- FITNESS

Friday

06Nov2009

Dane Rauschenberg, Extreme Runner, On Purpose Of A Marathon

Nov 6, 2009

Dane Rauschenberg--

In the past few weeks I have been traveling and speaking at various races. At my book signings I invariably encounter people who are carrying a bag full of race goodies. Asking them which race they are partaking in this weekend, some will give me a sorrowful look and mention how an injury derailed them about a week before the race. As such, they are here just to pick up the things that they have already paid for and to get some deals on running apparel.

While I have been fortunate enough to not have an injury keep me from racing at an important race, I have had to miss races for a variety of reasons. The most recent would be when a bike accident kept me from competing in the World Aquathlon Championship in Australia. Having qualified for the US team in my first ever Aquathlon in August, I was more than stoked to represent my country at the Worlds.

I did not think that 9 days later I would be in the emergency room with news that there was no way in heck I was going to be swimming a few weeks later. So I do understand the feeling that training and hard work, when derailed by an injury, can feel like a total waste.

In speaking to these people, I offer as much solace as I can and try to impart to them that I do indeed feel their pain. I then try to point out that, for many of them, while crossing that finish line would indeed be a dream come true, they have already gained so much. Often these people are not going to even come close to winning their age groups, let alone win the whole race. They are the ones who have gotten off the couch after years of neglect to their physical well-being and are happy to just be running. You know, the plodders. The 6 hour finishers. The ones who many feel don't even belong in the marathon.

While this blog is not about a debate of whether "slower" runners belong in a marathon, I will say that my opinion falls a lot in line with Greg Meyer, who in 1983 was the last American man to win the Boston Marathon. Greg, who I had the pleasure of meeting and spending some brief time with at the Brooksie Way Half-Marathon last year says that when he hears such complaints from average marathoners, he replies, “If it wasn’t for the run-walkers, you wouldn’t be finishing in front of anybody.” But I digress.

My point is that, there will be another marathon for these people, the injured, to finish. In the meantime, they have gained so much more. Physical fitness, mental resolve, and probably a whole group of new friends are now in their back-pocket. Completing the marathon is not just that one day's worth of events but rather months of training and sacrifice and the rewards that come with it.

Summing up my feelings on the subject, a runner I met in Manchester this past weekend sent me an email recently saying, amongst other things:

"The entire experience of training for and then running the marathon has allowed me to connect with myself and reflect on my strengths and weaknesses more than I would ever have imagined! It may sound silly, but I feel like I accomplished much more than just running 26.2 miles."

Nope, Rebecca, it sounds just about right.

Dane Rauschenberg is an extreme runner, speaker and author. His seminars and speeches are known not only as powerful, passionate and engaging but above everything else, encouraging. His first book, See Dane Run has been a surprise breakout hit for both runners of all speeds and those outside the world of running. It empowers people to set goals for themselves and use their passion and strength to reach those goals. Dane Rauschenberg currently lives in Salt Lake City. He runs and designs marathons around his speaking schedule. His book, See Dane Run, is currently available at www.seedanerun.com

Book Review: See Dane Run By Dane Rauschenberg

Dane Rauschenberg On The Drake Well Marathon

Dane Rauschenberg: Running The San Francisco Half-Marathon

Barefoot Running: Completely Doable

Nov 4, 2009

Koach Karl--

As some of you may know the past 6 months I have been researching barefoot running. Most of the information out there is positive towards this odd phenomenon--there are many barefoot runners out there. If you Google it you will get a ton of information. My interest started earlier this year after reading Born to Run by Chris McDougal, along with thousands of other people; this is a great book and very motivating for any level of runner. I reviewed it earlier so I don't want to rehash, it's great. Read it! There is a lot if info and incite concerning barefoot running including biomechanics and our history as hunter-gathers.

Since reading Born to Run and conducting my own research, I started to run short distances barefoot--quarter to half mile at a time during the summer. I went all out in the month of October, running 2-3 times a week barefoot--distances starting at 1.5 miles and my longest to date is 5 miles. It was tough at first as I have in the past had pansy feet. I never thought I would ever try this. I ran 1.5 miles on a blacktop surface; it was a little painful to start, but the more I ran the better it felt. It does take a while to get use to. It seemed the more I did it the more excited I became about the activity.

I checked my feet after each run to see if there was any damage to speak of and to my surprise I have yet to have any major problems. By that I mean if I have any ache or pain that lasts longer than 48 hours then there is a problem. I did have muscular soreness. Unlike running in shoes, you use your body differently when you run barefoot versus using traditional running shoes. My calves and feet were the most sore but really everything from the waist down was achy for the next 36 hours or so.

