Matty, Run, Run

Living Room

2011-09-01T21:24:00.001-05:00

1134 Jerome - Living Room, a set on Flickr.

He's coming to spread justice... and aerobic workouts

2011-06-29T06:01:00.000-05:00

Don't be scurred. Thank you 1MiniMe.com

Street Fighting Matty is Coming......The Head

2011-06-27T12:35:00.000-05:00

Remember? Oh, Matty the crime fighting runner is being constructed (just like Terminator) to make his return

Matty Hiatus

2011-06-09T17:43:00.000-05:00

Hello, my beloved readers. As you've probably seen in the lack of responses to your awesome comments time is hard to come by at the moment.

Henry, while adorable, is taking up lots of hours in the day, in the night, and in the morning leaving me with very little time for anything "extra".

It is with great sadness that I (hopefully) temporarily put the blog on hiatus. When I return, hopefully it is with my 16" model of myself and the new-found ability to manage my time/blog/Henry/commitments.

So much love... Matty

2011-06-09T06:48:00.000-05:00

Barefoot Running Claims and Controversies (Amby Burfoot/JAPMA Online)

"Conclusions: Although there is no evidence that either confirms or refutesimproved performance and reduced injuries in barefoot runners,many of the claimed disadvantages to barefoot running are notsupported by the literature. Nonetheless, it seems that barefootrunning may be an acceptable training method for athletes andcoaches who understand and can minimize the risks."

Huzzah and keep on running, my callus-y friends!

Gel-Bot (A Trail Runner's Blog)
Holy cr*p. A Hydrapak bottle that you carry with you/attach to bike that contains a pouch inside for gel and is surrounded by your cool water. As Scott describes it: Open the valve and squeeze to get water. Close the valve and squeeze to get gel. I thought that it was one or the other... And all this time I've refused to bring gels 'cause I don't carry water. Or, I'd carry water but didn't want to bring gels.

Matty wants.

Matty wants bad.

Sara????

Q: What's This Naked Jogger Doing in our Pool? (Runner's World)
Here's the setup: Naked man jogging through a suburban Kansas neighborhood. Naked me runs and jumps into public swimming pool. Naked man is arrested and escorted off the premises. I really, really want to believe that nothing insane is happening in this man's head, that this was all just a hilarious joke. But, the logical side of my brain says that there's no other option.

Men and their inflatable dolls compete in swimming race in Lithuania (Running is Funny/The Telegraph)

Truly... an excellent find by Mike over at Running is Funny. Wow. To celebrate National Men's Day in Lithuania how do you think they celebrated?

Ohhhhhhhh, by having a swimming race in the river with men and their inflatable female dolls.

First I got excited about the Santa Speedo Run; I'm thinking that when I move to Austin Town Lake needs something like this.

The Super Mamika in all of us

2011-06-08T06:35:00.002-05:00

I am feeling particularly lazy lately. It's nearly Wednesday (as of writing) and I've run a grand total of three slow miles with Hoss early Monday morning. Granted, this is my weekly routine of taking it easy on Monday to recover and then taking a Sabbath on Tuesday to rest these weary bones. Then I pull a hard Wednesday with a day of speed and a long Thursday for a day of distance.

You know what I need to get me psyched for my drag-strippin', speed racin' tomorrow? A little SUPER Marmika, that's what! Now, I first heard about this project on Gizmodo a couple months ago and they've since posted new photos. If you haven't heard about this project of love. Gizmodo Says:

"A photographer recently noticed that his 91-year-old Grandma was feeling lonely and depressed. So to cheer her up, he decided to take pictures of her as a superhero. After she saw them, she couldn't stop smiling."

How awesome is that?

And the most recent post lets us know that Super Mamika IS in fact a real-life superhero:

"Frederika was born in Budapest, 20 years before World War II. During the war, at the peril of her own life, she courageously saved the lives of ten people. When asked how, Goldberger told us "she hid the Jewish people she knew, moving them around to different places every day." As a survivor of Nazism and Communism, she then immigrated away from Hungary to France, forced by the Communist regime to leave her homeland illegally or face death."

Amazing.

You know what, I'm going to head out on Wednesday morning's run and dominate that ish like Super Mamika scaling a building.

So inspiring. Have a fantastic day, y'all and head over to My Modern Met to enjoy the other photos.

More photos

Johnny B.H. - What do I wear to keep cool in the warm weather? Men's Fashion

2011-06-07T05:47:00.001-05:00

Dear Johnny B.H.,

The weather is heating up around the country and I'm caught between an F-350 and a hard place. I want to be out running but every time that I go out for a stroll I end up wanting to come back inside five minutes later because it's 90+ degrees, my shirt is soaked through and I've got a weird sweat stain on the crouch of my running shorts...

Johnny, like the Force, please guide my hands in making smart clothing decisions for the summer weather!

Anything will help!

