03 Sep
Posted by Graham as Adventure, Run, Sports, Training, Travel
The Dukes of Flatbush have fielded a 12 person team to race in the 2008 Reach the Beach relay race next Friday. If you haven’t seen the other posts, it’s a continuous 24 hour relay race that covers 210 miles. We’ll each do three legs, running one leg every 8 hours or so. I just downloaded the .kmz file for Google Earth so I could get a bird’s eye view and I gotta say, this is some pretty impressive distance for 24 hours. The course starts in the Northwest corner of New Hampshire and runs all the way to the beach in the Southeast corner. All I can say is “Res Firma Nitescere Descit”.
I wanted to pass this message along to all of our readers still interested in running in the 2008 NYC Marathon and do not have an entry
The Jack H Marston II Melanoma Fund (Jack’s Marathon Team) has 6 guaranteed entries available for anyone interested in running in the ING New York City Marathon 2008.
For details or to register please visit www.jacksfund.org/jmt_wmm.htm by August 29. Or contact Amy@jacksfund.org
Join Jack’s Marathon Team and help fight melanoma every step of the way. Donations received through Jack’s Marathon Team fund vital research and awareness programs.
Please note: The fundraising goal has been lowered to $1000.
Amy Saletta
amy@jacksfund.org
At long last, it’s The New Guy (holy crap it’s about time!) with his inaugural dofb post. It’s only fitting that Reach the Beach take top billing.
This evening one-third of Dukes: Team RTB took to the streets and bridle paths of Central Park for an evening jaunt. The run is of special significance because it marks two team members’ foray into an elite RTB training regimen; for our very own Stephanie and Kristin, it was their third run in 24 hours. They managed 6 last night, 5.5 this morning and capped it off with 4 tonight. Now that’s impressive! Meanwhile, reports suggest that Duke MFP has been knocking out two-a-days while Laura has been putting in 20+ mile days. And speed-demon Sean’s team The Chipmen rocked the Vermont 100 on 100 last Friday in a blistering 6:34 team pace, winning the Masters age group. Team Dukes will not be stopped!
RTB Training Tips:
*from now until race week, work in at least one two-a-day every week w/ 6+ mile legs
*train for your night leg: start wearing your headlamp or carrying a small flashlight on a long run each week (even if it’s a day run)
*if you don’t already own two new-ish pair of sneaks, get them; you’ll want to rotate shoes across your legs to prevent shin splints and other injuries
A group of Dukes went out Wednesday night and ran with the NYC Bridge Runners. The Bridge Runners are an area running crew that are somehow affiliated with Nike and promote running over, well, bridges. It’s always cool to take a lope that includes one of NYC’s amazing spans & it was an added bonus to do it with a bunch of new faces. The Bridge Runners have weekly runs on Wednesday night and usually offer two different options of varying length.
The Dukes showed up six runners strong and opted for the “longer” run which, while not really long, did provide all kinds of awesome scenery. I ran there and back as well, effectively doubling my mileage and upping the bridge-crossing ante (12 Miles, 4 spans crossed; 3X Manhattan & 1X BK). Great miles logged and hill training for RTB as the Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges have looonnnnnng grades. All in all, an excellent evening spent running with friends and some good new runners met.
RTB:
RTB Training Report 2
RTB Training Report 1
RTB Announcement
It doesn’t take being lapped by too many octogenarians out on the road to begin harboring home-baked theories about the prolonging effects of running. The sheer number of active, fit and healthy older runners certainly eclipses what could be considered the confines of a “lucky few” gene-pool. However, much of the medical establishment has long adamantly championed that strenuous activity, and running in particular, has more profound negative effects on the aging than it does positive.
A study released two days ago by Stanford School of Medicine confirmed what many in the running community have long known - running slows the aging clock.
“When Fries and his team began this research in 1984, many scientists thought vigorous exercise would do older folks more harm than good. Some feared the long-term effect of the then-new jogging craze would be floods of orthopedic injuries, with older runners permanently hobbled by their exercise habit. Fries had a different hypothesis: he thought regular exercise would extend high-quality, disability-free life. Keeping the body moving, he speculated, wouldn’t necessarily extend longevity, but it would compress the period at the end of life when people couldn’t carry out daily tasks on their own. That idea came to be known as “the compression of morbidity theory.”
Fries’ team began tracking 538 runners over age 50, comparing them to a similar group of nonrunners. The subjects, now in their 70s and 80s, have answered yearly questionnaires about their ability to perform everyday activities such as walking, dressing and grooming, getting out of a chair and gripping objects. The researchers have used national death records to learn which participants died, and why. Nineteen years into the study, 34 percent of the nonrunners had died, compared to only 15 percent of the runners.”
Perhaps not the fountain of youth itself, but an elixer almost as good. Maybe ol Ponce de Leon shoulda pulled his conquistador head out of his armor ass and laced up a set of kicks.
