event. It will be a good post on which to leave the past year.

And then what?

David K.

Back in April of last year, I had considered asking Dave K. to be Co-Blogmaster with me. He of course doesn't know this, because I never asked. I couldn't figure out how the duties would be divided up between asking people to blog, creating the schedule, sending out reminders, doing the layout, editing the content, adding links and images, etc. There was a lot to do and I wanted some help, but I felt like coordinating the effort would be more of a hassle than it was worth, so I continued to go at it alone.

But Dave stood out from the other bloggers. His posts were always early. They always came with photos attached, or at least links to photos on the web. He included suggested links to other online articles. Frankly, he was a Blogmaster's dream come true. He made it so easy.

So at the end of the year, shortly after I gave notice that I wasn't about to continue on with the blog to Glen, I mentioned it to Dave via e-mail, adding in parentheses "(interested?)".

Lucky for us, Dave followed those parentheses up with Glen, and will be taking the reins of the blog in the next couple of weeks. His last post was self-published to the blog for practice. And if the quality of his submissions in the past are any indication of the future, the Flyers' Blog is only going to improve throughout the course of this year. Best of luck, Dave.

All my best to the Flyers and the blog. I encourage you to write and get your opinions, stories, and ideas out to the rest of us.

Go Flyers! - Eric S., Soon-to-be Ex-Blogmaster.

Read more...

Don't Dread the Tread

First a disclaimer.  I'm not a big treadmill proponent.  I've called it the dreadmill just like plenty of other runners.  I'm nearly always much happier running outside, regardless of the weather conditions.

Yet I do tread the mill once in awhile.  I suppose I've seen the light, at least a little (the snow's been blocking out most of the light), and acknowledge that there is a place in my running life for the once dreaded tread, and so will share my incredibly poignant insights.

What Do the "Experts" Say?

In the running magazines, much has been written about how treadmills can complement or even replace outdoor running.
 

 In a not-so-recent Runner's World article, some of the benefits that are noted are that:

"Parents with young children have found that a treadmill allows them to watch their kids and get in a workout at the same time. When doing a long run, you have a ready supply of sports drinks and energy bars. Or, you can watch an instructional video or listen to language tapes while running safely on a treadmill. Some cognitive psychologists have even suggested that the mind is particularly receptive to new materials while you're running."

Another Runner's World article recommends four different treadmill workouts.  It's concluded that "by regularly running treadmill workouts like these, you can develop a better sense of pace, increase your running economy and learn to deal with hills more efficiently. Best of all, come spring, you'll be ready to set some new PRs."  

But Does Treadmill-Training Work for Racing? 

Antonio Vega

Well, it's worked for Antonio Vega. After running 120 miles per week on a treadmill (holy cow! is he nuts?) all winter in Minnesota, Antonio Vega won the National Half Marathon Championship at the Aramco Houston Half Marathon in January 2010 in 1:01:54.

Vega says running the treadmill made him mentally tougher by training him to keep going when he wanted to stop, and that it carries over to racing when he feels like slowing down.   

Okay, But What Does Dave Say?

Yes, of course, this is the question that all you many many readers want answered.  What does Dave have to say about all this?  Well, first of all, I won't be running 120 miles per week, either outdoors or on a treadmill.

Yet, at the risk of being smacked by Francine A, whose intrepid 6AM Flyers running group that I love to run with is giddily notorious for running outside through scorching heat, abominable blizzards, and probably gunfire if put to the test, nevertheless, I shall confess that I've found a small niche for the treadmill within my own training.

I've only treadmilled several times this winter, and I think once last summer.  But I have no regrets and I think there can be benefits for me.

During this past insanely hot and humid summer, a topic of discussion I had with John W, Lisa S, Mike C and others in between profanity-laced rants at Mother Nature was whether or not this would toughen us up, wear us down, or have no impact. 

Dave: "John, what do you think?"  John: "I think we should have another beer."

I don't know the answer.  But one day I just couldn't take it anymore and hit the treadmill for one summer run.  And then I hugged and kissed that treadmill when I finished my air-conditioned run (my wife is still a bit concerned about that).  

I concluded that treadmilling had been a good idea.  I ran faster than I would have outside, and further, too, since I wouldn't have dragged myself out at all that day.  And perhaps I avoided heat sickness, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or instant death.

This winter I've also made use of the treadmill on several occasions.  These were days when I probably could have slogged through the snow or slipped along slowly on the ice hoping not to break my neck.

Instead, the treadmill enabled me each time to get in a run that was productive for my training.  I ran much faster and safer than would have be possible in the icy outdoors.  Admittedly it was far less scenic, and so maybe I lost out in the long-run (although this was a short run (sorry :)  But I could enjoy the winter wonderland later in the day stomping around in hiking boots, and maybe there's nothing wrong with that?

Plus, I've found the treadmill to be great for speedwork.  I really liked the precision, for example, when I recently ran 1-mile repeats on the treadmill.  I had no choice but to keep up the ambitious pace I set for myself (pressing the button that slows it down would have been wimpy of me, and so was not an option), and I enjoyed the anal-retentive pleasure of keeping that exact pace throughout each mile, along with my pre-determined half-mile jogging pace in between each repeat.  Ahhhhh.

Don't get me wrong.  I'm not saying everyone should come off the roads and paths and woods to run in place like a hamster. 

