Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Frankensteins and Mountain Climbers

The coach has me hitting four areas of my life with a tight regimen:
      • Running
      • Drills
      • Cross-Training
      • Nutrition
Running varies between weekdays, with cardio and endurance advances every week.  The routine is interesting (sometimes hard to remember once I leave the computer) and definitively challenging.

I am getting pooped though, on the drills and some of the cross-training exercises - anything that makes my HR jump to a maximum and drive me to be out of breathe rather quickly.  I still finish this and I do see an advance in holding-off the "pooped-ness", so I'm not disappointed.  Drills always made me tired - even throughout my whole 8 years of football.  

So here are two drills that poop me and one that gets me a lot of looks on my street when I return from my runs.

Mountain Climbers:



When I read the description quickly, the only thing that came to mind is this:



I usually do these at the end of a long run and all the stored fuel in my thighs has been spent, I get down on the ground to start these and the first thing I want to do is curse Jill, but I just don't have enough air inside so I just do them and shut up!

Burpees:

We used to do these in the air force, and I can't stand them! "I didn't join Cirque du Soliel Sarge - I joined the Air Force!" Haven't been assigned these yet, but they have been mentioned.



I only have one word for you Jill: "NO!"

Frankensteins:

Similar to the Nazi goose-step but a lot less subtle!



The Frankensteins are a little touchy because I have two retired Germans on my street, as well as a recent immigrant from Italy and it took me a little time to explain to them I was not trying to insult them from something in their national histories or to make them feel uncomfortable.

Oh the things I do because I'm a Wannabe!

I love all this work, my only worry for running over winter is to find the proper foot gear and a place to run where the snow is cleared.  Any advice would be gratefully accepted.  I don't own a treadmill BTW (the elliptical and the weight benches and mats take up most of my exercise room's space).

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Portrait of a Wannabe


I still love running - but I know God was having a good laugh at me running into that 34 mph gusting wind!

Saturday, November 20, 2010

16 km (10 miles)


If you are reading this post it means ... I am still struggling to finish my 10 mile run today.  Depending on when you are checking in, I am either, trying to find a bush or washroom to pee in, hacking up a slime ball and launching it onto the sidewalk, trying to figure out why my playlist has stopped on my iPad, fiddling with my drink, trying to down some nutrition while running, or looking for a place to pee (AGAIN).

Coach Parker says this is the last long run and we start doing honest speed work for the remainder of my training.  But I don't mind the long runs ... I'm just so slow that they start sending search parties out after me!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

A little bit of progress from the R&D department


From:Andrew Opala
To:Jill Parker
Sent:Tuesday, November 16, 2010 10:49:37 AM
Subject:Week 7: Tues


Re: 
Dynamic Stretching
6ish miles total 1.5 mi wu + 10x400M @ *3K w/3 min recovery between sets (walk or jog lightly, do not stand still or your legs will get tight) + 1 mi cd
*Let’s see if you can pick up the pace a couple sec from last week.  10 will be tough, but oh how strong they are going to make you. Next week is recovery week so let’s make the best of these this week!
+ weights  


Target:
9:37
Interval
Avg Pace
Avg HR
Max HR
1
8:50
139
147
2
8:59
140
150
3
9:11
139
149
4
9:08
141
151
5
9:13
140
152
6
9:17
139
149
7
9:37
139
147
8
9:06
141
151
9
9:26
139
150
10
9:20
139
151
Avg
9:12
139.6
Max
152

As per your note, I ran it like there was an ambulance waiting for me at the end of the interval … no cool down waiting, no tomorrow waiting, no saving myself for my virgin bride.  And I hope I passed the audition.

