Inside? Outside? Playing it safe.

After a day of sitting, watching the movie UP and a 24 marathon with the lovely Ruth and my brother-in-law Tim, I needed to run.  I thought today might turn out to be nicer weather outside but once again decided against it and took off to the gym.  (I should have toughed it out and ran outside)


I've found that the best way to tackle a treadmill workout is to (A), not think about it and (B), change the pace of my miles.  If I think of running five, six or more miles on a treadmill I begin to panic.  Kind of like what it must feel like to be trapped inside a small room with only a small view of the outdoors.  Jail, really.  Even though the facilities at Cardinal Gym are nice I just don't like running on treadmills.  Running should be done outside, period.  My main concern today was not so much the temperature but the traffic.  The bike path here still has snow on it, making for a slippery ride.  And the roads still have snow on the sides, making for a dangerous date with the fender of a car.  I elected to play it safe and run inside.


This morning I ran the first three miles at 9:15 pace, just a nice and easy (boring) pace.  At mile four I increased to a 8:00 minute pace, followed by 7:39 for the fifth.  Mile six I slowed back to 9:00 for a cool down.  One advantage of a treadmill run is that you can change your pace and keep that pace constant, in essence doing speedwork, which I may not have done on the roads or trails.  I felt as if I was running outside in the summer, as my pace increased so did my body temperatire.  Try as I may to feel as if I was on a summer run the view through the foggy gym windows revealed the white snow that I already knew was outside.


Oh well.  Counting my blessings.  At least I can run!


I haven't had a good long 10 miler in a few weeks now.  Hopefully this week mother nature will cooperate.  I hope to get out on the bike path later this week for a longer run.  In the meantime I soldier on inside.

To the treadmill!

I've reached my limit.  With all of the snow that we have and are receiving lately I relegated myself to Cardinal gym today.  I ran an easy three miles, followed by an uptempo weight session and then back on the treadmill for an uptempo three miles at about 7:15 pace.

It was a good workout, one I needed since sitting and eating all day yesterday.  I'm gearing up for the Jan. 17th Survivor 10k Trail Race so I need to stay focused on that.

I feel better now.  :)

Perfect Toast

You go out for that early morning run or walk.  Upon your return you start up the coffee and pop some bread into the toaster.  Now, no more hit or miss with the toast...did I make it to crispy or not brown enough?

You can now make...The. Perfect. Toast.

Check out Liz Minton's Go-Trail-Running website.

Liz Minton runs and operates a terrific running website called Go Trail Running.  She lives in northwest England and has shared some absolutely beautiful pictures of where she normal runs trails.  These pics were taken after a snowstorm that hit her area a couple of days ago.

Check out her the pictures here Liz's scenery pictures   She also has a wealth of trail running related information.

Yes, I'm nuts I ran today anyway!

Rain, sleet, snow, slush, power outages (my parents have been out of power since early this morning and still are as I write this...ComED???)  So in spite of that I went running outside in the 34 degree rain anyway.  4 1/2 miles of bliss.  Had to get outside and get some fresh, windy air.  LOL.

No pics, just wanted to tell the world.  :)   I'll have to tell you about Christmas Eve in more detail...in a couple days.  A weird one, thats for sure.  Important thing is that our family is together...barely.  Ha.

All-NIC 10 Cross Country Teams / Coaches of the Year

Congratulations to the All-NIC 10 Cross Country Team winner's!

Boys: Paul Zeman/Belv. North; Ryan Ballard/Hononegah; Logan Volkey/Belv. North; Kevin Jacobs/Hononegah; Bruyn Yunk/Belv. North; Dragan Simic/Hononegah; Carl Rupp/Belv. North; Garrett Lee/Belv. North.

Special Mention: Nate Konen/BN; Matt Meloch/Boy; Blake Miglin/Hon; Nick Miller/Har; B.J. Smith/Free; Tyler Yunk/BN.

Boy's Coach of the Year goes to Richard Johnson from Harlem.

