21 days later...

A few weeks ago, I wrote about the psychological theory that it takes 21 days to affect behavior change. So I decided to put it to the test. For the last 21 days I attempted to "change my running behavior" to get up in the morning and run before work, instead of trying to get my run in during the evening.

Running in the am would help me reduce my procrastination and undoubtedly help me be more consistent in my training. Thus eliminating the huge, gaping holes in my training during the week which gets met closer to my next Half or Marathon event goals. Sounds easy, right?

Here's where I netted out.....

August Race Update-TICKER

 Getting all those last minute summer runs in - particularly around Labor Day. I know many of you did doubles and triples this past weekend...so if I've missed you please post your races I've missed on the FB fan page. A total of 516 race miles have been logged by this group (since April)--outstanding job!

Labor Day Weekend...Saturday in the Park

Running in Holmdel Park (NJ) transports me back through time and back to my younger days running in HS. If you're looking for a great run -- then this is a great event for you!

Saturday in the Park, sponsored by Jersey Shore Running Club (JSRC), put on an event that not only was nostalgic, but a family-friendly event that will keep us coming back.

Great Running Reads

As the summer winds down, there might be just one more decent beach weekend to enjoy a good read -- depending on if "Hurricane Earl" has anything to do with it. If the latest copy of Vogue, Health or Runner's World isn't cutting it -- here's a couple suggestions. You can pick them up in the store - or via your eReader at Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

 Pre: The Story of America's Greatest Running Legend, Steve Prefontaine by Tom Jordan

I recently finished PRE and thought it was a great introspective into PRE's life on and off the track. You'll get a great sense of the kind of person Pre was in life - as well as his contribution to the sport.


Given the recent publicity on the new record of 51 marathons in 51 days - and other efforts to break these ultra-distance accomplishments, two books by Dean Karnazes are high on my list to read. What does it really take to keep moving in a 24 hour race? Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner by Dean Karnazes

But in particular, Dean Karnazes' 50/50: Secrets I Learned Running 50 Marathons in 50 Days -- and How You Too Can Achieve Super Endurance! looks to be a good read not only enjoyable, but with some tips for surviving the 50 days of punishing your body. Having followed his blog during the 50 days - looks to be a great read!!

Other highly acclaimed reads by runners and critics include Born to Run and Run. Thanks to the benefit of modern technology, you can sample these or any of these or other reads at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, even if you don't have the Kindle or Nook devices.

Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen by Christopher McDougall

RUN: The Mind-Body Method of Running by Feel by Matt Fitzgerald 






Through Amazon in particular, I believe you can get a glimpse of the content and sample chapters. If these didn't make your summer reading list either, perhaps a great suggestion for birthdays (-- or even Santa?!)

If you have other recommendations or suggestions - feel free to post them! Or if you've read these and want to share your personal review, share them here!

Happy running and reading!

iPod or Camera?

At many races, Race Directors will prohibit the use of iPods or headphones, because of the hazard that it could pose to other runners on the course. And while they've put some effort into restricting the use of iPods - including printing on the applications - does it change the actual use of it by runners?


I have run with both an iPod and a camera -- and on rare occasions, both.