May 6, 2008
Sittin' Tall
It's been about a month since I've started at ORrun, which means the time spent at my computer has increased significantly since coming on board. It took just a week for me to realize that when I do sit down to work, I have the same posture as a hunched over 80 year old - no bueno. I started to feel the pain in my lower back not just when working, but pretty much the rest of the day, even while running. So I read up on how to improve my posture and learned that part of the cause could be weak lower-back muscles. Apparently this can lead to poor posture and some not-so-hot runs. Runner's Wold listed 5 exercises to help strengthen this muscle group and in turn, hopefully improve my posture and runs. You can read the same article here. And if all else fails, there's always working while standing up...yeah, right.
Posted by orbike at 6:20 AM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
Magic Shoes
It was that time of year again this past Saturday - time to buy a new pair of running shoes. We all know the importance of not running in a worn-down pair, but sometimes the old ones can be a little hard to part with. (They're already broken in, right?) So it was off to the store for me. I decided to give Foot Traffic a try and boy, am I glad that I did.
Continue reading "Magic Shoes"
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April 24, 2008
Running Towards a Beer?
So one of the first things I had to learn about when moving to Portland from NC was a little thing called hops ... and how seriously people take their beer on the west coast. Thankfully it wasn't hard. With over hundreds of breweries in the NW, it's difficult not to acquire a taste for these yummy microbrews. I also can't help but notice how having a beer seems to have incorporated itself into many outdoor activities: bar-b-queuing (only if the sun ever comes out), camping, and now, running. With beer gardens becoming a popular post-race activity (think The Shamrock Run, Bridge to Bridge...to Brews), it's hard not to have a cold, tasty one while celebrating your recent success. But how does that one (or more) beers affect your body? What about drinking one the night before a race? Read this Runner's World article, which seems particularly pertinent to the Oregonian runner.
Posted by orbike at 8:42 PM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
April 18, 2008
Boston Marathon: What's with the hype?
As marathons become increasingly popular among runners, one stands out in particular as the be-all-end-all of races. The culmination. The elusive dream. The- well, you get the point. Most of you have probably guessed it - the one and only Boston Marathon. On Monday, April 21, Beantown will essentially come to a halt while this year's race takes place. Businesses shut down, students have the day off from school, and everyone comes together to celebrate this special day. Even celebrities such as Will Ferrell and Lance Armstrong have been attracted to this exclusive marathon. But why? Keep reading to get the skinny on the Boston Marathon.
Continue reading "Boston Marathon: What's with the hype?"
Posted by orbike at 4:44 PM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
April 15, 2008
Fresh Starts
This past Saturday was the first warm AND sunny day in what seemed like ages. I'm sure it found many of you, like myself, trying to spend every second possible outside. Maybe all that sunshine inspired you to put on a pair of tennis shoes and go for a walk, a hike, or a run. Maybe that was even the first one of the season. Did you feel a little rusty? No need to worry - everyone has to start somewhere. If you took a break from running over the winter, are getting over an injury, or even want to try running for the first time, follow these tips from Runner's World to get a fresh start.
Continue reading "Fresh Starts"
Posted by orbike at 8:47 PM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
December 12, 2007
Overcoming and Preventing Sports Injury
Competitor NW recently put together a great series of tips on stretching to prevent injury. Here's some of the article:
If you're involved in the health and fitness industry, whether it be participating in your favorite sport, coaching, training or just keeping fit, you'll know how annoying and debilitating a sports injury can be. In reality, when you have a sports injury you're actually losing on two fronts. Firstly, you're losing simply because your body has been hurt and now needs time and care to repair itself. And on top of this, you're also losing the time you could have been putting into training and improving your sporting ability.
A sports injury is a bit like losing money. Not only do you lose whatever you were going to buy with that money, but you also have to work hard to make up the money you've lost. Take it from me, a sports injury is one of the most frustrating and debilitating occurrences that can happen to anyone who's serious about their health, fitness, sport or exercise.
