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

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UAE Healthy Kidney 10K Recap

A stunning Saturday sun and gentle cool breeze greeted runners lacing it up for the UAE Healthy Kidney 10K this morning in Central Park.  With cool temperatures and low humidity, the elite men ripped through the demanding 6.2-mile course.  Gebre Gebremariam of Ethiopia set a new course record in an astonishingly fast 27:42. That’s 4:28 per mile through all those hills, folks! (I try not to think about where I was on the course when Gebremarian broke the tape for the win.) It was also a welcome-back of sorts for running legend (at age 38) and new American citizen Khalid Khannouchi who finished in a very impressive 30:31. Not a bad way to restart the career. Word has it, too, that they are working on a new TV-show based on “Welcome Back Kotter”, a running version called “Welcome Back Khalid”. (Guess I’m dating myself with that reference.)

I ran into many Flyers before, during and after the event and it’s always great to see how well-represented we are at all of these races.  I hung out in the start corral with Pat Duffy and Anthony Pitarresi, each of whom turned in great performances of their own.  Pat and I talked briefly about the importance of keeping the shoulders relaxed throughout the run.  It’s a great pointer and one that as runners, we maybe don’t typically think about. But keeping the shoulders relaxed certainly alleviates stress and can improve one’s performance.  Personally I still run with my shoulders up by my ears at times, but I’m working on it!

A couple of funny things I noticed during the run that seem to be par for the course during all races….

1. The “I missed my exit” sudden B-line from one side of the course to the other to get to the fluid station.
2. The “over the shoulder blind spot check and veer” by a runner you are about to overtake and that runner’s subsequent veer into your path.
3. The “I must protect this house” extended arm flailing movement which subtly suggests to all nearby runners “STAY BACK!”or “stay out of my kitchen or you’re gonna get burned.”
4. The “thank god it’s over“ complete, full stop at the finish line.  Not a yard or two after the finish line or a fade to walk after crossing the line, but a full stop right at the line.

All in all, I guess running in these races is akin to driving on America’s roadways! But the one thing about these races and the sport of running in general I’ve noticed is how it unites people. There’s such a positive vibe in the running community! I’m thankful that I decided to join the community and the New York Flyers. In a world where it can sometimes seem like people on one side are just yelling at people on the other and no one is taking the time to listen, or where it can seem like no one ever has a positive thing to say, running is the great sanctuary, a magical elixir of positive mojo that can cure what ails you!

After the race, it was time to head back downtown. On a day where there were many great Flyer performances, I’d just like to take a moment to congratulate Chris Morgenroth who finished third in her division today. An accomplished runner, Chris continues to inspire and impress by churning out strong performance after strong performance.

Cheers all! - Drew G., Team Captain - Masters Men

Flyer Women at the Healthy Kidney 10K

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