Yves Roger "Better Late Than Never" by Paul Soskind

Yves Roger "Better Late Than  Never"   by Paul Soskind

P.S. You've been a PPTCer for about two years. How did it transpire?

Yves I never had thoughts of running, especially racing, because all my life I have never been an athletic kind of guy. But at age ten, I found my boyhood hero, Michel Jazzi, theOlympic French 1500 and 5000 metre star.He was my idol; I would watch all his races on our tiny black and white T.V. Maybe it was he who planted the seed of inspiration in me. I had thoughts that I might do something as a boy and wondered if I ever could. Then in the French army as a young man I had to run a 10km as part of our training. Some of the other guys looked really fit, but to my surprise, I finished way up near the front of my company, but, it still didn't click that I had ability to run fast.

P.S. So when did it click?

Yves A little over two years ago,at the Turkey Trot,my first race. I got there late, had to start behind everyone, but was passing people, lots of them, even at the end! So iI joined PPTC to be with people who could motivate, inspire , and guide me in running; better late than never!

P.S. How has running transformed you?

Yves Running has made my job, much easier; I teach architecture and am faced with getting ti know and meet the needs of many new students each year. Running has calmed me down, given me greater focus and patience, which I can apply to teaching. I'm much less stressed out now!

P.S. As a relatively "new" runner, have you set any goals for yourself?

Yves I want to see how much faster I can go. Right now, I'm running sub eights in all my races; how much faster can I go with some more years of training? P.S. What about a marathon?

Yves Right now I enjoy doing half marathons, but getting in the mileage to do them is a lot of work,; a marathon requires lots more if you want to do more than just survive it.I wouldn't want to do it and end up hurting my self. P.S. What have your experiences with the club been like? I've gotten to meet new people who share my interest, enjoy the groups at the speed classes and the races ,and the social aspects that the club offers us. P.S. So I gather that you have ideas about how we can improve.

Yves I would like to see more social events like the picnic; maybe brunches or lunches after races. We could also use a larger space for our monthly meetings; the smallness of the space may prevent people from continually attending.

P.S. I'm  sure our members will appreciate your unique entry into running as well as your fresh viewpoint; many thanks.

Carob loading event at the Food Coop

On Saturday November 6, 2010, all are welcome, runners and non-runners alike to come share the carbo-loading pasta party at the Park Slope Food Coop located at 782 Union Street on the Second floor.

The party begins at 1 p.m. Come fuel up for the biggest race in New York City with carbohydrates,
healthy drinks with electrolytes while enjoying running films about marathon running. It is an opportunity to meet with fellow runners and to share your war stories.Let’s make this second annual carbo-loading party a memorable experience that will be part of us forever.

GOBBLE, GOBBLE TIME IS HERE 2010!

GOBBLE, GOBBLE TIME IS HERE 2010!

By Tom Meany

The Turkey Trot is upon us. Thanksgiving morning, the race starts punctually at 9 A.M.  The course is the same 5 mile course as last year. We liked the change and so did you.  The race is capped at 2,500, so register early.

We are giving Saucony tech arm warmers. They come in three sizes, which should fit about everyone.    As in the past, there are medals for all finishers!  We also urge you to pick up your race packets at one of the designated Jack Rabbit locations beforehand to avoid long lines on race day.  The location of the race day pickup has changed.

The skating rink and parking lot will be closed as of 11/1/10 in preparation for demolition.

Race day packet pickup will be at the Boathouse, just behind the Oriental Pavilion. We will have plenty of volunteer greeters to guide you there.

ALONG WITH NO PARKING THERE WILL ALSO BE NO CARS ALLOWED IN THE PARK, NOT EVEN FOR PICKUP OR DROPOFF!

We urge runners to take public transportation or walk. For those who are driving, we suggest you park on Flatbush Ave., north of Empire Blvd. Give yourself plenty of time for walking to the start.

In addition to Bishop Ford  High School boys & girls track team volunteers, we will have volunteers from Team In Training . Team in Training has agreed to provide volunteers for both this race and the Cherry Tree. We welcome their support and support their programs in turn.

We still have room for PPTC volunteers, so let Richard Weaver know.

You can volunteer beforehand and still run the race. Either running or volunteering is  a great way to start a day of thanksgiving. If this has not been your tradition, this is a great opportunity to start one for yourself and/or your family.

Click here for complete registration and race day information.

The Glass Mountain Reflections on the NYC Marathon.

The Glass Mountain Reflections on the NYC Marathon.

To win the Big Apple,

The glass mountain you must climb.

Its slippery slopes reflects your hopes

Its subtle, cruel, sublime.

The smoothness of its surfaces

Belies the perilous ease

That lulls your pace into speed’s excess

Until the moments’ seize

Which shatters your race

Leaving you in a place

Where time is slowly fleeting

So treat this prize

With cautious eyes

So we can celebrate next Meeting!

By Paul “Souve” Soskind