The Running Man?

Well, the 2010 half-marathon season is nearing its conclusion. This Saturday, I run the last of my four half-marathons of this year and am somewhat un-pleased to report that I’m still wearing waist 36 jeans after the whole experience. Guess this should be expected given my one week on, two weeks off training stylings of the past several months.

Anyhow, so be it.

This Saturday, the wife and I will be running the “Monster Dash” in south Minneapolis. This is the last of the Team Ortho series of runs for the year and I am happy to report that while I huffed and puffed through the first Team Ortho race — the “Polar Dash” 10K back on New Year’s Day, now, 10 months later, I can chug through 13.1 miles without a whole lot of problem.

So, I guess that says something. Not much, but something.

The wife will be running the 10-mile event, her second 10-mile of the past four weeks after the two of us jogged the TC 10 Mile back at the end of September — a race I ran before drinking beer while in the sparse crowd of a CNN “Fit Nation” panel discussion on how fat America is. Vikings linebacker Ben Leber was on the panel… After watching him trying to tackle in the Packers game, maybe he should leave the panel talks behind and concentrate on football…

But, I digress.

As usual.

Anyhow, my halfie and the wife’s 10-mile will be the final “big” runs of 2010 for both of us. We hope to maintain our running fitness with the winter months fast approaching. I have already signed up with Snap Fitness and am loving having a gym to myself for most of the time (being a low-grade sportswriter allows you to work out at, like, 10:30 a.m., when barely anybody else — besides the unemployed — can). My wife refuses to join a gym, instead sticking with our ancient Sears Robuck treadmill and crummy Bowflex Home Gym we have in our basement next to my home office.

We’ll both just have to make do, I guess.

That’s about it for now, because if this blog has taught us anything, it’s that I’m pretty darn irregular about posting blog entries. So, on that note…

Until next time, happy running!

Join Woodbury Parks and Recreation on Saturday, Oct. 23, for a beautiful fall evening run/walk around Colby Lake, followed by a bonfire and snacks.
Pre-register by Oct. 15 to be guaranteed a cool T-shirt. The cost is $12 per person or $35 per family (up to four persons residing at the same address).
On-site registration on Oct. 23 begins at 6 p.m. at the Colby Lake Park Building, 9715 Valley Creek Road. The cost will be $16 per person or $45 per family.
The run, which is co-sponsored by the Ways to Wellness Program and Woodwinds Health Campus, starts at 7 p.m.
For more information, contact Woodbury Parks and Recreation at (651) 714-3583.

Well, the TC 10-Mile has come and gone. Wearing my finisher’s shirt as I write this, I must admit, it was a great run.

The 10-Mile was to be the culmination of the tandem running between my wife and I, but it’s served to be more of a mile marker as she is already planning on signing up for the Monster Dash later this month (she’s going to run the 10-Mile, I’m already signed up for the half-marathon — the final of four this spring/summer/fall).

Our time was not the greatest (1:51), but it’s pretty much served to egg the wife on as it was six minutes slower than her best 10-Mile, which was in 2006, when we first started dating… Awwwww…

Anyhow, she did well. I felt okay about my run,  which was 30 minutes slower than my best 10-Mile, logged at the “Irish for a Day” back in March… But this run was more about the missus. 

It was a chilly morning, but dry and still, which made the cold much easier to bear for those few minutes spent waiting before the race start. Must admit, the TCM people that run the race do a great job and the race itself went off without a hitch for the two of us.

Other than some dirty glances from my wife (and a few cuss words) in regards to my in-run coaching techniques, we made it through without incident and were treated to the post-race buffet of water, broth, potato chips and bananas before getting out shirt.

For those of you who run these races, do you place as much importance in the look of the finisher’s shirt as I do? To me, it’s paramount. I ran the Twin Cities Marathon in 2002 and was aghast at the cherry red shirt I received at the end. The thing still looks brand-new because I think I’ve worn it about six times in the eight years since.

