My thoughts the day before attempting The North Face Endurance Challenge 50M (gulp).
Archive | Training & Racing
A Dose of Thanksgiving Gratitude to Lift My Holiday Spirit and Savor the Trip
We came to Cabo for an escapist, easy week after a challenging year work-wise. The time on the treadmill, along with the time spent poolside, makes me travel far inside my head and contemplate countless things not related to running. I focused on making a list of gratitude to help dispel some less-than-happy thoughts that […]
Book Reviews: How Dean Karnazes and Jim Axelrod Manage Midlife While Running Long
I recently finished two books about runners that I recommend for anyone—especially any guy—on your gift list. They’re not only about running and for runners. Midlife career shifts, friendships and father-son relationships run through “In the Long Run: A Father, a Son, and Unintentional Lessons in Happiness” by Jim Axelrod and “Run!: 26.2 Stories of […]
The Story Behind “Unbreakable,” the Anticipated Film About the Showdown at the 2010 Western States 100
“Unbreakable: The Western States 100” captures the extraordinary drama and physical effort of the 2010 Western States 100 Endurance Run. I interviewed filmmaker and ultrarunner JB Benna as he races to finish the film before screenings begin November 25. He revealed how the film took shape and turned into a year-and-a-half-long ultra-effort for him.
Just Do Diablo: A Quick and Dirty Report on Running the East Bay Area’s Best Mountain
Every time I run Mount Diablo in the Contra Costa region east of San Francisco, I want to return for more. Here’s why—along with info on an upcoming running & hiking event on the mountain, a suggested long-run route, and an unusual race report from its muddy trails.
Pine to Palm 100-Mile Report: One Runner’s Relentless Quest for a Breakthrough Race
This guest post is written by Jeff Kozak, an accomplished ultrarunner who trained and struggled mightily to reach the “Holy Grail of 100s”–the race where it all comes together. This is his bittersweet report of what happened to him while running the mountains between two towns in Southern Oregon.
Running and Racing: How to Choose the Distance, Difficulty and Destination?
As I’ve pondered running events and goals, I’ve wondered what makes one event “harder” or “tougher” than another, and is “harder” always “better”? I know I derive pleasure from the challenge that training for races presents—that is, from the thrill of competing with others and with myself to set new PRs. But what kind of […]
More Truths About Running Injuries
I love how something as seemingly simple as running is in fact profoundly complex, providing limitless chances to learn. This post shares what the injury-induced break from running taught me—or in some cases, reminded me—about running-related injury recovery and prevention.
2012 Trail Running Camps: Alaska with Geoff Roes
Tamara Johnson spent five days at an Alaskan camp directed by champion ultrarunner Geoff Roes. Here’s how this northern exposure boosted her out of her running depression. Plus … links to other great running camps.
Favorite Gear Discovery of 2011: Black Diamond Ultra Distance Z-Poles for Hiking or Running
Here’s why I became a convert to using ultralight trekking poles for trail running or hiking. They took some getting used to, but once I did, I didn’t want to let go.