Runners Lounge

Take It and Run Thursday: Virtual White Elephant Gift Exchange

Welcome to Take It and Run Thursday! 

It's our way to bring together the knowledge of all of us ordinary runners.  It's the virtual equivalent to putting our virtual heads together.  Even though many of us aren't elite athletes, coaches or authors, it doesn't mean that we haven't earned a well deserved PhD in running.   Whether you are starting out, have 50 years of running under your belt or somewhere in between - all of us have lessons learned that make us wiser and better runners.  

Today's theme is .... Virtual White Elephant Gift Exchange.  It's time for the second annual virtual white elephant gift exchange.  Last year we had a lot of fun finding, sharing and giving fantastic white elephant gifts and can't wait to do it again.  There were fabulous finds like a full body condom, a golden poop charm, a toilet paper dispensing hat and much more.   There is no dollar limit for the gifts and no required wrapping - all you need is a picture of your item to share.  Your gift can be something you own or something you see online and have a picture to share.   Share your gift as part of your TIaRT post!  The gift you give goes to the person who posts their TIaRT link right after you.   If this is anything like last year, this exchange will add a whole new dimension to the phrase, "it is better to give than receive."

Just fill in your name/title of your post and your URL below.

Next weeks theme is .... A year In Review in 52 words or less.  As of today, there are only three weeks left in 2008 - its time to do a review and look back to help us plan for 2008.  To help you wrap up your year, write a summary of your running year in 52 words or less - one word for each week of 2008.  Tell us about your highlights and lowlights of your running.  Talk about lessons you learned or shared.  Remind us of your favorite races or training runs.  Share all the important stuff about your 2008 running.

Welcome to Take It and Run Thursday! 

It's our way to bring together the knowledge of all of us ordinary runners.  It's the virtual equivalent to putting our virtual heads together.  Even though many of us aren't elite athletes, coaches or authors, it doesn't mean that we haven't earned a well deserved PhD in running.   Whether you are starting out, have 50 years of running under your belt or somewhere in between - all of us have lessons learned that make us wiser and better runners.  

Today's theme is .... Virtual White Elephant Gift Exchange.  It's time for the second annual virtual white elephant gift exchange.  Last year we had a lot of fun finding, sharing and giving fantastic white elephant gifts and can't wait to do it again.  There were fabulous finds like a full body condom, a golden poop charm, a toilet paper dispensing hat and much more.   There is no dollar limit for the gifts and no required wrapping - all you need is a picture of your item to share.  Your gift can be something you own or something you see online and have a picture to share.   Share your gift as part of your TIaRT post!  The gift you give goes to the person who posts their TIaRT link right after you.   If this is anything like last year, this exchange will add a whole new dimension to the phrase, "it is better to give than receive."

Just fill in your name/title of your post and your URL below.

Next weeks theme is .... A year In Review in 52 words or less.  As of today, there are only three weeks left in 2008 - its time to do a review and look back to help us plan for 2008.  To help you wrap up your year, write a summary of your running year in 52 words or less - one word for each week of 2008.  Tell us about your highlights and lowlights of your running.  Talk about lessons you learned or shared.  Remind us of your favorite races or training runs.  Share all the important stuff about your 2008 running.

Welcome to Take It and Run Thursday! 

It's our way to bring together the knowledge of all of us ordinary runners.  It's the virtual equivalent to putting our virtual heads together.  Even though many of us aren't elite athletes, coaches or authors, it doesn't mean that we haven't earned a well deserved PhD in running.   Whether you are starting out, have 50 years of running under your belt or somewhere in between - all of us have lessons learned that make us wiser and better runners.  

Today's theme is .... Virtual White Elephant Gift Exchange.  It's time for the second annual virtual white elephant gift exchange.  Last year we had a lot of fun finding, sharing and giving fantastic white elephant gifts and can't wait to do it again.  There were fabulous finds like a full body condom, a golden poop charm, a toilet paper dispensing hat and much more.   There is no dollar limit for the gifts and no required wrapping - all you need is a picture of your item to share.  Your gift can be something you own or something you see online and have a picture to share.   Share your gift as part of your TIaRT post!  The gift you give goes to the person who posts their TIaRT link right after you.   If this is anything like last year, this exchange will add a whole new dimension to the phrase, "it is better to give than receive."

