2009 August 07 « Dirty Shoes

The Unknown

SuperStock_1276-1020~Numbered-Lanes-on-the-Straightway-of-a-Running-Track-Posters A Unique Track Workout

A violent afternoon storm tore through Denver about an hour before our track workout, bringing threatening skies crackling with lightning and rumbling with thunder. It may have deterred some participants from making it to the group practice today. Still, about a dozen committed racers showed up to see what would be in store for the day. Coach Greg often has the unexpected up his sleeve on track days. Today, after our standard warm up laps and stretching, he pulled out a whistle. The workout, called the “Whistle Run”, would start out with us running at a very easy, slow pace. When the whistle blew, we would lift our pace to a focused and energetic stride, about the pace we felt like we could sustain for a half-mile or so. We would continue running at this pace, not knowing when the whistle would blow again, until another blast signaled us to return to a slower recovery pace. Then the whistle would blast again and we’d be back to the fast pace. We would alternate this slow-fast for an unknown length of time and at different intervals. This workout serves as a great way to get our legs used to running while we are tired, but it also helped us mentally, focusing through the unknown. It was hard not to think you were hearing things sometimes, hoping that the whistle had just blown. Coach Rick took over for Greg and finished the workout, leading us in some group stretching in a circle afterwards. “Planks” are the toughest part of our post-workout activity. We lie prone and then lift ourselves on our elbows and toes into a straight position above the ground. The muscles of the core need to work hard to maintain the posture for as long as possible. The group is also really social after the work is done. We had a typical exchange when Coach Rick suggested we bring sunscreen to the Half-Marathon many of us are running this Saturday. Question: “Wait-where do we put the sunscreen?” Answer: “Ummm. On your skin.” Classic. We interrupted the stretching to head over to the HandleBar & Grill for some dinner and socializing to finish the night.

August 7, 2009 Posted by David | Running | Leave a comment

About

My Blog

images Welcome to Dirty Shoes. You’ll find details here about my training for the Denver Marathon and my efforts to support the mission of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Expect to find regular updates about my progress as well as features like my “Run of the Week”, sharing some of my favorite runs around the country, and “The Stamina Soundtrack”, a playlist of songs to keep you moving. I’ll also drop in tips and information about running, racing, and the landscape and phenomena that serves as the backdrop and inspiration for my running ambitions. This blog is an effort to give back to those who support my cause. I hope it will allow you to come along with me on this journey. Let me know what you think. Please share your thoughts and comments.

If you’d like to help me raise funds to research a cure for blood cancers and to support other families who are facing the challenges that these diseases bring, this link will take you to my fundraising page: http://pages.teamintraining.org/rm/denver09/dbraun

My Dad

Paul David Braun (November 29, 1944-October 12, 2008)

I’m running the Denver Marathon in memory of my father. During a full life, my Dad modeled values that I make every effort to live up to each day. He exemplified integrity, character, honesty, and faith. When he was diagnosed with a rare leukemia in 2005, my family was badly shaken. But his strength, pragmatism, and demeanor throughout the course of his treatment comforted me in difficult times and his providence, love, and foresight help me move forward in his absence. I miss him everyday but his spirit persists in many tangible ways. He does not live in my mind with the illness he suffered but rather in the many long and happy years that preceded it. For visitors who knew my Dad, I hope this site recalls memories that make you smile.

Running has been a rare constant in a rambling life. I’ve spent much of my adulthood moving from one place to another seeking education, adventure, and experience. In each new place, running has provided an opportunity to refocus and to know that place well. I’ve run along dramatic mountain ridges snaking through vast wilderness, and along cracked asphalt alleys slinking through urban districts. I’ve run along palm-lined beaches and along graffiti-lined bridges. Whether bounding down desert canyons, or cranking miles out on pavement I’ve found great satisfaction. Running helps me stay centered in a life that has been, geographically at least, anything but. It has helped me find peace during times of upheaval and clarity during times of confusion. It has given me gladness in times of hardship and novelty in times of dullness. I’ve had friendships built solely around running. It has been a big part of my life. I’m grateful that something I have a passion for can be used to purpose. I hope that my commitment to run in memory of my father will inspire you to turn your own passions to something greater. Or at least to go for a run.