WRONG PLACE FOR THIS

http://www.kare11.com/story/news/local/2015/09/28/tc-marathon-organizers-respond-to-planned-protests/73001336/

Following is an excerpt from KARE 11 News in Minneapolis

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- "Organizers of the Twin Cities Marathon are working on contingency plans to handle a protest by the St. Paul chapter of Black Lives Matter intended to disrupt the race.
This Sunday, roughly 12,000 runners will take off from downtown Minneapolis at 8 a.m. on their 26.2-mile journey finishing near the Minnesota State Capitol.
Rashad Turner, one of the organizers of Black Lives Matter St. Paul, will not disclose exact plans on how or where they intend to disrupt the race, but he says the group will adapt to any change of plans race organizers have in mind.
"We don't plan on having any physical contact with runners, but we do plan to make ourselves the finish line," said Turner."

I am not going to debate the issue, the cause, the movement, or the reasons for it.

Simply, the marathon finish line is the wrong place for this.

Let's look at two stark, similar examples of misguided individuals using running and athletics as a platform to further their "cause."

In 1980, in response to the Russian invasion of Afghanistan, President Jimmy Carter decided to boycott the Olympic games in Moscow.

The last Soviet soldiers left Afghanistan in 1989.

So much for your boycott, Mr. Carter.

At the 2013 Boston Marathon, two despicable terrorists decided to further their cause by detonating two bombs near the finish line, killing three and injuring and destroying the lives of many more.

Those lives mattered too.

How does "making ourselves the finish line" do anything to further this cause?

There is no more eclectic, all-inclusive group of people on the planet than runners. There is nothing political or racial when it comes to marathons. I'm certain the Twin Cities Marathon boasts entrants from many countries, nationalities, racial, and ethnic groups.

A good friend, Mike Carriglitto, who will run the race on Sunday, had an excellent suggestion. Hold signs and protest along the race route, if you want your voice to be heard. Threatening the finish line of the race is simply a very, very bad idea.

Folks with disabilities will participate in the race, as will many who will raise many thousands of dollars which will benefit people, regardless of their color or ethnicity.

Organizers of this particular protest are myopic, and have not done their research on runners and their supporters.

If they had, they would realist that the marathon finish line is the wrong place for this.

TRAINING WITH OUR (BEST) FRIENDS

We all recognize the healthy benefits of running.

Running improves our physical health. It makes us feel better mentally.

Running reduces our stress. It allows us to appreciate nature and the beauty that surrounds us.

Running affords us the opportunity to live longer, and to live a better quality of life.

Many of us enjoy running with our friends.

But what about our "best" friends?

They deserve, and often appreciate the opportunity to train, and sometimes race, with us.

So, if your dogs are runners (I guess all dogs are runners), if you'd like your dogs to become runners, or would like to train them properly to enter a race with you someday, you should follow the exploits of Guinness and Dory, on their Facebook community page, Road to Twilight. https://www.facebook.com/Road-to-Twilight-1624622337807090. There, the dogs hope to share their training journey to inspire others to run with their dogs and to highlight what issues may arise and how to manage them best for the dogs.

Guinness is an 8 year old Australian Working Kelpie, who hails from near Toowoomba in Queensland, Australia. He's been running with his "mom," a veterinarian, for pretty much all his life since he was old enough. He prefers the trails more than road running. His favorite food is chicken and his favorite place to be is on the couch cuddled up next to his mom. He has completed the Twilight Half Marathon twice, as well as a number of 5k and 10k fun runs. His doggie family include Cinnabar the Australian Cattle Dog (who has run two half marathons too, but at 10 years old now prefers the shorter distances) and two Whippets, Tiger and Sherbet, who have done a few 10k fun runs.

Dory is a 3 year old Dalmatian from New South Wales. He lives with Dougal the Jack Russell Terrier, who has participated in agility competitions and is a regular participant in park runs. She has also completed several 7km fun runs and is often cheered during a run with "Spotty Dog!"

On their Facebook page, the dogs hope to share their training journey to inspire others to run with their dogs and to highlight what issues may arise and how to manage them best for the dogs. Audrey, "mom" to these fine athletes, says, "As a vet, I've seen so many dogs improve their physical and mental health from running - one that really sticks in my mind is a dog with very severe separation anxiety who was so relaxed and happy after a 10k run! Those endorphins are just so good!"

Sounds like the effect that running has on all of us.

Running makes us feel good.

If you want to feel good about our best friends, visit Guinness' and Dory's Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/Road-to-Twilight-1624622337807090.

