I turned on ESPN this morning after a quick run before church. I really wasn’t paying attention until they mentioned a race. My ears perked up, my head swiveled a little too fast and I almost knocked myself out against my office wall – I now wish I would have!!!

There in full living color, was an expose on the Krispy Kreme Challenge. The what? Yes, that’s what said as the blood rushed back into one runner’s brain. Here’s the gist:

The event takes place in Raleigh, North Carloina where runners toe the line like at any race start. When the gun sounds, runner’s run 2 miles to Krispy Kreme, scarf down 12 donuts and run 2 miles back to the finish. Yeah, that’s right, 12 FRICKIN’ DONUTS. For you calorie counters out there, that’s 2,400 calories (144 g. of fat – 216% of your daily value).

I started shaking my head (which reduced blood flow to my head once again) and wondered why. Now the event aids a good cause, the North Carolina Children’s Hospital, but seriously, why donuts? If you want to puke your guts out, try running hill repeats until you puke. At least that’s constructive. 2,400 calories?

Every person I know considers Krispy Kreme donuts a very seductive enemy. One not to play around with lightly or else suffer the consequences. Running and exercise are our defense against those rings of evil. Even after researching it for this running blog, I still don’t get it. To each their own I guess.

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I just received my Running Times magazine today. Not having time to read it cover to cover yet I just skimmed thru the pages. Being a runner and working in advertising, one page just jumped out of the magazine. It just so happens to be an ad for my new Pearl Izumi SyncroFloatIII (no this is not another shameless plug) and the subject of the ad? URINE. To non-runners the pure mention of urine is probably vial and has no place being in an ad. For a runner on the other hand urine has a lot of meaning. It’s our hydration guide and this ad is has a lot of meaning for runners.

Just thought it was funny when I showed it to my wife and she rolled her eyes. Absolutely something I had to share in a running blog.

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Took the new Pearl Izumi Syncro Float treads out for their first real workout yesterday. I can honestly say that they are the most comfortable shoe (not just running shoe) that I’ve ever owned. I’m actually contemplating getting another pair just to wear. Now with this sort of glowing review, I’d like my Pearl Izumi sponsorship to start any minute now. Ever sponsor a running blog? No seriously, have you? I’ll let you know if I receive an answer, but don’t hold your breath.

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Today was a great day. Anytime you go get a new pair of running shoes is a great day. I now know the obsession some women have with shoes. I was down right giddy driving to Red Rock Running Company (RRRC). I haven’t committed to one shoe/brand since I’ve been running. This is like a kid walking into a candy store and getting to sample each tasty morsel before leaving with a bag under their arm.

The thing I love about RRRC is that they “insist” you leave the store and run in them first. There’s no rules. No minimum. “Go hit the road, come back and then let us know if you like them or not. Don’t like that pair…then go hit the road in this pair”. This goes on until you’ve found “the ones”. Think about it…can you waltz into a restaurant sample all the dishes and then place you’re order? Don’t think so. Even when you’re buying a car the salesperson rides with you. This is all solo. I freakin’ love it!!!

Yes, there was a winner in today’s matchups and in honor of the “Greatest Sporting Event Ever”, today’s running blog presents my version of March Madness.

Going into todays tournament, the New Balance 800 was the #1 seed. I have been playing around with a midfoot stride and this shoe is geared for just that.

The #2 seed was the Asics Gel Phoenix. I had a pair of Asics when I first started running and the Gel Phoenix has great cushioning. It was affectionately dubbed “the Spiderman shoe” by my boyz.

Coming in at the #3 seed was another New Balance shoe, the New Balance 1063. Like the Gel Phoenix, this shoe has a very nice cushioning ride.

The dark horse in this field was the Pearl Izumi SyncroFloatIII. Hadn’t read anything about it, but I trust RRRC and their opinions so I decided to let it into this elite field.

GAME SUMMARIES

The first game was a no-brainer. Since RRRC didn’t have the New Balance 800 in stock, the Syncro Float won by forfeit. I have to find that shoe and give it a spin.

In the second contest of the day, both shoes were neck in neck. The Gel Phoenix just edged the 1063 in an instant classic.

So the championship came down to the Syncro Float and the Gel Phoenix. The Syncro Float kind of freaked me at first glance. It reminded me somewhat of the old Chuck Taylor’s in appearance – minus the high top. The best thing about this shoe is that it fit my arch like a glove. With the Gel Phoenix, I felt pressure on my arch – plus the tongue seemed like it was lapping at my shin. In a major upset, the Pearl Izumi Syncro Float came out victories – one for the ages kids.

Happy Shoe Shopping!!!

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Don’t know about the rest of you but most of the time when I’m out running, I feel like I’m in a game of Frogger. If you don’t know what Frogger is…leave right now. Seriously.