Sunny 'n Sweating

---

SnS,

What a timely question to be asking!

Too often I am waiting at the ticket booth as the train pulls away from Fashion Station. So, this summer I decided to buy my tickets online, pack lightly and hop straight on what are sure to be this season's hottest active wear style.

Notice: Ladies, I'm writing this with an eye towards male-fashion-forward-ness. If there is a lady that would like to write a "Jenny B.H." article for next week around women's-fashion-forward-ness PLEASE write a comment!

What says day out and around the park quite like a tote and a bagguette?
Plaid shorts, John Cusack sunglasses and unbuttoned shirt, that's what!

Here you are thinking that running skorts are just for ladies... Nuh Uhh, fellas!
Capilene top with an open denim bottom. Let your flag wave in the wind!

I call this "The Dude". Notice the leather "Vibrams" on his feet and the shorts that scream "RANGE OF MOTION".
With an open bathrobe, it's your breeze parachute trapping that cool air and wicking sweat away like a bad dream.

See above instead holding the "breeze parachute" and the addition of trainers.
This outfit is for those needing a tan but also wanting to stay cool(pun).

This is by far my favorite and I call it "The Triathlete". Perfect for hopping out of the water and heading straight on the bike. Notice the glittery line of symmetry that screams "masculine" and whispers "sensitive".

To all my readers, especially the females today, thank you for reading this summer's style guide and, SnS, if you take on any of these outfits or others please forward pics and I'll definitely post on the blog.

Have a great Tuesday, y'all!

Johnny B.H.

We are so lucky: Friends helping friends produce videos of their homes so that they can more-easily sell them

2011-06-06T06:04:00.000-05:00

We have incredible friends. Just incredible. As I mentioned last Friday in passing, though it really deserved a lot more time, Sara, Hoss, Henry, the chickens and I will be moving to Austin sometime in the next couple of months so that Sara can begin working towards starting her own public Montessori charter school and so that we can move closer to my brother Mikey who is moving down to Austin from Indianapolis Tuesday.

What our time frame is dependent upon:

Matt finding a job that allows him to work in Austin
Our ability to sell our house

What we have below is an amazing video our friend Ben Becker generously produced (pro bono) after taking all of the shots (pro bono) with his friggin' awesome camera and lenses. Then, he plunked a couple of our favorite tracks in the background and the result is a super cool slideshow of our house that can be sent to potential buyers... so, so cool.

Ben, you're incredible!

As for the rest of the Monday morning news it's pretty quiet on the running front. My Saturday 10.5 mile trail long run at 11am took about 15 minutes longer than I had anticipated due to the 95 degree conditions... but that's okay. It was an absolutely awesome National Trail Day as:

Saw a crazy black and white snake that I'm not able to identify through 15-minutes-worth of Google searches
Saw a giant bloodhound swimming in the creek that looked like Hoss only much fatter; just gorgeous
Discovered an incredible and refreshing drink, Sweet Leaf Tea: Mint and Honey
Saw some armadillos

Just a great one.

Now, I better get heading to bed but I hope y'all have a great(!!!) Monday. And, if you know of anyone that is in the market for a home in Houston Heights neighborhood let me know!

It's Friday, Friday, Gotta Get Down on Friday

2011-06-03T07:10:00.000-05:00

In all of my dainty fits earlier this week about the heat and humidity I neglected to mention the AWESOME fact that my mom came in from Bloomington, Indiana, for some baby sitting and grandma time Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday while my brother, Johnny B.H., came in late Thursday night to give Henry an alternative way for Henry to think about leading his life and Johnny is visiting from San Francisco.

This is going to be a truly excellent weekend and a somewhat sad one: Sara will be leaving to head out to Florida to attend her awesome brother's high school graduation... and she is taking the Henry monster with her. What does that mean since Daddy Matty has to work all next week? It means that Matty will be:

Sleeping
Sleeping
Hanging out with Mom and Johnny at the drive-in move theatre
Working on applications and cover letters (BTW we're moving to Austin, Texas, in August-ish so that Sara can work towards opening up a school
Attending a polo match on Sunday night in my most fancy get-up; thank you Karrie and Scott!!!
Eating out
Eating out
Eating out (I already know all the restaurants that Sara doesn't like to eat at with me)

All in all it's going to be a great weekend, though there's a feeling that I don't deserve a break because Sara has been working just as hard as I have (actually, a lot harder).

Well, nothing much else to report. Just some awesome photos of Henry, G'ma and Hossy. Have a great and safe weekend, folks. Big hugs!

Hossy made his bed

Henry posing

Soothing like only a g'ma can

News of the Week: Unbreakable; Shoe Selection Help; National Day of Running; Barefoot Running is Relative;

2011-06-02T06:54:00.000-05:00

I need to better-coordinate my outfits :(

Did you sweat it out on National Running Day? (Smyrna-Vinings Patch)
In an attempt to make you feel more guilty that you didn't run yesterday, posting this little reminder that it was in fact the National Running Day. An estimated 49 million Americans "enjoy" running and half-marathons have seen a 24% growth from 2009 to 2010. So, whether you're a runner, biker, walker, hang-glider just get your booty out there and get active.