You'll be inspired.

COACH

The importance of paying it forward in our sport can never be overemphasized. I have written about it on several occasions.

It is gratifying to me to receive a text message or read a Facebook post from someone I've interacted with who has now become a runner and is participating in races, working toward reaching running goals.

A good friend and former colleague dropped over 100 pounds in a little over a year. He now runs his 5K races in the 22s, and recently completed his first marathon.

But, if you really want to pay it forward, using your running wisdom and experience to lead others down the running path, you should try coaching.

In August I began my 8th year as head coach of Penn State Schuylkill's Men's and Women's cross country teams.

Penn State Schuylkill is a branch campus of the Pennsylvania State University, nestled in the hills of east-central Pennsylvania. Only about 1,600 students attend classes at the campus. Many students are local, and they commute back and forth from classes daily. Other students reside on campus, and many of those young men and women are from the inner-city.

This year's team, consisting of 10 men and 7 women is a unique blend of urban and rural students, as well as a contrast of experienced and novice runners.

Several of my team members participated on local track and cross country teams; while others have never run a step.

We have participated in three invitational meets thus far, and have one more invitational and the state championship meet remaining. For the state championship, we will travel to Penn State's main campus, at University Park, and will compete against all the other campuses within our Penn State University Athletic Conference.

At yesterday's meet at Penn State Wilkes Barre, two of my runners, Nico Granito, and Casey Renninger, earned awards, as they placed 5th in their respective races.

It was, however, Keon Major, Muhammad Brown, and Muhmod Shabazz, who truly distinguished themselves at yesterday's meet. On August 24, at our first practice, these young men had never run a distance event.

Yesterday, they all completed a 5-mile race.

They are fine young men, and now they are long distance runners.

Makes a coach proud.

www.muldowneyrunning.com

EVERYBODY HAS A PLAN

"Everybody has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth."

Mike Tyson

There are a lot of philosophers out there. A lot of people who preach and pretend to be experts on human nature, but the great sage, Mike Tyson, sums it up as well as any Ivory Tower egghead.

After a 3:04 performance at the 2013 Boston Marathon, I was inspired. At an age when many runners are reduced to jogging, I was still able to focus in on the sub-3:00 standard.

Two weeks after Boston, I tripped on the sidewalk and tore two hamstring tendons.

Bam!

Punch in the mouth.

After two years of humbling rehabilitation, I began to train and race at near my pre-injury level.

In August, two days prior to the Tom Ausherman 5-Miler in Chambersburg, I felt a stiffness in my knee. I ran the race in a fairly good time. The next day I had difficulty walking, and two weeks ago I was diagnosed with a torn meniscus.

Bam and bam again.

I feel as though my jaw should be wired shut.

If you're reading this blog, you're probably serious about running. If you are, one thing's for certain. At sometime in your running career, you're going to get "punched in the mouth.

Early this summer, a very good friend was training at an extraordinary level. Father Chris Zelonis had qualified for the Boston Marathon, and was poised to smash the 3-hour mark by a lot.

While on a routine training run in San Antonio, he was hit by a car, which run over his foot, causing significant damage and requiring him to receive stitches, both on the outside and internally.

He will still be going to Boston, but he has been forced to adapt and adjust his training plans.

Before I receive arthroscopic surgery, I will try to allow my knee to heal on its own. Therefore, I can be seen in the gym, frantically pedaling on the elliptical, and lifting weights in order to strengthen leg muscles. Next, I'm afraid I'll be doing the Richard Simmons workout.

When you "Get punched in the mouth," and your training takes a hit, take a deep breath, place things into perspective, and adapt accordingly. Since my run of injuries, I look around, especially at folks near my ripe old age, and realize that, in the larger scheme of life, my injury problems are not all that bad.

When you are injured, or forced to the sidelines for any reason, do what you need to do in order to heal. You may need to walk, ride a bike, or swim. Don't make the mistake I have made by trying to run BEFORE you are fully healed.

Time, patience, and adaptability will heal most running wounds.

If you follow that formula, when you get punched in the mouth, you'll rise from the canvas and resume the fight.

www.muldowneyrunning.com

FUEL FOR THE FALL

Fall is here, and it's a great time for running. Cool, crisps temps make for more pleasant training and faster races.

Unfortunatly, the days are getting shorter, and that means more time indoors. And that;s the time to read about running.

You can enhance your running, gain inspiration, and pick up some very valuable training tips and plans by taking advantage of the fall offer I just posted on my website: www.muldowneyrunning.com.

