When I run, I have to have music. I can feel the difference between running with music and running without. When I have my music on, I feel like nothing can stop me, like I am invincible. It's also a great way for me to 'tune' out the day and just relax to some good music. What did people do before the days of portable music?! Some may argue that running with music defeats the whole purpose of running: to take in the world around you, focus on your stride, to experience nature... but I think if music makes your workout more enjoyable, then why not plug in for some good tunes?
I came across this article today that talks about the pros and cons of running with music, and it discusses the heated debate between running with tunes and running without. There is a lot of talk out there about the correlation of music and running.
--Cassie
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Sleep-away Camp for Marathoners: The Dick Beardsley Marathon Running Camp
There comes a time in every runner’s training where the running becomes monotonous, the routes become boring, and the workouts become predictable. Now, try to imagine: a sleep-away camp for marathoners, training advice from one of the best marathoners in history, one-on-one coaching from the pros, and the chance to bond with other runners. Recently, I spoke with Jan Seeley, Publisher of Marathon & Beyond magazine and Director of the Dick Beardsley Marathon Running Camp. I asked her some questions about the focus of the camp: goals, staff, and so on.
The camp began in 2003 and Jan says it was the result of the right forces coming together: the mix of Dick Beardsley—“Arguably long-distance running’s most inspirational ambassador”— the fantastic location of the camp (the 500-acre Rainbow Resort, four hours north of the Twin Cities in Minnesota), and Jan, a highly experienced event coordinator and Publisher of a marathon training magazine. This combination of talent, expertise, and passion was a win-win all around for the camp. Some things have changed for the camp over the years including the involvement of New Balance as a sponsor. “New Balance is now our major sponsor for the camp, and has been since 2004,” says Jan.
When it comes to runners who will benefit most from Dick’s camp, Jan says really any dedicated marathon runner: “Dick’s camp is best for ‘committed’ marathoners, with a pun on committed, because long distance runners are a nutty bunch!” Most runners at the camp are experienced, and each participant has run at least one marathon.
The camp has only 30 to 35 participants so each camper gets a lot of one-on-one time with the coaches. “We want to keep it cozy so we can really focus on each runner’s goals.” In speaking of coaches, Jan says, “Our coaching staff is second to NONE; each coach is a personal friend of Dick Beardsley from the running community.” The staff includes health and nutrition experts, legendary marathoners, Ironman tri-athletes, ultrarunners, and marathon club founders/ running club presidents.
Each day of the week focuses on a different aspect of marathon training. Along with long runs, speed and pace work, expert instruction/discussion plays a big role as well. Jan adds, “We have eight seminars and about six round table discussions, which take place at some of the meals.” Campers even undergo a running gait analysis. “Everyone is videotaped running and Coach Bill (Wenmark) analyzes each runner’s form.” Runners will also participate in the Dick Beardsley Half-Marathon in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, on that Saturday of the week. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. “Camp wraps up on Sunday morning after a final run, brunch, and goodbyes.” This marathon camp is a solid week of training, information, and expert guidance all wrapped into one package.
When it comes to the inspiration for the camp, according to Jan, “It’s the chance to be with other like-minded runners, the chance to go to sleep-away camp like they did when they were kids, the chance to really focus on their running, the chance to rub shoulders with the GIANT coaches we have…Dick, Joe Henderson, Rich Benyo, and the others.” Jan’s favorite event at the camp is not always planned out, it’s “the unpredictable magic that happens each year as a group of coaches and campers from all walks of life come together on the peaceful grounds of the Rainbow Resort for six days. We laugh, we share, we cry, we bond.”
I had to ask Jan how she knew the camp was a success; and it’s not just the PRs, performance highs, and better skills. She knew it was a success from “the instant feedback we got at the first camp, the tears of joy at the end, and the number of first-year campers vowing to come back next year.”
This year, the camp is completely booked up, but they are exploring the possibility of having two sessions in 2008 in two different locations. The whole idea of the marathon camp is of course to focus your running, but also to take you out of your normal running routine. But, if you can’t attend Dick’s marathon camp, pick up and get out of the grind: go on a running vacation, start your own “mini” running camp with friends, run with new people, or simply pick a new route in your home town. If you can explore new places, and meet new people to share your running experiences, you could become a better runner. Try to think outside the running box, and see what you find. It might be a better mile time, or it could be a new inspiration.