Like the rest of the running public, I run against traffic to “keep an eye” on the crazy maniacs trying to get home before the latest rerun of Two and a Half Men ends. Even with a keen eye there are more close calls than not. In over 3 years running, I’ve only been hit 3 times. Once a year isn’t bad and in no way am I complaining. Unfortunately, we’re well into year 4 which means I’m preparing for the worst.

I get crap for wearing “Deer Hunter Orange” and bright colors but at this point I’d settle for anything that would blind oncoming traffic. My head is on a swivel every time I cross a driveway, street or fast food joint (yes John Eary – I mean you).

Here’s to hoping you make it to the other side of the pond without getting crunched by the semi doing 80 down your residential street in a school zone at recess.

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I received a nice email from Jeff Bockhorn, team captain for the 180 Energy Runners today. He sent me this press release and I wanted to share it with you.

Birren/Small Take Titles at Red Rock Marathon and 1/2 Marathon Races

On Saturday March 7, a small contingent of Anheuser-Busch’s 180 Energy Runners participated in the 2nd Annual Red Rock Canyon Marathon and Half just outside of the “Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada.” “The race director (Joyce Forier) said, ‘It’s hard, when you have some altitude… ’,” was the only warning given to these St. Louisians. Runners of the Red Rock pay a hefty price for their scenic run by having to climb within the park to a summit overlook at 4,771 feet above sea level.

Sean Birren was Anheuser-Busch’s top runner in the full marathon; he was challenged by defending Red Rock champion Dan Kuch, 34 of Lake Havasu City, AZ, also the winner of the 2008 Whiskey Row and Extraterrestrial Full Moon Midnight Marathons. “The lead switched back an forth for the first half,” states Birren; however, Sean Birren was able to not only win the marathon but break the course record – his time  2:48:17.  

Jeff Bockhorn, team captain for the 180 Energy Runners claims, “The race was challenging from several angles, everyone ran their slowest marathon times, I think due to altitude, you had to summit 6 times. You went up and down – around 1000 feet climb. Not only were the hills, excuse me, mountains were a challenge but we had a head wind going out and just to be an additional challenge – I think the wind changed and we had a head wind returning – all you could do was laugh and enjoy the scenery.” Bockhorn states that he was extremely proud of his teammates – Sean Birren and Tyler Small.

Small, also was in a tight Half Marathon battle where the lead changed several times. “We were shoulder to shoulder for the first half of the half,” states Small, “I was able to pull away on the downhill section.” Small set the course record in 1:17:09.

 ”The race and the Red Rock Resort, treated us like family,” claims Bockhorn, “we had a blast.” After the race, it was just as much a challenge climbing the mountains and finding incredible waterfalls. We tried jogging the trails but they were more of a climb than a jog. We didn’t want to leave the desert – it was new to us – new challenges. When people think of Las Vegas, they think of gambling, I won’t think of that anymore – I’ll think of the mountains.”

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Pictured from left to right: Tyler Small, Sean Birren, Jeff Bockhorn and Joanne Bockhorn

To be honest, I pay NO attention to my car’s odometer. It’s gotten me many a dirty look when I roll in to get my oil changed. On a couple of occasions, I’ve actually peeled the little “reminder” sticker off my windshield to hide my negligence.

This brings me to my shoes. I’ll watch the miles I’ve put on my shoes like a hawk. My Runner’s World running log tracks my miles and even gives me a cost per mile – in case I want to take a few cents off before my new pair.

Fact is, shoes (like cars) need to watched closely. Just like when the car sputters a little when you step on the gas, you can feel the support slowly dying in your midsoles. I’m in tune with my shoes like they were part of my anatomy. I can tell when it’s time and it’s hard to let go. After spending 400 miles with your best friends, you know you have to let them go.

So my dear Mizuno Wave Creation 8‘s…it’s was fun while it lasted, but it’s time to kick you to the back of the closet. No more speed workouts or cruising down hills. I’ll let you hang out for awhile. Maybe wear you on the weekends – take you to Albertson’s once in a while – but a facts a fact…IT’S OVER!!!

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I’ve been looking forward to the Red Rock Marathon and 1/2 Marathon for a number of reasons: it takes place about 10 minutes from my house, it’s in one of the most beautiful areas in Las Vegas and the fact that it’s my first “small participant” race.

I woke up this morning to approximately 40 degrees and a wind howling out of the NE at 20-25 mph. Not the most ideal conditions but we can’t control that anyway so why bother. The Red Rock Conservation Area doesn’t have a lot of parking so participants were asked to meet at the Red Rock Station Resort parking and bus up to the starting line.

A large group collected in the parking lot and I was fortunate enough to strike up a conversation with Tyler Small from St. Louis. Turns out Tyler is sponsored by 180 Energy Drink and he and another member of his team came out to run the event (this fact bears more weight towards the end). The ride up was quick and we ended up arriving about 20 minutes before the 7:00 start time.

