It's Official!

I registered for Broad Street tonight. And I felt a tremendous sense of pride when I got my confirmation number. I can't believe I am going to run this race again. This will be my fourth time; but my first race since I've had my beautiful children. I really thought my racing days were over. I was running a bit here and there, but nothing too serious or consistent. Now with four weeks in December (when I laced up my sneaks again) and the 7 weeks of training with TEAM STANS under my belt, I feel like an athlete again. Yep, I'm proud of myself!

Request for Pictures

TEAM STANS... document your training with pics from the trail or the road (Thunder Road for some of us), and email them to me for our slideshow! We love seeing how everyone is doing (especially our sponsors). Don't forget to register for the race a.s.a.p. See you Sunday:)

Why do I run Broad Street every year?

There is a section on the Broad Street Run web site for runner's stories. It's a chance to share why you've decide to do the run. This year I decided to enter my story. I'm not sure where on the site you can read other runners stories, but I wanted to share my story with all of you. Here is what I sent in:

Why do I run Broad Street every year?

My story starts about nine years ago when I had recently starting dating my now wife. When she learned that I would occasionally go running and complete six miles without thinking about it, she suggested I do the Broad Street Run with her guardian Bruce. The joke was Bruce ran the 10-mile race to work off the beer he was going to drink at the end. I listened to these suggestions for about five years before I actually decided to run with Bruce, by then my father-in-law. As I prepared for that first race, Bruce would check-up on my progress and give me some pointers. He walked me through the process of registering, picking-up my race packet, and what to do the morning of the race. He became my unofficial running mentor and I was really excited to share this common bond by running with Bruce. Sadly, that first year I finally decided to run was also the first year Bruce couldn’t run, but he still went to the race with me and we still had a beer in the parking lot afterwards. I continued to run each year: this will be my fourth Broad Street Run. Bruce and I still shared the experiences, he would still check on my progress, and he would still help prepare me. Even though Bruce wasn’t on the race course with me he was there waiting for me at the end.

Running Broad Street became really special for me. It was as if I were running for both me and Bruce, keeping his tradition going. It is because of this bond I treasure so much that I just wanted to carry him down Broad Street one last time last September when we lost him to a sudden heart attack. He came home that night after coaching a big win for the high school football team, kissed his wife good night, and prepared to celebrate with the rest of the coaches. He went down stairs, laid on the couch, and waited for his ride. When his friend knocked on the door to pick him up, not ten minutes later, the dogs started barking, but he never answered. While I can’t carry his body down Broad Street with me, he will run every step of the race course with me from now on both in my heart and on my leg (in the form of a tattoo).

So, why do I run Broad Street this year? I run for the challenge. I run to keep the tradition alive. I run for my father-in-law and, now, I will forever run with Bruce.

Leprechaun Run, March 14,2009

Hey all,

Don't forget to register for the Leprechaun Run for March 14th. It is a 5 mile run starting at the Art Museum along West River Drive. The race begins at 9:00.

If you need a registration form, I can send it to you.
The cost is 20.00 before March 10th.

Broad Street Registration Information !!!!

Thanks to Lisa and Mike, I got this info up on the Blog for everyone. The link provided will take you to the Broad Street Run homepage. On the homepage, go to the registration section and fill the provided information out. The fee for pre-registration is $30.00. Please do not procrastinate on getting registered as the fee goes up within a month or so. Also, when you register early, you are locked in and this will give you that added motivation to get up early/stay after school late to get in those runs when you would rather do something else more desirable.

http://www.broadstreetrun.com/register.htm


Post comments if anyone has any problems registering.

Joe

Broad Street Run Registration is now open!

Hello again all!
Sorry for the long silence, it seems weather, illness (mine and/ or the family's), and life in general have been getting in my way of training and blogging. I think I missed the last three weeks of speed workouts (ouch!), but I have been able to get most of my long runs in on the weekends. I've been running through Tyler Park and have been pleasently surprised by the number of runners I see there. I've also been surprised to notice the Newtown side of the creek is generally flat while the Richboro/ Holland side is all very big hills. I guess I always knew this but never took notice. Following up on Karen's request for progress reports, I've been averaging about an 8:45 mile pace and running 6 to 8 miles per long run. Considering the hills and occasional snow and ice, I think I'm on track to repeat last year's Broad Street performance. I'm looking to get back on track with the training this week and start improving on that time.

