Derby Marathon Race Summary

When I started this blog, I addressed the question, "Why Run?" There are lots of reasonable answers to that query. Answering the question, "Why race 26.2 miles?", proves a bit more challenging. Honestly, for me, it is simply about finding my physical limits. Call me a glutton for punishment, deranged, or just plain stupid, but I find it fascinating and challenging to train my body for a test of endurance.

I was able to finish the Derby Festival Marathon in 3hrs 6 mins 42 seconds, which was good for 38th of about 1,100 marathoners. This was safely under my needed time to qualify for Boston '08 (<3.11.00). The primary goal was achieved. Furthermore, it appears that I avoided any serious damage. I am still pretty sore today, especially my shins, calves, hips, and hamstrings, but it is a "good sore." My armpits were simply raw on Saturday night and Sunday, but the fire is dying down today. All of these issues will fade in a couple more days. A couple of easy weeks of running should have me ready to tackle the shorter 5k and 10k races this summer.

My race strategy was to run a pace that 1) ensured a Boston QT and 2) gave me a chance at breaking 3 hrs if I felt good late in the race. As stated above, number one was accomplished. Number two? Not so much. From the opening mile until Mile 18, my average pace was 6.52. That is exactly on 3-hr pace. But, miles 14 (7.01), 15 (7.12), 16 (7.02), and 17 (6.58) in the Cherokee Park area took a lot out of me. I had built a small cushion in the first half of the race that would allow me to run the second half a little slower, but those four hilly miles used up my time cushion and most of my energy reserves. From that point on, maintaining 6.52 pace was out of the question. My legs got tighter and tighter with each mile. It became a test of simply running each step to ensure my Boston time.

Thankfully, my wife, son, and parents were there at the end to help get me to the car drive me around for the first couple of hours. I could not have done this alone due to cramps every time I tried to squat or stretch. But, by the time I finished my grilled fish, veggies, and cornbread at lunch in Elizabethtown (the cultural vortex of America), I was feeling much better.

Louisville did a great job hosting the event. Especially nice touches were the "Call to Post" by the Churchill Downs bugler, who will also do the call to post this Saturday at the Kentucky Derby, and the 9th mile inside Churchill itself. As we ran, a PA system was playing old calls of past Derbies. When I ran my mile inside the Downs, the call was Affirmed's win over Alydar in the 1978 Kentucky Derby. Affirmed was the last horse to win the Triple Crown. Pretty cool.

Thanks be to God for safe travels, a safe run, and a fun time. Thanks again to all who called, emailed, prayed for, and thought about me on Saturday.

No more marathons until late next fall (probably December). Now, it is time to rest for a few days, then focus on getting faster for the summer's shorter distances (5k, 10k).

Boston Qualifier: Accomplished!

Just a quick note to say that I now have Boston 2008 as a training goal! I needed a time under 3.11.00, and I got to the finish line in 3.06.50 (or something close to that).

No details today. I'll have a long post tomorrow chronicling the race. Thanks to all of you who called, emailed, commented, and tracked me. It certainly was a great motivator knowing that I had so many thinking about me and praying for me.

Track Me at the Derby Marathon!

My training is complete, and the all the hay is in the barn. My bags are packed, and I'm heading to a friend's house in Louisville today. All that is left in my marathon preparation is mass consumption of carbo-licious foods and a 2 mile jog today just to stay loose and remind my body to store some water. Tonight, I will attend the race expo and get some sleep.

My wife, son, and my parents will be in Louisville to welcome (help?) me at the finish line of the Derby Marathon on Saturday. But, by the wonders of this newfangled Internet and "chip timing," you can track me from your home computer! The Derby Marathon site will let you see my split times at various points of the race. Simply search for "Cort Basham" and you should be able to track me or any other participants that you know.

I feel good and the weather forecast looks great (~50 degrees at start). Please pray for safe travel for all and a safe run. I'll post on Monday with more details than you will probably want to know about my marathon experience.

