Randumbery

I used to run this semi regular feature called "Randumbness" about, as you would guess, various random and dumb things going on. It was a nice page filler. You thought you were getting actual carefully constructed content. Instead, you were getting fluff, filler, time wasters. I'm not saying this to foreshadow this post. I'm just saying the post title is Randumbery and if you can put 2 and 2 together....well, we'll both be pleasantly surprised at your cognitive skills.

Kristina, the Marathon Mama, has tagged me. By order of blog etiquette, I am compelled to respond.

The Rules
Each player answers the 5 questions on their own blog. At the end of your post you tag 5 other people and post their names. Go to their blogs and leave a comment on their blogs telling them they've been tagged and to look at your blog for details. When they've answered the questions on their own blog, they come back to yours to tell you. (Ed. Note: I will be blatantly violating these rules and only selecting 1 other person.)

1. How would you describe your running 10 years ago?

Pretty much the same as now…lots of arm swinging and knee pumping with increased heart rate and cardiovascular pressure. I would describe my running then the same as now: like a graceful gazelle (with sexier knees).

Now, if I interpret the question another way, I was NOT a “runner” in 1998. Lots of basketball running but no road running. Who wants to run like that anyhow? Those guys (and gals) look like they’re dying! And they must be DESTROYING their knees.

2. What is your best and worst run/race experience?

Best: The 2007 Bayshore Marathon. The conditions were perfect. I was in great shape. The course is a runner's dream. No distractions. Scenic. Largely flat. I was peeling off miles 10-15 seconds ahead of planned pace and feeling very comfortable…until mile 18 or so then, like all my marathons, it became a grind. But, by then, I was pretty sure I had a BQ day going if I could just hold it together. I remember barely being able to stand after crossing the finish but my countenance was emblazoned with a silly perma-grin (see my avatar for example as that photo was taken 20 minutes after finishing). BQ!

Worst: Chicago 2007. I got water and was able to finish. But this was the first salvo in my ongoing battle with calve cramping. I think this picture about sums it up.

Mid cramp!

And you might ask yourself why I’m wearing a dark blue shirt on a 90 degree sunny day. Good question. It was October after all.

3. Why do you run?

To express my disdain for those slower than me and provide an outlet for jealousy to those faster.

Or

For mental and physical health.
To keep up with my ever speedier kids.
To maintain my Adonis like appearance ad infinitum.
Unusual childhood infatuation with the Six Million Dollar Man and an excuse to make bionic noises.
I’m an enormous stat geek. Garmin!! Oh, my, heaven.

4. What is the best or worst piece of advice you've been given about running?

Best: No miraculous words of wisdom here but, I think, some runners think they’ll naturally get faster just by running at the same pace every run. If you want to BE faster, you have to TRAIN at faster paces. Fartleks, track repeats, whatever. Push yourself.

Worst: Trying to help a beginning runner with form when I didn’t even really know what I was talking about. It sure sounded good though.

5. Tell us something surprising about yourself that not many people would know.

When my favorite sports teams win it all, I like to claim ownership of that victory as if I was part of the team and had something to do with the accomplishment.

For example, we won the Stanley Cup!

Suck on that!

I tag SRod. Get to work!

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Vote Update:

Voting on my next book selection is now closed. The final numbers:

Slash 44%

Portnoy's Complaint 22%

Arrowsmith 13%

Arrow of God 11%

Other 11%

As luck would have it, I currently own Slash and Portnoy's Complaint so I don't actually need to go out and buy a book based on these results. Suckers! You fell right into my trap. And, if I'm allowed another insult, SICKOS! You voted for, in this order, Sex, Drugs, Rock N' Roll and Masturbation....over satire of the health care industry and a complex examination of father/son relationships. This doesn't surprise me. Had I nominated a book on the History of Farting, I'm sure you would have voted for that also.

So, Slash and Portnoy's it is! I have taken your 'Other' suggestions as well and will be adding them to my reading list. Particularly the Rushdie book which sounds very interesting.

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Exciting family news coming Monday!