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”.
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.
Few things in life turn out to be as good as their name, but Punkin Chunkin is definitely one. Every year, a bunch of people get together to see just how far they can throw a pumpkin. You are probably thinking it’s a strongman competition where giant Swedes throw gourds over a 20 foot wall. No. It’s much better than that. The classes in the competition merely hint at the insanity - Air, Centrifugal, Catapult, Trebuchet, Human Power, Human Power Centrifugal, and Torsion Catapult. I could go on, but a picture is worth a thousand words. Check these out…
Just how far are we chunkin these punkins? The world record currently stands at 4434.28 feet, a little under a mile. Are you kidding me? The event is held in Bridgeville, Delaware from October 31 - November 2 this year. Count me in. I’ll blend in perfectly…
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.
We take a break from our normal programming to discuss the New York Mets. The Mets are on fire as they head into the All Star Break and this hot streak is a long time coming.
They have won 9 in a row, have 4 shutouts in their past 6 games and have come back to within 1/2 game of 1st Place.
Let’s hope these guys can keep their act together over the All-Star break and keep their winning ways in the 2nd half of the season.
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.
18 Jun
Posted by Graham as Baja 1000, Cars, Gadgets, Motorcycle, Sports, Training, Travel
Just ran across this footage of trucks dealing with the silt during the 2007 Baja 1000. It’s the best video I’ve seen that illustrates the insanity of those sections. Also has some crashes that make a brother say “awoooooogah” - enjoy!
10 Jun
Posted by Birch as Misc, Sailing, Sports, Uncategorized
It is with great pleasure that we can announce the successful launch and maiden voyage of the Dukes of Flatbush’s first naval vessel. Astute students of history, the DOFB understands that no entity, whether man, club or nation, can be truly complete without demonstrating superior naval power.
A bit like the Russians at Stalingrad, our rival running club Los Compadres continues to best us at area races with an attrition strategy based on overwhelming numbers and superior infantry training. However, all indications are that they have no “Unified Forces Plan”, and have left their BBQ, Motorcycle and Naval flanks completely undefended.
The Dukes already own the Grill and Motorcycle theaters; we’re confident that the addition of a stout sailing vessel will be the linchpin in our summer campaign of good-times domination.
Consider this fair notice Compadres, your speedy ways on the asphalt are no match for our comprehensive forces. We will express our dominance and steal your good times in a classic pincer movement that would do Hannibal proud.
In other boating news - the Dukes of Flatbush are pleased to announce partnership with the Hüskooler School of Sailing and Maritime Refreshment Research. With a staff of gifted instructors, the Hüskooler School offers a new paradigm in multidisciplinary seafaring education. Full certification is the goal for all students and a rigorous, Shelter Island based, 8 week class schedule will commence in early July. Please contact your administrator or neighborhood Moose Lodge for more information.
Proper technique from a lead instructor
CIT training session
Anti-pirate-stratagem role play
I am a sucker for motorcycle stunts, thought this was interesting:
“Working in conjunction with BMX legend Mat Hoffman and some of the best stunt riders in the world, Johnny Knoxville hosts a super stunt spectacular in homage to the late, great Evel Knievel. A few of the guys that step up and risk life and limb in the spirit of the world famous daredevil include Travis Pastrana, Scott Palmer, Allan Cooke, Davin “Psycho” Halford, Trigger Gumm and “Harley” Jeff Schneider, all of whom attempt a number of ridiculous stunts worthy of making television history. This DVD also includes over an hour of bonus features like an extended look at Johnny Knoxville’s painful hospital visit, thoughts on Evel Knievel’s legacy, a hilarious behind-the-scenes featurette, as well as a thorough look back at Mat Hoffman’s trailblazing career.”
Has anyone seen this? Any good?
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
This weekend saw the happy addition of another trusty steed to the Dukes stable. While floating in nature, this entry definitely satisfies all of the character requirements we’ve come to expect from the land-based fleet. Ladies & gents - I’m pleased to introduce the Sea Senor(ita).