I have been incorporating barefoot running just like I would if I was starting to run for the first time. Adding mileage slowly and trying not to be too aggressive, doing nice easy slow runs. Now the barefoot running is in addition to my normal weekly mileage. So in a normal day I would run 6-15 miles and then run my barefoot mileage. The biggest and most obvious thing to look for when you do run barefoot is your choice in surface, I started on a relatively soft surface. When I moved to the sidewalk, it was definitely harder. Since I had already been doing it it was doable. So I would suggest you start out running on grass for time, 5-10 minutes, then go to a blacktop surface then sidewalks and streets. I have yet to run off road but it will happen soon.

I just recently received my Vibram Five Fingers www.vibramfivefingers.com, which are a barefoot alternative. I have only run 6 miles in them so I can't give them a fair review, but stay tuned and I will give you the breakdown on them and how I incorporate them into my training. I will also get more into the biomechanics of barefoot running and our ancestors lack of foot wear.

As a former Marine, Karl Keltner has run for almost 30 years. He has been a personal trainer since 1982 and an endurance coach since 1999. Karl is a two-time BadWater UltraMarathon finisher and three-time Ironman Triathlon finisher. Along the way, he has completed 23 ultras and 61 marathons. He is the owner of Athlon Endurance Training, which includes the Runners In Touch Teams. In 2007, Karl started the Runners In Touch (RIT) Teams. The RIT Endurance Team trains runners and walkers for all distances. RIT Children's Team works with at-risk children throughout the Kansas City community, instilling the values of fitness and healthy eating into young bodies and spirits. To date, he has coached over 2000 endurance athletes to the finish line, be it in running or multisport. Recently, Karl has been a regular contributor to Endurance Planet and has had numerous articles related to the spirit of endurance sport published.

You Can Run A 50K: It’s Not Rocket Science

Book Review: Born to Run by Christopher McDougall

1 Comment | |

Email Article |

tagged

vibram five fingers in

Koach Karl,

Running

Sunday

18Oct2009

Book Review: Women’s Home Workout Bible By Brad Schoenfeld, CSCS, CPT

Oct 18, 2009

By Lauryn Abbott

I am in love with this book! It is FANTASTIC! Women’s Home Workout Bible by Brad Schoenfeld is everything I’ve ever wanted in a workout resource, and much, much more! It is designed to help any woman set up a workout area in her own home, with budgets ranging from less than $100 to over $2500, depending on what the woman wants. The absolutely amazing thing is that Schoenfeld shows how to get a great, gym-style workout, for very little money.

There are hundreds of exercises, complete with large, easy to see photos and complete explanation, and often slight alternatives as well. The book is organized very well into sections that include body weight, balance balls, elastic bands, dumbbells, barbells and machines. And each section breaks down into shoulders and arms, torso, core, and lower body. It explains sets, reps, tools and equipment, and various workout jargon as well. There are several routines included, but it would be super easy to create your own routine.

The author also takes the time to discuss how or where to purchase equipment, new versus old, etc. This book includes everything to do a proper workout, whether for a slight, low-impact workout, for an intense, grueling workout, and anything in between.

Shed unwanted weight, sculpt your physique, tone muscles, reduce joint pain, or simply be healthier and more fit. Women's Home Workout Bible will show you how--all in the privacy and comfort of your own home.

In Women's Home Workout Bible, best-selling author and renowned personal trainer Brad Schoenfeld shares his secrets on the perfect at-home workout. Step by step, you'll identify the home gym setup and workouts for your fitness goals, schedule, and budget.

You'll learn how to set up your personal gym for as little as $100, or expand your options with more equipment for $500, $1000, or more than $2500. Whatever your budget, with over 160 exercises, you'll have plenty of variety, including bands, balls, free weights, and fitness machines.

Women's Home Workout Bible will then ensure you get the most out of your investment. You'll learn how to set up workouts and organize your training for noticeable results. To get you started, there are 12 four-week programs for conditioning, sculpting, and core stability, plus three levels of fat-burning cardio workouts. And with expert advice, exercise tips, and answers to the questions you always wanted to ask, it's like having your very own personal trainer and fitness consultant.

If you're ready to reclaim your body without the expense or scrutiny of public health clubs, you need Women's Home Workout Bible.

Book Review: Yogabody By Judith Hanson Lasater

Extreme Runner, Dane Rauschenberg To Run 204 Miles, In 48 Hrs Solo

Oct 14, 2009

Dane Rauschenberg--

Ever since December 31st, 2006 around 8 PM CST, I have been asked what my next big goal would be. Seriously. I was not even showered from the last marathon of Fiddy2 when a phone call with BBC radio posed the question.

