Just Running My Mouth...

An idealistic blog dedicated to all the people who run for fun, for sport, for money, for life, for whatever. We talk about all sorts of things, from injuries to proper form to how runners can get away with wearing the dorkiest clothes. So if you have a story, a tip, a time, or a question, please don't hesitate to contribute!

[scottmayer-blog]

Gearing up for Hot Chocolate

Who else is getting ready for the Hot Chocolate 15k in Chicago on November 4th? I have to say I'm a bit intrigued due to the odd race distance. I have never run a 9.3 mile race before and frankly my training has been a bit unorthodox. I'm including more tempo, fartlek and interval runs as opposed to lots of distance (although I still am getting a really lengthy run in every 10 days or so). The distance is short enough that some extra leg muscle will help propel me down the stretch. Anyone else agree with that plan? Am I just blowing smoke? Guess we'll find out come race day.

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Impossible is nothing

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Interval Training

Boy intervals are tough. Got off the track this morning, already in pain from the lactic acid building up. As much as intervals hurt and feel tough, they are integral for any training program for any distance. If you want to get faster, you have to run fast. It's as simple as that (although the training is not). 

So, if you find yourself at a plateau or are bored with your current running regimen, add in some sprints (200s, 400s). You will undoubtedly see some improvement in the coming weeks. Start off slowly, maybe one day a week, then increase as your body is able to handle the extra impact/workload. Good luck!

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Kirani James wins gold in the men's 400m last night, giving the small island of Grenada (the spice island) its first ever Olympic medal! Ever the sportsman, the 19 year old who trains in Alabama gave credit to his coach, family and country. Congrats Kirani, way to make it into the history books and bring your country into the Olympic spotlight!

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Insane Usain! Bolt captures a second straight Olympic gold in the 100m final last night. Although he is the second person to go back-to-back in this event over two Olympics, he is the first person to cross the finish line first twice (Carl Lewis was bumped to the gold after the winner tested positive for PEDs). Congratulations Usain! 

And congrats to American Justin Gatlin for taking the bronze, way to work yourself back into the international arena. 

More track updates to come!

[scottmayer-blog]

Who's pumped?

Who's pumped for Track and Field to start at the Olympics? The best part of the games starts August third with initial prelims.

If you haven't already, download the NBC Olympics Extra app for your smartphone or tablet. Gives you access to every single Olympic event live as it happens along with scheduling and highlights (you need a cable/dish subscription though. There's a list of accepted providers)

Can't wait!!!

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What has two thumbs and is ready for track and field at the 2012 London Olympics? This guy. Galen Rupp and Bernard Lagat lead the way for USA middle distance. Go get 'em guys!

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The treadmill sucks

Well it's true. The treadmill is terrible. But there are certain times when you can't escape its clutches, like the when the rain, heat and snow keep you inside. But don't worry, there are ways to make your time on the treadmill a little more bearable. Check it out.

Intervals. Warm up for a mile or ten minutes or whatever you need to get the blood flowing. Then pick a distance, such as .15 miles. Alternate between a hard run/close to a sprint and a light jog or walk for the same distance. Rinse and repeat for 8-12 reps. Trust me, although the workout might only be a total of 25-30 minutes, you will be more gassed than after an hour long run. Plus your metabolism will be on fire the rest of the day.

Incline. The incline setting on the treadmill can be a powerful training tool. Although you will not be able to run as fast as you increase the incline, your legs will get huge fast. Great for that kick you need during the last quarter mile of your race.

Tempo run. Start off very slowly, slower than a regular warm up. Then increase speed by one mile an hour each mile completed. Work your way up until you can barely keep up that pace for a mile. Then work your way back down to the speed at which you started. You'll get a great metabolic boost as well as a thorough warm up and cool down, leading to less muscle fatigue later.

Run well dudes!

[scottmayer-blog]

It's been a while...

Hey runners! Hope everyone is having a good summer and logging lots of miles. I haven't posted in so long, but that's about to change. Amazing how life can get in the way, right? At any rate I'm sorry.

My running has been going great as of late (nice rhyme). I'm still running in the Hokas, they are a dream. Ended up getting over 500 miles on my first pair and are well into the second. Hoka should pay me for all the positive press it gets from me haha. I'm feeling pretty good about my running as well. There was a stretch during the winter and spring when I was lifting more with less running. And unfortunately, I found that my running suffered when I was lifting more. Not because of the decrease in distance, but that my recovery was so much arduous. Essentially my body needed to recover two-fold because of the increased stress on my upper body. But I still lift one day a week lightly to remain balanced (and so I don't look like a string bean when I'm out there with my shirt off haha).

Run well dudes!

[scottmayer-blog]

Hoka Bondi B

So I feel compelled to talk about a relatively new pair of shoes I am trying out: The Hoka Bondi B's. They take on an anti-minimalist approach, with loads of cushioning (while maintaining a light weight) and they feel great from step one. The user feels that they are simply floating over the ground. I was a little concerned at first that they would be very stable, as you are raised up an additional inch. But the wide bottoms help you maintain that control. Overall, though, a great ride. There is a very slight drop from heel to toe, which gives the shoes the sensation of driving you forward. Although they are a bit more expensive than your current pair of shoes ($170) you will get 30-40% more miles in them because of the cushioning. I am at 175 miles and they still feel great, even better now that they're broken in a bit.

[scottmayer-blog]

What's your mileage for today?

So what is everyone running today? Personally, I am going out for an easy three. Mostly because I am tired from my business trip and secondly because I am prepping for a 15 miler tomorrow. Looking forward to kicking back, finding cruise control, and coasting over the terrain. Are long runs your favorite? Or do you prefer those faster, harder tempo runs that also test your mental ability?

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To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift

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Galen Rupp blasts the former American record in the 10,000 meters by 11 seconds! And Yohan Blake, a Jamaican, runs the fastest 200 meters ever by a man not named Usain Bolt. And Usain Bolt is still fast. Lots of awesome happenings in 2011!

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Like the idea of running and being active, but endurance running is too boring? Check out this awesome video of freerunning, the art of running and overcoming obstacles in a truly awesome and innovative way. Takes some serious skill and dedication, but damn if you won't be in great shape and look really cool after you practice for a bit.

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First run after some time off: love or hate?

I took a week off from running due to various things, mostly because I have been very busy at work. Yesterday was the first day back in six, and it felt great. I got into my stride quickly, and easily bounced over the course. Some of the most blissful ten miles in a while.

Today is a different story. I woke up with legs stiff like branches, when I walked to the kitchen it felt like I was trudging through mud. Let's just say, lots of protein bars and aleve today. Such an interesting problem to have: great run, terrible day after. Why do I do this to myself? I'll probably have to wait to run again until tomorrow. 

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Just starting your running adventures? This article gives some great advice for getting up and going while staying healthy and happy.

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It's important to integrate weight lifting into your running routine. Not only will you become stronger in the process, but you'll become less injury prone and your body will continue to torch away fat.