*Special Note: Everyone please help. Each month when
Runner's Niche is sent out, I get a ton of messages from
servers telling me that particular e-mail addresses are no
longer active. PLEASE, if you are signing off the 'net or
changing addresses, Let me know. It will save me a TON of
time.
-WG
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RUNNER'S NICHE
--------------
Vol. 3 No. 4 May, 1998
**********************
NOTES FROM THE EDITOR
**********************
My hometown race is getting a lot of flak, and I can’t help
but comment. Many of you have likely heard that the Bolder
Boulder 10 K has elected to go to a new format for the
elite division. This year teams will compete in the elite
men’s and women’s races, which will be scored like a cross-
country meet. Each team is composed of three individuals
from the same country, and each country is limited to one
team. The elite runners will run a new four-loop criterium
style course, which will better allow spectators to view
the race.
All of this came about as an attempt to stir up some
interest in elite road racing in this country. A big part
of the logic was that Americans love team sports, and they
can relate better to team contests than individual
competition. Thus was born the team race format. We all
know that we need some new schemes to develop additional
interest in our sport in this country.
So, what has caused a few people to be so upset with the
new format? Why have claims of racism and even a comparison
between race directors and Adolph Hitler been made? To me
it seems to be a simple case of misinformation and media
frenzy.
Initially, Bolder Boulder officials were not going to put a
limit on the number of American teams. This seemed innocent
enough to race directors. After all, the Bolder Boulder has
always tried to provide extra help to American distance
runners. They award cash bonuses to top American finishers,
and in the past they ran a high altitude development
program for up-and-coming American runners. It didn’t seem
like too big of a deal to permit extra American teams in an
American race. Race directors figured that the hometown
crowd would enjoy seeing a few extra familiar faces in the
elite race.
It seems, however, that there were many who thought that
permitting multiple American teams while limiting other
countries was a way to give the Americans an unfair
advantage. By limiting their competition, some thought this
was surely an underhanded means of assuring more Americans
would be in the top ten.
Race officials, not wanting to be perceived as unfair,
decided to limit the field to only one American team, as
well. This despite the fact that many major races around
the globe routinely limit their foreign numbers by simply
inviting only a few hand-selected individuals to their
race.
Then came the allegations of racism. The assertions were
that the Bolder Boulder was unfairly limiting the field to
just three Kenyans with the new team format, and I guess
the logic goes that since Kenyans are black, this was
discrimination against blacks.
The fact is that more black Africans will be in the race
than ever before, with teams from South Africa, Morocco,
and Tanzania signed up so far. The field will be quite
diverse, with China, Argentina, Mexico, Peru and Spain all
sending teams, as well.
I don’t really think any of this is about politics, racism,
or even fair competition. It’s about money, plain and
simple. I can’t help but wonder if agents of top Kenyan
runners, used to pocketing a good payday at the Bolder
Boulder, are afraid someone else will cash in. Could it be
these same agents fed information (or should I say
misinformation) to the naive American media? I suspect this
is what caused all the big headlines and hateful articles
to spread around the nation.
We all know the media loves a controversy, and like the
proverbial sharks smelling blood, they tore into this one.
Currently there are many Kenyans that are saying they will
boycott the Bolder Boulder, and some say they will boycott
all races in the United States. That would be too bad. The
Kenyan runners are truly wonderful to watch. Still, the
races will go on with or without the Kenyans, and their
trusty agents might do well to realize that they could be
killing their own cash cow. If they don’t show, someone
else will, and someone else will collect the cash awards.
Meanwhile, the Bolder Boulder will go on. There will be an
exciting elite team race with many new faces from talent
rich Morocco, South Africa and Tanzania. We will get to see
some of the Chinese runners we have read so much about.
Other runners from places like Spain, who had never
considered making the trip to Boulder, will make their
first appearance. I think it will be a great event to watch
on the new four-loop criterium style course.
