So, last night as I was doing my run, and getting sicker with each step, feeling my throat become scratchier by the second, I decided to let my mind wander on to other things to pretend like I wasn't coming down with something. This did not work out well, as the first thing I noticed was that, in the Western suburbs of Darien, Westmont, Downers Grove and Woodridge, no one plows the streets. Apparently, there was a union meeting, and they just decided they weren't going to plow for the entire winter. I was running on streets, where it had not snowed for over 16 hours, yet, the streets were replete with snow drifts, slush, and the obvious tire spin outs. I knew I should have never given up my city job.
Then I started to think about the group run I was going to have to bail on for this Sunday, as I knew I was not feeling well. As I thought about it, I started casting my mind back(thanks Phil Liggett), to some of my other group "training" runs/rides. We have all been there, but I think its time we started to recognize how ridiculous all of us can be when we get together.
The premise is always innocent enough, in fact, its actually clouded in some sort of, "this will be fun!" banter, using words like, "long and steady" to describe the pace, a way to break up the monotony of solo training. And so it begins. You start packing your bag the night before, all excited to be outside with your friends, training together, like a Pro Tour Cycling team, out for a ride. You set your alarm for a weekend morning, and you jump up, have some coffee, load the car and head out, anxious for what the day will bring.
Then you arrive, and all of you are huddled together, ready to start, with more than one person giving that bullshit reminder,"Now, everyone, we are all going easy. This is a long run/ride, and its not a race, this is training. So let's have fun." That's like telling a crack addict, "now look, I know there is all this crack around you, and its free, but, don't smoke it, its bad for you." Are you kidding me? Inevitably, what happens? Some Alpha gets bored, or is out to show thier fitness, and BAM!, the race is on. Soon, that 13 mile run, that you were supposed to do in Zone 1-2, has been pitched for a hang on and pray, at zone 5, with your eyes bulging, and ending with dehydration and heavy legs. The group gets fragmented, a few people trickling in at a time, all with that same look of, "Why did I agree to this? I am totally shot. This is so stupid. I hate everyone here. All these people suck. I am never doing this again." Sometimes, after the group catches thier collective breath, finger pointing begins, accusations start to fly, only to be carried on all week in email rants. Until, the next week comes, and you, like an alzheimer's patient, forget all about the last group workout, and head back out.
Don't get me wrong, I am in favor of doing some group workouts. And yes, in order to get faster or stronger, you need to train with faster people. But, training does not mean racing. Now, our sport is dominated by Alphas, and I admit to being one myself. I am not innocent of pushing the pace on a group run or ride, and have paid the price. But, I am admitting it, and like they say, that's half the battle. I recall a few years ago, right around this time, a group of us were doing long runs, 2 hours plus, and every run started out the same, harmless for 5 minutes, then tempo pace, then, a constant effort to drop the weaker runners, as if some golden calf was waiting at the end of the run. I was lucky enough to not get injured or over-train, but some were not so lucky. And what did it prove, besides the fact that we were all stupid?
The thing is, being Billy or Bessie Bad Ass in training, doesn't get you a medal. Being the fittest or fastest guy in your training circle is great if it translates into race wins. Otherwise, you become the pain in the ass of the group. Trust me on this, I have done it. I have a friend that I run with on occassion, and every run, usually turns out with us racing each other in nasty conditions, on horrible trails, and feeling absolutely dead by the end. And we always promise each other, we won't do it next time. Of course, until the next time.
If you are fast, people will know - because we will see you race fast. You don't need to show the world how fast you can run the Wednesday night 4 mile fun run in under 24 minutes. We get it. You have talent. Unfortunately, showing it off on Wednesday, doesn't leave you with much for race day. Instead of beating on each other, let's try to work together on those group workouts, and I bet you will see everyone get faster, and not hate the few who always cause the split. You know who you are. And yes, everyone is talking about you, and they have nothing nice to say. Here's your clue, if finish a workout, and you are standing alone, while everyone else is filing into the parking lot or wherever, glaring at you, or, even pointing at you, its not because they admire you, they are secretly hoping you don't show up next week. You are the one who doesn't get invited to breakfast of coffee afterwards. Think about it.
So, enjoy your group workouts. Just remember, when everyone is making post-workout plans and you aren't included in the conversation, maybe you want to re-think today's pace.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Triathletes vs. Duathletes, Can't we all Just Get Along?
