Ready to run? Yes, on Christmas

Yes I know it's Christmas morning. Why should that stop you from running?

There are a few times during the year that I really enjoy going for a morning run. It might sound cliché, but a morning run on holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Years mornings are so peaceful and calm. 

I would really enjoy a light snow to run this am but I will take the mild weather instead! 

Enjoy your Christmas morning!

The on-going challenge: FitBit....OR the on-going FitBit challenge?

There's two sides to every story.
And in the case of this running technology, there's even more sides.


While I understand the value of tracking steps and maintaining some level of 'activity' - using a FitBit is a great way to track that activity. However, for runners who go out and run +20 miles each week, is it providing any additional value or data? Especially, when I'm already equipped to track my progress with my watch or other apps using either a Garmin, TomTom or one of the many web-based sites or fitness apps.

Fall racing is here!!

If you're like me, you know at least one person who has run a Marathon and/or a half marathon this fall. Even if you didn't run one yourself, then you're possibly wishing you did. 

There's no feeling quite like that stiff-legged ache after completing a race. It's enough to get us to keep going - no matter whether we had a good race experience or not.

And for those of us who didn't run-simply  watching the televised coverage of NYC Marathon is enough to motivate us to go out and run. Even if the wind chill has made the tempurature feel like the 30's. 

I guess that's why in 1996 after watching the marathon that year I made the commitment to train & run it the following year. A lot of painful training runs later-I did it! I finished my first marathon. 

Did you run a marathon or half-marathon his fall? If not, what are you waiting for? 

Hitting the Trails

After running for over 100 days straight in mostly the same areas around home and work, you have to do something different to break out of the rut and keep the running interesting and motivating. For the first time in a long time, I decided to run after work - instead of before or even at lunch, as I've done over the last few weeks. Since it was pushing 90 degrees at 5:30pm, I thought it would be best to hit some trails, where I might get the benefit of some shade.

I've been to a nearby park in Kinnelon a few times and thought, what better way to warm up than to park at the HS across the street and then run to the trails in the park. "Yes, great idea". Until

What I learned from the #RunEveryDay challenge

I've posted a few times about my progress on this challenge. I've also posted almost daily now for over 50 days after each run. The #RunEveryDay challenge from Nike running was designed to be a 30 day challenge during the month of April.

What happened was something even bigger!

Halfway thru April #RunEveryDay

Now that I'm nearly halfway through the #RunEveryDay challenge, I wanted to take a look back over  the last two weeks of running. I have been fortunate enough to remain healthy during these last 2 weeks and happy to say that I've managed at least a mile each day this month.

On the upside...

#RunEveryDay...sure, no problem! Right?

Seems like a straightforward challenge, right? 
SIMPLY, run 1 mile a day. Just 1. For the whole month of April. 

After all, there's only 30 days in April (not 31)...

April 1: A new start to Run Every Day

We all need motivation to keep up our running intensity and focus during the long winter months.

I came across this great challenge that I wanted to share with you. What better way to get over your winter blues than to get you outside and running every day! 

April RUN EVERY DAY Challenge

It only requires that you run 1 mile a day. 
I think that is well within our reach. 

So what are you waiting for?
Go for a run!!

"Not as advertised..."

Although it is now spring there is still a lot of winter weather and cold. With that comes cooler temperatures and now lots of rain... Spring rain.

Over the last few weeks, it would not be uncommon to be hit during our morning run with winds of 20 mph or even freezing rain. So then what do you do for your morning workout when the weather is "not as advertised" -- or for the morning of that race you've been planning for weeks?

Has technology changed Running?

Last weekend I woke up with the idea to find a race to celebrate St Patrick's Day. So, my wife and I went online and browsed through the local area races. And within less than 15 minutes we were registered and making plans for the weekend race.

 Growing up, the process to find a race would involve some word of mouth, asking our coach or head to the local shoe store to pick up race flyers. And that's as long as you had a few weeks to plan it and schedule it.

Finding balance

There are times when (my) running needs to take a backseat to other activities. 

As a coach for travel soccer, I attempt to instill the importance of conditioning and training in my players, to help them separate themselves from their competitors -- if they can run longer and faster than the other team, then they'll have the advantage in every game.

Selfishly, I do have them run regularly, not only for their own benefit -- but for mine as well! It is also a good way to integrate sprinting and speedwork, into my otherwise 1-dimensional running. It also sends a great message to the kids that 

Is this year going to be the same as last year?

Before making a decision to commit to more potential superfluous New Year's Resolutions, I looked at my resolutions last year and how I did.

Overall, I am happy with the miles and races. More importantly, I've got to figure out a way to stay healthy and not to over-train or push too hard, resulting in injury.

Since we've been in 0 degree weather, I've still trying to kick start my running - hoping that putting this on paper will get me going!! 

New year...same running?

Sitting here on a sunny, snow day gives me time to reflect back on my year of running. We've all thought about races from the past year and what we're running next; but how many people actually look at their running logbook and look at it as a way to improve their running?

Photo: Gordon Scammell/Alamy

I look at my logbook as a way to gauge my mileage and how much to safely increase each week; despite my desire to 'trust my gut' and make the right decision on my mileage. I've suffered way too much injury in the past few years to do that any longer. 

This year, ONE OF MY NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS will be to use my logbook as a way to improve my running, instead of just tracking miles. 

 

 
 

Another Year -- Another Bunch of New Year's Resolutions??

Hard to believe it's another new year and time for more New Year's Resolutions.

How did you do last year? Did you accomplish any of your New Year's Resolutions? Or do you abandon all hope during the year (or was it within the first few weeks)? No matter the case, the best advice given by the experts is to make resolutions that are reasonable and within reach, so that it doesn't have a negative affect on your attitude and mental state.

I am reserving my judgement on what to accomplish this year -- I know what I'd like to do and after all, which of us would pass up these goals, such as:

• running a few marathons
• attempt an ultra marathon
• finish a triathlon
• run Boston
• set a PR at numerous distances
• run over 1,000 miles this year

Heeding my own advice; I do want to set attainable and achievable goals. And more importantly, doing it without getting hurt!

My first new years resolution: STAY HEALTHY.


Happy Running and Happy New  Year!