Week 13 - "No Watch, No IPod, No Problem"

"Log off, shut down, and go run."
- Anonymous

The series of pictures above and the confrontation itself, changed so much in not only the running community, but in the social conscience of America and in many parts of the world.  These pictures say so much when you just look and study them.  Know what you don't see?  IPods, headphones, watches, and smartphones, and you might as well throw in today's technologically designed clothing. In spite of all that, Kathrine Switzer managed to change history.

Here's another pioneer in running.  It's Roger Bannister breaking the four minute mile. Let's pile on the list of don't haves of yesterday's runners by looking at their lousy running shoes by today's standards.  Somehow, these two icons of running were able to be forces of nature without the help of today's technology.

For those of you reading this who do not follow me on Facebook, I ran in the 16th Annual Hermes River Half Marathon Run that goes from Berea, Ohio to Rocky River, Ohio.  The course is on the Valley Parkway in the Cleveland Metro Park System.  It is absolutely one of the most beautiful half marathon courses that can be run. In the past 140 days, my half marathon time has decreased by approximately forty-five minutes.  

Today, I ran another race without a watch, IPod, or IPhone.  I found myself once again focusing on not only the running experience, but each moment of the race.  I made the commitment from the start that I would enjoy each and every step of the run and NOT PUSH myself.  Below is a picture of me at the start of the race.  I'm the big guy in the brown shirt, grey running shorts, and the compression socks. The man and woman in the matching grey shirts had headphones on and were yelling to hear each rather than take an earbud out while trying to communicate.  That made them the most annoying people in the race and helping to document today's thesis.  I couldn't wait to get away from these folks.  Toads!

About two miles into the race today I met this lady. Her name is Vanessa. As I came to find out, she has a son with cerebral palsy.  She had a great attitude towards life and I would have totally missed running with her had I been in my own little world.  While we separated at eight miles, I have to say that she made a positive difference in my experience today.

Vanessa and I split up when I decided to pick up the pace slightly but not in any manner that would tire me.  My thoughts turned to runners I know who have impacted me particularly some of my more recent friendships.  One such friend, Melodie Sams and I got to do "high fives" early on in the race as she was heading out and I was heading towards an early turnaround in the race.  That was very helpful to my perspective.  Shortly after her, The Boss came by. Perfect.

I was feeling really good about the day as I focused on my pace and my breathing.  I truly felt like a runner.  I traded humorous remarks with the aid station volunteers. I thanked them for volunteering.  At no time did I reminisce about the runner I used to be.  Today was about acceptance of where and who I am today.  

With today's effort, I got 52 miles in for the week. This was unimaginable 140 days ago.  I know there are plenty of people both faster and slower.  I wish them all well.  For me, I'm just going to keep moving forward in a measured fashion.  This gentleman got it exactly right:

One thing is for sure.  I will be running in more events without today's technology. I'm going to keep focusing on the whole race experience. I can't do that with noise that shuts me off from the rest of the world.  Somehow, I know that the1967 version of K.V. Switzer would approve as would Roger Bannister.  You know who else would approve?  The 1983 version of Steve Hailer who ran 39:45 (6:25/mile) for a ten kilometer race in Dunkirk, Ohio and then later that year a ninety three minute half marathon in Dayton at the age of thirty-three.  Know what he didn't have that day? Yep, current day technology. That guy ran by feel.  Based on experience, I think I'm on to something. 

I had plenty of energy left today at the end of the 13.1 miles.  This best explains what I was thinking after I crossed the finish line:

Regarding Sunday, September 13th, nothing more needs to be said except, "It was a great day."