"You mean I can't wear the cute ones?" (Get Class/Running with Jill)
Thank you, Jill-o, for this great, great article on how to choose shoes. Yes, dudes/duds, it's mostly geared towards women and their crazy, Devil Wears Prada heals, but this is a point I've long been frustrated with in women who wear those crazy things: Them's gonna f*** you up.

Thank you, Jill and Get Class, for bringing rationality into the shoe-buying experience!

Definition of barefoot running varies (Star Tribune)

From the Department of Context Clues comes this article explaining that, indeed, definitions of "barefoot running" vary from person-to-person.

This may mean adorable Vibrams (adorable if you have inviting feet (I do not)) or going skin to pavement barefoot (not for the faint of heart; my wife says that I have "hobbit toes". Do not tell your spouse they have "hobbit toes" if you want them to be flattered).

Unbreakable: The Western States 100 - Journeyfilm Official Trailer
My goodness... this film is going to rock. Male ultra running celebs on full-display.

It says coming this fall, but... I want it NOW.

To celebrate my first eight-hours of sleep on a weeknight in the Henry-era

2011-06-01T22:46:00.000-05:00

Oh, no! I forgot to post this earlier today and now it's 10:30pm CT and there is no post to be had for Wednesday!!!! I'm sorry, loyal morning and mid-day readers. You'll just be surprised with two posts tomorrow!

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In honor of the first eight hours of sleep that I've achieved on a work night since Henry's arrival, I'm dedicating this post simply to the cute pictures that we've collected of him in the past two weeks. No I should mention eight-hours of sleep is consecutive; it meant going to sleep early and waking up a little bit later, but you get the picture.

Henry learning to love fried foods

Either convulsing or winking

Great smile, but the real reason I posted is because it looks like Hoss has the head of a Henry

Chunky, baby cowboy legs!

Hey, good lookin'!

Zen-like Henry

When one contest closes...

2011-05-31T06:41:00.001-05:00

Johnny B.H. is on holiday right now so that means you're unexpectedly stuck with me :( :)

Happy day after Memorial Day, folks! In Houston I'm happy to report it's getting extremely hot and humid to the point where you sweat thinking about going outside and my Prius can report that due to the intensity that I'm running my AC I'm getting up to 3 MPG less than what I'm used to. Now, I know that may not mean much to other people but I'm extremely touchy when it comes to my car's MPGs. It's a point of conviction. A point of pride. And, when it goes down, even minutely, a point of hostility.

As mentioned before and as almost all of you have experienced: heat degrades the quality of runs. It sucks. Heat takes more out of you; you don't run as fast; you can't stay out as long; you want to sit in your car and cry instead of opening the door and facing another run that's way below your PR time. I can't tell you how many times in the past week my mascara has stained my cheeks before work.
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As the title of the post suggests one contest has "closed". That contest? The 16" figure of me contest. Why did this close? Oh, because it was an expensive contest to run... a $30 contest. But rather than having the incredibly generous offer $90 (expired) gift certificate to the 1MiniMe.com store, the awesome sales woman renewed my certificate (YES!!) and I paid the $30 for shipping. Since I am footing the bill for shipping I decided that I'm going to keep the 16" Matt replica until Sara makes me get rid of it... and then I'll hold a contest around it.

For those of you wondering, I chose the indomitable Matty Kung-Fu Street Fighter as my body:

I then gave them the ugliest pictures of my face that I could take to model my future 16" likeness on:

Now, the waiting game... five weeks. But all 35 days of waiting are going to be worth it. This thing is going to have magical properties; how could it not?

I will post SOOOOOO many more photos once my prized, street-fighting, crime-chasing, body building likeness arrives. In the mean time, I highly suggest you browse the 1minime.com site because they've got some awesome models, e.g. French stereotype, awkward horse and jockey, and everyone's favorite XXX statues that I can't link to but have browsed and they're NSFW but awesome!

Have a fantastic Tuesday, folks!

Today, rolling over from his back to his belly. Tomorrow, taking over the world.

2011-05-27T08:12:00.000-05:00

Good morning everyone and happy Friday! It's been a uniquely slow week with just a few surprises primarily around Henry's growth and a secondarily about how the heat and humidity in the morning are starting to effect my runs.

Henry the three-month old is now an extremely proud tummy-to-back roller, back-to-tummy roller, giggler (like, real giggles; see: late in the video below), and when he's on his tummy he is starting to put his arms down and push himself up... crazy.

