November 28, 2016 RUNNING ON EMPTY

The GREAT thing about Thanksgiving is that I have 4 days to run--the BAD thing about Thanksgiving is that I have 4 days--IN A ROW--to run. Don't get me wrong, ideally I love running four days in a row--BUT-- realistically its really hard on my body. I'm just not in the best shape right now because I really cut my mileage back when I go back to school. So, by day four, I was hurting in places I didn't know existed. I really should have taken the day off but I didn't --because it's back to the grind again--and  I'll be stressing out about fitting my runs in--chasing my tail! Looking forward to tomorrow and a day of rest because my body is screaming for it--knees, ankles, back, muscles--begging for a break. This makes me think about REAL runners--I  have a healthy respect for the shape they are in. I recently read John L. Parker Jr.'s novel Once a Runner where the main character  Quinton Cassidy tries to break a 4 minute mile. Talk about torture.

The great thing about this book is that Parker, himself, was the Southeastern Conference mile champion three times and the United States Track and Field Federation national steeplechase champion. Although this is fiction, Parker knows what it takes to be a champion and captures it perfectly for the reader. Set in 1978 at a fictional college in Florida, Cassidy's one dream is to run the mile in 4 minutes. He misses his goal by 1 second and then all hell breaks loose--his girlfriend breaks up with him--Vietnam War--suspension from college. Cassidy is devastated but he's still determined to meet his goal. With the help of Olympic medalist Bruce Denton, Cassidy moves to a small cabin and prepares for the race of his life against the reigning mile champion. This is a great book for competitive runners, recreational runners or anyone who likes competitive sports. It is a fun, easy read of about 260 pages or a 4 mile recovery run after a tough race that you will really enjoy.  I just ordered the sequel called Again To Carthage because I am dying to know what happens to Cassidy in the future. Can't wait to read it. Enjoy!

November 25, 2016 WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS

The Black Friday run can be iffy......between the food-drink-dessert...... a bit precarious. Over the years though, I have conditioned myself to just do it. Out the door by 8:30 even if I feel like there is a brick in my head or in my stomach. No matter what, I always feel better after the run--REMEMBER--the word "better" is all relative-- depending on your perspective and how long you were making merry the day before. Speaking of making merry, Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays for many reasons.  I get to enjoy the day and don't have to worry about the turkey-stuffing-gravy. It's my only holiday off.   For that I am SOOO thankful.  I can get up and run 6 miles--so I don't feel guilty about the pies--and then my family plays in an annual neighborhood soccer game. It's great fun seeing everyone--watching the kids grow--and just having a few laughs with old friends.  The rest of the day is spent with family-enjoying each other's company, reminiscing and being thankful for each other. Perfect. It's a great mixture of family and friends.

Friendships are important to me--I actually still have friends from grammar school--high school--and beyond and couldn't imagine  life without them. So, when I found out  Meg Wolitzer's newest book  The Interestings  was about friendship, I had to read it. Set in the 1970's around Nixon's resignation, six teenagers meet at Spirit in the Woods, an arts summer camp. Jules Jacobson, the main character in the story, introduces the reader to the cast of characters-- all talented individuals--actresses, artists, musicians and writers who ultimately shape her life. Through a variety of seamless narrations, the reader journey's through the characters' lives. Each character has dreams--teenage dreams that change shape with maturity. While some blossom into successes, others are crushed and  left  feeling like failures.  It's also a story  about jealousy, regret and how people measure success over the years.  Through it all, the friendships evolve-change-take on new meaning and impact their lives in a variety of ways.  It's a wonderful story about accepting the good and bad, staying true to yourself and rejoicing in the success of others. This book has had a lasting impact on me and it will do the same for you. It's about 500 pages --or a 7 mile run--worth every page. Enjoy!

