Look up when you are out and about this time of year and watch for Osage Oranges dangling from above. They gave me a smile as I was running to the top of a grueling hill this afternoon.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Osage October
Look up when you are out and about this time of year and watch for Osage Oranges dangling from above. They gave me a smile as I was running to the top of a grueling hill this afternoon.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Monday, October 4, 2010
I Completed a Half Marathon
I am not an elite runner. I am not a fast runner. It's still hard for me most of the time to think of myself as a runner at all. I open with these thoughts because it's hard to begin posting my accomplishments knowing that there is a very small slice of my blog readership who readily choose to pass judgement, see the negative side of everything and tear me and others down for reasons I can only guess. Some may call it paranoia but it's really called a Stat Counter that pinpoints who is reading our blogs and from where. Correction, reading my blog, not "mine and my husband's"... just mine. These are people who know Jim and me equally have called me inhumane or say I have questionable ethics in situations where they are most clearly out of line and in the wrong.
Along with the endurance I have built in running I am doing my best to feel good about my accomplishments without letting the cattiness that I know exists in the world get the better of me. I know that when some (a very few some) see my photos or read my entries they say and think things like, "If I had all that extra time I could __________." or "Look at that poochy stomach, she isn't fit all." or "What hidden agenda is really behind this entry?" To those who are looking to find fault in the world, question my words, motives or activities please start looking elsewhere. My blog is about my pursuit of true indigo and "pursuit" is the key word. I have no answers for anyone who is looking to read about anything else. Short of making this blog by accessible by invitation only, all I can say is that there nothing more for you to see here folks, goodbye.
Now that I have banished the foolish demons who seem to say, "so what", "big deal", "get a life", "get a job", "What does this have to do with ______?" I will start the real substance of this entry, I COMPLETED A HALF MARATHON! How often does anyone get to use the words "I completed" and "marathon" in the same sentence!? Oh, I am grinning widely as I sit here with slightly swollen knees and an overall acheyness.
I finished the Diva Half-Marathon in 2 hours and 19 minutes. For anyone that likes comparisons to how elite runners fair (now that I have encouraged that anyone reading this should be interested in how cool it is and not to prove how amazingly slow I am), my finish time is pretty much the record for women's FULL marathon. The world record for women was set by Paula Radcliffe of Great Britain in the London Marathon on April 13, 2003, in 2 hours 15 minutes and 25 seconds. Just to continue to freely string vaguely related thoughts together, congratulations to Paula Radcliffe who had her baby boy this past Goose Day!
Heather William's winning time yesterday was 1:24:46. I think I saw her close to her 8th mile when the route kissed and I was just past my 4th mile. It was so crazy inspiring to see the top runners crossing over this long bridge that passed over the Meadowbrook Parkway as we ran on the same bridge in the opposite directions. I know it was a discouraging sight to some women around me. I thought it was great and I made my way to the right to yell encouragement over to the top runners as they (seemingly) effortlessly made their way into their final 5 miles.
My goal was to try to come in before 2 1/2 hours. The course cut off was 3 1/2 hours and when I first considered signing up I was still really uncertain that I could even make that time. I crunched a few numbers, projected my pace at what I knew I could run at the time, factored in walking time for what was yet unknown and I was still getting about 3 hours. With 11 weeks to train, I decided to sign up.
The amount of time and effort training took impacted my life a little more that I hoped it would. During the time A&A visited I had to pass on joining them for a few activities that fell after my "long" runs. Walking the Grange Fair ended up pushing my limit because my ham string was a bit of a problem at that time. I passed on strolling through the bi-annual Antique Machinery Show and flea market because the only morning I could schedule in my last 12 miler (a commitment of well over 2 hours at the time) was the only day everyone else could go. As I sat at home recovering I got a call from my mother-in-law. We both commiserated that neither of us was up to walking the long and bumpy route of the flea market. My reason was the self-inflicted work out, hers is advanced Parkinson's disease.
Logging over 20 miles most weeks was new for me but the hard part was the taper that lead up to the race. The final week I hardly ran at all; 9 miles split out over 6 days. It allowed time for self-doubt and a lot of introspection. I had to have faith that I trained properly and the week of rest was going to allow my to do my best on race day. It really worked out for me and a real highlight was the day before the race. I ran a gentle 3 mile jog through Eisenhower Park with the man I love.
To those of you with whom I have talked, shared emails and IM chats about running, get medical ok and DO IT. Do it slowly, do it with a stroller, do it with a dog you can control, do it with a stability walker. Do it for a minute, do it for an hour. I found that I need a bit of structure like a training plan to help me stick to it but tried to allow flexibility in case life got in the way. You may prefer to just run when you feel like it for as long as feels right. I run alone for the most part. I like working through my inner demons and the private self improvement time to just sweat. You may like running with a buddy or a group. I also need a goal, a training program that progressed to an end was a goal. A run of 8k became my next goal. Then I set my sights on a 5k fund raiser then a 10k run. It was then, in early July, I found I could slowly run 7 miles without stopping. I was on track for a rookie training program for a 1/2 marathon. Oh yeah, yesterday I completed a half marathon.
The race itself was more of a party than a race. The route was a little boring in some places but about every mile they had DJs blasting songs like, "It's Raining Men," "Material Girl," "Hot Stuff" and my fricken favorite (as I downed Ibuprofen at the 9 mile mark) "Girls Just Want to Have Fun." Cheesy stereotypical diva disco music it was and it made for a LOT of fun if taken in the right spirit.
I went into the event knowing that the glitz was a big part of it and instead of saying, "This is so stupid" or "I hate pink" I went prepared for it all. I laughed at the tutus, tiaras and costumes other women wore and took my own special purple feather boa to swap the pink one they adorned me with for the final mile of the run. I did my best to encourage those around me and that kept my heart light.
I may not be what some (demons!) call a runner but I can tell you I have run long and hard away from participating in catty attitudes, name calling and snide comments about others. Running has empowered me to feel accomplished and good about myself and others with whom I have to live in this society.
My running is mainly a solo activity and I am still introverted. I can't bring myself to many group functions but when I do I am much more frequently at ease. Instead of glowering from a corner and putting down everyone I see, I do what I can and try to see the good. It makes me a heck of a lot happier person to surround myself with people and activities that can stay positive. Running has really been one of those activities.
Thinking of the competition aspect of being in a race, I am so slow that the only thing I am competing against is the myself. I am trying to have a good if not better pace for myself in a race. This is a big change from when I was a little girl and could outrun every other girl my age (and most of the boys) in the county but that is a story for another blog entry. My views of competition are wary ones but I have found a way to enter races without as much stress as I had imagined.
In a race, the momentum of the crowd carries me. The distractions of the runner's costumes allows me to not worry if I will complete the race. The road itself throws in potholes to keep me aware. I am trying to complete a run not win a race. If I have energy at the end, I always have had, I really start moving. I want to cross the final steps with life and joy in my heart. I may pass other runners or be passed but it's not about them other than using them as landmarks or distractions. I am selfishly running in a group.
