Congratulations to the 10 winners of the Goodreads giveaway contest for RUN. Thank you to all 569 people who entered as well. I am truly glad there is interest in fiction about running. Books will be shipped to winners on 6/27. Please allow a week or so for them to arrive.
If you like the book and/or enjoy running, feel free to follow RUN's Facebook page which posts reviews of the novel as well as interesting and informative articles about training, XC, ultra-running, marathons, track and field, and (I hope in the near future) good links to information about issues the characters face like OCD and ADHD. https://www.facebook.com/RunTheNovel
If you want to find who I follow, and what I read about regarding running (and other topics), you can follow me directly on Twitter @alevine785
Thanks again. I hope to have another contest at some point in the future. Happy Running!
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Three Product Reviews
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Outdoor Research Hat, Mizuno Wave Inspire 10s, Camelbak Hand Bottle
On Saturday, I did something I don't do on a regular basis. Two things, actually. First I went on a road run (I normally run trails), and second, I used three new pieces of equipment.
I picked up my 5th pair of Mizuno Wave Inspires last week. The other pairs (a series 4, a 6, and two pairs of series 8) have performed remarkably well for me over the past several years. When I first stumbled onto the Mizuno brand, I wasn't sure about how good they would be. But I really liked the first couple of pairs I purchased. After such good results with the road shoes, I even dumped my Brooks Cascadias for a pair of Mizuno Wave Ascend 6 trail shoes. I ran a trail marathon in that pair and an ultra in my Wave Inspire 8s last year. The shoes held up perfectly, with a lot of support when needed, and little (if any) foot movement within the shoe. I can honestly report that I have never even had a blister in a pair of Mizunos.
If you are a regular reader of this blog (formerly www.Flyoverstatements.blogspot.com), you will know that several months ago I switched my main brand of trail shoes to Salomon (SpeedCross 3s, actually). I mainly made the switch because the SpeedCross models are lighter and a bit more flexible than the Ascends. The Ascends are what I would choose for more rugged courses with sharper rocks. The SpeedCross work better for me for daily trail use.
Anyway, I popped out for a ten mile run in the early morning yesterday. The Inspire 10s performed perfectly, as I expected they would. In fact, they somehow seemed quite a bit lighter and had more support through the mid-foot than previous models. The upper fabric is only one layer, which cools the shoe off and gives it a really comfortable sock-like feel. The seeming lighter weight also may come from a thinner-looking sole, as well as from the application of decal logos rather than sewn-on extra layers. The decal application is something I have never seen before in everyday road shoes. It is exciting to see that Mizuno has thought creatively about ways to improve the Wave Inspire series of shoes. The new 10s aren't just a change of colors. Their lighter-weight, support, breathe-ability, and removal of extra stitching and fabric for logos all work together to make these shoes a true step forward in the line.
Now on to bottles. I picked up the new Camelbak hand-carry water bottle system because my old Ultimate Direction bottle was getting a bit gross in the nozzle. I've washed and brushed the lid/nozzle many times, but after several years of hard use, I felt I should probably get a new bottle. In thinking about what I wanted, I decided to try a different brand. I wanted two things that I wasn't getting with the Ultimate Direction set up. 1) I wanted a larger bottle. And 2) I wanted a bottle that would keep drinks cooler longer. The Camelbak I chose is both larger than the Ultimate Direction model I use, and it has a double wall system that claims to keep liquids cool twice as long as a regular bottle. It also has a different nozzle system that allows more liquid to come out at once. I've now used the Camelbak on six long runs and can report that it does seem to keep liquids cooler. The double liner in the BPA-free bottle works well. Of course on long runs, ultimately, the liquids will hit the temperature of the air and your hand in either bottle. I love having the extra capacity. And I prefer the nozzle on the Camelbak. The one thing I like better on the Ultimate Direction hand-held is that it's carrier completely encompasses the bottle, so your hand is always touching the fabric (neoprene?), and not clammy plastic. The Camelbak's carrier/handle puts the user's hand in direct contact with the plastic bottle. While it is not a make or break issue, Camelbak would greatly improve this product by creating a handle that keeps skin to plastic contact at a minimum. This morning I took both hand-helds out on a long hot run. Even though I confess to completely preferring the Camelbak to the Ultimate Direction, I was glad to have both. Hot weather is no joke. Make sure you bring adequate fluids with you for any run you undertake.
