National Running Day 2016

Today, June 1st, is National Running Day.  Make sure to run today, get great deals on running items, and just have fun.

If you run at lunch, make sure to hashtag it ##WorldsBiggestRUNch. I have my gear ready!

Asheville Running Company Going Out of Business Sale

I stopped in tonight to the Asheville Running Company to look for some running shorts.  To my shock, the wonderful little store in the River Arts district announced that they were closing their doors.  Everything in the store was on sale up to 50% off.  I got running shorts for $20.  They have shoes, shorts, shirts, water bottles, socks...you name it.  It's so sad to see a local running store have to close down. 

This is the problem with Amazon and other big online retailers.  They can't offer the running groups, the personal assessment and fit and just the good conversation about local running routes that a locally owned store can.

I personally will miss you Asheville Running Company.  Best of luck in whatever the future holds for the owners.

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.