Running like a diva was strange but a fun diversion. I mugged for cameras and allowed myself to be a fool. I flounced a little with the HOT pink feather boa and tiara I picked up at mile 12 until it got annoying and hot at mile 12.5. I knew my dear family was waiting with my purple feather boa and I would follow through with my planned "gear swap."
The finish line welcomed my pounded feet as I raised my arms in victory. The chip sensor on my sneaker allowed the MC to read my name and location to the crowd. I crossed out of the paparazzi zone and on to claim my medal, champagne and lovely rose from smiling firemen. Yes, they were buff but none were shirtless on this chilly breezy morning.
I met up with my family who gave me amazing purple flowers. I gave my perfect rose to A Rose by Any Other Name because I was SO appreciative of the support she and her husband have given me this year. I then busted a move of victory at the Luna tent. After looking for another friend and anything else to do, we all decided to pack it up and have lunch on Manhattan.
Today is glum and rainy and it's hard for me to move even 5 feet. It's a good day to blog and do household chores. I am cold and stiff but still filled with a wonderful optimism that allowed me to hobble outside to see a flock of 35 geese winging their way south. Autumn has taken a firm hold and I am satisfied. I completed a half marathon.
Along with the endurance I have built in running I am doing my best to feel good about my accomplishments without letting the cattiness that I know exists in the world get the better of me. I know that when some (a very few some) see my photos or read my entries they say and think things like, "If I had all that extra time I could __________." or "Look at that poochy stomach, she isn't fit all." or "What hidden agenda is really behind this entry?" To those who are looking to find fault in the world, question my words, motives or activities please start looking elsewhere. My blog is about my pursuit of true indigo and "pursuit" is the key word. I have no answers for anyone who is looking to read about anything else. Short of making this blog by accessible by invitation only, all I can say is that there nothing more for you to see here folks, goodbye.
Now that I have banished the foolish demons who seem to say, "so what", "big deal", "get a life", "get a job", "What does this have to do with ______?" I will start the real substance of this entry, I COMPLETED A HALF MARATHON! How often does anyone get to use the words "I completed" and "marathon" in the same sentence!? Oh, I am grinning widely as I sit here with slightly swollen knees and an overall acheyness.
I finished the Diva Half-Marathon in 2 hours and 19 minutes. For anyone that likes comparisons to how elite runners fair (now that I have encouraged that anyone reading this should be interested in how cool it is and not to prove how amazingly slow I am), my finish time is pretty much the record for women's FULL marathon. The world record for women was set by Paula Radcliffe of Great Britain in the London Marathon on April 13, 2003, in 2 hours 15 minutes and 25 seconds. Just to continue to freely string vaguely related thoughts together, congratulations to Paula Radcliffe who had her baby boy this past Goose Day!
Heather William's winning time yesterday was 1:24:46. I think I saw her close to her 8th mile when the route kissed and I was just past my 4th mile. It was so crazy inspiring to see the top runners crossing over this long bridge that passed over the Meadowbrook Parkway as we ran on the same bridge in the opposite directions. I know it was a discouraging sight to some women around me. I thought it was great and I made my way to the right to yell encouragement over to the top runners as they (seemingly) effortlessly made their way into their final 5 miles.
My goal was to try to come in before 2 1/2 hours. The course cut off was 3 1/2 hours and when I first considered signing up I was still really uncertain that I could even make that time. I crunched a few numbers, projected my pace at what I knew I could run at the time, factored in walking time for what was yet unknown and I was still getting about 3 hours. With 11 weeks to train, I decided to sign up.
The amount of time and effort training took impacted my life a little more that I hoped it would. During the time A&A visited I had to pass on joining them for a few activities that fell after my "long" runs. Walking the Grange Fair ended up pushing my limit because my ham string was a bit of a problem at that time. I passed on strolling through the bi-annual Antique Machinery Show and flea market because the only morning I could schedule in my last 12 miler (a commitment of well over 2 hours at the time) was the only day everyone else could go. As I sat at home recovering I got a call from my mother-in-law. We both commiserated that neither of us was up to walking the long and bumpy route of the flea market. My reason was the self-inflicted work out, hers is advanced Parkinson's disease.
Logging over 20 miles most weeks was new for me but the hard part was the taper that lead up to the race. The final week I hardly ran at all; 9 miles split out over 6 days. It allowed time for self-doubt and a lot of introspection. I had to have faith that I trained properly and the week of rest was going to allow my to do my best on race day. It really worked out for me and a real highlight was the day before the race. I ran a gentle 3 mile jog through Eisenhower Park with the man I love.
To those of you with whom I have talked, shared emails and IM chats about running, get medical ok and DO IT. Do it slowly, do it with a stroller, do it with a dog you can control, do it with a stability walker. Do it for a minute, do it for an hour. I found that I need a bit of structure like a training plan to help me stick to it but tried to allow flexibility in case life got in the way. You may prefer to just run when you feel like it for as long as feels right. I run alone for the most part. I like working through my inner demons and the private self improvement time to just sweat. You may like running with a buddy or a group. I also need a goal, a training program that progressed to an end was a goal. A run of 8k became my next goal. Then I set my sights on a 5k fund raiser then a 10k run. It was then, in early July, I found I could slowly run 7 miles without stopping. I was on track for a rookie training program for a 1/2 marathon. Oh yeah, yesterday I completed a half marathon.
The race itself was more of a party than a race. The route was a little boring in some places but about every mile they had DJs blasting songs like, "It's Raining Men," "Material Girl," "Hot Stuff" and my fricken favorite (as I downed Ibuprofen at the 9 mile mark) "Girls Just Want to Have Fun." Cheesy stereotypical diva disco music it was and it made for a LOT of fun if taken in the right spirit.
I went into the event knowing that the glitz was a big part of it and instead of saying, "This is so stupid" or "I hate pink" I went prepared for it all. I laughed at the tutus, tiaras and costumes other women wore and took my own special purple feather boa to swap the pink one they adorned me with for the final mile of the run. I did my best to encourage those around me and that kept my heart light.
I may not be what some (demons!) call a runner but I can tell you I have run long and hard away from participating in catty attitudes, name calling and snide comments about others. Running has empowered me to feel accomplished and good about myself and others with whom I have to live in this society.
My running is mainly a solo activity and I am still introverted. I can't bring myself to many group functions but when I do I am much more frequently at ease. Instead of glowering from a corner and putting down everyone I see, I do what I can and try to see the good. It makes me a heck of a lot happier person to surround myself with people and activities that can stay positive. Running has really been one of those activities.
Thinking of the competition aspect of being in a race, I am so slow that the only thing I am competing against is the myself. I am trying to have a good if not better pace for myself in a race. This is a big change from when I was a little girl and could outrun every other girl my age (and most of the boys) in the county but that is a story for another blog entry. My views of competition are wary ones but I have found a way to enter races without as much stress as I had imagined.