Just a quick additional note: I also own a Nathan hydration pack as well as several different belt water systems. I mainly use the hand-held bottles, however. Not having to have extra weight strapped to me is completely worth the initial oddness of running with something in my hand.
Finally hats. Over the years I have run bareheaded, in baseball caps, and in race-shwag running hats. After losing one of my favorite hats in an unfortunate incident on the trails the other day, I decided to invest in a proper wicking hat. To be honest, I didn't know exactly what I was looking for. I just wanted something light, breathe-able, quick-drying, and not too expensive. It also couldn't be too ugly. After looking through offerings at Running Warehouse as well as a couple of running and outdoor stores in Lawrence, KS, I settled on the hat by Outdoor Research. You can't really tell from the picture above, but the hat is made up of a full layer of light-weight black mesh with a light cloth piece that extends from the bill to the back over the center of the cap. The bill is solid with a slight padded layer under wicking fabric. I've now used it on a long road run as well as a trail run. As stupid as I feel writing about 'hat performance,' the OR cap really is a nice accoutrement. It doesn't get crazy heavy with sweat like some of my other hats. It also hasn't yet created the ongoing waterfall of perspiration off of its bill as has every hat I've ever used. I have a need to keep the sun off me as much as possible, having a predisposition to skin cancer. The OR cap is now in my regular running gear rotation.
So there are three reviews of some gear that I feel fortunate to have chosen. If something changes in the near or long term, I'll let you know.
37 miles last week. I'm hoping for about the same this week before upping in July. Whatever distance you go, keep running and enjoying your time on the trails or the roads!
Thursday, June 19, 2014
And Now for Something (Almost) Completely Different - Movies
Instead of writing exclusively about running today, I think I want to write about movies - and yes, some of them will be running movies. I'll make some short lists and then see if they spark conversation. One thing I have noticed is that people rarely respond in the comment section below posts on Blogspot/Blogger. It is much more common to get a response to a blog posting via email, twitter, or fb. I don't know why, but that seems to be the preferred method. And I'm not being critical. I find that I too, usually respond to blogs via fb or twitter. So I understand.
Now a few movie lists:
My favorite movies of all time (Notice how I didn't say 'best'. There is a difference.):
1) - (Tie) Diva, and Bette Blue - Both are fantastic French films that hold up (at least for me) to many viewings.
2) - La Promesse - A Belgian movie from 1996. A moving, well-written and shot flick.
3) - Y Tu Mama Tambien - My favorite Mexican movie. It brought back a lot of memories of the time I spent in Mexico as a kid.
4) - Lost in Translation - The first American film on the list (and only one of a very few that I think are great). An American in Tokyo struggles to deal with language, cultural, and time zone issues.
5) -.Backbeat - A beautiful understated film about Stuart Sutcliffe in Hamburg, and his relationship to John Lennon and Astrid Kirchher.
6) - Pauline at the Beach - My favorite film by the brilliant director, Eric Rohmer
7) - Douches Froides (Cold Showers) -what can I say? I obviously love French films.
8) - Welcome - About an illegal Iraqi refugee in Calais, befriended by a swim instructor, as he plans to swim across the Channel to England.
9 - Ordinary People - Fantastic cast, and great adaptation of a novel.
10- Three Kings - A shocker, I know. But what a fantastic movie that takes place during the first gulf war.
My favorite running movies: Sadly, I don't think there are too many I like (although there are some very good documentaries):
1) - Chariots of Fire - Brilliant. I cannot think of a better running movie. It came close to making my all-time favorites list as well.
2) - Without Limits - About Prefontaine
3) - Prefontaine - About Prefontaine
I'm not a big fan of most other running movies. The German movie, The Robber, might make the cut. It is about a gifted marathon runner who robs banks.
