Turkey Trot this morning! It's the 30th anniversary of the Detroit Turkey Trot. I didn't run it last year but I figured it's the 30th this year so why not.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!
Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!
Nov 22, 2012
Happy Thanksgiving!!!!
Turkey Trot this morning! It's the 30th anniversary of the Detroit Turkey Trot. I didn't run it last year but I figured it's the 30th this year so why not.
Nov 21, 2012
Wordless Wednesday 11/21/12
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| Got fhis from an ING Promo. The race that was not meant to be. Maybe it will be worth something someday? |
Nov 20, 2012
Where I shop for running gear
5 miles today. Very mild out there this morning in the 40's. It's nice not to run in tons of layers but I'm sure the cold will be back soon enough.
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The following is a list of some of the stores / internet stores / outlets that I shop at for my running gear that I thought I would share with all of you:
Running Warehouse(dot)com - My #1 go to internet store for running gear. I hope they're always around. They have sales all the time, they offer 10% discounts(if you know where to find them), they off larger discounts annually like the 20% off coupon on gift cards I just got. They offer discounts if you follow them on Facebook. They carry almost every brand there is out there. Customer service is excellent. I use their Facebook page for questions and they respond quickly. They offer free fast shipping and free returns. They give away things and/or have discounts on things based on what you buy. My biggest issue with them - I wish they had a retail store here in the Detroit area so I could just go there instead of buying online. I do, however, admit that I love getting their packages in the mail.
Road Runners Sports(dot)com - I used to shop here more. They have a great VIP program but it has some automatic renewals in there so watch out for that but they have fair prices on most anything. Free shipping.
Shoesontheweb(dot)com - I've bought numerous pairs of shoes here. Free shipping. Usually, they have great prices on last years model shoes which is great by me.
Onlineshoes(dot)com - I've also bought shoes here. Purchased a pair of Saucony recently on their site. Good customer service and free shipping and exchanges.
Underarmour - I've bought direct from them online and also through their outlet store. Their store does not always have things in stock but sometimes you can find some great deals if you can find your size. The store also has a clearance rack which is where the good buys are. Things come in and out all the time and I'm not close enough to always get things but try to stop there when passing by the store.
North Face Outlet Store and direct - I've had some great luck with stuff from the North Face outlet store on deals. I've also purchased direct from them online but there were no discounts available direct. I've also shopped at their retail store but I'm not sure I've ever seen a sale there. There is a huge store in Somerset mall for those in the Detroit area. You can also purchase something at their outlet store(in Birch Run) and return it at the retail store if needed but you cannot exchange there.
REI - I don't usually shop for things online here because there is a store close to me. They occasionally have sales but they don't carry everything and they can be expensive but if I need something in a hurry, they are a good option. If anything, I enjoy browsing this store. It is a big store.
Hanson's - my local running store - Yes, THE Hanson's. The people that work there are great and offer excellent advice from experienced runners. They will have an occasional sale but rarely. I do buy shoes from them once in awhile if I go into the store seeking shoe advice and take up the clerk's time(it's the least I can do) They also have a program where if you buy shoes, you can get a big discounts on a pair after you have bought so many. They also offer clothing and other running gear but I've never bought clothes from them. I do try to buy local but, unfortunately, I cannot afford to always shop there given prices online are so much less.
Things I also do -
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The following is a list of some of the stores / internet stores / outlets that I shop at for my running gear that I thought I would share with all of you:
Running Warehouse(dot)com - My #1 go to internet store for running gear. I hope they're always around. They have sales all the time, they offer 10% discounts(if you know where to find them), they off larger discounts annually like the 20% off coupon on gift cards I just got. They offer discounts if you follow them on Facebook. They carry almost every brand there is out there. Customer service is excellent. I use their Facebook page for questions and they respond quickly. They offer free fast shipping and free returns. They give away things and/or have discounts on things based on what you buy. My biggest issue with them - I wish they had a retail store here in the Detroit area so I could just go there instead of buying online. I do, however, admit that I love getting their packages in the mail.
