Mon 8 Feb 2010
Posted by Allan under running
No Comments
After giving a quick update about our Vibrams, Stevie and I talk about our first trip to a meeting of the local running club, our focus on runners like us, choosing between running a big or small marathon, and trying out Action Wipes.
Running Club Meeting, Runners Like Us, Big or Small Marathon, and Action Wipes [45:53m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | DownloadMon 1 Feb 2010
Posted by Allan under inspirational stories, podcasting, running, triathlon
[8] Comments
Stevie and I talk about our first experience with our Vibram Five Fingers, barefoot running, Stevie’s attempt to work out in Vegas, my growing lust to do a triathlon, and the admission that we don’t really “love” running.
Sun 24 Jan 2010
Posted by Allan under inspirational stories, podcasting, running, travel
[12] Comments
This week, we talk about Stevie’s trip to see Chris McDougal speak about the book Born to Run and barefoot running, my trip to Austin, running the race before the race (and why not to do it), and my top-10 tips for your first marathon.
After doing this podcast, Stevie and I went to a local retail store and bought a pair of Vibram Five Fingers (which are like gloves for your feet) and went to a track to give them a try. I lasted about a mile before my calves started to cramp up. Stevie made it to around the 3 mile mark. My calves are pretty sore today, but I’d like to keep using them to build them up. I thought I had started to run on my forefoot before, but with the Vibrams, I ran COMPLETELY differently than normal. Now I understand the sound that Brandon (brandonsmarathon.com) talks about when he says that he can identify a forefoot runner by the sound their footfalls make.
Barefoot Running, Running the Race Before the Race, and Top-10 Marathon Tips [48:32m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | DownloadSun 17 Jan 2010
Posted by Allan under inspirational stories, podcasting, running, travel
[4] Comments
Stevie and I talk with Jim, a listener who has just completed the Goofy Race and a Half Challenge in Walt Disney World. We are planning to go there in 2011 to participate in the Marathon weekend: Stevie is doing the 5K and Half-Marathon. Jim and I will be doing the Half-Marathon and Full-Marathon. We also talk a bit more about ice baths, the possibility of hot beverages in a camelback, and advice for a mom of two who is training for a half marathon.
Goofy Challenge, Ice Baths, Camelbacks, and Training Advice [53:31m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | DownloadMon 11 Jan 2010
Posted by Allan under running
[10] Comments
This is the official record (and recording) of my first ice bath. The short version: it was freaking cold and ached a lot, but I can see why they would be useful.
Thu 7 Jan 2010
Posted by Allan under running
No Comments
I found this on YouTube and thought it was appropriate considering that Stevie and I just discussed our ideas about New Years Resolutions during RWTP #63. The five principles that he outlines for keeping a New Year’s Resolution are the ones that I have heard people apply to their decision to run their first marathon. Have a look:
Sat 2 Jan 2010
Posted by Allan under running
[25] Comments
Stevie and I got together on New Years Day to talk about Stevie’s Resolution Run, post-run stiffness, New Years resolutions, and some new gear that Andrew bought for me. Get that body moving in 2010!
Tue 15 Dec 2009
Posted by Allan under podcasting, running
[13] Comments
This week kicks off another stage of RWTP with my new co-host Stevie. In this episode, Stevie introduces herself and we talk about volunteering for races, my core workouts, our Disney plans, mixed marriages, warming up for short races, and much more.
Introducing Stevie, Volunteering, Core Workouts, Disney, and more [59:41m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | DownloadWed 2 Dec 2009
Posted by Allan under podcasting, running
[7] Comments
This episode is devoted to my race report from the 2009 Philadelphia Marathon that was held on November 22. I finished the race in 3:59:14 side by side with Brandon Wood. A good time was had by all and I learned a few lessons. Also, congratulations to the winners of the Hornet Juice contest!
Fri 20 Nov 2009
Posted by Allan under running
[5] Comments
It’s Friday night. Andrew and I are in a hotel room and it’s less than 36 hours until the Philadelphia Marathon. I thought I’d take a few minutes to write down how I think this weekend will unfold and then I can go back and see what actually happened.
Tomorrow morning (Saturday), I’ll get up and run through my marathon gear to make sure that I have everything that I need for the race. Then I’ll head to the Expo and pick up my race packet as well as anything I might be missing. While I’m there, I may take some pictures or make a quick video for the benefit of people who haven’t seen a running expo before. I’ll also pick up some samples of stuff, look for some good deals, and check to see if Dean Karnazes is around. If he is, I’d like to say hi and thank him for inspiring me to take up running again. I’m really not expecting him to be there, but you never know!
Early in the afternoon, Andrew and I will meet up with Brandon Wood (from Brandon’s Marathon) and his friend Michael for a late lunch and discussion of running, triathlons, music, travel, plans for race day, and life in general.
I really want to take it easy tomorrow, so we’ll probably head back to the hotel after lunch and just relax in the hotel room. I’ll make sure I’m hydrated, do some stretching, set out my running gear (with the bib attached to my shirt), and then order a salad or something similarly light for dinner. Then TV/computer for a bit before heading to bed around 10 pm.
On Sunday, I’ll get up around 5:15 and shower, then get dressed, apply my PaceTat, assemble my gear, and head out to the front of the hotel (maybe around 5:45) to meet up with Brandon and walk to the starting area. Brandon and I are in the same corral, so we’ll head toward the front of it – maybe just in front of the 3:40 pace group. We’ll stretch a bit and talk to a few of the other runners. When the starting gun goes off, Brandon and I are going to run separate races and meet up at the finish line.
So to make it officially on the record, we are no longer planning to run together. I’ve been listening to his show and hearing how his pace has improved. Frankly, if we ran together, either Brandon would be running slower than he could or I would run so hard to keep up that I would burn out after the first half and have to slow down or even walk. Both of us want to have good runs on Sunday, so I think we’ve made the right choice. I’m not going to give precise time estimates, but I expect Brandon to finish around 3:30 and I’ll finish around 3:45.
After the race, we’ll meet up with Andrew and try some of the Action Wipes samples that the company sent to me. We’ll head back to the hotel for a shower and change of clothes – making sure to wear our medals. If we have time, we may do a short audio recording to capture our thoughts about the race before they fade. Then we’ll go to the Hard Rock Cafe at 2:30 to meet up with some of the other runners and listeners of our podcasts. A good time will be had by all. We’ll take some pictures and talk too much about the day’s run and what we’d like to do next.
After that’s it’s back to life as usual. We’ll probably leave with Brandon and say goodbye as he heads back to New York. We’ll be going to Atlantic City for a couple of days, where I’m sure I’ll be limping around, drinking Red Bull and vodkas, and eating at PF Chang’s [you can't beat their lettuce wraps] before heading back home for Thanksgiving and some Christmas shopping.
