running = life

Here and there

2012-01-25T14:51:00.007-06:00

Saturday was goodbye. Goodbye for now to narrow sidewalks along Yale Avenue.

Goodbye to missed turns (my fault) that put us on 11th Street.
And goodbye to an old friend--the black locomotive at the fairgrounds. We'll be moving this Saturday to the westside. North of 21st street on Jackson. For the avid road bikers, it's practically where the Wednesday Night Ride meets. For fans of German beer, it's where Octoberfest is. For the skullies, it's where the boathouse is. For everyone else, it's right by where the Race Into the New Year was this year. (And the Polar Bear Plunge.) If you find your way by any of these hints, you'll be close.

Weeknight runs have just been fantastic. We just have not had any super-nasty weather. It's been so nice, we have had to resort to complaining about days in the mid 40s. Heck, even 32° is not htat bad once you get running!! For those so inclined, bring a camera. A good sunset pic is almost a certainty along Riverside Drive.

I had the pleasure of running with Sandra last Monday. She is training for her 2nd half marathon, and has her training dialed in. She can keep a chat going with the best of them too. Get to know her--she's a fun person!!

PS. Hi, Kathy and Troy!!

Another routine Thursday???

2012-01-19T22:30:00.016-06:00

It was an odd night at RunnersWorld Thursday. Something was different--it was hard to put your finger on it.A good crowd showed up to run--like most every other weeknight run. Most of the regulars were there. Spirits were high, and a buzz was in the air, but it could have been the uncommonly good weather that is actually more commonplace of late.
I asked Edward what was new. Nothing. Nothing out of the ordinary for him, anyway.
I stepped back and surveyed the room, pouring over what was different. Then it hit me. Everyone was wearing PINK!?!?! WHY???

Then Kathy made the announcement.

RunnersWorld is promoting a new 5K called Run Tulsa Pink to bebefit the Turn Tulsa Pink organization.

Founded by Judi Grove, Turn Tulsa Pink is a focused act of awareness, kindness, and love to women and children who have been affected by any kind of cancer.

This is an awesome cause and is supported by people who have a heartfelt desire to pay it forward with kindness to people who are hurting and in need.

This short video describes the mission statement of these kind and giving people. It is worth a watch.

Watch for details about this upcoming 5k--a fun race for a great cause.

Bling, Fanatic status, and a poker game gone bad.

2012-01-16T21:04:00.013-06:00

Congratulations to Jeff and Mary for being just plain GOOFY last weekend. They both joined the ranks of those brave enough to run a half marathon in Disney, sleep, and then run a full marathon the next day.Just look at that BLING!!

Amanda earner Half Fanatic status after finishing yet another half marathon in Disney.More moons to come?

Monday night the store was jam-packed, and after the full and halfers left, and the C25K and walkers left, Brian and I had a poker game and I was losing BAD! With a full house, I felt confident and went "all in." But Brian pulled out four kings and I lost everyone's car keys. Sorry.

That's just Goofy!

2012-01-13T00:24:00.003-06:00

A couple of runners strolled into RunnersWorld Thursday night with more hardware draped around their necks than Mr T.Sandra and Pat were sporting full body bling from the Goofy Challenge--running the Disney Half Marathon, and then the Full Marathon the next day. But wait!! There's more!! They also ran the 5K the day before the Half!! That's 42.4 miles of racing in 3 days. Couple that with several other days of frolicking around at Disney World, and they both probably got in 60-70 miles for the week, but who's counting? Running the Half nets a Donald Duck medal. A Mickey Medal goes to the Marathon finishers, and of course the Goofy goes to those "goofy" enough to do both. I especially like the 5K medal--as it was made of rubber!! Very cool!!

Also running the Goofy were Deborah Gulley, Christy Davis, Jeff and Mary Parker. Amanda Gulley ran the Half. I am assuming they all were still riding rides in Orlando, or on the plane home. This is an event that everyone should experience once in a lifetime. Several in our group have made the trip to Orlando, and we're just getting goofier all the time.

Welcome Back Michael!

2012-01-10T08:30:00.004-06:00

A friend from years past rejoined the RW fold Monday night.
Welcome back a great friend, Michael Stelly!
Aka Firepants, Stelly Belly, Mob Boss, Dr. Facebook, Caliente.
(I like Firepants the best!)
Michael was a run leader a year or so ago, and is a fun guy to run with if you want the miles to seemingly pass fast.
Michael is coming off a long nagging injury, but is back ready to charge into training--5K? Half Marathon? Beyond?
Glad to have you back, Mike.

The couch to 5K runners ran the neighborhoods, and onto the river trails. Riverside beware! That sea of bobbing lights coming your way may be a hundred runners on their evening run.

Meet Robert Ray

2012-01-09T10:32:00.005-06:00

For those of you who have not met Robert Ray, you need to get to know this guy. Robert is on a quest to reshape his life. Robert has been diligent for the past year+ in his diet and exercise, and jumped right into the half marathon training group. Robert has quite a few 5K finishes to his credit,, but succumbed to hypothermia during the Rt 66 Half marathon. Look for him to right that ship at Little Rock in early March!
This picture was from the Polar Bear Plunge, where Robert looked that chance of hypothermia right in the eye, and made it through 3 pools including a dive to the bottom of the last one to retrieve this medal. Crazy? Yes. Impressive? Definitely!

Robert has just started a blog which will document his ups and downs, and his quest in becoming fit, running half and full marathons, and his ultimate quest--finishing an IRONMAN! It's an uphill battle, but anything great goal requires work to get there. Robert's blog is linked on our blog list on the right. Check it out from time to time. You are sure to be inspired.

Thursday, superb weather, anniversaries , new friends

2012-01-05T21:46:00.005-06:00

Weeknight runs are always the same, yet always different. Yes, it's always meet-at-the-store-hang-out-for-a-while-run-for-2-8-miles-come-back-hang-out. But one day, we brave the threat of rain, one day it's the north wind we're at war with, and nights like tonight when treated to the most perfect running weather ever. And there's always something new to celebrate. Today was Tom and Nancy Wosencraft's 32nd wedding anniversary. They shared some champagne with us after the run, and we enjoyed them making us a part of their day.

It seems like almost every week, someone comes back from the past to run with us. It's great to see these friends and more fun to run with them again!! Teresa was a regular back when the group was 50-60 total. She stops by from time to time for an evening run as part of her ongoing marathon training. She always lights the room with her amazing smile. Hope to see you again soon, Teresa.

Each session brings in more and more new people, and some of these will be our future best friends. It's hard to get to know 300 new people, but if each week you introduce yourself to 2-3 people, by the end of the session, you'll know 50 new friends. I ran this evening with Trish (on the left). Tiffany and Elissa joined in at the end of our run for a group pic. Trish has a 5K targeted, while Elissa is tackling a half marathon or the Tulsa Run. Good goals, ladies. I enjoyed our run.

Monday Jan 2nd Couch to 5K--Let the Training begin!!

2012-01-02T22:01:00.012-06:00

For those beginning a new chapter in their lives with RunnersWorld and running, congratulations. Whether it is a new years resolution, a quest to get healthy and fit, or to knock out something in your bucket list, you have made a good decision. Running is fun, and with the friends you'll meet, this may be one of the most rewarding times in your life. So many of you are on Facebook, and it's awesome when the group "friends" each other, and the camaraderie just grows.
Part of the fun we have is picture taking and documenting our adventures in this blog. Ken (aka TZ) sometimes seems like the obnoxious paparazzi, but most of the pics he takes ends up on this blog, and on Facebook from time to time. If anyone objects to being blogged, please feel free to say so. And likewise, jump into the frame and introduce yourself. At the end of the session, we'll all have 100 or more new friends. Above, Kristin is rejoining the RW group--doing the Couch to 5K program. Edna is new to our group, and wants to add running to her fitness regime.
Coach Kathy climbs aboard her soap box and proclaims herself to be everyone's mother. She gave the new runners directions, headed out for a run, but not before making Ken stand in the corner.
Steve is another face from the past. Steve is starting his training over, but is no newbie to running, having ran marathons, and 100 milers. Steve has entered all three Mother Road 100 milers, finished the first one, and made it 50+ miles in the next two. He is an awesome musician--he and his wife Sarah make up the bluegrass band Dixie Twang.
Kathy made Ken stand in the corner, but it should have been Pat. Pat has the half marathon thing down to a science, and also has a 50K to his credit. This weekend, Pat and some friends will run a 5K, a half marathon, and a full marathon in Disney at the Goofy Challenge. Let's all watch him go down stairs when he gets back.
As I mentioned, it takes time to get to know everyone. I need names to go with faces. This was one of few night pictures that turned out, and since these runners were smiling, I had to post. :-)
I ran near the back of the running group, and Howard and I made sure the end of the train was secure. We talked a little football, and we're both wishing for a Cardinal smashing tonight. GO COWBOYS!!
Finally, Jennette (on the left) and Tina enjoyed the evening run. We talked about running plans and accomplishments. They seem excited to start their journey, and it'll be fun to see them cross the finish line.

Happy running, and see you this Thursday.

RINY

2012-01-01T16:35:00.012-06:00

What did you do on New Years Eve? Over 900 runners ended the year running a 5K, and started the new year finishing one. Race Into the New Year smashed an attendance record, and ran a new exciting course, which featured two champagne stops, and the best fireworks display ever!! The huge tent was packed, bulging at the seams with excited festivities.
Patty, Rockstar, and Kate squeeze in for a pic before the 11:45 start.
Music, and a laser light show worked up the crowd.
Funny looking hats were were the norm.
Funny looking people came out in droves. Stormy cleans up pretty good, eh?
The brainchild, and genius orchestrator of the race, Kathy Hoover, stops for a starting line photograph. Race time is minutes away!
This is a fast course, and finishing in under 15 minutes, while highly unlikely, is always on the minds of a few of the speedsters in the front line.
Cork-master Tim awaits the starting gun to spray the fast runners as they launch.
The huge crowd ambles down the trail, and eventually spreads out.

Right at the stroke of midnight, the fireworks began. A five minute display was punctuated with a brilliant finale. Back at the huge tent, more champagne, black eyed peas, cornbread, and other festive snacks were enjoyed by happy finishers.

Meet Amanda and Edward

2011-12-29T23:22:00.004-06:00

Monday and Thursday evening runs have been superbulous lately, with unseasonably warm temps making for pristine running conditions. Good crowds have been logging their miles, running 3-6 miles (or more) from the store and back. One of our new runners, Amanda, is putting in the training for her 1st marathon. Amanda ran the half at Rt 66 last month, and has drank the koolaid. Her half finish was a trying one, and she vows to have an easier time in OKC. Running a 10-11 pace, she easily covered 6 miles Thursday evening. She always has a smile on her face, and has the attitude to excel in her training.

Another colorful character is Edward Snow. Edward got to RW early Thursday to shop for an outfit to wear to Race Into the New Year. He tried on several different outfits, and finally decided on this green cotton tee. Edward is one of our group leaders, and is a real encourager, often coming out early Saturday and running a few extra miles with someone needing company, and then going extra miles later to accommodate another group members schedule. What a guy.

See you all Saturday at midnight!!!

2011-12-29T22:56:00.004-06:00

For those of you reading this and if you are still on the fence about participating in the Polar Bear Plunge--JUST GO FOR IT!! This year is is gonna be 20° warmer than last year, and the finishers medal is large enough to serve nachos on. Besides, diving into three swimming pools on Jan 1st gives you bragging rights at the office. They already think you're crazy for running, so why not add to your case? But don't delay--there are currently only 75 medals left, and while more people will be admitted, not all who tary will get medals. This is the 6th year for this fun event. PGP has grown every year, and we'll be knocking on the door of a thousand dunkers next year.

In our first three years, our submersion was in the Arkansas River. Year one, the water was so shallow, we had to lay down out in the river and roll around to get wet. Nasty. The first year, we had a real polar bear swimming in the far right side of the pic. No fake polar bear suit here.

Last year, we jumped in three swimming pools, as we will this year. No nasty river water to wring out of your ears. Costumes were the norm, with more guys wearing bikinis than women. Last year, we had a blues brother, ugly Hooters chicks, vikings, where's Waldos, and Dr Frankenfurter from Rocky Horror Picture Show. Who will have the most outrageous costume this year?? Join us and see for yourself--it might be YOU. Or, if you just can't muster the courage to endure the shocking surge of frigid water enveloping your body, come out and watch. It's the most fun you'll have on New Years Day.

FINISH THIS YEAR ON THE RUN

2011-12-22T21:28:00.014-06:00

Have you been thinking about your New Year's Resolutions? Why not kick off the 2012 season by running into the New Year with RunnersWorld Tulsa? This is a healthy, fun, safe, and family oriented way to ring in the New Year. Going into it's seventh year, we anticipate an even bigger crowd to come and enjoy this festive holiday celebration. There will be party hats and noisemakers given out at the event to help ring in the New Year. Enjoy music and laser light show provided by A-1 Entertainment, champagne on the course, and a Grand Finale of fireworks at the stroke of midnight!

Runners will not go home hungry as there will be a plenteous supply of food and drink after the "Race" to include black-eyed peas, cornbread, cookies and other delectable treats.

Stick around after the race for fabulous door prizes along with gift certificates to local shops and restaurants...

Be sure to don your crazy party attire and join 1000's of other runners to participate in one of Tulsa's funnest 5k's...Race Into the New Year.

This year features a NEW COURSE!! The 5K course starts on the RiverParks west trail near the amphitheater. Runners will do an out and back before they run a loop around Zink Lake, finishing back at RiverPark West Amphitheater. Music will be provided on the course this year, along with TWO champagne and sparkling cider stops. "This race just gets better every year."--TZ

One Mile Fun Run & Dog Jog--Starting at RiverPark West Amphitheater, going south out and back.
Bring your furry friends - dogs can run free in the One Mile Fun Run with a registered runner. Doggie's Costume contest! Dress 'em up or Dress 'em Down.... At 10:30 PM we will have the dogs costume contest and the opportunity to win some Fabulous Prizes.

This year's event will benefit the Tulsa SPCA and the Tulsa Police Officers' Memorial!

DON'T MISS IT !!!

Marvellite Run

2011-12-19T21:46:00.042-06:00

A threat of rain did, no doubt, keep a few runners indoors Monday night--home in the warmth of their living rooms, but all the fun Monday night was had in the Mapleridge neighborhood as a few hundred runners rambled up one street and down another admiring Christmas lights and holiday displays at the Marvellite Run.

This annual event has gone on since the 80s, and is named after one of our own--Mr. Marvin Winters, who was an original Marvellite runner, back when Christmas lights were a new concept. Three groups left out from our meeting place at All Souls Church. There was a 5 mile group comprised of mostly speedy runners, a 3 mile group, filled with mere mortal men and women of average pace, and a one mile group, made up of walkers, people who were nervous about impending rain, and folks who wanted to be first in line for pizza and desserts.

Runners started filing in around 5:30, although the official time was 6:00 PM.
Coach Kathy granted an interview to Fox 23. We runners--yeah, we're rock stars!!
Christmas fashions were on display. Festive hats, socks, and sweaters were worn by most.
Matt complimented his Santa Hat with a nice string of lights draped around his torso.
Laura's hat wiggled back and forth--and looked to be swiped from the set of a Dr. Seuss film production.
Darcy was styling, with Christmas PJ bottoms and socks.
A back view of Larry's hat, with poor Santa snugly lodged in the chimney. Nice.
These hairy legs and socks belong to Tom Robinson--but wait until you see his Christmas sweater!
Stormy, with his Dick Tracy hat, looks over Charlotte's shoulder while she tries to duck out of the frame.
Patty dons a Rudolph nose--very cutely, I might add.
Pat's hat also flipped back and forth. Would have looked better in a video.
(Can you tell I LIKE this hat???)

And now, the sweaters.
There were a lot of new faces, and I don't have names to everyone who wore festive sweaters. Most of the above competed in the Ugliest Christmas Sweater Contest.

But first, we got to RUN!!

After we all trickled back in, munched on pizza, candies, cookies, cakes, and pies, we rounded up a fine crop of contestants for the Christmas Sweater Contest. Watch the video below for a fine fashion show.

After a brief deliberation from a panel of impartial judges, awards were given. Each winner received gift certificates to RunnersWorld.Ameila nabbed the award for Prettiest Christmas Sweater. This should be no surprise, as she is a seamstress extraordinaire, known for blinging up race t-shirts as well as knitting hats, scarfs, and mittens, and very fashionable outfits for competitive equestrian riders. And yes, her sweater was very pretty. Unlike the one below.
Tom Robinson was very justly awarded the prize for Ugliest Christmas Sweater. Tom's sweater had glitter, sequins, and a degree of tackiness beyond People of WalMart. His ensemble was complimented with the essence of old lady perfume. His brother Vinny told Tom there was a Christmas song that was appropriate for his choice of garments: Deck the Halls--particularly that line that goes--"Don we now our gay apparel, Fa la la, la la la, la la la. "
And finally, Susan won the prize for Best Christmas Sweater. Hers was one that even this writer/photographer (and I'm a guy) would wear.

It was a fun evening, and hats and gloves were collected and will be donated to children at the Eugene Field Elementary School or Family and Children Services. Thank you to all who donated and all who came and ran with us.

8:00 AM Kick-off

2011-12-18T00:33:00.022-06:00

28°, bluing skies, and no wind--a perfect forecast for a nice Saturday morning run. That would seem unbelievable while laying in bed at 7:00 am snuggled under the covers, but once the announcements were made and the running commenced, it was indeed perfect. It was a hectic morning, with runners meeting their new groups, group leaders meeting their new runners, and old friends catching up.

But things went fairly smooth as 300+ runners filed into Veteran's Park.

I always like to get all the new group signs pictured for a matter of record, and hey, some are funny. This session, there were definite categories. We had animals: The ever-present Blazing Turtles,

their distant cousins, the Turtle Trotters,

the Dusty Ducks (I'm wondering is there is an interesting story behind this name),

and the Honey Badgers. (I KNOW the interesting story behind this name.)

We had the Hard Core Halfers,

and the Half Fast Halfers.

A couple of group names sounded like motorcycle gangs:

the HILL'S ANGELS,

and the DOM-N-8RZ. Both these groups are full marathon 9-10 minute pace. Look for a rumble on the trails.

Then this group, a laid back almost hippie type group, RUNNING FREE. I suppose there could be another meaning to this name--not sure.

Then a band of pirates is training with us, vowing to plunder all the booty that goes along with finishing races.

And finally, a disturbing group, a group whose title implies that they "kick Kenyans"??? Well, they better be fast cuz they'll have to catch them first.

The usual group pic was taken into the sun, so good luck finding yourself here. But hey, can you find the kitten in this picture?

We took off in waves. Those Kenyon Kicking runners took off first, and the other groups took off in order of their intended paces.

Coach Kathy gave the GO to the groups about every 30 seconds, in order to keep us from not getting too bunched up on the trails.

A jaunt around Zink Lake, and a spur down the Midland Valley trail (for some), and our first Saturday long run was in the books.

And the best thing about early Saturday morning runs....is breakfast with friends after the run. Gimme me my bacon, pancakes, and coffee!!!

This Monday !!!

2011-12-17T06:44:00.001-06:00

Monday December 19th - 6pm - All Souls Unitarian Church at 29th & Peoria Come join hundreds of other Tulsa area runners and walkers for a Christmas tradition that has dated back to 1989.
•Wear your ugliest Christmas sweater
•Guided holiday lights run/walk
•Six, three, or one mile distances
•Pizza, beer and desserts after the run
•$5 minimum donation
•Scenic route through Maple Ridge, Brookside and Utica Square
•Sponsored by RunnersWorld Tulsa

Pre-session mid-week run

2011-12-16T10:29:00.000-06:00

Thursday evening a eager group of runners met for some easy miles to the river and back. These weeknight runs will be huge from next week on, as this Saturday is the big kickoff to the spring 2012 session.
Newcomer Amy joined us, having recently ran a 5K, and tasting the thrill of running. Her goals are to increase her speed in her next 5K, and from there, who knows? Maybe bigger things.
Nothing beats a great pair of legs. Jeff, aka the Indigent Runner, sports non-matching socks and cotton gym shorts in his running ensemble. In his real life, he's the preppy/yuppie type, and a closet comedienne.
Here's a quartet of RunnersWorld babes. After our 45 +/- minute run, we often spend another 45 minutes or so just hanging out. Several runners enjoy the Eating Club afterward--ask around and join us!!

Don't miss this!!

