We Don't Walk Slow

Gobble Wobble 5k

So I spent last night sober and still went to the bar which was a complete 180 from my usual routine. Reason being that I’m running the Gobble Wobble 5k today and the race is drawing something in the neighborhood of 2,500 people. I signed up with the intention of doing it and I don’t usually back out of 5k’s. Being at the bar sober really wasn’t too bad. I had normal conversations with most people and didn’t really feel out of place at any moment. I did get back at 1am which was a little bit later than I’d probably like but I don’t expect that to have an effect on my performance. My first goal today is under 17:30 and then obviously anything under 17 minutes. I’ll have a recap after the race.

By Tom Stortz|2013-03-15T03:09:18-04:00November 22nd, 2012|Running|0 Comments

Rnningfool

Using the moniker rnningfool was probably one of the best decisions of my life. Mainly because it is so fitting to who I’ve become. Considering I chose this at 13 or so years old, I really have to give myself a pat on the back for the foresight. In my youth the name was directly correlated to being on the track team and putting in lots of miles. Only a fool would do something so pointless as running in circles. As I developed into an adult though I starting earning the fool part as alcohol entered my life. Having almost never touched a drop of alcohol until my freshmen year of college, I was promptly given an underage drinking citation in my 2nd week of school. I followed that up with incidents of frostbite, public drunkenness, public urination, a split lip, and a broken ankle and that’s really only touching the surface of the ones I remember. Needless to say that these are quite foolish and (drunk) running was involved in quite a few. Thus the rnningfool was/is still appropriate.

After a decade of these foolish incidents I’m starting to play the fool in a different way once again. I’m actually leaning more towards the running part and am playing the fool by touching alcohol. People who don’t abuse alcohol don’t really understand what it’s like to drink until you completely lose control. I’m making you aware that when an alcoholic drinks it’s not like they are trying to black out but they (me) just bypass the normal warning signs that non-alcoholics get. At this point of my life I know I can’t drink responsibly. This doesn’t mean that I have a drink and fly off the handle. My tolerance has actually adapted so well that the amount of alcohol I consume is absurd. HOWEVER, this doesn’t mean that I don’t get wasted after hours and hours of drinking. My fundamental problem is drinking for hours on end which if you hang out with me on one of these binge drinking sessions you’ll start to understand. So that being said, my best plan moving forward would be to never touch a drop of alcohol because then the problem would never exist…

…but what fun would that be. I like drinking alcohol. I can’t think of a better time than hanging out, drinking my favorite craft beers and watching and gambling on sports. I know people who read that shake their heads and just put their hands up and say “there’s no hope for this guy.” Hell, I say it myself. But tell me where I’m doing a bad job in life? I have a good job, I stay fit, I get along with practically everybody, and am generally likeable as a person. I earn the right to do as I please. I haven’t made decisions in my life where I effect other people (ie. a wife and family). The only harm I’ve ever done to anyone has been myself. And the oddest statement is that I can think of is that all your life experiences turn you into who you are today. I’ve spent my 20’s partying and living life while still balancing not being a screw up.

So here I sit today and am still trying to be the rnningfool. I have breakthrough news though for one specifically Sam Stortz. As Wayne Merkle stated “he kicked sand in my face.” Now Sam didn’t do this maliciously and probably isn’t even aware of what he said that fueled my fire. What he said was that I’m a lifetime 17:30 5ker and he’s right. In high school I never cared enough. In college I drank too much. Out of college I drank too much. And now is my time to spend a few months trying to break that 17:00 mark. With a 5k time of 17:39 done last October I have about 40 seconds to shave off. I see this as a challenge but I’m fairly certain I can do it. I will be doing the Gobble Wobble on Thanksgiving and will hopefully knock that 17 minute mark on my first try. This will set the Stortz bar for a 5k at age 29 and I know that will be something these guys behind me will have to work for. And with that, the rnningfool will last forever.

