Passionate Runner: Begin Anew 2

another in a series of podcasts on running, this one on my second run in the recovery process; with new shoes, laces tied, walking the stairs at work, etc. Time: 5 minutes, 11 seconds MP3 File Links referenced during the podcast: Tying your shoe laces properly to run Foot care basics, including alternating shoes

Passionate Runner: Beginning Anew

another in a series of podcasts on running, this one reflecting on the first run coming back from an injury, not a good run but a great one as it is the start of running again. Time: 3 minutes, 51 seconds MP3 File My previous writing on the FIRST program

Route Mapping Survey - results due back today

Reminder: your survey results due today! The original post can be found here. Here are the questions that you can provide answers for to make our comparison of the currently 5 different web sites to map your running route. For each site you can use the same set of six questions. Be sure to include the site name with each set of your responses. Site name:_____________________ Q1 - How easy was it to create your short (1 - 5 mile) run? Easy, Okay, Hard (select one) Q2 - How easy was it to create your long (6 - 26 mile) run? Easy, Okay, Hard (select one) Q3 - Can you name this route? Yes, No (select one) Q4 - Can you share this route? Yes, No (select one) Q5 - Would you recommend using this site? Yes, No (select one) Q6 - Why? (please add some specifics that you liked or did not like about this site.) What are the five sites? MapMyRun FavoriteRun WalkJogRun Gmap Pedometer USATF's "America's Running Routes" Please send all responses to me (shersteve at gmail dot com) by Sep 23th! I'll compile the results and publish them before the end of September. Thanks for your help in this!

A day of silence

Remembering 9/11/2001

Want to help answer the question on stretching before you run?

USATF is conducting a study to determine the effect of pre-run stretching on running injuries. The purpose of the study is to determine specifically if pre-run stretching of the three major leg muscle groups is beneficial for overall injury prevention or reduction. The study is not examining in-run or post-run stretching. Background Many studies have been conducted to understand the impact of stretching or warm-ups on the risk of injury, but with conflicting results. A broad review of "stretching" has not conclusively determined whether a pre-run static stretch protects runners from injury during their routine training. See the Study Protocol for more information. Getting Involved We are soliciting volunteers to participate in this study. Each participant will be randomly assigned to stretch or not to stretch before their usual running routine. Those assigned to stretch will follow a detailed protocol of stretches of the hamstring, quadricep and calf muscles for a total of 4 minutes over a period of 3 months. Participants are free to stretch as they normally would (e.g., post-run cool-down stretching), except during the pre-run period (when they must following the "stretch" or "no-stretch" protocol). Find more details and the registration process here.

Passionate Runner: Route Mapping Tool Survey

another in a series of podcasts on running, this one looking for participation to gather feedback on at least five websites that allow you to create a map of your running route so you can find out how long it is, share it, etc. Time: 5 minutes, 26 seconds MP3 File Here are the questions that you can provide answers for to make our comparison of the currently 5 different web sites to map your running route. For each site you can use the same set of six questions. Be sure to include the site name with each set of your responses. Site name:_____________________ Q1 - How easy was it to create your short (1 - 5 mile) run? Easy, Okay, Hard (select one) Q2 - How easy was it to create your long (6 - 26 mile) run? Easy, Okay, Hard (select one) Q3 - Can you name this route? Yes, No (select one) Q4 - Can you share this route? Yes, No (select one) Q5 - Would you recommend using this site? Yes, No (select one) Q6 - Why? (please add some specifics that you liked or did not like about this site.) What are the five sites? MapMyRun FavoriteRun WalkJogRun Gmap Pedometer USATF's "America's Running Routes" Please send all responses to me (shersteve at gmail dot com) by Sep 23th! I'll compile the results and publish them before the end of September. Thanks for your help in this!

Big Apple runs for the Fall

The local running group, Norfolk County Pacers, runs routes starting from the Big Apple, Wrentham, during the fall and it is hilly but quite good scenary to run with. There are two major loops we use. The ten milers use the short one to start. They should come by the parking lot about the time the 7 milers are ready to go and they can join for the long loop. The 3 milers start last and do the short loop which should put them all on the last approach to the Big Apple about the same time. This arrangement of overlapping loops can make for a less lonely run. The short loop: The long loop: The Pacers running route page

Yea, it is a green light

green traffic light, originally uploaded by flrnt. The doctor visit today was a good one. She said the MRI confirmed a bone bruise and that it looked to be healing. It certainly feels like it is getting better. She said I could run again when I felt it would be ready to go. She also said to take it easy coming back. Yes, indeed. Coming back is a good thing. Taking it easy after sitting on the sidelines for so long won't be a problem. I was patient enough to wait this one out, I can be patient enough to take it easy coming back. So October 1 seems like a good date to start again, assuming the ankle feels even better by then. Halleluiah!

Free running workshop, registration required

I just received an email from Rachel Kagno, Public Affairs at Newton-Wellesley Hospital to share this notification. So as part of our "public service effort", here goes! Do you want to start running? Are you getting ready for your first race? Do you want to improve your performance? On Saturday, September 8 from 10:00am to 12:00pm, sports medicine experts from Newton-Wellesley Hospital will host Running Strong: Train Smart - Run Well, a free program for beginner to intermediate runners. The event will be held in the Hospital's Shipley Auditorium, 2nd floor, 2014 Washington Street, Newton. This free workshop is designed to provide beginner runners with the tools to develop a program for a sound running foundation. Intermediate runners will have the opportunity to develop smoother and more efficient running mechanics. Participants will take an active part in the workshop in a learn-by-doing format - so come dressed to run. Newton-Wellesley Hospital's Running Strong Series is offered periodically throughout the year to help athletes avoid injury and maximize performance. Newton-Wellesley Hospital, which is located at the Boston Marathon's 17 mile mark, is an official medical provider of the Boston Marathon and partner with the Boston Athletic Association, providing pre and post-marathon services to athletes. Newton-Wellesley sponsors the Athletes Village Medical Tents, which house medical professionals to provide treatment for runners and spectators. Registration is required. To reserve your seat for this free workshop, register online at www.nwh.org/runningstrong, or call The Runner's Line at 617-243-6383.