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 .... Spring training tips... The welcome change from winter to spring season brings a natural change in our running as well. We start to running more, longer, faster or just different than we did in our "off months". Share your tips for transitioning from your maintenance running to training for a specific goal.
Just click here to add your name and URL. We have moved the linking widget to the Runners' Lounge Know How section so you can be instantly saved and published as one of the articles in the Training section.
Next week's theme is ... Tips to satisfy the need for speed!... We have heard from many of you that you would like to get faster this spring and this running season. And we know an equal amount of runners who hae found some great ideas on how to work on getting faster. Tell us about a tip, technique, training idea or magical potion you use to help you become or stay fast(er).
Hey you....looking for the magical linky widget for spring training tips......click here and you will be taken right to it! :}
The 4 of us PLUS our special guest star beat the "Biggest Loser" dead horse one more time, discuss the intricacies of the Golden Girls and tackle other hard hitting running issues. Enjoy.
[Update 3/19/09: We apologize for any offense from this podcast. The Be Funny series is a lighthearted discussion of running topics but in this episode the participants took their humor to a level that offended many listeners. This podcast has been temporarily removed to be edited. Sincere apologies from us from Runners' Lounge as it is never our belief that any runner should be ridiculed, offended or in anyway discussed that isn't supportive of their running. -Amy and Tom]
Wishing you could listen to the other podcasts? No worries - subscribe and download from iTunes or go to the Podcast page in the Lounge for access to our full library of great podcasts.
I hate winter, I yearn for spring, I enjoy summer and adore fall. So it should be no surprise that my running follows the same path.
Because my good intentions during winter rarely result in an equal amount of good running, I find myself impatiently trying to catch up in spring. I push my running, trying to make up for lost time and lost runs of the winter. Those runs I abandoned to instead stay warm under a quilt with a cup of hot chocolate or those runs I cut short because I thought my head would explode if I took one more step on a treadmill.
With the first hint at reasonable weather, I am back running in full force. I try to pick up where I left off an entire season ago. I tell "rest" to take a hike and "recovery" it isn't worth it and try to pack in the miles and quickly build a base. Because I just know that the faster I build a base means the faster I can do more and go faster.
Yeah right.
"Quickly build a base" shouldn't be allowed to be used in the same phrase. If I "quickly build a base" I will generally find myself just as quickly searching sportsinjuryclinic.net to find out why my knee hurts or hip has pain. And if I run through the warning signs, I find myself even more quickly wishing I hadn't rushed into spring training.
Based on my lessons learned the hard way, my spring training tip is togive yourself the time and luxury of building a base, one run at a time, which leaves you feeling stronger and with more enjoyable runs. Don't push it, don't cram them in, and be smart about recovery and rest. Run more slowly and planfully in the spring so you can enjoy summer and fall running at your peak.
If you are brushing off the cobwebs of your running, don't forget to pick up a few more tips from other runners as well from the Know How section:
The moments that define us as runners are very personal. Those same moments mean admitting our running obsessions and quirky behavior.
But more than define us, these quirky and obsessive moments also unite us as runners. Our breakthrough “I am a runner” moments, bring us into the fold of a universal group that we’re thrilled to be part of, a group whose membership we no longer need to earn.
Last week we invited everyone to complete the statement, “I knew I was a runner when…” Talk about funny, profound, and all-too true! To enjoy the hundreds of moments that define and unite us, check out the article compiled from the responses. You’ll swear you’re looking in the mirror and hearing the very words echoed by others that also define when you knew you were a runner.
Thanks to everyone for your submissions. As a result, 12 runners—that’s 24 feet and 120 toes—will be enjoying frictionless comfort, blister-free running, thanks to WRIGHTSOCK. The lucky winners are:
Thanks to everyone for their contributions. We're planning some specail ways to showcase all your awesome expressions of when you knew you were a runner.
This week’s FREE Stuff Giveaway: Amazon.com
The focus this week is Spring Training, which holds different meanings for every runner. Could be the arrival of races, adapting to warmer temps, running longer or getting faster. Maybe it's more serious cross training or the beginning of group runnings. Whatever it is, we want to hear from you!
Notice my choice of the word "hear."
That's right, the only thing better than reading the wisdom and insights of our fellow runners is hearing them. So this week to be eligible for the giveaway, you’ll not only be sharing your comments, but also your voice.
Drop by a spring training tip in the forum AND then using the Voice of the Running Community, just leave your spring training tips for others. It’s a chance to let other running friends hear the inspiration, conviction, motivation, and maybe even seduction in your voice. Then we’ll take your wisdom and compile it into a podcast for others to enjoy.
Just pick up the phone and simply dial: 1-888-329-2461
A random lucky winner selected for this week's giveaway will receive $20 gift cards from Amazon.com where you can pick up your favorite running book, music, or whatever else supports your habits. And if you are selected to win and have contributed to both the forum AND the voiceline - we will double your prize!