The short answer to the above age-old question is simply, no. I have thought about this for some time now, and have been told to be mature about the subject, but, maturity is not my thing. S0, I am coming at this from the least jaded standpoint I possibly can, which, again, is also not my thing.
First, it might be best to educate our fellow 3 sport friends on a few things. First, and foremost, our season, is usually longer than yours. For example, the Du Season starts in Phoenix, at least for those trying to qualify for Worlds, at the end of February and runs to early October. This is in part, due to the fact that you triathletes hate to share your spotlight at races with us lowly dualthetes. So, our season resembles something like NASCAR.
Second, and this kills me, you need to stop acting like we get a break from training, b/c we don't swim. I don't know how to break this to my tri friends, but, we actually fill that time that you spend in the pool, RUNNING AND RIDING. We don't just do a triathletes schedule, minus a third. To be proficient at all in our sport, you need to fill that time with Du specific training. Ah, I can see the "deer in the headlights: look on your faces right now. "You mean, you ride and run more?" Um, yes.
Third, please, oh please stop acting like we spend less money on the sport, b/c we don't swim. True, we don't need the $500.00 wetsuits, or goggles, and all the swim paraphanalia, but, we end up going thru more running shoes, gear for our bikes, food, energy supplements, etc. Trust me, and my retail friends who gladly take my money, will tell you, we spend as much as you.
Also, enough with the, "well your races aren't as long as ours" talk. If a duathlete wants, we too, can attend races that last anywhere from 3-10 hours, i.e. Zofingen, American Zofingen, the Prairie Punisher, etc. And remember, oh you of the 3 sports, its all on the legs.
Now, we do have some benefits that triathletes don't. For example, if I want to do a really popular duathlon, I don't have to sign up a year in advance, or give my friend going to the race, my credit card info to sign me up the next day for the following year's event. Also, I don't have to pay insane entry fees to go to a big race. But there is a flipside - even the biggest Du's, don't have near the flash and flare of a big tri. Our post race parties, including Du Worlds, involved cold water, a bagel, and in the case of Worlds 2007, Orange Fanta. Yes, a carbonated drink to help cool you off and re-hydrate. Why I couldn't think of anything better. Perhaps, hot coffee.
Now you triathletes try to pretend like you want to get along, but, honestly, do you? Let's take, for example the comment a friend made to my last post, claiming that triathletes are bitter that we don't have to ride 56 miles in the cold. Now, that's a "liar, liar, pants on fire" comment if I ever heard one. Although not all of our races include a 56 mile bike leg, let me assure you, that I would trade a 56 mile ride , being a little wet in 50 degrees, over 25 miles in sleet and 30 degrees. Anyone remember last year's Ceasar Creek Du? How about Frost Yer Fanny? And let's not forget Powerman Alabama. Oh, it was balmy. And here's the thing, when we get on our bikes to ride - we are wet. Its not like you run an open 10K at 32 minutes and not sweat. We aren't mutants. We have sweat glands, just like you. So, we are cold, wet, and constantly beating on our legs for the duration of the race.
As for the who's tougher discussion, let me say, I have seen both sides. I was a triathlete in my former life, and I will tell you, that an every distance of Tri, has an equivalent distance in duathlon, and the Du is way harder. It just is. I am not speaking out of turn here, I raced tri's, pretty consistently, and at a high level for 5 years. And Du's are harder. And I wouldn't go back to triathlon if you paid me, unless it was a lot of money, than maybe I would, but, we are a hardier group of athletes. So, if that makes us tougher, I guess we are.
Here's the deal - we all have to race on the same courses, at least for the most part, and we train together, when we can, but that doesn't mean we have to get along. I have no problems with a triathlete not liking me or duathlon, all we are asking for is some respect. Basically, respect the fact that we are as strong as you, as fast as you, and if you had to skip your precious swim, and replace it with a 5K to start, there may be some tears in your eyes as you enter T1. But we don't need to like each other. Mutual respect is enough.
So, enjoy your swim workouts, and your swim toys, pull bouys, kick boards, water wings, whatever you use. I'll be outside running.
First, it might be best to educate our fellow 3 sport friends on a few things. First, and foremost, our season, is usually longer than yours. For example, the Du Season starts in Phoenix, at least for those trying to qualify for Worlds, at the end of February and runs to early October. This is in part, due to the fact that you triathletes hate to share your spotlight at races with us lowly dualthetes. So, our season resembles something like NASCAR.