Just fill in your name/title of your post and your URL below.

Next weeks theme is .... A year In Review in 52 words or less.  As of today, there are only three weeks left in 2008 - its time to do a review and look back to help us plan for 2008.  To help you wrap up your year, write a summary of your running year in 52 words or less - one word for each week of 2008.  Tell us about your highlights and lowlights of your running.  Talk about lessons you learned or shared.  Remind us of your favorite races or training runs.  Share all the important stuff about your 2008 running.

Welcome to Take It and Run Thursday! 

It's our way to bring together the knowledge of all of us ordinary runners.  It's the virtual equivalent to putting our virtual heads together.  Even though many of us aren't elite athletes, coaches or authors, it doesn't mean that we haven't earned a well deserved PhD in running.   Whether you are starting out, have 50 years of running under your belt or somewhere in between - all of us have lessons learned that make us wiser and better runners.  

Today's theme is .... Virtual White Elephant Gift Exchange.  It's time for the second annual virtual white elephant gift exchange.  Last year we had a lot of fun finding, sharing and giving fantastic white elephant gifts and can't wait to do it again.  There were fabulous finds like a full body condom, a golden poop charm, a toilet paper dispensing hat and much more.   There is no dollar limit for the gifts and no required wrapping - all you need is a picture of your item to share.  Your gift can be something you own or something you see online and have a picture to share.   Share your gift as part of your TIaRT post!  The gift you give goes to the person who posts their TIaRT link right after you.   If this is anything like last year, this exchange will add a whole new dimension to the phrase, "it is better to give than receive."

Just fill in your name/title of your post and your URL below.

Next weeks theme is .... A year In Review in 52 words or less.  As of today, there are only three weeks left in 2008 - its time to do a review and look back to help us plan for 2008.  To help you wrap up your year, write a summary of your running year in 52 words or less - one word for each week of 2008.  Tell us about your highlights and lowlights of your running.  Talk about lessons you learned or shared.  Remind us of your favorite races or training runs.  Share all the important stuff about your 2008 running.

The Perfect (White Elephant) Gift

This virtual gift is perfect as a white elephant gift and could (by some people's standards) be a perfect gift for a runner.

The MiniHorn! 

It's description says:  "The minihorn is one helluva noisemaker. About the size of a film canister, it sounds like a tenor saxophone at full blast."

My personal experience- with two of these little toys of joy in my house says:  "Oh my god - what was I thinking to buy these as gifts for my husband and son."

When I first saw it, I thought, "what the heck - it's only $2".  I had no idea that these little contraptions could cause such racket.  If you are the lucky one to recieve this virtual present, make sure you wrap it up and take it over to the mom you really don't like much.   It is the gift that just keeps giving.

Some sites even tote this horn as a safety device.   I believe that is because after a few listens to this noisemaker and even the worst bad guys would find a way to stay away from its annoying sound.

Enjoy!

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• Join Us for the Virtual Holiday Party & White Elephant Gift Exchange
• Take It and Run Thursday: Running Dreams and Wishes

Runners LoungeCast - Episode 5 - "Winter Running"

We talk with some brave souls that conquer the bitter cold on their runs.  How do they get over the mental hurdle of running in the cold weather?  What advice do they have?  

Running Off At The Mind (me)

The Running Laminator (Leslie)

cdnrunnergal (Leana)

http://www.network-admin.net (Kent/bowulf) 

From Nat's Brain (Natalie) 

A Marathon in the Making  (Marathon Dude Bill)

The Running Warehouse 

Sugoi Apparel 

Download Episode5

Also available on iTunes.

See a list of all past podcasts in the Runners Lounge Podcast Page.

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• Winterize Your Workouts: Indoor Track Tips

Join Us for the Virtual Holiday Party & White Elephant Gift Exchange

You are cordially invited to the 2nd Annual Runners' Lounge Virtual Holiday Party!