Me at the Skeleton Skurry

By Tom Stortz|2013-03-15T03:13:09-04:00November 13th, 2012|Running|2 Comments

Phil’s 5k 2012 Experience

The results of this run can be found here.

I ran the 2nd fastest time of my life yesterday on the Phil’s course. The time of 17:48 was good for 7th place in a decimated field. There were 375 runners this year compared to, off the top of my head, 700 people in past years. I basically started in the front and and was near the front the entire race which is uncommon for me. Usually I start slow and pass runners as the race progresses but this year was different. My first mile was 5:41 which was a pretty good pace. Considering my finishing pace averaged 5:44 I think that I ran a really strong, consistent pace / race. I actually felt really good the entire way through and kick myself a bit for not pressing a little harder. People love to complain about the weather but I thought it was pretty nice. After I finished I got to watch in anticipation as Sam was pacing CK4 to the end. I was expecting a kick to the finish between the two but CK4’s energy level must have been zapped as I think I saw a man in a walker outkick them. Props to my mom too who finished in 29:07, good for 4th in her age division. When the pictures come up, I’ll add them to the site.

By Tom Stortz|2016-06-29T15:35:12-04:00July 19th, 2012|Running|0 Comments

Post Broad St

Yes. This is really corny but the Broad St run was an example of setting a goal and achieving it. I did so a tad unconventionally due to my lack of experience in longer road races compared to people I was running with. I finished under 60 minutes (59:44) and got about 160th out of 40,000. What I mean by unconventional is that I have more speed than the people I was running with, they however have more endurance. I started out the first 3 miles at 5:40 pace and was at least a minute under the goal of 60 minutes at 6 miles or so. However, after mile 7 I started fading pretty good. I fell off the 6 minute mile pace an into the 6:15 or so. At the ninth mile I had to do at least a 6:30 to break 60 and managed a 6:15. I really died during the last two miles and was getting passed repeatedly in that stretch. My race was taking it out too fast and dying at the end. More experienced runners run a steadier pace and are able to finish with a good kick compared to my limping in towards the finish. Overall though it was a perfect day for a run and I did what I set out to do. Success.

By Tom Stortz|2013-03-15T03:38:36-04:00May 6th, 2012|Running|1 Comment

Pre Broad St

It’s 6:08 and I’m just about to leave for the 10 mile Broad St Run which goes off at 8:30. My plan is to drive up to the stadium, take the subway to the start, run the race, and then leave before the masses finish. I ate 6 slices of pizza last night and only pooped out a tiny bit which has me mildly concerned. I feel pretty good though and expect to run well.

I went golfing yesterday at a really nice course called Broad Run in West Chester. It was only 39 bucks for a twilight rate. I managed a 90 and that consisted of getting up and down for pars on 3 straight holes. I wasn’t as magical off the tee as I am some times but the short game pulled me through. I wasn’t sure if playing a round of golf before Broad st was wise but I decided to keep my legs active. I’ve also been playing a lot of chess so any noobs out there who want to challenge me, chess.com, username rnningfool.

By Tom Stortz|2016-11-01T23:20:51-04:00May 6th, 2012|Running|0 Comments

American Odyssey Relay

I did something a bit different this weekend. I ran in a relay called the American Odyssey Relay. The relay consists of a 12 person team completing 200 miles starting in Gettysburg and finishing in Washington DC. Our team, Ambler Stampede, had two vans leave on Thursday afternoon to do the registration and we stayed the night in Gettysburg. We started the relay at 9:30am on Friday morning. The 200 miles is divided up in 36 legs that consist of somewhere between 4-10 miles. We designate the vans as van 1 & 2. The 6 people in van 1 complete their legs and at the 6th transition point, the vans meet up and switch for the next set of runs. Essentially, each person has 3 legs of their own, they do their leg and they have to wait for 11 runners to complete their legs before they run again.

