04/15/2013...A sad day for Boston, The United States, and the sport of running...Very sad indeed.

I woke up this morning, checked my phone as I always do...logged onto Facebook and checked the "Brooks Fanatics" page. There were multiple posts offering prayers to the people of Boston and the runners in the Boston Marathon...I though "what could have happened?" horribly so, my question would be answered. Two Incendiary devices were detonated at the races finish line and 50 meters or so to the south (I think) of the finish...At this time, people are dead, including children. Many more people are injured, some of those injured may not survive. Based on "talking head" reports, the explosive devices were "crude" in design, although built to achieve "maximum damage", ball bearings and shrapnel encased. The videos circulating are horrible, scary and also get my blood boiling. I will NOT be posting photos or videos of the carnage...I am overwhelmed by what the news is already showing, The first question I have is, Why?? Its the same question I asked after Columbine, and after Newton, after ever cowardly act of carnage. I still have no idea...this act, this is new ground and changes EVERYTHING.

All I can think is this is further evidence that we as a nation are STILL, despite those that would look to destroy what we stand for, UNITED...I again witnessed police, bystanders, runners and officials running towards danger, towards those in need. We are despite everything a community, who care for one another...To bad our governmental officials cannot act the same.
Our freedoms, have been changed though...have you tried to fly anywhere within the US?? Now ANY major sporting even that is this "open", )I don't mean that as an insult to the security provided by the City of Boston and the Boston Marathon officials, I know for a fact it was and is top notch) will have to change what it does and those changes may significantly impact the event itself. Personally I will think twice about having my wife and daughter at a "big" race to watch me finish....Who thinks their life is in danger at an event that in itself is about fun and accomplishment? This is an event that is unlike going to watch a football or hockey game. It is open to spectator participation and if some crazy or extremist wants to do something like this, despite the substantial security, they can, and obviously will. I can imagine that it is possible that finish lines at big US races will now be quiet places...that is sad indeed.
I am angry that somewhere in this world there may be...aw hell...there are, people who are laughing at and celebrating this tragedy. Worse than that if it is something more that a crazy... it will be in the name of their "God". I cannot comprehend that. I should forgive and try to understand... i cannot do that...i don't understand. I will hate you, and hate your version of God, i will hope for your demise. I will however pray that you will someday see the error in your portrayal of "God" and begin to value the gift of life, the life of others and the value of your own as well.
Today though, is a day, not of anger. Today is a day of sadness and prayer for those whose lives have been lost and forever changed. For we who run and run races the thrill of the accomplishment has been replaced by sadness and horror. At the same time, it has also been filled with devotion and compassion, Runners donating blood, Boston residents opening their homes for displaced runners who could not complete the course, and all those that gave more than what they had to.

cnn,com

Today, I will pray for Boston, shed more than a few tears for those that lost their lives. I will continue to run and attend races and god willing cross finish lines, I will not stop doing what I love. I will run tomorrow, in purple, for Boston, and for this planet...Loyal reader, Run Happy....

My thoughts...running in Beijing.