2011-12-15T18:00:00.002-06:00

Orientation Part Deux

2011-12-13T07:41:00.000-06:00

Orientation Part Deux was last night. Another throng of runners joined the fold vowing to do the training enabling them to reach their goal of running a marathon or half marathon. Kathy asked if anyone was nervous, and a few raised their hands. Nervousness is something that often goes hand in hand with racing. Those nervous wondering if they can possibly run their first marathon or half marathon can rest assured knowing they can--by slowly building your base, your weekly mileage totals. Your first Saturday long run will be 3 or 4 miles, and ran at a comfortable pace--YOUR comfortable pace. If you are huffing and puffing, you are probably going to fast. Each week, your Saturday long run will increase by a mile, and as the miles get longer, we'll have a cutback every other week. As the big race nears, you'll be running close to your race distance, but by that time, you'll be ready and able, provided you've put your mileage in along the way. This system works. You can do it.
Trey and David are ready to get going. They have started the training once before, and life got in the way and they postponed their training--but this time they are hungry and determined to toe the line on race day. Having some accountability is key to being successful. Instead of dreading getting out the door when it's cold, you'll look forward to GETTING TO RUN with your friends.

Gotta have my tunes

2011-12-11T12:23:00.001-06:00

Some runners enjoy the sounds around them while they run--birds singing, water rushing by in a nearby stream, cars zooming by?? Others enjoy chatting with a running buddy for miles upon miles on that Saturday long run. But others need nothing more than an iPod loaded with a library of their favorite songs. Neither school of thought is wrong, and in fact, music can get you through a funky run, one where you fought to get yourself out the door, and the first mile sucked, and the next wasn't that much better. Crank up some U2, Eye of the Tiger, Elvis Costello, Donnie and Marie (just kidding about that last one), and you're finished with a long run before you know it. What is on your play list?

Spring Training Orientation

2011-12-08T22:22:00.004-06:00

Tonight (Thursday, for those reading this on a day other than Thursday) we had the orientation for the 2012 Spring Training Programs. Nearly 100 runners attended, and many signed up but could not stay. Among the throng were several returnees, which is a testament to how effective this program is. At least half of those attending were taking the leap to start their training for their first half or full marathon. Looking around the room at all the new faces, I see people who in a few months will be my best friends--life-long friends. Running does that.
Kathy and Brian tag-teamed the instructions, explaning the process of training and encouraging the new runners. In a little over four months, these new runners will be marathoners or half marathoners, laden with race bling and most likely an a running addiction that will enrich their lives.

There is another orientation next Monday December 12th, 6:00 pm, again at RunnersWorld Tulsa

The First Official Training Run - Saturday December 17th, 8:00 am at Veterans Park

2011-12-06T08:01:00.001-06:00

If you dream of running 100 miles some day, or are fascinated with the thought of it, or if you run ultras and your dream-race is Western States, come to the TATUR Christmas party Tuesday December 13th at 7:00, and stay around to watch a private screening of the movie "Unbreakable - The Western States 100 Story".

The cost to watch the movie is $8 per person.

Four of the greatest undefeated mountain runners on earth toed the starting line at the Western States 100-mile endurance run, the oldest and most prestigious 100-mile foot race in the world

'Unbreakable: The Western States 100' follows the four lead men on this amazing journey. Hal Koerner, two time defending Western States champion, and running store entrepreneur from Ashland, Oregon. Geoff Roes, undefeated at the 100-mile distance, an organic chef from Juneau, Alaska. Anton Krupicka, undefeated in every ultramarathon he has ever started, a graduate student living in Boulder, Colorado. Kilian Jornet, the young mountain runner and two time Ultra-trail du Mont-Blanc champion, from Spain.

The ultimate award, bling beyond compare, is the silver buckle at WS100. All finishers under 30 hours get a buckle, but finishers coming in under 24 hours get the silver. This is what dreams are made of.

Fun is on the way

2011-12-04T13:35:00.004-06:00

December 4th--a cold Sunday afternoon. 60% of Tulsa is still celebrating the slaughter of the Sooners last night, while the other 40% are saying "Oh yeah?? Well wait til next year."

As runners in Tulsa, it's sort of our "off season". But not for long!!!! In just a FEW DAYS, the next training session will kick off. New friends will mingle among us, contemplating life-changing plans to start running, to run a first half marathon, or full 26.2, or even beyond. Those thoroughly infected with the "running virus" will be committing to another goal race, and even helping spread the koolaid to newbies. On our kick-off day, an upcoming Saturday TBA, just look at the glazed yet joyous grins on the faces of the hundreds of runners beginning yet another journey. It is magical to see.

Our orientation meetings are: Thursday December 8th @ 7:00 pm, and Monday December 12th @ 6:00 pm--both @ RunnersWorld Tulsa 43rd and Peoria.

A repeated reminder--don't miss the Race Into the New Year, cleverly scheduled at 11:45 New Years Eve. End your year on a running note, and begin 2012 on the run. Enjoy some bubbly, good eats, and an awesome fireworks display at the stroke of 12:00. Click on the RINY icon to the right for details.

New Years day--sleep in. Have a late breakfast, and then come get crazy with hundreds of other insane people who will be doing the Polar Bear Plunge. Dive into not one, not two, but THREE swimming pools during a spirited 2-mile run. The medal for this is ginormous, and will be at the bottom of the third pool. For more details, and pics from last years event, click on the PBP icon to the right.

Finally, this revised web page will serve to document the training runs, races, and fun we have for this next session. You'll see a few peeps snapping pictures here and there. Indulge them, if you will. We are also looking for contributors who would like to share pictures, videos, interesting running-related links, progress and milestone reports, and write-ups of your races. Also, if anyone is keeping a blog at least partially related to running and you'd like us to link it to our page, we'd just love that. You can submit your stories, pics, and such to Ken (trailzombie@yahoo.com) and he'll be glad to have your input.

Happy running!!!

Tulsa Run 2011

2011-10-29T14:20:00.021-05:00

Today was the 34th running of the Tulsa Run--Tulsa's premiere race. The 15K showcases a revitalized downtown Tulsa, Trendy Cherry Street, a glimpse of Woodward Park and some of the beautiful homes in the Mapleridge area, a tour of Riverside Drive alongside the lazy Arkansas River before turning up Denver Avenue and the testy hill, and finally finishes in front of the BOK Center. Over 6,000 runners do this 15K along with the 5K making it Tulsa's largest race and possibly the second largest run in the state. Some come to run hard--there are not many 15Ks around, but this course is a good one for a PR. Some treat it as a milestone endeavor--a goal race--something to cap a season of running. Some treat it as a social event--everyone is doing it, you know! And some take the opportunity to dress up as it is always on Halloween weekend.Laurie just got out of cheer leading practice and came straight to the run.

Get a good look now, cuz when the starting gun goes off, you'll have a hard time finding Waldo. Those two characters on the ends--well, more on them later.

The Count was with us. One might wonder how he fared with a bright sun coming up. I suspect he also might have melted in these clothes, running 9.3 miles and all.

We were safe on this run, having super-heroes Robin and Batman to keep an eye on things. (A funny side-note--in the caped crusader's run today, a little boy commented to his dad as they were watching the runners go by, "Hey Dad--I didn't know Robin was a girl?!?!?"

Mr. Incredible just after saving a damsel in distress.

Anything the dynamic Duo could not handle, Wonder Woman was there to save the day.

Tom and Venus came dressed up as senior citizen runners. Venus needs to work on her masquerade skills, but Tom won first prize for most authentic looking costume.

Finally, it's the Scooby Doo gang!! Fred, Velma, Daphne, and Shaggy. But where's Scooby?? Scooby Doo--Where Are You? Well, let's just say he was dog-napped by an evil goblin.

The crowd gathered for a group pic, and I know a LOT of peeps (myself included) did not make the pic. Rather than try to stitch some photos together, I just videoed a pan shot. It's a 21 second film clip--not really Oscar material, but give it a look.

Soon enough at 9:00 sharp, the gun was fired signalling the start of the 15K. It was heel to toe, elbow to elbow for the first mile or so, but such a thrill none-the-less. Seeing blocks ahead at a sea of bobbing heads and feeling the energy of thousands of runners thrilled about running on a cool crisp autumn morning is like no other experience on Earth. The runner's buzz starts early, and hours after the race, I am still all grins.

I was running for time, not expecting a PR or anything, but wanted to blow out the cobwebs, so to speak. I did take a second or two here and there for a quick pic. Hayley, home from college for the first time since August, was running with her mom Meg. Hayley would have been a contender to win the women's 15K, but was doing the pacer thing. Today was RARE time when I actually passed her.

Making the turn on 15th Street, and the downhill continues--until the little hill up to Cherry Street.

A nifty part of the race, the ramp onto Riverside. This is so cool--it's over the river, and it's banked. You can really lean into the turn and pick up speed. I heard a couple of different people who were new to the area comment on how cool it was.

I took a pic of the dudes taking the race pics. I told him I'd swap out with him, but I don't think he saw what a bargain I was offering him. From here, it was about 2 miles, and I put the camera away and focused on not fading/blowing up before the finish line. From talking to folks after the race, it was agreed that it was a great year, spectacular weather, and most everyone was happy with their times.

Midweek Runs

2011-09-16T00:30:00.006-05:00

If you've been staying home and watching Wheel of Fortune on Monday and Thursday evenings, you've been missing out on some fun times. Weeknight runs are alive and well. No one melted in the heat this summer, and now with it getting back down to a more sane temperature at 5:30, it has been pure bliss running our 3-4-5-6-or whatever distance. In case you have a minor case of amnesia, we meet at the store a little before 5:30 PM, and around 5:30-5:35ish, Coach Kathy gives an inspirational speech. We recognize any runner who's ran a recent race, hit a milestone in their training, had a birthday, or any other cause for fame or infamy.
Here is a bit of fame on the verge of happening. Lyle runs marathons--a LOT of marathons. Since he started running around a couple of years ago, he has earned EIGHT STARS in Marathon Maniacs. That is a lot of weekends of travel, several doubles (1 marathon on a Saturday and a second the next day), and is well on his way to his 50 states. But that is not all--this Saturday, he will go to Wisconsin and run a trail 50K, which will earn him TEN STARS!! So the next picture of him on this blog will have him holding up a couple of extra fingers. If you see him, be sure to congratulate him. I think I am right in that he will be the ONLY ONE in the state of Oklahoma to have earned that honor.
Ok, back to this weeknight thing. If you are training for anything--a 5K, a half, a marathon, the Tulsa Run--you NEED to get in your mid-week runs. True, you can run in the mornings, run from home around the neighborhood. You can even get your miles on the---do I say it?---the dreadmill!!!!! But the most bestest fun you can have running is with your friends. If you don't believe me, just ask me!
If you missed the run Thursday, you missed Jennifer trying to duck to avoid having her picture taken and almost falling flat on her face. The paparazzi loved it!
Four miles will take you to the pedestrian bridge and back. Do a couple of bridge repeats and you can return to the store having run five miles. A few of our runners who will remain anonymous have been known to run to Elswood's north of 21st Street, and refule with a barley and hops flavored Gatorade. (One of the above mentioned actually prefers a wheat ~~beer~~ Gatorade.)
Our river is down--lower than I have ever seen it. But with the rain that every weatherman seems sure we will be getting in the next week, maybe we'll fill our lakes and rivers. But just because I mentioned rain, know this: we're still gonna be running. Running in the rain is awesome. But that's another post.

RunnersWorld Runners Tackle Two Events

2011-09-12T22:22:00.017-05:00

This past weekend, we had several of our group racing in a couple of big and very different events. Tri-Tulsa (formerly the Tulsa Tri) was held at Heyburn Lake near Kellyville Oklahoma. Saturday, a kids and sprint tri was on the slate. From left to right, Kathy Price Moore, Misty Stanton, Guy Wolcott, Darcy Anderson Carson, Troy Moore, Sue Marolf, Tom Robinson, and Venus Woods Monyhan all did the training, faced the challenge and met their goals of finishing their tri. This was a first time effort for many of them.

A few other of our runners not pictured above are Erin Barnes (on the far left), Amanda Osterdyk (number 73), Lygea Welvaert (in the orange and black), and Lisa Chinn (in the blue.) I hope I am not leaving anyone out....

The next day--same lake--the Olympic Distance Tri was held. Stormy Phillips and Mitch Drummond represented RunnersWorld well in this event. Stormy had a busy weekend, and was out again Monday night for a recovery run with us. More on his other weekend adventure in a bit.

I'm not sure if this pic is actually from the Tri, but it is a accurate likeness of Mitch, always cheerful and ready for a challenge. Mitch is also just a week off of a tough adventure race.
(All of the above photos borrowed from Facebook.)

I mentioned Stormy being involved in another race this same weekend. It was the second annual Do Wacka Do Trail Race in Erick, Oklahoma. This event has a 25K and a 50K, as well as a 5 miler. Several of our group made the trip, and finished well despite some hot afternoon temps.
Charlotte Lindley and Caroline Glenn both ran the 50K. They wewre 1st and 2nd in their age groups. Susan Westmoreland and John Parris ran the 25K. Susan took home third in her age group.
Brynna Schelbar had the most fun volunteering and biking most of the day. Why didn't I think of that?

RockStar Ed and Kate Ellisor did the 25K and were happy and through hours ahead of me.

And me? I was DFL, and took exactly 100 pictures along the way.

you-uns over here on this blog need to come on out to run this here race

2011-07-18T23:46:00.002-05:00

What do you get when you cross some good old country REDNECKS........with some really fast runners? Well this Friday, you will get to find out!! TATUR, famous for putting on new and inventive races, is presenting The Reckless Redneck--a one mile DOWNHILL race.
This mad dash starts at the top of Elwood at 61st Street, and screamzzz down Elwood, turns into the Turkey Mountain parking lot, and then streaks down the paved bike trail. This downhill is less elevation descent than Pikes Peak or Mount Everest, but for around these parts, it is quite a steep downhiller.

Why the redneck theme?? Well, why not? This IS Oklahoma! Anyone wearing some sorta redneck garb gets a discount on their entree fee. For a lot of my friends, all that means is they might wanna not put on that Sunday-go-to-meetin shirt and come on in their regular goin-out-ta-eat shirt. Some of my friends just need to flash a toothy grin
and that'll be proof enough that they are rednecks. (A tip: Nascar hats work for costume accessories, and might add to your aerodynamics, besides making Junior proud.)(NOTE:anyone wearing #24 will be escorted off the durned mountain,)

Finally, because this is a real fast course, and some of you-uns will be running faster than you ever dreamt possible, please be careful and don't fall, don't trip anybody, don't step on anyone's pig or chickens. There just might be some good suds waitin for ya at the finish line.Here's a few pitchers of this race from a couple years back. CLICK HERE

Put on your Poker Face

2011-07-05T17:40:00.010-05:00

It's time for our semi-annual Poker Run--a chance to be a little wild, take a chance of winning big, or losing it all ( mere $5 dollar entry fee) but know this--few if any walk away without something, PLUS you get to run with your friends and that's what winning is all about--right?

Don't know how to play poker? Well, the game is Five Card Stud. It's maybe the easiest game of poker there is.
In our case, you run a mile, get a card, run another mile, get another card, and so on. (Five miles for 5 cards--works about just about right.) Now here's where knowing a few rules helps. Just what makes a GOOD poker hand?If you have a hand with no matching cards, take heart. It may still be better than some. A hand with an ace and no matching cards will beat another bad hand with all low non-matching cards. Next best is a hand with a pair, then two pair is even better. Three of a kind will beat two pair. Check out the list to the right for the official ranking of hands. Next is a straight--a run of FIVE cards in sequence regardless of suit. They can be clubs, hearts, spades, diamonds, and the suits do not need to match, but they must be sequential )2,3,4,5,6--or 10, J, K, Q, A.
A run of four in a row is nothing. Next yo the list is a flush--five cards of the same suit--all hearts, spades, etc. Then comes a full house which is two of a kind, AND three of a kind. This is a good hand. Better than that is four of a kind. Then a straight flush beats that. A straight flush is five cards in a row of the same suit. A ROYAL FLUSH is 10, J, Q, K, A of the same suit. In our game, since there are several decks of cards to accommodate the 400+ runners playing, it might be possible to have a five of a kind. That'll qualify you to be on a cable channel in a Poker After Dark episode.

A very experienced crew of pit bosses will help you with your poker hands, and direct you to your winnings. And the winnings are indeed fantastic. There are super nice tech shirts, jackets, other running wear, water bottles, a gift certificate here and there, several free race entrees, and maybe a few surprises! But do remember this--the game is Five Card Stud--your hand IS the five cards you're dealt. It is not Five Card Draw. It is not GO FISH. Let's be fair.

To help you get into the poker mood, I thought I'd post a video of Lady Gaga's Poker Face. This is a really exciting rendition--ENJOY!

A few pics from Saturday's run

2011-06-28T22:56:00.005-05:00

Our Saturday army has swelled to 430ish, and last Saturday was a great day albeit a little warm. But there's nothing like an early morning run to get the sweat glands working. (Remember--dead men don't sweat.) The earlier start gave us a jumpstart on the the heat, and we were treated to some awesome cloud formations and a great sunrise.
Coach Kathy sent the faster groups off first. The papparazzi was late getting away from the start area, but soon caught up with most of the runners. (Ok, so I stopped for a few sunrise pictures too.)
We ran through some of the older neighborhoods in midtown--circling Swan Lake and taking a loop through Mapleridge.
This next Saturday, most groups will be adding a mile. The route will be straight south on the river trail, and runners will get to see some of the Midnight Madness ultra-runners as they run their 4th or 5th lap in their 51.5 mile race. Be sure to give them a shout-out as you pass. Finishing this race, which will start at 11:59 pm Friday night, will be a huge accomplishment considering the heat and humidity. And I know that some of you will be out there yourselves in the next couple of years. This running thing--I think it is catching on.

Let the training begin!!!

2011-06-19T18:15:00.024-05:00

Saturday morning was the kick-off. Not of a football, but of something much more than that--the RunnersWorld Rt 66 Marathon/Half Marathon Training Session. Arriving while it was still dark, Coach Kathy set up tents and got the water and Gatorade ready, and then worked on the registration tables.

I always enjoy the first Saturday the group meets and all the group signs.Bobby displays the Road Runners logo. Bobby does stray to the dirt trails, so this sign is not entirely truth-in-advertising.

Tatur Dave brought back the Ethiopian Elites name, since REO Speedwagon threatened a lawsuit. (j/k)

The 13-14 m/m Marathon group--Chasin' Booty. ARRRRR!

Possibly the best party group, the Blazing Turtles. This group does it all. They run, they bike, they eat like there was no tomorrow (after a run), and they do a great disappearing act involving beer cans.

Amanda's Half group--the Pacemakers. This was the early favorite for best sign. Would it win out?

Half Fast, another 1/2 Marathon group. Is it me, or does that name sound like something my Dad used to say?

I don't know who goes with this sign, but I donated a dollar.

My favorite sign from last session. The ~~Dominatrix~~ Domin8rz led by the submissive Larry Davied.

RockStar Eddie leads a group or rebels and babes once again. His sign cracks me up!

The competition for best sign heats up. Brian's sign is cool, although I thought the stick man had the scriggly lines from having ate the Volcano Burrito from Taco Bell.

Matt didn't win the competition for best sign, but he did win the award for best stick.

And the winner for best sign--1/2 & 1/2. They're Milkin' it for all it's worth!

A couple of faces from the past--Larry is flanked by Stefani and Simone. Larry has had some injury problemss but is back in the saddle and I hope it goes great for him. Simone recently put another marathon medal on the shelf, having finished San Diego in 5:20. And Stef is back for another run at 26.2. we've missed ya, Stef!

By far the biggest group, the Blazing Turtles keeps growing. Have fun and the world flocks to your doorstep.

My designated group[, Chasin' Booty. The pirate theme never gets old for me. I still have the Pirate setting on my FaceBook page.

Kathy employed the voice of Tulsa running, Mr. Jack Wing, to make the pre-run announcements.

So far, we have the most runners ever for a training session. With well over 400 and a lot more will sign up in the next week or so, we could top 500. 22 weeks of training and no fee for running with us.

We took off in waves, with the faster groups getting a head start. It was a warm morning, but for most of the way, we had a good breeze.

North on the river to 11th, and then south on the west side.

Spirits were high, and why not? Just a quick 5 miler and it was time to eat some breakfast! :-)

To a casual spectator, it probably looked like a race was going on. By the time we reached the pedestrian bridge, the sporadic line of runners was almost 2 miles long.

One session down, and 21 more to go. Bring on the summertime heat!!

