free scribbles

2008 Boston Marathon Coverage

Unlike last year, where it was easy for me to get coverage of the Boston Marathon because:

1. I live on the course, going outside was easy.
2. It was covered live on the local CBS affiliate, WBZ.
3. It was also broadcast nationally on Versus TV. 

This year I have to rely on the BAA live blogging platform.  Last year was the first time that they attempted such an effort.  You may recall I wrote on the subject.  It was a complete failure. 

This year, they are attempting it again, hopefully with better success.  I'll be checking in throughout the day to see how it goes. It will also continued to be covered live on both WBZ and Versus for those of you fortunate enough to get to watch television during the day.

UPDATE (10:30am): So far, so good.  Updates are coming in at 5 minute intervals for both the men's and women's races.  They've already surpassed themselves from next year.  Now if only they tightened up the interface.

An Ras Mor 5K

Today was my first road race of 2008, An Ras Mor.  It was unexpected, on Tuesday a friend of mine asked if I was going on Sunday.  My response was "to what?"  Apparently the Somerville Road Runners were putting on a a great race in Cambridge.  Starting and ending at Asgard Pub, the weather was cold and breezy.  It was 30 degrees in the shade and only mildly warmer in the sun. 

The race started with a bang. Barely anyone knew that the gun wasn't going to go off until they heard it.  As we ran on, I gradually got warmer between the effort and the sun's rays.  I have continued my racing plan of not having one, successfully not putting any more forethought into the event then getting there and dressing appropriately.  My effort today produced a respectable 7:15 average mile with mild perceived effort.

However, I think we all look forward to a little warmer weather for these races. Plus, I think Kacey wants to get out there and run as well, check out her kicks.

Random Quote on Running

We train every day of the year under all conditions. A junior once asked me: What would we do if there was an earthquake and the epicenter was right here? My answer was: Then we would run down the middle of the Earth!

~Mario Moniz Pereira, coach of Carlos Lopes
via Runners' World Quote of the Day



 

Random Quote on Running

If one can stick to the training throughout the many long years, then willpower is no longer a problem.  It's raining? That doesn't matter. I am tired? That's beside the point.  It's simply that I just have to.

~Emil Zatopek (7 Olympic Gold, 1 Silver, & 1 Bronze Medals)
via Runner's World Quote of the Day

The Lives of My Running Shoes

When, I started my effort of running everyday two years ago, I began noting which shoe I wore on each run.  My thought process was that this would help me determine when it was the time for new shoes.  It wasn't until a mental exercise this weekend that I realized how much that note has become more habit than help. 

We took a trip to the New Balance outlet over the weekend, where I picked up a pair of 1061s.  I had read the reviews and did the in-store wear testing (not as thorough as a couple of miles, but NB hasn't disappointed yet).  Kacey also got a pair of 992s in pink. She seemed to like playing with the laces.

Back to my exercise.  I spent 45 minutes doing some data entry, inputing the date, distance, and shoe into excel and used a formula to tell me the life of each of my shoes.  I was shocked by the results.  I had gone way over the recommended mileage on all my shoes. 

There is no expiration date on shoes, but certainly they begin to lose their shock absorption qualities and uppers start to separate as the natural wear and tear of multiple miles take a toll on the shoe.  Experts are not consistent with their recommendations.  Runners' World recommends 350-500 miles, while the University of Pennsylvania recommends a high of 500-700 miles.  I have always lived with the notion of approximately 400 miles before a new pair is needed. 

That notion was never acted on as my retired 751s had a documented 250 miles (2+ more years of miles undocumented).  The shoes that I started with on March 30, 2006, 1023s, had a documented 620 miles. The 8505s, commonly known as NBzips, had 902 miles on them.  I also have a pair of 833s which I only use for racing, they only have 16 miles. 

I don't know whether to be thankful that I haven't done any damage to my body, but the shoes still feel great despite some wear and tear, the soles haven't broken down and I have to say that I think I found my brand for life, a shoe that doesn't make me worry about when I should replace them. 

UPDATE: The 1061s were great today after 4 miles and I'm sure that they will see many hundred more miles, although I think, I may try to be better about rotating between two pairs.

Asics New Advertising Campaign

This week Asics, the number three manufacturer in performance running shoes, unveiled its latest campaign.  By returning to its roots of "Anima Sana In Corpore Sano," the company hopes to reach out to the casual running community as the performance running community is dwindling in size. 

First, I had no idea that running was suffering, but apparently I am too far out there to realize it.  Second, the question of who their real target audience is raised by this campaign.  Their lifestyle message hopes to inspire individuals to not only see running as an activity, but a way of life.  The execution, however, leaves something to be desired as it appears soft and noiseless. 

