Running with the Bikers!

We suspected there may be a problem a month or two before the race. We had booked airline reservations and made plans to run the Lake Country Half Marathon in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin; however, when we attempted to make lodging reservations there was a problem – a BIG problem. There was nothing available – or, in those rare instances something WAS available, it was to the tune of $250-$350/night, with a minimum stay of three nights – paid in full, in advance! As it turned out, our race weekend (29-31 August), just happened to be the same weekend as the huge Harley Davidson 105th birthday party (biker, babe and booze fest) in the Milwaukee area (home and corporate HQ for Harley). Oconomowoc is about 30 miles west of Milwaukee – and well within the “nothing available” radius. We finally got reservations about 50-60 miles from the race location – and about 80-90 miles from Milwaukee. Luckily, when we arrived in the area on Friday, we called around and found one motel that had just had a cancellation – and it was only 15 minutes from the race. Despite it hardly being a Marriott (or a Comfort Inn…or a Super 8….or even a Motel 6) it worked for a night.

As for the race, it was a beautiful day for a run and a very nice course next to and around a couple of picturesque lakes that surround Oconomowoc (between Madison and Milwaukee). There were no PRs, but both Karen and I had very good times (in relative and historical terms) and enjoyed the race. Karen’s niece, Sarah, accompanied us from Chicago and was our “Rachel-care” for the day – which worked great. The day before the race we visited the World Circus Museum in Baraboo (home of the Ringling Bros). Pretty interesting place with a couple of good shows – and particularly interesting since we both read “Water for Elephants” a few months ago. After the race, we decided to check out Milwaukee to see what the bikers were up to and because I had never been there. It would be hard to describe the number of bikes and bikers we saw in the next 6-8 hours! They were everywhere! On the highways, on the city streets, parked along curbs and across parks and lawns by the thousands. The estimate we heard was about 80,000 bikes in the area for the weekend – and I have no trouble believing it. It was interesting to see – but I also thought noteworthy that the biggest sponsors of the events were Miller Brewing and a huge Gentleman’s Club in Milwaukee….hmmmmm. After our lunch in a pretty famous German restaurant in Milwaukee (Maders) we’re pretty certain we saw one of the entertainers from the latter sponsor gearing up to take center stage on the street festivities going on in front of the restaurant! (Can you say enhancements?!)

No real revelations on the run – but the Circus Museum was interesting for the light it shed on the American Way of life for decades from before the turn of the century until probably well after WWII. It is truly, for the most part, a bygone era – but I don’t think it is one we should forget. How we lived, how we played, how we got around, the communities and cities, and how they celebrated events such as the circus calling - all gave us a legacy – and one that shaped our culture for probably a century. We certainly don’t need to relive the past – but studying and remembering it can only serve us well in the present and into the future. Take a minute and read something historical – you might be surprised how interesting it is!

Oh….and one other little historical note – Wisconsin was State #21!

Running Country Roads

Before I get too far behind, it is time for another update on the "Quest". (Although I gladly stepped aside the last week or two for far more important news of Little Grace's progress and Buggy's feat!) However - since 40% seems at least somewhat significant - here is a report on how we fit into the grand scheme of things when it comes to John Denver and Country Roads.

Race #20 was on the 16th of August in Parkersburg, West Virginia - the News & Sentinel Marathon and Half-Marathon - also site of the 2008 National Half-Marathon Championship of the Road Runners' Clubs of America. (Lest I keep any of you in suspense too long, neither Karen nor I won the championship - as unbelievable as that may be to you!) Parkersburg lies along the Ohio River on the Northwest side of the State and the border with Ohio. If you haven't been to West Virginia, but somehow imagine what it looks like, this would likely fit the image. Rolling hills, very green, mostly rural with the town center looking a bit its age, and yet with some charm and a neighborhood or two reflecting the industrialist wealth that was not uncommon a half century or so ago. The race started and ended downtown, but after a quick trip through one of the historic neighborhoods, headed for the country. Needless to say, there WERE a number of hills (to include a couple that were long enough to make you anxious to get them behind you), but the description that fits is "Country Roads". And the John Denver music and lyrics were certainly a part of the run - if not with bands along the route, certainly with mind music. Indeed, despite the hills and the weather (albeit we were fortunate that the weather was NOT as brutal as it CAN be in the middle of August - it was warm, but not so hot and humid as to drain you in the first 20 minutes) I ran one of my best times in the past two years, besting the 1:45 threshold marking, in my mind, a really good run - and in this case, a surprising one.