Anyway, the good news is Broad Street Run registration is now open at broadstreetrun.com., $30 before March 31st, and $35 after. There is a lot of race information on the site, so I definately suggest taking some time to explore it. There are 2 changes this year I find interesting. First, they are using a corral system at the staring line. Race Organizers will tell you where to line up for the start of the race. Hopefully this will make for an easier start than in the past: it's rather frustrating to start running only to be stiopped by a wall of people who start slower than you. The other change is away from the champoinchip timing system. Instead they are using a similar system with disposable tags. This will be better at the finish line where everybody went from running to an instant stand still while trying to return thier timing chip. As we get closer to race day I'll offer some advice that Bruce gave me for avoiding all the hassels.

Happy running!

Tears on the Stairs

I woke up yesterday morning and decided I was not going to make a 9am run...so I had breakfast in bed and lounged around for a bit. I thought for sure a run was out of the question as I have yet to run outside by myself, but, no! At 10:30 I popped out of my lazy phase, put on my gear (even the water bottles) and headed down to the drives. I did the 6 mile run with an added run up the Art Museum steps and around the museum itself. Yes, I teared up when I got up those steps...to think, I have run up those steps many times - as a little kid, a teenager, after many a nights out in the city, with people who come in from out of town, and with my own kids at South (we actually carried a boom box on our shoulder for that one with the acutal music playing!), but I have never run up those steps as a true athlete - someone who is actually training for something! It felt good...as all of those tourists were taking pictures of themselves jumping up and down at the top of the steps, I did the same, but mine meant something more!!!! I was so proud! So, here is my picture - not at the steps as I didn't have my camera, but at the end at the Temple Boat House. I took it myself as you can see just to prove I was actually there.

Oxygen Deprivation...

Had a lovely 7 mile run this morning with the lovely Lisa Roscoe. A wee bit windy in some parts, but lovely nonetheless.

Our "plan" was to replenish ourselves with delicious Starbucks beverages following the run...after all, there might be some good photo ops. So we drove back over the bridge and parked the cars, after which I proceeded to leave my car key in the back of my LOCKED car. Fortunately, we were right by the New Hope police station, so I phoned the dispatcher from their parking lot for some assistance. Does it seem unusualy that we had to wait 10 minutes for an officer to drive in?? I kind of thought that maybe someone would just walk out of the building. To make a VERY LONG story short (which is probably more entertaining to hear rather than read anyway), my husband ended up coming to my rescue in the end.

No pictures of the run or Starbucks, although we did still get our beverages. My excuse, because I know I'm going to likely hear about this, is that it was all a result of oxygen deprivation. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Lis, thanks for waiting with me...I owe you (and probably Bill too!) a few more Starbucks for sticking around with me!

The key...yeah, stupid, I know.

My Knights in shining armour...the 4th one was at his grandparents' house. Carter even thought to bring his rescue light with him (which he is holding up). This was taken at about 12:15, when I finally got home!

Sunday run at Stockton

The plan is to meet at the designated location in Stockton, New Jersey on Sunday morning. Normal time 9:00 am.

If you can make it, that would be great!!!!

Calling All Members!

With the different groups meeting up at different times (and with everyone's crazy schedules) I feel like I don't get to see those outside of my own training group. We want to be able to celebrate everyone's accomplishments, whether it is a drop in time, an increase in distance, or a "promotion" to a new level of training.

We are 2 and a half months away from the big day! So sign on to the blog and let us know how you're doing!

Ron's Rearview Review

Good morning,

I've been asked to write a weekly piece which has been named Ron's Rearview Review. Bill Islinger is credited with coming up with this snappy name. Other possibilities I considered were; Tales from the Trail, Derrierre Dialogue, and Behind the Lines.

