Hi All.
I've just finished reading a great "retro" running book titled Dr. Sheehan On Running by author Dr. George Sheehan. Honestly I'm not sure if it's still in print, but I'll tell you what, it ought to be.
Dr. Sheehan wrote this book in 1975 when running as a sport was still quite raw. Runners in that era ran hundreds of miles per week for no particular reason. They ran in cut-off blue jeans and didn't worry about chafing. When their shoes bottomed out they re-lined them with cardboard and built up the tread with shoe goo and duct tape. Electrolytes may have been spoken of in medical journals but water stops consisted of a warm water swig from a neighbor's hose or a palm-full of creek water.
Running was simple. You just threw on your shoes and went. You ran on roads or on trails. It didn't matter. You did it because you enjoyed it. In fact, you loved it. And you loved the people who did it with you.
Dr. Sheehan speaks of a time when being pelted by things thrown from passing cars was normal. A time when people looked at you as if you were crazy for running in the first place. Running wasn't widely accepted, in fact it was seen as going against the grain. Breaking the rules of society. Anarchy afoot!
Runners back then battled in the trenches together. They bled for the opportunity to get a good 10-miler in before work. They nodded to each other under the brims of their caps with the silent understanding that they were bonded, not merely as people but as runners. Back then it was a secret club without a membership. They were as obscure as their strange sport.
I can't say that anyone's ever hurled fruit at me out a car window, or cussed at me for striding through their neighborhood. Nobody's ever singled me out and made me feel uncomfortable for getting a good workout in as the day begins. If anything, I get occasional whistles and honks which effect me like generic applause does during a race. It motivates me.
Honestly, the only attitudes I encounter while running are from fellow runners. I tend to wave or say hi to folks as we run past each other. I know they hear me, yet sometimes I get shined and wonder why my benign greeting went unacknowledged. Are they so wrapped up in their training that they can't return my gesture? I don't get it. Where's the love that founded this sport in the first place?
We certainly have come a long way since 1975, that's for sure. But I'm left to wonder if Dr. Sheehan would be happy with the results. Most certainly he'd laugh at how serious the sport has become even to us hobbyists. Too serious for a wave? Now that's just plain silly.
It takes a second to share a moment. Make sure you take one. I promise it won't ruin your upcoming race.
To Your Health!
tom
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
April 2009
As a kid I used to tool around the neighborhood on my Big Wheel. For some reason I took it upon myself to clean out the gutters in the street and put the trash in the mini "trunk" attached to the back of the Big Wheel. My mom didn't like the fact that I was messing with gutter gunk but I didn't stop.
As I got older, my propensity to pick up trash didn't go away. As a result I was constantly finding money on the ground. I remember once as I was leaving nursery school I found a $20 bill. I bought a 6-Million Dollar Man doll, his rocket ship, and a Walton's Family figurine for my (then) girlfriend. But I digress.
This habit of mine continued as a teenager and whenever I'd visit my grandparents in Kelseyville I'd find arrowheads. My college major was Anthropology and I, like most young men, thought that being an Archaeologist would be similar to the life of Indiana Jones. Not so much. I loved finding things, but the reality and tedium of true archaeology didn't float my boat.
I still find things pretty regularly. ID's, credit cards and collectible coins are common treasures on my walks and I'm always shocked that others didn't find them first.
Now I'm training again for a pretty long run, thus my training miles are long too. I do most of my running on trails and have been getting pretty upset by the amount of trash I find as I run on the higher-up trails. Last week I decided to collect trash during my back to back long runs.
I've never understood how folks can blatantly toss their trash on the ground, or, assuming that much trash gets there accidentally, how they can step over it as they pass by.
Ironically, as I picked up some trash from Sand Point in Nisene Marks, I came across a trashed sticker that bluntly expresses my opinion on littering in the first place.
Let's keep our trails clean. And if you happen to see someone else's junk making the trail unsightly, pick it up. Odds are nobody else is going to do it.
