Spectator Sport

Spectators at the Marine Corps Marathon

My heart is broken tonight, as the news comes that all 3 of the people killed yesterday at the Boston Marathon bombing were Spectators. Many of the 150 injured may also turn out to be Spectators by the time the final count is said and done.

On Social Media today, people have requested that Runners everywhere post pictures of their favourite race to stand in solidarity with the people of the Boston Marathon.

Not that any lady enjoys having her photo taken after running 26 miles, without makeup, in sub-freezing temperatures but this is the photo I have chosen. I chose it because it is the only official race photo taken by the Marine Corps Marathon of me that includes Spectators in the background.

Usually, Spectators crossing onto the course is a big "no-no" and is something that irritates Runners to no end.  But in finishing “this” Marathon, I was just happy that Spectators were still there in the 20-degree Washington, D.C. weather, some five hours down the line by the time I finally made it through.

As someone who has run 4 Marathons in my lifetime (not many, compared to some of my fellow runners), I’ve always felt a kindred spirit with Spectators who cheer us on. They don't know us from Adam --yet I know for a fact there are at least two Marathons I wouldn't have been able to finish without them.

You see, it's the lady at Mile 23 who points at you and says, “You can do this, you’re almost there, I just walked from there, don't give up, don’t even think it." Somehow with a simple nod, you feel you have just entered into some sort of tacit agreement with her. Or the many spectators who give you compliments on the message on your shirt – a message you stayed up late affixing to your shirt the night before in the hotel thinking, no one is ever going to notice this. It’s the people waving American flags all along the way. Or the coach for a Team in Training group who sees you need it and runs a hundred yards with you just to make you laugh, even though you are not his responsibility. You never know their names, but they all have a hand in helping you finish.

So much of life really is a team sport – yes, even running, which sometimes we think is all about us. It reminds me how interconnected we all really are as human beings – helping one another cross the finish line. It’s important to me to remember this in a world that, all too often, gives more credit to those on the court, rather than in the stands. (After all, what would happen to sports if no one was in the stands?)

My heart breaks for all of the spectators killed and injured along with runners in yesterday's terrorist attack. No doubt those spectators were special, special people – loyal friends, supportive of those in their lives who are runners, those who wait at the finish line with flowers in hand just to give their friends, spouses, and others a reason to finish the race. Their simple presence there on that fateful day is proof that Spectators are often just as special, perhaps even more, than the participants themselves.

May they rest in peace.
#UnitedWeRun

The Greatest Run in the Free World

Across this great nation, many cities can boast legendary running trails: the famous Lakeshore Trail in downtown Chicago. The Town Lake trails in Austin, Texas. The hundreds of miles of coastline along the coast of California.

Last week I had the opportunity to travel east, where I discovered that my list of this year's top "40" running excursions would not be complete without a journey back to where it all began for our nation – Washington, D.C.

With all of its majestic monuments, our nation’s capital offers the best scenic runs for Americans from 1 to 92.  Hands down (or, feet down…) my favourite running path has got to be along the National Mall.  It is, in my opinion, the most beautiful piece of real estate in the World.  All told, the National Mall stretches 1.9 miles. The perfect distance for a run.

It’s also a perfect place to reflect on history.

The National Mall is anchored on one end by the Lincoln Memorial, honoring one of the greatest Presidents of all time who freed slaves and changed the world.  At the other end is the United States Capitol, where the very laws that hold our nation together are crafted daily. Both landmarks are aptly overseen by the Washington Monument, a 555-foot tall marble obelisk honoring our nation's first President, George Washington.

Although the building of the National Mall took nearly 100 years from conception to completion, it is truly timeless and as relevant today as ever. It is often the site for some of this nation's most controversial events.

In 1963, the National Mall was the site for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom during which Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech.  It was also the site for the Vietnam War Moratorium Rally in 1969 – the largest event ever held on the National Mall (an event which was re-created digitally for the movie “Forrest Gump.”)  It is where Pope John Paul II presided over one of the world’s largest Mass services in 1979, despite an appellate court protest by atheists that the service be stopped. And in 2008, it was the first time the National Mall was left open during an Inauguration (much to mixed reviews and much-needed repairs which followed).

