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

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! 

The World's First Biodegradable Running Shoe

I haven't written about sustainability in awhile, not that it isn't on my mind, but I'm busy and sometimes it gets pushed back to where it ultimately stays, in my head.  But this covers both my worlds: a green running shoe?

The Trance 8 (which looks like a normal running shoe!) will debut on July 1st, 2008 and feature a bioplastic midsole, titled BioMoGo.  The uppers will still feature traditional oil-based materials, but the midsole will degrade in about 20 years, about 2% of the time that traditional midsoles take to breakdown. 

While I am a devout New Balance user, the concept of a shoe that is a little friendlier to the environment as me thinking about which brand to purchase in the future provided the reviews come in saying that performance won't suffer too greatly. 

Brooks is approaching their business from a socially responsible platform while not sacrificing innovation.  Like many of my post on sustainability, I think that business challenges require us to think within the confines of being green and innovating with environmental constraints in place.  I look forward to what else they bring to the table.  Runner's World experts seem excited too.

The Turkey Trot Tradition

I'm very excited, this coming Thursday I am taking part in an annual Thanksgiving Day tradition for the first time, a Turkey Trot.  Well, it's called the Gobble Gobble Gobble Run in Somerville, but the ideas the same, a road race on Thanksgiving.

My excitement got me thinking, why are road races so popular on this day of all days? Thanksgiving is generally known for a few things, a huge feast with family, football, and the Macy's Parade.  But every year, most of the time at around 9am, people line up and participate in road races around the country. 

As cited by the Wikipedia article above, it appears that the obvious answer is also the correct, people are preparing for an indulgent meal later in the day and storing up some calorie burn. This combined with the increasing number of people participating in road races throughout the country since the 1970s jogging boom have led to the huge popularity of these events.

But this tradition has a longer history than I expected.  The longest continually running road race, the Buffalo Turkey Trot celebrates its 112th anniversary this year making it older than the famed Boston Marathon. 

So unless you have a long day of travel, check out coolrunning.com and take part in your local Trot.