Finding Your Cool Impossible

Did you hear the one about the runner at the airport, en route to a marathon, reading a book about running, while wearing spandex? Just kidding, that's not a joke, that's my life and the book I was reading was The Cool Impossible by Eric Orton, the coach from Born to Run. This book outlines Eric's coaching style and method, along with providing strength exercises and training plans, written as if Eric was narrating your visit to Jackson Hole to be coached by him. What I really loved about this book was that it was flexible. It breaks running down to the nittiest, grittiest detail, such as strengthening your foot, but at the same time allows you to customize the training plan based on your current level of ability. While this is no substitute for face to face coaching, it is nice to have a training plan at your disposal that is customized for you.

The book is split into sections about running, diet and the mental side of running. Running is very detail oriented, as you would expect, while the diet section doesn't encourage any particular way of eating, other than to keep it healthy (not eating processed foods, for example). Finally, the mental section, which was my favorite, deals with not letting worries such as 'can I complete a marathon?' deter you from your larger goals, instead focusing on just the next fifty feet, and reaching your goal that way. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in running, novice to marathoner. There's great strength moves, a training plan and some incredibly inspiring words to get you out the door and running towards your own cool impossible.

She's Going the Distance: 2013 Boulder Distance Classic Recap

The week before my first marathon, I was supposed to do an easy eight mile run, so I decided that it would be a great idea to do a 15K race instead. And you know what? It was a great idea. The Boulder Distance Classic is a small race, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in awesome.

Course: This course loops around the Boulder Reservoir, meaning that there are rolling pastures to one side

and stunning mountains to the other, making this course unbelievably easy on the eyes. An added benefit of this course is that it is almost entirely run on hard packed dirt roads, making it nice and easy on the joints. There's some loose rock here and there, but nothing you'll wreck yourself on if you're paying attention. Towards the end of the course, there's a really steep hill towards the end, but then it's easy sailing to the finish line.
Crowd: Another sparse race, but the support throughout the race was amazing and it felt like there was an aid station every fifty feet, all of which were loaded with water and gatorade. Great, great support. Also, the song they played at the start line was Chariots of Fire. Just try to not be inspired by that.
Chow: Yay for fruit! It's always a good thing when there are multipe types of fruit cut and ready to go post race, along with a giant tub of water bottles on ice. There was also a huge spread of barbecue, but the idea of eating barbecue, vegan or not, post run grosses me out.
Bling: Brooks tech shirt that appears to be a traditional cotton shirt, but does, in fact, wick your sweat away. Since this race was inexpensive at $30, I feel like I got a super sweet deal with an awesome race, good food and a nice shirt.
Expo: This was the expo that I finally indulged in one of those free massages and it was awesome. Why have I never waited around for a free post-race massage? There were also a decent amount of free goodies, and a beer garden featuring Avery beer.

For those not wanting to race the full 15K, there's also a 5K option, but I always figure that if I'm going to sign up for a race, I want to get the most bang for my buck. Frugal runner here.

Call of the Wild: Aftershokz Headphones

Aftershokz headphones recently contacted me asking if I'd like to give their open ear headphones a try and after a quick gander at their website, I quickly said yes- they looked amazing! Aftershokz use bone-conducting technology so that instead of the music being in your ears, preventing you from hearing anything, it is next to your ears, so you can hear what's going on around you. This has obvious advantages for safety, such as hearing cars and strangers coming, but you can also hear people cheer you on (clearly a major concern of mine). But would they work?

More photogenic than I am post-run

In a word: yes. I love these things and they will be my go to for outdoor runs from now on- I'm extremely pleased with these buddies. I was definitely concerned about sound quality prior to trying them, but those concerns turned out to be unfounded as the sound quality on these is surprisingly good. You can turn them up loud enough to drown out sounds surrounding you if you want to, but I was also able to carry on a conversation with a co-worker with them on a low volume, all from a clip-on device for easy access. Aftershokz headphones also stay put during my runs, which is definitely a bonus. For transportation, they come with a snazzy carrying case, so you can avoid that whole unpleasant scenario where the cord becomes hopelessly tangled in your bag. As far as being able to hear people cheering you on? I wore them during a recent race and am pleased to report that I was able to hear people cheering quite clearly. Overall, Aftershokz headphones are a winner in my book, and I'm so happy to have a way to stay safe and listen to music while running in the wild.