While politics often swirl furiously about in this city – whose Party is better, whose pick for President was better, and perhaps among global visitors, whose country is more superior – there is no denying the answer after you visit the National Mall.  If you are lucky enough to be one of the 24 million visitors to the National Mall each year then you, too, will see with your own eyes why Washington, D.C. remains the greatest run in the free world.

Run, Drink and Be Merry

I love a good race.

But combine running with drinking?  That’s a match made in Heaven for an Irish girl.

That festive combination is precisely why I headed over to the 27th Annual “Runnin’ of the Green” 7K Race in Denver last weekend, where the green beer was flowing and the running shoes were goin’.

The race serves as the city’s first run of the Spring season and is a great opportunity for runners to dust off the cobwebs. It's the first real chance to test your fitness, gauge where you’re at, and come out of hibernation from winter (sometimes a scary proposition!).  No doubt this is where “beer” entered the scene, some sort of incentive dreamed up by a smart race organizer. Bribes… the Irish are good that way.

Legend has it that they once served beer during the race -- you know, like a Rock n' Roll Marathon but instead of a band at every mile marker, you grab a pint -- a habit which I’m sure was cut short by their legal counsel. But no matter, the end reward was well worth the effort as runners were treated to free beer, Irish music (cue the fiddle and bagpipes) and all the runners’ schwag your $47 registration fee could buy. And, it was all for a good cause: the race has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Volunteers of America since its inception. The first charity race of my "40 in 40" series is now officially in the books!

As I departed, satisfied and looking forward to Spring, someone actually had the nerve to burst my frothy beer bubble: they asked if I was glad to be there because (and I quote), “There are only 15 weeks ‘til Summer!” Talk about a sobering remark. But in true stubborn Irish form, I didn’t listen; I was certain they were inebriated and that was a complete miscalculation. Or at least that’s what I’m telling myself.

Sláinte!

Run Like a Girl

To kick off my “40 in 40” series – forty life-changing running excursions during my 40th year – I can think of no better pick for my first run than this:

Running with elementary schoolchildren.

In my new gig as a Coach for the nationally-renowned after-school program “Girls on the Run,” I had the pleasure this week of running with a group of 4th graders. Let me warn you, as a professional woman with no children, I believe the last time I actually ran with a group of 4th graders was, well, when I was in the 4th grade. (insert laughter here). But no matter.

Girls on the Run is a fantastic program that teaches inner-city girls self-esteem. The idea of the program is that as you’re coaching the girls to participate in their first 5K, you’re also teaching them healthy values and what it means to have confidence as young women.

Now, if you haven’t run with schoolchildren lately, let me tell you: They are fast. Especially when you encourage them with a good old-fashioned, “On your mark, Get set,…Go!” (clearly a huge mistake on my part). During my first day of practice, not only was I left breathless trying to keep up with them, but I was apparently breaking all of the rules. You see, I didn’t know that as the Coach you aren’t supposed to actually run with them as part of the pack; you are supposed to sit on the sidelines and count their laps as they ‘round the park.

Wait a minute… Sit on the sidelines? Doesn’t that go against the very principles of the program?

Besides, sit on the sidelines? Moi? I mean, have we met?

After some discussion with my co-Coaches, we decided that from here on out, we shall change the rules. Now whenever possible, one of the Coaches will always run with the girls. For safety. Austerity. Solidarity. I could tell from their looks that most of the time, that person is going to be me. Hey, no sweat…

I’m only two sessions in, but I can’t wait to discover more about these young ladies. Already, I see their personalities emerging, including a shy girl who after finishing first in her age group began to walk taller, with a more positive body language and with a smile on her face. I see the personalities of the other girls, who have already learned our names and have no hesitation whatsoever asking me if I can throw their (used) tissues away. Sure, why not, I’ve already had the flu anyway.

As I think about the season ahead, I think about what it means to be a confident girl, and whether I myself am living up to that (some days, yes; some days, no). I also picture what each of these young ladies will be like when she’s older. It’s a thought that makes me smile. Even after a short time, I already feel vested in their success. I can only imagine it must be how our parents feel, or how God feels when he gives each and every one of us a hand in life.