4) - Unbreakable - What the heck. I'll throw in one (of many) fine documentaries. This covers the 2010 running of the Western States 100. It is a little hard to find. But if you are thinking of running some ultra distance races, this is one inspirational film.
I'll take any reader suggestions for other running films. I've heard great things about Personal Best, but have not seen it.
Finally, my favorite sports films. Everyone always lists the obvious movies as the best; Eight Men Out, Raging Bull, Remember the Titans, Field of Dreams, etc... And that's hard not to do. So rather than give you a list of movies you can look up on any old list, I'll try to give you one item you should search out that will inspire you to new heights. And this will never appear on the sports movie lists (mainly because it is documentary in nature):
1) Banff Mountain Film Festival - Wherever you live, this compendium of riveting shorter films will come to a town near you at some point each year. Depending on location, the series of films will run from one to three days (with no repeat films). This is a must see for runners, hikers, cross and mtn bikers, kayakers, climbers, B.A.S.E. jumpers, etc... It is worth every cent you will spend on a ticket. Check out the schedule here: http://www.banffcentre.ca/mountainfestival/worldtour/
So there is my list of movies. I have other categories I'll throw down later - like my favorite funny movies (Raising Arizona is on the list), fav TV shows, fav cable series. But for now, this should suffice.
Now a few movie lists:
My favorite movies of all time (Notice how I didn't say 'best'. There is a difference.):
1) - (Tie) Diva, and Bette Blue - Both are fantastic French films that hold up (at least for me) to many viewings.
2) - La Promesse - A Belgian movie from 1996. A moving, well-written and shot flick.
3) - Y Tu Mama Tambien - My favorite Mexican movie. It brought back a lot of memories of the time I spent in Mexico as a kid.
4) - Lost in Translation - The first American film on the list (and only one of a very few that I think are great). An American in Tokyo struggles to deal with language, cultural, and time zone issues.
5) -.Backbeat - A beautiful understated film about Stuart Sutcliffe in Hamburg, and his relationship to John Lennon and Astrid Kirchher.
6) - Pauline at the Beach - My favorite film by the brilliant director, Eric Rohmer
7) - Douches Froides (Cold Showers) -what can I say? I obviously love French films.
8) - Welcome - About an illegal Iraqi refugee in Calais, befriended by a swim instructor, as he plans to swim across the Channel to England.
9 - Ordinary People - Fantastic cast, and great adaptation of a novel.
10- Three Kings - A shocker, I know. But what a fantastic movie that takes place during the first gulf war.
My favorite running movies: Sadly, I don't think there are too many I like (although there are some very good documentaries):
1) - Chariots of Fire - Brilliant. I cannot think of a better running movie. It came close to making my all-time favorites list as well.
2) - Without Limits - About Prefontaine
3) - Prefontaine - About Prefontaine
I'm not a big fan of most other running movies. The German movie, The Robber, might make the cut. It is about a gifted marathon runner who robs banks.
4) - Unbreakable - What the heck. I'll throw in one (of many) fine documentaries. This covers the 2010 running of the Western States 100. It is a little hard to find. But if you are thinking of running some ultra distance races, this is one inspirational film.
I'll take any reader suggestions for other running films. I've heard great things about Personal Best, but have not seen it.
Finally, my favorite sports films. Everyone always lists the obvious movies as the best; Eight Men Out, Raging Bull, Remember the Titans, Field of Dreams, etc... And that's hard not to do. So rather than give you a list of movies you can look up on any old list, I'll try to give you one item you should search out that will inspire you to new heights. And this will never appear on the sports movie lists (mainly because it is documentary in nature):
1) Banff Mountain Film Festival - Wherever you live, this compendium of riveting shorter films will come to a town near you at some point each year. Depending on location, the series of films will run from one to three days (with no repeat films). This is a must see for runners, hikers, cross and mtn bikers, kayakers, climbers, B.A.S.E. jumpers, etc... It is worth every cent you will spend on a ticket. Check out the schedule here: http://www.banffcentre.ca/mountainfestival/worldtour/
So there is my list of movies. I have other categories I'll throw down later - like my favorite funny movies (Raising Arizona is on the list), fav TV shows, fav cable series. But for now, this should suffice.
