New Ideas for 2010

Along with my new blog design (which is still in flux) I’ve been working on some new ideas (goals) for the New Year.

* To include a weekly video clips from one of my runs. Santa gave me an Apple iPod nano 8 GB(5th Generation) which has built-in video camera. I would love to capture and share some of the scenery I pass by. I still have to practice shooting and running but the few clips I’ve done already are amazing.

* Work on Gretchen Rubin’s 2010 Happiness project. Each month, she proposes an area of life to tackle for your project.
January—Energy!
I will try and incorporate my running and fitness goals. (Check out the sidebar (soon) for upcoming projects.)

* To follow the training plan for Masters Runners by Brad Hudson – Run Faster
I like his philosophy, “Modify workouts as your go based on your body’s response to the last workout…” In the past, I was taking on training plans that were meant for younger bodies.
I start training for a half marathon this week. His plan includes 4 miles + 1x8 sec. hill sprints – now all I have to do is find a hill!

The Happiness Project:

What plans do you have for 2010?
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Juneathon Wrap-Up

Wrapping up the 30 day Juneathon challenge.

"The challenge is to run or exercise every day
for a month and blog about it!”

To put this in perspective...
Percent of Americans who do 30 minutes of exercise:

• 27% workout 5 or more times per week.
• 24% 3-5 times per week.
• 49% less than 3 times a week.

Source: Gallup

I had more problems with posting everyday than I did with the exercise component. (I generally workout 5x a week.) But composing a blog post everyday – noway!
I have to admit I did combine a couple of days just because I didn't want to be at the computer. Hey it’s summertime!

Grand Totals:
Ran: 70 miles
Walked: 4.2 miles
Biked: 40 miles
Pushups: 368 of them. (Holy Crap!)
Plus a few elliptical and kettlebell workouts.


Juneathon Day 30 Last Day
Powerwalk 2 miles - Witnessed 1 tree killed
3x20 Lunges
Pushups 10,12,7,7,9

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Running Blogs – How and Why? TiaRT

This week’s theme at Runner's Lounge TIaRT is.... Running Blogs - How and Why? Share your tips for how you use your blog to help your running. Talk about how/why you started, what keeps you blogging and how you use it to keep you running.

How



You can keep track of your runs on various sites (like MapMyRun) but if you want to explore your own reasons for running (and living) I recommend keeping a personal blog also.
I’ve been using the Blogger platform since 2/17/03. It was choppy in the beginning and you had to host your own images. But now, I highly recommend them. (Despite the Google involvement.)
They have evolved into a very friendly user mechanism for blogging. There are lots of layouts to choose from plus you can easily personalize them with your own style. They use Picasa to store your images which can be directly posted in your blog. And all of this is FREE!
Two other components I like about Blogger is the search bar – great for recollecting moments like this. The other is their tag system - they call Labels. A very easy system to file your data. Links to any tags you list can be included in your post - giving readers the option to explore.

Why



I started this Blog – Between the Miles to keep track of my progress while training for my first half marathon. It not only helped me stay on course : ) but the comments I received spurred me onward.
Being able to write down problems enables me to collaborate with runners who have more expertise than I. This rich pool of resources is not only helpful but reveals – "you are not alone!"
But I’d have to say, the number one reason I continue to blog is the gift of encouragement I receive from all my readers. (Thank-you!)

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Running Toward Happiness

Reading about a crusade going on in Britain to promote better mental health. Their Scientists came up with these 5 simple Steps to Happiness.

1. Connect 2. Be active 3. Be curious
4. Learn 5. Give

As I glanced over them, I realized running can incorporate all these behaviors.
Connect
By entering races, joining running groups, or just wave to folks along your paths.
Be active
There is no need to explain this one to runners. Suffice to say – over training may lead to injury.
Be curious
When we run out doors we have a bevy of opportunities to explore. Look at every tree – give them a name. What are the street names? Why is there always just one shoe in the ditch?
Learn
This is one in my Mantras – “Never go a day without out learning something new.” I regularly read Runner's World, runner’s blogs, and running forums to keep up to date with the greatest training plethora. Learning is as easy as taking a run in new place. Just pay attention.
Give
It’s a great idea to volunteer at a local race event. (I still have this on my To Do List.) Try to share your knowledge about running. (Post your training routines in a Blog.) At work – I'm frequently asked about my running. How far or how fast did you run? I try to redirect the question back to them to see what they are doing to be active. Reinforce an active lifestyle but don’t brag.
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BTW: I noted this article, which I found in The Times (London) has over 145 comments! It must be a popular topic.
What things about running make you happy?
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Sampler of Running Blogs

Today’s TIART is Bring Your Favorite Blogs. Thanks Amy and Tom for bringing us all together with linklove*
Below is a small sampler of runner’s blogs I visit regularly. Each of you provide an insight into what running really means – from the daily grind to the victory of defeat! I feel fortunate to visit with each of you. Thanks for sharing.

“A friend who is far away is sometimes much nearer than one who is at hand. Is not the mountain far more awe-inspiring and more clearly visible to one passing through the valley than to those who inhabit the mountain?" - Kahlil Gibran

All these blogs and more are linked in my sidebar reader.
Visit Comment Share Laugh
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Can a Running Blog Be Artful

Every week I publish three posts in this blog about thoughts that trigger my interest while running. Hence the title “Between The Miles.”
I rarely just compile words – I also use images to get my point across.
But can a running blog be artful?
Here are a few methods I use to express my ideas:

Images

Your own are preferable. I love peering into other runners’ environments. If you don’t have your own, there are lots of free image sites online. Such as Free Web Page Headers and Morgue File. And don’t forget about the cheesy FREE clip art from Microsoft.

Html Layout

Most blogging software allows some freedom. Use block quotes and centering to move your text. I have an HTML resource book on my desk. And don’t forget about the importance of whitespace…

Font

I have a desire to use every new font I come upon. (351 font families on my pc) But I don’t recommend trying them out with every post. Still it’s nice to add expression in a word using a very kewl font like VTNecrotic Tissue. (See the slideshow.)

Fun Apps and Widgets

An example is the slide show below. The ideas are endless… I’ve been seeing some innovative race countdown clocks. They take a little time to set up, but the results are rewarding. Just make sure they are compatible with your blogging platform.

For more ideas check out this new magazine

Artful Blogging

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