"Pop" Culture

Where is "the South" in America? If we all drew a border about what is meant by "the South," there would likely be some considerable variation as to what states, cities, and counties were included. But, somehow, nearly everyone knows that when "the South" is referenced, it includes Birmingham but not Phoenix. Somehow, we know that Nashville is in it, but Miami is not. How?

"The South" is a cultural place not bound strictly by geography. Every semester, I have my students fill in a blank map of the Fifty States (sadly, I'd say maybe 5% of college freshmen can do this accurately), then draw a border around "the South." We then have a discussion about the edges of their borders. Some include Texas, some do not. West Virginia is often debated. At what point do you leave "the South" when traveling further south into Florida (let that sink in for minute)? Many students split Kentucky in half, as do I. The cultural South begins to fade out as one drives up I-65 through Elizabethtown, Fort Knox, Shepherdsville, and pushing toward Louisville. There are pockets here and there, but northern Hardin County certainly feels a lot different than Edmonson County.

There also exists a "Coke/Pop" line in this state. When generally referencing carbonated beverages, what is your term of choice? In western Kentucky, people generally say, "Coke." When I make a grocery list, I write "Cokes" on it. That means Dr. Pepper for me and Coca-Cola for my wife. Mountain Dew, Shasta, 7Up, Ski, Ale-8, Sprite--it does not matter. They are all "Cokes!" Now, somewhere just a few miles east of Elizabethtown (a strong "Coke" city), the general term is "Pop." The term "pop" starts to pop up (terrible pun absolutely intended) in Lincoln, Boyle, Mercer, and Washington Counties. While "Coke" is the term of choice in Lexington, one is steeped in "popness" when venturing into mountain counties like Menifee, Magoffin, and Rowan (pronounced "ROWN"). In Prestonsburg or Pikeville, "Coke" towns like Bowling Green or Glasgow seem a million miles away.

Add to that the convergence of dialects in the central Kentucky area, and what we have is a cultural hurricane with the eye somewhere near Elizabethtown.

So, Southerners, travelers, and students of cultural studies, where is the edge of "the South?" Can any good Southerner really say "pop?" If you did not click the in-text links above, please do visit PopvsSoda.com. It's as much fun as the sugary-sweet nectar that it researches. You can even participate in the Pop vs. Soda vs. Coke survey.

*For more, check out J.S. Reed's My Tears Spoiled My Aim. Reed has some GREAT stuff in there on how Americans define the South (the Sweet Tea Line, the "Hell, Yes!" Line, Kudzu, and more).

Creeds as Flags

TODAY'S MILEAGE: 5 miles

Recently, a friend passed along a podcast of eminent historian Jaroslav Pelikan's 2003 interview with Krista Tippett on the radio program Speaking of Faith. Pelikan made lots of interesting insights into the importance of creeds in faith, but one statement has stuck with me for several days:

"Creeds act a bit like our flags. We look to them as representation of what we believe."

That quote may not be 100% precise, but that was the idea conveyed by Pelikan. Creeds may not capture or communicate all of the intricacies of our personal beliefs, but they do unify us to some degree. They are a bit of a rudder as we sail the seas of faith and life. They are a bit like flags. When Americans sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" or as hundreds of Mexican flags go up when Mexico scores a goal in the World Cup, the flag is a representation of history, present, and future. They represent where those countries have been in times of peace and war, joy and sorrow, unity and division. The creeds function in a similar way for Christians.

Unfamiliar with creeds? Two of the most recited creeds are the Nicene creed and the Apostle's creed. Millions of Christians around the globe affirm these creeds every day.

Get more podcasts from SpeakingofFaith.org. Read another Pelikan interview on Credo on Beliefnet.com.

Marathon Taper Update

WEEKLY MILEAGE
Monday: 14
Tuesday: 3
Wednesday: 5
Thursday: off
Friday: 3
Saturday: 10
Sunday: off

I have had a cold, felt bloated and slow, and my confidence is flagging.

This means that my taper is going EXACTLY as it should. These feelings are typical for lots of marathoners in taper.