Weeknight Runs

2011-06-14T10:07:00.002-05:00

For those new to running with us, or those who are on the fence of whether or not they want to give running a try--JOIN US! We don't bite!We meet on Monday and Thursday nights at the store at 5:30 to run. The usual course is from the store through the neighborhoods to the riverparks at 41st st. From there, we usually go north and run until we turn around. Most runners go 3-4 miles, and some go further. As you can see from the above picture, there is no age limit. We have several senior citezens who run with us. (a jab at my buddy Tom Robinson!) Before our runs, we give kudos to our friends who might have ran a recent race. In this case, Pat and Sandra have just got back from running the Wounded Warrior Half marathon in Texas. They battled temps near 100° to finish another half.
Bobby and Susan have ran with us for over 3 years. They both are run leaders and are always helping in setting up our event tents and packing things away after our Saturday runs. Bobby has gone from couch potato to a multi marathon finisher, and he is training for his second 50K. More on Susan later in this post.
A few minutes after 5:30, Brian makes a slew of announcements about upcoming events, birthdays in our group, any PRs or other racing accomplishments, and the bunny slippers. (More on the bunny slippers in a later post.)
If you see a wild (but good looking) guy taking pictures of passing runners, indulge him. These pictures are often used in this blog.
Susan had her first RUN in a while. Since she has worn this cast, she has led a couch-to-5K group mostly walking, but tonight she ran. She'll have this cast remover in one more day!!! A big celebration is to follow.
After the evening runs there almost is always an EAT CLUB meeting. A group of us meets to eat some din din--sometimes healthy, sometimes not. But tonight, the run leaders from the new training session met at Mazzios for pizza and planning for Saturday's kickoff. Kathy goes over the agenda between mouthfuls of supreme pizza.
The Gulley girls ran a spirited run and await their marching orders. Pizza was not their food of choice, although I did my best to tempt them with a pizza pie.
Tatur Dave is the architect of most of our running routes. If you like the courses on Saturday, let him know. If you don't like the hills, eat them anyway--they're good for you.
Brian has that dazed look--but he was drinking soda. Rockstar Ed polished off a few brewskies though. Gotta wash that pizza down with SOMETHING.
Laurie, leader of Chasin Booty, ignores the odd looking guy behind her.
And finally, Edward poses with his little snuggly doll. I'm sure there is a good story behind this--I'll try to uncover it. (An edit: Laurie E tells me, "It was the doll he was carrying, while wearing a kilt, during TulsaTough – taunting the riders up crybaby hill!")

You've Been Served

2011-06-13T13:10:00.010-05:00

Official Notice, that is, that the Runners World 2011 Oklahoma City Marathon Training Session is over, and that the Runners World 2011 Route 66 Marathon Training Session will soon be starting - as in next Saturday - as in June 18 - as in at Veteran's Park - as in 6:45 AM'ish (I think).

But there's a catch, a condition if you're more comfortable with that, some corporate red tape if you're the sort who responds or reacts more favorably to structure - you HAVE to FILL OUT an information/application sheet and turn it in to Runners World. Remember, just filling out the form is not good enough - you have to actually get it to Runners World via fax, by mail, by conning a friend or foe to do the legwork, or by physically taking it into the store yourself, plopping it on the counter and obnoxiously shouting "I Want In!" to whoever is ignoring you at the time. Your choice really, although one method that I might have listed last will leave a notable, yet undesirable impression with Coach Kathy that apparently takes several years to fade - if ever. Bonus Tip of the Day: Faxing in a blank form really doesn't advance the sneaker very far, so be sure to fill out a few basics before surrendering your family history, education background with grades and any meritorious awards, along with your solemn lifetime vow to raise your young'uns as RW disciples. Remember, e-mail addresses must be exact, and legibility counts if you desire to land in really cool running groups.

Here's the link to the form (surely you don't expect us to hold your hand while filling out the form), so please take a moment if you haven't already to fill it out and send it in:
http://tatur.org/rt-66-2011-ud-reg.pdf

Also, for a limited time, please note that bonus points are being awarded to those who recruit new victims aspiring marathoners into our lair. If you do recruit new runners or runnerettes, try to act sincere and downplay the question regarding "next of kin" as we are just being nosy - rather than some ominous foreshadowing event.

We hope to see a lot of both familiar and blissfully new/naive faces next weekend at our R66 Training Kick-Off Session. And for those who completed their first marathon, remember the fine print that requires you to return for a second session if you set a PR at your first event (I'm sorry, but there's no latitude in this rule).

Lastly, in the category of a threat or a blessing (your choice), if you fail to submit a new RW form, you will be dropped from future RW training emails and invitations. And if you do sign up, we continue to vow to not short change you on your training miles - kind of a Dom-N-8RZ rule.

Larry

A huge dose of inspiration!

2011-06-08T15:47:00.000-05:00

A small bit of help to people in great need

2011-05-30T14:55:00.010-05:00

RunnersWorld collected a boatload of supplies for our unfortunate neighbors in Joplin this past week. Word of mouth, email, and Facebook updates got the movement started, and the end result was truckload of needed help.Many of our bunch donated, reaching deep in their pockets to help people in need. Several donated cash, and this cash was used specifically to purchase clean-up supplies and storage containers. Special thanks to Mitch, Mike and Diana Snyder, Ken Saveth and Know No Boundries, and to Brian and Misti Stanton for their generous donations. And tanks to everyone who brought stuff by the store or to Jenks.
Ken's employer Windows by Jeff (in Jenks) donated the use of a huge box truck to deliver the supplies to Joplin this past Saturday.
The purpose of the trip was really NOT to sight-see, but I did take pictures. It was something I felt the need to see, but at the same time, I wish I had never seen it. I had no idea of the actual devastation. Many houses were damaged beyond repair--but the walls were still standing. Most houses though, were leveled and reduced to splinters and rubble. I do not know how anyone could have survived a storm like this.

There were several areas collecting donations, but they had so much all at once that they were having trouble organizing it. It is a blessing that they have so much stuff donated--it just shows the kindness of people when other people are hurting and in need. We went to several different drop-off points, leaving a little food at one place, some cleaning supplies at another. Finally, it was suggested to us that we go to the VFW, who would take anything and everything.These folks were genuinely glad to have all we brought, and helped unload it in a timely fashion.
They had many volunteers sorting through the donated goods and placing it on tables for distribution.
We made a small difference in the tragic situation. Much more help is needed though. The Boomtown Half Marathon that would have been in a few weeks is cancelled, and it has been suggested that runners come anyway and donate a day of their time to help with the endless clean-up. If anyone would like to be a part of something like that, Let M me (TZ) know.

Last Call

2011-04-27T00:15:00.010-05:00

I’m sure that most felt like we were done with our marathon training and the enduring weekly leaderly words of …, well, let’s just politely leave it at “leaderly words”. After all we’ve been through, it shouldn’t come as a big shock, but I feel compelled (could also possibly be gas related) to get in a few parting shots before calling an official end to our oft agonizing 5 month relationship of mutual dependency.
Before getting to the serial stuff, you need to know that I’m of clear mind and 70% grudge free in my recovery from the extremely embarrassing situation related to this morning’s Easter egg hunt fiasco. Mostly, it was just hurtful. Although the source of the mixed signals remains a mystery, there’s some small comfort taken in my judicious election to appear this morning without the bonnet, floppy ears, powder puff tail, and whiskers.

To start with, I’m truly proud of and impressed with your training accomplishments, particularly with those who are pressing the marathon distance for the first time. I also can honestly and with all sincerity claim that this is the best overall 9 to 10 minute per mile training pace running group that I’ve ever been associated with during the first half of 2011. The success of the first timers also helps validate the practice of “temporarily borrowing”, aka “runnapping”, folks from other training groups in hopes of being able to show them a longer and more mentally punishing path to the finish line.
In our defense, just imagine how you would react if in fact Coach Kathy had approached you and indicated that she wanted you to get as many runners as you could away from Rock Star Ed’s group (NOTE: I’m not saying this happened; rather, directing your attention to what you would have hypothetically done.) I’m trying to not show my feelings, but it is likely apparent to anyone interested in this story line that things between Ed and me have been a little awkward recently. I prefer not to dwell on it or make a big deal about it, ‘cause he knows exactly how and when he pulled away during that certain moment of shared affection. He contends that his recoil was more from surprise than willful rejection, but I think we can all tell the difference. Plus if it was more reflexive than contemplative, then it’s really worse because that provides an unfiltered glimpse of his true feelings. Moving on …..

As mentioned above, today marks the completion of our 2011 Spring training session. With a week to go before the Oklahoma City Marathon, there’s nothing that can be gained from additional training sessions. Although you deservingly have some remorseful thoughts regarding your abusive, albeit justifiable, treatment of certain run leaders over the past few months, please recognize that there is nothing positive that can be done at this point to counteract any missed or distance cutting training sessions. For me, I have historically tried in vain to get in that “one more quality run” during marathon taper week. While each of us responds differently, I’m convinced that hard efforts this close to race day directly add to, not subtract from, the actual marathon finish time.
So my advice, if you’re still reading at this point (and also made in a total serious fashion for a change) is that if you engage in any PG rated activities during the next week, they should be performed at very light effort levels and kept short in distance/time. If you need to get out to enjoy the outdoors, to clear your head, to have some “me time”, to socialize, and/or to stretch out an ache, then that is fine. But if you can tell that you exercised by evidence of shortness of breath, elevated heart rate, or perspiration, then you’re doing too much and it’s going to hurt you next Sunday. You simply don’t need it from a training perspective – it can only hurt you – I promise – no yolking around.

Second serious point: Hydration and carb loading. You need to start now, and not wait until the Friday or Saturday. With hydration, be careful to not just drink water to the point that it flushes away your body salts to excessively low levels. You may consider increasing –Aid beverage intake, along with water or other alternatives to maintain sodium and salt levels. As for carbs, you don’t have to go pasta wild all week long, but just make sure you don’t totally avoid breads, crackers, and other sources. Your body will pull these stored carbs out as fuel during your race, and I believe that it helps to start out fully stocked and to supplement during the race at roughly 5 mile intervals.

I’m planning to use all my richly imagined powers and abilities to favorably influence next Sunday’s Oklahoma City weather conditions. Favorable thoughts directed my way are bound to either increase my imagined powers or to bolster my ego – what we in the biz call a win/win situation. As I’ve disclosed to many, but have reluctantly realized that few have taken note, I will not be running OKC this year. I am, however, very interested in seeing how each of you do during your run. I plan on utilizing this relatively new technology called the “net”, something available to the most powerful and influential people in the world and in fact developed by (or self credited to) a former U.S Vice President. I would appreciate receiving back, with your consent, your bib numbers for internet tracking. For me, it removes a fair amount of the guilt and shame associated with internet creeping if the voyee willingly and knowingly says it’s OK. This is in line with my intense vampire research where the victim invites the vampire in by opening the window or door. It also provides me with an additional layer of coverage in the untimely event of any resultant legal proceedings.

Nearing the end, on behalf of the Dom-N-8RZ Run Leaders, I want to thank each of you. The past few months have been great for us – getting to know new people, and in helping us in our own conditioning and fitness. I’m hopeful that we share many mutual good memories, and that we realized we can have a bit of fun while also working hard. Also, thank you for this morning honoring the recently legislated “No Hitting Run Leaders” rule, although it is hereby recorded that maliciously inflicted mental anguish and suffering can significantly exceed physically rendered pain.

While we’re in our “Happy Place”, please take the time to thank the great folks at Runners World for all the wonderful help and guidance they have and continue to provide to us. Coach Kathy is simply GREAT, while Pretty Boy Brian can be adorable....
....if you give him 5 or 6 chances and assuming you can forgive his lust affair with the megaphone, and they truly care about almost all of us.
Trail Zombie Ken is a rock, and he plays a major part in keeping us abreast of what’s going on in the running community with his blogs, friendship, and guidance.

Tatur Dave is the ingenious map maker and chief route creator.

He makes sure that we always have interesting and challenging routes to impossibly challenge our navigation skills – with hills, of course.

Finally, as we’ve recently discussed, anyone who set a PR in their first marathon will be obliged to return this summer and continue to run with the Runners World group (like there was even another consideration in and around the Tulsa area – please!).

Best Wishes! Have a Great OKC Marathon (the Memorial inspiration is tremendous and should give you at least 168 points of motivation, especially during the later portions of the race).

Hope to see you soon – gotta’ go now – they’re shutting this place down – after all, it was Last Call a while ago.

Larry

The Hunt is On!

2011-04-20T22:20:00.009-05:00

When: Saturday, April 23, 2011 6:45 AM-8:30 AM. Central Standard Time
Where: Peeps Park (21st & Boulder)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

It goes without saying (not that I could ever go without saying, as by now everyone reluctantly acknowledges) that we’re all pretty hoppin’ excited about what’s hidden amongst the grasses for us this weekend. There’s likely to be jumping here, bounding there, all sorts of weaving about, with jack rabbit stops and starts, tails bumping close to the ground, noses twitching, and ears standing at attention. Whether the trail guardians are in a giving or taking mood remains a bit of a mystery at this point, but a well prepared and optimistic hunter/gatherer would be advised to bust out the big basket – just in case.
You see, it’s time to shriek out a big HALLELUJAH or two – a time to celebrate. With last week’s long run dutifully charted, recorded, and booked for reflection, we have officially completed our Spring 2011 Marathon Training Program. In fact, rumors are trotting rampant that some of our more geekishly astroidal runnertoids were so bold as to digitally memorialize “my first 24” that was ”accidentally”, but not-so-innocently recorded on outlawed, yet brazenly displayed, garmanistic contraband that were boldly justified as wristerly fashion statements.
Suspicious motives aside, the entire gaggle of Runners World trainiacs are sincerely congratulated for sticking with it, enduring the early morning starts, the early season chills, the unselfish heaping servings of 70% uphills followed by 30% downhills, taking getting lost from a science to a higher art form, dutifully gulping Pretty Boy Brian’s surgically sanitized gatorbrew, and cyphering through the clues to ascertain each week’s starting location and time. Seems like I’m leaving out something else that everyone had to endure, but I can’t for the blog of me quite figure it out, even though it seems so close and directly beneath my fingertips – like it’s almost staring back at me at this very moment. Oh well, maybe it’ll come to me later, but for now I’ll just keep the torture going.
Looking back a bit, it’s almost like we were constantly in search of the perfect trail, the perfect temperature, the perfect running group. Well, zero out of three leaves a lot of room for future opportunity, which is of course the objective of any run leader/leaderette worth his or her salt-clogged pores. Like some famous person may have said, “Always leave them hoping for a better life”, or something to that effect. So for those who aren’t quite sure whether they’re hooked, whether they’re just a tad bit addicted to the perfect run quest, we pose the following: If you’ve ever found yourself suddenly and without warning thrust in the eye of an approaching tornado, and your thoughts immediately go to recognizing how calm the wind is and how the rest of the world seems to be pushed well beyond the circular and revolving wall, and you can only think about how great it would be to go for a run in these conditions, then …. well …. I hate to break it to you so harshly, but yes, you are indeed a certifiable runner – maybe even institutional status.

Hopping along, we’ve got a little marsh hunt planned for this Saturday at Peep’s Park (alias: Veteran’s Park). We’ll be getting our thumpers on at the new old time of eggs-zactly 6:45 AM’ish. And if all goes according to plan, we’ll casually run exactly half the distance during the first part of our run, and then bounce on back for close to the same distance for the return trip, hoping that we end up Dom-N-8RZ-ly close to where we started. Let’s make it a tail-boppin’ challenge – the Hunt is On!
Peeps Rule – carbalicious – the preferred energy chew of all the great marathoners/marathonettes.

Larry

Something Special

2011-04-15T01:00:00.006-05:00

When: Saturday, April 16, 2011 6:15 AM-11:00 AM. Central Standard Time
Where: Veteran's Park (21st & Riverside)

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Something Special

All right class, can we say too hot and too humid and way too early and that it totally kicked Larry’s @#% - HEY! That’s enough – you not only didn’t have to add that last part, but you also didn’t have to say it with such a sense of unison and joy. Yes, last Saturday was not one of my better days for running, but still managed to get through it without having to lug around all that extra body fluid that the medical community likes to refer to as blood. Just think of the time saved by plasma extractors when they are able to draw it directly from the vein, sans centrifuging, just the sweat nectar. It’s times like this when we must keep in mind that survival is preferred, but not something to be taken for granted. Of course we all know the real story – er, that is, let me see, oh yeah, that – um – I ….. was ….. hold that thought a little longer …. purposely filling the sweeper role by trailing the group at sufficient space and distance to ensure that we didn’t leave anyone behind, or lost, or ….. Can I get back to you later when I think of, I mean accurately remember, how it might really have happened? Thanks. Plus, last week is so in the past, and as we’ve learned throughout the training season, we need to be focused on the future.

Which brings us to Saturday’s Final Long Training Run – the longest of the season. 24 solid miles of circuitous sole tenderizing bliss, just trust me (OK, I know this “just trust me thing” hasn’t necessarily worked out all that well for fellow ‘Noes and ‘Nettes in the past, but this time might could should possibly will be different). In fact, you’re gonna’ sorta’ have to, cause for this extra special marathon training extravaganza we’re banning all timing devices and electronic guidance systems. Yep, this time when we get lost we’ll be doing it the old fashioned way, just like my grandpa did (but of course He would never admit that he was lost – wonder where I ever got that gene?). Aside from the obvious abusive nature of it all, there is actually a purpose to the madness of not running with that old familiar electronic wrist suffocating sun dial. It vaguely has something to do with learning to listen to your body, set a pace based upon your breathing and conditioning, to focus on form and being relaxed, and also to ward off the panic that can set up during an actual race when the batteries die or the satellite signal won’t sync or the band breaks and the watch disappears or the dog ate your homework – oops, the old standby reflex just kicked in. Anyway, tunes to move to are in, but knowing exactly where you are, how far you’ve gone, and how long it’s taken to get there are totally out. Just Trust Me.

For an encore, I dipped into my special issue bag of top secret run leader powers, and wishing to use them for good for a change, arranged for a return to early spring temperatures for Saturday morning. The special powers are very strong, but they aren’t very long lasting, which means that it will likely warm up quickly as the sun draws higher and higher. Not to be daunted, cause a run leader likes to pretend like he is prepared for any situation, (although the repertoire typically consists of running, walking, or stopping – not necessarily in that order), we’re chosen to honor all of those unspoken requests and have agreed to start our run 30 minutes earlier. For the time anchored sort who desire a bit more precision in their muster, plan on arriving at Veteran’s Park Saturday morning at 6:15 AM’ish, and we’ll take it from there. Also, it might be good to bring along several sets of left and right turns, ‘cause we’ll be using quite a few. As the last long training run, make sure you do all that other prepping and primping and nutritioning and hydaterating thingamabobs that you should get down pat (which is way much different than a pat down) before the actual marathon.

If everyone does their part, which pretty much means to not question anything I say within earshot distance, it’s not entirely outside the realm of imagination that Saturday could actually be Something Special.

Also, I hate to keep bringing this up, but PLEASE, just this one time, kind observance of the No Hitting Run Leaders Rule Suggestion Hope would be much appreciated.

Larry

2011-04-15T00:12:00.002-05:00

Way back when it rained a lot round here, I had posted this video. I have been wanting to re-post it for a while, but I thought people could just not relate to it. But after the well documented phenomena last night, I thought it was finally time to take this video off the shelf and share it again. Enjoy.

RunnersWorld Runners attack Big D (and Big D attacks back!!)

2011-04-10T17:44:00.011-05:00

Several of our runners made a trip south to visit Dallas, work on their tan, and since they were there anyway--run a marathon or half marathon. This blogger does not have a complete list of who all went, but give me a shout-out in the comment column, and I'll give you kudos. I do know that Brian and Misti Stanton, Laurie Whitesell, Alana Duncan, Jodi Williams, and Susan Westmoreland represented RunnersWorld doing either the half or full. Temperatures soared, and most runners had a personal battle with the heat. But all of our runners made it to the finish line unscathed--well, nearly all.
Susan Westmoreland (pictured next to the trail_zombie after her MotherRoad Marathon finish back on 10-10-10 ) was cruising along to another half marathon finish. Around mile 12, someone stepped out of an alley as she passed, and instead of shouting the usual "looking good" or "you're almost there", she grabbed Susan's Camelback and yanked, throwing Susan to the ground. Susan, understandably startled, held on to the front straps while this crackhead mugger yanked the pack from behind and yelled "I WANT YOUR MELON!!!"
While I would liked to have had a picture, Susan's camera was IN the backpack (whereas a GOOD paparazzi would have had the camera in her/his hand.) Fortunately, this happened near an intersection where three policemen were directing traffic, and they ran to Susan's rescue and took this crazy woman away. Susan was not hurt, although she did land a little hard on the ground, and she finished her race after giving the police a few details. This woman was maybe 80 pounds, according to our beloved victim Susan, but had superhuman strength possibly due to a good hit of meth. ("Hit"---is that what they call a dose of meth??) A side note--the above pic is not actually of the backpack grabber, but one I found on Google. Laurie Whitesell described the mugger as a cross between Don King and an old Ike Turner--but female. So if the actual person in this picture sees this and calls me out, I'll just deal with it.

So what can we make of all of this? Well, for one, this is a half marathon Susan will never forget. She now has a new nickname--Melon. And I think she would be well advised to get a different backpack to eliminate any future confusion.

The Hard Part is Done

2011-04-07T21:50:00.007-05:00

When: Saturday, April 09, 2011 6:45 AM-9:30 AM. Central Standard Time
Where: Veteran's Park (21st & Boulder)

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The Hard Part is Done

Still less than 100 %, but most of us should be back to our basic routine and core training schedule this week.
Yep, we got last week's sandy springs and lakey ‘McMurderies out of our system, and we can now focus on what we do best - mutilating route directions, getting lost but rarely admitting it, harassing fellow/fellowette runners, complaining about every nagging ache or pain, stuffing our post run faces with carbonage, and overall loving every sweatingly minute of the Tulsa Runners World Dom-N-8RZ marathon training experience. That’s what I’m talking about!

