I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am about the Fargo Fitness Challenge. What started out as an offer to come run the Fargo Marathon May 21/22 has blossomed into a movement to get people active and running.

Yes, Fargo is in North Dakota. No, buffalo still don’t roam free. Yes there is electricity. No, the movie Fargo was not actually filmed in Fargo (go figure). Yes, it’s flat. I mean REALLY flat!!!

It all started in November when my good friend Heidi asked if I’d like to come run in one of the Fargo Marathon events with her. She was a runner back in high school and was quite an elite level at one time until being derailed by back surgery (which has prevented her from running) and taking time to start a family. After 10 years, she was ready to give running (and her back) another shot. With my sister already committed to running, I had to finally stop waffling and sign my name to the dotted line.

So now I was running Fargo (my home town) but spiritually, I really needed more. I’ve really been in a slump lately and I needed to stoke the fires. Heidi and I spoke one Saturday and came up with an idea. What if we tried to inspire others to run/walk with us. Not just runners…but friends, family, neighbors, kids and acquaintances who might need a nudge (or push) to get active and back on the healthy track. There’s nothing better than having others there by your side encouraging, helping and challenging you every step of the way.

So that’s where we are friends. In the first week, we already have over 35 people on our Facebook page and another 11 people confirmed participating in one of the weekend events (5K, 10K, 1/2 Marathon or Full Marathon). My running spirits couldn’t be higher and those that I’ve spoken to are equally inspired. With around 100 days remaining until the event, I’d like to officially challenge you to join us in Fargo, May 21 and May 22. Click the link below to go to our Facebook page and join the movement. Can’t make it to Fargo? Pass this along and help be a part of something I think is going to be pretty great.

The Fargo Fitness Challenge Facebook Page

RMFR

I’ve been waiting over 4+ years for this to happen. I’d read about. Heard runners talk about it on countless occasions and always felt left out. Never having the experience I couldn’t add anything of substance to their conversations. I didn’t want to be the one to admit it had never happened to me. I thought if you were a “real” runner it would just happen because you were a real runner.

Yes friends, I finally have my first black toenail!!! I was beginning to think that I was immune from this running phenomenon. Maybe I just picked really good shoes and socks all this time. Funny thing is, this didn’t happen until I actually purchased a little larger shoe.

It happened during the Rock-n-Roll Las Vegas Marathon. That was the race I received the dual blisters of contrasting colors. As the weeks passed, I noticed that a toenail my left foot was a little redder than the others. After the Walt Disney World Marathon it was a lovely purple that I proudly displayed wearing sandals in the Bahamas. Now a couple of weeks later, it has finally faded to black. Now I have to admit that the whole toenail isn’t black. The bottom half has returned to its normal color but I’ve gone to the rule book and it counts.

Have you had your runner’s right of passage?

RMFR

Well my 1 month, self-imposed layoff didn’t go to well. After three weeks off, I couldn’t take it anymore and started running again this morning. The last time the bursitis in my hip flared up, I took a month off and all was good. I didn’t feel my hip after my first week so I think I’ll be OK. I’m also going to start this first training period going back to a shorter, mid-foot stride to take some of the pressure off of my hip, knees and arches. Towards the end of last year, my stride was really long and may have contributed to my injuries at the Walt Disney World Marathon.

I am really excited about something a couple friends and I are going to be doing for the Fargo Marathon. After running my first marathon, I’ve continually been looking for something more from running than just technical tees and medals. The details haven’t been totally worked out yet but I will let you know this week what’s going on. I’m hoping many of you will be able to participate.

RMFR

PRESS RELEASE

Off ‘N Running Tours to start training LA Runners in March for the Athens Classic Marathon this Fall to commemorate the original marathon’s 2,500 year anniversary.

January 29, 2010, Los Angeles, CA – Off ‘N Running Tours, a company dedicated to helping individuals improve their athletic performance, today announced a marathon training program designed to prepare California runners for the Athens Classic Marathon in October. The company will be training and sending hundreds of runners to Athens this Fall so they can take part in this historical yet challenging event along with thousands of other runners.

“We’ve been getting calls from runners all over Southern California who are excited about and interested in running the Athens race, but are concerned about whether they are ready. The Athens Classic Marathon is widely considered to be a difficult race. Runners will need to train for more than they normally would in order to finish this one and is the reason why we are offering a 33-week training program,” said Cheryl Anker, President & CEO of Off ‘N Running Tours.

The annual Athens Classic combines the past with the present, a past that gave rise to the concept of distance marathon races as we know them today. On October 31, 2010, approximately over 10 thousand runners from all over the world will run this event. They are attracted to the experience of running the world’s first marathon course, as well as the opportunity to see historical sites and experience Greek culture.