Ok, I know this is supposed to be a blog about running and for the most part it is..there are times however that while I run I think, it's dangerous I know, but it happens. I thought today about the Steubenville, Ohio rape case verdict. I think it's a horrible situation, but for me is a representation of what's wrong with our country, and just how broke we are. Beyond that there are now two females in custody for sending death threats to the young lady at the center if this case. I find myself asking if this small Ohio community is embarrassed and shocked at the behavior of its children, or angry that its football team may not be as good next season. I can not help but wonder if these two young men will be treated ad heroes a year from now when their sentences have ended. i can tell you this, fir the young woman, her life will be forever changed and difficult if she chooses to remain in Stubenville or is forced out. I viewed a video of a former vice presidential candidate who was standing before a group, holding a "big gulp" , talking about her "rack". I feel that  politicians if they are elected or otherwise should be representations of our country. Jimmy Carter comes to mind, the man is an example of what is good about our nation (like him or not), Sara Palin is nothing more than a clown, rise above your Saturday Night Live persona and make a contribution. I always thought she was certifiable...now I know it. Wayne LaPierre, can someone please tell this guy to stop...the NRA has a wonderful opportunity to engage in some really logical and cooperative dialogue, instead he is, in my opinion, a circus act, who is nothing more than a quote generator. I don't agree with the assault weapon ban, mostly because it did not work when president Clinton passed it in 1994. It did not decrease gun crime, background checks should be done nationwide. However it will still do nothing, as criminals and crazies will still find a way to gain access to a weapon. We have to have something better than " the only thing that can stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun" (unless that "good guy" with a gun happens to be a disgruntled police officer with military weapons training) . I know there has to be a member of the NRA that can offer something better than that, unless the NRA is really in the back pocket of the gun manufacturers. We have a new pope, yeah, I can only hope that he can fix the church...maybe he can borrow from LaPierre..." The only thing that can stop a bad priest with a bible is a good priest with a bible."

Ok, onto the running  Since March of 2010, when we arrived in Penang, I have run, either in races or training, in Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, and now China. We decided on our trip to Beijing, to see Brenna participate in a performing arts carnival at an international school in the city. The pollution was pretty bad and for most of the time Roxanne and I were on out own, we were up before 5am to get to some of the sites as early as possible. The last day we were there I was finally able to get out for a run. Although the haze was pretty bad, it was 40*F, and I could not pass up the chance to see if the cooler weather would help my speed and breathing. We were staying at The Peninsula Hotel, which was only a few blocks from The Forbidden City and Tienanmen Square, and there was a great 6 mile route around the City and in front of Tienanmen. So off I went first down Dong'anmen Street which ran in front of the hotel...

The Peninsula Hotel

Then my run took me down to Wangfujing Street which is closed to traffic in the area I was so only pedestrians and electric and push bikes. It was great in the morning as it was mostly empty, except for some walkers and some of the locals doing their morning dance exercise.Very few runners, actually none...

Wangfujing Street, Beijing

Next was a turn west towards the Forbidden City. 

Jingshan Qian Street Side of the Forbidden City

along the way there are at least 3 checkpoints where the local constabulary are checking papers and making sure that no one has anything the should not. Initially I would stop, eventually they would just wave me on. I was also hoping to run in front of the Forbidden City, no such luck with that though, way to crowded with tours, so i would turn when the wall of people got to be too much. I was also hoping to run in front of or within Tienanmen Square, however it was closed off during The People's Conference. So I just ran around the side of the City. On my way back on my route I decided to go back into one of the local streets, this one down Beichizi Street, right next to the Forbidden City. It was not that crowded in the morning and made a great addition to my route.

Aside form this street, my way back was the same. the cooler weather was so nice to run in and being able to maintain low 8's per mile and no stopping to catch my breath made for a really nice 6+ mile run. I did spend some time afterwards coughing, but it was great! Check another off the list, I have run in China, and I will be back in May to try and tackle the wall.

Until then Loyal reader, Run Happy!

Brooks 1/2 Marathon Kuala Lumpur

1st Race of 2013, and it was crap...The race itself was excellent, well run, a really tough challenging course that included some hilly sections. plenty of water stations on the course. The only problem, if i could say there was one is that at the end, getting water...bit of a "cluster foxtrot"...and the medal and t-shirt collection, also confusing...i ended up on the 1/2 marathon line and luckily heard the announcement for the 10k "trophy" collection. Allow me to explain for a moment the reason "trophy is in quotes. Instead of medals the organizers gave out a mini trophy to all the participants, Gold for the 1/2 marathon and silver for the 10k...nice change of pace. This is usually the time in the blog when i talk about my performance...I am choosing not to for this race...I ran a 10k in 54:09, which is a 9:00+ per mile race, I was 138th in the men's division and 158th overall out of almost 4000 runners...which is in a word, TERRIBLE!.

