Badwater 2011 — Crewing for Pam Reed

A couple years ago at Thanksgiving, I watched with fascination Running On The Sun, the 1999 account of the Badwater Ultramarathon.  I wrote a review on it here.  I knew I would never run the race but it never even occurred to me that one day I would be crewing for it because I didn’t [...]

Kapalua Coastal Trail

I’ve been running in and around Napili and Kapalua, Maui every year on vacation for about 15 years, so it was a pleasant surprise to find the new Kapalua Coast Trail.  The trail stretches 3.5 miles along the West Maui coastline, linking existing  coastal recreational areas, including Kapalua Bay, Oneloa Bay, D.T. Fleming Beach Park, [...]

Hashiru = “I Run”

Recently, I met Japanese runner Hiroshi Yamada on Daily Mile sporting a fantastic T-shirt that immediately caught my attention.  Painted in brush strokes of the ancient Japanese art of calligraphy called Shodo, it says “Hashiru” or simply, “I Run.”  Shodo focuses on simplicity, beauty, and a mind-body connection achieved by applying the elements of line, shape and space.  It was [...]

2009 Year In Review

2009 was a nearly perfect year for me, and I am very grateful for it.  I had set some lofty goals: 1.  PR at all distances, all events (swim, bike, run, tri) 2.  Complete the Transrockies Run 3.  Qualify for the Boston Marathon 4.  Register for a 2010 ironman 5.  Become a RRCA certiifed running coach [...]

RRCA Certified Running Coach

Last month, a few of my running mates and I took a 2-day class in San Jose, CA to become certified running coaches through the Road Running Club of America (RRCA).  Our motivations for becoming certified were all very different, and as I discovered, not everyone who takes the class is even interested in coaching.  Some people [...]

Thoughts About Running Injuries

If you’re looking for a resouce on how to cure a nagging running injury, this is not it.  For a great resource on learning how run injury-free, pick up a copy of Running Strong & Injury-Free, by Janet Hamilton.  You’ll learn there are five main causes of running injuries–training errors, inappropriate footwear, inadequate flexibility, inadequate strength, and poor [...]

Bizz Johnson Marathon–My First DNF

It’s been a few days since attempting my BQ (Boston Qualifier) at Bizz Johnson so I’ve had some time to reflect and recover from the physical and mental agony of a DNF (Did Not Finish).  I can deal with not qualifying, but a DNF messes with the mind like nothing else.  It wasn’t until the day after [...]

Multi-day Running Events

After completing the 6-day Transrockies Run this year, I couldn’t help but wonder what other stage races I might consider in the future.  There are an ultra number of options out there.  Can they all be as well-organized as the Transrockies?  Are they affordable?  How difficult is the terrain?   There are multi-sport ultras, typically a double or [...]

2009 Transrockies Run — Final Thoughts

Lots of people have asked me if the Transrockies Run was everything I expected.  The answer is yes and no.  Yes, I expected an epic week of running and Colorado certainly delivered.  The views were stunning, the TRR staff was incredible, the atmosphere was electric.  But due to Kevin’s injury, we did not get to run hard everyday [...]

Transrockies Run Stage 6 — Vail to Beaver Creek

Total distance :: 21 miles, 1131 ft. Climbing :: 4623 ft. This is it…the last stage.  Wow, what a week!  The day started with a long line of runners lined up to get taped, bandaged or otherwise jerry-rigged to get through the last 21 miles.  We started right where we finished inside the Beaver Creek village.  It was a flat 2-mile [...]