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
Gear meets Technology: Why are Asics shoes so awesome?
In my short seven years of running, I’ve been a dedicated Asics advocate. To really understand which shoe worked best for me, I had to date around. I spent time with Nike, Newbalance, Saucony, and now I occasionally head out for a quick trip around the block with Newtons. All this time with other shoes gives me perspective on my favorite brand, Asics. When I slip on my Kayanos, my feet start moving automatically, and I feel as though I’m hardly working. I know that... Read More
Running Ruminations – Live where you run, run where you live
When Kelly asked me to help her plan a trip to Tahoe for a weekend of birthday festivities, how could I say no? Tahoe is an outdoor girl’s fantasy, and I wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity to go spend four days in the wilderness with good friends, great weather, and some “OK” views… just kidding about the views, just Google the word ‘Tahoe’ and you’ll see what I’m talking about. After months of planning which usually consisted... Read More
Swim Cross Training for Runners
Overtraining injuries are the story of my life. From IT band inflammation, to pulled muscles in my abdomen, to a swollen foot. Injury prevention is just as important to a runner as good nutrition and a solid training schedule. Two days ago, I woke up with a swollen metatarsal in my left foot. I can still walk on it, but in order to make sure my future in running maintains, I’ve been taking a step away from running and into the pool. I grew up on the swim team. In Alaska,... Read More
My first trail run coming soon: Dirt Inspires Women in CA
Recently I got it in my head that I want to explore the world of Ultra Running. I’m tempted, but timid about running a race over 26.2 miles, so I decided to start out slow with a half marathon on the trail. On August 30th, I’ll be participating in my first 1/2 marathon trail race in Aptos, CA. My first marathon was the Nike Women’s, and so I think it’s fitting that my first trail run be all about the ladies. Read More
A running affair to remember
Lately I’ve been enjoying running up a peaceful oasis in the middle of a crowded city. I consider San Francisco one of the greatest cities to run in because of the variety and quantity of parks that scatter the landscape. My newest find (not knew to a lot of SF runners) is Bernal Heights Park. It’s a three mile up and back route from my front door and back to my front door. The first half is up hill and steep, winding around quiet city streets and then up into the... Read More
Go Green on Your Run Today!
Happy St. Patrick’s day! Today is certainly all about the celebration, but I decided to be a little less traditional and go green in a different way. This year I cleaned out my running closet and found nearly ten pairs of retired asics, many expired cliff bars, shots, gels, etc., socks that are long overdue for mending, and water bottles with the dreaded BPA mark of chemical death. As I sifted through, trying to recycle what I could, I decided to read up a bit about how... Read More
My first distance race sans iPod
“Hey runner, there’s no music in this race – you have to take off your headphones.” “What did you say? I can’t hear you, my headphones are on!” This weekend was my first distance race experience where I wasn’t allowed to wear my headphones or carry my trusty running sidekick, my iPod Nano. I’m not sure how this impacted my overall race time, but it definitely had an effect on my outlook on racing distances without hearing... Read More
Learning about running through reading about running
Reading stories about running makes my heart race. It excites me to be able to image myself in the author’s shoes, beating down a trail, or rounding the corner on a track. While they are out training, these elite running authors have experiences that may only come to me through my imagination stoked by the pages of the many books I keep beloved on my shelf. These stories give me pause and I picture myself running on some of my favorite routes; the edge of a cliff at Land’s... Read More
The Best Advice: Megan Foster
Running advice can come from anyone who knows how to put one foot in front of the other. The best running advice comes from the people with experience running, racing, and living a life filled with endurance. “The Best Advice” is a series of interviews with endurance athletes that highlights some of the rules they live by in a hope to pass along their lessons learned on the run. Last year I met Megan Foster in New York when I flew out to run the marathon in November, 2008.... Read More
