I’ve seen a lot of talk lately about running on our nation’s crowded and dangerous roadways. Mark Remy on RW Daily even thru out the idea of a lane just for runners. While I and other runners (check out the comments section on Mark’s post) don’t believe that having a designated lane just for runners is necessary – I do have a simple solution.

Why can’t we just share?

Now for those who know me know that I’ve had an acrimonious relationship with cyclists. When I first started running, I always received less than cordial greetings from gaggles of two-wheeled morons intent on puffing out their chests and asserting their divine right to the 3 feet of pavement with the idiotic logo with an oversized head [breath]…but I’m over that – no, I really am!!!

Over 3 years and hundreds of miles in and around my neighborhood, I think I’ve garnered their (at least most cyclists) respect. I’m hard to miss. I’ve also gone out of my way to show them the respect that they deserve as well by running in the gutter or on the gravel when they pass. What started as a hate/hate has now at least entered the realm of civility and admiration of each others passion. Believe it or not, this once cyclist hater now gives nods of approval when I pass them and the same has been reciprocated towards me (especially on those long 10-20 milers – they know you’re serious).

So my proposal in all it’s simplicity is this – just give us a logo in the lane. That’s it!!! The cost is minimum and if runner’s are recognized as “legal” users of the lane, the stress and disdain should be reduced for all parties involved.

Oh yeah, one last request…please give us a kick ass runner logo. Cooler than an oversized cranium in between two circles!!!

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.

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!!!

RMFR

The one thing I promised myself when I started this is that I wouldn’t give advice. I’m still not going to give advice, but I will share how I train. I’ve used and borrowed various training tips so if what I do can help in anyway – I’m all for it.

The one thing I’ve learned since I’ve been running is that with my schedule, I will never be able to follow a training program word-for-word. When I first started out, I knew nothing – and according to others, I still don’t. My first training program I downloaded from the Grandma’s Marathon website. It was my first time training for any race so I tried to follow it to a T. It was a 6-day a week training schedule with a long run every Saturday. 6-days a week took a huge toll on my body – especially for a fat guy. I ended up with bursitis in my hip and had to take 3-weeks off. I finished off the program the best I could but new I needed to make changes for my next race.

I started reading the running magazines and ended up reworking one of Jeff Galloway’s training programs. Jeff is a great read if you’re just starting out. His training strategies are based on non-runners just starting off. To this day, I still adhere to his walk break strategy. It helps me enjoy my runs more. If I don’t enjoy running…I just won’t do it.

Recently, I’ve used the Runners World SmartCoach. It gives me an “idea” of what my mileage should be. I like the 3-weeks hard/1-week easy approach. It also gives you different levels of how hard you want to train. I currently try to do 3 runs a week and 3-weeks before a race that will increase to 4. If for any reason I feel an injury coming on, I’ll back it off immediately. I’ve run races injured before and it’s really not fun AT ALL!!!

There’s another interesting training approach I read in Bart Yasso’s book “My Life On The Run”. He calls it “The Perfect 10″ in which you do cycles. Each cycle consists of 10 days and depending on the length of race you’re doing includes between 4-5 cycles (2 of which are tapers). I haven’t tried it yet but grab the book and read it. It’s a great read.

Now that I’ve been running for 3+ years, I’ve come to a couple of conclusions:

1) Nobody can write the perfect running program for you. Your schedule changes, you get sick, injuries can slow you down and sometimes you just can’t get out the door. I try to be fluid and flexible.

2) NEVER MISS YOUR LONG RUN. I’ve learned that I can skip a pace workout but if you miss to many of your long runs…you’re screwed!!!

3) You can’t think it’s over if you miss days. I did that my first race and instead of working harder to make up miles I let them pass and figured I’d just set my goals lower.

Whatever you decide to do with your training, make it personal. You know your body and goals better than anyone – just listen to yourself and it will all work out.

RMFR

I usually believe the crazy thoughts that enslave my brain are mine and mine alone. But recently I read an article in Runner’s World by Robert Sullivan that hit the nail in my head.

I started running to get healthy and achieve a goal of running a marathon. It wasn’t a fad. It wasn’t a New Year’s resolution. It was a lifestyle choice. I’m proud of what I’ve become. I know what it took to get my fat ass out of bed and hit the pavement. It’s a commitment and it’s not easy. Now that I’ve running has become my new obsession, I want to spread the word. I want to encourage others to get the same joy and fulfillment that running has given me.

This brings us to my point. When I run and happen to pass a walker, runner or biker (I’ll get to them in another post) I like to give a slight acknowledgment to let them know we’re in it together. We’re out there and we’re doing what we enjoy to do – we’re family. It’s that little nod that says “yes my fellow warrior – haul your ass up that hill – you can do it.” 

Turns out, not everybody feels the same way!!! Not that anybody has every been rude about it. Come to think of it, we’re passing each other and it’s not like we’re standing in line at Albertson’s. If somebody’s across the street, I’ll watch to see if they look my way and give them a wave. If they don’t, it’s no big deal we just go on our way. Although more people are running every year, we’re still small in number. I guess I just want to let the other person they’re not alone in their quest.

I now start my campaign to come up with a universal “sign” that only us runner’s share. One that says “you da man – you go girl – and keep up the good work” all in one. I want to be able to roll down my window and flash it to the guy that runs around Spanish Trail everyday. RUNNERS UNITE!!!

RMFR