Saturday, May 17, 2014
More "coming attractions"
Good day for a run down to the Navy Pier flyover construction site. It doesn't look like much now, but when it's complete, it will reduce a lot of the foot and bicycle traffic that flows under Lake Shore Drive.
Horner Park river bank botanical restoration project
This is a Northwest side park that had a dirt trail I used to run on. The dirt trail is cordoned off now, because it is part of an Army Corp of Engineers project to remove invasive species trees and plants. They will be replaced by plants and trees indigenous to this area. Details here
A couple of Saturdays ago, I ran over to Horner and took some photos. Sigh, yes. A part of my finger got in the way of the lens. That is NOT part of the restoration.
Friday, April 25, 2014
A DIY "stick" (self massage tool)
Last week, after running the Lakefront 10 miler I decided to stick around for a free massage Chiro One was offering. My left glutes act up after a long run, so a massage seemed like a good idea. The masseuse used a stick. It worked well.
However, after visiting the website I wondered if I could create a cheaper alternative. I have a cheap store brand wooden rolling pin that I bought at my local Jewel. Never used the thing. Could I duplicate the bumpy surface found on some foam rollers? Sure. A trip to the dollar store later, and I had a bath mat, which I cut to size.
How to fasten? I didn't have the right size nails, nor did I have the appropriate sized staples. I did have fast drying glue.However, to make sure the mat stayed on the rolling pin, I channeled my inner Red Green and resorted to "the handyman's secret weapon - duct tape".
You can see the result here.
However, after visiting the website I wondered if I could create a cheaper alternative. I have a cheap store brand wooden rolling pin that I bought at my local Jewel. Never used the thing. Could I duplicate the bumpy surface found on some foam rollers? Sure. A trip to the dollar store later, and I had a bath mat, which I cut to size.
How to fasten? I didn't have the right size nails, nor did I have the appropriate sized staples. I did have fast drying glue.However, to make sure the mat stayed on the rolling pin, I channeled my inner Red Green and resorted to "the handyman's secret weapon - duct tape".
You can see the result here.
It works just as well as the stick.
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Rethinking the drinking #2 - Why not BYOH? ...
...as in Bring Your Own Hydration.
Disclaimer: I have no experience organizing a road race. Specifically, I have no idea how many of gallons of sports drink mix, water and cups to order for a race that has up to 1,000 entrants. However, volunteering at today's Turkey Chase 8K made me wonder if too much was ordered.
I was at the first hydration station the course map gives you a rough idea where it was. I can tell you that it was 10 feet from the lakefront. Today was in the high 20's, and there was a westward wind which could have blown a lot of used cups in the water. Fortunately, my fellow volunteers and I were diligent, and made sure this didn't happen.
See photo:
The race started at 9:00 AM CST, and by 9:07 the fast runners, i.e. the ones doing 5-7 minutes splits had zipped by us as if we weren't there. By 9:15, we were all handing out cups of water and Gatorade, but we were in no danger of running out. (Hey, we even offered drinks to non big-wearing passers-by.)
In the end, we ended up throwing out stuff in cups. Couldn't drink it all. Couldn't give stuff away. The unused bottles Gatorade concentrate and and unopened water jugs were set aside for another race. The experience left me wondering if I had to be there.
To review: this was a very cold Thanksgiving day 8K. A high of 20 degrees F. But even if the morning had been in the 40s, did a race that only goes slightly under 5 miles need two hydration stations? How about one near the turnaround point North of Cermack road, and then all the other liquids near the finish line?
I would not be wondering about this if this was a Summertime 8K. I wouldn't be wondering about this, if it was a springtime race in the South. Heck, I've done early morning runs in Austin, Texas on Easter weekends. 70 degrees at 6 in the morning?!? Every one's hydration demands are going to change when the mornings are in the 60's & the 70's.
But I'm in the Midwest. Even if we didn't have this unusually cold November weather, no one's going to collapse from dehydration when it's 40 degrees outside, unless they're really careless. It seems that during October, Midwestern race organizers could "green" up their races a little more.
In other words: less hydration stations, which would mean less paper cups, and thus less mess to clean up. Encourage people to bring their own water bottles and hydration belts.
Perhaps the waiver could be changed to include a phrase saying: "Although the organizers will provide a limited amount of water and sports drink on the course, you the entrant will be assumed to be responsible for knowing you hydration needs. You are encouraged to wear a hydration belt or to bring your own water bottle."
