Step Over Step, Mile After Mile

Wonderwall

nospam@example.com (Scott Iwata) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 21:46:59 -0700

I love music. It's always been a great way of expression for me. One of my favorite songs is Oasis's song "Wonderwall". It has a great constant beat and wonderfully deep lyrics. OK I know you're wondering "What the heck does this have to do with running?" I'm getting to it, stay with me here.

Running as many of you know is a great way to release a lot of stress and give you a great perspective. In the song 'Wonderwall' the (now former frontman) Liam Gallagher sings about a person who may be the one who can save him. About how the road to get to your eventual happy ending takes wild twists and turns that you won't be able to predict. There are going to be people along the way who try to hold you down and hold you back from doing/being with who you want.

Doing what you want, training for a run, 5k, 10k half marathon, whatever is not easy. It's like trying to lose weight (yes the two happen at the same time if you do it right) but takes a lot of dedication, will take energy and dedication even when naysayers say you're crazy or even when that voice inside of you tells you to sleep in. You have to act. You have to dig deep in you to go that extra mile so on race day you can go that one or two miles longer that you wouldn't have been able to had you been idle. Don't ever let the naysayers influence you in what you're doing. You have goals, you know what you want to do so do it. Put those naysayers in a bag and when you need extra motivation take them out for a run with you in your head. When you think you hit your wall look at those naysayers and go a mile more. Sometimes you need that to get to your wonderwall.

After all if you're reading this and you love running. You're probably thinking somewhere inside that running, you're my wonderwall

Happy Running!

Do what you want, not what everyone else thinks you want.

Wonderwall Lyrics:

Today is gonna be the day
That they're gonna throw it back to you
By now you should've somehow
Realized what you gotta do
I don't believe that anybody
Feels the way I do about you now

Backbeat the word was on the street
That the fire in your heart is out
I'm sure you've heard it all before
But you never really had a doubt
I don't believe that anybody feels
The way I do about you now

And all the roads we have to walk along are winding
And all the lights that lead us there are blinding
There are many things that I would
Like to say to you
I don't know how

Because maybe
You're gonna be the one who saves me
And after all
You're my wonderwall

Today was gonna be the day?
But they'll never throw it back to you
By now you should've somehow
Realized what you're not to do
I don't believe that anybody
Feels the way I do
About you now

And all the roads that lead to you were winding
And all the lights that light the way are blinding
There are many things that I would like to say to you
I don't know how

I said maybe
You're gonna be the one who saves me
And after all
You're my wonderwall

I said maybe
You're gonna be the one who saves me
And after an
You're my wonderwall

Said maybe
You're gonna be the one that saves me
You're gonna be the one that saves me
You're gonna be the one that saves me

No Running, Just Stepping Back

nospam@example.com (Scott Iwata) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 03:00:00 -0700

"Cuz I don't need boxes wrapped in strings. And desire and love and empty things. Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days" ~Better Days by the Goo Goo Dolls

Normally I'd save this sapce for running tips, stories, photos and so on. But this post is of a very personal nature. In the past three weeks I've had the unfortunate dose of reality. The loss of a Great Uncle, an Aunt and now a grandmother. Add on a few more months back and you can add another Uncle. It's been a tough time on my family, more than they let on to me being a "kid" (we're always a kid in the eyes of elders no matter how old we get). It's been hard on me being 3000 miles away from them. I know I've been lucky to have gone 32 almost 33 years with minimal deaths in my life. For that I feel very fortunate and have been to some degree lucky. What I've realized is with all these passings I've discovered who my real friends are. The ones who have been there for me through all of these unfortunate but "eventual" life incidents. As I wait for this storm to pass and for calmer seas ahead I'm thankful and more greatful than I can express in words for the friends in my life who are there for me and are wishing my family well. I couldn't do it without all of you and for me this is my way of thanking you on behalf of my family and of course me. Thank you again for your support.

