Last things, last times. Some life events are marked by observances so that you remember them as being “the last.” You may recall your last day in high school or the last Christmas your kids believed in Santa. Perhaps you’ve given up a bad habit but still vividly recall your last cigarette, double scotch, trifecta bet or banana split.
There are so many other things or occurrences that we enjoy for the last time without the knowledge that indeed, this is the last. When was the last time you spent a summer afternoon lying in the grass looking up at the clouds or the last time you swung on a swing? The last firefly or butterfly you caught in a jar and tried to keep alive?
One of my favorites pieces on running, “I Remember Running,” was written by Darcy Wakefield. At 33, Darcy was diagnosed with ALS (“Lou Gehrig’s disease”), a fatal condition. Before long, she was unable to run. After recounting some of the places and times she had especially appreciated running in her life, she went on to describe herself as “continuously mourning running.” Reflecting back, she tells us she wished she had known those were her last runs because “I would have appreciated every hill, every post-run high, every minute my legs moved in that way we call running.”
Even for those of us who love running, there are days when we head out for our regular jaunt with more of a sense of obligation than joy. Sometimes it is because the weather threatens, or maybe we’d rather knock off and stay in bed, or accept that invitation to lunch with office colleagues. Sometimes it is because following a training schedule can become tedious or confining (‘but I don’t want to do speed work today!’). Still, anyone with a “runner’s soul,” as Darcy Wakefield portrayed herself, will soon miss running if prevented from doing it for too very long.
A good run can provide you private space for pondering a work-related issue or a personal dilemma. You think about things a little differently when your body is in motion and you are taking in the features of the season: warm summer breeze, crisp fall air, sparkling winter sun on white snow, the greens of spring, the waters of March. At other times, it’s pleasant to create an escape and listen to music or a book as you put in the miles.
For those of you reading this who do not run, take a moment here and try to remember the last time you ran. I don’t mean running to catch a bus or plane, or running after your child or dog that got away from you. I mean running the way you see children run in an open field. Not running for a purpose, but just running for running’s sake. Running because it felt good, because walking wasn’t enough, because you it made you happy just to be running.
Now that you remember that last time, just think: it doesn’t have to remain the last time. It is so much easier than you might imagine to start running regularly again. How will you know whether or not you have a runner’s soul if you don’t at least try running for fun? [Being a lawyer, I am duty-bound at this junction to interrupt myself and put in the necessary caveat here about consulting a doctor before you take up any exercise program, but you knew that, didn’t you?]
Two of the beauties of running are that you need not invest a lot of money in equipment and you can start a running program by stopping right outside your door. Before you take that step, however, you do need to spend some money. This is not the time to do what I did years ago, which was to start running in my Tretorns. These were fantastic shoes for playing tennis but all wrong for running. Your running shoe selection needs to be based upon the size of your arch, the way your foot lands when you run, and your size. Do not buy your shoes at a discount mart and do not buy them by color! Running in cheap or ill-fitting shoes is an invitation to injury. The Journal ran a detailed article about buying running shoes just a few weeks ago; do look it up and follow the advice contained there. The Runner’s Shop in Rapid City is a good place to start for solid shoe selection advice.
Once you have your shoes, you need a place to run. We are blessed with the bike path here in Rapid City. If you cannot think of where to start, find one of the many spots along the path. I love the rose garden near the Berlin Wall memorial, and so appreciate the flowers and herb garden by the sundial. There are mile markers built into the pavement for your convenience if you run by distance. The other way to run is by time; then of course, you just need a watch. Running near your home is an option; just use your car’s or a bicycle odometer to measure out a route. For a beginner’s plan, a 3-mile loop (or 1.5 mile out-and-back) would be sufficient.
To minimize the possibility of injury, you should follow a plan of some sort. “Hey! Wait a minute,” you’re thinking, “what about all that joy of running? A plan sounds like work, or a diet.” No, not the kind of plan I mean. Think of it as a guideline. If you can walk 2-3 miles at a stretch at present, a plan will help you to reach a level of running 3 miles in about 8 to 10 weeks. Really. You could plan on running the Turkey Trot November 22 in Rapid City and even win a pie! (This is an annual event sponsored by the Black Hills Running Club every Thanksgiving morning; a great way to do something healthy on the holiday, and all entrants are eligible for the great pie give-away after the run. Hundreds of pies are given out by lottery.) Go ahead—pencil it in. You can do it!
A good plan should start with alternating jogging and walking, at least at first. It should have you taking periodic rest days. At a minimum, you need to devote 20-30 minutes a day on no less than 3 days a week. You’d want to alternate an active day with a rest day. If that seems too light, by all means, cross-train on some of the alternate days, e.g., bike, swim, walk—any other low impact activity. If you want to print out some plans, here are a few websites with good, basic start up plans for you: the “Couch Potato to 5K Plan” is a favorite of mine: www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml. Another good starter’s site is run by Jeff Galloway, a former Olympic athlete who advocates walk breaks for all levels of runners, including elites: www.jeffgalloway.com/training/5k.html
There you have it; all you need to start running again. While I know that some run in my future will be my last, I am hoping it is in the far distant future. In the interim, I try to remember to appreciate each day I am able to run; I know that running makes my life more balanced and joyous. It could add an extra dimension to yours.