Compared with last week:
Target
9:37
Interval
Avg Pace
Avg HR
Max HR
1
9:40
126
137
2
9:38
125
137
3
9:45
128
138
4
9:42
128
140
5
9:46
128
137
6
9:49
127
139
7
9:49
128
143
8
9:47
130
139
Avg
9:44
127.5
Max


143



From:Jill Parker
To:Andrew Opala
Sent:Tue 11/16/2010 1:12 PM
Subject:Re: Week 7: Tues


THAT'S MORE LIKE IT, baby!!!!! I like your HR up like that! No virgin bride is safe with you, speedy!! Looks like we'll be adjusting some numbers after your next recovery week :)!

--
Jill

Certified AFAA Personal Trainer and RRCA Running Coach
Check out: http://runwithjill.blogspot.com/

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Remembrance Day / Veterans's Day / Armistice Day / Poppy Day


Today many people in the World-War-I-touched World will mark a few seconds of silence for sacrifice of military and civilians in time of war.  Having a family history of war loss (as civilian victims and military service losses) I take this day personally and make it a time to ask myself how much I really do for peace and how much I help in making the world better by bringing people together and having things solved by peaceful means.  War and human nature are too hard to defeat, but I can do it one person at a time - starting with me!

Can I make a difference?

Once a man was walking on a beach and he saw a woman throwing starfish off the beach into the sea. "What are you doing he asked?" 


She said, "Since the tide will not return for another 12 hours, these starfish will dry-out in the Sun and die."


Then she went on to pick up another one and throw it back into the sea. This went on for a while and the man walked back up to the woman and asked angrily, "Do you know how many beaches there are and how many starfish are washed up on those beaches?  What difference can you really make?"


She looked down at the starfish in her hand, "It makes a difference to this one."


I love you guys!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Mojo and Self-Confidence

The term Mojo comes from voodoo practice and it is usually the name given to a bag full of crystals, herbs, written words or other superstitious things that give the wearer special protection or powers [Reference]. Mojo can often be associated with other superstitious concepts like luck. Having it is good - losing it is bad! The possessor of mojo will often believe that good things can happen to them just for possessing the good luck charm. We often talk about losing our mojo or not having mojo as a reason for our lack of desire or inability to train well.

Webster's defines self-confidence as "Freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities". Self-confidence is an attitude of the mind that says, I will do my best to accomplish my desired goal. And I will have courage to do so amongst any dangers. Sometimes you will not be justly rewarded for your efforts by your external environment, but this does not matter because it is out of your control. Self-confidence means you will do as much as you can to hold up your end of the bargain.

Contrasting the two, Mojo is a belief that you can induce some sort of supernatural forces to gain your desired goal, while Self-Confidence says you can contribute to your effort to do the very best that is possible at all times. Self-confidence says that it is the internal struggle that is more important - the struggle with the self. Mojo says the external is more important - that you can use supernatural powers to gain something that you are not really worth of or capable of.

Both are really anchored on the the idea of belief.

Since I like the word "Mojo", and the idea of self-confidence, I'm going merge the cool word with the personal attitude to mean a belief in your ability to accomplish something from this point forward.


Now here's where the leap of faith comes in.


I have a big question, and it is Can you increase your Mojo with your own effort?


I believe you can!  I think building up your self-confidence can be done every day of the week.  It's just like building up your endurance, or your speed.  But it happens at moments in the training - mostly at the moments when you second guess your abilities but you keep running.  Or you run to your absolute limit, and then you run just a little further. When you really want to stop and walk to catch your breathe but you keep running.  When you need to use the Jedi Mind trick on yourself when everything looks terrible.

Since I started running, I have kept a log of my mood.  The things that I have observed in terms of mood are:

  • My heart rate - if I am tired and my heart rate is racing, I can't find my Mojo if it was stapled to my head
  • My home life - if I am not doing my best at home, enjoying my duties as a husband, friend, son, father, etc., then I also can't find my Mojo
  • My distance - I never let my gut decide anything in the first 30 minutes of running (this is something that Jill has also mentioned to me) I can usually adjust to my running in the first 1 1/2 k (mile) - but ask me in the first few minutes and I'll tell you "I have no Mojo today!"

