Runners Lounge

That's What The Lounge Is All About

This morning I received a note and pictures from Catherine and Mel that they proudly finished the Wee Little Virtual 5K.  It's special because they did it!  And then what gave me goosebumps all over, was noticing how proudly they displayed their "I am a runner" bracelets with the beautiful Capetown, South Africa shoreline in the background.

That moment was a high point for us and our work on the Lounge Runners' Lounge.  Just a year ago, the Lounge was a vaporlike dream still rolling around in Tom and my heads.  We know we wanted a way to connect runners across the world but wondered if two ordinary runners could do it.   This one picture was confirmation that we can and we are.   I feel so lucky to know Catherine and Mel tried and succeeded!

My little hometown post office is in constant amazement of my daily mailings.  I have sent bracelets to almost every state in the U.S.A., but now regularly mail to South Africa, New Zeland, UK, Belguim, and Canada.  It feels good to keep connecting with more and more different runners.  It also reminds me that many geographic, cultural and time zones may make us different, but as runners, we share so much in common.

With the busiest time of the running season upon us, we hope you have found some time to connect with other runners in the Lounge.  There are some great Lounge Groups to check out including,

• The Fat Runners Society as well as Women and Weight
• Vegetarian Runners
• Marathoners and First Time Marathoners
• And many specific marathon groups like Chicago Marathon, Portland Marathon, Nike's Women's Marathon, New York City Marathon, Hartford Marathon, and many, many more

Or, if you are looking for a few good threads and forums, check out:

• A debate about Walk Breaks
• Running in the Heat
• Hydration Systems - need someone with experience/expertise to add their thoughts
• A discussion about Gear

And outside of these discussions, don't forget to connect with runners.   The Search Profiles page give you 12 different ways to search and find runners.   I especially like the "Connect with Runners" categories.  If you haven't filled your out (via your profile), take a moment to do so.

It only takes seconds to reach out to a runner in the Lounge.  Do it today!

Feeling a little smarter....

Thanks to the Loungers who participated in our "Knowledge Drive" last week.  We had some great new tips and posts roll in and start to fill our shelves.

Here is a glimpse of some of the new information added:

• bvccollins added a tip on Yoga for Runners
• cdnrunnergal added a tip on Finding Time and Biking and Cross Training
• CoffeeBetsy submitted two new articles, one on getting started and a second with mental tips for the long run.
• cymrusteve submitted two tips, one on 100 push up challenge and the other on motivational quotes
• felicepd added a tip on "The Stick"
• irishcream added a tip on Marathon Mania
• jonnyquest added a tip on Reading your symptoms
• Kirkt61 added a tip on cross training
• milanorunner added a tip on 10K running

It was a nice way to wrap up the week, soaking in a tub of knowledge.   A little information always makes my running better.

As for prizes, it was too hard to choose from all the participants, so I enlisted the help of experts (ie, my kids) to pick names from a hat.  And the winners are...

bvccollins:  The winner of the book, "The Complete Runner"

irishcream:  The winner of a SpyBelt

felicepd:  The winner of two pairs of DryMax socks

Congrats winners!  Drop me an email at amy@runnerslounge.com with your mailing address so I can send your prize.

Thanks for helping to fill the shelves!  And remember, anytime is a good time to add a post or tip.   

The more we share, the more we learn and the better we run.  The better we run, the more we enjoy running and the more we smile.  The more we smile while we run, the more it makes nonrunning friends wonder what is so great about running and decide to give it a try.  And what do new runners need more than a good pair of shoes?  Running information!   So share some today.  Because the more we share....   

Help! Please Contribute To The Knowledge Drive.

Our shelves are almost empty!  And by shelves, I am referring to the virtual shelves of our Posts and Tips in the Know How section.   It is filling up little by little as people drop off a great blog post or tip - but we have a few areas that are still pretty lean.

And since it's that time of the year when many of our local charities have food, clothing, book and blood drives to help out those in the community - I thought I would continue that theme and have a "Knowledge Drive".

I use and keep the great advice from your blog posts everyday - everything from a new leg exercise to a message from Will Smith about the importance of running to a reminder about using your arms.  You share such good information everyday in your blog posts!  That's the great thing about running - we learn something everyday.   After you learn a lesson, drop off a copy and forever reminder in the Know How section.  It will be connected to your profile and all other runners can learn from it too!

The shelves that are really bare include our topics for this week - 5K and 10K's.  But all contributions are welcome.  Add something to:

• Basics of Running
• Training
• Race Distances
• Getting Started
• Staying Healthy
• Staying Motivated
• Shoes, Gear and Equipment

Can you spare 60 seconds, give your head a good shake, and take one or two tips and add them to the library?   Come on - it's easy, quick and free.  And the good you will do other runners is unlimited.  The only downside is that it isn't tax deductible.

