The Beast Within

Perhaps the most haunting aspect of running is the fear of failure, the lapse of zeal, or just plain ole' athletic neurosis. What must we do to stay motivated? Where do we allow our minds to take us when our ambition to run is weighed down with the garbage we collect in our thoughts and sometimes our bodies? Who do we seek out to relieve us of such shortcomings? Ourselves of course! Every one of us has these days, some more than others, when we simply can not and will not allow ourselves to pursue something that is driving us. When the inner tenacity that propels us to go for a run is being slain by the beast within we know we are in trouble. I Love Nike, but "Just do it" sometimes simply is not enough. So what is enough? The scales will tip on this one depending on your approach.

It is mandatory to know WHY you run, what you are trying to accomplish, and what results you want. Before you go out on your run set the distance or time, set a pace, and know what type of run you want. Will it be an easy run or a tempo run? Will you go long or do speed work? Hills or flats? Defining the run prepares you mentally for it, you know what you are in for, and you are better prepared. The beast is smarter than we think at times so in order to prevail we must also have structure. Set the time you are going to run the night before and DO NOT deviate from it. It is like setting your watch, but you are setting your mind. You now know the type and time your run will take place hours before hand. The beast must sleep also you know, and as you both sleep perhaps a happy medium will occur when you awake to take care of the business of running, because it is just that. Ever wonder why everyone doesn't run or exercise? Sloth, that is why. We all know now about proper eating and exercise, no more excuses of blissful ignorance. We have become a nation of little, uh sometimes big, Sloths. We as runners are not such creatures, so why allow our minds to convince us other wise?

I can almost certainly assure you that after the first few miles the beast will be onto other victims, and you will be free to fly away in your blissful thoughts and feel your legs getting stronger with each stride, your heart and lungs pumping your body full of energy, energy that you burn to catapult your running to the next level. It is like having to walk a long way to the ice cream store, or waiting in line for that perfect slice of pizza. It is always worth the wait and in our running it almost always produces a feeling of joy once we get over the initial few miles. Of course there are the days when we leap out of bed and have no mental hindrance whatsoever. Many of us have lots of these days. We all will surely have days that will test our resolve and these will be most rewarding to those of us who prevail in overcoming the obstacles that we create in our minds. No one else put these thoughts in our heads and no one else can remove them except us. When we run we are masters of our own universe, the road opening our minds and allowing us to think clearly and definitively. Our runs become our daily dose of good will and inspiration and that in itself is enough to overpower any and all mental deterrents we create.

All of us are works in progress and the challenges that face us in life are no different than the ones discussed here. Overcoming a lack of motivation in running will do wonders for that OTHER thing we all do called Life. Enjoy your next run and Be Well!

MAN IN THE MIRROR

What has your running done for you lately? If like me you run for solace, then the runs will produce clarity and structure. We tend to self evaluate out there on the roads and trails, searching and at the same time evolving a little. Running is unlike any other physical activity I have ever done. It stands above the others because of my approach to it. On my runs I find myself looking way beyond the concept of who I think I am. It has been often said that Man(as in mankind) is 3 things. Who he thinks he is, what others think he is, and who he really is.

Much has been said the past few weeks about the Man in the Mirror. Tragic brilliance, the yin yang of all things. To truly celebrate one's life do we have to let go of the shortcomings or things even darker or just plain wrong. I have pondered the MJ question and on my run yesterday it was all I could think about. My 8 year old son is the only reason I am still living on St. John, and as I saw and listened to Paris Jackson speak about her feelings for her father I am reminded how fragile Life is and how I mask my feelings so often. Men don't cry so I am told, but millions did yesterday, not so much for Michael, but for the overwhelming feeling that the loss of any parent or child for whatever reason is one of Life's cruelest moments. One that can never be explained to make sense to the rational mind. At times I feel as fragile as that 11 year old girl, who will never have the comfort of her father again and has been dealt the lowest blow life can dish out. As an adult I may or may not have a higher understanding of these things, but to a child it should never have to happen yet it does daily. Some kids never get over such a tragedy. The JFK-JFK Jr. saga comes to mind. Why? I surely will never know and although I think about it, I do not want to pursue the answer in definitive terms because I believe there is not an answer that I will accept.

