Start Running… in the Winter? »
Five good reasons to start running in the winter. After a longer than two year break from running (it’s a loooong story), I’m back – I started running again on January 1st. That’s right – I started running smack-dab in the middle of a very cold, very snowy Canadian winter.
Photo of the Week: And the Sign Says… »
What motivates you when your in a race be it a triathlon or running event? Do the signs of your friends and family keep you going or distract you? The photo is a collage of signs myself and Karen’s family made to keep her going during the Alberta Challenge Triathlon. Karen was competing in her [...]
Running Quotes »
“Run when you can, walk when you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up.” – Dean Karnazes, Runner
Cold Weather Running »
Many of us are now in the time of year where the colder weather is approaching as fast as the dark evening hours, and the beginning of winter is issuing a challenge to runners everywhere to find the time and the motivation to get out and run.
Do You Marathon? »
There is no doubt that out of all the road running distances available, the marathon has by far the most appeal. Nearly everyone who has run a 5k or a 10k will, at some stage, dream
Five Running Videos You Should Watch »
Running may not be the best spectator sport, but compelling running makes for compelling viewing. In the YouTube age, we have greater access to running video than ever before.
Sam Mussabini Wasn’t Talking To You »
In the 1981 movie Chariots of Fire, running coach Sam Mussabini tells Harold Abrahams, “you can’t put in what God’s left out.” The implication is that you’re either born with the natural talent to be fast, or you’re not. [ad#inPost-Big] On the surface, this quote seems to imply that if you’re not fast now, then [...]
It’s Time to Change Your World »
We’ve all done it. You get into the car and drive 2 minutes for a jug of milk, when it would have been just as easy, and healthier, to walk or cycle. Today seems like a good day to vow to change your world. Sustrans, the UK’s leading sustainable transport charity, is sponsoring its second [...]
Weldon On Triumph »
The crime is not to avoid failure, the crime is to not give triumph a chance. —H. Weldon
Gaining Experience »
No wonder experience is the best teacher. It has to teach us things we don’t want to learn. —Unknown
What Makes An Athlete? »
Growing up, I loved watching sport on the telly, and my favourite events were the running competitions. I always had boundless admiration for these athletes, and I guess it was back then that my own love for running started. I have often philosophised about what defines an athlete.
Know Thyself »
It is often said that it takes 30 days to form a pattern and 90 days to form a habit, but as Jim Ryun says, “Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” So how do you get motivated to do things like run and keep to a training schedule?
Ralph Waldo Emerson On Peace »
Nothing can bring you peace but yourself.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Edward Eggleston On Persistence »
Persistent people begin their success where others end in failure. Edward Eggleston
Book Review: 26.2 Marathon Stories »
26.2 Marathon Stories is a lovingly crafted tribute from two authors who obviously have a deep, personal connection with marathoning.
Bruce Barton on Life »
When you are through changing, you are through. –Bruce Barton
Oliver Wendall Holmes, Sr. on Life »
Death tugs at my ear and says, “Live, I am coming.” –Oliver Wendall Holmes
Margaret Lee Runbeck On Happiness »
Happiness is not a state to arrive at, but a manner of traveling. – Margaret Lee Runbeck
Goethe On Action »
Whatever you think you can do or believe you can do, begin it. Action has magic, grace and power in it.– Goethe
Time To Run? »
Kids grow up so fast. Trust me, I know. My two year old just told me the other day that she needs some privacy in the washroom. Time with our children is precious, but our running and health shouldn’t be compromised.
Doug Larson On Action »
Some of the world’s greatest feats were accomplished by people not smart enough to know they were impossible. — Doug Larson
Why Was Steve Prefontaine Worshipped? »
I got this gem from David’s Flickr page and thought I’d share what he wrote me when I asked him for permission to feature it here. Mark, I just now saw your nice words about my surreal encounter with Pre. You are welcome to use the pic and story on your web site. The thing [...]