Monday, June 16, 2014
Road running in the rain. And, ugh, ticks!!!
What a great week for running. The NCAATF Championships were happening. New Balance Nationals were going on. And, at the adidas Grand Prix, a 10 year old set a new mile record of 5:01.55 (crazy). Lots of fun for run-addicted watchers in the age of the internet.
For me, road running in rain for the better part of the week was a welcome change, as the trails were reduced to miles long mud pits. I've done so much trail running that every now and then it is nice to spend a little time on the roads in order to recall what going fast (or, in my case, not as slowly) feels like.
I got out in the country on several occasions. I returned soaked but happy. On Sat and Sun I did the same 10 miler that took me from one end of town to the other and then out to the SLT trails (alas, paved) before heading home. On Sun I hammered the run at a faster pace than Sat - for no other reason than I felt that 10 mi seemed a little easy on roads vs trails, and I wanted to feel dead at the end. To further the experience, I did a full core workout after the run. Then I was done.
After the 2 days of 10 mi on pavement, I did something I've never done - I took an ice bath. I was concerned about my muscles and joints being unused to the pounding they had taken on the hard surfaces. I keep reading about how the baths speed recovery, so I thought I'd give it a try. And, truthfully, as skeptical as I was about the practice, the experience wasn't bad, and I had almost no joint or muscle issues after the bath. I even awoke this morning and thought about stepping out for a run. But Mondays really are my normal day off, so I'll probably grab a bike and get some cross training in instead. I will absolutely do more ice baths after long or hard runs.
Finally, I did all of my running last week with a coaster-size welt on the back of my leg from a tick bite. In the front of my leg (where it joins with my torso), a gland went off, as it obviously fought off infection. I basically ignored the bite as best I could, treating the affected areas with ice and rubbing alcohol. But I did make an appointment to see my doctor today to make sure that something bad (read Lyme disease) isn't in the works.
For me, road running in rain for the better part of the week was a welcome change, as the trails were reduced to miles long mud pits. I've done so much trail running that every now and then it is nice to spend a little time on the roads in order to recall what going fast (or, in my case, not as slowly) feels like.
I got out in the country on several occasions. I returned soaked but happy. On Sat and Sun I did the same 10 miler that took me from one end of town to the other and then out to the SLT trails (alas, paved) before heading home. On Sun I hammered the run at a faster pace than Sat - for no other reason than I felt that 10 mi seemed a little easy on roads vs trails, and I wanted to feel dead at the end. To further the experience, I did a full core workout after the run. Then I was done.
After the 2 days of 10 mi on pavement, I did something I've never done - I took an ice bath. I was concerned about my muscles and joints being unused to the pounding they had taken on the hard surfaces. I keep reading about how the baths speed recovery, so I thought I'd give it a try. And, truthfully, as skeptical as I was about the practice, the experience wasn't bad, and I had almost no joint or muscle issues after the bath. I even awoke this morning and thought about stepping out for a run. But Mondays really are my normal day off, so I'll probably grab a bike and get some cross training in instead. I will absolutely do more ice baths after long or hard runs.
Finally, I did all of my running last week with a coaster-size welt on the back of my leg from a tick bite. In the front of my leg (where it joins with my torso), a gland went off, as it obviously fought off infection. I basically ignored the bite as best I could, treating the affected areas with ice and rubbing alcohol. But I did make an appointment to see my doctor today to make sure that something bad (read Lyme disease) isn't in the works.
A picture of the little bastard that got me.
If you are out running or hanging out in grass or woods, please check yourself for these guys. I'm downplaying it a bit, but I had a pretty gross and itchy festering wound. The nurse who spoke to me when I made the appointment said it is very likely that I'll be on some strong antibiotics just as a precaution.
