Morning all,

Like MarkGuy, I got out this morning to try to beat the rain (and later, snow) that are headed our way. Woohoo--April in Michigan. 8 miles with the middle 4 at tempo, 6:49 avg. pace. I struggled a bit today in the wind, on tired legs.

MarkGuy, for 800m repeats on the UM track, you can use the 4-turn stagger marks. The one in Lane 1 is labeled 4x200m. I think they are the black lines.

Choovie, a general rule of thumb, which I have completely made up but which seems to work from 5k up to the marathon, is that to run a race of X miles, you should have a base of at least 2X miles per week. So a HM on 15 mpw is pushing it IMO.

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DaveinAA[/URL" target="_blank">

I didn't really want to start a whole new thread for this but I found this interesting as I hope some of you will. Lisa Brock's letter is so typical of the uninformed segment of our society that does not understand nor wants to regarding the benefits of BF running.

Chris Wagner gives a pretty good rebuttal.

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Running barefoot is risky

While it is not uncommon to read articles in The Star that have missing elements to the story, as a health-care professional I felt compelled to write regarding the ?barefoot runner? in Star Magazine (3/25, ?Barefoot in the park?).

Nowhere in the lengthy profile of this individual who runs marathons barefoot is the risk of potential infection addressed.

Hospitals see individuals every day with life-altering blood infections. Some are due to accidents involving falls off ladders and with mowers and, yes, incidents involving barefoot people stepping on glass, nails, etc.

Two questions:

First, why was there not expanded reporting or an interview with an internal medicine physician regarding the dangers of this activity? (A small blurb with an orthopedic doctor discussing arches doesn?t really count.)

Second, I would be interested if the runner?s insurance company provides full coverage to someone who displays high-risk behavior.

It is interesting that this individual who cares so much about his cardiovascular system that he runs and works out, has so little regard for his feet. I pray no kids read this article and think it is a ?cool? idea to try.

Lisa Brock
Mission Kansas

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Barefoot running

Lisa Brock (3/30, Letters) writes about the dangers of barefoot running. Clearly, she has never tried it herself, nor has she researched the topic.

Ms. Brock seems to think that barefoot runners are blissfully ignorant of both personal hygiene and the hazards in their path. If anything, they are more attuned to their environment, especially to the surface on which they are running.

I have experienced greater hazards from dog bites while running than by going barefoot. An overpadded pair of Nikes would not have prevented that Lhasa apso from clamping on to my calf two weeks ago.

More important, barefoot runners run as nature designed them, with better technique than those who rely on the artificial stabilization of air pockets, gel and now even microchips to compensate for bad form. Barefoot runners develop stronger feet and ankles, have better feedback from the ground, and suffer fewer joint injuries. Many Olympic athletes incorporate barefoot training into their regimens.

I suggest that she do some homework before condemning the practice. Up until the last century, this is how most of mankind ran. Seems to have worked pretty well for the last few thousand years or so.

Chris Wagner
Occasional barefooter
Prairie Village Kansas

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3/25 Article:
http://barefootrunner.org/news/07kcstarmag/07kcstarmag_online.htm[/URL" target="_blank">

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"Do something remarkable, every day. In time, your life will become remarkable!" - Barefoot Rick @ www.barefootrunner.org[/URL" target="_blank">

Debbie, positive thoughts coming your way today.
kameele, good to see you back running.
Gordon, congrats to your DD and good luck to her in the finals.
MarkGuy, you forgot to count yourself as one of the clever rehabbers, and nicely done on the intervals!
PBJ, if that is your new plan to beat Tall, it really stinks!

Scheduled rest day.

I think Vivian, my imaginary maid, has somehow found a way to "quit me," so my rest day will include attention to the morass of dust and clutter that is my home. Yawn.

choovie, I recognize that spot. It's Deep Cove, finishing point for the 30-mile Knee Knacker[/URL" target="_blank">, a race I'd like to do one of these days. Grrrrowl.

A stunning place to kayak too.

Kimble, Smart move. It shows your running with your brain too.

Thanks so much all of you.

You have given me some encouragement and some things to think about.

I do not run fast. The ten miles yesterday took about 2 hours. I don't run with a watch, just try to go by feel. I found when I run with a watch, I am always trying to beat my last time and that takes the enjoyment out of it for me.

I have been following a half marathon training program with some adjustments (like dropping speedwork and replacing it with plain miles)

It just seems like it is such hard work to make it through 10 miles that running 16,18, or 20 would be a huge mountain to tackle.

That said, I know I can finish the half. I have done three already.

My kids who run think there are certain plateau's for every runner. Maybe that is where I am at.

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Patty

quote:<HR>Originally posted by TammyM:
Last night I was reading this month's RW and was a bit bothered by the article about a repeat Boston bandit.<HR>

Tammy,

Relax, banditing the marathon is a hallowed Boston tradition. Afterward, we all get together and throw tea in the harbor.

Just skimmed the earlier posts, but it's cool C-Hoovie is married to an 18-year-old guy. Guess this is what keeps her looking so young.

Off to the gym later, after I kill my quota of enemy insurgents for the night. Not able to run much these days, so I'm sculpting my Boy Toy physique. When I get home in the fall, I'm going to shave my body, get a spray-on tan, and star in the next Dolce & Gabbana ad campaign.

<preening>

Dark Horse

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I'm a dark horse, running on a dark race course

quote:<HR>Originally posted by TammyM:
I was just a little surprised that a magazine would spotlight a bandit<HR>

Tammy,

I've worked for a few magazines. You read the article, found it thought-provoking, and now we're discussing it in a public forum. I'd say the magazine was pretty smart in its choice of topics, wouldn't you?

Dark Horse

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I'm a dark horse, running on a dark race course