Arlington Runner

2009-07-14T10:44:00.001-04:00

Test from iPhone.

VW Commercial

2009-06-01T15:21:00.002-04:00

How to Avoid "The Wall"

2008-01-02T21:16:00.000-05:00

It may have been the fact that like an idiot I ran a 10K the day after a 5K, but for the first time I felt like I hit that "wall" that I read about in the running mags. Lesson learned.

From Jeff Galloway's blog:

How to Avoid "The Wall"
There are a few workouts or races every year when everything is going well…until the end. Within 100 yards or so, you shift from feeling strong and under control to questioning whether you are going to finish. You’ve hit the wall: there’s no bounce in the muscles, energy level drops, and your breathing rate increases. You find yourself struggling even when the pace slows down dramatically. More ...

It's Coming...

2007-12-31T09:11:00.001-05:00

Seven Miles with Arlington Road Runners

2007-12-29T15:48:00.001-05:00

I'm back from my seven mile run. I'm back with my regular group, the Yellow team, after a rough experience last week out on my own. The route this week was called "Rock Creek to Calvert Street" and was nice and flat and very scenic. The pace was perfect - with a 3:1 interval - and I felt really good for the entire run.

I'm not looking to break any records, just get used to mileage and be able to walk the next day. Next Saturday we run 7 miles as well.

Distance: 6.99 miles
Time: 1:33:32

I have a 5K on Monday and a 10K on Tuesday. (See calendar at right.)

Yes, I am a glutton for punishment.

Spirit of the Marathon Movie - January 24

2007-12-27T07:55:00.000-05:00

Just heard about a cool new movie that will be playing one night only at select theaters called Spirit of the Marathon. From the movie Web site:

"Spirit of the Marathon is the first ever non-fiction feature film to capture the drama and essence of the famed 26.2 mile running event. Filmed on four continents, the movie brings together a diverse cast of amateur athletes and marathon luminaries.

As six unique stories unfold, each runner prepares for and ultimately faces the challenge of the Chicago Marathon. More than a sports movie, Spirit of the Marathon is an inspirational journey of perseverance and personal triumph; a spectacle that will be embraced by runners and non-runners alike."

A Very Berver Christmas 2007

2007-12-27T07:33:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-24T23:34:00.001-05:00

Arlington Turkey Trot: Water station...with beer?

2007-12-24T17:59:00.001-05:00

This is my report from the Arlington Turkey Trot 5K on 11/22/07.

I enjoyed the spectacular weather Thanksgiving morning and ran the Arlington Turkey Trot 5K.

WEATHER: Awesome. 70's. Slight breeze. There was a beautiful old tree with small golden leaves near the starting line. When the breeze kicked up, the tree showered us with what looked like confetti. One of those "had to be there" moments, but very cool.

COURSE: Through the neighborhoods of Lyon Park and Ashton Heights. BRUTAL hill just after mile 2. Shows I need more hill work in my training.

BEER? A couple of guys set up a "water" station at the bottom of said brutal hill and were serving beer. I was certainly tempted. What they should have done is had their station at the TOP of the hill.

POST RACE: Nice get-together in Lyon Park. Lots of energy bars, fruit, bagels and coffee. Random give-aways for nice donations from local businesses. Didn't stick around for winners awards. Maybe because I wasn't one of them!

TIME: This was my first actual running - not walking - event. I ran a 34:37. I'm not thrilled, but it's under 12 min/mile so I was pleased. Glad the 1/2 marathon is several months away.

NEXT YEAR: Don't miss this one. Arlington Turkey Trot

Dissociation: It Works

2007-12-24T17:48:00.000-05:00

I tried this and it really works. I need all the help I can get, so any assistance my pea brain can offer the better.

I'm Not Really Running, I'm Not Really Running...
New York Times, 12/6/07
"The moral of the story? No matter how high you jump, how fast you run or swim, how powerfully you row, you can do better. But sometimes your mind gets in the way." Read the article.

Is Running Selfish, Or Self-Help?

2007-12-24T11:19:00.000-05:00

Interesting article from Sunday's Washington Post:

Is Running Selfish, Or Self-Help?
I once had a mother-in-law who told me that all runners are selfish. Her daughter certainly didn't disagree. No doubt running requires a unique type of mental commitment, as well as the obvious expenditure of physical energy.

Read the article.

I run for me. I run for my family. I run to be around to see my daughter grow up. I run to stay off of blood pressure medication. I run to keep off weight I worked so hard to lose. Selfish? Probably. But the residual effects are undeniable.

Run a Half-Marathon in 25 States?

2007-12-24T00:05:00.001-05:00

Just read about this site. Perhaps I should get ONE under my belt first?

Half 2 Run
"We are a community of people who believe half is the right way to go. Half the marathon, half the effort, half the states. Yes, that's right. The goal of our members is to run 25 half marathons in 25 states. And while working on that, shamelessly brag about it right in your face." Check it out.

Side Stitch Remedy

2007-12-22T13:25:00.000-05:00

Found this on the Runner's World Web site:

YOU CAN STOP A SIDE STITCH BY ALTERING YOUR BREATHING
If you're experiencing a stitch in your right side (which is more common), try to exhale as your left foot hits the ground. If your stitch is in your left side, exhale when your right foot makes impact. (3/9/07)

Ouch.

2007-12-22T11:32:00.000-05:00

I'm back from my six mile run. For some reason I didn't run with my regular group and I paid the price. I didn't do my usual 3:1 or 4:1 intervals from the start. About mile 4 I paid for it. I felt a first-ever stitch in my right side. I'll have to get online and figure out what to do if (when) that happens again. Also, my right quad tighted up big-time when I got out of my Jeep when I got home. The hills on the way back around Iwo Jima kicked my butt.

So I'm 44 and feelin' it this morning.

Distance: 5.98 miles
Time: 65:58

Running 6 Miles with Arlington Road Runners

2007-12-22T07:17:00.000-05:00

It's 7:17AM on a Saturday morning and I'm getting my act together to head to Gateway Park in about an hour to run 6 miles with my "Yellow Team" (10-12 min. mi.) group. I'm feeling good, but a little lazy. Getting on my 17 layers of technical wear should get my head in the game. I hope.

Saw this in the New York Times yesterday. Encouraging?

Study Shows Marathons Aren’t Likely to Kill You
Worried about dropping dead if you run a marathon? Researchers in Canada say you can put your mind at ease. The risk of dying on a marathon course is twice as high if you drive it than if you run it, they find. More ...