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RUNNER'S NICHE
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Vol. 4 No.8 August, 1999
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NOTES FROM THE EDITOR
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As the O.J. Simpson trial reminded us endlessly, each of us
has a unique DNA structure. This is really no more than a
very scientific explanation for why each of us is
different. No two human beings have the same genetic make
up, and therefore we all look, act, and are built
differently. Science further explains this in terms of our
athletic abilities. For example some of us have a very high
percentage of "fast twitch" muscle fibers. These people can
run very fast over a short period of time. Those with a
very high percentage of "slow twitch" fibers cannot run as
fast, but they can keep going for a long time. Gold medal
winners in endurance sports have a very good ability to
take oxygen into their blood stream at a high rate, while
power lifters have the ability to contract their muscles
explosively in a fraction of a second, generating a
tremendous amount of force. 99 percent of the human
population simply is not born with the genetic
characteristics that would make them a gold medal candidate
in any individual sport, though.
It is this very fact that discourages some people from
running in races, running with a group, or even running at
all. That is a shame, since running is so rewarding and so
easy to adapt to any person's schedule, needs and
ambitions. There is no reason to be intimidated by runners
who are faster, just inspired.
The readership of Runner's Niche includes everyone from
gold medalists in past Olympics to beginning runners and
walkers. This issue is dedicated to the later, and much
larger group. I hope it will provide a little bit of
motivation to those who are new to running, to those who
have run for years but have never been particularly speedy,
and even to the fastest of you out there. By reading about
other people's perspectives on running, maybe we can all
find some new reasons to keep trotting out the door for our
daily run.
-WG
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MARATHON & BEYOND MAGAZINE - THE RUNNING PERIODICAL THAT
GOES THE EXTRA MILE.
Visit their web site at: http://www.marathonandbeyond.com
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RUNNER'S NICHE / MARATHON & BEYOND TRIVIA CONTEST
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Congratulations to last month's trivia winner, George Zack
of Erie, Colorado (just east of Boulder). George receives a
free issue of Marathon & Beyond Magazine and FAME!
This month's winner will also get a free issue of the
running periodical that goes the extra mile - Marathon &
Beyond Magazine. Trivia contest entrants are limited to one
prize per calendar year.
When answering, email your answers with the subject "trivia
contest" and answer the questions in the order they appear
below. Mail to: woodyg3@netone.com. The FIRST person to
answer all ten questions correctly wins. If nobody answers
all ten correctly, we will award the prize to the person
who answers the most questions correctly. Good Luck!
This Month's Questions:
1. What is the length of the relay exchange zone (not
including the acceleration zone used by sprint relays) on a
standard metric track?
2. What is the height in inches of the barriers in the
men's 400 intermediate hurdles?
3. What is the height in inches of the barrier in the men's
steeplechase?
4. What is the standard distance for the men's
steeplechase?
5. What are the distances run by each runner in the
distance medley relay?
6. What is the common name given to the final runner on a
relay team?
7. What does the term "kick" mean in running lingo?
8. What does it mean if a track runner says, "the bear
jumped on my back" in a race?
9. Which race is longer, 400 meters or 440 yards?
10. The international governing body of track and field is
the IAAF. What does IAAF stand for?
Last Month's Answers:
1. At this year's Stanford invitational track meet, Bob
Kennedy and Alan Culpepper ran the second and third fastest
10,000-meter times for an American in the 1990's. What
American ran the fastest 10,000 in the 90's? Answer: Todd
Williams
2. Which American male holds the 10,000-meter American
record? Answer: Mark Nenow
3. Who is the fastest non-African male of all time in the
10,000? Answer: Arturo Barrios (before he became an
American citizen.)
