Asheville Middle School at TC Roberson

Great meet at TC Roberson, despite a short rain.  My son Christopher Noce ran the 55m hurdles, mile and the 4x400 relay.  Pretty proud of him!

Middle School Track Season 2016

So my son, Christopher Noce, is running Track this year for Asheville Middle School.  Today's meet is at Reynolds.  What a beautiful track!

It's so fun to see these kids running, jumping and having the best time. The best part is seeing how they congratulate each other after the event, regardless of what school they're from.  

What Are Some Good Running Magazines

If you are like me, you always want to be learning the newest techniques and strategies for runner faster and better.  Two great resources for this are the magazines Runner's World and Running Times.

I'll admit, my preference is Runner's World, but Running times does have some really great articles too.  They actually did an amazing write-up on Steve Prefontaine several years ago.

I also have to admit I'm partial to Runner's World because they actually called me and asked if I'd write a small commentary on "How to Stay Cool While Running on a Treadmill".  You can read it here.

Running Times seems to focus more on the sport while Runner's World covers not only the sport, but also diet, exercise, cross training, equipment and more.

You can get a subscription via these links:

Runners World - 12 Issues/1 Year

Running Times - 10 Issues/1 Year

What To Do When You Don't Feel Like Running

I was all excited to go for a run today after reading through the newest edition of Running Times Magazine. I put on my running clothes, grabbed my hat and out the door I went.  The minute I started running, my legs felt like lead.  Seems my mind was willing but my body wasn't.  Now normally, I'd have just gone back home but after slugging it out for a mile, I decided I would turn my horrible run into a speed day. 

I know what you're thinking:  "A speed day?  I thought you didn't feel like running!  You're going to run faster?"   Actually, yes!  Here's why.  When you run fast, you utilize different muscles.  In fact, the advice I offer people that I coach is just that...If you get tired during a race, run faster.  Even if it's just for a short amount of time.  The majority of the time, you'll find that it helps by giving the  muscle fibers you normally use a break.  I'm not talking an all out sprint...just pick up the pace for a brief amount of time.

I decided that I'd run 2 minutes and walk 2 minutes.  I ended up having a really good run, despite my initial feeling of each leg weighing a ton.  What are your tips and tricks for running when you just don't feel like it?

How to Get Back in Shape

Wow...Work has been crazy and I have not been on here in forever.  Today, I ran into a woman I coached back in 2012.  She was wanting to run her first Marathon and she did!  Seeing her reminded me of all our runs and also that I've really been letting work consume me.  But it's not just work.  Since 2012, I've had a lot of MAJOR life changes.

I've separated from my wife.  Moved into my own apartment.  Filed Chapter 7 Bankruptcy...which could be a blog in itself...and taken on more work responsibilities.  As a result, my running and exercise has totally stalled and I've gained 20 lbs. in about a year.

I'm now 176, and at just 5'7, that's a lot.  I find myself thinking it's too much to fix.  Too hard to run.  Too cold. Too hot.  Too late.  Too early.  Too tired at the end of the day.  Sound familiar? 

I really need to lose this weight.  But rather than the 20 lbs I've gained, I want to get to an even 150 lbs.  So 26 lbs should take me about 12 weeks.  Therefore, by September 29th, 2014, my goal is to weigh 150 lbs and be a lean, mean running machine once again.

My plan is to eat clean.  I thought about Paleo, but in all honesty, I love burgers and pasta too much and I don't mind whole wheat at all.  I know I could lose the weight faster if I went Paleo, but I'm trying to be realistic.  Clean eating isn't that hard of a change for me.  Wheat instead of white, which I do often anyway.  I will also run at least 5 days per week and lift weights on Monday, Wednesday & Friday. 

I will track my progress here to keep myself honest.

RyLeigh's Run 5K Run/Walk - Murphy, NC

In Memory of Mark Kilpatrick

Saturday, May 4th, 2013

Konehete park, Murphy, N.C. 

For flyer and complete details and to register, please click here.

Like Trail Races? Try the Jus Running Dupont State Forest 12K

Location: DuPont State Forest, between Brevard and Hendersonville, NC
Date: March 30, 2013
Time: 10:00 AM
Distance: 12K = 7.4 miles

Directions:
Take I-26 to Asheville Airport Exit 40, and take highway 280 to Pisgah Forest. Turn left on US 64 in Pisgah Forest. Travel east on US 64 for 3.7 miles to Marathon station in Penrose. Turn right on Crab Creek Road and continue 4.3 miles and turn right on Dupont Road. Go approximately .5 mile, then left on Sky Valley Road. Go approximately 2 miles to parking lot on right hand side. Registration, packet pick-up, and race start are all here.

Pre-register by:
March 29, 2013 Mail or in person or by March 28, 2013 online at: www.imathlete.com/events/2013dupontforest12k

Make checks payable to Jus Running

Entry Fees:
$30 for pre-registered runners
$35 for day of race registration

Awards:
1st three overall male and female; 1st masters overall male and female; 1st three in each age group: 14 & under, 15-18. 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 & Over