Cutting checks for our SPORToften.com customers who process online registration for events may not sound like a very meaningful work task; I can't say that it always is. But, I had an awesome awareness recently that shifted this mundane task into a new category for me. I was clicking away on the data entry for these checks when I came upon the regsitration report for Girls on the Run of the Triangle. This organization is near and dear to my heart (I used to work for GOTR Triangle and I care a lot about the organization).

As I typed in the data, printed the check, signed it and stuffed it in the envelope, I was keenly aware of all the work and effort that went into raising the funds that this check carried. I accutely remembered being on the receiving end of such checks -- waiting for the money from one of our events that I had worked on. I was leading a non-profit on a shoe-string budget so this money usually meant that I could charge ahead with some program expansion that I had been striving for; We could serve more girls with this money.

All this to say, cutting checks has a new meaning. As I perform this task bi-monthly, I am simultameously (mentally) acknowledging the hard work of someone on the other end and grateful for the good they are doing in this world -- grateful that they are in some way promting healthy lifestyles in their community. Happy cashing!

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There is not a single training methodology that endurance athletes should embrace more than the concept of cross-training.  Most endurance athletes are aware of the importance of varying their training intensity and duration over the course of any training cycle.  Many, however, do not vary their mode of training often enough, if at all.  Some runners, for example, train for their races by only running - sometimes as often as 6 times a week!  While this sort of consistent training is great for the cardiovascular system, it's destructive to your joints and a guaranteed way to shorten your career as a runner or triathlete.  The most effective long-term way of training is one that consists of variety and thus utilizes the benefits of cross-training.  Cross-training is a broad term that includes, but is not limited to, all forms of continuous cardiovascular exercise, strength and flexibility training, as well as the various disciplines that improve the mind-body connection.  The bottom line is that cross-training allows the body to recover and become stronger, and it is perhaps THE best way to a higher level of physical performance and mental endurance!

If you're interested in training for an upcoming race such as a fall marathon utilizing a cross-training approach, try a Turnkey Training Program offered exclusively by WindSpeed Endurance Training. 

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I was recently privileged to a conversation with a group of women about our ever growing mentality of "not enough:"

...There is not enough time in the day, my house is never clean enough, I don't dress stylish enough, I can't seem to get on top of things at work, I don't give enough individual time to my kids, I am not fit enough, I wish I felt like I was a better wife, I will never be able to do enough to have an impact on the deteriorating environment, I am not in tune enough with what is happening in the world...

How is it that we have grown into the not enough clothes and decided that they will be our most comfortable and regularly worn outfit? Who gave us this outfit anyway?As I listened to the discussion unfold, it occurred to me that this "not enough" thinking is an undercurrent of so much of our lives and it is one of the very things that lowers of self worth and takes away from the meaning that comes from being in the present moment.

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I just started reading (and haven't yet finished) A Dog in a Hat - An American Bike Racer's Story of Mud, Drugs, Blood, Betrayal, and Beauty in Belgium.  It's the true account of cyclist Joe Parkin's journey into the whirlwind professional world of Belgian cycling in the late 1980's. 

If you're like me (you love to ride, but haven't ever found the inclination to learn much about the pro's) A Dog in a Hat (a Belgian phrase used to reference something familiar, yet decidedly out of place) is a must read to understand some of the history of the sport of cycling. 

I referenced the movie and book North Dallas Forty which revealed the darker side of pro-football, because  A Dog in a Hat will surely draw lines in the cycling community, like North Dallas Forty did in football.  Many will say the things Parkin talks about (like the prevalence of drugs) are simply not true.  Some will disagree.

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Getting new running shoes is always exciting, especially if you have an interest in the constantly-emerging shoe technologies available on the market.  At the top of my most recent wish list was a pair of Newton Running shoes.  Fortunately, they were kind enough to send us a pair to review.  The shoes came in a cool mesh bag along with a free pair of socks and a DVD.  Good first impression: check. 

Here's the story behind this eco-friendly and innovative company based in Boulder, Colorado.  Founded by a group of lifelong runners, Newton Running decided to develop a shoe specifically made to reinforce proper running technique - that is running with a forefoot/midfoot strike while maintaining a quick cadence and a slight forward lean.  As the name implies, this company has embraced Isaac Newton's Third Law which states that every action has an equal reaction.  After 15 years of research, Newton decided to put this Law to the test via its Active Membrane Technology.  By placing three highly flexible red lugs, also known as actuators, on the midfoot region of the sole, the efficiency with which a runner can now move forward has been dramatically improved.  Suffice it to say, Newton's Third Law still stands.