Girls: Kristen Levi/Belv. North; Andrea Switzer/Harlem; Kayla Droessler/Boylan; Kelsy Laska/Hononegah; Rachel McDowell/Hononegah; Leah Raffety/Harlem; Callie Lee/Belv. North; Ava Lowry/Boylan; Lauren Buck/Guilford; Rebekah Hilby/Boylan; Alicia Limberg/Hononegah.

Special Mention: Courtney Hickey/Free; Aspen Kremer/BN; Tara Long/Har; Kirsten Mainguy/BN; Mary McQuillan/Boy; Nicole Zeien/BN.

Girls Coach of the Year: Mike Lascola / Belvidere North.

Photo compliments of the Rockford Register Star.
(click on image to enlarge)

Snowfall? No problem. Run anyway.

Call me crazy.  I last ran on Saturday in the Survivor 5k and then an easy six miles on Sunday.  Monday I just didn't have much spunk and took the day off.

Today I was ready to go again, but we woke up to a steady, slow and soft snow.  I figured that it would be too slippery on the roads so off to the park I went.

It should have been a clue when I arrived and some of the park roads were closed.  But I don't take hints very well and proceeded to run my normal six mile trail loop.  The park was beautiful as you can see from the pictures.

It wasn't an easy run but...it was easier than last Saturdays race.  It was very pretty.  Strange though how the familiar trails almost seemed strange, as if I had not run them before.   The snow cover made it feel as if I was running new, unfamiliar routes.

I did wear my running glasses as usual and glad that I did.  Even on an overcast day such as today the white snow was very bright.  There were many trees and branches down, covering the trails at times.  I just jumped over or ran around them but much work will need to be done on these trails to make them passable for the bikers by spring.

It was a fun run.  And my Salamon trail shoes were awesome.  Great traction and they kept my feet nice and dry.

Support Your Local Independent Stores & Businesses

Help your independent and locally owned businesses by spending with them this Holiday Season.  Visit the 350Project, which supports this crucial segment of our economy.  Keep local independents vibrant by supporting them.  More information at 350project

Here in the Rock River Valley we have an excellent independent running store, Runner's Image, in downtown Rockford.  Whether you are a runner, walker or just enjoy outdoor events please support Steve and his team at Runner's Image.  See the sidebar for info on their current Winter Sale going on now.

Remember!

Now through the December 31st is the Runner's Image Winter Sale.  Information is located on the left side of this page.  Support your local independent running specialty store.

Todays RRR Survivor 5k Trail Race: Race 1 of 4

Today was the first of this winters Survivor Trail Race Series.  The series is sponsored and run by the Rockford Road Runners and todays race kicked off what promises to be a tough four-race event, but...thats why they call it Survivor.

Thank you very much to Larry Swanson, the Survivor team and the Rockford Road Runners for their efforts in putting on these races.  A lot of behind the scenes planning goes into organizing and running an event such as this and they all do a wonderful job.  Thanks again.

Todays 5k, as all the races in this series, was held at Rock Cut State Park, in Rockford, IL.  Weather was a bit breezy, 30ish degrees and overcast.  Funny to watch how people dress for these types of races.  Some wore jackets, long running pants, some wore compression wear and tights and a few brave, hearty souls wore shorts with t-shirts.  My kudos to the dude in the red & white candy-stripped shorts and shirt.

In typical Larry Swanson style, the start was uphill.  This, with the fact that the entire course was made up of frozen, crusty snow and ice made for a tiring first 1/2 mile, for me at least.  I went out pretty fast knowing that it would be difficult to pass on the trails.  I had walked the course yesterday so I was aware of the running conditions.  However when attempting to actually RUN the course as fast as possible, rather than walking, it takes the wind out of you pretty quickly.

I had a good warm-up and start and knew I was in the top 1/3 heading into the trails.  I used up a lot of energy during the first 1/2 and decided early on, that since I had a good start to just try to maintain my position.  Survive.