Disclaimer: I have no experience organizing a road race. Specifically, I have no idea how many of gallons of sports drink mix, water and cups to order for a race that has up to 1,000 entrants. However, volunteering at today's Turkey Chase 8K made me wonder if too much was ordered.
I was at the first hydration station the course map gives you a rough idea where it was. I can tell you that it was 10 feet from the lakefront. Today was in the high 20's, and there was a westward wind which could have blown a lot of used cups in the water. Fortunately, my fellow volunteers and I were diligent, and made sure this didn't happen.
See photo:
The race started at 9:00 AM CST, and by 9:07 the fast runners, i.e. the ones doing 5-7 minutes splits had zipped by us as if we weren't there. By 9:15, we were all handing out cups of water and Gatorade, but we were in no danger of running out. (Hey, we even offered drinks to non big-wearing passers-by.)
In the end, we ended up throwing out stuff in cups. Couldn't drink it all. Couldn't give stuff away. The unused bottles Gatorade concentrate and and unopened water jugs were set aside for another race. The experience left me wondering if I had to be there.
To review: this was a very cold Thanksgiving day 8K. A high of 20 degrees F. But even if the morning had been in the 40s, did a race that only goes slightly under 5 miles need two hydration stations? How about one near the turnaround point North of Cermack road, and then all the other liquids near the finish line?
I would not be wondering about this if this was a Summertime 8K. I wouldn't be wondering about this, if it was a springtime race in the South. Heck, I've done early morning runs in Austin, Texas on Easter weekends. 70 degrees at 6 in the morning?!? Every one's hydration demands are going to change when the mornings are in the 60's & the 70's.
But I'm in the Midwest. Even if we didn't have this unusually cold November weather, no one's going to collapse from dehydration when it's 40 degrees outside, unless they're really careless. It seems that during October, Midwestern race organizers could "green" up their races a little more.
In other words: less hydration stations, which would mean less paper cups, and thus less mess to clean up. Encourage people to bring their own water bottles and hydration belts.
Perhaps the waiver could be changed to include a phrase saying: "Although the organizers will provide a limited amount of water and sports drink on the course, you the entrant will be assumed to be responsible for knowing you hydration needs. You are encouraged to wear a hydration belt or to bring your own water bottle."
Monday, November 11, 2013
Run the Madison Marathon in 4:40? Um, er, how about COMPLETE the Madison Marathon - Part 2
Post Marathon thoughts.
--The official time: 5:05:50
--Yes, I walked some of the race. Pride, Schmide-at the 18th mile I started alternating short walks with runs.
--I'm definitely buying one of those roller thingies, that are used on the IT band. I need something to massage the glutes, which started giving me problems around the 18th mile.
--When I went up to Madison in October, I intended to find the "boring parts". i,.e. long flat parts that SEEM TO GO ON FOREVER. In retrospect, I should have walked sections of John Nolen drive. Yeah, yeah, it's a very scenic view of Lake Monona and Monona Bay. However, it's at the 23rd through 25th mile, BEFORE you make the climb to the finish line at the Capitol. And it's a long way down Nolen before you get to the turnaround.
--Saturday was a good day to get the pre-race jitters/gawking tourist mode out of my system. Try the Farmers Market at the Capitol. They have kale. Note: they sell cheese curds. Um, maybe for a post race protein recharge.
--I'm glad I changed my motel registration to a hostel registration. Not only did it save $$, it was closer to the start line, and - lo and behold - there were other marathoners staying here! Nice to know I wasn't the only nutter waking up early on Sunday.
--However, I was the first marathoner up. I've gotten used to getting up early (i.e. 4AM CST) in order to get to downtown races.
--This was the QUIETEST road race I've ever run! No bands by the side of the road. There were people with boom boxes once in a while. Other than that, the loudest sound was the sound of human powered transportation. MY ROAD, MADISON! You can have it back on Monday.
--Don't people use these races to play "dress-up"? I only saw one Supergirl, and one "Wonder Woman". There was someone wearing a "Run Against Walker" sweatshirt, but otherwise, no snark about the present Governor.
--The spectators were so polite. That is, no really smart-assed signs, as compared to what I've seen in Chicago. No, KEEP RUNNING - I JUST FARTED.