For more information about Dick Beardsley’s Marathon Running Camp visit their site at:
http://www.dickbeardsley.com/runningDBCamp.htm
The camp began in 2003 and Jan says it was the result of the right forces coming together: the mix of Dick Beardsley—“Arguably long-distance running’s most inspirational ambassador”— the fantastic location of the camp (the 500-acre Rainbow Resort, four hours north of the Twin Cities in Minnesota), and Jan, a highly experienced event coordinator and Publisher of a marathon training magazine. This combination of talent, expertise, and passion was a win-win all around for the camp. Some things have changed for the camp over the years including the involvement of New Balance as a sponsor. “New Balance is now our major sponsor for the camp, and has been since 2004,” says Jan.
When it comes to runners who will benefit most from Dick’s camp, Jan says really any dedicated marathon runner: “Dick’s camp is best for ‘committed’ marathoners, with a pun on committed, because long distance runners are a nutty bunch!” Most runners at the camp are experienced, and each participant has run at least one marathon.
The camp has only 30 to 35 participants so each camper gets a lot of one-on-one time with the coaches. “We want to keep it cozy so we can really focus on each runner’s goals.” In speaking of coaches, Jan says, “Our coaching staff is second to NONE; each coach is a personal friend of Dick Beardsley from the running community.” The staff includes health and nutrition experts, legendary marathoners, Ironman tri-athletes, ultrarunners, and marathon club founders/ running club presidents.
Each day of the week focuses on a different aspect of marathon training. Along with long runs, speed and pace work, expert instruction/discussion plays a big role as well. Jan adds, “We have eight seminars and about six round table discussions, which take place at some of the meals.” Campers even undergo a running gait analysis. “Everyone is videotaped running and Coach Bill (Wenmark) analyzes each runner’s form.” Runners will also participate in the Dick Beardsley Half-Marathon in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, on that Saturday of the week. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. “Camp wraps up on Sunday morning after a final run, brunch, and goodbyes.” This marathon camp is a solid week of training, information, and expert guidance all wrapped into one package.
When it comes to the inspiration for the camp, according to Jan, “It’s the chance to be with other like-minded runners, the chance to go to sleep-away camp like they did when they were kids, the chance to really focus on their running, the chance to rub shoulders with the GIANT coaches we have…Dick, Joe Henderson, Rich Benyo, and the others.” Jan’s favorite event at the camp is not always planned out, it’s “the unpredictable magic that happens each year as a group of coaches and campers from all walks of life come together on the peaceful grounds of the Rainbow Resort for six days. We laugh, we share, we cry, we bond.”
I had to ask Jan how she knew the camp was a success; and it’s not just the PRs, performance highs, and better skills. She knew it was a success from “the instant feedback we got at the first camp, the tears of joy at the end, and the number of first-year campers vowing to come back next year.”
This year, the camp is completely booked up, but they are exploring the possibility of having two sessions in 2008 in two different locations. The whole idea of the marathon camp is of course to focus your running, but also to take you out of your normal running routine. But, if you can’t attend Dick’s marathon camp, pick up and get out of the grind: go on a running vacation, start your own “mini” running camp with friends, run with new people, or simply pick a new route in your home town. If you can explore new places, and meet new people to share your running experiences, you could become a better runner. Try to think outside the running box, and see what you find. It might be a better mile time, or it could be a new inspiration.
For more information about Dick Beardsley’s Marathon Running Camp visit their site at:
http://www.dickbeardsley.com/runningDBCamp.htm
Thursday, July 19, 2007
How to Find the Perfect Sports Bra
For our lady runners out there, how important is the perfect fitting sports bra? Women come in all shapes and sizes, but can all agree that the right sports bra can be the differece between a great workout and a terrible one.
This week on Runner's World, I stumbled upon their Sports Bra Size Finder. This is a pretty handy tool if you're searching for your perfect sports bra for training.
--Cassie
This week on Runner's World, I stumbled upon their Sports Bra Size Finder. This is a pretty handy tool if you're searching for your perfect sports bra for training.
--Cassie
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Your Running Gear Questions Answered
Tonight from 9-10:00 PM ET New Balance Connections is hosting a live web chat with Shane Downey, a New Balance footwear and apparel expert. He has worked with New Balance for over seven years and is the National Product Training Supervisor. Shane will be answering your questions about proper running gear, finding the right shoe, and maintaining your running gear for the best performance.
