Here are some on my half marathon bucket list:

• Rock N Roll Las Vegas – Run the strip at night?  Where do I sign up?
• Rock N Roll Seattle – I lived in Seattle when I was less than athletic…would be cool to see a different side of the city by running it!
• Disney – In a couple years my nephews will be old enough to enjoy an amazing few days at Disney and I might be able to sneak in a “goofy run” (Half on Day 1, Full on Day 2)
• Canyonlands Half Marathon - the entire area around Moab, Utah is amazing – just to get a chance to run in Canyonlands would be a great check for the bucket list.
• Race to Robie Creek – This race in Boise, Idaho is close enough to where some of my family could come watch…plus, I like that it’s tough as nails with 8.5 miles of climbing and a temptation station around mile 12 with cigars, Twinkies, and 25 kegs of beer waiting at the finish.
• Mayor’s Half Marathon in Anchorage, Alaska – I’ve never been to Alaska, but I understand June is a great time to be there…and I’d probably run faster if a moose was chasing me.
• Semi Marathon Int’l de Paris – Even if I never get to say it, I might have the chance to say “Would you like some cheese with your wine?” during the race.
• Fiji Bula Half Marathon – yep. Fiji. I believe every water stop has fresh mango available.
• Great Ocean Road Half Marathon – the name says it all…except that it’s in Victoria, Australia – I’m sure the great ocean view would stay with you forever.  plus with the number of JRR Tolkien movies getting made in Australia
• GöteborgsVarvet Half Marathon – I’ve never been to Sweden, but I’ve been to Ikea and one thing is clear: the meatballs are delicious.  This is also the largest half in the world.  Over 44,000 finishers in 2012 and they are increasing the registration limits to 62,000 runners in 2013!  If you can be part of a record breaking event, do it!!!

So that’s 10 from my list.  Did I miss any?  What are your must do events?

I came across this awesome Jamie Oliver video where he shows how to add a few additional ingredients AND make your own awesome dressing.  Check it out:

This year is going to be incredible!!!!

I am pretty excited about the possibilities of the new year.  Two big things:

1. I am going to continue to offer free half marathon coaching and training plans for as long as I can.  I can’t promise I’ll be able to do this all year, but will as long as time and money allow.

2. I know this is from a relatively recent post, but I like to start the year with a schedule of planned races.  Pretty excited about these – looks like a very fun year! Here is what I have coming up:

• Jan 5 Beyond: Run Saguaro West 5 miler
• ? Jan 27 Sunrise at Old Tucson – 4 mile trail run
• Feb 9 – Spartan Sprint (5k mud run)
• Feb 24 – Phoenix Tough Mudder (12.5 miles)
• ? March 2 – Marana 10k
• March 24 – Arizona Distance Classic Half Marathon
• April 13 Sabino Canyon – 7.4 miles
• ? May 5 – Cinco De Mayo 10k
• June 1? Meet Me Downtown 5k (Gabe Zimmerman Triple Cross)
• ? Jun 2 PVT 17 mile trail run
• ? June 9 Teton Dam Full Marathon
• September 2? Saguaro 8 miler (Gabe Zimmerman Triple Cross)
• September 21 Javelina Jangover 50k
• ? Oct 7 PVT Trail run
• Oct (Date TBD) Get Moving Half Marathon (Gabe Zimmerman Triple Cross)
• ? Nov 11 PVT 21 mile trail run
• ? Dec 9 Holualoa Full Marathon
• Dec 31 – Across the Years 24 hour race (50 mile goal)

I just wanted to wish everyone a most excellent winter running season…..er… or a Merry Christmas/Happy Hanukkah/Kwanza/Festivus or at the very least a nice, warm day to run!

This is still a very exciting month…avoiding the end of the world, the Christmas/Hanukkah holiday, and New Year’s which is a great time to reflect on the past year and the possibilities of the next.

As for me, I’ll take a minute to explain the “new keyboard” – a self improvement project just for me.  As many of you know, old typewriters didn’t want you typing too quickly (the key arms would tangle up) and they wanted salesmen to be able to easily type the word “typewriter” on a single line.  Hence today we have QWERTY (first 6 letters on the top row) keyboards on 99.99% of computers worldwide.   The 0.01% use Colemak or dvorak keyboard layouts.

I type quickly…but decided to make the jump so I could potentially type at ludicrous speed.

I chose Colemak since many of the keys are the same and it’s easy to install the layout via a software download.  $2 in keyboard stickers later, I’m partially hunting and pecking my way through every email, blog post and newsletter.  If you’re curious, it’s a major change for me, but am making good progress.

That being said, I hope things are going well and that everyone is ready for the holidays.  Have a great weekend and get out there and run!