November 24, 2016 "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)"

It's that time of year to reflect and be thankful--so--in that spirit--I thought that I would write a blog about being thankful--in NO particular order. Health.  I am thankful to be healthy enough in mind, body and spirit to exercise on a regular basis--without this outlet--I might not have the rest. Family. I am thankful that I have a great family--not sure how that happened--must have done something right by accident. Friends. I am thankful to have a few good friends--who feel like family. Weather. I am thankful for all types of weather--especially--the sun. There is nothing that brightens my day more than being able to spend time in the sun. Books. I am grateful to all of the authors out there who have inspired me and helped me become a better--teacher--writer--thinker--mother. Intelligence. I am grateful that I was smart enough to change my life--let go of the old-- and forge a new path. Food. Thankfully, I learned to cook at a young age--and it keeps my kids coming back again and again. Drink. Lastly, I am thankful for water, coffee and vodka--for helping me stay hydrated, awake and relaxed when I need to be. Enough said.

The main character Nariman Vakeel, a seventy-nine year old suffering from Parkinson's disease, is also thankful for his daughter in Rohinton Mistry's bestselling book of 2002 Family Matters. Set in Bombay, Nariman, a Parsi,  lives with his  two middle-aged step-children, Coomy and Jal in a  spacious apartment in the city of Mumbai.  Coomy is a selfish, manipulative woman who resents having to take care of her step-father in his old age as she never accepted him as a father.  After an accident, Nariman is bedridden and Coomy and Jal devise a plan to get rid of him. They want his home, but are not willing to make any sacrifices as they believe his real daughter, Roxana, should take care of him. They  bring Nariman to live with Roxana and her family in a TINY apartment on the other side of town.  Although Roxana wants to take care of her beloved father, they already live in cramped conditions and are financially drained. Family does matter as seen in Roxana's devotion to her father and family but the situation eventually causes resentment from her husband Yezad and children. In order to  make ends meet, Yezad ultimately decides to steal money from his employer which turns their lives upside down.  Find out what happens next when you read this beautifully written novel of about 400 pages--or a 6 mile run--that stresses the importance of family and giving back. Spend a few minutes today thinking about what you're grateful for. Happy Thanksgiving.

November 20, 2016 MAN IN THE MIRROR

One of my favorite things to do is buy new running clothes when the season changes. It's a great way to stay motivated. So I ordered some new pants and they've been sitting on my bureau--just waiting for the right temperature--which happened to be this morning. Yippee!! I put the pants on and immediately felt better--New Clothes--New Attitude--Right? Seems simple enough to me. The real test though was when I started running. Within 5 minutes, I was annoyed. They were too big and they kept falling down. It was my own fault though--Not sure why I ordered a large--I think I see someone bigger than I really am in the mirror. So, the whole run--6 miles--I had to stop and pull my pants up.  Good thing it wasn't a race or it would have killed my time. Lesson One--Never wear anything new when running a race--stick with the tried and true. Lesson Two--BODY IMAGE. Women in general have a distorted view of their bodies--from years of media hype--and it's hard to escape. I have personally been a victim of it my whole life. I need to learn to appreciate my body--every lump of it--accept my age (probably won't happen)--and embrace who I am right now. IT'S ALL GOOD--THAT'S WHAT I KEEP TELLING MYSELF ANYWAYS.
Bernadette Fox the main character of Where'd You Go, Bernadette written by Maria Semple has the opposite problem.  She accepts herself just fine, it's everyone else that has a problem with her. Bernadette lives in Seattle with her 15 year old daughter Bee, and her Microsoft computer geek husband Elgin. Bernadette is a world famous architect who has abandoned her career. She is now a mother and serious agoraphobic who  loves her family but hates her life. She hates Seattle--and all the mothers whom she refers to as "gnats" at her daughter's private school. It's all too much for her. As Bernadette teeters on the brink of insanity, her well-meaning husband sets up an intervention during which Bernadette disappears. This laugh out loud story is narrated by Bee and told in a series of letters, emails, transcripts and other written documents as Bee searches for her mother and discovers much more than she bargained for. I really enjoyed this book--it's an easy, fun read-- filled with quirky characters that are hysterical. It's about 350 pages--or a 4 mile run--that ends too fast. Enjoy!

