Today I changed things up a little bit and went in the opposite direction I normally run. As often happens, I ended up doing some exploring in South Mountain Park.

On the way back home, I literally ran into a rescue — a dog was stuck in the canal. Two police officers and another guy just pulled the dog out as I got there.

]]> http://runningaudio.com/blog/2009/01/01/starting-the-new-year-off-right-with-a-run/feed/ http://runningaudio.com/blog/2008/12/29/is-it-ever-too-cold-to-run/ http://runningaudio.com/blog/2008/12/29/is-it-ever-too-cold-to-run/#comments Mon, 29 Dec 2008 23:51:21 +0000 admin http://runningaudio.com/blog/?p=64 By Phoenix standards, the past few days have been pretty darn cold (low 30s during the early mornings).

I think I’ve really noticed the change in temperatures because most mornings I’m running before the crack of dawn. Sure, it might seem cold, but I realize there are plenty of runners dealing with colder temperatures and — ugh! — snow.

This morning, clad in my knit hat and gloves, I set out on my run and almost immediately wondered, “Is it ever too cold to run?”

Sure, there are days when I’m uncomfortable at the start, but I’m usually warm and shedding layers after a couple of miles.

I didn’t run much when I lived in Michigan (that was about 14 years ago), so I don’t have any experience running in brutally cold temperatures. I can only imagine what runners have to deal with at races such as the Antarctic Ice Marathon & 100K or the North Pole Marathon (see video below).

Here are a couple of links with articles describing the “dangers” of running in cold weather:

Is Cold-Weather Running Bad for You?

Running in the Cold

• The easiest way to recognize which negative thoughts hold you back from peak performance and why you can stifle your success by attempting to eliminate them.
• A little-known method for developing a 1-word “trigger” that allows you to create permanent changes in your mindset almost instantly.
• A simple written exercise that trains your brain to deliver exactly what you want, so you can achieve any goal in as little as 21 days.
• How to maintain your motivation by developing a “threshold of change” while you sleep.

(You’ll understand why I included this photo after you listen to the interview.)

When you listen to the interview, you’ll also want to have this document.

Right click and select “Save Target As” to download, or click here to play the interview.

If you’re using the Running Audio, I’d love to hear your comments. You can either post in the comment section or send me an e-mail at runningaudioguy@gmail.com. If you want more information about the Running Audio, check out http://www.runningaudio.com.

• Why your current breathing style while running is likely stimulating anxiety and multiplying your risk of hyperventilation.
• The simple secret to using “literal eye focus” that makes it easy to relieve stress and ward off fatigue on your longest runs.
• The exact time to stretch so you can skyrocket your stamina almost magically … without even running a single stride.

Right click and select “Save Target As” to download, or click here to play the interview.

Also, be sure to check out Sadie’s videos below. The first one shows you how to breath properly while running. The other one demonstrates how you can build core strength and transform your abs.

Sadie also has has a two-part video series titled “Yoga for Your Marathon.” You can view Part 1 here and Part 2 here.

He had a few other runners with him … but they weren’t competitors.

He followed a course …  but it wasn’t an official route.

He had a goal … but it wasn’t to break a personal record.

In fact, Jason didn’t run a race.

Instead, he completed a life-altering adventure that brought extensive awareness to the number of kids in inner-city schools without access to proper healthcare.

On “race” day (a date he planned for a year), the temperature soared to 101 degrees.

During his run, he experienced the standard blisters, dehydration and cramping. However, he also suffered from hypothermia, a fever and intense surface heat that caused his skin to completely peel away from the bottom of his feet.

This interview reveals how Jason overcame several physical and mental hurdles, including the darkest hours of his life, to complete “the extra mile.”

Right click and select “Save Target As” to download, or click here to play the interview.

I’m sure I have triple the time to train that this couple has. For me, it’s inspirational to see how much of a priority running is for this family. In addition, I think it shows the therapeutic effect running can have on your mind and body. 

Running is truly magical!

I hadn’t done this run is quite some time. But a friend (shout out to cycling superstar Lisa Barnard) mentioned it yesterday, and I couldn’t resist the challenge.

Since committing to carrying my camera on more runs, I’ve been on the lookout for people in the running community who do the same. I’m not too technical when it comes to producing, so I make casual videos created with basic equipment. Besides, if you’re out running, who wants to risk damaging a high-priced camera (as would have surely happened when I took a tumble on this morning’s run)?

The videos at MarathonTraining.TV (you’ll need to sign up) and its sister site, SoCalRunning.com, offer some straight-forward tips that are easy to incorporate, as well as insight into the Southern California running community.

Here’s one of the videos from MarathonTraining.TV: