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Miscellaneous Great Stuff
May/June 2011 Editor’s Note
By Brenda Barrera
May/June 2011
I recently parted with one of my favorite pink cotton t-shirts that had Run Like a Girl on the front. I bequeathed or passed it on to my 10-year-old niece, Caroline, who is starting her second season with the local Girls on the Run program. Since I’ll be turning 49 this summer, I figured I’d kind of outgrown it.
At a race this past spring, I saw a woman holding a sign, “Run Like a Mother” and I wondered what does that mean, Run Like a Mother? Could it be run with heart, spirit, conviction, authority, or like a mamma bear whose cubs are in danger?
It could mean chasing after toddlers on a playground like Dorothy Beal who penned this issue’s “A Woman’s Perspective” column (p. 40). With three kids under the age of five, she certainly is busy, but recognizes the importance of “Dorothy” time.
Or, does it mean run from work to a child’s soccer practice to maximize each minute of the day like busy mother of five Jennifer Knickerbocker. Not your typical recreational athlete; read about her in our back page “Inspiration” feature.
Regardless, it’s a blessing just to be able to get out and walk or run, thanks to a healthy lifestyle. This is our second annual Women’s Pink ‘n’ Red issue highlighting some topics important to women’s health like resources for breast cancer awareness and heart health (p. 13) and you won’t want to miss Bra Basics (p.20).
Ever consider participating in a race on behalf of a charity? Sue Himes’ “Military Running Scene” column on p. 24 has an overview of charities that benefit our armed forces. What’s in your race day bag? We put the question to readers and Mohamed Elansary, who ran the Boston Marathon, posted this on our Facebook page: Garmin watch, Road ID, blender bottle with recovery drink, Newton shoes, and Hammer Gels. See what’s in Michael Wardian’s race day bag on p.50.
Speaking of the Boston, just as we were going to press 23,879 runners traveled the historic 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to Boston. Thousands of runners from the Mid-Atlantic competed; you will find a list of top finishers on p. 50. Congratulations to Lynchburg’s Kalib Wilkinson who posted a 2:19:53 and Louise Knudson from Charlottesville who qualified for the U.S. Olympic Marathon Team Trials. She shares a little recap:
I felt rested and ready to run. From the start, I executed my plan of starting slow. In fact, I was THE LAST elite female by 10 yards or so at the 1-mile mark. As the race progressed, I was able to settle into a rhythm. I started passing elite women by the third mile, one or two at a time, continuing through mile 21 or 22 when I passed a lady coming down the backside of Heartbreak Hill. She told me, "Go get it!" From that point on, I tried to stay on a 6-minute pace until the finish. I kept telling myself to hang in there and run strong because if I didn't get under 2:46 [the Olympic Trials qualifying time] I'd be wishing I'd have worked even harder. I reminded myself that the best you can do is the best you can do. It paid off big time. I was floored when saw the clock in the 2:42s--- a dream come true!
PS – On Friday, May 13th I’ll be presenting a seminar, “Developing Marketing Strategy,” for club race organizers at the 53rd Annual RRCA Convention in Fredericksburg, VA. I hope to see you there!
For more details: www.rrcaconvention.org.