By visiting the website, you can buy my books, Running Shorts: A Collection of Stories and Advice For Anyone Who Has Ever Laced Up a Pair of Running Shoes, or Personal Best, for the low price of $8.99, plus shipping.

Read Running Shorts, and you'll be put right in the middle of stories from the road to which you and your running partners can relate. I tossed in a little running history and folklore, which will make older runners smile, and will have younger runners thinking, "Did that really happen/"

In Personal Best I took ideas from runners I met while traveling around the country, delivering speeches at various race expos, and tried to write a book that would both inspire and instruct. Read Personal Best, and I can guarantee you will become a better runner.

You can go to Amazon and check out: amazon.com/author/joemuldowney, for reviews and to order the books. Personal Best  is available in Kindle form as well.

Finally, you can also go to www.lulu.com, where the books are also available.

I'm approaching my 40th year as a competitve runner, and my best running days are behind me. These days, I enjoy seeing and hearing about other runners reaching their running goals. I have attempted to do so by coaching at the collegiate level, by writing this blog, and through my books.

By doing so, I feel I've made each day my personal best.

BOSTON ALL STAR TEAM

A little over a week ago, registration opened for the 2016 Boston Marathon.

That's right. For those who don't know it (and there are probably few in the running community who don't) if you intend to run the 2016 Boston Marathon, which will be held on April 18, 2016, you must register NOW.

So, if you haven't run a qualifying time yet, you're out of luck for Boston 2016.

Registration qualifications are stringent, and they should be.

It seems as though there are marathons everywhere these days. Some are well-organized, classy events. Others are not. A close friend of mine trained very hard for a marathon that shall remained unnamed, only to find out after the race that the course was a half mile SHORT of the marathon distance.

Boston is the World Series, Super Bowl, Wimbledon, and Masters of the running world. It is the oldest marathon on the planet, and, arguably the most prestigious. Having running 16 Boston Marathons, I can tell you that no other city, and no other marathon spectators are more knowledgeable or respectful toward runners.

The Boston Marathon is very traditional.

For years, race organizers refused to offer money. The traditional noon starting time, finally, after protests from the running community, was pushed back to 10:00 a.m.

And, despite the fact that television and advertisers would love to run the race on Sunday, the Boston Marathon will always be held on Patriots' Day, the third Monday in April.

So, to all the readers of this blog around the world, if you have qualified for the 2016 Boston Marathon, I salute you and wish you good training, but more importantly, good health, in the months leading up to this magnificent race.

It takes a dedicated, special runner to qualify for Boston, and, if you have, you are to be commended and you should be very proud.

If you haven't yet qualified, you owe it to yourself to earn a spot at the Boston Marathon. I promise you, it will be an experience you will remember for a lifetime.

So, please, from wherever you are reading this blog, let me know if you have qualified for Boston 2016. Contact me here or at my email: runnr@hotmail. You will, I promise, receive a shout-out in this blog, because you deserve it. Send me your name and your hometown, and we can assemble our Boston All-Star team.

Following is a list of runners from near my hometown who have earned a place at the 2016 Boston Marathon.

Father Chris Zelonis-A Roman Catholic priest, who I featured in the chapter entitled 'Extraordinary,' in my latest book, Personal Best. www.muldowneyrunning.com His running journey has truly been extraordinary. He will be running his first Boston Marathon.

Mary Bosack-A Boston Marathon veteran, Mary will return in 2016.

Sam Kantner-A college student at Penn State University. A dedicated young runner who will participate in his first Boston Marathon

Mike Carriglitto-His fifth Boston Marathon, Mike is an accomplished runner at all race distances.

Wayne Parfitt-Wayne and I ran the 1984 Boston Marathon together, and he clocked a time in the 2:30s. Now, after a 32 year hiatus, he'll be back.

Justin O'Brien-After a successful post-collegiate career in road racing at all distances, Justin recently qualified with a time of 2:45.

Congratulations to all.

Let's make this list grow.

THE FUTURE IS NOW!

Tomorrow marks the official start of Autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. Clearly, however, judging by the chill in the early morning air here in Pennsylvania, the season arrived a day early.

And, for runners, what a glorious season it is. Arguably, the best running weather of the year will greet us for at least the next eight weeks. Mornings will be crisp and cool. Many days will feature warm afternoon sun that's not too warm, as the sun moves farther away from us.

In addition, runners, perhaps more than any other athletes, will not only witness, but will actually be a part of nature's amazing transformation, as leaves change colors and we run through the magnificent foliage.

