Racing on Martha's Vineyard: A Top 10 List

Today I ran the 8th Annual 5K for KJ.  This was a new one for me.  I was happy to find it for several reasons.  First, I overslept for the Oak Bluffs Thanksgiving Day 5K Road Race that I typically run, so I completely missed the boat on that one.  Second, it took place on the MV high school's cross country course which was beautiful and, I thought, a very pleasant change from being on the road.  And finally, it was for a great cause as all proceeds went to the Kevin Johnson Cross Country Scholarship Fund.  Races on Martha's Vineyard are quite a different experience than most.  If you happen to be on the island at any time, I highly recommend you find one and jump in.  You won't be disappointed.  Here are some of the many reasons why:

Top 10 Reasons to Run a Race on Martha's Vineyard

1. In the off-season these races are relatively small and parking is a piece of cake.  In the summer, it can be a bit trickier but even if you have to park far from the start you'll still be pretty close.  Almost everything on MV is within 'walking' distance.

2. If you are waiting in line for the bathroom and the race is about to begin, there is no need to panic as the race director will usually wait for everyone.  Having all their runners is more important than starting right on time.

3. You can safely leave your keys in your car during the race and be confident that it will be there when you're done.  In truth, I often see the keys dangling in ignitions as I walk through the parking lot.  This is not the least bit strange.

4. If it is cold, as it was today, you can huddle up with the people next to you even if they are complete strangers.  On the island, this is totally normal.

5. If you have that competitive edge there is a good chance you can win your age group.  The truly elite runners don't make their way over to the island that often, especially in the off-season.

6. If you do happen to win, you're prize will likely be from a local business.  If it happens to be something from a restaurant, even better.  Today's prize, for example, was a box of goodies from Chilmark Chocolates; hands down the best I've ever eaten.

7.  As you are waiting for the race to start, you can turn to anyone standing near you and they genuinely want to meet you and chat about what "brings you to the island."

8. Regardless of what town the race is being held in, the scenery is guaranteed to be beautiful.

9. If you forget something, i.e. money, and you need it in order to register, the race volunteers will either lend it to you or trust that you'll drop it off or put it in the mail later that day.  If the race is a bigger one, and the people working the race can't help you, the guy next to you in line will probably will.

10. When the race is over, you can find your family in about 30 seconds.  This sounds minor, but it's SO nice.  Especially when you have kids that are itching to get going.

And, most importantly, after that you can head to Mocha Mott's for a ridiculously sinful but well-earned, specialty coffee.  Meet you there!

Listen to this:
Global Concepts - Robert DeLong  

Give Thanks & Listen

The past couple weeks have been nuts and I am so looking forward to a much-needed break with my family.  For the next few days, in addition to being thankful, I plan to do a whole lot of very little.  There will be no crazy morning school routines to deal with, no board meetings, no cross country practices; just eating, sleeping and chilling out.  Yes, I'll get some running in, but it will be on my own time not when I have to squeeze it in.  I am pumped!  On that note, I will leave you with some of the music that I am digging right now.  Take the time to explore it all over the holiday if you so desire.  There is no rhyme or reason to this list.  It's got a little bit of everything.  Just sit back, relax, give thanks and listen.  Cheers.

ALBUMS
1. Aimee Mann - Charmer  
2. The Helio Sequence - Negotiations  
3. Sea Wolf - Old World Romance  
4. White Arrows - Dry Land Is Not a Myth  
5. Crystal Fighters - Star of Love
6. Cat Power - Sun  

SINGLES
1. Fitzpleasure - Alt-J  
2. Inhaler - Foals  
3. Swim and Sleep (Like a Shark) - Unknown Mortal Orchestra  
4. Default - Atoms for Peace  
5. Blessed - Tom Hangs & Shermanology  
6. Closer - Tegan & Sara  

LISTEN TO THIS: LHS XC State Meet Playlist

On Saturday, the Lexington High School girl's cross country team will be running one of the hardest courses in the state of MA.  The race is located at Northfield mountain in the beautiful but hilly town of Gill (see left).  The course is a grueling 3.1 mile loop up and down a mountain.  No joke.  It is literally a full-blown mountain.  The girls will be fighting for their place in the state.  Their time is not a factor.  It's all guts.  Nothing more.  And they are ready.  These girls listen to music at home, on the bus, with each other, getting ready, on their warm up; basically whenever they need inspiration to push themselves beyond their limits.  Like so many of us, they too are driven by songs and/or lyrics that will help get them in the mindset to "go".  So, what do high school girls listen to when they are getting pumped up to run one of the biggest races of their year?  Here's what they told me in their own words.  The best part - this has to be one of the most eclectic playlists out there.  Different strokes for different runners.   If it works, it works.  Rock on, girls!

From Hayley
Raise Hell - Brandi Carlile   
It gets me really pumped up for a race, not to mention the fact that it's a good song in general. It also has an awesome running beat to have stuck in your head if that happens. 