I packed 3 running outfits and a bunch of sweat shirts and sweat pants because I knew it was going to be on the colder side. I put an expected pace time of 6:30 per mile. Each person gives their own pace time and this is what we used to know how long you have to get to each transition point. For example, if Bob (the runner before me) has an 8 mile run and expects an 8 minute pace, I know I (Van 2) have about an hour to get our van to the next transition point so I can be ready for when he finishes. This sounds easier said than done. It happened a time or two when our runner would finish and the next person wasn’t ready to go at the transition point. Coordinating 12 people really takes some managing.

Another key difference in a run like this is the rest time between your next run. I was a bit unsure how to approach this as I’m not used to only waiting 10 hours before my next run. I’ll briefly describe my experience with the legs. My first leg was about 5 miles and started in a trail area only to hit the main roads and turn into an out and back. I did a few shots the night before and wasn’t feeling fabulous but still finished my run in under my expected pace by a few minutes. My second leg was by far the highlight of my experience. It was about 2am, 40 degrees, and the sky was crystal clear with hundreds of glowing stars and a crescent moon to run under. Not to mention that I was running through where the battle of Antietam took place. Not knowing how my legs were going to feel I started off the run at a modest pace. After the first mile (and passing about 4 other teams) I knew this was going to be fast because it was all asphalt. The leg was only 4.7 miles and the conditions were that of a perfect storm. I started moving at a brisk pace and finished the run before my teammate was even able to meet me. The mile times, I think, were probably 5:30’s but I didn’t have a watch on them. Absolutely phenomenal experience. My 3rd leg was along the Potomac river (it was actually a canal) was my longest at nearly 8 miles and I beat the expected pace by a few minutes but my legs were really feeling the fatigue. I was happy with my personal performance.

Here are a few notable stories & findings from the trip –
– We left our runner at a transition point due to complete panic and miscommunication
– Nikkii was by far the best at designing our van
– I have a knack for directions
– I slept a total of 2 hours in the entire experience and did my best to keep Nathan awake on our drive from West Virginia to Poolesville at 4am-6am
– I had my reservations on how easy it would be to get lost over the course of 200 miles and I found that it wasn’t an issue. Our runner, Jeff, however did not have the same findings as he ran a full mile off course until he was rescued by the race director.
– Your eating schedule gets completely out of whack on a relay like this.
– Meeting 11 new people is truly a great experience and I’m happy I signed up for something outside of my norm.

By Tom Stortz|2013-03-15T03:38:42-04:00April 29th, 2012|My Life, Running|1 Comment

Rnningforum

In my constant search for internet success, I’ve created another webpage dedicated to running. There is an interesting feature that allows users to post articles and content. I’m hoping that this will generate some content from someone other than myself. This other site also have a focus which is much different than this page which just wanders around aimlessly. I’m hoping that other people who run will get the courage to submit something about their experience running. For instance, as a test I’d really like Laura to write an entry about her feelings regarding the upcoming Boston Marathon and then write again post race. I hope other people who read this and do something similar could post as well. I think this idea has potential if there is input from people other than myself. Whether that happens is up to you. I’m also in the beginning stages of getting the site up so I’m not even sure how operable it is. If you encounter any problems, let me know.

By Tom Stortz|2013-03-15T03:38:56-04:00March 28th, 2012|Running|1 Comment

Frostbite 5 Mile Results

At 9 am this morning the Frostbite 5 miler went off. Both my pre and post race thoughts were the same, this is a well run race. I know that’s a corny pun but this is organized to perfection and I give it two thumbs up. They divide the runners into sections of your mile time expectancy and that had me near the front without having to jockey for position. Compared to last year the weather was perfect. It was frigid and windy last year and this year it was probably 40+ and sunny. I started the race in fine form with a 5:30 mile which is probably a little faster than I want but not far off. I caught the two mile split at 10:50 but I think I probably misheard it. I was feeling pretty good at this point and running with a group of 6 people which made it easier. Around this point I started losing the group and was on my own. I heard 16 something (I’m sure it was 16 high) at the 3 mile and I knew I was on a good pace to run a good time. This is where things started to get interesting. At mile 4 I started to find myself in some trouble. Basically in races when people start coming from behind and passing you, you know you’ve fallen off pace. I had 2 guys pass me and then a girl at the start of 4 and I was starting to cramp up in my stomach a little bit, plus my legs were giving out. Once another girl passed me I knew I just had to finish. With 400 left I had yet another girl pass me and but fortunately I out kicked her. I finished with a time of 29:05 or so which was about 45 seconds better than last year. This was a good time but the conditions were ideal so I expected more. I’m still pretty happy with it though. Here are the results.