In a race, the momentum of the crowd carries me. The distractions of the runner's costumes allows me to not worry if I will complete the race. The road itself throws in potholes to keep me aware. I am trying to complete a run not win a race. If I have energy at the end, I always have had, I really start moving. I want to cross the final steps with life and joy in my heart. I may pass other runners or be passed but it's not about them other than using them as landmarks or distractions. I am selfishly running in a group.
Running like a diva was strange but a fun diversion. I mugged for cameras and allowed myself to be a fool. I flounced a little with the HOT pink feather boa and tiara I picked up at mile 12 until it got annoying and hot at mile 12.5. I knew my dear family was waiting with my purple feather boa and I would follow through with my planned "gear swap."
The finish line welcomed my pounded feet as I raised my arms in victory. The chip sensor on my sneaker allowed the MC to read my name and location to the crowd. I crossed out of the paparazzi zone and on to claim my medal, champagne and lovely rose from smiling firemen. Yes, they were buff but none were shirtless on this chilly breezy morning.
I met up with my family who gave me amazing purple flowers. I gave my perfect rose to A Rose by Any Other Name because I was SO appreciative of the support she and her husband have given me this year. I then busted a move of victory at the Luna tent. After looking for another friend and anything else to do, we all decided to pack it up and have lunch on Manhattan.
Today is glum and rainy and it's hard for me to move even 5 feet. It's a good day to blog and do household chores. I am cold and stiff but still filled with a wonderful optimism that allowed me to hobble outside to see a flock of 35 geese winging their way south. Autumn has taken a firm hold and I am satisfied. I completed a half marathon.
My Trip to Long Island
Here are some photos and a more upbeat post that go along with the one above (after, which tends to load first).Jimbo and I set out before 3AM to reach Eisenhower Park in Garden City, NY on Long Island about 8:00 AM. We wanted to get there in time for the first of the Diva Half-Marathon festivities. The Friendship Run was scheduled to go off at 9:00. It was a chance to
meet some of the other women who were registered for the race on Sunday and take a 3 mile run through the park. I was all for it because Jim is my friend, I wanted him to to be able to run with me and I wanted to get a feel for the park well in advance of the race.We learned a few things. Driving East on the Long Island Expressway just after sunrise is a real pain. There are no hills to hide the blazing sun when you are heading due East. We learned that the light on Hempstead Blvd at the base of Eisenhower Park leads to a pedestrian only walkway, the one to Park Blvd is farther to the East. I also realized that I get bored waiting around for things.
We decided to loosen up and explore a little before the Friendship Run. We jogged away from the car at a really slow pace and immediately came across some white and red arrows painted on the walkway. They were so friendly, we had to follow them. We followed them for less than a mile when we came to a sign describing that the white arrows lead on a mile loop and red ones lead on a 3 mile loop. We checked our watches and felt we could do a 3 mile loop on our own and get back in time to say, "Hi" before the Friendship Run folks started out.
This run with Jim was the real highlight of the weekend. The morning was beautiful and the route took us by some neat areas of the park. The 3 miles were just enough to work the kinks out and we got back to the parking area in time to see people standing around and waiting to start the group run.
Sadly, the facilitators were reticent to start drawing people in or introducing themselves. It wasn't unfriendly but the Friendship Run wasn't very friendly either. We were just as shy as the rest of the folks standing around and I didn't feel like facilitating something that was really the role of someone else. No bother, we had a nice run, changed out of our sweaty running gear and went to pick up my racing packet at a health and fitness boutique just a mile away.
This left us with a lot of idle time. It was mainly a good thing as were drove a lot of the race route for the next day. We determined that it was next to impossible for Jim to see me at the 10th mile marker the way the map had made it seem. There was an exclusive golf course that owned the very thin strip that looked like the part of Eisenhower Park that fell between the race route's 2 mile point and 10th mile point.
We also had time to check out where I thought we could have supper, it was too far and hard to get to. We realized using the external speaker on the iPod used battery power much more quickly than I expected. I had no way to recharge it before the race because I left the USB cord at home. I didn't trust the laptop to sync properly with it. We found an Apple store at a mall and bought a wall outlet converter with USB cord.
We had lunch at the mall. We had spring rolls and soup from the Soup Man at the food court. As we relaxed a bit, we could look down and watch a woman making chocolate dipped strawberries in the Godiva shop a level below.
We then got some gas for the car, drove more of the race route (it's 13 miles you know!) and parked in the park again. We walked over to where the finish line was being set up so I could see the final approach. The final stretch is where I always need an extra boost and asked Jim to stand along it the next day. We chose a section of the course where he would hand off my favorite purple feather boa and potentially take the boa and tiara I had been given about 3/4 a mile before.
As we walked that stretch and made our plans, we saw the marker for mile 13 spray painted on the ground. We walked the final tenth of a mile with the flags and finish line getting closer. As I approached it I started to choke up with the awesomeness of knowing I would cross it the next morning. I pictured myself in my signature race day day hat; my hat that recognized Ruffian, the filly, a champion race horse on the mid 70's. She was an amazing horse who refused to stop running even after she had broken her leg in a match race that was billed as the battle of the sexes. They tried to set Ruffian's broken leg but she didn't come out of the sedation well. She thought she was running in a race and broke her other legs as she came out of the sedation. It is her spirit, this great huge woman of a horse, I carry with me in every race. She is buried less than 20 miles from Eisenhower Park in the infield at Belmont Park. What I would have to endure to get to my finish line was a big unknown at that point. I doubted my leg would break but injuries happen. I knew I had prepared for the race as best as I could and planned to keep Ruffian with me the whole way.
On the walk back to the car I realized I may have over extended myself a little more than I should have before race day. Some sweaty bits from the run earlier never really dried and I was feeling a chafe potential. It was time to check into the hotel.
The hotel was not far but road closures the next morning for the race would make the return route winding and take maybe 15 minutes. We checked in along with many other women carrying Diva Half-Marathon swag bags from the race packet pick up. Our room was nice and the real bonus was the local dining guide. There was a Thai restaurant much closer than the one I had thought we would go to.
We had a really nice meal and took some away with us. More spring rolls, drunken noodles with tofu and a veggie pad thai. Perfect for loading some carbs. We returned to take a sunset swim in the indoor heated pool, went back to our room and played with the crazy shower head that was too high for me to reach. It gave a great calf massage but the third jet was aimed at a not so enjoyable area. YOW! We laughed and laughed about that.
It wasn't that the shower was so funny but we were really tired and were sleeping by 7:30. I had set out all of my racing gear like a little triathlon transition zone so getting it all together at 4:30 AM would be a no brainer. We ended up getting a solid 8 hours of sleep!
