Why do we run on a day like this

I started running in college on the flat, cool plains of the Midwest. Lacing up and heading out on a run was never very hard.

I became a runner during the summer after my sophomore year, when I worked on a golf course through a long hot summer in Orlando, Florida. It was a summer that had fires and I can still recall the burning smell in the air as I mowed fairways and greens. I have never sweated more in my life and I used to come home in the afternoon, strip off my shirt, pull on some running shoes and run a few miles in the 90 degree/90% humidity of Central Florida summers. When I dragged my way home I would take off my shoes and socks and fall into the pool.

On Saturday morning, five runners and a walker started out on a run that promised to be as uncomfortable as those afternoon runs in Orlando. When you run on a day like Saturday you never get to that runner's high that we all seek most of the year. On these runs everything is heavy: our breath, our clothes, our legs, and even our thoughts. Just like those runs in Orlando, there was nothing easy about Saturday's run. It is the hard runs that make us runners. It is the hard times that make us human.

July 24, 2010

Tim is writing the reflection this week.  Let me just give you the pictures...

The run hasn't begun and Paul has already passed out from the heat.

Steve mesmerized by the football talk between Kristi and Tim.

Kristi turns red as Tim guesses correctly that she was a cheerleader at Mule Shoe High.

Papa bear, Mama bear and baby bear.

Two very fast Morning Runners.

Paul making plans with his girlfriend for later at the pool.  Steve digging himself a hole re texts to Ruth about dogs.

Beth and Jack after acrobatic flips.

July 17, 2010

Just Ann Stuart, Noelle and me Saturday Morning...

Change that...

The four of us decided to to a downtown jog.  The only thing to say about the weather was that it was actually not as hot and humid as past weeks.  Bill commented that while driving to All Saints' he was mentally preparing himself for a run with the likes of Steve and Tim.  While I'm sure you enjoy those runs Bill, it was nice to have you with us yesterday!  Next time you come, bring the pictures from your trip to Greece.

Joining us at Starbucks: Kevin, the cherubic Eli and the I-must--play-with-dogs child Linden.  Last week I asked 'bring back the children' and this week I left the camera in the car after these welcome shots.  No good.

I was at a friend's house for dinner Friday night.  Surprised that I wasn't staying 'til the wee hours of the night, they asked if I were crazy to get up on a Saturday and run.  When I explained 'Not just this Saturday. E v e r y Saturday.' they stopped talking altogether.  Driving home I thought that it's  interesting the patterns we get ourselves into and the things for which we make time.  I blame Steve McGehee, personally.

On another note, not sure if anyone on the Morning Run mailing list looks at this blog - other than those 10 to 15 of us who attend regularly.  Specifically, only 10 of you get 'automatic updates' when there's a new post on the blog - b/c as far as I can determine that's all that Blogger allows.  So, 10 of 85 people get these 'recaps' - as well as a few more devotees who make a habit to log on and see what's been happening.  What are your thoughts about putting future blog posts in an e-mail to the whole Morning Run list?  In other words, the whole group still receives the standard Wed. e-mail, and the blog stays the same, AND then the blog posts are sent out in a Sunday e-mail.  Do you think it would boost attendance?  Your thoughts please.

See you next week,

Eileen

July 10, 2010

Saturday morning started out with the amazing, sudden and brief return of Sophie H. to the Morning Run group!  Great to see you, Sophie, and please come back to MR the next time you are visiting from Va.  After seeing Sophie, Mr. McGehee runs up - having just completed the first leg of his run (7, 8 miles...). 

Then, I had a text from Lisa saying she was coming to walk.  Then there was Noelle.  Then Ann Stuart with her friend in from ChattaVegas (his expression - not mine, I think the Vegas part belongs to Nash not Chatta!)  Last, but never last on a run, Mike C.

Runners: Steve, Mike, Noelle, me.  I joke with the runners that I am the weakest link, but the truth is - I am.  It's great motivation to run with the various runners - especially because I find it particularly hard.  In the heat.  With the hills.  Sweating like a sweatshop slave.  While running, I sound like a horse and marvel that others can talk.  All of the runners and walkers are pursuing their own goals at their own levels of competence.  Patience and practice.  I keep repeating it to myself.

The walkers:  Lisa, Sophie, Ann Stuart and friend (Jo?).  They went through the park and by the farmers' market.  Back at Starbucks, Ruth joined us for refreshments.  We all miss having you walk with us, Ruth.  I hope you are able to lead us on some fast and furious walks soon!

I was looking around the group, pulled out my camera - and only then realized there were no children in our group that day.  The adults managed to pose for a few shots, but sweaty adults have a harder time posing for these 'blog' shots than children.  Bring back the children!

See everyone next week.

