Today is National Running Day!

Today is National Running Day. Coincidentally it is also The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Maine Special Olympics. This is the 12th year I have been involved with the  Maine Special Olympics and the 28th year Ogunquit Police has participated. 

I started the day with a easy run though the village and Marginal Way and Perkins Cove. I almost always run in the morning, It's a way to clear my head and wake up my body. I am able to collect my thoughts, think and enjoy the beautiful sounds of the sea. 

Following my short run in the morning, it was off to the York/Ogunquit town line and wait for the "Flame of Hope torch" that is being carried throughout Maine to signal the start of the Maine Special Olympics. 

In the spirit of community policing, Ogunquit Police, invites the community  to run with members of the police department.  This year, Laura Rose, of Compass Rose Yoga, Ogunquit lifeguard, Nick Lumenello with his brothers, as well as innkeepers, Jimmy Lucibello and Rick Barber participated in the run. 

Before we ran, Yoga instructor, Laura Rose warmed us up with a variety of yoga poses. Bear in mind, we are on US Route 1,  at the town line during rush hour, doing these poses. I am sure it was a sight to see!

The best part of the Torch Run is the overwhelming  support from the townspeople. As we run through town, people wave, cheer and toot their horns. They also show support monetarily. 

       (photo courtesy of Jordan Freedman) 

In the spirit of National Running day, I will run for a third time today. An easy run with my cousin Joshua.

Sunfish on a foggy day

The fog this morning was as thick as pea soup. Warm air arrived after evening showers. This type of fog on the beach always makes my morning run a challenge.

While running on my usual beach route, I literally stumbled up this rather large marine creature. The "fish" was about four feet long and probably weighed about 300 pounds. I almost fell over it while I was running in the thick fog. I stopped and looked at it.
Was is a baby whale or Sea Cow?  I had no idea.

After my run, I went back home and got my camera and took some pictures. I needed to know what this creature was. After posting this picture on Facebook, many of my friends identified it as a Ocean Sunfish.

According to wikipedia:
The ocean sunfish, Mola mola, or common mola, is the heaviest known bony fish in the world. It has an average adult weight of 1,000 kg (2,200 lb). The species is native to tropical and temperate waters around the globe. It resembles a fish head with a tail, and its main body is flattened laterally. Sunfish can be as tall as they are long when their dorsal and ventral fins are extended.

You never know what you'll find running on this long beach: Whales, large tropical fish, ghost ships. or lobster traps!

Picked Last....

The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do.

           -Walter Bageholt

Remember that horrible feeling with the coach or gym teacher would pick captains, and then have the captains pick the players for teams? The shame and humiliation on getting picked last??

As a child, playtime was fun. I went outside and played. Whether it be, kickball, softball or war games, I played until I was tired and then I went home for supper or bed. Playing, for the sake of playing. At sumer camp we would swim, boat and canoe, again it was fun and recreational.

(Cousin Jeff, sister Laurie and I. Long Island Maine)

Then, something happened on the way to middle school: coaches and teachers would segregated players.  The alpha players were picked by the coach. Then these alpha players would pick the teams. My "ah-ha moment " happened when I was in 5th grade.

Coach "W" was the coach of the Orioles little league baseball team in the town that I lived in. In the spring, I attended all of the practices. It was fun. I was with kids my age, and I enjoyed the camaraderie and enjoyment of playing. Mind you I was not good. Couldn't throw a ball to save my life ( later in life, I discovered I had a slight vision problem that I was able to correct with eyeglasses), but nonetheless, I enjoyed being there.

The first game was approaching, and Coach  "W" distributed all the uniforms. I remember these uniforms were white and green, and I was excited to be getting one. The coach came to my house, and he did not have a uniform for me, I asked him "why?" The coach said: because we do not have one FOR YOU. I asked him, "what should I do the day of the game", and he replied. "you don't go to the game". I said, "what about practice next week", He followed with "you don't go to practice" .