After she could no longer run, Darcy Wakefield goes down to the beach near her home one night, takes off her shoes, and starts moving along the cold sand in circles. She relates that if you had seen her, you wouldn’t have called what she was doing running, but it was good enough for her. She confides that this is what she thought that night as she gave thanks: “We are so lucky to be able to do this, all of our nerves and muscles working together as we move ourselves forward to do this thing we call running.”
See you on the bike path!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
BRANDS
An article in the October 16th edition of the Journal by Dan Daly reported on recent efforts by the Rapid City Convention & Visitors Bureau to help the city develop a “brand identity.” The purpose is to set Rapid apart from the other 1,500 American cities trying to become tourist destinations. The Bureau sponsored a workshop featuring Roger Brooks, of Destination Development wherein Brooks presented examples of other towns that have developed successful “brands,” e.g., Ashland, Oregon and its Shakespeare festival, Carson City, Nevada with its “Devine Nine” golf courses. Brooks is looking for ideas from us about what type of brand identity Rapid City could develop. You can contact him at TheTeam@destinationdevelopment.com [Note: he indicated Mt. Rushmore is a lure, but it’s not in Rapid City.]
This area is a fantastic place for all of us who want to be outside doing things in our spare time and on vacation. Moab, Utah markets itself in such a manner. Mountain biking is one of the more popular activities in Moab; I counted 4 or 5 thriving bike shops when I visited. I was there to run a marathon a few years ago and wish I had taken a photo of the sign posted in the window of the local grocers that read: “Please leave your bike outside.”
In hopes of starting some brainstorming about this “branding” concept that involves the outdoors, I thought I’d recount some of my first experiences here in Rapid. Perhaps it will spark some ideas that you will want to contribute to the Destination Development Team. When I moved to Rapid City over four years ago, I was struck by three things: (1) M Hill in the middle of town, (2) the bike path, and (3) the ease of getting out of the city proper onto open, scenic roads for running and cycling.
Before I had even unpacked my boxes, I joined the Black Hills Runners Club. The first time I went out with them was a Wednesday evening in April of ‘03. The meeting place was in the parking lot by the Westside Safeway and the run was promised to be about 45 minutes to an hour. Anticipating a road run where I’d get to learn more about my new home, I laced up my shoes and found the group.
There was some talk about which route to take amongst the members. Consensus was we’d run M Hill. I had no idea what that meant so happily trotted off with the pack of runners, chatting with folks I hoped would be my new friends as we warmed up. Imagine my shock when after crossing some busy streets and coursing through a parking lot, we arrived at the foot of a small mountain! I moved here from Minnesota, where the mosquitoes are huge but hills are rare. My 3-speed bike was all I needed to navigate the “hills.” To me, M Hill looked positively mountainous.
Gulp. I couldn’t wimp out now. I wanted to make a decent first impression with these runners. To start whining about trails and ascents and descents would brand me as a high-maintenance type runner, a wuss. I swallowed hard, said a quick prayer and tried hard to copy the technique of those around me. Fortunately, there were several kind-hearted souls who slowed down for me and started giving me some pointers in running trails. Small groups waited for one another at switchbacks and everyone met at the top.
There, I finally raised my eyes, which had been glued to my feet. What a view! I could hardly believe I was in the middle of city, looking down on it from such a wild place. What a marvelous introduction to the splendors of my new hometown. “Toto, we’re not in Minnesota anymore!” I exclaimed.
After a last long look all around, I refastened my eyes to my feet for the downhill return. Despite my knee-knocking fear, with the help of the group I made it down safely. These people had me running more trails throughout the rest of year—parts of the Centennial, parts of the Skyline Drive Wilderness area, and other woodsy, rocky areas all in or very close to Rapid City. We ran Harney Peak, too. This really is a phenomenal area for trail runners and hikers.
As for the bike path, we take it for granted. When I first discovered it, I marveled at all it offers. To have a paved, flat surface that goes on for miles, with engaging scenery, a creek alongside, areas of shade, and mile markers as well is a tremendous gift to a road runner. The rose garden at Memorial Park engages your vision and your nose—I’ll often do extra loops just around the roses when they’re in full bloom to linger in the scented air. For variation, you can circle the small pond nearby. The gardens at the sundial often seem to explode into view when you run west and come up from under the overpass. I so appreciate the efforts of the green-thumbed gardeners who tend that area.
Later in the year, the community gardens spring up on the east side, delighting me with their individuality and variety. At the west end of course is Canyon Lake. Even after the bike path ends there, more good running can be had just continuing down the road. The Running Club’s been known to go out that way (toward Dark Canyon) in the late fall and repairing to the Meadowbrook for breakfast on weekend long run days.
