We should be proud of we are, and act as a positive examples for others: but at the same time remain wary of vanity – because while we are certainly worthy of having pride in our actions and through our running: we’re not all that, and a bag of chips.

This is a story of passion, determination and guts in a marathon road race that is very much like the one you may have, or may one day run.  It’s a story that demonstrates the importance of experience, the rage against physical limits and the strength…of youth.

This was Ernest Hemingway, a man who inspired his readers to stand up against facists and bullies, while in many ways he tended to be somewhat of a bully himself.  Hemingway lived his life to the fullest, and set an example to everyone who knew him to turn to nature, both on land and sea.

The guy who said it was a “miracle that he had the courage to start” is full of crap.  Courage has nothing to do with starting a road race, and he’s a fool to push that slogan on new runners.
 
Today I want to talk to you about the rationality of fear.  Specifically, with regards to “the fear of running a road race”, and perhaps especially “the fear of running your FIRST road race”, IS IT RATIONAL FOR US TO BE AFRAID?

Treadmilling is not a bad thing.  But I think everyone listening to me understands that given the choice between running in place for an hour within your home, or at a gym and moving outside, under the sky, within the elements and across the ever-changing terrain of your place: the more significant way to exercise is the one that lets you better experience the world around you.

Today we’ll hear from six fellow runners (including myself) who will relate to you their personal stories about “Their First Times”.

Today is my 50th birthday.  

I was born at exactly 7:48 PM Eastern Standard Time in the maternity ward of Milton Hospital on Reedsdale Road and Highland Street in the town of Milton, Massachusetts on January 19th, 1962.

Turning 50 feels good, because it’s good to be alive.  The milestone reminds me to take a walk break in this race, and turn to look behind me to see how far I’ve come.  The past 50 years of life included great joy, terrible sadness, and the agony and ecstasy of blood, sweat and tears…but I wouldn’t trade any of it.

Regrets I have, many in fact: but those regrets are all part of a life well lived: a life, lived to its top.

We're traveling back in time on this episode; through six and a half years in PodCasting AND BEYOND! 

When oenophiles think about wine, they rarely consider the sport of running with regards to it’s enjoyment; and when runners consider our passion for moving our bodies through space: the topic of wine is not chief among our hydration strategies.  Yet these two areas of interest have their complementary intersections. 

In this epsiode we'll visit some "Cool Races in Beautiful Places" where wine grapes are grown. 

In the summer of 1975 I was a 13 year old skinny, big eared, pimply-faced teenager with a frown full of braces and a head filled with big ideas.  This was the first time I had ever been able to express my creativity to an audience greater than my immediate family, it was the first time I took a thought and converted it into something for others to experience.  My words, my story, my imagines, my voice and that of my friends Andy and James…we created a movie that entertained our family, friends and neighborhood for one magical night in the summer of seventy-five: The Summer of the Shark.

Part two of a series of episode where we prepare ourselves to win an argument with a non-runner!

In order to start the conversation that plants the seed of an idea into someone’s head that they might want to begin the process to adopt the running life style, you need the right ammunition: you need to commit to memory at least a handful of logical arguments that will make your proposal effective and produce results.

“To be or not to be?”, that is only the second question we have to ask ourselves: the first is: Are we? or Are we not?  Do we exist or is this all just a dream? 
 
Descartes had something to say about all this, and it’s to Descartes that we will go, as we begin to contemplate that one thing that makes us appreciate the way it feels to run across the Earth, to feel the sweat, effort and joy of getting our miles in and moving these bodies that we either are or inhabit.  Descarte can help us begin the process of understanding why, as we run a race or by ourselves on the open road: we feel, very much alive.

In this episode I present for you an abridged for podcast version of Henry David Thoreau’s essay “A Walk to Wachusett”. 
 
As you listen to these words, think about the excursion you might make wherever you live; knowing that you could cover the distance on a long run, but instead taking the time to walk and explore the world around you. 
 
This is one of the great lessons of Thoreau: that we should savor the journey and experience our environment.  It’s as Professor Nancy Etcoff said in my episode 274 on the Pursuit of Happiness: The pleasure system in our brain responds positively to the beauty of the natural world. 
 
 I love to run, as I know you do: but maybe every once in a while we should slow down, and just go for a walk.

Philosophers have been asking the question “What is Truth” for thousands of years, as they try to determine if truth is subjective, objective, relative or absolute.
 
I think that we, as runners: have a special opportunity to both ask and, in some specific way, at least, answer the question for ourselves. 
 
Truth can be found in the hard work and determination we put into every mile; truth can be understood based on our personal experiences about what we can achieve and the goals we can accomplish: and truth can be felt in the exhaustion, sweat, agony and tears associated with the triumphs and failures of a life on the road.

I propose to you that running can bring you great happiness, and since I know that I’m preaching to the choir here, I’ll ask you to consider how running can bring happiness to those in your family, friends and acquaintances whom you’ll meet in your life…and that no matter how sad or broken they and we may sometimes feel: we have an obligation and a certain unalienable right to engage in the pursuit of happiness.

In this episode we tackle the philosophical question “Is it morally right to quit a road race?”.  For help in understanding the question en route to an answer, we call about the great minds of Professor Richard Dawkins, Immanuel Kant, Socrates, and Aristotle.

The 6th Anniversay of Phedippidations.

This episode of Phedippidations is intended to recreate for you the experience of running with fellow runners and friends.  On April 30th Team Poco Loco gathered in Boston Massachusetts to run a half marathon distance around the mighty Charles River.  

This is the story of a fellow runner by the name of Katie who fought a good fight in that all too familiar way where all options are gone and the only thing left to do was to make a terrible agonizing choice:
“When you have nothing left to burn, you have to set yourself on fire” 

A tour of the Poco Loco Course
 

“From where he tottered before the couch, on muscles immune to elongation and contraction, Duncan contemplated his next move.  Opposite the lavatory, on the northern end of this dwelling, was his bedroom: unkempt and festooned with the discarded wrappings of many cakes, candies and snack treats; necessary supplements to his ongoing carbohydrate loading.”
 
This is the story of Duncan, a man without ambition or purpose who stumbles upon an idea that challenges his very existence and forces him to consider living a different life.  In this original story, I try to convey the importance of inspiration and how powerful positive examples can have to those who seek to live a better quality of life.
 

LINKS:
 
Trail Slammer's 100 Mile Ultrarunning podcast: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/100mileultrarunning/id369305436
 
Book recommendations:
   Core Performance Endurance by Mark Vertegen
   Athletic Body in Balance by Grey Cook
 
http://26for25.blogspot.com/
 
Manzanita Beach Walk/Run: http://ncrdnehalem.org
 
The song “Go” was a new track by the band Stray Palace, a side project of Black Lab’s Paul Durham.  Go to http://straypalace.com to learn more and you can download this song at http://blacklabworld.com
 
The song “Make a Wish” was an instrumental composition by Dan and Adam Skinner

 
The term varietal describes an elementary form of something.  With wine, it’s the fermented product of a single grape.  With running, the word varietal describes the specific practice of a training element. 
With running as with wine it’s important to understand the differences between the fundamental elements that go into the final product, so that when the harvest is released: be it after bottling or on race day: the end result can be savored over time; with rich expressive notes and a fine lasting finish.
The concept of varietal is as useful to wine as it is to running.  It helps to define the unique elements that make up a good training plan, or great a Bordeaux, Meritage or Blended wine.   It’s important to understand each varietal and how they bring out the best in the end product of that which you seek to consume: be it the finish line of a 26.2 mile road race or the lasting finish of a remarkable bottle of wine.  Get to know the varietals that comprise your goals, and you’ll savor the glass or medal as you live your life to the top.

LINKS: http://theextramilepodcast.blogspot.com/
http://slowrunclub.blogspot.com/
http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/run4chch/ 
 
The song “Rocky Road to Dublin” was by the Blaggards stout Irish Rock from Houston, Texas.  Check out all their great music over at http://blaggards.com

 

We all know how running can improve our lives, our health and our disposition with the universe around us.  We know that running is part of a healthy lifestyle and that it can improve the condition of our cardiovascular systems, and that we have evolved as homo sapien sapiens from Australopithecus Africanus to run across the savanna in search of the meat from fallen animals.  The benefits of running are clear, and new evidence is being found that further supports this idea that we should be runners: because as we’ll learn with the workings of the inner brain: running is the smart thing to do!

LINKS:
http://www.cookiesforkidscancer.org.
http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/GIRS
 
The song “An Ordinary Guy” was written, performed, and produced by one of the most talented musical artists currently residing in this quadrant of the galactic spirally arm: Matthew Ebel; who creates incredible music right here in the Boston area.  Go to his website at http://matthewebel.com
join his email list, see where he’ll be playing live, and buy one or five of his great albums at http://matthewebel.com/store/

You and I are out on a run together.  As we’re getting our miles in we start to talk to each other to pass the time. This is where we get to know each other, where we start to open up a little and reveal ourselves as the persons we really are. 
 