Yep, those are Henry's cowboy boots and chubby thighs

Around running and my slightly slowing speeds, curbing energy and exhaustion? Oh, that's another issue and it could be chalked-up to a number of factors: heat and humidity (it's a great scape goat for anything while living in Houston), lack of sleep (another good scape goat), not taking my Synthroid for my "hypoactive thyroid" in two weeks, or even getting hate mail from Lindsay.

In an attempt to knock out as many of those factors that I can control I've:

Setup a rule that only allows Lindsay's emails to get through to my inbox only if she has something nice to say
I just refilled my prescription for Synthroid yesterday and have had two doses in two days, woohoo (?)
We put Henry down around 10:30pm last night and he "stayed down" with the exception of needing two feedings throughout the night (a new record)
I can't control the heat and humidity by I've written a personal note to weather.com to ask whether they're able to exchange the icons for extreme heat and snow for several weeks so that I get it in my head it's gonna be chilly outside.

Note to self: Don't use iPhone vertically when filming :(

And, finally, for your Friday send-off y'all know that I like soccer. What you may not know is that I strongly dislike two teams, Barcelona and Real Madrid. What you may know is that I like art and this outweighs my dislike for those two teams and so I present to you animation drawn from live match footage earlier this season created by Richard Swarbrick who also animated this in the same fashion. Have a great Friday, y'all!

News of the Week:@stevenjepstein's

2011-05-26T06:22:00.000-05:00

Mark Bittman: In Which I Remember How to Run… (Runner's World)

This goes out to @stevenjepstein. who has a total man crush on Mark Bittman. Bittman is an uber writer for both the New York Times and Runner's World. In this post Bittman walks through how he got his groove back.

Couch Potato cancelled (Running is Funny/The Marlborough Express)

This man can run 9 marathons over a 48-hour period...
what can you do?

Another great find by Mike over at Running is Funny. For the third consecutive year the Couch Potato Triathlon has been cancelled due to low numbers. I'm having trouble figuring out whether the cancellation is intentional and an on-going joke or if the joke is that they really can't create a triathlon for couch potatoes and have it fill up.

New Yorker breaks 48-hour race record - running equivalent of 9 marathons (NY Daily News)
257 miles is what Phil McCarthy covered on May 13th and 14th. Not stopping for 48 and taking perioidic 5-minute breaks to pound Gatorades and fruit.

National Running Day Set for June 1, 2011 (Runner's Web)

Clearly, the people on the committee to decide which day to hold "National Running Day" on were not from Texas. You don't hold an athletic event on a day when you can expect average temperatures above 95 degrees.

Some Runner's Web tips to declare your love of running:

Make a bold "I RUN..." statement and post it for all to see
Support great charities through running
Find or set up a group run to take place on Wednesday, June 1
Discover fun ways to celebrate and win exclusive prizes
Get tips to support friends who want to become runner

Happy (belated) Blogging Anniversary!!!

2011-05-25T06:06:00.000-05:00

On May 3, 2010 a baby blog was born in the Blogger manger. No body came from afar with gifts and livestock to greet it because:

It was poorly written
Matty hadn't bothered people on their blogs yet
Google didn't know how to find it
Matty didn't know how to hook it up to Facebook or Twitter or a proper RSS feed to encourage people to read it daily

Now, one year older, one year more tired, and three months after the arrival of baby Henry, these words from his first blog post show all the symptoms of a blog ready to putter out as fast as it arrived:

"I ran a 3:15 marathon in Houston in January and am currently competing in the 30k Rogue Trail Series in Austin, TX (ATX, for short).

I have never been coached or had a marathon plan and am finally ready to take that leap of faith that someone else can understand my goals and how my body works, and can use those two pieces to help me earn a 2:55 marathon time somewhere in the US in November (probably Portland). "

Now, look at the man I have become...
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In all serious, THANK YOU! This blog is very much a labor of love because I've found so much in the day-to-day relationships with y'all. And so, even when it's really tough, to be welcomed nearly every morning with thoughtful and sometimes aggressive comments (Jill, Kovas, Lindsay?!?!) it's truly better than coffee. Again, honestly, I am so lucky to be metaphorically surrounded by the likes of y'all and I'm indebted.

Thank you!

Johnny B.H. - How am I supposed to run with a newborn at home?

2011-05-24T06:34:00.000-05:00

Johnny B.H.,

I've got a dilemma: I recently gave birth to an amazing little girl and just when I had planned to turn all that walking during pregnancy into running after pregnancy I just don't seem to have the will or the time to get it done. Can you give me some advice on how to turn this slowing into going?

Yours,

Baby's Mama
---

Dear Baby's Mama,

My brother is facing the same dilemma only he has not recently given birth, he doesn't have to do as much as his wife and I don't believe his running even took a hit when little monster, Henry, arrived (Matty is a SLUG of a husband and father). So even though you're reading "his blog" right now don't look to him for advice.

