THE END OF AN ERA

The 2014 Boston Marathon, which will be contested on Monday, April 21, will mark the end of an era.

Today, Dick Hoyt announced to CBS Boston that, on Patriot's Day, he and his son Rick, would compete in their final Boston Marathon together.

Most runners are familiar with the Hoyts. Dick Hoyt, age 73, is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Air National Guard. His son, Rick Hoyt, 51, was born with cerebral palsy. Despite his physical disability, Rick displayed sharp mental skills. As soon as he was fitted with a special computer, which allowed him to communicate, he excelled in school, and went on to earn a degree in special education from Boston University.

In 1977, Rick asked his father if they could run a race together to benefit a classmate, who had recently been paralyzed. Dick, who was not a runner, purchased a special wheelchair, and trained with a fifty pound bag of cement strapped to it while Rick was at school. Rick indicated to his father, “When he ran he didn’t feel like he was handicapped.”

Since 1977, the Hoyts have competed in over 1,100 endurance events, including 71 marathons, 31 Boston Marathons, as well as six Ironman triathlons.

Last year was to have been their last Boston Marathon together, but after the bombings, which stopped them short of the finish line, they decided to finish the job this year.

Dick Hoyt plans to participate in about 20 smaller races a year with Rick, and Rick will probably continue to participate at Boston, but another member of Team Hoyt will push him.

Courage, love, determination, and dedication are the trademarks of this remarkable father/son duo. 

They have been an inspiration to all runners.

We applaud them.

They will be missed.

                                                           TeamHoyt.com Photo Gallery

MISERY INDEX

Well, it's been confirmed, at least by National Weather Service meteorologist Barbara Mayes Boustead.

Thus has, indeed, been one of the harshest winters of our lifetime.

Associated Press writers Jeff Karoub and Seth Borenstein reported today that Boustead's index is based on cold temperatures and snow.

Cities like Philadelphia, Chicago, and Indianapolis are suffering from their third most extreme winters in more than 60 years, but, the winner of the misery index is the beleaguered city of Detroit, which has endured more than 6 1/2 feet of snow and more than 100 days of below freezing weather this season. It is the city's harshest winter since 1950.

Boustead's method uses daily high and low temperatures and daily and accumulated snowfall to come up with her index of misery.

The misery has cut a wide swath. New York, Milwaukee, and Duluth are in the midst of their fourth harshest winters; while Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Louisville, and Cheyenne are having their top ten harshest winters.

This winter has seemed to be unusually difficult, for a couple of reasons.

In the 70s and 80s severe winters were frequent, and, for many places, the winter of 2011-2012 was the mildest on record, setting us up for this year's knockout punch.

Two days in the 50s over the weekend reduced some of the massive snow piles in my driveway, but all around town, mountains of snow scar the streets, while potholes render driving nearly impossible. People use chair, trash cans, and buckets to reserve parking spaces.

Running friends like Felix Shipp of Grenada, Mississippi, and Elizabeth Withey, of Columbia, South Carolina, experienced snowy days this year. It seems as though the misery has spared no one. In fact, a couple of weeks ago, 49 of the 50 states had some snow on the ground.

So, we are not whiners. The new Misery Index proves it.

Spring is a little over three weeks away, Daylight Savings time begins in 11 days, and the great green Saint Patrick's Day is a beacon for us all, a mere 19 days away.

But...here in Pennsylvania, tonight's temperature is supposed to drop to 1 degree Fahrenheit, and to -1 tomorrow night. A major snowfall is predicted to hit on Monday.

MISERY!

THE GIFT

When I arose yesterday, I checked my email, then logged on to Facebook. The first thing that came up was a post from fellow runner and friend, Father Christopher Zelonis. Father Zelonis, a 3:30 marathoner, has a unique ability to post insightful, spiritual, thought-provoking words and stories. Yesterday, he printed the words of a Jesuit priest, Father Daniel J. Harrington, SJ, who recently passed away, at the much too young age of 74, from cancer.

"I don't know what tomorrow will bring. But whatever it is, I'm looking forward to it."

As I prepared to attend the funeral of a friend who, earlier in the week, died suddenly from a massive heart attack, I savored the words of Father Harrington, and, in my mind, thanked Father Zelonis for sharing them.

The words, however, turned out to be sadly prophetic, as I drove the short distance down the street to the church where the funeral was to be held. My phone rang, the message smashed me like a Mike Tyson right hook.

On Friday evening, a dear friend of 25 years, decided to end his life at the age of 49. He leaves a wife and two daughters.

There is no rational reason, no explanation why, one of the most outgoing, entertaining human beings I have ever met, would choose such a fate.

Today, as I attempt to make sense of the senseless, the snow piles outside my window don't seem to be as high, my hamstring doesn't hurt as badly, the bitter cold weather predicted for the coming week isn't as imposing.

I kissed my wife and told her I loved her. I spoke to my three children. They are doing well with their lives and careers. I threw snowballs in the air for Dixie, my Labrador Retriever, to catch.