I did not run last Saturday or Sunday due to my sore throat and 40-degree temperatures coupled with lashing winds and torrential rains. So, I had to get a semi-long run in on Monday. I have an easy 10 miles planned this Saturday. After that, it will be a couple of easy 5-milers next week before race day on April 28. It is just 8 days and 10 hours until race time.

Gimme That Old-Time Religion(?)

"Gimme that old time religion
Gimme that old time religion
Gimme that old time religion
It's good enough for me!"

The old spiritual conjures up images of rural churches in early 20th century America, and that is precisely the issue. The "old-time" religion and the ideas and images connected to it are not that old. Many Christians long for the "old-time religion" that goes all the way back--eons and light years--to the late 19th century. The hymn, "Give Me That Old-Time Religion" was adapted from an African-American spiritual in 1889 and published in 1891 by Charlie Tillman. The old time religion is not so aged. There were about 1900 years of Christianity before it.

Similarly, Christian fundamentalists are often viewed as defenders of traditional Christian values and "conservers" of old ways of faith. In many ways, they were (and are) precisely the opposite. In 1925, fundamentalists were dealt a significant blow at the Scopes Monkey Trial in Dayton, Tennessee. People felt that Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan's exchange put fundamentalist Christianity in a bad light. So, during the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, the Fightin' Fundies went underground. They did not rely on old methods; they used new methods to build their base. They created summer camps, meetings, and conferences. They separated from secular society and created their own colleges and other schools. They used mass-produced pamphlets and papers to spread their ideas. They turned to the newfangled radio and made use of the new airwaves. Charles Fuller's Old Fashioned Revival Hour converted thousands to fundamentalist Christianity by appealing to listeners with intimacy, family, conservatism, and "old-time" comfort during the Depression and WWII (1). The use of new technology has remained at the forefront of fundamentalism through the mass production of written material, television, movies, and the internet.

Despite their call for old-time comfort, their theology had a "new" feel as well. Dispensational premillennialism ("Rapture Theology" or "Antichrist Theology") was not popularized until the mid-1800's. This fit their world view well, because they were separating from the Godless society that they saw around them. Dispensational Premillennialists saw the world in decline and themselves as a persecuted group. World War II seemed to bring some fulfillment of biblical prophecy about the Antichrist, rampant war, world conquest, and the like, but the Second Coming did not occur.

We must go back much farther than American fundamentalism to understand "old" Christianity. "Old-time religion" is only old in the way that Def Leppard is an "ancient band." One can use the term as a descriptor and people will know what is meant, but it certainly is not literally true. There are nearly 1900 years of Christianity before "old-time religion."

(1) Joel Carpenter, Revive Us Again: the Reawakening of American Fundamentalism, (New York: Oxford University Press, 1997), 31-34, 138-140.

The Imprint of Education

"Education is what is survives when what has been learned has been forgotten." ~B.F. Skinner

It seems that so many of my students view their education as a vehicle to a good job (read: money). There is nothing inherently wrong with pursuing financial stability, but there is something inherently wrong with viewing education as merely a means to this end. When learning how to think takes a back seat to the future diploma, the emphasis shifts from becoming a thinker, a discerner, and a seeker of truth, to functioning as a navigator of a system that seeks the easiest way to fulfill those pesky general education requirements and avoid "difficult" professors. What a way to waste late adolescence and early adulthood.

If an education is merely preparation for future work, then what is the purpose of going to a university? Or, for that matter, reading a book for pleasure? Those four or five or eight years of school could be better spent earning money and gaining work experience if education was simply about training. Training and education are two different things, although training can be important for a future career. But, becoming a lifelong learner or thinker is much more dependent on education, or, more precisely, learning how to think.