But we do have an incentive!  Anyone who drops off a post, article or tip this week in the know how section will be added to a drawing for fabulous running prizes including DryMax socks, Runners' Lounge Tshirt, fabulous running books, and much, much more.   Drawing will be Monday - so hurry and contribute today!

Running and Flooding Drama in Des Moines

Over the weekend, our Des Moines community was the setting for drama of several kinds. 

Our local Drake University hosted the NCAA Track and Field Championships for four days.  The meet brought together the best of the best athletes from the nation’s top track and field programs.  Amy, her husband Jim, and I together with some friends watched as runners ran 13:30 for 5000 meters, 3:40s for 1500 meters, and 45 seconds for 400 meters.

Overall, the athletes set 21 records, surpassing the performances of the best who ran before them. Their strength and speed was staggering.  Many of these same amazing athletes will be competing at the Olympic trials next week, and some likely to be represent USA and their native countries in Beijing.

At the same time, Des Moines was dealing with devastating flooding along its two rivers.  Followed by weeks of record-setting rain, downtown Des Moines saw floodwaters spill into parts of its businesses and residential districts.  A levee also broke, calling for emergency sandbagging and evacuation to protect hundreds of homes and several schools.

And this is where the two dramatic events came together.

Athletes, coaches, and staff from the Washington, North Carolina, Florida State track teams rolled up their sleeves and pitched in to help with the crisis.  These were athletes who were finished competing.  Athletes who could just as easily have laid around their hotels or taken it easy at the track stadium soaking up the sun and excitement of the meet. 

Instead, these teams just showed up at the sandbagging operations, most not even wearing apparel displaying their school name, and blended in with the locals.  Work along a flood levee is dirty, smelly, and charged with urgency and emotion.  They filled sandbags and worked along side strangers forming a bucket brigade laying sandbags against a levee that only had a chance to hold.  Why?  They wanted to respond and give back to the community that hosted them for the past week.

Des Moines was filled with drama in many parts of the city throughout the week.  Some dramatic  performances were athletic and are now in the record books and captured with photos of the athletes holding their awards on the award stand.  But many other athletes will also be remembered, trophy-less and unphotographed, but as heroes for a lifetime.

Thank you to all athletes and schools for contributing your talent to the championship meet and your courage and kindness to the flood efforts.

NCAA runners on Flickr by Amortech

Sandbagging on Flickr by Tonygreif

Updates Around the Lounge

We have been busy making updates to Runners' Lounge, the online community, to make it even easier to connect with other runners.   Check out the new functions:

More ways to connect with runners. On your profile, we added a new section that allows you to choose specific categories you would like to connect with other runners who have questions or answers.  With more than 15 categories, you have many options to select.  Everything from training topics like stretching and cross training, to specific race distances, to the common running challenges like finding time and injuries.   But to make it work, we need you to invest 30 seconds to update your profile (on your profile click on the "update" link by "My Information").    

• More ways to search for runners. We heard from many runners that they wanted a quick way to search for other runners who will run/have run specific races, like Boston or Chicago, so we added the ability to do a text search in the "About Me" or "Goals/Races" section of the profiles.    It is also a great way to find people with similar interests like someone who is a student, a vegan, a mom, or in a certain profession.  And while you are searching, trying searching on "Connect Categories" too!   There is now 10 powerful ways to search for runners!

• One click access to Forums.   With just one click from the Home page, you can now access a list of all active forums.    Just click on "Build-Use-Share Running Know How" in the main navigation bar and you will right there!

• Great articles, tips and posts.   The "Articles" and "Posts & Tips" sections (in the Know How section) continues to grow.   We have added 20 new articles in the last few weeks!  It is your great posts that make great articles for runners in the Lounge.  When you write a great post or see a great post, don't forget to stop by and drop off a note in the "Posts and Tips" section.  It takes just seconds of your time and can help other runners.

• "Remember Me?".   And to make it easier to visit again and again, we have added a "remember me" option when you log in.   Next time you log in, don't forget to check the "remember me" box and you will have quick access everytime you visit.

With all that we do around the Lounge, our belief is stronger than ever that the millions of everyday ordinary runners hold an untapped wealth of knowledge.     Keep writing those great posts and then recycle them!  Bring them Lounge and post them in the "Posts and Tips" section so other runners can use them.   Or, when you discover a great lesson or tip that makes your running better, share it with the Lounge.   Individually as we become better runners we also become a stronger running community.