This is a running column, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out we have two local bike shops book-ending the path. Two-Wheeler Dealer is on the east side and Acme on the west. If running isn’t in your plans, at least for the present, both those stores rent bikes the last time I checked. They’ll also give you advice on fun or adventurous (depending on your interest) rides in the city if you ask. (The bike folks at Scheels are also helpful, just not as close to the bike path.)
The third item I mentioned, the ability to get out of town and onto some excellent roads or trails for running, hiking or biking, is perhaps nothing special to native Rapid Citians, but to anyone who has ever lived in any number of cities across the country, it is rare. When you have to fight miles and miles of crawling, exhaust-spewing, stop-and-go traffic just to get in and out of town, the rewards of the planned run or ride can rapidly diminish.
There are so many places that can be accessed, I cannot begin even to list them all here. One example I’d offer is Victoria Lake. I’ve been there running, but it’s got mountain bike trails and there’s always hiking. According to Jocelyn Lee Baker, as of October 4th it also hosts some Sand hill Cranes for you birdwatchers. [See Birdingonthe.net] Another is Hart Ranch Rd/Lower Spring Creek Road. The road bicyclists hold time trials out there (except in winter) as it’s straight and fast. Runners can get in a good long run without dodging too much traffic.
Now, I know I said I’d limit myself to three initial impressions. Allow me one more. This next one is not one I had when first arriving here, but one that’s developed over the years. A lot of cities manage to have marathons that feature their unique attributes. I just ran the Denver Marathon October 14th and that wound all over the city, showcasing parks, landmarks, the capitol and Coors Field. Des Moines has a course that likewise takes you all over the city. Races like these provide visitors a tour of the city, bring in lots of people and generate excitement. Why couldn’t we reroute the Monumental Challenge Marathon, Half-Marathon and relay to right in Rapid City and call it the Rapid City Marathon? [Maybe with a catch line “you don’t need to be rapid to run it!]
Those are some of my views on how this “branding” of Rapid City might work, focusing on our incredible outdoors. If you or your friends who are active in other outdoor activities might have some interest in fleshing out this concept, please contact the Team at the email address at the top of this column. This is just a beginning; I know there are lots of other features just from some of the articles I’ve read in the past in this section of the Journal.
The next steps as I understand them are that the Development team will be reviewing ideas over the next couple of weeks. They seem to be planning to make a decision before the end of the year and will return here to Rapid on January 8th for a public meeting.
The more ideas we can generate, the better the results for the city, whether an outdoors brand is chosen or not. Besides, in thinking about all the ways we appreciate our environment, it makes us see our home turf anew. That in and of itself is a good outcome. This is a special place; do go out and enjoy it before the snow flies!
This area is a fantastic place for all of us who want to be outside doing things in our spare time and on vacation. Moab, Utah markets itself in such a manner. Mountain biking is one of the more popular activities in Moab; I counted 4 or 5 thriving bike shops when I visited. I was there to run a marathon a few years ago and wish I had taken a photo of the sign posted in the window of the local grocers that read: “Please leave your bike outside.”
In hopes of starting some brainstorming about this “branding” concept that involves the outdoors, I thought I’d recount some of my first experiences here in Rapid. Perhaps it will spark some ideas that you will want to contribute to the Destination Development Team. When I moved to Rapid City over four years ago, I was struck by three things: (1) M Hill in the middle of town, (2) the bike path, and (3) the ease of getting out of the city proper onto open, scenic roads for running and cycling.
Before I had even unpacked my boxes, I joined the Black Hills Runners Club. The first time I went out with them was a Wednesday evening in April of ‘03. The meeting place was in the parking lot by the Westside Safeway and the run was promised to be about 45 minutes to an hour. Anticipating a road run where I’d get to learn more about my new home, I laced up my shoes and found the group.
There was some talk about which route to take amongst the members. Consensus was we’d run M Hill. I had no idea what that meant so happily trotted off with the pack of runners, chatting with folks I hoped would be my new friends as we warmed up. Imagine my shock when after crossing some busy streets and coursing through a parking lot, we arrived at the foot of a small mountain! I moved here from Minnesota, where the mosquitoes are huge but hills are rare. My 3-speed bike was all I needed to navigate the “hills.” To me, M Hill looked positively mountainous.
Gulp. I couldn’t wimp out now. I wanted to make a decent first impression with these runners. To start whining about trails and ascents and descents would brand me as a high-maintenance type runner, a wuss. I swallowed hard, said a quick prayer and tried hard to copy the technique of those around me. Fortunately, there were several kind-hearted souls who slowed down for me and started giving me some pointers in running trails. Small groups waited for one another at switchbacks and everyone met at the top.
There, I finally raised my eyes, which had been glued to my feet. What a view! I could hardly believe I was in the middle of city, looking down on it from such a wild place. What a marvelous introduction to the splendors of my new hometown. “Toto, we’re not in Minnesota anymore!” I exclaimed.