No worries this year, we received a nice black runner’s shirt with a decent logo. All good. A word to the wise, however, the TCM shirts are made by Brooks. While it’s a fine company, they have a shrunken vision of the world. Order a size larger than you normally would if you are going to receive a Brooks shirt. They are teeny!

I had the foresight to bring a few beers in a cooler that was placed in our car near the finish line. It was pretty fun to drink beer while watching the talking heads from CNN’s “Fit Nation” talk about how pudgy people are.

They had a large area at the finish line, an area that was about one-quarter full because they held their panel discussion while most of the people who would have cared were either departed home from the 10-Mile race, or still on the course for the full marathon. Nice planning, folks!

Anyhow, in short, I highly recommend the TC 10-Mile. Not that I really have to, however, as it’s just about the most popular run in the state (right up there with the Grandma’s Half-Marathon in June — both require a lottery). Just for the record, however, it’s as good as advertised.

Well, that’s it for now. I’ve got to go get the sports page ready for this week’s paper.

Until next time, happy running!

And, we’re back again! Really kind of the definition of “semi-regular,” ain’t it?

Anyhow, I actually ahven’t been listening to the iPod for a few runs as I have been running with the wife in preparation for the Twin Cities 10-Mile this weekend… But still, there’s plenty of good, good stuff still on it — including this lil’ gem:

“1 Thing” by Amerie.

Talk about the definition of guilty pleasure! This absolute 1 hit wonder burst on the scene from the Will Smith vehicle “Hitch” in 2005 and was the second single off the comely R/B artist’s sophomore album, Touch. It hit No. 8 on the Billboard “Hot 100″ in the United States, but shot all the way to No. 4 in the United Kingdom.

While the 30-year-old D.C. native has not come close to performing a song so widely acclaimed as “1 Thing,” Amerie has given the running world a sneaky-good track to get the blood flowing. From the driving beat, to pounding drum and bapping horn tracks, to the glistening vocals, this is a prime ditty to get your feet-a-flappin’ for that day’s fun run.

Go ahead and give it a try… And don’t be ashamed to admit to others you might like it!

Until next time, happy running!

Well my friends, the Blubber Run has come and gone. ‘Twas quite the experience — nothing like running two miles (jogging), then downing two thick beers and plodding home the final mile before hitting up a beergarden to waste away the afternoon. Good times.

I don’t promise that any of these events will offer the same allure, but check them out if you are in the mood for a weekend race.

“Dave Ryan’s 5K for Special Olympics Minnesota”

The local top-40 radiko stations wacky morning show guy takes a serious turn to shamelessly self-promote on a run for Special Olympics. As if people wouldn’t come out just to run in support of Special Olympics, they just might now for a chance to see Mr. Ryan in passing! Run starts on Minneapolis’ Boom Island at 9 a.m., Sept. 18. If you’d like to give a hand to Special Olympics, as well as Dave Ryan’s ego, log on to http://daveryan5k.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=421431.

“City of Lakes Trail Loppet Half Marathon and 5K”

Attempting to cash in on the popularity of one of the most awkwardly-named Nordic ski races ever (City of Lakes Loppet? Really? Not just Minne-Loppet?) my hometown is putting on an equally-awkwardly monikered autumn run. If you’re in the mood to run in a race that will have a T-shirt full of print (could that title get much longer?), the CoLTLHMa5K is scheduled to begin at Wirth Beach at 9 a.m., Sept. 18. Fore more information, log on to: http://www.trail-loppet.com/

“Nickle Dickle 5K Run/Walk, 10K Run and 1/2 Mile Tickle Run”

Following up one of the worst-named races around, we have quite possibly the best. Oh my golly, if I wasn’t going to the Twins game with the boys on Saturday, I’d be all over this Waconia-based run. What a name! Do you really have to know any more about this to want to run it? I’m TOTALLY putting this one on the calendar for 2011. Nickle, dickle, tickle? LOVE it! Anyhow, this grand event begins at 8 a.m., Sept. 18 at — of all places — the Trinity Lutheran Church in Waconia. Log on to: http://www.waconiacommunityed.org/se3bin/clientschool.cgi?schoolname=school256

Until next time, happy running!

