T20MR Episode 17-Would you like caffeine with that long run?

In Episode 17, you go with me on the weekly long run, in this case 13.16 miles. It is obvious that we can cover the 1/2 distance coming up in several weeks, but can I run the 1:45 we mention in this episode? After this hot effort, I'm not sure...but I think I can do it.

The two photos above of myself were taken at a day retreat the staff took this week. We went to Lake Norman, NC, where we swam, rode Seadoos and I had the priviledge of gaining the title "Tubing King!" After everyone else had had enough, I went for a couple of spins solo. And while I was eventually thrown off, I managed to ride some pretty high wakes from the boat. It was a blast and a much needed break. Everyone enjoyed the time away, even if it was just for the day.

A good portion of this episode is spent discussing caffeine: pros and cons. In moderation, it can actually boost athletic performance. Rather than list the information here, I'll let you hear the discussion during the run. I will say this, however: If you do not use caffeine during your races or long runs, you might want to consider it. You'll learn more in the podcast itself.

Finally, by the time you read this and listen to the episode, I will have turned 46. While it's hard to figure where the years went, I must admit I feel as good as ever, regardless of my age. I think we limit ourselves mentally more than physically. Our bodies will do much more than we think--if we can convince our head that this is possible. I want to encourage you to pursue your running dream--and other dreams for that matter--regardless of your age. Age is relative.

I have enjoyed this episode and trust you will find it motivating and encouraging as well. Thank you for being with me. Send me an email! 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 “Coffee," by Adam Balbo. 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 article by Dr. Alex M. McDonald on the effects of caffeine can be found here.

T20MR Episode 16-10K Rock Race Report

Episode 16 is all about the race I ran this past weekend. It proved to be very warm and hilly. The fact that we only had water at about the 1.5 mile mark and then about 4 miles later only added to the difficulty of the effort.

I was pleasantly surprised, however, to finish in 47:48 (PR), 1:30 ahead of my last 10K (in Greensboro). While I have run a 37:15 10K(in my teens, longer ago than I care to remember), this race marks the best time since I began running just over a year ago. A hard effort, but it was worth it. I finished 7th overall (out of 35), but still only placed 5th in my age group, proving that there are lots of 40-49 year old guys who can still move!

Also, we added a few photos to the Races of 2009 slideshow to the left; I hope you enjoy them. The video below is of the beginning of the race and includes a couple of annotations that YouTube provides--I'm still learning about the technical aspects of all of this, but trust that that knowledge brings you a better media experience.

Email me a photo, along with a race report of your most recent race. Feel free to include a short mp3 or wav file as well. I will post the picture and report and may play the audio in an upcoming episode. Let me hear from you!

I trust your training is going well. Thank you for listening. 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 “Horse Ride Through the Land," by Marieva's Project. Check it out at Jamendo.com

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 transitional piece(s) is from the song, "Sweet Swing" by Trafic de Blues. Check it out at Jamendo.com

***************************

Links mentioned in this episode

YWCA of High Point

Race map of the 10K

10K race results

Episode 15-Losing the Training Effect

Have you ever had to hang up your running shoes for a season, due to injury or illness? In Episode 15, we discuss the implications of a temporary layoff. I was forced to miss seven days of running recently: not one step. It wasn't easy, but we got through it.

The time off the roads got me thinking: How long does it take to begin losing the training effect that I had worked so hard to achieve--and maintain? How much would I lose in that week, if any?

After researching the topic, we discuss the facts. If you are on a layoff, I think you will actually be encouraged. Even more interesting is that our discussion takes place on the first run back from the layoff, a simple experiment in the flesh as it were.

We actually lose very little conditioning in one week. It takes several weeks to make a real dent in the base we have established with regular running. We share the details in this episode. Take hope: a layoff may be a gift in disguise, as we discuss.

But how do you know if you are actually needing a break, especially when the break is not dictated by obvious illness or injury? There are several indicators that may be hinting at some time off, including--but not limited to

• Fatigue


• Soreness that won't go away


• Dreading the workout, irritability


• Poor performance


• No progress with running goals


• Boredom or not being motivated


• You just can't stand the thought of having to run

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, maybe you need a break. A week (or a bit more) won't spell the end of the world. Listen in as we talk about it.