Looking in the mirror can be a tough process if you are looking for answers to why you are who you are. I can tell you that running will make your reflection an image you may be aspiring to. Running will unleash thoughts and ideas in the recesses of your mind. It will make you question the core of who you think you are. I don't run to enter these realms, they just happen. Whatever chemical reactions occurring in the brain on distance runs is the life force of evaluating the man in the mirror. I have demonized him for his bad choices and embraced him for the good ones. So I say if you want to make the world a better place then Run. You may just find that your running will allow you to stand in front of that mirror a little bit longer and just smile!

STREET SMARTS

The age old debate, street smarts verses book smarts. As I stare at a 2 ft. high stack of running books as I write this , I can only ponder what the information enclosed within their covers has and will do for my running. I have learned from them and at times have obsessed over them. Today I was clearly reminded about street smarts from my 8 year old son. His foray into street vending in front of my store and his dedication and enthusiasm for his stand is inherent and can not be taught in books. Anything in life, be it running or street vending or the multitudes of other activities we choose to involve ourselves in can not and will not serve a useful and positive purpose without passion. As runners we are constantly reminded that without passion what we do becomes real work. Once the joy of running fades we are left with very little to keep us going. It is like running with very heavy boots, we move forward but it is not with the grace and agility our passion provides for us.

Being self employed over 30 years now has taught me a simple truth. Love what you do and you are doing what you love. Luca, my son, exemplifies that as I watch him set up, sell, tear down and do all the little things involved in running a business. He is astute and attentive, and also rewards himself and his friends with ice cream and slush puppies towards the end of his day. That natural rhythm of work hard and reward is the cornerstone of any success and kids seem to know it without the 2 ft. high stack of books. What is it that you really love to do? Then do it after your run. A self congratulatory approach to your accomplishments is as much a part of your training as the long runs and the daily workouts. Rest too is actually training. What a great sport, we are actually training when we are resting and in my case eating pasta and pizza! Talk about the best of both worlds.

Runners are a clan that will persist through almost anything to get their runs in. For example I will be running tomorrow afternoon, in the middle of the day, in 88 degree heat with high humidity on hills! Why you might ask. I only have control over which time of day I run, not the elements or the terrain. St. john is volcanic, thus the hills and it is summer time. I cannot run until 2 pm because of family commitments. So I will run, and It will be hot, but I will pace my self and let the passion provide the foundation for the run. There is very little that will keep me from running tomorrow. I have geared myself up and mentally prepared for a tough, hot mid day run. Knowing ahead of time why you are running and where and how long or far gives the mind and body an alert, thus making it feel easier. I have said before always know why you are doing a run and what you are expecting from it in terms of training. I have identified my next Marathon in early October so my training now begins to shift towards that goal. As much as I loved running my first Marathon in Portland last fall, I do not want the same outcome or experience. I must train with that in mind if I am to alter my result. My respect for the 26.2 mile distance is immense. No amount of book smarts could equal the knowledge gained during that run last fall.

Perhaps street smarts mean so much to me because of my inner city upbringing and the survival mode you must go on at times to get by. Instinct is essential for all types of survival and running and marathoning are no different. Listen very closely to your thoughts while you are out on the trails and roads and you will know what works best for you. The 2 ft stack of books will always be their to assist you but your gut and your heart will always lead you best. Be Well and enjoy the summer runs and race season!

ASCENT

Today I ran trails, I love them, so serene and unforgiving at the same time. The volcanic nature of St. John makes these runs very challenging, just what I want and need out of a good run. 700 ft. ascent in the first mile will test the resolve of any runner and at times will question ones mind as to just what and why we are doing this. On this eve of Fathers day I reflected on the trails, and my status as a father and as a person. Both works in progress and both being fueled by these runs. Running has allowed me to process the vast insanity that is sometimes life. It acts as a filter and sorts the waves of thoughts and reactions to the world at large. I am driven to run far more for the mental and spiritual aspect than for the incredible result on the physical level. My heart and lungs may thank me, but my spirit and soul applauds me. Running is simply the glue holding my life together and as long as I am physically able I plan on running.