After several months of training and racing in my pair of Cushioned Racers, I dare say that I have found my running shoes for life!  After converting over to a midfoot strike a few years back, I became increasingly frustrated by the lack of running shoes available that actually reinforce what industry experts and coaches alike proclaim to be correct running form.  The door was wide open for Newton Running to meet this demand and they have delivered!  The ride in these feather-light shoes is truly something to experience and I assure you that the action-reaction concept is no marketing ploy.  Newtons require almost no break-in period, they're well-ventilated, and don't necessarily require one to wear socks.  That should be good new for you triathletes out there.  

Newton Running shoes come in a variety of bold and attractive colors, which is all the more reason to focus on running with proper form as admirers look on.  For more information about Newton Running shoes, check out their very slick website at www.newtonrunning.com.

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In only his second year running ultras, Bandwidth.com CEO David Morken finished the Wasatch 100 (miles) in 26 hours and 51 minutes.  Finishing this torturous run is remarkable for anyone -- David managed to cross the finish in 22nd place (out of 241) - and this is someone who trains at sea level while most others are at altitude all year.  After bonking in his first try in 2007 (hypontremia symptoms after the temperature dropped dramatically overnight), David came back with even more focus and had an amazing experience in 2008.  Note: David is not only CEO of his company, but is also a father of 6 children (all under the age of 18).  He keeps it all together with a calmness and intensity that is unmatched (and he gets a LOT of help from his family and friends).  Congratulations, David  - you are a true inspiration -- looking forward to watching you and the Bandwidth.com team tackle the 2009 Race Across America (RAAM)!  

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Track Charlie as he runs across America. 

Charlie is blogging each day and is even keeping us updated via Twitter (just get an account and you can follow him there)  http://www.twitter.com/.

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A few  months ago I wrote about swimming an entire 60 minute workout without goggles - just opened my eyes in the pool and embraced the freedom of  swimming without goggles - until I got out and realized the chlorine had melted away half of my contact lenses (not recommended as I had a headache for two days). Still, I was pretty impressed with myself for sucking it up and getting through the ‘adversity' of that particular workout.

I was reminded of this when I saw Michael Phelps win gold at this year's Olympics in his premier event - the 200 meter butterfly. He could not have looked less satisfied - tossing his cap and goggles onto the deck as if they were not worthy of being in the pool.  Turns out, upon entering the pool his goggles filled up with water and stayed that way for the entire event.   For just over 1 minute and 51 seconds he crushed all challengers - essentially with his eyes closed.

The average person would be quickly consumed by the negative vibe associated with something going wrong - especially at a time like this (an Olympic finals event).  And I guess that is why people like Phelps are able to consistently perform at the level they do - they seem to have an uncanny ability to block out anything that is not moving them in a positive direction - they inherently, and seemingly proactively, eclipse any potential negative energy - at least for as long as they need to get to the finish.

I am sure this is the same type of positive consciousness that elite gymnasts dip into when they fall of the balance beam and then get up to continue executing severely complex techniques with perfection to complete their routine.  It has always amazed me. 

On August 24th we will kick off the 2008 Ramblin' Rose Women Only Triathlon Tour in Winston-Salem, NC.  With over 50% of the participants being first timers, the value of embracing this positive mindset will be significant for all involved.  And as anyone who has witnessed one of these events knows, there is plenty to go around as hundreds of mothers, daughters, sisters, and grandmothers cross the finish line beaming with pride and accomplishment.  This too, consistently amazes me. www.endurancemag.com/ramblinrose

For our cover story, Charlie Engle, along with his partner Marshall Ulrich, is about to embark on a mission that is certain to test his positive consciousness as they strive to cross the US from San Francisco to New York City in 45 days - on foot.  Imagine what your perspective would be after running across the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range only to find, once on the other side, that you see nothing but desert as you start into Nevada - with 80% of the country still left to cross. Is it:
"Holy crap, I just ran across the Sierras! - I am awesome!" or perhaps,
 "I'll never make it across this miserably endless desert".  
Which way would you see it? [Their run starts on September 13th.]  www.runningamerica08.com

Some would argue there is a collective energy - a collective consciousness - that exists for us all to tap into - that affects all of us. The more positive energy we put out there, the more there will be for each of us.  Our Endurance Magazine Citizen team will be looking for some of that energy at the Duke Half Ironman (especially on the run portion) this month.  If you have a moment on September 14th, feel free to send some our way.   

Inspire.  Perform.  Endure.
-Steve
PS - Rule #63: Never pass up an opportunity to compare yourself, no matter how far-reaching, to the most decorated Olympian of all time.

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