[ Read the full article ]
Posted by orbike at 3:13 AM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
November 1, 2007
Jingle Bell Run
Be there with bells on as the Jingle Bell Run + Walk returns to Portland on Sunday, December 2.
This holiday fun run is the Arthritis Foundation's fundraiser for Arthritis support and research. You can join thousands of runners and walkers who hit the nation's pavements, pathways and parks this winter to fight the nation's number one cause of disability.
Jingle Bell Run/Walk is a fun and festive way to kick off your holidays by helping others. Wear a holiday themed costume. Tie jingle bells to your shoelaces. Run or walk a 5K route with your team members and celebrate the season by giving.
more info
Posted by orbike at 5:23 PM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
September 1, 2007
National Run@Work Day
PUMA® has joined the efforts to support the 2nd Annual RRCA National Run@Work Day® scheduled on September 21, 2007. PUMA will provide a free pair of PUMA performance running shoes to four lucky individuals that sign the pledge to Run@Work on September 21st.
Simply sign the pledge and your name is entered into the random drawing for a free pair of PUMA performance running shoes.
The goal of the RRCA National Run@Work Day is to raise awareness about the importance of daily physical activity for adults.
Continue reading "National Run@Work Day"
Posted by orbike at 8:01 AM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
July 1, 2007
Siskiyou Out and Back
On July 14, 2007, high above the Rogue Valley, head out on a spectacular jaunt through beautiful virgin forest in a truly alpine setting on the Siskiyou Out and Back. This event begins and ends at the Mount Ashland Ski Area lodge at an altitude of 6,500 feet. From there, the course meanders along the Pacific Crest Trail with breathtaking views of Mount Shasta, Mount McLoughlin, and the Siskiyou and Cascade mountain ranges. The total course elevation gain for the 50K is approximately 4,200 feet. Both a 50k and 15k run are offered so there is something for everyone.
Entry fees include a t-shirt, maps, aid station amenities, great trail food, prizes, insurance, and a well run event. Plus, 50K runners will be treated to a hot gourmet feast awaiting them at the finish line.
They will also collect old/unused running shoes to contribute to Nike’s Reuse-a-Shoe recycling program. Donated shoes will be melted down by Nike and converted into surface material for basketball courts, tennis courts, and school tracks, so bring all those old broken down, injury-making shoes you just can’t bear to throw out and do something useful with them.
[ More info ]
Posted by orbike at 9:30 AM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
June 18, 2007
Volunteer and Earn Gear
Volunteer with the Oregon Road Runners Club (ORRC) and you'll get a $5 gift cert toward any ORRC gear. Every time you volunteer, you earn more certificates. This is a great opportunity for those of you who aren't ready to participate, whether you're still in training or you're recovering from injury. Their events are always in need of volunteers, so in addition to earning the certificates, you get to be a part of all the action. For more information, see the ORRC website.
Posted by orbike at 9:08 AM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
June 10, 2007
Where's Beat the Burnside?
Beat the Burnside, the fun running event that pits runners agaist the raising of the Burnside Bridge, is taking a break for 2007. Not by choice, but because of construction. The event will come back in June of 2008, refreshed, renewed and more fun than ever.
Beat the Burnside is a personal challenge run. Start any time you like, but you must make it to the bridge before it raises up. The party and finisher rewards are on the other side, so you don't want to be late. I've heard from fast runners who stand at the top, watching the clock count down, waiting to leave at the last second, hoping they'll be fast enough. But one racer told me he starts to get nervous. "I see all those other people leaving, people who look really fit, really fast, and I think, man, I better leave too!"
Posted by orbike at 9:10 AM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
June 2, 2007
The Skinny on Jog Bras
Jog bras come in a wider variety of shapes and sizes than ever, but finding one that both fits and functions well can still be a challenge. Even a jog bra that's the perfect size won't be comfortable on a run unless it's designed for high-impact activities, has nonbinding seams and edges, and uses a moisture-wicking fabric. To help narrow down your options, Runner's World Magazine asked Making Strides, an all-women running group in Allentown, Pennsylvania, to put some of the newest models to the test. More than 120 wear-testers rated 23 of the best bras for overall comfort, support, moisture control, adjustability, styling, and special features.