Road Runners Sports(dot)com - I used to shop here more. They have a great VIP program but it has some automatic renewals in there so watch out for that but they have fair prices on most anything. Free shipping.
Shoesontheweb(dot)com - I've bought numerous pairs of shoes here. Free shipping. Usually, they have great prices on last years model shoes which is great by me.
Onlineshoes(dot)com - I've also bought shoes here. Purchased a pair of Saucony recently on their site. Good customer service and free shipping and exchanges.
Underarmour - I've bought direct from them online and also through their outlet store. Their store does not always have things in stock but sometimes you can find some great deals if you can find your size. The store also has a clearance rack which is where the good buys are. Things come in and out all the time and I'm not close enough to always get things but try to stop there when passing by the store.
North Face Outlet Store and direct - I've had some great luck with stuff from the North Face outlet store on deals. I've also purchased direct from them online but there were no discounts available direct. I've also shopped at their retail store but I'm not sure I've ever seen a sale there. There is a huge store in Somerset mall for those in the Detroit area. You can also purchase something at their outlet store(in Birch Run) and return it at the retail store if needed but you cannot exchange there.
REI - I don't usually shop for things online here because there is a store close to me. They occasionally have sales but they don't carry everything and they can be expensive but if I need something in a hurry, they are a good option. If anything, I enjoy browsing this store. It is a big store.
Hanson's - my local running store - Yes, THE Hanson's. The people that work there are great and offer excellent advice from experienced runners. They will have an occasional sale but rarely. I do buy shoes from them once in awhile if I go into the store seeking shoe advice and take up the clerk's time(it's the least I can do) They also have a program where if you buy shoes, you can get a big discounts on a pair after you have bought so many. They also offer clothing and other running gear but I've never bought clothes from them. I do try to buy local but, unfortunately, I cannot afford to always shop there given prices online are so much less.
Things I also do -
- Get free shipping - it's not necessary to pay. Find it elsewhere if you have to pay shipping.
- Try on shoes before purchasing them. Why take a chance? I have to admit that I've gone to Dick's to try on shoes and then bought them online. Unfair? Such is life. Please note I won't do that to Hanson's since that is how the little guy goes out of business but Dick's can take it.
- I look for sales, coupons, discounts - usually I can find them and be confident I've got the best price for what I purchased. Sometimes you have to pay full price but rarely.
- I rarely purchase direct from the company's website. For example, why would I buy a Garmin on their website at list price when I can get it at Running Warehouse so much cheaper? Why doesn't the manufacturers offer better prices directly? Shouldn't they be cheaper?
I'm sure given that Black Friday is this Friday, many of you will be out there for it. It's one thing that I cannot stand doing and have not gone out there in many years. Most stuff that day can be found for similar prices other days and most some of the people out that day are crazy. I probably will not go this year either. I will; however, probably participate in cyber Monday though if I can find something I need want that's on sale.
How about you? Where's your favorite running gear store to shop?
Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!
Nov 19, 2012
Training plan for Lansing Marathon
Rest day on the schedule today....
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So I've put my plan into place for the Lansing Marathon. The plan will start on December 17th and will go through to April 21st. Another 18 week program. It's pretty much the Hal Higdon Intermediate II plan except for some minor modification to fit a couple races into the picture.
I've got the Kona Sham Rock N Roll 10k in March and also the Rock CF half the following week. The biggest change is the two big runs on Friday and Saturday to help even more with endurance. That's a big change from my last marathon plan as I have always taken the day before and day after the long run off.
A few more weeks and it will be here. Not sure I'm ready to start. I may actually take off a week of running just before this to rest up. We'll see.
Do you have plans for a spring marathon yet?
Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!
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So I've put my plan into place for the Lansing Marathon. The plan will start on December 17th and will go through to April 21st. Another 18 week program. It's pretty much the Hal Higdon Intermediate II plan except for some minor modification to fit a couple races into the picture.