So far, I have managed my heart rate, made sure the ducks are all aligned at home, and I'm warmed up deep in the run - and I have found my Mojo every time!

However the competitive Mojo needs to be worked on by running more races.  And I am trying to include a race every few months to build up that competitive strain - and my rising to the occasion.


There is another mood that I have observed in myself that fights against Mojo.  That mood is fear.  Fear has been with me my whole life.  I think courage is not the absence of fear, but rather a will to over-come it.  Mojo also possesses this courage component. The only way I know to defeat the mood of fear is with greater and greater distances, difficulties, speeds, and exertions; reflections on those accomplishments; and an affirmation that I should try to overcome this challenge as well.  This you must do while training - continually pushing yourself to rise to the challenge.

If I could start you on your path of finding and keeping your Mojo, I would say this:

  • Life is a precious gift, given to you by a benevolent creator that with tears in His eyes looks into your heart and writes with love that you are meant to be brilliant.  This brilliance is wound with a long ribbon called your decisions.
  • When you run - remember that you are unwinding that ribbon with the right decisions - and you are shining.
  • All you need to do is love back and your brilliance will shine naturally.
  • Love is more powerful than anger or fear or greed.
  • Do not be afraid to shine

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

The Last 5 Coached Weeks

Here's what I have been doing in the last 5 weeks (courtesy Coach Parker and the Colorado Running Computer!)  Adam asked me if I feel faster - well plainly "no".  But the big thing is that I feel running is less of a discomfort and much more of a pleasure.  Of course I'm not pounding the tempo runs once a week like I did before my 5k, but I see my HR dropping like a deadman's on all of my runs, and I can easily converse at all paces that I train at (although I doubt someone would understand me at the sprint pace).

Week
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
miles
1
265 lbs.
4 @ base +
6x30M strides +
2x20 sec each of fast feet, high heels, high knees
Dynamic stretching warm up
2 mi @ R + 4x 30 sec hill repeats @ relaxed 3-5K pace w/2 min recovery between sets + 2 mi cd @ R
Weights HCC
off
Dynamic Stretching warm up 4 miles @ base w/4x30 sec intervals @ 1 mile pace anywhere in the 4 miles
3 mi @ base +
2x20 sec each of fast feet, skipping for height, skipping for distance 30 min weight training + HCC
6 miles
5 miles @ base + 1 mile at ½ MP 1x video
Off
21.5
2
262 lbs
3 @ base +
6x30M strides

+
2x20 sec each of fast feet, high heels, high knees
Dynamic stretching warm up
2 mi @ R + 2 mi @ 10K pace + 1 mi cd
+ 30 min weight training + HCC
Off
Dynamic Stretching warm up
4 miles @ base w/4x30 sec intervals @ 1 mile pace anywhere in the 4 miles
3 mi @ base
No running
30 minutes of static stretching
10K Race
Dynamic stretching before.  Warm up with a few drills. 
19.5
3
260 lbs
Off
2.2 miles @ base
Dynamic stretching warm up
2 mi wu + 6x30 sec hill repeats@ relaxed sprint speed + 1 mi cd
+ 30 min weight training + HCC
Dynamic Stretching warm up
2x20 sec each of no arms, one leg hops,  high knees
5 miles @ base
+ 2x15 each leg Mountain climbers
2x15 jump squats
4 miles @ base
+ 5x30M strides
+
40 min weight training + HCC
6 miles
3 mi @ base + 2mi @ MP + 1 mi cd Static stretching
Off
23
4
257 lbs
6 miles @ base

+ 3x30M strides

+ 2x20 sec each

Kick butts
Fast Feet
Bounding
Dynamic Stretching

1.5 mi wu + 6x400M @ 3K w/3 min recovery between sets
+ 1 mi cd
+ weights + HCC
30-40 min XT, elliptical