Keep on keepin' on.
tom
As I got older, my propensity to pick up trash didn't go away. As a result I was constantly finding money on the ground. I remember once as I was leaving nursery school I found a $20 bill. I bought a 6-Million Dollar Man doll, his rocket ship, and a Walton's Family figurine for my (then) girlfriend. But I digress.
This habit of mine continued as a teenager and whenever I'd visit my grandparents in Kelseyville I'd find arrowheads. My college major was Anthropology and I, like most young men, thought that being an Archaeologist would be similar to the life of Indiana Jones. Not so much. I loved finding things, but the reality and tedium of true archaeology didn't float my boat.
I still find things pretty regularly. ID's, credit cards and collectible coins are common treasures on my walks and I'm always shocked that others didn't find them first.
Now I'm training again for a pretty long run, thus my training miles are long too. I do most of my running on trails and have been getting pretty upset by the amount of trash I find as I run on the higher-up trails. Last week I decided to collect trash during my back to back long runs.
I've never understood how folks can blatantly toss their trash on the ground, or, assuming that much trash gets there accidentally, how they can step over it as they pass by.
Ironically, as I picked up some trash from Sand Point in Nisene Marks, I came across a trashed sticker that bluntly expresses my opinion on littering in the first place.
Let's keep our trails clean. And if you happen to see someone else's junk making the trail unsightly, pick it up. Odds are nobody else is going to do it.
Keep on keepin' on.
tom
March 2009
It's nearing that time of year when folks start considering events for which to train. Some may be on the hunt for a 5k or 10k to walk or run. Others find ways to effectively prepare for a half or full marathon. And a few others out there see the spring and summer as a perfect time to knock out a few ultra-marathons. No matter what floats your boat, you need a vision, a plan, and a support system to put it all together. We want to help you do this.
I recently came across a photo from my first marathon and was shocked that anyone let me leave the house let alone run a race. I was living in Germany and ordered all my gear from a cheesy catalog. Apparently day-glow was still "in", or so I thought, and bright pink was going to make me run faster. Yikes - I cringe when I look at the photos. Thankfully only one snapshot exists and it's sitting at the bottom of my junk drawer at home. Nothing on You-Tube to keep me from running for mayor someday!
Anyhow, I truly had no idea what I was doing. My training consisted of a 5-mile run, which I did two or three times prior to the 26.2 mile event. Also I dressed for fashion (well...kind of), not function. And nutrition was merely a chapter in that book about running which collected dust on my shelf. But hey - I was going to run a marathon! Watch out!
I chalk up my ability to barely finish to the resilience of foolish youth - but needless to say it was a rough go at best. In the years to come I ran marathons while attending the school of hard knocks. Sure I crossed the finish line, but at the expense of using up all my sick days as I lay prone and bed-ridden while my muscles healed. Magazine articles only got me so far. It wasn't until I signed up for a training program that I started realizing how to dial it all in. I owe a lot to those folks who spoon-fed me some basic guidelines.
Now I have an opportunity to give back. Fleet Feet Sports is happy to announce the addition of two training groups this spring. One will prepare you for a 5k and the other for a 10k. We're not trying to make anyone super-speedy here, in fact we'd rather start with a group of folks who look at us like we're crazy while wondering what the heck they're doing in the first place. Our goal is to grow a community of active people. If you know someone who would benefit from such a goal then send them our way (maybe that's you!).
And remember...your pink shoes needn't match your shirt (nor your gloves, or tights, or...).
Keep on keepin' on,
tom
I recently came across a photo from my first marathon and was shocked that anyone let me leave the house let alone run a race. I was living in Germany and ordered all my gear from a cheesy catalog. Apparently day-glow was still "in", or so I thought, and bright pink was going to make me run faster. Yikes - I cringe when I look at the photos. Thankfully only one snapshot exists and it's sitting at the bottom of my junk drawer at home. Nothing on You-Tube to keep me from running for mayor someday!
