RUNNING INTO FRENCH! (Oct 2011)

I've always been somewhat intimidated by French. I don't speak the language, I don't understand it, I have no idea how to say words I see in print, and French speakers tend to irritate me! Whether this bias spawned a rather long-standing dislike of French-speaking people - who I saw as arrogant and often anti-American - or whether these perceptions came about in reverse order is probably irrelevant.  I've had enough experiences with French speakers to conclude they were accurate - and that I had no personal responsibility for my encounters with them turning out to be  memorably unfavorable.

So why would we fly 2000 miles and drive another 500 to subject ourselves to French phobia - right here in North America, no less? Well - Quebec is a Canadian Province - despite their occasional assertions to the contrary.  That means the road to ten provinces eventually runs into the French, which was where it led us the first weekend in October, 2011.

Our race was in Rimouski - a city of perhaps 40,000 people on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River - nearly 200 miles downriver and northeast of Quebec City.  With just over 500 half-marathoners, about half that many running the marathon, and  perhaps another 700 or so running a shorter distance, it wasn't a huge race, but it certainly wasn't among our smaller runs, either.  The setting was quite picturesque, as nearly the entire route was along the St. Lawrence - which, at this point - is certainly more like a sea than a river.  The north bank is visible, but barely, and it takes an hour to get across the river in a high speed ferry at this point.  The day didn't particularly showcase the scenery; it was gray, windy, very cool and humid, and even a bit misty towards the end of the race.  However, there were definitely some positives.  The pre-race and post-race food was VERY good; we got souvenir race hats since it was the 10th anniversary of the event; an excellent facility was available both before and after the race to stay warm in; and there were enough English-speaking participants that we didn't have to eat our food in silence. And did I mention that we did interact with the Quebecois participants - many of whom went out of their way to make us feel welcome - and who often spoke very good English or made a legitimate effort to communicate with us?

The race was a success.  However, we brought home with us much more than Finishers' Medals.  We had been looking forward to this trip for quite some time for a number of reasons.  First - I had seen enough of Quebec to know it was a beautiful place.  Secondly - a number of very critical chapters of modern North American history were written there.  And finally - old Quebec City rivals most old European cities for charm and authenticity.  It did not disappoint - in any of those areas.  And did I mention that the French Canadians often seemed generally friendly and extended a welcome that included honest efforts to communicate - in English, no less? (In fact, we met a French-Canadian couple from New Brunswick with which we became fast friends and who subsequently visited and skied with us in Utah and which we visited in Atlantic Canada.)  We spent a couple of days along the St. Lawrence, a couple of days in Quebec City, a couple of days in the vast expanse and wilderness of northern Quebec and a day in the Eastern Townships of southern Quebec.   The St. Lawrence included small villages, pastoral landscapes, seascapes, river islands, waterfalls, a fjord, hills and escarpments and the impressive mountains of Charlevoix - all with their own versions of beautiful fall colors.  It also included the heights of Quebec City, where a citadel and walled city were the heart of New France since the early 1600s - and a bastion against the British - who outsmarted the French later that century and defeated them on the Plains of Abraham - just outside the walls of the city.  This officially ended the French presence in North America.  Unofficially, French (or at least French-speaking Canadians) are still VERY present in Quebec - and when we asked the Citadel tour guide how it was that Britain won the war and yet Quebec today is a very French province - the answer was what I might have expected - it was destiny!  Since the British didn't banish the vanquished foe - they eventually tired of them - and eventually found themselves in "self-exile" elsewhere.

Okay, so I can't vouch for the entire authenticity of my history lesson, but Quebec was a great destination and trip - and gave us the kind of fall colors I have always wanted to experience in New England.  I'm not ready to go out and enroll in French lessons - but I am willing, and even anxious to go back.  Is there a thoughtful nugget in there?  Perhaps.  For me, it might read something like this: Don't erect French as an insurmountable barrier - even if you really think they deserve it.....because it might be exactly what they want!  (Or perhaps......just perhaps....you may find something very worthwhile where you might least expect to find it.)

Picture Key: Collage 1, Intro To Quebec; Collage 2, S. Shore, St. Lawrence near Rimouski and Bic National Park; Collage 3, Quebec City, w/Chateau Frontenac and Plains of Abraham; Collage 4, Citadel in Quebec City; Collage 5, Eastern Townships and along St. Lawrence; Collage 6, N. Shore of St. Lawrence and Ste. Anne de Beaupre Basilica; Collage 7, Fall foliage; Final picture - ferry crossing at Saguenay (Fjord)/Tadoussac.

RUNNING TO REMEMBER (Star Valley Wyoming - July 2011)

We’ve run several memorial races. Oklahoma City remembered a bombing and the survivors. Boston ran for fallen law enforcement officers. Both were great races with great messages. However, neither of them hit quite as close to home as the Star Valley half-marathon on the 9th of July. The personal and family connections in this run made it particularly memorable. First, it was put on by the Bart and Denise Kunz family.