November 16, 2016 WE ARE FAMILY

The time change. UUGGHH!!!!  When am I going to fit my run in??  Who's going to watch my little one so I can run??  Is he old enough to stay home alone for an hour? I wonder if I can stick him in the dog crate for an hour?? I promise I'll leave water and a snack--HHMMM. These are the  questions that run through my mind--almost daily. It's getting easier though. My oldest graduated from college in May and is living in the area. He is also considerate enough to juggle his work schedule when he can so that I can go for a run--THANK YOU, THANK YOU. He's used to my kookiness and thinks nothing of getting a text from me to find out if he will be able to swing by for a bit so his crazy mother can run. He's not a runner so he doesn't really understand my quirky habits, but he goes with it.  Don't worry though,  I take care of him in the FOOD department to return the favor. IT'S ALL ABOUT THE FOOD TO HIM.  My daughter even helps out when she is home from college-- she'll watch the little guy --join me for a run--or even run a few races with me over the summer. She's the real athlete in the family so she understands. My husband also helps out--running early in the morning so that I can fit my weekend runs in--the long ones and the REALLY LONG ones. I guess it's REALLY a  family affair and I consider myself lucky that I have a family that supports me and helps me reach my goals. June Elbus the 14 year old main character of Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt isn't quite so lucky with her family though.

June lives in Westchester with her parents and sister Greta. Her parents are overwhelmed with work and June has a strained relationship with her sister. Her only saving grace is her Uncle Finn. June and Finn are extremely close which drives her family crazy because he is gay. This is the 80's when the AIDS epidemic hit New York City hard. Finn is ill, but June doesn't know what's wrong with her ultra talented artist uncle. Finn asks June and Greta to come sit for a portrait that he entitles Tell the Wolves I'm Home.  Soon after the portrait is  completed,  Finn passes away. June is devastated but has no one to share her grief with until she meet Finn's boyfriend Toby at the funeral. June and Toby ultimately become close even though her mother forbids her to see him. Junes family eventually falls apart-- her parents  are wrapped up with their own problems and her sister starts abusing alcohol. Read this beautiful story to find out how Toby and the portrait painted by Finn ultimately bring this family back together.  This story sticks with me because I had an Uncle who died of AIDS in the early 90's. Even then, it was a big secret--the stigma attached to it--tore families apart. It must have been sad to feel so alone in the world. Looking back, I wish I could've helped. Anyways, give this book a try. Its about 380 pages or a 5 mile easy run that will help you empathize with an epidemic that continues to take lives. 

November 14, 2016 SOMEONE SAVED MY LIFE TONIGHT

I've been thinking a lot about how reading and running have saved me over the years. Whenever life got tough for me as a kid--VERY dysfunctional family--I could always lose myself in a good book. My grandmother taught me that. I think life was hard for her; hence, the reason her nose was always in a book--EVEN while she was making dinner. It was her escape from reality. We all need to escape from the ghosts that haunt us at times--AND-- life is just easier for some than others. I think it's  luck of the draw-- some of us are born into great, supportive families--AND-- others aren't. It's that simple. I hate the saying--LIFE ISN'T FAIR--but boy is it ever true.  I am thankful, though, that I had E.B. White, Shel Silverstein, Judy Blume, Beverly Clearly, Danielle Steele and Colleen McCullough--I'm sure there are many others--to get me through my younger days. The same goes for running. It has  helped me get through some really difficult times too. It's like therapy. It's helped me face death, disappointment and demons. The miles go by--I unwind--decompress--and  feel ready to face the day--without it, I'm not sure what would happen to me.  I could have gone either way in life--it's a slippery slope--but I believe that reading, running AND a little luck have all helped me stay the course.