It was that point in my life I found out the cruel reality of competitive sports. I was not good enough to play in a small town little league with my friends. I felt embarrassed and shamed. I developed an instant dislike for the game. My parents recognized this, and swiftly got me involved in other activities: music,  etc. The day Coach "W" came into my parents house and sat in their mid-century couch and told me I couldn't play little league haunted me for a long time....

Then something happened on the way to becoming  middle aged.....I started to run. I ran, for the sake of running. I knew I could run as a kid. But I never ran track in high school or college. I thought I was not good enough. The shame of little league left me with a horrible feeling. Something in my head, said I would be picked last, or I would be snarled by the coach. However,  I could run. I guess it was the embarrassment I wanted to save myself from by not participating.

When I turned 40, I started to run, little by little. I ran in my small Maine coastal town. I remember 10 years ago, local people would clap as the fat guy would run by for his 1.5 mile loop. Slowly, by slowly I ran. Then one day I noticed my pants went down a size. I was jazzed. I increase my mileage, and intensity of running. Then more weight fell off. Finally I decided to run a 5k race in Fort Lauderdale. I was nervous. Would I be the last guy to finish?? Was I good enough? I had no idea. The race was a 5k. I ran the race and finished. It was my first race and I was 42 years old, it was then that I got the bug and realized, I can do this.

Its been almost a decade and I run virtually everyday. I have participated in countless races in Ogunquit ,Fort Lauderdale and other locations. I swim with a Master's Swim program in the winter in Fort Lauderdale.  Something happened on the way to middle age, I think it's a case of "adult onset athletics", and I am glad it happened!

The lesson in life? Next time someone tells you that you "can't do something", take pleasure in doing it!

Burial Hill, Plymouth MA

My sister lives in Plymouth, MA. Once or twice a year I like to go down to "America's Hometown" and visit my sister's family. Plymouth is south of Boston and right before Cape Cod starts.

Where ever I go, I tend to run in the morning. So, I decided to run along Plymouth's waterfront, and through Burial Hill on this late October day.

Running through Plymouth, you really get an  understanding why the Pilgrims settled here. There is a harbor, a fresh water brook, and a commanding hill where one can see for miles.
Running in a historic town gives you a different perspective. It is nice to take in tourist attractions, like the working harbor, the Mayflower, museums and historic homes. As I run through the waterfront and up the first street in New England ( Leyden Street), and up to Burial Hill, I get a surreal feeling of history.

The burial grounds are a bit macabre with ancient trees and  slate gravestones of all different shapes and sizes. Its interesting to note that many of the early settlers lived long lives, and yet some had very short lives.  Many of the stones had illustrations of urns, weeping willow trees,  cherubs and skulls. I noticed that there was not one headstone with a cross on it. The early settlers of Plymouth were pious, but did not celebrate many religious holidays, or used many religious symbols like crosses.

It was great to see my family, enjoy a waterfront meal, and just be a tourist in "America's Home Town".

 

Frannie Peabody 5k Beach Race Ogunquit 2011

Race against AIDS....

                                                                                                        (photo courtesy of Anthony Defeo)

Its hard to believe that it has been 30 years since the  AIDS pandemic reached our cultural radar screen.  AIDS has also affected the little hamlet of Ogunquit, as it has it many communities.

The Frannie Peabody Center is dedicated to providing comprehensive services to people with HIV/AIDS. This organization does amazing things for many people in the Ogunquit area.

Today marks the 3rd Annual Frannie Peabody Beach to Bay 5km Race for AIDS and 5k Walk.  The race is administered by Ogunquit's Jimmy Lucibello.

Over the  past 8 years I have done a variety of races for all kinds of causes.  However, the Ogunquit race is a bit different. For a small town race, it's actually quite festive. The whole weekend is devoted to AIDS awareness with functions and events taking place throughout the town.  The AIDS race featured:  a barbecue, food, massage therapists, deejay, yoga, goodie bags with t-shirt, and a giant piñata shaped as an AIDS ribbon. And of course there were drag queens to entertain and enlighten the masses. The AIDS memorial quilt was also on display at the Dunaway Center.