Coach Mike

It’s been a crazy couple months, but I’ve already been putting a lot of thought into this next season. I know it’s a bit early for me to do this, but it means I’m excited about what’s coming up! It will be a challenging year, but I’m already looking forward to it! Some items are tentative, but will confirm those when I can register. They are:

• Dec 16, 2012 – Winterhaven 5k
• Jan 5 Beyond: Run Saguaro West 5 miler
• ? Jan 27 Sunrise at Old Tucson – 4 mile trail run
• Feb 9 – Spartan Sprint (5k mud run)
• Feb 24 – Phoenix Tough Mudder (12.5 miles)
• ? March 2 – Marana 10k
• March 24 – Arizona Distance Classic Half Marathon
• April 13 Sabino Canyon – 7.4 miles
• ? May 5 – Cinco De Mayo 10k
• June 1? Meet Me Downtown 5k (Gabe Zimmerman Triple Cross)
• ? Jun 2 PVT 17 mile trail run
• ? June 9 Teton Dam Full Marathon
• September 2? Saguaro 8 miler (Gabe Zimmerman Triple Cross)
• September 21 Javelina Jangover 50k
• ? Oct 7 PVT Trail run
• Oct (Date TBD) Get Moving Half Marathon (Gabe Zimmerman Triple Cross)
• ? Nov 11 PVT 21 mile trail run
• ? Dec 9 Holualoa Full Marathon
• Dec 31 – Across the Years 24 hour race (50 mile goal)

What’s missing? There are a few trail runs I’m going to do and there are still quite a few question marks on the list…but I’ll make it happen! You may also notice that I don’t have any triathlons on this list.  I will likely do a  couple shorter distance triathlons here and there this season.

As things firm up more, I’ll update the list!

Coach Mike
Offering FREE Half Marathon Coaching and Training Plans
http://www.stuffmyrunnerloves.com   

A great movie from 1992

One of my favorite movies is from 1992 called Strictly Ballroom…I know many people think it’s too weird and quirky, but I have to admit that I like weird and quirky movies.  This one shows up on my “favorite” list because of a phrase used in the movie a few times:

“Vivir con miedo es como vivir a medias”

which (according to the movie) roughly translated means:

“A life lived in fear is a life half lived”

I’ve heard the translation isn’t quite accurate, but close enough to make a very valuable point.

Even looking at goals, I’ve heard more than one person say “There is no way I could run that far.”  They never sign up for the race.  They never try.

Sometimes running isn’t easy. Sometimes it hurts.  When we push our limits and try to go beyond ourselves we may fail.

So what?  I would rather have tried and failed than not even make the attempt.  But in reality… there is so much that can be learned from the experience that an attempt (even if the distance couldn’t be run) would be an incredible learning experience.

I’m not trying to be longwinded… just something on my mind lately, probably because I’m thinking about a big step up in mileage.  Hint: here’s the book I’ve been reading.

Coach Mike
Offering FREE Half Marathon Coaching and Training Plans
http://www.stuffmyrunnerloves.com

Cold Weather Running Clothes

Price Range: $15 to $60
If you’re already freezing somewhere, my apologies but you already know how important cold running gear is. At the top of my own list are windbreaker gloves and a new rain slick. If it’s less than 30 degrees where you are – here are some recommendations that will make running outside bearable I promise that running in fresh snow is amazing!

Base layers and winter gear can be pretty expensive when starting out. I’m a big fan of the cold weather gear at Target… base layers and tights are generally $10 to $25 and can get you through a winter! There is also a brand called Duofold that is good quality and great for starting out. Note there is absolutely a difference between a $12 Duofold and a $50 Pearl Izumi (the more you run in cold weather, the more you’ll know the difference ) but make no mistake that the less expensive brands will still do a great job and get you through the season. Here are some good baselayer suggestions:

Cold Weather Running Clothes For Men:

• Pearl Izumi Men’s Thermal Zip Neck Long Sleeve Baselayer
• Men’s ColdGear UA Base 2.0 Leggings Bottoms by Under Armour
• Duofold Men’s Midweight Ankle Length Bottom With Moisture Wicking

Cold Weather Running Clothes For Women:

• Craft Women’s Zero Extreme Long Sleeve Base Layer Crew
• ASICS Women’s Themopolis Lt Running Tight
• Duofold Women’s Midweight Ankle Length 2 Layer Bottom With Moisture Wicking
• Gore Running Wear Women’s Essential Lady Gloves

Cold Weather Running Clothes that are Good for Everyone:

• Pearl Izumi Thermal Run Hat (be sure to get “Screaming Yellow” – after all it’s winter
• Saucony Drylete Balaclava Hat
• ColdGear Liner Gloves Gloves by Under Armour (you can wear a pair of windproof/waterproof gloves over these)
• Pearl Izumi Men’s Thermal Glove
• These gloves are on my list: Saucony Ulti Mitt

Related articles

• Guest Post: The Pretty Warm Runner (Women’s Winter Wear to Consider) by @DrRachelRuns

Hopefully a little inspiration…

One of my athletes expressed some concern about running too slow and running out of gas toward the end of long runs.

She is just starting out and completed her very first 5 mile run!  This is an huge and awesome accomplishment!!!!

I remember how difficult it was for me to run my first 5 miles.  At the time, I’m pretty sure I was right around 12 minute miles and I think my athlete is even a little faster than that   and the truth is that if you’re putting in so much effort you’re toast at the end of the run – we know there isn’t any slacking…

As a coach, I know very well that it’s just a matter of quality training (including speed and tempo training) and time to run faster.  Everyone starts at different levels.  Some people are may run faster or slower.  Whether it’s your first race or your 50th, don’t worry about what anyone else is doing. Enjoy it and realize that you’re doing something to amazing while most people are just sitting at home on their couch.

There is plenty of time in the future to worry about speed.  Don’t worry, you’ll get there!!!!  For now, enjoy where you’re out and be proud of your accomplishments.

Coach Mike
Offering FREE Half Marathon coaching and training plans
http://www.stuffmyrunnerloves.com