In my college days, I would have had them hanging on my walls (Baptism is my favorite), but now I don't have the space or decor for them.  As an avid, obsessive, and occasional performance runner the messaging appeals to me.  What defines a casual runner? 

I'm trying to not be biased, which is a challenge, but do they understand a hard run in the rain as a renewing experience or do they stay inside?  My hope is that this campaign changes that, but it certainly has a lot of work to do and a quiet voice to do it with.  I'm not alone in my opinion, as Adrants states, "...they feel like a Nike campaign on Zoloft."

In fact, I think that one of the other images I caught at The Guy Behind The Guy, are louder and better at targeting casual sneaker wearers.   Although, I'm not certain that they're real.  But, we'll have to see how the sales come through in the end.

 

I'm Not Robin Hood...

...but I love my tights. 

Okay, so I'm not that original, over at the Complete Running Network, they published a piece on tips for men wearing tights to reduce the fear that you face. 

Tights keep you warm, reduce drag, and to be honest, are motivators in their own rights.  Even if you do happen to look good in them, you still want to run faster because you are still made fun for wearing tights. I find the same motivation in the summer with my short running shorts. 

It's a good piece for anyone who wants to run in the cold weather.

The Dreaded New Year's Resolution

January...

A new year, a fresh start, and a period of new beginnings.  It happens to be the month I celebrate my birthday, overcrowded gyms, and thusly increased spandex sales.  The name comes from the Roman god Janus, the deity of doorways, gates, beginnings and endings and so billions around the world make resolutions to make 2008 better than 2007. I'm no different.

In the world of free scribbles...

Look for more posts this year.  I plan on posting a minimum of 3 days a week.  I want to be realistic and committing to delivering fresh content on a daily basis seems daunting with a job, my other resolutions (read on), and most importantly, a wonderful little girl at home, Kacey. 

Some posts may be short and sweet, many posts will be my tangent thoughts, but at least one post a week will be my attempt at a well-thought (hopefully informative) argument or point-of-view on an issue related to Marketing (branding, digital experience, public relations, or emerging media) or Sustainability (green initiatives, technology, environment, or business) and sometimes a combination of both. 

In the world of my running...

New Year's Day marked my 50th consecutive day of this current streak, a nice even number to provide a certain amount of symmetry to my efforts.  As my friend Julie said, "that a nice karma surprise. you've been good and it worked out that 50 was new years day. very sweet."

I plan on boosting that karma further this year by increasing my monthly mileage by at least 300% while maintaining my streak.  For me, that means that come December 2008, I should be averaging 9-10 miles a day.  With that said, I also plan on running my first 10K race this year and potentially a longer distance race. 

As I typed, I realized the challenge I have put forth for myself and will have to keep you updated on my status as even now, I am uncertain of my ability to meet those goals. 

Keep coming back to find out...  hopefully January 1, 2009 will be just as sweet.  Have a Happy New Year Everyone!

 

Running in the Snow

I've written about running in the freezing cold and I've run in the snow, especially over the last three days as the Boston area (and most of the Northeast) was hit with two snowstorms.  And while all the rules of winter running apply, some additional ones need to be considered. 

Some may decide to cross-train with snowshoes and some may stay inside and hit the treadmill.  The most stalwart runners decide to run either in the streets or slog through the accumulation.  Each has its benefits. 

Streets provide a surer footing, but those pesky plows and cars certainly make the real estate a little more dangerous.  Remember to go against traffic so that you can see them coming.  And for those who enjoy their iPods while running, its best to leave them inside in this type of weather, you'll need all your senses to be safe.

For those who have opted to go off the beaten path, shortening your run might be the smart idea.  High stepping or pushing the snow out of your path drains more energy than normal and unless you are wearing gaiters to keep your socks dry, your feet can suffer from blisters and frostbite. 

Like in any season, knowing your own limitations and the dangers of the conditions makes for safer experiences.  Your muscles will be worked differently in the snow and you may feel the burn the next day.  If nothing else, pretend that you are Rocky preparing to fight Drago in Communist Russia...

Somerville Gobble Gobble Gobble Run 2007

As mentioned earlier this week, I participated in my first turkey trot in Somerville, MA.  While it was a cool and foggy this morning, the event was great and I ran about two minutes faster than I expected and accomplished negative splits. 

While I am not really ready to compete, going after age group awards or whatever, I feel a lot better running races, even if there are 2,000 other runners around me that I don't know.  And my ankle held up well, which didn't come as a surprise, but certainly was a relief.  I look forward to running it again next year. 

And Kacey got to see her daddy run too!  My wife said that I was approaching the end, my little girl spit out her pacifier and let out a yell! It's nice to have your own cheering section. 

She was happy I came back though, even if i was a little sweaty... Happy Thanksgiving everyone!