Hello Runners!
R3 is having a Halloween sale this weekend. Nutrition products are 25% off! R3 is also filming a commercial Friday the 30th of October at 10 am. Stop by the store in your tights and you can be a commercial super star!
Had a fun run with Chuck last night. After a couple miles of normal conversation, we settled into a four mile debate about barefoot running. It was a little more heated than our usual conversations, but those miles flew by! I have been accused (on several occasions) of playing the devil's advocate. I'm not sure I do it on purpose, but it definitely happens. This time it happened like this...
Me: "Can you believe all this barefoot running talk?"
Chuck: "Actually..."
Then we went back and forth and back and forth and back again. Neither one of us successfully winning the other over. The debate ended with the run (until this morning when I emailed a little research Chuck's way) and we both settled down.
Had I run by myself it just would have been the same old run. But, instead it was actually a lot of fun. Whether we are joking around, arguing, or complaining, it is always easier to run with Chuck. That's actually true of most of the people I've run with, but these past two years have been filled with miles with Chuck. And most of those miles have been very good.
I guess the advice of the day is find someone to run with today, and then pick a fight with them...
Keep it up,
Devin
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
In the blink of an eye...
Hello Runners!
Today's topic is how fast things can go wrong...
My leg is starting to feel like a leg is supposed to. So, of course, on a run last week I managed to roll my left foot. I was pretty sure I had managed to break it in half. I rolled it one time in my college days, and ever since it has been a little touchy. I was just running along and stepped on a rock or something and... BAM!! Pain. I was furious! Finally back on track (kind of) and lost it again! I cut the run short and took the next day off. Luckily all seems to be well now.
It just goes to show you how all the preparation in the world can be derailed by a rock in the road. I was going for a very easy run the day before a half marathon a few years ago and stepped on a stick and rolled that same foot. I was, of course, in a state of panic. I managed to win the half, and my foot made it through ok. The panic was for nothing. I could have easily talked myself out of a good performance.
I guess one thing I've learned is that you can't control much outside of your body (or in it for that matter). There are going to be sudden tragedies. There are going to be colds. The weather is going to be terrible. You may even step on a rock and twist your foot. You'll run through the things you can and take time off when you need to. What I haven't learned is how to stay positive. It's one thing to say that these things are going to happen, and that they are just a part of running. It's another to believe that when it all goes wrong, but I'm working on it.
Keep it up!
Devin
Today's topic is how fast things can go wrong...
My leg is starting to feel like a leg is supposed to. So, of course, on a run last week I managed to roll my left foot. I was pretty sure I had managed to break it in half. I rolled it one time in my college days, and ever since it has been a little touchy. I was just running along and stepped on a rock or something and... BAM!! Pain. I was furious! Finally back on track (kind of) and lost it again! I cut the run short and took the next day off. Luckily all seems to be well now.
It just goes to show you how all the preparation in the world can be derailed by a rock in the road. I was going for a very easy run the day before a half marathon a few years ago and stepped on a stick and rolled that same foot. I was, of course, in a state of panic. I managed to win the half, and my foot made it through ok. The panic was for nothing. I could have easily talked myself out of a good performance.
I guess one thing I've learned is that you can't control much outside of your body (or in it for that matter). There are going to be sudden tragedies. There are going to be colds. The weather is going to be terrible. You may even step on a rock and twist your foot. You'll run through the things you can and take time off when you need to. What I haven't learned is how to stay positive. It's one thing to say that these things are going to happen, and that they are just a part of running. It's another to believe that when it all goes wrong, but I'm working on it.
Keep it up!
Devin
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
"A trip to Omaha" or "My friends are all runners"
Hello Runners!
I just flew in from Omaha and boy are my arms tired. But seriously...
I spent the weekend in Omaha visiting one of my best friends. We were pretty lazy all weekend but managed to log some miles and have a lot of fun. James was one of the first people I really bonded with at Murray State. We ran a lot of races side by side (though James usually beat me in the end).