The Sea Senor(ita) is a classic 17′ O’Day DaySailer. DaySailers are fantastic fun and this one should provide endless summer good-times plying the waters around Shelter Island. The craft was gifted to the these Dukes by a most-excellent family member who was tired of it gracing her lawn; a sort of God-Duke if you will.
She’s been sitting the better part of the last 10 years, so we have some work to do before launch. But working on a little sailboat in the sun is a damn fine way to pass the time. Plus this boat will be a floating classroom for a whole host of folks, little ones included, who are eagerly awaiting sailing lessons. With that to look forward to, we started out this past weekend with a solid first cleaning. I’m sure you’ll agree the results are impressive.
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The accumulated funk from years of sitting unprotected outside
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Dirty Deck; Liken Gone Wild.
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Much better - she’s actually kinda good lookin’ under all that grime!
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A much cleaner cockpit; neigh ready to bear Dukes upon the sea towards unknown adventures, spoil and plunder….
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There are some minor repairs still to be done, rigging to be replaced, and another round or two of cleaning, but what a keen reminder of the restorative powers of elbow grease. Will certainly update again as the Sea Senorita nears launch.
Stable report 1
Stable report 2
Stable report 3
Stable report 4
Stable report 5
Stable report 6
Stable report 7
Stable report 8
Mad props out to Sean for his amazing performance this Monday. He ran a 3:09 which is damn fast in any marathon. In Boston? SICK! Here’s his race report:
“The marathon was an incredible experience. Just running a course with so much history (112 years - oldest except for the original Greek Olympiad) is pretty amazing. And, some of my earliest memories are of watching my dad run it.
The race is incredibly well organized - making 26,000 runners safely and timely move through an urban course is no small feat. High points for me were finally getting under way in Hopkinton, charging through the “wall of sound” at Wellesley College where hundreds of college women uphold a tradition of nearly blowing your eardrums out, Summiting heartbreak hill with my stride intact and realizing ½ way down the final stretch of Boylston Ave that I had my sub 3:10 in the bag. Low points included a scary hip pain in the early miles that went away, struggling on the first of the Newton hills (I recovered), and struggling mightily in the final 5 miles to maintain a sub 3:10 pace.
My goal was to run under 3:10 and I managed to cross in 3:09:13, 2290th place out of 25000+ finishers. The weekend was even sweeter because 4 college buddies of mine were all running as well. One of them even got to run with Lance Armstrong for about 2/3 of the race. For any of you who ever have the desire to run a marathon - there is truly nothing out there like Boston.”
Nice work Sean; may all dofb membership in good standing toast your mettle forthrightly!
Morning all,
Just a quick report from this morning’s jaunt to Lido beach. Waves were 3′ glass and, while the water is still in the low 40’s, it was already nearly 70 degrees out by 7am. Holy F I’m out of form/shape, but it was amazing to be out on such a perfect morning. While further out than the Rockaways, I like Lido. It always seems to stack up a bit higher and there are less folks spread over seemingly more peaks.
Can’t do it everyday (the 5:30am roust + hr each way of driving is a bit much) but my-oh-my does a little clean surf start the day off right.
Just a quick shout to all the runner’s who are preparing for this coming Monday’s 112 running of the Boston marathon.
As a runner and native New Englander I can’t help but love the Boston. I was peeved to miss qualifying in this year’s NY by a minute and change, but it’s with no small amount of pride that we’ll be cheering one of our own on from afar. My cousin (in-law?) Sean Kerwin, an iron-man, all around kick-ass athlete and soon to be Duke (he’s on our Reach the Beach team), will be competing in this year’s race. Sean’s a machine and I have no doubt he’ll be high-steppin’ over heartbreak hill.
Best of luck to Sean and all the other runners….we’re pulling for a cool, windless and slightly overcast day Monday!
DOFB