Much Love,

Scott

What Will You Give A Bit More To?

nospam@example.com (Scott Iwata) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 20:09:45 -0700

I write a lot about my experiences, my journey and life. I've ran 4 marathons and each has meant something very different than the next. A marathon consists of 26.2 miles but that's just on race day. That 26.2 is about 100x that number. You have to think about the miles of training to be able to accomplish that feat. You have to think about your own personal sacrifice to wake up early in the morning. Run through rain, snow or immense heat. Sacrifice having a life on Friday night's to make Saturday mornings possible.

What I've learned in my running and what I try to apply each day in my life, what you do is important, what you sacrifice is important, how hard you push yourself is important, what you believe is possible in is important. It's all true. But What I've really learned is this: What you don't believe is possible is every bit as important, what you leave on the table is every bit as important, and most of all what you don't do is every bit as important. See life is about a series of actions and inactions. Each are important. Each lead us somewhere. Every day you stay silent on someone you know you should say something to is a wasted opportunity to bridge a gap. Every ounce of anger we apply towards someone is effort we leave on the table to move past that person, every ounce of energy we don't use in our day to day is energy we can't ever regain and thus it becomes regret.

Everything is leading somewhere. Everything is taking us someplace. Running has taught me that while the commitment is important so are the opportunities and things we don't commit to. The people we've shunned, the ones we are afraid to trust, the energy we waste in self wallow, or focusing on our own flaws. We aren't perfect. None of us are (I know shocker right??) but if we all did a little something more, wouldn't that make us a little better, wouldn't that bring us a little closer? Wouldn't doing a little more give someone else a bit more and in turn they give a bit more?

So now let me ask you, what will you give a bit more to?

ALWAYS COMPETE

nospam@example.com (Scott Iwata) — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 15:26:19 -0700

I really loved the simpicity but depth of this message and wanted to share it with you all.

ALWAYS COMPETE

As told by Pete Carroll to his USC players at a 2007 team banquet:

Always compete

As you progress through your sporting life

Always compete

If you want to go for it

Always compete

You're gonna have to make choices in life and those choices need to be conscious decisions. There's only one person in control here, and that person is you.

You hold all the cards. You are the master of you. It's time to admit it.

You have always known this. So if you're ready, act on it

Always compete

Don't you dare try to be too cool, don't you dare be afraid of life

Just dare to be great and let it rip

Always be humble, always be kind, always be respectful

Always compete

Everything you do counts and screams who you are. There is no hiding from you

Act as if the whole world will know who you are

Always compete

Be true to yourself and let nothing hold you back

Compete to the greatest you, and that will always be enough and that will be a lifetime!

Always compete

- Excerpt from Pete Carroll's new book 'Win Forever'

Running cures the appetite

nospam@example.com (Scott Iwata) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 17:11:53 -0700

When I started running a few years ago, it was in large part to escape who I was. Not saying that who I was, was a bad person or anything, it was more of an escape. A daunting task to know can I push myself to a physical limit? Can I shed what I perceive about myself? And maybe more than that can I do something almost everyone around me says I'm crazy for trying.

Folks, when someone says it's crazy it simply means you are trying for the extraordinary. It means you are going to attempt something very few if anybody attempts. I've read countless books about motivators and it all starts from within. The want. If you don't have the want, the hunger, the desire then you will probably fall short. But the want is the thing that keeps you moving. It's the thing that makes you want more and more. Will it suck at times? Sure. Will it be hard? Yes. Will it be harder than hell? Probably, yeah. But no great accomplishment comes without wanting it more than someone else. Accomplishment comes with a price sometimes, and while the reward isn't always visible to others, it grows within you, pangs you along for the next one. I won't lie, it's that want, that hunger that has pushed me to keep running. To replicate that feeling to look someone, anyone in the eye and say I've ran a marathon and now I'll say I've run MANY marathons. Not to be braggy but because I know what that means to me. I know what I sacrificed for that accomplishment. Some accomplishments are done for pats on the backs or raises or attention.

