http://curiousrunner.com a blog about running Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:44:15 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en 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/road-racing/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/the-race/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/the-day-before/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/running-two-a-day/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/to-the-pain/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/the-importance-of-stretching/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/nick-symmonds-qualifies-for-beijing/18/ Finding the right shoes can help you immensely when you run.  Running shoes without the right amount of support can hurt your feet and legs.  I found an awesome in-depth article about running shoes: Finding the Right Running Shoes. The article explains where to get shoes, what kind of shoes to ... http://curiousrunner.com/the-running-shoe-for-you/16/ Using mental power in a race can be an excellent way to cripple the competition, but when you allow yourself to be crippled by other people you will lose.  I have found many ways to use my mind in races and practices to help me reach my potential.  I hope ... http://curiousrunner.com/running-is-mental/15/ My first 5k (3.1 mile) race was a huge success.  I blame my success on my inexperience in racing.  When I started the race I was behind most of my team.  Questions popped into my head:  "Am I going fast enough? Do I need to slow down? How far have ... http://curiousrunner.com/the-ballistic-finish/14/