I have not posted in 3 and a half months here. I have written an entry on every single one of my runs." Letters in my mind" I use to call them as I have written thousands and thousands of them but they rarely seem to make it to paper or fruition. Life side tracked my writings this season as it has been quite a ride this winter. I often wonder what a runner is thinking as I see them traverse by. Are they as deeply engaged as me in life's alluring nature or are they just happy to be exercising and planning activities for themselves or their family? Whatever the reason we run it is apparent there is something to it as it a wildly popular activity and sport. An undertaking as simple as running produces so much joy for people simply because it is just that, simple. Look at the kids on a playground anywhere on the planet and my point is proven. A natural movement that balances the complex nature of our beings. A motion so routine that it brings us back to the fundamental basics of what our lives are meant to be and edges us towards what is important and what we must cast aside.

I will tell you this much about running, it is the simplest form of exercise and offers the most results on all levels. Your ascent into running will prove this. A solitude sport that produces an outcome of clarity and well being. You can do it ANYWHERE and it requires minimal financial resources. Focus your thoughts on the passion within you and apply it to running and you will soon be thanking yourself for the gift you bestowed upon yourself and the example you are setting for the masses who are slowly killing themselves through inactivity and over eating. In closing please know that running is a simple activity with very complex results. See you on the roads and trails and Be Well!

AFTERMATH

Another stellar race on Saturday, highlighted by local running legend Jeremy Zuber's 6th consecutive win and weather from the running God's! Well weather for the spectators anyway. A warm morning with sunny skies graced St. John as 800 plus runners traversed Centerline Road from Cruz Bay to Coral Bay, 8.38 miles, with an elevation gain of 1400 feet in the first 5.5 miles to compete in one of the toughest road races in this sport. Everything fell into place as the field of athletes competed in the 13th annual 8 Tuff Miles road race which has now become a major event for St. John. "The Zube" held off arch running rival Court Lilly in a close race to keep the title on St. John.

Pre race jitters always get the best of me and this race was no different. I ran hard at times, especially the last 3 miles of downhill road, but tried to conserve energy on the unforgiving hills in the middle part of the race. I divide the race into 4 parts as I run it and train for it, and part three, The Hills, as they are known can make or break a runner. They are loathsome at times and can be a physical and psychological barrier to a successful race. Although I still consider myself a newbie to this sport I am starting to get some experience and confidence under my running shoes. I believe our minds are our biggest obstacle to overcome as race day approaches. Many a runner has been shot down by the tricks played in the psyche at the start line. Mastering the mind is a whole other beast to slay and is always a work in progress. We can condition our bodies to peak performance and still have a bad day on the tarmac. Take a look around you at all the runners just before the starting gun is fired and you will see a congregation of deep thinkers with utter resolve.

I ran 1:10:47, 34 seconds slower than the year before. I place 60th overall. I have to pinch myself sometimes when I realize I am running in the top 10% of the field as I never considered myself an athlete before, but I do now. I run 5 days a week year round and train in the Gym also. I am committed to this running lifestyle and hope I am able to continue it with the same zeal I have for it now 10 to 20 years in the future. I never really fully understood why people ran in all types of weather and the distances they covered until I got out on the roads myself and then it ALL made perfect sense. The rewards of a good run, whether it be in a race or in training or in leisure cannot be measured in any said terms. It is something that must be experienced to fully understand the transitions that occur in one's mind when you are out on a run. I like to stay out minimally an hour because it sometimes takes 2-4 miles to find that zone, the one that provides mental clarity, and the best part of the journey is when that state is entered. There are so many times when I am running that I want to just keep going but I stop myself to avoid injury and over training. The first book on running I ever read clearly stated, know why you are running each training run, always know what you want to accomplish that day. I set my goals for my runs prior to their start and usually stay with them. My goal for this race was 68 minutes and I missed it by 2 minutes. My run nonetheless was still a major success but I want to do better, and I will, as I have identified what needs to occur to run a 68. Time will tell next year. Time is the runners friend or enemy depending on the situation. We all have a hidden athlete in us and I am glad I was able to find mine as it has smoothed out some rough edges in my life and for that I am eternally and utterly grateful.

I have stated before that the 8 Tuff Miles and the hills of St. John are a metaphor for life. In most cases this holds true and we make or break it come race day and every day of our lives. Thanx for being part of my journey and Be Well.

