Ok, so I've found something new (at least to me). I am now officially registered on Twitter. Twitter for those of you that don't know, is a site that let's you communicate and stay connected with people via computer or cell phone. It is fantastic. If you are interested in signing up to Twitter, go to the link above and get started.
I plan on using it to communicate about my training runs and other things that relate to topics on my blog. If I am on a run, I'll update people on how the run is going and then also send messages on the latest in training and nutrition tips to people that have signed up to follow me. You'll find out firsthand how things are going and hopefully get some useful information. To follow me just follow me at http://twitter.com/mawoolard.
Have a couple of long runs scheduled for this weekend. It would be a good time to follow the progress.
Forward we go! May your roads and trails be happy and safe!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Austin Marathon-Not Just a Fireball in the Sky
The 2009 Austin Marathon last weekend was a big success! The new course was a hilly challenge and one that I was really happy to have run well. ( Finished in 3:49:01) Austin is a great host city and a city that is just made for runners to have a good time in. The running trails and running clubs are incredible and very well supported.
This was billed as the best "Green Marathon" in the U.S., maybe the only one. I would have to agree that the race staff and city have worked well together to recycle everything but the runners. And that's what worries me. Is being "Green" enough to make runners come back? It was really a no frills marathon. Although I was glad that the Goodie Bag was not filled with 10 lbs. of junk that you never read, I was a little disappointed that the packet pick-up at the Expo was handled like a cattle pen for runners. At least when we went, the line was very long and for runners, being on your feet for an extended period of time is not a good game plan. Compared to other marathons the Austin Marathon would grade low in my book for packet pick-up. After that, getting your tee shirt and other things went well. The Expo was fairly small but vendors were very friendly and willing to help sell whatever product they were displaying.
The pasta dinner the night before is one of he best in the country. Speakers Dick Beardsley and Bart Yasso provided great motivation as always. They are fantastic representatives of the running community and world famous authors. A big thanks for being there goes out to them! Overall, Race Director John Conley did an outstanding job with all aspects of the marathon and half-marathon. There are always exceptions and there is no way to please everybody.
The actual race itself seemed to run smooth from a runner's perspective. The surface of the course was very good, the volunteers at the aid station were outstanding (I always wish I could thank each of them individually). Representatives from the Fire, Police, and Medical community were everywhere and always willing to help with any aspect of the race. Another big thanks to all of them! Finishing hills at the 22 and 24 mile markers were intense but added a great amount of satisfaction once you were up and over. The finish line area was exciting and electric as it always is. Talk about a runner's rush. Wow! It was great! The crowds along the way were very supportive and vocal. That is really helpful as you progress in your race.
With all of that said wouldn't you know it that what steals the show is some bright falling light from the sky. Not the runners who just finished their first marathon. Or the runners that had run all of the Austin Marathons. Or the runners that PR'd and maybe qualified for Boston. Or the runners that struggled through injury, cramping, or just plain feeling like "Why did I ever do this?". The news didn't show that each and every participant either in the half or full marathon had trained and prepared for this race for months, and given up countless hours to make their dream come true. Well, maybe it was just Tinker Bell, but CNN's coverage of the Austin Marathon Fireball can be found in several places on YouTube. If you want to see it you can check it out. For more important information, check out the results of the thousands of people that finished the race at the Austin Marathon website. Congratulations to all who participated. Remember what John Bingham, author and inspirational speaker, says to all runners," The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start."
Forward we go! May your roads and trails be happy and safe!
This was billed as the best "Green Marathon" in the U.S., maybe the only one. I would have to agree that the race staff and city have worked well together to recycle everything but the runners. And that's what worries me. Is being "Green" enough to make runners come back? It was really a no frills marathon. Although I was glad that the Goodie Bag was not filled with 10 lbs. of junk that you never read, I was a little disappointed that the packet pick-up at the Expo was handled like a cattle pen for runners. At least when we went, the line was very long and for runners, being on your feet for an extended period of time is not a good game plan. Compared to other marathons the Austin Marathon would grade low in my book for packet pick-up. After that, getting your tee shirt and other things went well. The Expo was fairly small but vendors were very friendly and willing to help sell whatever product they were displaying.