The race course was a bit different this year. It was a combination of beach, street, sand and wooden footbridge race.

The Ogunquit Police Department gave the runners and walkers an escort through town.  Ogunquit selectman Bobby Winn,  measured and set the race course. Winn is not only town selectman, he is also an elite runner, placing first at today's event.

I came in 4th overall with a time of 20.36. Not bad for a mixed course of sand, beach, and road. I averaged 6.38 minutes a mile. There was a modest headwind for the last mile on the beach.

The day was perfect: bright morning sun, great run on the beach with friends, food, entertainment and a lot of monetary support for the Frannie Peabody Center.....

See the results here....

For more information: http://www.peabodycenter.org/

To contact or find out about men's support group Click Here

Running in Metro Manila!

Racing teaches us to challenge ourselves. It teaches us to push beyond where we thought we could go. It helps us to find out what we are made of. This is what we do. This is what it's all about
                                                                                         -PattiSue Plumer, U.S. Olympian

Racing in the Philippines is a challenge:  the heat, humidity and different terrain. Running in general, can be a challenge in a megalopolis like Metro Manila. The city steams with 12 million people, 18 hour long  rush hours, diesel exhaust and poor infrastructure,  but that didn't stop me!

I ran in the Haribon 5k race at Fort Bonifacio. Fort Bonifacio is now called the "Global City". The community consists of fine dining, shopping, office buildings and luxury condos. The "Fort" is a planned community so its easy to run and there is almost always a race during the weekends (sometimes there are 3 or more races in one day throughout Metro Manila).
I chose the Haribon 5k race because it is a charity with a mission on preserving 1 million hectares of rain forest for conservation in the Philippines.

Entry fees are modest in the Philippines. This race the fee was 400 PHPs ( @$10). For that you got a certified race course, a real goodie bag loaded with schwag, tech shirt, book about Philippine wildlife and other promotional treats. Most races are 350 to 600 pesos in the Philippines. A bargain compared to the states. I placed 8th in the men's division and 10th overall out of 350 people. A good race for me, but not my best time. The three H's were tough: hills, heat and humidity. Filipinos are modest, so running without a shirt was not an option. Race started at 5:35am. Early race times are the norm in Manila.

Its tough to run through most of Metro Manila due to traffic, and bad sidewalks. I did find a great place to run in the middle of Quezon City, the Amoranto Stadium. The Stadium is in the middle of Quezon City On Roces Avenue.  Early in the morning there are runners, walkers and tai chi enthusiasts exercising on the track in the stadium.

There are places to run in Metro Manila: The University of Philippines campus in Diliman, where the streets are shaded with Acacia trees. While at the University of the Philippines High School in the late 70's, I ran on this campus. The air is a bit cleaner and their is less noise.

The sidewalks in Makati are relatively safe and free of potholes. In the business district of Mandaluyong, the sidewalks are good, and traffic is a bit saner. In the Ermita/Malate/waterfront district there is Manila Baywalk. This Baywalk path is a two kilometre stretch between the US Embassy and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) just past the Manila Yacht Club. This baywalk/esplanade is right on the water, and the view at sunset is phenomenal.

Sometimes the best part of running is overcoming the challenges. Thats why I enjoy training in different enviornmnets! Gusto ko na tumakbo sa Manila!

For more info on races in Metro Manila, visit http://www.pinoyfitness.com/

The Atlantic

The cure for anything is salt water – sweat, tears, or the sea

-Isak Dinesen

Running on the beach in the morning, next to the ocean is therapeutic. The rising sun over the ocean warms my body as I run along the hard packed sand of Ogunquit beach.  Yes, its tough to get motivated. You have to stretch and get out in the cooler autumn air, but once I start moving my by arms, legs, and feet and breath the cool ocean air, I  know it will be a great day....