Admittedly I was hurting and under trained  but I have not run a 10k that slowly since i started running... I can use the heat as an excuse, it was 82*F at race time, it felt like 86 or 87 with the humidity. I wont though...I am just not running well right now. I need to get my motivation back and get a routine with my strength training...enough making excuses though...This was a race that was more about connecting with the base of friends i have here in Penang. It was great to see everyone, and as usual there were many of the I-run members that did very well. Now as I look ahead to the Great Wall marathon (1/2 marathon), I am really concerned...Anyway...good times and although I did not run well I did run happy. Loyal reader, There is cool stuff coming up, including the possibility of running the Hunter Valley NSW Australia 1/2 marathon again...Run Happy!

Its been a while...I know...

Hi Gang,
So its been a while...Between heading back to Florida for the Christmas holiday and then, coming back to Penang, having a week or two to get settled back in, then heading to Singapore so that Roxanne could go through her hip replacement surgery...I just have not had time to update you all on the goings on...So crappy excuses aside I will attempt to recap the last two months as simply as I can...So on the 13th of December we headed back to Florida, excited to see family and enjoy the cooler (hopefully) weather. I had signed up for two races one on the 22nd of December and the other on the 30th. The first being the "5K Zombie run" held in Dade City, Florida...Now , i have to explain that I am horrible with directions and my location radar is and always has been broken...So I figured since we were going to be near Orlando, Florida at that time...i would be closer to the race, figuring that Dade City and Plant City Florida would be close to each other....I got that wrong. It was almost 3 hours drive from where I was to get to this race, and with the report of near freezing temperatures at race time, and the possibility of needing to traverse water...I wimped out...I figured the last thing I needed to do was to go trudging through the water in 30 degree Fahrenheit weather, after spending the last 2 years in a sub tropical climate...so I wimped out....Now, road training in St Petersburg, where we spent the first week of our trip is outstanding, i love, love, love my regular St Pete route,,, peaceful, a great track and there is always wildlife to see, dolphins, lots of bird life and sometimes a manatee or two...I also got the chance to run with two old friends, which was really great as well...

 So, after St. Pete, we went onto Roxanne's Dads place in Lake Wales, Florida, (again, where I was to do the Zombie run). Running at his place is also great because its just empty country road, some nice hills and plenty of cows, who really stink by the way...I also got to see Sandhill cranes, a few times on my runs...The problem there was that a few mornings were very foggy, almost zero visibility ..thankfully with the cooler weather I could go later in the morning...

Then it was onto Roxanne's Moms place in Lakeland,Florida where I was again treated to a great running route, around Lake Hollingsworth, It was really great having a closed course where there were only walkers, runners and some cyclists, and there is a water station right at the parking area and the end of my run.NICE!

The next race I had lined up was the "Boca 10k" in Boca Raton, florida, which was about 1/2 hour north of my parents place in Lake Worth, Florida, This was our next destination...This was a normal road race, no Zombies, no water, although it was supposed to be windy and in the low 40's Fahrenheit at race time...I was looking forward to this big time! So the 30th did dawn cold, but it was perfect for running...I really love smaller races and this one had about 1000 people total, between the 5k and 10k...The route is along A1A, right on the ocean, then through a nice neighborhood, then through a park...really well run race, nice course and I ran pretty well, finished in 47:44, that was good for 13th in my age group and 85th overall (out of 355 runners)...really enjoyed this run! So with that we had a great three Christmases, and a great time at home, It was back to Penang though on January 3rd... Arrival in Penang Set for January 5th. So it was back to Penang and the Hip replacement surgery in Singapore for Roxanne on January 23rd....

the benifits and necessity of rest...