Time for another exciting edition of “What’s in my iPod.”  I can just sense the brimming excitement out there in the blogosphere!

Anyhow, this week’s song is the live version of ”Careless Memories” by Duran Duran from their reunion tour in 2004-05.

This one is a bit crocked, since Duran Duran is one of my top-two bands of all time (Pearl Jam for albums one and two is the other). But this is a dandy song to have in place when you need that extra jolt of adrenaline for the final half-mile or so of your next race.

Originally released as Duran Duran’s second-ever single on April 20, 1981, “Careless Memories was off the band’s debut self-titled album. The song only peaked at No. 37 in the U.K. charts and it was later revealed that the band did not want to make “Careless Memories” its second release, rather “Girls On Film.” But that is a different story.

The song faded into the background for most of the next 20-plus years, until the band pulled out a newer, harder-edged version for its reunion World Tour.

It quickly became a fan favorite at venues because of its cutting sound that became the soundtrack to a Japanese superhero cartoon featuring the band that played on a massive video board behind the stage as the song was performed.

It also makes for a dangerously heart-pumping soundtrack for when you need to shift into sprint mode during a run.

It is not that hard to find, just make sure you are getting the right one — which in this case, was performed at Wembley in 2004.

Until next time, happy running!

Well, since it was Labor Day and I spent my holiday pretty far away from anything involving running (even though there was plenty of carbo-loading) let’s just skip to the races I won’t be in this weekend.

I won’t be in any of the runs listed below because I’ll be running the James Page Blubber Run (a 5K race in downtown Minneapolis sponsored by a local brewery that feeds you beer during the race). So, enjoy these other non-alcoholic runs if you’d like… I’m running with a beer in hand!

The Taste of Greece 5K in Minneapolis will be run around Lake Calhoun beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Friday night.  The run is organized by St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church in conjunction with the 22nd-annual Greekfest celebration. Got a blister? Put some windex on it. Log on to http://www.stmarysgoc.org/ for more information.

The Run for the Monarchs is scheduled to take place at Minneapolis’ Lake Nokomis at 9 a.m. on Saturday. It’s an untimed race in which participants are encouraged to seek out butterflies. I’m not joking. At least there’s T-shirts. If this is your cup of tea, log on to www.monarchfestival.org/ fore more information.

The Memories in Motion 5K is slated for Saturday at 9 a.m. on the North Suburban Trail in South St. Paul. Kaposia! Log on to:  www.andersonraces.com/ for more information.

Well, that’s good for now. Personally, I recommend the Greek run! There has got to be some good chow and maybe some ouzo being bandied about after that jaunt.

Until next time, happy running!

This week in “What’s in my iPod,” we return to the classics for another toe-tapping, good-feeling tune to keep the beats a-churnin’.

I present to you: “The Rubberband Man” by The Spinners.

Once again, this song provides some long-lasting tunage to melt away the footsteps as the original single clocks in at seven minutes and 22 seconds.

I originally came across this song in one of Bill Murray’s first films: Stripes. “The Rubberband Man” plays in the background during the mud wrestling scene in which Murray is talking John Candy into stepping into the filthy squared-circle.

You may also recognize the song from the fantastic OfficeMax commercials of the mid-2000′s starring Eddie Steeples, who went on to greater fame in the television show “My Name Is Earl.”

The song was released in 1976 by The Spinners, who are known in the United Kingdom as The Detroit Spinners, on the Atlantic Records label.

According to Wikipedia, “The last major hit by the Spinners to feature Philippé Wynne on lead vocals, “The Rubberband Man” spent three weeks at number two on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, and topped the U.S. R&B chart at the end of 1976. It was also a top-twenty hit in the UK Singles Chart.”

Not only a good running song, it’s also a good baseball song. Chicago Cubs closer Carlos Marmol has “The Rubberband Man” play as his intro music at Wrigley Field.

So, go ahead and give it a try the next time you are out for a jog. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Until next time, happy running!