Oh, the places we have been, the stories we can commun-i-fabr-i-cate, and the trail damages that we have inflicted …. It’s these misremembered memories that allow us to once again pursue the rapidly approaching goal that seemed so distant and semi-committed way back when. Once again, the power of body and spirit weakening substances reigns supreme over our arguably otherwise rational decision making capabilities. There’s a reason why races are carefully labeled with daring and intriguing monikers such as “Midnight Madness” as opposed to the more descriptive and accurate “50 Miles of Excruciating Pain and Body Slamming Humidity”. Something about friends don’t let friends suffer alone, Missouri loves company, and other traditional saying two numbersome to speak of, take it or leave a half baker’s dozen – you get my drift lumber.

So this Sat (all the cool people now say “Sat” versus the prior word that described the day after Friday and the one before Sunday – wouldn’t be cool to slip in a reckless ‘urday), we remuster at Veteran’s Park, say around 6:45 AM’ish, administer our ever popular group air hugs where we try to sacrificially expel all our slow running genes/genettes, and with semi-coordinated laces and increasing pulse rates wait in tepid anticipation for this week’s chaotic route instructions. We confidently and silently assure ourselves that the exhilarations of running off course are just a few tens of minutes away, but still, it takes the patience of Job, as well as the disabled ears of great grandpa to make it through another one of Pretty Boy Brian’s megaphone protracted post dawn sermons.
Also, back by popular demand, this week’s run has been carefully and sadistically infused with sloping sections that magically trend upward in a 4 to 1 disproportion to the portions oriented towards the down low. And just to provide the right balance of rigid scientificological data collection required to prove whatever lost point that I originally envisioned, we’ve solemnly vowed to switch our garmins from left to right, turn our maps over and upside down, and re-run the 6’ish mile slopewinder course in reverse for our second lap. Breadcrumbs and spray paint might come in handy. Mileage du jour de Sat is 12 (Int) and 14 (Adv), presuming we can once again comply with our recently enacted No Hitting Run Leaders Policy. Special advice for our flailing fashionistas: Peeking ahead just a bit at the weatherometer, I don’t recommend wearing anything that won’t survive a severe desweatification process.

With the time and the date and the course, and finally the last minute tip-o-da-week instructions to stay primarily in an upright posture all set, the hard part is truly done. All that’s left is to leg it out, and to hope that next week we get to run a long one.

Larry

Lake McMurtry Preview

2011-03-25T18:28:00.001-05:00

This Saturday marks the 13th running of the Lake McMurtry Trail Run. This is the race that started it all for me. In 2003 I signed up and ventured over to Stillwater to run a 25K, which at that time was my longest race to date. I remember seeing a handful of 50Kers head off, and I was dumbfounded at how it was even possible for one to run 31 miles. These guys (and gals) amazed me!!
I lined up and raced the 25K, finishing in the middle of the pack, and was disgusted with my slow time (2:33), but now I can't even DREAM of being that fast. Nor do I want to be! It hurts too bad!
The next year, I ran the 50K, and finished in 7:05, I think. I have never missed this race since, and have progressively gotten slower.
In 2006, a contingent of trail runners from Tulsa invaded Stillwater. At that time, TATUR was merely an idea tossed around by Brian Hoover and Dan Threlkeld, and a good idea it was. Many of these Tulsa Area Trail/Ultra Runners have since became closer than family.

I DNFd at McMurtry that year. It was a year that the temps were in the 90s for those still running in the afternoon. I had prided myself in having never getting lost, and that streak came to an end. I dropped at the half was point, but I had ran about 4 extra miles due to my own stupidity. But, I had dibs on the burgers, Chuck's jambalaya, and a few cold beers. Life was very good!

I met Mike Snyder, a guy from Tulsa who ran with the RunnersWorld gang. (Believe it or not, I was not a RunnersWorld runner at that time.) Mike seemed like a friendly guy, and he thought it might be fun to go out to the Leap O' Doom to take a few pictures. I was not a camera person at that time, but I did have a disposable camera and grabbed it....and a bottle of ketchup. Mike later wrote a report of our adventure that I call The Legend of the Leap O' Doom! (Please click on this link to read Mike's account!) Mike and Diana became some of our best friends, and despite their moving away, we still think of them as family.

Mike's artwork was last years shirt....with a few changes. Mike's creative touch with the scriggly lines and the determined look on Mr. Stickman would mot show up on a tech shirt, so it was revised. I liked the finished shirt design, but I may make another stab at the original artwork on the 2012 shirt.

This year's shirt is a more sedated design. (I was sedated when I came up with it :-P) It's a gray tech shirt, and I like it a lot!! You'll get tired of seeing me wear it over and over.
This year, we'll also have some honkin big medals for all finishers. Don't miss out, as there are only 250 medals and shirts. Sign up quick!!

Lake McMurtry is a beautiful course. Truly....no fibbing here--there are very few rocks, no bad hills, and miles and miles of scenic single track. This course is far easier than Turkey and Taturs. It's a little harder than the Snake Run. Lake McMurtry is a trail runner's paradise.Bright blue skies, crunchy leaves, wind rustling through the boughs of budding trees, while the waves lap at the lake shores.Not all is single track....there are a few short sections on primitive dirt roads. But the view is more often than not, breath-taking.I'll be over there this Saturday marking the course. I would love to make it idiot-proof. I believe there might be a year when no one gets off course. We'll mark all the intersections so if you're paying attention, you'll be just fine.There's a few short little uphills here and there. A few downhills too!

And of course, the....
It is not too late to sign up for this race. We will probably run out of shirts, so sign up soon! Wanna just come hang out? We could sure use a few volunteers at the aid stations and start/finish area. You will have the gratitude of TZ, which is a very good thing! :-) Or, do both! Run the 12K, and then grab a cup of jambalaya or a some awesome BBQ, and give the crazy 25 and 50Kers a cup of Gatorade and some some psychiatric advice!

Turn It Up

2011-03-22T19:17:00.005-05:00

When: Saturday, March 26, 2011 6:45 AM-10:30 AM. Central Standard Time
Where: Veteran's Park (21st & Boulder)

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Turn It Up

We all are familiar with the adage of “one good turn deserves another”, and there seems to be an intuitive logic and natural order to such non-cluttered guidance. What’s a little more challenging is figuring out what steps to make when preceded by a series of “bad turns” – like those experienced during last Saturday’s training run.
Even more difficult is the task of determining when enough directional guidance assistance is enough – already.
It wasn’t from a lack of preparation, and certainly not from a lack of applied technology that led to our undermining. We had printed instructions, Technicolor-highlighted route maps, global position system tracking devices, electronic turn-by-turn guidance alerts, local area knowledge, and were even accompanied by several runners who professed route familiarity. But yet, not surprisingly to those who have trod with us before, we managed to get off course – and not just once. Not technically “lost”, but yet admittedly conflicted on how to get back to where we were expected to be.
What we weren’t lacking were multiple conflicting opinions of which direction to go, including suggestions of retrace our steps in hopes of finding the elusive, and surely heavily camouflaged, “correct turn”. The upside is that our wanderings presented us with the opportunity to have multiple intermingling with less directionally challenged RW groups (translation: Groups with run leaders who place a trace amount of emphasis on harmony, and also observe the “try to bring everyone back that you started with” objective – or was that more of a suggestion?). The friendly salutations of “Where have you guys been?” are such a welcome sound – the third time as welcome as the first. One might reasonably wonder whether anything short of double barricaded streets, guide dogs, or certified mapologists would keep us on the straight and narrow.

Taking the higher trail, with time to develop proper excuses, we Dom-N-8RZ proudly justify our apparent directionally challenged attributes as being a ruse. Yeah, that’s it. We wanted to gauge the group's problem solving and conflict resolution skills. This also presented us with the opportunity to assess whether we would come together when presented with a little controversy, simulating upsets that can occur during a marathon, where the unexpected can always and usually does happen. Or, we are uberly concerned about ensuring that the 'Noes & 'Nettes aren’t cheated out of their fair share of training miles, so we cleverly incorporate feigned extra detours to pad the Garmin-o-meters. And finally, there’s something that could likely be said about presenting the opportunity for additional cultural experiences by going where no runners should ever go alone. Master Plan.

Sensing that there still might be a skeptic or twenty among us, we are dedicating this week’s training run to staying on the designed course. Further, knowing that just about anyone can follow an explicit scripting of mazerly left and right turns orchestrated in random order, we have bravely accepted the challenge of staying on a course that is primarily void of turns, and one that is an out and back. We realize that human nature is to constantly be in search for life’s next turn, to explore unchartered territories, and to defend to the end that we aren’t lost.
So it will be especially challenging to follow a straight line. Seeing the same course, in reverse fashion, on the return trip will probably cause a lot of freaky anxiety moments. This would be a good time to repeat our oft practiced Dom-N-8RZ reassuring mantra of “Believe in your Run Leader – Believe in your Run Leader – Believe in your Run Leader”. See, I feel better already, sort of, if I don’t think about it. (Privately, I just don’t think we can stand losing another 3 or 4 runners without the RW brain trust starting to ask a few snoopish questions.)

Sensing our collective calmed nerves and anticipation for our next outing, let’s book it for 6:45 AM’ish on Saturday at Veteran’s Park. We have goal distances of 10 (Int) and 20 (Adv) miles. This will be a destination run, with the opportunity to look back with the benefit of a vertically assisted vantage to “see from whence we came”, and to experience a little elevated air. For those sporting tunes, Turn It Up may just come in handy.

Larry

A race report from a friend

2011-03-20T16:26:00.005-05:00

A good friend, Alan aka Yogi ran the 3-Hour Snake Run, and wrote a very good race report. Alan has been dabbling in trail running and racing, having run the T&T 10K the past couple of years, and the Post Oak 10K as well. He wrote a good and complimentary race report on his blog. It's funny, insightful, and definately worth a read. I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars. Enjoy. (click here)

http://crustygasguy.blogspot.com/2011/03/tatur-snake-run.html

How Did We Get Here?

2011-03-16T21:57:00.006-05:00

When: Saturday, March 19, 2011 6:45 AM-10:30 AM (GMT-06:00) Central Time (US & Canada).
Where: Veteran's Park (21st & Boulder)

Note: The GMT offset above does not reflect daylight saving time adjustments.

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How Did We Get Here?

And more importantly, how do we get back – before it’s too late? Well, sorry to break it to you, but we are where we are and there’s no turning back. Best to go ahead and run into the light, ignoring the whistle and the rumply ground. Yep, it pretty much happens to all of us. You wake up one day and suddenly find that you’re another day older, with responsibilities, with way too much to ever get done, and really not much way of telling if you’re gaining ground or possibly just not falling behind as much as you once were.

So we run – a lot – sometimes too much, and sometimes not enough, but rarely just the right amount. Some parts are tired, some are sore, and others need more work – it’s a constant balance, knowing that if you ever give in to the Siren’s Call to rest, that you quickly slide all the way back to the bottom, with added poundage to help anchor you to your restful pose.

And so we also obediently set the clocks forward, and we set them back again when further instructed. We wait for our weekly secret missions, with apparently random originations and deviant and elusive direction challenging obstacle routes. We not only guess whether the water will be cold or hot, but whether it will even be turned on. Bathrooms open, sealed shut, or get creative, but still not a deterrent. Temperatures down, wind up, and moisture in every form and size, but none of which can overcome. We make feeble mutterings about “bonus miles”, but do them anyway. We endure random acts of being be-necklaced, and we pound out every dangling mile. The mileage targets go up so quickly, forever withholding that satisfactory feeling of “we made it, we can do this” before inching up again. But we stay at it, simultaneously blocking out and taking in the sometimes incoherent Runners Banter, discussing the world’s problems and solving none of them, all to help the time pass and the miles build. Jokes and jabs, serious and silly, they all converge together when blended with plugged in tunes and intermittent hearings and even less frequent comprehension. Casually run into one another in our otherwise “normal world”, and we would often be stammering to have a conversation. But back on terra traila, we look after one another and pick up the conversation from last week, or last month, or whenever, almost like time stopped between outings while waiting patiently for our return.

We barely know one anther/anotherette, but we darn sure notice when a runner goes AWOL. When one of our own stumbles and falls, we share the pain and even feel somewhat responsible for choosing a path that was so vertically challenging. Knowing that others are out there making the effort helps all of us get out there to make the effort, running for ourselves yes, but also running to help others around us.

Which brings us to this week’s run, where the Intermediates (20 miles) get to strut their stuff to the Advanced (12 miles) for a change. Yes, it’s a big number, but we just gotta’ do it, and we know we can, ‘cause we’ve worked for this day, and we’re gonna’ do it – together. So remember to bring your fave long distance kicks, lace ‘em up just so, and join the rest of the Dom-N-8RZ trail mongers down at Veteran’s Park at 6:45 AM’ish on Saturday morning. If we’re lucky, we may get there just around day break. We get to go exploring new paths this week, and just might see some really, really old stuff.

Which will hopefully leave us wondering “How do we get there again – quickly?”

Larry

Come Run The Snake!!!

2011-03-14T17:12:00.001-05:00

One of our favorite races is almost upon us!! Each year in March, TATUR has an event that is unique to these parts. Most races are a specified distance--a 5K, a 15K, a half or full marathon. But this race is different. In this race, your know in advance what your finishing time will be. The question is--how far can you go? TATUR's Six Hour/Three Hour Snake Run is in it's 4th year, starting out as little more than a club outing, it had grown to where we'll OWN the west side of Turkey Mountain this Saturday.

This race is similar to other fixed distance venues--you'll have race numbers, the event is timed, and there are trophies and finishers awards. But the competition in this race is yourself. Can you run for three hours or six hours, and just how far can you go? The Snake Trail is named not for the population of slithery reptiles, but for the winding route of the trail. But special recognition will be given for any snake sightings. The course record for the six hour event is 42 miles for the men, and 34 miles for the women. The record for the three hour event is 21.5 miles for the men, and 16 miles for the women. Last year was the first running of the three hour event, and that race was blasted by a cold front and a blanket of wet snow. With warm, dry conditions this year, those records may fall. Male and female 1st through 3rd places in both the three and six hour races will take home one of these bad boys. Wouldn't one of these snakes look awesome on your trophy shelf? All finishers will receive a snake medal. The one catch: the finish of this race is not at the end of a specified distance. The finish is when the gun signals the end of the three or six hours. While theoretically, you could run and take an extended break, you had better finish the race on the move to earn your prize. And as always, TATUR does not disappoint with the race shirts. We have 250 of these, so sign up early to ensure yourself one.

And stay around after you are through. There'll be food, various means of hydration, friends, and fun. The fun starts at 9:00 am Saturday morning at the top of Lipbuster (Elwood north of 71st Street where it turns west into 61st Street), but be there early. Parking is difficult, and you don't want to have to sprint up the big hill to get to the starting line.

And look at it this way. You know you need to get your long run over the weekend anyway. Why not come out, run with friends, get a cool shirt and finishers medal, and eat to your heart's content after the run? To good to be true? Not at all!! Click on the above link, or you can sign up at RunnersWorld at 43rd and Peoria. See you there!!

Chaos Runs Rampant

2011-03-11T00:11:00.004-06:00

When: Saturday, March 12, 2011 6:45 AM-11:00 AM. Central Standard Time
Where: Veteran's Park (21st & Boulder)

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Chaos Runs Rampant

Congratulations Dom-N-8RZ on last week’s Bead Adorned over achiever 18 Mile (actually closer to 19 miles) Training Run.
As promised, the Creek Turnpike Trail was relatively flat, when favorably compared against the terrain of a Colorado ski resort, and more importantly, if you adhered to the sage cautionary advice to not look up or down during the run. Besides, those Garmin elevations have been prone to exaggeration. The lightly renowned non practicing nor sanctioned accounting firm of Irish Ken Richardson and Minions, VLLC (“very limited liability corporation”) were able to proclaim with feigned confidence that a majority of our aspiring marathon group was able to return to the starting point, give or take a few (Note to Self: Consider roll count at the start of the next run; try reasonably hard to remember that number; repeat roll call at the end of the run; and develop some mathematical algorithm designed to get “grenade close” on the over/under count, with an optimistic goal of minimizing casualtems/casualtettes.)

So, if you think our high mileage feet was accomplished by accident, you would be sadly mistaken. Chalking it up to a carefully designed and diligently executed mileage escalating training schedule might seem plausible, but I can assure you would not hold a bucket of congealed anti-chafe cream under mild courtroom cross examination. The undeterred spirit of the human mind and the ability to rise to previously unimaginable goals? – hardly. The competitive nature that kicks in gear when confronted with physical challenges that pit one against our peers/peerettes? – uh, that would also be wrong. The self preservation mode that drives one to complete the task so as to return home to those loved ones that you abandoned in the wee morning hours to spend the better part of a weekend morning sweating with nearly complete strangers loosely bound by the bonds of a proper shoelace tie, hoping beyond hope to escape approximately 36 hours of icy stairs and terse criticism? – yeah, that’s a good one, but nonetheless inaccurate. No, Dom-N-8-RZ unreservedly subscribe to the theory that our mileage consuming feets are the result of LUCK. And not just any luck, but that special kind that is adjectively defined with the complimentary terms of “blind”, “dumb”, and most inebriating of all, “Irish”. Yes, it’s the latter that allows us to daze and ponder upon past and future accomplishments whilst straining for those elusive last droplets clinging to the bottom of the once frosty mug. And hot wings. The circle of life, runner’s style – preload, run, drink, eat, drink, make excuses, rest, drink, exaggerate, drink, complain about the weather conditions, drink, apologize, drink, rest, work a minimal amount, drink – AND repeat AND repeat AND repeat AND ....

This week marks the long anticipated return (not exactly certain anticipated by whom, but that’s likely just a matter of tacky details) to Veteran’s Park. Not a bit like weary soldiers returning to home base, we find ourselves seeking the comforting embrace of an artfully carved tree trunk and familiar paths. We’ve done Jenks, or vice versa, and we’ve RW Bumped the Tulsa Fairgrounds, so it’s time to back up and allow our run droplings to germinate and do their prospering magic. It’s home stretch time (much different than physically stretching, which we try to avoid at all costs, no matter how tight the calves and quads may feel), time to eliminate distractions, and time to focus on fine tuning our marathon consuming machines.

But maybe we should ease into it a bit, ‘cause after all, this Saturday is the St. Patrick’s 5K, and it wouldn’t be karma-ically correct to test our fates by turning our livers away from the nurturing elixirs typically available in post race reflections. No, that wouldn’t be Lucky – not even a wee, wee bit, especially for aspiring leprechauns, especially not before an upcoming marathon.

By imagined contract, I’m compelled to get a little run leaderly at this point and advise that we are, regrettably, scheduled for 20 (Adv) and 9 (Int) miles on Saturday. So we will meet at 6:45 AM’ish (Note earlier start time) at Veteran’s Park, and take it from there. We’ll head over to the St. Patrick’s 5K and perform our traditional quality control inspection, deliver any of our disorderly flock who wish to swagger, stumble, and sway through the 5K run, and then continue on with a quest of veteranly honoring our mileage quotas before returning somewhat intact to VP.

Chaos, running type, doesn’t get much simpler, or luckier than that.

Larry

March On

2011-03-01T21:28:00.008-06:00

When: Saturday, March 05, 2011 6:45 AM-10:30 AM. Central Standard Time
Where: Jenks RiverWalk (96th Street Bridge - West Side)

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March On

Couldn’t be happier, ‘cause March is where it’s at – like in “happ’nin”. Ain’t no coincidence that “happ’nin” and “happiness” are so phonetically linked. I mean March has got it all, starting first and foremost with a full slate of 31 big days – none of those sloppy unmarked and unused trailing calendar slots at the end of the month. Plus, it’s chalk full of long run training dates – those highly anticipated and ever popular 20’ish mile distance challenges that make our feet and legs just go all mushy towards the end of a run.
It’s got party days, like Bead Dispatching Day (otherwise known as Mardi Gras and apparently a Dom-N-8RZ fave), St. Pat’s Day (not sure, but think this is a TSA inspired event, where all the electronic full body scanners become mysteriously dysfunctional and default hand searches are mandatory – Note to Self: avoid airport security checkpoints to avoid a pat down experience … but, then again, when feeling a little lonely …),

March Madness – (not sure on this one either – sounds like some rabbinous hostile infection), the start of 40 days of fasting (could be some tortuous speed work regimen), National Irish American Heritage Month (surely there is some reason why this is relevant to us, but we'll need to defer to Irish Ken for enlightenment via his unique Guinness spin), and the ultimate in self perception drama filled highs and lows with the “National Everything You Do Is Wrong” day immediately followed by the “National Everything You Do Is Right” day (who needs emotional roller coasters?).