Above all, the course makes me have an appreciation for the unique sisterhood we all share as women, including my co-Coaches (one busy and very pregnant attorney, one Department of Education policy wonk, and myself) who all leave our day jobs early twice a week just to make it to the schoolyard in time so the schoolgirls aren’t waiting there alone.

With this post, I want to pay tribute to all of the grown-up “girls” out there doing it every day with confidence: the moms, the career chicks, and my favourite category of all, the women leaders in this world. Lest we forget, even the most powerful women in the world were all 4th graders on a playground once. Oh sure, it was all simpler then. Yet it’s still simple now… if we want it to be. In fact, it's so simple that a good old-fashioned run around the playground can bring sanity to a very busy world. And it can put you firmly back in good company – even if the average height of that company is approximately 4 feet tall.

For all of the above reasons, I am proud this week and every week in this 40th year, to Run like a girl!

Lordy, Lordy, Looks Who's 40

I had a birthday last weekend.

A big one.

The big "4-Oh!"  As in, Oh-my-god-how-did-THAT-happen?

It was an event which snuck up on me, so much so that I’m embarrassed to admit I didn’t readily have anything monumental planned (save for spending the day with good friends and loved ones). No trips to Paris. No big birthday bash. Nor did I have any epiphanies about Life which I believe a person should have at such milestones.

Sounds pretty lame, huh?

Not quite.

You see, over the past 5 years I’ve done my soul-searching. I’ve survived the un-survivable. I’ve learned who I am. And more importantly, who I’d still like to be. I’m a Runner. A lover. A sister. A daughter. And I still hope to be so much more in Life. While I’m not perfect, I’m proud to say that as I blew out the candles this year, I’m happy with where I’m at, what I’ve learned, and how far I’ve come. I am at peace.

So, now there’s nothing left to do but Run.

And why not? The news is over-the-hill-good for chicks like me looking to turn back time. Studies show that Running actually slows the process of aging... even in Runners who start later in life, even as late as 50. Research also shows that as you age, Running can actually increase the growth of your brain cells, reduce memory loss, and even ease symptoms of depression and anxiety (helpful when staring down those 40 candles!)

In fact, a study from Stanford University tracked a group of 50 runners for 20 years and found that over the course of that 20-year span, Runners in the group actually had fewer disabilities as they began to age, they experienced longer life spans, and were only HALF as likely as non-runners to die of early deaths. For those Runners that did develop illness or disabilities, it occurred an average of nearly 10 years later in life than it did for the non-Runners in the group, who became ill earlier.

As for the long-held myth that Running creates more osteoarthritis later in life and thereby the need for surgeries like knee replacements? That has now been debunked by the American Journal of Preventative Medicine which reports that Running is not associated with a higher risk of arthritis nor knee replacements. In fact, when Running occurs in its proper form (straight ahead in a forward motion), the results were to the contrary: relatively few injuries, a decrease in muscle loss and a decrease in bone loss and osteoarthritis as the Runners aged. Great news for Runners like me who were always told that blowing out more candles might just mean also blowing out a knee.

The research is enough to convince me that the best way to commemorate good health during my 40th year on this planet is to run “40 in 40” --- 40 monumental runs that are life-changing, meaning 40 running excursions or races which I hope to recommend everyone run at least once in their lifetime.

I'll make the first announcement from my "40 in 40" list this week.  As I sit my old bones down and begin to compile the list, I welcome your suggestions. So go ahead, lay it on this old broad. After all, the research proves I can take it.

The 12 Days of Running

Given that it’s “12 Days before Christmas,” I made a list {and checked it twice} of the most popular holiday races to share with friends who are looking for something fun and festive to do with their kids – or their friends who simply act like kids – this holiday season. Plus, I couldn’t let a perfectly good #12-12-12 news hook go to waste.