A neighbor once told me a story about his 93-year old uncle who visited the doctor, only to be told he needed to have a heart procedure done. At his age, he may not survive the procedure, but if he did, he would probably live another few years. He elected to go forward with the surgery. In his words, "I agreed to have it done because I figured death is too permanent." He lived to age 97.

God has given us a great gift. We truly are blessed with the temple he has provided us with. Whatever tomorrow may bring, whether it is good or bad, we SHOULD look forward to it, simply because we have it to look forward to. As runners, we fine tune our temples on a daily basis, but sometimes we can be bipolar.
A bad workout, race, or debilitating injury often plunges us into deep despair. That's why we must redefine our goals.

At last year's Boston Marathon, I crossed the finish line in a time of 3:04. At age 59, I could see one more sub-3 hour marathon on the horizon. Three weeks later, I tripped during a routine training run, tearing two hamstring tendons. Today, I can barely cover 5 miles at a 9-minute mile pace. I have been forced to seriously redefine my goals, and I will.

Because we have life we have hope.

Life is the greatest gift.

Appreciate every day of it.

GIVE US BOTH SOMETHING TO DO

As we continue to remain snowbound here in northeastern Pennsylvania, I begin the day debating on whether or not to subject myself to a painfully boring treadmill session, or to brave the icy, slushy, snow narrowed roads of Pottsville.

So far, since the incessant snow has gripped us since this past Wednesday, I have painted my living room, filled several trash bags with junk that has collected in drawers, closets, and storage spaces, and spent many more hours plowing and shoveling than I have spent running.

Today is a day of rest. Other than my run, I intend to read, write, and relax

Tomorrow evening, I am scheduled to speak to a church group that has encouraged its members to begin a running program. Now, there's a winning combination, as I truly believe there is a spiritual component to running.

Late last week, I read that 49 of the 50 states experienced some snowfall, so chances are you may be as "winter stir crazy" as I am.

I suggest you give us both something to do.

I'll be happy to pack up a great book, entitled, "Running Shorts: A Collection of Stories and Advice for Anyone Who Has Ever Laced Up a Pair of Running Shoes," for you, at the low price of $11.00 at: www.runningshortsbook.com. I'll fire up my Paypal postage label, and get it in the mail to you tomorrow, then all you have to do is read it. Oh, I'll sign it, postage for you is free, AND, I still have one women's T-shirt, size Small, a Men's XL T-shirt, and 1 glow arm band, perfect for these dark winter days. Email me your preference, and I'll throw one in for free.

Help me out here, I need something to do!!

Last month, I clicked on Amazon, and I saw a review of my book. Here it is:

5.0 out of 5 stars Something for every runner, January 9, 2014

By 

John H. "questionofbalance" (Phila, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Running Shorts: A Collection Of Stories And Advice For Anyone Who Has Ever Laced Up A Pair Of Running Shoes (Paperback)

Joe Muldowney is an accomplished runner and writer and the combination of the two makes for a good book-- "Running Shorts" has something for runners of every level.
I liked the fact that Muldowney's wit comes through throughout the book-- it's been a while since I've read humor in a running book, and this had me laughing out loud a couple of times at his anecdotes.
The book also combines useful training tips, and observations from his long running, racing and coaching experiences that can immediately benefit new runners. It also has plenty of insights of value for experienced runners and racers.
The short chapter format keeps your interest. If for example, some of the local running people or places mentioned aren't of interest, most runners will be interested in the universal and personal running experiences that the author describes so well.

I thank John for this review. I think it's a pretty good book, and I hope you will too.

Besides, we all need something to do during this long, cold winter.

NADIR

Today, I reached the nadir (haven't used that word in a while) of this dreadful winter. On November 7, my first snow encounter occurred in Syracuse, NY, where my PSU runner, Haylee Burnhauser was forced to run on a layer of snow at USCAA Nationals. Snow is a given in Syracuse, but the relentless assault of snow, wind and sub-zero temps these past couple of months here in Pennsylvania has been dreadful.

 My back is screaming from hurling what seemed like tons of snow. Last night's 4 inch snowfall topped us of with about three feet in my back yard. My dogs are frustrated, as their bathroom spots are buried. When my snowplow broke down this morning, I javelin-tossed my snow shovel.

 Running outside is awful, and on today's 4-miler, I hated every step. Snow, slush, idiotic drivers, and hidden icy patches made for a delightful run...if one is a polar bear!

 I've already painted my living room, but I've imposed a personal ban on snow shoveling and plowing. I'm going to Amazon to order a straight jacket.

 A low temperature of 2 degrees is predicted for tomorrow night, and there's 30% chance of snow on Monday night. I'm no meteorologist, but I'm 100% sure this winter really sucks!

A WEIGHTY ISSUE

Nearly a foot of new snow fell today, and I took the day off from running. Several hours of snow shoveling provided a good workout, but later I performed a ritual that I firmly believe is essential for every runner.

We runners are in magnificent physical condition. Our arteries are like superhighways, and our legs are powerful. Running long distances, climbing hills, and good, hard speed workouts have created legs that rival those of thoroughbred horses.

Often, however, runner neglect their other half.

Of their bodies, that is.