Time for another edition of, “Races I won’t be in this weekend.” Not that these events don’t have merit, but I just don’t have the time to take part in them. They may, however, be a great run to take part in.

There actually is not that much in the way of runs for this weekend. I suppose the whole “It’s Labor Day, we’re going to the cabin!” concept is in full force.

However… There are a few.

St. Croix Valley Sprint Triathlon

The St. Croix Valley Sprint Triathlon is taking place on Saturday, Sept. 4 in Hudson, Wis. This race includes a 1/3-mile swim, a 10-mile bike ride and a 4-mile run and will take place in waves beginning at 7:30 a.m.

If you are interested, you better hurry as the event is capped at 600 individuals and it reached that number last year.

Log on to www.finalstretch.com for more information.

28th Annual Victory Races

The Victory Races include a 10K and a 5K, as well as a 1/2 mile run for kids.

This event takes place on Monday, Sept. 6, beginning at 8 a.m. on Victory Memorial Drive in northwest Minneapolis.

For more information, log on to: www.raceberryjam.com/victory.html

Underwood Run for Education Harvest Festival Run/Walk

I admit, I had to look up where Underwood, Minnesota is. Turns out, it is a bit east of Fergus Falls.

The Run for Education Harvest Festival Run/Walk has two events: a 5K fun run/walk and a 1-mile walk. It takes place on Main St. in Underwood beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 4.

Register online by Friday at 11:59 p.m. at: www.active.com/running/underwood-mn/underwood-2nd-annual-run-for-education-harvest-festival-runwalk-2010.

Well, that’s about it for this weekend. Enjoy!

Until next time, happy running!

Wow. Not sure if I’ve ever been that jelly-legged before.

I’ve run three full marathons, five half-marathons, countless 5Ks and 10Ks, but NEVER have my legs felt just that odd.

What was it that provided me with the curious sensation? The Minneapolis Duathlon.

Billing itself as the “World’s Largest,” the Minneapolis Duathlon features a five-kilometer run, followed by an 18-mile bike ride, followed by one more five-kilometer run.

Doesn’t sound like much, does it? It didn’t to me either.

It sounded so far from much to me that I brought along my mid-60′s Sears three-speed bicycle.

In other words, I didn’t respect the race — and it made me pay.

It all began so well. It was a hot day, but not awful. I had forgotten my iPod, so it was a tad dull, but nothing too bad.

The duathlon was being run in something like 14 waves and I was in Wave 11, so most of the competitors had started before I toed the line.

It makes for an odd feeling when the top female finisher — who was from Cottage Grove — is finishing before you even hit the two-mile mark of the first 5K.

All told, the first run went fine. From there, it was on to the bikes.

The bikes were all lined up in a “transition” area — most were gleaming marvels of technology… And then there was mine. My bike was bought at a neighborhood garage sale a year ago and is most probably close to 10 years older than my 37-year-old self.

But hey, it has a bell!

Needless to say, as hard as I peddled, I was being passed quite effortlessly by those I would conclude are not in as good of shape as my meagerly-trained butt is for the better part of the next hour and 10 minutes until I had navigated a course that ran down river road past Minnehaha Falls and back downtown.

It was then that I noticed just how mangled my leg muscles had become.

Within three seconds of hopping off the bike, my legs felt like they would look in a funhouse mirror and with that feeling came the horrifying knowledge that I had to plod away a hair further than three miles to earn my medal.

The lesson here, once again my readers, is this. Respect the race.

While I did manage to finish, it was one of the more embarassing stretches I’ve ever run.

Pfft – Run… More like a meek trundle.  

In the end, I crossed the line in 2:19.19, which was better than 200 of my fellow competitors…
…Yet not quite as good as the other 1,182.

Got to admit, though. It was fun. I spent much of the post-race thinking about the possibility of getting a decent bike and seeing what I could do next time.

Could “The Running Man?” some day soon become “The Running and Biking Man?”

As clunky as that sounds, it could be. Stay tuned.

Until next time, happy running… And biking!