Thank you for your feedback!  All the changes this month were from feedback from you.  Thank you for continuing to help us build a great running community.

Some Of My Favorites...

Looking back is a funny thing.  I am amazed what I have learned and already forgotten in a few short months.   If I have learned anything from blogging it is the value of writing stuff down.

Looking back 12 months, here are some of my favorite memories, many which had faded but glad for the reminder:

Summertime

Remember the hub bub with the Pearl Imuzu ad?  Some of it surfaces once in a while, but last summer, I was one of the many silent ready-for-the pitchfork, card carrying members of the slow runners association who were ready to show Pearl just how wrong they were about joggers and runners.  From that passion, came many posts - the two that still strike a cord with me are The Rules to Becoming A Runner and Have You Hugged A Slow Runner Today?.  Take that Pearl!

Races

My schedule didn't allow for many races last year, but I was able to squeeze in my favorite Triathlon.  And while my race results wasn't anything to write home about, afterwards I found myself researching the scientific topic of How to Pee While Running.  Now I know.

And along the way, I made sure that I "coached" Tom in prep for his Chicago marathon by providing posts with spot-on Fashion Tips and some Marathon advice from kids (by video).

Winter to Spring

Such a damn long and cold winter!  Lots of time to think and tough time to run.  The lesson learned the most in the winter was Overcoming the Law of Inertia.  I must stay in motion for fear of becoming one with my couch again.

Looking forward to seeing your favorite posts tomorrow.  It's feels kinda like a good ole country potluck - everyone brings their favorite dish.    And remember, if you don't have one to share, share someone else's post.   

Thank You for a Great 1st year!

I can remember a moment in the winter of 2007 when Tom and I asked a friend who was blogging, "Why in the world do people blog?"  It made little sense to us.  They didn't "get anything" for it.  And where would they find time.   Geesh, do these people have a life?

We were clearly out of touch.

Our friend's response was that we should start listening to blogs to see what they were talking about.  He knew full well that we would learn the power of blogs, and specifically running blogs, after just a few conversations.

And he was spot on.  After just a few weeks, we were hooked.

Now, looking back over the last year, I feel lucky to have met so many wonderful runners and people through blogs.  I think about how different my life and my perspective on running would be if I hadn't met the thousands of runners I know call my BRF/RBF's and many days, just my friends. 

Writing a blog and listening to others' blogs have helped me understand and improve my running.   It has been a constant source of inspiration.   And, it has given me a wonderful journal of thoughts to look back on and see what was going on a year ago.  How soon I forget when it isn't written down.  I am a convinced blogging is a form of cross training - for the mind.

And the biggest benefit for us to be blogging was that it helped us decide to design , create, and launch Runners' Lounge, the community.   I can't imagine my life without the nearly 800 runners who have joined us in our dream to create a community, for all runners, where they can connect with each other and share information and lessons they have learned.  A community for and built by runners!  I once wrote a post comparing blogging to One Big Small Town.  I feel like the blog and our community is really growing into a city.  If you haven't had the chance to join yet, consider this your personal invitation. 

As we celebrate the one year anniversary of the beginning of our journey, Tom and I would like to thank the thousands of visitors who have taken the time to visit the blog and have read any of our 391 posts.   And also the hundreds of runners who took the time to drop us one of the nearly 2500 comments.  As two ordinary runners just talking about running, many days we can't believe we were able to reach so many runners.   

As we move into our second year, one goal we don't have is that you read our blog more often, but instead it is that you learn about and connect with other runners because you read our blog or spend time in the Lounge.  A few weeks ago, Nat left a comment on Take It and Run Thursday (TIART) that she finds she is reading more running blogs because of the links on TIART.  That was probably the best comment we could have received.  We know we are headed in the right direction.

In short, Thank You! 

Especially our commenters who allow us to have a conversation instead of talking to our self.  You make us feel sane.  :} Thank you to ... (in order of most recent comment)....

