OrRun

Magic Shoes

Tue, 06 May 2008 01:27:59 +0000

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.

Running Towards a Beer?

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 20:42:22 +0000

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.

Boston Marathon: What's with the hype?

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:44:10 +0000

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.

Fresh Starts

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 20:47:44 +0000

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.

Overcoming and Preventing Sports Injury

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 03:13:43 +0000

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 ]

Jingle Bell Run

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 17:23:31 +0000

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

National Run@Work Day

Sat, 01 Sep 2007 08:01:35 +0000

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.

Siskiyou Out and Back

Sun, 01 Jul 2007 09:30:33 +0000

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 ]

Volunteer and Earn Gear

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 09:08:23 +0000

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.

Where's Beat the Burnside?

Sun, 10 Jun 2007 09:10:56 +0000

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!"

The Skinny on Jog Bras

Sat, 02 Jun 2007 09:38:41 +0000

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.

Walkers are Racers Too

Fri, 25 May 2007 09:52:51 +0000

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.

Salem Running Group

Wed, 16 May 2007 09:16:53 +0000

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.

Low Back Relief

Tue, 15 May 2007 09:36:11 +0000

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.

Toga! Run

Wed, 02 May 2007 09:25:26 +0000

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.