What's important in these post-baby birthing months is that you keep the baby's daddy/guardian in check:

You don't ask for much, but you do ask for time to take care of yourself. Sit your partner and the baby in front of the TV and say that you'll be back in an hour and a half. Deal with it. There's plenty of diapers and channels
Wake up early and let your husband know that if the baby wakes while you're out it's your partner's responsibility.
Guess who's making dinner tonight! Not you. Order out or ask the partner to heat-up whatever is in the freezer. Mama is too busy making lean ribs (pun).
Instead of crying baby in the stroller, substitute sacks of flour, weights, car parts etc. It's quieter and good for you. The partner can take care of the babe and you can tone those arms.
If you are going to use a stroller, you know who loves iPads more than adults? Young children. iPads + young children = silence. Silence = happy mama
Finally, if none of the above will give you the quiet, the time and the relaxing qualities that you aim for while on the run, there's always good ol' reliable grandparents or baby sitter. you accumulate favors and you make money for a reason... that reason is a sitter.

Baby's Mama, I do hope that some of the bullets above can provide you with the respite you deserve. Report back on how your progress is going. We love to keep up with y'all here, on Matty, Run, Run.

Johnny B.H.

How not to run a contest

2011-05-23T06:35:00.000-05:00

I was all ready to announce the newest contest today. I was ready to announce the conditions that the prize could be won, how the winner would be determined, and how much better the winner's life would be because they had this prize in their life. But as I went through the motions of ordering the product it appears that my coupon code expired and I'm unable to order it at this time.

As soon as the new code is delivered I will write a post about it:

To give you a taste of the prize awaiting construction in my "basket", here are the ugliest pictures I could take of myself that will be modeled on my 16" likeness' face:

Ugly 1

Ugly 2

Who wouldn't want that welcoming people to their home, cubicle, or bathroom?
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All is very calm in these parts a great run this weekend after receiving several jealousy inspiring Twitter mentions from Diary of an Average Runner around the fact that she's had several amazing opportunities to see my heart throb, Justin Vernon of Bon Iver in concert and at a friend's wedding. Running on the fumes of passion and envy I had a great, hot trail run at Lake Houston Park on Saturday.

Alyssa, you may have won this round...
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And, finally, thank you to No Longer Sickly Steven for this incredible video to kick off my readers' Monday. This is the newest YouTube sensation: Matty B. Seriously. And we kinda are on similar life trajectories... if I were 20 years younger... and wore fitted caps... and sang... and was successful :( More Matty B. raps videos here

Have a great Monday, y'all!

PS: I love you. An open letter to Justin Vernon (of the band Bon Iver), my man crush

2011-05-20T06:14:00.000-05:00

Good morning, Justin, I love you.

Sure, I'm a "taken" man and you're perpetually working on new projects and on tour. Sure, I don't have any feelings of intimacy towards you and I'm assuming you never will for me. And, sure, we've never met.But, Justin, don't you think you're driving that car of life a little too fast and that you need to pull over at my family's "scenic overlook" to hang out, get a snack and some rest? Settle down, Justin. Take a load off.

I've got a cute wife and baby

My favorite "outtake pic" of Henry and Sara

Hoss will love you forever if you give him the belly rubs he has earned and deserves

Look at those eyes

You can go swimming with us at the pool. You don't even have to take your shirt off if you're embarrassed by that sort of thing. See: Henry didn't.

Happy baby!

...or we could go to our friend's lake. And our real neighbors seem nice and non-judgmental if you come to live with us.

Don't you just want to think and play guitar for us, Justin?

Justin, we could even sit around and give each other fun nicknames. For example: you could call me "no pickin'" short for "No pickin' and no grinnin'" because I haven't had time to play the banjo since Henry's arrival. I could call you "Marinade" a compound word of "Matty Serenade" because each one of the songs you sing seem like they've been written and sung for me. Wouldn't that be fun? Justin?

Or, if you want, since I know your time is limited, I could just have you fill out a Google Form of what you'd like to do when we hang out so that we don't waste precious seconds on decisions and preparation.

Do consider, Justin. I'm a nice guy. Trust me. A lot of interstates run through Houston, so it wouldn't be much effort. Leave a comment if you're interested, Justin.
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AWKWARD. So awkward. I can't believe I wrote that many lines and even brought my family into this.

In all honesty, Bon Iver is my favorite band of the past four years. The band went and put out another album that after six listens has tugged at my heart strings and is my favorite of the year so far. The album which will be released in June had songs leak onto the internets several days ago giving me the opportunity to "preview". Now, before you get mad at me I've already beaten you to the punch. I downloaded all of the songs and so to offset this sad act I also pre-ordered the CD.

So, consider my downloading and listening to the songs an early Matty release party.

The newest and the only officially released song off the album is below. Have a fantastic weekend, y'all, and I recommend not writing any open fan mail to your crush. It's not worth the damage it will do to peoples' perceptions of you.