Until the next post - stay well, be healthy, and treat yourself to a great run.
Monday, June 9, 2014
Midwest Book Review
Midwest Book Review http://www.midwestbookreview.com/rbw/jun_14.htm has a review of RUN. You will likely have to scroll down to see it.
I'm happy that the book is getting a bit of notice.
I'm happy that the book is getting a bit of notice.
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Friday, June 6, 2014
Berries and Bouquets
After tossing and turning from 4 a.m. (or so) until 5:45, I gave up on my quest for Zs and loaded up on caffeine and a protein bar (Builder, if you must know). On my drive to the trails I encountered my Friday lunch buddy of the last 20 years, who was out for an early bike ride. That was actually unexpected and kind of cool.
The trails were deserted, but there were people running right into the sun on the levee - something I never understand. I set off for what I hoped would be a quick 5 miles. I already committed to 10 mi at Clinton tomorrow with the Trail Hawks, so I didn't want to overdo it today.
The trail was surprisingly dry over the 2.5 mi outbound. But it still took a bit of time to navigate. There were a couple of issues. The first issue was that, as the first user of the trails today, I used my face to clear a surprisingly large number of spider webs that stretched across the trail. I had to stop several times to absolutely freak out. The second issue was that the huge storms we have had over the past several days had knocked down trees in several places. One spot was literally impassable. I had to delicately trudge through low-growth plants to get around it, all the while trying to avoid brushing against anything with three leaves. Was I successful? Only time will tell.
At the turnaround I felt great. I popped up on the higher trail and ran about half a mile before coming to a tree with branches hanging low over the trail. The branches held blackberries. So, confronted with this, for once I did something I never do. I dumped out the beet juice I had been using as a sport drink and began to fill my hand-held bottle with berries. In about 5 minutes it was half full. See pic on previous post.
I was kind of amped because I really never stop for berries on trail runs (even though the riverfront trail may be the single best place in America for picking them). I like to run and always plan to come back, but never do.
So anyway, I was running along at a good clip with berries in hand when I literally rounded a bend and came upon the single scariest animal I have ever encountered on a trail. Coyote? No. Been there and done that on many occasions. Poisonous snake? No (see pvs comment). Badger? Buck? Feral pig? No to all three.
What I came across was a skunk. Right in the middle of the trail. Right below my knees. Right there. Petting distance. It hissed at me, lifted its tail, and arched its back. I decided instinctively that my run needed some speed work added to it immediately. My 5 mile run became a 5.1 mile run as I turned and dashed the other way before the cloud could hit me. Once at a safe distance, I waited and watched as the little guy moved into the bushes on the side of the trail at a relatively leisurely rate. I yelled a couple of times to make sure he knew where I was before I ran back through the area to finish my run.
I don't know that there is a takeaway to this post. Maybe just pick berries and try not to get sprayed by a skunk.
The trails were deserted, but there were people running right into the sun on the levee - something I never understand. I set off for what I hoped would be a quick 5 miles. I already committed to 10 mi at Clinton tomorrow with the Trail Hawks, so I didn't want to overdo it today.
The trail was surprisingly dry over the 2.5 mi outbound. But it still took a bit of time to navigate. There were a couple of issues. The first issue was that, as the first user of the trails today, I used my face to clear a surprisingly large number of spider webs that stretched across the trail. I had to stop several times to absolutely freak out. The second issue was that the huge storms we have had over the past several days had knocked down trees in several places. One spot was literally impassable. I had to delicately trudge through low-growth plants to get around it, all the while trying to avoid brushing against anything with three leaves. Was I successful? Only time will tell.
At the turnaround I felt great. I popped up on the higher trail and ran about half a mile before coming to a tree with branches hanging low over the trail. The branches held blackberries. So, confronted with this, for once I did something I never do. I dumped out the beet juice I had been using as a sport drink and began to fill my hand-held bottle with berries. In about 5 minutes it was half full. See pic on previous post.
I was kind of amped because I really never stop for berries on trail runs (even though the riverfront trail may be the single best place in America for picking them). I like to run and always plan to come back, but never do.