The most aggravating part of races like this is the lack of traction one finds on the trail.  Stepping into crusty snow, with some ice underneath is not what I call ideal running conditions.  I was constantly looking for a better location on the path to run, switching from side to side of the trail in hopes of locating a more suitable traction.  I failed miserably at that, as did most of the other runners.

My strategy of a quick start followed by a 'hang-on-to-the-position-you-have' worked until I started tiring.  Again, as in last months Turkey Trot trail race, both of my nostrils were plugged due to a cold I came down with this past Monday.  I really just wanted to blow a honker during the race!  LOL.  Its surprising even though you are breathing primarily through your mouth when you run, just how much air you take in through your nose too.

By the two mile mark I began to tire due to the relentless stress from the uneven running conditions.  That plus the fact that I was running faster than normal on a trail run (must remember to train at a faster pace) tuckered me out.  I held pretty good but lost about twenty places as I began to get passed.

*BTW...in the future could we have a rule that you can not race with your dog in tow?  Twice, a guy with a dog came up from behind me and the dog ran into my legs.  This practice should not be allowed and is not safe.  Maybe this guy was just a bandit and joined the race without paying?

But I digress...I finished in 27:32.  Very happy with the time for a three mile race in these conditions.  My training has paid off.  I think I was in approximately 93rd place, 8th in my age group maybe.  Not sure how many total runners there were but it had to be 200+.  I believe race results will be posted at the Roadrunners site soon?

After the race everyone was treated to very good chili, cookies and M&Ms.  It was a great way to finish and everyone seemed to have a good time.  Congratulations to the male and female winners and to all of the age group winners.

Next up in January is the second leg of the series, a 10k (6.2 mile) race also to be held at Rock Cut on a different course.

Here are a few pictures of todays race.  Thanks again to everyone associated with helping for this event.  It was a great one, tough and fun!

(click on picture to enlarge)

Video Interview: Alberto Salazar

Alberto Salazar is one of my all-time favorite runners.  Physically tough, mentally tougher and someone who trained on the edge.  Compliments to competitor.com for this interview with Alberto, who was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Long Distance Hall of Fame.

Survivor 5k pre-race tune-up

This morning I went to the Olsen Park Recreational Area at Rock Cut State Park to walk part of the course for tomorrow's Survivor 5k trail race.  I ran into Race Director and fellow Huskie alumni Larry Swanson.  Larry looked busy and I asked him if he needed some help.  He said he could use help in clearing away brush from the trails and also that he needed to stake off the course.  So off we went on what I thought would be a nice easy walk over the course.

Ok, tomorrow may be brutal!  The trails are snow covered but the ice may be the biggest issue.  Larry brought up a good point, some additional snow tonight may help with traction tomorrow.  Either way it seems like it will be a tough race due to the icy and snow covered conditions.  Weather forecast is basically a snapshot of today...overcast...high of 32.  If you own a pair of trail shoes...wear them!

I'm hoping that the ice doesn't melt today and then freeze again tonight.  By the time we were finished I was sweating and wet.  If the weather holds as it is today I'm thinking shorts and a long sleeve top may be all that I need.  And gloves.  I don't like to have cold hands.

We walked, jogged and ran the entire course.  Larry placed the stakes that will direct the runners and, after handing me a pair of branch trimmers, we proceeded to cut off limbs and branches that were partially covering the course and disposing of them so nobody trips and hurts themselves.

I got a behind-the-scenes look at what a Race Director does to prepare for the race.  It takes a lot of work and preparation and Larry seems to love all of it.  Thank you, Larry.

Good luck to all the runners tomorrow.  Be careful to not sprain an ankle.  I'm nursing a sore left ankle myself.  It should be interesting.

2 miles is better than nothing...

I did get a couple of miles in today.  Since coming down with a cold on Monday afternoon I have not done much of anything in regards to working out.  I felt a little better today so I went out to shake off the cobwebs and to wake up my legs for Saturday's trail race.