I showered so my hair had time to dry and set about systematically fueling up, last hydration and getting my gear on. My shorts were custom made for me by Nancy Radetsky, mom of one of Arron's co-workers who makes tights. I had a complimentary colored shirt and wore a glamorous fabric necklace generously shared by my best friend, Missy. My clothes were as diva as I could get with my matching painted nails.
The feet got extra attention. Not dirt or stone or fabric pills in the socks nor shoes could be tolerated for over 2 hours of pounding asphalt. I applied generous layers of a substance called Body Glide over my toes. My outer toes can blister sometimes. My supination has me running on the outside of my feet and I tend to run mostly on my toes.
True to form, we were the first to arrive in the park. This allowed us to get premium parking by the finish line and port-a-potties. I walked to the start corral and posed under the pace group I hoped to be in. There was a chance I really belonged in the 11:01 - 12:00 minute milers. The 13 or 14+ corrals I was pretty sure I would be running around more people than running with that pace group. Getting to the start line is always a pain in large groups but it's much less of a concern when you have a chip that tracks your time from line to line.
The morning was breezy and had quite a chill. I was tired and excited. We got a text from Arron and Amy that they were catching the Long Island RR that would have runners on it. They could just follow the women to the park.As I walked back, I realized that I had put WAY too much Body Glide on my feet. It turns more solid and if over applied turned into little solid balls. We went back to the car and I was glad for the extra pair of socks. I re-applied the Body Glide in a more suitable amount and I was set to warm up.
Final fuel of fruit mash ups an hour and 1/2 hour out were good but multiple potty trips were needed. With less than 1/2 hour to the race, I resigned myself that it was mostly nerves at that point and the typical 30 person deep line wasn't worth it. It was a good call, I never needed to stop for the potty from the on.
We ran into Arron, Amy and our friend Katrina all at the same time. I was shedding my warm up pants and getting ready to make my way to the corral when the National Anthem played.Cutting through the lines to the potties and the small corals made for quite a traffic jam. The pre-race 5k race went off as I finally got close to my group. We stood as sardines for quite a while but my plan was to go slowly at first.
I would say all went as planned. Jim, Arron and Amy were able to take my jacket at the second mile marker. I checked my watch and was about 1:30 off the posted clock time. I blurted that out and 3 "I love you"s for the 3 of them as I trotted by.
The sections of the race that doubled back on itself was the most fun. You could watch the faster runners go by on the opposite side the firs time and then the slower runners as you headed back the other way. with all of the various costumes, this made for a lot to look at.
I finally took water and a Gu packet that had been stashed in my bra at the 4 mile water break. I got most of the water down and didn't feel the need to walk. My pace at that point was about an 11 minute mile.
We crossed a long bridge over a highway and I said out loud, "The sights I have seen." We made our way by the Nassau Coliseum and clicked off 3 more miles before doubling back across the bridge on the other side. This was where the strong breeze was what I call a head wind. The bridge was an incline and the wind was a force. It was nice to make the turn up along the East side of the park and I looked down onto the little pond Jim and I ran along the edge of the day before. "Just lovely," I said to no one in particular.The stretch between mile 7 and 9 were annoying for some reason. The section of neighborhood was grungy and t affected my mood a little. It was cold and the families waiting to cheer on mommy were looking frozen. I thought, wrongly, that mile 8 would have water and downed a second Gu only to have to run a mile and a half to wash it down with water. That's 16 minutes of cloying sweet paste in my mouth. I was sad when I decided to littler my Gu wrapper and a gum wrapper because I was tire of carrying them.
The 9th mile marker was a bright point, good music, joking with fellow runners and Spider Woman passed me with an energy like she had just started the race. The water helped the Gu kick in just after the 10th mile marker. I wished at had been just before because it had a significant incline and... well... it was mile 10. "Why is this part always so hard?" again to no one in particular.
The 11the mile marker had me singing abut kissing cats and a little sprint to beat the clock time of 2 hours. I saw it ahead and shouted, "YEAH!" and treated it like a little finish line. I crossed it at clock time 1:59:35. My watch had me closer to 1:58:00.
Next was the section of the course that looped around a high school. We could see a short section of runners who had just ran around the school coming out and running off totally changed. I could see mundane runners ahead of me heading toward the school and emerging on the other side as glamorous starlets. It was a hilarious sight. A transformation like Dr. Seuss's Sneetches as they traveled though the "fix-it-up chappie's" machine but instead of coming out with stars on their bellies they were all wearing hot pink feather boas and tiaras!
Those pink feather were everywhere. They flew into my mouth as I ran through the tunnel of extended arms offering boas and tiaras. I seriously did not lose any time grabbing up a little fun on the way along this part of the route. It was the next part, along the edge of the hoity toity golf course where all of the hot pink feather were being blown to. Photographers were going crazy on this section and I tried to look like I was having a grand time as my boas was making me a little warm.
I finally took off my gloves and prepared to leave them and my new diva gifts with Jim, Arron and Amy. They were right where I expected them and swapped it all for my PURPLE boa, a gift from Amy & Arron weeks prior. They took a movie of me and as I run off with it you can hear me yell, "Now I'm a Divaaaaa!"
My crazy loving family all raced ahead of me to the finish line to see me cross, diva style, clutching my boa over my head in victory. Just before I crossed the line I heard someone off the side of the course loudly say, "How'd she get PURPLE!?" That made me smile the whole way across the line.I was tired but 11 minutes faster than I had hoped will get me that. I spooked around the festive grounds for a bit but knew a long trip home was ahead. Amy and Arron came back to Manhattan with us after a near miss with one of the poorly design Cube cars. They graciously allowed me to shower. THAT was a gift. We had a great meal at Candle Cafe before the loooong trip home.
Jim and I had a lot of fun talking about our individual experiences. I didn't sleep the whole way, even though we got stopped in traffic for a half hour on the Poconos. Long trip to Long Island and back and it was long on fun!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Thoughts from the Road - #1003
and One Tenth
I have scheduled this post to be published just about the time I will be struggling with that last 1/10 mile before the finish line at the Run Like a Diva 1/2 Marathon.
Ten months ago I couldn't run a minute without needing to take a break. I was shocking to know that that was all the more endurance I had. My goal of being able to run a half hour or 5k without stopping seemed unlikely. It was depressing but I didn't give up. I won't give up today either.
In the winter I liked being able to go outside and sweat even in the coldest weather. It was, and still is, personal time for me. I am doing something good for myself, frequently by myself. As I felt more confidant, I let a few people who were closest to me know of my 3 times a week running. Today I will be in the midst of thousands of other women but I will still be running by myself and for myself.
I struggled with some minor tendinitis, a few pulled muscles and a couple of blisters. The support of my good family saw me through any of those frustrations. Today I will do my best to avoid injury and deal with any aches as I make my way to the finish line in Eisenhower Park, Garden City, NY.
