Do you like feeling like you are part of a group?
Enjoy flaunting your athletic abilities as much as possible?
Do you like to wear singlets that announce your addiction to running races?
If you answered yes to the questions above, I have come across the perfect solution for you! If you can run 2 full marathons (26.2 miles people!) within a 16 day time frame (and can prove it) then you have earned yourself a bronze level membership in the exclusive Marathon Maniacs club. You can also earn a titanium membership if you simply finish 52 marathons within 365 days. That doesn't sound too hard does it?
Of course, if you are like me, and can't even imagine racing 1,362.4 miles in a one year time span, but still want to rock a singlet that screams "I'm the bomb" you have other options.
I've become pretty intrigued with the Half Fanatic's running club. It's a lot like the Marathon Maniacs, but you might not die trying to become an elite member. One way to earn a bronze level membership is to run three half-marathons in a 90 day time frame. And naturally, you can earn top ranks in the club if you complete 52 half-marathons in a 365 day time frame.
The best part about these clubs, is that race time is not an issue. All that matters is that you finish the race. That sounds like my kind of gig.
With both the Maniacs and the Fanatics, after you achieve the criteria, and pay a reasonable membership fee, you will receive your exclusive singlet and be running in style. You can also meet other runners like yourself, earn awards, and log into their website.
If you want more information about becoming a Marathon Maniac or a Half Fanatic (and who wouldn't?) visit their websites:
http://www.marathonmaniacs.com or http://www.halffanatics.com
Don't be surprised to see me with my kids at a local grocery store in a shiny, new Half Fanatics singlet in the fairly near future. I think I have set yet, another goal for myself.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Running in the Rain
I have decided I actually really like running in the rain, which works out nicely in the Northwest. It's a great way to cool down, and the air feels so fresh and clean. Of course, you have to treat a rainy run a little bit differently than a dry one. I'm learning more and more on each run. There really is no reason for you to not enjoy your wet, Seattle runs.. you just have to follow a few easy steps!
1. Wear a hat. It's pretty important to be able to see while you are running. In fact, I'd almost say it's crucial. Grab a visor or one of those fancy hats with all of the little holes on the top, so your head doesn't overheat.
2. Bring a hanky. I can't be the only one who gets a runny nose everytime I run in junky weather. Frankly, when it's windy outside, the oh-so-fun snot rocket can have an ugly outcome.
3. Wear a jacket. Now, by "jacket" I don't mean your wool pea coat, nor am I implying you should wear your big, yellow rain slicker. Get yourself a nice, light, waterproof coat. The idea behind the jacket phenomenon is to keep your upper half less wet, and it might even protect your Ipod.
4. Stay as far away from the traffic on the roads as possible. I learned this first-hand the other night. A hard-working truck driver thought it might brighten his day to drive through a huge puddle.. and splash the poor, unsuspecting runner on the side of the road. That runner still had over two miles until she reached home, and nearly froze to death.
5. Wear your bright colors and reflective gear. Obviously it's hard for drivers to see us in the dark, but in the dark and rain, it's nearly impossible. This is another one I had to learn by trial and error. My friend, Lisa and I were on a run and were crossing (in a lit-up cross walk, mind you) and were almost slammed into by a pizza delivery driver. Luckily, I panicked and pushed Lisa a little bit (to give myself some more speed obviously) and her pink water bottle went flying into the air, allowing the punk to see us and promptly hit his brakes. Sorry about that, Lisa.
I'm sure I will learn more about running in the rain, and I'm sure you all have some wonderful tips to share. So share! Share away! Happy wet running!
1. Wear a hat. It's pretty important to be able to see while you are running. In fact, I'd almost say it's crucial. Grab a visor or one of those fancy hats with all of the little holes on the top, so your head doesn't overheat.
2. Bring a hanky. I can't be the only one who gets a runny nose everytime I run in junky weather. Frankly, when it's windy outside, the oh-so-fun snot rocket can have an ugly outcome.
3. Wear a jacket. Now, by "jacket" I don't mean your wool pea coat, nor am I implying you should wear your big, yellow rain slicker. Get yourself a nice, light, waterproof coat. The idea behind the jacket phenomenon is to keep your upper half less wet, and it might even protect your Ipod.
4. Stay as far away from the traffic on the roads as possible. I learned this first-hand the other night. A hard-working truck driver thought it might brighten his day to drive through a huge puddle.. and splash the poor, unsuspecting runner on the side of the road. That runner still had over two miles until she reached home, and nearly froze to death.
5. Wear your bright colors and reflective gear. Obviously it's hard for drivers to see us in the dark, but in the dark and rain, it's nearly impossible. This is another one I had to learn by trial and error. My friend, Lisa and I were on a run and were crossing (in a lit-up cross walk, mind you) and were almost slammed into by a pizza delivery driver. Luckily, I panicked and pushed Lisa a little bit (to give myself some more speed obviously) and her pink water bottle went flying into the air, allowing the punk to see us and promptly hit his brakes. Sorry about that, Lisa.
I'm sure I will learn more about running in the rain, and I'm sure you all have some wonderful tips to share. So share! Share away! Happy wet running!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)