I have a some really great race memories with James. There was a 10k on the track at Arkansas State University. We took turns leading a lap at a time until James finally out kicked me (of course). At the regional cross country meet my sophomore year, James and I were tied for dead last for the first half mile or so of the race (we both finished much better than that). At the OVC track and field championships my junior year, James and I took turns leading the 10k for the first mile. At one point we heard the race announcer, over the loudspeaker, saying that it looked like we were having a pretty good time. We didn't place very well, but like the man said we had a pretty good time. There was a meet at Vanderbilt that we ran unattached from the team. I wore a Batman T-shirt, and James wore a shirt that said "here comes the dummy" on the front and "there goes the dummy" on the back. Every lap people would yell "go dummy!" and "go Batman!" We both ran PRs that night.
Most of the really important people in my life are runners. Many of them are my former teammates. It's comforting to be a part of the "tribe". Those former teammates of mine are people I know I'll always be able to count on. Something about the "trial of miles" really bonds people together. Even when we weren't running we spent most of our time as a team. We'd be at a meet all day, stuck in a van together for a few hours, and still hang out when we got home. We spent countless hours goofing off in the locker room, inventing ridiculous games. The team was the best part of running in college. Not the races. Not the times. The team. I miss the team. I'm lucky to still have some great people to run with. But, nothing will ever be like being a Murray State Racer again.
I don't know if most runners are really great people, but I've been lucky to find some of the greatest. I wish everyone could have the "team" experience. I think the world would be a better place.
I just flew in from Omaha and boy are my arms tired. But seriously...
I spent the weekend in Omaha visiting one of my best friends. We were pretty lazy all weekend but managed to log some miles and have a lot of fun. James was one of the first people I really bonded with at Murray State. We ran a lot of races side by side (though James usually beat me in the end).
I have a some really great race memories with James. There was a 10k on the track at Arkansas State University. We took turns leading a lap at a time until James finally out kicked me (of course). At the regional cross country meet my sophomore year, James and I were tied for dead last for the first half mile or so of the race (we both finished much better than that). At the OVC track and field championships my junior year, James and I took turns leading the 10k for the first mile. At one point we heard the race announcer, over the loudspeaker, saying that it looked like we were having a pretty good time. We didn't place very well, but like the man said we had a pretty good time. There was a meet at Vanderbilt that we ran unattached from the team. I wore a Batman T-shirt, and James wore a shirt that said "here comes the dummy" on the front and "there goes the dummy" on the back. Every lap people would yell "go dummy!" and "go Batman!" We both ran PRs that night.
Most of the really important people in my life are runners. Many of them are my former teammates. It's comforting to be a part of the "tribe". Those former teammates of mine are people I know I'll always be able to count on. Something about the "trial of miles" really bonds people together. Even when we weren't running we spent most of our time as a team. We'd be at a meet all day, stuck in a van together for a few hours, and still hang out when we got home. We spent countless hours goofing off in the locker room, inventing ridiculous games. The team was the best part of running in college. Not the races. Not the times. The team. I miss the team. I'm lucky to still have some great people to run with. But, nothing will ever be like being a Murray State Racer again.
I don't know if most runners are really great people, but I've been lucky to find some of the greatest. I wish everyone could have the "team" experience. I think the world would be a better place.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Meet Camille and my homecoming run
Hello again runners,
Some of you may have caught a tweet from @R3_Running introducing Camille. I thought I'd take a few minutes to expand on that introduction here.
Some of you may have caught a tweet from @R3_Running introducing Camille. I thought I'd take a few minutes to expand on that introduction here.
Camille is on a mission! She is attempting to run a race in all 50 states. So far she has Tennessee, Louisiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Alabama, North Carolina and Mississippi. R3 will be tracking her on her travels, so keep on eye on this blog, and follow her progress on Twitter. If you happen to know a great race for her to run (and maybe some nice folks she can stay with, racing all over the country isn't cheap you know!) please let us know.
I actually ran a race myself last week. Not surprisingly, it wasn't all that impressive. Murray State hosted its 28th annual Homecoming Run 5k on Friday. My parents were in town to visit, so I thought it would be fun for them to stand in the rain and watch me run a mediocre race. Who wouldn't love that? Actually, my parents are crazy about running in general and my running in particular (even though neither of them have ever run a race). They couldn't have been happier, and as always, were a magnificent pit crew. Much to my disappointment two of the current pack of Murray State Racer cross country team members were on hand. I had settled for third before the race started. I know that sounds pessimistic, but I was truly only there for fun, and I had eaten Matt B's pizza for lunch a mere two hours before the gun went off. It is my favorite pizza, but a terrible pre-race meal. I knew I was in trouble, and wasn't in "race mode" at all. I didn't even wear my singlet.
