Totally unrelated running post, but maybe some humor for you all this week.
I flew to St. Louis yesterday for a quick trip before the down time of the holidays (us in sales can't do much these 2 weeks... Nobody wants to see us)
Anyway, went to go pick up my rental car at Dollar. Not a single sign in the airport showing they even existed. Figured I would follow the Thrifty signs as they are usually close to each other.
After some searching, I found a little filled with people waiting for the Dollar bus. They had been waiting quite a while.
Long story short, we get there and they don't have any of our info on file. So they start from square 1 trying to upsell to a larger car, add ons, etc.
We all just wanted to get in and go. Since I was at the end of the line, I had a lot of time to come up with smart ass answers to every useless question they were going to ask.
So here it goes
"Good morning Mr. Patten, what brings you to town today?"
Answer "I am a hired assassin here on a hit"
"Uh.., where will you be driving?"
Answer "Hawaii"
"Who is your employer"
Answer "I can't reveal my source"
I almost said "Maybe you should call the guy at Radio Shack because I bought some batteries there last week and they have all of my personal information"
So later that night in the hotel lobby I saw one of my fellow soldiers who had to endure the same silliness. I told him I am still worried the guy reported me to the FBI.
Yes, there is a smart ass in every crowd...... I am honored to be that person.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
The Empty Glass Phenomenon
Through my extensive travel in the past 2 years, I have come to notice a commonality in the world of food service.
Try this the next time you go out to eat.
> Sit at the bar
> Order a beer
> Drink half of it
> Try to get the servers' attention (only through body language and eye contact)
> Finish the beer and count how many seconds your server comes to your service.
My point..... The empty glass is a far greater motivator than an eager server.
Why?........
Empty glass = another full glass of XXX = larger bill = bigger tip
Yes, it is that simple. Our primal instincts are motivated by money, not by making people happy.
At a company I used to work for, I had a co-worker who called me "root cause Matt". I mentored and trained many people there, and I ended up spending a lot of time challenging people on the "root cause" of any issue.
The "root cause" has always been my key motivator, and the thing which has distinguished me from the competition.
What does this have to do with running?
Training. What is the root cause to success or failure in races?
Training. But not the formula of training. I have come to believe that there is no such thing as junk training/miles.
In the bike mechanic world, there is a saying "bad grease is better than no grease"
Well, "junk miles are better than no miles".
And that is what I have been lacking for the last year and a half. Not enough miles.
The restaurant server who ensures who is always focused on an empty glass, is the runner who always worries about "not enough miles"
As dumb as that sounds, I think there is some truth to that.
This is why I finally got my mileage up to 40 last week.
Try this the next time you go out to eat.
> Sit at the bar
> Order a beer
> Drink half of it
> Try to get the servers' attention (only through body language and eye contact)
> Finish the beer and count how many seconds your server comes to your service.
My point..... The empty glass is a far greater motivator than an eager server.
Why?........
Empty glass = another full glass of XXX = larger bill = bigger tip
Yes, it is that simple. Our primal instincts are motivated by money, not by making people happy.
At a company I used to work for, I had a co-worker who called me "root cause Matt". I mentored and trained many people there, and I ended up spending a lot of time challenging people on the "root cause" of any issue.
The "root cause" has always been my key motivator, and the thing which has distinguished me from the competition.
What does this have to do with running?
Training. What is the root cause to success or failure in races?
Training. But not the formula of training. I have come to believe that there is no such thing as junk training/miles.
In the bike mechanic world, there is a saying "bad grease is better than no grease"
Well, "junk miles are better than no miles".
And that is what I have been lacking for the last year and a half. Not enough miles.
The restaurant server who ensures who is always focused on an empty glass, is the runner who always worries about "not enough miles"
As dumb as that sounds, I think there is some truth to that.
This is why I finally got my mileage up to 40 last week.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Airport Body Scanners - A runners anmaly?
First off, thanks to all of you (both) who keep reading. My temptation to quit blogging was not a cry for attention... just crying.