Our Rachel "help" for the race came through a church connection; we ended up in contact with the Stake President, who happened to live in Parkersburg. He and his oldest daughter were actually running the half-marathon, but his wife (Darlene) and next oldest daughter (Danielle), were race volunteers who were going to be keeping a water stop going throughout the race. They took Rachel as the Stop's Mascot and took good care of her - and we even got waves and encouragement from her at the 12-mile mark of the race!

Our only regret for this race is that we didn't have longer to spend in WV. We may have to make amends for that down the road. However, we did spend most of a day in southeastern Ohio enroute to Parkersburg and were again surprised at the natural beauty of an area that we would never have given much thought to. Hocking Hills State Park - with it's 4-5 different units - was quite impressive, featuring caves, grottoes, forests, river bottoms, cliffs and even a waterfall or two. We visited several of the units and would not mind getting to at least one more if the opportunity presents itself.

All in all, another really nice trip and weekend - which was combined with some business in Columbus, where we celebrated Karen's birthday in the German Village of Columbus (Schmidt's Restaurant). It was a very nice evening - even if the food still makes a visit to Germany necessary! (By the way, this birthday put Karen in a new age group for running - so she is now only ONE behind me....at least for another couple of months.) Incidentally, the first two pictures are in Columbus - first our Hotel was in an old bank building and the breakfast serving area was the vault! We also visited the Capitol (Picture 2), an odd looking building from the outside, but impressive and historic inside.

The thoughts that kept running through my mind for this race (in addition to "Country Roads", of course) were about volunteers. I suspect it may have been due to several factors - and has subsequently been strengthened by all I see surrounding Grace's condition and response - but I kept noticing the dozens, if not hundreds of volunteers that make such a race possible. They put on the pasta dinner before the race, they manned the water and aid stations, they handled much of the race logistics and traffic control, and they were out in significant numbers just cheering the runners along. I wondered what motivated them to do what they were doing. Some might be runners - but certainly not all of them. They were certainly not being compensated. They were giving up a Friday evening or Saturday morning - or both (if not much more than that) - all for what? I suspect every individual has their own motivation, but I suspect most of them did it because it was an opportunity to help others and help the community - and I thought they did a great job and am much more aware the last few months of the need to just tell them thank you. It makes much of what we do and almost come to expect - possible. Thanks to those who so selflessly do it - and may it rub off a bit more.

West Virginia and Country Roads - checked off! Twenty down - thirty to go!

Running in the Family

No race report or update today - at least not for me personally - but just an attempt to capture some thoughts about running in the family. We just returned from Jordanelle State Park where we spent much of the day with Alysia (and many other family members) who was competing in her first ever triathlon! Congratulations, Buggy! She competed in a Sprint distance event and did great. I won't steal her thunder about the race, as I'm sure she will want to report on it, but it was just great being able to be there with her, provide what meager support we may have been able to give, and just enjoy the moment and accomplishment with her. We're proud of you!

I guess it was one of a number of things that again reinforced the meaning and value of family this week. When we got home a few hours ago - it was eerily quiet - not something we had experienced in the last week - and it, too, kind of sunk home. (That having been said, we DO expect Emily and the Boys back tonight!) So what all happened to bring home thoughts of family? For starters, last weekend there was a great set of events with virtually the entire family (on my side) here and together. We celebrated Karen's birthday on Sunday with a pasta spread extraordinaire (courtesy of Emily's culinary planning). On Monday we celebrated Emily's birthday with a really fun visit to a water park - again everyone there. Then of course, there was the call to Alysia on Wednesday evening with news of a potential heart for Grace. The family mobilized in anticipation, waiting, and lots of prayer. After 12 hours of surgery on Thursday, she came out with a new lease on life - with a grateful family for the heart and a very real awareness of the sacrifice and pain of a family now smaller. Although Grace is hardly out of the woods and has a long, difficult and dangerous road ahead for many months - her events took a toll on sleep - but one we have been glad to pay. Grace's news had come on the heels of some medical information that Karen had learned about that required some additional tests and consultation - and that is always unsettling, as well. (With more information still to come.)

Then there was today. I guess they all worked together to provide a pretty powerful reminder (again) of just how precious family is - and just how grateful I am to be running in this family - which has certainly not come about due to merit.

Thank you. And if there is perhaps any message in this post - run each race like it is your last.