Anyhow, I truly had no idea what I was doing. My training consisted of a 5-mile run, which I did two or three times prior to the 26.2 mile event. Also I dressed for fashion (well...kind of), not function. And nutrition was merely a chapter in that book about running which collected dust on my shelf. But hey - I was going to run a marathon! Watch out!
I chalk up my ability to barely finish to the resilience of foolish youth - but needless to say it was a rough go at best. In the years to come I ran marathons while attending the school of hard knocks. Sure I crossed the finish line, but at the expense of using up all my sick days as I lay prone and bed-ridden while my muscles healed. Magazine articles only got me so far. It wasn't until I signed up for a training program that I started realizing how to dial it all in. I owe a lot to those folks who spoon-fed me some basic guidelines.
Now I have an opportunity to give back. Fleet Feet Sports is happy to announce the addition of two training groups this spring. One will prepare you for a 5k and the other for a 10k. We're not trying to make anyone super-speedy here, in fact we'd rather start with a group of folks who look at us like we're crazy while wondering what the heck they're doing in the first place. Our goal is to grow a community of active people. If you know someone who would benefit from such a goal then send them our way (maybe that's you!).
And remember...your pink shoes needn't match your shirt (nor your gloves, or tights, or...).
Keep on keepin' on,
tom
February 2009
Hi Folks!
In January I spent a week in Dallas, Texas at the annual Fleet Feet Winter Conference. It's a great time to come together and share creative ideas with some of my professional peers. It's also an amazing opportunity for me to learn about the new products soon to hit the marketplace. It's fun, exciting, and completely exhausting all at once. But most of all it further validates my decision to be a part of the Fleet Feet family.
Fleet Feet Sports was first opened in 1976 by amazing athlete and ground-breaking business woman, Sally Edwards. She had a vision about her passion and broke through the boundaries of the time to make her dream a reality. Running was still in its "obscure" phase and the idea of a woman opening a store for "joggers" was far-fetched. Nonetheless, she pulled it off. Now, some 32 years later, Fleet Feet exists in 90 locations throughout the country. Relatively speaking, it's a small franchise, but good things come in small packages and this is no exception.
At the end of my first week of business back in January 2008, the store phone rang as I was working late into the night. I was surprised that someone would be calling after 11:00 pm but picked up the phone as if it were midday. I knew the southern twang on the other end. It was the CEO of Fleet Feet Sports, Tom Raynor. Mr. Raynor was calling from the Fleet Feet headquarters in North Carolina to congratulate me on my first week of business. I had barely said thank-you when he quickly asked why I was still in the store. I figured the answer was obvious but he interrupted my verbal stumbling and told me, bluntly, to go home. He said that if I planned to be in Aptos any length of time that I needed to work smart and enjoy the ride. In less than a minute the conversation was over and as his words reverberated in my head I realized that I was a part of something. A community. Mr. Raynor's message that night became a mission statement for my business.
Just last week one of my staffers, Michelle, was freestyle-running in Nisene Marks when she came across a plaque hung beneath a bridge. It's not posted where one can read it when casually walking across. Instead it's most noticeable when navigating beneath it. Its inscription reminded me of what Mr. Raynor said to me last year. And honestly the words came (again) at a perfect moment - a time when I was getting too caught up with work and losing sight of what's truly important. Funny how things happen that way. It said:
"I come to run the race, not to finish, but to enjoy the
renewed friendships and to participate in life."
-John Lewis, Distance Runner
Enjoy yourselves. And don't lose sight of what's most important to you.
Keep on keepin' on.
Tom Griffen
In January I spent a week in Dallas, Texas at the annual Fleet Feet Winter Conference. It's a great time to come together and share creative ideas with some of my professional peers. It's also an amazing opportunity for me to learn about the new products soon to hit the marketplace. It's fun, exciting, and completely exhausting all at once. But most of all it further validates my decision to be a part of the Fleet Feet family.