4. Who is the fastest German male 10,000 runner of all
time? Answer: Dieter Baumann
5. Who holds the controversial women's 10,000-meter world
record? Answer: Wang Junxia of China
6. What woman is the fastest non-Chinese 10,000-meter
runner of all time? Answer: Ingrid Kristianson of Norway
7. Who is the fastest South African woman of all time in
the 10,000? Answer: Elana Meyer
8. The fastest British woman ever in the 10,000? Answer:
Paula Radcliff
9. How many laps on the track equal 10,000 meters? Answer:
25 on a standard 400 meter track.
10. Which race is longer, 6 miles or 10,000 meters? Answer:
10,000 meters (6.21 miles)
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MANY GREAT RUNNING BOOK TITLES LISTED! PLUS YOU CAN SEARCH
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http://www.ontherun.com/sportsjewelry/
Jewelry for Athletes!
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THE NEW ELITE
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By Michael Selman
I was up and out for my run ridiculously early this
morning. I rose from bed before 3, and was out the door
well before 4. Why? Because I wanted to run, and I need to
be at work by 6 today.
As I closed the door behind me, and started my first loop
around the neighborhood, I never questioned my sanity. I
did, however, ponder the thought that only an elite runner
would be motivated enough to be pounding the pavement this
early in the AM. Why would someone like me, who plods along
at a training pace approaching 10 minutes a mile, be doing
it at ungodly hours? It is because I am a part of the new
elite, which I will now define.
The new elite does not live to run. We run to live. The new
elite is more concerned that running adds life to their
years, if not years to their lives.
And the new elite competes, and competes fiercely. If we
see someone just ahead of us at the end of a race, we pick
up the pace and make every effort to pass them. If we can
run the 5K in under 20 minutes.....or 30 minutes....or 40
minutes and set a new PR in the process, all the better,
because we are the new elite.
The new elite does not sleep late, and then take leisurely
saunas and massages after each run. We get up early, and
after we run, we quickly shower, and use
"The Stick" to get the knots out. Then we start our day.
The new elite rarely pre-registers for a race, because
there might be an opportunity to spend that time with a
grandchild instead. Or because, as nice as perennials look,
we may want to add a few annuals for added color. Or
because we like the taste of homemade cookies better than
the ones that come in a box, and it all takes time.
The new elite not only finishes the marathon, but also
raises thousands of dollars for a worthy cause in the
process. If the finish line has been taken down before the
new elite gets there, it is unfortunate and sad. But there
is no denying that you are still the new elite.
The new elite is not self-absorbed, self-centered, or
selfish. The new elite is self-reliant, and self-aware. I
just wanted to take a few minutes before I started my day
to let you know another reason why you run. It is because
you are a part of the new elite.
Isn't life grand?
Reprinted from the July issue of THOUGHTS OF A ROAD SCHOLAR
by permission of the author. You can contact Michael at:
DuRunRuner@aol.com
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A TALL STORY
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By Tracey Nickerson
I couldn't get up off the floor after playing with my two-
month-old baby. I was stiff and tired. It was time to do
something.
I painfully recall my first physical encounter with my
body. I went for my first walk on a sunny, cold, snowy
January morning. I returned red faced, tired and breathing
heavy after walking a quarter of a mile. I felt different
on this first day in 1998.
When I stepped out of the shower, I took a long look at
myself. I turned to one side. Turned to the other. Faced
forward. I was naked and I just stared. My face was still
red. I felt down and disappointed. All I could see was a
mirror full of stretch marks on my belly. Scars from 3
children. Three battles waged with my body, at separate
times, in different ways.
I walked every day for the next two months. I had, from the
start, desired to run, to be a runner. Why? I'm not even
sure to this day. It was nothing glamorous. Even when I was
a kid, I would watch runners in my suburban neighborhood. I
would stare after them, wondering how in the world could
they keep moving and enjoy it. It was alluring, mysterious.
As the tallest girl in my class, "Too Tall Tracey", was a
common label in middle school and high school.