Races will abound throughout the next few weeks, and blazing summer heat will no longer slow us down. Yes, we are going to be forced to 'layer up' our clothing, but the effort will be well worth it as we see our race times tumble.

Don't squander these coming weeks. Select a couple of race distances you'd like to attack, and peak for those events. Don't fall victim to 'overracing,' rather, concentrate on the twin pillars of success: a weekly long run and a weekly speed workout during the weeks you don't race. Both workouts become much more pleasant during the fall months.

And, when we reach the end of this season and the Winter Solstice raises it's icy head?

Then it's time to reward yourself as you look back and contemplate your successes and setbacks of 2015.

Use the holidays to take a break for a couple of weeks, ready to rededicate yourself for the new year.

But, I'm getting ahead of myself.

Enjoy this magnificent fall season. Train and race well. When you do, each day will be your personal best.

 www.muldowneyrunning.com

HAPPINESS STEP BY STEP

Having written two books about running, I frequently enjoy reading other writers perspectives about our sport and its benefits.

I recently read, Happiness Step By Step: The most practical how-to guide to more happiness in your everyday life, and...the most unusual easy running guide, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0156XO93E, by Usual Oddman (you gotta love that pen name).

The book is great and the download is free!

Most of know that running is a positive addiction. In this book, the author explains the addictive nature of running, and lists reasons why we should embrace the addiction.

The book begins by outlining what are the things in life that really make us happy. There are a lot of unhappy millionaires out there. Movie stars, professional athletes, and other high-profile individuals may have reached a level of success, but many are dreadfully unhappy.

For the person who may need motivation to begin an exercise regimen, the author is a superb salesman. He offers many concrete reasons why it is time to get up from the sofa and get out for a run. And to make it easier for non-runners, he suggests an easy, regular workout schedule.

Peace-of-mind, stress release, camaraderie, and physical wellness are all incentives for those who may be reluctant to become runners.

The issue of weight loss is tackled by providing scientific and medical evidence about the effects of regular exercise and calorie burn along with a sensible approach to food consumption. Simply put: a regular running regimen, along with sensible eating habits, WILL result in weight loss.

There is a chapter that offers tips on proper running techniques, as well as some suggestions on what prevents many folks from embarking on a regular running program: finding the time to do it.

Most veteran runners recognize the importance of having running goals. In this book, the author recommends the half marathon distance as both a reasonable and an attainable goal for anyone who plans to run.

Simply, the author has, in a short, concise manner, written a recipe book that links running with happiness.

In a sense, he is a preacher and veteran runners are the choir. We all want more members of our running congregation, and this book is an excellent method of spreading our running gospel.

Read this book and recommend it to your friends. It is free and packed with advice that all runners can benefit from.

You can also go to http://happinessstepbystep.com/free.shtml to sign up for the author's new releases,mailing list, and to receive free bonuses.

Check it out and experience happiness...step by step.

$1.99

It's difficult to buy a cup of coffee for $1.99 these days.

I may be a bit 'Old School,' (or maybe I'm just old) but I still like to turn pages when I read a book.

A lot of folks, however, appreciate reading books electronically, and I guess I can't say that I blame them. When I look at the great book bargains available by purchasing electronic versions, it makes sense to save reading money in order to buy that latte or a good craft beer.

If you go to Amazon, www.amazon.com (I love Amazon. I just picked u some kinesio tape last week), then check out amazon.com/author/joemuldowney, you can pick up a Kindle version of my latest book, 'Personal Best' for only $1.99.

Let me tell you, if you want to run faster this fall, read the chapter entitled 'Super Sevens,' and I can guarantee success.

There's plenty of good reading in 'Personal Best.' I was there when the tragic events went down at the 2013 Boston Marathon. I will never forget what happened and I try to convey the events to you in the opening chapter of the book.

So, I respectfully ask that you check out my Kindle version of Personal Best. And, hey, if you don't like it, come to Pottsville, Pennsylvania, we'll tour Yuengling, America's Oldest Brewery, and I'll buy you a cup of coffee.

Check out Personal Best, my first book, 'Running Shorts,' and my personal training programs at: www.muldowneyrunning.com

THEY WON'T BE RUINED

It hasn't been the best of times in my running life.

After battling back from a career-threatening double hamstring tear in 2013, and finally getting close to my previous running self, a dull ache on the inside of my knee, which appeared in mid-August, developed into a debilitating pain, resulting in another visit to my orthopedic surgeon.

MRI results revealed a torn medial meniscus. Certainly not life-threatening, but as every runner knows, enough to make one want to smash the nearest object in frustration.