Fleet Feet Sports was first opened in 1976 by amazing athlete and ground-breaking business woman, Sally Edwards. She had a vision about her passion and broke through the boundaries of the time to make her dream a reality. Running was still in its "obscure" phase and the idea of a woman opening a store for "joggers" was far-fetched. Nonetheless, she pulled it off. Now, some 32 years later, Fleet Feet exists in 90 locations throughout the country. Relatively speaking, it's a small franchise, but good things come in small packages and this is no exception.
At the end of my first week of business back in January 2008, the store phone rang as I was working late into the night. I was surprised that someone would be calling after 11:00 pm but picked up the phone as if it were midday. I knew the southern twang on the other end. It was the CEO of Fleet Feet Sports, Tom Raynor. Mr. Raynor was calling from the Fleet Feet headquarters in North Carolina to congratulate me on my first week of business. I had barely said thank-you when he quickly asked why I was still in the store. I figured the answer was obvious but he interrupted my verbal stumbling and told me, bluntly, to go home. He said that if I planned to be in Aptos any length of time that I needed to work smart and enjoy the ride. In less than a minute the conversation was over and as his words reverberated in my head I realized that I was a part of something. A community. Mr. Raynor's message that night became a mission statement for my business.
Just last week one of my staffers, Michelle, was freestyle-running in Nisene Marks when she came across a plaque hung beneath a bridge. It's not posted where one can read it when casually walking across. Instead it's most noticeable when navigating beneath it. Its inscription reminded me of what Mr. Raynor said to me last year. And honestly the words came (again) at a perfect moment - a time when I was getting too caught up with work and losing sight of what's truly important. Funny how things happen that way. It said:
"I come to run the race, not to finish, but to enjoy the
renewed friendships and to participate in life."
-John Lewis, Distance Runner
Enjoy yourselves. And don't lose sight of what's most important to you.
Keep on keepin' on.
Tom Griffen
January 2009
(written on New Year's Eve)
Hi Folks!
Exactly one year ago tonight I was both anxious and afraid of what the next day would bring. Change does this to a person. But change is exactly the ingredient that makes life fresh, exciting, and meaningful. Last year I went to bed early on New Year's Eve, knowing darn well that the following day's change-of-possession inventory would make for a very long day. This year I plan to stay up a bit later to celebrate the passing of 2008 and the ringing in of 2009. After all, my Fleet Feet family (that's YOU) and I have a one-year anniversary to celebrate! Cheers!
I have high hopes for 2009 - and not just for Fleet Feet. I also have high hopes for our resilient community. Collectively we have a choice. We can either allow the news and media to continue to scare us deeper into a recession-depression or we can take action. I opt for the latter.
So let's put our energy where it is useful. A good attitude is contagious so I encourage everyone to "take the high road" and share a nugget of hope with someone in the community. If we collectively rise above the down-trodden media we'll be doing our part in the fixing of things. Get that chin up and stay optimistic. Others will follow suit. Together we can start making things happen!
In 2009 be on the lookout for more free monthly events at Fleet Feet Sports including a Speaker Series featuring local heroes and occasional Movie Nights. We'll continue to sponsor races while we plan to partner up for new ones. Expect a 12-week training for Wharf to Wharf and regular strength and conditioning workshops at the store. There will be more group runs and walks and even monthly 12-hour "fun runs" starting in June. We've got an amazing year planned alongside our unmatched commitment to you, our customer. All info can be found on our website with more to come.
I wish you all happiness and success in the year to come.
Keep on keepin' on.
tom
Hi Folks!
Exactly one year ago tonight I was both anxious and afraid of what the next day would bring. Change does this to a person. But change is exactly the ingredient that makes life fresh, exciting, and meaningful. Last year I went to bed early on New Year's Eve, knowing darn well that the following day's change-of-possession inventory would make for a very long day. This year I plan to stay up a bit later to celebrate the passing of 2008 and the ringing in of 2009. After all, my Fleet Feet family (that's YOU) and I have a one-year anniversary to celebrate! Cheers!
