Possible title...
Midterms and Marathons: The long distance training guide for college students.
Wish me luck.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Book
As crazy as it may sound, I've decided that I want to write a book about running. The direction I'm thinking is a training guide for college students. There are several running books out there geared towards the elite, Boston qualifiers and middle aged runners, but not so many aimed at the younger population. Since I ran my first half marathon at 18 and full at 19, I think I would be able to help train and motivate other college students to tackle 26.2.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Do's and Do Not's of Racing
Over the past two years I have run quite a few races and at each of these races I see a lot of first timers making MANY mistakes. So I have compiled a list of racing do's and do not's.
1.) If you run at an 11-minute pace, don't start up with the 7-minute milers. Everyone will hate you for being in the way and you will just feel bad about yourself for not being able to keep up.
2.) If you run at a 7-minute pace don't start with the 12's and then wonder why everyone is "in your way"
3.) At the start line, if you are in the right pace group BE PATIENT. Don't try to push your way up. Everyone will cross the start line eventually.
4.) BRING TOILET PAPER. I cannot express the importance of this one enough. At a race with 40,000 runners toilet paper can be a scarce resource in port-o-potties, bring your own and avoid some very unpleasant experiences later.
5.) Along with the port-o-potty theme. Hand sanitizer. Enough said.
6.) Hydrate. Just because you feel great now doesn't mean you will feel great later. If you wait until you are thirsty to drink some water, it's too late.
7.) If you are running with friends, please try to be aware of other runners. If you have 4 people in your group all running next to each other, it is extremely difficult for other runners to conveniently get around you.
8.) Just because you are cold while waiting for the race to start does not mean that you will be cold while running.
9.) Please do not just stop in the middle of the road to stretch, tie your shoe, blow your nose, whatever...someone will run into you, and it will hurt.
10.) Last but not least, have fun! It's your first race, you shouldn't be obsessed with finishing time or beating your friends. You should just focus on finishing and enjoying yourself.
1.) If you run at an 11-minute pace, don't start up with the 7-minute milers. Everyone will hate you for being in the way and you will just feel bad about yourself for not being able to keep up.
2.) If you run at a 7-minute pace don't start with the 12's and then wonder why everyone is "in your way"
3.) At the start line, if you are in the right pace group BE PATIENT. Don't try to push your way up. Everyone will cross the start line eventually.
4.) BRING TOILET PAPER. I cannot express the importance of this one enough. At a race with 40,000 runners toilet paper can be a scarce resource in port-o-potties, bring your own and avoid some very unpleasant experiences later.
5.) Along with the port-o-potty theme. Hand sanitizer. Enough said.
6.) Hydrate. Just because you feel great now doesn't mean you will feel great later. If you wait until you are thirsty to drink some water, it's too late.
7.) If you are running with friends, please try to be aware of other runners. If you have 4 people in your group all running next to each other, it is extremely difficult for other runners to conveniently get around you.
8.) Just because you are cold while waiting for the race to start does not mean that you will be cold while running.
9.) Please do not just stop in the middle of the road to stretch, tie your shoe, blow your nose, whatever...someone will run into you, and it will hurt.
10.) Last but not least, have fun! It's your first race, you shouldn't be obsessed with finishing time or beating your friends. You should just focus on finishing and enjoying yourself.
Hot Chocolate 15K
This past Saturday was the Hot Chocolate 5/15K in Grant Park. I ran the 15K in 1:31:30 which I am very happy about.
I must say, this race is the ideal post-marathon race for many reasons.
1.) It's a race.
2.) The race is long enough so that you don't let yourself completely stop running after the marathon.
3.) The race is short enough so you don't feel pressured to "train" for it. Just a few runs to keep yourself moving is all that is needed.
4.) A chance for redemption. If you happen to not have a super fantastic marathon. This race will help you sort of redeem yourself.
Overall, this was a really great race and I highly recommend it =)
www.hotchocolate15k.com
I must say, this race is the ideal post-marathon race for many reasons.
1.) It's a race.
2.) The race is long enough so that you don't let yourself completely stop running after the marathon.
3.) The race is short enough so you don't feel pressured to "train" for it. Just a few runs to keep yourself moving is all that is needed.
4.) A chance for redemption. If you happen to not have a super fantastic marathon. This race will help you sort of redeem yourself.
Overall, this was a really great race and I highly recommend it =)
www.hotchocolate15k.com
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