The 20MR Episode 76: Final Thoughts Before the Half

As of the publishing of this, Episode 76, the Half Marathon is only three days away. After all of the hard work and the training, I am in taper mode--and it feels good. I admit that I still have questions about how I will do come race day (don't we all?), but I know I have trained smart, hard and adequately. Now, it's a matter of seeing how it all comes together. We will let you know next week.

This episode of the program was recorded on what for me was a very cold morning: 15 degrees F, with a breeze no less. My late step-father would have called it not cold weather, but "butt cold" weather. Not sure what that means? Me either. But we do talk about it in this show. Actually, I recently came across information that said it only gets dangerous when it hits 0 degrees F, as long as you are adequately prepared. There are benefits to running in the cold and we talk about a few in this episode.

Along with the training update, we share an email from Craig. Thanks again Craig and keep working the Chi. I can testify to its effectiveness. It does take a while to get it down, but with continued practice, I feel confident that you will succeed with it. Don't give up!

Not sure how we will do in the race December 12th, but know that I have been struggling with sinus evidently. And while my head is not terribly congested, I have not been quite myself in about 10 days. But I do seem to feel a little better as I write this. Hopefully it won't interfere with the effort Sunday.

We close with a funny story about what happened to one of the fish in my aquarium. I hate it happened, but that's life. And then I round things out by sharing my hopes for the half. Will I PR? I don't know, but don't count on it; stay tuned for the next episode to find out. Regardless, I want to have fun and enjoy the experience. I'm just praying that the weather will cooperate. That too, is to be seen. Thanks for your faithfulness to this show. YOU are why I enjoy it so much. And as always,

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

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The opening and closing music is entitled "Point of No Return" and is from the album by the same name by Roger Subirana Mata. Check it out at Jamendo.

The song heard in the body of the podcast is entitled "Santa's Last Stop" by David Cahalan. Check it out at Music Alley.

The background music is entitled "Second Half" by John Williams. Check it out at Magnatune.

The 20MR Episode 68: Garmin Connect Basics

Thanks for stopping by for Episode 68; I appreciate your visit. We begin with a run through the neighborhood as we discuss the end of summer and the beginning of fall. We are now officially in fall and I have the leaves and yard work to prove it. We have cleared up flowers, moved plants and begun getting ready for cooler weather. By the way, let me know what you wear in the rain during cool weather. Send me an email.

While this is not an aquarium podcast, I also give you an update on the aquariums--so far, so good. This is one hobby that I thoroughly enjoy. Send me information on your aquatic hobby if you are into aquariums.

The biggest segment, however, comes in the second half of the episode when I lead you through the download of the Garmin Forerunner 110 on their website: Garmin Connect. If you have a Garmin, you may be familiar with the web-based program. If not, I hope that maybe the discussion can help you decide if a Garmin (the 110 specifically) is right for your running program. To me, it is well worth it and I am pleased--but still learning.

Again, thanks for being a faithful listener. Even if this is your first time catching the show, drop me an email and spend some time exploring the various things on this blog. And as always,

Thanks for sharing some of the road with me,

The 20 Minute (Chi) Runner

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The opening and closing music is entitled "Point of No Return" and is from the album by the same name by Roger Subirana. Check it out at Jamendo.

The song heard in the body of the podcast is entitled "Better Than I Know" by Ashton Allen. Check it out at Music Alley.

 The transitional piece is entitled "The Long Goodbye" by Wendy Wall. Check it out at Music Alley.

The background music is entitled "Second Half" by John Williams. Check it out at Magnatune.

The 20MR Episode 65: Benefits of Running

The picture above looks a lot like "Tigger" and some unfortunate goldfish. While we are not talking about goldfish in Episode 65, we do give an update on the aquarium shenanigans. While I won't bore you for long with that information, we do share what is happening with the addition of fish to the mix. Unfortunately, we have lost a couple, but do have a handle now on what has gone wrong. Actually, a lot has gone right with the aquarium as well.

I am not running the Cannonball half this year, but plan to do the Run to Victory race instead in Randleman. It is also a 1/2. I hope to break 1:40 and think I have time to prepare for just that in time for the December 12th race. We will keep you posted.

The bulk of this show is about the benefits of running. Included in our discussion on the road:

• Winning the battle of the bulge
• Preventing muscle and bone loss
• Fighting disease
• Maintaining and improving our general health
• Getting confidence
• Relieving stress
• Runner's High
• Training our minds
• Improving coordination
• Versatility

If you are new to running, be sure and check with your doctor before beginning a program of exercise. Once you get the hang of it, however, you will be hooked.

Please send me your latest race report, photos, audio files and the like. I love hearing from you, the listener and want to highlight your information on the blog and an upcoming episode. Gotta run, but as always,

Thanks for sharing some of the road with me,

The 20 Minute (chi) Runner

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The opening and closing music is entitled "Point of No Return" and is from the album by the same name by Roger Subirana. Check it out at Jamendo.

The transitional piece is entitled "The Long Goodbye" by Wendy Wall. Check it out at Music Alley.

The song heard in the body of the podcast is entitled "Free Again" by Mindweiser. Check it out at Music Alley.

The background music is entitled "Second Half" by John Williams. Check it out at Magnatune.

The photo is courtesy of Photoxpress.

The 20MR Episode 64: Chi Basics #5: Summary

Welcome to this summary of Chi Running, the fifth and final installment in the series, Episode 64. We begin on a lighter note: my birthday! A recent party involved everything nautical. As I share in the episode, forward any information on freshwater rod and reel fishing and your experiences with a tropical aquarium if you have them. After updating you on what's been going on in my life--besides running--we get into the meat of this show: Chi Running basics with David Stetanski. His link is in the links section and also included here. It would be beneficial to both view and listen to the video above; I share the audio only in the podcast itself. It is a great explanation of the basic mechanics and benefits of Chi Running. Thanks David for the information.

One of my favorite running podcasts, "The Running Podcast" hosted by Coach Jeff Smith from Australia is also highlighted. I share a recent audio clip that Jeff was gracious enough to send in response to my desire to hear his take on this whole Chi Running concept. As always, Jeff brings us to a point of great perspective, something that is always needed in running--and life. Thanks Coach Jeff. Keep up the great work on the podcasts.

Finally, we close the show with a couple of listener comments from Bill, aka "Big Bill Runner" (always good to hear from you Bill) and Jeff of the "Run2feelyoung" blog. Kudos to you as well Jeff; good luck on your 10-mile race.

Why not take a minute and drop me an email at the "email me" button? Send me a photo, race report, audio file of whatever is on your mind, or a combination of some sort of the things just mentioned. I promise to include your correspondence in an upcoming episode and here at the blog if appropriate. Also, comments on the show at iTunes are always welcome. Thanks for listening, and as always,

Thanks for sharing some of the road with me,

The 20 Minute (Chi) Runner

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_________________________

The opening and closing music is entitled "Point of No Return" and is from the album by the same name by Roger Subirana. Check it out at Jamendo.

The song heard in the body of the podcast is entitled "Better Days" by Black Velvet Elvis Check it out at Music Alley.

The background music is entitled "Second Half" by John Williams. Check it out at Magnatune.