Starting in March and lasting for 33 weeks, Off ‘N Running Tours will be preparing hundreds of beginning and intermediate runners for this event through their Athens Marathon Training Program. The group will meet on weekend mornings in West Los Angeles/Beverly Hills. In addition to weekly runs, the program fee includes monthly training schedules, scenic training courses for group runs, along with supplementary articles to keep runners “in the know” about current trends in performance, nutrition and running.

For over 15 years, Off ‘N Running Tours has trained California runners for marathons all over the world, such as the LA Marathon, the New York Marathon, the Chicago Marathon, the BMO Vancouver Marathon, the San Francisco Marathon, the Mardi Gras Marathon and the Honolulu Marathon. In addition to marathon training, the company creates and manages convention races nationwide and guided running tours of California. For the association who wants to offer their convention attendees an energizing activity, the traveler who wants to see the Los Angeles area or the local runner who wants to prepare for their next marathon, Off ‘N Running Tours offers something for everyone.

The cost to participate in the training program is $300 for 33 weeks. To register or for more information, visit http://www.offnrunningtours.com/athens-marathon-training.html.

With a couple of weeks left of my self-induced month long rest, I’ve had time to finalize my race wish list for 2010. Of course, this is subject to change and still needs to by signed off on by my better half. I’m trying to run at least one more race per year and this year has five events on the schedule. Please let me know if you plan on running any of these races. I loved to meet you in person (just like Team Flash in Florida).

Walt Disney World Marathon
Orlando, Florida
January 10
Mission Complete

6 Tunnels Half Marathon or Red Rock Canyon Half Marathon or both?
Henderson, NV/Las Vegas, NV
March 13/March 6

I need to do a little more digging on these races. I ran the Red Rock half last year and it’s great. The course is run on the scenic drive that weaves through Red Rock Canyon and the views alone are worth the $70 entry fee (until 2/21). The inclines are steep and yes your legs will be put to the the test but the organization was great and the medals were a really nice surprise.

The 6 Tunnels half looks really cool and I’ve heard good things about it. It is all the way across the valley (Red Rock is literally 5 minutes from my house) but the course route follow an old railway line that was used in the building of Hoover Dam. It goes thru tunnels cut thru the mountains and there are views of Lake Mead and Hoover Dam along the way. It happens to be a day before my wedding anniversary so I need to tread lightly on this one.

Fargo Marathon
Fargo, ND
May 22

Yes, I’ve finally committed and will be going home to run in the city I grew up in. After being lobbied by several friends for several years, my boyz and I will be going back to my roots. This will be another chance to run with my sister and I’m really excited to be running with one of my very good friends from high school who is going to run for the first time since a cervical spine fusion in 2000. They’re shooting for 20,000 runners this year so if you’re looking for a great race around this time, this one’s for you!!! Runner’s World ranked Fargo the 8th in the Top 10 marathons in the U.S. They’re also breaking off the 5K this year a day earlier and are offering participants the Go Far Challenge where you can race both the 5K and either the 10K, half or full marathon and earn a special medal (much like Disney’s Goofy’s Challange). Go Far in 2010!!!

Running With The Devil Half Marathon
Boulder City, NV
June 26

I almost ran this one last year but I think I was a little beat up. This is one of those “what are you thinking” races. The event ranges in distances from 5K to 50 miles but the kicker is the starting times. Each distance is planned to start so you’ll be racing during the hottest part of the day. This is June by the way and it’s the desert – you put two and two together and you’ll understand the race name. The marathon starts at 10 a.m. and the half starts at noon. The one good thing about this race is you don’t have to worry about getting up at 3 a.m. to make it to the corrals. Heck, you might even have a chance for a nap before the gun sounds.

Disneyland Half Marathon
Anaheim, CA
September 5 (Labor Day Weekend)

This will be my fourth year running this race and I can’t imagine not having this race on my schedule. This is the fifth year the race is being held (can’t believe I didn’t know about the first one) and they will be offering a special 5th year medal. This race will also complete my Coast to Coast Challenge – running Disney World and Disneyland in the same calendar year. The Angels won’t be in town again this year so that should mean the route will take us thru Anaheim Stadium again. It’s a crazy adrenaline rush and I’ve been know to walk that section just to spend a little more time in there.

Ragnar Relay
Valley of Fire to Las Vegas, NV
October 22-23

This is going to depend on two things and two things only. First, how is my body feeling and second, can I find a team this year. I was so excited that Ragnar came to Vegas last year. Since my fist expo when I picked up one of their brochures, I wanted to run this race. So last year, I thought I had a team all lined up and ready to go when it all just seemed to fade away. This year, I’m going to be looking high and low for a team. Whether I know you or not it won’t matter – just give me a holler and I’m there.