I have high hopes for 2009 - and not just for Fleet Feet. I also have high hopes for our resilient community. Collectively we have a choice. We can either allow the news and media to continue to scare us deeper into a recession-depression or we can take action. I opt for the latter.
So let's put our energy where it is useful. A good attitude is contagious so I encourage everyone to "take the high road" and share a nugget of hope with someone in the community. If we collectively rise above the down-trodden media we'll be doing our part in the fixing of things. Get that chin up and stay optimistic. Others will follow suit. Together we can start making things happen!
In 2009 be on the lookout for more free monthly events at Fleet Feet Sports including a Speaker Series featuring local heroes and occasional Movie Nights. We'll continue to sponsor races while we plan to partner up for new ones. Expect a 12-week training for Wharf to Wharf and regular strength and conditioning workshops at the store. There will be more group runs and walks and even monthly 12-hour "fun runs" starting in June. We've got an amazing year planned alongside our unmatched commitment to you, our customer. All info can be found on our website with more to come.
I wish you all happiness and success in the year to come.
Keep on keepin' on.
tom
December 2008
Exactly one year ago I had a yard sale at my then apartment in Sacramento. I sold nearly everything I owned and was left with a few boxes that fit nicely into my Vanagon. The next day I left cow-town and a few hours later I was driving blindly though Aptos, wondering how it would feel to call this new place home.
The new adventure I was embarking upon came on the tail end of a string of unrelated professions. The past 15 years found me mostly working as a school teacher but I also dabbled in the computer industry. For a couple years I drove a forklift at a winery while doing seasonal stints unloading fishing boats. I also worked part time jobs at recreation centers and at the Fleet Feet in Sacramento. Finally, in the same year during which I decided to pursue a Master's degree in creative writing, the opportunity came up to acquire the Fleet Feet in Aptos. I jumped on it.
A scattered resume like mine makes me look transient. So I view it in a more positive light. I like to instead think of myself as "well-rounded". When I found out last year that I would be the new operator of Fleet Feet Aptos I figured my diverse past would only help me. And maybe it did. Even though I wasn't tasting wine on the clock.
Regardless, for the next 30 days I'm still officially, a rookie. Not a Michael Jordan-type rookie but a greenhorn nonetheless. I doubt that after my first anniversary anything will drastically change but there's something amazing about the daily lessons I learned this year about business, the community and myself that will (hopefully) help me improve personally and professionally. Thank you giving me this opportunity.
On my first day of business back on January 3rd someone peeked in the door, looked around inquisitively and said, "Hey...you the new guy?" I said yes. He replied, "I heard there was a new guy. Welcome to town." At that moment Aptos became my new home.
We've got a lot of great plans for 2009 and most of them are already mentioned on our website. So check it out when you get a chance (www.fleetfeetaptos.com).
Happy holidays to you and your families. May the season bring you peace and less traffic than I remember there being on 41st Avenue last year.
Keep on Keepin' On.
Tom
December 2008
The new adventure I was embarking upon came on the tail end of a string of unrelated professions. The past 15 years found me mostly working as a school teacher but I also dabbled in the computer industry. For a couple years I drove a forklift at a winery while doing seasonal stints unloading fishing boats. I also worked part time jobs at recreation centers and at the Fleet Feet in Sacramento. Finally, in the same year during which I decided to pursue a Master's degree in creative writing, the opportunity came up to acquire the Fleet Feet in Aptos. I jumped on it.
A scattered resume like mine makes me look transient. So I view it in a more positive light. I like to instead think of myself as "well-rounded". When I found out last year that I would be the new operator of Fleet Feet Aptos I figured my diverse past would only help me. And maybe it did. Even though I wasn't tasting wine on the clock.
Regardless, for the next 30 days I'm still officially, a rookie. Not a Michael Jordan-type rookie but a greenhorn nonetheless. I doubt that after my first anniversary anything will drastically change but there's something amazing about the daily lessons I learned this year about business, the community and myself that will (hopefully) help me improve personally and professionally. Thank you giving me this opportunity.