• Laurel
• Kent
• Database Diva
• MissAlleyCat
• CoffeeBetsy
• Nitmos
• Viv
• Merrymishaps
• Leah
• Laura
• Bob Allen
• Nat
• Runatthemouth
• Jess
• Bill Carter
• Lisa
• Andrew E
• Kristy
• Nancy
• Bob Gentile
• RazZDoodle
• David
• Marcy
• Debbie
• StrugglePants
• Eileen
• Sandy
• Penny
• Brianna
• SLB
• Topher
• Viper
• Heather
• Holly
• runwitme
• The Laminator
• Blaine Moore
• Terri
• Jason
• Rob
• JoeThorn
• Jessica
• ex-jv-pastor
• Runnin Ragged
• Carol Goodrow
• sRod
• Irish Cream
• Andrea Hill
• Bryan
• oktree
• John
• InTheFastLane
• Lori
• Kara
• Kaeti
• Irene
• Art Dinkin
• Darin Swanson
• Marci
• Carly
• Andi
• justrun
• Amanda
• yufang
• Emily
• Steve
• kdays
• POM
• Kelsey
• Christy
• Paul
• Ed Hammerbeck
• madeline
• meghan
• vanilla
• shelah
• chloe
• roman holiday
• zanne
• Jamie
• Doug
• nwgdc
• Roadrunner Chick
• Reid
• MizFit
• Anne
• tony G
• Taryn
• Danielle
• Sarah Jo
• Pat Monahan
• august
• Reluctant Runner
• Heidi Swift
• Maury
• christine
• cyberpenguin
• dabigleap
• Kate
• Katie
• lifestudent
• claire
• Angela M
• Ethan
• Dan Seifring
• PNW Runner
• Linda
• Cord
• Huw Davies
• loosy
• Wendy
• Mike
• Jen
• Margo
• Laurie
• Running Hawkeye
• Derek
• MNSunshine
• Cranky Fitness
• Matt
• Cheryl
• Maggie Mae
• Andria
• Lisa
• Jennifer - running girl
• Moon
• peter
• crossn81
• marty
• IM Able
• Andria
• Running Jayhawk
• Nap Warden
• RunJulieRun
• Colleen
• candace
• laurel
• sarah k
• aham23
• Greg
• crunchynanas
• Brian
• Rosie
• Small Town RN
• RFC
• Tiffany
• The Running Guy
• Mike Keller
• Gretchen
• runliarun
• Michael Day
• Diana
• Sempre Libera
• DawnB
• Martyne
• runningtwig
• Meredith
• Ian
• Aves
• Sub
• runningkate
• big peach runner
• bex
• Jean
• what shall i say
• mike
• Iron G in 2015
• Adria
• GB
• DawnB
• Kim
• stonielove
• Troy
• Beccahsdad
• Jeanne
• Gretchen
• Tom O'Leary
• Brad
• Sarah
• Alejandro
• waddler 26.2
• Rich
• Tiffani
• renee
• Hillary
• Janemma
• Miranda
• KateKlein
• Liam
• Lei
• allrounder
• Rae
• Mendy
• Wes
• Chris Hope
• degan
• Marcus
• samsart
• Rush Nigut
• Former Fat Guy
• Char
• Dan
• Donald
• Karin H
• Brett Farmiloe
• Liz Strauss

Around the Lounge: Win Free shoes and Awards for the Most Active Loungers

With the arrival of April we hope you are enjoying better running weather and getting excited for the races on your calendar.

Amy and I want to say thank everyone for your support for Runners’ Lounge.  The community is growing in every way imaginable.  Every day more new runners are joining and more members are “coming home” to the Runners’ Lounge community.  Also, more fun and unique Lounge Groups are forming, and more great resources in the form of races, running-related products, and more clubs are being added.  Most important, friendly, interesting, and encouraging conversations about running are taking place every day.

Recognizing the Most Active Loungers

The Runners’ Lounge community wouldn’t be growing and thriving without each of you.  So we want to recognize some of the most active members, and provide them a token of our appreciation for their community-minded participation.  Let us introduce you to some very special members of Runners’ Lounge

• Nancy.  She so needs to give up her claim to being a non-runner.  Nancy gets a Spibelt in a spotted pattern to match her cave woman image.

• Kent.  Kent is always encouraging and keeping an eye out for us.  Kent receives an  autographed copy of The Runners’ Guide to the Meaning of Life.

• Pieces of Me.  P.O.M. is energetic, has a fabulous blog, and started the Holiday Weight Loss Challenge.  She also is awarded a Spibelt—maybe she can select a color to match one of her dazzling dresses she's wearing in Puerto Rico.

• Ovens to Betsy.  Betsy might be one of the busiest women on the planet, but always checks in on her friends at the Lounge.  Betsy will enjoy a fun running shirt of her choice from the creative folks at One More Mile.

• Finally, please give it up for Jodie, also known as Diva, as the most active member of Runners’ Lounge.  For her tireless energy and enthusiasm, Jodie wins a membership to the Her Sports Running Club.  The membership includes a free subscription to Her Sport + Fitness magazine, an Avia running singlet, Headsweats cap, Drymax socks, Yakz discounts on GU products. 

We invite you to get to know Nancy, Kent, P.O.M., Betsy, and Jodie, plus the hundreds of other special runners who make Runners’ Lounge a truly special community.