Another year has passed.  Whew!  It's been stressful.  We have supported each other all year through training, races, injuries and weather—we are one big bundle of neighbors and friends.  So it only seems right that we gather again at the holidays to share some good cheer. 

Since it is virtual, there is no schedule shuffling, driving in bad weather or even the required new holiday outfit.  Come as you are, drop by a holiday greeting, pick up some good cheer.  There will be virtual holiday food and drinks!  Feel free to overindulge—all of it has zero calories!  The party starts now and goes until the end of the year.

It's easy - here's what you do to join in the festivities:

• Drop by the Holiday Party Lounge Group on Runners' Lounge, and join the Forum "Holiday Greetings and Cheer".   
• Drop off a note to your RBF's (Running Blogging Friends) in the Forum.  If you have already pasted holiday greetings in your blog, make sure to include a link to your holiday posts as well.
• Throughout the days of December, stop by, chat with the RBF's, exchange well wishes.

It's easy, it has no pressure and should leave you with a happy holiday greeting. 

'Tis the Season for Re-gifting

With the lousy economy, plus others' poor taste in gift giving, there's no better time for a White Elephant Exchange than this year.

Here is how it works: Take a picture of that horrible present from years past that you just can't part with.  Or grab a photo of something online that you can't believe people buy and give to others.  It's virtual - so there is no spending limit.  In fact, the only limit is your imagination. 

Share your gift as part of your TIaRT post!  The gift you give goes to the person who posts their TIaRT link right after you.   If this is anything like last year, this exchange will add a whole new dimension to the phrase, "it is better to give than receive."

We have seen the workings of your very creative minds as well as your ability to find crazy things online—so we can't wait to see your gift offerings.

We know the holidays can be stressful, so we hope this adds a little fun and cheer to this busy time of the year.

Happy Holidays!

Now, let's get this party under way!

Amy & Tom

Christmas Eve tree on Flickr by Run Strong

White elephant on Flickr by Kurki15

FREE Stuff Giveaway: Sport Wash for 25 stinky runners

Last week Loungers told us what they would like to see in the Lounge in 2009.  Thank you to everyone for their ideas related to content, navigation, and improving the community experience.  Runners' Lounge will be a better place in 2009 because of your ideas.

Thank you also Steve Dorst and Dan Evans for partnering with Runners’ Lounge, for capturing the amazing story of Volcanic Sprint, and for contributing to Soles4Souls and impacting others’ lives with the gift of shoes.

Those winning copies of the Volcanic Sprint DVD are Frayed Laces, Eyeball Irene, and Lilrunner25. 

We hope you know that everyone can always connect with Amy or me any time to offer your suggestions.  We’re open to every level of feedback and ideas to make your Runners’ Lounge a place you enjoy coming home to. 

This week's Giveaway Partner: Penguin Sport Wash

Attention all runners: you can't go on Febrezing your running gear forever.  Sooner or later we want to wash the stink out.  So Penguin Brands has designed Sport Wash to do just that.

Remember the megabucks we shell out for good running gear?  Well Sport Wash helps preserve our investment. More than a laundry detergent, Sport Wash removes trapped odors from fabrics and keeps high-tech fabrics looking and working like new. It also restores factory applied waterproofing and wicking properties and eliminates odor to technical fabrics like Dri-Fit, Under Armour, Coolmax and others.

So the great people at Penguin Brands are partnering with Runners’ Lounge to give away Sport Wash to 25 stinky runners.

This will be another Runners' Lounge Product Challenge, and you will be asked to comment briefly on your experience using Sport Wash.  Don't hold back.  We're looking for  25 lucky runners to use Penguin Sport Wash on their smelliest, stinkiest, grimiest, sweatiest, crusty running clothes.

To join in the fun and become eligible, just confess how badly you need it.  Go ahead, express the seriousness of your stinky running gear.  What does it compare to?  In what awful ways have your family members described the odor?

The forum runs December 8 - 13. So do yourself—and everyone who lives around your running gear—a favor.  Go to the Lounge Forum, express your stinky running gear situation and become eligible!