Dear readers, let's take a look back at the week in running:
* The Baltimore Sun had an interesting piece published on March 9th about the rise in the popularity of the half marathon. While, according to Running USA Inc., a Ventura, California organization that promotes fitness and tracks trends, the 5K race remains the most popular in terms of participants, the half marathon has been the fastest growing over the last 10 years with "participation...nearly doubling in the last decade to 715,000". While the precise cause for the rapid growth of the half marathon is anybody's guess, the article posits that "Local runners say the half's appeal is clear. It's a real accomplishment without the aches and time commitment of a 26.2-mile full marathon, which typically takes those who run regularly 18 weeks to prepare for and several days to recover from". While I agree that the time commitment and recovery are far less for a half marathon than it is for its "double-the-half" brother race, I think that with a different mindset, all those half-marathoners could easily transition to running a full marathon. Case-in-point, in preparing for any of my marathons, I have successfully convinced my mind and body that I am about to run not a marathon but two half marathons. Deceive thyself and ye shall run!!!
* As reported in the Beaumont Enterprise (Beaumont, TX) on March 10th, according to the results of a report commissioned by the Texas Education Agency, students who are physically fit are more likely to do well on state tests, have good school attendance, and have fewer disciplinary problems. After comparing student performance to the results of fitness tests given to groups of third through twelfth graders, researchers concluded that the schools that earned the state's top academic ratings also had the healthiest students with about 80 percent of the students reaching the healthy fitness zone for cardiovascular fitness. Quoting Timothy Chargois, Beaumont ISD's director of research, planning and evaluation, the article concludes that balance is key when it comes to producing good students and strong human beings, "For us to be healthy, happy and creative beings, we need exposure to athletics, academics and the arts".
* As reported in the Herald Tribune (Global Edition of the New York Times) on March 10th, retired U.S. Navy commander Charles Coughlin and his wife, Sabrina, went on trial last Tuesday to face charges of stealing $331,034 from the September 11th victims' compensation fund. Coughlin had received the money after filing a claim stating that he had seriously injured his neck and back on September 11th, 2001 while still working at the Pentagon. In refuting Coughlin's claim, Justice Department attorney Susan Menzer introduced evidence that, among other things, less than two months after that terrible day, Coughlin ran in the New York City Marathon and finished in 3:40 (2 hours and 1 minutes faster than Mario Lopez). The article goes on to say recount that Coughlin's attorneys "pointed out that Coughlin's New York City marathon time was actually three hours, 43 minutes, which he said 'was an embarrassment' to the man who had previously run a marathon in 3:11 and was hoping to get under three hours. He said Coughlin ran the race in pain, to prove that the terrorists could not intimidate him". While the case is still pending, I have certainly been convinced of Coughlin's fraud and feel as though he should not only go to jail but should be stripped of his NYC Marathon medal as well. Shame on you Mr. Coughlin!!
* As reported in the Rye Observer (United Kingdom) on March 11th, eventhough this Sunday will mark 34-year old Mark Davis' 10th running of the Hastings Half Marathon, it will be the first time he is accompanied by his four-year old daughter. Running to raise money for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), Davis has dressed in a different costume pushing a pushchair while playing music in each of his past runnings of the half marathon. While, in previous years, Davis has dressed as Piglet, pushing Pooh Bear, as dog, pushing a panda, and as Worzel, pushing Aunt Sally, he notes that "[t]his year, however, I will not be able to accept requests from fellow runners for a ride in the pushchair as I will be, weather permitting, pushing my youngest daughter Hannah around the course". Many-a year ago when I ran my first half marathon, I remember how much pain I was in with about a mile to go. It was fortunate that Mark Davis was not running that race because I am not sure I wouldn't have pushed his baby daughter out of the pushchair and hopped in myself!! Good luck to you both!!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Next Weekend's Marathons
This week's Open Mic is reserved for our newest writer in the Lounge - Peter Washkowitz. Peter joined the Lounge a few months ago and readily volunteered to take on our newest Sunday news segment. We thought it would be nice for the Lounge to learn more about the runner behind the writing. But Peter isn't just a great running writer, he is also a runner on a mission to complete 50 marathons in each of the 50 states. Welcome Peter!
What brought you to running?
Honestly, I started running for the mundane reason of wanting to lose weight. My father had taken up running to lose weight when I was a tot and it worked so well for him, I figured it would have the same effects on me. With each mile I ran, my love of running as well as my focus, determination and perseverance increased to such an extent that I forgot why I had started running in the first place.
Tell us more about your running goals for 2009 and beyond.