Bart and I served together on our missions in North Germany many years ago – and knew each other well – with Bart leaving the mission field committed to marrying his long-time sweetheart, Denise, as soon as he got home. They’ve been together ever since. Second, it was run in memory of their son, Jeremy, who was killed while participating in the Ragnar Las Vegas relay in the fall of 2009. The Kunz family had fielded a relay team and Jeremy was killed in the middle of the night by a drunk driver, while supporting a team runner – within blocks of my daughter Emily’s home in Henderson. Third – this became Emily’s first half-marathon – picked in part because of the connection to Jeremy and his family. All of these were strong reasons to run in Star Valley as our Wyoming race. It was a relatively small race – but Thayne, Wyoming, is a relatively small place. Notwithstanding the size, the Kunz’ made sure it was a run to remember.

There was a decent spaghetti/carbo load dinner the night before the race; the race was pretty-well supported; the scenery was nice; the pictures of Jeremy and family touching; and the general downhill orientation of the course welcome – especially given the altitude of 6000-7000’. There was also fair food and refreshment after the race, and a whole raft of prizes given out to participants which, admittedly, took quite a while in the sun. It was also memorable as Emily’s first half-marathon, which she completed after running the entire course – without being lifted, driven, pushed or prodded! Jared also ran the race with us. (Way to go, Emily! Your airfare to Hawaii is secure. ) He and Karen ran the course with Emily. After finishing I ran back a mile or two to finish with them, as well. Overall – a great choice for our Wyoming race – and a great opportunity to reconnect with Bart and meet his family.

Since this run followed directly on the heels of our Johnson Pups reunion in the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho, our “race-travel” was really connected with the reunion. In fact, Dacia, Joe and their girls joined us on the trip to Star Valley and were our most ardent supporters during the race! (Not to mention the best baby-sitters we could have asked for.) The trip reminded us what a gorgeous range the Sawtooths are!

We enjoyed some great hiking, rafting, games and food – notwithstanding Rachel getting really sick a couple of days and the snow still being so low in the mountains as to preclude us from the multi-day backpacking we had planned. Until we get a really good backpacking trip there it will remain on our bucket list.

It was nice to have some time with the entire family and, as usual, we did not let grass grow under our feet as we explored the area. There were lots of enjoyable family activities during the reunion and a special “memorial” activity which recognized and commemorated each of the Pups with a personal shirt reflecting the order in which they joined the litter, I mean family.

Different things motivate different people. Many runners take strength from a memorial theme – and that has certainly been the case for me. When you know what motivates and inspires you – ride it or, better yet, run it.

MARITIME RUNNING (May 2011)

In a previous blog I mentioned that we often visit places that we quickly learn to love.  Never having sufficient time, we leave with a determination to return – and yet seldom do.  Occasionally, however, we do go back.  Such was our trip to Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada –my third trip there and the second one for Karen and me together – but definitely one with some new twists, new experiences and new terrain.  When I first visited Nova Scotia in (I believe) 1990, I was impressed by the wildflowers, the French and British history, its lush and verdant country sides, and the rugged and spectacular coastlines, which spoke of a maritime history and boasted of one of the premier drives in North America – the Cape Breton highway. 

On this trip, we enjoyed some of the beautiful coast and sleepy fishing villages again, we got better acquainted with the provincial capital of Halifax and, of course, we ran a half-marathon – which was the impetus for the trip and our third Canadian Province.  The race was in Halifax – the Bluenose Marathon and Half-Marathon.  We quite enjoyed it.  The route started at the impressive citadel in the city center, went through hospital and university areas, some older residential areas and then along the water’s edge to a park on the southern peninsula which reached into the Bay and the Atlantic beyond.  It was a very pretty park – although also the area where the route was most difficult as we ran a couple of trails that ascended some pretty steep hills.  However, we were rewarded with some great views and a very impressive residential area before finishing the race back near the Citadel.

The race was well-supported, there were decent crowds along the way, the weather was cooperative and the race expo was good – at least after we finally found it!  Initially, we couldn’t find it when we went to pick up race packets and since it was raining steadily, we weren’t thrilled to be looking all over for it.  Signs were not posted, people weren’t seen coming and going with the trademark race bags, and none of the civic center entrances appeared to be open.  Eventually, we found it through a virtually unmarked basement door, but it was an inauspicious beginning.  Fortunately, once inside it was dry and warm with some interesting vendors.  On race day, the weather was much better and the pace was great!  Since we were going to be running another race a week later, I wasn’t sure I wanted to try and run both races at maximum tempo, so I decided I would run Boston hard and run with Karen in Halifax.  Karen was skeptical it would end well (since she doesn’t like to feel pushed), but we actually ran the entire race together and managed to finish still friends!  I don’t remember much about the post-race food – so it must not have been overly memorable – but the race (and the company) was good.