News of the Week: Mourning and Understanding Sammy Wanjiru; Naked Pumpkin Run;

2011-05-19T06:18:00.000-05:00

Photo by FaceMePLS

Mourning Sammy Wanjiru, “The Greatest” Marathoner? (Run, Karla, Run)
Wow. Heard the news from Karla's Twitter feed the other day and was just shocked. Karla's article begins to explore the issue immediately after news broke from the perspective of Wanjiru as ridiculously talented, ridiculously young and competitive distance runner whose life was taken before his potential was realized.

Mystery Remains in Death of Marathon Champion (New York Times)

The New York Times has the benefit of examining the issue from several days after the news broke and is able to come at Sammy's situation from a different perspective: the crime scene. Apparently Sammy has had a recent history of aggressive behavior in the home, somehow obtaining an AK-47 (illegally) and then threatening his wife and maid with the gun as well as hitting a security guard at his estate with the butt of the gun.

On the eve of his death it is also believed that Sammy's fall from the balcony was an act of suicide rather than an accident, though details are still emerging.

Cellcom Green Bay Marathon runner disqualified for iPod wins appeal, $500 (Green Bay Press Gazette)
A USATF technicality and a great day with a top five finish allowed Kelly McClure the honor of the first runner I've ever heard of who has been disqualified for running with an iPod. The good news? The race director decided it was a stupid rule, reinstated her finish, top five time, and $500.

Naked Pumpkin Run (Running is Funny)
Seriously, Denver and Boulderites? Did you know about this and not tell me? I had to find out while cruising the Running is Funny archive... I'm not mad I'm just disappointed.

For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, the Naked Pumpkin Run (NPR) is nearly exactly as it sounds: Hundreds of people gathering in a pre-defined location in Boulder, naked, with carved pumpkins on their heads. A trumpet sounds and then the run begins (sometimes done in daylight). Some arrested, many escape.

Florence and the Machine sing to me and only me...

2011-05-18T06:17:00.000-05:00

Good Wednesday to everyone! In the Big H (Houston, Texas) we've had an absolutely gorgeous streak of mornings stretching back to early last week which has meant that Matt's morning runs have been similarly delightful!

Birds singing; sweat dripping (not pooling as it will in Houston in a month); sun gently hovering below and then above the tree line. Ahh, it's almost like the humid, chaotic credo that Houston lives by hasn't woken up from its winter/spring slumber.

---

Running has been going quite well recently as I've found my stride (pun) and have really taken to a weekly routine that looks something like:

Monday: Easy does it. 3-5 miles at slow stretchy pace
Tuesday: Relax, you've "earned" it
Wednesday: Sprint it like you're Jimmy Johnson and there are no restrictor plates on these engines! 5 X 1 mile at 100% pace
Thursday: Day off/Hour-long run at 90% effort
Friday: If ran the day before day off/If didn't run the day before hour-long run at 90% effort
Saturday: 10.5 trail miler at 90% effort. Soak up chlorophyll, lack of pollution and zen-like setting
Sunday: Two hours of soccer time, baby. Let's throw a wrench in those long-distance PR aspirations and decide that soccer is on the menu and Matt's running future

And, I've said it before, but the Wednesday speed days used to be the bane of my existence and I've recently found that to be one of my favorites as I can quantifiably see if I'm gaining speed and endurance and VO2 max.

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One quick clarification on yesterday's Johnny B.H. post: Johnny's character is in many ways the opposite of me. Though he sometimes displays empathy for others and the environments around him, that's usually not his MO and instead he chooses to belittle and "offend" (to a degree). If his personality is ever "too much" do let me know in the comments section!

To make up for it I'm posting possibly my favorite, favorite, favorite song from the past three months: Florence and the Machine singing "Cosmic Love" on KEXP. My jaw just drops... Have a great one, y'all!

Johnny B.H. - How to Run Green Even After Earth Day

2011-05-17T06:21:00.001-05:00

Dear Johnny B.H.,

I was flipping through your archives and have noticed that you haven't written even once about how to be something of an eco-runner and as far as I can tell all you stand for is excess and masculinity. You even had the chance on to write a heading like "Running green on Earth Day" or "Green up your run this Earth Day". The headings practically write themselves. You haven't even reflected let alone advertise, and that's the greatest crime of all.

Hopefully this note causes you to think twice,

We've Got the Whole World in our Hands
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WGWWH (what kind of acronym is that???),

You make a valid point: I have not consciously written or reflected on the importance of going green while running. You also make the point that I haven't reflected and that there's no greater crime.

What I would like to take several bullets to walk through are ways that you, too, can be green while going about your running bizness:

Eco is chic: drive a prius, throw out all those old plastic water bottles in the fridge and trade it for a metal canister, and buy those expensive as sh*t Patagonia clothes made from recycled bottles.
Stay local for races: Yes, race with those same weird people that you see at the park because you go at the same time every day... and continue avoiding eye-contact with them.
Refuse a race t-shirt: When offered simply throw the shirt back at the volunteer in protest. If you don't make a statement and hurt someone's feeling they'll just try and give you a shirt next year!
Go topless/bottomless: Just think... if everyone only wore half the clothes that they'd usually wear just think how much laundry that would save.
Don't go running at all. Stay home. Save gas. Save the amount of calories you need to take in. Don't pollute people with your conversation.