R n' R

We all long for it, we all need it, yet we forget that it is not a given. It must be earned. Rest and Relaxation are a reward, not an entitlement. I rest only after I have put my miles in. Resting before I put my miles in can often lead to slacking, and that is just not an option. I know, I know, you do not have to be so serious about the running, but sorry, where the passion nestles the fury thus flies. Without the compulsion the journey somehow has less meaning and impact. The Chef who produces a meal without his inner zeal looks for work elsewhere. I will fully rest a day or two after the 8 Tuff Miles race that is coming up this Saturday, the one I will run in 68 minutes or less if I have the kind of day I have trained for and have focused on, well deserved rest as I will push my body and soul like I have never pushed them before. I am on a mission to challenge myself to becoming a better and stronger runner. The sooner I can get to the finish line the better as I also enjoy seeing other runners enter the racing chute and complete their convictions.

R n' R , Right and Wrong, Reading and Arithmetic, the cornerstones and foundations of our children's trek into the world of adulthood. As responsible adults who have chosen to have kids, it is our mandated undertaking to steer them in the direction of a better world. It is beyond my wildest comprehension that so many people think we can accomplish this by LITERALLY beating them. A child does not have the physical or mental capacity to challenge their abusers and thus the ignorance of the perpetrators of Corporal Punishment think that their ways are working. My son loves to chew sugarless gum, he is ardent about it. I am going to start to save all those pieces of chewed gum as a reminder of the unenlightened masses that believe in this band aid approach, this gum in the dike solution of correcting the behavior that us adults have deemed unacceptable. Please note that I understand children need guidance and discipline and that they are no better than what we nurture them towards and teach them. I am raising a son who has never been stricken by me or his mother. Perhaps our attempts at discipline will not produce the swift results that the paddles and beatings produce, but I can assure you that the patience in our approach will yield hundred fold results over the barbaric and archaic practices of Corporal Punishment that is rampant in our society at large. It is very similar to compounding interest in the world of finance. Put a little in now and reap the benefits for decades to come. Teach them that conflict resolution does not have to entail violence and you will be rewarded with a young adult that can navigate their way through society with the tools that are necessary for their survival in a convoluted world. . Many of you reading this know me quite well and are probably thinking I am being hypocritical here. I actually have to agree on some level. I have had a very violent upbringing that has resulted in me resorting, at times, to violence to resolve certain situations or at least propagating it as a means of outcome. I have often gone the way of Machiavelli or LaVey. I make no excuses for my actions nor do I ask for your understanding or forgiveness. I am Guilty as charged. Our lives are works in progress. We can all choose our paths. We can right our wrongs most of the time. We most certainly can break the destructive cycles that cripple our families and society for generations upon generations. So that is my answer to my own hypocrisy. Break the f@#%ing cycle once and for all. I am living proof that striking a child has tremendous negative ramifications on one's life during childhood and beyond. Our children deserve better and it is time we joined the rest of the world in banning Corporal Punishment once and for all.

R n' R, reasoning and resolution, the path to a better outcome for our disagreements. The future is right now. The reasons we have accepted Corporal Punishment into our society no longer hold merit. I often tell my son Luca, "today is the tomorrow you where thinking about yesterday" We must teach our children the proper reasoning that will produce the desired result, one that entails zero violence. We are at this point still teaching them that if something is not going your way or someone is not behaving in the manner you deem acceptable then striking them is a valid resource. The choice is ours. As Spike Lee said and put forth so candidly in his film "Do the right thing".

In leaving you tonight I can only hope that when my son reaches adulthood that this practice of Corporal Punishment will be banned globally. Over 100 countries have done so all ready. As leaders of the so called free world we are setting a very bad example. Be well

FOLLOW THROUGH

It is important to know why we are running each day and what we are expecting to accomplish with each run. A purpose defines our goal and brings the run into perspective. Our training is only as suitable as the goal we are striving for. The big race here is drawing nearer and nearer and as I define my remaining training runs I am aware of what I am expecting from myself. Nothing short of the desired result will be acceptable and I will use these last 10 days to define such an outcome. Giving it my all is the only option I have. I am a runner because I have passion beyond the norm for many things in my life. The running simply acts as a catalyst for what yet lies ahead for me.