Aftershokz Facebook Page

Race Recap: That Dam Run Half Marathon

The course is really pretty too!

When did I become the type of person who celebrates their birthday by running a half marathon? Apparently in 2013, as I ran That Dam Run for the second time, specifically as a birthday present to myself. It was my second time running the course, and knocked about 20 minutes off my overall time, so it wound up being a pretty great gift to myself. Here's the details:

Course: Out and back, my friends. I love out and back courses because you park in one spot and don't have to worry about a shuttle either way and you can cheer yourself on when you recognize things on your way back. This course is special in that it is mostly downhill on the way out, so coming back is pretty challenging. One part of the course is described as "Boston's Heartbreak Hill on steroids". Ouchie.

Crowd: This is a race for runners. There's a crowd at the start/finish line and that's about it, save for some folks who wander out from their homes to watch the runners. They have a few volunteers to cheer you on, but, mostly, you're on your own.

Chow: Aid stations featured water, Gaterade and Sport Beans, which are unfortunately not vegan. Also, they are jelly beans and seem awkward to eat while running. I brought my own Clif Shot though, which powered me through. Post race, there were bagels (which I skipped because of gluten) and Food Should Taste Good chips, which were delicious. The race is pretty close to a Chipotle, which is where I got my post-race nosh.

Bling: Medal upgrade from last year! This one's shiny and nice and heavy. Also, I loved the shirt, which was a lovely shade of green.

Expo: Pretty sparse. Five Hour Energy was there giving out bottles, but that stuff kind of scares me, so I skipped it. I did win a month of Camp Gladiator training, which I'm excited to do after I run the Lincoln Marathon.

Overall, I enjoy doing this race once on the way out and post finish line, but the part in the middle gets a bit rough. Translation: looking forward to doing it next year!

Eat & Run by Scott Jurek: Guaranteed to make you think that you too can run 100 milers

Did you hear the story about the guy who won a 100 mile race through the mountains? On a sprained and swollen ankle? It's not a joke, it's a crazy, amazing story and it's just a small part of Scott Jurek's life as a superhuman runner, and he does all of these incredible things as a vegan. His book, Eat and Run, is a testament to Jurek's athletic prowess, and his his strength in overcoming the obstacles life set before him, as well as proof that eating a vegan diet doesn't doom a person to a life as a weakling. Though I know I'll most likely never run, let alone win, a 100 mile race, Eat and Run left me feeling inspired to push my boundaries, both in running and in life, every time I read it. An added bonus are the recipes sprinkled throughout the book, which definitely lean toward the healthy side, but all look delicious. If you're looking for a book that will provide you with a healthy dose of motivation every time you pick it up, or trying to show someone that eating a vegan diet will not detract from your athletic ability, this is a great, quick read to pick up. Not sure if you'll be into it? Check out an excerpt, thanks to Runner's World, here.

Full disclosure: I received a review copy of the book, but am receiving no other compensation and am under no obligation to review it one way or another. I really liked it!

Zen and the Art of being a Treadmill Master

Photo by E.C. Campbell Photography

Treadmills are a necessary evil. They come in handy for when inclement weather prevents running outside, as well as for scaredy safety cats like me who don't like to run in the dark. Unfortunately, they are boring. Between a lack of scenery and hills, it's easy to feel like a hamster running on a wheel. However, treadmills can be great for maintaining a consistent pace, so I do appreciate them for pace and speed drills. Since you just need to move your feet fast enough not to shoot off the back of the treadmill, I have learned to love the miles I put in by listening to podcasts and audio books, as I never know what I'm going to hear next, creating something for me to focus on, other than that rotating track. Here are a few of my favorite resources for aural entertainment:

Overdrive: Overdrive is an application that connects you to your local library's digital collection and downloads your selections directly to your device. I've found this is the easiest way to get my audio book fix.

