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RunSpittle

Somebody Stop Me!

I just began reading Dean Karnazes book “Ultra Marathon” last night and think I am in severe trouble. This morning I went to http://www.ultrarunning.com and then listened to podcasts on www.competitorradio.com of Dean and Mike Wardian on my run. If that wasn’t bad enough, prior to writing this post, I seriously considered entering the Greenland 50K, held next May here in Colorado. The only thing that saved me was registration… Read More »Somebody Stop Me!

For Ideas Lasting Longer Than Four Hours, see a Psychotherapist

When a neighbor heard that I had done the unthinkable, actually run 21 miles, they asked this, “What do you think about for that long?” First, thank God they didn’t say “I can’t even drive that far…” Next, I’ve heard this one before and usually my answer to this often asked question is some self invented cliche like, “anything and everything,” or “running,” or “nothing at all.” What I wanted… Read More »For Ideas Lasting Longer Than Four Hours, see a Psychotherapist

The Long Run to Nowhere!

Yesterday’s 21 mile run had some interesting little footnotes attached. Outside of the Napa Valley Marathon, it was the longest run of the year. Normally, I’m more than happy enough between 18-20 miles for my long run, but today’s course had to be either 17 or 21. I opted for the longer run. The other added attractions for the run were as follows: It brought my total for the year… Read More »The Long Run to Nowhere!

Buggy Trail Run!

Bugs? No, that wasn’t my problem. My problem on this morning’s run was that the two things that bug me the most when I’m out trail running both happened AND they both happened with the same person. Allow me to explain. We all have our little pet peeves. On the trail, I have two. The first, which is not trail-exclusive, is when I am running along (the pace doesn’t matter)… Read More »Buggy Trail Run!

A MILEstone week (pun intended)!

My log and my running-total log tell me that this is a week of milestones. First, tomorrow I will hit 2000 miles for the year. In all of 2010, I ran 2031, so I’m thinking that I’m having a pretty decent year. The goal is 2700 and I believe it will be close. For me the mileage is an indication of being able to train consistently and without injury. At… Read More »A MILEstone week (pun intended)!

Your Brain is Your Friend: Be Nice To It!

After a fresh reading of John Medina’s book, “Brain Rules,” I have pledged to treat my brain better. And while John has 12 rules for your brain (and mine), I will stick with just three. If we (yeah, me too) took these three things more seriously and incorporated a plan into our lives, we’d see an increasingly wonderful existence. Keep in mind I am not a physician, psychologist or stress… Read More »Your Brain is Your Friend: Be Nice To It!

Jenny B is the Queen Bee!

First, a shout out to Jesse Wiiliams and Lashinda Demus for winning Gold Medals at the World Championships today. Also, if you haven’t seen Ezekiel Kemboi’s last lap in the Steeple and his victory dance, you’re in for a treat (kind of Usain Bolt meets Blanca Vlasic). The link for that: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGyBa1_YY4g. The biggie of the day for this Coloradoan and former Boulderite was the 1500 meter win by Jenny… Read More »Jenny B is the Queen Bee!

Speedwork? Getting Closer…

Yesterday I did the aging veteran’s version of speedwork: 8 X 400 with a 200 jog rest. I don’t remember the last time I did 400’s (I’d guess it was spring or summer of 2000 – I could look it up – probably will – well, wait a minute, I’ll check my log – never mind). Nonetheless it was a pretty good workout, although I had considerable energy left in… Read More »Speedwork? Getting Closer…

Halfway: Highs and Lows of the World Track & Field Championships!

Well, we’re halfway through the World Track & Field Championships in Daegu, South Korea. NBS/Universal Sports scheduled an unprecedented number of hours of coverage and this has been on my radar most of the year. Not only is this a World Championships, but it is also the year preceding an Olympic year. Stakes are high, favorites will be established. Before getting into my personal highs and lows through this halfway… Read More »Halfway: Highs and Lows of the World Track & Field Championships!

Happy Anniversary to Me! 45 Years of Running…

Rich Sands, Wyandotte Cross Country It began mostly because I didn’t want to be embarrassed. The first day of Cross Country practice was Monday and it was already Friday, August 12, 1966. I needed to get in shape fast! So I laced up my new Beta Bullets and went for a run. It was a half an hour long and the only thing I recall is that it seemed like… Read More »Happy Anniversary to Me! 45 Years of Running…