Lots of stretching

+ Video
Dynamic Stretching
2 mi wu + 10 x 30 sec @ 5K pace w/30sec active recovery + 1 mi cd
+ 2x15 each leg Mountain climbers
2x15 jump squats
Dynamic Stretching


2x20 sec of  each drill: no arms running, skipping for distance, 1 leg hops,


2 miles @ base +3x30M Strides
+ weights + HCC
8 miles

2 mi @ recovery + 2 @ base +2 @ MP +1 @ ½ MP + cd (walk jog a mile to Cool down) Static stretching
Off
26
5
255 lbs
6 miles @ base

+ 3x30M strides

+ 2x20 sec each

Kick butts
Fast Feet
Bounding
Dynamic Stretching

1.5 mi wu + 6x400M @ 3K w/3 min recovery between sets
+ 1 mi cd
+ weights
+ HCC
2 miles @ recovery pace
Dynamic Stretching

2 mi wu + 10 x 30 sec @ 5K pace w/30sec active recovery + 1 mi cd
+ 2x15 each leg Mountain climbers 2x15 jump squats
Dynamic Stretching


2x20 sec of  each drill: no arms running, skipping for distance, 1 leg hops,
2 miles @ base +3x30M Strides + weights + HCC
8 miles
1 mi wu + 6 mi @ MP + 1 mi cd @ recovery pace Static stretching
Off
28

I think I'm back today after getting my Internet in working condition at home. I get to visit blogs when I run in the mornings again!

Thanks for playing along in the running profiles (they were a rip-off of Myers Briggs and Kiersey personality types). Q had an interesting idea with having runners in each group challenge other groups.  I think we need to revisit this in the near future (before it gets to cold in the Great White North anyways!)

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Running Style: PESA, PEMA, PESI, VESI

The following information relates to the Running Style Survey (a total theft of a 4-question Myers-Briggs test) that we all started doing last Wednesday.  You are welcome to invite your readers to complete the survey as well (the more the merrier!)  Here's some general information so far.

56 people completed the survey with the following results:

TypePeopleper centTypePeopleper cent
PASI11.8%VESA35.5%
VASA00.0%PAMA47.3%
VASI00.0%VAMA47.3%
PAMI11.8%PEMI59.1%
VAMI23.6%PESA59.1%
PASA35.5%PEMA712.7%
VEMA35.5%PESI712.7%
VEMI35.5%VESI814.5%

PAMI, VAMI and PASA Profiles.
PASI, VEMA, and VEMI Profiles.
VESA, PAMA, VAMA, PEMI Profiles.

PESA - The Supervisor Runner
EMZ, Matty O, Matty B., Karen R, Heather
Supervisors are generous with their time and energy, and very often belong to a variety of service clubs, lodges, and associations, supporting them through steady attendance, but also taking an outspoken leadership role.  They DON'T like the word "bossy" but instead prefer the term "comfortable issuing orders".

Supervisors are unbelievably hard-working, and will run over mountains for a belt buckle.  One appealing thing to this hard-work is that Supervisors usually exceed other types in "hotness".  Some of them are even "smokin' hot".

Above all else, they wish to do what they are supposed to do, and they rarely question authority.  They are a coach's dream, but they don't like coaches!  Supervisors approach human relations along traditional lines. Marriage, parenthood and running are sacred to them, and they tend to have a large circle of friends, with many friendships faithfully maintained over the years.

Well know supervisors are:
  • Jack Webb, 
  • Judge Judy, 
  • Dr. Laura Schlessinger, 
  • George Washington, 
  • Sandra Day O' Connor, 
  • Mike Wallace, 
  • Vince Lombardi
Some supervisor quotes:
The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender. - Vince Lombardi

I will demand a commitment to excellence and to victory, and that is what life is all about. - Vince Lombardi

Take responsibility for your life. If you're a victim, it's your fault. Stop being a victim. Get a grip! - Judge Judith Sheindli

PEMA - The Provider Runner
abbi, misszippy, bobbi, Caratunk Girl, FruitFly, copychicDocrunner @Tri2Thrive
Wherever they go, Providers happily give their time and energy to make sure that the needs of others are met, and that social functions like group runs are a success.  Providers love to entertain, and are always concerned about the needs of their guests, wanting to make sure that all are involved and provided for (and if you really don't want to eat that extra plate of food - well, too bad, cuz you gotta eat it!)