Librivox: This is a collection of works in the public domain read aloud by volunteers. Some of the volunteer's voices are a bit hard to understand but there's lots of great stuff on here to download for free. This is where I get all my H.P. Lovecraft, which is great for taking your mind off the treadmill.

Marathon Training Academy: I listen to a podcast about running while I run. Angie and Trevor give out valuable advice on training, running nutrition, along with race recaps that make me want to run (almost) every race they review.

Ben Greenfield Fitness: Don't be fooled by the strangely specific titles, each episode answers a wide variety of listener questions, making each episode a wealth of information.

For running outside, I'll stick to music but my heart belongs to audio books and podcasts for turning me from a treadmill hamster to a treadmill master.

PS- Don't forget to adjust the incline to 1.0% when you're on the treadmill to compensate for the lack of wind and hills!

Supplies I want for my 26.2, or What have I done?!

Photo by Martineric

Let's cut to the chase: I registered for a marathon. This marathon, to be exact. I'm hoping that training above sea level with all the altitude will make things a bit easier, but, no matter what, I'm still going to be slapping my feet against pavement for 26.2 miles. While I'm actually feeling fairly confident about this endeavor (and the half marathon I'm running two weeks later...), there are some supplies I'd like to have to along the way:

New running shoes: Y'all, I overpronate a lot. When I get my gait tested, they put me in borderline orthopedic shoes. I don't get those shoes, but I get a very similar, but slighty more stylish version. I would like a new pair of them.
Compression socks: I've heard these help speed up recovery if you wear them pre, post and sometimes during running. Also, I can pretend I'm Cher from Clueless with my knee highs.
Arm warmers: I thought these were so stupid at first but now I get it! You can start out running in a long sleeved shirt and end in a tank top. Brilliant. Also, the ones linked have SPF, which is awesome! These are nice too.
Registration for That Dam Run Half Marathon: I'm running this as part of my marathon training. It'll be nice to end a long run with a medal and someone handing me a banana.
A new armband for my phone: I've never had to get rid of an armband due to it breaking or wearing out, it's always been that I can't handle how bad it smells because I am a stinky runner. The Armpocket looks jazzy and it can hold my my gels! This one is nice too.
FlipBelt: It looks like it won't move! I have a belt and it's terrible to run with because it either bounces all over or is uncomfortably tight. Luckily, it's great at amusement parks and anywhere else I want to avoid carrying a purse. The FlipBelt looks like it'll be docile.
Lush bath goodies: Epsom salt soaks become vastly more glamorous when you throw a bath bomb or a bubble bar in the mix.
New running clothes: Eh, why not? I'll certainly be using them.

Ben Davis Does Life

Who is Ben Davis? If you don't know the answer to this question, you are missing out. I've posted his video before, wherein he loses 120 pounds by running and, more importantly, finds himself and happiness while doing so. Ever since he announced on his tumblr that he was writing a book, I've been dying to get my hands on a copy. Lucky me, his publishers sent me a copy to review.

The book is every bit as inspiring as the video that launched Ben Davis into the hearts of a million runners and onto the cover of Runner's World. We see how dark things were for Ben before he took that first step running, how deep his depression was and how isolated he allowed himself to become. This means that we are even more elated when he decides to do life. His journey is stunningly fast, from his first 5K to completing an Iron Man. Ben doesn't pull any punches about the tough side of running- blisters, chaffing, pain, bonking, but he also shares in the glory of allowing yourself to embrace all that life has to offer.

Ben readily admits that sometimes your mind isn't up to doing the right thing, so you force your body to do it instead- run instead of reddit, eat kale instead of cookies. The book is also punctuated with training plans, each one placed strategically after Ben accomplishes that particular feat, from the 5K to the Ironman.

In short, this book isn't so much about Ben's journey, it is about finding what is holding you back, and forcing it out of your life, in turn allowing yourself to live the life each of us deserves. Ben's journey is admirable, but the beauty of it is that it could be anyone's story, provided they embrace all that life has to offer.