I returned home tonight after attending a forum on "Expectation for Education" and raised my concerns to the Department of Education and the public at large on the Corporal Punishment being administered in the public school system here in the U.S. Virgin Islands which is legal and alive and well. I was compelled to do so and as nervous and anxious as I was I simply had to follow through on this issue. It did not go as planned on many levels, it never really does, but the issue was brought forth to the public by me and for what it's worth it sparked an emotional response from the attendees to say the least. My follow through on this issue is as spirited as my running. It simply has to be done. I am driven to do so at all cost. Passion is the fire that ignites one's drive and thus my resolve to bring this issue to the light of the public at large.

The fervor that is my running now co-exist with my tenacity to see that one day no child should have to live in fear of being paddled or hit in ANY school system anywhere. As I partake on this journey of running I am becoming more and more aware of what it means to be an advocate of change both within myself and for the world at large. Change to me was way more that a buzz word in Barack's Campaign and in his current administration. So I run to change, change myself and the world at large. I will not simply wait for the world to transform, I will be a spark for it in both my running and in my life.

So as I follow through on some of my convictions and when the path gets cloudy, I will simply go on a run and wait for an answer. Be it mile 1 or mile 20 it always comes, I just need to be still within my movement and listen.

Be Well

68

The amount of minutes I have allotted for myself to complete the 8 Tuff Miles on Feb. 28th. Our local running event will sell 838 racing bibs as the actual distance is 8.38 miles. It will sell out, it always does now that it has become the largest foot race anywhere in the Virgin Islands. 68 minutes of pure guts. It is a lofty goal for a newbie runner as I have only been running a little over 2 years. This will be my 3rd 8TM race, and even more noteworthy of a time due to my age of 52. Numbers do mean something. With math being an exact science their is little room to fall off pace. Last year I ran it in 70 minutes. I totally surprised myself, along with a slew of other local runners, with my time and on that given day last year it was good enough to win my age division of 50-54. Now I must defend my title. That old sports saying "On Any Given Sunday" holds steadfast. You simply never know in local road racing who is going to show up and how it will affect the standings. Last year if I had been in the 55-59 age division I would of not even been in the top 3, and one race last summer stateside I did not even place in the top 3 but if I had been in either of the 2 Lower age groups I would have placed 1st. So the time is really the way runners measure their improvements. I would like to think that since I started at such a late age, 50, that my accelerated growth, ones ability to improve over time, is still in play. Mostly all runners my age are slowing as they have been running a lot longer than me in regards to the amount of years. 68 will be my mantra come race day. I want to still be running when I am 68. Perhaps a 68 someday in a 10 miler, my current PB, personal best, is 73. Oh the magic of 68.

What a year it was for a young impressionable boy of 12 who had spent his first 11 years in a cauldron of social chaos and the familia lifestyle of an Italian American upbringing in South Philadelphia. Coming of age in 1968 for me was an accelerated learning process on social mores. Traditions at the time I thought normal and acceptable defined one part of me, and the social and political landscape and upheaval defining another. Chicago rioted that summer at the DNC and Bobby Kennedy was shot dead, fresh on the heels of the MLK assassination. Our country, along with my impressionable mind tried to sort out the unfolding scenarios and decide who we were and what direction would we as individuals take and what path the country would be driven towards. Who can ever forget Tommy Smith and John Carlos at the 68 Summer Olympics. Moving to southern New Jersey in 1967 with my family was like going to Disney. Who ARE these people with their white socks and lawn furniture! Farmers is what us city folk called them and a one horse town now defined our new home with my Spanish Grandfather, a man with a fist of iron and a heart of compassion. I did not realize it at the time of course but he saved my life. South Philly had all ready chewed up and spit out other family members and the hillbilly ways of Jersey would allow me to calm down somewhat and enjoy some nature and smell the roses. It was a rough going at first but my street smarts from Philly carried me through. The summer of 68 in Jersey was like viewing the social unrest from a private box at the opera. Aware but protected. Gone where the riots a half a block from our Philly row house, no bloodied and beaten bodies walking by, no car windows smashed out. Forgotten was the constant threat of a beating by a rival gang simply because my skin was the wrong color. Ended where the detours home to avoid being in the wrong hood at the wrong time. Oh sweet Jersey where the picket fences were white and the cheese steaks were loathsome! I learned a lot of things about a lot of situations in those years and ran with 2-3 different groups at a time and although never really feeling at home with any of them they all had merit and pulled me in and taught me the ways of life. A handful of close friends added to my adjustment and I grew to become one of them for the 9 years I lived their. 68 produced some of the best music ever recorded and in my darkest hours I would find the necessary solace to move forward and notch out a place for my self in this utterly confusing and indifferent world.