You and I are different, with different backgrounds, different beliefs and different understandings of the universe around us.  I want to know what you’re all about, and you might want to know what’s going on in my teenie tiny little head.  So today, let’s acknowledge that we really are out on a run together, and I’m going to reveal to you a little bit more about who I am.
 
These are what I call: Intervals and I’ve even gone ahead and created a couple of podcasts where I express my thoughts in a rambling diatribe format, one is recorded in audio, the other in video, both are available on iTunes. 
 
In running, of course, an interval workout is one where you run hard for a specific duration or distance, such as once around a track, and then you run at a relaxed rate, or maybe even walk…during an interval between the running portions.
 
So while Phedippidations is a podcast where we have a conversation about running and running related topics; today’s episode will be an interval break from that.
 
Today I’m going to open up an audio family picture book of sorts, and tell you a few stories from my life.  There’s nothing earth shattering of deeply profound here…just a few snippets from a life I’ve lived that will better help you to understand this goofy middle aged, middle of the pack slightly asthmatic fellow runner who you run with each week.
 

LINKS:
http://runningthegoldenyears.blogspot.com/2011/02/running-golden-years-episode-15.html
http://marcirunsthemarathon.blogspot.com/2011/01/no-words.html
 
The song “I am a Man of Constant Sorrow” was performed by, in order of appearance: The Soggy Bottom Boys and Dan Tyminski; Norman Blake, and John Hartford: http://www.losthighwayrecords.com/artist/releases/release.aspx?pid=1379&aid=72

Today I present the second in a series of episodes that I’m calling “Running Blogcasts” featuring the writing of fellow runners in our community who have a talent for the written word.  The author of today’s episode is Kim Cowart. (Kow-ahrt).
 
Kim is one of the writers for the “Reasons to Run” blog over at Deseretnews.com.  She’s a 35 year old mother of two from West Jordan, Utah. 
 
Kim spent much of her childhood living in Eugene, Oregon where running is as common as breathing.  In her teens, she moved to Utah, where there is a large and very strong running community.  Kim has always run off and on, but it was after she had her second daughter that her love of running became more serious. 
 
It started with a 20 minute run, and before she knew it, she found herself registering for her first marathon.  She had never run a race before, ever.  Her husband says she’s an all-or-nothing kind of girl, and this just proved him right. 
 
Kim finished her first marathon alive and well and even qualified for Boston.  Since that day she has run nine marathons including Boston.  She plans to run Boston again this April as well as the New York Marathon and the Utah Grand Slam which is a series that requires runners to complete four major Utah marathons over the course of six months.  It’s that all-or-nothing part of her personality again.
 
While Kim loves to call herself a runner, she is many other things.  She is a mother of two beautiful little girls, the wife of a curly, red-haired bowling math whiz, a daughter, a sister, and a friend. 
 
Kim is a fitness instructor at a local gym where the members inspire her and bring her joy on a daily basis.  She is a jig-saw puzzle addict.  She was a high school English teacher in a former life.  Her astrological sign is Cancer, although she has no earthly idea what that means, but apparently is it important to some. 
 
She is a cyclist and spends as much time as she can in the beautiful Wasatch Mountain range riding with her friends in the summer.  She is a voracious reader of historical fiction.  She is an organizer and master list-maker.  She is a dancer, but only when she’s playing Dance Dance Revolution with her girls, so that probably doesn’t count.
 
It was a gym member who attends Kim’s spin classes who asked her to contribute to the “Reasons to Run” blog and it’s been a joy for Kim to be able to combine the two joys of her life: running and writing.  Her blog isn’t necessarily always about running, specifically, but it’s always the inspiration.  She hopes her honest thoughts about running, exercise, balance and finding joy in the simplicity of life will inspire others to get up and move and realize that it’s never too late to change for the better.  It’s her mission to tell people that life is good and it’s worth living well.  Running makes it all the sweeter.
 
I am honored that Kim would agree not only to let me re-publish her article from the Reasons to Run Blog, but that she took the time to read it for us herself….and did so on very short notice.  I present for you an amazing fellow runner, Kim Kowart, with her essay on a topic we can all relate to: Pre-Race Jitters.
 

LINKS:
http://www.deseretnews.com/blog/68/Reasons-to-run.html
http://www.deseretnews.com/blog/68/10011257/Reasons-to-run-Pre-race-jitters.html  
Please support The Mojo Loco Fund: http://mojolocofund.com
 
The song “Bound” was by Black Lab off their new album: Two Strangers. http://blacklabworld.com

Celebrities are people too.  They wake up in the morning, just as we do, they brush their teeth, they log onto their computers, they lace their own shoes, and they have to put in the same amount of effort as the rest of us in training for their marathons.
 
You could outrun Will Ferrell, Kim Alexis and President Bush if you dedicated yourself to the task.  There’s nothing special about someone who is famous. Their bodies undergo the same physics and chemistry that we are prone to experience…and while they may have financial advantages which give them access to experts and training tools that can help them run faster and further; in the end: they still have to get in their miles to achieve their goals…and if it helps to motivate you, their goals can be your goals…because you are just as good an athlete as they’ve ever been or will be.
 

LINKS:
http://www.ncm.ca
 
Please support The Mojo Loco Fund: http://mojolocofund.com
http://www.sportrelief.com
The song “Ya Famous?” was by George Hrab: http://www.geologicrecords.net

 
IF YOU COULD, SOMEHOW, SEND A MESSAGE TO SOMEONE WHO WILL BE ALIVE ONE THOUSAND YEARS FROM NOW: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL THEM?
 
The universe has come together to create the unique and special life form that you are, with your hopes and fears, dreams and concerns.  The thoughts you form and the words you write and say constitute information, never to be duplicated information born of your mind that goes out into the world and has the potential, however remote the possibility, to outlive you and be shared with far future generations of people.
 
If you had the opportunity to send a message to someone in the year 3011, what would you say?  Would you tell them about yourself and your life?  Would you warn them about the dangers of hurting the environment or plead with them not to go to war?  Would you talk about love and joy, sadness and pain, life and death?
 
And if somehow you were granted this chance to speak to someone in the future, how would you get your point across?
 
I think the answer is obvious: poetry.  Poetry is a universal means of communication. 
 
“Poetry is a mirror which makes beautiful that which is distorted”, wrote the English Romantic Poet Percy Bysshe (Bish) Shelley. 
 
“Poetry is an echo, asking a shadow to dance.” Wrote the American poet Carl Sandburg.
 
And Plato wrote that “Poetry is nearer to vital truth than history”. 
 
It’s poetry, I tell you, that would get your message across the expanse of time.  It’s poetry that would most effectively allow you to speak from your heart and mind to a person who lived in a time where everything we know has changed.
 
You really need to consider what you’re going to say to future fellow runners…because this dawn of New Media and Social Networking is making these opportunities possible.
 
Although currently in it’s infancy, the infrastructure that is being assembled today will allow you to speak to your great, great, great, great grandchildren and to those of ages to come: and with that opportunity comes a responsibility to speak the truth and pass your information along…because there will never be another living creature like you in this universe again: and now is the time for your poetry.
Poetry is all about emotion and passion.  It’s this quality of the message that gets passed on through the ages and gives us that opportunity not only to speak to future generations: but to do so in a voice they’ll understand; for as long as there are human beings to read and understand the words of others, there will be poetry to pass along to common sentiment. 
Life and death, joy and sadness, passion and ennui.  These are the same feelings and emotions that human beings have shared since our species first began to walk the planet, and until the great technological singularity to come changes the way we might associate the human condition with past and future generations of beings: we’ll have poetry as a way of reaching each other through time and space.
Special thanks to my friends who took the time to read some great poems:
 
Toni Harvey - http://www.drusy.blogspot.com
Kevin Gwin - http://theextramilepodcast..com
Maddy Hubbard: http://www.maddyruns.com
Adam Tinkoff: http://slowrunclub.blogspot.com
Gordon Scott: http://tiree.blogspot.com
 

LINKS:
http://www.online-literature.com/homer/iliad/
Please support The Mojo Loco Fund: http://mojolocofund.com
 
The song “Pretty Colored Lights” written, produced and performed by an amazing musical artist and poet: Warren Lain, from San Francisco, off his new CD: Phonofield. Check out this amazing artist and teacher at http://warrenlain.com

 

As a runner, you have to discover and understand your own running Terroir.  You need to know how your environment, personality, geography and local climate influences your ability to perform.  In this sport, we are taught to listen to our bodies and the symptoms of over-use injuries: but before we can hear and feel these signals from our bodies: we have to know who we are as runners….not in relation to others of similar age, weight, sex and shape…but relative to where and how we train. 
 