With the race a mere 5 weeks out, RTB training slogs on. The squad has experienced no shortage of injuries and we’re hopeful everyone will make the start in reasonably decent shape. I know I have my fair share of morning limps and griping muscles of late, but I’m also totally stoked for this new and wild experience. I mean, what’s not to love about a 24hr straight, rain or shine road race over hill & dale complete with vans full of sweaty, stinkin’ friends plotting great deeds and the inevitable vanquishing of suds?
Anyway, it’s a little late in the game, but I came upon what looks to be an excellent training program tailored for a similar race at roughly the same time in Colorado.
http://www.coloradorelay.com/race_info/training.html
I’m pleased to report that, according to this at least, I’m largely on-point as far as my own training goes. Though I’ve been notably lazy about incorporating 2-a-days so far. Ho-hum; maybe tomorrow.
Stay tuned for more RTB info, training updates and saber rattling from our intrepid event captain: The New Guy (TNG)
The Dukes are gearing up for our Reach The Beach relay race in mid September. I’ve recently begun to slowly target my running towards the goal of being able to effectively run 3 legs of varying distance in a 24hr period. It’s kind of a wonky requirement and I’ve been at a bit of a loss on how best to tailor a program. Fortunately I came upon this bit in July’s Runner’s World (pg. 40):
Q: How should I train for a road relay in which I’ll run about five miles three times in 24 hours?
A: Train as you would for a half-marathon, but add these strategies: (1) Do two-a-day runs of five miles each at least once a week starting six weeks before the event. (2) Run a hilly route once a week to increase overall leg strength. (3) head out for a few runs in the dark (with friends, reflective gear and a headlamp); night runs are an inevitable part of the relay experience. (4) Find foods you can digest easily because you’ll be eating at all different times of the day and night.
The cumulative mileages vary for each runner on the RTB team and some will log a good deal more than 15 (more like 20-22). But this seems like sound advice and a good place to start. Seeing as the author is Sean Coster, I’m guessing he knows what he’s talking about. I can’t say as I’m looking forward to initiating 2 x days much, but think I’ll get cracking on that this week. My dogs be barkin’ just thinking about it.
Stay tuned for more Dukes RTB updates from our RTB Captain: The New Guy.
I know these were a long time coming, but I think worth the wait. Here are some candid shots of us crossing the finish line. Have to love the faces after 13.1 miles
Update - Now with 100% more Eve
Enjoy
Today the UPS man brought what could be my fourth and final pair of Brooks Axiom 2. While I love these running shoes, I am hearing rumors of a new version, of course the Brooks Axiom 3.
The Brooks Axiom 3 is going to contain their secret weapon MoGo. This is the midsole that everyone seems to rave about and has been held back from the Axiom line so far. I have yet to try a shoe with Mogo, so I cannot comment on the feel, but I can tell you the logo looks cool on the sneaker.
Below is a picture of the Brooks Axiom 3 I found on a french Brooks website. Hope to be back soon with a review.
Like everyone, I LOVE bacon. If I was on one of those cooking shows where someone gets eliminated each week, I’d just make bacon every time - how could I lose? So simple. I just ran across a video of a place down in the Lonestar State that makes Chicken Fried Bacon. I did some quick calculations and you have to run a mile for each strip that you eat, otherwise you better be “really funny” or a “good dancer” cause you’ll never get laid again. I can run a 10k these days so I’m good for a sixer…
As our good and jerky friend (compadre?) Jeff related earlier this morning, this past weekend was the much anticipated Shelter Island 10K. The Dukes fielded a 12 person squad, a dozen Dukes if you will, for a picture perfect day on Shelter island. The course was beautiful and the weather was hot. Damn hot. 80 degrees and blazing-evening-sun-holy-sheet-I-wish-I-had-ice-packed-shorts-on hot.
No course records or PRs were set that I’m aware of, but everyone did managed to finish the race strongly amid much DOFB howling. Special congrats go out to Paolo, Lydia, Deirdre, Amy, PT & NG for completing their first race under the DOFB flag and earning their stripes (shirts). Righteous work folks!
Typical DOFB pre-race stretching routine. Works best with some horrible disco blaring to, you know, get Paolo pumped.
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Ivan showing strong form and gettin’ it done at the finish
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Juanito bringing it home
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GJ showing pluck at the end.
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The White Witch cranking towards cold water and a mojito
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PT making it look..well…something.
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NG & Amy showing that the Dukes will get it done no matter what. Neither rain, nor snow, nor pregnancy, nor a complete lack of training can quell our ferocious spirit. I salute thee.
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Big Lydz & Sam cruising home. There is no way on earth Lydia ever considered, a year or two back, that this is what she would be doing one beautiful June afternoon in the year 20 Ot 8. Seriously nice work to you both.