My Mom and Dad bought me great running shoes for my birthday that saw me through my first race in Frederick, MD. Mom and I also shopped Goodwill for running clothes. The Body Glide that I thought was much to expensive was bought for me by Mom. I love it and have a back up tube just in case. Today I am carrying both parent with me in my dna. They have always encouraged me to run and I will keep running for that final 528 feet.
My son and daughter-in-law gave me gifts of love and running gear. The iPod which has allowed me to run for hours on end without being bored and the Camelback which let me distance train on summer week days are indispensable. My son coached me on stretching and overuse injuries and his good wife coached me on upper body strength. They have flown by my side in spirit on my long runs and showered me with fun toys and Diva gear. It is their supportive wings that will keep my feet lifting as I pound the pavement for a final .1 mile.
My mother-in-law came to cheer me on in a local 5k race. My best friend, sister and folks I hardly know gave me support of last minute phone texts and Facebook messages. Each of you will be in my mind as I see the finish line.
I would never have made it as far nor expanded my horizons if it weren't for my husband, the dearest man and love of my life. His support is without smothering but come in the way of gentle suggestions. He is "can do" as my road crew by setting caches and shuttling me from point to point. My routes would have become much more stagnant and limited if he wasn't up for driving out to a new location and joining me for portions of my runs. He has been with me, biking by my side in Central Park, running with me on the road back in Fisherman's Paradise and cheering me as I end up near our home. It is thanks to him that I will cross that finish line today.
*iPod says, "Congratulations, you have reached your goal..."*
or did it just say
"Halfway point, thirteen point one miles to go." !!!????
Maybe someday but today I am glad to have run the hundreds of miles I have since the beginning of the year. Thank you all for your support.
I have scheduled this post to be published just about the time I will be struggling with that last 1/10 mile before the finish line at the Run Like a Diva 1/2 Marathon.
Ten months ago I couldn't run a minute without needing to take a break. I was shocking to know that that was all the more endurance I had. My goal of being able to run a half hour or 5k without stopping seemed unlikely. It was depressing but I didn't give up. I won't give up today either.
In the winter I liked being able to go outside and sweat even in the coldest weather. It was, and still is, personal time for me. I am doing something good for myself, frequently by myself. As I felt more confidant, I let a few people who were closest to me know of my 3 times a week running. Today I will be in the midst of thousands of other women but I will still be running by myself and for myself.
I struggled with some minor tendinitis, a few pulled muscles and a couple of blisters. The support of my good family saw me through any of those frustrations. Today I will do my best to avoid injury and deal with any aches as I make my way to the finish line in Eisenhower Park, Garden City, NY.
My Mom and Dad bought me great running shoes for my birthday that saw me through my first race in Frederick, MD. Mom and I also shopped Goodwill for running clothes. The Body Glide that I thought was much to expensive was bought for me by Mom. I love it and have a back up tube just in case. Today I am carrying both parent with me in my dna. They have always encouraged me to run and I will keep running for that final 528 feet.
My son and daughter-in-law gave me gifts of love and running gear. The iPod which has allowed me to run for hours on end without being bored and the Camelback which let me distance train on summer week days are indispensable. My son coached me on stretching and overuse injuries and his good wife coached me on upper body strength. They have flown by my side in spirit on my long runs and showered me with fun toys and Diva gear. It is their supportive wings that will keep my feet lifting as I pound the pavement for a final .1 mile.
My mother-in-law came to cheer me on in a local 5k race. My best friend, sister and folks I hardly know gave me support of last minute phone texts and Facebook messages. Each of you will be in my mind as I see the finish line.
I would never have made it as far nor expanded my horizons if it weren't for my husband, the dearest man and love of my life. His support is without smothering but come in the way of gentle suggestions. He is "can do" as my road crew by setting caches and shuttling me from point to point. My routes would have become much more stagnant and limited if he wasn't up for driving out to a new location and joining me for portions of my runs. He has been with me, biking by my side in Central Park, running with me on the road back in Fisherman's Paradise and cheering me as I end up near our home. It is thanks to him that I will cross that finish line today.
*iPod says, "Congratulations, you have reached your goal..."*
or did it just say
"Halfway point, thirteen point one miles to go." !!!????
Maybe someday but today I am glad to have run the hundreds of miles I have since the beginning of the year. Thank you all for your support.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Thoughts from the Road - #1001
The Thirteenth Mile
Well, this is it.
I can tell I will make it and I can even pick up my pace enough to keep up with that crazy guy on his bike.
I am not feeling as I had imagined at this point. I know I am tired but momentum is an awesome thing.
I need to pass that walking couple.
"Coming on your left, Good Morning."
Wow, a mile is a long way.
I am tired.
Transcend it, transcend it.
Push hard.
Deeper breaths.
Watch your footing.
Relax the shoulders.
Smile.
Enjoy.
Transcend.
Push.
Go...
Well, this is it.
I can tell I will make it and I can even pick up my pace enough to keep up with that crazy guy on his bike.
I am not feeling as I had imagined at this point. I know I am tired but momentum is an awesome thing.
I need to pass that walking couple.
"Coming on your left, Good Morning."
Wow, a mile is a long way.
I am tired.
Transcend it, transcend it.
Push hard.
Deeper breaths.
Watch your footing.
Relax the shoulders.
Smile.
Enjoy.
Transcend.
Push.
Go...
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Thoughts from the Road - #930
The Twelfth Mile
This is uncharted territory for me.
It's hard to stay zen about this but I just have to keep moving.
I don't want my play list to run out. I am going to try to pick up my pace a bit.
I can't believe I haven't walked in over 2 hours.
Hey, I think my Gu just kicked in!
Oh please don't let me have blisters.
Darn, my right arm is chaffing now too.
Annie Lennox always makes me feel glad to be running. Another vocal grand diva.
I see the 12 mile marker ahead and there is Jimbo on his bike. I could push him off and bike the last mile. I better warn him.
Well where the heck is my feather boa and tiara!? Oh right, at home on my dresser beside my wand and diva compass. Arron & Amy, you are the best!
Look at the cute chalk on the road ahead!
*pushing my 2 index fingers into the air*
"Go, go go!"
*iPod says, "One mile to go."
Oh my god. I can do this!
This is uncharted territory for me.
It's hard to stay zen about this but I just have to keep moving.
I don't want my play list to run out. I am going to try to pick up my pace a bit.
I can't believe I haven't walked in over 2 hours.
Hey, I think my Gu just kicked in!
Oh please don't let me have blisters.
Darn, my right arm is chaffing now too.
Annie Lennox always makes me feel glad to be running. Another vocal grand diva.
I see the 12 mile marker ahead and there is Jimbo on his bike. I could push him off and bike the last mile. I better warn him.
Well where the heck is my feather boa and tiara!? Oh right, at home on my dresser beside my wand and diva compass. Arron & Amy, you are the best!
Look at the cute chalk on the road ahead!