On my first day of business back on January 3rd someone peeked in the door, looked around inquisitively and said, "Hey...you the new guy?" I said yes. He replied, "I heard there was a new guy. Welcome to town." At that moment Aptos became my new home.
We've got a lot of great plans for 2009 and most of them are already mentioned on our website. So check it out when you get a chance (www.fleetfeetaptos.com).
Happy holidays to you and your families. May the season bring you peace and less traffic than I remember there being on 41st Avenue last year.
Keep on Keepin' On.
Tom
December 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
November 2008
Hi Folks,
After over a year of merely wishing I could run, I've finally rehabilitated my injured feet enough to start putting some solid miles on them, pain-free. It's been a long, humbling experience and I hope that the knowledge gained as a result proves to be to my future benefit. I have to say that most of my so-called "wisdom" has come directly from others and usually when I needed it the most. I can think of three times when I encountered a "running guru" of sorts who passed onto me valuable nuggets of information applicable to both my life as a runner and as a regular guy. They are all worthy to share with you. Call it a pre-holiday gift of sorts!
The first one came as I hit the brakes on a downhill portion of the American River 50-Miler in 2005. A seasoned ultra veteran sized me up and said, "Hey buddy, if you're running downhill, don't stop."
The second revelation came as I walked wearily along the route of my first trail race. I think I was looking for a rock to crawl under. A middle-aged woman trotted up beside me, asked if I was ok, then announced, "You know, if you keep moving forward, you'll get to the finish."
The third and final bit of wisdom came while training for Western States. During a 30-mile training run, another old-timer said, "Tom, if you want to go fast, you need to train slow."
So now, in regards to training and life in general, I'm taking my time, allowing momentum to carry me through tough moments and accepting the fact that the hardest work never has an immediate payoff. As I apply this to the store I feel more embedded and dedicated to what I do. I cherish the wisdom that these three random individuals shared with me as I struggled to learn the ropes. I hope that someday I can pass such words onto someone who, like me, is ready to hear it. Words our powerful and sometimes can be life-altering. You never know when you are the source of a crystallizing moment for someone else. Good stuff.
Keep on keepin' on.
Tom Griffen
November 2008
After over a year of merely wishing I could run, I've finally rehabilitated my injured feet enough to start putting some solid miles on them, pain-free. It's been a long, humbling experience and I hope that the knowledge gained as a result proves to be to my future benefit. I have to say that most of my so-called "wisdom" has come directly from others and usually when I needed it the most. I can think of three times when I encountered a "running guru" of sorts who passed onto me valuable nuggets of information applicable to both my life as a runner and as a regular guy. They are all worthy to share with you. Call it a pre-holiday gift of sorts!
The first one came as I hit the brakes on a downhill portion of the American River 50-Miler in 2005. A seasoned ultra veteran sized me up and said, "Hey buddy, if you're running downhill, don't stop."
The second revelation came as I walked wearily along the route of my first trail race. I think I was looking for a rock to crawl under. A middle-aged woman trotted up beside me, asked if I was ok, then announced, "You know, if you keep moving forward, you'll get to the finish."
The third and final bit of wisdom came while training for Western States. During a 30-mile training run, another old-timer said, "Tom, if you want to go fast, you need to train slow."
So now, in regards to training and life in general, I'm taking my time, allowing momentum to carry me through tough moments and accepting the fact that the hardest work never has an immediate payoff. As I apply this to the store I feel more embedded and dedicated to what I do. I cherish the wisdom that these three random individuals shared with me as I struggled to learn the ropes. I hope that someday I can pass such words onto someone who, like me, is ready to hear it. Words our powerful and sometimes can be life-altering. You never know when you are the source of a crystallizing moment for someone else. Good stuff.
Keep on keepin' on.
Tom Griffen
November 2008
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