Racing. Easy as 1, 2, 3...and 4?

[caption id="attachment_42" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="The beginning of the 8-mile loop at Saguaro National Monument"][/caption]

 Training runs begin July 30, 2011 and run each Saturday until race weekend.  Group leaves at 6 a.m.

The fall racing season begins in a few weeks with the running of the 42nd Annual Saguaro National Monument Road Race on September 5th.  Following the paved, 8-mile loop around the historic landscape, the course will take runners through some of the most beautiful parts of the Sonoran desert, lined with majestic saguaros and breathtaking views of the Rincon Mountains.  Oh yeah, runners will also climb and descend more than 1,700 feet of elevation during the race. 

In anticipation of the big day, we'll gather as a group to run the course every Saturday during August (the 1st training this year is July 30, 2011). Each year the formula is the same - a  few straggle out in the beginning, with larger and larger groups showing up each week as runners cram in their last few miles of hill workouts.  It’s funny the way people prepare for this race, with distinct personalities emerging when it comes to running Saguaro.  Some hit the road fast, intent to get it over, with little or no care how they finish. Others gain strength running with a crowd; as if the pain can be shared collectively across the group.  Then there are the iPod people, gaining inspiration (and distraction) in their music. Last are the loners, preferring to face the challenge alone and with their own thoughts. Regardless of your type, a group of us think we have it figured out.  Look at the course as a whole and then divide the race into fourths.  Have a strategy for each segment and set yourself up for the next. 

[caption id="attachment_40" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Runners will climb and descend nearly 1,750 feet of hills"][/caption]

 Saguaro starts off with 2 miles of rolling inclines, steep and short, and the tendency for most runners is to go out fast and get ahead of the group.  Our philosophy is to go nice and steady to start the race, let the rabbits get out fast.  We’ll have plenty of opportunity to catch them soon enough.  We’ll glide into segment two, a relatively flat portion of the race.  This is a great time to check your breathing, get into a rhythm, and mentally prepare for “The Hill”. 

“The Hill”, a 1.5 mile, seemingly vertical climb, in the middle of the race, is one the main reasons Saguaro was a featured race in Runner’s World in 2002.  This middle portion of the race is a gut wrenching, quad exploding climb that will exhaust both mental and physical reserves if you are not ready.  It is the time most likely where the mind will often overrule the body and say ‘enough’.   But because this is segment three, focus on your strength, overcoming this challenge by getting to the top. 

The fourth portion of the race features rolling hills to the finish.  Stride out on the downhill, good form on the uphill, find your center and get control of your breathing all the while getting stronger as your quads recover.  It’s time to steadily pass those that have wasted their reserves on “The Hill”. Your confidence will soar with each person and hill you conquer.  Now is the time to let the spectator’s cheers inspire you and soak in the accolades of your accomplishments. 

Thinking about this philosophy, it’s not a bad way to approach any run really.  Most tasks are easier to accomplish if you break them down into easily managed segments.  On your next run, whether it's a one-hour long run or a 30-minute jog around the neighborhood, give this theory a try and break your run into fourths.  Easily managed segments will make your run easier to finish and allow you to focus on the task at hand.  As you complete each portion, you'll gain strength and confidence for the next. 

Now if I could just convince my group to 'share' a little more of my pain…

Running Time?

[caption id="attachment_36" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Time is fast. "][/caption]

 Time has been a constant theme in my world the past few weeks, and it has me thinking about the influence Time plays in our running lives.

I recently reconnected with an old high school teammate, and after compressing some 20+ years of life into a few minutes, we got down to the real question – “How is your running these days?”  My friend lamented the fact that we could no longer hit the road and rattle off 5:00 miles. I consoled him that those 8:00 miles will suit his knees just fine.  Plus, it doesn’t hurt to get into the mindset of the ‘used to’ and ‘now’.  As in, I used to run 5:00 miles, now I run 8:00 miles.  Time has that effect.