Check out their nine favorites on the Runner's World website.
Posted by orbike at 9:38 AM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
May 25, 2007
Walkers are Racers Too
The Oregon Road Runners Club wants you to know that you don't have to be RUNNING to be RACING. Whether you're walking as you recover from injury or you're just walking because you like to, you can still be racing. The club has put together a special list of info about upcomming events geared toward walkers. Check it out < ahref="http://www.orrc.net/races/07walkevents.pdf" target="_blank">here. You can also get all sorts of good info on their website, including mult-use path tips, race director tips and event information.
Posted by orbike at 9:52 AM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
May 16, 2007
Salem Running Group
If you live in Salem and want to hit the road with others, check out the WIllamette Valley Road Runners. This fun group of runners gets together four days a week. Take your pick:
Saturday morning long runs meet at the Governor's Cup Coffee House, 495 Court St at 7:00 am. Call Brooke at 503-363-8959. Distances are usually long and easy, 2 to 26 miles. (Note - some will also start at the Governor's Cup Coffee House, 495 Court St or Gallagher Fitness Resources, 233 Commercial NE, during the Summer, groups of runners will leave as early as 4:30 am).
Sunday morning runs meet at the Governor's Cup Coffee House, 495 Court St at 8:00 am for tea, coffee & chit chat. We head out the door at 8:30 am. Easy, social runs, 2 to 10 miles. Visitors and non club members are always welcome.
Tuesday evenings, 5:15 pm, Key Title Company. Easy run (9-10 min pace). Contact Phyllis McCall 585-1881 or 378-0032.
Thursday evenings, 5:30 pm at the foot of the Soap Box Derby Hill in Bush Park (Mission Street side). Pace generally 7-8 min miles). Contact Bill McCall 378-0032.
You can find out more info about the club and their running schedule on their website.
Posted by orbike at 9:16 AM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
May 15, 2007
Low Back Relief
Tips from Runner's World:
Thirty-one million Americans struggle with back pain, and due to the repetitive and forceful nature of running, it's no surprise that many of them are runners. People with chronic back pain typically have inflexible muscles down the back side of the body--sound familiar? The stretches below will relax those muscles and increase circulation and range of motion. Do 10 reps of each before and after a run. If the pain is especially acute, stretch, ice the area for 10 minutes, and stretch again.
Single-Leg Pelvic Tilts
1. Lie on your back with knees bent and a rolled towel under your neck. Place your hands behind one knee. If you can't reach your knee, hold the back of your thigh.
2. Bring your knee toward your shoulder. Hold for two seconds, release, and repeat.
Double-Leg Pelvic Tilts
1. Get in the same starting position, but place your hands behind both knees or thighs.
2. Bring both knees toward your shoulders. Hold for two seconds, release, and repeat.
Posted by orbike at 9:36 AM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
May 2, 2007
Toga! Run
Toga! Toga! Toga! Toga! Toga! Toga! It's time for our annual frat house kegger party - the Ashland Hash runners' Annual Animal House Toga Hash. Step into your past Tuesday, May 8th, at 6:00 pm for a run through the campus of Faber College. Wear your toga from last year. Don't have one? Check out their website for instructions on how to make a toga in 10 minutes. There will be contests for the best toga, best food fight, and the "Wonder Down Under What's Down Under Award" for the best surprise that's under the toga! The start location has yet to be announced. Strollers and dogs are welcome.
See the Ashland Hash Hose Harriers website for more info.
Posted by orbike at 9:25 AM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
April 25, 2007
Champoeg Park Duathlon
New date for the Champoeg Park Duathlon is April 28th. It's a fun duathlon for teams and individuals. The route features flat park roads and bike paths. You'll be able to bike on park and county roads (French Prairie Rd which is mainly flat).
Read more about the event and register here.