Life hasn't been very fair either to Dominick Birdsey, the narrator of my favorite Wally Lamb novel, I Know This Much is True.  This is the story of twins, Dominick and Thomas Birdsey, who reside in a fictional town in Connecticut known as Three Rivers (Norwich). Dominick is supposed to be the brother that has his life together because Thomas suffers from severe mental illness and has been in and out of the state hospital several times. Dominick; however, feels a mixture of responsibility, guilt and resentment toward his schizophrenic brother. These emotions have shaped Dominick's life as revealed in a series of flashbacks of their life together. The brothers endured  a difficult childhood which included a horrible stepfather, an ineffective mother, domestic abuse and Dominick also feeling responsible for his crazy brother. His childhood has really affected his life and Dominick's present life is a mess. He's forty years old -- self- destructive, divorced from the love of his life and confused, but under all of his baggage is a decent person. Dominick finally enters therapy which sheds light on the person he has become. This is a wonderful story of Dominick's family going back three generations that provides insight and finally redemption as Dominick learns to make peace with his demons and begins to really live his life. I absolutely loved this book and will read it again someday. It is a bit of a commitment--or a winter book-- when you want to hunker down and sink your teeth into a good book. It's 900 pages --or a 10 mile run--but it will be an inspiring journey that will make you forget the cold--I promise.

November 11, 2016 NEW ATTITUDE

Coffee is a VERY important part of my morning routine. It's one of the first things I go for when I get up-- without it-- I'm a ZOMBIE. This morning I had to FORGO the coffee though--WHAT  A TERRIBLE WAY TO START  MY DAY.  Anyways, running without that cup of joe hurt--literally and figuratively.  I was in a fog the whole time--I couldn't get into my groove or find the zone. Every step hurt--DID I SAY--the whole time.  This was even worse than the hangover run last weekend--SERIOUSLY. When we were done, I told my comrade that the only good thing I had to say about the run was that it was OVER. As we walked home and I schlepped though the leaves I thought --it was awful, but any day I get to run is a good day.  Hey--it's November--running in shorts--and a balmy 52 degrees--who cares if the run is BAD, TORTURE, OR PURE HELL-- RIGHT?? There's always tomorrow and the promise of a new run--it's all about the ATTITUDE.

Our frame of mind pretty much shapes our lives and this is certainly evident in Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney's book The Nest. This is the story of the Plumb family, a seriously dysfunctional family living in New York City. Four siblings, Leo, Melody, Jack and Beatrice have spent their adult lives waiting for the youngest to turn 40. On her birthday, the four siblings will finally collect their inheritance- what they refer to as the nest. Leo is the oldest brother, reckless and unlikable, who has put the nest in jeopardy in a drunk driving accident involving a 19 year old girl. Melody is a wife and mother living in an ultra expensive neighborhood with  two college tuitions looming over her head. The other brother, Jack is an antiques dealer who owes everyone money, while the youngest Beatrice is a promising author who never finishes what she starts. They have all made a mess of their lives and need the nest to solve their financial problems. This is a story about bad choices, ambition and how money can destroy people. Will they get their inheritance and solve their woes--read this debut novel and find out for yourself.  I really enjoyed this book and can certainly see it  being made into a movie in the future. It's about 350 pages or a 5 mile easy run that you will really enjoy. Remember attitude is everything.

November 9, 2016 I LOVE TRASH

Litter. When I'm out running, I see it everywhere. Bottles, cans, empty food containers--I even see used needles strewn on the ground. SCARY.  If I were walking, I would bring a garbage bag and pick it up, but I really need to fit my run in so I don't have time to stop--AND WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO??   What I can't understand is why people litter in the first place. It should be one of the first things a parent teaches a child. So what's the deal?? Is it lack of respect, ignorance, apathy or the ALL ABOUT ME ATTITUDE SO PREVALENT TODAY?? We only have one EARTH and if we don't take care of it who will??  Pick up after yourself--HELLO--we have these things called GARBAGE CANS--use them.Speaking of garbage, how about that Presidential election. WOW. I guess it wasn't rigged, huh?

