Race report: Dirt Inspires Women Trail 1/2 Marathon
A few months ago I signed up for a race called the “Dirt Inspires Women Trail 1/2 Marathon.” This year marked the kickoff for the race, and it was a massive success. Three hundred women gathered in Nisene Mark’s State Park in Aptos, CA to run 13.1 miles through a dense redwood forest. The trail follows a fire road mixed in with a fairly technical single track trail; the total elevation gain is 2425′. The race started in Aptos Village at 8:45 am, and... Read More
I am obsessed with running, and I have proof
The other day I was experiencing some serious blogger’s block, so I turned to my trusted fix to find some inspiration: Google Running Alerts. I found a plethora of running related news: marathons, track and field events, elite runners, brand new nutrition advice and recipes. And it was then that I realized I have created a runner’s ecosystem in my world that does nothing but feed the obsession. As proof, I offer a glimpse of my Google Alerts manager: Read More
Long Run? Good music!
Two fall marathons Two months to fine tune Some great music The drive to PR in 09 These are the things that are keeping me motivated as I move into the more intense portion of my training. Over the past few weeks and well into September, I’ll be focusing on tempo and hill runs. It’s been hard, and it’s going to get harder. It’s going to hurt (it already does), and I’ll lose motivation (I already have). When all my drive goes out the window, I lean... Read More
Watching the IAAF Women’s Marathon World Championships
It’s 3am and the women are a good portion into the World Championships Marathon Finals in Berlin, Germany… and I’m awake with Haley, fellow runner and lifelong friend. We’re watching because we’re both in love with American distance runner, Kara Goucher. (It’s a healthy love, don’t worry). This race is very important for Goucher as she comes off of her third place win in Boston. The last time an American woman was on the podium for the... Read More
What is the best birthday present ever? Two world records – Usain Bolt turns 23.
Today he celebrates turning 23, and two world records! Usain Bolt is taking a much needed day off to relax on his birthday and get ready for the men’s 4×100 relay. Usain Bolt is leading his team into track and field greatness, but the Jamaica runners are certainly proving their ability to rocket off the starting blocks and through the finish line. “With his blowout win in the 200 late Thursday and world record of 19.19 seconds, he led Jamaica to a 3-0 sprint... Read More
Can you run fast? World Champs competition gets tough for the marathon
The Chicago 1/2 Marathon and the NYC 1/2 Marathon saw some fast finishes this year, and as American distance runners are stepping it up, the international running community gets ready for the men’s and women’s marathon finals in Berlin at the World IAAF Championships. I’m continually impressed with Kara Goucher and Ryan Hall as they’re challenged by the marathon distance, and I know that I’m not the only one. Kara seems to be on the path to greatness... Read More
Vacation doesn’t have to equal time off
After taking a big stretch break on the two day trip up to Haines and Skagway, Alaska (2 planes, 4 cities, 2 ferries, a truck, and a few mega hilly bike rides), I was able to start enjoying my vacation. The past ten days have been a whirl of meeting up with old friends, trying to pack in sight seeing, and enjoying the woods again. I’ve never been one for mellow traveling. Vacations to me mean adventure, exploration, and excitement, so these ten days have been about running... Read More