As you know by now, there are sewveral benefits gained by running. Overall fitness, a sense of accomplishment, fresh air, camaraderie, and ultimately a smaller, tighter butt.

So, stay tuned for weekly updates. Keep on running.

Sun. 2/15 long run

Hello Sunday Runners,

I see that this Sunday's long run is Stockton, NJ. Just letting you know that Mark Klein, my friend Fiona, and me are doing what we call our Stockton 7. We meet at the Cente Club in Lambertville. To get there, you take the first left after the bridge into L-Ville and follow that road until you can't go any more (Centre Club). We run to Stockton, cross the bridge there to Centre Bridge, PA and come back the PA side down to New Hope. A real nice, flat forgiving run.

We usually do this run @ 9:30. If anyone would like to join us please do. It'll be a good (9 minute pace) but not to worry we hang out at the end. If enough come we can have a few packs.

Lastly, if you'd like to come with me you can meet me at my house 8:45ish.

Ron

Bruce on Bruce

I was driving in my car last week, listening to the E-Street station on Sirius when I started to tear up thinking about Bruce...of course, Thunder Road came on the station. One of my favorite lines of all time, "You ain't a beauty, but, hey, you're alright!". I flashed back to a conversation with Bruce about that lyric and many others in the song. We were laughing as we tried to decipher the point Bruce was trying to get across. So, I decided to take a shot in the dark and e-mail Bruce Springsteen. Corny, I know, and as Wendy Lauch said, she hadn't wrote a letter to a celebrity since she was a fan of David Cassady! I thought at the very least, maybe someone from Bruce Springsteen's staff would send along words of encouragement. Here's the letter - thought some of you might appreciate it!

Dear Bruce and the E-Street Band:
Let me tell you about my dear friend Bruce. Bruce Stansbury was a man who would always say that, you, Bruce, were the "soundtrack of his life". Bruce Stansbury was a father, a loving husband, a football coach, a runner, a fisherman and a special educator. He was also my dear colleague and friend. From the moment I met Bruce some seven years ago we shared a true love of music and at the center of the love was Bruce Springsteen. There were many a days when I would come into work having analyzed yet another incredible lyric; Bruce and I would share with each other what we thought you were trying to say to us, your fans. I have many fond memories of my friend and so many of them revolve around you and your music.
We lost "Our Bruce" suddenly this fall. He had a sudden heart attack at the age of 50 immediately after winning a football game. At Bruce's funeral only your music was heard. Imagine hearing Thunder Road in church during the moment of silent prayer! It was an amazing send off to a man who lived a full and caring life. We sang "If I Should Fall Behind" for his incredible wife, Mimi and played "Terry's Song" as we walked out of church and to the cemetery.
In memory of "Our Bruce" we are all running in the Broad Street Run in Philadelphia, PA on May 3rd. How poignant that your concert in the City of Brotherly Love will be within the same week! I, and three of my colleagues will be there on the 29th of April cheering you on - praying you'll play our favorite songs. We will bring "Our Bruce" with us in spirit as he most certainly would have been himself.
Many of us keep your songs on our iPods to help us get to our goal of ten miles. I can't tell you how many times I have gone to put the earphones in my ears, set out to run, and serendipitously one of your songs will be the first song of my run. Many of Bruce's colleagues will run down Broad Street on May 3rd. There will be many tears of joy and sadness shed upon crossing the finish line - because Bruce would be so proud, because we finished with him helping to carry us along the way, because we've done something great for our friend. In honor of him and all he represented, all of the money we raise for the event we will use to create a scholarship for a student with special needs who is heading to college. This will make Bruce proud.
Thank you for bringing such happiness to my friend's life and for helping many of us to heal through your music. Today when I put on Sirius Channel 10 I started to cry and thought maybe if I sent you a message you would by chance read it and know how much you have touched my friend and us in the process. If you are in Philly on the 3rd please feel free to stop by our tent at the finish line in the Naval Yard. We'd love to have you!
With fondness,
Heather Hopkins

A Taste of Spring

60 degrees!! It was so nice to have a change from the temeratures in the teens, 20's and 30's...even if only for a short time! Several of us met down at Kelly Drive for the run. Some did 6, some did 7. It was a perfect day for it.

