OK. I’m running the other day and a runner pops out in front of me about a 1/4 mile up the hill. I love it when runners appear in front of me because it stirs the competitive drive in me and pushes me a little harder than I may normally go (if you need the whole scoop, check out the Bunny Post here).

This guy was a Hare. I was near the end of my run and I didn’t have that final push in me. What I did notice was this guy was little. I’m 6′-2″ and this guy had to be all of 5′-6″ with a slight build – maybe a buck thirty. Point is, this guys turnover was incredible. Absolutely flying up the hill. I’m pretty confident up hills but I could never hit that guys pace.

That got me thinking. Besides the obvious advantages, I’m guessing the smaller you are the quicker you can run (to a point). The physical pounding the body takes has to be way less than the torque I put on my joints. Personally I know that I’m much faster at 200 pounds than I was at 270. Let’s be honest, NOBODY is quick at 270!!! I found some height and weights of some notable runners:

Emile Zatopek – 5-8 1/2″, 154 lbs. (average size)
Kip Keino – 5′-9″/146 lbs. (9% below average)
Sebastian Coe – 5′-10″, 120 lbs.(over 20% below average)
Linford Christie – 6′-2 1/2″, 170 lbs. (10% below average)
Ingrid Kristiansen – 5′-6 1/2″, 128 lbs. (4% below average)
Tatyana Kazankina – 5′-3 1/2″, 110 lbs. (6% below average)
Grete Waitz – 5′-6 1/2″, 110lbs (17% below average)
*From Weight and Performance article.

I think common sense tells us this premise is right on. It’s just interesting to look at the facts. I have seen a couple of Clydesdales hauling ass in a couple of races but you don’t ever see many elite Clydesdales.

RMFR

This afternoon, I went out to do my favorite run in Las Vegas – Red Rock Canyon. Red Rock is a relatively small and narrow valley that 15 miles west of downtown Las Vegas. Red Rock gets its name from the red colored sandstone formation embedded in the mountains that form the western and northern margins of the Las Vegas valley. Simply stated, it’s nature at it’s best.

I’m actually training for the Red Rock Marathon and 1/2 Marathon March 7th. The best part of running here is that the first 4 1/2 miles rise 1,000 feet (doubling back for a 9 mile route). It’s a great hill workout!!! I ran it once with my good friend Troy but I usually do it myself.

Today started out the same way. After spending the morning with my wife and boyz for Valentine’s Day, it was time for my workout. As I pulled into the parking lot and gathered my things, I car slid into the space next to me. As I headed towards the scenic drive, 4 girls (dressed for running) followed. Now I don’t usually see a ton of runners on this run so I had to strike up a conversation.

Turns out Erin, Melina, Tanya and Mei Lan were in Vegas for a girls weekend but Tanya “needed to get her miles in”. I love hearing that!!! After some short introductions, we headed off for the hills. Mei Lan head off to the Visitor’s Center while the rest of us started the climb. After passing the second “scenic overlook,” Erin and Melina tailed off leaving Tanya and I to carry on.

Now, I’ve never claimed to be a fast runner nor great on the hills but I was definitely no match for Tanya. She comes from the peaks of Winter Park, Colorado and I could tell that she was a “Hare” from the start. Eventually, I had to walk up the next major incline. I don’t mind walking. If I torture myself running, I wouldn’t enjoy it. I told Tanya not to wait and go conquer the hill.

My goal is to hit the scenic overlook 4 1/2 miles in (I was close but not quite). Wasn’t in the cards today so I rejoined Tanya as she was on her way back down. We ran back a couple of miles together before I had to let her go again. I can carry a 8-8:30 pace but not today. I ran the rest solo as Tanya sped off.

The five of us rejoined in the parking lot and said our good byes. The best part of running in groups is the camaraderie you feel. You share the same interests, you’ve experienced the same things and you’re all there to help and encourage each other. Running is a solitary sport, but you wouldn’t know it. Thanks ladies for a running experience worthy of talking about and I hope you found some hot bartenders at Kahunaville!!!

RMFR

Tanya Garrett, Mei Lan Wong, Melina Powell and Erin Johnson