The most memorable part of the trip was the new experience in an area none of us had ever visited, namely Newfoundland.  After the race, we spent a couple of hours in the very picturesque area of Peggy’s Cove and then headed east for the 4-5 hour drive to Sydney on the eastern shore of Nova Scotia. 

We caught an overnight ferry and landed in Channel Port aux Basques, Newfoundland the next morning.  The next four days we explored a tiny fraction of a very beautiful place, as we traversed the southwestern section of the island.

 The scenery was stunning.  The mountains were unique, the coastlines rugged, the geology fantastic, the waterfalls plentiful and impressive, the fjords beautiful and the lakes and forests picturesque and vast.  We had some great hiking to waterfalls, lakes, the coast and a peak - particularly enjoying our two days in Gros Morne National Park.

As it turns out, we visited a bit early in the season so weren’t able to do the hike to the top of Gros Morne Mountain or take the boat ride into the Western Brook Pond (Fjord), but just the views  were well worth it.  I’ve sailed in the Norwegian and New Zealand fjords – and these were not far behind in their stunning beauty.  However, they were also different – and this speaks of the area geology.  Whereas you picture fjords as going inland from the ocean, in Newfoundland they were INLAND fjords, with a river flowing out of the fjord to the ocean.  Similarly, the mountains were sort of upside down from how you would normally picture them – to include some areas where the visible rock on the surface is the type of rock you would normally expect to find thousands of feet down into the earth.  They had a different feel and look.

These were not the jagged peaks of the Tetons, but rather the uplifted escarpments.  We were really torn in our visit between wanting to spend time in the mountains and along the coast – and exploring the Viking sites and iceberg alleys further north.  As it turns out, we decided to travel less and see more of a smaller area.  We don’t regret that decision – but it has put another location on our list of places we really want to return to.

All in all, it was another great trip – with a race thrown in to justify it!  We enjoyed meeting new people and found them universally friendly – albeit with a brogue that was a bit difficult to understand at times!

So, if you aren’t completely certain where Newfoundland is, pull out your atlas and trace a line east and a bit north of Maine (we were actually only about as far north as Vancouver BC, although much more remote).  Mark the spot and we suggest you consider it for inclusion in your travel bucket list.  You won’t be disappointed – and there are some great things to see and do in Nova Scotia while you are getting there.

REVOLUTIONARY RUNNING

When was the last time you felt like you were on hallowed ground?  No doubt, you have felt that way a few times in life.  For me, those occasions have invariably been tied to events that shaped our history in significant ways - or that honor those whose sacrifices have helped preserve our way of life.  A recent run provided a great refresher in American history - and one that again provided me that feeling of being on hallowed ground.  It was Boston's Run to 

Remember - and fittingly - it was run over the Memorial Day weekend.

When the idea for this run was conceived, it was to recognize and remember police and law enforcement offers who had fallen in the line of duty.  Over time, veteran's were also part of the remembrance.  For me, our itinerary made it easy to include many others.  We rode and walked through sites forever tied to the American revolution and the birth of our nation.  The greens at Lexington and Concord; the roads along which the Massachusetts militia clashed with the British and blood was first shed in the fledging cause; the road ridden by Paul Revere and his associates as they set out to warn the communities that the British were on their way; and even some of the homes that still stand and where the seeds of the revolution were planted and took root.  History comes alive when walking the ground where it took place - and such was the case in the Boston area for this trip.  We also had the good fortune of having an excellent guide accompany us.  On the day we visited many of these sites, we met Camille Bennett Foster (Brad's sister and someone I knew very well in my youth and have stayed in touch with over the years), who has lived in the area for probably 30 years.  She was very familiar with the area and the history and took us to some great sites and gave us some excellent insights.  We also visited the Minutemen National Historical Park where exhibits and information enhanced the experience and gave us renewed appreciation for those who paved the way for future generations.  In addition to the Revolutionary War experience, Camille took us to several other sites we would never have known about on our own - indeed a cradle of early American literature, to include the home of Louisa May Alcott, Nathaniel Hawthorne (a literary tradition for several generations in this home), Henry David Thoreau, and Walden's Pond, to include his small shanty where he lived "off the land" for several years.  It was both interesting and enlightening - definitely time well-spent.

