I'm in Running Times!

10 miles on the schedule this morning.  We decided to run on the Macomb Orchard Trail and just do a 5 mile out and back route.  It was cold and it was raining but it's done.  We only saw about 3 people out there.  Actually it was pouring on the way over to the start but by the time we got there to start running it was just a sprinkle so it wasn't as bad as it could have been.  While I don't enjoy running in the cold rain, it's a good exercise to do to build your mental strength in case it rains at your race.

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January/February 2013 issue

For those of you that subscribe to Running Times, I sent a letter to the editor about an article in last months issue.  I got home last night and saw that I had Running Times and Runner's World waiting for me to read but I had not gotten to them yet.  I got a tweet from a local runner that I have gotten to know(you can follow her on twitter here: @reidphotography).  She said I was in Running Times!

Holy cow!  How awesome is that?  I thought it was very neat to see my response to the article in print.  I guess editors do listen to their readers -- well, at least Running Times does.  Here's what I wrote:

Running Times letter to editors

If you want to read the article I commented on, go to the November/December 2012 issue of Running Times.  If you are not a subscriber, become one.  It's a great magazine for runners - especially runners that have been running for awhile.

Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!

Blogiversary #2. Wow!

3 miles today.

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So I actually forgot my own anniversary on November 28th.  No, not my wedding anniversary but my blog anniversary -- my Blogiversary!  Wow, it's hard to believe it's been two years since I started this blog.  Here's a few statistics in those two years:

• I've posted 727 times including this post.
• I've got 254 followers on Google friend connect(that I thought was going away) but I'd guess many more people read the blog daily.  Based on some websites that track unique hits - 1,000-1,500 people read regularly depending on the month.
• I've done 64 reviews on running gear.  You can read about them HERE.
• I'd had 192,923 page views on the blog from around the globe.  Over 50,000 are from overseas.
• My top post was a review I did for Tommie Copper compression wear.  20,139 views of that blog post and the review wasn't even that favorable.  Ha!  I guess I should thank Tommie Copper for bringing activity to my blog.
• I've run 3,562 miles(since my first post on 11/28/10) in 511 hours with 89,287 ft of elevation.
• I ran 36 races which include 4 marathons and 11 half marathons.
• I did 18 race reviews, many of local races
• I've met many incredible runners both online and in person.  It's a great running community we have in the Detroit area.

I hope you continue to enjoy the blog.  Thank you, thank you, thank you for following along in my journey for miles, marathons and memories.  If you have any suggestions, questions, advice or comments, I'd love to hear from you.

Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!

Holiday Gift Guide for runners 2012

3 cold miles today.  I believe winter is back!

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Here's a few items on the list of products that I feel any runner would love over the Holiday season.  I've used all the products on this list so this comes from personal experience.  Prices range from $15 to $400.

Hydration
I have one recommendation for this year in the Hydration category and it's a clear choice of what you should get if your runner carries a water bottle.  It's the Clean Bottle.  This item is great.  First, it's 20 oz. so you have plenty of water on even your longer runs.  It has a removable top and bottom for easy cleaning, hence, Clean Bottle.  The mouth piece is also removable for cleaning.  It has a place to store your phone and/or keys and gels too.  The best part.....it never leaks.  I ran with this all season and it does not leak ever.

Running Belt
I have to admit that I really don't wear a running belt that much.  If I do use one, it's usually the double pouch belt by iFitness.  It holds lots of stuff and does not bounce around when you are running.

I also run with a Spibelt, which are very popular.  Again, I don't keep much in mine(but it does hold tons of stuff) but I mostly use this in the winter in order to put on my race bib on it rather than pinning it to my jacket.

This year I also reviewed a RooSport which is great for the minimalist.  It's perfect to hold keys and perhaps a couple bucks for something on the road.  You can't even tell it's there which is nice.

Illumination
My go to item for illumination is the Petzl Tikka 2 XP headlamp.  I've used this exclusively since I did the review on it.  It's got an amazing light on it for my dark runs, which is 80% of the time.  It's also flexible and has an emergency whistle on it for safety.  It's a little higher cost than many headlamps out there and worth every penny.

Safety
The main item for safety I recommend for your runner this Christmas is 1BandID.  It's an ID that goes around your watch/GPS and you forget about it.  I never run without a watch so it's perfect for me.  There are many ID bands out there - EVERY runner should run with one no matter what brand you use.

