T20MR Episode 25: The big "25", recovery and our wonderful bodies

This episode finds us marking a milestone: Episode 25. It's really hard to believe that we have been at it now for six months. The ride has been fun, challenging and rewarding; at least it has for me. From the comments and emails during the past months, we seem to be hitting our stride--and the mark, based on your--the listener's--comments.

Let me thank you for being there. This podcast gets nowhere in a hurry without listeners. I cannot express how important you are in this endeavor. While I have a passion for doing the show, without you tuning in to hear my ramblings each week, it would be fairly pointless. I do NOT enjoy hearing myself talk that much!

For this episode, you go with me on not one, but two runs. Also, I get a little playful with the audio (all I will say is that is has something to do with Looney tunes). Check out the episode to see what I mean. As for this week's content, we cover several things, some with meat, some with fluff. But it's fun. We cover:

• Sore legs and easing back into the running life after the half marathon
• Running with the cat (I know, sounds weird, but take a listen; it's pretty funny)
• Lessons from running that apply to life in general, including learning that you can do anything you set your mind to if you prepare properly
• Learning what our limitations are in life and running
• Our wonderful bodies, including examples of people who defy the odds and amaze us with what their bodies did when the going got really rough

I also give you an update on where things are and where we're headed, all while finishing up a very difficult long run. Again, I am able to continue with the running--and the podcast--because I know you share in the passion for both.

Running is obviously something that means a lot to you even as it does to me. I want to encourage you to go as hard as you reasonably can and push your body to its limit. In the process, you will find more joy and fulfillment than you may realize at this point. What's true of running is also true of life. It's great to have experienced the last 25 episodes with you and hopefully many more to come.

So, whether you are a listener from the beginning, or just checking out the show for the first time: I APPRECIATE YOU SPENDING SOME TIME WITH ME! And as always,

Thanks for sharing some of the road with me,
The Twenty Minute Runner

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The opening and closing music heard in each podcast is entitled “Point of No Return” by Roger Subirana and is the title cut of the album. The entire piece is heard this week in the body of the podcast. Check it out at Jamendo.

The sound effect of the scratching record was obtained from Freesound and contributed by Halleck. It is used under a Creative Commons License. You can find the link here.

T20MR Episode 24: My First Half Marathon, The Cannonball Run race coverage

It's hard to believe, but the training for the 1/2 is over and we tackle The Cannonball Half Marathon in Episode 24. It's time to see if the hard work and weeks of preparation paid off.

We begin by running the final tempo run together as I assess how I am feeling a few days before the race. Running updates are also included in the discussion leading up to the half.

From the tempo run, we get the car packed as I share some last-minute thoughts about the training, the rest (or lack thereof) and my expectations for the race itself. And then...it's off to the race.

I ended up running better than expected: 1:42:29. That's about 2:31 faster than what I should have been ready for. However, I ran within my means and felt great, even on the long hill at mile 11. The half is much different than a 5, or even 10 K. You have time to converse and take it all in. The Cannon Ball run was one of the most scenic--and hilly--courses I have ever attempted, but the training paid off.

We close with a couple of emails and the plans for the coming weeks, including another 5K towards the end of October--if I feel rested enough. Be sure and check out the pictures from the race at the slide show to the left. Thanks to my nephew Austin, and Cindy, my wife for taking most of them. Austin is quickly becoming my "racing groupie." Hope he doesn't mind that tag being attached to him.

The half has shown me that we can achieve what we put our minds to if we will take our time and use a disciplined strategy to do so. The same is true for you. What are your running goals? What goals are you wanting to accomplish in life? You can achieve them regardless of your age if you will set a plan and stick to it. I want to thank you for listening to the show. Please share the information with other runners; I appreciate it. And as always,

Thanks for sharing some of the road with me,
The 20 Minute Runner

Download this episode (right click and save)

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The music heard in the body of the podcast is entitled “The Race," by The Goldstars. Check it out at Music Alley.

The opening and closing music heard in each podcast is entitled “Point of No Return” by Roger Subirana and is the title cut of the album. Check it out at Jamendo.

The transitional piece(s) is entitled "Summer Revisited" and is by Chris English. Check it out at Music Alley.