No matter how we have sculpted our legs, our daily training runs do little for our upper bodies, and if we don't address the issue, we run the risk of owning mashed potato-like muscles from the waist up.

I'm not suggesting that we become body-builders, rather that a regular weight-training program will go a long way toward upper body fitness.

Today, I did my 20-minute weight training routine, which I try to complete three times a week.

Low weight, high repetitions is the method I have used to maintain muscle tone without increasing muscle bulk.

My workout consists of three sets of bench presses. 15 repetitions, with a 2-minute break between sets. Next, I do a three sets of curls, 25 repetitions per set. Finally, I do three sets of standing rowing, 15 repetitions per set.

Select weights that are challenging, yet comfortable. Create a burn, but, for example, don't allow the bar to crash to your chest during bench presses. If the bar drops to your chest and stays there, you're probably lifting too much weight!

In order to stave off a doughy middle, I do 300 crunches a day. Strong abs help strengthen the lower back.

A couple of years ago, I installed a chin up bar in my house. Each day I try to do 10-15 chin ups.

It's not much, and you can design a program that suits your needs. I try to avoid lifting weights the day before a critical workout, such as a long training run, a tempo run, or a speed workout.

Maintain a regular weight lifting regimen, and you  will look better and feel better. Your upper body strength will create power which will propel your legs during workouts and races, and you will become a better runner.

'I' Is the Loneliest Number

There are many great 'firsts' to be accomplished in our sport. Sadly, today I achieved one of them and I'm not very proud of it.

Last evening I received a text from my running partner, Brian Tonitis. Brian and I began logging miles together in 1978. He is prominently featured in the chapter entitled, 'Cast of Characters,' in my book, Running Shorts: A Collection of Stories and Advice for Anyone Who Has Ever Laced Up a Pair of Running Shoes. www.runningshortsbook.com.

His text read, "You up for an easy 4 or 5 tomorrow?"

I turned down his offer.

This morning I received a private message on Facebook from Craig Lowthert, another local running mate. We have been running together since the early 1980s.

He asked, "Are you running today?"

I turned him down.

An hour later, another Cast of Characters member, Eric Anchorstar, fresh from a vacation in the Napa Valley, also sent me a text.

His text read, "Hey buddy. Did you run yet today?

For the first time in my 37-year running career, I declined three people who offered to run with me.

My reason?

The dreaded "I" word.

Injury.

Since tearing two hamstring tendons in May, my recovery has been maddeningly sporadic. A week and a half ago, I returned to my physical therapist, who concluded that there is a major strength deficit in my injured leg, and that strengthening the muscles around the tear, which has scarred back together, is now necessary.

When a runner is injured. the Injury, with a capital  "I," drives the affected party into a deep abyss of loneliness. I turned my friends away today because I feel my pace, which seems to be the equivalent of a 300-pound offensive lineman running a 10K, slows them down. An injury makes one feel like a burden to the runners around him.

Injuries make us positively bipolar. A good workout provides a glimmer of hope. When it does, we are all smiles, singing along with our iPod, creating harmony with those who are forced to live and interact with us. A setback, however, plunges deep into despair. Objects get thrown and expletives abound. Family, friends, and pets scurry for cover.

Runners are a family, however. I DID run on my own today, as yet another round of snow covered the roadways. I thought about my running friends, and how the three who messaged me today wished me well. They have all been where I am. They have suffered through injury and illness, and they are still running.

So, now it's up to me. In a few weeks, I will, once again, accept their offers to run with me. I may still slow them down, but, as we've done for each other for many years, I know they'll be there to pick me back up.

AGAIN AND AGAIN

First, let's debunk a myth.

The Eskimos, not a single cultural group, but a collection of many tribes, scattered throughout the polar regions, do not have a large number of words for 'snow.' They actually have about the same number of words to describe the icy precipitation as we do. (More on that later)

A study of the Sami language of Norway, Sweden and Finland, however, reveals that the language has around 180 snow and ice related words and as many as 1000 different words for reindeer.

Well, as the winter of 2013-2014 drags on, I'm quite sure we have many words to describe snow, but I'll just let you fill them in on your own.

Today's offering here in northeast Pennsylvania featured several inches of s #&%$y (that's Sami language) snow overnight, followed by a thick coating of ice that, in some areas, accumulated to nearly an inch on top of the snow. My dogs tiptoed gingerly on the icy crust, occasionally plummeting through to the snow below, now measuring well over 16 inches, thanks to this week's two storms.

Electricity and cable services were interrupted, and digging out was a challenge, thanks to the heavy water content in the snow. (not sure what you call that)

A four mile run on soggy streets was interesting. In addition to the occasional head shakes, clenched fists, and 'get off the road' hand gestures, I was, gleefully, I suspect, pelted with cold, grey slush, as cars slogged through it, and my pace was groundhog-like.

It was a typical winter maintenance day. A day to increase the heart rate, move the legs, and to return home safely.

Bitter cold days are ahead, with the chance of more snow on Sunday.

Words, in any language, cannot describe how I feel about that.

                                                                     Ruby on Ice