It happens every year. I need a little motivation to start the new year. I’m not into New Year’s resolutions. They’re too easy to break and no matter what happens it seems you just set yourself up for failure if you’re unable to meet your own expectations. So, I’ve started a new tradition…buy new running shoes. There’s nothing like the smell, feel and unscarred sole of new shoes. They just scream “run in me.”

For the couple of years I was a minimalist. I ran in my Vibram Five Fingers and then into three pairs of Nike Free’s. Through the mileage in those shoes (or lack of), I have taught myself to run correctly and avoid the dreaded “heel strike.” Correcting my stride has paid off in spades and now I’m looking for a more cushioned ride. I’ve been having issues with my arches which in turn made running less enjoyable. The solution? The Saucony Triumph 9.

My sons and I went to visit my go to running store – the Red Rock Running Company. This was the first running store I bought my first “official” running shoes from and I won’t by a shoe anywhere else. No matter who is working at the store, their knowledge and love for running always put me in the right shoe at the right price. I also love the fact that they encourage you to take the shoes on a test drive. With a large parking lot and alley that runs behind the store, you’re allowed to head out the door and actually run in the shoes before making a decision.

I brought my current two pairs of running shoes for analysis and spent the first ten minutes retelling my running history, issues I was having and where I wanted to be. Not having any preconceived notions of what I wanted, I was brought three options – to start. It was sort of like the story of the three little bears. The first model has way too tight. I like my shoes to have a roomy toebox. The second pair was alright but it just didn’t feel quite right. The last pair was juuuuuusssssst right. I found my perfect match in the Saucony Triumph 9. While it’s a little more shoe than I’ve been accustomed to, the heal drop is only 8 mm and it has more cushioned feel underfoot. It’s also very light, weighing in just under 11 ounces. When you’re as big as me, every ounce counts.

While I may be departing my minimalist ways, these running shoes are what I need for the next chapter of my running career. Following my first training run in them, I can’t be happier with my purchase and I’m already looking forward to my second pair that are ironically the same colors as ORB. I guess it was destiny.

RMFR

ORB is excited to announce that the first “official” Team ORB rocked the shirts and the Women Run the Cities 10 mile and 5K today in the Twin Cities. Congratulations ladies and we’re proud of you!!!

RMFR

In my mind, the thought of turning 40 didn’t bother me. Besides a few more creaks and groans in the morning, I don’t feel older so why should it bother me? Well I’ve been reflecting this week while I recover from my ankle injury and have come to one conclusion, I’m consumed about turning 40!!! I still have 9 months until the fateful day but realized that I’ve actually been preparing for the date for several years.

In the last ten years I’ve always had some facial hair. For the most part of the decade the goatee was the style of choice. After taking my daughter to attend school in Scotland in 2008, I didn’t shave the entire trip and have been sporting a beard ever since. Here begins the preparation.

Growing up, my dad had a mustache. I don’t know if it was just that mustache’s in the 80′s look different from today but looking at it now, it looked very “porno-ish.” I digress. The point is, when he shaved it, he looked at least 10 years younger. So that became my plan on the flight back from the British Isles. Keep the beard until I turn 40, shave it and look like I’m 30 again. Will it work? I have no idea but that’s all I’ve got so I’m sticking with it.

Now to my latest project. After watching “The Franchise” on HBO about the San Francisco Giants, I was transfixed by relief pitcher Brian Wilson. The dude is a character and noted as much for his talent on the field as his gnarly beard. I am in no way as colorful or brash as Mr. Wilson but I do dig the beard.

From now until June 21, I’m not going to shave my beard (or at least try not to). With the blessing from my wife, kids and boss, I’m the only thing standing in the way of this project. I do reserve the right to color some of the gray that’s found my face but thought this would be a fun way to end my youth.

After shaving on my birthday I hope to be running on 30-year old legs and enjoying the advantages of being on the younger side of my age group once again. As the clock ticks down, I’ll post photos of my progress to the ORB Facebook page.

RMFR

ORB will be sponsoring (I’m using this term lightly) it’s first runners at the Women Run the Cities 10K. As a part of that, I will be printing up the first batch of ORB RMFR shirts. I need to order a minimum number of shirts so I will have extra to officially to sell in the coming weeks. If you’re interested, just let me know. I will set up a new page on the website for ordering soon.

The shirts will be gray Sport-Tek running tees with 2-color printing on both sides. I plan on doing other colors (orange, white, black) as well as long sleeves in the future. The cost of the shirts will be $25 and that will include any shipping costs. I’m not doing this to make any money. I just want to keep the Runner’s Gang Sign movement going strong.

RMFR

Well this summer definitely has not been good for me or I should say I have not been good for my summer. I had big plans for running this year. An aggressive race schedule, picking up my pace, more running with my kids and on the trails – all have fallen by the wayside. The end result? 15 additional pounds and a runner completely out of shape. I’ve only run 36 miles in June and July. I’ve had running WEEKS with more miles.

