April 23, 2008 - The great part of about not being in great shape...
Yo run gang,
The great part of about not being in great shape is that a workout is such an efficient use of time. Once in marathon training mode, the long run and weekly mileage need serious scheduling to get done but its finally worth it when the 6 mile run seems like a day off and you realize Youre fit! Pick a race, sign up, and get into training mode!
Run tip of the week: Start and finish long runs near the ocean. I once went to a running camp and was coached by Bill Squires from Boston. Squires coached Bill Rodgers, Dick Beardsley and other notable runners back in the day. Coach Squires said to always start long runs near the ocean so that when finished you could just walk in and ice the legs. I was thinking, great if you live near an ocean. I did find that standing in ice water after the run really does work a bit of magic. The icy plunge removes the day-after long run dead heavy leg feeling. You dont need the ocean, any lake will do this time of year and as summer wears on, the creeks and rivers seem to stay icy cold. I also find that water from the hose runs mighty cold and just running it over the legs for a couple minutes does the trick. Yikes!
Old business: Thank you so much for your tremendous response on how to trick myself into doing core and strength training. The trick thats working for me is the guilt I felt after reading all the things so many of you do to stay strong and flexible. Ive posted your responses at runningfit.com, click here and get ready to be shamed into fitness To the core!
Run, plunge, lunge, repeat!
Randy Step, an admitted weak, inflexible, obsessed runner
December 3, 2008 - Tis' the season of giving.
Yo Run Gang,
Those of us who are passionate runners know that running is truly a gift. Not only does it add to our mental and physical health but our quality of life, our self esteem and so much more. Life without running would be quite different.
Tis the season of giving. As with all that is good in life, we tend to want to share our experiences with others. Unfortunately, our passion for running cant be transferred, the passion must be found by the individual but we can play a part. Yes, we can roll model our happiness and health and can invite the beginning runner (Or potential runner) along for a non intimidating walk/run but we all know, new running gear helps get us out the door and fires up the excitement. When we get a new running jacket, new shoes, new watch we cant wait to get out and play with our new toys. By giving these kinds of gifts, you may light a flame that will burn forever. Just try to find a gift that could beat that!
The Obsessed runners suggested Gifts for the potential runner; of course you get this stuff at Running Fit! (Shameless plug).
New shoes: Yes, shoes are a lousy gift because they will need to be exchanged and fitted correctly. A gift card would be more practical but cracking open a box of fresh running shoes adds a bit of magic. You can always include a card that says, yes, you will need to take these back to the store and get fitted in the right shoes but I could not bring myself to giving you a gift card!
A paid entry to a walker friendly event or the Running 101 class for the beginning runner: Remember your first event when you expected to come in last but ended up far from last and excited to enter another! Include a 5K training schedule (Ive linked one here!). Perhaps the Martian 5k on April 4th would be a fun event. Get the info at www.martianmarathon.com.
A running magazine and gift card: People love magazines and the glossy pictures!
Garmin 205: For the potential runners who is a tech nut. Not a cheap gift, your will guilt them into becoming a runner!
Run, shop, run, shop, run, shop,
Randy Step, an obsessed runner who likes new toys