I felt like it was difficult to catch my breath and took it easy.  But it felt good to be out there.  I hope between now and noon Saturday to be back up to speed.  If not it could be a tough 5k.

From Pizaazz.com: Endurance Sports Changing Demographics

My thanks to Liz in England (check out her blog in my 'Blogs I Follow' section) for posting this up on Twitter.  Her website is geared toward trail running and can be found at http://www.go-trail-running.com.

I guess I'm one of the people driving the average age of endurance sports participants up.  LOL.  Click this link or read the full story below.

Endurance Sports Changing Demographics
Endurance Sports: Changing Demographics
December 15th, 2009

In the last decade, ultra endurance sports like triathlons and cycling marathons have grown in popularity. The granddaddy of these extreme sports is the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run, which courses through the Western States Trail in Northern California. The first running was held way back in 1976.

Recently, scientists from the Virginia Commonwealth University and the Department of Veterans Affairs Northern California decided to have a look at the 3,500 people who have entered this event over the years.

They found dramatic trends in the demographics and results of the participants.

For example, the average age of race starters was 41 back in 1986, but between 2000 and 2007 the average age had risen to 45-47.

In addition, many more women now compete in the race. From 1986 to 1988, between 10-12% of the competitors were female. Since 2001 however, that percentage has nearly doubled to 20-22% of the competitors.

The scientists attribute this to the fact that more women in their 40s and up, and more men in their 50s and up have signed up for the race, while fewer men who were less than 50 have entered.

And these older runners have delivered. Every year since the inception of the event, the average age of the top 5 finishers has gone up. Initially this number was in the early 30s, but now it is in the late 30s. This phenomenon is mostly attributable to changes in finish times for women, which the scientists say have improved by 37 minutes per decade since 1980.

This means that the finish time difference between the top men and women has been cut by 4% per decade, to a margin of 14% in 2007.

The study appears in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.

Jeff Galloway blog

Just added Jeff Galloway's running blog in the 'Blogs I Follow' section.  Jeff always has a wealth of valuable information.  I followed his Beginner's Marathon Program and it helped me finish my first marathon.  Check it out here Jeff Galloway's blog
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Yes, I have a cold. No, I'm not happy.

I came down with a cold yesterday afternoon.  We've all experienced it.  All of a sudden you feel a little scratchy in the throat (I immediately downed Airborne which didn't help).  Within two hours I felt crappy with a plugged up, drippy nose.  I slept poorly too.  Why do colds feel worse at night?

Today is just one of those days, tired, slight headache and feeling washed out.  I was supposed to go to the gym today and run three on the treadmill and lift weights but I just don't have the jam to do it.  Probably just as well...I know I should rest.

This Saturday is the first of the Survivor Trail Run races.  A 5k, so I'll take it easy tonight.  I will be busy all day tomorrow but hopefully by Thursday I can go for an easy five or six miles, then rest on Friday in preparation for the 5k trails on Saturday.

The "Thinking to Myself" department:
When I get sick, the first thing that I think about is how it will effect my running.  LOL.

This is the first time that I've been sick since starting this blogsite back in August.  That's a good run.  But not good enough.

Keep running...

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A morning's Rock River run

Knowing that I will be very busy today, I ran this morning early (for me).  I was on the Rock River bike path by 7:30 on a peaceful, overcast, muggy 34 degree morning.  It was nice, no cars to dodge like I did last Friday on Perryville.  The only thing I needed to be wary of was the dozens of geese and the poop that the leave on the path.  Hey, they gotta go somewhere...


I left the dock area at Martin Park and ran west to the YMCA and back for a six mile workout.  There were a few other runners and walkers about, all smiling and friendly.  I was happy, how many 34 degree days in December do we get, after all.  That sound of slowly dripping and melting snow is music to my ears.


I took a couple of pictures along the path and river.  The bottom picture shows the icy river and the 'No Swimming' sign.  No problem with that.