(Celebrity?) River Runnings

When we finished our race last weekend I had learned something; Wisconsin and Minnesota are pretty places! I had no particular reasons to think otherwise, but after spending several days up there I was duly impressed. But first things first - on August 2nd, we ran the inaugural River City Ramble Half-Marathon in Red Wing, Minnesota, a town of 20,000 people (and probably half that many hanging flower baskets) on the Mississippi River about 50 miles SE of the Twin Cities. Its claims to fame are Red Wing Shoes and Red Wing Pottery - both of which played roles in our weekend race activities.

As for the race, we were impressed and pleasantly surprised by the weather. We had expected midwest heat and humidity, but it turned out almost pleasant. The race started and finished at a very scenic Park on the River then transitioned to a walking/running/bike path for the rest of the out-and-back. It was through a valley, generally shaded and only nominally uphill for the first half, but then that same downhill for the return which, psychologically, still makes a difference. We managed times that, although still short of our PRs, were pretty good.

What made this race special for us was the hospitality and welcome. We had coordinated some things with the Race Director and he ended up with our "story". He put us in contact with a writer for their local paper (Red Wing Republican Eagle) who did a story on us and our "quest". The story - with a front-page lead-in, ran the day before the race. (Yes....we came home with a number of copies! http://republican-eagle.com/sports/ from 8/1/08) Since the race didn't have any finisher's medals, the Race Director presented us two pieces of Red Wing Pottery during the awards ceremonies - it was kind of cool!

This trip will be among our favorites for the pre- and post-race travel and activities. (It was also our first without Rachel, who stayed with her Aunt Kathy in Chicago. That was kind of weird - and we kept wondering why she wasn't in the back seat!) We spent an afternoon in Madison on the way up, visiting the Capitol and Univ of Wisconsin. This gave me my first taste of the lakes the area is so famous for, as Madison sits between two very picturesque lakes. The next day we spent a leisurely day traveling 60 miles on a National Scenic Highway along the Mississippi River between La Crosse and Red Wing. The river, the bluffs, the forests and the scenic hamlets contributed to this being a great drive. Even managed a hike up onto Brady's Bluff at Perrot State Park with some sweeping views of the river valley. In Red Wing after the race, we visited the pottery store and the factory shoe store - leaving with 3 more pairs of shoes than we came with! Later, in the Twin Cities we inspected the Capitol in St Paul and spent a few minutes in their magnificent cathedral, followed by a Twins baseball game in the Metrodome (very interesting venue). On our return day Karen insisted on seeing the Mary Tyler Moore house in Minneapolis - and, of course, I obliged (nothing spectacular, but the residences/estates in the area along Chain of Lakes were pretty amazing) and we later stopped at Devil's Lake State Park near Baraboo WI - another scenic gem - with a hike to Balanced Rock and Devil's Doorway. All in all, I learned that Wisconsin is worth a visit - even if they CAN'T claim to have any decent skiing.

As for any profound thoughts - isn't discovering Wisconsin enough?? I might only add a thought about expectations - which you have read here before. They can be powerful obstacles or enhancers to performance. Although we expected dreadful weather - I think we were prepared and, as a result, were able to take advantage of pretty good conditions. The moral - don't let expectations dictate performance.

Nineteen down - thirty-one to go!

Running through the Isle

Our last race was selected courtesy of a co-worker who is from upstate New York - who highly recommended Presque Isle as a scenic and well-organized event. Our experience there lends her additional credibility! The race city is listed as Erie, Pennsylvania - but it is actually run on a small peninsula/isle that juts out into Lake Erie from the city - Presque Isle State Park. Besides being THE scenic and activity attraction for that whole corner of the State, it just coincidentally is about 13 miles to run around it all the way. The course was certainly one of (if not the) flattest we have ever run - and quite scenic through an old-growth hardwood forest, with bogs, ponds, lakes and glimpses both out across the Bay to Erie and, on the other side, out onto Lake Erie. The run was a good one (#18) - notwithstanding typical eastern states heat and humidity for July. Definitely no PRs on this race-day, but the weather really could have been much worse, as the course was shaded most of the way and it was a bit overcast much of the time. After a great post-race picnic (one of the best we've had) and some recovery time, we enjoyed a couple of the Isle beaches with Rachel - and were impressed that there were actually decent-sized breakers coming in off Lake Erie (courtesty of the wind, we were told) - and the water was a pleasant temperature.

