How do you run 26.2 miles if you have trouble making it around the block? With good coaching, discipline, and lots of group support, as NOVA shows when it follows 13 generally sedentary people through a training regimen designed to prepare them for an ultimate test of stamina and endurance. Created in cooperation with the Boston Athletic Association®, which granted NOVA unprecedented access to the 111th Boston Marathon®, and Tufts University, "Marathon Challenge" takes viewers on a unique adventure inside the human body, tracking the physiological changes that exercise can bring about.
Former Olympian and three-time Boston Marathon winner Uta Pippig offers advice and inspiration to NOVA's runners throughout their training. And veteran Tufts University coach Donald Megerle guides them week-by-week through an onslaught of physical and psychological challenges. NOVA's runners range in age from 22 to 60, and they come to the endeavor with a wide range of medical histories and backgrounds. They share one thing in common: none has ever run a marathon before.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
TV: Marathon Challenge
This is the kind of "reality" TV I can live with. On October 30, PBS stations will air Marathon Challenge. In the Washington, DC area, WETA will air this on channel 26.
10/8to 10/21 Running Summary
For the first time in a long time, I feel I'm starting to get some consistency back. I'm gradually working up the miles and feel stronger and stronger every day, which is a good sign that I'm not taking on too much too soon. I also decided to run a neighborhood 5k Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day. This will give me some focus over the next month and will also let me continue where I left off when I injured my knee...working on getting faster.
Friday, October 12, 2007
New Balance 902
As the leaves start to fall, I feel blessed to enter my favorite season with a pair of shoes I'm really stoked about. I received a pair of New Balance 902 from NBwebexpress.com to try out. After putting in my inaugural 75 miles in them, I'm ready to provide my honest assessment.
The 902s are a lightweight trainer. Since I'm a lightweight runner (read: skinny) with medium arches, I'm probably in the target audience. I've always tended toward heavier shoes that promised a comfortable ride, so when I first pulled the 902s out of the box I was skeptical. I wondered how a shoe so light (10.3 oz) could provide enough support. Then I put the shoes on...
My first run reminded me of the day I time ran in a pair of shoes recommended to me by a specialty running store. At that point, I had struggled with bad shoes for more than a year. Now, years later, I was trying to outrun my woefully overpriced and underwhelming Asics Gel Kinseis. Floating along with shoes that are lighter (nearly 3 ounces), quieter, and smoother brought home a singular idea: NEVER suffer a bad pair of shoes.
On a slightly more technical note, the heel-toe transition is responsive and smooth. The soles provided ample cushioning yet still allow me to feel connected to the ground. Most of my running is on gravel roads and horse trails, and these shoes held up admirably. The only slight issue was a little slippage on steep uphills due to the shallow treads on the soles. This goes away on the asphalt, where they are much more grippy.
At $99, these shoes are much better priced than anything I've run in the last few years. I will definitely buy a couple more pairs.
The 902s are a lightweight trainer. Since I'm a lightweight runner (read: skinny) with medium arches, I'm probably in the target audience. I've always tended toward heavier shoes that promised a comfortable ride, so when I first pulled the 902s out of the box I was skeptical. I wondered how a shoe so light (10.3 oz) could provide enough support. Then I put the shoes on...My first run reminded me of the day I time ran in a pair of shoes recommended to me by a specialty running store. At that point, I had struggled with bad shoes for more than a year. Now, years later, I was trying to outrun my woefully overpriced and underwhelming Asics Gel Kinseis. Floating along with shoes that are lighter (nearly 3 ounces), quieter, and smoother brought home a singular idea: NEVER suffer a bad pair of shoes.
On a slightly more technical note, the heel-toe transition is responsive and smooth. The soles provided ample cushioning yet still allow me to feel connected to the ground. Most of my running is on gravel roads and horse trails, and these shoes held up admirably. The only slight issue was a little slippage on steep uphills due to the shallow treads on the soles. This goes away on the asphalt, where they are much more grippy.
At $99, these shoes are much better priced than anything I've run in the last few years. I will definitely buy a couple more pairs.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
9/10 to 10/7 Running Summary
In an obvious catch-up entry, I'm covering a month's worth of running. The key accomplishment was keeping things going leading up to and after my daughter's birth. I thought it appropriate to note the walking I did. While it wasn't rigorous cardiovascular activity in this case, it was extensive--5-6 miles a day. To my utter delight, my baby loves to go for walks. It relaxes her. Since it also relaxes me, it's a classic win-win situation--especially during some of the best weather of the year.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
She's Here!
I am proud to announce that my daughter, Emeline Elisabeth, was born on September 20, a whole 8 lbs, 13.9 oz. As first time parents, we have been taking tons of photos and videos in the few moments not consumed by holding, feeding, and loving Emma, and, of course, trying to get some sleep.
Here is the link to a few of those photos and one of the videos. I will be loading more pictures as they are taken, so be sure to check them from time to time.
This is the reason for my absent posts. Believe it or not, I've found the time to do some running. Now I just need to find a little time to blog.
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