Dr. George Sheehan has said repeatedly that we are each an experiment of one;
 
“Life is the great experiment” he said “Each of us is an experiment of one-observer and subject-making choices, living with them, recording the effects.”
 
Learn how your Terrior manifests itself in your body to make you the runner you have become, and you’ll better understand the range of your limits; which are far above and beyond what you might expect. 
 
You are an expression of the place where you become the runner you have always wanted to be.
With wine as with runners the stress brought on by the place where they develop has a direct effect on the type and quality of the end product.  Step back and consider deeply your own running Terroir, use the knowledge of your place and the special stresses it challenges you with and you will come to train better and become the quality runner that your place in this world can make you.
 

LINKS:
The song “This Place” was by Derek Clegg from Chicago. http://www.derekclegg.com
Please support The Mojo Loco Fund: http://mojolocofund.com
Join the Runners Round Table: http://runnersroundtable.com

I’m starting off the new year right by answering all of my email (or at least trying to).  In this episode of a goofy little podcast I respond to some of the messages I was unable to get to last year with hopes that I’ll be able to answer ALL of my email in the year of our Lord 2011.
 
Also, join me for a swim in the FROZEN Atlantic with friends on New Years Day, and I get to chat with friend and Mojo Loco Founder Adam Tinkoff as we discuss his vision for el Mojo Loco!
 

LINKS:
 “Whiskey in the Jar” was by the Blaggards http://blaggards.com
Please support The Mojo Loco Fund: http://mojolocofund.com

This is our time.
 
With the changing of the calendar year it’s common for us to take the time to look back on the previous solar orbit, or look forward to our future.  This is a great exercise, to look forward without dwelling on the past: as we make our way through this adventure called life.   But, it think it’s even more important to consider our present….the now that we are existing in…today, right now.
 
This is our time.  The who, that we are has grown and become in such a way that we can experience the Universe around us….we are, in effect: a way for the Universe to know itself; and I know that sounds deep…but it isn’t.
 
Consider that we, as human beings, are made of flesh and blood whose elemental construction has it’s origins in an enormous universal expansion that began 13.7 billion years ago…we are made of star dust…ever replenishing cells made of carbon atoms, hydrogen and oxygen that have through biology formed into the creatures we are today.
 
Trillions upon Trillions of inanimate objects and animate lifeforms have existed before us, and ga-zillions of intelligently aware creatures will exists when we are gone; and time will move onward towards an inevitable state of inaction where the universe and all the matter that it ever created will come to a stop: and space will enlarge to a point where time has no meaning, and there will be no way for the universe to experience anything: it’s a depressing thought, this asymptotic heat death of everything that has ever been: when the universe reaches a temperature of absolute zero.
 
So, this is our time: it’s a reason to celebrate.  We are here, today: with a purpose to make the world just a little bit better than it was before we got here.  It’s a pretty good purpose, and yes: while the far imagined future may lay waste to all we’ve done and accomplished physically: there is more to life and purpose than that we can touch and see, feel taste and smell.  I’m not here to provide spoilers for the significance and importance of the purpose that even the eventual heat death of the universe can’t destroy: but I’ll ask you to think about that…think about your now, and how in 20 years, 30 years, 50 years from right now you might look back and wax nostalgically about the things you’ll do today.
 
This is our time to live, to experience and to perform random acts of kindness as a way to make the world just a little…teenie…tiny bit better than it was before we got here.
 
There’s an old Irish blessing and toast that I’ll leave you with, with sincere hope that we’ve left 2010 behind us, that we’ll have a wonderful 2011 and that we can all appreciate the gift of the present.
 
“May your troubles be less,
And your blessings be more.
And nothing but happiness
come through your door. “
 

LINKS:
 
Alde Land Syne by  J.E.L.L.i  at  http://www.jellimusic.com and by Mario Ajero at http://marioajero.blogspot.com

Today I’m going to read for you the final chapter of Dr. George Sheehans book “Running and Being – The Total Experience”.  I’m doing this in hopes that you might buy and read his book, and as a way of presenting you with an alternate special holiday episode of Phedippidations…a gift you don’t have to unwrap.
 
This chapter is very special to me, as I hope it will be for you.  It was the conclusion to a book that so inspired me, so enthralled me when I first picked it up, that I literally could not put it down until I finished it well into the early hours of the next morning.
 
I’ve read Dr. Sheehans book, “Running and Being” at least a dozens times since I first read the book; and this final chapter titled “Seeing” really sums up most of the major points made in the previous 17 chapters.
 
You can purchase the book “Running and Being – The Total Experience” by Dr. George Sheehan, at http://www.georgesheehan.com/books

LINKS:
http://www.georgesheehan.com
http://twitter.com/steverunner/teammojoloco 
http://teammojoloco.blogspot.com/
 
The Linus and Lucy theme was by the band J.E.L.L.i http://www.jellimusic.com

The background music “I Saw Three Ships with Good King Wenceslas” was composed by Doug Boldt.

The friends who I ran the Mojo Loco with are listening to this right now, Chris and Chris, Eddie, Nik, Dan, Mat, Susan, Steve, Samantha, Norm, Adam  and Maddy. 
 
They’re wondering to themselves: “How is Steve going to tell this story? How will be express the narrative? What imagery will he call upon? What great message will he send forth throughout the tubes of the Interwebs to tell the world about this Mojo Loco?
 
So this is for my fellow teams mates; dedicated runners all; who accepted the challenge and call of the Mojo Loco and contributed by their presence to a happening: 
 
Guys, I thought about it…I really did.  In the days following the Mojo Loco I had a lot to digest, thoughts and ideas, feelings and revelations. 
 
I know you did as well.
 
I could have told the story of how we met at the Starbucks in Daytona Beach and drove North to St. Augustine.  I could have told the story about the many stops we made along the way and the twelve legs of a run we accomplished together.  It would have been a good story: interesting, entertaining and fun to hear; but it wouldn’t have been a GREAT story.
 
The GREAT story that I wanted to tell was all about YOU. 
 
Each of you brought something of yourselves to this event, where the whole of our group was far greater than the sum of its parts.  YOU are the story that needed to be told here, and if you want to call that wishy-washy mumbo-jumbo gobbily goop: go for it, but you know I speak the truth.
 
What we did, together, as a Team, is something so important…something that everyone who’s listening to the sound of my voice right now, can and must become a part of. 
 
If indeed, we are indomitable as a team of thirteen runners from around the world, then other Mojo Loco events must be organized, and other teams assembled: because think about the good we can do in this world.  Think about how we can motivate and inspire others to lace up their shoes and use their athletic potential for creative and social good!
 
The Mojo Loco wasn’t about bib numbers and racing forms, entry fees and complementary tee-shirts.  It was about US, It was about Chris Russells good humor, and Eddie Marathons sincere kindness, Nik’s artistic talent and Dan’s great ability for prose. 
 
The Mojo Loco was about Susan’s perseverance, Marathon Chris’s dedication, Samantha’s joy of running and Matt’s exuberance for sport.  It was about Adams creativity, and Norms determination, Steve Choppers generosity of friendship, and Maddy’s inspirational passion.
 
This was an event, never to be duplicated yet oft to be repeated.  The story to be told here was all about the Team: the runners who came together to share the road and our time.
 
Of this you can be certain: there will be other Mojo Loco’s, and other opportunities for this team and others to meet, run, talk and savor the luxury of each others companionship.  Something magical happened on December 11th, between the cities of Saint Augustine and Daytona Beach Florida: something that developed in ten hours the way a fine wine might improve over ten years. 
 
Thirteen acquaintances: like minded souls brought together through social networking and new media met for coffee and became good friends.
 
That’s the promise of el Mojo Loco…it sounds crazy, it sounds ridiculous: but you who experienced know better: and through each of us, so will our community.
 
It was, without a doubt, an incredible honor to meet and run with you; but it was a special precious privilege to become your friend.
 
Viva el Mojo Loco
 

LINKS:
http://twitter.com/steverunner/teammojoloco  
http://teammojoloco.blogspot.com/

The history of wine is the history of civilization.  It’s a story that dates back to the earliest days of agriculture and encompasses the life and times of our ancestors who consumed wine for both pleasure and ceremony.  When we raise a glass today, we are tasting more than just a fermented grape juice which technology has perfected into a form of liquid art; we are tasting the product of history; an ancient beverage that friends have shared over the millennium at the end of their long and arduous days shaping the world into a better place for themselves and us, their descendants.
 
