Runscapes - Canada

I took a quite a few video clips on my runs while in Canada.
One path took me alongside a rail track. What fun - to run alongside the train : )
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Running in the Footsteps of Legends

The sign at the entrance of Hayward Field was definitely a welcome beacon. After running for 13 miles the warmth and softness of the track felt like I had entered Shangri-La. But the honor - to run in the footsteps of champions was more overwhelming. I waved at myself up on the huge Jumbotron and for a split second understood what it meant to be an Olympic runner... even if I was a handful of seconds over of my 2 hour goal : (

Race Report

Goodie Bag:

• Included a copy of Competitor Magazine, couple of Lara Bars (my favorite) and a card for a FREE Jamba Juice!

Port-O-Potty Chatter:

• “Pee faster – Go Go GO”

Favorite Shirt Quotes:

• B-fine
• Get off the Road
• AAARRRGH!
• The MOTHER of All Relays
• And the most poignant “Blind Runner”

Posters Along the Way:

• Lace Repair
• You can Do It (sexually)
• Republicans to the Right
• 10 lines of - I Love running

What a kewl Medal!

I would like to thank everyone who sent me a tweet or commented here. Your support really means a lot to me!
PS.
Congratulations to the winners of the Eugene Half Marathon.
Female: Sopagna Eap 1:17:38 29yrs
Male: Kirby Davis 1:06:50 25yrs
Average Time for Half Marathon Runners 2:25:31
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Truffle Shuffle - Race Report

The best part of this race - excluding the gigantic chocolate truffle - is the course. It runs along hallowed ground… following parts of Pre’s Trail!
The bottom loop encircles a wide open field with scenic views of the Willamette River. I would run there everyday – if I didn't have to drive.



“The six-mile stretch of wood-chip and bark-dust paths was initially constructed by the city of Eugene in 1976 to commemorate Oregon’s distance-running legend Steve Prefontaine."

The Bad:

• I was 3 minutes slower than last year. Holy crap! That’s what I get for racing with a cold.
• It’s bad enough the park bathroom stalls don’t have doors – but no toilet paper?

The Good:

• The big “high five” I received from the girl in front of me at the finish line. A reminder that the time on the clock is fleeting...

“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” - Ursula K. LeGuin

Favorite Shirt Quote:

• “Your workout is our warm-up.”

Race Chatter:

• “I think she’s waving at you.”

Post Race Grub:

• 1 Truffle, Peanuts in the Shell, Beer - Red Chair NWPA (Hey, there was a football game on!)

Ode To the Truffle
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Runscapes #4

I waited for a squirrel - but no luck,
maybe next time.

Thanks for watching my little movies.
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Runscapes #3

I have a new book on iMovie'09 coming from Amazon. I'm determined this will improve the quality of these video clips.
(But note I am shooting this with the tiny lens on the back of
iPod nano.
I am enjoying the challenge of shooting video while running - it adds an unfamiliar dimension!
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Runscapes #2

This is just the first mile of Beacon Drive. It winds through orchards and farmer's fields. In the summer cows and horses bask in the sun!
[I really miss the sunshine this time of year...]
Thanks for watching : )
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Runscapes #1

This is my first endeavor with video editing using IMovie .
Plus -- my very first YouTube Video! w00t!
A time consuming activity for sure – but FUN.
Now I’m really looking forward to shooting more video on my
next run!
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Set By Example

Today is National Run Day. If you don’t believe me, check Twitter’s Trending Topics.

I still remember when I first got involved in running. Everyday, driving to work, I would see a guy running steadily up the road towards the park. In rain, traffic, or misty mornings, he would always emerge. I was envious. He made running look easy! I, on the other hand, could not even round a full block and I had to go to work!
I would say out loud, “Maybe tomorrow, I will give it a try.”
Well I found out quickly that running was not that easy to start with. It took years to get my body where it is today.
His dedication to the sport of running will always be with me. And I would like dedicate today’s run to him - for showing me the way.

Juneathon Day 3 Running
Ran 6.1 miles along sheltered paths and cemented sidewalks. There was an abundance of walkers…didn’t see any runners : ( But I did see the Sheriff pass by twice – so I was on the alert for any unsavory activities. (Or maybe, he was just checking out my legs.)
Temp was in the 60s (f) but the humidity was 93%

“Under conditions of high humidity, the evaporation of sweat from the skin is decreased and the body's efforts to maintain an acceptable body temperature may be significantly impaired.” -Wiki

Might be a good idea to bring water – next time I run in +++ humidity.

What is a Juneathon?

Take it home song:

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Behold the Kettlebell

It's not that the gym visits don’t work – they do; but after 13 years I’ve become uninterested / bored.
So starting now, and through the New Year, I will be experimenting with other methods to tone muscles. (Please send me any of your suggestions.)

Behold the Kettlebell



Description
These babies come in many sizes and styles. They apparently originated in Russia - but there is speculation that "kettlebells were used by Greek athletes and gladiators thousands of years ago."
I had to scan the internet to find the appropriate weight for my fitness level. Recommend starting size was 8kg or about 15 pounds.

Performance
It appeared much smaller than it’s stated weight. And came packaged with an informative DVD.
BTW. There is no shortage of good and bad techniques demonstrated over at YouTube. Noted: Many folks listen to Metallica while swinging these things around...

Summary
The most difficult routine for me so far was the Turkish Getup. It takes practice! I was concerned about my back. And of course the obvious fear of hitting myself in the head. I also discovered my right side is way stronger than my left. My favorite routine was the front squats. Doing squats with a solid wt in front feels great!
How I feel today: I have no ill effects except for a stiff left hand – my back is OK. The hamstrings and shoulders feel like they had an all over workout. So far - so good :0

Have a great Monday!

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REM Running

I actually have the ability to run while I sleep. Plus, in a unique form of multitasking – I continue to dream of other things. It’s like being on automatic pilot.
I could be running a race - going at a nice easy pace, and then for a split second my mind wanders. Other bits and bites of life pour out – however - I continue to run. Always heading for the finish line – but of course never getting there...

Do you run in your dreams?

Wikipedia on Dreams

“People dream during REM sleep, perhaps as a result of excited brain activity and the paralysis of major voluntary muscles.”
“REM sleep in adult humans typically occupies only 20-25% of total sleep.”

R.E.M.

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Happy Six Fix

6 Things That Make you Happy

Thanks Anne for the tag-up. I’ve customized this meme to 6 things that gave me a happy fix.

1. Fresh arugula and green onions from my garden in the end of November.

2. Running this fast.


3. Every one of the comments you folks leave. It takes time to stop and reply to one on my posts. Thanks.

4. Trader Joe's pumpkin butter on my toast this morning.

5. Underfoot treasures discovered in a near-by park.



6. Bob Marley – "I’m Jamming!"

Tagging six guys!
Ted, Reid (I think we already know what makes him happy.) John, Curtis, Vanilla, and Jesse.

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