Heather showed everyone that she is quite the serious runner these days with her new water belt. She wore it well and was likely the most hydrated out of all of us!

We ran into Betsy along the way (literally)...It was good to see her smiling face on a Sunday morning too! She is really coming along with her training as well! Betsy, we'll get you in the picture next time!!!

Oh how I wish I had my camera with me when the rains came! As we neared the Art Museum on our way out, a large rain cloud caught our eye. By the time we we in front of the museum, it was drizzling some. Within another 5 minutes it was really coming down! No words needed to be exchanged as we passed other runners and bikers...we were all pretty much thinking the same thing (and laughing at one another!). JoAnne and I decided that it is good "training" in case it rains the day of Broad Street. I hear that Bruce Springsteen doesn't like to get his hair wet, so we are hoping for a beautiful day! ;-)

Fortunately, the rain lasted 10 minutes or so and then was done. It was actually quite refreshing, given that we were rather toasty at that point in the run!

Partial team picture below. We were wet, tired, and my feet were completely numb. Great job everyone! I am now going to try to ease the aching in my legs before school tomorrow!

8 women and me

So, it was a whole new experience Friday afternoon when I ran with 8 women. And by my calculations I'm at least 14 years older than the next in age. I sort of feel like someones uncle. Bruce would be so proud.

But really, I'm very proud of you all. Getting progressively better and sticking with it. Again, Bruce would be so proud. What a cool thing we're all doing and it's only February. In very good shape with 3 months to go.

Enjoy the weekend. I'm doing 4 this morning and 5 tomorrow with MK.

Ron

Sunday's Long Run Location

Many of us have decided to run along Kelly and West River Drives (a.k.a. MLK Drive) on Sunday @ 9:00 am. It's a great location for a 7-8 mile run. Valley Forge was a bit intimidating and distant at this point in our training. Hopefully, we'll see many faces at the Temple Boat House Parking Lot since it will be sooo warm! Don't forget a camera to document the miles : )

Slideshow

Great idea thinking of the slideshow for the blog!

Watching the pictures of Bruce come across the screen made me cry...it is still hard to believe.

Looking forward to tomorrow's run. Hopefully it start to get a bit warmer!

Bittersweet...

So, I jumped on the treadmill this evening after I put the girls to bed and figured I'd be able to watch the Superbowl and do my long run (70 minutes - still in the slow group!).... I was plodding along and just found it bittersweet that I was running as a member of Team Stans and watching Bruce Springsteen on the halftime show..... I know Stans would have loved it, and he certainly would NOT have been on the treadmill during the Superbowl! I'm sure all of you, like myself, think of him everyday, and I just wanted to put it out there to everyone involved that we are doing a great thing to keep the memory of a wonderful man alive - way to go Team Stans making it through the first 4 weeks of training :-)

And on a personal note, I managed 5.12 miles - my farthest distance yet - so if Jim Kenny's wheelchair goes missing tomorrow, you all probably know who has it!

Tyler's good

FYI. Ran w/ Mark in Tyler this AM and the Newtown side is all clear. The path from North to the park is poor, but the Bertha Drive and along the Creek is all clear.

Ready to go wherever I'm told Tuesday.

Ron

Fly...I mean..RUN Navy!

Ran in a new spot today...one that has quite a few possibilities. The old Johnsville Naval Base is now some housing and business developments as well as Warminster Park. The path is black top and is plowed nicely by the township. We stayed in the park and ended up running almost 4.75 miles today as we weren't too sure where some of the paths went. When I got home I mapped out a few different options for the next time. It's a good place to go when Tyler is still snow/ice covered or just for a change of pace.


For those of you who can't quite picture it, it is between Bristol and Street Roads off of Jacksonville. The back of the park is across from Northampton Township Park (aka "the blue playground").


It's close, it's clean, it's safe. I was diggin' it. Besides which, where else can you run down a runway??


The picture this week didn't come out the best, but you get the point. Yes, we were still smiling!