Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Born to Run....an inspiration

If you're a runner, a Crossfit'er, or any type of fitness enthusiast, have I got a book for you.  Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World (Author:  Christopher McDougall).  I just recently read this book and I have to say, not only was it hard to put down, every time I started to read, I felt the urge to go for a run!  It's an incredible story of a tribe of super runners  - the Tarahumara Indians of Mexico's Copper Canyons.  For them, running is a way of life.  Intertwined in this story you will find incredible research on the merits of barefoot running (the reason behind my recent purchase - Vikram 5 Finger shoes) as well as well placed anecdotal exercise physiology research.  Being a science head myself, I truly appreciated that aspect to the book.  I think it will become one of those books you just might read over and over again when you need a bit of inspiration.

As a result......I have decided to undertake a methodical and ambitious running plan, leading up into fall.  An 18 week marathon training schedule, 3 races of increasing distance, Crossfit to make me stronger, culminating into what I hope is a successful full marathon in Oct.  That will be my second one - the last one dating back about 10 years!  In the meantime, I will be experimenting with a healthier diet, hoping to make some of my own energy bars and nutritional fuel for the longer runs.  So far, I have discovered that cocconut water works nicely on a long run - energy and fluid in one.

Stay tuned.....this is only week 1! 

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