Links:
http://twitter.com/steverunner
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/phedippidations
http://steverunnerblog.com/
http://teammojoloco.blogspot.com/
 
Ancient Wine: The Search for the Origins of Viniculture by Patrick E. McGovern and Robert G. Mondavi (Jan 2, 2007)
 
And the second is titled
 
A Short History of Wine by Roderick Phillips (Nov 12, 2002)
 
America's a Nice Italian Name by Allan Sherman
“Wine Woman and Song” by Johnny Ferreira http://www.johnnyferreira.com

Get to know the parts and materials that make up your running shoes, and you’ll be a better consumer of the one critical tool needed to reach your goals as a runner. Whether you’re looking to run your first marathon, set a PR or BQ or just want to run at your own pace for the joy of it…wearing the right running shoes will make the difference between surviving through the miles, or savoring every moment you’ll have, on the road.
Links:
http://twitter.com/steverunner
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/phedippidations
http://steverunnerblog.com/
http://teammojoloco.blogspot.com/
 
The song Skullcrusher Mountain was by Jonathan Coulton at http://www.jonathancoulton.com

Today’s episode, being my first Running Blogcast features the writing of Neil Bearse, a fellow runner I’ve never had the honor of meeting in person: but I feel like we’re old friends.  Neil is the one who first introduced me to my all time favorite musical band: Black Lab…as well as others.
 
Neil is the manager of web based marketing for Queens School of Business in Canada.  He’s responsible for the web presence of 5 MBA programs as well as executive education initiatives in Canada, the Gulf Region and Europe.  He is a digital marketing consultant focused on making online communications clear and effective while ensuring creativity and innovation.
 
Neil’s pioneering work to market the music of independent artists on-line and through the word-of-mouth channels of podcasting and blogging has led to him representing artists from across North America including Black Lab, David Usher, Ingrid Michaelson and My Chemical Romance. In 2007, he was one of the architects of the Bumrush The Charts project, a global viral marketing campaign responsible for placing a Black Lab single on iTunes charts in 16 countries.
 
Finally Neil is a frequent public speaker and teacher, helping groups understand emerging online technologies and how it affects their business or industry.  If you work for a company that is looking for help in online marketing communications and social networking, or are looking for a talented speaker who has been involved in social engineering on the internet since the tubes were first connected: get in contact with Neil…you can get in contact with him at his website: http://neilbearse.com 
 
Links:
http://neilbearse.com  
http://www.youtube.com/atch?v=mT4EWCRfdUg
http://www.audiblepodcast.com/phedi
http://channelrunnerreview.blogspot.com/
 
The songs “See the Sun” and “Always” by Black Lab: http://blacklabworld.com/music/two-strangers/

You have the same ability to produce content in an artful way that will, no doubt, convince someone you care about to join us on the road as runners…and, if in the course of those public new media conversations, you convince one or two others to rise up of THE COUCH OF DOOM, then all the better!
 
You and I have an opportunity, today: through the use of blogs and podcasts to write and speak the words that will inspire the people who read or listen to become runners themselves…and by virtue of your experience for having been where they once were…and by telling the story of your life on the road in an entertaining, thoughtful and brutally honest way: you will change their lives for the better and make the world just a little bit better than it was before you spoke.
 
Links:
http://www.christopherspenn.com/2008/09/social-media-and-new-media-are-not-the-same/
http://www.audiblepodcast.com/phedi
http://myentryblank.blogspot.com/
http://channelrunnerreview.blogspot.com/
 
The song “Nothing But a Song” was from the new album “Safe Upon the Shore” by Great Big Sea at http://www.greatbigsea.com 

The American statesman Ben Franklin once wrote “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.  There may be something to that with respect to our running performance. We sleep, on average a full one third of our lives.  So, as a middle aged, middle of the pack, slightly asthmatic 48 year old runner: I’ve already slept 16 years of my life away.  It seems like an unfair trade off: 16 years of my life that I could have spent in a conscious state of productivity…but when we consider that the time spent sleeping helps to improve the quality of the two thirds of our life when we are awake: it’s easy to see that the horizontal investment is a sound one.
Links:
http://www.runningresearchnews.com/News_Feed.php
http://www.rrca.org/services/news-entry/running-community-mourns-loss-of-mike-broderick/
http://www.audiblepodcast.com/phedi
http://www.teamsweat.org
http://educatingforjustice.org  
The song “Slow Down” was by Black Lab off their new album: “Two Strangers” available on iTunes, Amazon MP3 and at http://blacklabworld.com

 
Today I will tell you about an amazing person who lived his life to the top.  It’s an interesting life with high and low points, with obstacles which were overcome leading towards an eventual spiral into disaster…but in the end, redemption and glory.
Abebe Bikila was the first black African to win a gold medal at the Olympics, winning the Mens Marathon in Rome which he completed barefoot!
The headlines in the Newspapers and on the radio proclaimed the fact that it had taken an entire Italian army to conquer Ethiopia, but only one Ethiopian soldier to conquer Rome!
Links:

http://www.audiblepodcast.com/phedi
The song “Salala” was by Angelique Kidjo; with background vocals by Peter Gabriel. http://www.kidjo.com

http://www.answers.com/topic/abebe-bikila

How many of us have trained over many months for a race only to perform terribly in the event itself, or how many of us have crossed that finish line in say, oh…I don’t know…a minute and 31 seconds slower than we had hoped. 
 
It happens…a lot.  But we know that the sun will rise in the morning, we’ll put the pain behind us, and go forward.  Some days we win, some days we lose, some days we don’t even have the opportunity.
 
Today’s episode is somewhat long over due, the last show I did featuring your email was on March 14th, episode 228 “Dispatches from the Road”.  That was just the second episode into a six month hiatus where I produced episodes every two or three weeks apart…but now that I’m back to a regular weekly schedule, I’m going to try to do this once every 4 to 5 weeks, if I can.
 
So, let’s figuratively jump into the virtual mailbag and see what happens….because today is the tomorrow I was worrying about yesterday…and the sun came up just fine.  Yes I had a really crappy week last week…but I’m looking forward today; so lace up your shoes and join me for the ride.
 
Links:
http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/pdf/s4926e/s4926e.pdf
http://www.ruggedmaniac.com/
http://twitter.com/#!/adamrisu
http://www.theboringrunner.com/
http://www.audiblepodcast.com/phedi
 
The song “Say Goodbye” was by Black Lab from their AMAZING new album “Two Strangers” available at iTunes http://blacklabworld.com

In the area of genetics and with respect to athletics, we are trying to understand what construction instructions are required to build the perfect runner.  It would seem that certain attributes exist which we can use to measure the influence of our genetic blue prints to create faster humans…and that our ethnic origins might predict who of us will be able to run faster and farther.  But the fact is that we are an infant species, descended from the same Mitochondrial Eve who ran across the African savannah 150,000 years ago…and we’re all related, we all have the same basic building instructions, the same Deoxyribonucleic acid and each of us, everyone: has the same set of running genes. 
Links:
The song “That Spells DNA” was by Jonathan Coulton http://www.jonathancoulton.com
Channel Runner Review: B-Hag Running PodCast http://www.corsolameta.blogspot.com

 
They ran all over the world.  They ran in warm places, cold places, rainy places, dry places.  They ran alone and with friends; they ran fast and slow, in an organized race and in their back yards.  They ran with the sound of each other in their ears and the spirit of each other in their hearts. 
 
The World Wide Festival of Races is a celebration, but this social networking movement does not end on race weekend.  We run together every day, all around the surface of a little blue bubble in space: and we do so with the knowledge and understanding that we do not run alone: not as long as someone, somewhere is lacing up their shoes to head out on their local roads.  We are a global community of fellow runners; and together we run.
 
Links:
 

https://sites.google.com/site/wwfor2010
http://worldwidefestivalofraces.com
http://crawllyflowersgarden.blogspot.com
 
The song “The World is Upside Down” was by A Band Called Quinn at http://www.myspace.com/abandcalledquinn

 

In a Universe that is thirteen point seven billion years old, on a planet that has only existed for four and a half billion years; our species: homo sapiens sapien, has only been around for two hundred thousand years, in fact modern day homo sapiens with our language, culture, use of tools, barter between groups, art, game playing, music, and reliance on symbolic thought only began to arise 50,000 years ago.  Civilization, as we know the word, started to arise around 10,000 years ago in the middle east, near where Iraq is today…you and I fellow runners are a part of an infant species with respect to the age of all that there is.
 
Think about that for a moment. Everything you know….everyone you know, everything that has ever happened in the ten thousand year history of civilization of fellow human beings has occurred only on this four and a half billion year old planet three orbits out from a four and a half billion year old star in a single, typical spiral galaxy out of a hundred fifty billion in the entire universe?
 
Our galaxy is moving through an expanding universe that will one day distance itself from all other existing galaxies such that the very atoms which comprise our long past living bodies will no longer exist in motion, and all that ever was will stop within an impossibly long distance between every other point of definable matter.
 