After a last long look all around, I refastened my eyes to my feet for the downhill return. Despite my knee-knocking fear, with the help of the group I made it down safely. These people had me running more trails throughout the rest of year—parts of the Centennial, parts of the Skyline Drive Wilderness area, and other woodsy, rocky areas all in or very close to Rapid City. We ran Harney Peak, too. This really is a phenomenal area for trail runners and hikers.
As for the bike path, we take it for granted. When I first discovered it, I marveled at all it offers. To have a paved, flat surface that goes on for miles, with engaging scenery, a creek alongside, areas of shade, and mile markers as well is a tremendous gift to a road runner. The rose garden at Memorial Park engages your vision and your nose—I’ll often do extra loops just around the roses when they’re in full bloom to linger in the scented air. For variation, you can circle the small pond nearby. The gardens at the sundial often seem to explode into view when you run west and come up from under the overpass. I so appreciate the efforts of the green-thumbed gardeners who tend that area.
Later in the year, the community gardens spring up on the east side, delighting me with their individuality and variety. At the west end of course is Canyon Lake. Even after the bike path ends there, more good running can be had just continuing down the road. The Running Club’s been known to go out that way (toward Dark Canyon) in the late fall and repairing to the Meadowbrook for breakfast on weekend long run days.
This is a running column, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out we have two local bike shops book-ending the path. Two-Wheeler Dealer is on the east side and Acme on the west. If running isn’t in your plans, at least for the present, both those stores rent bikes the last time I checked. They’ll also give you advice on fun or adventurous (depending on your interest) rides in the city if you ask. (The bike folks at Scheels are also helpful, just not as close to the bike path.)
The third item I mentioned, the ability to get out of town and onto some excellent roads or trails for running, hiking or biking, is perhaps nothing special to native Rapid Citians, but to anyone who has ever lived in any number of cities across the country, it is rare. When you have to fight miles and miles of crawling, exhaust-spewing, stop-and-go traffic just to get in and out of town, the rewards of the planned run or ride can rapidly diminish.
There are so many places that can be accessed, I cannot begin even to list them all here. One example I’d offer is Victoria Lake. I’ve been there running, but it’s got mountain bike trails and there’s always hiking. According to Jocelyn Lee Baker, as of October 4th it also hosts some Sand hill Cranes for you birdwatchers. [See Birdingonthe.net] Another is Hart Ranch Rd/Lower Spring Creek Road. The road bicyclists hold time trials out there (except in winter) as it’s straight and fast. Runners can get in a good long run without dodging too much traffic.
Now, I know I said I’d limit myself to three initial impressions. Allow me one more. This next one is not one I had when first arriving here, but one that’s developed over the years. A lot of cities manage to have marathons that feature their unique attributes. I just ran the Denver Marathon October 14th and that wound all over the city, showcasing parks, landmarks, the capitol and Coors Field. Des Moines has a course that likewise takes you all over the city. Races like these provide visitors a tour of the city, bring in lots of people and generate excitement. Why couldn’t we reroute the Monumental Challenge Marathon, Half-Marathon and relay to right in Rapid City and call it the Rapid City Marathon? [Maybe with a catch line “you don’t need to be rapid to run it!]
Those are some of my views on how this “branding” of Rapid City might work, focusing on our incredible outdoors. If you or your friends who are active in other outdoor activities might have some interest in fleshing out this concept, please contact the Team at the email address at the top of this column. This is just a beginning; I know there are lots of other features just from some of the articles I’ve read in the past in this section of the Journal.
The next steps as I understand them are that the Development team will be reviewing ideas over the next couple of weeks. They seem to be planning to make a decision before the end of the year and will return here to Rapid on January 8th for a public meeting.
The more ideas we can generate, the better the results for the city, whether an outdoors brand is chosen or not. Besides, in thinking about all the ways we appreciate our environment, it makes us see our home turf anew. That in and of itself is a good outcome. This is a special place; do go out and enjoy it before the snow flies!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
OF MONUMENTAL CHALLENGES AND GRACIOUS RESPONSES
News of the October 7th Mt. Rushmore/Crazy Horse Marathon appeared in the days before and after the race in the Journal. As one of the participants, I wanted this article to be a complement to the more standard news coverage. The goal was to provide you with a word picture of the race from the inside, from just one perspective. For some reason, I had trouble finding focus and made a number of false starts. Here are some of the slants I chose not to take.
Mile-by-mile diarist. Some of my running friends write fabulously detailed race reports that describe every aspect of their race. Somehow, they manage to remember what they were feeling at each mile, who they passed or were passed by, as well as the particular scenery at the mile they’re describing. I can’t do this. When I think back on a run, I get more of an impressionist image—for you artsy types, think of looking at a Renoir while listening to Debussy. Certain miles stand out, e.g., the course started to go uphill at mile 10 and stayed that way for a while so I do remember that at mile 15, when I was still toiling uphill and still had 11 miles to go, and it was raining a cold steady drizzle, I had to remind myself that I love running. The child in me (the Id?) kept whining, however, so the parent part (the Ego, or is that the Super-Ego?) had to take over and I know you don’t want to hear anymore about that.
