Pre.

"A race is a work of art that people can look at and be affected in as many ways they’re capable of understanding."

-Pre

I have had barely any time lately to write down what I am thinking and it is killing me. I have finally caught on to the blogging bug and want to write as much as I can.

And while I have discussed running quotes in a previous post, I wanted to pick a good one to start with and work on. The fact of the matter is, when I run, I like to think of shatter not only my own understanding of my body but others' perceptions as well. Not only of me, but of themselves, the human body is resilient and adapts. That was is the same attitude that Steve Prefontaine ran with. He didn't care about winning, even though he did that a lot. But he cared even more about emptying his tank in the effort.

While my day to day runs are not a race. I know that I have been burning the candle at both ends and am feeling it. The cold weather and the day after day running is wearing me down to some extent, but when I go running it all seems to fade away. I need to do it. I need to shake off the cobwebs of a lack of sleep and a stuffy nose and just go.

Well, it's late and I have another long day ahead, join me on the roads tomorrow, you may not feel it at first, but at some point, you'll be happy you did. If you need help check here.

300 and counting...

Today I accomplished something that I've never done... 300 consecutive days running at least 2 miles. I salute those who have set the mark and hope that I can work towards their lofty height... Run Every Day

Sometimes the trip has seemed to fly by and other times it drags out. I swear that the period of time between 250 and 300 seemed to stretch on for eternity. It's an interesting notion, the fact that I can count every day by runs. But some of those days are more significant than others. My wedding, the first day at my new job, and a few others spring to the front. Then there is the days where I ran just to run, I was unmotivated and didn't want to lose the streak.

But then I think of the toughest runner that I never met. Pre. He has inspired so many runners both in his own generation, and in the many that have followed. Every individual who laces up and treads on asphalt, mulch, grass, snow... even cinders wants to draw the qualities that Pre embodied. The sheer tenacity, style, and Rock Star persona of a man who would never lose.

So I decided to suggest reading some of his and other runners' great quotes and adding two that have helped me through the slower periods. Not sure if I can credit them to anyone... like to think that they are timmy originals.

If you don't think that you can, you're wrong.

When you remove the ability to accept excuses, you acheive (insert goal here).

Until next time.

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...