I am free to run,
I am free to dance,
I am free to live for You,
I am free!!!

This song has nothing to do with this post (except for they first line of lyrics) but this is easily my favorite song to run to. If you want to check it out, visit my running compadre Benji over at the two42 Bookstore (top album on the right) or search Central Worship: Live from Las Vegas (2007) on iTunes.

After the Fargo Half Marathon, I decided to join the so-called “running revolution” and start running naturally. I’d had enough injuries during the first half of this year to last me a lifetime and I figured something had to change. Step number one…my running stride.

While not wanting to go gung ho barefoot, I was all ready to try minimalistic running and ditch my corrective over pronating, extra cushioning running shoes for something simpler. Enter the Nike Free. We’ve all see the print ads with the toe touching the heel but there’s much more to this uber flexible shoe than the theatrics. This shoe is all about feel. Not until my first run in these shoes did I realize how sheltered my feet were from the road. I could now actually feel where my foot was striking the pavement and adjust my stride accordingly.

Shortening my stride and landing on my forefoot has done wonders. Not only have I been injury/pain free since mid May but my pace has quickened naturally with little effort. I used to be a comfortable 9:30/mi runner. Now, I have PRs running around like sugar plums in my dreams now that 8:30/mi have become commonplace on my easy runs. The only thing that stands in my way is sustainability over longer distances (which are no coming easier).

The flexibility and limited cushioning of the Nike Free have opened a whole new world that I am quickly adapting to. While I understand that these shoes will not give me the 400 miles my bulkier shoes gave me, the lower cost provides me the option of having multiple pairs to train in. You wouldn’t think the slight weight change would make a difference but the lightweight shoes definitely make a difference – especially over the longer distances.

With the good, there’s always the bad (in this case the bad’s aren’t that bad). First, the laces suck. I’ve never had to double knot laces until I encountered these laces. They’re slick and short – neither a good thing. This has been easily remedied by purchasing better laces. The second thing is that the flexibility of the soles allows rocks to wedge their way in quite easily. You won’t find me taking these on the trails anytime soon.

I haven’t been this excited over running shoes in a long time. I love all the color options and can’t wait to get into a pair of lime green’s!!! Next time your at your local running store, put on a pair and give them a spin.

RMFR

I was checking out my “Tweets” the other day and happen upon this article sharing Sara Hall’s iPod Playlist. Ryan and Sara’s devotion to their religion as well known. In fact, it’s refreshing that they don’t try and hide it or feel embarrassed to make it known publicly.

Back to the subject at hand, I found it funny that I just posted on this same exact topic – My Spiritual iPod. I also wanted to share one of the songs that gives me goose bumps every time it shuffles thru my magic metallic green music box. I love the tie in with running and praying and this song sums it all up for me. If you like this song and want to check out the rest of the album go the the two42 cafe and have a listen (Track 13).

I’ve been “running the spiritual path” now for about a month and a half. It’s changed my life. I love the quiet moments with God and being at one with my breath. It’s not only enlightening but it transforms you. You know how when you see that really inspirational movie (i.e. Rudy) and you get the chills…actual chills. I’ve attained that with spiritual running. There have been many occasions when I’ve made that connection and God has lifted me up and touched me. Some may call it a “runner’s high” or an “adrenaline high” but I see it as being touched by Him.

The point of this, is that I cheated or at least I felt that I had cheated. During my “slump” a couple of weeks ago, I headed out on a 5 mile run with my iPod. God wasn’t on my iPod – no, somebody MUCH different – Nickelback was. I honestly felt guilt going out on a run with music and apologized profusely in prayer. I needed to give it a shot. I hate to admit it, but the music was good. I had a driving force behind my pace but spiritually my run was empty. I couldn’t commit to a mantra nor could I establish any concentration towards any communication with God. Call it an epiphany or call it a sign, but I came up with a solution on that guitar mashing, profanity laden run.

The following Sunday while attending Central Christian Church here in Las Vegas (Summerlin Campus) I marched right up to the two42 Cafe and purchased all three of the First Wednesday CD’s (First Wednesday is a time when our Church worships with an hour full of inspirational music and fellowship). These are not hymns by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, there’s nothing “old school” about them at all. There’s a full drum kit, electric guitars, a bass and it’s loud!!! The only difference is the message of these songs. One’s about getting drunk and fooling around while the other celebrates and thanks our Lord.

The following day, I tried this experiment/suggestion and it hit the mark. While it may not having the speed guitars of Dragonforce or the hard driving beat of AC/DC, it surpassed any of my rock library hands down. I swear I caught myself singing a couple of times and I know I caught myself “lifting it up to God” several times. But you know what…it felt great. I felt connected and I felt I was communicating with Him the way he intended me too.

I still don’t run with an iPod that often, but when I do, I know that my time spent is going to be meaningful time well spent.

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.

RMFR