Runner's World Survey Results

I've been busy lately and haven't had the chance to post in the last couple of days. However, I just got the chance to read Runner's World's 2006 Survey results. (I would link to them if they were online... you'll have to pick up a copy of the December issue to read them in full detail.

I have to say that I am surprised by some of the results. Chariots of Fire is the number one favorite movie, followed by Prefontaine. I'm not shocked by Chariots taking the top spot. It's hard to argue with an Academy Award winning picture. But, Prefontaine? Do people not know about Without Limits, the Prefontaine biopic starring Billy Crudup? I've seen both and have to say that, while it takes some liberties with parts here and there, the racing scenes are much more captivating, using orignal footage from 1972 and Billy plays a much more convincing Rock Star of the 70s, for help check out Almost Famous as well. And I can't forget Donald Sutherland's portrayal of the legendary Bill Bowerman. He manages to convey the man with a hard nosed attitude and yet still show the compassionate side of the man who helped found Nike and mentored many young men into adult in his tenure at the University of Oregon.

Speaking of Nike, I was pleasantly surprised at the results of what Americans wore when running. Asics was the top shoe brand, followed by New Balance, Nike, Brooks, and Saucony. Its refreshing to see that the readers of the magazine are runners who want fit more than flash. Aside from Nike, the other four brands don't run massive campaigns or entice the top runners with multi million dollar sponsorships. They design and produce top quality shoes that meet the needs of the average joe runner and the elite athletes. It ties in to another result: 80% of respondents purchase shoes based on fit.

Again, pick a copy if you are interested in running. The methodology of the survey: Conducted over a 3 month period, worldwide respondents: 10,005, US respondents: 2,975. spilt approx. 51% Female, 49% Male.

Please rent both Prefontaine and Without Limits and tell me which one you think is better...

225 and counting...

So I am very excited to have gone running for 225 days consecutively. It has helped me acheive a certain balance between overzealousness and control. Some days I feel great and want to go 5+ miles and other days I have to restrain myself and do the minumum 2 miles.

What I've learned thus far.

• When you remove the excuses to say No, you acheive greatness.
• Wear comfortable and cushioned shoes. And rotate day to day.
• Not every day is going to feel good during the run, but you'll always feel happier after.

Anyway... I am proud of my accomplishments thus far, and I urge people to find something that they are passionate about, something to be active about, and maybe every day doesn't work for you, and injuries might get in the way, but be healthy and the endorphins will reward you.

Shrugged

In my last post, I finished the last volume of the Age Of Apocalypse on my return flight, had a great roast beef sandwich in Chicago,but that is neither here nor there, and finally retunred to the great city of Boston... I haven't gone back and pulled out my New Age of Apocalypse books to really finish out the set, but I'll get there.

Anyway, I have been reading this fairly new book entitled "Shrugged" by Aspen Comics. Aspen is Michael Turner's solo studio. You might know Michael as an artist and creator of Fathom and Witchblade. As well as is stunning renditions of the famed heroines of comic books (Supergirl, Wonder Woman, and many more..)

"Shrugged" takes the idea of each person having a mini angel and devil on their shoulders, offering advice on what to do and expands the world in which those guiding lights come from and what happens when our world and theirs combine, with some pretty dangerous results.

The book features an artist named Micah Gunnell, who pencils in the new school of style, something I am a big fan of, but you can see a touch of Turner's influence, who has a distinctive style all his own. But that is just my opinion, check out Micah's work on his deviantart page. (I linked to it.)

The story has been good so far, especially when the writers took an old concept and revitalized it with great art and a good plotline. Check it out if you get the chance, otherwise check out some of Turner's work... you'll appreciate it.

Wednesday: Comic Book Day

So I wrote this post at 30,000 feet (I think that is the height at which a plane flies, I never claimed to be an aviations expert) as I was on my way to California for work. NOTE: Confirmed by pilot after landing also of note, it is not sunny here.

Yesterday was one of my favorite day of the week because it is the day that new comics are released. For three reasons I need to go on the day that they come out. I like to be one of the first to read a new issue, I am a creature of habit, and for the small run comics, I don't like to hunt them down, I like to get the last copy!

Because I am travelling, I actually haven't read any of the new releases (mostly because they would get damaged in transit) but I am very happy that the Fourth Volume of The Complete Epic of X-men: Age of the Apocalypse. I have read most of the stories already, and in my collection, I probably own a number of them. But when the event first took place I wasn't as religous in my purchasing. (God bless having discretionary income). I grabbed that, threw it in my bag and preceded to enjoy a great deal of it on my flight. I tear through comics like they are candy on Halloween, but this book is so heavy even I can't finish it in one sitting.

I wish I could link off to something other than the wikipedia article: Age of Apocalypse, not because I have anything against Wikipedia, in fact I think it is a great resource tool. I have spent days researching the backstories of a variety of things. I take everything with a grain of salt, but more often than not, it is because I enjoy the topics that are presented.

I look forward to discussing the new stuff in my next couple posts... especially my favorite artist, Chris Bachalo, who is currently working on the X-Men series, check out his work... I'll bring in more examples.