Running is a physical challenge at any age. Although things we could do without a thought when we were young, now require a 20-minute warm-up, stretching and a large dose of Vitamin I (ibuprofen). We haven’t lost the desire to be competitive, but as our priorities change - marriage, family, children, mortgages and car payments – we can add Time as a challenge as well.  Finding Time to hit the trails or run with a group can be elusive for even the most organizationally gifted among us.

[caption id="attachment_37" align="alignright" width="135" caption="Don't let Time win."][/caption]

Don’t get me wrong, I still have the desire to be competitive, but that takes Time.  And while it took me some time to overcome what my friend is going through, I am now comfortable with the ‘used to’ and ‘now’. Time provides the wisdom to savor the glow of completing a run, finishing a workout or competing in a race.  Time has value - time spent with family, loved ones, and time spent running are all important. So is the insight to not worry so much about running times, but more importantly making time to run.

I’m proud of my ‘used to’ but more proud of my ‘now’. I hope you are too.  So if you’ll excuse me, it’s time for some more Vitamin I.

Cool Running on the Rillito

Our group of runners has recently discovered a desert oasis nestled right here in the heart of Tucson.  Well positioned along the Rillito River Path, the Brandi Fenton Memorial Park features chilled drinking fountains, shaded ramadas, bathrooms and get this – a free water park!  Featuring water cannons, tipping water buckets and in-ground geysers, the park is a perfect way to ‘cool down’ after a nice run. At the junction of Dodge, Alvernon and River, the park is a hidden gem for runners, walkers and bikers looking for a respite along the path.

This fits nicely into our thoughts about running during the hot summer months in southern Arizona. Many of you have asked about training tips during the summer and I think that I have found an option for those aching to get outside and off the treadmill. The Rillito River Path provides more than 10 miles of paved and dirt paths along the Rillito River as part of the Pima County Loop System. During a recent run on the Rillito, I found an abundant amount of shade along the mesquite lined path early in the day.  Along with the Brandi Fenton Park, strategically placed drinking fountains along the path mean you’ll never have to go more than 10 – 15 minutes without a drink. Hit the trail at 6 a.m. and you are bound to have temperatures in the mid 70s.

It's important to realize that many others have found the path as well, so there is a certain etiquette for being a 'cool' runner on the Rillito.  A sort of ‘Rules of the Path’, if you will:

• The path is like the road – running/walking/riding is done on the right side of the path.


• Runners, yield to walkers; bikers & rollerbladers yield to both runners and walkers. 


• Pass on the left.  If you are passing someone from behind (especially you bikers), a simple “on your left” as you approach is helpful.  Yield where appropriate.


• If you are getting passed from behind, hold your line, let the person passing you determine the best way around you.  A quick movement may lead to an accident.


• iPods/mp3s are OK, but YOU are now required to be fully aware of your surroundings and others on the path.


• Dogs OK, but on a leash (and please, please take advantage of the well positioned dog scoopers and clean up after your dog).


• There are plenty of designated parking lots along the path.  The Craycroft parking lot on the Rillito, St. Phillip's Plaza and the La Cholla trail head are good spots to park. Trader Joe's on Campbell opens at 9:00 a.m., so the lot tends to be empty early in the day.  Brandi Fenton Park also has plenty of parking.

Mileage along the Rillito is much better marked than in the past.  Pima County has designated the system of paths and trails around Tucson as The Loop.  It seems that almost weekly new distance and mileage markers are posted.

Campbell Avenue and the bridge that crosses the Rillito River Path is  the ‘Zero Point'.  East or West bound, you are sure to be pleasantly surprised about what you’ll find.  From ‘Stonehenge’, a solar viewing circle at the end of the mesquite grove, about four miles west of Campbell, to the pleasant rest area at Craycroft trail head about five miles east of Campbell, there is always something 'cool' around the next bend.  My friends and I are looking forward to exploring new portions of The Loop, looking for 'cool' spots along the way!


So get out early, follow the rules and you’ll get your miles in while avoiding the heat. Oh, and one last piece of etiquette to remember: it is perfectly acceptable to return fire with the blue water cannon at Brandi Fenton Park.