I still avoid the treadmill whenever possible, as I much prefer to run outdoors.  But I no longer call it the dreadmill, and I still sneak a kiss of the handlebars every now and then at the gym when my wife's not looking.......

Dave K.

Read more...

Are you ready for some Football Running?

Drew G.

Seasonable temperatures and brilliant sunshine (finally!) greeted an enthusiastic pack of runners as they lined up for the annual NYRR Gridiron Classic 4-miler in Central Park this morning. Pre-race conditions were a bit icy, but the course seemed OK shortly after the start. After randomly running into him on Friday, I again ran into longtime Flyer Francisco R. at the start who looked ready and raring to go. As usual, the Flyers were out in force... participating in the race, doing an ODOTR run (that’s “Opposite Direction Of The Race”) while cheering on the Flyers, and/or cheering from the sidelines. (I did, however, get yelled at by President Glen W. while passing Engineers Gate for talking to my fellow Masters teammate Tim D. “No Talking, Drew,” he yelled. All in good fun, though, all in good fun!)

Sara D. and Pat D. rooting for their home team!

Sharply decked out in her green Jets T-shirt I saw Lara K. doing an ODOTR, who offered some kind words of encouragement as we crossed paths on the West Side around mile three. At that point, the incredible Eduardo F. cruised past me with the sublime smoothness and control we’ve all come to admire. I’m not sure where he’s more smooth, though... on the race course or on the dance floor! It’s a toss-up.

Personally, I had a decent race after a lengthy layoff from racing. It’s definitely great to get back into it. Caught up with a nice crew of Flyers after the race as well, including Bo K. and Elle G. who were kind enough to offer me some excellent first date tips... thanks ladies!

Now it’s time for Chelsea v. Liverpool, Penguins v. Capitals, pizza, beer and hopefully a great game later between the Steelers and the Packers. I don’t really have a dog in this fight, but I am pulling for the Packers.

In other running news, the Associated Press reports that Stefaan Engels of Belgium completed his 365th marathon in 365 days Saturday in Barcelona, covering a total of 9,569 miles. Basically, that’s equivalent running from New York City to Moscow, then turning around in true Forrest Gump fashion and running back to NYC (with an additional few hundred miles thrown in for good measure)! - Drew G. Flyers' Masters Men's Captain

Read more...

Congratulations to our Flyer of the Year, Gabi D.!

Gabi writes: Wow – that pretty much sums up my surprise to being named Flyer of the Year. I honestly never expected to win the award.
I’ll have been a Flyer for ten years in August and I can honestly tell you that I have been blessed with incredible support and friendship from the club. From the 2003 Executive Board celebrating my birthday and wedding at a meeting, to singing in a video to convince you to vote for a change in the By-laws while 7 months pregnant in 2005, to scaring the daylights out of the Powergel folks that same year, but now 9 months pregnant and 5 days before my due date, to celebrating my half marathon P.R. at the More in 2008 by passing out water to the marathoners, to last Saturday night, were I got more texts and calls then AT& T knew what to do with.
The Flyers have been there for me through many times and for that I thank you, the members. While I could not make it on Saturday as my extended family is going through some very difficult times, my goddaughter Grace tells me that she is looking forward to meeting all of you and crossing the finish line in Central Park with me.
To you new members, treasure the times with the club, make wonderful friends, run strong and volunteer much. It is so worth it.

Thank you all again.
Go Flyers - Gabi

Gabi joined the Flyers in 2001 and was elected Treasurer in 2003. In this role she secured various permits and aided the social chairs by taking charge of entrance and raffle fees at most social events. Additionally, in 2003, Gabi was a member of the Coach Search Committee after the retirement of long time coach Cliff Held.

The following year she was elected club President. During her tenure, she supported and facilitated the expansion of the club’s volunteer activities with the Central Park Conservancy, and the NYRR Long Training Runs which have continued to this day. She went to the NYRR with the idea of a Flyer aid station at the NYC Marathon, subsequently creating, organizing, and staffing the first-ever Flyers PowerGel Station which is now in its 7th year. She has continued her involvement in this effort to the present time, including the recruiting an management of 100+ volunteers each year.

As co-Chair of the Bylaws Committee in 2005, Gabi successfully helped lead the Flyers through the passage of Stage I of the badly-needed Bylaws changes which were enacted the following year. Gabi also helped research and resolve legal issues, liability issues and other insurance concerns, and confirmed compliance with RRCA policy in these areas.

In 2006, Gabi continued to take a huge role in the club, by taking over the weekly email editor role and management of the announcements page. She continued the job of the "voice of the weekly email" until the blog was established this year, when she became a regular blogger. Her unpretentious manner of dealing with running, professional and family obligations as conveyed in her writing, is inspiring.

As a volunteer, she is indomitable. A few years back Gabi ran in the More Half Marathon and achieved a big PR. Many runners would celebrate such an accomplishment by treating themselves to a big post-race meal (or at least a nap). Gabi quickly changed at the finishing area near Tavern on the Green, then made her way over to the Flyers’ Water Station behind the Metropolitan Museum and volunteered for the duration of the More Marathon. She has also and served as a pace leader for the Long Training Runs for a number of years and has participated in the Flyers’ volunteer events with the Central Park Conservancy.

Congratulations, Gabi!

Read more...