Inspirational Link: Runner Gets Homeless on Track »
Here’s a terrific story about how Anne Mahlum of Philadephia, Pennsylvania is making a big difference in the lives of homeless people through running
Okakura Kakuzo On Greatness »
Those who cannot feel the littleness of great things in themselves are apt to overlook the greatness of little things in others.–Okakura Kakuzo
Steve Prefontaine On Racing »
A race is a work of art that people can look at and be affected in as many ways as they’re capable of understanding. – Steve Prefontaine Submitted by Janelle V.
George Bernard Shaw on Living »
I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. –George Bernard Shaw
You’re Never Too Old – Running at 101 »
So you’re feeling old and tired and like maybe you should hang up the running shoes. As if!
Walter Elliott on Perseverance »
Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another.– Walter Elliott
Wisdom From Winners »
Gertrude Stein once famously said that the answer is there ain’t no answer.
When The Sun Comes Up »
An old African proverb says……
Sugar Ray Leonard on Winning »
You have to know you can win. You have to think you can win. You have to feel you can win. –Sugar Ray Leonard
Donald Douglas on Obstacles »
It is a hard rule of life, and I believe a healthy one, that no great plan is ever carried out without meeting and overcoming endless obstacles that come up to try the skill of man’s hand, the quality of his courage, and the endurance of his faith.–Donald Douglas
World Harmony Run »
I had not heard of the World Harmony Run until I went looking for some good video and when I found this clip I felt like I had opened a door to a new world – a world where harmony and peace are a priority. The World Harmony Run was founded by Sri Chinmoy in 1987. From their website: The World Harmony Run is a global relay that seeks to
Rudy Guiliani On Leadership »
Leaders need to be optimists. Their vision is beyond the present. –Rudy Guiliani
Jim Goodwin on Life »
The impossible is often untried. –Jim Goodwin
The Boston Marathon – Time Machine »
This remarkable film clip shows Bill Rodger’s 1979 Boston Marathon win
Buckminster Fuller on Training »
Don’t oppose forces. Use them. –Buckminster Fuller
Mt. Cameroon Race of Hope – Conquering a Volcano »
The Mt. Cameroon Race of Hope pits runner against elevation, loose volcanic rock. 50 degree temperature changes and sheer will. For a lucky few there is gold in them thar hills
Calvin Coolidge on Success »
If I had permitted my failures, or what seemed to me at the time a lack of success, to discourage me I cannot see any way in which I would ever have made progress.–Calvin Coolidge
Martin Luther King Jr. on Life »
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. – Martin Luther King, Jr.
Alan Steinberg on Winning »
We go from whining infant to waddling toddler to gold-medal sprinter partly by nature, but mostly by will and determination and intelligence.
No Excuses! »
I always feel a little apologetic when I use a professionally produced commercial as the inspirational video of the week but sometimes they just speak to me. As the perenial Queen of Cheap Excuses this one had me at ‘my dog is sick’
Ovid on Character »
In play we reveal what kind of people we are. –Ovid
Friedrich Nietzsche on Training »
Exhaustion is the shortest way to equality and fraternity.–Friedrich Nietzsche
Mark Twain on Living Life »
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.–Mark Twain
John Berryman on Overcoming »
We must travel in the direction of our fear.–John Berryman
Helen Hayes on Ageing »
The hardest years in life are those between 10 and 70. –Helen Hayes
Joan Benoit Samuelson On Running »
Running is 80 percent mental.–Joan Benoit Samuelson
Albert Camus on Freedom »
Freedom is nothing else but a chance to be better–Albert Camus
George Meredith on Competing »
Always imitate the behavior of the winners when you lose. –George Meredith
M. Kathleen Casey on Pain »
Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional. –M. Kathleen Casey
The Spirit of the Marathon – January 24, 2008 »
There is a one day showing of the movie The Spirit of the Marathon on January 24, 2008. It is playing in many cities across the nation and tickets are available on-line. I’ve included a trailer to what promises to be an inspirational and interesting documentary following the marathon journey of both amateur and professional [...]