I had a cramp within a mile! A cramp!!! I've been running over half my life. I should be well beyond the eating too close to race time and getting a cramp stage! Oh well... My time was terrible even the course is about 2.8 miles. I did tell a few runners about the store, and it was fun to have my parents at a race again, even if I never really planned on doing much racing.
I'm done with PT if I keep improving. The pain in my leg is sort of hit or miss these days. I'm looking forward to maybe running some good races this winter, and hitting it hard come spring.
Keep it up!
Devin
Monday, October 5, 2009
Fall is Falling!
Hello Runners!
It is definitely fall. Temperatures are dropping, the Chicago Marathon is right around the corner, and New York won't be far behind. The Clarksville Half is only a month away! R3 is celebrating fall with an R3Halloween contest on Twitter. All you have to do is give a "tweet out" to the race you'll be running on Halloween (include #R3Halloween in your tweet) and you could win a pair of Mizuno technical running gloves!
I have always loved fall running. In my high school and college years, fall meant that the most important races of the season were finally within reach. In my post collegiate days, I have always focused on fall races. All of the hard work and miles I've logged during the dog days of summer finally pay off. Last year, I used these great fall days to train for my first marathon. It is a great time to run fast and a great time to get motivated. Life on the run is a lot easier when the weather isn't working against you.
I've had a couple of PT appointments. I was a little discouraged after the first (which involved "realigning my stack of bricks" and some ultrasound). Unfortunately, after about a mile of pain free running my leg started to feel the same as it has. It continued to hurt for the rest of the week too. The second appointment consisted of some more ultrasound and some stretching. I wasn't expecting much, but to my surprise I flew through four miles pain free. I haven't run in a couple of days because I was out of town and too busy (read lazy) to get any miles in. I am hoping for the best and have another PT appointment on Friday.
Keep it up!
Devin
It is definitely fall. Temperatures are dropping, the Chicago Marathon is right around the corner, and New York won't be far behind. The Clarksville Half is only a month away! R3 is celebrating fall with an R3Halloween contest on Twitter. All you have to do is give a "tweet out" to the race you'll be running on Halloween (include #R3Halloween in your tweet) and you could win a pair of Mizuno technical running gloves!
I have always loved fall running. In my high school and college years, fall meant that the most important races of the season were finally within reach. In my post collegiate days, I have always focused on fall races. All of the hard work and miles I've logged during the dog days of summer finally pay off. Last year, I used these great fall days to train for my first marathon. It is a great time to run fast and a great time to get motivated. Life on the run is a lot easier when the weather isn't working against you.
I've had a couple of PT appointments. I was a little discouraged after the first (which involved "realigning my stack of bricks" and some ultrasound). Unfortunately, after about a mile of pain free running my leg started to feel the same as it has. It continued to hurt for the rest of the week too. The second appointment consisted of some more ultrasound and some stretching. I wasn't expecting much, but to my surprise I flew through four miles pain free. I haven't run in a couple of days because I was out of town and too busy (read lazy) to get any miles in. I am hoping for the best and have another PT appointment on Friday.
Keep it up!
Devin
Saturday, September 26, 2009
My First Day at the Store, Sciatica, and More!
Hello Runners,
Today I am working at R3. Trying to learn the ropes a little. There is so much to learn about all the the shoes, and of course, picking the right shoe for the right runner. I'll be watching and learning mostly, and helping out as much as I can. I will be bothering my coworker with a lot of questions! We are having a sale on tights this weekend. 15% off. It's a good opportunity to pick some up before it gets cold.
I actually went to the ortho last week and got a few interesting results. First, I have sciatica. Which is actually what I thought it might be. After some x-rays, I was prescribed some prednisolone, and have a PT appointment for Monday morning. It's good to finally be doing something about it, but at the same time I think it won't be an easy fix. It was stupid to wait so long. I could be training for real right now. I could be planning for the Clarksville Half Marathon. Hindsight is 20-20. We runners always seem to be learning a lot in hindsight. We are all driven to keep going by unseen forces. Unfortunately, that drive usually pushes us past when we should realistically take a break.
The second thing I learned at the ortho is that I have an extra vertebrae. It isn't the cause of any of my problems, nor does it come with any extra benefits. Just a bit of Devin trivia.
