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!



 

Why every season is my favorite to run!

As the weather changes and we're experiencing cooler weather, especially in the northeast, we all start to look forward to the major race events like Chicago, Marine Corp, Philadelphia and NYC Marathon, as well as the numerous half marathons, 5Ks and 10Ks throughout our neighborhoods.

So as I sat back and reflected upon the excitement and how we look forward to the fall running season, it also made me realize that we all look forward to each season -- and for different reasons.

Here's what I came up with

Hey, it's that guy running again...

Have you seen this guy?

You know, the guy you see running every day. The one who's running but may not look like the fastest runner. 

But you see him every day.

Rain or shine.

Freezing temperatures.

Snow.

Or hundred degrees. 
You see him out running.

When I see this guy on some mornings, I can't help have pangs of guilt for not getting out and running that morning. Because their dedication and discipline is enough to motivate you, to want to go out and be a better runner and more consistent. 

Now that the weather is getting cooler and mornings a little colder...I still see him. (Today he was wearing gloves, since temps were just in the 50s) -- but he was still out there.

Are you "that guy" to your neighbors?

Warrior Dash -- for real?

These 'mud runs' seem to be the trend in the last few years, with every kind of obstacle you can think of. There's a whole host of them and while I've not made a great effort to run one of them, I did embark on my first one this summer.

Friends of mine rallied together and decided that they would be doing the Warrior Dash, run at Windham Mountain, in Windham, NY.

While I was a bit skeptical at first, I decided that if I can do Hash Runs through major metros and in the back woods of NJ-PA-NY and rather sketchy areas of the NYC and Atlantic City, then I could certainly handle the Warrior Dash.

So here we were.
Feeling very much like an Arlo Guthrie lyric, we had a great night out the night before the event -- so we all looked and felt our best!