Here is a sad but interesting article about runners in Caracas, Venezuela. They have resorted to runinng in groups as a way of protecting themselves from the violence endemic to their city.
We always knew the running community is made up of special individuals. Hopefully others in similar areas can learn from this coping strategy unitl the fear and violence subsides. The link above also provides a slide show of the runners in various parts of the city.
An Anthology by Runners
for Runners
I am happy to be included as one of the contributors to The 27th Mile, an anthology of all things running by runners who are writers. All proceeds from the book will go to support the victims of the tragedy at the Boston Marathon.
For more information, and to sign up to be alerted once the book is ready,
just go here.
We heard this argument last year, and although many agree there needs to be more research on the issue, some recent studies suggest the benefits of running may disappear after 30 miles a week. Well, at least it's interesting reading . . . especially the comments!
(No, that's not me in this picture). This is a reminder for all those who have "running with the bulls" on their running bucket list -- you better start making your travel plans soon for the July festival.
The fiesta runs from July 6th through the 14th, with the daily running of the bulls beginning on the 7th. For centuries, bulls have been driven from their overnight enclosure across narrow, cobbled streets to the bullring (the Plaza de Toros) across town for the afternoon bullfight (corrida). Locals initially found it exciting to run along with the bulls. Soon, the more daring decided to test their bravery by running in front of the bulls, wearing the traditional garb of white shirt and trousers with a red waistband and neckerchief.
Go here for more information on the festival and event.
In 1926, the encierro gained world-wide notoriety with Ernest Hemingway’s account of the event in The Sun Also Rises. ( I read the book. A lot of drinking in it!). Each day of the encierro at around 8 a.m., a rocket is fired the moment the bulls are let out; a second rocket goes off to warn everyone when all the bulls are in the street. Typically there are at least six bulls, accompanied by a half dozen steers to help lead the way. The run begins on the street called Santo Domingo, considered the most dangerous since the animals are full of energy and runners don’t yet realize just how fast an agitated half-ton bull can motor. Another critical area is near the end of the roughly half-mile route at the Callejón, where the narrow corral can cause a pile-up of runners trying to gain entrance into the bullring.
Thrill seekers who want a safer, though not necessarily more civilized event in Spain, can travel to the village of Bunol near Valencia on the fourth Wednesday of August. There, the combination of sangria-filled revelers and countless tons of tomatoes results in the world’s biggest food fight called La Tomatina.
(By special request . . . a popular post from the past. ENJOY!)
When did you first consider yourself a runner? Was it when the toenails on your right foot turned purple like grape jelly from going too far, too often, in running shoes that were too tight? Was it when you entered your first race, or when you strapped on that runner’s watch for the first time? If you only run a half dozen miles a week, or if you have never entered a race, or if you don’t have a fancy watch or shoes or singlet, it doesn’t matter. Anyone who slips on socks, ties on a pair of shoes, and goes out the door for a run -- no matter how far or how often -- is a runner.
Running author, Dr. George Sheehan, once put it all in perspective when he said, “The more I run, the more I want to run, and the more I live a life conditioned and influenced and fashioned by my running. And the more I run, the more certain I am that I am heading for my real goal: to become the person I am.” If that’s how you feel, join the club. Still, if you need more examples of what defines a runner, here are some Internet postings from runners just like you.
You know you’re a runner when:
. . . you consider pasta a food group.
. . . the theme from “Rocky” gives you goose bumps.
. . . you give up running for Lent.
. . . you have a quilt made from old race T-shirts.
. . . you can easily convert kilometers to miles, and vice-versa.
. . . your calf muscles are bigger than your biceps.
. . . you correct others that a marathon is really 26 point two miles.
. . . you get a massage but it’s not for pleasure.
. . . you use “easy run” and “5 miles” in the same sentence.
. . . you have more shoes than your wife and they’re all for running.
. . . you enjoy going to the golf course, but not to golf.
. . . you’re envious when you see runners on the road and you’re in a car.
. . . you spend more on running clothes than on school or work clothes.
. . . many of your toenails are not pink anymore.
. . . there is a “running” playlist on your iPod.
. . . you view drinking beer as carbo-loading.
. . . you arrive sooner using the steps than the ones taking the elevator.
. . . you run for fun.
If none of these describe you, hopefully they will soon. And by the way, if you have your own additions to the above list, let's hear them!
Attending the Penn Relays is one of the 100 things all runners should do before they die, as noted in my book. If you can make it to Philadelphia and Franklin Field Thursday, Friday, and/or Saturday, you will witness one of the most exciting and historic events in all of sport.
It is known officially as the Penn Relay Carnival, a 3-day celebration of track and field each April in the City of Brotherly Love. More athletes have run at the Penn Relays than at any other single meet in the world, and more spectators have watched the meet than any other, with the exception of the Olympics and World Championships.
First run in 1895, the Penn Relays is the longest uninterrupted collegiate track meet in the country. But it is not just for collegians; about half of the 20,000 competing athletes are high schoolers who are given the chance to shine in front of some of the most knowledgeable and vociferous track fans around. Other competitive classes include Olympic Development (post college) and USA vs. the World, and some of the greatest names ever in track and field have competed at the Penn Relays: Jesse Owens, Paavo Nurmi, Eric Liddell, Al Oerter, Wyomia Tyus, Marty Liquori, Edwin Moses, and Carl Lewis. Celebrity sightings are common too, such as hometown favorite and track fan, Bill Cosby.
While many individual events are run, it is the relays that create the most excitement at the carnival. In addition to the standard relay distances, spectators can witness the 4x800, the 4x1Mile, the Sprint Medley Relay (200-200-400-800), and the hotly-contested Distance Medley Relay (1200-400-800-1600) which Villanova won an amazing 16 consecutive years.
Added Bonus: Penn Relays spectators are not too far from the Philadelphia Art Museum, so after the meet a run up the Rocky Steps should be on your agenda. "Yo, Adrian!"
The 117th running of the Boston Marathon is Monday, April 15th
RACE DAY MEDIA COVERAGE
(coverage begins at 9:00 am)
| Division | Start Time | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobility Impaired | 9:00 a.m. | ||
| Wheelchair Division | 9:17 a.m. | ||
| Handcycles | 9:22 a.m. | ||
| Elite Women | 9:32 a.m. | ||
| Elite Men & Wave One | 10:00 a.m. | ||
| Wave Two | 10:20 a.m. | ||
| Wave Three | 10:40 a.m. | ||
| Awards Ceremony* | 5:00 p.m. |