Clothespin on nose on Flickr by Chema Tejadas

Open Mic Friday: Coach Koo

I can remember the day and moment I first read this month's ExtraOrdinary Runner Award story.  CoachKoo shared her story as part of one of our Take It and Run Thursday.  I remember it because I was so touched by her story and immediately sent her a note and asked her to share it in the Lounge as well because I think it is a story other runners would want to hear.   Coach Koo's story of why she runs is a testament to the healing power of running.  If you haven't read it yet, take time to read it today. 

Today's interview is with our winner, Coach Koo.  You may know her from her great blog, Chic Runner and as a treat today she shares more about her running and nonrunning life.

Welcome Coach Koo!

 

Congratulations on being the November Extraordinary Runners Award winner!  What more would you share about your story? 

The only other thing I have about my story is mostly just to keep going. Running was the outlet for me that helped me reorganize myself as a human being, and it allowed me to control something in my life, which at the time, I felt like I had lost. It allowed me a lot of me time, and allowed me to think and feel again. It was great to just be able to get away and just do my own thing, even if it was crying on a run, or just running really fast. It allowed me to find myself again.

I know you have run for many years, when did you know that you were a "runner"?
I felt like I realized my love for running when I began coaching and how much I loved to see the students succeed.  I wanted them to do have the same passion I did for running and I wanted to share my passion with them. I remember after not running consistently for a while, after being at our first race of the season and hearing the gun go off, I got a little teary, which I totally wasn't expecting. After that I realized that I loved it, and I wanted to continue my running career.

What is your fondest running memory?
My fondest running memory is all of my high school races. I did really well in high school and I remember running my fastest race at league finals my junior year. I broke 20, and it was a great course and I made all league. It was just exciting to be able to race with my team and break 20 minutes for three miles.
How are you managing your runs and the holidays? Managing to get in a run in hard enough anytime of the year, but with the holidays you seem extra busy. I am putting in a lot of time at the gym and also fitting in a few more runs in the morning before work, and also reminding myself that I have to get out there and keep going no matter what day it is. I also do all my longer runs on the weekend, instead of trying to sneak one in at night, especially because it gets dark so early.

What are your current running goals?

Well right now I'm working on my 2009 race schedule and my next goal would be to finish my next ½ marathon in under 1:50. Then I want to run 1:45. It's going to be tough to shave that much time off, but I feel like it is a good attainable goal.

What's on your wish list for the holidays (running or nonrunning)?

My wish list includes a few DVDs and some running tights. I really couldn't think of anything I absolutely needed this year because I have come to realize how incredibly blessed I am to have so many rich things in my life. I am focusing more on giving back lately.

What are your holiday indulgences?

Candy. I love all types of Candy, not only holiday candy, but fudge is my weakness. I love eating in general so the holidays sometimes take a toll on my diet, that's why I know I have to get out there and run.

Tell us about your nonrunning life.

My non-running life consists a lot of sports. I love watching football, and baseball. I have a wonderful    boyfriend whom I love and a very supportive family and a lot of really great friends. I love writing and reading books and am thinking about becoming a high school English teacher so I could go back to coaching, but we'll see. I am involved with my church as well by being a member of their writing team. I really like to go to the gym and also go to Taco Bell.

How do you like your job in advertising?  How has the switch been from college to full time employment?

I really, really enjoy my job at the advertising agency a lot. I work as an account coordinator and we do advertising for movies and it's fun and very different every day. I also really like the environment I work in and the people I work with are great and really easy to get along with. It's really fun to work with others and I really am glad I got to get my career started there. The switch from college to being a full time employee was quite a challenge, but I felt like I was ready for it. I knew I couldn't go out and get crazy like I did in college and I was ready for the transition I feel like. It was different the first few weeks after I started working again, but I knew what it would entail and I'm glad it happened in my life and I can deal with being employed and not 'wishing I was back in school'. I felt like it was a good time for me to 'grow up.'

What motivated to start your blog?

I started my blog because I felt like I needed to talk to others about running and why I ran. I never realized the support and community of runners out there. I really wanted to talk to others about running and though my family is supportive, not many others run so it's fun to talk about it and other people know what you're talking about.

What do you do when you aren't running?