Well it has been sometime, since I have done any work on this blog and for that I am sorry. there has been a great deal going on so I will recap the last month or so for you...The last race I covered was the round Island Relay here in Penang, after that we were on our way back to the US for our annual holiday visit. We began our home visit in St. Pete, after some rest days with Roxanne's Dad and then with her Mom...Wow did I miss St. Pete, especially during the months of December and January. its beautiful, blue skies, cool temperatures and just the beauty of the berg. I got in a few runs in some of my favorite spots, The Pier and Coffee Pot Bayou, and the hotel we stay at, big time nod to the Hampton Inn downtown, is right at the St. Pete Yacht club so I just walk out the doors and I am off! See Dolphins playing in the bay, tons of birds, and sometimes even a manatee or two, and with temps in the high 30's low 40's...it was epic! I even got a chance to run with two friends while I was there, which makes it even better.

The Yacht Club, St Petersburg.

Coffee Pot Bayou

 

The Next thing on the agenda was a return to Roxanne's Dads place in Lake Wales, Florida. I was to have done the Zombie 5K, an adventure run where you are required to run from Zombies through a maze of different conditions, one of the things was through water....now this would have been fine, however it was supposed to be near freezing temps that morning and the venue was almost 2 hours away from where we were staying. So I begged off and gave my spot to a friend...The last thing I wanted to do after spending the last year in sub tropical conditions was to wade through water on a near freezing day...not a good plan. I was disappointed as I was supposed to do the race with my friend Jason, I have not seen him for well over 2 years and it would have been a blast to do the run with him. there will be other chances though I am sure! sorry Jason hope you guys had a blast!!
Running on the roads out by Roxanne's dads place was really nice, generally empty back roads, lots of cows and Sandhill Cranes. The weather was equally good, however a few morning presented a new problem, dense fog, which is not always the best idea to run in on a back country road...usually waiting to a bit later in the morning helped, and it was still just a cool outside. Cow pastures offer a whole new sensory experience though, mostly for the nose...they stink, not to put to fine a point on it..

cows

Sandhill Cranes

Now it was on to Roxanne's Moms in Lakeland, Florida. Another great visit and another great place to run, although this run involved a short drive to Lake Holingsworth. then a few loops around a beautiful lake, surrounded by multi million dollar homes and a university...nice!

Then it was on to my parents place in south Florida, I was also slated to do a 10k in Boca Raton, on 30/12/12. The race was right along the ocean on A1A. That day dawned very cold. It was only in the 40's at race start, but this was a really nice race. most of it along the highway, the rest through a neighborhood. It was a lot of fun, and I ran fairly well...47:44 was my timing.

So on 5 January we were back in Penang, I ran once more before that in the states, then 2 times more when I returned to Penang. Then I got very sick, bringing a cold/flu back from the states. Today after almost 10 days off, I finally feel normal, I still have some respiratory  issues, but the rest has really helped. I feel rejuvenated, and ready to go back to it. Loyal reader, its a new year and lots of new challenges lie ahead...Thanks for reading, Run Happy!

35th Annual Penang Round Island Relay

Now, Pink is not a color that works for me, some guys can pull it off...i am not one of them. That being said, when I arrived at this event at 4:30AM and was presented with my Pink singlet...i though..."ok, maybe this is some sorta Karma moment...I missed this race last year, could not wait till it came around again, hoped i would be picked for a team, and I am here, I got picked for a team and now I'm wearing pink...somehow this has to work out in a positive way!

There are moments in life that stand out, that become etched in your conscious mind, there have been a few of those moments this year, Australia (Positive) SCKL (Not) Penang Bridge (50/50)...This will go down as a positive. I truly had a great time and you know what...."Pink, its my favorite color".... This race is fun for so many reasons...first of all its a team experience, which offers a challenge, unlike other races, yes there is the course, the weather and your own internal voice (for me anyway). Mostly though those things drive the individual to perform...Having been a guy who played team sports my whole life the concept of individual goals has always been a work in progress. My goals were always directed towards the team, sometimes (as a goalie) you have a bad night and the team picks you up...some nights you dominate and the other guys don't have to be at their best...some nights I wish that this all would end...ooops sorry, drifted off there...Anyway, with running its just you and the course really...if you have a bad race there could be a zillion reasons why, at the end of it all though it comes down to you, period. With a relay, the team concept comes back into play and even if you run a bad leg, someone can run a better one and pick you up. The other thing that a race like this does though that is perhaps something that is not often seen as a part of running (except by runners), that is that running is a fellowship of athletes who generally have a great deal of respect for one another, and will cheer just as hard for the first guy to cross the tape as they will the last!