When I run, it's for the satisfaction and accomplishment I give it. And then give myself. I don't need someone telling me good job. I don't need someone to hear my endless hours of struggle. But i know. And as long as I know that's all that matters. We all run for different reasons. Some are more gifted than others, some have to work harder. Regardless of how easy or hard it comes to you, do it for you. And no one else and you'll get best prize you could imagine. Self glory. It's fleeting but it's there for you.

Happy running this summer!

Run Because You Want, Rock And Roll!

nospam@example.com (Scott Iwata) — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 18:40:29 -0700

Last year at this time I had run my third marathon, the Rock and Roll Seattle Marathon. Obviouslly it has a lot of speical meaning to me to have run the inagural race, it also marked a point in my life where marathons are always going to be a challenge for me. I'm ok with that. I'm ok with a lot of things. I admit I probably won't break 3 hour and 50 minute marathon (I'm still working to break into the 4 hour mark!), I know I run slower than most, but I'm ok with that, I also know when I run, I feel better than I had at any point before, and I love that. I love being able to drag out any bad feelings or emotions out of myself by putting on my shoes and running. But beyond that I love the challenge. Yes the first four or five runs getting back into shape have been very difficult. Add into that humidity and feeling shaky, well that's the start of any training. If I didn't feel frustrated, disappointed at times, and wanting to push myself I would know it's time to stop running marathons. I was asked by a friend how many more I planned to do. Now working on my fifth Marathon I honestly have no idea. Let me just clarify, they don't get any easier no matter how many you do. They are all challenging and finishing each have meant something very different and profound to me.

I read about the marathon and half marathon finishers in Seattle today and I salute all of you who ran. I salute all those who ran for a charity. "Professional" runners can say what they want about the casual runners who want to run a marathon. I say it's a good thing. It globalizes running, it advocates great causes and most of all promotes good fitness. In this age of Double Downs, Double and triple bacon burgers, super sizing shouldn't this be what we promote? Shouldn't we be celebrating this? Not condemning those who want to say they've had the pleasure of having a marathon off their to do list in life?

When is it bad when John Everyman an Joann Everywoman wants to improve their life. (I'm referring back to an article last year in the NY Times: NYT Article Plodders Have Their Place But Is It In a Marathon )

Regardless of why or how you run, enjoy it. If you're not enjoying what you're doing it's time to move on. So enjoy it and to hell with what anyone else may say.

Congrats to all the runners in this weekend's Rock and Roll Seattle Marathon. Rock and Roll Seattle Marathon 2010 Story

Speaking of good causes I'm as you know in training for the ING New York City Marathon and am taking up training with Team In Training. I'm trying to fundraise $2,000 for blood cancer research. If you'd like to help me, support me, fight blood cancer please do so by making donation here: Scott Iwata Runs The ING NYC Marathon & Wants To Help Fund Cancer Research

Thank you again and Happy Running!

Running Courtesy

nospam@example.com (Scott Iwata) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:22:10 -0700

I've always said this blog will be a place where I talk about things I learn, things for new runners to be aware of and one thing I haven't talked about is actual running etiquette.

When you run as slow as I do lol, you enjoy the fact that you run towards the back, I'm talking 4:45/5 hr plus marathon pace. I've come to greatly appreciate the run walkers and the people who will walk an entire marathon or race. But there's one thing that bothers me greatly. It's the person who suddenly starts to walk in the middle of the course. No I don't mean in the middle of the race. I mean literally in the middle of the course. I don't mind people who have to slow down or walk, heck I've been one of them. But do the other runners behind you a favor take another 30 seconds to a minute and run to a side before you do. Tonight I participated in the JP Morgan Team Race in Central Park. It's a wonderful event and a great way to spend some time with coworkers you only get to see in the office. There are a lot of people who run this race so naturally there's a lot of bottle neck at the beginning. Four times tonight I ran into someone and almost knocked over two of them because there stop was so sudden. This is VERY dangerous, to you the person slowing down and to the runners behind you.

