The Key to Speed:

Interesting fact from a book I just read, The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle. The book talks about how we develop skills on a neurological level as well the methods to teach and absorb these new skills. One interesting point that he talks about is the psychological aspect as well. I will not go into detail, but an interesting point he makes on why some people are faster than others.

Speed is generally thought of as a natural ability that can be improved but "some people just have it." Right? Maybe not. Think back to when you were in school, who were the fastest kids you knew? Think of the top three...now think of if they had any brothers or sisters. I bet they do and I bet they are older than the speedster. Coyle does not propose this as scientific fact but make some interesting observations about why certain people are speedy.

Why would this matter? Well Coyle believes that growing up as a younger sibling you are often in a situation where you don't want to be left behind. Some more scientific information to back up his point.

Here are the birth order and ranks of the 10 previous world-record holders of the 100 meter dash.

1. Usain Bolt (2nd of 3 Children)

2. Asafa Powell (6th of 6)

3. Justin Gatlin (4th of 4)

4. Maurice Greene (4th of 4)

5. Donovan Bailey (3rd of 3)

6. Leroy Burrell (4th of 5)

7. Carl Lewis (3rd of 4)

8. Leroy Burrell (4th of 5) (Repeat)

9. Carl Lewis (3rd of 4) (Repeat)

10 Calvin Smith (6th of 8)

Of course there are plenty of other factors that play into this, but I thought that this was quite an interesting point. It also give me hope that speed can in fact be acquired you don't just have it or don't.

Investing for the Long Run

Here is a good article that talks about running and simple investing strategies. I personally am quite conservative when it comes to my money, I do not buy anything that I don't think I can afford and work towards paying off my debts before adding too many more.

Don't worry it is pretty short and straight forward.

Enjoy!

Investing for the Long Run:

Injury!

The thing that I dread more than anything is injuries, minor or major they are a pain. Generally it's not even the actual pain that is so bad its the fact that I can get out there and do what I want to do or to the degree that I want. On Sunday I tried to run on the treadmill and I made it about 2.5 mile before I started getting sharp knee pain. I am pretty sure that it is due to my hips as they have been bugging me for a while now and I have have problems with them in the past.

I can really do anything but run. I have done a few intense Spin classes now and have had no problems and I have been strength training for the past month and a half now and don't have any problems. It is just when I run, I just made an appointment with a sport doctor to check it out and see what I have to do. I about 90% sure that I'll get a hip alignment or lower back alignment and told to take it easy and given some strength exercises to do. If I only knew hoe to align my own hips I think I would be able to safe a lot of money.

Down Time/Rest & Recovery:

Despite all of the running that I do I generally take it pretty easy during the winter months. During the end of November, December and January. This year especially after all the racing and miles I am definitely taking it pretty easy these past few months. Personally I really like not running much for a few months and focusing on strength training and cross training, generally basketball.

This year having some nagging injuries after the Superior 50 miler and the Twin Cities marathon it is nice just focusing on getting back to 100% and building a good base for next year. Last year I put on about 2-4 pounds of what I hope was mostly muscle of the fall and winter months which I think really helps me in being able to stay injury free and do so many races.

The one thing that I have learned this year is that everyone is different and what will work for me might not yield the same results for others. The really good runners, or athletes in generally I believe are great at really being able to listen to their bodies and know when to push themselves and when to take it easy. That being said here is some general advice about the importance of down time and recovery.

Enjoy!

7 Tips For Taking Time Off:

First Ever Spin Class

I just did my first Spin class and it was a really good workout. It really got my heart rate going from the start and was quite challenging. I have been a bit reluctant to do a spin class in the past, but I really enjoyed both the workout and the change of pace. I think spinning will be a great cross training activity and can really help me with increasing my VO2 Max and pace or turnover.

I would recommend this as a great activity for any runner, especially those of us up north that have several long months of snow and cold. It is a great change of pace. Here is my workout you can really only see my heart rate, but as you can tell it is a pretty intense workout.

Garmin Connect -
Activity Details for
First Ever Spin Class

The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle

I just got finished reading The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle, it was a great book. It talked about how we as humans acquire skills, talent and ability. It broke down how experts have acquired the skills that they have to a basic neurological level and practical level. The main theme of the book is that you are born with talent but great talent is achieve through practice and dedicated effort.

I strongly recommend this book to anyone especially aspiring athletes and coaches. Evan sports like running it reinforces the concept that you need to put in the dedicated time and effort into something to be succeed at it.

Mega Marathoners:

Interesting Article about the the rising culture of not only marathoners but marathoners that take it to another level. Check it out.

Mega Marathoners

Tracking my Workouts:

I think this will be a bit easier to post my daily and weekly workouts instead of separate post. I'll simply update each daily workout on the side, along with the weekly milage totals. Next year I hope to have a a running total of number of miles I ran for the year. Might be a good new years resolution.

Tracking my Workouts:

Multi-Functional Running Gear:

I just figured out that my running head lamp also works great for a reading light. With 100 hour life on one set of batteries, you could even use rechargeable ones, you should get plenty of use out you headlamp now.