Rock-n-Roll Las Vegas Marathon
Las Vegas, NV
December 5

I plan to bookend my marathons this year. Last year’s inaugural Rock-n-Roll “rocked” and I expect more of the same next year. With over 23,000 participants last year, I’m fully expecting this race to boom in the next couple of years into one of the nations bigger marathons. The organization was top notch, running up and down the strip is crazy and the course is well thought out. Even though I struggled last year I still thought the whole experience was one of my favorite of the year.

So that’s it (for now). After looking over this list after I typed it, I realized that I could be doing 7-8 race this year. That’s double what I’ve ever run before so we’ll see how it goes. I can guarantee that Fargo, Disneyland and Las Vegas are in stone – the others will fall into place.

RMFR

First, let me apologize for not pounding out the posts like usual. Following the Walt Disney World Marathon and a vacation immediately after, I’ve been playing catchup at work and at home. It’s actually been nice being away from the computer for a change.

I’m worn out – physically and mentally. I know I’m not the most active distance runner. Last year I only ran 2 halfs and 1 full marathon (I guess I can throw in the Walt Disney Marathon in January since it was only 35 days after the Rock-n-Roll Las Vegas Marathon). I’m not a Maniac nor do I consider myself a “seasoned” runner either, but I’m beat.

A couple of warning signs that reared their ugly head:

• Bursitis – During Walt Disney, it popped up in my hip again. Funny thing is, there were no warning signs. I hadn’t felt anything in any of my training runs leading up to the event nor did it bother me in the Las Vegas event. The last time I had to deal with it, I rested for a month and that was that.
• Arches – The one thing that has been nagging me are my arches. Even before the Las Vegas Marathon I was trying to find ways to elevate the discomfort I was feeling. I have custom orthodics but I actually ran Las Vegas in my Sof Sole Custom Insoles. That change didn’t help so I’m hoping rest will.
• Brain Fatigue – As mentioned in a couple of previous posts, I haven’t been totally there upstairs as of late (relating to running). I haven’t been as gung-ho as I usually am. Running hasn’t been as joyful as it usually is and I’m hoping this break will full charge that battery.

With all that said, I know that urges are still there. In fact, the Tuesday following the Walt Disney Marathon, I participated in a 5K on Castaway Cay (Disney’s private island in the Bahamas – yes, my wife and I went on a Disney Cruise following the marathon). Even though my calves were in knots, how many times am I going to get to run an event in the Bahamas? The first mile hurt like hell but the overall run felt really, really good and I’m glad I did it.

So that’s the story and I’m sticking to it. It’s been 2 weeks off so far and I’m probably going to throw in 1-2 more. I’m trying to add a race every year and have a tentative schedule already planned out for this year and I’ll share that soon. Until then, RMFR!!!

Yes, it’s been well over a week since the Walt Disney World Marathon but it’s been a busy week (or should I say a laid back week away from computers)!!! I’m proud to report that my lil sis kicked a little tail and completed her first marathon with ease. While I’d love to say I coasted alongside her that would be lie. After tackling two marathons within 36 days, my body gave out around 15 miles and bursitis in my hip decided to pay me a visit. While I was able to hide it for awhile, I had to slow things down near the end and cost us a little quicker finish. Overall we made it home under 5 hours and Kirsten looked great. I’m sure you’ve read many reviews over the past week but here are a couple of my thoughts:

• Cold, cold, cold, cold. Although we were spared the rain that pelted the half marathoners the previous day, it was around 27º around start time. Yes, this was Florida!!! Luckily I brought enough clothes to wear multiple layers and used some spare socks over my gloves. Yes, this was Florida. The early water stops were ice rinks. Thankfully many volunteers were out warning runners or our day could have ended a lot earlier. Yes, this was Florida.
• Before the race, I got to meet Team Flash. After reading their site for so long it seems like I’ve known them forever. Great to hook up with you guys!!!
• We got to the corrals way too late. By the time we reached the starting area (much farther from the gathering area than we thought) we couldn’t get up my sisters corral (F) and just settled into the first one we could get into. This made things way more difficult than they should have been. It took all our effort in the first 10 miles just getting around the slower traffic.
• I was really disappointed that more of the race wasn’t run in the parks. I thought that they could have done a better job that would have afforded runners more time in a unique setting instead of the roads leading to and from the parks.
• I didn’t count but there sure seemed like a lot of on and off ramps.
• I’m not sure of the exact number of runners but it was well over 20,000. There were a lot of times where the roads narrowed and it seemed like the runners were really squeezed at some points.
• This is a review from the back of the pack. My sister and I both agreed that if we were able to get in the right corral and avoid the crowds, we probably would have had a little different view of the race.
• There’s nothing like family. With both our families and my parents cheering us on, it was great having the support (even if they were freezing). From the spectator side, they found it difficult to get around and see the race. There were tons of spectators and with limited viewing points available, it made for really crowded for families with young ones to get around

