If you’re a regular reader of The RunDown, you’ve learned a lot about our fantastic 2011 KeyBank Vermont City Marathon pace team already, thanks to the introductory post each pacer submitted. Now we’re excited to bring you more detailed posts from each leader.
We have a great team of leaders; we hope you enjoy getting to know them. In May we will post detailed information about where and when to meet your pace leader on Race Day (as well as an opportunity to run with them on Saturday, May 28.)
Bud White (3:40) :: introductory post :: email
3:40 Pace Leader Bud White with daughter, Katie
I have chosen to be a pacer for the 2011 VCM because the comradery of running in a group is something I enjoy the most about the sport. I appreciate goal setting, and understand the amount of hard work and training it takes to reach your goal. I have also paced many of my friends in previous marathons and have had a great time. This year is especially exciting because my newly engaged daughter’s fiance (mainly a soccer player) is running his first marathon with the hope of finishing around 3:40. He is also running for a great cause. He is hoping to raise $ 5,000 for the Malayka House, an orphanage in Africa that would run for a month with that amount of money. I would enjoy bringing him and all of you other 3:40 hopefuls across the finish line. I’m confident that we will get there together and from there we can head to the beer tent where I enjoy celebrating with family and friends, and cheering on the rest of the racers.
Art Byram (3:45) :: introductory post :: email
3:40 Pace Leader, Art Byram
Training tip #1 Stop Thinking
My body screamed to let it be, as the alarm made its call early this morning. What makes us able to respond at 4:18 in the morning? Is it the ability to see the end result? Is it the fear of failure on race day? Could it be the desire to not wanting to kick ourselves all day for not acting now while we can. A busy family and work schedule makes it hard for me to fit a run in during the week after 6:00AM. If I want any kind of quality run I had better get out before 5 AM. But at that hour it is hard to think one’s way into the rationale of starting a run. It is hard to choose the pain of a run, from the comfort of bed especially once the temperature starts to drop and it is dark outside. Most days I am able to overcome this problem.
Unlike most solutions, this is one that requires absolutely no thinking. In fact, any thinking at all is likely to lead to failure. All it requires is action. Action, taken one step at a time. Step one: alarm rings. This means it is time to get out of bed. Under no circumstances should one consider “why”. Step two: move away from the bed, preferably another room. Again, no questions allowed. Step three: start getting ready by putting your stuff on. At this point you are well on your way.
When it comes to morning running, I can not let my thinking get in the way. Sometimes you gotta just take the next step. I may not be able to always choose a run over a snooze, so I really try not to give myself the choice. Just like in many things, the first steps are the hardest. Once dressed, the idea of a run starts to feel like a workable idea, and the choice is easy.
Sleep is good.
Rest is good.
But the memory of a good run will carry me further than any of my dreams.
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