Frank Shorter on Marathoning »
You have to forget your last marathon before you try another. Your mind can’t know what’s coming. – Frank Shorter
It’s That Time of Year, Again! »
It’s that time of year when it’s dark in the morning and it’s dark in the early evening and it’s cold. It’s that time of year when getting in a good workout means bundling up and facing the possibility of a run made difficult and uncomfortable by the elements. It’s also that time of year [...]
There is Greatness in You »
Every runner has greatness in them. What makes you great?
Ryan Shay Inspires Thousands Across the Nation (and beyond) to Run in His Memory »
The outpouring of emotion surrounding the tragic death of Ryan Shay reached its cathartic peak on Saturday as thousands of runners from across North America participated in what may be a first of its kind – the “virtual” 5.5 Mile Ryan Shay Memorial Run. Ever since the run was suggested, runners everywhere have chimed in [...]
A Day To Remember »
Today is dedicated to Ryan Shay who died while running in the Olympic Trials in New York City. Ryan’s story is well known to most people who read this blog. Less well known is the story of Dorothy Barnett-Griffin who died during the swim portion of the Ironman Florida race the next day. After losing [...]
Running Ads »
Inventor Spot takes a look at 10 interesting sports ads, of which Nike’s “You’re faster than you think” campaign in Canada is one. Running ad campaigns that go beyond the trite or the commercial are rare, but they do exist. Brooks’ Run World Run campaign was a hit in 2004, featuring this video (music by [...]
Running is Good For Everyone »
Last week we featured a documentary that was produced in conjunction with the Achilles Track Club, an organization dedicated to developing disabled athletes. This week’s video features their head coach, Todd Philpott and tells a bit more about what the organization does and how they do it.
Shhhh! There’s a Baby in the House »
Things you can do when you have a new baby in the house, and she stops you from running (babies have that power): Buy a jogging stroller. It will take a few months until she’s big enough to go in it, but you can immediately start dreaming about your quality time together. Rest. Remember, recovery [...]
The Long Road – NYC Marathon »
This post is a tribute to all of the members of the RBF who are heading to Staten Island early tomorrow morning to run across the bridge, through Brooklyn and Queens, into Manhatten, over to the Bronx and back to Manhatten to the finish line of the New York City Marathon in Central Park. Our [...]
Nova TV Marathon Challenge »
Just a little reminder that Nova airs its Marathon Challenge TV Special tomorrow, Tuesday October 30th. Check their site for details.
Group Writing Project: What Movies Inspire You to Run? »
Note To RSS Subscribers: There are two Youtube videos embedded in this post. Visit the site directly if you cannot see them. — I thought I’d try something fun today and challenge you to join me writing on a subject. If this goes over well, perhaps we’ll do it on a regular basis. The question [...]
It’s Kona Time! »
Today is the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. For triathletes this is our Boston Marathon, our Superbowl, our World Series, our World Cup. Slightly over 1800 athletes ranging in age from 19 to 78 will set out to swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles and run a marathon. Some are pros, some are age [...]
Chicago Winners: Patrick Ivuti and Berhane Adere »
Watch this amazing footage of Sunday’s Chicago’s winners. It doesn’t get any closer or more exciting than this folks! Recent Posts from this Author’s Blog
Haile Gebrselassie Sets New World Marathon Record »
Yes I know, Mark beat me to the headline but really, can you sing the praises of a 2:04:26 marathon finish too often? Not on a site called the Complete Running Network! For this video you need to be able to sing in German, or at least be able to understand it. Since most of [...]
Running for Cause »
I ran my first marathon with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training Program. I raised about $3,700, met some of our mentors (people stricken with blood cancers) and felt really good about my participation. Many of us run for cause. There are many causes to run for, all worthy. I also make a [...]
NOVA’s Boston Marathon Callenge »
We got a great email from NOVA today telling us about their upcoming show, NOVA’s Marathon Challenge. In cooperation with the Boston Athletic Association and Tufts University, NOVA was granted unprecedented access to the Boston Marathon course. In the summer of 2006, we began following 13 hopeful novices as they took the first step toward [...]