I've got the Kona Sham Rock N Roll 10k in March and also the Rock CF half the following week. The biggest change is the two big runs on Friday and Saturday to help even more with endurance. That's a big change from my last marathon plan as I have always taken the day before and day after the long run off.
A few more weeks and it will be here. Not sure I'm ready to start. I may actually take off a week of running just before this to rest up. We'll see.
Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!
Nov 18, 2012
What I wear for cold weather running
10 miles today. Ran on the Paint Creek Trail with my two running buddies. Not too cold this morning but it sure was foggy. The trails sure look different as winter comes.
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I know many of you run in the cold weather and probably know this information. For those of you in warmer climates who have moved to colder climates or those that are thinking of running outside this Winter, this is what I wear to stay running all year in any weather. When I mean any weather, I have not run on the treadmill since March 2011. I've run in some brutal weather but I prefer it over the treadmill. I have to say that we did not have a bad Winter in Michigan last season so I got away pretty easy. In fact, we had a great one since it was warmer than usual, but there were days that it was still cold outside.
Here's a list of what I use regularly:
Socks - I wear socks specific to the weather. Usually they have some kind of wool blended into them which helps keep my feet warm. I'm not talking big, bulky, thick socks. I'm talking about wool running socks. This is one of my main items in Winter that helps me stay comfortable on a run. I just did the review on these.
Gloves/Mittens - I wear gloves to about 30-35 degrees and then when it gets colder, I switch to either mittens or gloves with a pull over mitten. Either one helps to keep your hands warm. I actually prefer mittens(like below) because my hands stay warmer. All the gloves I have also have nice fleece to wipe your nose. I know - gross but necessary in winter. I also have four pairs of gloves since I only wear them once and wash them after each run.
Hat - I always wear a winter beanie when running in the cold. I've got a couple from Nike, one from Saucony and a Headsweats hat. You really need at least a few because you still sweat in them quite a bit and need to change them at each run. I use it once and wash it.
If I could recommend anything that will make your run more comfortable in the Winter - Socks, Gloves and a hat are the three biggest differences if my run is a good one or not. As long as my feet , hands and head are warm, I could run outside as long as I do in the summer.
Balaclava Mask - I don't wear this often. It really has to be 10 degrees or colder out and it does not get that cold that often here but I do wear it occasionally. It also can be difficult to run with it on(like below) so I don't always have it over my mouth.
Tights - I typically wear fitted tights and not compression(although I have a pair of compression too). The fitted tights tend to keep me a little warmer since there is some air between me and the tights. While you could also wear running pants, I don't like the feel of them when running. I've never had a issue wearing one layer for my legs no matter how cold the temperature is outside. I've been out down to minus 10 degrees with no issues.
Tops - I usually wear a fitted top as well that is made for winter running. My two favorites are made by Nike and Under Armour and they have lasted for several years. They are expensive but worth every penny. If it gets colder than 20 degrees, I usually will wear the fitted top with a long sleeve race shirt as well.
Jacket - I run with one of two North Face running jackets. One is the Apex Climateblock Jacket. This will be the third Winter using it and it still looks like new. Wind and weather proof(not water proof but resistant). I also run with another North Face Windstopper Jacket but it's not as warm as the Apex Climateblock(and not as costly either) If it's in the high 30's, I also have a Better than Naked North Face light jacket. You need a jacket for the severe weather in Winter. Occasionally, when it's really cold, I put on a fleece top over the jacket like in the picture above.
Shoes - For 95% of my runs in Winter, I just wear regular running shoes whether they are road shoes or trail shoes. Trail shoes come in handy sometimes when there is lots of snow out. I also have a pair of Goretex trail running shoes as well but I don't wear them all the time and most people can get by without Goretex but they do keep your feet warmer. Also, I sometimes put duct tape on my shoe opening to help keep the wind out(under 15 degrees)
Many people fear the fierce weather in the Winter to run, but I enjoy it as long as I'm properly dressed. If I have the right clothes on(who said our sport was cheap?), I could run forever in bad conditions. I actually prefer Winter many times over even spring and fall since it snows instead of rains and I'd much rather run in snow.