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One critically overheating Paolo as he nears the finish….huge showing P.
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Post-race Deirdre….who the hell knew she was so damn speedy?!?!?
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Much happier post-race Paolo grin. Thank god - I was afraid he was going to cross the finish and slug me for getting him into this sweaty mess.
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Lydz and staff photog Alixa…thanks for snapping all the great shots lady!
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DOFB Team shot for the Shelter island Reporter. Graham has a standing bet with an old friend and fellow islander about who can get in the reporter first (and not in the police blotter!). If this makes the paper, he wins. Hands Down. Seems like the prize should be paid in shellfish - no?
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A second group shot where we attempt to show our missing compatriot Jeff just how much we value and understand his life decisions.
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And, finally, expressing our club dominance by throwing the DOFB up right in the middle of the finish area. I’d say the “O” could use some work, but let’s see Los Compadres try something this daring. Hmmmm? Hmmmmmm?
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Dukes celebrate post race with a White Party involving amazing Fried Chicken from Commander Cody’s, outrageously good Margaritas & Mojitos and a fantastically prepped outdoor space….sweeeeeeeeet.
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Eating outdoors under a flawless night sky was the perfect way to end an amazing day ’cause, you know, that’s how we do.
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White lights in the trees…ladies in white on the lawn; very naaaace.
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The White Witch & PT. The post-race festivities were all her idea and everyone helped realize the vision. She rocks.
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P-funk livin’ the smoooove.
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As you can see, a shite time was had by all. Thanks again to the the great folks of Shelter Island for their amazing support over the length of the course. Especially those dudes with the hose at the top of horse hill…you really saved my butt from imminent heat-induced bootage. And to Graham for hosting us ne’erdowells and Fayth a& everyone else involved in making the post-race party such a fantastic time.
And, especially, to Jeff, for not ruining our fun by attending this year’s event.
As my exile from New York City continues, I have missed a few crucuial events that DOFB has sponsored over the past few weeks. This past weekend I missed the Shelter Island 10K, Summer Solstice and DOFB member Birch’s birthday, the trifecta of DOFB events. I thought I had a great excuse for missing the weekend, I am currently in Paris on business and could not attend. I thought it sounded good.
Well……..I think the reaction to my decision can best be expressed below:
It has been a tough couple of weeks settling into the new city but I have still managed to get a few runs in every week. The good news about running in Seattle is that the weather has been ideal for running. Every morning has been overcast and mid-50’s with no humidity. As far as running conditions go it does not get any better. The bad news is also the weather, I would like some sunshine when I run. The people here tell me it will be beautiful every day starting July 4th, but I am still a little skeptical.
Ok , on to the fun stuff. Hills!!! Seattle is extremely hilly and will whip your ass if you are not ready. Some of the hills are so steep that it is not really safe to run down them, because there is a good chance you will launch off. These are the small lessons I am picking up the hard way and keep thinking to myself that if I ever qualify for the Boston Marathon I will be ready for Heartbreak Hill.
As for were to run in Seattle, I have not done a lot of exploring yet but my two favorite places are Volunteer Park and Interlaken Park. These are just minutes from my apartment but once you enter you feel like you are far away from the city. Found some pics online that will have to do until I bring out the old Sure Shot.
The 2008 Shelter Island 10k is only a few weeks away - official start at 5:30PM on June 21st. If you have never been to Shelter Island, it’s located on the East End of Long Island, accessible by short ferry rides from Greenport (North Fork) or North Haven (South Fork). I highly recommend this run if you haven’t done it before. It’s an idyllic course past horse farms, coastline, golf courses, churches and the course is lined with locals holding cocktail parties on their lawns. A real hometown feel. We had 9 Dukes last year in the race, trying to get 15 this year. So come one, come all!
The Dukes at the 2007 Finish Line
23 May
Posted by Birch as BBQ, Baja 1000, Cars, Electronics, Food, Gadgets, Misc, Motorcycle, Music, NYC, Run, Sailing, Sports, Surfing, Training, Travel, Uncategorized
Sometimes a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do and, I guess, this is one of those times for our beloved admin, erstwhile coach, training partner extraordinaire and certified master of the grill Jeff. He’s packed up the shop, loaded what’s important and is redeploying to the left coast in search of fortune, adventure and cracked crab. As we all navigate the fog caused by last night’s sayonara wumpus, I’d just like to pause for the cause and give a hearty HUZZAH to our partner in crime.
Fare thee well sir. You’ll be sorely missed but we’ve every confidence you’ll quickly get to holdin’ it down out there and swelling the ranks of the Dukes West Coast Chapter. Write when you get work and we’ll come inspect your beachhead.
Vaya con dios y un gato en tu pantalones Amigo.
-mismanagement
DOFB