So, anyway, the team i was a part of had no one that i really knew, mostly facebook folks and guys I had never met, but seen at the local events. That was a cool part of the experience, as I am always intrigued to meet knew people. I was supposed to run the 8th leg of the 12 leg event, 7.something KM...There were some changes made during the week by Captain Andrew "Damn he fast" Loh, and I ended up running the 3rd leg a 6.4 KM trot. 3:00 is freakin early, and I met up with Sunny Ng Adeline Tan (driver) Vincent Teoh, and another young woman I did not know. we arrived at City Hall in Georgetown, got our kits.
Oh, time out for a moment...i am very happy to announce that i have fallen in love...with my T7's (again), i forgot how much i love to race in this shoe, i had been using the green silences as a race shoe and sometimes training shoe, but no more...the GS's will go back on the training shoe shelf along with the Pure Flow. The T7 is now my go to race shoe, she is sexy and fit and man I love her in red (going to try the Pure Drift as a racer, not sure if anything could be better than my T7 though...love ya baby) ok, back to our regularly scheduled program...

  ...and then loaded on buses by our wave # (2-3 were together). the bus dropped us at our start point and then it was just a matter of waiting for our runner to come by. Baton in hand i headed off into the steamy thunder and lightning spotted Penang morning...It was a pretty easy beginning, but it got tough towards the end with some steeper sections and it was a bit long..6.4KM is about 3.9 miles, by the watch I ran 4.3 miles 6.9KM...Does not matter though, it was my first time in Penang, in any race no matter the distance, that I was under 7:00/mile, I did the 4.3 miles in 30:00 flat and that works out at 6:59...I am significantly proud of that, especially since i did have to stop 3 times and get my breath back. As a team (with no name) we came in 3rd and the guys all ran phenomenal...i mean these were some tough tracks and they were awesome...We came in 3rd place, and yes that is out of three teams, but we did great and to be honest, i still have no clue when the Y team passed us...I saw the X team go ahead during my lap, Our Z team was next, and when I left the Y team was still waiting...So I have no idea when they made the pass. I does not matter though because on this day we were great! I cannot think of a better way to wrap up 2012 here in Penang...i had a blast and met some new folks....a better day, I could not have asked for . So my last post for 2012 will be a wrap up of what was a very busy year, that really began for me in February...I have had a blast sharing my experience with all of you, and I really hope you have enjoyed the ride in 2012 and will come along with me in 2013 while i try to tackle "The Great Wall" 1/2 marathon, and hopefully revisit some races, see if I can better some times and check out some new races!! Loyal reader, my deepest thanks, and as always Run Happy!

Takasima Run 2012

 

This is a charity race (so no medals and no timing chip except if you come in in the top 20), held on the Penang Mainland at a new industrial park where the headquarters for the Takasima company is located...FYI they make exercise equipment and also carry other companies products and they seem

to like Ferrari and Lamborghini...Go figure...Who doesn't!

This was a 10k race and although it was un-timed I wanted to try and run better than I had...My review of my performance...Eh....
I was somewhere around 48 - 49  min...I was very lucky to have been lent a GPS watch (polar, sorry Garmin...when I get home I will be testing the 310 and 210...promise!). This was a fun race, some up and down sections over some raised highway section, a nice newer highway, a good competitive crowd, and lots of good friends around to enjoy it with...I am finding that I have been racing too much so I am taking more rest days, and to be honest, I was concerned I would slow a bit, but 47-49 seems to be my time for a 10k here in Malaysia. Now I had thought this would be my last race in Penang for 2012, but I have the Round Island Relay, which is in its 35th year, I think...I missed it last year due to my injury so I am excited I will be able to be a part of it! Takasima, good time!