I will work on some beer posts. I have 4 beer available in the house, so drop me line and come by (maybe during the holidays is best)
So.... we all know the controversy about the new full body scanners at most US airports. I, for one, don't get caught up in the controversy. I find it very odd that we have willingly surrendered many liberties for all sorts of "public good" and airport scanners are the things that push people over the edge? Really?
Personally I think it gets legs because certain groups scream and cry about them, and the lemmings follow.
Me... yawn.... give me something real to worry about.
Anyway, I started noticing I was always stopped after going through these. The person TSA agent proceeds to a minimal "pat down" focused on my left leg. Hmmm, whatever.
But I kept happening. More specifically, my left knee. In fact, I turn around and see it on the little screen. It happens with different pants, different scanners, etc. Always the same knee.
So Tuesday I go through and jokingly say "let me guess, left knee?". Sure enough, left knee.
TSA dude says "Do you have any pins or screws? any surgery". No
But wait. Could my 30 plus years of running, some with 2000 miles plus years have an effect? Could it be scar tissue from running? Could it be a lingering effect of the infamous Sawtooth bee attack? (same knee, and I still have numbness there)
So any of you orthopods (Nic?) or geeky tech scanner experts want to try and theorize?
So how is that for a post?
I will work on some beer posts. I have 4 beer available in the house, so drop me line and come by (maybe during the holidays is best)
So.... we all know the controversy about the new full body scanners at most US airports. I, for one, don't get caught up in the controversy. I find it very odd that we have willingly surrendered many liberties for all sorts of "public good" and airport scanners are the things that push people over the edge? Really?
Personally I think it gets legs because certain groups scream and cry about them, and the lemmings follow.
Me... yawn.... give me something real to worry about.
Anyway, I started noticing I was always stopped after going through these. The person TSA agent proceeds to a minimal "pat down" focused on my left leg. Hmmm, whatever.
But I kept happening. More specifically, my left knee. In fact, I turn around and see it on the little screen. It happens with different pants, different scanners, etc. Always the same knee.
So Tuesday I go through and jokingly say "let me guess, left knee?". Sure enough, left knee.
TSA dude says "Do you have any pins or screws? any surgery". No
But wait. Could my 30 plus years of running, some with 2000 miles plus years have an effect? Could it be scar tissue from running? Could it be a lingering effect of the infamous Sawtooth bee attack? (same knee, and I still have numbness there)
So any of you orthopods (Nic?) or geeky tech scanner experts want to try and theorize?
So how is that for a post?
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
May be finished
This blog thing has been so low on the priority list that it is in danger of being shoved off the list.
Too busy? Not really
Too Lazy? Kind of
Don't really care anymore? Pretty much
Had a good stretch of fitness until mid-October. Been really hit and miss since.
Considering only 2 people read this anymore, I may just send you emails
Too busy? Not really
Too Lazy? Kind of
Don't really care anymore? Pretty much
Had a good stretch of fitness until mid-October. Been really hit and miss since.
Considering only 2 people read this anymore, I may just send you emails
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Superior 100 - 2011 Report
Any IT professional or computer geek can tell you what the difference between computer "RAM" and "ROM" is. I will do my best to simplify them.
RAM - Random Access Memory - Main memory available for programs
ROM - Stored Memory - Memory which loads your computer, loads programs, etc.
Every time you shut your computer off, your RAM is basically wiped clean.
Most ultrarunners I know only have the pain from ultras registered using RAM. Somehow, we forget how ugly it gets. Our ROM stores "how to run", training regimens, strategy, etc.
Emotions are stored in RAM........ and that is why we somehow come back to these brutal races.
I left Tettegouche aid station (mile 34 or so) thinking I was okay and could walk to recover. I knew this would be the first time I would be hitting the next aid station in the dark. Dang..... I was still a long way out from where I wanted to be. Night fell. The climb never stopped going up. I sat down on a log and put my hand in my face. I thought "How the hell did I ever finish this race?". And "Why did I ever come back?"