So, here are my Top 12 Picks for races to run, over the next 12 days, in 12 different cities across the U.S.:

1.  The "Running of the Santas"

Not unlike Madrid’s famous “Running of the Bulls” in Spain, this race has plenty of wild animals running the streets. I would best describe this event as part-5K race, part-Pub crawl in that it begins at a bar and ends at a bar and well, if you’re into that sort of thing, what could be more jolly than that? Originating in Philadelphia, this race has become so popular it has expanded to two other cities (New Orleans and Atlantic City) and in the words of Tiny Tim, may the Lord bless them… each and every one. They're going to need it in the morning.

http://www.runningofthesantas.com/

2.  Re-Invent Yourself in Silicon Valley

For my Northern Cal friends, I’ve chosen a more family-oriented race. I love the downtown partnership that is San Jose/Silicon Valley. After all, where else can you see young upwardly-mobile families mingling with the next Mark Zuckerberg? Grab yourself a hot cocoa and enjoy this family-friendly race which loops around the Downtown Ice rink and provides joy for kids from one to 92.

http://sjdowntown.com/santa-run-silicon-valley/

3.  "Reindeer Run" Santa Monica

If you’re in the L.A. area, this is a fun, festive race set to the backdrop of Santa Monica’s famous pier and ferris wheel.

http://www.active.com/running/santa-monica-ca/reindeer-run-2012

4. Laughing All the Way

If running a race weren’t hard enough as it is, try this on for size: Ri Ra’s Irish Pub in Vermont sponsors a Santa Run that requires all runners to wear a full-size Santa suit (which comes with your paid Registration.)  Have your own stuffed suit? No worries, chubby, you can bring your own and get a discounted Registration.

http://www.events.runningroom.com/site/?raceId=7619

5. Jolly Old St. Nicholas

Jolly Old Londontown is, well, not so jolly when outdone by us Yankees. So they’ve put together an entire month of Santa Runs in our festive American tradition in case you find yourself across the pond for winter. But I’ve got news for the Brits – we red-blooded Americans don’t like to be outdone, either. Let's not forget that our Seal Team Six knows how to up-stage a fancy Royal Wedding. And we won’t hesitate to shoot down any errant reindeer, either (just ask Sarah Palin). So, all of you lads and lasses in your fancy 8-hours-ahead timezone, let's keep it moving and send Santa our way. We’re waiting for him. Spit-spot.

 http://www.santadash.co.uk/

6.  Run for a Cause

As you know from this blog, one of my favourite things in life is to run a race, and to run it for a good cause. My most recent run for charity was the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot 5K race in San Diego, which benefited Father Joe’s Villages to help feed and house the homeless. Fact: during the holidays, most fun runs donate their proceeds to charity. If you're on the east coast, check out this one in Boston which takes you through historic neighborhoods and is sponsored by the establishment that inspired the TV series “Cheers.”

http://runagainstcancer.org/holiday-5k/

7. "Santa to the Sea"

One of my girlfriends and her husband just ran Oxnard’s “Santa to the Sea” Half Marathon. A half marathon during the holidays? Now that’s impressive!

http://www.santatothesea.com/

8. Jingle Bell Jaunt

I'm not sure if it still exists anymore (read: I couldn't find it anywhere) but the Jingle Bell Jaunt in Long Beach, California has historically been not only a race but an event that marks the official kickoff of the holiday season along Long Beach’s funky “2nd Street.” The memory of my first Christmas in California is a good one, spent hunting and pecking through the sweet little shops with the most unique, thoughtful gifts I ever did see. Whenever I think of Christmas in California, I think of the salty air and this little seaside memory.

http://www.active.com/running/long-beach-ca/jingle-bell-jaunt-2010

9. Santa Runs Tacoma

Beyonce may think that girls run the world, but I think it's Santa. Turns out, he runs Tacoma, too.  For those of you in the Seattle area (and I know there are a few of you here), visit this family-oriented race:

http://www.santarunstacoma.com/

10. Your Treadmill

No list would be complete without mentioning that you can create your own personal “5K a Day” in your own home, your own gym, or your own neighborhood. After all, that’s how this very blog got started. After running the Coronado Bridge 5K one Saturday last year, I mused aloud about "the runner's high" and why couldn't I feel that good every day? And so the idea was born. That’s why this item makes the list here as my perfect “10.” Here, the original post that started it all:

http://5kaday2011.blogspot.com/2011/07/bridge-to-anywhere.html

11. Right down Christmas Tree Lane

While my attention is often focused on Coastal races, we can’t forget about those who live and work in the “bread basket of the world," the Central Valley of California. While you’re running those carbs off this holiday season, check out the Jingle Bell 5K race in Fresno, which takes you right down Christmas Tree Lane in the town square.

