Voodoo Economics

One of the best things I like about running is that just about anybody can do it. Grab a pair of halfway decent sneakers, a pair of shorts, an old comfy t-shirt, a walkman & you’re ready to go. That’s it. It’s economically feasible for most people. If I had developed an interest in scuba diving, skiing, ice hockey or horse riding at a young age, I’m sure my parents would have wanted to encourage me to pursue these sports, but wouldn’t be able to due to the money required to participate. Even the learn to sail lessons at the Cooper River Yacht Club were out of the financial grasp of a full time football coach and part time guidance counselor with six kids. With running, there’s also no need to travel to a rink, court, course or what have you. Step out your front door, and you’re ready to go. All of the organized runs I do cost money to participate. However, since most are for a good cause (Run for Tony, Larc School Bridge Run, ect.) these fees are tax deductable at the end of the year. With time & money short on many peoples list, it’s no wonder that these runs are getting more participants and raising more money for good causes.

I’m off to Long Beach Island for a week of vacation. I’m hoping to run just about every morning, and looking forward to a change of scenery during these runs.

Thanks for reading,

Pat

Deep Throat

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Niagara, here I come!

I did a little math today, and I’ve figured out that training for the Philadelphia Marathon will require me to run 426 miles over 18 weeks. That’s about the distance from my hometown of Haddon Twp. to Niagara Falls. Well, as someone much wiser than me said, the journey of a thousand miles starts with just one step.

172 days & a few hundred miles to go before I sleep.

Thanks for reading,

Pat

Bad Calf!

I think I was a little too anxious to start running again after The Broad Street Run. I was still experiencing a little calf pain when I hit the streets less than a week after Broad Street. After about two & ½ miles, I had to pull up lame with a strained calf. After a week of rest & relaxation, I’m back on the street & feeling good. Although, the good folks at Miller Lite & Turkey Hill Ice Cream are making the 5:00am runs a little more difficult.

My plan is to add miles until the formal marathon training starts in mid-July.
Happy Memorial Day to all,
Pat

The Hills Are Alive

Well, we slogged our way through ten miles of Philadelphia on Sunday. Not the best conditions to run in, but we still had fun. I improved two minutes over last years time, so considering the conditions, I’m pleased. Congratulations to Tommie, Kenneth, Rob Rossi, Tim, Rick, Rob Haney, Ira, Colleen, Jane & Alsair-El Hakem Rossi. The good news is they’ll be no temptation to purchase pictures of myself from the finish line at broadstreetrun.com. Dripping wet & tired does not make for a great photo-op.

For me, the absolute highlight came at the start of the run. We were waiting for the start of our coral (The Orange Coral ROCKS! by the way), and we could see the faster runners taking off down the course. My buddy Rob wanted to point out the huge number of runners that were participating, and said to his wife Colleen (who was doing her first Broad Street) "Look you can see them running up the hill." To which Colleen’s replied "THERE’S HILLS?!?!?!?" It was the only time in recorded history where a divorce was almost caused by topography.

My recuperation started Sunday afternoon during a nice hot soak in Epson Salts (thanks Patrice), and during a First Holy Communion party where the conversation and libations were plentiful & flowing. I’ll take off a few days, but then I’ll be back hitting the mean streets of Haddonleigh in the wee hours.

Thanks for reading,
Pat

Classic Broads

Sunday will be my third chance to run from Central High School to the Philadelphia Naval Yard, also known as The Broad Street Run. I feel more prepared this year than I did in the previous two & I’m looking forward to it. Although, I’m going to miss running with my niece Marie (she’s sidelined with an ankle injury).

I’m reminded of the first time I ran Broad Street. I wasn’t running/training too much, and this was my first run further than a 5K since I was probably in my teens. I felt even more ill-prepared as a group of us headed for the Septa trains to take us up to the start while everyone was trading their training stories. I got the same exact feeling that I did when I would head into an exam that I hadn’t studied for. By the time we got to the starting line at Central High, I was on the verge of a panic attack. As I calmed myself down, taking deep breaths, I remember thinking "Well, there’s only one way to get home. You gotta run the full ten miles my boy." Strangely, the inevitability made me feel a lot better. With that, my buddy Rick walked up to me, leading to this exchange:
Rick: You ready for this?
Me: Yeah, I think so.
Rick: See City Hall? (At this point City Hall looks like a distant blip on a radar).
Me: Yeah.
Rick: That’s about the halfway point.
Me: (Trying not to throw up) Wow.

The other highlight of the 2007 Broad Street Run occurred in South Philly while I was struggling to get to the finish line. I was around mile eight, dead tired & sore. While thinking, "What the hell did I get myself into?" I glanced over to one of the several churches that line Broad Street. As Mass was letting out, an older Italian woman was standing on the steps of this church with a cigarette in one hand & a lighter in the other. She shouted out in a voice seasoned by a lifetime of red wine, unfiltered cigarettes & pasta fagioli: "Keep going hun, you look great! (she takes a deep drag off her cigarette, so much so the clouds overhead move toward her) keep going hun!" It was a uniquely Philly experience & made me laugh & got me through the last few miles.

Last year we had a great idea to do the Broad Street Run, then walk over to watch the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. As fun as the game was to attend with my son Gavin, my sister Mary Pat & my niece Marie, around the third inning, all I wanted was a shower & a couch. This year, we’ll watch the Phillies take on the stinking Mets from home, post-shower.

It looks like iffy weather for Sunday, but still I can’t wait to get to the start with some friends, Rob, Colleen, Rick, Sona, Rob Haney, Kate, Ron, Harry, my brother in-law Joe Fleming & my neighbor Tom Mulligan.

Good luck to all & see you at McFadden's.
Pat

Blame It On The Rain

I promised myself I was going to run seven miles Saturday morning. As I stepped onto my front pouch, I said "Oh…nice morning." Not ten seconds later, the rain hit. If I had started out two mins later, I probably would had bagged the entire run & headed back to bed. But, as it turned out, I slogged my way through every puddle that could be found in the Haddonleigh section of Haddon Twp. Tuesday morning, the same scenario happened & I couldn’t do it again. I wimped out & stayed in bed, and I don’t regret my decision. It was miserable out. This morning was much better....chilly, but at least dry. Five fun filled miles later, I was home a little after 6:00am.

My thoughts turn towards some friends getting ready for the Super Bowl of runs…..The Boston Marathon next week:

My neighbor & friend Patrick Gallagher. Like thoroughbreds, Pat comes from a great family of runners & I’m sure he’ll do great in Boston.

Friend & Salt Shaker Foundation board member Joe Mahoney. In the Curley household Joe’s name cannot me mentioned without my wife Patrice saying "I just love Joe Mahoney." As a cancer survivor, Joe will be running as part of Team Livestrong Army Runners.

My good friend from York College Lori Z. I don’t know if it’s possible to keep a smile on your face while running 26.2 miles, but I think Lori’s got the best shot at pulling this off.

Good luck to all,
Pat