From Mark Remy’s book “The Runner’s Rule Book,”
Rule 2.32 – “Do whatever it takes to finish ahead of a costumed runner” takes on a whole new meaning.

The Karhu 5K, a division of the 13.1 Marathon® – Los Angeles invites racers to come out on January 16th and try to “Beat the Bear”. Any runner who “beats the Karhu bear” during the 5K and crosses the finish line before the bear, will be presented with a ticket good for a FREE pair of Karhu running shoes of their choice from the Top to Top specialty run store.

The Karhu 5K will share the same start and finish as the 13.1 Marathon® – Los Angeles, beginning on the Venice Boardwalk and ending at the historic Windward Circle in Venice for an unforgettable race experience. Amidst ocean views participants will enjoy a Tinseltown themed half marathon and Karhu 5K celebrating the best of Los Angeles.

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I’d seen Mark Remy’s book on the shelves many times before I actually picked it up. I thought to myself, “great, another book telling me how I’m supposed to run” – so I avoided it like a cheeseburger. As time passed, I saw snippets here and there. Then, runner’s like Ryan Hall and Josh Cox were tweeting about it. OK, there has to be something behind that red cover that’s actually worth reading. Let me rephrase that. If you’re a runner, YOU ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK!!!

“The Runner’s Rule Book: Everything a Runner Needs to Know – And Then Some” is one of the funniest and most enjoyable books I’ve read in a long time!!! Mark Remy also writes for Runner’s World and in the January 2010 issue (p. 75), you can get a taste of what’s in store for you in the rest of the book.

To somebody who doesn’t run, a lot of this book will go right over your head. Most of it would need some explanation or at least confirmation from a runner that this stuff is true and really happens. It’s a quick read and is laid out as a bunch of rules. I found myself going back and rereading a bunch of them over again. I don’t want to give to much away because I think every runner needs this on their bookshelf but here are a couple of my favorite examples:

Rule 1.18
Learn and Love the Farmer’s Blow
Mastering the Farmer’s Blow is a must for every runner. A good Farmer’s Blow is a wonder to behold, satisfying, efficient, and brilliant in its simplicity.

Rule 1.9
Pass Gas, Not Judgement
(the bullet points for this rule are instant classics)

Rule 2.32
Do Whatever It Takes to Finish Ahead of a Costumed Runner
Because being outkicked by Elmo is too much to bear.

Rule 3.5
Save the Race Shirt for Postrace
Wearing the official race shirt during the race is like wearing a U2 t-shirt to a U2 concert. Not cool. Don’t do it.

RMFR