It's imperative that you go to a side of the road where people slow down. When I ever have to make my way to a side or run past someone I've learned to use and signals. No not my middle finger people, but just taking either my left or right hand and putting it our to my left or right so the runners behind me or that I'm passing know which direction I'm going in. This is even more important because people use Ipod's and other music devices (which are technically not allowed during races again for safety of others) but this is my way of letting someone know my intentions.

Running can be fun but if you're not careful you can injure yourself and a lot of other people behind you so please use courtesy when running it allows for everyone to enjoy their run.

Happy Running!

Slow Scale to the NYC Marathon

nospam@example.com (Scott Iwata) — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 11:38:41 -0700

144 days and counting to the NYC ING Marathon...

Last week I started my official training for the NYC ING Marathon. I started with something simple and light 1.75 miles pretty social and nothing too straining. Given the humidity that I know I'll have to deal with over the coming months it was good prep. This past Saturday I scaled up to just shy of 4 miles. I really didn't have a good second run, but I know it's a four (almost five) month training schedule so I know there will be good days and bad ones. I chalked up this one to a bad day.

I've also started a diet of sorts. Lunch time consists of something healthy and light, a lot of salads and eating a piece of fruit for breakfast. Dinner will vary depending on what events I have but as long as I feel I've eaten well during the morning and day then I realize that sometimes I'm up for the conditions of where I may be at. I've lost a pound in the first two weeks of really light workouts so any loss is a good one.

I'm also slowly reducing my alcohol intake as that's a big reason to retain weight. However Internet Week in NYC meant I had to put that phase on hold for a bit.

I've always said everything in moderation. What I mean by reducing alcohol or different foods is I feel it's ok to have something not as good as long as it's ot a regular occurrence. You should treat and reward yourself. If you avoid the things you like, you're more than likely to not keep yourself on track. I've made my mom's stew and I love stews because you can put n a lot of vegetables like carrots and potatoes and in this case some red beef.

Here are my personal goals for the next four/five months:

Lose around 20 lbs
Meet at least 5 new people (I run in a team so this is a good thing)
Run the NYC Marathon under five hours
Have a lot of fun

Happy Running!!!

Something to keep in mind

nospam@example.com (Scott Iwata) — Tue, 18 May 2010 22:13:11 -0700

“Winners forget they're in a race, they just love to run.” ~ 'With Honors' 1994, Joe Pesci

Maine soldiers run 21 marathons in 21 days

nospam@example.com (Scott Iwata) — Mon, 10 May 2010 21:23:11 -0700

Um. Wow. This guy puts me to shame!

Maine soldiers run 21 marathons in 21 days

Pittsburgh Marathon Bomb Scare

nospam@example.com (Scott Iwata) — Tue, 04 May 2010 07:49:31 -0700

Glad no one got hurt and while the race was delayed it doesn't sound like anyone was hurt.

"Police Lt. Kevin Kraus said police stopped the 26.2 mile race in the area for 10 to 12 minutes. The competition resumed after the bomb squad used a robot to disable the device and the area was cleared shortly before 11 a.m., he said." -(Excerpt from ESPN.com)

The Full ESPN.com article is in the link below:

Suspicious device found in microwave

Great Reminder of Heat Tips from the NYRR

nospam@example.com (Scott Iwata) — Mon, 03 May 2010 08:43:53 -0700

I'll only be highlighting their bullets, for their full list please visit: NYRR Heat Tips

Tips for Staying Safe in the Heat
• Respect your limits.
• Acclimate.
• Know the signs of heat problems.
• Drink enough.
• Don't drink too much.
• Eat a good pre-race meal a few hours before the run.
• Consume salt.
• Protect yourself from the sun.
• Check your meds.
• Wear synthetic fabrics.
• Use water along the course (cups, spray stations) to cool yourself during races.

Again the details of these points are on the NYRR website so go check them out and be safe when you run!