You Can Still Win New Running Shoes

On April 15th, a member of Runners’ Lounge will be awarded a free pair of running shoes. The winner will be selected from among those submitting a story for an Extraordinary Running award.  The shoes are complements of the great people at Onlineshoes.com, and we are excited to partner with them.  Each month a new winner will be selected from those submitting stories.  There are so many great touching human stories behind everyday running, racing, and supporting the running of others.  Please keep your stories coming.

Finally, thank you for your continued support of Runners’ Lounge.  We appreciate it when you pass along the word about the site to your friends and fellow running enthusiasts.

You are always welcome to contact us for any reason to provide your feedback and suggestions to improve Runners’ Lounge.  The Lounge is your space, and we look forward to hearing from you about how to make it even better to connect, share, and discover more with runners and about running.

Keep up your great living and running!

Tom & Amy

Around the Lounge: Selection Sunday & Win New Running Shoes

Yes, it’s selection Sunday for the Big Dance.  And with the weekly Around The Lounge check-in, we wanted you to know that a few new members of the Lounge community have been especially selected too. 

Two new members we believe you’d like to get to know are Bill, also known as Marathon Dude Bill, and Carol.  Bill has a big place for running and runners in his life, and his story is amazing of how he has skyrocketed to marathon success after only a few years running. 

An avid trail runner, Carol, who goes by Coyote Girl, joined the Lounge recently and has quickly won our hearts with her story Saturday Morning Fever.   We know you’ll enjoy getting to know them. 

Discovering a new and interesting running blogger is always refreshing.  So we’ve selected two new bloggers to shout out this week.   We know you'll enjoy the running blogging world of Jess at Run Girl Run, and Shelah at Hitting the Ground Running.  Both are great running bloggers.

To recommend a Lounge member to feature, just send Amy or me an email with your suggestion.  And don't be too modest; it's just fine to suggest yourself.

Free Running Shoes

Since it's Selection Sunday, how would you like to be selected to win free running shoes?  We’re pleased to announce a monthly giveaway of new running shoes awarded for the featured story selected each month for the Extraordinary Running Awards on the Runners' Lounge community site. 

To be eligible, please submit your story by April 4th.  All current stories are already eligible to win.  The winner of the first pair of shoes will be announced April 11th.

Hope your favorite teams make it to the Big Dance.

Around The Lounge: A Makeover for Runners’ Lounge

You know that feeling when you finish a remodeling job?  The contractors and decorators leave, but there's still something missing—having your friends come by to see the new look!

Well Amy and I are excited to invite you to check out the new home page at the Runners' Lounge community web site.

Don’t worry.  The remodeled Runners’ Lounge is still the same warm, friendly, enjoyable space for runners, only improved with a bundle of enhancements for your convenience. 

We have been listening to input from the community.  Thanks for your great suggestions!   We've tweaked here and there so now Runners’ Lounge offers more features on the home-page, making it easier to Connect, Share, and Discover! Imagine standing at the door of your favorite Lounge and scanning the room able to get a glimpse at what is going on inside. 

Below are some of the new features you’ll enjoy at a glance:

Connect

• New Loungers.  See the newest members of Runners’ Lounge community
• New Groups.  Check out recently-created Lounge Groups
• Get to Know.  Featured runners you might like to know
• Why I Run.  Insightful, serious, and not-so-serious reasons why others live the running life

Share

• Lounge Water Cooler.  A general open forum about all things running
• Around the Lounge.  The latest posts from Runners’ Lounge Blog
• Runners’ Lounge Poll.  Your chance to express your opinions
• Ask The Lounge.  Share your insights on questions from other Loungers
• Join a Discussion.  Links to the most recent discussions
• Inspiration and Stories.   Grab your daily dose of running inspiration from real stories from ExtraOrdinary Runners.

Discover

• Great Running Blogs.  Instant access to great running blogs from other Loungers
• Widgets.  New nifty tools to customize your profile or blog
• Know-How.  List of featured expert articles and advice from other Loungers
• Running Resources.  A marquee of races, gear, media, clubs, and products to enrich your running

Thank you for your feedback and your regular involvement in making Runners’ Lounge a great community!   Your participation, advice, and conversations are what continue to build a one-of-a kind meet-up space for runners.  We hope you like the changes.

So make yourself at home and please let us know what you think.

Early stage remodeling on Flickr by Gildedrain

Friendly Lounge on Flickr by JGmundie

Finished Lounge on Flickr by Vesuviano

Around the Lounge: New Site Features

Hope everyone enjoyed their extra Leap Day of running.