1BandID

Clothing
Clothing is a tough one because much of it is by personal preference.  I typically go to the store for most of my running clothes with the exception of socks(buy Injinji for some excellent socks or Thorlos socks for winter) and jackets(I use North Face or Pearl Izumi).  Personally, I like to try on the shirt and/or pants that I'll be running in.  My personal preference is tights for winter and of course, shorts for the other seasons.  I also tend to run with the race shirts when training so I don't buy many shirts.  Mostly the only shirts I do purchase are rated for winter running from UnderArmour(cold gear) and the tights I wear are also from UnderArmour(coldgear).  I personally believe that going with name brands makes a difference for running clothes.  They are made well and worth the extra cost and will last years.

Pearl Izumi Winter Jacket

If you are looking for a hat, whether it's for summer or winter, my personal preference is Headsweats.  I've got several of them including several that I've reviewed for both summer and winter and I'm currently testing a new one they are coming out with that's not even on their website yet.  Check them out.  Very reasonable prices, their washable and they last a long time.  All the hats I've bought from them still look brand new after several seasons.

Headsweats Marathon hat

Heatsweats cold weather too!

Electronics
Of course, if budget is not an issue, then I'd recommend a GPS watch for your runner.  I use the Garmin 310xt currently which I love.  It's made for triathletes so it's waterproof but there are so many options out there.  My suggestion is to go to dcrainmaker(dot) com since he has in depth reviews of every GPS watch out there from $99 to $599.  If I were to purchase a new GPS watch, I'd probably go for the Garmin 610 running watch which Dcrainmaker also recommends.

Garmin 310xt

In regards to music, of course I'd recommend the Apple ipod shuffle.  I use it all the time when training.  Easy to use, battery lasts a long time and I really abuse mine by using it in all weather and it keeps on working.

iPod shuffle

Injury prevention

Rest.  That's my recommendation to prevent injury.  Ha!  All kidding aside, the one item that I'd recommend here is Body Glide.  I put it on my feet and between my toes for every run in the last three years.  I've had a total of 3-4 blisters in that time period so it works.  Of course, you can use it anywhere else you chafe as well.  This makes for a great stocking stuffer.

Body Glide

The other item I recommend is the TP Therapy Grid.  I use this daily to help work out the kinks.  It will not break down like other foam rollers.  It's takes a little getting used to if you have not used a foam roller before since it's much harder(and can hurt at first) but you will love this.  Also, the cost is higher but you won't have to replace it like you do other foam rollers.  This is one of those "I can't live without it" running items.

The Grid

Medal Holder
There are several companies that make excellent medal holders and I've done reviews on a couple.  My #1 recommendation is Allied Medal Displays.  They made a couple custom medal holders for me for a review and they are incredible.  You don't have to go custom either so you can keep the cost down but even a custom hanger is certainly worth the price(and not really that much) and something that your runner will appreciate if they don't have a place to hang all their race medals.

Custom medal hanger by Allied Medal Displays

Shoes
As I've said in the past, shoes are a personal preference so I'm not sure I'd recommend buying these for your runner unless you really know what they want and/or already use.  My #1 choice is Mizuno Waver Rider 16's.  I just did a review on them.  Currently, my favorite shoe for training and racing.

Mizuno Wave Rider 16's

Of course, for that hard to buy for runner, I would also recommend a gift card to Runningwarehouse(dot)com.  They have excellent customer service and free shipping both to you and for returns.  They also typically have excellent prices and put things on sale throughout the year.  You can't go wrong since they offer almost every brand and item related to running.

Another option is to surprise your runner with an entry to a race.  I know I'd be surprised to get one.

So, there you have it.  I'm sure there is something on this list that your runner would love for Christmas.      Of maybe you need to show this to your spouse?  You can read about all the products I've reviewed HERE for more details on some of these products.  What other items do you recommend?

Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!

Wordless Wednesday 12/5/12

Courtesy of Athlinks - I found this interesting.

Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!

2012 Race Schedule in Medals

Rest Day on the Schedule today

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Well, I did a lot of racing this year so what better way to review the year than through race medals.  Here's the 14 races I've already run with one more 5k on December 15th to make 15 races total for the year.  The most I've ever run in a season.  I'm hoping for an Age Group placing for my last race to finish the year with a medal for every race in 2012....hoping!