Second, and this kills me, you need to stop acting like we get a break from training, b/c we don't swim. I don't know how to break this to my tri friends, but, we actually fill that time that you spend in the pool, RUNNING AND RIDING. We don't just do a triathletes schedule, minus a third. To be proficient at all in our sport, you need to fill that time with Du specific training. Ah, I can see the "deer in the headlights: look on your faces right now. "You mean, you ride and run more?" Um, yes.
Third, please, oh please stop acting like we spend less money on the sport, b/c we don't swim. True, we don't need the $500.00 wetsuits, or goggles, and all the swim paraphanalia, but, we end up going thru more running shoes, gear for our bikes, food, energy supplements, etc. Trust me, and my retail friends who gladly take my money, will tell you, we spend as much as you.
Also, enough with the, "well your races aren't as long as ours" talk. If a duathlete wants, we too, can attend races that last anywhere from 3-10 hours, i.e. Zofingen, American Zofingen, the Prairie Punisher, etc. And remember, oh you of the 3 sports, its all on the legs.
Now, we do have some benefits that triathletes don't. For example, if I want to do a really popular duathlon, I don't have to sign up a year in advance, or give my friend going to the race, my credit card info to sign me up the next day for the following year's event. Also, I don't have to pay insane entry fees to go to a big race. But there is a flipside - even the biggest Du's, don't have near the flash and flare of a big tri. Our post race parties, including Du Worlds, involved cold water, a bagel, and in the case of Worlds 2007, Orange Fanta. Yes, a carbonated drink to help cool you off and re-hydrate. Why I couldn't think of anything better. Perhaps, hot coffee.
Now you triathletes try to pretend like you want to get along, but, honestly, do you? Let's take, for example the comment a friend made to my last post, claiming that triathletes are bitter that we don't have to ride 56 miles in the cold. Now, that's a "liar, liar, pants on fire" comment if I ever heard one. Although not all of our races include a 56 mile bike leg, let me assure you, that I would trade a 56 mile ride , being a little wet in 50 degrees, over 25 miles in sleet and 30 degrees. Anyone remember last year's Ceasar Creek Du? How about Frost Yer Fanny? And let's not forget Powerman Alabama. Oh, it was balmy. And here's the thing, when we get on our bikes to ride - we are wet. Its not like you run an open 10K at 32 minutes and not sweat. We aren't mutants. We have sweat glands, just like you. So, we are cold, wet, and constantly beating on our legs for the duration of the race.
As for the who's tougher discussion, let me say, I have seen both sides. I was a triathlete in my former life, and I will tell you, that an every distance of Tri, has an equivalent distance in duathlon, and the Du is way harder. It just is. I am not speaking out of turn here, I raced tri's, pretty consistently, and at a high level for 5 years. And Du's are harder. And I wouldn't go back to triathlon if you paid me, unless it was a lot of money, than maybe I would, but, we are a hardier group of athletes. So, if that makes us tougher, I guess we are.
Here's the deal - we all have to race on the same courses, at least for the most part, and we train together, when we can, but that doesn't mean we have to get along. I have no problems with a triathlete not liking me or duathlon, all we are asking for is some respect. Basically, respect the fact that we are as strong as you, as fast as you, and if you had to skip your precious swim, and replace it with a 5K to start, there may be some tears in your eyes as you enter T1. But we don't need to like each other. Mutual respect is enough.
So, enjoy your swim workouts, and your swim toys, pull bouys, kick boards, water wings, whatever you use. I'll be outside running.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Multi-sport needs to take a page out of American Gladiators
Now, I know a lot of you are thinking, what, does American Gladiators, even in its current format have to do with multi-sport? Well, my 2 or 3 sport friends, they are showing us something that has been known in marketing for years, and turning it into a profit- sex sells.
And not just sex, sex and violence sells. Although I would hardly characterize what those contestants go thru as "violent", they still have captured America's attention by sitcking to the aforementioned axiom. Now, as a duathlete, I constantly bemoan the fact that we are treated like the one-eyed step sister of our triathlete compatriots, and we are. You triathletes know it too. Even the mention of duathlon cuases many of you to frown, or make some "Did someone just ask me the square root of something?" face. And the fact that some of you must share the same course as duathletes during race season, is almost more than you can bear.
But, my 3 sport friends, you too, are suffering from a lack of exposure that is being taken by inane programs like Gladiatiors. Think about it, those contestants are amatuers, just like 99% of us. And for some of us, the training we do will be useful in life, mainly in extending your life expectancy. I don't know how dodging tennis balls being rocketed at your melon has any real-world application, unless you are married to Liza Minelli. So, perhaps we need to get together and recognize we carry a very precious and desired comodity - our sleek and well trained bodies.
Now, I can hear some of you starting the "I don't want to be objectified" whirlwind, ready to unleash some form of self-righteous banter; Gloria Steinem ready to pounce. To that, I say, ladies, please, oh, please, get over yourselves and be honest. Just like the woman who I saw looking at some tri mag that had a summer line of tri clothes being promo'd and some woman was wearing a bottom that was close to a thong. She was shocked and horrified - spouting off about, "that's not what we are about!" When really, you could almost hear her mutter under her breath, "but if I had that body, you damn well know I'd be sporting that outfit too." If you are racing in a 2 piece that leaves little to the imagination, are you seriously thinking that people aren't looking, or, that you aren't expecting to be looked at? Don't get me wrong, for those of you who train hard and get into great shape - you have earned the right to wear those kits. And wear them proudly. As you can see, I am not directing my comments about objectification to the guys, we don't care. Actually, we probably prefer to be objectified. I know plenty of guys, who will sit around post-race, even in the cold, with no shirt on, still in race shorts, and a bandana. You know who you are.
So with this, we need to grab the ear of TV big shots and get us some air play. The general populace thinks that multi-sport occurs once a year, at the Hawaii Ironman. We need to change public perspective. Here's our chance. we can dress up the courses, make them more, spectator friendly, and get some washed up actor or sports star, like Hulk Hogan, to do some pre-race interviews, while loud music plays in the background. We can do a race series, just like a TV show, a 12 week series of shorter races, completely focused on great shots of the tight bodies. Then, the standout athletes can be given shiny silver race kits, completely functional of course, and send them out there. And we can get story lines going, some real red-meat fueds, like McCormack and Stadler. I say we embrace that stuff, and push the envelope. Why not? You want to see more money at races? You want better post race parties, that offer more than a dry bagel and a bottle of water? Then we need to start selling what we got - slick bodies, on slick bikes. Heck, we are even fitter than the Gladiators, we can run more than 100 yards without needing an oxygen tank. Do think all that mass they have is functional? Yeah, maybe for moving a Buick, but aside from that, what else? I know this, if I get in a jam, and have no ride, and need to cover 20 miles, I can slap on some running shoes, and shorts, and I will get there.
So to all my multi-sport friends, the next time you talk to your family or friends about coming to a race, don't talk about the early rise time, or the lousy food, or the negatives. Tell them, there will be some hot bodies, with little on, running and swimming and biking, constantly sweating, not 2 inches from your face. And they don't have to pay to watch. You may see spectatorship grow. To the Race Directors out there - start giving out awards for "best body", not just the winners. I have a feeling you will see spectatorship grow. Maybe then, we can get Spike TV, or Versus to give us some true air time. Think about it. Otherwise, don't make fun of Gladiators, they will remain a step ahead.
And not just sex, sex and violence sells. Although I would hardly characterize what those contestants go thru as "violent", they still have captured America's attention by sitcking to the aforementioned axiom. Now, as a duathlete, I constantly bemoan the fact that we are treated like the one-eyed step sister of our triathlete compatriots, and we are. You triathletes know it too. Even the mention of duathlon cuases many of you to frown, or make some "Did someone just ask me the square root of something?" face. And the fact that some of you must share the same course as duathletes during race season, is almost more than you can bear.
But, my 3 sport friends, you too, are suffering from a lack of exposure that is being taken by inane programs like Gladiatiors. Think about it, those contestants are amatuers, just like 99% of us. And for some of us, the training we do will be useful in life, mainly in extending your life expectancy. I don't know how dodging tennis balls being rocketed at your melon has any real-world application, unless you are married to Liza Minelli. So, perhaps we need to get together and recognize we carry a very precious and desired comodity - our sleek and well trained bodies.
Now, I can hear some of you starting the "I don't want to be objectified" whirlwind, ready to unleash some form of self-righteous banter; Gloria Steinem ready to pounce. To that, I say, ladies, please, oh, please, get over yourselves and be honest. Just like the woman who I saw looking at some tri mag that had a summer line of tri clothes being promo'd and some woman was wearing a bottom that was close to a thong. She was shocked and horrified - spouting off about, "that's not what we are about!" When really, you could almost hear her mutter under her breath, "but if I had that body, you damn well know I'd be sporting that outfit too." If you are racing in a 2 piece that leaves little to the imagination, are you seriously thinking that people aren't looking, or, that you aren't expecting to be looked at? Don't get me wrong, for those of you who train hard and get into great shape - you have earned the right to wear those kits. And wear them proudly. As you can see, I am not directing my comments about objectification to the guys, we don't care. Actually, we probably prefer to be objectified. I know plenty of guys, who will sit around post-race, even in the cold, with no shirt on, still in race shorts, and a bandana. You know who you are.
So with this, we need to grab the ear of TV big shots and get us some air play. The general populace thinks that multi-sport occurs once a year, at the Hawaii Ironman. We need to change public perspective. Here's our chance. we can dress up the courses, make them more, spectator friendly, and get some washed up actor or sports star, like Hulk Hogan, to do some pre-race interviews, while loud music plays in the background. We can do a race series, just like a TV show, a 12 week series of shorter races, completely focused on great shots of the tight bodies. Then, the standout athletes can be given shiny silver race kits, completely functional of course, and send them out there. And we can get story lines going, some real red-meat fueds, like McCormack and Stadler. I say we embrace that stuff, and push the envelope. Why not? You want to see more money at races? You want better post race parties, that offer more than a dry bagel and a bottle of water? Then we need to start selling what we got - slick bodies, on slick bikes. Heck, we are even fitter than the Gladiators, we can run more than 100 yards without needing an oxygen tank. Do think all that mass they have is functional? Yeah, maybe for moving a Buick, but aside from that, what else? I know this, if I get in a jam, and have no ride, and need to cover 20 miles, I can slap on some running shoes, and shorts, and I will get there.
So to all my multi-sport friends, the next time you talk to your family or friends about coming to a race, don't talk about the early rise time, or the lousy food, or the negatives. Tell them, there will be some hot bodies, with little on, running and swimming and biking, constantly sweating, not 2 inches from your face. And they don't have to pay to watch. You may see spectatorship grow. To the Race Directors out there - start giving out awards for "best body", not just the winners. I have a feeling you will see spectatorship grow. Maybe then, we can get Spike TV, or Versus to give us some true air time. Think about it. Otherwise, don't make fun of Gladiators, they will remain a step ahead.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Clarifying My IPod Point
To Ronalyn, as you are the only one who would think to defend your IPod position, and simultaneously refer to the Giants victory. Let me say this, as I was too distraught today to write about the Patriots loss. Tom Brady, may be, as far as I am concerned, the best QB of our generation. Eli Manning, has a legacy behind him, but, I don't even consider him on the same level as Tom.
Now, I know Eli and his brother have that squeaky clean look to them, and Peyton makes funny commercials, but, Tom's got skills. Yes, he may be impregnating the better part of Hollywood, but, it has not affected his play. And yes, Bill Bellicheck scares me, and probably most children, but he is a great coach. I know this will provoke the whole "Spygate" discussion, but, I won't engage in that now.
What I want to add, is that the IPod, is a great tool, but, to me, your pace is best set by your heart, lungs and guts. Notice I do not say brain, b/c your brain, will ultimately keep you on the couch eating nachos.
And thanks for the Andy Rooney reference. That was so kind. However, this conversation reminds me of a great man, whose death recently passed, and it was roundly celebrated on Saturday night by myself and close family members. It was the anniversary of the passing of my grandfather Guy, whose name I proudly carry. He loved football, especially his Bears, and I wonder, what he would think about today's game, and today's technology. He had a saying for such things, I believe it was, "Fantnastic Bullshit." I would love to hear what he thinks about the way things have changed. I could go on about him, but for those who wonder why I do the things I do, and are not family members, let me share this story.
My grandfather worked on South Water Market, where, on any given day, he and his crew of guys would be, along with thier regular jobs, would be practicing medicine, practicing law, anything you could imagine. So, when he was told by another one of his "doctor" friends about a way to cure what ails you, he would try it.