http://laraces.com/race/11313

12.  Ring in the New Year

In closing, there is one race that caught my attention, and that is the Los Angeles New Year’s Half Marathon and 5K, which kicks off at the stroke of midnight. Talk about getting the year off on the right foot. I don’t know about you but I’m inclined to be clinking a champagne glass that night, at that exact hour. However, the opportunity to actually run through downtown L.A. at midnight and not get shot? Sounds just intriguing enough to look into:

http://www.newyearsrace.com/

A Return to Sanity

As the Grateful Dead once said, “What a long, strange trip it’s been.”

It would be an understatement to say that the 2012 Election year was arduous and somewhat strange for me, both personally and professionally. It was filled with new jobs, which later became lost jobs (due to California budget cuts), losses of Elections that were important to me, and being there in the final days for many highly-qualified friends who placed their names on the ballot for the first time – only to be crushed to find out that they, too, had lost.  It was a rough year, one which I’m not ashamed to admit I took hard. And I’m not embarrassed to say, as someone who had only lost one or two races in the prior ten years, it took me a full five weeks from Election Day to get over the losses. I am human, after all.

While I don’t often talk Politics on this blog, it’s a fact that my bio states here that I am a "Press Secretary by day, and a Runner by night" (...or morning, or the lunch hour, or whatever 15-minute period I can eek out.)  Honestly, this year it was pretty much wherever I could fit it in along the campaign trail. Sure, I got by just fine. However, after ten years on the road, I was left wanting more. Amid Election results that were wildly un-balanced, it comes as no surprise that I emerged on the other side craving more balance.

Which can only mean one thing: It’s time for a return to sanity.

I spent the weekend retreating –  a word not often looked upon with a great deal of favour in politics, or war, which I believe are nearly one in the same. But the truth is, it is necessary for the body and soul to retreat on occasion. No matter what little white lies we tell ourselves (that 3 ½ hours at night is plenty of sleep in a pinch), the truth is that human beings need proper rest to function. So does the mind. So does the soul.

This past weekend, I retreated to a cliffside beach not only to run, but for meditation and yoga – two things which I have often viewed in terms of being “out there,” politically speaking. But I’m coming around to the feel-good, meditative lifestyle I have shunned for so many years. After all, in my business it’s all about who can hit the hardest, work the longest, shout the loudest. But after this Election, voters sent a message that they’re not into that anymore. In fact, they’re not into much of anything that I’m into. So, it’s time to re-calibrate, re-invent. Time to do things a bit differently.

Does this mean I’m no longer a pitbull? Of course it doesn't. I'm still as feisty as I ever was when I came onto this planet, and I am steeled to my newly-centered core. I am simply choosing to fight with a bit of a different weapon, to channel my energy from a place of calm, instead of the angst we've all grown accustomed to. I’m only a week into it but so far, I like this new feeling – and more importantly, I’m certain my opponents won’t.

To the small group of loyal followers here, I admit that amid the fervor and the noise and the finger-pointing this Election season, my own fingers strayed from this very keyboard and my posts to you. At times, I even strayed from my own tightly-disciplined running regimen. But I pledge to you (and probably even more importantly, to myself) the words of a famous politician, “Read my lips: No new lapses.”  I hereby commit to take more time to enjoy the little things in life, and to make more time for the running which so clears my head and soothes my soul.  A new year is upon us and in the spirit of renewal I, for one, intend to consistently make the best of each and every day life has to offer – no matter how much noise will undoubtedly swirl about.

My new mission is to be a rock, a good friend, and a solid place of quiet refuge for my friends who are still in this fight with me. It’s the best way I can continue to give back to the life that has given me so much.

Namaste.