Long Run Solutions

Born To Run?

2011-01-21T11:37:33-07:00

Well, I'm not at all sure I was born to run. But, I can tell you the book Born to Run by Christopher McDougall is a good one. If you're a runner, you will like it period. If you are not a runner, the real story is about a nearly lost band of Mexican Indians called the Tarahumara.

It's a fun easy read that also calls into question today's "common" knowledge regarding shoe design.

Check it out and enjoy!

Getting Marathon Ready

2011-01-14T09:19:04-07:00

I'm getting ready for marathon season with a new program and all new workouts. This will be my third straight week with 40+ miles and I'm gaining confidence by the day. The program I'm using I found online at www.marathon.ipcor.com and it's easily the toughest program I have ever been through. But I'm staying healthy so far! Ocean Drive Marathon here I come! www.odmarathon.com

TypePad Conversations » Answer this question!

2010-10-04T20:39:55-06:00

After being a pretty big slacker, at least when it comes to running, I ran 4 on Friday, 12 on Saturday, and 5 tonight. Can you say OCD?

Adventure Running Company

2010-05-22T10:33:44-06:00

My wife and I run together when we are on vacation. We are both marathon runners and exercise is part of our regular routine. So, why should it be any different on vacation? Read on to learn about a company that takes this idea to a whole new level.

Recently I learned about a company started by someone I knew 25 years ago. We grew up in the same small town and went to the same small high school. At the time, I wasn't a runner. I think he was, but to be honest I don't remember.

Andy and his wife Kim's company is called Adventure Running Company and they provide "Supported and Lodge to Lodge Running Adventures".

OK, wait a second.....they do what? This is not about going running while you are on vacation, it is about going on a running vacation. You heard me. Get your dead butt off the couch.

This is a seriously cool idea and their running trips are amazing. I'm talking about the Colorado Trail, Superior Trail, and exotic running trips to the "Volcanoes of Guatemala". Heck, I didn't even know Guatemala had volcanoes.

Check out their site and let me know what you think. I think it's the coolest idea I've run a cross in quite a while. Way to go Andy and Kim!

Baby Moose in Sprinkler

2010-05-13T14:50:53-06:00

I'm not sure how many of you have seen this baby moose video, but a friend sent it to me recently. It will make you feel all warm and fuzzy even if you are a big burly guy!

Check it out at Baby Moose video.

Outdoors Geek at www.outdoorsgeek.com

2010-05-01T15:22:08-06:00

A new concept in outdoor gear has opened at www.outdoorsgeek.com. You can rent, demo, or buy top of the line tents, backpacks, sleeping bags and pads, and everything else you might need for your next outdoor adventure. Brand names include top brands like Gregory packs, Marmot tents and bags, and Big Agnes tents, bags, and pads.

This concept comes from Aurora, Colorado based Outdoors Geek. Outdoors Geek will ship rental gear anywhere in the country and all arrangements can be made on-line.

Check it out.

New Shoes

2010-03-08T23:11:21-07:00

What could be better than a new pair of shoes? Hmmmmm.

At the moment, I'm thinking nothing. I went with another pair of Hurricane 10s because for one, I love Saucony's and two, I qualified for Boston in a pair of 10's last year. Why mess with success?

I did decide to go bigger by one half size. My left foot toes felt like they were getting jammed into the toe box of my last pair. Which makes me wonder, what is up with feet as I get older. I feel like they keep getting bigger.

Saucony's are the best.

Weekly Running updates...... 11.16.09 - 12.31.09

2010-01-01T21:48:15-07:00

Running. So easy and sometimes so complicated. On the one hand it's just a matter of putting one foot in front of the other. On the other hand, you actually have to do it. If your actually going to plan on running a race, that means working a plan. And let's face it, that's where things can get complicated.

Over the last six weeks I've traveled four times. I spent four days in northern Wisconsin, a week in Minnesota, two days in Maryland, and a week in southern Wisconsin. Between November 24th and December 7th I had a cold that I just couldn't seem to quite shake. Overall though, I've been able to stay basically on track. Now it's the beginning of January and I am four and a half months out from my next race, The Boston Marathon. I'm feeling strong and I am on track.

This week has been solid so far. I will run 9 miles tomorrow including a 5k race. Here is the run down of the last several weeks.

December 28 - January 2 (30 miles)

Monday - 7 miles with 2 race pace miles
Tuesday - 6 miles with 1 race pace miles
Thursday - 8 miles
Saturday - plan is a 5k race and a total of 9 miles

December 21-26 (29 miles)

Monday - 7 miles with 3 race pace miles
Tuesday - 6 miles with 1 race pace mile
Wednesday - 6 miles
Saturday - 10 miles with 7 one mile repeats at 7:03 pace per mile

December 14-19 (36 miles)

Monday - 6.5 miles
Tuesday - 7.25 miles
Thursday - 8 miles
Saturday - 15 miles

December 7-12 (18 miles)

Tuesday - 5 miles
Wednesday - 7.25 miles
Thursday - 6 miles

November 30-December 5 (16 miles)

Tuesday - 5 miles
Wednesday - 5 miles
Saturday - 6 miles

November 23-28 (17 miles)

Tuesday - 8 miles
Wednesday - 4 miles
Saturday - 5 miles

November 16-21 (21 miles)

Monday - 8 miles
Tuesday - 5 miles
Wednesday - 8 miles

Moose Hunting - The Cow and calf

2009-12-17T07:43:50-07:00

This is an amazing moose hunting video! I can guarantee you, given the exact same situation, I would have done one or more of three things: 1. Wet myslelf, 2. Wave my arms in the air to scare them away, 3. Turn and run.

Enjoy. THE LINK IS WORKING NOW SO TRY AGAIN!

Download MooseHuntingStandstill&don'tshootCowandCalf

Tiger and "friends" (Privacy Please)

2009-12-11T21:34:10-07:00

Oh Tiger, where did your privacy go? It seems fitting that a swing of the golf club may have helped start us down this twisted road of public scrutiny. No one believes more strongly than I that you and your family deserve privacy. And Tiger, to be sure, we gave you enough privacy to entertain women around the world with nary a word being uttered or printed. We aren’t sure if it was woman number one, five or ten who enraged your wife sufficiently to chase you down the driveway. But, we now know for certain that this was not a one-time indiscretion on your part.

How did all of this morally repulsive behavior happen? The usual way it seems. Long term adoration reliably leads to an addiction to being worshipped. And, I can’t be sure that everyone’s marriage is just like mine, but I do know that the word “adoration” does not come to mind when I think of long term spousal commitment. What does come to mind is loyalty, and dependability, and moral character, and honesty comes to mind; and respect, and now that I think about it shared values.

I don’t have a whole lot of hero worship in me. Maybe because of this “short coming”, I have always talked to my kids about the great athletes and artists or others that they may put on a pedestal. There is nothing wrong with respecting the accomplishments of others, but that respect needs to be kept on the level of the accomplishment. I don’t think anyone who knows Tiger Woods’ talent has said “I want to play basketball like Tiger Woods someday” or “I want to play piano like Tiger Woods someday”. It would however be appropriate for a young person to think “I would like to golf like Tiger “or “I would like to represent myself as well as Tiger does in front of the media”. So if you want to be a basketball player or piano player or great husband or father or mother or insert your own subject matter; then Tiger Woods was never the right person to look up to or idolize. Better it be someone who demonstratably fits the mold.

Tiger Woods ultimately was caught in the same trap that many other superstars have found themselves caught in. When one is worshipped for their talent, especially physical talent from a young age; he tends to become addicted to that feeling.

All of this seems so obvious in retrospect.