The quiet

before the storm.

I have not posted to this blog for a while. I've taken on more CrossFit, less ultrarunning. More on that later.

Anyway, came across this video today, wanted to share.

http://beanathlete.tumblr.com/post/7363246904/this-video-gave-me-chills-the-sounds-and-the

Whatever you do out there... do it hard. Then breathe.

Running Through the Wall: a review

I stumbled upon this very kind and thorough review of RTTW.

Thanks Sheri. Good luck with your running.

Kindle edition: Running Through the Wall

Both my books are now available at a low price for the Kindle. Other e-book editions are coming soon.

The Thrill of Victory, the Agony of My Feet

Running Through the Wall

And if you are looking for a new book on ultrarunning, check out the latest and greatest how-to book that can help you get to your first or next ultra.

Relentless Forward Progress: A Guide to Running Ultramarathons

Pre-order your copy now. It will be out in April.

Run hard out there.

Boston Marathon makes qualifying tougher, only the fastest get in

Boston is cracking down. The faster you run your qualifying race, the better your chances of getting in. Scrap the lottery system that lets just anyone in. You must be tough. You have to be fast. You have to train hard. You might even have to do some speed work!

Oprah, are you ready for your comeback?

Run hard out there...

Tight IT Band and Hip Flexors

If you are not following KStar's Mobility WOD... you should be. While they don't all apply to runners, some of them really hit home.

Run hard out there.

2010 Bike Commute Summary

One of the things I wish I did more of in 2010 is ride my bike to work. Here's how 2010 ended up for me (I'm on vacation next week, so no opportunity to change these numbers).

• Bike Commute Days: 46
• Miles: ~ 550
• Gallons of Gas Saved: ~ 27
• Gas Money Saved: ~ $70

46 days is ok, but I would have liked to have done better. In 2009, I set a goal of riding 90 days. I rode 34 days in 2008. Despite the much higher goal for 2009, I only slightly increased my number of commute days to 39. This year, without really trying, I increased to 46 days, so I am happy about that.

But I still want to do better.

Here is where I go wrong: I don't really start riding until March, and I pretty much quit in November. Hmmm... Could it be the winter weather that keeps me in?

We had a lot of snow and ice winter of 2009/2010. And so far for the end of 2010, it has been the cold weather and wind.

Seems like I need to gear up!

Some things on my dream list I need to turn my LeMond Poprad cyclocross bike into the ultimate year-round commuter:

• Full length fenders, front and back
• 38c Knobby or Semi-slick tires for potential winter weather
• Better pants for cold weather riding, perhaps rain pants too
  
• Comfortable Balaclava that will fit under helmet
• Reflective tape to make me more visible

What else? Is it too late for me to go see Santa?


Run hard out there...

Thankful

Thankful that, for now at least, I am blessed with the ability to run. Thankful that sometimes I can even run fast and/or long. Thankful for a family that lets me get out and run, even if, for now, it is not their thing. Thankful for a job that allows me to get out on some trails on my lunch hour and a city that gives me places to do it. Especially thankful for friends and co-workers who keep me company out there.

Of course I am thankful for a lot more than just that. But it's a start.

What are you thankful for?

Run hard out there...