Historian. This seemed important because there is more than a little bit of local history and tradition connected to this race. While All Sport Central, a Sioux Falls company, bought the marathon in 2005, its origin dates back to 1979. The marathon was started by the newly formed Black Hills Runners Club, and with the support of the also newly established Runner’s Shop, some other local businesses and civic associations. They named it the Black Hills Marathon. For many years, it was run over the Labor Day weekend. Eventually, it was owned and operated by the Rapid City Convention & Visitors Bureau and moved to Native American Day weekend. In 1999, the name was changed to the Mt. Rushmore Marathon. For a race to reach 30 years of age is a real achievement, something for a community to acknowledge, support, and celebrate. I’ve met a lot of runners from all over in my travels; when I tell them I live in South Dakota, many recount their story of “running the Rushmore.” This race was their South Dakota experience. As a former history major, I find this kind of “back-story” intriguing, and could tell you lots more about the people involved over the years, the course changes, and race details. Not everyone shares that interest, I realize, so we’ll shelve the archives and move along.
Investigative journalist. Some readers may have heard or read about difficulties encountered by Steve Kurtenbach, the Race Director. These difficulties were beyond the sort of issues most RDs experience at one time or another, i.e., bad weather, running out of safety pins for race bibs after all the stores in town close, not enough busses to get runners to the start line, lost bus drivers on the busses you do have, or missed shipments of sports drink mix or finishers’ medals.
With just weeks before the starter’s pistol set to fire, Steve had to reroute the course. Due to problems with permits and concerns of some local town officers, the race was not able to proceed as planned. In a September 27th press release, race staff wrote that: “we respect the decision of the public officials and have been working diligently to put into place our contingency plans for this year’s event in an effort to provide a quality event for the hundreds of people that have already made plans and been training for the last 6-12 months.” Those resulting contingency plans put the start for all the marathon runners (the original plans gave runners a choice of starting at Mt. Rushmore or at Crazy Horse) a bit northwest of Rochford, with the start for the half marathon just south of Mystic. With the exception of a few miles at the marathon start and the finish at the 1880 Train in Hill city, almost all of both courses were on the Mickelson Trail.
Were there resulting glitches? Sure. Are there some disgruntled participants out there? You bet. While I may disappoint some folks who were expecting me to publish a point-by-point critique in this forum, I believe any feedback I may have would be best directed in a private letter or email to Steve. Anyone with an idea for improvement should go the race website and hit the “contact us” line. Share your thoughts to the people who can do something positive with your comments.
Gracious responses. Ultimately, I chose to focus on the theme that we all respond to, that of overcoming adversity. Needless to say, the enormity of undertaking last-minute changes on such a scale is enough to make the calmest of folks feel their hearts race and palms grow sticky. If you’ve ever organized any public event, you know how daunting a task it can be. As the day draws near, you are fielding questions from all sides, being interrupted every time you settle in to make some progress on your numerous lists of things to do, and trying to smile through it all with a calm level of control you really do not feel you have. This is when you are coping with the “run-of-the-mill” emergencies.
Given the new, last minute look and the hurdles involved, the race was renamed “The Monumental Challenge.” With all that had to be accomplished in such a short period of time, I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that the entire enterprise might have been in danger of being cancelled outright. We local runners would have been disappointed to varying degrees. Imagine the response of the out-of-state participants, about 300 people, many of whom flew in, took time off from work, or planned family vacations around the run. Marathoners usually follow a training schedule of 10 or more weeks to get to the point where they are ready to run 26.2 miles. They “taper” for a few weeks heading to race day in order to be at peak performance. Suppose you (and your friends or family) had invested all that time and energy only to be told “sorry, no race.” How would you feel?
Fortunately, due to the response of a core group of South Dakotans you can be glad to call your neighbors (and of course, Steve and his staff at All Sport Central), the Marathon is now in the books. I wish I could name each and every one of them. Allow me to beg forgiveness in advance: there were so many people who pitched in that I won’t begin to note even a fraction of them. The point is that it’s not about individuals. When people put aside their egos and work together for an idea, they create a force, a spark, an energy that lifts them all. Consider those I do mention as symbolic of the spirit of the Black Hills. Whether or not a race goes on isn’t going to mean much in the face of the world’s problems. This one has our state and our area associated with it, however, and if we had let that become tarnished, it diminishes us all in some small way. My most memorable moment of the weekend was when I realized I was extraordinarily proud to be from my adopted state of South Dakota. Every place I turned it seemed there was someone doing something positive to make the day a success.