As a runner I have become aware of a lot of things buried in the recesses of my mind. Avenues have opened that other wise would have remained blocked had I not pursued this sport. 68 will have special meaning come race day this year. I have done the training and the work to make 68 meaningful in my life. Be well

COMPULSION

I Ran the 8 Tuff Miles Course early today on a misty and overcast morning with a cool breeze and a heavy load of thoughts. The race is coming up in less than 3 weeks and I have set some lofty goals for myself, both on and off the course, to say the least. I am compelled to run now. For what ever the reason, it is deemed in me to run. Compulsions of a positive nature need not be analyzed and dissected. The wind to my back says it all. The wind in my face notes even more. I have shunned most overly analytical approaches to lifestyles and social anthropology. Better we flow along and be who we are, as long as we do not disturb the solace of others. As we enter this new age of social and political awareness with our new leader Barack, one may call into question just what it is that we are to do to better our existence. Your guessed it, RUN, well for me anyway. The basic primal movement of running serves as my gateway to personal and social change. Lots has been written and discussed about what occurs in the brain on a longer run. I will leave that for another entry. One thing is certain, the clarity I obtain on a host of subjects while on a run simply could not be achieved for me otherwise. On a 60-90 minute run I have sorted out the days quandaries, answered nagging questions, and made decisions that normally would occupy way more of my time. So I run. And as I run I am compelled to act.

Since my last entry I have been struggling with a very disturbing social issue that was recently brought to my attention. It involves our most precious resource and shapes the future of all things to come. As all things must pass, I proclaim they pass with dignity and honor. It is clear to me that damaging this resource has a direct effect on our own lives whether you be young or old, black or white, able or disabled. I am now compelled to protect this resource and let it flourish to find a place in the sun.

Imagine a 8 year old boy shaking uncontrollably in his Mothers arms, tears streaming down his face, having to once again relive the trauma of yet another day in our Public school system, both here in the US VI, and in the 21 states where Corporal Punishment in schools is still legal. Envision his fear and distrust of his educators, and conceptualize his horror that was bestowed upon him by the very teachers we have entrusted his well being to. Just picture him as he reveals to an astounded Mother the abuse he has been receiving at his school, the Guy Benjamin School in Coral Bay on the island of St. John, since his enrollment in the fall. Paddling, spankings, rulers on the hands and knuckles, and duct tape on his mouth! Now imagine it being your own child. What would you do? How far does one go to protect their children? Simple answer, all the way!

Thus my compulsion to do something. I was physically abused in both Catholic and Public school up to the age of 13 or 14 in the 60's. I could write volumes on that but I will not. What I will write is that I will not rest until this territory of the US VI takes a stand on this issue. I will devote my time to seeing that every child has an equal and fair playing field at school and is not stifled by the fear of being hit. My compulsion is fueled as I run and gather both physical and mental strength to summon up the resolve to see this through to the end. And no other end will suffice other than a complete ban on ALL forms of corporal punishment in our school systems.

Please know that children are our most precious resource and their well being is an inherent right. Why are they one of the last groups to be given true equality. We do not own them, we nurture them, and we DO NOT have the right under ANY circumstance to strike them, or other wise engage them in activities that are detrimental to their overall well being. I am a parent so therefor I am compelled. Be Well