The pasta dinner the night before is one of he best in the country. Speakers Dick Beardsley and Bart Yasso provided great motivation as always. They are fantastic representatives of the running community and world famous authors. A big thanks for being there goes out to them! Overall, Race Director John Conley did an outstanding job with all aspects of the marathon and half-marathon. There are always exceptions and there is no way to please everybody.
The actual race itself seemed to run smooth from a runner's perspective. The surface of the course was very good, the volunteers at the aid station were outstanding (I always wish I could thank each of them individually). Representatives from the Fire, Police, and Medical community were everywhere and always willing to help with any aspect of the race. Another big thanks to all of them! Finishing hills at the 22 and 24 mile markers were intense but added a great amount of satisfaction once you were up and over. The finish line area was exciting and electric as it always is. Talk about a runner's rush. Wow! It was great! The crowds along the way were very supportive and vocal. That is really helpful as you progress in your race.
With all of that said wouldn't you know it that what steals the show is some bright falling light from the sky. Not the runners who just finished their first marathon. Or the runners that had run all of the Austin Marathons. Or the runners that PR'd and maybe qualified for Boston. Or the runners that struggled through injury, cramping, or just plain feeling like "Why did I ever do this?". The news didn't show that each and every participant either in the half or full marathon had trained and prepared for this race for months, and given up countless hours to make their dream come true. Well, maybe it was just Tinker Bell, but CNN's coverage of the Austin Marathon Fireball can be found in several places on YouTube. If you want to see it you can check it out. For more important information, check out the results of the thousands of people that finished the race at the Austin Marathon website. Congratulations to all who participated. Remember what John Bingham, author and inspirational speaker, says to all runners," The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start."
Forward we go! May your roads and trails be happy and safe!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Runner's World Recipe Finder
There are times when a website really puts out something that is really very helpful. Today's Runner's World Online email mentioned their Recipe Finder. It is a great collection of food ideas that just make your mouth water to think about them. It is also a very easy to navigate and to just look for ideas that might really fit your nutrition needs. Sometimes it is good to have these ideas at your fingertips in case you are looking for something to fix for a meal/snack and really need to try something new or just change up an existing one that you might already have.
Each tab has multiple categories for a variety of nutritional needs. It's fun to just explore the site and take advantage of the incredible recipe ideas available to you. I think that they have covered just about everything that I can think of that a person might want if they are searching for ideas for meal planning. The site is filled with ideas that are really ones that we all can do. Ones that don't require us to have our own chef at our house.
The category search feature is really great. The categories are:course/dish type, health concerns, dietary needs, main ingredient, cuisine, occasion, cooking method, cook/prep time,
cooking skill, and food for fitness. This feature really makes it all work so well in a search of what you might want to eat.
Enjoy this site. Bookmark it/ put it on your favorites so you can get to it fast. It really has lots of information for all types of runners and cyclists.
Forward we go! May your roads and trails be happy and safe!
Each tab has multiple categories for a variety of nutritional needs. It's fun to just explore the site and take advantage of the incredible recipe ideas available to you. I think that they have covered just about everything that I can think of that a person might want if they are searching for ideas for meal planning. The site is filled with ideas that are really ones that we all can do. Ones that don't require us to have our own chef at our house.
The category search feature is really great. The categories are:course/dish type, health concerns, dietary needs, main ingredient, cuisine, occasion, cooking method, cook/prep time,
cooking skill, and food for fitness. This feature really makes it all work so well in a search of what you might want to eat.
Enjoy this site. Bookmark it/ put it on your favorites so you can get to it fast. It really has lots of information for all types of runners and cyclists.
Forward we go! May your roads and trails be happy and safe!
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