When I woke up at 4 a.m. Sunday to get ready, I had my share of trepidations as to how the day would unfold. Arriving at the start area in the predawn gloom after dodging deer and other critters on the drive to Rochford, I was buoyed up to see some runner friends had decided to sign up to run and support the race. Last time I’d seen them, they hadn’t committed. Stacey Peterson and Randy Erickson determined they’d run together at a relaxed pace and just have fun. Lisa Christensen’s smile was a cheery sight as she quietly set about getting things lined up for her 4 person Relay Team, the Mandelbaums (Matt McGovern, Andrew Sveen & Kenna Hagan), that went on to ace their Co-ed Team division. Trevor Bryan, who just started distance running, showed up even though he’s run several marathons in the past few months already. After chatting with Mike Loos and a woman from Tennessee who was worried about the altitude, I made my way to the start and we were on our way to Hill City.
One of the outstanding perks of running your hometown marathon is all the people you know along the way. Just before the first tunnel on the course, two of the Black Hills’ best-known runners/RDs manned an aid station. Jerry Dunn and Monni Karim were a delightful surprise. Jerry runs two highly regarded Mickelson Trail runs, the Deadwood Marathon in June and a series of distance runs, the Leanhorse 100, 50 and 50K in August. A lesser person might have turned his back when the call for help went out; after all, in some sense, Jerry’s events compete with the Monumental Challenge. Not to mention getting up on a cold, dark Sunday morning to stand outside and hand out water and sports drink may occur to some RDs as being somehow “beneath” them. Monni’s put on some shorter distance runs and has logged some impressively speedy times in the not-too-distant past. The Southern Hills Business Manager for BHP and father of three, Monni—like all of the many volunteers—made a significant contribution of his time and energy to keep the Monument Challenge on track.
The half marathon started later and farther down the trail, which meant we got some pep and zing from many of local runners entered in that distance. They were a little fresher and their cheers were much appreciated—recall this was in that relentless uphill portion of the course. Lesley & Mark Warren, Craig Johnson, Barb Schulz, Ashley Riter-Collins, Cindy Holte, Jennifer Trucano, Lori Storm (of the Dakota Divas), the graceful Edith Weber—these are just a few of the Rapid City area people I know who were making the Monumental Challenge a reality. (Greg Sperlich supposedly finished but I didn’t see him, so he gets an * here!)
At mile 23, Teresa Verberg and her husband John, BHRC stalwarts, were waiting with a big and very loud tambourine to spur us on over the last 5K. Teresa recently completed a 50 miler (at the Leanhorse) and will be running the 2008 Boston Marathon, so she knows exactly where runners crave moral support. Thanks, T &J! Roger Heacock, also of BHRC and a Boston veteran was at mile 26 to be sure we kicked it in for the last .2, which went around a tricky turn at the gate. Lindsay Borgman, another BHRC chum was amongst the many supporters.
The best part of any marathon is crossing the finish line. Even though he could have stayed home to play with his new granddaughter, Anna Magdalana, BHRC’s revered Cap’n John Haeder was a most welcome sight as he wrapped us in a space blanket and gave us each a warm hug in spite of our mud and sweat. Later, after I had some chili in the food tent, I got to follow up on some stories that further underscore how the Monumental Challenge was a splendid day for so many. See the accompanying box for these postscripts.
“Successful people are always looking for opportunities to help others. Unsuccessful people are always asking, 'What's in it for me?' “ This is to all those who joined together to make the Monumental Challenge the success that is was, with the hope that 2008 will be better for all that was accomplished this year.
Two area runners have enduring ties to the marathon. Elaine Doll-Dunn, who is the RD of the Leading Ladies Marathon, has run in the Mt. Rushmore event every year since 1979. If that’s not enough to link her to it there’s also the fact that she met her husband, Jerry Dunn, at the 1993 running of the race. For the past few years, she’s taken up the half marathon. I got to run in the last few yards of her finish this year, and she looked great. Homer Hastings, of Newcastle, Wyoming, ran the first 25 years of the event and holds the Masters Marathon record of 2:34:30. Homer was there Sunday, finishing his 28th Mt. Rushmore/Monumental Challenge in 3:57:35, good enough to take his 60-64 age group. He bested competitors from Texas, California, Kentucky, and North Dakota to do it.
There was one other gentleman behind Homer, finishing 13 minutes later to pick up the second place award in that age group. For Tim Raben, a native South Dakotan who has returned home and now lives in Rapid City, the race was his own personal monumental challenge. Despite running roots that go back to high school track at Central under Coach Cobb (inspiration for the team name Cobblers), Tim had never run a marathon. Trained for several, but never was able to put it all together until this fall. His time was a Boston Qualifier for him for 2009. Not bad for a first-timer. I’m guessing this won’t be his last.