--However, I did see: WORST. PARADE. EVER
26.2 IS YOUR BITCH
SORRY, YOU STILL HAVE TO RAKE THE LEAVES
PAIN NOW. BEER LATER
--Then there was the woman holding the sign which said: IF 26.2 MILES WAS EASY
I'D BE YOUR MOTHER
--Huh?
--The official time: 5:05:50
--Yes, I walked some of the race. Pride, Schmide-at the 18th mile I started alternating short walks with runs.
--I'm definitely buying one of those roller thingies, that are used on the IT band. I need something to massage the glutes, which started giving me problems around the 18th mile.
--When I went up to Madison in October, I intended to find the "boring parts". i,.e. long flat parts that SEEM TO GO ON FOREVER. In retrospect, I should have walked sections of John Nolen drive. Yeah, yeah, it's a very scenic view of Lake Monona and Monona Bay. However, it's at the 23rd through 25th mile, BEFORE you make the climb to the finish line at the Capitol. And it's a long way down Nolen before you get to the turnaround.
--Saturday was a good day to get the pre-race jitters/gawking tourist mode out of my system. Try the Farmers Market at the Capitol. They have kale. Note: they sell cheese curds. Um, maybe for a post race protein recharge.
--I'm glad I changed my motel registration to a hostel registration. Not only did it save $$, it was closer to the start line, and - lo and behold - there were other marathoners staying here! Nice to know I wasn't the only nutter waking up early on Sunday.
--However, I was the first marathoner up. I've gotten used to getting up early (i.e. 4AM CST) in order to get to downtown races.
--This was the QUIETEST road race I've ever run! No bands by the side of the road. There were people with boom boxes once in a while. Other than that, the loudest sound was the sound of human powered transportation. MY ROAD, MADISON! You can have it back on Monday.
--Don't people use these races to play "dress-up"? I only saw one Supergirl, and one "Wonder Woman". There was someone wearing a "Run Against Walker" sweatshirt, but otherwise, no snark about the present Governor.
--The spectators were so polite. That is, no really smart-assed signs, as compared to what I've seen in Chicago. No, KEEP RUNNING - I JUST FARTED.
--However, I did see: WORST. PARADE. EVER
26.2 IS YOUR BITCH
SORRY, YOU STILL HAVE TO RAKE THE LEAVES
PAIN NOW. BEER LATER
--Then there was the woman holding the sign which said: IF 26.2 MILES WAS EASY
I'D BE YOUR MOTHER
--Huh?
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Things I see on a run through Chicago
In order to break up the tedium of a long run down Foster Ave., I sometimes run South to Carmen, go East on Carmen, and head back North to Kilbourn. The Kilbourn segment of the run is interesting because of the houses: flat roof Lustrons(?) on the East side, and bungalows on the West Side. The neighborhood is called North Mayfair.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Run the Madison Marathon in 4:40? Um, er, how about COMPLETE the Madison Marathon, and otherthoughts..
--When I applied for the Fall Madison Marathon, I was asked what my predicted time would be. Since it was my first marathon, I took my average time in the two half marathons I ran and doubled it.
--However, I've been taking an "unexpected taper". In other words, I'm getting over a bout of bronchitis, and haven't done any long running in almost two weeks. I'm taking antibiotics, and taking it easy. The most vigorous thing I've done was a four mile walk yesterday. It didn't leave me collapsed in a massive coughing fit, so that's progress.
--Therefore, tonight, I'm going to escalate to a thirty minute treadmill run. No blazing speed- 11:30 miles at most.
--I'd like an 11:30 per mile pace to be my starting pace. It's going to be hard to exercise self control at the beginning, and not want to zip along at a ten minute pace. (Well, that's zipping along for me.) According to the elevation chart on the map, the first mile is mostly downhill.
--However, I've been taking an "unexpected taper". In other words, I'm getting over a bout of bronchitis, and haven't done any long running in almost two weeks. I'm taking antibiotics, and taking it easy. The most vigorous thing I've done was a four mile walk yesterday. It didn't leave me collapsed in a massive coughing fit, so that's progress.
--Therefore, tonight, I'm going to escalate to a thirty minute treadmill run. No blazing speed- 11:30 miles at most.
--I'd like an 11:30 per mile pace to be my starting pace. It's going to be hard to exercise self control at the beginning, and not want to zip along at a ten minute pace. (Well, that's zipping along for me.) According to the elevation chart on the map, the first mile is mostly downhill.
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