And, a huge THANK YOU to the Park District for removing the snow from the path.  I appreciate it very much and I'm sure other runners and walkers do too.


Enjoy your day and don't forget to workout.  Keep running...
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Evelyn Smith Running 26th Marathon Today!

From today's Rockford Register Star, a great story by Mike DeDonker on the Rockford's Evelyn Smith.  Evelyn will be competing today in her 26th marathon.  Her goal is to finish a marathon in all 50 states.  Congratulations to irunnerbuzz ironwoman Evelyn Smith!  (click on article to enlarge)

10 on 11 at 8

Honest, the forecast for today was 20 degrees.  But at 10:00 a.m. I needed to get started so despite the 8 degree temps I stepped outside in layers upon layers of running gear and off I went.

First THANK YOU to whoever shoveled off the bike path on Perryville from Windsor to Spring Creek.  But if you are heading south past Spring Creek fo-git-about-it, the path is full of snow.  So I ran along Perryville.  Unsafe I know.  But a runner's gotta do what a runner's gotta do.

Not much else to mention.  The run went fine in spite of the cold.  The sun and 3 mph winds helped keep me pretty warm.  The picture is along Perryville, normally where the bike path is.  LOL.  And yes, those are my footprints.  There probably still there.

EDIT:  Today 12/15 I drove by the bikepath on Perryville.  It is now completely plowed.  THANK YOU to whoever did it.

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Response from Rockford Marathon regarding finishers medals

Yesterday I chastised Special Events Management here (Special Events Management are the organizers for the Rockford Marathon and 1/2 Marathon) about the lack of finishers medals for last year's Half Marathon.  I emailed Event Manager Josh Ruston and received this response:

Doug,

In 2010 all finishers of the half and full marathons will receive finisher medals. Thank you for supporting the Rockford Marathon on your website. Please let me know if you have any additional questions. Thanks 

Josh Ruston, Event Manager

SPECIAL EVENTS MANAGEMENT

Excellent.  Thank you, Josh, for the information and please feel free to continue to update us with any news here at irunnerbuzz.  Here's the link, Go for it in 2010!  Rockford Marathon & 1/2 Marathon  Registration is now open.
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Peak Fitness Half Marathon & Marathon Training Program

Peak Fitness on Perryville Road will once again be offering a training program to prepare runners for a half or full marathon.

The training begins January 9th and runs for eighteen weeks.

Attached is the information as printed in the Rockford Road Runner's December newsletter.

Perfect timing to train for the upcoming May 16th *Rockford half and full marathon races.
Rockford Marathon

*Hopefully, Rockford Half-Marathon finishers will receive a MEDAL this year.  Are you listening, Rockford Marathon???  In 2008 my daughter finished the 1/2 and received a finisher's medal.  Last year I finished the 1/2...no medal.  Just a bottle of water at the end.

(click on the form to enlarge and print)

25th Annual 'Arny' Johnson 10 mile & 5k race

April 3, 2010 is the 25th running of the Arny Johnson Classic.  Run either the 10 mile or 5k version in this spring race.

Attached is the entry form.  The race supports the Rockford Habitat For Humanity.  Sign up now!

(click on the form to enlarge and print)

Winter. -1. The treadmill.

I'm not one of those that look forward to running on treadmills.  After running on the roads and trails during the long Spring, Summer and Fall seasons I didn't relish the idea of running on a revolving rubber mat in a germ-infested, enclosed gym.  

I waited this morning for the temps to inch upwards.  I thought if it would just hit 10 that I might go for it outside.  But -1 is the best it was going to do even though the bright sun made it seem warmer.  I decided that today was the day.  Treadmill Day had finally arrived.

Off to the gym and just the short walk from my car to the gym door proved I had made the right decision as the wind whipped, making the 'wind chill' forecast seem accurate.