Pre-Peachtree

For the last several years, the Morning Runners have taken a pre-Peachtree Road Race run along Peachtree Street in order to prepare for the upcoming race. This year, however, The Great Race was on a Sunday so all of the regular runners were resting or tapering before the big day. Like all good traditions, we'll pick it up another time! Steve, Eileen and I headed downtown and through Georgia Tech at a nice pace. While our numbers were down, the conversation was as quality as ever. It is good to have Steve back among us, practicing his pastoral skills ("Oh," said Eileen at one point, "you want to talk about FEELINGS? While I'm RUNNING?!"") and putting us through our paces as we hoof it around the burg.

Since runners often talk about weather, I'll send up a little prayer of thanks for Saturday's temps. It was a gorgeous morning for running, low 70's and breezy. Just right. And even better than the weather, was the crowd that joined us at St. Arbuck's. The whole of Team Frilingos, the other 3/4 of Team YoSim, Steve's better half, Ruth, fresh from travels in Greece, and Laura, Tim and Zoe (the dog, appropriately scared to death of the grabby hands of the smaller set). Ruth passed out July 4th sunglasses and stickers to the kids-- preschooler bliss!

It was a grand morning. If you weren't there, we certainly missed you. Won't you join us?

June 26, 2010

The group yesterday morning grew from the four of us (see below) to the four of us plus Tim, Paul and Jack at Starbucks.  You know what the weather was like.  Quote from Ann Stuart at Starbucks 'it's nice to sweat and not die'.

Welcome back Fred!  Don't be such a stranger.

And, fresh from safaris and vuvuzelas and earplugs at world cup futbal - welcome back to Ann Stuart (and Ellen)!

See everyone next week! 

Eileen

Ann Stuart and I jogged through 17th Street and Georgia Tech - Fred and Beth ran through the park.

Ann Stuart is back from her African adventure and Jack and Beth are entertained

Paul wants to know 'where have you been?'  Ann Stuart gives him a pin in the map for South Africa

The end.

June 19th, 2010

Courtesy of Lisa:

As we gathered for Saturday's Morning Run, it promised to be another sticky-hot late June day in Atlanta.  Eileen Nebhut, Tim and Beth Frilingos, along with Paul and Jack (and me) all met in the parking lot.  I was the lone walker in the crew.  And it was too hot for me to suddenly start running (not to mention way too late in my non-running career for that to be a good idea in general).  So, while I usually enjoy good conversations with my fellow walkers, this was going to be a much more contemplative experience.

Turns out I had a great walk.  It's amazing the things you notice when you're not running your mouth.  I picked the shady side of the street and set off.   There was so much activity on this hot morning -- there were squirrel capers and a never-ending bird chorus punctuated by an occasional dog greeting.  Gardens were blooming, and there was often the scent of flowers in the air.  (At one point there was also the scent of Krispy Kreme in the air and the Hot Doughnuts Now sign was lit -- however with some effort I left that behind.)  As I turned toward the Park, there were a fair number of runners suddenly -- doing one of the prep runs for the Peachtree Road Race.  And as I made my way of the Park, the Green Market vendors were setting out their wares -- fruits and vegetables that looked so good.

As we ended Morning Run at Starbucks, Laura and Tim Long joined our group over coffee and scones.  They'd participated in the prep run for the Peachtree.

It was great to see everyone!  See you next Saturday!

more on June 13

Last Saturday was indeed an adventure. With as hot and muggy as it was, we all thought Eileen had finally lost her marbles when she turned us UP one of the steepest hills in Midtown. When we got to the top, though, we understood. She took us to a construction project that is soon to be a certified green-built house. We marveled at the way Midtown is constantly changing and at how a modern, eco-wonder can nestle in perfectly at home amidst the early-century brick beauties around it. It was and is a hopeful sign that maybe we're not all going to hell in a collapsing-planet handbasket afterall.

June 12, 2010 (see change in destination Starbucks)

Ruth has lost a few people during her speed walks.  I almost lost two people before we even set off.  Sorry to Noelle and Bill for nearly leaving without you (I have readjusted my watch) when you had e-mailed to tell me you were coming to Morning run!  Note to everyone - I will always have my mobile on me so please call if you are running late - or think you might be running late.  Then we will know to wait.  404.309.2152.

We had a few runners today - Steve, Bill, John, Noelle and me.  We were almost to the park and I decided to drag everyone up the HILL on 9th to show them a house (thanks for indulging me).  We meandered through the park and exited via the farmers market.  Hot and muggy - I think Ann Stuart would have loved it.

And, even though I thought I had the Starbucks summer hours nailed down - they are back to the 10am opening.  So - until further notice we will be meeting at the 7th and Peachtree Starbucks.  Please make a note of it!  Marie and Steve somehow knew to find us there yesterday to share some caffeine.  It was wonderful to see you, both, and to hear about the wedding!  Last but not least, Kevin, Eli and Linden completed our group.  Eli did not want to pose for the camera - will have to work on that!