Providers can become restless when isolated from people.  They love to talk with others, and will often strike up a conversation with strangers and chat pleasantly about any topic that comes to mind during runs or races.  In addition, Providers show a delightful fascination with news of their friends and neighbors. If we wish to know what's been going on in the local community, school, or church, they're happy to fill us in on all the details (they're sort of the self-appointed neighborhood watch).

Providers are  somewhat self-conscious to what others think of them, and if those runners don't chat back they will feel that there was definitely a lack of politeness on the other's part! Loving and affectionate themselves, they need to be loved in return. In fact, Providers can be crushed by personal criticism, and are happiest when given ample appreciation both for themselves personally and for the tireless service they give to others.  (Man, you guys are GREAT!!!  Wonderful job!  ... let me just tip-toe out of this profile as quietly as possible.)

Well known providers are:
  • William Howard Taft, 
  • Barbara Walters, 
  • J C Penney, 
  • Ray Kroc, 
  • Louis B. Mayer, 
  • Sam Walton, 
  • Dolley Madison, 
  • Dave Thomas
Some provider quotes:
I think the harder you work, the more luck you have. - Dave Thomas

If there are things you don't like in the world you grew up in, make your own life different. - Dave Thomas

PESI - The Promoter Runner
ShutUpAndRun, Rae, Running Through Phoenix, Chris K, Matt, Adrienne, April
Life is never dull around the Promoter. In a word, they are men and women of action. When a Promoter is present, things begin to happen: the lights come on, the music plays, the games begin. Clever and full of fun, Promoters live with a theatrical flourish which makes even the most routine recovery run seem exciting.

In running, Promoters demand new activities and new challenges. Bold and daring at heart, and ever-optimistic that things will go their way, Promoters will take tremendous risks to get what they want, and seem exhilarated by running close to the edge of disaster.  While they live in the moment and lend excitement - and unpredictability - to all their relationships, they rarely let anyone get really close to them.  This is nothing that a good deodorant can't fix.

Promoters understand well the maxim, "He who travels fastest, travels alone," although they are not likely to be lonely for long, since their boldness and sense of adventure tends to make them highly attractive to many other people, plus their injuries make them easy to catch.

Well known promoters are:
  • Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 
  • Ernest Hemingway, 
  • John F. Kennedy, 
  • Donald Trump, 
  • Madonna, 
  • George C. Patton, 
  • Evita Peron, 
  • Winston Churchill, 
  • Grace Slick, 
  • Teddy Roosevelt
Some promoter quotes:
I believe that it's better to be looked over than it is to be overlooked. - Mae West

We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win. - John F. Kennedy

VESI - The Crafter Runner
The nature of Crafters is most clearly seen in their masterful operation of tools, equipment, machines, and instruments of all kinds. The use of GPS, graphs, drills, treadmills, shoes, water, and fuels is tuned to the highest level in Crafters.  The ultimate goal is victory!

Crafters are fearless in their running, exposing themselves to danger again and again, even despite frequent injury. Of all the types, Crafters are most likely to be risk takers, pitting themselves, or their technique, against chance or odds even more so than Promoters.  Crafters are hard to get to know. Perhaps this is because they tend to communicate through action (or maybe they are just so fast it's hard to finish a sentence), and show little interest in developing language skills (ugh, no time talk me go eat). Their lack of expressiveness can isolate them during running and they may even prefer to run alone or with only other Crafters.  (If you work with a Crafter and they come to work with an Adidas back full of heavy metallic objects, you should wisely choose to take the rest of the day off!)