A couple of other trip highlights included my first visit to Kirtland on the way up to Erie from Cleveland (our destination airport). They had a really interesting film about Kirtland history from a diary of Sister Whitney and then there were tours of the Whitney Store, with some other original buildings and homes in the little village. We got to the Temple too late to get in, but did get some pictures. The other highlight was a trip to Niagara Falls on Saturday. Having already noted that Presque Isle was THE area attraction, we really didn't see all that many other things we wanted to see or do - and I was aware that the Falls were only about two hours away since we had debated flying into Buffalo instead of Cleveland.

Anyway, after we picked up our race packets at the VERY extensive pre-race expo (two people sitting under an awning with a few boxes of race numbers!), we headed for Buffalo. Karen doesn't recall ever having really seen the Falls, and we all enjoyed the trip. We walked out to the major overlooks, went down to the base of American Falls through Cave of the Winds, and took the Maid of the Mist boat ride around the base of all the falls. Very nice trip and diversion - and it was good having Karen's Mom with us for the duration (she was also our babysitter for the race and, as always, a most excellent choice).
As for profound thoughts during the race - I probably struck out; however, that doesn't mean there weren't thoughts of lesser profoundness! For one thing on this race, I was really focused on achieving my goal time of running an 8:15 pace, despite the heat and humidity. To help me out, I had my new gadget - my Garmin Forerunner 305 - which does everything imaginable for me except actually RUN for me (which I will continue to work on)! This was my first half-marathon with it and it probably had more than its share of attention. That notwithstanding, I have learned over the past two years or so how to gauge whether I am having a really good race or something less - and I find that out in the last 3-4 miles. In a good race, I pass lots of people in those miles and seldom, if ever, get passed. If the race isn't as good, just the opposite is true. I've certainly had some of both. (In this race it was a bit mixed). Anyway, the point is - its not just about a strong start or even just a strong finish; it's knowing what the expectation is and what your capability is - and pacing yourself properly. If you start too strongly you will burn out before you finish; conversely if you start too slowly, you may never make up the time that would get you to your goal. The message? If you burn the candle on both ends, your light goes out before its time. You must be able to do more than endure to the end - you have to finish (although enduring to the end beats quitting). I'm actually reminded of a couple of passages of scripture: Paul talk's about having fought a good fight and having finished his course; he also instructs us to run with patience the course that is set before us; and Mosiah reminds us that we should do all things in wisdom and order and that it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. How many times do we start something and not finish - even good and honorable things? What is our pace in many of the tasks of seemingly daily drudgery - that may not be drudgery at all? Have we "run" enough to really know what we are capable of - so that we can consistently achieve that level without killing ourselves. As I tried to pick up the pace in those final miles at the race a week or so ago, I was reminded that it usually takes more than just willpower - there has to be something left - something stored and in reserve - and then the promise can be fulfilled to truly finish the course.

Who Can Run a Family?

Have you ever wondered if you are really succeeding at what you do? Or if what you are doing is even making a difference? Or whether you really even have any idea about what you are SUPPOSED to be doing....let alone any inkling of how to do it...or how to do it well? (Do you really think you can run a family?!) If you haven't had those thoughts, then I am envious. If you have, then perhaps we share that feeling occasionally (or, in fact, frequently) - although maybe for different duties and responsibilities.

When it comes to work and my duties there, I have always had a certain amount of confidence in myself and my abilities. When it comes to being a Dad.......well - that is a different story altogether. Maybe the oft-used axiom is appropriate here: "You can fool some of the kids some of the time; you can fool all of the kids some of the time; but you can't fool all of the kids all of the time." The operative word here is probably "fool". However, every once and awhile (sort of like that train ride Emily described in a recent blog about her marriage - the one from Pres. Hinckley, I believe) you get that glimpse between the peaks, that view through the trees, that reflection on still waters, or that awe-inspiring sunset - and you have that sudden rush of gratitude and insight. You still know you fall awfully short of expectations - but just for a moment you realize just how wonderful a family can be and that maybe.....just maybe, a few of the things you did (or didn't do) may have turned out all right.

I guess I had one of those moments recently for Father's Day - and I just needed to say thanks to some wonderful kids who made it such a memorable occasion. First, to return home - after multiple weekends on the road - to find a finished play set in the backyard - that was pretty awesome. Many thanks to Joe for working with me to get it started (and Dacia for moral support) - and double thanks to Alan and Jen (and Buggy and Topher) - but particularly Alan - for finishing the project. It looks great; Rachel loves it; and Dad loves it being out there finished! (I was already imagining her going through the entire summer using the slide propped up on the deck!)