Amy and I have no problem saying goodbye to February.  Our area has set records for snowfall so we’re eager for some improvement in weather and running conditions.  Even though it gets brought into the house on our shoes, I’ve never been so grateful for all the grit and sand that is on the streets.

But how about some good news!  During the month of February, we’ve been doing some work in the back room of Runners’ Lounge, tweaking this and that, and we’re pleased to roll out a few new site features.

New Avatars

Tired of being gray?  Literally?   If you haven’t uploaded a picture of yourself on your profile, the Runners’ Lounge community would prefer to see you rather than the default gray avatar.  Until you upload your picture, you now have 12 new colorful running avatars to choose from.  Just click on the Update link next to My Information on the My Profile tab to select an avatar you like.  Go ahead and say good bye to the gray you.

You’ve Got Comments

Ever had someone drop off a surprise at your door step but you didn’t know it until you stepped out the door?  Now when someone leaves a comment for you on your profile, you are automatically notified via e-mail.  So when you want to tell others about a great run or race (or a lousy one), or leave a question or some encouragement for another Lounger, they’ll get notified instantly.  At Runners' Lounge, we love talking about running, so we’ve added notification to increase more and better running conversations.

Notification didn’t stop with comments.   Let’s face it, a robust running discussion wouldn’t be complete without you.  So now you’ll also be notified when new discussion thread are added to the groups you belong to.   We want every Lounge Group member to be in on the latest conversations.

Quotes and Inspiration

Ever read a quote on someone else’s blog or profile that really inspired you?   What words of inspiration do you follow?   What captures what you believe about achieving your running goals?  Are you looking for some new uplifting thoughts to carry with you on your runs?   

Check out the new Quotes and Sayings page where you can pick up and share inspiration.  Dress up your My Notebook section of your profile or refresh your blog by adding new gems of inspiration.

More New Features Just Around the Corner

Not only are Amy and I glad to say adios to February, but we're excited about some new features coming soon on Runners' Lounge.  So without letting the cat totally out of the bag, you'll be seeing some new look and capabilities very soon that are in response to suggestions from the Runners' Lounge community. 

Have a great week and hope everyone finds some traction to run on.

Around the Lounge

One of the driving forces behind the construction of Runners' Lounge the community was the need of ordinary runners to store and find answers to their common running questions.  Not only did we want to bring together some of the great articles and resources we found helpful, but we wanted to give all runners a place to leave a tip or advice of something that has worked for them.

As we kick off this week's Take It and Run Thursday theme of If I Knew Then What I Know Now, I think it is only fitting to give you a quick tour of the Running Know How Section in the Lounge.

This "room" in the Lounge has three parts:

Articles.   Articles are the longer, more formal entries suggested by you and added by us.  Many of the first articles we added were from coaches, elites, or professionals in the sport and provided a more authoritative view on a topic as well as being informative.  We are thankful to many authors who gave us permission to post/republish their article.   More recently, we have also added posts from some of our favorite bloggers.  These are posts that are instant classics like Frayed Laces 7 Habits of Highly Effective Runners, Nat's 10 Commandments of Running, or RazzDoodle's 5 Stages of Treadmill Running.

We've only just begun to build.  As you see a great article or post out there, please drop us a note (joinus@runnerslounge.com) and let us know.  If the author agrees to republish it, we will add it to the articles.

Advice.   This section is built, managed and maintained by the Lounge community.  This is the spot that runners of all abilities drop off a tip, tidbit, advice, words of wisdom for other runners.  If you have ever come to that part of your running career where the light bulb goes on and you think - I really need to tell other runners "to do" or "to avoid" this thing - the advice section is where you leave it.  It doesn't need to be long or formal - just jot down a few lines in the "Add Advice".   

If you have ever said, "I wish I knew then what I know now..." - that is your cue to drop off that piece of advice in the Know How section.  There are 5 main categories:  Training, Racing, Staying Healthy, Keeping Motivated, and Gear, Gadgets, and Equipment.  And, don't forget the newest addition - Inspiration and Stories.

As an added bonus, your advice is automatically linked to your profile under "My Know How".  This allows you to remember what you have added and helps other runners like you pick up some quick tips as they connect with you through your profile.

Ask the Lounge.  If you need more immediate help or are looking for input on a very specific topic, start a thread in our forum and ask the Lounge a question.   

We hope you are enjoying the Lounge and welcome any feedback or ideas on how to make it even better.   

More Inspiration This Week

When I feel challenged trying to fit my running into my day, I often lose sight of the major impact running has in my ordinary life.  This week, I have encouragement.