My emotional RAM wiped that feeling clean and my ROM replaced that feeling with a "aaahhh.... it aint' so bad".
Shortly after, I yanwed in technicolor, called ralph on the big white phone, worshiped the pocelein god...... and was pretty much done.
I guess a video montage of Me, Ron B, Kevin G, Chris S, Brad B, Aaron S, Craig S, Joe B, etc. would look a lot like an episode of Jackass. "Hey, let's see how far we can run until we puke!"
Considering I brought homebrew kegs for the gang.... it pretty much turned into a bad frat party.
But a few shined through. Some used this as a time to shine.
Angela Barbara of the Lapham Peak Trail Runners we getting chased by the course sweeps. Her times looked to close for any margin of error. She dug down deep and made up time in the last 2 sections to bring home 3rd women's masters.
Zach Pierce started puking when he saw my puke on the trail, and decided he was tougher. Zach's got the get it done mentality. He had less training and prep than I did for the race, but he has grown as a runner over the past few years. He had every reason to drop, but got it done with a smile. His wife and I were talking at the finish and came up the comment "ever since he has taken the watch off... he has been a pain in the ass to keep up with"
Adam Schwartz-Lowe decided he might try to negative split the 2nd 50 of this 100. He ran the second half in just under 13 hours (faster than it took me to go 42), and closed the gap of the lead runner, John Horns, to only 7 minutes. Adam took 2nd, but a damn impressive rally.
I don't really know the winner, so I can't really tell you what he did other than "he kicked some ass"
Julie Treder of Lapham crushed the course with a 30:45 (an improvement of around 5 hours from a prior year), but was heard saying "I am done with this one". Just wait until the RAM get erased.
Chris Hanson and Patrick Susnik made it look easy. They know this course better than almost anybody, they know how to train, prepare, and race it. They are calm, cool, and collective. They were just at or under 30 hours. Very impressive. They have run it many, many times. These two are like the Ice runners. (like Ice Man from Top Gun). Cool, clean, no mistakes.
Matt Lutz came back from dead in the water with racing flats and sandals to get a finish in. Not sure if he is just that tough, or just that stupid to do it in huraches. I think I am leaning toward tough on this one.
And........
Matt Aro came in 3rd... officially promoting to "Fastest Matt" status (I think he was Iron Matt). The Fastest Matt has not yet been notified. I guess that will be a hard email to write.
So instead of giving you a sob story about me, I thought I would highlight awesome performances (there were many).
I will put a separate post together of what happened in those 42 miles so you can all learn from my success, and mistakes. But I have to say, I so much right.
Bill Pomerenke did an awesome job of assessing the impending heat, and did every thing he could to cool me. He is a gracious giver to races, and I thank you for that, Bill. And thanks for letting me drop at 42. I was done.
I feel good today, and will feel better tomorrow.......
After I go for a run
RAM - Random Access Memory - Main memory available for programs
ROM - Stored Memory - Memory which loads your computer, loads programs, etc.
Every time you shut your computer off, your RAM is basically wiped clean.
Most ultrarunners I know only have the pain from ultras registered using RAM. Somehow, we forget how ugly it gets. Our ROM stores "how to run", training regimens, strategy, etc.
Emotions are stored in RAM........ and that is why we somehow come back to these brutal races.
I left Tettegouche aid station (mile 34 or so) thinking I was okay and could walk to recover. I knew this would be the first time I would be hitting the next aid station in the dark. Dang..... I was still a long way out from where I wanted to be. Night fell. The climb never stopped going up. I sat down on a log and put my hand in my face. I thought "How the hell did I ever finish this race?". And "Why did I ever come back?"
My emotional RAM wiped that feeling clean and my ROM replaced that feeling with a "aaahhh.... it aint' so bad".
Shortly after, I yanwed in technicolor, called ralph on the big white phone, worshiped the pocelein god...... and was pretty much done.