When Shoes Aren't Just Shoes

nospam@example.com (Scott Iwata) — Sun, 02 May 2010 19:00:00 -0700

I went this morning and bought a new pair of running shoes. For a runner this is a right of passage. It's the beginning of a journey. It's a start to a story that begins with disbelief and some shock. It's the most important set of tools a runner can have. These aren't about how they look with what outfit, they aren't a fashion statement or you trying to be trendy. No, instead what these shoes will do is carry you, cushion you, comfort you and help you punish the road ahead. My exgilfriend used to call me a bleeding heart, friends have called me sentimental and probably to some degree these are all true. But there's more to a pair of shoes than just a fashion statement or knowing these will be my tools to completing a 7 month project. I look back at my three pairs of Saucony's and I see stories.

I look at my first pair and I think about the despair and trouble I was feeling at the time I first laced them up. I think about the snow fall in Central Park and hearing absolute silence as it was me and seven other runners running the park and the only sound was the crunch of the snow under our feet, I think about mile 26.1 of the Country Music Marathon and seeing the final turn that would let me say I was a marathon runner. I remember those shoes carrying me over the finish line with my arms stretched high above my head and me letting out a scream, a scream of letting go of that anguish, that anger and that hurt. A scream that was as much about relief and happiness as it was about pain and pride.

Oldest to newest from L to R

I look at my orange and white Saucony's and I see San Francisco, Seattle and Arizona. I see three different marathons with three different results. Should I have bought a new pair before each marathon. Yeah probably. They say you should run around 300-500. I probably put triple the miles one should have. Bu I think about San Francisco and seeing my best friends Renee and Steve there. I see my parents having made the trip from Seattle to cheer me on. I think about getting that Tiffany's necklace that is a finishers medal and running right over to my mom to give it to her. In Seattle and Arizona I had the pleasure of running with another best friend Norm. He ran with me in Seattle and picked me up when I thought I didn't have anything left in the tank. I think about Arizona and spending almost two hours in the meidc tent a mere 9 miles from the finish and will always remember the feeling of crossing that finish line knowing that I almost didn't get to finish.

Newest to oldest from L to R

And today. I look at my new pair of running shoes as I prepare for the biggest marathon of my life. I look at these shoes with excitement and wonder. I wonder what stories these shoes will tell in 7 months. Maybe I am sentimental, maybe I am a bleeding heart. No, I know I am, but I also know those stories and there ones that have carried me here and will carry me over the finish line in November.

Happy Running

I'm In! Are you?

nospam@example.com (Scott Iwata) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 11:04:44 -0700

FINALLY got accepted the ING NYC Marathon!

Are you in?

Gotta Have Heart

nospam@example.com (Scott Iwata) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 21:43:01 -0700

The day I ran my first race I knew certain things:

I would never win a marathon
I would never win a long race
I would never be the fastest
Probably not even the best looking (ha ha ha)

But what I did know was what was in my heart. More than that I knew if I really set my mind to running I could do this. When I lined up at the start line and every start line of every marathon I've ever ran in the past two to three years I've thought about the same thing. No matter what anyone thinks or says about me, I'm here. I may not be the fastest, maybe I will even finish last in my age group. It's inconsequential. What matters are the people you can help along the way. When I run, I think of all the things in my life. All the good, and all the not so good. I know I run better with anguish. I'm not sure why. It pushes me, feeds me when I get to the point I want to quit. But as I near the finish line I think about the people that the money Team in Training has raised for cancer patients everywhere. I think about my NY team and know there is no team I'd rather run with. I've been lucky and fortunate my whole life. I've got my family, I've been through my share of adversity but here I am running. yes I think about my health I think about the people who told me they didn't want to be there. More importantly I think about the people who were there when I struggled with my health. The people who rallied around me and helped me get back up.

The day I run my last race I'll know

How lucky I am to be able to run and from the time the gun fires to the time I cross the finish line,
That each step is me thanking everyone who's been there for me and more importantly got me to realize it doesn't matter how fast you run, or if you win or are even the best looking. You'll get to your finish line.

And more importantly: You just have to believe you will. And you will.

Happy Running!