Posted by orbike at 9:13 AM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
April 20, 2007
No Time? No Equipment? Check This:
They say you can't cheat on training, but this intense workout—from Vancouver-based personal trainer Shaun Karp, who's spent more than a decade building fitness programs for pros like NHL veteran Petr Nedved and 21-year-old snowboard sensation Simon Chamberlain—qualifies as a shortcut. All time-strapped athletes will benefit from this full-body workout, which Karp devised for maximum strength and cardio payoff with minimum equipment (little more than a pair of dumbbells and a Swiss ball), so you can get real exercise even when you can't leave the house.
Read the full article on Outside Magazine online.
Posted by orbike at 12:26 AM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
April 15, 2007
Two Quick Tips
We love tips for running and you'll find us sharing them with you a couple times a month. Here are our latest faves (so simple!):
Even if you went out for a casual run, blood can still pool in your legs and cause cramps if you don't cool down. Always do a cool down, even on slow days. Alternate 30 to 60 seconds of slow jogging with the same amount of walking for a total of five minutes; then walk the final three minutes.
If your jam-packed schedule doesn't include running, find places you can cut out even 30 minutes to exercise. Set the alarm 30 minutes early, run at school while waiting for the kids to finish practice, or sneak in a 20-minute run over your lunch break.
These tips come fromRunners World
Posted by orbike at 4:20 AM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
April 9, 2007
Pace Calculator
Here's a pretty cool online tool. The Team Oregon Pace Wizard can be used to compute effort based paces and pulse rates for training and racing. The Wizard uses your recent race performances to determine your ability.
If you know your Max and Rest heart rates the Wizard will use those to determine your target heart rates for training and racing. If you have measured your average heart rate in a recent race or on a training run, the Wizard will use that to estimate your Max heart rate.
Posted by orbike at 9:00 AM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
April 5, 2007
Windy Running Tips
From RunnersWorld.com:
If it's a windy day, start your run into the wind so you don't need to face a headwind during the second half.
On windy days, break your run into segments: Start with an easy 10-minute warmup running into the wind. Then turn around and run with the wind for three to five minutes, take a one-minute walk break, and run into the wind again for two to four minutes. Continue this pattern for as long as you planned to run.
Try zigzagging. When running in the wind, try zigzagging (so long as it's safe).
Posted by orbike at 9:18 AM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
April 1, 2007
Clackamas YMCA Healthy Families Fun Run and Walk
Here's another great opportunity to get together with the whole family for some running. The Clackamas YMCA Healthy Families Fun Run and Walk is April 7th and the event benefits Clackamas YMCA programs including the cool GoGirlGo! program, a group for elementary school girls. Kids attending Happy Valley, Mt Scott or Mt Talbert area schools can check off a school on the entry form and the school with the most race entrants will receive $10 per entrant, up to $500, to be used by that school's PE dept.
Read about the event and register here
Posted by orbike at 9:00 AM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
March 26, 2007
Photos of Events
You can track down photos of your favorite running events in Flickr, the user-driven free online photo organizing resource. Users post their photos and tag them with categories. Search some logical category names and you're likely to stumble upon photos of your favorite events. I recommend using PDX instead of Portland to ensure you're not getting photos of those East Coasters. Flickr users tend to tag images as PDX.
I did this quick search and got tons of great pictures of the Marathon. You never know what you're going to get, but it's a fun way to share images of the event with friends, even if you didn't take any pictures yourself. Best of all, it's totally free.
Continue reading "Photos of Events"
Posted by orbike at 10:05 AM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
March 22, 2007
Hit the Hills Thursdays
How about a little training on Thursdays with Red Lizard? Non members are welcome at these great training runs. Approximately 6-7miles with ~1,000ft elevation gain. In Spring and summer they run from Goose Hollow to Pittock Mansion. Time: 6:00 to 6:15pm depending on pace.
Check out the runs here.
Posted by orbike at 9:54 AM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
March 17, 2007
Franklin Family Fun Run
What a great way to spend some time with the family - being active and healthy at the Franklin Family Fun Run on March 23rd! This event is a benefit for the Benj. Franklin PTA. It features a 5K run and walk, plus a one mile kids' run. The route goes along paved streets in Franklin neighborhood, some rolling hills.