When I'm not running, I am watching TV or just hanging out. I love hanging out with my friends and I work a lot, so that is also where you could find me, behind my desk.

What is your biggest running challenge?

My biggest running challenge is finding time to run. With work and the boyfriend, it's hard to find time to get in a solid run that I feel really worked me out. I know it's because of bad excuses, and afterwards I'm always really glad that I did run, but it's my negative thinking of, Gosh I was so busy all day and now I seriously have to run? I know once I'm finished I feel refreshed and really great though.

Any running quirks?

I guess something that is kind of weird is that I have never run with water or fuel or GU of any kind. I never can run with anything besides my ipod.

What are some of your favorite running routes?

Along the beach path in the mornings on a Saturday or Sunday. I love the people who are so friendly, and just everyone out there doing their own thing. It's great to see so many people out exercising. It's like we are all in it together.

Any favorite races?

My favorite high school race was a 3 miler at Craig Park in Brea and also the "Jungle Run" at Carbon Canyon Park in Brea as well. My favorite race that I've run recently was the Long Beach ½, because it never thought I would be a ½ finisher.

Any favorite running fuel/drinks or post run fuel/drinks?

I love Purple Gatorade and I love Gu Shot Blox. They are delicious. I eat them as candy sometimes, which is so bad. I drink a TON of water so I like that too.

What is your best running lesson learned the hard way?

The best running lesson I learned the hard way is to just keep replacing your shoes or your feet are going to get torn up. I know I go through shoes so fast, but new shoes make all the difference on your body and I used to always get blisters and keep my shoes for well over 500 miles, and I always wondered why. Though expensive, just buy new ones!

What is one unique thing about you that most people don't know?

I actually was adopted, even though everyone says that I look just like my mom and my dad.

Who are some of your virtual running friends you would like to meet up and run with?

I would love to meet up with all the girls in San Fran. They all seem so nice and like we would get along, and I would love to run with Marcy, because she seems so funny and I would like to meet her kids because they sound way to funny. J Steve is super funny too, especially because he races in costumes. I would just like to run with everyone really. Everyone seems so nice and friendly and we are all crazy together.

What is the best running advice you have ever received?

The best advice I ever received was from my high school coach and he told me to just keep going. He told in races, just finish. Don't stop on the hill because it's a hill, you'll be done with it soon. Don't stop because you have a side ache, because it will be gone soon. Don't let that girl pass you because you think you're too tired. Stay with her. Push yourself. That was really great for me to hear because it made me more competitive in all aspects of my life. He gave me the idea that I could do anything I put my mind too.

What advice do you have for half marathoners?

Just get out there and run one! I never though I would have ever run one, but it's a great distance and it's fun to race. Once you start training for one, just keep your eyes on your goal, and you can totally finish it! The best feeling is finishing the race. Finishing my ½, I was thinking at the end, that was it? I'm done? It was great and rewarding and not even hard.

What advice do you have for other runners?

The advice I would give to other runners would be just to stick with it. Everyone has those bad runs and everyone has those good runs. Just listen to your body, and just go with it. Enjoy your running, because you never know when it will be taken away from you.

Take It and Run Thursday: Running Dreams and Wishes

Welcome to Take It and Run Thursday! 

It's our way to bring together the knowledge of all of us ordinary runners.  It's the virtual equivalent to putting our virtual heads together.  Even though many of us aren't elite athletes, coaches or authors, it doesn't mean that we haven't earned a well deserved PhD in running.   Whether you are starting out, have 50 years of running under your belt or somewhere in between - all of us have lessons learned that make us wiser and better runners.  

Today's theme is .... Make a wish.  Share your dream.  Holiday season wish lists aren't just for kids.   They are for runners too!   In the spirit of the season in which anything is possible, share your running dream.  Maybe it is a destination race or vacation/race package all in one.  Or maybe it is meeting a running hero.   For others it may be the chance to be a race director for your own race.   Or maybe it is about making running easier or better for you or others.  There are no limits - except your imagination and ability to dream.

Just fill in your name/title of your post and your URL below.