And did I mention significant birthdays? Good, ‘cause I wouldn’t want to come across as self absorbed and getting’ all carried away in my own ‘Tude-ness. Plus, I was thinking about Bill’s, which is this Friday, except it’s a secret, so please don’t tell too many other people, but do make sure you mention it frequently on Saturday to Stairmaster Bill, cause he’s getting along in years and it’s difficult to separate those conversations that you have out loud versus the silent ones between you and the internal voices. Rock on Stairmaster – young at heart, wealthy with experience!

Also, and possibly most importantly, March means that the evil month of “Feb-Brerr-ary” is finally over. That little temptress of a month showed up at the end of January with promises of “I won’t overstay my welcome – I’ll keep it short”, “I just want to spread a little love”, and “I just want to give everyone a good excuse to eat mountains of heart shaped chocolates and 50+ year hardened candies”. Not a nary “wink wink” warning of shovel grinding dustings of long lasting frozen precipitate or city paralyzing obstacle course roads and neighborhoods. Thankfully, the challenges of “Feb-Brerr-ary” did not negatively impact relations between our city leaders. Be Gone Feb-Brerr-ary, along with your slippery mess, all your sun starved groundhogs, and your paltry 28 parka adorned days.

In keeping with neither recordable nor known tradition whatsoever, the RW Brain Trust has been recently distraught with the reality that there just never seems to be enough time to run all those unrealized miles and trails.
(Aside: Always wondered how eerily similar the spellings of “Brain” and “Brian” are, yet the actual comparisons couldn’t be farther apart. Oh well, must be one of life’s little inside humor occurrences.) In a “what to do – what to do” moment of un-inspiration, with an astute recognition of mimicry being the best form of flattery (way different than plagiarism or copying an idea and claiming it as your own), we looked to Daylight Savings Time to help shed a few rays on our dilemma. Rolling the clocks forward an hour for the start of our Saturday morning training runs would indeed be a great solution, but turns out that the government already has dibs on this approach. Plus, PB Brian says his clock doesn’t roll very well as it has an oblong shape, so alternatively we will NOT adjust the clocks but will just set the alarms to begin our runs an hour earlier. In the spirit of full disclosure, this challenging time management head scratcher required intervention from Coach Kathy. Her timing couldn’t have been better, as Brian was on the brink of breaking into his third jar of girth enhancing inspirational peanut butter – we all owe Coach K our gratitude, helping to make the trails a little safer during passing man/manette-euvers.

With the appetizers complete, our main course will be served this Saturday at 6:45 AM’ish (NEW TIME – START One Hour Earlier) at the Jenks RiverWalk Bridge. We are scheduled for 18 miles (both Int and Adv groups) of hill infused harmonious path scuffing (ever wonder how far East the Creek Turnpike Trail goes?). This will be the final chapter of the infamous Jenks RW Bump, which is needed more than ever following last week's alarming news of financial problems for the RiverWalk development. As a gut check to whether the RW Bump magic is still there, we note for the record the new Waterfront restaurant and the Jenks High School New Swimmin' Hole observed during last week’s run, assuring all that our beneficial impacts are still being flung about – sorta like discarded water cups.

March On, in brisk fashion, following our nearly patented Dom-N-8RZ styled loosely clustered and erratic random formation.

Larry
.

Why Wait for Fat Tuesday?

2011-02-24T23:10:00.001-06:00

When: Saturday, February 26, 2011 7:45 AM-10:30 AM. Central Standard Time
Where: Jenks River Walk (96th Street River Bridge)

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Why Wait for Fat Tuesday?
Is it just me – oh wait, it couldn’t be – everything isn’t about me – although …. – or has the month of February been a running trail wreck in terms of putting the proverbial snow boot up our getalongs? It’s been too cold, the snow’s too deep, I had to shovel the last week and now I feel like my back is in traction, I had this little south of the border vacation getaway – yeah, all of that and more. Net result is staring me in the mirror and overflowing the belt line. I have to admit it’s a little depressing, although this experience has helped me partially restock some much needed empathy points when I pause to think what Pretty Boy Brian has to deal with on a continual basis. So, net effect, there’s just a whole lot more of me to push around the trail and with which to leave lasting indentations. Last Saturday’s wonderful temperatures and an upper teenish mileage training target couldn’t have come at a worse time.

Anywhichwayhoweveryouwannacutit, now we’re back and needing to quickly reconcile any mileage gaps that we have been accumulating. Turns out that although we may have been thrown off a little from our training game plan, our upcoming targeted race dates did not follow suit and reciprocate. Unlike school snow days, we’re not allowed to just add those missed days back in and extend the training period. But that’s OK, ‘cause we’re Dom-N-8RZ – darn nearly straight. As the well worn saying goes: “We may fall upon occasion, but we refuse to bounce.” We’ll simply just cinch up those support belts another notch, turn a slightly deeper shade of purple hue, put down the feed bags of discount 80% off V-Day sweets, and get out there and do what we imagine that we are capable of doing. As the esteemed and rosy cheeked Irish Ken espoused in his recent haggling, this week is a good opportunity to “catchup” (without the fries) with a few bonus miles.
This Saturday finds us back for Dose 2 of 3 in our charitable Jenks RW Bump. We will again muster at River Walk, west side of 96th Street River crossing, at 7:45 AM’ish, for a scheduled 8 mile (Int)/10 mile (Adv) training run. FREE BONUS OFFER with minimum strings attached: This would be a great week to have your run-envious clamoring friends and any prodigal Dom-N-8RZ to come on out and join us in the festivities. Our deviously crafted run route is predominantly flat, with only the slightest of inclines with which to help us polish up on our sailor lingo.

Fat February can’t get behind us soon enough (as we hoist a double fisted double cheeseburger toast with jumbo shake topper). Surely we possess the requisite 15 minutes or so of will power to resist girth yielding temptations before we begin our upcoming extended 2 weekish Mardi Gras celebrations. But more realistically, why wait at all, cause if you’re standing still then someone is likely gaining on you.

Fat Larry

RW Bump

2011-02-15T22:03:00.010-06:00

When: Saturday, February 19, 2011 7:45 AM-11:30 AM. Central Standard Time
Where: Jenks River Walk (96th Street - West Side of River)

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RW Bump

I know this is re-treading on common knowledge, but sometimes it’s comforting to stride down memory run path to help invoke the joggerly senses – only I’m among the first to recognize that these invites don’t necessarily qualify as comforting. Senseless – yes. Easy on the noggin – er, not so much.

The renowned Runners World Bump is something that we didn’t invent. Rather, it happened naturally, and without any predetermined intervention or conniving strategeries with which to rustle the cosmic order. Turns out that as we have blissfully booked our training miles in quest of that ever elusive next race PR, never did we imagine what was transpiring in our wake.

I think it all started when we used to start our runs from the RW store, and typically headed to the river. It wasn’t very long before the powers that be took notice and collectively said “Hey, we gotta get these folks some better trails”.
“And we might as well upgrade the parks and facilities while we’re at it”. RW Bump Example #1. Similar thing with the road upgrades on Peoria and 41st, as again it was recognized that with so many runners flocking to the store every time Coach K sirened us with Gatorade and snacks,
that the city planners better improve ingress and egress access to the store. Bump #2.

Probably one of our more notable bumps occurred shortly after we started routing our training runs through downtown Tulsa.
BOK Center – Boom! OneOk Baseball Field – Pop! Brady District Resurgence – Pow! Downtown Street Replacements – Yessir! Other running group opens downtown store – Wave Rider and New Year’s run imitator! Big Time Bump #3.

Veteran’s Park to 18th and Riverside standard jaunt, probably our most familiar and most utilized of all the RW routes. It took a while, but not because we had lost our cosmic zing. No, it had to be just right, it had to be grand.
Well, I’m sure you’ve taken notice as we’ve stumbled past Bump #4 – the Blue Rose on the River Restaurant. It welcomes all comers, with a special place on its deck for the RW ground patrol.

Recently falling on barren times, we moved our Saturday runs to the Tulsa Fairgrounds, and evidence of our Bump #5 is already forming under our feet.
Shortly after our pre and post run rituals, bookings for a Boat and Travel Expo, and now a Home and Garden Event have emerged. There’s even beyond just preliminary talk for later in the year to revive the Tulsa State Fair. Coincidence? I say not a chance.

Not really a bump, but I’m sure everyone took notice of our Poker Run origination – right inside Lee Elementary, a Tulsa Public School. The same School that has been shut down for nearly 2 weeks and not available to anyone or any activities “melted” to the warming powers of RW’s Coach K, and couldn’t answer with a “You Betcha” with any more vigor and excitement than if it had come directly from Sarah P’s lips. Although it hasn’t happened yet, I wouldn’t be surprised in the least to learn that come Monday morning, with residual sweat aromatizement wafting through the ventilation system, that Lee throws open its doors and resumes its scholarly mission. Bump in Waiting.

And my how good news travels fast. Not to be outdone, the Jenksodians to Tulsa’s south have beckoned us to please come and test their paths. Seems the economy is down a bit, and the river development projects have stalled a tad.
Jenks has even vowed to have the parking lots cleared of ice and snow as a show of good will. They’ve also said to stay as long as we please, as long as we promise to bless the landings with our pre run sign wavings to invigorate the shopping spirits. We respond with a “it’s our bestowed duty YES!” Of course we will be there, only with the size of the task, it will likely take about 3 weekly doses to get things BUMPED around. We’ll Get this Party Started at 7:45 AM at Jenks River Walk (west side of 96th Street Bridge), and plan on bumping out 18 (Adv)/16 (Int) miles.

Bump It Up!
Larry
.

It’s A Gamble

2011-02-08T21:32:00.009-06:00

When: Saturday, February 12, 2011 7:45 AM-10:00 AM (GMT-06:00) Central Time (US & Canada).
Where: Lee Elementary (21st & Boston)

It’s A Gamble

You may have already heard, but me and Snow done broke up – it’s over – we’re finished - Kabut with a capital "K". And this time I think it might just be permanent. Really. I don’t care if it comes floatin’ back, soft and all fluffy looking, or even masked in the form of crystal clear round pellets that make spectacular splashes in pools of water. I think it’s mostly a matter of too much, all at once, with Snow refusing to listen and abide by a firm “No” meaning truly, “just stop it – stop it right now”. Unless of course … No STOP IT! I don’t even want to think about what if’s or if only’s …. but still ….

You see, I’ve got this work thang, and then there’s this runnin’ thang, along with this XXXXX thang (almost tricked me into divulging that one – thank goodness for editorial privilege). All this came to an abrupt and sudden stop, when this Snow Thang, wrapped in a blizzardly special delivery package, comes a bangin’ at the door, the roof, and worst of all, streets, sidewalks, and driveways. Like some demented Flake who takes delight in watching me take momentary flight with both heels simultaneously raised to unrecoverable heights, ol’ Snow even hedged its bets by stashing an Ice up its sleeve, carefully laying it under seemingly safe footing. When Snow finally paused for restocking its arsenal, Snow then beckoned me out to play, if you call slingin’ a shovel for hours at a time “playing”. Getting played is more like it. All this snow and no place for it to go. You see, ol’ Snow teamed up with ol’ man Sol, where they conspired to keep temps down so that there would be no melturation going on, ensuring that “playing” outside would be the only way to combat the drifts. The alternative of letting the fluffy stuff turn to ice and remain until July was not an attractive alternative. And to make matters worse, I must embarrassingly reveal that my snow shovel of a few years back was mistakenly of the left handed variety – or so I suspicion, as continued utilization of that dreaded implement left me with sore back, neck, legs, arms, and most importantly – sore attitude.

With the last shovelful tendered, into the house I did slither, thinking I would be able to recover and run again in a measly 6-7 weeks or so. But my ex-Flame with the remarkable cold shoulder would have none of this, as a round two 4-inch “dusting” was freshly delivered in kidney-punching fashion, along with a non-romantic-in-the-least whispering of “there’s plenty more where this came from”. “And if you don’t get your saggin’ arse back out here and “play”, then it’s only gonna’ get worse – for you, not me.” It seems that Snow would not be denied, and playing hard to get was not an acceptable strategy.

Drawing renewed strength from being Runners World trained, versus snow shovel drained, it was back to the clearing, or disgustingly, “play” if you will. As we’ve come to appreciate, RW cadets may get tired and may be runnin’ on residual Gu fumes, but we don’t quit. So ol’ Snow, if you think you’re gambling with us, it really ain’t gambling at all, cause we got a sure bet.

Kinda’ like Saturday’s RW Poker Run, scheduled for 7:45 AM, with a start from and finish at Lee Elementary (21st and Boston). Just park at your fave place near Veteran’s Park, and stretch on over for some inspiring words of wisdom from Pretty Boy Brian (that wisdom part was stretching the rubber band just a tad bit more than manufacturer’s recommendation) on how to trade 5 cards collected during a 5 mile mystery route run into fabulous prizes. Blowing the cover on the brain trust held jiggly like too many holiday calories under his skin, PB Brian returns the $5 minimum Poker Run contribution entry fee to us runners in the form of training run snacks and water/Gatorade stations – all of it. When asked about the financial aspects of this “take it in and then give it all back” concept, Brian responds that he hopes that a lot of people come out and participate, and that maybe the extra volume will make it all work out. Plus, just to help keep this interesting, Runners World donates all kinds of runners’ bling – clothing, prizes, and riot-inciting stuff to be distributed to the lucky participants. All you can do is smile, tell Brian that’s an interesting thought, and hope Coach K keeps a close watch on him, especially around deep water, and more especially around desserts.

So, turn your shovel over, set it down, and come out and REALLY PLAY on Saturday. It’s a gamble you won’t regret.

Larry

Who says it's too cold to run????

2011-02-03T13:30:00.000-06:00

It had warmed to 18° and a couple of my RW friends had cabin fever and wanted to go for a run. I picked up Deborah and Christi, and we ran on rutted roads behind and north of RunnersWorld. (I did not see any orange cones and assume it was safe to park here.) I needed an easy run to loosen things up from sitting in the Jeep for hours, and Deb and Christi were wanting to blow the cobwebs out. Christi's awesome shirt! As long as we ran in snow smunched down by cars, it was just like trail running, except you slid a little every now and then. My feet were warm the whole time. I wore my Saucony Razers, which have built-in gaiters. It was a good choice, but I wish I had put screws in them. It was after running to the top of this hill, that a group of sledders called the girls "hardcore", which they liked immensely. I was lagging behind, and I did not get such a compliment. :-( We ended up with 6 miles, and promptly got stuck trying to plow through a snowdrift in the RW parking lot. It must have been the girls who have been living right, because not one but two trucks stopped to help--one came with a shovel, and the other with a tow rope. Funny how a disaster brings out the best in people.

It’s Not Fair

2011-02-03T12:02:00.012-06:00

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When: Saturday, February 05, 2011 7:45 AM-11:00 AM. Central Standard Time
Where: Veteran's Park (21st & Boulder)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

It’s Not Fair
When: Saturday, February 05, 2011 7:45 AM-11:00 AM. Central Standard Time
Where: Veteran's Park (21st & Boulder)
Nothing like getting an unprovoked shovel or two of freshly dumped snow down your compression shorts to put a damper on your running buzz. Yeah, the one we got last weekend while trekking 14+ miles of map challenged miles, where to the outside observer we surely resembled a well organized unit, while internally, and all too often guilty of thinking out loud, were utterances of “OMG! Where is he taking us now, and why can no one seem to be able to read a map with printed instructions?”. Willing to forgive and hold deep seated grudgements, it’s time to move on and talk about, oh, I don’t know, could it be the weather? Last weekend, 70+ degrees, worried that we might not be consuming enough fluids, we found ourselves (literally, we had to re-find ourselves several times) cruisin’ along, feeling somewhat cheated as 70% or so (liberal rounding at work) of the course consistently headed down hill. It was so bad that whenever we would find the occasional uphill, there would be those amongst our group who would give an “I love this hill” shout out, triggering a unified lumbering gait.

So I’m not sure if this week’s snowfall was payback for setting off every possible neighborhood dog alarm,
or causing several labor stoppages at the Braden Park Pond while workers gazed in amazement at our magellanesque guide skills and our ability to seamlessly run and bicker and talk constantly without saying much of anything, or the way that we carefully made sure that we covered the right side, the left side, and the center of each roadway that we wandered, or possibly the reverbs from way too many hip hop tuned iphones/MP3’s which caused a shifting of the earth’s forces – enough to cause a record blizzard only 2 days removed from a couldn’t be better last Saturday of January.

So we got a lot of snow, with reports swinging wildly depending on who and where. Being kind of scientificologically oriented (I think this means that you’re always supposed to point your compass to semi-true north), I elected to employ rarely used and unskilled measurement techniques with the intent of officially determining the amount of snow that we received in midtown Tulsa.
So I carefully took and recorded 7 vertical snow measurements in random non-drifting yardish locations, threw out the high and the low as variable control datum, and then added the remaining five 12” to 14” carefully collected readings. Being the perfectionist that few people recognize that I am, I not only double but I triple checked my math, and averaged the three various summations. With a precision unmatched by many, I hereby proclaim that we received in excess of 5 feet of snowfall (exact amount is still being determined, as there is this somewhat messy and complicated issue of converting inches to feet to resolve).

It’s enough snow that I am able to hesitantly predict that it is going to be with us for a while. Ordinarily, if we received this much snowfall in the summer, it would be gone pretty quickly, but something about the relatively short days and long nights in February, combined with minimal foliage to reabsorb the moisture into plants and trees, plus the fact that hardly anyone is driving these days to help slushify the flakes, it might be good to break out a snickers bar cause we’re likely gonna’ be stuck with this for a long time.

Which brings us to this Saturday’s scheduled 14(Int)/16(Adv) training run – or not. Actually, an executive decision has been concocted that we all are eligible for a “Get Out of Running” invisible coupon for Saturday’s Run. Rather than physically run the miles, we are allowed, on this one time only offer, to borrow from The Music Man (an old style musical), and employ the “think system” to satisfy our physical mileage affliction. Since running is something like 72% mental (and only 65% physical and only 23% stylin’ and only 17% groovin’ on tunes), the “think system” will allow us to exercise the noodlin’ aspect of lung distance running. Plus, we are only 1 week away from the infamous 5-Mile Runners World Poker Run, where each runner skillfully and artfully runs in a fashion so as to assemble the best “no bluffing allowed and $1 maximum bet” poker hand, which can then be gambled for wonderful prizes on public school property. So naturally, wanting to excellerate at this walk up only everyone can enter event, we all need our taper, and this would be a good weekend weather wise to get it in.

On the other foot, if you do insist on potentially moistening your backside with a slippery Saturday morning run, then you will want to do so by starting at Veteran’s Park at 7:45 AM’ish. Just look for the small crowd and you know you’ll be wherever you are standing at the time.
Due to the streets expected to still be a mess, we’re making a course deviation of running South down the River Park trails in hopes that they will be cleared. If you do run South, don’t forget to turn around at some point and return North, cause continually running South is the long way around. Although someone with Runners World connections will always be running, please exercise caution and your own judgment on whether you come out or save it for another day. (NOTE: Actual serious part of this invitation.)

(Snow plow picture courtesy of Charlie Wilsey.)

So, be safe this week, ‘cause we’ve got many more miles in store down the path, and we need you to be healthy and bruise free to truly be able to enjoy future guilt free tortuous training runs.

Don’t Be “FAIR” – as in meeting at the Tulsa Fairgrounds this weekend.

Larry

Fair is in the Deep Fry of the Beholder

2011-01-26T22:52:00.002-06:00

When: Saturday, January 29, 2011 7:45 AM-10:30 AM. Central Standard Time
Where: Tulsa County Fairgrounds (21st & Louisville)

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While we once again ponder the mileage opportunities for this weekend’s Fairly routed training run, we are mortally bound to pause and reflect, and possibly scorn – just a bit. While it is Fairly true that the Dom-N-8RZ are doubly blessed by being an incohesive blend of Intermediate and Advance staggerers, the concept of “everyone choose what works best for him/himette”, came with a fundamental assumption that this would be a one time declaration. Maybe twice if you caught us in a moment of weekness. And of course also allowing for society’s long practiced equality-plus Fair rights of the financially endowed, more than one declaration assisted with the generous sharing of the green with selected Run Leaders (and by “selected run leaders” we once again are excluding those who aren’t me) is highly not frowned upon.

NOTE To Nosey Regulator Types: “Generous sharing of the green” is not, most definitely, a windy expression for “bribe”, because that could be frowned upon in some bizarre SEC-ish sort of way. Plus, that wouldn’t be Fair. Rather, said sharing would be compensation for professional services that are not entirely unlike looking the other way in a favored nation treatment sort of way, would be an appropriate, but more importantly, Fair interpretation.
Notwithstanding the free market option herein defined, waiting until the weekly mileage targets are posted to “help guide” the selection of advanced or intermediate runner training regimen will henceforth result in an Old Country inspired very unlucky Irish hexing that renders the high mileage avertee with the dreaded double black toenail affliction, and not the gothically cool kind. Sounded Fair to everyone I polled in advance of this helpful warning.