Mile-by-mile diarist. Some of my running friends write fabulously detailed race reports that describe every aspect of their race. Somehow, they manage to remember what they were feeling at each mile, who they passed or were passed by, as well as the particular scenery at the mile they’re describing. I can’t do this. When I think back on a run, I get more of an impressionist image—for you artsy types, think of looking at a Renoir while listening to Debussy. Certain miles stand out, e.g., the course started to go uphill at mile 10 and stayed that way for a while so I do remember that at mile 15, when I was still toiling uphill and still had 11 miles to go, and it was raining a cold steady drizzle, I had to remind myself that I love running. The child in me (the Id?) kept whining, however, so the parent part (the Ego, or is that the Super-Ego?) had to take over and I know you don’t want to hear anymore about that.
Historian. This seemed important because there is more than a little bit of local history and tradition connected to this race. While All Sport Central, a Sioux Falls company, bought the marathon in 2005, its origin dates back to 1979. The marathon was started by the newly formed Black Hills Runners Club, and with the support of the also newly established Runner’s Shop, some other local businesses and civic associations. They named it the Black Hills Marathon. For many years, it was run over the Labor Day weekend. Eventually, it was owned and operated by the Rapid City Convention & Visitors Bureau and moved to Native American Day weekend. In 1999, the name was changed to the Mt. Rushmore Marathon. For a race to reach 30 years of age is a real achievement, something for a community to acknowledge, support, and celebrate. I’ve met a lot of runners from all over in my travels; when I tell them I live in South Dakota, many recount their story of “running the Rushmore.” This race was their South Dakota experience. As a former history major, I find this kind of “back-story” intriguing, and could tell you lots more about the people involved over the years, the course changes, and race details. Not everyone shares that interest, I realize, so we’ll shelve the archives and move along.
Investigative journalist. Some readers may have heard or read about difficulties encountered by Steve Kurtenbach, the Race Director. These difficulties were beyond the sort of issues most RDs experience at one time or another, i.e., bad weather, running out of safety pins for race bibs after all the stores in town close, not enough busses to get runners to the start line, lost bus drivers on the busses you do have, or missed shipments of sports drink mix or finishers’ medals.
With just weeks before the starter’s pistol set to fire, Steve had to reroute the course. Due to problems with permits and concerns of some local town officers, the race was not able to proceed as planned. In a September 27th press release, race staff wrote that: “we respect the decision of the public officials and have been working diligently to put into place our contingency plans for this year’s event in an effort to provide a quality event for the hundreds of people that have already made plans and been training for the last 6-12 months.” Those resulting contingency plans put the start for all the marathon runners (the original plans gave runners a choice of starting at Mt. Rushmore or at Crazy Horse) a bit northwest of Rochford, with the start for the half marathon just south of Mystic. With the exception of a few miles at the marathon start and the finish at the 1880 Train in Hill city, almost all of both courses were on the Mickelson Trail.
Were there resulting glitches? Sure. Are there some disgruntled participants out there? You bet. While I may disappoint some folks who were expecting me to publish a point-by-point critique in this forum, I believe any feedback I may have would be best directed in a private letter or email to Steve. Anyone with an idea for improvement should go the race website and hit the “contact us” line. Share your thoughts to the people who can do something positive with your comments.
Gracious responses. Ultimately, I chose to focus on the theme that we all respond to, that of overcoming adversity. Needless to say, the enormity of undertaking last-minute changes on such a scale is enough to make the calmest of folks feel their hearts race and palms grow sticky. If you’ve ever organized any public event, you know how daunting a task it can be. As the day draws near, you are fielding questions from all sides, being interrupted every time you settle in to make some progress on your numerous lists of things to do, and trying to smile through it all with a calm level of control you really do not feel you have. This is when you are coping with the “run-of-the-mill” emergencies.
Given the new, last minute look and the hurdles involved, the race was renamed “The Monumental Challenge.” With all that had to be accomplished in such a short period of time, I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that the entire enterprise might have been in danger of being cancelled outright. We local runners would have been disappointed to varying degrees. Imagine the response of the out-of-state participants, about 300 people, many of whom flew in, took time off from work, or planned family vacations around the run. Marathoners usually follow a training schedule of 10 or more weeks to get to the point where they are ready to run 26.2 miles. They “taper” for a few weeks heading to race day in order to be at peak performance. Suppose you (and your friends or family) had invested all that time and energy only to be told “sorry, no race.” How would you feel?
Fortunately, due to the response of a core group of South Dakotans you can be glad to call your neighbors (and of course, Steve and his staff at All Sport Central), the Marathon is now in the books. I wish I could name each and every one of them. Allow me to beg forgiveness in advance: there were so many people who pitched in that I won’t begin to note even a fraction of them. The point is that it’s not about individuals. When people put aside their egos and work together for an idea, they create a force, a spark, an energy that lifts them all. Consider those I do mention as symbolic of the spirit of the Black Hills. Whether or not a race goes on isn’t going to mean much in the face of the world’s problems. This one has our state and our area associated with it, however, and if we had let that become tarnished, it diminishes us all in some small way. My most memorable moment of the weekend was when I realized I was extraordinarily proud to be from my adopted state of South Dakota. Every place I turned it seemed there was someone doing something positive to make the day a success.
