Podcast Potpourri

Now that I have an authentic iPod (Thank-you Santa)
I can link up directly with ITunes to find the latest and greatest podcasts. I'm currently running with 18 – though many don’t update weekly.
I usually split my run time by listening to intelligent talk first and then music. (But there are days when I just listen to the FM.)

Some of my Favorite running podcasts are:

RunRunLIve
Chris mixes it up with his own personal stories and great interviews. Plus he wraps up each session with a great run home song.

Run Vegan Run
Unfortunately Megan doesn’t spend a lot of time talking about her vegan lifestyle - but the recorded runs with her husband are amusing!

Running in the Center of the Universe
I’ve just started listening to Dave and I’m already hooked. Sadly he mentioned in his latest a reduction in his posts. Hopefully not throwing in the towel like....Trilogy Running.

Two Fit Chicks and a Microphone
Listening to Carla and Shauna chitchatting always inspires me. Topics covering everything from weight loss to weight lifting!

Stuff You Should Know
This podcast is from How Stuff Works. These guys cover all sorts of crazy topics like Witchcraft to how Braille works.

Freakonomics
This is a new podcast from the boys over at NYT. They explore the hidden side of everything. Last week's post tries to explain how careless we’ve become when we are over protected.

Filmspotting
I love the in-depth discussion these guys have to share. Their total knowledge of movies is displayed with each movie they review. Best yet is the friendly banter when they disagree.

Any podcast recommendations?

Win a $10,000 iTunes Gift Card - 10 Billion Song Download Countdown


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Recovery

Ran 5 miles at a Recovery pace. Just testing out my back. Instead of a shuffle, I was able to stretch out with some decent strides. (
O thank-you powers to be :)
I did have to watch out for the cant of the road. (That’s the tilt on paved roads that prevents rain from pooling.) But confident now I will be able to run the trail race in 2 weeks.
Life is good.

During my run - No, I’m not riding a horse!

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Not Another Earbud Review

Like most runners – I have gone through a number of earpod headphones. Admittedly, they take a lot of heat, thrashing and sweat.
I wish deciding on a new pair was more straightforward!
Why can’t we try them out before buying! Unfortunately - due to strict hygiene polices this option is rarely available.
So, we carry on the best we can… We read thousands of reviews – which end up being more confusing then helpful. And grill total strangers on what they are currently using.

This time I ended up with a pair by Philips. ($50 range)

Pros

• Nice high notes. Even the FM is clear.
• Good depth. Bass apparently resonates from the back of each ear piece?
• Nice and light in the ear.
• Has detachable rubber ear plugs that come in 3 sizes.

Cons

• The cable is actually too light / thin – it tangles!
• Not sure how long it will last with my gorilla like finesse.
• Cable is interrupted with an extension plug. I guess for people who wear their players on their arms. I actually saw a hat with an ipod holder...

Eval

• So with just one run on them – 6.5/10

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Are You Running or Dancing?

As I drove home from work last night, I tuned into an evening broadcast called - Tropical Beat. A strange blend of drums and vocals filled the truck. African safari kind of music. I had no idea what the song was saying but the rhythm was uplifting. And even though I was totally exhausted, I found myself cruising to the beat. It was energizing.

Music touches us on a primitive level – rhythm. That’s what makes it so powerful. Dr. Oliver Sack’s new book expands on this idea. He believes we can listen with our muscles. So even if you’re not tapping your toe while running, your muscles are paying attention to the song's rhythm. “It animates us.”
I am a firm believer in using music as a collaborator. We can run faster and train longer.
So up-load the tunes and try listening to a new genre.

Related Links

Oliver Sacks
The Power of Rhythm - YouTube
The Listener

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Favorite Core Workout on the Roman Chair

>>>On Assignment<< Amy of Runner’s Lounge has started a meme for fellow running bloggers. She assigns a topic pertinent to running and offers us a chance to run with it.

The theme this week is: Strength and Flexibility

Core body training is an important component to any exercise program. With a strong core you are less likely to succumb to injuries of the upper legs and back.

My absolute favorite Core training activity is the vertical Leg Raise.
I use the Roman chair at the gym. When I first attempted this exercise many years ago, I could barely support my own weight on my elbows. Now I can easily do 3 sets of 10 including twists. I do not do straight leg lifts because of low back issues. But bent knee lifts are very effective. This bodybuilding site recommends to start with 3-4 sets of 25-40 reps – and advance to - 2-3 sets of 50-100 reps.
[Yeah, right]

Roman Chair Directional Clip

Some of the muscles involved in this workout:

• Iliopsoas
• Rectus Abdominis
• Obliques
• Sartourius
• Rectus Femoris
• Adductor Longus
• Adductor Brevis

Actual Audio of Me performing this at the gym last week ; )

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