He was having an issue with his eyes at some point, and someone suggested that squeezing orange rinds directly into your eyes would help. My grandmother, was, suspect, to say the least at this notion, however, she patiently went along, got him an orange, and gave him the peel. He promptly squirted it into his eyes, and watched as they puffed up, and became exceedingly red. I don't know if that helped his vision. I leave that to the "doctors."
I tell this story, b/c for those who know me, its evident in this story, that I carry more than his name, I carry his same sense of optomism. Be well.
Now, I know Eli and his brother have that squeaky clean look to them, and Peyton makes funny commercials, but, Tom's got skills. Yes, he may be impregnating the better part of Hollywood, but, it has not affected his play. And yes, Bill Bellicheck scares me, and probably most children, but he is a great coach. I know this will provoke the whole "Spygate" discussion, but, I won't engage in that now.
What I want to add, is that the IPod, is a great tool, but, to me, your pace is best set by your heart, lungs and guts. Notice I do not say brain, b/c your brain, will ultimately keep you on the couch eating nachos.
And thanks for the Andy Rooney reference. That was so kind. However, this conversation reminds me of a great man, whose death recently passed, and it was roundly celebrated on Saturday night by myself and close family members. It was the anniversary of the passing of my grandfather Guy, whose name I proudly carry. He loved football, especially his Bears, and I wonder, what he would think about today's game, and today's technology. He had a saying for such things, I believe it was, "Fantnastic Bullshit." I would love to hear what he thinks about the way things have changed. I could go on about him, but for those who wonder why I do the things I do, and are not family members, let me share this story.
My grandfather worked on South Water Market, where, on any given day, he and his crew of guys would be, along with thier regular jobs, would be practicing medicine, practicing law, anything you could imagine. So, when he was told by another one of his "doctor" friends about a way to cure what ails you, he would try it.
He was having an issue with his eyes at some point, and someone suggested that squeezing orange rinds directly into your eyes would help. My grandmother, was, suspect, to say the least at this notion, however, she patiently went along, got him an orange, and gave him the peel. He promptly squirted it into his eyes, and watched as they puffed up, and became exceedingly red. I don't know if that helped his vision. I leave that to the "doctors."
I tell this story, b/c for those who know me, its evident in this story, that I carry more than his name, I carry his same sense of optomism. Be well.
Why your IPod is destroying your training and civilization as we know it
Before I begin today's bit of ramblings, I have some news. I have a new De Facto editor, a reader, a relative and a fan of sorts, my dear Aunt Rocca, who, as an English major will be keeping the words you read making sense. Of course, that's assuming I let her see my stuff before posting.
Also, some of you might not know the young lady in the picture next to me on my blog. Well, I would like you all to meet my manager, and director of affairs, my niece, Isabella. Although only 4 years old, I have never had a woman keep me in check quite like this one. Every moment spent with her, is well planned, and definitely has a purpose, so, if you have any business matters you would like me to consider, please run them by her first. I have found her decission making ability to be far superior to mine, so, it seems only right that she run the show.
Now, on to today's topic - ok, perhaps the Ipod will not destroy civilization, but, it is creating another level of distance between all of us. But, I am not here to wax poetic about how we are all becoming a society of loners, constantly putting up more and more barriers of technology between us, no, I am here to relate technology and sport. And to that end, I am also extremely limited as I barely know how to work my computrainer. But why, you might ask, am I begrudging the latest and greatest tool for getting music into our heads? Especially for those who know how much I love music? Well, here is my tale, and why I believe that going old school for your training, i.e. sans IPod, is the best way to go.
A few years ago, some of you may remember the birth of the IPod Shuffle. You know, the one that was as big as a stick of gum. It was near Christmas, and all I wanted Santa to bring me was a cute little Shuffle. On Christmas Eve, I could barely sleep, waiting to see what Santa would leave under my little tree. As I awoke, there it was, but not only an IPod, but Santa was so advanced as to know that I would need a charger, and he made it one with speakers! I was thrilled.