Read all about the event and register here.
Posted by orbike at 9:57 AM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
March 13, 2007
Lucky Clover - Kiss me I'm Irish!
If you're looking for a little running action this weekend, get into the Irish spirit with the Lucky Clover run on the 17th. You've got a lot of options with 10K, 5K, Run either the 10K (one 5K road loop, and one 5K trail loop) or a 5K trail or a 5K road. The event takes place in Springfield and starts at an easy 9am.
Posted by orbike at 9:51 AM | Comment / Read Comments (1)
March 8, 2007
Happy Trails
If you're looking for a fun family run/walk this summer, Happy Trails on June 9th is for you! This brand new run takes it's inspiration from the old and popular Fools for Schools. The route is set among the spectacular Japanese and Rose gardens of Portland. Stay tuned, more info to come!
Posted by orbike at 7:56 PM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
March 1, 2007
Hot Chocolate Run
Get ready for a fun 7 mile run (or a shorter 5 mile run) around Shevlin Park on March 11. This is a low key training run for runners of all abilities. The organizers say "We in groups so that no one gets left behind. After the run, there is hot chocolate, coffee and bagels to enjoy." Yum!
[ read more ]
Posted by orbike at 8:20 AM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
February 17, 2007
Springwater Cruise Run
The annual Springwater Cruise Run on February 18 is a great way to keep going in the "off season". 10K Run or 4 Mile Walk on the Springwater Corridor. This path is a converted railroad bed, nearly dead flat with scenic views. The area is a wilderness refuge, so you're bound to spot wildlife - heron and many other birds, in particular.
[ more info ]
Posted by orbike at 8:23 AM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
February 15, 2007
Run with (Someone Else's) Dogs
Multnomah County Animal Services and the Red Lizards partner to "let the dogs out" every second Saturday of the month.
Dogs join the Red Lizard's Saturday run at Petco 333 S. State Street. Lake Oswego. The run is about 5 miles, although distance and pace is determined by you and your dog.
Those seeking to adopt always get first selection on the dogs.
Continue reading "Run with (Someone Else's) Dogs"
Posted by orbike at 8:11 AM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
February 10, 2007
Are you at Risk for Runner's Burnout?
Do you think nothingn of it when your friends call you a running addict because you're always ready to run, and you're not interested in non-healthy activities that friends might do together? The committment is good, but there is a fine line between that and obsession, and it just might not be healthy. Take this Runner's World quiz and total your score to see if your attitude is putting you at risk for burnout or injury.
[ Take the quiz ]
Posted by orbike at 9:00 AM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
Are you at Risk for Runner's Burnout?
Do you think nothingn of it when your friends call you a running addict because you're always ready to run, and you're not interested in non-healthy activities that friends might do together? The committment is good, but there is a fine line between that and obsession, and it just might not be healthy. Take this Runner's World quiz and total your score to see if your attitude is putting you at risk for burnout or injury.
[ Take the quiz ]
Posted by orbike at 9:00 AM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
February 2, 2007
More Running Tips
Run barefoot
Taking off your shoes to run can help you relax. It also makes for smoother, faster running.
Run every other day for 10 minutes
Continue reading "More Running Tips"
Posted by orbike at 10:05 AM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
January 29, 2007
Trail Running Tips
Trail running requires more total-body fitness.
Trail running requires more total-body fitness and a better sense of running technique than running on the roads.
Trail running can be an enlightening, invigorating experience.
Continue reading "Trail Running Tips"
Posted by orbike at 10:04 AM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
January 16, 2007
Snow Running
Wow, all over Oregon there is snow falling - more than we usually get to see here. Are you still out running in this stuff? Tell us your snow running tips and stories. Here are some tips from us:
Continue reading "Snow Running"
Posted by orbike at 9:09 AM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
December 27, 2006
Running Resolutions
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December 22, 2006
Happy Holidays!