NEED contest ideas; Gorgey Houston; Henry User's Manual

2011-05-16T06:11:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday, folks! I've got what may be one of the best prize that I've ever been able to give away on this site, the only problem is that I have no idea what the contest.

So far, we've held a video contest (see the results on the "music videos" page in the top right, or go here) and we've held multiple random number generator contests based on "like"-ing the Facebook page or following the Twitter account.

I don't want to divulge too much before the give-away, but let's just say the the winner of the contest will have a three-inch-tall likeness of my face and fake body. Actually, that's probably saying too much.

Please, submit your contest idea below so that I can kick this thing off!
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As for running news, it was a gorgeous 70-degree morning weekends in Houston and my wife gave me the privilege of running the trails of Lake Houston for my standard 10.5-ish miler. Just beautiful. Oh to live in the Pac Northwest where these temps are the norm, though you do sacrifice the sun that Texas is a pro at.

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And, "What did you spend Sunday doing", you may ask. Well, I spent Sunday writing a users manual for Henry, but I wrote it quickly from the perspective that Henry is a tool with a warranty that requires maintenance and clean-up. Enjoy and have a great MONDAY!:
Your Henry User's manual:

How to use, operate, care-for and clean up a Henry:
· Car seat
· Diaper changes
· Moby wrap
· Schedule
· Soothing
· Steven’s Address and home
· Stroller
· What not to make fun of on Henry

Car Seat:
To fasten the Henry
1) Insert the Henry
2) Below the Henry’s feet there is a clasp in the seat that can be used to tighten and loosen the shoulder straps
3) Loosen straps to insert the Henry’s arms
4) Fasten clasp around chest
5) Fasten two metal clasps from each shoulder strap into the fastener just above the Henry’s crotch
6) Pull long strap below Henry’s feet to tighten shoulder straps
7) Shoulder straps should fit tight and snuggly around the Henry’s shoulders

Notes: While driving after a feeding the Henry should be quiet and alert. Towards the end of an awake/sleeping cycle when the Henry is tired and hungry he is not as amenable to riding in the car seat and may require a pacifier (see: soothing)

To remove seat:
1) There is a red-release lever behind the car seat
2) Pull up on red-release lever and pull-out car seat
To re-insert seat
1) Gently place the car seat with the head section of the seat facing the back window
2) When inserting car seat there should be an audible “click” and when you attempt to remove the seat (without pulling the red lever) it should not come out

Diaper Changes
1) Lay the Henry on soft ground cover using either a towel or the tiny, yellow, folded tarp
2) Remove buttons on the Henry’s outfit above his crotch
3) Pull up on outfit to ensure it is not in the line of fire and is clear of poopy debris
4) Wipe the Henry using a wipe or wet cloth and dry or let air-dry
5) When using cloth diapers:
a. Find a new diaper. When fastening there should be three-to-four open buttons in between his side clasps
b. Place dirty diaper in Ziploc/trash
6) When using disposable diapers:
a. Remove old diaper and place to the side
b. Take out new diaper and fasten around the Henry
7) clasp your Henry back up and he’s ready to go!

Moby Wrap (complete instructions w/ video here)

1) Arrange the Moby wrap across your waist, making sure the tag is centered in front of your belly.
2) Pull the ends behind your back and cross one end up and around one shoulder, then do the same with the other end. The Moby should create a cross on your back.
3) Bring the wrap's ends down through the front panel in front of your waist.
4) Pull each end, creating another cross with the wrap on your chest.
5) Wrap the ends around your waist and tie them where comfortable---on your back, side or stomach.

Soothing
Using the Moby
1) The Henry prefers walks while wrapped in the Moby to calm him down and get him napping.
2) Tie the Moby (see: Moby Wrap) and insert the Henry.
3) The walk may take as little as 10 minutes or up to 30 minutes before he begins looking drowsy and ready to sleep.
4) Once asleep, you can lay with your back propped up or sit down at a table leaning back slightly keeping him asleep.
a. If he does get restless, you can jiggle his behind slightly or stand-up and walk around jiggling his behind around slightly.

Using the pacifier
1) This is the means to the end for Henry to get to his nap.
2) Make sure that the tip of the pacifier is clean
3) Insert the pacifier
4) You will probably need to hold the pacifier in the Henry’s mouth, otherwise he will let it drop out and then get frustrated.