In the first week after launching the Stories and Inspiration page, runners have submitted more stories about why they run, what they’ve accomplished, and what keeps them going.  These are part of the Extraordinary Running Awards, four new awards to recognize the running greatness of ordinary runners.

The first three to submit stories were Brian, Christine, and Tracker who won tickets to see Spirit of the Marathon this week. 

The stories haven't stopped.  More ordinary runners have shared their personal take on running, including:

Because I Hate To Lose by Jess, who has won a workout DVD made possible by our friends at Energy Fitness Coaching               

Never Again, by Suzanne, who will receive an autographed copy of Runners’ Guide to The Meaning of Life, by Amby Burfoot, executive editor of Runner's World Magazine.

Putting the JOY in Joyful! by Becca who will receive a very cool Spibelt, compliments of Kim Overton at Overton Fitness.

The Thrill Of A Lifetime... Run A Marathon! by Bill earned cool socks courtesy of GIZMO socks.  Bill also ran a marathon this morning in Myrtle Beach, finishing 33rd out of nearly 1,700 runners.  Bill you're amazing!

Countless great moments in running happen every day.  Runners' Lounge still has more prizes to be awarded to the next three stories submitted about great runs, personal triumphs in races, and life-changing achievements in your running.  Plus everyone benefits from reading your inspiration. 

All stories are eligible for the Extraordinary Running Awards, to be given in July, which will award cash prizes to the winners in each category as well as a cash award for them to give back to their community.

More inspiration. There's something wonderful about coming across the blog of a new runner and  new blogger.   Check out Kristine who has embraced running and is preparing for the Fifth Third Riverbank 25k Run in Michigan in May.  I have a feeling she's going to amaze herself with her training and her race.

Amy and I turned out yesterday for our community's first major race event of the season, the Red Flannel Run.  There was more red flannel in the form of jackets, boxers, pajamas, long johns, hunters caps, skirts--you'd swear we all came from lumberjack camps.  Our runs were nothing major to post about, but it was fun getting together with 1,100 runners in 15 degree temps, and getting the faster juices flowing in anticipation of the racing season.

And isn't fun, getting together, and looking forward to future running a great part of running!

Red Flannel Run on Flickr by Ikin84

Announcing...The Extraordinary Runner Awards

The Lounge is a constant source of inspiration for us.  Some of the bits of inspiration come from everyday posts and messages.  Great moments in running happen every day. As ordinary runners we experience great runs, have personal triumphs in races, and achieve life-changing outcomes during our days, seasons, and years of running.  We have seen it through Frayed Laces constant posts and words of encouragement while she rehabilitates a pelvic fracture, Nancy's stories of two minutes planks, or Joe's continued persistence as he has become a runner.  We have also been inspired by race reports like Bill's sub 3:00 marathon, Zanne's amazing finish after jumping out of the back of an ambulance, Nitmos finish of the Goofy Challenge, or Katie's marathon finish with 2 seconds to spare.

All of these stories of inspiration keep us running.

After almost a year of reading and sharing them, Tom and I decided that these stories need to a special place.   We need to bring them together to inspire all runners.  To do this, we have launched the Extraordinary Runner Awards to honor the extra effort of ordinary runners.

These awards consist of four special, distinct categories of running greatness that unfold for us as ordinary runners, our running friends, and in our running communities. 

• The Golden Runner Award. Dedicated to stories about beginning running. Tell others why you started, how you kept going, how it has changed your life, or what you have achieved.
• The Milestone Award.  Dedicated to stories about running successes and accomplishments. It may be a training run or a race, returning from a setback, making a lifestyle change, or going faster or farther–or both. Tell us about what you have overcome and what you have achieved.
• The Applause Award. Dedicated to stories about charity, community, coaches, and support for running and runners. Share how running has helped you and others. And don't forget to showcase your favorite fans and supporters who keep you going.
• The Heart and Sole Award. Dedicated to stories about "Why I run." Running can be a powerful influence in our lives. Tell others what drives you to run…and what keeps you going.

Each month we will feature an inspiring story on our site.  Those submitting stories that are featured will receive prizes. In addition, twice each year we will select and recognize the overall top stories with the Runners' Lounge Awards, and will award cash prizes to the winners in each category as well as a cash award for them to give back to their community.

To kick it off, the first two stories added to this section by February 13th will receive a pair of tickets to “Spirit of the Marathon” on February 21st, compliments of the movie distributors. The next eight new stories will receive gifts from our sponsors.

We have dedicated a special page on the site where stories can be added and shared with the entire virtual community of running.  Everyone of us has a story to share and tell about our running.   It could be as simple as an everyday run, a breakthrough, or the big race.   It can be about progress or come back.  Share your own and ask other runners to share their story.