Maybe the most important thing to remember in all of this
is that some 30 — 40,000 runners will participate like
always -- the ones who do it for love of the sport. The
people who are tired at the end of a long work day, but who
put on their running shoes and get in their evening workout
because they have a goal to run the Bolder Boulder. These
are the same folks who sit in the stadium and cheer wildly
as the elite runners finish, and they are the ones who make
this race the event that it is.
I suspect that when the dust settles after the current
media tornado, the race will be a success. The Bolder
Boulder could survive without a single elite athlete
participating, and top runners would do well to remember
this.
********************************
TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME MARATHONERS
********************************
By Antoinette Lercara
So, the big day is approaching. For those of you who are
first-time marathoners, in doubt of having a successful
run, here are a few tips to help steer you through the
course:
- Spunky T-shirts grab spectator attention. Having someone
refer to you and cheer you on as you run by is encouraging,
especially during the last mile.
- Don’t wear new shoes or shoes that need to be broken-in.
Shoes should fit like a glove, be comfortable, and provide
cushion, traction and support. Worn out soles can damage
your knees, ankles, and back.
- Check the weather frequently. Don’t venture into the cold
ill-prepared. Layer your clothing accordingly. A best bet
for warmth is 100% acrylic spring knits that keep you warm.
- When the wind chill factor is below zero, wear clothing
that helps keep joints and muscles warm and additionally
provides support and compression. Gore-Tex’s "Windstopper"
can be used as a backing on a sweatshirt or jacket. The
"Windstopper" does just what it says.
- Skin-tight clothing made of rayon, polyester and
lycraspandex will keep you warm and dry by holding in body
heat and extracting sweat to the outer surface of the
material. Also, any lightweight, breathable fabrics in
polarfleece will protect you.
- Keep the body hydrated before, during and after the run
and control your breathing.
- Load carbohydrates and maintain a diet of high fiber and
low cholesterol meals.
- Gently stretch and warm-up for 5-10 minutes. These few
minutes can prevent stress and strain on your muscles.
- Pace yourself throughout the run. Disciplining yourself
can make the difference between running to the finish line
or walking to it.
While the race is competitive for some, it’s mostly mental
and spiritual for others. For a beginner the most
exhilarating experience is passing the finish line. No
trophy could outweigh personal satisfaction.
************************************************
A RUNNER'S STORY: FROM HEART ATTACK TO MARATHON
************************************************
By Jim Gaffey
As I looked over at the clock it said 2:45. It had started
as an uneventful day, full of responsibilities and promise,
but now I thought this is how it feels to die. I was lying
on an operating table in St. Joseph's Hospital in Atlanta,
Ga. I was being quickly prepared for an angioplasty. At
that moment two competing thoughts ran through my
head..."he died at 2:45 PM on August 19, 1993 of a heart
attack"...the other, "I don't want to die...not now...not
this way" and I wanted to fight back. Hours before I had
risen early to wake my 16 year old son, Sean, to get him
ready to register for his next year of high school. The
previous night I had woken with what I thought was stomach
pains...probably from something I ate. As the widowed
father of two I pushed on into my day making a near fatal
mistake. At registration I was very uncomfortable but my
next stop was his doctors office to have a boil lanced on
his neck. When I mentioned symptoms to doctor he quickly
got me next door for EKG. Through the wonders of telephony
it was faxed to my internist who recommended that I get to
hospital quick.
The angioplasty, done under emergency conditions, damaged
some veins in my right leg and left me bruised from above
my groin to below my right knee. I could not walk for
several days. After a slow recovery I found myself in the
hospitals Cardio-Rehab Program. Weeks of slow walks, rest
and recuperation lead me to an indoor track and some
tentative jogging...best described as baby steps. The
decision to step on the track in the first place was
stimulated by a swift kick in the pants by my cardiologist,
who said during my first in office visit..."if you change
life style and begin an exercise program you might live a
long life, after all your father lived till 84...if you
don't I think you might be around till Sean turns 21." Talk
about a cold splash of water in the face...a real wake up
call. As his diagnoses developed, he made me realize that
my body was not producing enough HDL...the good stuff, to
impact the borderline overall cholesterol of 210. He said a
consistent running program, and possibly a glass or two of
wine each night might help, along with a list of dietary
related recommendations.