T20MR Episode 23: Tapering--beneficial or bust? Life is (a) fair

With one more week left before my first 1/2 marathon, I am in tapering mode as we run together in Episode 23. But is tapering really beneficial? Or is tapering simply a cop-out? We discuss the pros--and few cons--of the issue in this episode. If you are preparing for a fall race, you'll want to hear what I've discovered about tapering; it just might help you PR at your target race.

The episode, however, begins with an update on the week's running. It's been a good one as we close in on the 1/2 marathon. Not only was it a good one running, but we are looking forward to the N. Carolina football game next weekend. Go Heels! But, that's later. We begin with a trip to the Dixie Classic Fair in Winston-Salem, complete with chickens, racing pigs and state-record pumpkins. Grab a sausage-dog and listen in. Life is about keeping perspective--and balance. The proper mix of both keeps us young. How young do you feel? Running plays a big part of that mix as well.

The second half is all about tapering. While I won't give the details here, you go along with me on a challenging 10 miler, all the while discussing the benefits of tapering. We include a list of "Who's Who," and how they benefited from tapering: Carlos Lopes (1984 Olympic Marathon champion), John Benoit Samuelson (1984 Women's Marathon Olympic champion and American Record Holder at the time), Emil Zatopek (1950 European champion in both the 5,000 and 10,000) and Sir Roger Bannister (need I tell you what he accomplished?).

Thanks to Scott at Off'nRunning for his help in promoting the podcast. They get a shout-out for the work they do at timing so many area races, including the Cannonball half we will run on the 17th.

Finally, be sure to vote for your favorite podcast(s) at the link above, whether it happens to be T20MR or some other show. Regardless, vote!

I feel good about the 1/2 and have trained properly for distance and speed. Stay tuned to see how it all turns out. And as always,

Thanks for sharing some of the road with me,
The 20 Minute Runner

Download this episode (right click and save)

_________________________

The music heard in the body of the podcast is entitled “Forever Young," by Ghosts on the Radio. Check it out at Music Alley.

The opening and closing music heard in each podcast is entitled “Point of No Return” by Roger Subirana and is the title cut of the album. Check it out at Jamendo.

The article on tapering by Abhinabha Tangerman can be found here.

T20MR Episode 22: Benefits of GPS devices, 17 miles, and running with scissors (I mean, glasses)

Welcome to Episode 22. I appreciate you tagging along with me. The ride has been a fun one and we look forward to many more. Without you, it simply would not work--thank you for going with me.

We begin the episode with an update on the last seven days. We ended up with the highest week yet when you factor in the run we cover in this episode: 37+ miles. I actually feel pretty good after a heavy week in preparation for the half, but my quads are a bit sore. But, it shall pass. I ran for the first time with glasses this week. A new strap makes the experience quite comfortable and I can see my watch! Running blind is not a favorite pastime for me; running with glasses is definitely doable. I have been pleasantly surprised.

Speaking of watches, I talk about the watch I use, pictured above. It is a GPS model and has lots of bells and whistles, none more important than the countdown timer. We talk about that feature and how useful it can be, especially during speed training. If your watch has a countdown timer, you really need to investigate using it. You'll be glad you did.

The NC Marathon is March 20th, six weeks earlier than the original May date. That means training needs to begin the first full week of December. I share my thoughts on what the training will include and welcome your insights to a first time marathoner: me. While I "want to finish," I also want to finish strong. But enough of that, we need to get through the Cannonball Half first. That comes up October 17th.

The episode wraps up with the conclusion of the run, my second longest ever and the longest in over 30 years. We covered just over 17 miles in this, the longest run I will do before the half. We will finish our preparations with some speedwork...and rest. While I hope to break 1:45 for the half, again, time will tell. My training, however, has gone well and I feel ready for a good effort.

Again, your interest in the show makes it worthwhile. Let me hear from you. Send me an email; include your most recent race report/photos/audio clip. We will share them on an upcoming episode. I trust that your training is going well. And, as always,

Thanks for sharing some of the road with me,
The 20 Minute Runner

Download this episode (right click and save)

_________________________

The music heard in the body of the podcast is entitled “Big Cigar," by David Parker. Check it out at Mevio Music.

The opening and closing music heard in each podcast is entitled “Point of No Return” by Roger Subirana and is the title cut of the album. Check it out at Jamendo.com

The theme from the original Star Trek series is used courtesy of audio micro.com.

For a great deal, check out the Timex Ironman 100 Lap Triathlon Speed/Distance - 5E701, like I use, at Runnersgear.com.