What we Should do vs what we Can do vs what we WANT to do.

Posted on September 23, 2011 by Robinson — 2 Comments

Sometimes what we “should” do and what we “want” to do – are very different things. I am currently trying to decide if I should Defer my entry to the Marine Corps Marathon. I have not been able to run in 5 weeks due to injury and hope to try a short run this weekend. The Marathon is in 36 days, 17 hours and 47 minutes.

My first question is CAN I do it? I don’t know the answer to this. One idea I have is to start running as I physically can – and base my decision on one thing. Can I do 20 miles before the marathon? If I can manage to run 20 miles 2-4 weeks before the marathon, then I should be able to complete it. This keeps me “Safe” as far as being able to defer (must be done 10 days before the Marathon) and/or cancelling my hotel reservations (a week before).

I know what I SHOULD do. Ideally – I should take my time and start running short distances slowly working my way up – forgetting about a marathon until next year.

I know what I WANT to do – I want to “live a dream” and run (and complete) the Marine Corps Marathon.

I don’t know what I WILL do.

Tagged with: Marine Corps Marathon
Posted in running

Why do you run?

Posted on September 22, 2011 by Robinson — Leave a comment

I think this question comes up on most running blogs eventually. We go out and force ourselves to run faster. We run up hill. We ruin nice relaxing runs by mixing sprints into the middle. We swim, bike and lift weights simply to run faster. We lose sleep to be out there putting one foot in front of the other while others are still tucked safe in their beds. We face countless obstacles like rain, snow and people walking dogs. We re-evaluate our eating habits and skip things that we would LOVE to be eating. We do all of this, just to do a form of exercise that statistically speaking, is simply going to hurt us.

Why?

And so much fun when you un-roll them to eat them!

For me personally there are several reasons. The first and most obvious – is to try to be in some sort of decent shape, and to (eventually) look good when I go swimming with no shirt! By running I can still work toward this goal while not feeling any guilt at all from eating Swiss Rolls and Nutty Bars. (I love nutty bars…) Weight can be controlled simply through diet if that is the only goal. Lets face it though, if that was the only reason, I wouldn’t be out there running, or miss doing so when I have pulled my calf muscle (Again.)

There is also the sense of accomplishment in completing a run. Read more ›

Posted in Heart Rate, Other Exercise, running

So, you want to be a runner….A Post for beginners.. part 2 – The Shoes.

Posted on September 21, 2011 by Robinson — Leave a comment

So, we have looked at some of my thoughts on running so far. In the previous post – I mentioned some of the things that I thought were important: Physical Fitness Level, Environment, Goals and Dedication (or commitment). These are all important considerations when contemplating running. However, you may have noticed that none of them seemed to involve putting one foot in front of the other and watching pavement move by. So obviously there needs to be a part 2 post to my part 1! You may notice the same lack again – so there will be a part 3! So, here are some more of my thoughts on my favorite form of exercise – Specifically, lets discuss the shoes! Read more ›

Posted in barefoot running, running, vibram five fingers

Freaky Friday – Bizarre Things found on the Interwebs! – Strange Exercise!

Posted on September 16, 2011 by Robinson — 1 Comment

This weeks’ dose of bizarre interwebness (I just made that word up…) – Odd Exercises!!!!!

Paddle Board Yoga!!!!

We have ALL heard how good yoga is for you. Its relaxing, strengthening and zen-like in its benefits. Having tried it – I can assure you it really is! Plus it will increase your flexibility – helping you to avoid a string of pulled muscles like I have made my new hobby!

One group of people have found a way to make the “Working on Balance” part of yoga – FAR more important. If you were to perform your Warrior Pose, and Downward Facing Dog on a Paddleboard!! Mess up? GO SWIMMING!!! I can definitely see how being on the water would help with the relaxation and help you avoid distractions. Read more ›

Posted in Freaky Friday, Other Exercise, Random, Technology

So, you want to be a runner….A Post for beginners.. part 1.

Posted on September 13, 2011 by Robinson — Leave a comment

I received the following message on Facebook from one of my friends:
“Have you written something for people who are just starting out? Not that I’m THAT interested in running mind you, but…… 😉“

So, I thought I would write my thoughts on what one should do/think about when they are starting to run. First off, I need to mention I am not a trained coach or personal trainer. These are my opinions and thoughts based on when I ran back in highschool, and from starting back up as a runner now. Any I do not take any credit for quotes or information in links to other articles that I have shared below, as those are the intellectual property of their authors. Also, you should check with your Doctor before starting any physical fitness program. I also know that I have other runners that read my blog – please add your comments below with any new ideas you might have, or places that you disagree with me (I know that some of you have been running much longer than I have!)

Many of the lessons I have to offer, are based on what I did. Not as an example of how to do it – but an example of what happens when you don’t! Read more ›

Tagged with: advice to new runners, beginner runner, beginning running
Posted in running

No Running today due to flooding in Binghamton – Additional Photos 9/8/2011 @ 5:30

Posted on September 8, 2011 by Robinson — 1 Comment

No exercise for the last couple of days -due to ongoing flooding in Binghamton NY.