As for the run, itself, it showcased much of Boston and was a race with both an urban and an historical flavor.  It started downtown on the waterfront at the Seaport World Trade Center, but then snaked through the city between glitzy, modern skyscrapers and past old quarters where taverns have stood for three centuries.  It also followed the Charles River past MIT to Harvard Square with its Ivy League history.  It was a very good run, with good support along the way, and lots of spectators. After the race we made a special stop - courtesy of Karen's particular interest - which you will immediately recognize.  We visited the birthplace and first home of John F. Kennedy.  When we arrived we learned it was his birthday!  The Park Service was celebrating with free admission to the home and birthday cake in the back.  It was actually a worthwhile stop.

One other note concerning the race and our visit; we had exceptional Rachel care.  She stayed with Amy Eyring, who is Pres. Eyring's daughter-in-law, and had a great time. After the race, we went to church with them, visited the Boston Temple and were her guests for a wonderful Sunday evening and dinner to cap off the day (it was also Amy's birthday), with Camille and her husband Dave joining us.  Amy's husband, Matt, was in Utah with his son at a Jimmer Fredette basketball camp, so we didn't meet him, but it was a delightful family and visit.

I think it is safe to say that history - of any kind - was not one of my favorite subjects as I went through school.  However, over the years I have come to enjoy reading books on history - and every once in awhile - have had the good fortune and remarkable experience of it coming alive.  The academic then becomes much more than pages in a book - the people more real - and the places indeed hallowed ground.  Such was our experience as we visited Massachusetts for Boston's Run to Remember - and the chance to give Revolutionary Running a whole new meaning.

Pick up a book and read something about our history.  Better yet, follow it up with a visit.  You might find it amazing where and how our history was made and our futures shaped.

PROFESSIONAL TRIATHLETE??

Do you have a bucket list? Is it something you just think about occasionally or is it actually written down somewhere? And assuming you have one and know where it is, what have you checked off recently? I have a bucket list - and most of the time I know where it is - although mine seems to get longer all the time. However, something that has been on mine for a long time was a triathlon. After some persuasion from coworkers (coupled with a bit of a break in half-marathon training), I signed up for the Saratoga Springs Triathlon. It was a Sprint, mind you (generally the shortest type), but it was nonetheless a triathlon. It was on August 20th. Despite what I considered a pretty miserable swim in Utah Lake (600 meters) and losing my chain and crashing on my bike about halfway into the 12-mile ride, I even placed! I was third of 12 male finishers 50 and over - and I won $15! Okay, it hardly qualifies as "winnings" , since it only paid for a third of the wetsuit I rented and didn't even use during the event, but does that make me a professional? I'll assume for the moment it doesn't, but it was a pleasant surprise.



Possessing absolutely NO competitive instincts or traits, I quickly signed up for another one - the second one being three weeks later in Stansbury Park ( just north of Tooele). I really felt I needed to redeem myself a bit for the swim and was certain I wouldn't repeat the bike chain and crash scenario. Well - the results were mixed. I actually managed to finish 2nd of six in my age group (M55-59), but felt just as unsatisfied about my swim. At least I didn't crash during the bike ride - I just lost my chain twice! Apparently, I am a reasonably competitive runner when it comes to triathlons (and old men) - and that helped considerably in both races.


Despite some dissatisfaction with my performance and results, I don't necessarily feel the urge to do another one anytime soon. Besides, I have a number of half-marathons in the next few months and they take precedence. However, I do feel I learned a few things - should I decide to do another one someday - if for no other reason than to validate my belief that I really am a decent swimmer!
First, I was reminded that swimming is GREAT exercise and a great addition to a training plan. I wish it were a bit easier to do that consistently. I admit, I still get winded pretty quickly in the pool, but I also learned "pool" swimming is much different than in "open" water when you are competing with dozens of sets of legs, arms, feet and hands for the same piece of water! And finesse swimming (with as little wasted movement as possible) just means you'll drink a lot of lake water. Much more important during the triathlon is getting your head out of the water to see and reduce water intake! (I did come up with a good analogy to a triathlon swim start, though - imagine a pond where large fish are occasionally fed; when the food is thrown in there is this mass swirling of fish climbing all over each other going after the food. Yes...that is pretty accurate! And whereas the first two triathlons I hung back and got behind everyone so I had fewer feet and arms in my face - I think next time I'll jump out front.) I was also reminded that when using bicycle toe clips (or equivalent), it really is a good idea to take your feet out of them before stopping! Yeah - I have crash wounds to remind me of that. And finally, despite feeling like you have leaden legs when starting to run after the bike ride - and feeling like you could hardly go slower - there is a good chance you are moving right along. I found that especially on the first Tri. I didn't feel quite as bad on the second, but managed to have (for me) a really good pace both times.


One item checked off my bucket list. The motivation to do another would be if Karen or other family decided they wanted to do one and we did one together. (And perhaps Buggy is ready for a reprise?! I now appreciate her efforts up at Jordanelle much better.) Never say never! Who knows, there may be another $15 out there waiting to be claimed!