Running near the ocean can cure a litany of problems. As a child growing up near the ocean, I can remember my mother telling me to "get into the salt water, It will heal your boo boos."  I believed it, and I still believe it today. The scratches, bruises and scrapes of childhood would somehow feel better after bathing in the Atlantic ocean. My mother would say this as she sat on the beach and watched the ebb and flow of the tides. Yes, the ocean does cure, and its these little lessons I learned a lifetime ago from my mother that I do cherish.

Run for the Fallen, Ogunquit Maine

A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.

                                                                         -Joseph Campbell

Yesterday was  the third annual Run for The Fallen. The run is a 65 kilometer run to honor the 64 men and one woman who have lost their lives since 9/11. I am honored to participate in this event. The event starts in Ogunquit village square and continues to Portland. At every kilometer there is a marker with the name of the soldier, rank, picture and biography. At virtually every marker, there is the family and loved ones. This is the hardest part of the race. I can run for 1, 2 or even 3 hours; but to see the loved ones at the kilometer marker is very emotional.

The run is organized by Ogunquit's John Mixon. Mixon brings family members of soldiers, runners and others together. Approximately 150 participated in this event. The event is not a race, but a run, with runners from all different levels. Some ran for one kilometer, others ran 5, 10 and 20. Today I did 23 kilometers.

Here is a list of the Fallen Heroes.

1 SPC Wade A Slack Waterville
2 SPC Matthew E Schneider Kittery
3 SGT Jeremiah Holmes North Berwick
4 1st LT Joshua Picard York
5 SPC Kyle A Little North Berwick
6 PFC Andrew Small Wiscasset
7 SSG Craig W Cherry Windham
8 SGT Nicholas A Robertson Holden
9 CW5 Sharon T Swartworth Litchfield
10 PFC Justin Kennie Cornish
11 CW4 Erik Halvorsen Richmond
12 SSG Dale J Kelly Jr Richmond
13 PFC Tyler J Smith Bethel
14 MAJ Jay T Aubin Skowhegan
15 SPC Dustin J Harris Patten
16 1SGT Christopher D Coffin Kennebunk
17 2LT Matthew S Coutu Cape Elizabeth
18 Blair W Emery Lee
19 Jason E Dore Moscow
20 Shawn C Dostie Lewiston
21 Daniel F Cunningham Lewiston
22 Lynn R Poulin Sr Freedom
23 SGT Joel A House Lee
24 SGT Corey A Dan Norway
25 CPT Patrick D Damon Falmouth
26 PFC Jordan M Brochu Cumberland
27 MSGT Evander E Andrews Solon
28 LCDR Robert E Clukey Orono
29 SSG William S Jackson Warren
30 CMDR Robert Schlegel Gray
31 MSG Robert M Horrigan Belfast
32 SGT Heath McMillin Biddeford
33 SPC Joshua U Humble Appleton
34 SGT Edmund W McDonald Casco
35 Sgt Joshua John Kirk Thomaston
36 CPT Benjamin D Keating Shapleigh
37 SPC Beau Beaulieu Lisbon
38 SFC Jonathon A Lowery Houlton
39 SSG Eric Ross Kenduskeag
40 CPT Christopher S Cash Old Orchard Beach
41 SGT Thomas J Dostie Sommerville
42 SGT Nicholes Golding Addison
43 SPC Joseph A Lucas Wiscasset
44 SPC Christopher S Merchant Bangor
45 SSG David Veverka Bangor
46 SPC Christopher M Wilson Bangor
47 LCPL Alexander S Arredondo Bangor
48 LCPL Cedric E Bruns Bangor
49 SSG Kristofer R Ciraso Bangor
50 MAJ Andrew J Olmsted Bangor
51 SGT Lawrence A Roukey Westbrook
52 CPL Brian M Kennedy Port Clyde
53 SGT Richard K Parker Phillips
54 CPL Dustin J Libby Presque Isle
55 SPC Justin L Buxbaum South Portland
56 LCPL Angel Rosa South Portland
57 SGT Jason W Swiger South Portland
58 LCPL Joshua Bernard New Portland
59 MSG Michael D Jones Unity
60 SGT Brandon Silk Orono
61 LT Jerry Smith Greenville
62 Eric Shaw Exeter
63 SPC Deon L Taylor Portland
64 CPT Daniel J Tranchemontagne Portland
65 SGT Christopher D Gelineau Portland