8 Tuff Miles Sun Times Newspaper Article

8 Tuff Miles – the challenge

Since its inception in 1997, St. John’s 8 Tuff Miles road race has escalated into a mammoth event where 838 runners will gather on Saturday, Feb. 28 to summon up their inner and outer strengths to compete in one of the toughest 8.38-mile road races anywhere. The virgin run of this event had only 21 entries, who signed up on race morning. It is now the largest road race held anywhere in the Virgin Islands. It grows every year and has blossomed into THE premier running event of the Caribbean.
Runners are a dedicated clan. They run for reasons as diverse as the lifestyles that inhabit our islands, and they will all tell you how running has touched and changed their lives. We run to think, feel, and heal. We run to stay fit and strong. We run because we are driven by forces sometimes beyond our control. The hills on St. John are, of course, a metaphor for our lives, and as we propel our bodies and souls along these magnificent vistas we are reminded of the beauty in all things. The up and down nature of running here will leave you stronger in more ways than one might think. Running legend Steve Prefontaine believed that a race was a work of art. I concur. The 8 Tuff Miles race can be a simple fun run or an analogy for the challenges of living on a remote island such as ours. This race will mean a lot of things to a lot of people, and as a 21-year resident of St. John and entering into my third year of full-time running, it has a special meaning for me. It was my first race and one that drove me to become very passionate and dedicated to this sport.
I have offered support in various ways over the last few years to this event, and this year will be no different. I will donate one dollar to the college scholarship fund – created by Peter Alter, the race director – for every person who crosses the finish line in Coral Bay. Furthermore, I will match dollar for dollar any donation made by any runner who has a better time than me in the race. Last year 54 people finished ahead of me, so this leaves lots of room to raise money for the scholarships, which give $4600 to 6 children who win in their age groups, 3 male and 3 female, each year. Last year I donated the entire $4600, but due to the current economic crisis, I am unable to do so. This is where you come in. Please go to 8tuffmiles.com and make a donation, no matter how small. Our newly elected president raised money with this same tried-and-true way, one dollar at a time, and look at him now! Come race day we will push ourselves one stride at a time, one breath at a time and one person at a time to the completion of our journey. If you only have one dollar to give, your donation is equally important as any.
Saturday morning, the 28th of February, at 7:15am will be an exciting time on St. John. Thousands of people partake in the race as participants, volunteers and spectators. Each has a place in the success of the event, each has a reason for their involvement and each has a resounding effect on the state of running as a sport on St. John. I will be a cog in Peter's well-oiled machine and do my part come race day. The combined efforts of the community have made this race a jewel in the world of road racing and an annual event that any St. Johnian or Virgin Islander can be proud of. See you at the finish line!
Be Well,
Luigi Costello stjohnrunner.blogspot.com

VICTORY LAP

Last Tuesday was of course a most excellent and historical day. I cut out of work for a few hours, hey I'm the boss and I can do that, to watch the transfer of political power to the most articulate politician of our modern time. 23 months had past since Barack announced his candidacy and 4 1/2 years have past for me waiting for that magical moment in front of the Lincoln Memorial. When Barack delivered his Keynote speech at the '04' democratic convention I was simply stunned! I knew right then and there that the democratic party had found their voice. Much Much to late to replace him for John Kerry, who has the personality of dried liver, and much to late to unseat W. The country was ready for a change in 04, but the wrong candidate was put up. And so we spiraled out of control as a nation and lost the respect of the world at large. W's decisions are a prime example how one persons choices affect the overall balance of the world! And oh did he affect! Don't get me started.

So elated this day I was that I adorned my self with 6 Blue and White balloons in the middle of a warm tropical day and took a victory lap, well much longer than a lap, and headed up the North Shore to that old familiar haunt of runners paradise. I ran to Easter Rock for Barack. I really looked quite silly but 4 balloons were for the 4 years I waited and the other 2 each represented a term he will hold. I believe he will be the most loved and proficient president since JFK and re-establish the good will that W and his gang of cronies systematically destroyed. Seeing Cheney in a wheel chair at the ceremonies was symbolic nirvana! As I ran I could not help smiling and relishing the moment. Running can intensify things in ones life. It was a brisk run but ever so easy as the wind felt especially cleansing and my leg just flowed and guided me to a new beginning in the modern history of our world.

Having a President that is into physical fitness as seriously as Barack is, also sends a message to our youth and the populous at large. Fit in mind and body, strong in will and resolve, ready and willing to walk the talk, and to be an example to all classes and cultures. I may not be the Barack Obama of running, but I am striving for a cabinet position in 2012. My journey as a runner is in its infancy, and as Barack heals our nation I too will master the hills and valleys that I embark on daily. That old cliche "A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step" could not have greater meaning.

