He is still the very best!
After three years the Tour is finally worth watching again! Don’t call for the next three weeks!
Today’s Running Tip: Biking for Runners!
Biking is one of the best cross training complements for runners. It still works your legs without the impact of pounding the asphalt. Some runners who ride their bike instead of going for a recovery run have improved their running performance as the riding allowed them to get off their feet for their recovery.
4th of July is just around the corner! Once again this fabulous country is celebrating it’s Independence!!! The first thing that comes to mind when we think about this day, besides flag cake and beer, are fireworks!!! And the Runners’ World is asking us to elaborate on Running Fireworks, a subject, or subjects that cause conflict, controversy, and commotion.
This one comes easy to me because it is one of my pet peeves: should people who walk 26.2 miles be considered marathoners?
I said this before and I will say it again: in my opinion they are not! Now I understand that this is a very touchy subject and some walkers might feel offended but having been through the rigors of training more than once and knowing just what it takes to run 26.2 miles in a decent time, having crossed the finish line in a time that qualified me for Boston, having seen many of my friends during training and how beaten up some of them were when they crossed the finish line, just so they could qualify as well, it really brings home just how much discipline it takes. And no matter how you look at it, it is not the same when you slowly stroll over the finish line 9 hours (or more) after you started. Anyone can walk 26.2 miles if they have enough time, but running it and trying to finish a marathon within a certain time is a whole other reality.
During the last marathon I ran two walkers went into a McDonald’s along the route at mile 8 and ordered sundaes. And if that was not absurd enough they then sat down and ate them while having a chat. When the sweeper came in to tell them that they needed to get back onto the course if they wanted to avoid disqualification they argued. In the end, once the sundaes were eaten, the spoons licked clean they did get back onto the road and even crossed the finish line, eventually.
Should they be able to call themselves marathoners? You decide!
Today’s Running Tip: Are you a Walker that wants to become a Runner?
If you are a walker that wants to venture into the world of running, try the “Run/Walk Method” that Cool Running explains very well.
June was supposed to be my recovery month after San Diego Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon, but since I decided to throw in the towel at the last minute I just kept on trekking. I am always amazed how enjoyable it is to just run without the pressure of a training plan. Even though my overall mileage stays more or less the same (without the weekly long run), just not running by a schedule makes it so much easier. I shall keep this in mind when I start my next training. For now I will concentrate on running uphill in preparation for Pier-to-Peak in early September. And running up some hills is really all one can do to train for this race, also known as the “world’s toughest Half Marathon”. Runners will follow the race route from the Friendship Dolphins Fountain at the edge of Sterns Wharf all the way up to La Cumbra Peak, which overlooks the city and the water from an elevation of nearly 4,000 feet above sea level. It is straight up for 13.1 miles with a very very short but sweet (believe me you will want to kiss the ground at that point) downhill at mile 12.
June started out rather cool for our neck of the woods with temperatures hovering around the 80 degree mark (shut up!)(we are spoiled!)(and wimps!) but at least I did not have to deal with the June Gloom that descends on Santa Barbara every summer and often left me shivering and damp. For the last two weeks we have finally been blessed with summer. Triple digits are here to stay! I cannot wait for the next two months which will be H O T!!!
Following is a reflection of how I spent my time in running shoes this past month:
| Total Distance: | 227.93 miles |
| Total Time: | 55:04:19 min |
| Run Distance: | 158.1 miles |
| Run Time: | 20:15:19 min |
| Walk Distance: | 69.8 miles |
| Walk Time: | 20:49:00 min |
Shortest run: 5.3 miles
Longest run: 7 miles
Average speed: 7:41 min/miles
Strength & Endurance Class: 5 hours
Core Central & Abs Class: 4 hours
Yoga: 4 hours
Aerobics: 1 hour
Today’s Running Tip: Plan for fall’s running season!
Even though temperatures are climbing and we are sweating on the open road, this is a good time to start planning for fall and the beginning of running season. Choose a race you want to train for and put together a training pan, so you are all set for you first training run!