So with drum roll pounding like marathon tempered dogs relentlessly slapping at the asphalt, Saturday’s tattered mileage targets are set at 6 (Int) and 14 (Adv). Which in the eyes of the un-sane Run Leader, never to be confused with the insane type, would illogically lead to a 20 mile solidarity target, although that might not be quite Fair, which seems to somehow be relentlessly nagging us throughout this electrophonic harassment. Choose your poisoned and unmarked path, or bring along some mind altering federal wallet stuffers, and let’s see if we can’t get a run on.
This weekend’s conditions: They should be Fair.
This weekend’s muster Location: It’s gotta be Fair, as in the 21st and Louisville variety, as in the Tulsa County Fairgrounds.
7:45 AM-ish sounds like a Fair time to start.

We’ll keep a fry on for ya’,
Larry

Saturday in the snow

2011-01-23T22:50:00.008-06:00

Here's a few pictures from Saturday morning's run. A large crowd rolled out of bed, dressed warmly, and got their scheduled long runs in. The coldest part of the morning is before the run--can we go yet???The scheduled run through down the neighborhoods, to Tulsa's oldest house, and back on the Katy Trail was scrapped at the last minute due to it being ice covered. We opted for our familiar route up and down the river trails, which had been cleared and was nearly ice free.The paparazzi was near the back of the pack--no surprise there. For the group I was in, a ten miler was on tap. (Ended up being closer to 11 miles.)New shoes!!! Woo Hoo!!!The Arkansas River has been invaded by 100s of pelicans. They are such dorky yet graceful creatures. Watch them long enough, and you'll see one scoop up a fish.A foursome of runners poses for a picture at the bears before heading back to Veteran's Park. Have a great week everyone! Stay warm, run strong.

2011-01-19T21:59:00.003-06:00

When: Saturday, January 22, 2011 7:45 AM-10:30 AM. Central Standard Time
Where: Veteran's Park (21st & Boulder)

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Team Work Begins with “Me”

I know that we’re not ever supposed to look too far down the path, to literally wish our miles away, to mentally skip over the multitudes of cracks and crevices, and yes, even a road or path construction project or two.
But I must confess, Yes, I did gander a little peak, at the upcoming weather forecast for this weekend’s training run. You see, it’s just been so golly darned unseasonably hot these past few weekends that we have not been able to practically benefit from a good old style cut and quarter run - the type where we seperate the pretenders from the post-tenders. We run leaders, being basically raised by wolves disguised in running attire, relish the early morns where the Therm-O-Bulb (predecesser to today's digimometer) plummets, when the ice winds are howlin’, and the big boastin’ newbies are finally served a little helpin’ of what we adoringly refer to as “stumble pie”. So far, the hills and dales ain’t done it, the loop de loop routes haven’t worked, and the random routing misdirections have all failed. Basically, we yearn to feel needed. We need our brief mother superior moments where we can give the appearance of solemnly considering the tough questions while scrambling our hardest to make up an answer that can’t technically be proven as false, while all the time ensuring that we don’t provide anything of meaning that could be used to close the competitive gap between the young striders and the “more mature” and lightly seasoned mentoring path pounders. And when I say “we” in lieu of using the more formal moniker of “run leaders”, I of course mean “me”.
So while on one hand I appreciate the full team embracement of the Dom-N-8RZ spirit, and all that it implies, it might be just a little more personally satisfying for each of you (and when I say “you”, I of course really mean “me”) if it didn’t quite come so easily. hint-hint-hint So if all goes according to plan, and it does get really really cold, then you might consider dusting off those old acting skills and tossing a few “geez, it’s really cold”, and “how do you guys run in conditions like this?” softballs. And while we deftly swab our drizzlin’ snouts with the multi-hued gloves of a season once removed, you get to watch as our chests puff out just a little further (no tipping the cow please, and by “cow” I mean “me”), and we run leaders – Ok “I” – get to wallow for a short time (can’t stop long – gotta’ keep moving – unsolicited tip of the week) in undeserving moments of self importance.
NOTE: In the full spirit of self disclosure, believe it as if it might possibly be untrue, my co-run leaders did not put me up to the previous ramblings.
As a follow up to last weekend’s jaunt, I hereby officially declare that this whole democracy thing is done – over – kaput. While it was somewhat amusing to watch everyone rally around getting to select an alternate route for our 2nd loop, all it got me was a near fatal flailing up the infamous Denver Avenue hill. And I don’t mean in a good way. Each of you are unfairly warned that in the future what appears to be careful consideration of the wishes of the group’s majority opinion will in reality be an artful display of selective listening and indecisive misleadership at its finest.
Which mercifully brings us to this week’s run…a step back week of 10 miles on the advanced schedule, and a step up week of 12 miles for the intermediates. All of which rationally translates into a 12 mile solidarity run for all Dom-N-8RZ in tow. We have a craftfully designed 7’ish mile course that culminates with the solemn reverence to Tulsa’s version of This Old House, a few downhills thrown in to offset the inclines, another passing visit of runners from a time before us, a frigid shout out at the center of the universe, and another river bottom gazing expedition. If all goes well, we might even get to play a little train chicken (surely the train would stop if they thought we weren’t bluffing, don’t you think?) After that, it’s a simple little matter of a tack-on 5 mile trek on a route of our choosing (you know the drill, by “our” I really mean – go ahead, say it in unison this time). We start at our regular Vet Time (7:45 AM) at our regular Vet Place (Veteran’s Park). It just might be a tad bit chilly, so make sure you put on an extra layer of Leader-Hosen adornment. And remember, just as we often never discussed, your run leaders helped put the “awe” in simply awful.

Larry

Bunny Slipper update

2011-01-16T21:49:00.009-06:00

It has been a while since there has been an update on the Bunny Slippers. To those new to the RunnersWorld family, these baby blue rabbit house shoes are a prised award passed on from one runner to another usually weekly, but sometimes monthly or longer. They are awarded to one of our beloved for reaching a milestone such as running their first mile non-stop, running a first 5K, running a PR, being a nice guy/girl, falling and getting a boo boo, or for just being old.A month or so ago, Tom was awarded the slippers--not saying "old age" had anything to do with it--but....Pat aka Princess for some reason or another thought Tom needed the slippers. I do not remember the story of how Princess received the coveted shoe wear, but rumor has it that he spent many a night snuggling with the house shoes--one on either side of his face. It just made him happy.

There is a long history of these slippers. Once, Coach Kathy fell down and boo booed her elbow and just like clockwork, the slippers were hers for a week. Those owning the bunnies for a week, usually took them on some amazing vacations and other adventures. Coach Kathy actually ran a marathon in Mississippi with one of the slippers in tow. The bunny returned with the same band aid that Coach K wore on her elbow.

TZ took the bunnies on a trail cutting adventure and had to spend tens of dollars getting all the grass stains dry cleaned from the fur. (Some people think this is just a cover-up for something more disgusting.)

Other bunny adventures included a drunken binge, a pregnancy, and a story that Deon still will not confess.

Once, Larry Davied took the bunnies for a bicycle ride--duct taped to the bottom of the bike tire. Those who are animal rights advocates--let him have it. I've got pictures!!!!

A couple of summers back, one of the bunnies was kidnapped and held for ransom. It was months before the bunny was found, and although he was never tried for the crime, one Michael Stelly was allegedly the prime suspect in the abduction.

Back to the present--Mustache Tom had the bunnies in his possession for a good three weeks, and finally, awarded the rabbits to the duo of Misty and Brian! Misty seems elated to have the privilege of bunny sitting for a week. Brian seems enthusiastic as well--maybe a little TOO enthusiastic!!!

Race Into the New Year--better than ever!

2011-01-03T01:58:00.023-06:00

Hundreds of our runners rang in the new year RUNNING! This was the 5th year for Race Into the New Year, put on by our very own Coach Kathy. This race has grown in popu;arity and quality each year, and is a great way for those making resolutions to get the first run of the year under their belt, or a good way to squeeze a few extra miles in for the outgoing year--your pick! Kathy greets runners as they file in and out of the HUGE tent. The tent--large enough to have it's own atmosphere held hundreds of people, and despite sub-freezing outside temps, the body heat warmed the interior nicely.
Robert, ducking inside to warm his piggies, has timing duties this night.
Cheryl is gearing up to get otside for the run. Can't wait to see some of her pics.
RockStar and Kate are already in festive mode.
The band Popular Culture was cooking. Their rendition of Benny and the Jets was better than Sir Elton John's--IMHO.
There was no shortage of goodies to munch on. Good carbs. Or, if your New Years Resolution is to cut back on sweets--BAD CARBS!Mmmmmm. Black Eyed Peas. There were 50 pans of corn bread to go with the New Years Day staple.
Freinds, family........and goobers.

At 11:40, we ambled out of the warmth of the mega-tent and lined up to run.
This man has the most festive hat of the night. The tips lit up. It was a hybrid Christmas/jester hat.
Incognito, Laurie lines up to run. She didn't fool me though--her eyes gave her identity away.
The Michaels family and friends. Miss Katie ran her 1st 5K (I think it was her first) and won her age group. Very cool!!!
At 11:45, the gun was fired, and the masses shuffled down the paved trail on the west bank. The course was an out-and-back crossing the 11th St bridge, which was also a great place to see the spectacular fireworks display promptly at 12:00 midnight. The display, while brief, was a near continous grande finale.

The photographer was slow--near the back, and tried to snap pics of the fast runners. Most did not turn out, but with some creative photo-editing, this capture was brought into focus.
A couple of love birds ran the 5K, dressed in wedding attire, and then tied the knot at 12:30. I did not get their names, but congratulations!
This race is a great family event--a place to celebrate without out worrying about the crazy party animals messing up the evening.The Gulley family all ran the race, and Jessica took home an age group award!!
After the race, Brian and Greg gave out the age group prizes, as well as several door prizes.

May this year be your best ever--running, and in every way.

2010-12-22T17:01:00.003-06:00

Subject: Christmas and New Year Training Runs

Nothing, albeit NOTHING, shall ever come between Runners World Trainees, especially the Dom-N-8RZ variety, and our highly anticipated, wouldn’t miss it for the world, Saturday morning Training Runs.

Except for the next two weeks, where we will be altering our schedule a bit. You see, once every seven years or so, almost like Roman (semi-tie to original Marathon, in a geographic sort of way) calendar-work, we graciously allow room for a couple of other long standing traditions – Christmas Day and New Year’s Day – to take precedence over our “shouldn’t ever be missed” run training days. And who says Runners can’t share? (not sure anyone ever said that, as I sometimes wonder if there’s anything that Runners won’t share, starting with deepest darkest childhood secrets to co-bonded in sole-runners that we only met 15 minutes earlier, and ending with buddy system drags off partially squeezed gu packs)

Back to the semi-point: Our next two training runs will be held on Sundays – December 26th (8 miles) and January 2nd (10 miles) – the DAY AFTER Christmas and New Years. We will be starting our runs from the Runners World store, near 43rd and Peoria, at 7:45 AM. And while we can never allow ourselves to say it is OK to miss a scheduled training run, let’s just say that over the next two weeks we won’t be keeping lists and the no-show records won’t count against your 2011 Naughty or Nice Boy/Boyette Santa Christmas list tally.
So, if you don’t run, enjoy your families and the Holidays, with commensurate levels of guilt of course. If you do run, do the same and consider yourself doubly blessed ‘cause you get to do all your “stuff” and you get to run as well – sort of a belated Christmas gift. And if you’re extra lucky and have someone who is imagination strapped, there’s a good chance you might just have the opportunity to trot on out and sport some high stylin’ still tagged winter running gear.

Lastly, don’t forget about the Race Into the New Year and the Polar Plunge events scheduled for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Both events promise a lot of fun, with the first one for your enjoyment, and the latter for everyone who watches to get to enjoy even more than the glacial participants.

Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!

Larry

Monday night update

2010-12-20T22:43:00.013-06:00

For those who've joined us for the first time to train for a spring marathon or half, our weeknight runs are on Monday and Thursday nights. They are a great stress reliever after a hectic day at work. You can run off the extra calories in that dessert you didn't really mean to eat at lunch. Most runners run from 3-6 miles at a relaxed pace, although a few crazies go longer. Here's a few pictures of the latest weeknight run.
Our resident celebrity RockStar Ed--always quick to pose for a picture, or sign an autograph-- sports his Race Into the New Year shirt. Ed Ran a quick three, and then joined a group of us for dinner afterward.

A large crowd filtered in at 5:30 and mulled around the store chatting with new friends and old.
We had around a hundred runners tonight. Kudos were given to a few who recently ran half and full marathons. Misty qualifed for Half Fanatic status, running her third half marathon within 90 days.

The group listens to the directions for the nights run. Something has caught Andy's attention. The photographer spun around to see what was going on.
He spun around perhaps a little too fast, and missed half of Brian's face--the half with the swolen black eye. A story was related about "Brian getting whacked by a bungee cord." Hmmm....a slightly unbelievable story.
Later in the evening, the "True Story" was revealed. An reinacted. The moral--don't make Coach Kathy mad!!!

We has a birthday girl--Ananda turned 12 today! Some people never "run thier age in a race. Amanda has eclipsed that already, having finished a recent half marathon.

On this winter solstace, it is dark by 5:30. Reflective clothing is commonplace.
As are headlamps.

Three friends--Susan, Dana, and Sandra finish their run. Dinner plans?? Yup, a crowd of hungry runners invaded Leon's for $5.00 burger night.Dana eats healthy. Bobby--not so much. TZ puts another 5 pounds before he waddled out the door!

Signs, Pix, and Jabs

2010-12-18T22:47:00.028-06:00

Twas the kick-off of the spring marathon-half marathon training session. A kazillion runners laced their shoes up and met at Veteran's Park for anywhere from 3 to 8 miles. (Some went further--those with marathons like Disney, or Spingfield in their near future.Marathon training. Why is it always c-c-c-cold, or freakin hot? This morning was the cold session. Gray skies, but fortunately little wind made standing around a bit nippy, but also made for a great run--once we got going.

It was the day new runners and old runners alike got to meet their teems and team leaders. Group signs were-a-plenty.If one defines fast at 6 minute miles, then this group is running 12 minute miles, right?

Odds are, the Half Fast will leave this group behind. (Like the name!!)

I see a trend here. Three teams of realists. No pressure--just run.

Umm--the one holding the sign is 3/4 crazy.

Here's the team to be on--what an angelic bunch.

There is a story behiond this name, I bet.

Rock Star gets my vote for best sign. Make that funniest sign.

I want this sign as a t-shirt!

But Kenyans trump Ethiopians, right?

ARRRR! Gimme ye booty. (As in medals.)

This gets the award for smallest sign. It was affized to the top of the run leaders head for the duration of the run.

An intense looking group.

Brian needs to wake up. Give that man some coffee.

The turtles ride again.

And Dominatrix trumps Kenyans. I think.

Only Michael can pull off wearing da fire pants.

And there off!! Let the training begin!

Pat, aka PP, aka Princess was on fire. Outran his coach, and ran all the uphills.

Water stop #1. Twas a bit of a line.

Running through downtown Tulsa is always a treat. There's hills in there between them buildings.
Some went straight, some went right.

Finally, congratualtions to Lyle, who recently earned SEVEN STARS in Marathon Maniacs.!! He ran 13 marathons in 79 days. And even doing several doubles, got stronger in every race. It can be done!

Marvelite Run

2010-12-16T22:59:00.016-06:00

Thurday night we ran in an event that's a long standing Christmas tradition in Tulsa. The Marvelite run, hosted by All SOuls Unitarian Church, had over 200 runners this year who ventured out into the cool night air for 3-6 miles of fellowshipo and sight-seeing. Christmas hats and costumes were the attire of the night.Ahem...Santa, you're not fooling anyone. But you really should grow the beard back.

We divided into several groups based on pace and distance, and it seemed every group had 40 or more runners.

The Maple Ridge and Utica Square area, some of the older historic neighborhoods in Tulsa usually has some of the best light displays to be seen.After our run, we came back to the fellowship hall and had pizza, Christmas cookies, pies, cakes, nuts, chips, sodas, and beer. (Yes, beer in a church building. I like that!)
It was good to hang out with old friends. And new friends.

We were priviledged to have Jack Wing speak to us as we munched. Jack is a cancer survivor, and a honored fixture in the Tulsa running community.
And the history of the Marvelite Run was told. Seems that one Marvin Winters had a group of runners who ran on weeknights. (It was alledged that he only ran with women--the old fox!) Around Christmas every year, they decided to run through the Maple Ridge area to enjoy the Christmas lights. The yearly diversion gradually tuirned into an event, drawing 30 then 50, then 100 and more runners each year. Marvin sit and listened to the tales as they were dished out. He did not protest too much, and I am betting most of the tales were true!! Marvin happens to be one amazing man. He is an inspiration to every runner he comes in contact with. It has been a goal of Marvins to finish the job of running a marathon in all 50 states, and this past November, he added North Carolina to his list of states and completed his quest. Most people in the world never even run ONE marathon, but Marvin has one in every state. His next goal is to get his total to a nice round 100. That's 100 marathons--quite the milestone. Can't think of a better guy top do it.

It was a fun night--a good run, good food, and great friends. What a great Christmas gift!

A New training session is coming up!

2010-12-09T22:22:00.017-06:00

As winter slinks in like a stray cat, we as runners embrace the cooler temps. Cold mornings are good reasons for new running clothes. A new training session gives way to new resolve, new goals, new friends, new shoes? Thursday night was the second sign-up for the winter/spring marathon/half marathon training session. Our usual group of weekday(night) runners assembled as we do every Monday and Thursday, at RunnersWorld for a few miles to the Arkansas River and along the river trails.Amanda is an experienced mid-distance runner, having ran the Tulsa Run 15K and a half marathon or two. Her running buddy Mia comes with her on most of her training runs.

Laurie never stopped running after her half at Route 66 last November. She is gearing up for bigger and better runs--like the full 26.2 at OKC maybe?

Brian and Kathy make a few announcements before sending the runners off. Usually, kudos is given to runners who have had recent races and especially if a PR(Personal Record) is involved.RockStar Ed notched a nice PR on his belt, running a 4:32 shattering his previous best time.

Then it was out the door to run. It is not a problem to run the neighborhoods to the river after dark, but many runners like to have lights. Clip-on LED lights, headlamps, of flashlights are not a bad idea at all. We have some who walk, some who run at a very leisurely pace, some who run a minute/walk a minute, some who hit it hard.Patty and Carmie are a couple of the fast girls.
Some go for two miles, some 3, 4, 6, 8? Bobby ran five this night and it was a record time for him. He just keeps getting faster.

Back at the store, people kept filing in to sign up and to have the whole program explained to them.Coach Kathy has a way of making running further than you ever believed possible actually seem fun. SO fun, that Deon (pictured below) can't get his name on the dotted line quick enough. Actually, Deon is no stranger to Marathon running, having a few and a 50K or two under his belt.

Brandon and Jessica are back for their second training session with us.

Jennifer, a new signee, is preparing for the half, and also a quarter at Post Oak this spring. Maybe a little trail running in her future???

Pat had his fill of the RW paparazzi after a couple of attempted photographs. Aww, come on, Princess!

After almost every one of our weeknight runs, a few of us go out to reload. Sometimes, it's %5.00 burgers at Leon's, sometimes it's the Brook, and tonight, it was healthy eating at Jason's Deli.We swap stories, talk of future race plans, and just have fun. Truly, running friends are the best friends ever.

There is another sign-up this next Monday evening at 6:00. The official Training Run is on Saturday Dec. 18 7:45am at Veterans Park.

Need I Say More?

2010-11-16T19:53:00.003-06:00

When: Sunday, November 21, 2010 7:00 AM-1:00 PM (GMT-06:00) Central Time (US & Canada).
Where: Veteran's Park (21st & Boulder)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Need I Say More?

CALM DOWN! I get it - and please only one response at a time, even if all voices are screams in unison with an emphatic proclamation response of "H-E-DOUBLE UP THEM EL'S ... NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! ... GIVE US A FREAKIN' BREAK - WE'VE READ ENOUGH ALREADY - IT'S TAPER WEEK AND WE NEED TO CONSERVE OUR STRENGTH AND REGAIN OUR SANITY!"

Well then, with my feelings rarely feeling less mutilated than I pretend they are now, I guess I will simply close with:
Route 66 Marathon
Sunday, 11/21
7:30 AM - Sharp (NOTE: Not "sharp-ish")
Required Attendees: Aspiring Marathon Runners and Runnerettes, particularly the Dom-N-8RZ 9:51 Training Group

The Pleasure this training session has been all mine, while the TORTURE has been all yours.
Have a great race - you've earned it!

