National Running Day (A Day Late)

   I originally meant to post something witty related to running on the big "National Running Day" yesterday. But, I did something a little selfish instead, I just enjoyed my workout that day. It was really kind of funny watching me try to figure it out. I typically run my hill workout on a treadmill inside my gym. It's nice to be able to change the elevation with the press of a button. But, I'd really like to eventually figure something out so that I can get this done outside on some hills. So, after some suggestions from fellow running friends I downloaded some new running apps for my phone that track elevation. I tested out the apps on various hills near my gym. Starting, stopping, starting again. I just couldn't find anything out there that automatically calculates the percent elevation automatically. So I got frustrated, gave up and ran inside. Regardless, it was a great run and the energy of all of the college kids home for the summer working out in my gym was uplifting. The grizzled regular hardcore weightlifters who stare at me and my unconventional exercises leave much to be desired and do little for my enthusiasm.

   Things have been going well otherwise. I'm trying to bring back more stretching into my daily life. The evening five minute sessions with a tennis ball while watching TV really helped my hamstring issues and it's flaring up again. So is that damn right shoulder strain. I've just gotta get my lazy but off that couch and do it. This week will be the first in about a month and a half of doing two cross-training sessions. I originally dropped down to just one to give the hamstrings and shoulder a break. But, as the day to officially start ultra training grows nearer I've gotta get back to more than once a week. After a little soul searching I've decided that maybe I was a little overzealous in past years with regards to how much cross-training that I did. It's easy to fall into that mentality that more is better. Well, sometimes it isn't. Therefore I'm still going to continue with my eight-week plan from my buddy Matt Fitzgerald. But, just cap the reps at what he recommends. No more extra stuff. I also scrapped the idea for trying to complete the 10 x 10 challenge. 10 miles every day for ten days just isn't smart right before my ultra training. Another time.

   The 2014 Run For The Sun is off and I've managed to convince the entire family to try it out this year. Everyone seems to be enjoying doing at least a mile a day. The little guy even has his Fitbit to help him track his stats. I came upon him running up and down our main hallway yesterday to pad his numbers. Hey, it's exercise and how can I complain. Someone who may have been trying to run 366 days in a row may have run laps in his basement during his surprise birthday party for the same reason! Tomorrow will be day 525 and there's no end in sight!

   I'm absolutely loving the new season of Boundless on the Esquire channel. Mrs. Sandman introduced it to me and I just can't get enough. Two guys globetrotting around the planet doing ultra distance running and biking races; sign me up! Esquire channel if you need someone new for the next season all you have to do is ask. The show's inspired me to think about getting a GoPro camera. Although, not anytime soon. I don't have a spare $500 laying around. I looked at getting a pair of Google Glass specs too. But, that price tag of $1500 is even worse. Besides, it doesn't look like they're going to be available until the next century to the regular public anyways. It'd be really unique to bring you along on my runs to see what I see. The only thing that's frustrating me about the show is that I can't find past episodes from season one anywhere? I'm good at that sort of stuff. But, I just can't seem to work my magic. Hopefully it'll come out on DVD soon.

   I've gotten my three free boxes of Accel gel in the mail. Really stoked to have my running pay for itself in a small way. At about $34 a box, I'll take free stuff every time! I look forward to trying them out and my new ultra vest this Saturday for my long run.

   Even though it's a day late I wish all of you a happy National Running Day! Running is one of the most incredibly honest sports out there. Yes, there are skilled runners who are able to run faster and further than us mere mortals. But, for the most part, us average people only get out what we put in when it comes to running. You do the hard work and amazing things will happen. You don't and you'll suffer during the longer distances and not meet your goals. I was amazed and thrilled to hear that my sister in law went on her first trail run with Mrs. Sandman the other day. She's been on a very personal quest to improve her health and the trans-formative nature of our sport is molding her into one badass fit chic! To hear that someone who thought I was crazy for running when nobody was chasing me loved her first time on the trails was just another example of the power that running has when you first try it.

   Get out there, do something that your body was designed to do and of course, ride that lightning my friends! Have a great week!