I was 6'3" by the end of my senior year. I thought I could
shock the general population into thinking that I didn't
like sports. It was assumed that I was a "jock",
"athletic", schooled in the wide world of sports, simply
because I was tall. Nope. Many a time a coach would ask,
"Do you play basketball?" "NO, NO, NO!" I'd proclaim. I
wasn't any good and I knew it. I was uncoordinated and
bitter. Years later, my weight fluctuated, but I was sixty
pounds overweight, exhausted, defeated.
I wanted to be an athlete at 28. It would take some work.
It would take some time. Was I ready? I had decided that
getting into shape was more than a selfish endeavor. It was
for my children, my husband, and my family. It was for my
future, they're future, our future.
It was six in the morning on a deserted road when I ran my
first mile. There was no court, no baskets, and no crowds
cheering me on. No bleachers to seat friends and family.
Yet, my heart was full and the birds and the squirrels
witnessed my accomplishment, my miracle. These creatures
were my family. I stood motionless, crying. Sweat, was
falling in unison, along side my tears.
Ironic, how the wet streams coming from my face originated
from the same place my heart.
With each day, I discover that I am not here on this
planet, alone with my weight and height. I am here to bless
the lives of others. I can make a difference with my
presence, with my positive attitude and especially with my
unique stature. These long legs, with running shoes on my
feet, will carry me on to further explore the mystical
abyss of roads and trails. This anti-basketball player,
once, anti-athlete, has found her niche.
I am an athlete. I can't play basketball for beans, but I
can run. I can run at my own pace, at my own speed and even
up a couple of hills. I can sweat. I can breathe heavy. I
can cheer for me. I am my own blessing. I am a gift to
myself: stretch marks and all.
I ran my first mile and world, watch out. I'm going to run
a race someday.
And I did.
(Tracey completed her first marathon: The Mayors Midnight
Sun Marathon June 19, 1999. Next goal: Marathon number two:
Portland, Maine in October).
Tracey Nickerson can be contacted at:
tracey@iversoft.com
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THIS AND THAT
*************
*NYC OPPORTUNITY*
If you have a number and are running in the New York City
Marathon, join the Marathon Strides Against MS Team!
Increase Your: Fun Impact, Support Confidence.
Join Captain Zoe Koplowitz, the inspirational "last place"
finisher in the last 11 NYC Marathons, and her fabulous
teammates for a complimentary Pasta Kick-Off Party! Bus
trip to the Start Line! Tent Gala for families and friends
at Mile 18! Post-Marathon Celebration and Dinner! Post-
Marathon Shower and Massage! Team T-shirt displaying Team
Name and Logo!
Please call Amy Reardon at 212-463-7787 or e-mail
areardon@msnyc.org
for details!!
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WEB SITES OF INTEREST
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*WWI Memorial Race*
The "In Flanders Fields Marathon" in Belgium, is on the
battlefields of the First World War. This marathon will be
a tribute to all who lost their lives in that war.
http://gallery.uunet.be/amos
(It's all in Flemish, but most of the links are in English)
*Computerized Training*
A new type of computer controlled exercise machines has
started appearing in health clubs. These machines set
resistance and prescribe individual workouts for people,
regardless of their fitness level. They store data for
individuals, and provide incentive by tracking progress.
For more info go to:
http://www.fitlinxx.com/
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LETTERS FROM OUR READERS
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*PRESSURE DROP*
Dear Runner's Niche,
Just thought I'd let you know that since I've been running
my Blood Pressure has dropped from 200/140 to a nice
120/70....
It's been about 12 years since I had the high BP (Yes, I
was put in the hospital).... I did not begin running
immediately afterward; I've only run for the past 2 years.
I got tired of the 5 different medications and always being
tired. My kids got started on the x-country team at
school, so I decided to try a little walk/run stuff...
Well, it's working. I kept track of the BP and graphed the
results; my doctor was amazed.
Now I'm on 1 medication (soon to drop that too), but will
drop it after the doctor says OK.
All this just because of the running!
I feel good.
Jeff Bodnar
Delran, NJ
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