 The events of the last 24 hours remind me of this great book I read last year by Philip Roth called The Plot Against America--because that is literally how I feel. Philip Roth is a wonderful writer of numerous books over his long career.  He has won several awards including a Pulitzer Prize for fiction and the Pen/Faulkner award just to name a few. He is definitely worth the effort. Anyways,  The Plot Against America is a dystopian novel  set in 1940 in the United States. In Roth's version of American history though, Charles Lindbergh--known Nazi sympathizer and Fascist--defeats Franklin Roosevelt in the Presidential election.   American Jews including Roth's own family--this part is sort of autobiographical-- live in fear as Lindbergh blames "Jews" for getting America involved in  World War II. Roth's family as well as his other Jewish neighbors  live in fear--paranoia--suspicion about what will happen to them as the Lindbergh administration  institutes anti-semitic policies.  Many move to Canada, some are relocated by the government, while others live in denial until it's too late. This is an important novel to read--a real eye opener that begs the question-- Are we one election away from a dictatorship or fascism?? Find out what ultimately happens in Roth's version of American history when you read this novel. It's about 350 pages or a 6 mile run that will have you seeing our world in a frightening way.

November 7, 2016 SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO?

Wish I had run the Tarzan Brown 5.5 mile road race yesterday. Not sure why I didn't -- a combination of commitment phobia and a 1:30 start time-- were the reasons I used to justify my laziness. It was a great day to run--nice and cool-- beautiful scenery too. I hate when I talk myself out of things or when I can't make a decision.  It's frustrating to be WISHY-WASHY. I miss many things because of my inability to just say YES. A few friends ran the race and we were chatting about it today and I felt  left out ALL because of my INDECISIVENESS. They were talking splits and clock times and I felt that competitive spirit brewing--and then-- REGRET. I have no one to blame but myself--so I'll take responsibility--try to change--and move on. UGH!  Anyways, I actually just finished a book written by Orhan Pamuk called The Museum of Innocence that is filled with regret.

I picked this novel up a few months ago because the author had won a Nobel Prize for Literature in 2006 for another book entitled Snow, so I figured it must be good. There were many things I loved about this beautifully written book--although  I believe it was 200 pages too long. The story is set in Istanbul around 1975 and the main character, Kemal, is about to be engaged to a young woman named Sibel. Both are from wealthy families and seem to be a good match--until Kemal meets a beautiful retail worker named Fusun. He becomes obsessed with her-- initially believing he can have his cake and eat it too. His engagement is eventually called off which ruins his fiancee's reputation,  and Fusun runs away and marries someone else. Kemal  becomes obsessed with finding Fusun and then spends eight years trying to win her back. During this time, he starts a collection of her possessions in order to feel connected to her because he is not able to be with her or let her go.  This is a story of regret, longing, Turkish societal norms, social class and more. In many ways this novel reminded me of a "Turkish" Great Gatsby--which I loved.  If you enjoy a love story and want to find out what ultimately happens to Kemal and Fusun than read this book. It is a bit of a commitment though--about 500 pages --or an 8 mile run--that any romantic will find hard to put down.

November 6, 2016 BAD DAY

All runs are NOT created equal. Saturday's run was AWFUL--today's not so bad. It doesn't  help that I was making "merry"  a little too much Friday night. When will I ever learn???  Probably NEVER, but it's all good. I generally have my best runs first thing in the morning. The runs later in the day are more challenging--sometimes I don't eat enough and feel light headed when I run--other days I drink too much--coffee/water REALLY--and feel like I am running on a full bladder--which leads to several problems--use your imagination. Some days my legs and body feel light as a feather while on others I feel as if I weigh 400 pounds and every step is TORTURE. I wish I could figure out the magic formula to make all runs equal, but maybe not. I think it's important  to experience difficult runs so that I  CAN really appreciate the beauty of the IDEAL run--when my body feels like a machine and all the pistons are functioning at an optimum level-- it  seems so easy on those days. THE RUNNER'S HIGH.  It's perfection. It's what keeps me going.  This whole idea of good days and bad days is relative, especially, for the main character in Anna McParthlin's wonderful book, The Last Days of Rabbit Hayes. 
Mia "Rabbit" Hayes has a great life. She has a wonderful family, great friends and a beautiful daughter. She has

a lot to live for, but the reality we are faced with from page one is that Rabbit is dying and she is okay with it. Set in Ireland, this is a sad but also very funny story of a quirky family facing tragedy and their different ways of handling it. Told from multiple viewpoints, we come to know and love Rabbit's whole family--her strong very Irish mother, Molly, her sad helpless father Jack, her sister, brother, daughter and hysterical best friend. The story is about Rabbit's current life but also flashes back to her younger life-- growing up as the youngest in her family to her one and only true love, Johnny Hayes. This part of the book is fun and eases the tension in her current life. This is a story about strength as Rabbit gives her family the strength to let her go. It is also about finding the courage to laugh and find joy even in tragedy. I absolutely loved this book and will never forget it.  Take a hop into this amazing novel--it's an easy read of about 335 pages--only a 4 mile run--worth every second. Happy Reading.