*pushing my 2 index fingers into the air*
"Go, go go!"
*iPod says, "One mile to go."
Oh my god. I can do this!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Thoughts from the Road - #928
The Eleventh Mile
One of the signs I am past the 10 mile mark is that songs are a little more fun now.
"I kissed a cat and I liked it, it taste of her tuna catfood
I kissed a cat just to try it, I hope my boyfriend don't mind it
It felt so wrong, it felt so right, don't mean I'm in love tonight
I kissed a cat and I liked it, I liked it
Those cats they are so magical, soft fur, and dibs, so kissable
Hard to resist, so touchable, too good to deny it
It ain't no big deal, it's innocent"
Haha, Footloose. I wish I could loosen up my feet a little.
It feels like I am almost starting to shuffle.
*iPod says, "Eleven miles completed."
"Thank you"
One of the signs I am past the 10 mile mark is that songs are a little more fun now.
"I kissed a cat and I liked it, it taste of her tuna catfood
I kissed a cat just to try it, I hope my boyfriend don't mind it
It felt so wrong, it felt so right, don't mean I'm in love tonight
I kissed a cat and I liked it, I liked it
Those cats they are so magical, soft fur, and dibs, so kissable
Hard to resist, so touchable, too good to deny it
It ain't no big deal, it's innocent"
Haha, Footloose. I wish I could loosen up my feet a little.
It feels like I am almost starting to shuffle.
*iPod says, "Eleven miles completed."
"Thank you"
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Taper Time
My last longer (8 mile) trail run was today with one week until the 1/2 marathon. Now I just have to try to keep out of my head and keep self doubt in check. Idle time leads to too much thinking.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Thoughts from the Road - #925
The Tenth Mile
"Go on now go, walk out the door..."
Any pain or fatigue can just go.
"Just turn around now 'cause your not welcome anymore."
My pain can just go out the door. *hands make sweeping gesture*
I sure hope that Gu kicks in soon. I am really dragging.
If I don't lift my feet higher I will trip.
It scares me that I have never hit what they call "the wall." I guess I am just so slow and refuel so frequently that I never deplete my glycogen to that level.
My back is tired.
Wow, I have more energy than some of these folks who started at the same time I did.
Maybe I'll put on a little burst of speed here. HAHAHA!
This mile is taking forever.
I can't wait for my chocolate milk and ice bath.
Awesome, here comes that upbeat guy cheering on the racers I am running with. He loves it when folks hold out their hand to slap 5 with him.
*holds out hand and gets slapped with enough force to almost knock an exhausted body over*
"Hahaha!"
At least I didn't get creamed by that elite runner.
*iPod says, "Ten miles completed."*
Man oh man.
"Go on now go, walk out the door..."
Any pain or fatigue can just go.
"Just turn around now 'cause your not welcome anymore."
My pain can just go out the door. *hands make sweeping gesture*
I sure hope that Gu kicks in soon. I am really dragging.
If I don't lift my feet higher I will trip.
It scares me that I have never hit what they call "the wall." I guess I am just so slow and refuel so frequently that I never deplete my glycogen to that level.
My back is tired.
Wow, I have more energy than some of these folks who started at the same time I did.
Maybe I'll put on a little burst of speed here. HAHAHA!
This mile is taking forever.
I can't wait for my chocolate milk and ice bath.
Awesome, here comes that upbeat guy cheering on the racers I am running with. He loves it when folks hold out their hand to slap 5 with him.
*holds out hand and gets slapped with enough force to almost knock an exhausted body over*
"Hahaha!"
At least I didn't get creamed by that elite runner.
*iPod says, "Ten miles completed."*
Man oh man.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Autumn Time
Two Great Horned Owls woke me early this morning. They reminded me to share this pagan chant:Autumn time, red leaves fall
While the weeping sky looks over all
Demeter sadly walks the land
The dying grasses in her hand
Monday, September 20, 2010
Thoughts from the Road - #920
The Ninth Mile
Oh my.
I need to remember to watch carefully for oncoming traffic.
Ooooh, my feet feel like ground chuck.
I wonder if I have gone 8 1/2 miles yet.
I guess I'll just carry this trash with me until after Sheetz.
Ow, that little strip near my armband is really stinging. Chaffed skin takes a while to heal too.
The air smells great here.
My knees are really feeling it now.
I am just dripping sweat!
It's so easy to just zone out and plod along.
My toes are numb.
*iPod says, "Nine miles completed."
*sigh*
Oh my.
I need to remember to watch carefully for oncoming traffic.
Ooooh, my feet feel like ground chuck.
I wonder if I have gone 8 1/2 miles yet.
I guess I'll just carry this trash with me until after Sheetz.
Ow, that little strip near my armband is really stinging. Chaffed skin takes a while to heal too.
The air smells great here.
My knees are really feeling it now.
I am just dripping sweat!
It's so easy to just zone out and plod along.
My toes are numb.
*iPod says, "Nine miles completed."
*sigh*
Summer's End
A quick trip to take A&A back to their home after a long and wonderful visit in PA. We went to the Jekyll & Hyde Club as opposed to the pub we went to a few years ago. Good times then a run in the park along side the ING New York City Marathon Tune-Up racers in Central Park the next morning.
Above are photos of the trip but the outstanding memories of the summer include:
toasting with pickles on a stick
the scent of wet bamboo in the bathroom
spinning on a single point trapeze
coffee in cat mugs
Jimbo the driving king!
watching flourishes added to juggling clubs
Casie's little butt, "rarrr!"
Apricot Wheat running out seconds after we sat down
birthday songs, short and long
Trevor... "..., keep the peace."
hot sauces; meek, firey and foaming
biking & DDR
limes
Shia LaBeouf's head
"I NEED this!" (glowing razor)
a new ab regiment & a way to attack a "let down"
crackerfuls (one in the drawer made me tear up this morning)
the evil un-Queenly Queen
Arron doing Harry doing Paul... "belittling you! hah hah hah!"
feather boa (you gonna just sashay outa here with that?), lavender wand, diva compass and butterfly tiara ("AUGH!!"<<< Birbanto)
Chef Jim serves up another meal of perfection - corn bread in a skillet, Uncle AB would be proud (oui chef)
Cracker Barrel(hehe - Macaroni Grill) & Waffle House!
Miles in every bag
Mr. B being busty and scared
Mooch hissing!
fairy floss for breakfast
garden offerings and a harvest's end
our best friends
Above are photos of the trip but the outstanding memories of the summer include:
toasting with pickles on a stick
the scent of wet bamboo in the bathroom
spinning on a single point trapeze
coffee in cat mugs
Jimbo the driving king!
watching flourishes added to juggling clubs
Casie's little butt, "rarrr!"