Stroller
Opening the stroller:
1) During his awake time, the stroller is one of the Henry’s favorite ways to see the town.
2) Push out the two big wheels from the tiny swiveling wheel until you hear a “click”
3) Pull back handle bar until you hear another “click”
4) The foam block should be all the way back
5) Remove the car seat (see: “To Remove the Seat”) from the car and place with the head of the car seat facing the handle bars
6) Gently place inside the stroller until you hear a “click” and the red latch underneath the seat is securely clasped around the metallic bar on the stroller
7) Once the Henry is secured in the seat and the seat is clasped in the stroller, click the red belt across the top of the car seat to secure the seat to the stroller.
8) Feel free to block the shade using the car seat’s visor. This will also help Henry fall asleep faster.

Collapsing the stroller:
1) Once you have removed the car seat and are ready to collapse the stroller pinch the two read levers on the handle bar and fold the handle bar forward
2) Now, pull up on the red wire handle hanging out the back of the stroller
3) This will collapse the back two wheels to the front
4) The stroller can now be placed in the car.

What not to make fun of your Henry
1) His hair yamaka
2) His pig noises
3) His deep voice

Enjoy your Henry and remember that when well cared-for he will be your best, smiley friend!

No "real" Friday post, just a stylized San Francisco made from toothpicks

2011-05-13T13:04:00.000-05:00

Scott Weaver's Rolling through the Bay from Learning Studio on Vimeo.

News of the Week: Ultra runner wins race after sleeping in a box and running on 3-year old shoes;

2011-05-13T13:02:00.000-05:00

Hmmmm. With Blogger's shutdown it looks like this post got deleted :(
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Last runner wins ultra (SunStar Cebu/A Trail Runner's Blog)

GREAT story: Runner in the Phillipines is only able to enter a race at the last minute because the mayor of his small town paid the entrance fee. The runner then sleeps in a cardboard box outside the race start, straps-up his three-year old running shoes and then ran just over 40 miles in 6 hours, 22 minutes winning the Coast to Coast Run from Toledo City to Cebu City Capitol..

Summer Camp For Runners (In-Motion)

I'm pretty sure that this Transrockies course is going to be my new obsession. I'm not into "team" while trail running (though I'd undoubtedly learn a lot about myself), I am into running the three-day trail series covering nearly 60 miles of crazy-as* terrain which has showers at the end of the trail, which sets up your tent for you, which cooks your meals and what's in friggin' Col-O-RAD-O. You can find the route info her and (if I can convince Sara, you can find me there next August!

Toed-shoes for kids (Running is Funny/Philly.com)

It was only a matter of time before Vibram realized that the five-finger shoes would be just as appealing for children as they are for running adults. I think they may even be a lot more "cute" on kids then they are on hairy adults (e.g. myself).

See, look at right. How happy are those childrens?

Be the Best Dressed (and comfortable) Runner at the Colfax Marathon (9news.com)

Dress for success at your next race! Watch as 9News teaches you how to win the pre-race with your fashion-sense

Cats in Cars: The story of how Matty no longer gets sleep

2011-05-11T05:27:00.000-05:00

Happy Wednesday, y'all! It's been a fast-moving week like a jungle cat driving a race car.

In our home life it's Henry's first couple of nights sleeping by himself in his own room and we've met mixed-to-good-to-awful results:

Henry has his own special little bed
Henry sleeps on his own from around 11pm-ish to 1:30am-ish and then starts screaming
I put him back down after 15 minutes
Henry will wake back up around 3:30am-ish for a feeding and then go to sleep.
Sara puts him back down after 45 minutes
Henry wakes up around 5:00am-ish
I put him back down after 15 minutes
Henry wakes up after five minutes
I put him back down after 20 minutes
Henry wakes up after 10 minutes
I put him back down after 20 minutes
Henry sleeps and I'm almost later to leave the house for work.

[Think Frankenstein]Ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

Let me repeat, "Ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh."

Seriously. It's so important that I'm keeping this blog, not so that I can remember the cute photos but so that I can remember just how d*mn difficult this newborn/infant care-taking period is in case Sara and I get it in our minds that we should have another. Ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

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On the running front, last week was something of a PR setting week for me. I had the PR times in the mile and then followed that performance on Wednesday up with a Friday "distance" route that included three 2.94 mile laps on the Memorial Park trail. In five years running the route solo, I've never broken one hour. On Friday, I crushed my PR with a 57 minute gang buster of a time.

Soccer on Saturday and then really tired legs and uber hot conditions made for running times on Sunday at Lake Houston to forget (though it was fantastic to get out).
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To wrap-up today's post, I want to again direct you to my good friend Brian Stark's blog. 13 years ago he completed the American Discovery Trail going form Delaware to California and is now in the process of crossing-off the remaining states in the US. Well, at the end of his American Discovery Trail exodus he put the icing on the trip by becoming a contestant on the Price is Right (below). Have a fantastic Wednesday, y'all, and hopefully you'll be hearing from a much-less tired Matty tomorrow. Ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

Brian Stark - Price is Right