2 - 5k's(one still to race)
3 - 10k's
1 - 10 mile race
7 - Half Marathons
2 - Marathons

ShamRock N Roll Run 10k
3/18/12 Plymouth, MI

Martian Half Marathon
4/14/12 Dearborn, MI

Toledo Half Marathon
4/22/12 Toledo, OH

Flying Pig Marathon
5/6/12 Cincinnati, OH

Back to the Beach Half Marathon
5/20/12 Shelby Township, MI

Solstice 10 mile(now Kona)
6/23/12 Northville, MI

Ann Arbor Half Marathon
6/17/12 Ann Arbor, MI

North Country Half Marathon - Trail
8/25/12 Manistee, MI

St. Mary Mercy 5k
9/9/12 2nd Place M40-44

Brooksie Way Half Marathon
9/30/12 Rochester, MI

Brückeläufe Half Marathon
10/6/12 Frankenmuth, MI

Grand Rapids Marathon
10/21/12 Grand Rapids, MI

Wicked Halloween Run 10k
10/28/12 Plymouth, MI

Detroit Turkey Trot 10k
11/22/12 Detroit, MI

Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis 5k
12/15/12 Bloomfield, MI

Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!

Mizuno Wave Rider 16's review - a #brilliantrun shoe

5 miles this morning.  What glorious December temperatures for a run in Michigan.  Temps in the 60's today - wow!  Felt good for this run.  A good sign that things will progress into marathon training well.

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I received the Mizuno Wave Rider 16's as part of the Mezamashii Run Project about three weeks ago.  If you recall, I received the Wave Rider 15's earlier in the year(see review HERE) and trained and ran a marathon with them in October.  A huge PR, in fact, with over a 20 minute improvement.  Needless to say, I was looking forward to trying out the Wave Rider 16's.  Here's a look at them:

With all my shoe reviews, I try to get in more than just one run and give a complete review.  While I can pretty much know very quickly whether it's something that works for me or not, I like to give every shoe the benefit of the doubt and run numerous times in them for both short and long runs.  I"m sure you will agree that running 3 miles in shoes is completely different when running 10+ miles in them.

Of course, because I've run in the older version, I was pretty confident in the 16's.  My first run was 5 miles in them and all I can say is that they are shoe heaven for me.  I absolutely love them.  Of course, I wanted to make sure that they were equally as good on the long run as well before coming to that conclusion.  Since this first run, I have run in them numerous times including a long run and I still feel the same way about them.

As I run in these shoes, they get more and more comfortable to wear.  I've got 200+ miles on the 15's already and they fit me like a glove which is exactly my style.  These are the three things I like with any shoe that I run in:

Wide toe box

1. Wide toe box - I like that my toes can move around and don't feel all crushed together.  Our toes were made to move and Mizuno clearly knows this and made for a great feel here.
2. Comfortable upper - I love the Wave Rider because as the upper goes around your foot, it has that perfect fit.  Not too tight and not too loose.
3. Heel - the heel stays in place.  I hate when you try on shoes and no matter how tight you make them, the heel still slips out.  The Wave Riders are perfect here as well.  My heel stays in place when I run and I don't have to have a death grip on my laces to make it comfortable.

Heel stays in place.

This year Mizuno updated primarily the upper on the shoe to help reduce the weight of the shoes by about 1 ounce.  You can tell the difference in the weight and I feel that the upper is even more comfortable now.

I will say that one thing it does do is let more air into your shoes.  While this is great during warmer months, I could tell the difference almost immediately during my cold weather runs.  Not so much that I won't wear them, but the difference was noticeable.

Lot's of air movement

The shoes have a 12mm drop so some of you minimalist runners might not like that but I seem to do well in a traditional drop shoes(especially for marathon training) even though I've run in several lower drop shoes.

I also had a chance to test these out on the trails even though they are made for roads and they performed equally well.  Please keep in mind though, that the trails I typically run are flat rail to trail, crushed limestone and are not technical trails.  You would be better served with trails shoes if that's the kind of trails you run.