From Virginia
Dog Days Are Over - Florence + the Machine  
For me this song is about keeping your mind focused and not dwelling on the past (in this case past races or workouts, things that may not have gone as planned), and moving forward. Taking your motivation and determination, and leaving all other distractions behind is very important during a race. Although the message could be perceived as kind of dark, the tune (which is pretty catchy), and the meaning are things that I find inspiring.

From Eleanor (& Paige)
Remember the Name (pre-race) - Fort Minor  
It' a pumpy song and gets me thinking about why I run and what it takes to be a runner (not really because of the song itself but bc of the chorus...10% luck, 20% skill, 15% concentrated power of will, 5% pleasure, 50% pain, 100% reason to remember the name) and Paige always plays it before before big meets so I like to think of it as a tradition. 
Set Fire to the Rain - Adele (sings it in her head during the race)  
Because of the last line " let it burn" which i think  is a good way to think of going up hills. That is also my go-to song for singing. 

From Grace
For you - Keith Urban  
It is inspiring because it is about someone who is sacrificing his life for people he loves. The music behind the lyrics builds up the story. If someone can sacrifice so much for something they love despite so much fear, they can do anything. It makes me want to work hard to deserve everything that I have and can possibly achieve.

From Steph  
Home - Philip Philips  
I heard this song on the radio last week and I've listened to it a good 20 times since then.   I like it because even though it doesn't really have an explicit meaning it makes me think of the team and how  when the team works together we can do anything. We're a team and we succeed together, on the course, and at practice. And, when the song says home I always think of how the team is like a home/family.  It reminds me that the team should know everyone supports them and that we shouldn't be afraid of trying to achieve new feats.

From Emma
Tonight is the Night - Outasight  

This song is such a good-feeling pump up song.  I tend to attach memories to songs, so when I listen to this song, I am reminded of hot weather and sand and the ocean!

Radioactive -  Imagine Dragons  

About 40 seconds in, Radioactive has the best beat drop.  This song is so intense and focuses me for an upcoming race.  Listening to it centers my thoughts and helps me to not get distracted.

Fly - Nicki Minaj  

Grace showed us all this song.  It is pretty inspirational, but most importantly, it reminds me of my freshman cross country season and the short-lived obsession that we all had with Nicki Minaj. :)

From Olivia
Anything by Bob Marley i.e.
Buffalo Soldier  
Bad Boys  

Great for warm-up, cool-down, and pump-up.
Eye of the Tiger - Survivor  
Of course!
Gonna Fly Now (from Rocky) - Rocky Orchestra  
Another given.

From Sonia
Eye On It - Toby Mac  
This song is my absolute favorite pump-up song. Everything about it is pre-race perfect; intense, electronic, energy-boosting background music coupled with race-related lyrics that allude to my personal beliefs as a Christian. “’Cause I can feel the wind at my back. Chest is pumpin’ like a heart attack. Feet are movin’ and my mind is locked. Pressin’ on with everything I got... I feel the deeper call in me, all else is fadin’ in the past, so let me run in the race that I know is built to last.” Before a race, these lyrics get me excited to press on with “everything I got” for the Lexington cross country team and for God.

********* CLICK HERE TO SEE THE COMPLETE PLAYLIST IN ITUNES *********

Strength In Numbers

Pre-race team bonding.
These girls are freakin' close!

As many of you know, this fall I have had the good fortune of coaching the Lexington High School girls cross country team; an incredible group of 56 ladies.  At the moment, the main season has come to an end and only ten of them are continuing to compete.  On Saturday,  we went to Wrenthem to race in the MA State Divisional meet.  This was big time.  There were thousands of runners from all over the Eastern Mass and multiple races being held for both men and women.  I tried very hard to remain calm, cool and collected as I took in the chaos of this event.  All morning right up until the start of the race, the other coaches and I continuously stressed the importance of coming in together as a tight pack.  I won't get into the details of how to score a cross country meet, but, basically, teams are more likely to do well if they finish together as a group and then as close to the front as possible.  Many people think of running as individual sport.  So many of us who run, myself included, get out there each day to zone out, take a mental break, listen to music; whatever.  In cross country, having a solo mindset is simply not an option.  While their individual times were important, it was their actual places and how close they were to each other that was going to help them snag a top spot at the finish.  In the end, we did not have any runners in first, second, third or even 10th place.  Our first runner came in 15th.  And then the rest of them cruised in right after her which helped us edge out all the other teams but one for a second place finish overall and a guaranteed entry to the State meet next week.  Done and done!

The proof is in the pudding (or places)!

These girls, all 56 of them, come out to practice every day and push themselves so hard to be better.  They work to improve their race times, always striving for that personal best.  But it is their strength as a team that sets them apart.  And this will undoubtedly benefit all of them as they head to their next meet, to their next season and throughout the rest of their lives.  Go Lex!

Strength in Numbers

Listen to this:
You're Too Cool - The Zolas (from Tic Toc Tic)