I had to laugh to myself when the called the runners to the line. I was first in line. First and last time I will ever be leading one of these races – I purposely took off fast to be alone in first (for about 3 seconds). The Red Rock loop isn’t quite 13.1 miles so we did 1 1/2 loops around the visitor center before heading up the scenic drive.

It doesn’t take long to get your heart pumping. The first 5 1/2 rise 1,468 ft. and top out and a great scenic overlook at 4,700 elevation. There are a bunch of switchbacks leading back down to the canyon floor. They aren’t quad killing declines but after the uphills you just finished, they’re a welcome site.

Once on the bottom, you come to a hairpin turn at 8 miles which starts the journey back south to the finish. In most cases, this is a welcome thought but when you see the hill that awaits you, your attitude quickly changes.

There are some really subtle hills/descents after that hill but by now, you’re thighs have taken a beating. The finishing touch (and would you expect anything less) is the slight incline to the finish line. There’s no turning back at this point – you just bury your head and go!!!

Finished in 2:17:55 which I was very happy with. With all these hills, I was just trying to keep it under 2:30:00.

Remember the 180 Energy Drink runners? Well Tyler and his teammate, Sean Birren won the 1/2 Marathon and the Marathon. Great guys. Glad they enjoyed their time in Las Vegas and I hope to cross their paths again sometime.

Overall, Calico Racing put on a great event. Really nice technical tees, the medals are nice and the overall organization and planning was second to none. This is one race I will definitely do again. Hopefully next time I’ll beat on the hills instead of vice versa.

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Now if you’re under 4′ tall and still believe in Santa Claus, this is a no brainer. But as I get ready for the Red Rock Marathon and 1/2 Marathon tomorrow morning – this one is a toss up. Let’s make our list and check it twice shall we?

CE: There are months of preparation - buying presents, making travel arrangements, planning menus, etc.

RE: There are months of preparation - logging miles, eating right, cross-training, etc.

CE: Christmas eve day is all about getting ready for Christmas day. After the kids go to sleep, you lay out presents, pack the stockings with trinkets and try to get to sleep early knowing you’ll be woken at the crack of dawn hoping you don’t forget anything.

RE: Race day eve you pick up your bid and timing chip and getting your last nutrients in your body. You spend the rest of the night laying out your clothes, attaching your bid and chip and hoping you don’t forget anything.

CE: You lay in bed visualizing what your kids are going to do after opening up the latest high priced gadget or your spouse unwrapping that “special something”.

RE: You lay in bed visualizing your race. Are you heading out strong or holding back? When are you tearing open your first gel and do you drink at the first water station or wait until the second?

CE: You wake up early and hope to get enough energy to make it thru the next half hour of flying paper, hugs and smiles.

RE: You wake up early and hope you’ll have enough time to digest your breakfast. The next half hour is full of stretching, smiles and anticipation.

HERE’S WHERE THE SIMILARITIES END!!!

CE: After cleaning up and eating breakfast, you lay on your ass – exhausted.

RE: After toeing the line, you run your ass off until crossing the finish line - exhilarated.

Now this is a running blog and my head says that Race Eve takes this by at least 13.1 miles. My heart on the other hand cherishes my family and nothing can replace a hug or a smile. To be fair, let’s call this one a wash!!!

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I get crap for having a Facebook account. My wife and I constantly discuss how much it drives us nuts getting tons of emails and knowing what are daughter is up to in college. Even though there are negatives, I’ve found it very cool to connect with others. Old high school buddies, college friends and most of all…other fellow runners.

I found a really cool group on Facebook – Marathon Runners – We do 26.2 and have found some really great topics. One of the best discussions in this group is a play on David Letterman’s Top Ten List. As of 03/03/09, that list is at 373 and counting. For those of you who aren’t on Facebook or don’t want to join the group, I wanted to share some of these thoughts from fellow runners. If you’re into running, these will hit close to home.

You know you’re a Marathoner when:

- You really don’t “mind” the smell of icy hot.

- You don’t think twice about a beer at 10:00 am because you just finished a marathon.

- You have more running shoes than most women have dress shoes.

- You’re tired of explaining to people that yes the marathon YOU ran was 26.2 miles, that in fact they all are that far.

- 25 songs on your ipod probably won’t be enough for your normal runs.

- You drop off water bottles on your coarse before a run.

- You take vacations based on where you want to run next.

- It’s not shocking to you to see a good number of people peeing just about anywhere during a race.

- You think it’s perfectly normal to discuss the color of your urine with people that are not doctors nor members of your family.

- You’ve ran more of your local roads than you’ve driven in your car.

- Bloody Nipples are something you earn, not a punk band.

- When you shower after a long run you brace for the water hitting all the chafed areas.

- You know the exact mileage to different places around your neighborhood cause you pass them on your run.

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