Posts tagged links
Marathon Man: Yonge Street 10K runners, in their own words | Running | Life | National Post
The effort that goes into running is reflected on the faces at the finish line: Few states are as blissful as the end of a race
I think we’ve all been there. We can all relate to this feeling….
Becoming the All-Terrain Human: [New York Times]
“Kilian Jornet Burgada is the most dominating endurance athlete of his generation. In just eight years, Jornet has won more than 80 races, claimed some 16 titles and set at least a dozen speed records, many of them in distances that would require the rest of us to purchase an airplane ticket. He has run across entire landmasses (Corsica) and mountain ranges (the Pyrenees), nearly without pause. He regularly runs all day eating only wild berries and drinking only from streams.”
There is always MORE.
The Benefits of Exercising Outdoors
The Benefits of Exercising Outdoors [New York Times]
While the allure of the gym — climate-controlled, convenient and predictable — is obvious, especially in winter, emerging science suggests there are benefits to exercising outdoors that can’t be replicated on a treadmill, a recumbent bicycle or a track.
Despite my more recent struggles with the outdoors, I agree with this completely. Outdoors physical fitness is the way to go. Correction: it’s MY way. Get out there: run, jump, explore, play! Sun, rain, snow, wind, night… there is so much awesome out there waiting for you.
“The disgusting truth about running…”
“The disgusting truth about running…” [guardian.co.uk]
From permanently dripping snot to unfortunate chafing, via blisters and athlete’s foot. […] There is, however, a flipside to the joy running can bring, in the shape of all the gross things you never really think about until you spend a lot of time doing it.
A great article on how running is more than just photoshopped images of women running in tight spandex or this.
I’ve released my own fair share of bodily fluids but I think my most interesting (read: hilarious/disgusting) experience from running was during the half-marathon I ran two years ago.
I was running along and enjoying my first ever race, feeling like I was some kind of immortal champion. I’m guessing that a higher power saw me from up above and decided to reign in a bit of my ego.
As I approach an older man (65+) I am all of a sudden assaulted by the most terrible stench that I have ever experienced. Rotting eggs & sulfur have nothing on this smell. The old man had farted and I ran right into it. Ugh. Just thinking about it now makes me shudder.
If you’re any kind of a regular runner, you’ll realize that running causes your body to jostle, jiggle, shake, and this includes many of your internal organs. It’s a natural fact: you’re going to spit, sweat, bleed, & release gas.
This guy could have steered himself to the sides and cut loose there but NOOOOOO I had to run into a god-damn fart!
Recipe for Resentment: Claims of Running Prowess
Do you roll your eyes when they start talking about their races and times? Do you snigger when you see bumper stickers that simply say “26.2,” the number of miles in a marathon, or “13.1,” the half-marathon distance? Do you lose patience with family members who have to go for a run — even if it means waking up at 4 a.m. before leaving on a vacation?
Apparently we’re ass-holes. I can live with that.
Other Runners
It’s been a while since I’ve profiled another runner. I’m always looking for other inspired runners. People who are driven and love this sport for the thrill of it all and all that it brings. You can view the others here.
I’ve followed Emilio for a few months now on tumblr and Emilio asked, “Why profile me?” To answer your question: because I love how passionate you are about running. How hard you work. How you set goals and then break them. It’s inspiring. I mostly run for fitness & health, no real time for racing. So I choose to race vicariously through you.
Cheers guy.
Name: Emilio
Age: 56
Height/Weight: 6’ 175 lb
Occupation: Product Strategy
Blog: http://bostonmarathon2012.tumblr.com/
1) How long have you been running? When/why did you start?
I originally started running in 1991 when a friend said if you run the the Long Island Half Marathon I will too! I did it, trained at 4:30 AM and in the snow to be ready. He did not do the race!
2) What keeps you motivated?
Running, races of any distance (marathons etc.) are not bucket list items, I have long term goal to compete as a Masters Runner, and win at the Half and full Marathon distances. Running relieves my stress but is now incorporated into my everyday life so if I miss a training day there better be a real good reason and I might have to make up that missed session.
3) Do you follow a specific plan, training, running program?
Yes, Absolutely! I have a running coach who I work with to plan my training and race strategy. We have been working together for 2 years now, Marc Pelerin http://www.trainwithMarc.com
4) How often do you run?
I run between 5 and 6 days a week, except during the “rest” section of my training cycle. I have done my last race of the year this past Saturday so I will only run 2 or 3 days a week for the next few weeks to “rest” before starting 2013 training.
5) What is your favourite thing about running?
I am nearly totally in control of my performance, no one to blame, nothing, if I do the work there are tangible results. Most of all its about ‘Being Calm’ after a run.
6) What is your least favourite thing about running?
Getting up to run in the cold.
7) Shoes or Barefoot?
SHOES!
8) With headphones or without?
Totally naked, ok…no headphone. But always a Garmin or know my pace on a treadmill.
9) Do you race? If so - why?
It’s the test, did I improve? am I working hard enough? I could not run or train without a goal. Life is nothing without goals.