Well as they say "my mother didn't bring any dumb children
into the world" I was on the road to recovery the quickest
way that I could get there. I was soon off the indoor track
and into road running. I had much to accomplish and much to
change. My diet became totally fat - free. For the first
year it seemed that I lived on nothing but pasta, or pasta
and chicken, in countless variations. My water intake
tripled; I carried water bottles everywhere. Each day ended
with 1 1/2 to 2 glasses of red wine with the pasta/chicken
dinner de jury. But where my life really changed was in my
commitment to my exercise program. I had always prided
myself staying fit and trims...fluctuating around 190.
Sometimes a little more, occasionally over 200. The
previous May I had celebrated my 50 birthday by competing
in my first 26 mile bike race...a foolish attempt through
hindsight. I now was running 3 - 4 times per week, lifting
weights 2 - 3 times per week and preparing for my first 5K
the following April. I did a 29:45. I was hooked.
In 1995 I ran in 26 competitive races, never finishing out
of top ten in my age group and taking third place twice. I
had dropped my weight to 172 and had begun to plan, train
and run 1/2 marathon's. That year had begun with a chance
meeting with Jeff Galloway at a 10k race in Norcross, Ga.
on New Year's Day...The Resolution Run. I told him my
story. He recommended some additional training tips,
suggesting with the proper medical support, my goal of
running a marathon was attainable. He also invited me to
join his run/walk training program. After that eventful,
and for me a successful year, I joined the Atlanta based
marathon training program in April of '96.
Other goals where also beginning to play themselves out in
my life...this second life that I was given. Along with a
23:10 5K, a 49:45 10K, a 2:10 1/2 Marathon I had begun to
date an incredible women. Carol, also widowed young, with
two children of her own. Although not a runner, she
represented that athletic spirited appearance which I had
become familiar with during training runs and races. A
dedicated jazzerciser and walker, who spent her free time
hiking, she match completely my health focused goals and
new dietary habits. After experiencing the better part of a
year getting to know one another, which included witnessing
numerous Olympic events, we married on November 26, 1996.
She sold her house, I sold mine, and we moved a family of
six to neutral ground, coincidentally on Cape Kure, Ct.
Running and my new life had become a cure for me. After
another year of training, including running the full
distance 3 times, I completed my first marathon. In a heavy
downpour I completed the 1997 New York Marathon. Still many
miles later I am again preparing for my next marathon,
possibly the Marine Corps in the fall. At the same time I
am also working on my speedplay preparing to run the
Peachtree Road Race, on the 4th of July, with one of my
sons. That cholesterol number has dropped from 210 to
157...LDL from 150 to 101...HDL up from 26 to 40. A resting
heart rate of 48 as compared to near 70 and a body fat
count in the teens. Running did this. Running, and
countless open, friendly and encouraging running friends,
did this for me...for me and my family.
*********************
FASTER THAN CARLSBAD?
*********************
Here is information on two courses that one of our readers
assures us are faster than Carlsbad, and they are both in
Newport Beach!
The Newport 5000 is going to be held June 28, 1998. It is a
USATF Certified Course and is really a fast course. Bill
Sumner is the race director. His phone number is (714) 476-
7076.
The Bastille Day 5K/8K is also a really fast USATF
Certified Course. Last year, Ruth Wysoki set the national
road record for masters on the course. It is held in the
evening and it turns into a big party with a band and a big
beer garden. It is a great race. It is held July 18, 1998
in Newport Beach. The race contact is (714) 288-9080 or
(760) 434-7706. Last year, Warren Utes, a 77 year old, ran
33 something in the 8K. It was amazing.