November 4, 2016 RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE

In the last week,  I have run in shorts, capris, pants, sleeveless, short sleeve, long sleeve, light jacket, heavy jacket, hat and gloves. One day I'm in shorts, the next  hat and gloves. It has been crazy. Yesterday, I felt like I was in Oz as the wind whipped up and down the streets and the leaves whirled round and round.  It was WILD--It was CHAOS. I guess it is to be expected this time of year when mother nature can't make up her mind--cold--hot--windy--foggy--It actually snowed at some point last week. All this disorder brings to mind the idea of dystopia--a world turned upside down. I'm a HUGE fan of the dystopian novel--especially, in the political climate we are  currently navigating and what better book to reflect politics and dystopia than Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell.

I read Nineteen Eighty-four for the first time when I was a freshman in high school--I loved it then--and I loved it even more when I reread it a few years back. The main character, Winston Smith, lives in Airstrip One, a province of Oceania under a Totalitarian state. This is a world where people who are free thinkers are tortured. Everyone is monitored by telescreens, microphones and secret spies.  Smith works for the Ministry of Truth and is responsible for propaganda and history revision that supports the party-- BIG BROTHER. Smith secretly hates the party because  he knows the REAL past. He dreams of overthrowing the government and records his thought in a journal. Find out what happens to Smith when he is arrested by the "thought police" and tortured to "cure" his insanity. This classic has been named to the Modern Library's 100 best novels of all time and is a must read. It's about 335 pages--or a 6 mile run--that you need to read because-- BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU.

November 3, 2016 DON'T LET ME BE MISUNDERSTOOD

Last weekend while I was out running, I came across a dead cat pushed to the side of the road. Someone's pet. I could barely look at it--the sight of a dead animal AND blood is very upsetting to me. I've been thinking about that cat and wondering if its owners are looking for it. It is hard to lose a pet, especially, that way. It reminded me of our cat, Pongo. He was the BEST cat ever--weighing in at about 20 pounds--he had personality PLUS and  was a beloved member of our family--even the dogs accepted him over time.  One night, out of the blue, he didn't come home. Next thing we knew, a pack of coyotes was living in the woods behind our house, and we had to accept the fact that our beautiful, robust, white and black SUPER friendly cat was most likely killed. Sadly, Pongo didn't have a chance against wild animals. Anyways, we have fond memories of that giant ball of fur, and over the years he has become sort of a legend around our dinner table.

 This brings to mind a book from 2003 whose premise is a dead dog and the mystery that surrounds it in Mark Haddon's International bestseller The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. This story, set in England, is told through the eyes of Christopher Boone, a fifteen year old autistic boy. Christopher lives in a world he doesn't understand. He can relate to animals well, but has no understanding of  human emotion.  He loves math, knows every prime number and country, but hates to be touched and freaks out whenever he sees the color yellow. One night, he discovers that his neighbor's poodle, Wellington, has been killed. Shortly thereafter,  the neighbor  discovers Christopher in his yard with the dead dog and has him arrested as a suspect in the dog's death. Upon his release, Christopher decides ( against his father's wishes)  that he is going to find out who murdered Wellington. This story is not really about the dog, it is about living with autism. Haddon is masterful at showing the reader how difficult it is for an autistic person to navigate in a world that is totally foreign--where one is overwhelmed by sensation, is literal minded and socially detached. Everyone should be required to read this book--it is an easy read at about 224 pages-- a 4 mile run--that will have a huge impact on you and perhaps change the way you think of autism.