Daily Archives: July 13, 2016

Runner’s World Cover Contest

Life - Other than running ?, Training

July 13th, Wednesday, 11 p.m.

 

Today was a rest day after three solid days of work. The body feels good, but the day of rest is indicated at this time. Just being careful.

So with no workout to report,  I thought I would take this time to thank my friends and family who have voted for me in my silly quest to be chosen for the cover of an edition of Runner’s World. The contest asks each entrant to write in 200 words or less the story of a  moment that changed his or her running life. I have shared the story with many people over the years, and I am convinced that it was a truly life-changing moment for me.  I thought maybe the judges at Runner’s World might think so too, so I entered the contest.  I have recreated my 200 word story below.  If you would like to, you can vote daily. If you have voted, thank you.

I am contestant # 513.  The contest can be found just about anywhere under the heading Runner’s World Cover Contest.

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Here is my story!

WHAT WAS YOUR BREAKTHROUGH MOMENT?

As a 15 year old freshman in Jersey City, New Jersey in 1958, I qualified for the 3/4 leg of my high school’s relay team to compete at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia. I never knew a track meet like the Penn Relays even existed. I ran 3/4 of a mile in front of 40,000 cheering fans in a trance. I had never seen or felt anything like it in my life, and I was totally hooked. I have spent the next 60 years in the world of track and field. As a runner in high school I became a state champion. As a scholarship athlete I ran for four years at Seton Hall University. I had a wonderful 35-year career coaching high school runners. Now, as a retired, reinvigorated runner, I write a blog called +70 Runner to share my experiences and knowledge with seniors. I achieved my 5-year goal of running a 5k in 25:00 and finished fourth in the National Senior Games at 1500m. That race in 1958 clearly changed my life and set me on a path that has filled my life with wonderful moments and wonderful relationships.

 

4 on the boards

Training

July 12th, Wednesday,  Midnight

“I got that old time feeling.”

A cool, breezy evening on the boardwalk in Avon was the setting for tonight’s very positive run for me and some striking photos from Arlene.

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While the local lifeguard crews were having their annual contest on the beach, I sent out on a  four mile run. The wind was out of the south at 12 to 15 miles very steady.  I set as a goal today to run 1 mile under 10 minutes just to see if that was still in my fitness arsenal.  I headed south first into the wind. It was steady but not cold, rather enjoyable actually.  Mile one was walking and jogging: mile two was a steady 12 minute pace.  On mile three I cheated to get the time I was seeking.  I turned and headed back north with the wind in my sails.  I was pleasantly surprised that I finished the mile in a very comfortable 8:59.  In truth the watch read 8:59.88.  So I guess we need to round that up to 9.00 flat.  I will take that.  Mile four was another steady, relaxed recovery.  This was the first effort that actually felt like training in two months.  No leg or foot issues.

Cheeseburgers and some cold Sierra Nevada’s at Paul’s Pub in Belmar during karaoke night followed.

Stats –

I-Mad –  0   Very nice!

a.m HR – 54BPM

Weight – 152#

Sleep – 8 hours

Workout – 4 miles on boardwalk with  Mile  #3 at 9 minutes