Next weeks theme is .... Virtual White Elephant Gift Exchange.  It's time for the second annual virtual white elephant gift exchange.  Last year we had a lot of fun finding, sharing and giving fantastic white elephant gifts and can't wait to do it again.  There were fabulous finds like a full body condom, a golden poop charm, a toilet paper dispensing hat and much more.   There is no dollar limit for the gifts and no required wrapping - all you need is a picture of your item to share.  Your gift can be something you own or something you see online and have a picture to share.   Share your gift as part of your TIaRT post!  The gift you give goes to the person who posts their TIaRT link right after you.   If this is anything like last year, this exchange will add a whole new dimension to the phrase, "it is better to give than receive."

Click here for a list of great posts on running dreams and wishes.

 

Welcome to Take It and Run Thursday! 

It's our way to bring together the knowledge of all of us ordinary runners.  It's the virtual equivalent to putting our virtual heads together.  Even though many of us aren't elite athletes, coaches or authors, it doesn't mean that we haven't earned a well deserved PhD in running.   Whether you are starting out, have 50 years of running under your belt or somewhere in between - all of us have lessons learned that make us wiser and better runners.  

Today's theme is .... Make a wish.  Share your dream.  Holiday season wish lists aren't just for kids.   They are for runners too!   In the spirit of the season in which anything is possible, share your running dream.  Maybe it is a destination race or vacation/race package all in one.  Or maybe it is meeting a running hero.   For others it may be the chance to be a race director for your own race.   Or maybe it is about making running easier or better for you or others.  There are no limits - except your imagination and ability to dream.

Just fill in your name/title of your post and your URL below.

Next weeks theme is .... Virtual White Elephant Gift Exchange.  It's time for the second annual virtual white elephant gift exchange.  Last year we had a lot of fun finding, sharing and giving fantastic white elephant gifts and can't wait to do it again.  There were fabulous finds like a full body condom, a golden poop charm, a toilet paper dispensing hat and much more.   There is no dollar limit for the gifts and no required wrapping - all you need is a picture of your item to share.  Your gift can be something you own or something you see online and have a picture to share.   Share your gift as part of your TIaRT post!  The gift you give goes to the person who posts their TIaRT link right after you.   If this is anything like last year, this exchange will add a whole new dimension to the phrase, "it is better to give than receive."

Click here for a list of great posts on running dreams and wishes.

 

Welcome to Take It and Run Thursday! 

It's our way to bring together the knowledge of all of us ordinary runners.  It's the virtual equivalent to putting our virtual heads together.  Even though many of us aren't elite athletes, coaches or authors, it doesn't mean that we haven't earned a well deserved PhD in running.   Whether you are starting out, have 50 years of running under your belt or somewhere in between - all of us have lessons learned that make us wiser and better runners.  

Today's theme is .... Make a wish.  Share your dream.  Holiday season wish lists aren't just for kids.   They are for runners too!   In the spirit of the season in which anything is possible, share your running dream.  Maybe it is a destination race or vacation/race package all in one.  Or maybe it is meeting a running hero.   For others it may be the chance to be a race director for your own race.   Or maybe it is about making running easier or better for you or others.  There are no limits - except your imagination and ability to dream.

Just fill in your name/title of your post and your URL below.

Next weeks theme is .... Virtual White Elephant Gift Exchange.  It's time for the second annual virtual white elephant gift exchange.  Last year we had a lot of fun finding, sharing and giving fantastic white elephant gifts and can't wait to do it again.  There were fabulous finds like a full body condom, a golden poop charm, a toilet paper dispensing hat and much more.   There is no dollar limit for the gifts and no required wrapping - all you need is a picture of your item to share.  Your gift can be something you own or something you see online and have a picture to share.   Share your gift as part of your TIaRT post!  The gift you give goes to the person who posts their TIaRT link right after you.   If this is anything like last year, this exchange will add a whole new dimension to the phrase, "it is better to give than receive."

Click here for a list of great posts on running dreams and wishes.

 

My running wish: cross country team racing for adults

“How’d we do?” 
 
“I think our 4th runner finished ahead of their 3rd runner.”
 
“Sweet!”
 
