The Stick

The last few months, I've developed some calf cramps during my runs. I tried using my big foam roller to work them out, but there is either too little pressure, too much pressure (if I cross my legs), or I can't hold myself up long enough to work out the cramp.

Many of my runner friends had recommended The Stick as a good tool to focus on a muscle area. I don't know why I didn't listen to them sooner! This thing is a miracle worker. I got mine at Runner's Market here in Knoxville. They recommended the firmer one saying it would last longer. (They had several versions of The Stick sitting around and the flexible ones were in much worse shape.) You can apply as much pressure as you are comfortable with and just roll it over the sore muscle 25-30 times. I've gotten immediate relief and had fewer problems since I started using it.

(I'll get my usual million dollar kick-back if you order one from Amazon, but I want to mention I am not otherwise getting compensated for making these glowing/gushing statements about The Stick. Sorry for the commercial, but I just like it that much!)

Triathlon

I completed a triathlon yesterday. I ran, swam, and mowed.

SR9009

The exercise pill.

Golden Rules of Running

A good list of rules for runners.

I've got a big race tonight - assuming the lightening stays away. Trying for a personal record. Note to self: aim for PR in cooler, less humid weather.

Sensoria Fitness Smart Sock Tracker

I like the idea of a device like the Sensoria Fitness Smart Sock Tracker that helps with cadence and especially foot strikes, but I got away from carrying my phone as my data recording device. Pair this with a small iPod and then we are talking.


Via Wired

Cardio Challenge

This was part of my workout today... actually it was after the work-out, but that is the way everyone does it so the playing field is level. I was much slower than I would have guessed. Ego. Twenty reps of each set. Ready... set... go!

Running Form

I made the comment that my daughter had better running form than I did...

My "friend" found examples of other people with better running form...

Running Lingo and Rule Book

I still run despite bad weather and lots of illness around the house, so some running content.


First, we have bibs, rabbits, tapers, and the infamous fartleks... Runner's Lingo

Next is the Runner's Rule Book...


Example rules include:

Rule 1.46 For Pete’s Sake, Stand Still at Red Lights

(Which reminds me of the jogger vs. runner comparison.)

Rule 2.32 Do Whatever it Takes to Finish Ahead of a Costumed Runner

(I got beat by these guys, but I'm not sure I should feel bad about it since they are superheros. Picture from here.)

Lastly, race a world class marathoner...



He runs 26.2 miles at a 4:46 per mile pace. As a point of reference, my best 5k (3.1 miles) pace is 6:35 per mile and I am considered pretty fast for an old man.

Too Much of A Good Thing

Running too fast or too much may be bad for you if you are too old. Go figure.

Political 90X Insanity!

I always thought it was Power 90 Extreme. It must be Political 90X. And thus the Democratic response is Insanity.

American Ninja Warrior

What is wrong with American Ninja Warrior?

My answer - nothing the fast foward button won't fix. I've decided my next physical challenge should be to win American Ninja Warrior. All I need is some super-human upper body strength.

Grip

Speaking of exercise, I've gotten a set of grip trainers before - thinking it would be easy to mindlessly use them during the day. It never worked out that way. If I ever go shooting again, it might be helpful... maybe I can find my cheap set to see if I can stick with it before buying something a little higher end.

I Work Out

Squats, running, and lighter weights... sounds like a plan.

Just Try

A dead last finish is greater than a did not finish.
But a did not finish trumps did not start.

Running

If it hurts, run faster.

The pain won't go away, but you will be done sooner.

Marathon

Mile 20: I thought I was dead.
Mile 22: I wished I was dead.
Mile 24: I knew I was dead.

Mile 26.2: I knew I had become too tough to kill.

Joggers and Runners

Joggers bounce up and down at stop lights.

Runners just stand there looking pissed.

Long Live the Runner!

WIREDInsider Study reveals joggers live five years longer: bit.ly/JKzbZ8Sat, May 05 13:21:19 from SocialOomph

Running...

I've run over 100 miles this month. I will run four more tomorrow. And then on Sunday, I hope to run 26.2.

Fast

I am running a lot right now. At least for me it is a lot. I'm in better shape than I have been in a long, long time. I have no doubt that I would be slower than a 5 second 40 yard run. I do wonder how close I would have been in high school when I was playing/practicing soccer 5 days/week and was about 40 pounds lighter than I am today.