I NEVER RUN AND LISTEN TO MUSIC
That had to be said. I never run with an ipod or any type of music delivery system even though I own 3 Ipods at this moment. I am not a running snob that needs to hear the rhythm of my body and get in tune with nature.
It is a matter of survival
I run in NYC and it is dangerous. The days of the Central Park Jogger are thankfully long gone but the cabs and pedestrians persist so it is best to be aware of your environment.
That being said there are many of you that cannot run without music, which I understand so I thought I would pass along some music here and there that you may enjoy running with. Be warned I am a fan of electronic music and hip-hop (or is it rap)
The latest mix that I enjoyed is a mix by James Lavelle on the Together podcast. The highlight of this mix is a track about 60 minutes in and it is Deer in the Headlight - Radioslave Mix. Listen Here
Kind of reminds me of Underworld when they were real dark and dirty.
A more eloquent review from Pitchfork - This blinder from January is an overlooked triumph of utter warehouse madness, its siren-like glissandi and dagger-sharp rave stabs carrying its punishing intensity higher and higher in an unremitting build-up. Chelonis R. Jones’ soulful vocals become a crossing guard’s scary rant as rushing bass and Dopplerized car horns lay waste to the dance floor like it’s a six-lane highway, leaving clubbers all but roadkill
Enjoy and let me know what you think.
I just finished reading an article about the Comrades Marathon - really an ultrarun.
The Comrades Marathon in South Africa is one of the most insane races I have ever heard about and of course would love to run it one year. It is a 55 mile race, yes 55, that alternates each year, alternating between the up run (about 87 km) starting from Durban and the down run (about 89km) starting from Pietermaritzburg.
The killer part of this course is not the distance but the hills. Each climb makes Heartbreak Hill in Boston look like a speedbump.
This race is so popular in South Africa that it is broadcast live all day throughout the country, all 12 hours of the race.
The 12 hours is the time limit to finish the race. if you do not finish in under 12 hours you do not receive your medal, just a high five or handshake or whatever is popular in South Africa these days.
Well after reading about this I decided to do a little elevation run myself, NYC style. A nice 7 mile run going into Brooklyn over the Williamsburg Bridge and then coming back into Manhattan over the Manhattan Bridge. It is not the same as Comrades, but we all have to start somewhere.
One NYC running tip - Avoid the Brooklyn Bridge at all costs if you are running, it is only good for a slow stroll.
It is official - the Dukes of Flatbush are a running
On May 19th 2007 the Dukes of Flatbush will do a little island hopping and land on Shelter Island for the 27th - Shelter Island Run
Mr GJ has been kind enough to open his home for the DOFB so we have a roof over our heads and a location for post-race drinking and all around carousing.
If you have the chance to make it out there, this seems like a great race in a beautiful location and does attract some world class runners for a 10K race.
The real competition in this race are the Shelter Island locals seen below. Be warned they are very strong runners and have a hell of a finishing kick. Good Luck!!!!
If you ever wanted to check your race results for any race you have completed in the USA please check
Just enter your name on the top and your racing career is there for all to enjoy
I wanted to mention this to new and old runners visiting the site. One of the items that should become part of your routine is The Stick. Even if you do not run and just exercise it is pretty nice thing to have around.
Oh yeah and when you pronounce it make sure you say it in some strange authoritative voice ,that is why I have it in italics.
I started using this little item when I had ITBS ( Wiki Article ) and it really helped by stretching out the muscles and relieving the pain I had.
I now use The Stick almost exclusively on my calves. It will work out any knots you have there and will relieve a lot of lower leg pain, especially shin splints (one painful side effect which I will reserve discussion for another day)
You can purchase The Stick at most specialty running shops or somewhere on the Interwebs. Good Luck it is not hard to find.
TRAINING NOTE - For those that care to follow I ran 4 miles this morning at nice leisurely 8:15 pace
Went out this morning looking to break 28:00 minutes for 4 miles a 7:00 pace. Conditions were good, maybe a little warm with the sun shining. Central Park is in prime spring condition, with cherry blossoms out (I think that’s what they are) and over 8,000 runners out today. I started way up front so I would not have to weave through the masses
Mile 1 - a little crowded at the start, so the 1st quarter mile was a little slow, but ended finding my groove, hit the 1st mile marker at 6:59, so far so good.
Mile 2 - starting to pick up the pace and feeling good, think I may be going a little fast but this should be OK, hit the 2nd mile marker at 13:35, a 6:36 pace, way too fast I could be in trouble
Mile 3 - the hills are coming and I am losing some gas, this is not good. Breathing is heavy and some people are actually passing me. I am worried I went too big too early. Closing to the 3rd mile marker at 21:01. Still have a chance
Mile 4 - lots of downhills but I do not have the strength to turn my feet over fast enough and pick up the pace. Coming around to the 72nd traverse and I can see the finish line, time to empty the tank and go for it. somehow found a little more and sprinted to the end with a closing time of 28:01
Missed it by two seconds!!! After 4 miles and 28 minutes it came down to TWO SECONDS and I could not close it.
I do feel encouraged that I was so close and will break that 7:00 pace for a 4 miler soon enough.
UPDATED INFO -
Official race time 28:04
Official Finish - 383 out of 6,575
Bought another new pair of running shoes today - Asics DS Trainer 12
These will be worked in with my Brooks Axiom 2 and multiple other shoes that I have.
I am continuing my trend towards less and less shoe. These weigh in at 9.5oz and so far feel real real nice.
I thought I would share one of my favorite items - McMillan Running Calculator
From Greg McMillan - ever wonder what pace you should be running in workouts? How ’bout when you run a 5K and want to know what you could run for 10K? Well, wonder no more.
I think this is very accurate, what do you think ?
McMillan’s Running Calculator
Here is the first post . The Dukes of Flatbush is our little running club and this blog will show off the training, runs and other junk that I find interesting
Feel free to bookmark and hope I can keep your attention
Little picture from the NYC Marathon that always excites me
DOFB