Finally, for those not in the know, here's Ben's video:

Mile High Runs: An Update

Not those kind of runs. The runs you do with your legs, while pumping your arms.

One of the side effects of moving to Denver was that my fitness essentially reset itself to zero. The altitude is absolutely killer, or at least it is for me. It's absolutely frustrating to live in one state, then move one over and not be able to do things you could the day before. Luckily, I'm stubborn with my running. At this point, I have not only completed the Couch to 5K program, but I'm up to running 8ish miles at a time (um, not every time though), even with the altitude! Even better news is that I run by dinosaur statues (pictured), which is pretty darn inspiring. Dinos to the left, mountains to my right.

As of right now, I am trying to create the perfect playlist to work on my pace. Apparently, songs at 180 bpm are optimal, so I'm trying to fill my playlist with those. Jog.fm has been a giant help in figuring out bpms for songs, but if you have a suggestion for a song or an app (I have an iphone) to create great running playlists, that would be bomb.

I can't wait to run the next time I'm at sea level. I'll be like a superhero.

Dill and Green Garlic Pasta + More Running

For me, it isn't actually summer until I've had that first mouthful of fresh dill. This year's first mouthful was courtesy of the Aksarben Farmer's Market. Along with dill, I also picked up green garlic, cilantro, tomatoes and asparagus. When I got home, I boiled some whole wheat pasta and then proceeded to sautée the green garlic for a few minutes, then stirred in some dill, the juice of half a lemon and some diced fresh tomatoes. I stirred it all together and served it with a few cranks of pink salt. It was a great dish to begin the summer with, full of fresh dill, a mild garlic taste and bright with lemon. I also enjoyed eating it out of my favorite bowl, which smiles while you eat what is essentially his brain. Awesome. 

My bowl

As far as running, I'm back on the figurative horse. I'm still icing and elevating my knee but it feels much better and I've logged some trail time. I've moved onto the second week and as far as I can tell, each week's workouts seem to elicit the same reaction from me, as follows:

• Workout One: *Silently praying for death*
• Workout Two: I feel pretty darn good.
• Workout Three: Ready for the next challenge, yo.This is schwag, yo (we all remember Manny the Hippie, right?).

I'm really looking forward to getting faster, but first I have to be able to do the distance. Anyone have good suggestions for music to run to?

Summer Food and C25K #2

One of the best things about summer is the produce. Fresh and readily available, summer is the time of minimal preparation and maximum taste. Roasted asparagus with lemon juice, olive oil and salt and pepper is the perfect accompaniment to pasta with red sauce while eating on one's deck.

In a running update, I finished my second work-out flawlessly and it felt awesome. I think I'm going to love running. Unfortunately, when I took my very first step of my third work-out yesterday, I caught my foot on the sidewalk and fell, the kind of fall where your body sounds like a melon when it hits the ground. Now, with a swollen knee and general sore-from-impact body, I'm going to take a day or two off. I feel that running on swollen body parts is generally not a good idea. Until then, I'll be hitting the weights at the gym. Lifting heavy things is awesome.

Posts from my Tulsa trip coming soon!

I'm going to try out this whole 'running' thing

My trail. 

I've always been jealous of runners, mostly due to the fact that running causes me to break out in hives, making it difficult for me to run. I finally decided to stop letting jealously eat me alive and downloaded the Couch to 5K app, hoping that being forced to run in gradually increasing intervals would train my body not only to run but to run without hiving out (hive is also a verb in my world). If you haven't heard of Couch to 5K, here's a brief summary.

I completed my first workout this morning, running in early morning, 80 degree heat, into the wind. I like challenges though, so that was a good start for me. The trail by my house is a perfect, flat 1.72 miles long and I look forward to spending lots of time on it. The app was also fabulous- telling me when to stop and start and walk and run, all to music of my choice.

Any advice for a novice runner? Any tweaks for running form that I should use? Any running songs you recommend to pump one up?