Results of both of these races are posted on
http://www.theschedule.com
Click 1997 and look in June and July.
Results of the 1997 Newport 5000 can be found at:
http://www.calcoasttrack.com/NPORT5K.HTM#39RESULTS
************************************************
SEVEN THINGS TO CHECK BEFORE LEAVING FOR A RACE
************************************************
1. Do I have my race number?
2. Did I pack extra clothes in case the weather changes?
3. Do I have my racing flats with me?
4. Did I remember my sunglasses?
5. Don't forget some cash, just in case.
6. Do I have directions to the race start with me?
7. How about dry clothes to change into after the race?
*********************
WEB SITES OF INTEREST
*********************
---Rave Runs---
Pictures of great runs:
http://members.tripod.com/~RSchubert/rave.html
---RUNNING MINING COMPANY---
A variety of info:
http://running.miningco.com
---PreMile---
Training and general info:
http://www.premile.com
AND AS ALWAYS:
RUNNER’S NICHE at:
Home.netone.com/~woodyg3/runiche.html
*************************
LETTERS FROM OUR READERS
*************************
---TIGER / NIKE CORTEZ---
At last a reader has set us straight on the history of
early Nike running shoes debated in the last issue:
Dear Runner’s Niche,
The name Cortez originally belonged to Onitsuka Tiger in
the 60's. There were two models: the Leather Cortez, white
leather upper with red and blue "Tiger" stripes and the
Nylon Cortez, blue nylon with white stripes.
I believe the history goes something like this:
Phil Knight originally imported Tiger shoes through the
company named the Athletic Department. They had some great
deals such as a pair of leather cortez shoes and the Pinto
(?) marathon racer (see the cover of The Complete Book of
Running) sold together for $19.95! This was in 1969.
Anyway, when Nike became a player (remember Phil Knight?),
they co-opted the name Cortez and added it as a trademark
leaving Onitsuka Tiger high and dry and searching for a new
name for their shoe, hence the name Corsair. Those of us
who saw George Sheehan in person often saw him in these
shoes, even when more modern and more expensive models were
available.
Thanks for the time.
John Alexander
ED: See, Randy, I was right. Nah nah!!!
---TRANSFORMATION REACTION---
Reaction to a piece on winter running from last issue:
Dear Runner’s Niche,
Originally from Rochester, NY, I found the "transformation"
piece odd if not romantically wrong. I could relate to the
late fall running, but this guy is out of his mind, I
thought to myself. This is not winter running. Then I read,
"Georgia's springs are especially spectacular." AH, the
solution. He's writing about a Georgia winter. I'm sure
such a romantic review would not come from the snowbelt. In
Rochester, your mind does not wander in a bad winter run.
You fight discomfort and pain: wet shoes, cold wind that
stops you in your track and hollers in your ears, and an
endless supply of snot and phlem. Winter running is a
duty, work so that you can enjoy the better seasons.
Dave DeSchryver
---POST RACE BLUES---
Dear Editor,
I just read your Runner's Niche April, 1998 and almost
cried at the story by the editor. I myself just finished
the LA Marathon after 5 months of intensive training. For
the past week I have felt lost and unmotivated to even go
out and walk, much less run. I agree that it is so
important to establish goals. Without the idea that I have
a 10k race scheduled on May 30 and a relay team at the Rock
and Roll Marathon in San Diego, I think I would not run for
a long while. It was euphoria to finish LA and an
incredible let down at the same time. You were right on the
money in your description of the post race slump it was
uncanny.
Thank you,
Julie Broughton
---THANKS!---
Dear Runner’s Niche,
I thoroughly enjoy reading your Runner's Niche - I find
your sense of humour wonderful.
I enjoy running and have only recently started again after
a few injuries and a few set-backs.
Thanks for your monthly encouragement and notes - it makes
it all worth it!
Regards,
Janine Swart
EMPANGENI, South Africa
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