Why then, do we live in a world where hatred, anger; and distrust seems to prevail?  What is it about our human condition that causes us to experience such animosity and distrust?  Ignoring that question, if we take the premise as fact: then what are we to do about it?
 
Well, here’s one thing we can do: and maybe this won’t change the course of the mighty river of war, or hold back the tide of hurt, pain and hate…but if we as a community of fellow runners can demonstrate to those around us that we can be friends despite our many differences: if we can, by example, explain to anyone we interact, socialize or come in contact with that we have friends all over the world, who run together every day…and if we can take a global event like the World Wide Festival of Races and use it as an example where good people of different nationalities, different religious backgrounds, different ethnic origins, different social or sexual lifestyles and different political interests can overcome all those differences and extend respect and dignity across a little blue bubble that we share together in space: then we’ll have done our part. 
 
Thank you for being a part of this fifth annual world wide festival of races.  Thank you for being a friend and helping to celebrate this community of fellow runners, who today ran all over the world: in Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, the Channel Islands, China, the Congo, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Gabon, Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Mexico, Mongolia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Russia, Singapore, Slovenia, South America, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, Vietnam and the Virgin Islands.
 
It is an honor to run with you.  Think Global, Run Local.
 
Show Links:
http://worldwidefestivalofraces.com
 
Please support http://teamsweat.org in the fight to stop the Nike Corporation from forcing Indonesian workers into slavery.
 
THANK YOU BLACK LAB!
The Song “Start a Fire” was an exclusive release by the Official Band of the World Wide Festival of Races: BLACK LAB, from their new album “Two Strangers”.  Go to http://blacklabworld.com/marathon to download TWO FREE SONGS as a Virtual Goody Bag Gift from Paul and Andy.
Follow Black Lab on Twitter: @paulblacklab and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/blacklabband and be sure to THANK THEM for the gift of music!
 
Special thanks to Neil Bearse from http://neilbearse.com for all your iPad wisdom and hooking us up with the ear candy!
 
Special thanks also to Kevin Gwin from http://theextramilepodcast.com for letting me borrow his HOTLINE (Now that you’ve used the number you can leave him submissions on a regular basis!)
 
And THANK YOU to everyone who submitted a SHOUT of ENCOURAGEMENT for the entrants of this year event!  Be sure to check out all their great blogs and podcasts as mentioned in the show!  These are the friends and fellow runners who CHEERED for you!
 
Cover Art: Mark A, Garlik http://space.art.co.uk

PodCamp is all about podcasting, and using this medium to reach out to a community.  Since you and I are runners, and since we all listen to podcasts, you and I are a part of this thing…and since I’m eager to encourage everyone listening to my podcast to start up their own podcast, I thought it would be useful to dedicate today’s episode to what I learned at PodCamp.
PodCamp is first and foremost about community.  It’s not about selling a service or a product, it’s all about focusing on building personal relationships with other podcasters.  Think of it this way; you and I are a part of a running community of new media creators…we listen to running related podcasts listed on Runningpodcast.org and we run with each other as we train for our next big race, or just get some miles in together because it feels good.  This is our podcasting universe: but there are other worlds than these…other podcast universes that have nothing to do with running: such as marketing, story-telling, science, comedy, news, politics, religion, and any other topic and genre you care to think about.  It’s here at PodCamp where these universes collide in a good way!
 
Thank you to Chris Penn who generously spent some time with me during his lunch break to talk about all things podcasting.  If you’re interested in social networking and marketing (a key element to the topic of podcasting) you need to get to know Chris Penn.
 
 
Show Links:
http://www.christopherspenn.com
http://www.marketingovercoffee.com
http://podcampboston.org/
Look for a PodCamp near YOU here: http://podcamp.pbworks.com/
Here’s the article I mentioned in the show: http://www.edisonresearch.com/home/archives/2010/08/the_calm_surface_obscures_the_roiling_depths.php
http://myentryblank.blogspot.com/
http://www.planet3rry.com
http://worldwidefestivalofraces.com
goodybag@worldwidefestivalofraces.com
www.audiblepodcast.com/phedi
The song “Get Over It” by THE Matthew Ebel http://matthewebel.com

The Stanford University study titled “Reduced Disability and Mortality among aging runners” was published in the August 11th, 2008 issue of the journal Archives of Internal Medicine.  At the time that the study was conducted: the assumption was that vigorous exercise would cause older people more harm than good.  The expectation was that running would lead to an excess in orthopedic injuries and lead to earlier disability with runners over 50.
But the researches found that regular exercise would extend high-quality, disability free life.  Frequent running would compress the period at the end of life when people couldn’t do things on their own.  This is an idea that has been given the name “compression of morbidity”. 
In this episode of Phedippidations, I’ll talk about both the clinical details of this study AND the significance of it’s findings, leading to the obvious conclusion that Life is Short, but it Should be Long Enough!  
Show Links:
http://www.runningthenarrowpath.blogspot.com
http://planettinkoff.com
http://worldwidefestivalofraces.com
http://www.iamplify.com/store/product_details/Rabbi-Shmuley-Boteach/Afterlife-Debate-With-Christopher-Hitchens/product_id/8621
www.audiblepodcast.com/phedi
The song “One Monkey Don’t Stop the Show” by Brick Daniels http://brickdaniels.com

The modern day running shoe is a perfect example of technology and science working to build upon the advances made through history to help human beings walk and run for longer distances and faster speeds in comfort and without injury. 
Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci, the Italian painter, sculptor, architect, musician, scientist, mathematician, engineer, inventor, anatomist, geologist, cartographer, botanist and writer, once wrote: that "the foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art" 
Those who conceive manufacture and sell modern day running shoes dare to improve on the use and design of the 200,000 year old evolved human foot.  They are doomed for failure, unable to compete with the efficiency of our born to run bodies.  But running shoe companies can benefit from five thousand years of experience from those who walked and ran before us, and incorporate the lessons of cordwainers, cobblers, and shoe makers throughout history as they seek to create a better running shoe.
Show Links:
http://runninginhingham.blogspot.com
http://worldwidefestivalofraces.com
Send me your SHOUTS OF ENCOURAGMENT for the runners of the 5th WWFoR:
Email me steve@steverunner.com or Call 206-339-6497
http://theextramilepodcast.com
http://astore.amazon.com/phedthepodcfo-20

While the first part of this episode is dedicated to the precautions a pregnant mother should take with regards to athletic endeavors, there are many benefits to running while pregnant including the prevention of excessive weight gain.  Running while you’re pregnant can keep you mood off and help to prevent pregnancy induced hypertension.
If you’re healthy, and you’re having a healthy pregnancy there is no reason not to run.  Listen to your body, and check with your doctor.  It’s probably best not to run an Ultra marathon, or compete in a major race where you might feel obligated to run hard.  Remember, you’re running for yourself and your unborn…and while running can be good for you and make you feel better: what’s most important is that you are healthy and well prepared on your child or children’s birthday as you go through one of the greatest athletic event that a woman will ever experience…the marathon of labor.
Show Links:
http://teammojoloco.blogspot.com
http://amilewith.me.uk
http://worldwidefestivalofraces.com
www.audiblepodcast.com/phedi
SEND ME YOUR SHOUTS OF ENCOURAGMENT: steve@steverunner.com
OR DIAL: 206-339-6497

From Saturday April 14th through the 18th, 2010 my Dad, son, nephew and I traveled up the West Branch of the Penobscot River and across the northern end of Chesuncook Lake in the Northern Maine Wilderness.  Through our journey we gained a better appreciation of Henry David Thoreau’s adventure of 1853.  While logging in the Northern Woods of Maine continues, the river that we paddled on remains mostly unchanged. 
You can imagine the sites and sounds that Thoreau experienced as he journeyed up this river.  We saw many moose, every day, stopping to feed and drink at the rivers edge.  We saw Eagles and Loons, ducks, geese, ospreys raven, fish, red squirrels and more that we could not identify…but it was the moose, lanky majestic in stature and serenity that captured our imaginations the most.
They are, as Thoreau called them: “God's own horses, poor, timid creatures”; but they are a stark reminder that we are guests in their wilderness; and that they’d continue to roam these woods long after we’ve returned to our creature comforts.
This annual trip is much more than just a canoe ride or camping experience: it is an opportunity to reconnect with nature and our family.  It’s also an opportunity to tell stories by the camp fire light.
Here we listen to the stories that give the lives of our friends and family meaning.
These are the moments that make those stories real…my son and nephew will always remember the story of my Dad’s Aunt Penn and her husband Alex, and now so will you: because it is in quiet places; without distractions: that we have deeper conversations and tell the stories that of the people we have known and loved.
The wilderness is beautiful on so many different levels: as a place to reconnect to our planet and more importantly each other.
If you’ve never visited the woods, lakes and rivers of the wilderness; you owe it to yourself to do so.  It’s not scary, it’s peaceful, it’s not boring, it’s insightful, it’s not dangerous although it can be extreme…but you’ll never learn to appreciate the universe we live in, and the people we care about until you can absent yourself from the modern world and follow in the footsteps of Henry David Thoreau.