One last indulgence: RUNNERS WORLD ROCKS! (Pass it on)

Larr-e-lin

Tapir Tips

2010-11-10T08:24:00.001-06:00

When: Saturday, November 13, 2010 7:45 AM-9:45 AM. Central Standard Time
Where: Veteran's Park (21st & Boulder)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

This is the time of the year that I receive frequent questions related to Tapiring – What is it? What’s the proper way to do it? How do you recognize it when you see it? Well, it’s not really that complicated, but still something that should be respected, as it can get you in trouble if you don’t take it seriously. You see, a Tapir is a large browsing mammal, similar in shape to a pig, with a short, prehensile snout – kinda’ like our very own Runners World Pretty Boy Brian. In fact, I can’t tell you how many times I might have imagined that I heard people ask “Where did Brian come from?” and/or “Kathy, where did you find him?” It seems that Tapirs inhabit jungle and forest regions of South America, Central America, and Southeast Asia, which explains why Brian and Kathy make frequent trips to Mexico, under the guise of it being a “vacation”, or as Brian likes to call it – “homeland”. My best tapir tips include:
· Don’t feed them – they have finicky diets that require high caloric liquefied fermented grains, topped with multiple jars of peanut butter.
· They’re hairier than you first think, so be careful when touching and petting.
· Training is very tricky, as they can’t be domesticated. As such, don’t mistake mimicked behavior with learned obedience.
· Watch out for frequent mood swings, and sudden charges where they attempt to get you to try on new shoes.
· Tapirs have a strong sense of territorialism, and are apt to start setting up camp and pitching tents just anywhere that they choose.
· They’re ultrasensitive to the scheduling of competing events, particularly when this coincides with the start of a new year, so your best bet is to show your allegiance to the original version versus a knock-off imitator.
Speaking of training, this Saturday marks the end of our 2010 Summer/Fall Marathon Training session, culminating (Brian, that means “ending”) with the Sunday, November 21st Dom-N-8RZ’ing of the Tulsa Route 66 Marathon. So, with only one week to go, we’ve arranged for a little ol’ 8 mile leg stretcher along the banks of the Arkansas River, just to make sure all the runnin’ parts are workin’ like they’re supposed to and to help reconstruct the confidence and/or anxiety levels that facing the uphill stare of 26.2 miles can elicit. In recognition of the shorter distance, along with lingering confusion regarding the application of daylight savings time, we’ve precision adjusted the official gathering time for Saturday’s “Taper Run” to 7:45 AM, once again at the trampled comforts of Veteran’s Park.
In heartfelt response to the multiple imagined requests, and in disregard to the wishes of co-run leaders, a unilateral decision that is intended to meet the varied needs of a certain demented constituency has been finalized. The time honored tradition of showing appreciation to group Run Leaders by donating large sums of moolah to charities of their choosing is being appended to allow for direct cash payment and adornment of sparkly gems to the outstretched beggarly arms of yours truly. Turns out that this will increase efficiency by eliminating the middle man/manette.
Finally, a word of caution to all: Be careful out there. This is a lousy time to inject new forms of high risk, low reward, cross training into your regimen. It’s best to stick with what got you here – running, coupled with strict obedience with and compliance to our exacting, plainly worded, easy to follow, incomprehensible to a T weekly instructional training run invitations. If you must ride a bike, try not to tip over. Bouncing is not a life extending skill attribute.
If you do fall down and go boom, then follow this tip: Get out the gauze and “Tapir It Down”.
Larry

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ATTENTION:

2010-11-05T16:00:00.002-05:00

ATTENTION:

Saturday, November 6, 2010 has just been proclaimed Runners World Solidarity Day, courtesy of the misfit Dom-N-8RZ run leaders.

It’s an amazing coincidence since that is also the same day as the Runners World hosted and internationally (if not interworldly) famous Mock Marathon. So, how should we respectfully pay our homage, someone must surely be asking? Well, it’s our lucky day, as public displays of affection are back in vogue. As such, let’s open those closets and drawers and search for Runners World logo’d gear, and deck the Tulsa streets with such vestments to show all who choose to look that we are indeed – Runners World trained, fed, and nurtured/tortured (always get those two words confused).

Please note that there will be no formal nor authorized inspection of RW undergarments allowed – strictly unenforced policy. WARNING: DO NOT LET PRETTY BOY BRIAN TRICK YOU WITH HIS “I’m a TSA Airport Security Screening Officer in Training” candidate.

Further, just for grins: Should you happen to have any “Race Into the New Year” shirts, this would be a great time to bring those out of hibernation and help show your colors.

Finally – Spread the word.

Larry

2010-11-03T09:44:00.003-05:00

R U Mocking Me?

Unfortunately for some, it turns out that last weekend’s 33rd annual version of the Tulsa Run is steeped in controversy, as informal protests regarding likely rules infractions have been lodged. Further, it turns out that I was innocently a victim in this sordid fray, and as you will have to imagine was left no unreasonable alternative other than this pursuit of injustice. The details: While in plain sight of on-course officials, I clearly communicated my non-verbal intentions to take one of my three allowed timeouts per half, yet my rapid hand flick across the tip of my extended hand (classic “T” motion) didn’t so much as elicit any type of response. Not a nod, nary a head shake – actually nothing but a glassy-eyed stare as if my request had no standing. Adding to the frustration, this happened more than once with the same degree of non-responsiveness. Now, I ask you and all who may not care: How can competitive racing ever be categorized as a “sport” when the thread that commonly binds nearly all other physical competitions of strength, stamina, and strategy are all afforded the basic conceptual staple of ‘Wait, I’m not ready, I need to take a moment”? Stripped of this semi-constitutional right, one can only wonder if we have inadvertently strode into the leg-quivering activity of not a sport, but of a mere hobby, which as all our attentive accountants will attest makes it non-tax deductible. This could get messy before we’re able to come up for a full lung of air.

And if that weren’t enough, were others aware that this past weekend had kind of an eerie spooky quality? Not sure what was going on, but out-of-character and random and unsolicited appearances were popping up both left and the other left. All of this was accompanied with an insatiable appetite for mass quantities of micro-sized Mars products. Not sure if this is linked to the mid-Term elections, the stage of the moon, or a more likely fear of the upcoming annual turning back of the clocks. You can only imagine how boggling it can be to a philosophical belief that “Life Has No Mulligans” when you are made to re-experience an hour of time that has already passed. Does the 2nd choice nullify the first? Do two wrongs make a right? When does this invitation end already?

Which brings us to this Saturday’s Training Run – the last long run before the Route 66 Marathon. Since repetition is the mother of invention, or something of that sort, our much maligned Runners World dungeon and torture tenders have devised a way to help us realize the pain, suffering, and disappointment of running a marathon without any of the medaltry, un-adoring fans, belittling family comments, and certainly without the marching band pageantry. What we get at 7:30 AM at Veteran’s Park is a “this is as real as it’s gonna’ get” dry run of most of the R66 course, an actual semi-functional clock, random distance markers, scrambled hieroglyphics disguised as route directions, and and and (tension building moment for dramatic effect) C-A-R-S (all the better to hit you with my dearie)! Seems like I’m leaving out something important – oh yes – how could I forget – we get to experience Pretty Boy Brian with his beloved bull horn (oh my!). Well worth the price of admission, which is $5, or more if you are still feeling guilty from going sans costume on Halloween (paid in advance of the actual run for the obvious reason that if you don’t make it back we don’t want the hassle of trying to wrangle money from a corpse or to re-gift used and arid running apparel (consumer protection laws require full disclosure regarding whether articles were being worn at the TOD). Once again, the money collected goes to the best possible charity – RW Runners – for unhealthy snacks, sugary drinks, and other coddling excesses such as hydration fluids. (P.S. For those who are always looking for an unfair advantage, for an extra $5 I’ll see what I can do to get you moved to the prestigious inside lane near the front of the starting line – just please keep it on the down low so as not to draw speculations of potential bribery and misuse of power and influence.)

So come one, come all, and bring your wayward prodigal running friends (those who may have lost their way and haven’t been subjected to http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifnor endured these non-aspirational weekly invitations). Let’s put a foot or two to the ground and Mock the Route.

Larry

2010-11-01T22:00:00.011-05:00

A few sightings from last Thursday's Pre-Tulsa-Run Halloween Bash at RW. Costumes were the norm for most runners and runnerettes.
Patty looks rather Disneyish. Could a January double be on the agenda??

Amanda is very convincing as a bad of jelly beans. But Mia was my favorite, nailing Skeletor ala canine style

Larry debated wearing a costume, and finally elected to not dress up, and came right from work. (Actually, Elin Woods would have been impressed, as Larry was every bit as pretty as she is....on a bad day!)

Kate bedazzled the masses on our run up and down Brookside, getting a record three invitations for drinks, a date, and a ride on the back of a Moped. For the record, though, she just ran.

There was a Kathy look-alike ordeal at this gathering. Roman takes a bit of editorial license with the headdress. TZ seems to enjoy another opportunity to dress in drag. (Nice legs, though.)

Actually, Sandra had the most believable Kathy get-up, in my opinion.

The dare was to go trick-or-treating. Turns out, that was way too much fun to NOT do. We hit up several houses, but scored ZERO candy. :-(

Thanks to Lauri England for a few of the pictures. Tulsa Run write-up, and pix to follow soon.

Trim The Flat Off Please

2010-10-19T22:14:00.003-05:00

When: Saturday, October 23, 2010 6:45 AM-10:00 AM. Central Standard Time
Where: Veteran's Park (21st & Boulder)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Trim The Flat Off Please
Time is running out, as in the Tulsa Run is right around the weekend corner, followed shortly behind by Tulsa’s own Route 66 Marathon. This week it’s time to get busy understanding and appreciating the “lay of the road” that we’ll soon be Dom-N-8RZ-ing in PR fashion. Wait, you say – “we’ve been down this hilly road before”. Technically yes, but scenically no, as prior Fall Season training excursions on the Tulsa Run route have been mostly held under the watchful eyes of Mr. Moon. In many cases, the best potholes were barely discernable to the darkened eye, and they did not garner the awe and respect that they truly deserve. Frequently shed hubcaps and once tightened bolts that adorn the trail were mostly unappreciated. But this week we have a plan!

What if … dare we suggest it … that we timed the start of this Saturday’s training run to nearly coincide with the start of daybreak? Say around 6:45 AM’ish, which works out to a 7 AM Coach Kathy shout out of “Now get out of here!” Sounds like a pretty good plan, and it will help reinforce those sometimes tricky left and right hand turns with interspaced straightaway sections. But one must be careful to not change up too many things at a time, so let’s still plan on starting from Veteran’s Park to keep from getting all jittery and from knocking our creature habits too far out of whack. (NOTE: The revised Saturday morning start time has nothing, absolutely nothing, I promise, although I do appreciate, the fact that the preceding Friday night coincides with Oktoberfest, which as we all know, can really leave you on the dizzy, dazed, sleep deprived, dehydrated, and often bruised conditions – “Oktoberfesterized” – from all that crazy-A Chicken Dancin’.)

If only there were a way to make Saturday’s training run even better than a practice run of the Tulsa Run course. Seeing as how we’re scheduled for 16 miles, and the Tulsa Run route distance is 15 K, and even I know that 16 doesn’t quite go into 15 without messy fractions, conversions, and headaches that only engineers and accountants could love, we need to employ the baker’s optionality rule – the one that lets you slice and dice as you see fit in order to make it work. By carving off a couple of K’s of the Tulsa Run, we’re magically close to almost half of our scheduled 16 miler. Naturally, by unpopular demand, we’ll make sure that we trim off 2K of the Flat Part, ‘cause really, who would want to take the easy way out? What to do …. What to do …. ? Correctomundo (slipping in a little Cancun inebriaspired Spanglish) – let’s run the deviated TR course twice, just to make sure that we can remember to follow the exact course markings and to help stay between the imaginary crowds that will be cheering us on and laughing as we fall on race day.

Larry

Ar-Tee-An-Sea

2010-10-12T00:41:00.001-05:00

When: Saturday, October 16, 2010 5:45 AM-9:45 AM. Central Standard Time
Where: Veteran's Park (21st & Boulder)

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Ar-Tee-An-Sea
42-24-36. Wow, now there’s some jaw droppin’, bone shakin’, knee knockin’, attention getting’ numbers – numbers that really command your deepest level of respect and admiration. Yep, you guessed it, it’s something all of us aspirational runners and runnerettes, young and young at heart, need to focus on, as they represent the critical balance required in getting us more than ready for the upcoming fall marathon run season.
As you undoubtedly are about to hear, proper training requires a balance of physical training (42%), nutrition (24%), and mental harmonization (36%), for a collective optimal 102% effort (a simple 100% effort no longer cuts the ticker tape in this ever-escalating and fast-paced world of PR's, WAVA, and go go go). That’s why we spend approximately 4.75 months building on our base mileage (calculates to 42%), and our down time eating and drinking whatever we can wrap our mitts around (roughly equates to 24% of something). The remaining precision honed balance of 36% is the final critical ingredient to surviving the marathon challenge – the mental game, of which I’ve often been accused of having an inherent advantage due to being nearly ¾’s (approximately 58%) mental.
So rather than Dom-N-8RZ-ing in this week’s Sand Springs resort destination-esque 22 mile training run, scheduled for Saturday morning at the tourist departure time of 5:45 AM’ish from Veteran’s Park, I plan on neatly folding my laces in a scrum, throwing them in an overstuffed bag, and heading south for a week of trying to plump up those running induced wrinkles.
Off to Mexico it is to cram in a week’s worth of 36%. I’m in the preliminary phases of polishing my wrinkle busting rehydration menu (it was a very hot and humid Tulsa summer) – carefully selected mind enhancing concoctions consisting of Rum, Tequila, and Cerveza (Ar-Tee-An-Sea), but not necessarily in that order nor necessarily consumed separately. Lime is not optional, as we health conscious mentalists must not forget the importance of daily indulgences of Vitamin C.
Buenos Dias
Larry

Hallowed Ground

2010-10-05T23:38:00.006-05:00

When: Saturday, October 09, 2010 5:45 AM-9:30 AM. Central Standard Time
Where: Veteran's Park (21st & Boulder)

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Hallowed Ground

It’s October – already – kinda’ frightful that it’s already upon us – again – like déjà voodoo – or something like that. Regardless, when it once felt like this time would never come, that summer would just go on and on and – well, sorta’ like some run invitations that I vaguely can’t seem to block out of my overfilled memory – and then – BOOM! – with a capital “!” – it’s clearly within our clamory grasps. That’s right – Halloween is peeking at us from just around the corner – or is it from that other corner – or maybe from over the wall – or under that pile of construction debris near 18th and Riverside? Regardless, it’s down wrong scary – and not in a good way. You see, the strangest of characters seem to present themselves around Halloween, creating all sorts of confusion on what your eyes are seeing and your brain is categorizing. Take last year, when we were overrun with a plethora of Trail Zombie Ken dolls, with a new one at every turn, creating mass confusion on what was real and what was imagined.

And who can forget that certain race that happens in Tulsa near the end of October. Yes, I’m talking about the nearly infamous tradition of the Thursday night before Halloween Runners World costume run back and forth, inside and outside, of that little strip otherwise known as Brookside. Not a place for the well-heeled, but a great place for the rubberized sort. One must literally run for survival, so as not to be apprehended and tossed out of reputable establishments with the force of a gaggle of goons. It’s a place where friends gather, and adversaries should avoid, lest the powerful Good Witch Coach Kathy shall invoke her powerful spell of magically confiscating all the chocolate in the land – which she claims will be properly disposed of so as to cause no harm to any of her flocklings.

So in order to be properly prepared for the aforementioned creepy crawl, we are scheduled once again to meet this Saturday at Veteran’s Park at the moon-howling synchronous time of 5:45 AM’ish – give or take – for a 20-mile training run. In order to successfully navigate the nearly 1 mile out and 1 mile back flat Brookside course, it has been deemed necessary that we run the first part of the Route 66 Marathon course, the hilly section, topped with an over and back contortion of Turkey Mountain. We also promise that last week’s experiment of new Run Leader tryouts has been mercifully excised. Although many of us were optimistic, our hopes were unexpectedly crushed by the surprising lack of directional fortitude. Turns out that big talk doesn’t readily translate to navigational skills, as evidenced by leading the group astray before the 2nd mile had struck. Who knew that a right turn could be so complicated?

Fear not, rightful order is being restored. After all, we are sworn to uphold and protect our Hallowed Ground Trails.

Larry

It's your Choice

2010-09-29T08:38:00.009-05:00

When: Saturday, October 02, 2010 5:45 AM-8:45 AM. Central Standard Time
Where: Veteran's Park (21st & Boulder)

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It’s Your Choice

Fall is in the air, which means it’s Race Season. But it can be a nasty affair, what with the trash talking, oneups-man/manetteship, a general overstatement of one’s own fitness for service and PR worthiness, and all at the sake of bettering thyself at the detriment of others. But this combativeness is rarely limited to one party or the other, as once it starts it almost guarantees similar responses and behaviors from the others. Season after season has deeply instilled the belief that the mental games waged between Race competitors can be more hurtful than the physical skills associated with physically outpacing all challengers. If you are successful in getting the others to flinch, especially when captured for You Tube expose’, then victory is nearly a formality for the numbers to bear out – that is, unless you flinch back or lose your pace or sense of direction.

Yesems, the positioning for the heralded positions of Fall/Winter Run Leaders is already shaping up, and the ugliness has already started. It seems to start a little earlier each year, such that by the time that the actual selection occur, nobody seems to care anymore other than to wish it was over already. I mean seriously, whether one initiates their stride from the left or the right position really won’t leave a lasting impression on the world. One’s position regarding the tolerance for those who share the trails from the position of the seated, AKA “bikers”, is hardly the dividing issue that it is made to be. Why can’t we all just agree that the wheel brigades are simply annoying and leave it at that, as opposed to frenzying up the foot soldiers nearly to the point of regrettable and irreversible actions? So, as a voice of experience imagined, be especially cautious over the next few weeks of solicitous offers of gu sharing, bottle buddies, tune trading, and pace making that are not so clever disguises of vying for run and runnerette allegiances. And remember, once the results are in, we are quickly cast aside as last year’s 500 mile snarly sneaks – having done their time and advanced the leaders to their new justification for self-worshipping "blogs" (i.e., weekly run invitations).

But the Domi-Noes and Domi-Nettes remain undeterred, as we have a more relevant goal within our sights. We Race for Marathons, the good kind, the ones that leave you gasping and in all sorts of pains in places that you never knew existed. (OK, that really doesn’t sound different than the political race outcomes.) This week’s rendition finds us in quest of a 13-mile training run, on a path that incorporates the middle chunk of the Route 66 Marathon Course – something to teethe on before the November Race.

We will once again observe our version of Runners World daylight slaying time by starting at 5:45 AM’ish at Veteran’s Park, thereby saving the precious daylight hours for napping, goofing off, and generally justifying the postponement of any undesirable chores ‘cause we have to “recover” by cheering for our favorite teams in our snorefested stupor.
Just to be clear, and to ensure that there are no unfair advantages, each of us is free to make our own biased decision on whether it would be better to be “governed” to “Fall In” or to “Ask In”. Either way, we have to get in, buy in, and be in to have our soles counted. (NOTE: This unpaid and understandably unsponsored announcement has been brought to you by the Heeled Union of Run Leaders in Training “HURL-IT”.)
At the end of the run, remember that It’s Your Choice.

Larry

2010-09-20T21:44:00.006-05:00

When: Saturday, September 25, 2010 5:45 AM-9:45 AM. Central Standard Time
Where: Veteran's Park (21st & Boulder)

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Don’t Over Think It

Firstester, we start this week with an unsolicited call out to the most awesome-est-er Head Coach/Sponsor/Baby Sitter/Treat Meister/Sad Tales Listener/Key Holder/Route Approver/Injury Counselor/”PB” Brian Put’r Up With Him/Shoe advisor/ and General Cheer Leader Runners World Owner Miss Kathy H. Did I say “Awwwwesome!”? If so, then not loud enough. Just one little example of her most awesomeness occurred throughout last Saturday’s training run, where although void of any supplemental help (psst – Brian, are you still out there somewhere? Remember us?), and while held together with strips of fluorescent tape to keep bones from poking through, it was Miss Kathy who kept magically appearing throughout the training run with her refreshing and life-saving fluid replacement elixirs. She single-handedly provided physical and mental encouragement, was among the first to arrive and the last to leave. We RW cads and cadettes know this is SOP for Coach K (and reluctantly true for PB Brian, even though it pains me to say so), and it is all too easy to take for granted all that RW does for us. So, in an all too brief moment of absolute sincerity: Thank You! From all of us - You Rock!

Returning to un-normalcy, we had a few first timers turn 18 – miles that is - last Saturday. Newbies are nearly all growed up, and it happened so fast. With 18 come both privileges and responsibilities. Privileges include the right to vote on important issues such as paper or plastic cups, Gatorade in the left or right jug, decision on whether to park tail in or tail out, and in now being enabled to speak with run leaders without uttering the previously required “Excuse me for interrupting your important thoughts, our most revered and esteemed Run Leader” prior to each ill timed interruption of “Are we there yet?”. Note and reminder to all: Hitting and verbal abuse of Run Leaders/Leaderettes are still forbidden.