Posted by orbike at 11:31 AM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
December 12, 2006
Make your Running More Efficient
I recently came across a good article from the seeMOMMYrun website, a website that helps running moms connect and form running groups. The article asserts that though we've all be running since we were kids and it seems natural, many people are not running efficiently.
The author, Dr. Roger Brobon, says, "The directions of your toes, ankles, knees, hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, head, and eyes can either give or take away efficiency to your run. The foot should first contact the ground on the bottom and slightly outside portion of the heel. As your hips begin to pass over the foot, the weight will be transferred from the outside of the foot across the balls of the foot. Next is the toe off phase where the weight comes from the inside ball of the foot through the big toe. Now the foot cycles through for the next impact."
[ Read the whole article ]
Posted by orbike at 5:42 PM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
December 7, 2006
Marathon Lessons Learned
Sean Lloyd ran the Richmond Marathon in Virginia, then spent time chronicling his experience in a "lessons learned" format. Sure, it's different for everyone, but if you want some insight into a marathon runners head, check out his ideas. Here's what he has to say:
Finishing a marathon was finishing a long journey that began more than four months before I crossed the starting line. I began with a training plan that put me on the road five times a week: one long run, two speed training sessions, two recovery runs (oh, and one day of cross training). Within a couple months, I pushed my body farther in my long runs than I ever had before. The speed sessions reminded me of what it felt like to run in high school. While I felt great about my accomplishments along the way, I was often sore and trying to figure out what was normal and what was one step away from an injury. I still don't have all the answers, but along the way, I learned a few things...
Listen to Your Body
An risk averse doctor might tell me to take it easy for a week see if the unusual pain goes away. The problem is that marathon training will likely bring a lot of unusual pains--it's part of the progressive increase in mileage. Separating the nuisance pains from the ones that could keep me from the big day was a real challenge. I ended up with a couple general rules:
If the pain warms away during the run, don't worry. If the pain gets worse during the run, think twice about what's going on. Soreness following any run is okay, but anything that causes painful limping is not.
[ read the full post ]
Posted by orbike at 10:31 AM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
December 5, 2006
How to Survive Running in Winter
Lately, it's been getting quite cold around here. Yes, we should be grateful there is no rain, but it's still not the delightful weather we're graced with all summer long.
MaxHealth has some tips to help you and your feet survive winter running.
The days are shorter, the air is colder and the streets are slicker. Yet, many will still brave the cold, damp and dark streets and trails as winter sets in. For those who don't mind a little rain, snow, sleet or below freezing temperatures and run to survive the winter, it is important to know how to protect the feet so they too, can survive the winter months.
Consider running in a trail shoe, even if you are not running on trails. Trail running shoes tend to protect your feet more than lighter nylon running shoes. Trail shoes also have more traction for slippery surfaces encountered during winter running.
Continue reading "How to Survive Running in Winter"
Posted by orbike at 9:10 AM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
November 6, 2006
Lance Says Marathons are HARD!
Lance Armstrong finished the New York City Marathon yesterday at 2:59:36. His goal was 2:55:00. "Given the level of my condition, this was the hardest thing I've ever done," he said. "Considering all my Tours, even the worst days, nothing was as difficult or left me with such a sense of fatigue and so much soreness as the marathon today."
He said the distance was harder than he thought it would be and though he nerver truly hit the wall, he doesn't want to ever run a marathon again. [ read the Runner's World article ]
Posted by orbike at 9:04 AM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
October 17, 2006
See Mommy Run
On the topic of running resources for moms, and moms you're in luck because there are many, check out See Mommy Run, a free running/walking group for moms of all ages and stages, and their kids.
Posted by orbike at 10:19 AM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
October 16, 2006
Post Pregnancy - Keep Active!
Just because you've had a baby doesn't mean you have to stop running. Fit Pregnancy Magazine voted Portland the "Best City to Have a Baby" in part because Portland has 168 percent more miles of stroller-friendly public pathways and trails than average for cities in their survey. Thanks to the invention of the jogging stroller many years back, it's even easier for moms and dads to head to with their kids.