I am a disciple of Dr. George Sheehan, I’m not ashamed to tell you that, I’ve read and re-read everything the man has written…and I’ve come to know him in a comfortable, familiar way.
 
A man of science and medicine; a man filled with great passion for this sport and a devoted Roman Catholic…Dr. Sheehan and I have a lot in common; but while I yearn to be a writer and use this podcast as a creative outlet: I will never come close to the writer that he was…I will never approach the level of philosophical understanding of life, the universe and everything that he understood so well.  Dr. Sheehan was a great thinker…I’m merely a doofus.
 
But Dr. Sheehan was also human, and prone to human error, selfishness and sin.  He understood his weaknesses…he understood his imperfections and he didn’t live his life in wonder and celebration of those sad, dark and lonely attributes: but he did seek to understand himself and to understand how and why to love others.
 
Today, I’m going to read one of the final chapters of his book “Running and Being: The Total Experience”.  I’m doing so in the hopes that you might buy his book and read carefully what he wrote.  Profound, enlightening and brutally honest: this is the Dr. Sheehan that I’ve never met, but who over the past 11 going on 12 years of my running life I’ve come to know very well.
 
Show Links:
 
You can purchase the book “Running and Being – The Total Experience” by Dr. George Sheehan, at
 
http://amzn.com/0966631803
 
Or for $20 US (including shipping and handling) through http://www.georgesheehan.com
 
Send a check or money order payable to “The George Sheehan Foundation” to
 
George Sheehan Foundation 
P.O. Box 1831 
Red Bank, NJ 07704
 
 (732) 758-1611
 
http://www.nevernotrunning.com/
 
http://worldwidefestivalofraces.com
 
Free Audible Book download: www.audiblepodcast.com/phedi
 
The song “Grow” was by April Start http://www.myspace.com/aprilstartsmusic

As it is with most things in life, taken in moderation: Caffeine can be good for you and improve you’re your health and your performance on race day. But too much of a good thing can lead to disaster.  In living our lives to the top we have to learn to savor, with small sips, those things which bring us pleasure and improve our health.
Show Links:
http://www.jsams.org/article/S1440-2440(07)00076-X/abstract
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1478936/?page=1
http://worldwidefestivalofraces.com
http://hearzenrun.com
Free Audible Book download: www.audiblepodcast.com/phedi
 “The Java Jive” was by The Inksports (1940)
“Coffee Man” was by Calvin Owens http://topcatrecords.com

This is my annual music show; recorded (as always) while I’m on vacation.  This time I’m on the Norwegian Cruise Ship Spirit traveling from Boston to Bermuda with my family as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of my parents wedding!  
In addition to listening to podcasts, I love to run to music!  It helps me keep my cadence in check and fills my head with positive images as I get my miles in.  The songs on this episode are all from previous Phedippidations shows; so I hope you enjoy them!
Please support the artists by purchasing their music and following them on the various social media networks on the “tubes of the internets”.
Show Links:
Summertime by Brother Love at http://www.brotherloverocks.com 
Broken Heart by Black Lab at http://blacklabworld.com
Sweat by Darren Geffre at http://www.myspace.com/darrengeffre
Dare to Dream by Adam Ilami at http://www.myspace.com/adamilami
If This Geek Ruled the World by Geoff Smith at http://thegeoffsmith.com
Talking Bout my Dogs by Boo Boo Davis at http://www.booboodavis.com
Move Your Feet by Dogman Joe at http://www.dogmanjoemusic.com
Say Hey I love You by Michael Franti and Spearhead at http://michaelfranti.com
Tickle Cove Pond by Great Big Sea at http://www.greatbigsea.com
And Die Alone by Ingrid Michaelson at http://www.ingridmichaelson.com
 
Thank you John Wall for 5 great years of The M Show http://themshow.com
http://twitter.com/johnjwall
http://RoninMarketeer.com
http://www.marketingovercoffee.com
 

Why Cook Well.
We eat because we have to.
Civilization is nothing more than a ten thousand year old human experiment to test the freakish theory that mankind could eat without being eaten.  Four million years earlier, our australopithecine ancestors crawled down from some God-forsaken trees to run with sweaty persistence after the meaty goodness left for scavenger animals. 
This, they called a meal.
The world we have inherited is only a savannah away from that prehistoric reality.  We have to eat to survive, but it’s what we eat and the quality of that food which gives our lives pleasure and meaning.
The question our human experiment should answer is “Why should we cook well?”
If survival is the purpose of culinary consumption then what benefit is served by eating food of higher quality, flavor and beauty?  Would not our human condition be sufficiently served through the daily ingestion of ground chicken speckled cheese spread sprayed from a can?
We eat because we have to, we cook because we care. 
Through trial and tribulation (and falling out of trees) modern man has come to understand that a meal is much more than a life sustaining substance.  A meal is a celebration of life: it is an expression of art and love and a way to communicate through preparation, presentation and sharing.
We eat because we have to, we cook because we care, we share a meal because a meal is a  manifestation of our passion for life and each other. 
To cook well is to take a food source of vegetable or meaty goodness and convert it into something of pleasing sensations of taste, smell, and texture.  It is an act of purest altruism, a performance of sincerity and joy.
Why would a self diagnosed intelligent species take the time and energy to prepare food for the culinary delight of others?   Why bother with the triviality of recipes and technique when rawhide shoved into pile of burning coals would sufficiently make food more digestible and a better energy source?
Because we know, instinctually, that life is short, though long enough.  We understand that our mortality is wondrous thing, allowing us the luxury of savoring the good things brought before us.
The art of preparing food, and creating from it a meal goes beyond the act of cutting, slicing, baking, boiling or frying: it is the culmination of a ten thousand year in progress experiment where mankind is learning that he might not only eat without being eaten, but that he can cook and care, share and love and live our lives to the top.
We eat because we want to, we cook because we love.
Please vote for my essay and help me get published: http://bourdainmediumraw.com/essays/view/76  

Podcasting is a media so perfectly suited for the running lifestyle.  Just as we schedule our runs in advance, we can schedule what we listen to ON those runs, in advance.  
We can multi-task the time we spend out on the roads and by listening to a podcast, exercise our brains and feel a camaraderie with the podcast host or producer: especially hosts and producers who are fellow runners like the podcasters you just heard: real people with a shared passion for this sport we love so well.
When I first started producing this goofy little podcast about running, five years ago, the idea of clipping on a microphone and apparently talking to yourself while out on a long run seemed like a ridiculous idea; but today there are over 70 running podcasts listed on the runningpodcasts.org directory!  This idea of recording a podcast and listening to other podcasters completes a mode of communication and conversation not possible with traditional old media; such as radio (for example).  
The other really cool thing about podcasting is that it allows for the artistic expression of thoughts, opinions, and observations of our lives.  You know me as a middle aged, middle of the pack, slightly asthmatic runner from New England who appreciates good wine, like Bordeaux, Malbec and Cab Franc, who enjoy’s a great baseball game with the Worcester Tornadoes or my beloved Boston Red Sox, and likes to rock out to amazing music, like that from Great Big Sea, Jim Fidler, Matthew Ebel or the amazing Paul Durham and Black Lab…these are all elements of my life that you’ve heard on this show: when I’m tasting or talking about wine and telling you about the grapes I’m trying to grow, when you hear me at the old ball park singing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” or when I present for you some amazing creative commons pod-safe music on every episode of this show.
I think that’s one of the things I most appreciate about running podcasts; that they’re NOT always just about running: they’re about the lives each of the podcasters are living: it’s better than so called reality TV because there’s no pretense involved: we are who we are, for better or worse: but we have this one thing in common: a love for running and for living our lives to the top.
These podcasts we produce are a permanent record of these lives we are living; audio files that will be heard long after you and I have run our last road race, and shuffled off this mortal coil.  They are important because they document the way to live as the good animals we were meant to be; and it sets a good example to anyone who listens now, and in the far future: of how to live a life of meaningful joy.
That’s why we produce these shows…because I’m telling you this fellow runner: something you already know deep in your heart but something that we have somehow GOT to get across to others, be it through personal examples or  a moving pictures expert group dash 1 audio layer 3 standard digital encoding formatted file downloaded to your iPod: 
Life is short, but it should be long enough and to take to the roads and become a runner is one certain way to live that life to the top: which is exactly what is expected of us all.
Show Links:
http://www.runtheplanet.com/trainingracing/training/questionsanswers 
http://runningfromthereaper.com
http://runningpodcasts.org
http://drusy.blogspot.com
http://4feetrunning.blogspot.com
http://hearzenrun.com
http://theextramilepodcast.com
http://runnersroundtable.com
runnersroundtable@gmail.com
http://worldwidefestivalofraces.com
http://RoninMarketeer.com
http://www.marketingovercoffee.com 
The song “The Real You” was by Black Lab at http://blacklabworld.com 

I had come to the town of Milton Massachusetts to
run a 10K road race that I had run three times before, with a 48:18 finish in
2002, a 52:30 finish in 2003 and a 53:40 finish in 2004.  Today I was hoping to finish in an hour and
five minutes, although secretly a sub one hour would make me feel better.