My orthopedic surgeon, a young man who served as a fellow to the renowned surgeon, Dr. James Andrews, suggested a conservative, non-surgical approach, requiring patience, with the promise of full recovery.

So. for now, I'm cycling, lifting weights to strengthen my leg, and riding the elliptical.

But, here's the good news for all. I'm approaching my fourth decade of running. My knee problem was a direct result of my overcompensation for my weakened, unstable hamstring. It was NOT a result of simply running.

My very knowledgeable physician, Doctor Jason Phillips, emphatically stated what I already know, have written about, and studied, based on a great deal of research.

Despite what the haters tell you, running WILL NOT "Ruin your knees."

Overall, running is actually very good for your knees.

I have yet to know a runner who has a knee replacement.

Being sedentary and overweight, on the other hand, WILL, eventually ruin your knees.

So the next time a friend, relative, or co-worker, donut in hand, preaches to you about the ruination of your knees due to running...well, I'll let you answer, providing the expletives.

In the meantime, I'll see you back on the roads,,,soon.

IT RAINED TODAY

It hasn't rained around these parts for three solid weeks. The grass has turned brown, and leaves are already beginning to lose their green color and are falling from some of the trees. Late summer temperatures, which topped the 90-degree mark for the past week, made running uncomfortable, to say the least.

Today, a steady rain, measuring over an inch, more in some areas, cooled the torrid temps, and made running a joy again.

Dropping nearly thirty degrees, into the high 60s, running through and between the rain drops felt like a refreshing, cool shower.

Most runners appreciate a cool summer rain, as long as it is not accompanied by thunder and lightning, so we best enjoy it while we can.

Soon, chilling precipitation will soak us to the bone. You know, that raw, penetrating rain that, despite our modern fabrics, chills our bodies and stings our faces, causing us to curse and cringe.

But, for today at least, we enjoyed and appreciated nature's shower.

www.muldowneyrunning.com

LAST CALL

Not everyone can afford a personal coach...or can they?

Visit my website: www.muldowneyrunning.com, and I'll personally coach you...FOR FREE!

You can also buy my books at Amazon: www.amazon.com and at Lulu: www.lulu.com. No free workout plan there, but you can check out my gigs at Fiverr. www.fiverr.com

Ok, what's the catch? There's always a catch.

The catch is that you purchase some great summer reading material, in the form of one of my books: Running Shorts, or Personal Best. Both offer a great deal of running advice in their own right, but when you purchase a book, which I'll personally sign for you, I'll design a six-week personalized training program, just for you.

Here's how it works.

Buy one of my books, at: www.muldowneyrunning.com, then scroll down to the 'Contact' form.

Tell me your racing or training goal. Give me a short description, including your age, approximate weight and fitness level, and we can get started. Then I'll create a six-week training plan just for you.

It doesn't matter if you want to train to lose weight, to return to running, to run your first 5K, half marathon, marathon, or anything in between. I'll write a program that will get you there.

Believe me, I've been there. I've been at this for 39 years. I've run a 2:22:54 marathon, and I've gone back to square one after tearing my hamstring in 2013.

So, don't wait. This promotion ends tomorrow, September 10.

Now you can run YOUR personal best...for free.

PERSONAL TRAINING FOR YOUR PERSONAL BEST

Not everyone can afford a personal coach...or can they?

Visit my website: www.muldowneyrunning.com, and I'll personally coach you...FOR FREE!

You can also buy my books at Amazon and Lulu.com. No free workout plan there, but you can check out my gigs at Fiverr. www.fiverr.com

Ok, what's the catch? There's always a catch.

The catch is that you purchase some great summer reading material, in the form of one of my books: Running Shorts, or Personal Best. Both offer a great deal of running advice in their own right, but when you purchase a book, which I'll personally sign for you, I'll design a six-week personalized training program, just for you.

Here's how it works.

Buy one of my books, at: www.muldowneyrunning.com, then scroll down to the 'Contact' form.

Tell me your racing or training goal. Give me a short description, including your age, approximate weight and fitness level, and we can get started. Then I'll create a six-week training plan just for you.

It doesn't matter if you want to train to lose weight, to return to running, to run your first 5K, half marathon, marathon, or anything in between. I'll write a program that will get you there.

Believe me, I've been there. I've been at this for 39 years. I've run a 2:22:54 marathon, and I've gone back to square one after tearing my hamstring in 2013.

So, don't wait. This promotion ends on September 10.

Now you can run YOUR personal best...for free.