When I woke up at 4 a.m. Sunday to get ready, I had my share of trepidations as to how the day would unfold. Arriving at the start area in the predawn gloom after dodging deer and other critters on the drive to Rochford, I was buoyed up to see some runner friends had decided to sign up to run and support the race. Last time I’d seen them, they hadn’t committed. Stacey Peterson and Randy Erickson determined they’d run together at a relaxed pace and just have fun. Lisa Christensen’s smile was a cheery sight as she quietly set about getting things lined up for her 4 person Relay Team, the Mandelbaums (Matt McGovern, Andrew Sveen & Kenna Hagan), that went on to ace their Co-ed Team division. Trevor Bryan, who just started distance running, showed up even though he’s run several marathons in the past few months already. After chatting with Mike Loos and a woman from Tennessee who was worried about the altitude, I made my way to the start and we were on our way to Hill City.
One of the outstanding perks of running your hometown marathon is all the people you know along the way. Just before the first tunnel on the course, two of the Black Hills’ best-known runners/RDs manned an aid station. Jerry Dunn and Monni Karim were a delightful surprise. Jerry runs two highly regarded Mickelson Trail runs, the Deadwood Marathon in June and a series of distance runs, the Leanhorse 100, 50 and 50K in August. A lesser person might have turned his back when the call for help went out; after all, in some sense, Jerry’s events compete with the Monumental Challenge. Not to mention getting up on a cold, dark Sunday morning to stand outside and hand out water and sports drink may occur to some RDs as being somehow “beneath” them. Monni’s put on some shorter distance runs and has logged some impressively speedy times in the not-too-distant past. The Southern Hills Business Manager for BHP and father of three, Monni—like all of the many volunteers—made a significant contribution of his time and energy to keep the Monument Challenge on track.
The half marathon started later and farther down the trail, which meant we got some pep and zing from many of local runners entered in that distance. They were a little fresher and their cheers were much appreciated—recall this was in that relentless uphill portion of the course. Lesley & Mark Warren, Craig Johnson, Barb Schulz, Ashley Riter-Collins, Cindy Holte, Jennifer Trucano, Lori Storm (of the Dakota Divas), the graceful Edith Weber—these are just a few of the Rapid City area people I know who were making the Monumental Challenge a reality. (Greg Sperlich supposedly finished but I didn’t see him, so he gets an * here!)
At mile 23, Teresa Verberg and her husband John, BHRC stalwarts, were waiting with a big and very loud tambourine to spur us on over the last 5K. Teresa recently completed a 50 miler (at the Leanhorse) and will be running the 2008 Boston Marathon, so she knows exactly where runners crave moral support. Thanks, T &J! Roger Heacock, also of BHRC and a Boston veteran was at mile 26 to be sure we kicked it in for the last .2, which went around a tricky turn at the gate. Lindsay Borgman, another BHRC chum was amongst the many supporters.
The best part of any marathon is crossing the finish line. Even though he could have stayed home to play with his new granddaughter, Anna Magdalana, BHRC’s revered Cap’n John Haeder was a most welcome sight as he wrapped us in a space blanket and gave us each a warm hug in spite of our mud and sweat. Later, after I had some chili in the food tent, I got to follow up on some stories that further underscore how the Monumental Challenge was a splendid day for so many. See the accompanying box for these postscripts.
“Successful people are always looking for opportunities to help others. Unsuccessful people are always asking, 'What's in it for me?' “ This is to all those who joined together to make the Monumental Challenge the success that is was, with the hope that 2008 will be better for all that was accomplished this year.
Two area runners have enduring ties to the marathon. Elaine Doll-Dunn, who is the RD of the Leading Ladies Marathon, has run in the Mt. Rushmore event every year since 1979. If that’s not enough to link her to it there’s also the fact that she met her husband, Jerry Dunn, at the 1993 running of the race. For the past few years, she’s taken up the half marathon. I got to run in the last few yards of her finish this year, and she looked great. Homer Hastings, of Newcastle, Wyoming, ran the first 25 years of the event and holds the Masters Marathon record of 2:34:30. Homer was there Sunday, finishing his 28th Mt. Rushmore/Monumental Challenge in 3:57:35, good enough to take his 60-64 age group. He bested competitors from Texas, California, Kentucky, and North Dakota to do it.
There was one other gentleman behind Homer, finishing 13 minutes later to pick up the second place award in that age group. For Tim Raben, a native South Dakotan who has returned home and now lives in Rapid City, the race was his own personal monumental challenge. Despite running roots that go back to high school track at Central under Coach Cobb (inspiration for the team name Cobblers), Tim had never run a marathon. Trained for several, but never was able to put it all together until this fall. His time was a Boston Qualifier for him for 2009. Not bad for a first-timer. I’m guessing this won’t be his last.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
