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 | 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 | 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.

Portland's most scenic 8k run and walk travels through stunning Washington Park. For three miles the course winds through this jewel of Portland's parks. After that it is straight down the West Burnside to the bridge with a total elevation drop of 650' along the course. Unlike most runs and walks, the personally-chosen start times means there will not be a crowd at the starting line. The crowds, those who accurately plan their start times, are at the finish line. The party - and the Last Regiment Syncopated Drummers - are on the far side of the bridge.

Beat the Burnside is a fundraiser for Community Vision and Southridge High School Activities. Founded in 1989, Community Vision provides services that empower Oregonians with disabilities to live, work and thrive in the communities of their choice.

For more information or to register online, see the website.

Posted by orbike at 12:47 PM | Comments (0)