Even if you don't have any questions, hear about other runner's experiences and how you can relate Shane's tips to your everyday training.
Even if you don't have any questions, hear about other runner's experiences and how you can relate Shane's tips to your everyday training.
To participate in the chat, log on tonight at 9:00 PM ET to http://newbalanceconnections.com/ and click on the Web Chat button on the “Gear” page.
Keep in mind you must create an account with New Balance Connections to participate in the chat. It's free and only takes a minute.
--Cassie
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Half Marathon in my Backyard - an Interview with our Tri-Athlete
This past week I met with Kevin, our resident tri-athlete at NBwebexpress.com to hear all about his half marathon experience over the weekend. July may seem like a ‘not-so-ideal’ time for a half marathon in St Louis, but he decided to go for it despite the heat. Hoping for a temperately mild morning, Kevin conceded “July in St Louis can be a bit extreme and is definitely not too inviting, but with a 7:00am start time, I was hoping for the best.”
The Joker’s Wild Half Marathon consisted of two laps around the six and a half mile loop in Creve Coeur Park, a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri. Each lap had about 1/3 shade and 2/3 of direct sun…very important to a half marathoner the weekend after the 4th of July.
“Last weekend, I walked from my backyard to the start line,” he said. Kevin actually lives within a few miles of the park and puts in most of his training miles there, so it was a no brainer when he heard about the event. Kevin is also no stranger to multiple events and many miles. This year he has already completed the St Louis Half Marathon, a Rec-Plex Quarter Max Triathlon and is ‘in-training’ for the Lake St Louis Triathlon as well as the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon. He thought a mid-summer half would be the perfect addition in his training schedule. “After I did the Spirit of St. Louis Half, I thought July would be an appropriate time to do another.”
Once Kevin arrived, he took stock of the runners and began to search for a starting spot. After a bathroom pit-stop, he happened upon the bright colored wigs of the 1:45 pace team. “My St. Louis Half time was 1:46, so I knew that 1:45 would be an aggressive goal considering the heat, but I felt it was right for this race.” At the start, Kevin was accompanied by about 30-40 runners with the 1:45 pace team.
Kevin started out feeling relatively well. The first couple of miles were primarily in the shade and runners in his pace group were chatting away, even having entire conversations as they ran. He was a little taken back by how social the group was, “I was surprised how much people were carrying on during the race.” He answered the typical “Where are you from? What do you do?” questions, but other than a few words here and there, Kevin mainly kept to himself and concentrated on his breathing and gait cadence.
At the halfway point and after a solid 5 miles in direct sun, the original pack of 40 had dropped to 7 or 8 runners. Kevin started to think that he, like the other runners that had pulled back, may have been a bit too ambitious in the 90 degree heat, “halfway through the race I started to think a goal of 1:45 was aggressive... and finally at mile nine, I guess you could say I hit the wall.” The lack of shade and heat got to be overwhelming, and with the 1:45er’s way ahead, Kevin was now running by himself in the sizzling sun. “Each mile felt like 2 or 3 miles worth of effort.” His wife Donna had put together an inspirational song list for his i-Pod, perfectly timed for 90 minutes into the race. But to Kevin’s dismay, no i-Pods were allowed on the course, “Since it was a public park, and bikers would be on the same route, no i-Pods allowed. I could have really used that inspiration about then.”
As he gutted out the final few miles, he thought of his wife and kids cheering him over the finish line. “The last few were killer (hard), and my legs were toast.” His family did not disappoint… as he came down the last stretch he could see his son and daughter holding signs with his wife cheering him on. It was over and he was glad. Now it was time to cool off and relax. He had finished the Joker’s Wild Half Marathon in 1:51, not too bad considering the morning heat and sun. The winning time of the race was 1:15.
Kevin had some tips for runners training for a half marathon; he encourages trying new hydration strategies out before race day, “Whatever you do in your training, feel confident to do on race day! If you are used to eating the goo (energy gel) then eat the goo. You may need more than just water. But only try the gel if you know what to expect from it. Otherwise, I saw more than a few runners drop out with upset stomachs.” He also mentioned that although there were plenty of water stations, with the hot temperature, he needed more to finish, “a lot of the people on the course were having hydration issues.” Always keep hydrated, especially when racing in the hot summer months.