But sometimes it's not just that simple. You've got to carve out time and find the motivation at a time when your baby is your complete focus and your free time is, well, perhaps non-existent. Sometimes it helps to get out with others. Craigslist has been a hot spot for moms (mostly, sometimes dads) forming small groups to go running with their children in strollers. Want something more structured? You could join a stoller fitness program like Baby Boot Camp or Stroller Strides. Some of these are just for moms and it's a way to help them reach health and fitness goals while spending time with their little ones.
Posted by orbike at 9:05 AM | Comment / Read Comments (1)
September 21, 2006
Pumpkin Run
Each year in October, the Kiwanis Club of Corvallis sponsors the Great Pumpkin Run 5 and 10-kilometer competitive road runs. These races, which begin and end at the Benton County Fairgrounds, allow participants to savor the beautiful countryside near Bald Hill Park and Oak Creek Drive. Proceeds from this fund-raising event go to help needy kids in the community. This year the event is on October 15th.
[ More info ]
Posted by orbike at 9:03 AM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
July 13, 2006
Lance Armstrong Finds Marathon Running Difficult
A news article in the San Francisco Chronicle tells that Lance Armstrong, who is training for the November NYC Marathon, is finding marathon training more difficult than expected. The article also quotes Armstrong as saying: "It's painful. Running is totally different from cycling -- the impact on the body.... Those guys (marathon runners) train hard, watch what they eat and go to bed early -- things I don't want to do anymore. I'm over that. I like to have a bit of fun."
Posted by orbike at 4:40 PM | Comment / Read Comments (1)
June 30, 2006
Training with Music
I recently got an iPod. Well, I guess it wasn't all that recently, but I've only recently started to really use it. It's pretty amazing how portable my music now is. I won't get into all the details, but it was free and it is a shuffle, so it's very very tiny though it doesn't have a display. It's basically like the best, longest mix tape (remember those?) in the world (in my opinion).
From Runner's World:
I live in New York City, however. I love the place, but the peaceful-easy-feeling vibe is not one I've come to rely on for running inspiration. So give me Led Zeppelin's John Bonham beating the living daylights out of a drum kit. Give me Joey Ramone shouting "Hey! Ho! Let's go!" You can even give me the robotic synthesizer sound of those proto-techno German geeks from Kraftwerk singing about driving down the Autobahn. Just don't try to take away my tunes.
[ Read the article ]
Posted by orbike at 9:24 AM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
June 21, 2006
Runner Profile: Lincoln Bach
Lincoln Bach generally runs 30-35 miles a week in the summer. He is excited to be participating in Beat the Burnside this weekend because it's a chance to boost his "running self-esteem a bit with a fast time on a generous course".
As a personal challenge run, participants may start at any time, hoping to make it to the Burnside Bridge before the bridge goes up. Lincoln is into that challenge. "I always tell myself I going to cut it as close as possible but then chicken out when I start to see people who look much faster than me take off and I’m left standing there wondering "what do they know that I don’t?' That said, I’ll probably start around 8:28."
He also says, "Besides the great downhill course with beautiful scenery along the way, it’s a unique run in that you are truly racing against yourself and you can make it as competitive or as casual as you want."
Beat the Burnside is the main run Lincoln is doing this summer though he says he'll probably do a few 10-K’s and decide if he wants to punish himself by attempting the Portland Marathon again.
Posted by orbike at 11:18 AM | Comment / Read Comments (0)
June 20, 2006
Beat the Burnside!
On Sunday, June 25th, 2006 runners of all ages will stream down from the World Forestry Center through Forest Park and stampede along a closed-off Burnside Street - racing toward the Burnside Bridge. They'll start as late as they want, but at 9:00 the bridge goes up and only the runners who time it just right will make it to the party side. Beat the Burnside is an 8 kilometer run or walk that's perfect for all ages.
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Posted by orbike at 12:47 PM | Comment / Read Comments (0)