I guess a video montage of Me, Ron B, Kevin G, Chris S, Brad B, Aaron S, Craig S, Joe B, etc. would look a lot like an episode of Jackass. "Hey, let's see how far we can run until we puke!"
Considering I brought homebrew kegs for the gang.... it pretty much turned into a bad frat party.
But a few shined through. Some used this as a time to shine.
Angela Barbara of the Lapham Peak Trail Runners we getting chased by the course sweeps. Her times looked to close for any margin of error. She dug down deep and made up time in the last 2 sections to bring home 3rd women's masters.
Zach Pierce started puking when he saw my puke on the trail, and decided he was tougher. Zach's got the get it done mentality. He had less training and prep than I did for the race, but he has grown as a runner over the past few years. He had every reason to drop, but got it done with a smile. His wife and I were talking at the finish and came up the comment "ever since he has taken the watch off... he has been a pain in the ass to keep up with"
Adam Schwartz-Lowe decided he might try to negative split the 2nd 50 of this 100. He ran the second half in just under 13 hours (faster than it took me to go 42), and closed the gap of the lead runner, John Horns, to only 7 minutes. Adam took 2nd, but a damn impressive rally.
I don't really know the winner, so I can't really tell you what he did other than "he kicked some ass"
Julie Treder of Lapham crushed the course with a 30:45 (an improvement of around 5 hours from a prior year), but was heard saying "I am done with this one". Just wait until the RAM get erased.
Chris Hanson and Patrick Susnik made it look easy. They know this course better than almost anybody, they know how to train, prepare, and race it. They are calm, cool, and collective. They were just at or under 30 hours. Very impressive. They have run it many, many times. These two are like the Ice runners. (like Ice Man from Top Gun). Cool, clean, no mistakes.
Matt Lutz came back from dead in the water with racing flats and sandals to get a finish in. Not sure if he is just that tough, or just that stupid to do it in huraches. I think I am leaning toward tough on this one.
And........
Matt Aro came in 3rd... officially promoting to "Fastest Matt" status (I think he was Iron Matt). The Fastest Matt has not yet been notified. I guess that will be a hard email to write.
So instead of giving you a sob story about me, I thought I would highlight awesome performances (there were many).
I will put a separate post together of what happened in those 42 miles so you can all learn from my success, and mistakes. But I have to say, I so much right.
Bill Pomerenke did an awesome job of assessing the impending heat, and did every thing he could to cool me. He is a gracious giver to races, and I thank you for that, Bill. And thanks for letting me drop at 42. I was done.
I feel good today, and will feel better tomorrow.......
After I go for a run
Short Superior Update
Hot day pounded the runners all day Friday and Saturday. I held it at bay pretty well, I thought.
My stomach went south and stopped me in my tracks around mile 38. Barely made it to 42. Tried to recover with a nap, but just not enough time to get my stomach back to go another 60 miles. Not sure I had the mind or the body to do it any way.
I am happy I started the race excitd to run.
Once again Superior destroyed many, many people.
Great job to all who went up, volunteered, started and finished.
Got some great stories
My stomach went south and stopped me in my tracks around mile 38. Barely made it to 42. Tried to recover with a nap, but just not enough time to get my stomach back to go another 60 miles. Not sure I had the mind or the body to do it any way.
I am happy I started the race excitd to run.
Once again Superior destroyed many, many people.
Great job to all who went up, volunteered, started and finished.
Got some great stories
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Possible tracking & updates
Once again, we are going to attempt to twitter the race.
You can follow my crew's tweets at
kettlefans
At the end of each tweet, we will try to put a #straces. If you click on that, you will see others who are tweeting the races.
Bill has bigger plans for live updates, but not sure how we will pull them off yet.
25 hours to go time
You can follow my crew's tweets at
kettlefans
At the end of each tweet, we will try to put a #straces. If you click on that, you will see others who are tweeting the races.
Bill has bigger plans for live updates, but not sure how we will pull them off yet.
25 hours to go time
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