I’ve been injured, I’ve
gained weight, and I’ve not felt as in shape as I have in the past: but today’s
effort might serve to remind me that there was still hope within me to shed
these pounds and run faster and more intelligently with a new strategy of
training.

 

If the act of running is a
celebration of life, it seemed only fitting that I’d be here in the town where
I took my first human breath, and experienced a childhood of tradition and
love, to celebrate my identity as a runner in training: where my walk breaks
allowed my body to run faster, and this guy named Walker could feel more like a
runner.

 

Show Links:

http://hearzenrun.com

http://www.gymboss.com.

http://worldwidefestivalofraces.com

Free Audible Book download: www.audiblepodcast.com/phedi

The song “Walk on the Moon”
was by Great Big Sea http://www.greatbigsea.com

Today’s episode is not about my love of this sport; it’s about how
to help others to fall in love with
this sport. 

Running is an activity that
fellow runners, like you and I, gather pleasure from.  We look forward to these feelings of pleasure
every day when we lace up our shoes.

To the non-runner, or someone
who finds any physical activity abhorrent, this love of running is an alien
emotion.  These sufferers on THE COUCH OF
DOOM consider the act of running as equivalent to the act of smashing a brick
into ones forehead: it neither seems like a good idea, nor would it bring
pleasure to do so.

So, how does one fall in love
with running?

Once you start paying more
attention to your body in motion, you’ll begin to feel the urge to take that
daily break out on the roads.  You’ll
begin to feel an infatuation with eating and living healthier, to enhance and
improve your daily performance.  You
might even start subscribing to a few running related podcasts…especially as
you start to realize that you could run faster than some goofy little podcaster
from New England, who really isn’t all that and a bag of chips…and the next
thing you know you’ll be eating those chips from within a peanut butter and
jelly sandwich for the purpose of sodium replacement and protein muscular
recovery.

And maybe, just maybe your
new found love for running will work both ways and you’ll find that running is
in love with you. 

Show Links:

http://buckeyeoutdoors.com

http://worldwidefestivalofraces.com

Free Audible Book download: www.audiblepodcast.com/phedi

“Say Hey (I Love You)” was by Michael Franti
and Spearhead http://michaelfranti.com

“A Glorious Dawn” was part of
the http://www.symphonyofscience.com
project by John Boswell.

The story behind
the swoosh is much bigger than that of just Nike and its corporate policy of
treating it’s workers as slaves: it’s a story that speaks to the working
conditions of many of the products that you and I use every day, from iPhones
to Droids, from large screen TV’s to these new tablet computers Steve Jobs
keeps whining about. 

What is the
morally correct thing to do when we learn the truth about the working
conditions for the people who make all this stuff we carry and use?  I can’t answer that for you, that’s something
you have to figure out for yourself.

I’m not here to
talk philosophy with you; remember: I am just a doofus.  But I think that the very least any of us can
do is to LEARN about what’s going on in places like Indonesia: just so we can
answer the question, as athletes, regarding this aspect of the running shoes
you and I wear every day.

Think about it:
right now you and I select our shoes based on fit, style, functionality,
weight, price and reputation….what if we were to add to that list of aspects
the adherence to social justice of the manufactures?  If, as runners, we focused on just one
company: Nike, the leader in sportswear and running paraphernalia, and just
learn more about how our shoes are made: that we might consider the treatment
of workers in our formula for what we should be purchasing?

No one is asking
you to ban Nike products, this isn’t about you and I: this is all about
learning…and I urge you to consider going to Teamsweat.org just as soon as you
get back from your run today, and click on the upcoming events link: please,
I’m asking this as a friend, and see when Jim Keady is going to be in your area
next; in fact: I’ll go further: if you attend a College or University, why not
contact Educating for Justice at http://educatingforjustice.org and see about
getting someone from that organization to come to your school to talk about
these issues.

This is important
stuff, and I’m not telling you this to make myself feel better about myself as
a runner: I’m telling you this because I think it will make us better athletes,
plain and simple.

This is not about
me, and it’s not about you: it’s about the good people in countries like Indonesia
who just want a little of the life that you and I enjoy.  I’ll spare you the angry rant about Nike or
my firm belief that they are most certainly evil: but I hope you’ll listen to
what Jim Keady is saying here, and I very much hope you’ll make an effort to go
see him; I’m going to list some of the places where he’ll be speaking in the
near future; he’s getting ready to head back over to Indonesia, so it’s
important that we learn from what he finds there, and that we think for
ourselves, using the information we can learn from his findings and those
findings of other independent activists.

More than
anything, I hope that in listening to this small portion of Jim’s lecture:
behind the swoosh, you will get at least a little: angry.

Show Links:

http://www.teamsweat.org

http://www.educatingforjustice.org

http://www.educatingforjustice.org/store_main.htm

http://www.nikebiz.com/responsibility/workers_and_factories.html

http://www.brophyprep.org/summit/globalization/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Behind_the_Swoosh.swf

http://twitter.com/teamsweat

http://www.facebook.com/TeamSweat

http://worldwidefestivalofraces.com

Free Audible Book download: www.audiblepodcast.com/phedi

“Justice Will Roll Down” was by Sandra McCracken; http://www.sandramccracken.com

Greetings fellow canines; my
name is Indiana Jones; I am NOT the fictional American Adventurer and
Archeologist Dr. Henry Walton Jones Junior created by film maker George Lucas
and portrayed by Harrison Ford and River Phoenix; I am the REAL Indiana Jones,
a pure bred lemon beagle puppy born one year ago on March 28th,
2009.

My full name, in fact, is
Indiana Jones Walker…of
the human family Walker; they being the creatures who serve me in every way and
are the best-est family a dog could ever have.

This is my house, I live here
with Mathew, John, my Mom and my Dad: Steve. 
Dad is a runner; but he’s not as good a runner as I am.

I love to run, especially
after bunny rabbits…and we have at least two living in our yard.  I can smell them every day.  Dad doesn’t let me run after them, sometimes
he let’s me run through the yard sniffing for their trail.  He doesn’t seem to be able to smell them the
way I can.

I can smell really well.  My nose has 200 million scent receptors
compared to Dad’s nose, which has only 5 million.  My olfactory bulbs are four times as big as
his so I can smell things from, far, far away. 
Dad’s nose would have to be the size of a refrigerator in order to be as
sensitive as my nose!

I can smell that bunny
rabbit, and I want to run after him, but Dad won’t let me because he’s afraid
I’ll get lost or get hit by one of those big “move-me” machines.

But, I just want to
play!  Doesn’t everyone love to play?

Show Links:

http://worldwidefestivalofraces.com

The song “Mr. Jones” was by
The Counting Crows http://www.countingcrows.com/

In this episode I review the
abstract of a study released last March by Dr. Depina Kardara and his team at
the Athens Medical School,Hippokration Hospital titled “Marathon Runners
Have Increased Aortic Stiffness”.

It is important to note that
my skepticism with this study is related to the implied suggestion that
training for and running a marathon is considered extreme exercise.  Maybe
it is, or maybe after having run 21 of them…the last not much more than a
controlled crawl, I see the marathon as an endurance event that homo sapiens
have evolved to run as a means of hunting and gathering; chasing down our prey
with persistence. 

As we listen to the results of
this research, we need to understand the severity of the impact, and consider
other factors which might invalidate the results; remember: 25,000 runners just
finished the Boston Marathon a few weeks ago, not to mention the hundreds of
thousands who will run such a distance this year; and yet the sample size for
the test group in this study was only 49. 

This isn’t to say that those
49 aren’t representative of the entire human population of marathon runners;
nor does it necessarily trivialize the results of this study; but it does put
this study into perspective against the media interpretation that marathon’s
can kill you.

