http://curiousrunner.com a blog about running Tue, 03 Nov 2009 04:03:20 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en MVXC flew down to Portland this year for the Nike Pre-National race.  It is a preview of the national championship course.  My coach brought me along as the 8th guy, not to run on varsity and represent my team, but to run by myself in the JV Junior/Senior Race and ... http://curiousrunner.com/?p=35 I broke 5 minutes in the mile about a week ago.  After getting 5:07 three times, 5:03 twice, and 5:01 in the last race in track season I finally hit 4:58 in the first mile time trial of cross country.  Breaking 5 was not an accident for me, I trained ... http://curiousrunner.com/?p=33 My first marathon (first as in more to come) was completed today.  I had a plan of 9 minute mile pace the enitre way and was on my way to accomplishing that goal when I hit the infamous "Wall" at mile 20. The wall is the point in a marathon around ... http://curiousrunner.com/?p=29 After completing my first half-marathon on November 1st the first thing I said was, "That was horrible." For the first time ever, I had walked in a race.  When I told my parents about my expirience later that day they told me I did great and I should be happy ... http://curiousrunner.com/?p=28 A teacher of mine showed this poem to me, and I absolutely loved it. The Race By Dee H. Groberg "Quit! Give up! You're beaten!" They shout at me, and plead "There's just too much against you now. This time you can't succeed." And as I start to hang my head In front of failure's face My downward fall ... http://curiousrunner.com/?p=26 There are many opinions on what you should do on the day before a race.  Here I have put together a list of what I do before an event to be prepared. Get at least nine hours of sleep two nights in a row! Two good nights rest makes quite a ... http://curiousrunner.com/?p=24 Many runners up their mileage by running twice every day.  I have heard many opinions on the helpfulness of two-a-days.  Some people believe running twice in a day is more hurt than help. This article on two-a-days goes through the benefits of running twice and when you should start your new ... http://curiousrunner.com/?p=22 Distance running is largely about learning how to manage pain. There are many runners who are physically fit but lack the mental toughness it takes to be great. These runners will never quite reach their potential. Part of training is building muscles and stamina, but an equally important part is building ... http://curiousrunner.com/?p=20 One rookie mistake that many runners make is not stretching.  Stretching is a fundamental part of running.  You should stretch before and after every run.  Not only does stretching feel good, it makes you less susceptible to injury, have a wider range of motion, and reduces soreness after hard workouts. To ... http://curiousrunner.com/?p=19 Nick Symmonds shot past competition to take first in the 2008 Olympic Track & Field Trials at Eugene, Oregon.  Symmonds ran the 800 in a time of 1:44.10, the second fastest 800 time ever run in the United States. "It's one thing to say that I have the potential to do it. ... http://curiousrunner.com/?p=18