From being asked "Would you do it again?" (which my answer is usually: "If you pay for it this time!") to "So, what's next?" I have never needed the prodding I have received to continue to dream big. Well, I finally have my next big goal.

On the last full weekend of April 2010, there will be a 204-mile relay run from Gettysburg, PA to Washington, DC. Called the American Odyssey Relay, teams of 12 will alternate turns until every runner traverses about 15 miles or so total, (on three separate runs) over the course of a day or so.

For those in the know, on top of running marathons and ultras and directing races of every distance, I have also worked in designing courses such as the American Odyssey Relay. I know my way around the ins and outs of these wonderful excursions. As such, it is on the canvas of the AO Relay that I hope to paint my next grand adventure.

For, while teams of 12 will be running the 204 miles through the Civil War battlefields and happily handing off to their teammates, I too will be joining them on this quest but will, instead, be handing off to, well, nobody.

You see, I will be running the American Odyssey Relay solo. By myself. 204 miles. In hopefully 48 hours or so.

So, if you are interested in being part of my crew, I am hoping to put together at least two separate teams who can give up a day of their life to help me achieve, what to most (including myself when I think about it), would be a rather ludicrous goal.

Please stay tuned for more information posted about this adventure as it becomes available and if you are looking for a relay to run in the greater DC area, I encourage you to register now and start putting that team together! There is nothing quite as bonding as spending 24 hours in an adult slumber party!

Book Review: See Dane Run By Dane Rauschenberg

Dane Rauschenberg Completes 100th Marathon At Pike's Peak!

Dane Rauschenberg: Running The San Francisco Half-Marathon

Man Loses More Weight Than A 'Biggest Loser'

Oct 2, 2009

Dane Rauschenberg--

I am a huge champion of people getting healthier. I love hearing stories about how people have taken to better eating habits, adding more exercise to their life, and have realized the value that they have added to their own lives, and those around them by doing so. In fact, I have posted previously about my cousin Jenn who had lost 80 lbs back in March. Most recently she let me know she had pushed past the 110 lb barrier and keeps up the battle every day. I am extremely proud of her! This took a great deal of willpower and fortitude. I also, at the same time, wished she had never gotten herself into that position in the first place.

The reason I say this is a recent story about a man named Bob Bedord who lost 257 pounds in 30 months without surgery. Leaving the easy "Well, he IS from Wisconsin" jokes aside, something about the article struck me. Let me start off by saying that when I read the article I was impressed and also very happy for him. He did not take the easy way out. He worked hard. He lost the weight and will inevitably have a higher quality of life because of it.

I thought it was great that he has "lost more weight than anyone ever has on The Biggest Loser," even the marathon cheat whom I share a first name with. But when I got to one particular phrase it sort of stuck in my craw. The article mentioned he had "become a role model for staff and patients." I thought about this or a while and I guess that is a good thing. It is wonderful that he can inspire people. However, I recently had a lengthy discussion with someone about role models and those who inspire us. The crux of the conversation is that inspiration does come in many forms and it SHOULD come from those who do the right thing day in and day out, and do not need to make drastic changes in their lifestyle because they have always been doing what is good for them.

In more simple terms, Bob would not have gotten to 512 lbs and then had to lose half of his body weight if he had just eaten right and exercised in the first place!

To me, the unsung hero, the person who has not necessarily overcome huge adversity to stay fit, deserves as much kudos as the person who has fallen and had to crawl and scratch their way to the top. But we rarely award those people with a simple nod of praise or words of encouragement. We rightfully praise those who have lost their way and fought hard to get back in but forget to heap the same amounts of good words on those who may have been just as tempted to stray and eat the horrible foods and forget about exercising but still woke up at 5 AM to go for a run and refused to have that Entemann's Swiss Chocolate Chip Cake (where 1/9th of a cake contains 25% of your daily fat for the day!)

America likes the underdog. We are big fans of the comeback story. Hollywood has essentially been made upon the shoulders of the untalented person with the never-say-die attitude that wins the big game and gets the mate of their dreams. The person who has the looks or the car or the money is always painted as a major jackass. I think the only exception in modern times would be Jake Ryan from Sixteen Candles.

However, Jake Ryan aside, the theory really holds true. Even in Sixteen Candles, to some extent we wanted Anthony Michael Hall's character to end up with Molly Ringwald. But when Molly ends up with Jake Ryan, she satisfies the seldom played out female-underdog. America loves it.

Huge digression aside, I think there is plenty of room in the world for inspiration to come from all corners. And sometimes, the ones for whom it seems life comes the easiest, are the ones who have worked the hardest to make it look that way.

tagged

lose,

weight in

Fitness