Behind Roberson Museum and Science Center in Binghamton Flood 9/8/2011 @ 2:30ish

Bridge to Downtown on Riverside Drive, Binghamton - 9/8/2011 @ 2:30ish

Front st, on the South side of Riverside Drive - 9/8/2011 @ 2:30ish

Where Chenengo and Susquehana meet behind Roberson Center in Binghamton - 9/8/2011 @ 2:30ish

View from the Fire Escape at Roberson Science Center Binghamton - 9/8/2011 @ 2:30ish

Bryce and Elspeth behind Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton ~ 9/8/2011 @ 2:00ish

Johnson City - Riverside Drive almost at the traffic Circle - Flood - 9/8/2011 @ 3:55

Johnson City Flood - Boland Dr. Facing the 201 Bridge from the Circle to Vestal. 9/8/2011 @ 3:59

Johnson City NY Bolden Ave looking over at the bridge across to vestal. 9/8/2011 @ 16:00

Police/National Guard blocking off down town Binghamton 9/8/2011 @ 5:02 PM

Blocked off Riverside Drive/Northshore to Down town. 9/8/2011 @ 4:27 pm

Posted in running

It’s a GREAT day!!!!!!

Posted on September 7, 2011 by Robinson — Leave a comment

ok, So lots of fantastic things happening in the last 24 hours. First one was —- I WON!!!! I am one of those people with abysmal luck.. I enter contests but never expect to win. I pay for a raffle ticket because I like the cause, not because I hope to win. I sign up for a few contests online here and there – mostly so that the bloggers know they have one more reader.. But this morning? I WON!!!!

Over on Detroit Runner’s blog (you should stop by and read – he is training for the detroit marathon)- he had a contest for an ifitness belt for free (donated by ifitness.) It helps you carry your phone, wallet, fuel, what ever else you stick on it to keep with you in a non-chafing way. I am a big fan of not chaffng.

Screen Shot of the ifitness website product page. (http://www.ifitnessinc.com/products.htm)

I have fired off an email to Jeff over at Detroit Runner – After it arrives and I get to test it out – I will post a review here!

Another great thing? THE KIDS STARTED SCHOOL AGAIN!!! I don’t think I need to elaborate on THAT one… Read more ›

Tagged with: Calf, Calf raises, Gastrocnemius muscle, Physical exercise, Soleus muscle, YMCA
Posted in Contest, Healthy Food, running

Cursed!! CURSED I TELL YOU!!!!!!

Posted on September 6, 2011 by Robinson — 1 Comment

So.. I am really starting to wonder if there is a hex on me.

Friday my calf was feeling well, so I figured a nice slow 1 or 2 miles on the treadmill could be perfect to see how it was coming. On to that boring piece of equipment I went! First .25 of a mile! DONE (and boring!) 2nd .25 of a mile? Done! (still boring) 3rd .25 of a mile? Done (and boring.. but better than not running!) Then… sigh.. disaster. My son came in to the room (for about the fifth time) to make a funny comment. I turned to look at him and my left foot hit the plastic on the side. My leg twisted and I caught myself on the hand rails – but a different part of my calf started hurting.

Sigh. I am wondering if I will be able to manage 26 miles, 385 yards in just 53 more days. At this point I need another 2 weeks (or so) of not running to let my calf heal. My longest run to date has been 12 miles. After 2 weeks, I will have 39 days to get ready for the distance, after not running for a month. Luckily I have until October 20th to defer (10 days before the marathon) – so I should have a good idea of whether or not I am capable of doing it. I am not going to run in my VFFs again until after – and my new goal is simply to finish it. 5 hours just became an acceptable marathon time.

I wonder if anyone has ever successfully trained for a marathon by using a bicycle before? I plan on getting ALOT of miles in on my old-school 10 speed while I can’t run. Started on friday, will continue it this week! Today is rainy and nasty – so off to the YMCA to use their elliptical and stationary bikes.

I suspect that it isn’t going to be very difficult to get a PR for my second marathon…

Posted in bad run, Other Exercise, recovery, running, running injury, running shoes, vibram five fingers

100th POST!!!!!!!!! YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS????? THE WINNER IS ANNOUNCED!!!!!!!!

Posted on September 2, 2011 by Robinson — Leave a comment

And the Winner is..............

So.. This is the Famous and Muchly – Anticipated 100th post!!!! You know what that means?

Its time to review all of my old posts!!!

The first one was where I introduced my blog, who I was…. It was before I know it was going to be about running……….. JUST KIDDING!!!

I think we all know why we are reading this – you all want to know – WHO WON THE FREE ROAD ID???????????? Well, with out any further delay – the winner is –

Freaky Friday – Bizarre things found on the Interwebs! This Week – Fun 5ks for the non-racer!

Posted on September 2, 2011 by Robinson — Leave a comment

So this weeks freaky friday – fun 5ks designed for the non-racer!!! Many people get out there and run for fitness, or for fun but do NOT want to go “Race.” Since they aren’t “fast” or into the competitiveness, it’s just not a direction they wish to go. The good news? There are some GREAT “races” out there for people who don’t want to race!

The first race is “Run for your Lives!” On October 22nd near Baltimore Maryland you have to”Protect your brain and run for your life. ” Many people have heard of the Warrior Dash these days, but Run for your lives takes it to a whole new level! In addition to 12 obstacles on the course-route, there is more!! ZOMBIES!!!!! With orange flags tied around your waist, you need to out-run the Zombies who are going to try to take them from you! At the end of the course is the usual party at these sorts of events. While running the course sounds fun – What makes this one really appealing is you can volunteer to be a zombie and to chase people! They provide professional make up and everything!

: Run for your Lives!!!! (Picture from Runforyourlives.com)

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