Apricot Wheat running out seconds after we sat down
birthday songs, short and long
Trevor... "..., keep the peace."
hot sauces; meek, firey and foaming
biking & DDR
limes
Shia LaBeouf's head
"I NEED this!" (glowing razor)
a new ab regiment & a way to attack a "let down"
crackerfuls (one in the drawer made me tear up this morning)
the evil un-Queenly Queen
Arron doing Harry doing Paul... "belittling you! hah hah hah!"
feather boa (you gonna just sashay outa here with that?), lavender wand, diva compass and butterfly tiara ("AUGH!!"<<< Birbanto)
Chef Jim serves up another meal of perfection - corn bread in a skillet, Uncle AB would be proud (oui chef)
Cracker Barrel(hehe - Macaroni Grill) & Waffle House!
Miles in every bag
Mr. B being busty and scared
Mooch hissing!
fairy floss for breakfast
garden offerings and a harvest's end
our best friends
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Thoughts from the Road - #919
The Eighth Mile
*iPod says "Four miles to go"*
"Ok"
I don't mind this light misting rain at all.
Excellent, Cyndi Lauper! Sing it girl!
Look at all of the robins, flocking now that it's cooler. That one if taking advantage of how the cars have cracked open the black walnuts and is eating the nut meat right off the road. Opportunistic robin! cool.
The joints are feeling used.
Thank the goddess for body glide!
There's my second cache, thank you Jimbo! Orange Gu and water. I don't need to walk at all today.
More smashed fruit on the road... AUGH! Get away yellow jacket! *picks up pace*
My gum has gone so stale it's like chewing a kneaded eraser.
It's curious how I can envision my past selves and what kind of pace I have had each time I run this route to this playlist. I can see ghost images of myself just a bit ahead or behind, a lot like that dirt bike computer game where you could race against your past games.
Hills are hard but I love them.
Give me my eighth mile, Give Me My Eighth Mile, GIVE ME MY EIGHTH MILE.
*iPod says "Eight Miles Complted"*
"Thank You!"
*iPod says "Four miles to go"*
"Ok"
I don't mind this light misting rain at all.
Excellent, Cyndi Lauper! Sing it girl!Look at all of the robins, flocking now that it's cooler. That one if taking advantage of how the cars have cracked open the black walnuts and is eating the nut meat right off the road. Opportunistic robin! cool.
The joints are feeling used.
Thank the goddess for body glide!
There's my second cache, thank you Jimbo! Orange Gu and water. I don't need to walk at all today.
More smashed fruit on the road... AUGH! Get away yellow jacket! *picks up pace*
My gum has gone so stale it's like chewing a kneaded eraser.
It's curious how I can envision my past selves and what kind of pace I have had each time I run this route to this playlist. I can see ghost images of myself just a bit ahead or behind, a lot like that dirt bike computer game where you could race against your past games.
Hills are hard but I love them.
Give me my eighth mile, Give Me My Eighth Mile, GIVE ME MY EIGHTH MILE.
*iPod says "Eight Miles Complted"*
"Thank You!"
Friday, September 17, 2010
Thoughts from the Road - #917
The Seventh Mile
When I stare at the road for a long time without blinking, the white lines glow.
My feet are numb.
Aggressive driver, I was so far over I was in that person's lawn. *frowns*
Apples smashed all over the road, what a waste.
Keep your elderly Akita over there, thank you.
Why does it feel like I am wearing my tabi socks!?! There is no way there could be material between my toes!
Boy am I slow but this is my 24th mile in less than a week so I will look at it that way.
Holy cow! Smashed pears on the road from a glorious pear tree.
Gerald Street for my final mile, what a stupid route choice.
Over 6 miles and I can finally take my gloves off. Uphill is good for something.
Oh my GOSH! That is the second whole smashed banana I have seen on the road today!
I wish I could cut this run short but I am building endurance.
*iPod says, "Seven Miles Completed."*
*Ripping the iPod carrier from arm and immediately pulling out the Nike+ chip before slowing to a walk.*
*iPod says, "This is Joan Benoit again. I hope you are feeling good 'cause you sure are looking good. Congratulations for completing another 500 kilometers."*
*sigh*
When I stare at the road for a long time without blinking, the white lines glow.
My feet are numb.
Aggressive driver, I was so far over I was in that person's lawn. *frowns*
Apples smashed all over the road, what a waste.
Keep your elderly Akita over there, thank you.
Why does it feel like I am wearing my tabi socks!?! There is no way there could be material between my toes!
Boy am I slow but this is my 24th mile in less than a week so I will look at it that way.
Holy cow! Smashed pears on the road from a glorious pear tree.
Gerald Street for my final mile, what a stupid route choice.
Over 6 miles and I can finally take my gloves off. Uphill is good for something.
Oh my GOSH! That is the second whole smashed banana I have seen on the road today!
I wish I could cut this run short but I am building endurance.
*iPod says, "Seven Miles Completed."*
*Ripping the iPod carrier from arm and immediately pulling out the Nike+ chip before slowing to a walk.*
*iPod says, "This is Joan Benoit again. I hope you are feeling good 'cause you sure are looking good. Congratulations for completing another 500 kilometers."*
*sigh*
Thursday, September 16, 2010
14th Annual Dorito Tree!!!
Come one, come all (yes you too) to harvest a bag from the 14th Annual Dorito Tree! Supplies limited, not available on any other non-Dorito Tree day of the year. Doritos is a registered trademark of Frito-Lay North America, Inc. Frito-Lay North America does not endorse Dorito Tree Day and is no way affiliated with our Dorito Tree. No Doritos nor trees were harmed in the creation of any Dorito Tree Days.
First Dorito Tree, August 1996.
First Dorito Tree, August 1996.
14th Annual Dorito Tree, September 2010.Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Thoughts from the Road - #915
The Sixth Mile
Thank you Infected Mushroom, I am definitely feeling "Deeply Disturbed and Completely Unhappy" right now.
Why did I ever choose this route with the final mile all a steep uphill? I swear I am going to have to walk some of it... later.
Here comes that woman who started out at the Alexandria trail head just before me! I bet she turned around just after 6.5 miles like I plan to. If we had time to talk I would ask her if she was running a 1/2 marathon today. "Hi"
Wow, it's crowded and even in this last mile I am still having to run sideways to pass other women.
I am so pleased that I use my downhill well.
Darn, this part of Houserville Rd is always busy and it's narrow to cross the bridge up ahead.
Feeling fatigued, watch the drain that drops off up ahead.
Over half way today, I can't imagine what running 13 might be like.
Poor Nightjar, I will always have time to turn around (on this brutal hill) to right you and help you into a shaded ditch. I wish you the best.
Why did I pick such a fast tempo this far into my playlist? That was just stupid.
*iPod says, "Six miles completed."
"THANK you."
*iPod says, "This is Tiger. You have just covered another 250 miles. Congratulations."
Tiger!? WTF?
Thank you Infected Mushroom, I am definitely feeling "Deeply Disturbed and Completely Unhappy" right now.