That kind of chatter and whisper follows cross country races, a form of running and competing enjoyed mostly by high school and college runners, racing that adults don’t have the chance to enjoy.

Ask anyone who ever ran cross country in school, and they’ll tell you it was one of the most enjoyable times of their life.
 
One of my dreams is to organize cross country racing for adult runners.  To treat those who never had the thrill of running team cross country—and to let those who did return to days when the success of your running friends mattered. 
 
One of the greatest parts of racing as a cross country team is the sense of camaraderie and concern for your teammates.  Years ago we “ran 7 and counted 5,” or” ran 5 and counted 4”—meaning you really cared how your team mates competed against other runners. 
 
Competing as a cross country team brings out a sense of pride and mutual respect for other runners that you can’t find in individual racing. In fact, how your team’s middle and last runners finish matters far more than who finishes first. Knowing your fellow teammates are working hard during the heart of a race inspires you to work harder yourself.  Few racing experiences inspire effort and celebrate others’ contributions more than running as a cross country team.  Talk about feeling excited about others’ success!
 
I know most runners enjoy the fitness of running and the individual sense of accomplishment when they race. So I wonder if the experience of cross country racing for adults would appeal to other runners?  
 
It might be time for me to depart from directing conventional road races and design and direct a cross country race or series of races in our community that leads up to a team championship.
 
It’s a great time of year to dream about running, and we’re looking forward to hearing about everyone’s running dreams—big or small, achievable or unlikely—at tomorrow's Take It and Run Thursday.

Runners LoungeCast - Episode 4 - "Calling All Runners"

Our first attempt at a recurring segment named "Calling All Runners" - which was an "open call" for anyone to join the discussion.  In this segment, we discuss how runners keep running on their schedule  during the holidays.  

Featuring:

Mike from The Pursuit of Running

Tom and Amy from Runners Lounge

Other Notes/Links:

Running Off at the Mind

TalkShoe

 

Download Episode4

 

Also available on iTunes.

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• Runners LoungeCast - Episode 3 - "Be Funny"

My Running Dream

It is running dream and wishes week in the Lounge. 

Have you ever noticed that your running dreams are biggest while running?  I think rationally about my running when I am not running.  But as soon as I am back in running mode, my thoughts about "what's next" for my running always seem to push the envelope.  I can still remember the spot on each run when I came up with they idea to run my first marathon, my first triathlon, my first half marathon  ....  my 12th triathlon, etc, etc.   Running gets my dreaming juices flowing.

So I wasn't surprised when my latest running dream came together in a recent run.   I was about half way through a run when it came to me.  But for the first time it wasn't about a running a race or distance and certainly never about speed.  This dream had a twist.  It seems a little silly to tell you when I am not running.  It seems more appropriate to just slip it into conversation while we were running together.   And then you would give me a little sideways glance, a silent pause, and go, "well, ok....".   So if you could just hop up and jog in place for a moment....  :}

Ok, ready for it?  I have decided my running dream is to be on the cover of Runners World.   Not because I have one of THOSE bodies or because I ran an amazing string of marathons or I am someone famous.  My wish is to grace the cover as a representative of all the ordinary runners out there in the world.  I know that I look at the covers each month and *sigh* and wonder what miracle of science it would take to have me look like the cover runner.   I think it would almost a public service to put me on the cover.   Other ordinary runners would take a look and say, "wow, if she can do - I know I can to". 

I have already decided my terms.  No belly button or abs shot and only spandex that makes me look 20 pounds lighter and 15 years younger.  (But just in case I have no bargaining power I have started my situps and ab work again.  Even if it is 20 years away, that is just not enough time to get my body in shape to be photographed in spandex.)  And second, since I really don't like having pictures taken of me, I would need at least 20-30 other runners on the cover with me.    It would be so nice to have all of you on the cover with me too!

So there it is.  My dream.  I know it seems crazy, but I have never let one of these dreams hatched during a run fizzle out.  I have found a way to make them happen. 

I am looking forward to hearing about your running wishes and dreams this week.   Mostly because I love hearing about running stuff but also now because I will look like a complete idiot if I am the only one who shares something nutty.  :}