10) Ideal pre-race/post-race meals? (If you do not race - then you can ignore this question.)
Pre-race, pasta or fried rice with hunan-chicken and veggies or Pizza.
11) Most embarrassing running moment/memory?
Any time anyone sees me during a race walking. I am not embarrassed about finishing last in a race: it was 10K run, 45 mile bike and 10K run, the ambulance followed me for 3 miles only 91 of the 135 starters finished.
12) Solo runner or with a friend?
I am bad at running with anyone, I have learned to run with my partner and family as the pacer. I do have one friend I can run with although it becomes unconsciously competitive.
13) Why do you use a running coach?
I use a running coach because my goals are about more than just finishing and fitness. I am naturally competitive and needed to find someone who could help me improve. my coach, after 2 years knows me, I am self motivated so will do the workouts needed but, not blindly from something that someone posted as a plan. The plans I get are targeted towards me and my specific goals and races. And it has worked!
14) If you had to give some advice to someone just getting into the sport: what advice would you give?
The first 2 weeks are the hardest, make it a habit, running at the same time, have a plan after signing up for a race and tell EVERYONE! its about accountability, it will make you go out and just do it, the race gives you the goal.
If anyone else is interested in having a profile listed. Just hit me up via the tumblr and I’ll happily shares. Keep running. Enjoy the pavement. Kill it.
“ The idea isn’t to hold on, or mentally catalogue. It’s about allowing sensory information to wash over me, unmuted by everyday distractions. I simply let go, and feel. ~ S.”
“ It is while running or thinking of running, Hall said, that he feels most conversant with and dependent on God.”
metapragmatics: it has been over a month since my last run, somehow. june, like the...
it has been over a month since my last run, somehow. june, like the months before, was crazy, but in its special june way; time slips away quickly as is and there was the added component of interviews, job acceptance, and packing and moving my belongings to my new school. this morning found myself…
Early on when I was learning how to run, stumbling through the process, a friend helped cheer me on. M was this friend. It’s pleasant to see that you’re still out there.
Running changes us and we run as we change. There’s nothing wrong with this. It comes and it goes.
Shit is getting real over at Reading Ardor. Also, we’re drawing near to the end of our project. :( So get in on the crazy Nabokov love while there’s still crazy to be had.
What Runners Can Learn From Cheetahs
“But there are tips we can glean from the cheetah. The speed with which a creature brings its leg back around into position appears to be one of the main determinants of speed, Dr. Wilson says. The faster you reposition the leg, the faster you’ll move.”
Sold on the Feeling, if not the Benefits to Health
“Almost everyone has gotten the message that exercise is important for health. Yet most who start exercise programs stop. Perhaps, researchers say, the way to persuade more people to exercise is to study those rare individuals who love it.”
[ … ]
“I feel like I haven’t had a good day unless I exercise,” Dr. Lawless
The health benefits are mostly secondary and they certainly contribute towards an overall feeling of happiness but it’s that “zen” that “high” that “void” that I talk about that keeps me going back time and time again.
I complain about bad runs and not running enough but every runner knows that deep down it’s there, that feeling that keeps you going back. A great article and I do hope that research/medical community emphasizes the mental health benefits as much as the physical ones.
Is Marathon Running Bad for the Heart? [NYTimes.com]
“It’s sensational news when someone dies during a marathon,” Dr. Pham says. “It makes headlines,” and the coverage skews public opinions about the safety of the event. “Tens of thousands of people finish a marathon, but people hear mostly about the one who dies,” he says.
Jamie Summerlin is running across America.
He started in Sunset Bay, OR on March 26th. He’ll finish on July 4th in Annapolis, MD. Right now, he’s somewhere in Missouri.
My name is Jamie Summerlin and I’m a 39-year-old former Marine from West Virginia.
On March 26, 2012, I will start a 100-day cross country run as a fundraiser to support my fellow military members through the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) and other Veteran’s organizations. It’s going to take 30-40 miles a day to complete the run, starting in Coos County, Oregon, where my wife is from, and finishing on July 4, 2012 in Annapolis MD, a total of just over 3300 miles.
If you’re doing the math, it will take him 100 days to go from coast to coast. If you’re still doing the math, you’ll realize the former Marine is running more than a marathon a day for 100 straight days for Wounded Warriors.
Health Benefits of Running
I tend to be full of snark about these types of news stories. ‘Top 10 Reasons to Eat Beets!’ to ‘Walk more.’ ‘Pee while standing up.’ etc. There’s always something that we should or shouldn’t be doing and most of these are obvious but I guess humans are a forgetful and lazy bunch. We must remind ourselves of the good things in life.
So I present to you the ‘Top 10 Health Benefits of Running’:
- Physical Strength
- Weight Loss
- Heart Health
- Prevent High Blood Pressure
- Reduce Effects of Diabetes
- Lessen Effects of Asthma
- Personal Control
- Increase Bone Density
- Overall Mental Health
- Joint Strength & Stability
Seems pretty obvious but there you have it. Just a few of the ways that runners benefit from our sport. Enjoy the pavement.
