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What’s the Deal with Ragnar?

Jan 25, 2013 | One Comment

Yesterday, a friend forwarded me a link to a blog post from a race director complaining about the Ragnar relay series. Apparently they’ve begun expanding their series by using well-known courses and scheduling them immediately before, during, or after established races.

At first I assumed this was simply one race director that was pissed about a coincidental scheduling snafu… until I started hearing from more and more well-respected race directors. The situation seems a little bit Read More...

Eliminating the Need for Validation

Jan 20, 2013 | 11 Comments

When we consistently suppress and distrust our intuitive knowingness, looking instead for authority, validation, and approval from others, we give our personal power away.
-Shakti Gawain

External validation is the seeking of approval from others. We all do it at least some of the time. We need people to affirm that we’re good, capable, beings. We’re smart, funny, and beautiful. We’re hard-working, accepting, and athletic. In short, we need people to tell us we’re awesome.

And the Read More...

Is it Cool to Bandit a Race?

Jan 19, 2013 | 17 Comments

Earlier today, Shelly and I ran a trail marathon. A few miles in, we ended up behind a few people that happened to be discussing race entry fees. I believe they were talking about the San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon. Being the antagonizer I am, I suggested they just bandit the race. [For those that aren't familiar with the term, "banditing" refers to running a race without paying to run the race. ]

Of the group, Read More...

Rules to Avoid Becoming That Boring Social Media Runner

Jan 15, 2013 | 4 Comments

My Facebook friend Sarah recently wrote a status update about ultrarunners’ social media feeds being exceptionally boring. I couldn’t agree more. As a general rule of thumb, many runners that use social media post about runs. Or training for runs. Or post pictures of runs. Or pictures of new running gear. Or clothes. Or shoes.

And it’s boring as Hell.

Why?

They’re one-trick ponies. (And yes, my repeated use of this term Read More...

Running Goal for 2013

Jan 14, 2013 | 7 Comments

After significant introspection, I think I finally understand my current running funk. I’ve spent way too much time taking my own running serious. I haven’t spent nearly enough time doing stupid hijinks.

Throughout 2012, I only managed one costumed race (Rodeo Valley.) I only had one crazy crewing adventure (Tahoe Rim.)  I didn’t do a single run that wasn’t excessively dangerous or contradicted all training logic. I only had one “running is a thinly-veiled excuse to party” Read More...

Do the Grammar Police Inhibit Progress?

Jan 10, 2013 | 9 Comments

This off-topic rant was entirely fueled by my friend Trisha re-posting a picture from grammarly.com’s Facebook account. The picture said “Vote to stop the use of the word irregardless today! Like to cast your vote!” It created a conversation that resulted in 53 comments as of Wednesday evening. I initially responded with a somewhat douchey comment just to start a fun argument, but it turned into a surprisingly deep conversation.

The gist of Read More...

Make Your Life Better By Learning To Stand Up To Bullies

Jan 7, 2013 | One Comment

When we think of bullies, we usually think of the big kid on the playground. You know, the one that punches us in the head until we give up our lunch money. We may also think of a bully as someone that uses verbal assaults or spreads rumors. We think of bullies as generally unpleasant people that exploit the weak for their own gain. Bullies generally make our lives a living Hell. Learning to stand up to bullies Read More...

What Would You Do If You Were Attacked on a Run?

Jan 6, 2013 | 8 Comments

As runners, have you ever wondered just how vulnerable we are running through the streets or out on the trails?Many times we’re in secluded areas with very few if any people around. We could easily be attacked, robbed, or raped. Killed even.

Can we do anything to improve our safety?

Kelly, the general manager at our mma gym posted a message to Facebook outlining some great tips. This post is copied in Read More...