So, I ripped it out of the box, put it in my ears and hit play. No music. I was heart-broken, thinking Santa had messed with me. Then, my sister gently pointed out that you need to download music to the IPod, to hear the music. At first, this seemed like an enormous hassle, I had to find music I liked, then get it in the IPod. I thought these damn things knew what you liked and came pre-programmed. Anyway, I went thru the whole deal, got out all my CD's downloaded songs, and then, uploaded them onto the Shuffle. Now, I was ready to hit those long runs in the cold and snow, re-born, my own music keeping me going.
At the time, I was training for my first marathon in 10 years. Now, I love to run, I love distance running, I love to race long distance for multi-sport, but I hate, I mean hate, the marathon. Aside from the pain, its the boredom that kills me. But I have my IPod now, I thought, this will be a snap! So, I drove to my favorite running spot, Waterfall Glen, all smiles, as I tucked my Shuffle in my tights, hit play and took off. I was crusing along to song 1 - AC/DC - Its a Long Way to the Top if You Want to Rock and Roll, feeling good. Then, about 3 minutes later, I noticed something. My stride was off, I was breathing too heavy, and I was sweating way too early in the cold, but, I shrugged it off. Then, 5 minutes later, new song, things got worse. Now I was running like a drunkard trying to run the 100 yard dash- I was weaving all over the trail, sweat pouring, my heart rate thru the roof, what the hell? Then it hit me, I was running in step with my IPod. I promptly turned it off, and finished my run, in a much more controlled and pleasant state.
Thinking it was just a bad day, I tried again, a few days later, same result. Now, those who know me, know that this is usally the point in the story where, not only does Guy take the IPod off, but also chucks it into some ravine. But, I liked the concept of the machine, so I kept running and just tucked it away. When I got home, I realized something - when I ran track at college, we never ran with music. Yeah, we may have been known to sing, usually in agony, but, we never had music. And we ran strong. And I got faster. I thought back to what my old track coach Neal used to say - get a song in your head, and use it to fuel your run. He was absolutely right, and I believe that still holds true today.
Now, I know IPods are great, and everyone loves the conveniece. And, for a lot of us, who doesn't like having a soundtrack as you are training or just taking the train to work, or even walking around? Some call it narcissitic, but c'mon, I think even the late great Mother Theresa would have liked some music playing as she was caring for the sick. So, I get that. I even get using it on your indoor trainer, b/c that's like a form of torture too, although nothing beats the pure dread that is created by the Treadmill, which I consider to be the tool of the Devil. I do not like to miss any of my workouts, actually I hate to skip workouts, but I will find any reason to not run on a treadmill, and stay outside. Remember, I'm the idiot who sees 4 feet of snow, and thinks, how bad can the footing really be? But my mean coach has forced me to use it this season, and I admit, its not bad. Still, I don't use an IPod, mainly, b/c I fear that while trying to change songs, I will hit a cord and send myself flying backwards. (Note, I have come very close to doing this, and have embarrassed myself already in similar situations, when I thought I could use my IPod).
The point I am trying to make is, our forefathers were on to something - they trained without music, and they were fast. And you know why? Because they could hear their body, their breathing, everything. They were internally tuned in, not trying to be distracted. They knew the music that mattered most were the sounds of their own body, it taught them about themselves.
So, for all you tried and true IPod fans, let me challenge you this - unplug. Don't try and ignore the pain, embrace it. In those moments, you will learn the most about yourself and your ability. Don't completely forget the music, have a song playing before you go out to run or ride. Get it in your head, and keep it going on a loop as you go through your workout.
That's it for now, gotta run. I need to download more music into my IPod Nano as I head off to Court to take people's homes away. I'm thinking, "Sympathy for the Devil" sounds good today.
Stay strong.
Also, some of you might not know the young lady in the picture next to me on my blog. Well, I would like you all to meet my manager, and director of affairs, my niece, Isabella. Although only 4 years old, I have never had a woman keep me in check quite like this one. Every moment spent with her, is well planned, and definitely has a purpose, so, if you have any business matters you would like me to consider, please run them by her first. I have found her decission making ability to be far superior to mine, so, it seems only right that she run the show.
Now, on to today's topic - ok, perhaps the Ipod will not destroy civilization, but, it is creating another level of distance between all of us. But, I am not here to wax poetic about how we are all becoming a society of loners, constantly putting up more and more barriers of technology between us, no, I am here to relate technology and sport. And to that end, I am also extremely limited as I barely know how to work my computrainer. But why, you might ask, am I begrudging the latest and greatest tool for getting music into our heads? Especially for those who know how much I love music? Well, here is my tale, and why I believe that going old school for your training, i.e. sans IPod, is the best way to go.