So anyway, I was running along at a good clip with berries in hand when I literally rounded a bend and came upon the single scariest animal I have ever encountered on a trail. Coyote? No. Been there and done that on many occasions. Poisonous snake? No (see pvs comment). Badger? Buck? Feral pig? No to all three.
What I came across was a skunk. Right in the middle of the trail. Right below my knees. Right there. Petting distance. It hissed at me, lifted its tail, and arched its back. I decided instinctively that my run needed some speed work added to it immediately. My 5 mile run became a 5.1 mile run as I turned and dashed the other way before the cloud could hit me. Once at a safe distance, I waited and watched as the little guy moved into the bushes on the side of the trail at a relatively leisurely rate. I yelled a couple of times to make sure he knew where I was before I ran back through the area to finish my run.
I don't know that there is a takeaway to this post. Maybe just pick berries and try not to get sprayed by a skunk.
Monday, June 2, 2014
Its not the heat...
What a fun week of running and riding. I got in fewer running miles than normal this past week - high 20s - but they were, for the most part, quality. The humidity knob was seemingly turned up to 10 every time I set off. On a couple of occasions that precipitated a new, tougher attitude as I pushed through the initial discomfort to knock out a 10 and 8.5 miler. On the final day of my running week (yesterday), however, the drippiness (not a word, I know) of the previous days caught up to me and kicked my ass. Three miles in and I was toast (albeit soggy, crumbling toast). My sometimes running buddy, Adrian, earlier had passed me going the other way, also in a sorry state. I had thrown out the usual encouraging platitudes- not realizing that I, like him, would shortly succumb to the elements.
What followed was a slow slog (as opposed to a fast slog) back to the trail head at a pace I don't care to share publicly. Still, to make a silver lining out of lemons (or lemonade from a cloud), we need bad runs every now and then in order to appreciate the good ones. So I'll take it. I'd rather be out on a bad run than sitting at home in front of the TV.
Biking was a different story. I popped back out to the trails after a run and put the Rock Hopper 29 through its paces. I didn't my Garmin with me, but I am relatively certain that I pulled one of the top 3-4 fastest loops I'd ever done. Everything flowed. The tires were at just the right pressure that there was very little slippage on turns or during uphill acceleration. I finished with a smile on my face and gas in the tank - as it were.
Finally, when I completed the 10 mile run last week, a guy in the parking lot handed me something called PowerIce. It is basically a frozen stick of sweet ice like kids eat. But PowerIce is billed to have electrolytes that one wants after/during a long run. The guy said he was an investor in the company. I was melting from the humidity. And the stick of Gatorade-ish flavored ice went down nicely. The product hasn't quite made it here yet, but look for it relatively soon. It would be a nice summer supplement to have on hand. Here's a link to PowerIce http://www.powerice.com/
What followed was a slow slog (as opposed to a fast slog) back to the trail head at a pace I don't care to share publicly. Still, to make a silver lining out of lemons (or lemonade from a cloud), we need bad runs every now and then in order to appreciate the good ones. So I'll take it. I'd rather be out on a bad run than sitting at home in front of the TV.
Biking was a different story. I popped back out to the trails after a run and put the Rock Hopper 29 through its paces. I didn't my Garmin with me, but I am relatively certain that I pulled one of the top 3-4 fastest loops I'd ever done. Everything flowed. The tires were at just the right pressure that there was very little slippage on turns or during uphill acceleration. I finished with a smile on my face and gas in the tank - as it were.
Finally, when I completed the 10 mile run last week, a guy in the parking lot handed me something called PowerIce. It is basically a frozen stick of sweet ice like kids eat. But PowerIce is billed to have electrolytes that one wants after/during a long run. The guy said he was an investor in the company. I was melting from the humidity. And the stick of Gatorade-ish flavored ice went down nicely. The product hasn't quite made it here yet, but look for it relatively soon. It would be a nice summer supplement to have on hand. Here's a link to PowerIce http://www.powerice.com/
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