Christopher McDougall (Born To Run author) on TED - 15 minute version

Here's the 15-minute version of the Born to Run argument, presented by author Chris McDougall at the TED Conference in August, 2010.

BTW, if you are ever looking for inspiration, go check out TED. Lots of fascinating people and ideas. I always seem to come back from that site with a sense of possibilities.

Source: http://runtrails.blogspot.com/2011/02/christopher-mcdougall-born-to-run.html

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P90X Week 4 and Nashville Half Marathon Review

First things first.  I have finished week four of P90X!  They call this a transition week but I think it's also known as a recovery week.  Since adjustments were made to include triathlon based workouts, I did not have any strength sets this week; did not lift a weight at all.

I must say that I am getting the hang of Plyometrics.  I can see how this particular set will help me as a triathlete.  The stretching is also fast becoming a favorite one.  Did Core Synergistics twice this week and my gut was sore, still sore.  Good stuff.

So as of today, I'm a third of the way home!

This coming week I shall start Block Two.

On Saturday, my long run came in the form of The Nashville  Half Marathon, which brings me to the second topic of this post.

I understand that this race, as many others is a fundraiser event.  That being said it is important to understand that the safety of runners has to come first.  Second, it is important to understand that if an event is to grow, it must provide runners with reasons to come back and bring others.  I think this event fell short of that.

I thought the course was a hard course, very hilly.  Of course I understand that this is a matter that could be of great debate.  Other than the area in and around Metro Center, the course was full of rolling hills, some were tough, specially the one that waited for you coming out of Metro Center.  This hill took from me everything I had left.

The water situation was deplorable.  Not enough water stations.  Period.  First station was around mile 2.5 then again not till 5.5 or 6... way to far between them.  I have made a decision that from now on, I will carry my fuel belt with me to all events, regardless of distance.

Porta Potties was another issue.  Just a few set up at the start/finish, didn't count them but there couldn't have been more than ten.  Huge lines pre race, didn't count the people in line, but there must have been 200 or more.  Only one, that I saw on the course, somewhere around mile 6 or 7.

Not sure what the idea was behind the finisher's lanyards in lieu of medals but overheard many say how disappointed they were, specially those that were doing their first half marathon.  I guess it was a money saving issue.

I hope that organizers read and listen to reviews posted throughout the Internet.  Take things into consideration and ensure future participants that these issues have been addressed.  I for one will have to think twice about doing this one again.

So how did I do?  My Garmin showed 2:04:45 and 13.25 miles.  I am happy with the results.  Secretly, I had a goal of under two hours, but I'll take what I got!

Source: http://www.triathlonat55.com/2010/11/p90x-week-4-and-nashville-half-marathon.html

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Had a nice 5.5 mile run during rain

I ran the same 5.5 mile route that I used on Thursday, only this time it was raining during the run. Not a heavy rain, just a light rain that didn't stop (temperature was low 40s (F)). I need to get a can of Silicone and spray my wind breaker to restore the water repellant on the jacket, pants, and hat. Water did leak through the cloth and got my long sleeved cotton T-shirt damp. My feet stayed dry, though, because my new Pearl iZUi shoes kept the water out. I used a ratio of 123 left-foot steps and 66 lfs walking, doing that for the first 2 miles. I could tell my body was getting tired, so I dropped to 66 lfs running and 50 lfs walking. After about half a mile I felt better, so I went back to the 123/66 ratio, but after doing that twice, I dropped to 80 lfs running and 55 lfs walking and finished the run while using that ratio. Even though it was raining, there were quite a few runners and walkers on the path.


Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OldManRunning/~3/LE9iVxPfbhY/had-nice-55-mile-run-during-rain.html

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Saw lots of geese during my run

During my run, I must have seen several hundred geese walking around a large grassy area. Most of the geese were within 25 feet from the path and, maybe, 50 feet from the Jordan River. The large grassy area is about a quarter mile long and contains quite a few picnic tables. It's part of the South Jordan park system. I always see geese there and at similar places. I don't see geese picking at things on the ground; they are just standing still or walking around. I don't know if the geese just like open spaces or if they find more food there than in other places. I don't know if the geese eat insects, worms, etc. or grass. What ever the reason they're there, it is nice to see them up close -- they are beautiful, majestic birds.


Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OldManRunning/~3/Rcm_Rkqa-oo/saw-lots-of-geese-during-my-run.html

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The Metamorphosis of Alison Bryant

In high school Alison Bryant loved track only the distances were never long enough.  Then in college there was the 10,000-meter and she loved it.  Through it, she went to three NCAA DI championships and received two All American honors.  After college, she spent her weekends picking up extra money in road races, competed twice [...]

Source: http://mountainrun.wordpress.com/2011/01/27/the-metamorphosis-of-alison-bryant/

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December running in the Bay Area

I ended up not racing at all this last month of 2010, but did do my first pacing stint, helping David Schoenberg finish his first 50 mile run at the North Face Endurance Challenge race in the Marin Headlands the first Saturday of the month.  Here I am waiting for him at the Stinson Beach aid station [...]

Source: http://mountainrun.wordpress.com/2010/12/21/december-running-in-the-bay-area/

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