Jim posted this link to our local buffalo e-mail list. It's an article from Active.com about running and the environment. Nice read.
Running Is Green, Right?
A few tips for greener running and living (not necessarily from the article):
-Go vegetarian or vegan
-Walk more for local errands (it's good cross-training)
-Run or bike to that trail instead of driving (at least carpool)
-Stay on the designated trail
-Don't litter (and pick up trash that you see)
-Reduce, reuse, and recycle what you can!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Appreciate Your Health!
Hey everyone, a quick reminder to all...appreciate your health! If you are healthy and injury free, be happy and don't get too cocky. You are a lucky individual. The last three days I've woken up with some nasty dizziness (vertigo) that kept me from going to work. Believe me, I'm not running with the world spinning around in my head. It was much better this morning, but the previous two days were intense and really anxiety producing. Dramamine is helping and I think the underlying cause is allergies/sinuses that are somehow blocking one or both inner ears during sleep and throwing my balance way off. Things are worse in the early morning and get better by noon ("stuff" draining out of my inner ears?). I'm fairly certain it's not an actual inner ear infection since I don't have any pain, hearing problems, headaches, pressure, etc. I'll go to the doctor if it's not completely better by tomorrow.
Anyway, the ONLY good thing about being completely helpless and almost unable to stand or walk due to dizziness is that you appreciate the healthy life you had just a few days before. Running is not about beating the guy next to you at the local 5K (or 50K), but rather maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I'm sure my heart, lungs, and legs are in better shape because I'm a runner. I'm rather positive that I have less stress and more energy due to my regular morning runs too. As usual, I forget that until my health is temporarily taken away. Or an injury strikes. So, appreciate the fact that you can run. How many people can run a 5K? How about a 50K? 100 mile trail race? We are pretty fortunate. Enjoy your next run. You never know when it may be your last. I hope to be back on the trails in a day or two. I'll have a renewed optimism about running.
Anyway, the ONLY good thing about being completely helpless and almost unable to stand or walk due to dizziness is that you appreciate the healthy life you had just a few days before. Running is not about beating the guy next to you at the local 5K (or 50K), but rather maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I'm sure my heart, lungs, and legs are in better shape because I'm a runner. I'm rather positive that I have less stress and more energy due to my regular morning runs too. As usual, I forget that until my health is temporarily taken away. Or an injury strikes. So, appreciate the fact that you can run. How many people can run a 5K? How about a 50K? 100 mile trail race? We are pretty fortunate. Enjoy your next run. You never know when it may be your last. I hope to be back on the trails in a day or two. I'll have a renewed optimism about running.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Disappointing Olympics
I haven't posted for 2 weeks on this blog...I should blame the Olympics, but it's more me being lazy and depressed. I've had a foot injury since Howl at the Moon and I haven't been running much. When I don't run, I don't write about running. Back to the Olympics...I did watch a few events...and I was thoroughly disappointed with the US runners and sprinters. Yes, EVERY SINGLE ONE of them is much better than me, but I'm not claiming to be one of the best runners (or sprinters) from the USA. How can we not make it to the finals of the 4x100s? Drop the baton!? We did claim the 4x400 relay on both the men's and women's sides. Shouldn't we be winning (maybe even sweeping) the 100, 200, and 400m events?
What about the premier Olympic event, the marathon? No American medals for the men or women. There was a very impressive Olympic record in the men's race (2:06:32 in the heat, humidity, and sun). Dathan and Ryan took 9th and 10th place. Not terrible, but almost 6 minutes behind the winner. You can't let a BIG lead pack take off and not give chase. After just 5 miles the race was over for them. One the women's side, the best American took 27th place in a time of 2:33:13. Over 6 minutes behind the winner. Deena DNF'd early on with a foot injury--not her fault. Still disappointing. While I am disappointed with our marathoners, I'm sure they are even more disappointed with their own results. They are amazing athletes that had the opportunity to challenge for medals. I'm sure their training was intense. Maybe next time. London is only 4 years away and we have some young talent.
So, who made me "proud to be an American" at the Olympics? Phelps. Enough said on that dude. Also, the women's soccer team. They held together really well without Abby and hung on for the gold medal! Both the men and women took the basketball golds...as expected. The men's volleyball team overcame off-court tragedy and claimed the gold. Well done. What about our fine track and road runners? With the exception of our 400m folks, none. I was truly impressed with the 50K walkers...the winner finished in 3:37. I wish I could run a 50K that fast! He was Italian. The best American finished in 39th place with a time of 4:08. Still much better than me, but I'm not claiming to be an Olympian.
Enough complaining. The Olympics are over and it's time to focus on my own running. Hobo 50K is only 33 days away.
What about the premier Olympic event, the marathon? No American medals for the men or women. There was a very impressive Olympic record in the men's race (2:06:32 in the heat, humidity, and sun). Dathan and Ryan took 9th and 10th place. Not terrible, but almost 6 minutes behind the winner. You can't let a BIG lead pack take off and not give chase. After just 5 miles the race was over for them. One the women's side, the best American took 27th place in a time of 2:33:13. Over 6 minutes behind the winner. Deena DNF'd early on with a foot injury--not her fault. Still disappointing. While I am disappointed with our marathoners, I'm sure they are even more disappointed with their own results. They are amazing athletes that had the opportunity to challenge for medals. I'm sure their training was intense. Maybe next time. London is only 4 years away and we have some young talent.
So, who made me "proud to be an American" at the Olympics? Phelps. Enough said on that dude. Also, the women's soccer team. They held together really well without Abby and hung on for the gold medal! Both the men and women took the basketball golds...as expected. The men's volleyball team overcame off-court tragedy and claimed the gold. Well done. What about our fine track and road runners? With the exception of our 400m folks, none. I was truly impressed with the 50K walkers...the winner finished in 3:37. I wish I could run a 50K that fast! He was Italian. The best American finished in 39th place with a time of 4:08. Still much better than me, but I'm not claiming to be an Olympian.
Enough complaining. The Olympics are over and it's time to focus on my own running. Hobo 50K is only 33 days away.
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