What so few of my students seem to realize is that by seeking to be a thinker, they are ensuring their future success. Regardless of skill, trade, or educational level, learning how to ask questions serves as a tremendous advantage in any field. The ability to generate questions while identifying biases, assumptions, and points of view allows for sharper insight into how we live, work, worship, and relate to others. That ability does not come from an accumulation of historical facts or mathematical formulas, and it does not come from being well-trained in plumbing or electrical work. It comes from asking questions--from thinking. Can one read a book, watch a movie, listen to a sermon, run a race, plant a garden, or use the internet without asking questions about it? If so, it may be time to ask a bigger question: why do these things?

I think Skinner has it right on this one. I certainly have forgotten the details of the Krebs Cycle, but what remains is the ability to think scientifically. I cannot recite all of the facts and dates from the scads of history classes that I took, but the process shaped me to think like an historian. I do not remember exactly how my dad taught me to use a bait-casting reel, but I know how to catch fish.

It is not so much what we know, but how we think that makes for interesting lives, and a diploma has little to say about how we think. It merely says that we had the opportunity to expose ourselves to a lot of wonderful ideas. Whether that occurred or not is another matter.

Running Update
Today's mileage: 4 miles (21 miles this week)

I am in my first week of taper for the Derby Marathon. The taper is just what is sounds like: a gradual lessening of mileage leading up to race day. The primary objective is to maintain maximum fitness while resting the body from the rigors of peak training time. I had five weeks over fifty miles and many other over forty miles over the winter. This week, I will log about 35 miles (14 on tap for tomorrow). Next week, that number will dip to ~25 miles. The week leading up to race day will be very light. Mentally and physically, I was in need of this taper, but I can already tell that running fewer miles will make me antsy. More on this as race day approaches.

Women, Chocolate, and Hamburger Helper

Today's mileage: 5 miles

1. Good post and subsequent comments on Scot McKnight's blog regarding women in ministry, and more precisely, Galatians 3.28 (the "no Jew/Greek/slave/free/male/female" verse).

2. See pics of my folk/country/rock band, baby Simon, sleepy uncles, and Easter candy right here.

3. Are you from the South? Do you enjoy comedians capitalizing on Southern stereotypes? Do you like Hamburger Helper? Do you enjoy comedians capitalizing on Southern stereotypes while singing a song about Hamburger Helper?

If you answered "yes" or "no" to any of the above questions, watch this video.

Easter/The End of Peak Mileage

LAST WEEK'S MILEAGE: 50 miles
Today's mileage: 7 miles

My family had a great Easter weekend. First, it is likely the most important holy day for Christians. My friend, Rachel, sent me this image (see left, "Christ's Descent into Hades"), and I have been thinking about it all week. I love the imagery of Jesus standing on the cross to elevate himself as he pulls Adam and Eve (and us) out of the grave. Christ is raised to power by the very instrument that put him to death. He conquers by sacrifice; he lives by dying. Our hope ultimately lies in the Resurrection. Christ is risen; he is risen, indeed.

Secondly, my peak training weeks for the marathon are behind me. This past Saturday was the last of my 20+ mile training runs for the Derby Marathon on April 28th. I am happy to report that I came through the peak training weeks relatively unscathed. I am feeling strong as I head into the taper. Barring a fluke injury or illness, I should be well-trained, rested, and healthy for April 28. It is 18 days and 12 hours until race time.

Now, in contemplating both Easter and running, it is fitting that my last and longest run (23 miles on Saturday) came on the last day of Lent. The long, arduous training runs are over, as is Lent. The preparation and suffering have come to an end, and the celebration has begun. It will be easier runs, warmer weather, and pasta dinners heading into race day. Such should be this life. No matter what setbacks, injuries, or challenges life may bring, the preparation and suffering are, at least in one sense, complete. Living that out in how we treat ourselves and others is the good stuff of life.

Christ is risen; he is risen, indeed.

Why Run? Part II

"I always loved running ... It was always something you could do by yourself and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sites just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs!"
~Jesse Owens

Not only that, Jesse, but it is good for your lungs as well. Some poo-poo running as "hard on the knees" or "damaging to joints" and there is some truth to that over the long haul. But, we are all destined to deteriorate at some point. Joints, bones, arteries, organs, skin, hair--these things will let us down eventually. We are all human and will break down over time. Using computers strains our eyes, hands, wrists, and back. It happens. Smart running that includes moderation, stretching, and ample recovery, hydration, and rest will help reduce some of the risks and keep us physically active for a long while.