I ran 6 on Monday and 5 Tuesday.  Yesterday I was at the gym for a walk and weight workout.  Today I decided to do an uptempo 3 miles on the treadmill, hoping that tomorrow (with forecasted highs in the low 30s with sun) I could return to running outdoors for my long run.

The treadmill actually felt pretty good today.  I knew that I wasn't going over 3 miles (if running over 5 on a treadmill I really have to psych myself up because I find it boring) in anticipation of tomorrows long run.  I ran the first mile easy, 2nd mile at 8:45 pace and the final mile at 7:30 pace.  It felt good to stretch out and run a bit faster.  I felt lighter too as the last several runs outside have required tights, shirt, jacket, sweatshirt, stocking hat, gloves.  My idea of running heaven is to bolt out the door in shorts, socks and shoes only.

Today proved that running on a treadmill doesn't have to be so bad.  But for sure it is temporary...I'm counting the days until spring 2010.  April is not that far away...

Rockford Road Runner Evelyn Smith running a marathon in each state (compliments to Healthyrockford.com)

Click here for story: Evelyn Smith runs marathon in every state

The Weather Person was correct

Yesterday they kept warning us to expect 6" - 12" of snow for northern Illinois.  We certainly received our share.  Glad I went running Monday and again yesterday since I won't get out there today.  Hopefully by Friday I can get back out for a long run.

I wonder how the trails are at Rock Cut.  May not be able to run there again for awhile.  I'll try Friday.  ;)

And...our back yard this morning.  I don't like this.  I can't imagine that the birds do either.  Their houses are covered up.

                         (Click on the pictures to enlarge)

Get your run in now...6" to 12" predicted

Lets hope they are wrong.  Dead, wrong.  Six to twelve predicted with a cold front and blowing snow following up.  Run now, while you can, northern Illinois.

I ran early this morning.  I don't normally run two days in a row but since the forecast is pretty brutal I made an exception.  Today, like yesterdays run through the trails of Rock Cut State Park, was a tough one.  It seems since the temps fell below 30 that I've had more difficulty breathing and I become tired more easily.

I vote for the storm missing us completely so that I can get back on schedule.  I shudder to think of running on a treadmill, but I know it is only a matter of time before that happens.

Good luck out there this week.

Weekend update and this morning's trail run

Friday I survived a ten mile ordeal through snow and wind.  Saturday, gym workout. Sunday, Rest!

This morning I was at Rock Cut at 7:30 to do a six miles on the trails.  However the park doesn't open until 8:00 a.m. so I made a quick run to the grocery store, then back to the park.

While I don't like the cold temps and snow it was a nice morning to hit the trails.  Temperature in the mid 20s, mild and little breeze.  The trees help shelter one against the wind.  I was the first one on the trails.  Looking down there were no footprints ahead of me except from the deer, birds and squirrels that made it out before I.  It was pretty and most of all...quiet.

With the colder temps and snow what used to be a nice leisurely run has become more like work.  We haven't received much snow yet and I'm already whining, I can tell a difference in how my legs and lungs feel more labored.  Its a more difficult to breath and to push off and land.  One always has to be more careful on the slippery terrain.

Hopefully I will feel better on December 19th which is the first of the Survivor Trail Run race series.  It took me a few days before I felt 'normal' after the Turkey Trot 5k.  I expect the Survivor 5k will be tougher as the course itself will have many more ups and downs.

I took some pictures this morning during my run and have posted them here.  Click on each one to enlarge.  Enjoy and keep (or start!) running...

Go-Trail-Running website from Liz in England

I've added Liz Minton's website to the 'Blogs I Follow' section of this site.  Liz loves trail running, lives in England and runs with her trail training partner, Syd.  Welcome, Liz!  Check out her site at Go Trail Running

Need some inspiration? Team Hoyt - Dick and Rick Hoyt

Winter running tips

Winter running tips at active.com

Todays run from H E double toothpicks

This morning I took our VW Beetle to our mechanic (Brigham Rebuilding in Machesney Park, they are awesome).  We need new tires, oil change and blinkers.  Yes, our blinkers have gone haywire for the umpteenth time.  When was the last time your car had lights go out.  Ever?  We've had three VWs and love driving them but their reliability is crap.  But, I digress...