Digging Deep »
Professional athletes have an ability to dig deep and hold pace that leaves me slack jawed. This video shows Maryam Yusuf Jamal hanging on by a very short margin as Yelena Soboleva gains on her at the Osaka IAAF World Championships. I can only imagine the pain and determination required to keep from getting passed [...]
Seven Lessons for Becoming a Happier Runner »
The other day I discovered a Wall Street Journalstory that distilled findings from academic studies of human happiness into seven lessons. The list related to money and careers, but I wondered how runners could use it to become the best they can be. Here are the lessons and explanations configured for both the casual and [...]
The Triathlon Song »
A funny thing happens when you roll the dice and start cross-training by swimming and riding your bike. You realize that you could probably manage a triathlon. You get intrigued. You sign up for a local Tri for Fun and before you know it you’re hooked. This weekend marks the half way point between Ironman [...]
Movie Review – Runners High »
When I was first commissioned (i.e. asked to volunteer) to provide the Saturday Inspirational Video I showcased a trailer for a film called ‘Runners High’ about a program in Oakland California that trains kids to run a marathon. I recently had the opportunity to see the film and found myself deeply moved by the journeys [...]
W.C. Fields on …Success? »
Mr. Fields would have made a lousy runner. “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try and try again. Then give up. There’s no use being a damn fool about it.” – W.C. Fields
Redd Foxx on Health »
All I have to say to Mr. Foxx is that “someday” will be a lot farther off for some of us! “Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in hospitals dying of nothing.” – Redd Foxx
An Inspirational Runner »
Ask most runners who their idol is, and you usually get one if the greats, Zatopek, Prefontaine, Shorter, Rodgers, Gebrselassie, and so on. My personal choice is different. The runner I have the greatest admiration for is America’s sole Olympic marathon participant in 2000, Rod DeHaven. He was never world class, though a marathon PR [...]
On the Road With Complete Running: Bermuda »
St. George’s, Bermuda. Ding! The ship’s computer cheerfully acknowledges my existence. The smiling crew member hands my key card back to me. Thank you Dianna, have a nice morning! It’s Wednesday, July 11th and I’m standing on King’s Wharf in St. George’s, Bermuda. I step off the cruise ship, take a deep breath and realize [...]
It’s Passion That Gets You To the Finish Line »
We all have tough training days when our legs feel like lead and we’re just not in the mood. What would you do if you had no legs? How about no fingers—just a long thumb-like appendage at the end of each deformed arm? I guess you wouldn’t have to complain about your leaden legs any [...]
Five Good Reasons to Get Out the Door »
1) Runners are sexy – with the possible exception of swimmers, there’s no one with better bods out there. Great legs, tiny buns, and a little bit of upper body that you can’t get with cycling. 2) Runners are low-maintenance. Shoes, road, and … well, that’s it. 3) Runners are sociable – think about all [...]
135 Miles of Hell–the Badwater Ultramarathon »
Next week, from July 23th to July 25th, 90 people—including 18 women—will start a race in Death Valley, Calif., that will end 135 miles later high up on Mt. Whitney. This is the Kiehl’s Badwater Ultramarathon. If you have never rented the movie “Running on the Sun,” I can’t recommend it enough. It is a [...]
Joan Rivers on Jogging »
I think Joan’s been hangin’ with the wrong runners! “The first time I see a jogger smiling, I’ll consider it.” – Joan Rivers
George Carlin on Fast vs. Slow »
Do you think George may have stumbled on the difference between elite versus non-elite runners? “Have you ever noticed? Anyone going slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?” – George Carlin
Running Really Fast »
Galen Rupp is a Junior at Oregon State University with a very impressive running record. His coach is 3 time NYC Marathon winner Alberto Salazar. When Rupp was in high school he attempted to break a 4 minute mile. Watch this video to see how things turned out.
The Will to Go On »
In 1982 a 23-year-old college student named Julie Moss made the most memorable and remarkable trip to the finish line of the Kona Ironman Championship on record. In the lead for most the latter part of the race, she found herself out of energy and falling to the pavement just yards from the finish. She [...]