PERSONAL BEST

As runners most of us strive for better times when we race. We train and strain and hopefully gain. As a self trained runner I am in the constant state of experimentation with my runs. No coach or group leader to guide me. No one telling me my mistakes or showing me my pitfalls. Formulating a training program for myself is not always easy and not always possible to follow due to the runners triangle(see previous post). Case in point the training I did for the Half Marathon I ran this past Saturday. The last long run I did was 5 weeks prior to the race. I had planned more but they simply did not occur. I have valid excuses though, trust me!!!!! Right! LOL

I train hard most of the time I am running, Taking easy days of course to balance the intensity of the overall training, but in general run hard. I have been doing a lot of out and backs of 7 plus miles along the North Shore and once a week running 3 Loops around the Lind Point trail starting from town. Both of those runs are tough to say the least. I can sometimes literally feel myself getting stronger. I am pretty adamant about getting my 5 runs in weekly. Sometimes even 6 and once in a while it will go down to 4. I am hard on myself and consider 3 runs in a week in the category of total slacking. Sick running junkie that I am!

So what to my wondering feet do I achieve, a personal best in the half marathon you see! Oh Santa would be proud of me but he is very busy making sure my son and all the other children of the world have a very merry one in "09". It was my 4th half marathon and each one the times went lower and I ran a 1:42:01 at Disney this weekend. I am quite pleased, ever though I had my eyes on a 1:40. I tried to stay with that pacing group but did not want to go out too fast and I held them in sight for the first 6-7 miles then just lost sight of them. Having clocks at every mile is awesome and I knew I was still on pace for a PB. It is always an awesome feeling crossing the finish line.

My stats where as follows: Time:1:42:01, 419th overall out of 12,434 finishers, age group(50-54) 27th out of 580 males, age grade 66.8% and 348th overall out of 5253 for males.

So the question is this. Did I under train by not doing my long runs or did I amply train and have a PB because the hills of St. John are the most awesome place on the planet to run and they reward all who suffer through their wrath? Probably a little of both I would imagine. I always tell stateside runners that a 7 mile north shore run is equivalent to a flat 10 mile run in the states because of the 3H club(see previous post) Hills, Heat and Humidity. We run in high heat and high humidity pretty much year round and in the summer and fall it is just plain brutal. So when we get up to the states and run on flat ground in much lower temperatures and lower humidity it is like having an extra jolt of what ever all those cheating athlete take that disgrace themselves and their perspective sport. What a sad state for sports when the playing field is not level and our children must deal with the multitudes of issues surrounding these athletes and the dire backlash that occurs due to ignorance, greed and ego. All boost in sports and performance are not created equal!

The next race for me will be the 8 Tuff Miles right here on St. John on Feb. 28th. I will be fully trained for that race and will enjoy every minute of it, even the ones I plan on shedding off of last years time!

A Tradgic Run

Running never quite offers up the same ambiance. So many factors at play to adjust the desired result. Better we just flow along and see where it takes us than be disappointed when the result strays from our expectation.

One never knows when it strikes, at times as foreign to us as a Summers day on Lakeshore Drive in January. A run such as this is etched into our hearts as we feel the pain of another and wonder what order, if any, life's random assaults have. Moving one's body briskly along these hills when consumed with the grief of another, and one's own, is trying and troublesome, and offers up the excuse to slow down or simply quit. Tragedy slowly creeps like the ever prevalent misfortune that begot a family member of mine over the New Years weekend.

The overwhelming feeling and urge to stop the run is all encompassing and must be dealt with in the same manner as the grief facing my loved one. To continue on is the only logical option, but so shrouded is that line of reasoning it calls into question ones resolve. So we are tested. We are dealt a hand that can go either way. If the choice seems so simple then why do we struggle so? Simply said, we are mere flesh and bone, not the great warriors our ego leads us to believe. We must dig so deep within ourselves to convene our vigor that we seem to drain the very force we are relying on right out of us. And at that moment when we want to give up completely, when we feel we can not run another stride, not take another breath, not bear the burden of yet another one of life's insidious jokes, it is in that instant that we often see clarity and find the strength to continue on. Tragedy will call into question ones frivolous life. It will show you who you really are and what you are truly made of. So the legs keep moving and the arms continue pumping and the heart and lungs persist in striving and the will to sustain is carried on.

Trials and tribulations are often the cornerstones of great progress. We must not let anything slow us to the pace of submission. Great runners know this and use it to make themselves stronger. We are only as good as we allow ourselves to be. We simply must never stop!