Last year, my brother and I set a goal to complete 50 marathons in the 50 states within the next 25 or so years. With that being the case, our 2009 goal (as well as the goal for each of the next 15 years) is the completion of at least 3 marathons (I already completed the Disney World Marathonin January) as well as running the NYC Marathon. While our goal remains subject to our legs not falling off, we think that we can and will eventually accomplish our long-term goal.
What is your favorite running route in NYC? Running in New York City is particularly limiting in that there are so few places to run outdoors. Given the fact that I really don't enjoy running in a straight line and then turning around and running right back to where you started, my favorite running route would have to be Central Park's 6-mile loop. While I can't stand the hills on 110th and 72nd streets, the overall course is quite pleasant and it's always nice to see all the other runners there as well.
You mention your wife in your posts, tell us more about how she supports your running.
While I have continually tried to convince my wife to take up running both because of its health benefits and, more selfishly, so I wouldn’t have to keep finding myself choosing between her and going running, she has continued to shoot my suggestions down. However, her support manifests itself in her total understanding of my need to run and never once yelling at me for the time spent not with her. Admittedly, I would choose her over running, but luckily she has never made me have to choose.
In your 6 years of running, any favorite races that have become habit?
Of all the races I have done over the past six years (marathons, half marathons and others), my favorite one has also been the shortest one. Every year, New York Road Runners does the Continental Fifth Avenue Mile down Fifth Avenue. What makes this race so entertaining is the fact that, as opposed to all other distance races, you can run the entire race at full speed. Over the 3 years I have run this race, my fastest time was 6:16 last year and I hope this year to possibly break the six minute barrier. Ironically enough, I never feel more exhausted and spent than when I finish this one mile course and it usually takes me at least twenty minutes to get my breathing and heart rate back to normal.
If you could take over as race director, what type of race would you create?
When I was in Philadelphia for law school, I had the pleasure of running in the city's Broad Street 10 Mile race which ran (no pun intended) right through the heart of Center City. I remember this race fondly and would love to see a similar 10 mile race in New York which takes the runners through the city streets. I found that 10 miles is a fantastic length as it is long enough to test a runner's endurance and abilities but is short enough that one can run at a fairly brisk pace. Currently, I don't think such a race exists in the New York City area but would love to be proven wrong!!
Tell us about your blog.
The idea to start Runners Write actually came from my brother and my wife. From reading my brother’s recently created running blog, I began to see how truly amusing and entertaining a runner’s experiences could be (when written and described well!). After telling my wife about my brother’s blog, she began telling me that starting my own running blog would be a fantastic creative outlet for someone such as myself who’s job is highly lacking in any sort of creative thinking. After writing my initial post, I became hooked and have come to realize that beginning Runners Write was one of the better ideas in my life.
What do you enjoy when you aren't running or blogging? I get my enjoyment from running (including blogging about it and spending hours on my computer searching for good music to listen to while running), spending time with my wife (including talking to her about running and my blog) and playing with our dog Philadelphia. I see my friends a lot as well but, because I run with most of them and this question pertained to what I do other than running, I didn't feel like I should mention them in the first sentence.
How many marathons have you completed?
To date, I have completed 7 marathons: 3 New York, 2 Philadelphia, Boston, Disney World Marathon. My brother and I are currently also registered for the Chicago Marathon in October.
What brings you back to the marathon time after time?
I love the excitement and anticipation you feel as you get to the start line as well as that sense of accomplishment you get as you are crossing the finish line. I also love the energy you feel along the course when spectators are cheering for you and, as I have mentioned in some of my blog posts, I love all pictures of myself running! My brother and I always laugh at the fact that, after finishing all of our marathons, without fail, we agree never to run a marathon again. Less than a month later, we usually have already signed up for another!
With the number of marathons completed, what is your advice for other runners attempting the marathon?
Bearing in mind that my average finishing time for my 7 marathons is around 4 hours and 10 minutes, I truly feel that most people can successfully finish a marathon. Before my first marathon, the farthest I had ever run was one half marathon which I finished in about 2 ½ hours. Nevertheless, I decided to try a marathon and finished that first one in just over 4 ½ hours. While certainly excruciatingly hard at times, with the right amount of dedication and focus, a marathon is within any runner’s grasp. My only word of advice would be this: during a marathon, never begin counting down how many miles you have left! Realizing that you have 18 miles left as you are passing the 8 mile marker can be incredibly disheartening!
Any running quirks or habits?
My only real running quirk is that, when I run with a friend, I always need to run on their left. I am not a lefty but for some reason I don't feel as comfortable when I am on their right.
If we interviewed your friends/family, what would they say about your running?
Without a doubt, my friends would all agree that (a) I run too much and (b) I sweat more than anybody they have ever seen. While some would say that I listen to the worst running music they could imagine (mostly 80s remixes), others would actually say that I listen to great upbeat music. Both my mother and my wife would tell you that I run with my back too straight and my neck too tense. I'm pretty sure that my wife would say I am the most handsome runner she has ever seen.