Brigham's is five and a half miles from home so I dropped the car off (when Rich, the owner, asked how I was getting home, I said I was running.  He looked at me with that 'are you nuts' kinda look and said, "you are nuts") headed home on foot.  This was the best way for me to get my long run in for the week, a ten miler.

The temp gauge in the Beetle read 23 degrees (at least that still works) and it felt like it.  Overcast, windy, Rich was right.  LOL.  It wasn't to long after I started out that my hands were freezing, the cold wind was burning my face and I was whining to myself like a little baby.  Like Liam on a bad day.  ha.

Things I'd forgotten since last winter:  Its harder to run in snow, even light snow; you tend to run tense because you don't want to slip so your leg muscles tighten up; you tire out easier; its more difficult to breath; they don't plow the bike path; and most importantly...I hate snow and I hate winter.  I want, desire, need Arizona with flat roads, trails just outside of town, warmth year 'round, huge blue sky...yeah, give me Tucson or Phoenix.  But I digress again...

By the time I make it about three miles two things popped into my head.  Coffee.  Its cold out here.  Toast.  Dang! its cold.  With butter and Edward's strawberry jam.  By the way thats what I did immediately upon arriving home.  Popped two slices into the toaster, warmed up some Folgers, slapped on some butter and EAO jam and lived the dream.

Thought:  did you know that it is possible for snot to freeze in both nostrils and still be able to breath?

Thought 2:  Spitting is hard when your face muscles are stiff.  Its hard to aim the spit stream.  Thus the spit on my leg.

Thought 3:  Those that say running in the winter and nice white snow is refreshing are full of crap.

Thought 4:  How in the world will I get through the Survivor Trail Run Series with races in December, January, February (shudder) and March.  But I will.  I'm a Huskie after all.

To make a loooong story short I made it home safe and sound and cold.  The toast and Folgers warmed me up.  All is good.

H E double toothpicks, I'm really glad I went running today.

Reminder: Upcoming Survivor Trail Run Series

Ok trail runners, don't forget about the upcoming Survivor Trail Run Series races.  First race is December 19th at Rock Cut State Park.

I've attached the individual and team information here.   Click on each picture to enlarge.  See you out on the trails!

Western States 100 Race. Yes, as in 100 miles.

I would love to try this.  But I should probably just try to get through the upcoming Survivor Trail Series first.  LOL.

A late run and colder weather

I ran later in the day than normal.  I had meetings in the Chicago area and didn't get started until late afternoon.  It was breezy and a cool 39 degrees so I bundled up.  This was the first day in some time that I ran with tights on.  It was chilly but not as cold as I first thought.  Half way through I was wishing that I only had shorts on.  I make this mistake often, overdressing at the start with the result being that I get way to warm and start shedding clothing.

I ate a late lunch, a gut-burger from Fuddruckers.  Not exactly healthy fare.  Does it help that I ordered it on a wheat bun?   Me thinks...no.  So when I went for my five miler this afternoon I had a heavy feeling, not to mention a few good belches along the way.  Otherwise the run went fine.

I figure it is best to run after a burger, hoping the activity will burn the burger and fries off.  Not every lunch can be a salad I guess.

On to Thursday.  Keep running.

Runner's Calendar at Barnes & Noble

Here is a gift idea for that runner on your Christmas list.  Its a 2010 'Running' calendar and log.  Found this at Barnes & Noble in their calendar section.


I've never seen a full-sized running calendar before!  Pretty cool if you ask me.  :)

2009 Big Ten Men & Women's Cross Country Championship videos

Men's Championship Videos:











Women's Championship Videos:

Big Ten X Country Championship Today

Tune in on the Big Ten Network at noon today.