Then there was the dinner. Since we were out of town on Father's Day, all the kids and families (with one notable exception - ahem) were over for a great dinner and even better evening with the family - which I have come to particularly love and look forward to. (By the way, I highly recommend the book Buggy gave me: The Dark Summit by Nick Heil - a fascinating book about Mt. Everest's history and a particularly troubling year on the mountain in 2006.)

It didn't end there. After I returned from another trip, Dacia invited me over, primarily to get the promised Father's Day gift. I suspected some small item they had ordered, but not arrived in time. I was in for a surprise. It was a beautiful book (I mean.....with me on the cover....would there be any other way to describe it??).....about Me! Obviously, an enormous amount of time, effort, energy and coordination had gone into this - and I love it! Many, many thanks to all of you for all you put into having this for me and for the things your wrote - and especially to Emily and Dacia for, no doubt, countless hours of designing, making layouts....and who knows what else that is part of such a project. I really appreciate it.

It is not that this year was any particular revelation - but it certainly reinforced what I already knew; I have a wonderful family, great and gifted kids, and have been blessed in unimaginable ways. Thank you.

So....for whoever thinks they can "run a family" - think again!

Slower Runnings!

Okay - so we didn't exactly look or perform like the Jamaican Bobsled team - but we did finish and managed to consume a reasonable quantity of food at the post-race "party" - what else matters?? We think we have stumbled onto our racing/running motto: "We run; therefore we eat." Or - phrased another way - "We run so we can eat!" Either way - you get the message. And we continue to be puzzled by Rachel's general lack of interest in eating; she certainly did NOT inherit that from her parents.

Anyway, probably not the norm to have two posts so close together, but that is what happens when we schedule races on consecutive weekends - our last run taking us to the Connecticut coastline (Long Island Sound) at Jennings Beach in Fairfield - probably about 45 minutes to an hour from New York City. The Fairfield Road Race had been billed as a flat and fast course - the site of several US half-marathon championships - and got very good reviews, to include an endorsement from the Race Director we met in New Hampshire in May, who had previously lived there, participated in the race, and ultimately provided us the contact for a friend of hers whose family watched Rachel during the race. I guess the course billing wasn't entirely inaccurate - just not quite the WHOLE truth. It was indeed flat - for the first two miles and the last two - and perhaps even fast - for the first two (because by the end, fast really wasn't an option); however, the rest of the course was quite challenging with several significant hills and a few others. That was coupled with East Coast heat and humidity - a combination which I have not learned to run in very well. Notwithstanding it wasn't a fast course, it was a very scenic course. Several miles of it were along the beach or coast/harbor area, and at least half of it was through some beautiful residential areas - large estates, colonial mansions - and all of it was through Connecticut greenery. We certainly don't regret the race selection - but came home with additional appreciation for our hill training and perhaps a commitment to do a bit more running in the heat.

All in all, the trip to Connecticut was a fun one. We managed to get two tickets to Fenway Park, so spent one day going to Boston and back - with the highlight being the Red Sox game on Friday night - what a storied history and a place we had both wanted to go. One other very impressive sight in Boston was the worldwide Christian Science HQ and "cathedral"; we were too late to go in, but it reminded me of Italy! Also visited the grounds of the Coast Guard Academy in New London; spent some time in the historic and picturesque seaport town of Mystic (early Julia Roberts debut in Mystic Pizza); spent a morning in Hartford exploring downtown and the Capitol; and then after the race did a little "spying" on the rich and famous. Western Connecticut on the edges of NYC is quite renowned as a money haven. We got some tips on drives to take through some particularly well-heeled country areas, and we were not disappointed. (And you can probably imagine where this idea originated - although I didn't put up too much resistance.) Certainly some beautiful estates, chateaus, mansions, etc. Also visited the campus of Yale University that evening in New Haven - quite impressive - esp. considering I had even applied to attend Law School there!

And what thoughts might I share from this race? I think what struck me most is flexibility and the fact that adhering to a relatively rigid training regimen doesn't necessarily prepare you for every eventuality. Based on what I had read - and my training - I actually thought this might be a race candidate for a PR. It turned out to be far from that - and not because I hadn't trained, but because the conditions under which I had trained weren't optimal for this environment. I guess the message there is to know who your "adversary" is - or your challenge - and prepare accordingly. Be flexible - condition yourself appropriately. I think there is a lesson in that the extends far beyond running.

Seventeen down - 33 to go!