Keep it up,
Devin
Today I am working at R3. Trying to learn the ropes a little. There is so much to learn about all the the shoes, and of course, picking the right shoe for the right runner. I'll be watching and learning mostly, and helping out as much as I can. I will be bothering my coworker with a lot of questions! We are having a sale on tights this weekend. 15% off. It's a good opportunity to pick some up before it gets cold.
I actually went to the ortho last week and got a few interesting results. First, I have sciatica. Which is actually what I thought it might be. After some x-rays, I was prescribed some prednisolone, and have a PT appointment for Monday morning. It's good to finally be doing something about it, but at the same time I think it won't be an easy fix. It was stupid to wait so long. I could be training for real right now. I could be planning for the Clarksville Half Marathon. Hindsight is 20-20. We runners always seem to be learning a lot in hindsight. We are all driven to keep going by unseen forces. Unfortunately, that drive usually pushes us past when we should realistically take a break.
The second thing I learned at the ortho is that I have an extra vertebrae. It isn't the cause of any of my problems, nor does it come with any extra benefits. Just a bit of Devin trivia.
Keep it up,
Devin
Monday, September 21, 2009
A good day in Hopkinsville
Hello again runners,
R3 was out and about this weekend with some great results! A big congrats to all of the R3 runners who toed the line at the Hopkinsville YMCA Trot for Troops 5k and 10k. You can see the full results here. Kate Hover took home the gold in the women's 5k (and second overall!) while Mike Henchen ran away with the top prize in the 10k. James Holmes picked up a 2nd place age division award, which was good enough for a 4th overall in the 10k. Mike Kelley picked up the win in his age division and netted an 8th place overall in the 10k. Congrats to all of the runners!
It was a nice overcast day, but was a little windy. It threatened to rain all morning, but luckily the wet stuff held off. The folks at the Hopkinsville YMCA did a wonderful job putting on the race. In fact, I didn't hear any complaints at all. Good job guys!
I was there to help with the timing. Timing races can be pretty stressful! First, you always feel like you are missing out on the run. Second, no matter how prepared the organizers are, there are always some issues. Murphy's law in action! Runners want their times in a hurry and accurately. Even the weather can make things a nightmare! These are all things I never considered before I helped with timing. So the next time you are at a race give a big thank you to the timing folks, and take it easy on them. Chances are they have been putting out fires all morning.
As I mentioned in my last post I have been dragging around a nagging injury all year. I actually made an appointment to get it checked out! I'm pretty nervous about finding out what is going on. Keeping my fingers crossed on this one! I've put it off so long that it will be a little embarrassing to tell the Dr. how long I've been trying to run through it. I just hope he understands runners, and doesn't think I'm a complete idiot. I'll give a status update in the next post...
See you on the roads,
Devin
R3 was out and about this weekend with some great results! A big congrats to all of the R3 runners who toed the line at the Hopkinsville YMCA Trot for Troops 5k and 10k. You can see the full results here. Kate Hover took home the gold in the women's 5k (and second overall!) while Mike Henchen ran away with the top prize in the 10k. James Holmes picked up a 2nd place age division award, which was good enough for a 4th overall in the 10k. Mike Kelley picked up the win in his age division and netted an 8th place overall in the 10k. Congrats to all of the runners!
It was a nice overcast day, but was a little windy. It threatened to rain all morning, but luckily the wet stuff held off. The folks at the Hopkinsville YMCA did a wonderful job putting on the race. In fact, I didn't hear any complaints at all. Good job guys!
I was there to help with the timing. Timing races can be pretty stressful! First, you always feel like you are missing out on the run. Second, no matter how prepared the organizers are, there are always some issues. Murphy's law in action! Runners want their times in a hurry and accurately. Even the weather can make things a nightmare! These are all things I never considered before I helped with timing. So the next time you are at a race give a big thank you to the timing folks, and take it easy on them. Chances are they have been putting out fires all morning.
As I mentioned in my last post I have been dragging around a nagging injury all year. I actually made an appointment to get it checked out! I'm pretty nervous about finding out what is going on. Keeping my fingers crossed on this one! I've put it off so long that it will be a little embarrassing to tell the Dr. how long I've been trying to run through it. I just hope he understands runners, and doesn't think I'm a complete idiot. I'll give a status update in the next post...
See you on the roads,
Devin
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