As for responsibilities, turning 18 means that you are now expected to actually show up each Saturday morning for our training runs. No more piddly excuses such as my kids this, my spouse that, that funeral or wedding thingy, my job is at risk, got that soccer deal, it’s so early and still too hot, I might need to oversleep, the dog ate my runnin’ sox. After all, we can generally have more offspring and they often won’t remember the specifics of why you didn’t show up at that “once in a lifetime” event, but we all know that you can never, but never again, run a 20 mile training run with near strangers on September 25th, 2010. A specially crafted route of 7 miles, followed by, oh … where did I put that … oh yeah, 13 more miles lay in waiting for our feet to abuse. Remember, no excuses – we’ve come too far and our marathon goals are creeping up all too quickly.

So, I will need to bug out for this week’s run – got that Race 4 the Cure thing going on. It’s a 5K Race, which is kind of like a 20 mile training run since it has all the associated pressure of huge crowds, elbow avoidance, and fighting for half filled cups of warmed over H2O. All things considered, it’s something to ponder – if you think about it.

Larry

2010-09-16T21:58:00.009-05:00

When: Saturday, September 18, 2010 5:45 AM-9:30 AM. Central Standard Time
Where: Veteran's Park (21st & Boulder)

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Coast Is Clear
There have been numerous rumors floating about as to why we have been so obviously avoiding Veteran’s Park during the last few weeks for our Saturday Runners World Training Runs. Topping the list was to avoid Brian and his way-too-personal-for-our-own-good relationship with his megaphone. Other “reasonable” justifications included throwing a neighborly shout out to Tulsa’s western burb – Jenks, trying to help out the fairgrounds facilities maintenance with a few fresh oil drippings to suppress the parking lot dust, helping the somewhat dedicated runners and runnerettes by throwing out some fresh scenery (albeit running in pitch darkness tends to somewhat temper the potential aesthetics of a new neighborhood), and helping us all develop our urban survival skills through interactive map-reading sessions.
And oh yes, there were side benefits as well, such as providing our gracious outpost station host Sandra, Empress of the fortress commonly known as the “Louisville Watering Hole and Comfort Station”, with the necessary motivation to get that pesky door lock fixed. We learned that although Braden Park occupies slightly more than a city block of space, that it was the centerpiece of a 2 mile loop so as to incorporate hill training in a seemingly terra flata neighborhood. We learned that the students attending the TU campus have either innate navigational skills and/or are destined by necessity to graduate school, as we RW cadets found the campus a temptress in disguise. More like the Bates motel, the campus welcomed us in, but wasn’t about to release its prey until it was thoroughly confused and had surrendered its directional skills. The net result was a perfectly tamed group who would follow without challenge anyone who would offer greater than a 50% chance of busting out of the mysterious campus force field.
But alas, the single true reason, as I choose to imagine it, is that we needed to let the heat settle a bit around Veteran’s Park – and not the ambient kind. You see, there was the matter of some civil unrest, some breaking of rules, and some wanton disregard for society at large by a 300’ish number strong gang of fashion challenged hooligans. Their colors, as reported by anonymous reports, was the wearing of similar types of rubber soled low heeled ankle bearing footwear. Socks, if worn at all, were mostly of the low cut variety. Another peculiar trait common to this gang was a propensity to stand around some pagan temple structures and to drink – and by that I mean drink a lot, while “posing” in various body twists and strain rituals. The crime, allegedly, consisted of all forms of Jaywalking, with total disregard for crossing signals. To compound matters, it was reported that this group exhibited great disdain for sidewalks, as they were found to be rather pedestrian in nature, and rather willfully chose to “pound pavement” like they owned the streets, just daring cars and trucks alike to challenge their right to space.
So, as police strike force and gang warfare units carefully deployed their Veteran’s Park stakeout strategy, not so cleverly dubbed as “The Runaround” for the last few weeks, the alleged suspects were off to explore and worship pavements marked by new pockets of pot-holeyness. But in a masterful and carefully orchestrated game of cat and mouse, this Saturday we will double back and flank the coppers by starting once again from Veteran’s Park, with the super top secret double pinky swear time of 5:45 AM’ish. And away we will steal away to the badlands safe haven known as Turkey Mountain, up one side and down the other. Then, for good measure, we’ll leave some clueless scents through Woodward Park and circle around Swan Lake before heading back to rendezvous central, but not before throwing in a couple more undisclosed miles for exacting garminophobic measures. 18 miles, hills and dales, secret hideouts and G Holes (aka Gatorade/Water Stations), initiated under the cloak of darkness. Allegedly.
If all goes according to plan, we will once again have escaped the sweaty arm of the law, and no one should be more confused than us. With our dastardly and arguably incoherent Return to Veteran's Park strategy in place, we are reminded of the oft used phrase uttered during the great gulf oil cleanup of 2010, presuming you stood far enough inland, say Tennessee’ish: The Coast is Clear.

Larry

2010-09-08T13:29:00.006-05:00

When: Saturday, September 11, 2010 5:45 AM-8:30 AM. Central Standard Time
Where: Tulsa Fairgrounds (21st & Louisville)

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Trust, But Verify
Ever experience one of those occasions where everyone proclaims they are correct, but each with their own version of which left or right is “more right”? Such was last week’s explorations through the University of Tulsa campus, where random groups of runners pursued interpretive course translations. Live and in action were groups coming and going, some in gravitational tracking orbits that threatened to never release their captive prey, each holding what they thought to be the proverbial “one and only true map”. While tightly held by each clammy mitt, these modern yet hieroglyphic mapquest markings were filled with hope, yet provided no golden keys with which to unlock the fading sidewalk chalkings. What is it about running, sweat, early morning dawn, map reading skills, short term memory, directional bearing acuteness, and cognitive reasoning that makes for an impossible blend? We firmly grasp upon the unfulfilled belief that if we stare at the map long enough then the right path will suddenly and miraculously become outlined with luminaries. Running in this environment requires rapid response alertness and the sidestepping and ram avoidance skills of a tailback, as we frequently experienced runners stopping dead in their tracks to take another glimpse of the by now sweat-streaked map and turn instructions.
Another lesson learned was to not be so quick and grateful to follow a fellow runner/runnerette who proclaims that “I know the way”. A couple of miles down the road and in the midst to the TU land of secret passageways, we realized that our due diligence skills fell just a tad short when the “Holderette of Pathways Knowledge” admitted that she knew the last part of the route but not this portion. Aside from stepping on more than a few heels, and smashing noses against the back of abruptly halted heads, the weather couldn’t have been better. And technically, if you really never knew where you were supposed to be, then you really weren’t ever lost.
So with our map-reading skills honed to a sharpness of precision-polished bowling balls, we get another shot at donning our fave Lewis and Clarkette exploring attire with hopes of successfully navigating a brand new trail – once again in near darkness. The advanced marathon group is scheduled for 12 miles, which means we get to run the new course twice, or rather to see if we can successfully run the same route twice. It’s times like these that we truly appreciate the self-proclaimed and unilaterally unsubstantiated skills of our Run Leaders, who have sometimes mistakenly placed the well being of their group ahead of their own selfish needs and satisfaction. (Insert silent moment of pitiful gratitude and grudgingly sincere amazement at their collective ineptitude – but be careful not to overdo it as it tends to raise too many unanswerable questions.)
What with a new course, cement colored sidewalk chalking, temporary blinding headlights, monstrously large sounding barking dogs that seem to be originating from all directions at once, major thoroughfares to cross, new curbs and hidden cracks to stumble over, distorted street signs that were possibly in their youth oriented in the correct directions, you will want to get there early and establish your position before the enormous crowds appear. There are already rumors that pre-run stakeouts with all-nighters will be elbowing for pole positions when the doors open at 5:45 AM’ish. Fortunately we are starting once again from the Fairgrounds near 21st and Louisville (Southwest corner of the Fairgrounds by the historic train engine), so there should be ample camping grounds available.
Remember that if you choose to relinquish control of your route destiny to someone who portrays an outward appearance of calm and self assuredness, a cautionary “trust but verify” approach may serve you well. Also, for the over 40 group (means those in their prime), it might be helpful to stash a few reading specs strategically along the route, but only if you can remember where you left them.

Larry ---->

Turkey and TATURs September 12th

2010-08-24T00:33:00.000-05:00

Just a quick reminder/plea before we're off to SD. September 12th--just a little over 2 weeks away, TATUR will once again host the longest running trail race in Tulsa.

Turkey and TATURs has something for every trail runner. A challenging 10K, an adventurous 25K, and an epic 50K are once again on tap for all who want to have a taste of trail running at it's best. The fun all starts out at 6:30 am when the 50Kers take off. 30 minutes later, RD Brian sends the 25K runners off. The 10K starts 30 minutes after that. Because of the staggered start, the finish line is abuzz from 9:00 on. It's a big party, and a place to gloat over your accomplishments and eat til your hearts content. Bar-b-que is on the menu this year, and I am sure there will be a lot of other goodies as well.
The course is 99% single track trail, with a lot of ups and downs. One of the trails (the Ho-Chi-Mihn) is one of the most photographed trails in this part of the United States. No run on Turkey is complete without a run down the rocky rooty path overlooking the lazy Arkansas River, and the 25K and 50K runners get the pleasure of running this trail. As an added bonus, both the 25 and 50K will be tested with a trip UP Lipbuster...come on...it builds character!!

I will be pre-marking the course when I return from South Dakota, and anyone who wants to help out, please comment here, or send me an email at trail_zombie@yahoo.com. Saturday Sept 11th, we'll be putting up the official course markings, and I would love to have around 10-12 people to help out with that. We also are looking for help at the start/finish on race day, as well as peeps to help out at the aid stations. Again, email me or call me (918-814-6433) or Brian (918-244-6918).

But most important, come out and run this race with us!! There is a generous 10 hour time limit on the 50K, and you also have all the time you need for the shorter distances. It's the most fun you can possibly have--with trail shoes on!!

For more info, click here-----> Turkey and TATURs

Reveille - Jenks Rendition

2010-08-17T22:15:00.008-05:00

When: Saturday, August 21, 2010 5:45 AM-8:45 AM. Central Standard Time
Where: Jenks River Walk

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Reveille - Jenks Rendition

Remember when we started next Saturday’s training run from the River Walk in Jenks? I remember how it’s gonna’ be great, cause we get to mix things up, give our cars a chance to park in some new scenery, and most importantly, allow us to bask in the downstream aroma of Tulsa’s sewage treatment plant in the early dawn of a new day. I ask you: “What could be a better start to a rest-filled weekend than a dark-thirty wake up alarm and a 5:45 AM-ish muster time with 300-ish wayward asphalt-worn soles in morning?” (NOTE to Everyone in Particular: No response necessary, nor necessarily welcomed.)

We start with a mostly flat 7-miler through Jenks. As if that wasn’t enough excitement for one weekend, we then make a jail break across the Arkansas River border into nearby T-Town, and head south onto the Creek Turnpike Trail, complete with its undulating swells, before calling it a humiditous outing.

We Dom-N-8RZ are faced with a bit of a dilemma this weekend, as we are being schedule-whipped to a 10-mile training run, while our co-marathon legged brothers and brotherettes are being challenged with 12 to 14 miles. Rumors are trotting rampant that a ground-patrolled solidarity movement is underway, and that the undertreaded 10-milers are going to covertly cover an extra two or even two times two (not to be confused with two squared or the square root of sixteen) – why oh why does my head hurt and what can I do to make it stop – Creeky miles. Please keep this on the down low, or next thing you know everyone will be wanting a piece of the action, and as we all know, there’s a limited amount of trails to go around and we have to make them last.

A little more seriously, we’ve experienced some declining Dom-N-8RZ attendance over the last few weeks. It’s hard to fathom, as we don’t think we could possibly provide much warmer or more humid running conditions. We refer to it as a perpetual water machine, where each runner exists within their own moisture-producing sauna air reabsorption terrarium. Nevertheless, with this week’s “step back mileage”, it should be a good time to get back onto the asphalt trails before the onset of higher mileage days. Let’s face it, the “Think System” might work just fine for The Music Man, but it is bound to fall a little short and out of breath for The Marathon Man and Manettes. So grab those trombones firmly and answer Saturday’s 5:45 AM bugle call – in Jenks, America.

Larry

Sweat 16 X-Stride-A-Ganza

2010-08-11T19:30:00.003-05:00

When: Saturday, August 14, 2010 5:45 AM-9:00 AM. Central Standard Time
Where: Veteran's Park (21st & Boulder)

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Sweat 16 X-Stride-A-Ganza
It’s been a while ago, but memories were rekindled this week when Master Brian summoned the Dom-N-8-RZ 9:51 Brain Trust to his fumy office and told us that our recent antics had earned us a 16 mile training run this Saturday. Just like when I was back in pre-, “special” K, prep, middle, and high schools, and I was routinely “rewarded” (my words, not theirs) with the opportunity to spend some extra time after school in the presence of various persons of authority performing various tasks of manual labor and/or staring contests with a spot on the wall, it’s strikingly obvious when extra terms of endearment are being rendered in my direction. Master Brian shared that our group would be going 9 miles more than the 7 mile outlined course. Clearly we have done something of late to be blessed with nearly 25% more mileage (unaudited approximation – note thut hy-er cypherin’ weren’t won of mine goodester class sujbecx) than the Runners World tribe.
Additionally, our generous Master Brian has insisted that the Dom-N-8-RZ are forbidden to talk to any of the other groups of runners from the start of mile 8 until we return to the Runners World Veteran’s Park Camp site. Logically, he doesn’t want the other runners to get jealous of our extra attention and bonus miles. His compassion is surpassed only by the cuteness of that pouty look he gets when someone snags the last 6 frosted cupcakes from under his grasp.
After a 2 week futbol (soccer to us sophisticated U S of A’ers), we eagerly await the return of Dom Leader Irish Ken to Saturday’s Run. Rumors abound that his re-entry time of 5:45 AM-ish at Veteran’s Park will be met with an imbalanced chorus of cheers and jeers, mostly divided cleanly along partisan lines. Please exhibit some patience as he transitions back from encouraging words of “kick the foot through the ball” and “make the slide tackle look like you were going for the ball by keeping the cleat below the chest” to “move over so I can hurl” and “now why again are we doing 16 miles when others are running 7?”. Either way, don’t be startled from your entranced pre-dawn stagger by the abrupt imitation of a freakish Vuvuzela, or two, or dare we care, three.
It should be another sauna-fest on Saturday, so make sure you load up on plenty of sweat molecules this week.
Larry

SHARK UP!

2010-08-06T22:47:00.002-05:00

When: Saturday, August 07, 2010 5:45 AM-8:30 AM. Central Standard Time
Where: Veteran's Park (21st & Boulder)

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Shark Up!

River Parks Authority Self Appointed Management and Liability Adverse Spokesman Disclaimer: Caution - Contents May React in manners that result in severe and acute localized thinning of exposed limbs and limbettes, both of the attached and recently viciously detached sort, resulting in possible rapid seekage of medical consultation, treatment, and utilization of vast quantities of duct tape (it'll fix anything - be the first in your neighborhood to sport a new duct tape based artificial leg).
- Note to nobody in particular: Disclaimers like the preceding leave one wondering why clear and simple disclaimers are not utilized everywhere instead of the more typical vague, confusing, and legal mumbo jumbo typical fare such as "Caution - Contents Are Very Hot" or "Dog Bites - Hard" that we are so often confronted with.

Which brings us front and center to this week's Training Run. That's right - the Dom-N-8RZ 9:51 Runners World Training Group, with membership recently bolstered to 50 runners strong (or is that 50 strong runners?), have been provided the rare and unique opportunity to complete a 14 mile river front shoreline surveillance mission. What could be more fitting during Shark Week than for us to "toe up" and trottingly perform our civic duty by helping to keep the Arkansas River sand grazing rafters, canoe enthusiasts, errant frisby recoverers, misguided mountain bikest extremists, Rowing Crewes, and the occasional river bathing naturalist free from Shark attacks? Keep those spirits up - we can do this, especially if we stick together, and if we always treat the newest members of our group to the "special lane" that is closest to the water's edge (they're new, we don't know them very well, and there's a minimal chance that intentional and premeditated abuse claims could be lodged if they "willingly volunteer" {Note: We may need to practice our collective response on this point so that it comes offnatural - limit shifty eye movement when speaking into the camera}). A heartfelt shriek of "Shark Up!" should provide the appropriate warning to all concerned, and should also qualify us for those rare and internationally coveted Shark Ranger Patrol Red Badges of Courage.
Guidance tip for the novice sharkateer: Do not feel embarrassed or ashamed by making false Shark Up calls - we've all been there and there's a chance that even the seasoned Shark Ranger will still occasionally repeat the mistake, especially early in the season. You see, whenever "Pretty Boy" Brian hits the trails and exposes his voluminous and pasty underbelly, it causes a temporary white out blindness to the unsuspecting, and often inaccurately triggers that inbred shark sensor gland (known as "ISSG" in the trade). You must have patience, even though it is difficult to rationalize the transformation, but that jiggling mass will eventually brown out with repeated exposures, making the trails once again safe for young and bold alike. Be brave, ye sole cushioned volunteer Rangers, stiffen that upper cartilage, and trust your inner sonar to achieve the dorsal mission.

Covering the obligatory education portion of this week's submission, we will cover the finer technical points of how to successfully venture out and complete a 14 mile training run. Making matters more complicated, in addition to the nearby waterborne threats, we will likely be confronted with elevated temperatures and rapidly increasing bursts of radical solar emissions. The natural confliction created by the cooler running conditions at the water's edge greatly exposes the dazed runner or runnerette to the tasty remake of Jaws - Take 12. So, here's the time honored tip on how to successfully navigate the nearly impossible quadruple threat of distance, heat, rays, and jaws: We will cover the first half of the training run by going out roughly half the distance (14 miles divided into nearly equivalent portions, carry the one, round liberally, and verify your work by giving your dog it's favorite treat), which would be approximately 7.63 miles or so, and then reversing to retrace each step (Note: This process only works if you step in exactly the same steps on the way back as on the way out, so pay close attention to detail, and it might help take the mind away from this drivel.).

Just to be mud water clear, remember that we meet sharp at 5:45 AM-ish or thereabouts on Saturday morning at Veteran's Park. Our united mission is to bring all our Shark united Noe's and Nette's safely home from this inarguably dangerous mission, whilst keeping Tulsa's Ark River beaches patrolled and its voluminous water enthusiasts free of vicious attacks. With that, we can vow to live another day with which to enjoy the sights, sounds, and aromas of the aqueous fill, from bank to eroding bank.

Lastly, in response to anticipated questions regarding kevlar reinforced metal clad shark teeth dispersing diving gear - Wear 'em if you got 'em.

Larry

2010-07-29T11:44:00.005-05:00

When: Saturday, July 31, 2010 5:45 AM-7:30 AM. Central Standard Time
Where: Veteran's Park (21st & Boulder)

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MORE OR LESS

Dom-N-8rz 9:50 to 9:51 (whatever it takes) - Saturday - 5:45 AM Sharp-ish - Veteran's Park - 8 Miles - Run - Marathon Goal Pace - Road Route - Don't Fall Down

Everybody (which mostly means Tomb Raider herself) Happy? Short - Informative - Low meandering quotient. Tells who, what, where, how much, and obligatory safety tip.

I know that I feel much ...... GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA .... I can't take it anymore - gonna' blow a fuse. Think of those poor insomniacs who will now have to waste precious eye-crust building minutes searching for some semi-equally mind-numbing random assortment of mismatched gibberish to get their sleep on. Just like the feeling of comfort when the hammer stops hitting the thumb, navigating to the end of one of these columns has been known to have hallucinating effects, albeit slightly frightening, when there's a false sense of semi-understanding of what might or might not have been the subject of discussion. Nothing that a few straight shots of high proof distillate won't help restore order.

Which, speaking of running away at the fingertips, this week's jaunt has us reattacking the hills, including the heart rate enabling 15th Street humbler that has been made famous via multiple versions of both the Tulsa Run and the Route 66 Marathon. We will swoon around the Lake of the Swans, check out early morning automatic sprinkler systems in Yorktown neighborhoods, sneaker through a private school to see if their asphalt shines any brighter, perform forestry recovery reconnaissance inventory surveys in Woodward Park, and time travel to Owasso and Cincinnati without leaving the comforts of T-Town, all in hopes of completing before the Veteran's Park soldier awakens and steps down from his treehouse abode.

A word of caution for the wary turfpounder: It's going to start out quite warm Saturday morning, even at 6 AM, which is going to be likely followed by periods of rapidly decreasing coolness. Finishing our 8 mile run before 3 PM is highly encouraged, even if it means running at a slightly elevated pace. Self-appointed Dom-N-8rz management recommends that the 'Noes and 'Nettes consciously reduce the quantity of selected Run Leader criticism and ridicule as this practice has scientifically unproven linkage to a significant impairment of running stamina.

Wow, this "straight and to the point" stuff truly has been therapeutic, even though it only allowed for a limited number of those multiple and disturbed voices from within to surface. (NOTE TO SELF: Not a good week to skip the stress-relieving techniques) All this proved with the certainty of a night time shadow that less is more, more or less.

Larry