In general, running does more good than harm for most people.

--One burns about 100 calories per mile, regardless of how fast one runs. Heavier folks burn more than lighter folks, but most of us burn about 100 cals/mile. Therefore, it works as a great weight-control activity.
--We are not mechanical, we are biomechanical. So, unlike a piston or an axle in a car, repeated use does not automatically lead to excessive wear. Gradual training of the body makes it stronger, not weaker (in general). Lifting weights does tear down muscles--hence, the soreness. But when they heal, a person can lift even more than before. The same rule applies with running. Of course, anyone can overdo it, so runners should start small and build up.
--Running leads to an increase in the production of endorphins which are nature's little fatigue and depression fighters. These little critters are neurotransmitters with pain-relieving properties. They get credit for supplying that "runners high."
--Running is a weight-bearing activity which strengthens bones.
--Running has been shown to increase blood vessel elasticity, raise HDL ("good cholesterol"), lower blood pressure, and relieve stress among many other health benefits. In fact, the farther and more intense the running, the greater the increase in HDL levels.

Get the kiddos out running, too. For the first time in American history, they may have a shorter life expectancy than we do. That is largely due to lack of physical activity and poor dietary habits. If you have a Run for Good program in your town, take advantage of it.

*Information for this piece was taken from Vanderbilt University's Health Psychology home page. For more on how running impacts HDL levels, see Paul T. Williams, "High-density lipoprotein cholesterol and other risk factors...", New England Journal of Medicine, 16 May 1996, Vol. 334 Issue 20, 1298-1303.

The Scandal of Shirtless Runners

WEEKLY MILEAGE LOG:
Monday: 8 miles
Tuesday: 5
Wednesday: 7
Thursday: 5

You may see some runners going shirtless as the weather gets warmer. For some, this may be a time to show off their hard work over the winter. Undoubtedly, this will lead to accusations of showboating and pridefulness, sometimes deservedly. But, for those of us who run lots of miles, it is merely an opportunity to reduce our irritation levels.

When you run lots of miles (I've been over 50 miles for several weeks now), every part of you that can chafe, WILL chafe. Some parts must be kept covered up for legal and practical purposes, of course. I do not have the type of body that lends itself to pride (read: coat hanger or scarecrow), but peeling off my shirt makes my life better on several levels.

1. No flaming armpits. No matter how well-designed a shirt may be, when it gets soaked with sweat and salt, it makes for a low-grain sandpaper effect on the armpits. ANY seam rubbing on your skin for hours is going to cause issues. This leads to painful showers, and putting on deodorant becomes an exercise in avoidance. No one wants to be around a runner who avoids deodorant.

2. No bloody nipples. This is less of a factor on shorter runs, but on 15+ mile runs, it can get ugly and extremely painful. The options are 1) put band-aids on your nipples, 2) glob some vaseline on them, 3) bleed, hurt and bear it, or 4) go shirtless. I usually opt for #2 or #4.

3. It feels good. Some of us like the feeling of the sun, wind, and rain on our skin. Of course, I have to have sun block on hand at all times, but the weather feels good, especially after months of being covered and bundled up. If seeing shirtless dudes running around town bothers you, just pretend you are at the pool or the beach.

My running group consists of a teacher, a lawyer, a hydrologist, a counselor, and a turf manager. We meet at the park or downtown in suits, bow ties, polos, button-ups, dress shoes, slacks, jeans, work boots, and the like. But, for one hour a day, we escape from all of that. Instead of being in an office, we run in the elements. Instead of "dressing the part," we dress for comfort. Instead of sitting still, we go in motion. Instead of adjusting the temperature in our offices from 71 to 70 degrees, we take what Mother Nature gives us.

And sometimes, we do it without shirts.