This Blog as Moved to http://www.runningaudio.com/blog

The new and improved Running Audio Blog is now available at http://www.runningaudio.com/blog.

Expert Interview with Sadie Nardini

During this 26-minute interview with Sadie Nardini, a top NYC yoga teacher whose endurance-building breathing techniques have been featured in Runner’s World and Men’s Health, you’ll discover …

• Why your current breathing style while running is likely stimulating anxiety and multiplying your risk of hyperventilation.
• The simple secret to using “literal eye focus” that makes it easy to relieve stress and ward off fatigue on your longest runs.
• The exact time to stretch so you can skyrocket your stamina almost magically … without even running a single stride.

Right click and select “Save Target As” to download, or click here to play the interview.

Also, be sure to check out Sadie’s videos below. The first one shows you how to breath properly while running. The other one demonstrates how you can build core strength and transform your abs.

Sadie also has has a two-part video series titled “Yoga for Your Marathon.” You can view Part 1 here and Part 2 here.

 

Expert Interview with Jason Harper

In May 2008, Jason Harper — who ran his first marathon in 2005 — set out on a 100-mile run around the perimeter of Sacramento.

He had a few other runners with him … but they weren’t competitors.

He followed a course …  but it wasn’t an official route.

He had a goal … but it wasn’t to break a personal record.

In fact, Jason didn’t run a race.

Instead, he completed a life-altering adventure that brought extensive awareness to the number of kids in inner-city schools without access to proper healthcare.

On “race” day (a date he planned for a year), the temperature soared to 101 degrees.

During his run, he experienced the standard blisters, dehydration and cramping. However, he also suffered from hypothermia, a fever and intense surface heat that caused his skin to completely peel away from the bottom of his feet.

This interview reveals how Jason overcame several physical and mental hurdles, including the darkest hours of his life, to complete “the extra mile.”

Right click and select “Save Target As” to download, or click here to play the interview.

 

Beyond the Epic Run

Today I set out to find sources for my upcoming interview series about mental training for runners.

One of the more fascinating e-mails I received (as a result of HARO), was from a lady representing Serge Roetheli, who left home in 2000 to run around the world. With his wife, Nicole, serving as his support crew, Serge ran 25,000 miles on five continents and 33 countries.

Below is the trailer for the movie documenting the couple’s five-year adventure — Beyond the Epic Run.

Inspiring! 

Think Your Running Routine is Tough?

Up until about 5 minutes ago, I thought it was a challenge to schedule my training runs around work and caring for my two kids (a 3-year-old daughter and an 8-month-old son). Then I came across this article in Runner’s World about a couple who trained for and completed the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in San Diego — and they have sextuplets!

I’m sure I have triple the time to train that this couple has. For me, it’s inspirational to see how much of a priority running is for this family. In addition, I think it shows the therapeutic effect running can have on your mind and body. 

Running is truly magical!

Tackling the TV Towers on a Run Up South Mountain

I decided to push myself a little bit this morning and run to the TV towers atop South Mountain. The 7-mile run up the Summit Road is quite a climb.

I hadn’t done this run is quite some time. But a friend (shout out to cycling superstar Lisa Barnard) mentioned it yesterday, and I couldn’t resist the challenge.

Who Can Resist Free Marathon Training Videos?

Yesterday I had an opportunity to speak with Steve Mackel, head coach at MarathonTraining.TV. I contacted Steve and his coaching partner, Gary Smith, after searching Google and discovering some of their online training videos.

 

Since committing to carrying my camera on more runs, I’ve been on the lookout for people in the running community who do the same. I’m not too technical when it comes to producing, so I make casual videos created with basic equipment. Besides, if you’re out running, who wants to risk damaging a high-priced camera (as would have surely happened when I took a tumble on this morning’s run)?

 

The videos at MarathonTraining.TV (you’ll need to sign up) and its sister site, SoCalRunning.com, offer some straight-forward tips that are easy to incorporate, as well as insight into the Southern California running community.

 

Here’s one of the videos from MarathonTraining.TV:

 

Running the Highline Canal in Phoenix

I felt a little tired at the start of this run on the Highline Canal in Phoenix. However, by the end, I was extremely energized.

Running is magical.

An Indoor Marathon … on a Track?!

Since backing out of yesterday’s Turkey Trot run due to the first rainfall in Phoenix in about three months, I have been determined to schedule a new race.

During my search this morning, I came across a unique race. In fact, it’s a running event I think would have trouble attracting participants – the InStep Icebreaker Indoor Marathon.

Apparently, the course looks something like this: 0.

Yes, runners must complete about 94 laps around an indoor track in Milwaukee. Not only does that sound boring, my guess is the repetition and lack of terrain would increase your chances for injury.

I’m not a big treadmill fan, but I would run a marathon on one before even considering an indoor track marathon. At least you could then park yourself in front of a television to help break the monotony. 

If you’ve completed an indoor marathon, please let me know about your experience. Are my assumptions off?

My Sights Are Set on 100 Push-Ups

I love low-cost fitness solutions you can do anywhere, at any time and without the need for much equipment. Maybe this is why I enjoying running so much.

Recently, I came across a challenge that meets these criteria — the One Hundred Push Ups Program. After seeing several people reference it on various blogs, I finally decided to jump on board.

Today I took the initial test (which was definitely an ego-killer), so I guess I’m officially off and running.

I’ve always been a little envious of people who seem to pound out push-ups with relative ease. Right now 100 consecutive push-ups seems like a very lofty goal. I’m looking forward to seeing my progress after six weeks of training. 

Have you attempted or — better yet — completed this challenge? Please feel free to share your experience in the comments section.