Crafters can be wonderfully generous and loyal to their friends often giving up their evenings or weekends to help with regressing some data or setting the date on a running watch.  More than anything, Crafters want to be free to do their own thing, and they are proud of their ability to do it with an artist's skill.

Well known crafters are:
  • Bruce Lee, 
  • Michael Jordan, 
  • Woody Allen, 
  • Alan Shepard, 
  • Chuck Yaeger, 
  • Michael Douglas, 
  • Lance Armstrong, 
  • Kathrine Hephurn.
Some crafter quotes:
Let's light this candle. - Alan Shepard (Just before his liftoff into space)

Be water, my friend. - Bruce Lee (On the subject of flexibility and adaptability)

When you need it, ITS THERE. - Bruce Lee (On the subject of practiced skill)

=====

Thankfully this blog marathon is over ... and these automated posts are done!  Thanks for playing along.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Running Style: VESA, PAMA, VAMA, PEMI

The following information relates to the Running Style Survey (a total theft of a 4-question Myers-Briggs test) that we all started doing last Wednesday.  You are welcome to invite your readers to complete the survey as well (the more the merrier!)  Here's some general information so far.

56 people completed the survey with the following results:

TypePeopleper centTypePeopleper cent
PASI11.8%VESA35.5%
VASA00.0%PAMA47.3%
VASI00.0%VAMA47.3%
PAMI11.8%PEMI59.1%
VAMI23.6%PESA59.1%
PASA35.5%PEMA712.7%
VEMA35.5%PESI712.7%
VEMI35.5%VESI814.5%

PAMI, VAMI and PASA Profiles.
PASI, VEMA, and VEMI Profiles.

VESA - The Inspector Runner
One Crazy Penguin, Ewa, Termite
The one word that best describes Inspectors is superdependable. In their quiet way, Inspectors see to it that rules are followed, laws are respected, and standards are upheld.  Responsible to the core, Inspectors like it when people know their duties, follow the guidelines, and operate within the rules. They are the first to rat out someone not wearing a bib in the right place.  They will correct volunteers when they make mistakes even to their own detriment saying things like, "No, I do not receive a free technical shirt in my race kit, they are only for the first 1000 registered runners.  I registered in 1009th place."  They may even spend the rest of the race, synchronizing those people wearing race shirts and their bib numbers.  They WILL report irregularities to the proper authorities.

Generally speaking, Inspectors are not comfortable with anything that gets too fancy. Their words tend to be plain and down-to-earth, not showy or high-flown; their clothes are often simple and conservative rather than of the latest fashion; and their running path is usually neat, orderly, and squared at intersections, rather than tangential. As for watches, they usually choose standard items over models loaded with features (like time to the nearest minute, or a read out).

Well know inspectors are:
  • Queen Elizabeth II, 
  • Harry S. Truman, 
  • Warren Buffet, 
  • Queen Victoria, 
  • James K. Polk,
  • J.D. Rockefeller
Some inspector quotes:
A politician is a man who understands government, and it takes a politician to run a government. A statesman is a politician who's been dead 10 or 15 years. - Harry Truman
The buck stops here. - Harry Truman

PAMA - The Teacher Runner
Zaneta, Barefoot Neil Z, Jenny, Big Clyde
Teachers have a natural talent for leading students or trainees toward learning and almost endlessly dream up fascinating learning activities for their students and readers to engage in.  Their blogs usually have contests and competitions that challenge other blog readers.  (Although I have yet to win anything.)

Warmly outgoing, and perhaps the most expressive of all the types, Teachers are remarkably good with language, especially when communicating in speech, face to face (and they know more swear words than any other type). Bubbling with enthusiasm (or was that last night's beans?), Teachers will voice their passions with dramatic flourish.

Teachers like their runs settled and organized, and will schedule their work hours and social engagements well ahead of time to honor these running commitments.  Their insight into themselves and others is unparalleled. Without a doubt, they know what is going on inside themselves, and they can read other people with uncanny accuracy. (What am I thinking right now?)

Well known teachers are:
  • Mikhail Gorbachev, 
  • Oprah Winfrey, 
  • Pope John Paul II, 
  • Ralph Nader, 
  • John Wooden, 
  • Margaret Mead
Some teacher quotes:
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead

VAMA - The Councelor Runner
T S, ShebaJC, TRI714, 5 Miles 2 Empty
Counselors have an exceptionally strong desire to contribute to the welfare of others, and find great personal fulfillment interacting with people, nurturing their personal development, guiding them to realize their human potential. They also get on your nerves because they are busy-bodies running your life for you!  Counselors prefer to work intensely with those close to them, especially on a one-to-one basis, quietly exerting their influence behind the scenes. (Super punch!)

Thankfully, they only tend to share their innermost thoughts or their powerful emotional reactions with their loved ones.  They are highly private people, with an unusually rich, complicated inner life (just like Charles Manson). Friends or colleagues who have known them for years may find sides emerging which come as a surprise. (My advice: call 911.)

An extreme sensitivity to others is the basis of the Counselor's remarkable ability to experience a whole array of psychic phenomena.  (What am I holding in my left hand?  Lucky numbers: 1, 4, 17, 21, 44, 49.)

Well known councelors are:
  • Mohandas Gandhi, 
  • Sidney Poitier, 
  • Eleanor Roosevelt, 
  • Jane Goodall, 
  • Emily Bronte, 
  • Sir Alec Guiness, 
  • Carl Jung, 
  • Mary Baker Eddy, 
  • Queen Noor
Some councelor quotes:
It is easy enough to be friendly to one's friends. But to befriend the one who regards himself as your enemy is the quintessence of true religion. The other is mere business. - Mohandas Gandhi

PEMI - The Performer Runner
Performers have the special ability to delight those around them.  Their great social interest lies in stimulating those around them to take a break from work and worry, to lighten up and enjoy running.  Born entertainers, they love the excitement of playing to an audience, and will quickly become the center of attention wherever they are.  This can either be due to extreme athletic performance or asinine bafoonery. Performers aren't comfortable being alone, and seek the company of other runners in races with at least 20,000 sign-ups.  Quick with wisecracks and wordplay, nothing is so serious or sacred that it can't be made fun of (mental note: skip the funeral invites).

Lively and uninhibited, Performers are the life of the party, always trying to create in those around them a mood of eat, drink, and be merry (in hopes that others will be fatter, delayed at the rest stops, and confused during the race).  "Always look on the bright side," is their motto.  (Ya, and while your looking for the bright side they pass you!)

Performers haven't a mean or stingy bone in their body (what's theirs is yours) and they seem to have little idea of saving or conserving (so basically they have nothing of value so forget about mooching).

Well known performers are:
  • Elizabeth Taylor, 
  • John Goodman, 
  • Marylin Monroe, 
  • Judy Garland, 
  • Magic Johnson, 
  • Pablo Picasso, 
  • Bill Clinton, 
  • Ronald Reagan, 
  • Elvis,
  • Leonard Bernstein
Some performer quotes:
Taste is the enemy of creativeness. - Pablo Picasso
Ask not what your teammates can do for you. Ask what you can do for your teammates. - Magic Johnson

Profiles for tomorrow: PESA, PEMA, PESI, VESI

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Running Style: PASI, VEMA, VEMI

The following information relates to the Running Style Survey (a total theft of a 4-question Myers-Briggs test) that we all started doing last Wednesday.  You are welcome to invite your readers to complete the survey as well (the more the merrier!)  Here's some general information so far.

56 people completed the survey with the following results:

TypePeopleper centTypePeopleper cent
PASI11.8%VESA35.5%
VASA00.0%PAMA47.3%
VASI00.0%VAMA47.3%
PAMI11.8%PEMI59.1%
VAMI23.6%PESA59.1%
PASA35.5%PEMA712.7%
VEMA35.5%PESI712.7%
VEMI35.5%VESI814.5%

PAMI, VAMI and PASA Profiles.