Ogunquit Beach & Bay 5k run for AIDS. Frannie Peabody Center

“Success isn't how far you got, but the distance you  travelled from where you started.”                                     
                                 -unknown

(photo courtesy of Jordan.Freedman@gmail.com)

One thing that always amazes me about Ogunquit is how philanthropic people are. There are countless fundraisers, benefits and organizations that are always competing for donations in this little village. This weekend was no different.
I participated in the  "Beach & Bay 5k Run & Walk for AIDS" sponsored by the Frannie Peabody Center. This organization does amazing work in Ogunquit and in Maine. The center provides services with people with HIV or AIDS.
Ogunquit's comedian  Kris Francis was the Master of Ceremonies at today's event. Before he officially started the race, he asked all participants "to visualize and focus on someone who has died of AIDS or HIV".

This certified race was at 11 am this morning on Ogunquit beach. Weather was great, with a modest headwind coming from the south.
Ogunquit's elite runner, Bobby Winn came in first place (again) with a time of 17.14 minutes.
The race is very inclusive with 165 runners, walkers, drag queens and even a person with a wheelchair ( which in not easy in the sand!),


Many people donated there time, money and inkind services. Normand of Maine Street had the barbecue for runners and  walkers,  Julies Provisto had great coffee and other treats. Food was provided by many of the local bakeries and restaurants.

Winner, Bobby Winn and Mark Register.

Mark is a director for the Frannie Peabody Center. Mark oversees the development aspect and assists with the planning the 5k Beach and Bay with Ogunquit's AIDS activist Jimmy Lucibello. Lucibello stated that the event raised over $21,000. Amazing for such a small town; and that does not include the inkind donations or other services provided.

I came in 7th with a time of 22.03 almost one minute off from last year's time. Not my best race, but then again, I am running on Ogunquit beach amongst friends for a worthwhile cause......

Running on Fort Lauderdale Beach

I run virtually everyday since 2004. Running is important to me. It keeps me happy and healthy. I've ran during snow storms in Ogunquit Maine.  I have ran through steep mountains in Costa Rica. While running in Buenos Aires, I have fallen on crowded sidewalks. In the summer time, I will run 5 to 7 miles and then go to work on a Mt Bike for 8 hours with 20 pounds of gear on. I guess you could say that: I am a runner!

 One of my favorite runs is Fort Lauderdale Beach. I live in South FL for the winter. Winter time in south Florida is perfect for running. There are so many runners, races and great places to run. I run on Fort Lauderdale Beach. The beach is beautiful: There are long shady stretches with clusters of plam trees and seagrapes. There is a sidewalk that runs parallel to the beach. The sidewalk is marked with mile markers!

Route A1A hugs the ocean. I start at the north side of the beach and run south to Fort Lauderdale's "South Beach Park" and back. If I am motivated, I'll run to 17th street causeway and back. The run is 5 to 6 miles daily. This is also part of the route for the A1A Marathon/Half Marathon. I have done the last four half marathons.  Its truly a pleasure to see the ocean, surfers, runners, swimmers, tourists, locals and cruise ships. There is something interesting to see everyday!

My run takes me past the International Swimming Hall of Fame, Las Olas Drive, Sunrise Boulevard, Bonnet House Museum, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

The only thing that stops me is blinding rain. I am not a treadmill guy. The mechanics of running en plein aire, and on a machine are completely different. I dont feel like I am getting a good workout on a machine. And, with beautiful scenery everyday, why wouldn't I run??