After reading this, the review of the race sounds pretty negative. While I would probably not run this race again, it wasn’t horrible. They saving grace was running Kirsten’s first marathon with her and our families cheering us on.

RMFR

After reading Robert Sullivan’s article “Stars Run Wild” in the February 2010 issue of Runner’s World got me thinking. Is it really a bad thing that so many celebrities are runner’s or use running as a publicity venue?

One of the things Robert pointed out in his article is that by running, celebrities “threaten to take over the mundane, real-life world that we, the noncelebrities, live in on a day-to-day basis.” No in a way, I can see his point, but only to a point.

As a runner, I guess I would definitely have an issue with a celebrity using running for publicity if in fact, they were not really runners. If they thought that being photographed in a pair of Nike’s and an iPod that it would somehow elevate their status in the public eye. Then, as a runner, I would take issue. But, when it comes down to actual fitness, I have no issue at all. In fact, I’d like to encourage it.

As runner’s, shouldn’t we be promoting the healthy act we participate in? To help discourage obesity in this world – especially in our children? Let’s face it. You and I don’t have the “pull” that an Edward Norton, Katie Holmes or the queen of all media – Oprah has on the masses. So if they can encourage other people to get their asses off a couch and onto the streets, shouldn’t that be a good thing? Heck, I say the more the merrier!!! Add to that, most celebrities run races for charities and I can’t imagine anybody having an issue with that.

Yes, it may lead to more crowded races and running outfits on the runways in France but that would also lead to more things being offered to runners. Imagine going into a sporting goods store with a larger running section than golf or cycling. Wouldn’t we “mundane, real-life runner’s” benefit from this? I think yes!!!

The only downside I can see is that people would jump right in without consulting other runner’s, physicians or expert advice. I believe we’re seeing the results of that now. With runner’s dying in many races this past year, I think people believe if you run, you’re automatically healthy. While running is a healthy lifestyle, running only provides fitness, not health. Be sure to get regular physicals and consult some experts before jumping in head first.

Give us your thoughts. How do you feel about Celebrity Running?

RMFR

“If you can dream it, you can do it.” – Walt Disney

This quote by Walt Disney is truly fitting for first time marathon runners this weekend at the Walt Disney World Marathon. That’s why we chose it for our race shirts. Not only will my sister and I be wearing these shirts during the race, our entire family will be cheering us on in them on Sunday. If you’re there, give Kirsten a big Runner’s Gang Sign salute!!!

RMFR

I remember my first marathon four years ago. I had trained for an entire year, lost 65 pounds and hit the wall at 18 miles. I finished with my entire family cheering me on and sat around thinking about how hard I worked and how proud I was to accomplish something big!!!

Last year, my wife surprised me with a great gift. The first part involved entry into the 2010 Walt Disney World Marathon. The second part was that my sister, Kirsten, was going to run with me. She wasn’t officially a runner but I’m sure she had spent some time on the treadmill before this. What was supposed to be a half marathon turned into a full when I selectively listened to my wife and happened to “not hear” the half and just heard marathon. Not one to back out, she dutifully accepted the challenge.

With some advice from me and I’m sure plenty of advice from her husband Jonathan (who had previously completed a marathon), she set a course to get ready for January 10, 2010.

Her first goal was to run a marathon relay at the Fargo Marathon back in May. Her and the Cobber Chicks kicked some arse and she caught the running bug. Not satisfied with only running 6 1/2 miles, her next step in this journey was the Dick Beardsley 1/2 Marathon in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. She finished in glorious fashion in just under 2:07 and I couldn’t have been more proud!!!

This has set us up to where we are now…four days away from her first marathon!!! I’ve always tried to encourage people to run. I know what kind of difference it’s made in my life and more specifically my health, and if there’s a way I can get one more person to walk out the door and start running, I’ve done my part. Hopefully she’ll be a runner for life – if I have any say about it!!!

The fact that I actually get to run with her is an honor and I know that when we cross that finish line, there will be tears shed. Kirst, I’m so proud of you and I can’t wait to celebrate your first marathon it just 4 days!!!

RMFR