Why did I ever choose this route with the final mile all a steep uphill? I swear I am going to have to walk some of it... later.
Here comes that woman who started out at the Alexandria trail head just before me! I bet she turned around just after 6.5 miles like I plan to. If we had time to talk I would ask her if she was running a 1/2 marathon today. "Hi"Wow, it's crowded and even in this last mile I am still having to run sideways to pass other women.
I am so pleased that I use my downhill well.
Darn, this part of Houserville Rd is always busy and it's narrow to cross the bridge up ahead.
Feeling fatigued, watch the drain that drops off up ahead.
Over half way today, I can't imagine what running 13 might be like.
Poor Nightjar, I will always have time to turn around (on this brutal hill) to right you and help you into a shaded ditch. I wish you the best.
Why did I pick such a fast tempo this far into my playlist? That was just stupid.
*iPod says, "Six miles completed."
"THANK you."
*iPod says, "This is Tiger. You have just covered another 250 miles. Congratulations."
Tiger!? WTF?
The Power of an Image
It was 75 years ago today that Nazi Germany adopted a new national flag with the swastika. Archaeological evidence of swastika-shaped ornaments dates from the Neolithic period and throughout the Iron Age and Classical Antiquity. The word being derived from the Sanskrit word "svastika", meaning any lucky or auspicious object, and in particular a mark made on persons and things to denote good luck.
The flag's anniversary provoked me to research how powerful images and icons can be and I came across an interesting article by Julia Tagliere on Buzzle. She focuses on photographs and how they impact our world and it's worth reading.The Power of an Image
They say that a picture is worth a thousand words. Indeed, the earliest forms of communication used were symbol-based, dating back almost thirty thousand years. By comparison, writing as a form of communication only came into existence a mere seven thousand years ago. Although a multitude of people around the world today are able to communicate in written form, images are still a necessary tool of communication for many others. A 2000 study estimated that there are 862 million illiterate adults worldwide, with some seventy percent of those adults living in Sub-Saharan Africa, South and West Asia, and the Arab States and North Africa. For those people without the ability to read or write, images still serve as their primary means of gaining information, giving to visual images the capacity to communicate with those living in even the direst of circumstances.
An image can convey thoughts, ideas, or events to which words alone sometimes cannot do justice. Images can thrill us, like the images sent back to Earth from the Mars Rover missions. They can inspire us, like the photo of the American flag raised over the rubble of the World Trade Center by three New York firefighters on September 11, 2001. They can be heartbreaking, like the image of Oklahoma City firefighter Chris Fields carrying tiny Baylee Almon out of the wreckage of the Oklahoma City bombing. They can incite outrage, like the photos of the stacked bodies of Holocaust victims; they can bring us face to face with the worst inhumanities imaginable. They can bring tears to our eyes, lift our spirits, or sink our hearts. Images are powerful, and with such power must come responsibility for their prudent and thoughtful use.
In the U.S., there has always been a battle between judicious reporting (which often includes the publishing of accompanying photographs) and the public’s right to know. The First Amendment guarantees to the press the freedom to pursue its mission. Any suggestion that the press hold off on putting incendiary or inflammatory stories in front of the public is often met with cries of censorship, something no one would dare to suggest. So many times, images have served as catalysts for righting horrible wrongs (has anyone forgotten the images from the Abu Ghraib scandal?) But sometimes, an image is published and creates an unintended effect, and it is that sort of image with which the press should take more care.
For example, there appeared recently in a well-known news magazine an article about U.S. troops in a firefight Qubah, Iraq in late March. One of the images that accompanies the story is of of Qubah’s residents having identifying numerals written on their hands, while another shows simply a hand with the number written on it clearly visible. The writing of the numbers on the residents’ hands, the story and caption explain, is to help U.S. soldiers tell what part of town people were from and whether they were out during lockdown, which sounds perfectly legitimate. But the photo—what an image! The story itself only briefly mentions the assignment of numbers, but the images of the numbered hands and the residents as they receive them take up the bulk of two pages, dwarfing the intended point of the story with images that are starkly reminiscent of Holocaust survivors, their identification numbers standing out on their arms. The similiarity is chilling, especially when one notes that in the pictures, it is U.S. soldiers this time assigning the numbers.
Perhaps for many people, particularly those fortunate enough to have received enough education in order to be literate, the pictures within that story may be only sidebars, items of marginal relevance to the story itself. But for those who can’t read, or for those people around the world who may only see a picture, the story told in those two stark pictures isn’t the firefight in Qubah: the story here is yet another image of a specific group of human beings being reduced, for the second time in world history, to something less than human, to being nothing more than a number. The people shown in those pictures did not appear to be insurgents (although we are all too well aware of how dangerous it can be for the military to make assumptions about what an insurgent or a terrorist should look like); in one photo, it was a group of women and children. The reasoning behind the use of numbers, the need to create a safe environment for our soldiers once the firefight had ended, is not debated here—the issue is that the picture itself conveys a powerful image of a military subduing a group of people and reducing them to a number, removing their very humanity.
Several months ago, the world watched in dismay as the Muslim world rose up in fierce anger over a cartoon depiction that they believed had insulted their faith. It is hard to imagine there would be Americans today who would advocate censorship in any case, but that ferocious backlash, resulting from an image, should have reminded us all that there is a fine line to be walked between freedom of the press and the responsibility that the media bears as our "arbiters of truth". More consideration should be paid to the selection of images that will accompany those articles.
In a report dealing with U.S. soldiers’ continuing efforts to fight the insurgents in areas removed from Baghdad, what purpose could there be in choosing images that have so obvious a visual connection to one of the most horrific events in history? Was the visual link between a heartless Nazi tactic and a current U.S. military procedure deliberate? Was is it unintended or not thoroughly thought through? If a picture paints a thousand words, then what was it that this picture was intended to convey, particularly to those without the literacy needed to read the accompanying story?
With images wielding such tremendous power to stir up emotions, to change events, to break our hearts, to inspire us, it is difficult to see a picture of members of our own military writing numbers on a man’s neck as he sits surrounded by what appear to be his wife, in tears, and his children. Is the man an insurgent? Is his wife? We don’t know—we are forced to rely on the image, which is disturbing in its similarity to the numbered arms of Holocaust survivors. Moving? Absolutely. Poignant? Without a doubt. But necessary? No one would advocate censorship or limiting the freedom of the press we enjoy so thoroughly in this country, but there are times when the responsible parties should take a step back, and look at the images they are sending out with a fresh eye. Long after the words to that article have faded from memory, that image, of U.S. soldiers reducing human beings to numbers, will stick in the mind. Is this the image of the U.S. soldier the magazine intended to convey, or was it incidental? The answer doesn’t really matter at this point; that image is out there now and that image is what will endure. This is the power that an image inherently possesses, and as the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility—the responsibility to question what even the incidental impact of a visual image may be to the world and to measure whether that gain is worth the cost.
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