While running in the heat of July might not have been the most desirable experience, Kevin doesn’t regret racing that day. On racing next year? “I’m going to have to say ‘no’ as of today, unless they alter the course (to offer more shade)” But he will keep pressing on for the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon on October 7, 2007. His goal is 4:00.
Kevin is an avid tri-athlete with aspirations to complete a half Ironman competition next year, and a full Ironman within the next three years. Kevin resides in Creve Coeur, Missouri, with his wife, Donna, of seven years and two children, Felina (6 yrs) and True (3 yrs).
The Joker’s Wild Half Marathon consisted of two laps around the six and a half mile loop in Creve Coeur Park, a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri. Each lap had about 1/3 shade and 2/3 of direct sun…very important to a half marathoner the weekend after the 4th of July.
“Last weekend, I walked from my backyard to the start line,” he said. Kevin actually lives within a few miles of the park and puts in most of his training miles there, so it was a no brainer when he heard about the event. Kevin is also no stranger to multiple events and many miles. This year he has already completed the St Louis Half Marathon, a Rec-Plex Quarter Max Triathlon and is ‘in-training’ for the Lake St Louis Triathlon as well as the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon. He thought a mid-summer half would be the perfect addition in his training schedule. “After I did the Spirit of St. Louis Half, I thought July would be an appropriate time to do another.”
Once Kevin arrived, he took stock of the runners and began to search for a starting spot. After a bathroom pit-stop, he happened upon the bright colored wigs of the 1:45 pace team. “My St. Louis Half time was 1:46, so I knew that 1:45 would be an aggressive goal considering the heat, but I felt it was right for this race.” At the start, Kevin was accompanied by about 30-40 runners with the 1:45 pace team.
Kevin started out feeling relatively well. The first couple of miles were primarily in the shade and runners in his pace group were chatting away, even having entire conversations as they ran. He was a little taken back by how social the group was, “I was surprised how much people were carrying on during the race.” He answered the typical “Where are you from? What do you do?” questions, but other than a few words here and there, Kevin mainly kept to himself and concentrated on his breathing and gait cadence.
At the halfway point and after a solid 5 miles in direct sun, the original pack of 40 had dropped to 7 or 8 runners. Kevin started to think that he, like the other runners that had pulled back, may have been a bit too ambitious in the 90 degree heat, “halfway through the race I started to think a goal of 1:45 was aggressive... and finally at mile nine, I guess you could say I hit the wall.” The lack of shade and heat got to be overwhelming, and with the 1:45er’s way ahead, Kevin was now running by himself in the sizzling sun. “Each mile felt like 2 or 3 miles worth of effort.” His wife Donna had put together an inspirational song list for his i-Pod, perfectly timed for 90 minutes into the race. But to Kevin’s dismay, no i-Pods were allowed on the course, “Since it was a public park, and bikers would be on the same route, no i-Pods allowed. I could have really used that inspiration about then.”
As he gutted out the final few miles, he thought of his wife and kids cheering him over the finish line. “The last few were killer (hard), and my legs were toast.” His family did not disappoint… as he came down the last stretch he could see his son and daughter holding signs with his wife cheering him on. It was over and he was glad. Now it was time to cool off and relax. He had finished the Joker’s Wild Half Marathon in 1:51, not too bad considering the morning heat and sun. The winning time of the race was 1:15.
Kevin had some tips for runners training for a half marathon; he encourages trying new hydration strategies out before race day, “Whatever you do in your training, feel confident to do on race day! If you are used to eating the goo (energy gel) then eat the goo. You may need more than just water. But only try the gel if you know what to expect from it. Otherwise, I saw more than a few runners drop out with upset stomachs.” He also mentioned that although there were plenty of water stations, with the hot temperature, he needed more to finish, “a lot of the people on the course were having hydration issues.” Always keep hydrated, especially when racing in the hot summer months.
While running in the heat of July might not have been the most desirable experience, Kevin doesn’t regret racing that day. On racing next year? “I’m going to have to say ‘no’ as of today, unless they alter the course (to offer more shade)” But he will keep pressing on for the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon on October 7, 2007. His goal is 4:00.
Kevin is an avid tri-athlete with aspirations to complete a half Ironman competition next year, and a full Ironman within the next three years. Kevin resides in Creve Coeur, Missouri, with his wife, Donna, of seven years and two children, Felina (6 yrs) and True (3 yrs).
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