Great for road but works well on non-technical trails too

In regards to sizing, they are true to size.  I've worn an 8.5 size shoe for all my running shoes and this is a good fit as well.  Just a little room in the front make these a perfect fit.  Also, I use these as daily trainer shoes meaning that I wear them for everyday training and I also race in them.  They are great for both and the cushioning is there for long distances.

While it's secondary to the decision making process(or sometimes first for women), the color/style is awesome.  Actually, I like some of the women's colors as well and wish Mizuno had them in men's too.  On Saturday's run, I ran in all black clothes with these shoes.  They stand out like crazy!  I love that about a shoe.  These are not shoes I'd be wearing for everyday wear(even though they are comfortable enough for it) as I use them solely for running so why not have some fun and have shoes that stand out.  The bright yellow was an awesome choice!

To be frank, I've been partial to the Saucony Ride shoe since I started running but since trying the Mizuno's, I've changed.  It's not you Saucony, it's me.  I love the feel of the traditional shoe and Mizuno has been able to provide a incredibly comfortable shoes with the feel of a minimal shoe.  It's now my "go-to" shoe for distance training.

Thank you Mizuno.  I'm so happy that you found me otherwise, I might not have ever tried you.  I look forward to a long relationship and to every run being a #brilliantrun.

Interested in learning more:

For their website, go HERE.

To join the Mezamashii Run Project, go HERE.

For their Facebook page, go HERE.

For their Twitter page, go HERE.

Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!

Note - I received a complimentary pair of Mizuno Wave Rider 16's as part of the Mezamashii Run Project.  All opinions on this blog post are my own and I was not paid or required to give a particular opinion on the shoes.

How did you do it?

Lifted weights today.  No bike today since I'm watching my knee.  I think the 10 miles extra on the bike has strained it.

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So, if you have lost a lot of weights, people always ask you how you did it.  Unfortunately, I've had the same answer for the last three years.  Watch what I eat and exercise.  And by the way, it's 80% watching what you eat.  Although many just hear the 20+ miles of running I do.  Most just give back a blank stare at me since they really don't like my answer.  They were wishing I had the magic pill in my pocket.  Ha!

Anyway, much of the weight loss three years ago came from knowing exactly what I put in my mouth and how much.  It was either that or get on Lipitor so I chose the hard way.  My wife also cooked(and still does) various low fat meals out of numerous cookbooks, newspaper articles, friends recipes, etc.  The key for me was to not feel like I was giving up much.  I wanted good tasting food.  The biggest thing I had to learn was portion size.  Those of you that have gone on "diets" in the past probably think that you need to eat salad everyday.  Of course, that's not true and doing that will get you back to eating poorly again.

While I can't share all the recipes on this post, I'll start with one of my favorites.  This is a side dish and goes well with a chicken breast, a vegetable and a salad.  The kids love it too.

Baked Apple Slices

Serves 4

Vegetable oil spray
1 pound unpeeled apples, cored and cut into 1/2-inch wedges
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon light tub margarine
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Lightly spray a 9-inch glass baking dish with vegetable oil spray.  Arrange(just throw them in) the apples in the dish(we use a 9inch square porcelain dish).  Cover with plastic wrap.

Microwave at 100 percent power(high) for 2.5 minutes, or until just tender.(sometimes it takes a few times to get it just the way you want it).  Remove from the microwave.

Add the remaining ingredients, stirring until the margarine is completely melted.

Nutritional info
Calories 91
protein 0 g
carbohydrates 21g; figer 3g, sugar 17g
cholesterol 0 mg
Total fat 1.5g(saturated 0.0g; polyunsaturated 0.5g; monounsaturated 0.5g)
sodium 23 mg

Try it.  It's an easy side dish to make and the entire family will love it.  Plus eating it does not make you feel like you are giving up anything.  It's a lifestyle change, not a diet.

Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!

November Recap

10 miles today out at Stony Creek Metropark.  It's our regular stomping grounds especially as Winter starts to set in.  Ran with my new jacket and beanie this morning and it was perfect out there for it.

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So.....here's the November recap:

108 miles of running; not as bad as I thought it was going to be but the lowest since May.  I guess that makes sense.  My running the month after a marathon is always the lowest for me.

25 miles of biking;  Ha!  Not much but then again, if you looked at the last several months the last time I biked was in August and that was only for 10 miles.

3 weights sessions; I would have like to get in four but I just started it three weeks ago and have done one per week.

How did you do for November?

Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!