Please join the excitement in recognizing the greatness of running that you have experienced and showcase the greatness of running of others and in your community.  Share your story today! 

Around the Lounge

Did anyone feel any regret as the door slammed last week and January left us?  Hardly.  It was a frigid, icy month filled with way too many politicians here in Iowa and not nearly enough running.

Last week we welcomed 40 new members to the Lounge.  Several of our new friends are setting their sites on half marathons, which is topical because we’ll be sharing some new resources and covering the half marathon this week on Take-It-And-Run Thursday.  You might want to get to know:

Diario who is running the Bank of America Half Marathon in Raleigh.

Renee and Keith are joining her co-workers preparing for the Country Music Half Marathon in April. 

Laurel has a lot of enthusiasm and is on a bit of a streak with half marathons

Tami is preparing for her second 1/2 marathon.  Check out her time for her first.

We have a full range of other experience and levels of running.  Also joining the Lounge this week is Catherine who is just getting started and planning to run her first 5k, and Ben, a former college All-American now operating a running store.  If we're wondering why we started running a little later, get to know Andrew who is a young—very young—and getting ready for a marathon.

For Your Reading Pleasure

We added several new articles from which all of us can benefit.  Check out:

Strike Up The Band, which provides ideas on how to get in some strength training without going to the gym.

Running Easy is Really Hard! Here are 6 Ways to Slow Yourself Down   Just when you wondered how to get the most out of those easy runs.

We know there will be more winter weather, but the departure of January ushered in a bit more hope for better running. 

Hope you are feeling it?  Have a good week.

Around the Lounge

Traditionally, the third week of January is the coldest week of the year.  We enjoyed -13 degrees on Wednesday, so let’s hope the worst is behind us.

While it was cold outside, matters were warm and very busy at the Lounge.  Sixty new friends joined the  community you are part of and building.  They represent every running interest from all over.  Let us introduce you to a few new members:

Dodie, who is committed to running to deal with diabetes and other health issues.  SJTony also is battling the Hulk he calls diabetes.

RoadRunnerChick loves what she’s learned about running and now is enjoying ultra running.

EERunner is a club leader and is inviting his friends and members to join the lounge to better communicate with each other.  He’s set up a Lounge Group just for his Long Island running club

Mjjimenez is Mary who enjoys the shorter distances and last year set PRs in several races from 5 miles to the half marathon

Tonymaniac,  Tony is aiming to run 1000 marathons and he has completed 156 already!

julief01 Just started running this past summer and is planning to run her first half marathon this summer

Jcasselman doesn’t consider himself a runner, yet he is out the there enjoying and challenged by some of the same experiences the rest of us are

Carmen, a massage therapist, who ran her first marathon at the roast in Chicago last year.  She’s looking for a better experience and also to connect with other runners

These are just a few of the new members we’re meeting at the Lounge.  Stop by to visit them and introduce yourselves as well as to other new members. You can never have too many running friends!

New Articles For Runners

This week we added several articles to the Know-How section of the Lounge.  One author is anew Lounger, Annette, who lives and runs in Colorado and has written about How To Set and Achieve Your Running Goals.

Other new articles this week are about:

Stretching

Selecting Shoes

Tips for a Healthier Core

Vitamin Power

By the way, one collection of Loungers have formed a  Lounge Group based on what they have in common--they're all employed by the same company and training for the San Diego Rock 'N Roll Marathon.  Way to go!  That's what the Lounge Groups are for!

Finally, Thursday was the first in an ongoing series of Take-It-And-Run-Thursday, which was a rich collaboration of advice by twenty runners on the topic of The Basics of Running.   Check out what others say is important to getting started running.   

This coming week's Take-it-and-Run-Thursday topic is Motivation.  Please join us to add some of your best advice.

It’s Super Bowl week, so hope everyone makes it a super week and may your team win!

Around the Lounge

This is a weekly update of what is going on in and around the Lounge.

Say Hello to Some of the New Loungers

I was reminded of the power of the running community while listening to the January 13th (#130) podcast of Pheddipations by Steve Runner.  Steve was covering the benefits of running, taking the first half to talk about the extensive physical and spiritual benefits of running.  And then, after the musical interlude, he hit the biggee.  A major benefit

This is a weekly update of what is going on in and around the Lounge.

Say Hello to Some of the New Loungers

I was reminded of the power of the running community while listening to the January 13th (#130) podcast of Pheddipations by Steve Runner.  Steve was covering the benefits of running, taking the first half to talk about the extensive physical and spiritual benefits of running.  And then, after the musical interlude, he hit the biggee.  A major benefit