PASI - The Inventive Runner
LauraLynne
Always aiming to "build a better mousetrap" inventors are keenly pragmatic, and often become expert at devising the most effective means to accomplish their ends.  Unfortunately this means that it takes them many years to get off their ass!

They are the most reluctant of all the types to do things in a particular manner just because that's the way they have been done. As a result, they often think running sideways or backwards is exactly the approach that is necessary.  Inventors often have a lively circle of friends and are interested in their ideas and activities.  They are usually easy-going, seldom critical or carping.  When arguing issues, however, they may deliberately employ debate skills to the serious disadvantage of their opponents.  They have also been known to use sharp objects and FDA-approved mind-altering substances to get their point across.

Inventors are usually non-conformists in races, and can succeed only in long races if they do not involve too much humdrum routine.  They may start badgering onlookers or bumping runners to start a commotion and spice things up on long flat runs!

Well know inventors are:
  • Walt Disney
  • Benjamin Franklin
  • Ray Kurtzweil
  • Buckminster Fuller
  • Richard Feynman
  • Thomas Edison
  • Camille Paglia
  • Nicola Tesla
Some inventor quotes:
What I cannot create, I cannot understand. -Richard Feynman

VEMA - The Protector Runner
Heather, Amanda - RunToTheFinish, Jamie, RunningOnCoffee
The Protectors primary interest is in the safety and security of those they run with.  Protectors have an extraordinary sense of loyalty and responsibility in their makeup, and seem fulfilled in the degree they can shield others from the dirt and dangers of the race. They are the first to look back and yell "Aid station coming up!", and then trip on a person who slowed down to take a drink.  Wanting to be of service to others, Protectors find great satisfaction in assisting the downtrodden - even if they are the cause of it!

Protectors prefer to run with time-honored and time-tested products and procedures rather than change to new - they will often run in the same shoe until only the lace remains.

Protectors are willing to work long, hard hours quietly doing all the mindless training that others manage to avoid. Protectors are frequently overworked, just as they are frequently misunderstood and undervalued. Their contributions, are often taken for granted, and they rarely get the gratitude they deserve. (This web site won't rock the boat here - on to the next type!)

Well known protectors are:
  • Mother Teresa, 
  • George H.W. Bush, 
  • Jimmy Stewart,
  • Tsar Nicholas II
Some protector quotes:
Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. - Mother Teresa

VEMI - The Composer Runner
Luke, Alanna, Christy Z
Composers are in tune with their senses, and so have a sure grasp of what belongs, and what doesn't belong, in all kinds of works of art.  In running they know how to coordinate clothing, bathing, and makeup.  Composers have an exceptional ability (seemingly inborn) to work with subtle differences in color, tone, texture, aroma, and flavor.  They are a pleasure to run down wind of.

They do not wait to consider their moves; rather, they act in the here and now, with little or no planning or preparation. They run because the race is there!

Composers are especially sensitive to the pain and suffering of others, and they sympathize freely with the sufferer. Often a composer will shed a tear for a runner wearing a lavender top and orange shorts.  Composers are usually not interested in developing ability in public speaking, or even in the art of conversation; they prefer to feel the pulse of life by touch, in the muscles, in the eyes, in the ears, on the tongue. They are often seen licking things, like the chip-timing equipment or their bib.

Well known composers are:
  • Bob Dylan, 
  • Jackie Kennedy Onassis, 
  • Cher, 
  • Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, 
  • Mel Brooks, 
  • Steven Spielberg,
  • Neil Simon
Some composer quotes:
Some years I'm the coolest thing that ever happened, and then the next year everyone's so over me, and I'm just so past my sell date. - Cher

Profiles for tomorrow: VESA, PAMA, VAMA, PEMI