Entering my sixth year of running and I thought I knew it all. I had nearly perfected my shortened stride – landing on my forefoot and prevented all my nagging injuries. I decided I didn’t need a training schedule. I could get up early and head out the door with any hesitation. Things were perfect..and then I became lethargic. I sprang up out of nowhere and has affecting everything in my running universe…even this website. Things had to change and change fast!!!

How am I going to do this? Getting right back to basics is how. First thing on my todo list – make a training schedule. No matter how many miles you have under your belt, having a piece of paper with runs scheduled on certain days of the weeks is a necessity. Yes you may know how many miles you need to tomorrow or this week, having a constant reminder and place to cross off your workouts is a good of motivator as any.

The second thing to do is sign up for a fall/winter race. If there’s a deadline, you’re more inclined to keep to your schedule. We’ve all gone into a race unprepared and it’s not a pretty site. One I don’t wish to experience again. The Rock-n-Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon is paid for and scheduled. There’s no turning back now.

The next thing is that I’m going to aim for something I’ve never done before. I running compadre of mine is running the Tule Springs 12 and 6 Hour Peacock Run and asked others to join him. While I’m not ready for 12 hours of running, I can certainly push for 6 hours. I’ve done 26.2 but nothing over that. If there’s anything that is going to get my to log some serious miles, it will be shooting for a previously unattainable goal.

We all have certain stretches of struggles with running. Whether it’s an injury, lethargy or something else, we can all snap back to something better than before. I’m hoping that sharing some of this may help someone in a similar situation come back from the struggles they are currently wrestling with.

Until then…RMFR!

I’m very excited to announce a new Lobe at OneRunnersBrain. Tara Maras has gratefully accepted my invitation to write and share her running experiences here at ORB. Besides being a running fanatic (after recently joining our ranks) she is also a gifted writer and I’m sure many of you will welcome her perspective on running. I look forward not only to her insights (and rants) but her poetic verse that will no doubt put my dribble to shame. Please join me in welcoming Tara into our obsessive universe where the roads rule and sweat reigns supreme!!! (that kind of sounds like Iron Chef – the Japanese version)

RMFR

For weeks now I’ve been trying to modify my training schedule. As a lifelong early AM runner, I’m finding the transition to a PM runner much harder than I ever would have thought.

AM
Alarm set for 4:30 – 5:00 AM; pop out of bed quietly; grab a Diet Coke and Tiger’s Milk bar; get dressed; GO!!!

PM
Work for 12 hours; 35 minute commute home; spend time with the family; talk self into running; get dressed; GO!!!

I’m so used to having the energy and fortitude to execute the AM routine that tackling the trials of a long day make running at night nearly impossible. Something’s got to give because at this rate I’ll never run again (except on weekends) and that’s unacceptable!!!

If you’re a PM runner, what are your tricks of the trade for getting out the door after a hard days work?

RMFR

Readers of this blog might notice that I end each post with RMFR. Do you know what it means? You’ll have to dig deep within the archives to find the “true” meaning but it has become my “Runner’s Gang Sign” and I’m looking to add other runners to the club.

In your next race or photo opportunity, flash us your Runner’s Gang Sign and we’ll post it our RMFR Gallery with other esteemed members of our fraternity.

RMFR

I must apologize for the inactivity of this site. This year has been a tough running year so far and I’ve come to one conclusion. If I’m not running, I got nothin’. Yes, there’s tons of crap floating around in this brain but when it comes time to right, I’m empty.

The good news? With rest, I think I’m back. I start my training schedule for the Fargo 1/2 Marathon this week and with it, I expect my running brain to start functioning again. Until then…

RUN MF RUN!!!

Believe it or not, ORB is officially 1 year old. Time has gone by so fast that it’s actually 1 week and 1 year!!! Who would have thought that 1) I would have found time to keep providing content to this website (181 posts) and 2) have enough things to write about!!!

What originally started as a place to write down the many random thoughts that passed thru my brain while running has now taken on many forms:

• Spirituality – After reading “Running the Spiritual Path” by Roger D. Joslin, I committed my time running to giving that time back to God. What better way to spend hours of solitude than sharing that time praying and meditating?
• Runner Safety – Finding myself running early in the mornings, I saw many runner’s in danger on our roadways. It has been a goal of mine to share what I’ve learned and read so that many more runner’s will be more visible while running. It went so far as Troy’s post on “Dexting” getting him interviewed in Runner’s World for Liz Robbins’ article Collision Course.
• Encouraging Others towards Fitness – With the creation of the Fargo Fitness Challenge, I’ve now embarked on another passion, encouraging others to take up running. I know what running has done for my health and if I can get one person off the coach and back into fitness, I’ll consider this one a success.

I would personally like to thank the nearly 3,500 people who have come to this site from over 50 countries and every U.S. state. To the many friends that I have met here, I’m glad that this site has been a conduit for some really great stories and friendships that span the globe.

Who knows what the future holds but if it’s anything like the last year, it’s anybody’s guess!!!

RMFR (also another thing that came about over the last year and my proudest accomplishment)