I hope you are running well and not having any of the issues we discuss. I appreciate you running with me. And as always,

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

Download this episode (right click and save)

_________________________

The music heard in the body of the podcast is entitled “Feels Like the End," by Shane Alexander. 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 transitional guitar piece is from the song, "The Sky Below" by Shane Alexander. Check it out at Mevio Music.

***************************

Links mentioned in this episode

Phedippidations Podcast by Steve Runner, celebrating 200 episodes

New Balance 769 running shoes (cushioning and mild stability)

**For the article on training effect and how long it takes to lose it, click here.
(Yes, those are my 768s)

Episode 14-Home again, Interview with my mom, Bar-B-Q 101

Episode 14 was recorded "down east" in North Carolina. On a trip home, we record while on the weekly long run.

While this episode is not as heavy as some recently, I know you will find it interesting. We begin by discussing the difference between Eastern style Bar-B-Q and Lexington style Bar-B-Q (yes, them's fightin' words!) While we explain the difference, I also made a couple of Bar-B-Q restaurant recommendations if you are in North Carolina and want to sample either--or both.

My mother and I also sit down under her carport and have a discussion about my early life and the impact running played as I adjusted to life living with her, my half-brother and my step-dad. My step-dad played a very important role in my life during my teen years.

We close things out by winding up the long run. It was a good one and I felt great. I hope your training is going well also. I appreciate you listening.

Send me an email with (or without) an audio file. Let me hear from you. Your participation is what makes this work and I enjoy hearing from you, the listener. Why not take a moment now and send me a question or comment, or information on your most recent race (including photos). I will post the photos and try to share your questions or comments on the show.

Hope your week is a good one. Be careful in the heat. 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 “Get Back Home to You," by Ana Popovic. 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 background music is entitled “Afternoon in the Sun.” It is by John Williams, from his album “Long Road Home.” Check it out at Magnatune.

The transitional guitar piece is from the song, "The Sky Below" by Shane Alexander. Check it out at Mevio Music.

***************************

Links mentioned in this episode

Holy Smoke: The Big Book of North Carolina Barbecue by John Shelton Reed, Dale Volberg Reed, and William McKinney

Wilber's Bar-B-Q (Eastern style, Goldsboro, NC)

Lexington Bar-B-Q (Lexington style, Lexington, NC)

Honey Stinger gels homepage

**Picture credit: I took the photo above in the front yard of my mother's house in Wallace several years ago. It is one of my favorites of us together...

Episode 13-Hot weather discussion, various updates

We are on the second run of the week as we begin Episode 13. We discuss the week's training so far and also give an update on a couple of races coming up soon. The YWCA 10K is right around the corner on August 22--a bit unusual since it is an evening race. We also talk about where to watch "The Spirit of the Marathon" for free (with limited commercial interruption). Go to Hulu and search for it. The documentary is about the 2008 Chicago Marathon and those who trained for it, both amateurs and well-known names from the history of our sport--at least over the last quarter century or so.

A large portion of this episode is dedicated to a discussion about the summer heat. August can get pretty hot in central North Carolina; the same may be true where you are. We go into some detail as we discuss:

1. Water issues


2. Electrolyte replacement


3. Use of sunscreen


4. Wearing a cap (wicking materials preferable)


5. Early morning running


6. An inexpensive way to deal with serious chaffing, at least it works for me (hint: you use it every day anyway--I hope)
   

After a strong push to the finish of the run, we close the episode with a couple of emails. One of them from Steven, reminding all of us to be true to ourselves and our faith. All in all, this episode is full of encouragement and helpful information that I trust will inspire and motivate you.

As we are now into the hot days of August, I have four of words of advice: Be Careful Out There! Glad you are listening. 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 “Summer Revisited," by Chris English. 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 background music is entitled “Afternoon in the Sun.” It is by John Williams, from his album “Long Road Home.” Check it out at Magnatune.

The transition harmonica piece is by TexasMusicForge and posted at The Free Sound Project.

***************************

Links mentioned in this episode

Robin Parrish's book, Offworld
Phedippidations podcast, hosted by Steve Runner
Run Digger Run podcast, hosted by Matt, celebrating 25 episodes
"Spirit of the Marathon" documentary, playing at Hulu.com

**Picture credit: I took the photo above while on vacation at Holden Beach, NC a couple of years ago. Pretty awesome Summer lightening...