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Friends Help Friends off Treadmills
Starts At 12:00 AM On Wednesday, October 31, 2007
As originally presented in the October 31, 2007 MetroTri Newsletter
By Dominique Ficalora
Although the MetroTri newsletter is far from Playboy, this particular
article has a "between the sheets" feel because it brought to you
straight from my bed. I refuse to part with my down comforter. That
being said, welcome to late Fall, everyone!
Fall is the ideal season for sweaters and snuggling. Unfortunately
neither is a recognized competitive sport by the United States Olympic
Committee. Thus, we can't be so quick to abandon our
cleats/sneakers/fins for something as superfluous as cuddling,
cashmere, or hot chocolate. However, training during these colder
months should keep in line with the style of the season. Your core
group of workout pals need to be as close knit as a quality Pembroke
Tweed... 'Tis the season to knock down your friend's door and drag
their butts out to run!
When I was a cocky, college runner I thought I was adequately prepared
to training through the winter. However, once my college career was
over, I didn't have access to the Armory every day. No more indoor
track, I had to find alternative ways to maintain my conditioning…
OUTSIDE!!!!
I learned to supplement some of my runs with longer swims and I
strengthened my legs by spending more time in lifting sessions.
Still, as running is an imperative, I needed to maintain my mileage
goals. Even with out a pass to the Armory I was able to accomplish
these fitness levels with out some of my good friends (Kat & Sam Fox,
Rich Barkan, Jen Lebowitz, and Kate {an ambassador to all species}).
There is some sort of solidarity gained through shared suffering, or
maybe it's the other way around; perhaps there is a camaraderie that
comes from overcoming pain. Regardless of semiotic points, training partners are as critical in the colder months as spandex: they offer
warmth, comfort, and support. In the summer, it's easy to step out
into a 70* morning, alone. Waking up to a dark, 40* morning requires
a different level of dedication. I've learned that running with one
of my close friends is exactly the push I need to endure a long
training sesson.
Of course this begs the point: "I hardly have time to workout at all,
I can't wait for her." Everyone's schedule is horrible. There, I
said it! Yet we all have the time to "waste time as he likes" (Pound
Canto VIII) for things we want to MAKE time for.
Meeting friends to run should be one of those things we make a priority.
The remedy lies in a tedious Excel spreadsheet, planning, and the art of time
management. Even meeting a friend twice a week is enough to get in
couple of good long runs. Furthermore, there is a promise of quality
and encouragement that only comes from spending some time in the snow
with a training buddy.
 
Dominique Ficalora is an adjunct professor of the written word at a college or two on Long Island and has a shiny new bike from Sunrise Tri.
All Contents Copyright © 2008 Rich Barkan, MetroTri.com |
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