Is there anything you do special when running in Winter?
Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!
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I know many of you run in the cold weather and probably know this information. For those of you in warmer climates who have moved to colder climates or those that are thinking of running outside this Winter, this is what I wear to stay running all year in any weather. When I mean any weather, I have not run on the treadmill since March 2011. I've run in some brutal weather but I prefer it over the treadmill. I have to say that we did not have a bad Winter in Michigan last season so I got away pretty easy. In fact, we had a great one since it was warmer than usual, but there were days that it was still cold outside.
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| As you can see, Jacket, shirt, gloves, hat, tights, lights, ID, garmin, waterbottle, iPod, etc Lot's of additional clothing you need for winter running but it all keeps you comfortable. It also adds about 10 minutes onto getting ready. |
Socks - I wear socks specific to the weather. Usually they have some kind of wool blended into them which helps keep my feet warm. I'm not talking big, bulky, thick socks. I'm talking about wool running socks. This is one of my main items in Winter that helps me stay comfortable on a run. I just did the review on these.
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| Wool - it does your feet some warmth! Ha! |
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| Gloves or mittens |
If I could recommend anything that will make your run more comfortable in the Winter - Socks, Gloves and a hat are the three biggest differences if my run is a good one or not. As long as my feet , hands and head are warm, I could run outside as long as I do in the summer.
Balaclava Mask - I don't wear this often. It really has to be 10 degrees or colder out and it does not get that cold that often here but I do wear it occasionally. It also can be difficult to run with it on(like below) so I don't always have it over my mouth.
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| I call it my Ninja Run; if you keep up with me, I'll have to kill you. |
Tops - I usually wear a fitted top as well that is made for winter running. My two favorites are made by Nike and Under Armour and they have lasted for several years. They are expensive but worth every penny. If it gets colder than 20 degrees, I usually will wear the fitted top with a long sleeve race shirt as well.
Jacket - I run with one of two North Face running jackets. One is the Apex Climateblock Jacket. This will be the third Winter using it and it still looks like new. Wind and weather proof(not water proof but resistant). I also run with another North Face Windstopper Jacket but it's not as warm as the Apex Climateblock(and not as costly either) If it's in the high 30's, I also have a Better than Naked North Face light jacket. You need a jacket for the severe weather in Winter. Occasionally, when it's really cold, I put on a fleece top over the jacket like in the picture above.
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| North Face Apex Climateblock jacket - very reflective (at 5am - I'm tired) |
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| North Face Wind Stopper Turns into a vest also which is nice |
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| Salomon trail running shoes with Goretex - warm but expensive and heavier |
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| Yes, it looks like crap but works well when it's really cold and windy It also lasts several runs too(and I only use it at 5am so nobody sees it) |
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| Proof I run in the cold - it was 10 degrees this day at Stony Creek (My running buddy T abandoned me; no show - too cold) |
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| Here's what you miss in Winter when you're on the treadmill.(Stony Creek) |
Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!
Nov 17, 2012
Athlinks - Try it!
Lifted weights today and also biked 10 miles. I'm back to cross training one day a week and it's what my marathon plan allows for as well so I'm getting back into it and hopefully sticking to it.
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Have you ever used Athlinks website? I think I've talked about this before but this site is pretty cool. They compile all your stats for every race that you have run. You go in and "claim" your results. The only one that is not on my list is a really small race in Waters, MI(probably because they need electronic results and this was popsicle stick results) but other than that everything is here for the last three years I've been racing. It's kind of nice to have every race since I started in one place. Take a look:
How cool is that? Try it - you'll like it!
Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!
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Have you ever used Athlinks website? I think I've talked about this before but this site is pretty cool. They compile all your stats for every race that you have run. You go in and "claim" your results. The only one that is not on my list is a really small race in Waters, MI(probably because they need electronic results and this was popsicle stick results) but other than that everything is here for the last three years I've been racing. It's kind of nice to have every race since I started in one place. Take a look:
2012
2011
How cool is that? Try it - you'll like it!
Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!
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