I don’t cross train. I did swim for awhile but it didn’t stick. I don’t really like going to they gym and even if I do go, I find a way to run there anyway…so what’s the use? I’ve used an elliptical machine once and didn’t feel it gave me the workout I was looking for. I’ve got a reason to give it another try now.

After reading Dean Karnazes’ blog about the ElliptiGo outdoor bicycle, to say I’m intrigued is the understatement of the century. It’s like when you were a kid and had to have the latest new toy that was advertised during your favorite afternoon cartoon (yes kids, cartoons used to only be on after school and on Saturdays). In fact, it has that “wow” factor that even has my cyclist boss daydreaming about lunch workouts on this gym machine on wheels.

The first ElliptiGO’s where shipped out in February and the next batch comes out and pre orders are now available for April delivery. While a little spendy ($2,199 with a $750 deposit required when ordered), as a runner looking for a cross training alternative, I’m dying to get my hands on one. I’m also thinking this could be the crossover I’ve been looking for to bridge that gap between cyclists and runners out on the roads. If not, it will just give them something else for their arsenal.

Anybody out there had the chance to try out the ElliptiGO? Would you spend $2,199 for one? If I could, I would!!!

RMFR

Running used to be a big ordeal for me when I first started. It was an accomplishment just to get dressed and get out the door. Now, after running is a significant part of who I am, I’ve started to expand my roll in the world thru running (see A Runner’s Prayer and Run With Grace). This is not a novel idea and I see and am inspired by others doing the same thing.

Dean Karnazes recently posted about how he is “Passing The Buck” while on his runs. Inserting dollar bills under random car windshield wipers. While it may just be a buck, it makes a statement about who he is and what we can do as individuals to make the world a better place. If you get a chance, read the comments and see what you’re fellow runners are doing and you might be inspired to do the same.

There’s no denying it – we’re in the “social media” age. From Facebook to Twitter and a million blogs in between (present company included), there are more outlets to information than ever before. My advice to you…grab on and hold on tight.

To be honest, it’s just too much. How much information can one runner’s brain actually handle? I don’t want to find out. From now on, I’m going to treat social media as I do talking to my wife – selective listening (just a joke honey – SERIOUSLY – I’m just joking…honey?).

When I first signed up on Twitter, I followed everybody and their mother…yes I did actually follow somebody’s mother. I finally reached my breaking point after reading several posts by Lance Armstrong feeding his kids various types of sandwiches several days in a row. Could the signs have been any clearer?

My Twitter page now reads like a “who’s who” in the running world. That’s what I really want to know about. I DO care what Ryan Hall eats before his 15K training run. I DO want to know that Dean Karnazes ran the LA Marathon and kept running south thru California until he ran the San Diego Rock ‘n Roll Marathon (which is later next year and may be on my schedule next year) the following week. You can’t get that anywhere else and you have to admit, it’s good stuff! And the best part is, they’re runners and don’t have the time to post every hour on the hour.

With a little discipline and a reckless abandon to hit the “Don’t Follow” button, you too can lead a sane and informational Twitter life.

When I get my Runner’s World every month, I usually bust thru the entire thing soon after I get it. I love reading about running. Especially stories that have that personal touch. The story of someone recovering from some personal tragedy thru running will captivate me for hours. What are some of your favorite running books? I’m dying to add more to the bookshelf. Here’s a list of what I’ve read and my “wish to read” list:

Books I’ve Read:

Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner by Dean Karnazes
- Very cool personal story on a very cool ultramarathoner.

My Life on the Run: The Wit, Wisdom, and Insights of a Road Racing Icon by Bart Yasso
- I’d read his occasional columns in Runner’s World and reading his running legacy has inspired me even more. Really entertaining read.

Pre: The Story of America’s Greatest Running Legend, Steve Prefontaine by Tom Jordan
- What do I need to say?

Books I Want to Read:

Once A Runner by John L. Parker
- Supposed to be the “classic” running novel. The book has a fascinating history and is finally being reissued after 31 years. Read the “Interval Workout” excerpt in May’s Runner’s World on page 93.

Again to Carthage by John L. Parker
- This is the sequel to “Once A Runner”. Sequels are always a hard sell but it’s on my “must read” list.

50/50: Secrets I Learned Running 50 Marathons in 50 Days and How You Too Can Achieve Super Endurance! by Dean Karnazes
- C’mon!!! If somebody runs 50 marathons in 50 days in 50 states, how can you not want to read that!!!

Out of Nowhere: The Inside Story of How Nike Marketed the Culture of Running by Geoff Hollister
- This was recommended to me at a race. Sounds interesting and it’s Nike after all.