See you next week!

Eileen

(PS  I edit these, turn them right side up in iPhoto, and then import them into the blog - and they are sideways.  I need more iPhoto lessons.  Anyone out there an expert?)

May 29, 2010

Steve McGehee and Tim Frilingos met at 7:00am this morning to get in a few miles before the 8:00am Run/Walk.  Tim Long also showed up before 8:00 and squeezed in 3 miles.  Very impressive - all of you!  As for the 8:00 o'clock crowd, we had Elvira, Susie, Ann Stuart, Beth, Paul, Jack and me. Elvira and I walked - everyone else ran.  Both groups went through the Piedmont Park madness of the Jazz Festival setting up...

Steve, I hope you can come to Morning Run once in a while now that you are back in town for the summer.  It was great to see you today - and Happy early Birthdays to you and Elvira!

Ann Stuart - have a wonderful time in South Africa and we will see you at the end of June (bring pictures)!

Lastly, I am sad to say goodbye for now to Susie.  So sad, I gave her no warning of her film debut.  Keep in touch, Susie, and come back to visit when you can!

Not sure this will work, but here goes.


http://picasaweb.google.com/113293061247046569946

Runners 3, Walkers 0

Three weeks in a row the "Morning Walkers" have been missing. Where have they gone? Is it a conspiracy?

One explanation is that some of our consistent walkers have moved into the running group as our pace has moderated (11 min/mile) and our distances have become predictable (4.5-5 miles).

Of course we miss the walkers dearly and we want them back. With two groups out there we always get a great survey of Midtown and Downtown on a Saturday morning.

"Family Portrait"



"Boot Camp with Runners Passing By"



Have a great week and get those walking and running shoes ready for a holiday weekend "Morning Run."

Jack's Morning Run

I've been up at least an hour before we finally get in the car
I like to read a little on the ride to All Saints
Strapped in and ready to roll
That was a great run. Mommy looks tired.
Nothing like milk to quench one's thirst.

It was another great Saturday in midtown Atlanta. No parades or movie sets, but miraculous just the same. Beth and I weren't expecting to find anybody at All Saints, but instead there was an abundance of reunions. An original morning runner, Kristi Fuqua, was waiting for us, and before we started off, Noelle York-Simmons, pulled in as well. We did a great loop through the park and discussed gardens and real estate. Waiting for us at Starbucks were Kevin, Eli, and Linden York-Simmons who was celebrating her first birthday. Lisa Lowman also joined us post-run. It was my birthday as well and I can't think of a better way to start the day than with a run and a coffee with friends.

Peace,

Timothy Frilingos

More on last Saturday

Noelle here... Eileen did a great job talking about our Saturday run but I wanted to add some of my thoughts.

I've lived in Atlanta all my life (with a few brief absences) and while I've always loved this place, but I've been appreciating it even more recently. Maybe it is the introspect of my advancing age or maybe it is the lens of my children, but I have been especially smitten with the ATL.

Saturday drove that point home for me. The weather was darn near perfect for running. We wove our way through Midtown and into the early morning bustle of Piedmont Park where half the town was also enjoying the weather and scenery. The other half of Atlanta hustled by us in the Komen walk for breast cancer while we were enjoying our coffee at Starbucks (my favorite sign said "squeeze your peaches!).

In an act of spontaneity supported by this wonderfully strange city, my family walked up to Peachtree Street and sat on the curb in front of the historic Fabulous Fox Theater and watched dozens of classic cars drive by, honking, waving, cheering, gunning engines (one even tossed out a handful of lollipops-- bliss for a three-year-old!) . The rest of the day, Eli told anyone who would listen about the cars he saw, fast ones and red ones, loud ones and shiny ones. Oh, yeah, and the one with the lollipops.

It was a morning to remember. Come run with us and see what Atlanta has to offer next week!

May 8, 2010

It has to be the only week in over five years of Morning Run history that the leader forgot to send out the e-mail on Wednesday.  It didn't seem to matter.  Paul and Tim, Tim Long, Ann Stuart, Susie Snyder, Noelle and I ran through the park this morning.  The day just got better as it got later.  The run was a little humid, but at coffee, it seemed to get cooler and more dry.  On our way to Starbucks we noticed that not only was there an antique car parade (to do with the new High exhibit), but there was the Susan G Komen '20th Anniversary Race for the Cure' parading right in front of Starbucks.  It was a busy morning.  Made better by the arrival of Kevin and Eli and Linden for the Starbucks hour.

I am glad to have spent the morning with all of you.  Thanks.