Zen for Runners »
“The obstacle is the path.” – Zen Saying
Failing Up »
In my short running career I have had more than my share of memorable races, both good and bad. There was my first road race, a 5k in 90°F heat, for which I carbo-loaded the night before like I was running an ultra. That fettuccine Alfredo did me no favors on race day, but I [...]
Motivation »
Scratch that – this isn’t about motivation. We’re all motivated to run, be it to drop a couple of pounds, set a new PR, or just spend time with the other runners in our life. The problem we all face is one of execution – actually getting our butts out the door and on the [...]
Remember the Joy of Children and Running on Father’s Day »
Happy father’s day to all you dads out there!
Running Fast and Forever »
Last week Daniel Komen ran the fastest ever mile on American soil at the Prefontaine Classic in Oregon. It was not a world record but it was a blazing sub 4 mile – 3:48.28 to be exact. When I looked up the Prefontaine Classic’s history I discovered that Daniel Komen still holds the World’s Record [...]
Why I Run »
We all have our reasons for running. We want fitness and speed and PRs and time alone and lots of other things. Some of us are super serious and competitive and some of us are just starting out and haven’t really committed to reasons yet and some of us are just working to stay healthy. [...]
Paula Radcliffe – Olympic Hopeful with the Heart of a Lion »
One of my favorite sayings is “Fall down seven times, get up eight”. It’s what anyone trying to do something difficult needs to keep in mind. We all stretch ourselves to reach new goals and sometimes we fail and the only real antidote to failure is to put the disappointment behind us and just keep [...]
Setting Goals in Running »
It’s a big run weekend with lots of runs posted to the CRN Race calendar. Everyone goes into a race with some sort of goal in mind—everything from “qualify for the Boston Marathon” to “finish” to “have fun.” Sometimes we reach our goals and sometimes we don’t and sometimes we accomplish something that wasn’t a [...]
Running Through Adversity »
We runners are a hardy bunch. We push ourselves to exhaustion. We sometimes break bones and scrape skin seeking out stressful situations to see just how far we can push ourselves. Sometimes we do all this while overcoming some immense obstacles. If you’re San Luis Obispo, Calif., pulmonologist Tom Vendegna, 43, you run to reverse [...]
Reasons to Run »
Spring is here, at least in most of the country, and with the warmer weather comes all kinds of extra demands on your time: yard work, cookouts, kids’ soccer games, etc. It’s easy to let your training slip at this time of year. I know that I often run more miles during the cold winter [...]
Video of the Week: Steve Prefontaine »
In 1972 Steve Prefontaine set the American record in the 1972 5k (13:22.8) and was set to compete in the 1972 Olympic Games. The race shown in this video is the epitome of drive and determination. You can practically feel the lactic acid building up in your legs and your lungs as you watch it. [...]
Roger Bannister on the Impossible »
“No one can say, ‘You must not run faster than this, or jump higher than that.’ The human spirit is indomitable.” —Roger Bannister
Better Know an African* »
The sport of distance-running is undoubtedly dominated by East Africans. Women and men from countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia and Morocco have indelibly and literally altered the face of the sport. Paradoxically, despite their astounding success, African runners perform in virtual anonymity. This article marks the start of a series of articles, titled Better Know [...]
Bruce Barton on Achievements »
“Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dared believe that something inside them was superior to circumstance.” —Bruce Barton
Quote of the Week »
Today, it’s a two-fer! Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great. —Mark Twain You can’t really be strong until you see a funny side to things. —Ken Kesey
William James on Second Winds »
Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out they’ve got a second. Give your dreams all you’ve got and you’ll be amazed at the energy that comes out of you. – William James
Why I Run »
Any time a conversation at a party or business meeting comes around to running, as it somehow always does, it’s inevitable that one of the non-runners in the discussion will ask: Why do you run? I, like most runners, have any number of stock answers to this question: Because I love it; it’s great exercise; [...]
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