What is your advice for runners?
Both my wife and my brother always express concern that I run too much without giving my body much time to heal. While they are probably right, my view (and my advice to other runners) is that I may as well run as much as I can now so I won't regret it later in life. Of course, they always retort that my running life will be longer if my body can properly heal now, but, by the time they say this, I have already begun my run and can't really hear them so well!
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 .... Only in running... Have you ever noticed that you definition of "acceptable" changes when it comes to your running? Your standards of public dislays of bodily functions lower, you find it acceptable to give bear hugs to sweaty complete strangers who you bonded with in the last mile of a tough race, you easily pay $100+ for a pair of shoes you may wear a few months, and on and on. Share your take of the interesting and peculiar things running brings into our lives.
Just add in your name and URL below.
Next weeks theme is .... Spring training tips... The welcome change from winter to spring season brings a natural change in our running as well. We start to running more, longer, faster or just different than we did in our "off months". Share your tips for transitioning from your maintenance running to training for a specific goal.
Amy hosts this podcast as she and other running moms talk about how to balance motherhood, work and their running. They talk about everything from how to plan for their runs to street legal running strollers.
Remember, we're trying out a new segment here in Runners Lounge. If you want to send a virtual shout out to someone (e.g. - congratulations, good luck, you're an awesome podcast host, etc.), just call 1-888-329-2461and leave a message!
Why is it the smallest, lightest weight, and least expensive running gear we wear means so much to us?
Why is it with one favorite sock in hand, like a junkie I’ll tear apart my sock drawer and even search through dirty laundry to find its missing match?
Why is it I’d never dream of telling a fellow runner which shoes to wear, but I’ll get on a soapbox about my favorite running socks?
We dub certain socks our "favorites." And then there are those socks which accompany us during challenging runs or successful races, so we elevate them to "lucky socks" a level that exceeds sock canonization. This Week's Giveaway Partner: WRIGHTSOCK
The right socks mean everything to runners. So it's fitting that this week's Giveaway Partner is WRIGHTSOCK, a brand that provides the miracle all runners seek, frictionless comfort and a blister-free guarantee.
I was first introduced to WRIGHTSOCK by my local running store owner. Armed with a gift certificate to his store, I stood bewildered by the wall of sock products much like Charlie as he oogles the chocolate bars before finding the Golden Ticket.
Asking the owner for a great sock recommendation, without so much as a stammer, he reached for a pair of WRIGHTSOCKs, put them in my hands, and said, "After you try these, you'll never wear another pair for a long run or an important race." Seven marathons later, I only invite WRIGHTSOCKs to join me on my long runs and on race day.
WRIGHTSOCK has a unique double-layer construction that delivers—make that guarantees—no blisters. In addition to moisture management and temperature regulation, WRIGHTSOCK puts two layers to work for the feet controlling the friction that is normally transferred to the skin. The result...rubbing and hot spots are eliminated and blister-free running is available to every runner in every shoe.
Enough said. Prepare to have friction control and blister-free running proven to you. This week WRIGHTSOCKis giving away two pair of its unique socks to 12 different runners. To be eligible to win, just contribute your input this week.
All Loungers who respond to the Giveaway Question between March 10 – 15 will be eligible to win. Runners’ Lounge will select and announce
the winner on March 16th.
This Week's Giveaway Topic: Finish this statement:
"I knew I was a runner when...."
Was it when you first got into your car to measure the course you'd run--even though is was only a couple miles. What was the moment you realized you
were a runner or that you finally called yourself or introduced
yourself as a runner.
Go to the Lounge Forum to share your best running war story and what you learned. Your response can be as short as a sentence and
as long as a blog post or story.
There are already a lot of ways you can connect in the Lounge through profiles, forums, blogs, Lounge Groups, podcasts and twitter. And now there is one more way: The Voice of the Community Hotline.
The Voice of the Community Hotline is a new way for you to share what is going on in the world of running. If you have two minutes and something to say, this hotline is for you. Tell us about:
- you and your running, - your blog, - a charity you are running for, - another runner's support or accomplishments, - a running event - someone or something you are thankful for, - something cool going on in the running world, - a rant or rave about something running related
And if you can't think of something you need to share, then take two minutes to answer the question of the week.
And to make sure other runners hear you, we will gather all your voices and share them as part of the Runners Lounge posts, articles or podcasts each week.
Call 1-888-329-2461 and leave your message and voice today!
We are ordinary runners sharing our favorite passion – Running. The lounge is our escape for conversation and connection to our favorite people – Runners. Join the conversation today at www.runnerslounge.com.
An on-line community where runners Connect, Share, and Discover to more fully enjoy running!
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