A few years ago, some of you may remember the birth of the IPod Shuffle. You know, the one that was as big as a stick of gum. It was near Christmas, and all I wanted Santa to bring me was a cute little Shuffle. On Christmas Eve, I could barely sleep, waiting to see what Santa would leave under my little tree. As I awoke, there it was, but not only an IPod, but Santa was so advanced as to know that I would need a charger, and he made it one with speakers! I was thrilled.
So, I ripped it out of the box, put it in my ears and hit play. No music. I was heart-broken, thinking Santa had messed with me. Then, my sister gently pointed out that you need to download music to the IPod, to hear the music. At first, this seemed like an enormous hassle, I had to find music I liked, then get it in the IPod. I thought these damn things knew what you liked and came pre-programmed. Anyway, I went thru the whole deal, got out all my CD's downloaded songs, and then, uploaded them onto the Shuffle. Now, I was ready to hit those long runs in the cold and snow, re-born, my own music keeping me going.
At the time, I was training for my first marathon in 10 years. Now, I love to run, I love distance running, I love to race long distance for multi-sport, but I hate, I mean hate, the marathon. Aside from the pain, its the boredom that kills me. But I have my IPod now, I thought, this will be a snap! So, I drove to my favorite running spot, Waterfall Glen, all smiles, as I tucked my Shuffle in my tights, hit play and took off. I was crusing along to song 1 - AC/DC - Its a Long Way to the Top if You Want to Rock and Roll, feeling good. Then, about 3 minutes later, I noticed something. My stride was off, I was breathing too heavy, and I was sweating way too early in the cold, but, I shrugged it off. Then, 5 minutes later, new song, things got worse. Now I was running like a drunkard trying to run the 100 yard dash- I was weaving all over the trail, sweat pouring, my heart rate thru the roof, what the hell? Then it hit me, I was running in step with my IPod. I promptly turned it off, and finished my run, in a much more controlled and pleasant state.
Thinking it was just a bad day, I tried again, a few days later, same result. Now, those who know me, know that this is usally the point in the story where, not only does Guy take the IPod off, but also chucks it into some ravine. But, I liked the concept of the machine, so I kept running and just tucked it away. When I got home, I realized something - when I ran track at college, we never ran with music. Yeah, we may have been known to sing, usually in agony, but, we never had music. And we ran strong. And I got faster. I thought back to what my old track coach Neal used to say - get a song in your head, and use it to fuel your run. He was absolutely right, and I believe that still holds true today.
Now, I know IPods are great, and everyone loves the conveniece. And, for a lot of us, who doesn't like having a soundtrack as you are training or just taking the train to work, or even walking around? Some call it narcissitic, but c'mon, I think even the late great Mother Theresa would have liked some music playing as she was caring for the sick. So, I get that. I even get using it on your indoor trainer, b/c that's like a form of torture too, although nothing beats the pure dread that is created by the Treadmill, which I consider to be the tool of the Devil. I do not like to miss any of my workouts, actually I hate to skip workouts, but I will find any reason to not run on a treadmill, and stay outside. Remember, I'm the idiot who sees 4 feet of snow, and thinks, how bad can the footing really be? But my mean coach has forced me to use it this season, and I admit, its not bad. Still, I don't use an IPod, mainly, b/c I fear that while trying to change songs, I will hit a cord and send myself flying backwards. (Note, I have come very close to doing this, and have embarrassed myself already in similar situations, when I thought I could use my IPod).
The point I am trying to make is, our forefathers were on to something - they trained without music, and they were fast. And you know why? Because they could hear their body, their breathing, everything. They were internally tuned in, not trying to be distracted. They knew the music that mattered most were the sounds of their own body, it taught them about themselves.
So, for all you tried and true IPod fans, let me challenge you this - unplug. Don't try and ignore the pain, embrace it. In those moments, you will learn the most about yourself and your ability. Don't completely forget the music, have a song playing before you go out to run or ride. Get it in your head, and keep it going on a loop as you go through your workout.
That's it for now, gotta run. I need to download more music into my IPod Nano as I head off to Court to take people's homes away. I'm thinking, "Sympathy for the Devil" sounds good today.
Stay strong.
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