After the race I puked twice which was the first time that’s ever happened to me. I think it might have been from the gum I was chewing which is strange. I left immediately after the race and went to McDonald’s where I spent 7.19 and got a bacon, egg, and cheese bagel and a vanilla milkshake. While drinking the milkshake I was driving on the PA turnpike and I had an open road because all the other cars were in lanes 1 and 2. I’m not sure why drinking the milkshake has anything to do with this story but I floored it up to 120 which is one of the few times in my life I’ve eclipsed 120. I made it home safely and that brings me here typing on my keyboard about typing on my keyboard. I should have a good night tonight.

By Tom Stortz|2013-03-15T03:39:09-04:00February 18th, 2012|My Life, Running|1 Comment

Frostbite 5 Miler 2/18/12

Tonight is one of the few weekend nights I will spend completely sober. I will be racing in the Frostbite 5 miler in Ambler tomorrow and I trained somewhat for this race. Running is such a weird “sport” because the only thing you have to worry about is staying in shape. You can’t make up for running with skill. It’s strictly how good of shape your in and how hard you can push your body. What I’ve found interesting in these past few weeks is that I was in my best shape 3 weeks ago and the times I was running this past week weren’t as good. I can’t explain it because I’ve been consciously aware of this date to be in peak performance. Nevertheless, I think that diet comes into play sometimes when you eat something unhealthy, go for a run, and are disappointed because you didn’t think you were where you thought you should be. There’s no reason I shouldn’t be in as good as shape as 3 weeks ago but that’s just how it feels. It won’t really matter though because I know I’m going to run a strong 5 miles and whether it blows 29 minutes out of the water or I barely break 30, I’ll be somewhere in that range. I’m excited to see because it’s such a question mark in my mind of how good of shape I’m in. Things like “should I eat this doughnut” are popping into my mind like it will really make a difference.

The other thing to note was the unbelievable event that is called the Broad Street Run. I knew registration started at 10am and I sat there patiently as thousands of other runners would be signing up at the same time. It took me about a half hour to complete the registration while I probably waited 5 minutes on each screen. 30,000 runners signed up in a 5 hour period which is just incredible for a race. I feel bad for anyone who wants to do this and has no idea what type of event it has become. It’s the biggest 10 miler in the country which gives the race some prestige. I missed it last year but hopefully will turn 12′ into a PR.

By Tom Stortz|2013-03-15T03:39:21-04:00February 17th, 2012|Running|4 Comments

Running in the Cold

Aside from that one freak snow storm on Halloween, we’ve had pretty warm weather in Philly so far heading into December. I’m noticing that starting to change a little bit and I suspect freezing weather is soon to follow. When I drive up Kelly each morning I see people all bundled up running in the cold and I wonder “why on earth would you do this?” There are a number of reasons why I wouldn’t put myself through this:
1. The cold in general is uncomfortable.
2. Your hands and toes start to freeze.
3. You don’t sweat properly.
4. More clothing leads to slower times.
5. It doesn’t feel like you’re getting a work out

I suppose people feel like a champ after completing a run in the cold and having that sensation of running in brisk weather but I just prefer perfection conditions. Now maybe I’m biased because I can’t feel my left foot in the ice cold but you won’t find me running in any weather under 50. Technically I shouldn’t be writing this post because it will lead to more people running indoors but I really would appreciate any comments on why you run outside in cold weather if you don’t have to.

By Tom Stortz|2013-03-15T03:40:09-04:00November 30th, 2011|Running|2 Comments