Show Links:

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601124&sid=aIOu08KfQ3LQ

http://health.msn.com/fitness/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100255768

http://www.healthscout.com/news/1/637000/main.html

http://www.examiner.com/x-25448-Boulder-Running-Examiner~y2010m3d15-Marathons-may-be-hazardous-to-your-health

http://content.onlinejacc.org/cgi/reprint/55/10_MeetingAbstracts/A80.E751.pdf

http://www.twitter.com/Frothyfroth

http://twitter.com/reallynotarunnr

http://twitter.com/Moultgard

http://twitter.com/Kieran1209

http://worldwidefestivalofraces.com

The song “Think For Yourself”
was by George Hrab at http://www.geologicrecords.net

I had come to Hopkinton Massachusetts to run the
114th Boston Marathon, and found myself in the early miles facing the eventual
breakdown of my body.  From the joyful
celebration of a New England town, I ran
myself into the unchartered land of exhaustion and pain…and through modern
technology I broadcasted my suffering live through my blog and social
networking sites.  I wasn’t doing that to
show off or incite pity, I did it because I wanted to share my experience with
you in hopes that you might want to run this race one day, and perform better
than I did.

I know this course very well,
it’s an old friend that I’ve visited throughout my youth and into my middle
age.  I have experienced great things on
this course, witnessed legendary athletes run with artistic form, felt intense
ecstasy and crushing agony and run this race even when I had nothing left
within me to get me to that finish line: but somehow, I always have.

For all my efforts in trying
to distract myself to finish this race, for trying to go, in my mind, to my
happy place…I had forgotten to consider this truth:  that This WAS my happy place…this race that
is more than just a race, this marathon that is known by all simply by the name
of the city within which it finishes:

This is my race: Boston. This is my town: Boston. This is my home: Boston

Beantown, the hub of the
universe, the cradle of liberty, the Athens of America…we love that dirty
water, we love our beloved Red Sox, we love our Samuel Adams beer, our Faneuil
Hall, and our Patriots, Pilgrims, and minutemen…and we love our Marathon with
114 years of history dating back to the emergence of distance running in the
world of athletics.

Thank you for listening to
this episode of Phedippidations, thank you for running with me as I took you
with me on my way to Boston, thank you for your kind words and support and for
following my progress on race day; at Intervals, on Twitter and Facebook but most
of all: thank you for your friendship.

You see, THIS is my happy
place, running with fellow runners…and as the sky darkens upon the finishing
line in the shadows of tall buildings and skyscrapers on and around Boylston
Street, I can’t see the sun anymore…I can’t feel the ground anymore…but I don’t
mind…you’re by my side…and I feel fine.

Show Links:

“The Curra Road” was by Fergus http://www.fergusband.com

“See the Sun” was by  Black Lab http://blacklabworld.com

The Czech Locomotive, Emil
Zatopek, 3 time gold medalist in the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki once said “If you want to run, run a
mile. If you want to experience a different life, run a marathon.”The qualifying times of the
Boston Marathon call us to experience a different life.  It is not so important that we can meet the
standards and run a BQ; it’s the whole idea that there is this threshold for
excellence out there: a target by which we can measure our own performance.

I stand by the belief that
anyone who runs and finishes a marathon, no matter what their time, has
demonstrated an ability that marks them as athletically gifted within the human
race.  This is not to denigrate the
importance or accomplishment of running or walking shorter distances such as a
5 or 10K road race; but in a world where only point one of one percent of our
species has ever run an organized and official marathon road race to
completion: the accomplishment deserves acknowledgement and admiration.

But if you’ve qualified to
run the Boston Marathon, you are a step above we mere mortals.  You have proven that you are worthy of
standing at a starting line in a town called Hopkinton to run with runners of
similar abilities towards a finish line in downtown Boston marking your name
for all time in the official races record book as one who set a BQ, a Boston
Qualifying time: and that is an honor you must cherish for all your life.

Show Links:

http://www.randywhitedj.com/

http://www.bostonmarathon.com/BostonMarathon/114thMarathon.asp

 “Boston and St. John’s” by Great Big
Sea  http://www.greatbigsea.com

In this episode of The Goofy
Little Podcast, I run the first 18 miles of the Boston Marathon course and I’ll
let you know if there’s anything new to look for on the road before you arrive
to run this thing.

If you’ve traveled from afar,
you might want to find other things to do with your time in Boston besides driving out to the suburbs to
check out the course.  That’s where this
episode comes in, as I’ll do my best to describe what I’m seeing: and what
you’ll see as you run the Boston Marathon.

I’ll also give you some
recommendations for things to do while you’re in Beantown, and finish with some
history about the spot where we begin our run towards Boston: the starting line of the 114th
Boston Marathon.

Show Links:

http://www.thefreedomtrail.org

http://boston.redsox.mlb.com

http://www.mbta.com

Call (617) 368-5080 for
more information about the Samuel Adams Boston Brewery tour:

http://www.samueladams.com/contact_tour.aspx

http://www.cheersboston.com

http://www.harvardsquare.com

http://www.johnharvards.com

http://www.newbury-st.com

http://www.jfklibrary.org

http://www.northendboston.com

http://www.ussconstitutionmuseum.org/

http://www.cityofboston.gov/FreedomTrail/bunkerhill.asp

http://www.bostonducktours.com

http://www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com/

http://www.billrodgersrunningcenter.com/

 The song “Charlie on the M.T.A.” was performed by The
Barleycorn from Ireland off their album “A Song for Ireland” released in 1995
by digitalpressure/The Dolphin Group.

Tarzan Brown was an amazing
athlete who lived a hard, impoverished life but faced the world with dignity and
strength.  There are so many legendary
and half-true mysteries about the man and his career as a runner that his many
accomplishments might seem less interesting: but above all know this: that
Tarzan Brown was a free spirit, a man who loved to run and his very life
honored his brave tribal ancestors; the Narragansett people, one of the leading
tribes of New England with a culture that has existed for thirty thousand
years.

His Algonquian name was Attuck-Quock-Wussete
which means “Deerfoot”; he is a legend in our sport and one of the many reasons
why the Boston Marathon is the greatest of all Marathons.

Show Links:

“Indian On The Mountain” by Red-Hawk  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/redhawkcountry

April 4th, 2010.

I like eggs.
Show Links:
http://www.fdiplive.blogspot.com
http://qik.com/steverunner/videos
http://feeds.feedburner.com/IntervalsAudio
http://runningpodcasts.org
“Final Broadcast” by the Statistics http://musicalley.com

Professor Daniel Leiberman’s (and his team) paper “Foot strike patterns and collision forces in habitually barefoot versus shod runners” looks into how and why human beings can and did run comfortably without modern running shoes.  In it, he proves that experienced, habitual barefoot runners tend to avoid landing on our heels and land with a forefoot or midfoot strike. 
 
Most of their research looks into the mechanics of different kinds of foot strikes.  He shows that most forefoot and some midfoot strikes, when running barefoot, do not cause sudden, momentary and major force impacts which occur when you land on your heel barefoot.
 
In a previous episode of Phedippidations, I talked about how Professors Lieberman and Dennis Bramble have shown us that homo sapiens have evolved, and thus are born to run…and with this study “Foot strike patterns and collision forces in habitually barefoot versus shod runners” Professor Lieberman and his team have shown us that we should seriously reconsider the way that we run, with or without minimal running shoes.  It turns out that we’ve had the proper biomechanics and shock absorbers with us all along…we’re not only born to run; but we’re born to run well!
 
At the end of this episode I talk about why I didn’t produce an episode last week, what I’ve been up to lately, some “sad” news about Stephen Walker and changes in this show that are long over due.
 
Show Links:
http://barefootrunning.fas.harvard.edu
http://educatingforjustice.org
http://www.teamsweat.org
 “Move Your Feet” by the Dogman Joe http://www.dogmanjoemusic.com

When you run, you’re body is under stress, and that causes your body to increase the levels of certain chemicals to kinda even things out.  These chemicals, in turn, may lead to an increase in gastrointestinal problems in distance running.
 
Our bodies are incredible machines, but while evolution has done a wonderful job of allow up to go forth and multiply; there are some sniggly little issues which come up from time to time to prevent us from going forth at our full potential. 
 
Gastrointestinal Problems in Distance Running are a lot more common than you might otherwise believe, and there’s a thirty to eighty-three percent chance that you are currently, or will one day suffer some kind of an issue with your digestive system that will slow you down or keep you off the road.
 
Show Links:
http://www.ismj.com/default.asp?pageID=611023489
http://runningfromthereaper.com
http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/?p=3716
“Die Alone” was by Ingrid Michaelson: http://www.ingridmichaelson.com

I’m never going to be asked to give a speech in front of a crowd of fellow runners.  It’s not going to happen; and by saying that I’m not implying that the absent request is a travesty; there’s a good reason why I’ll never be asked: because while you and I are friends and there are at least ten of you listening right now: generally speaking I am not what you call: popular.
 
I’m not very well known, and never expect to be burdened with fame…not enough at least to be asked to speak to a crowd of runners at the 2010 John Hancock Sports and Fitness Expo - Runners Seminar.
 
To be honest, that’s probably a good thing.  I think you know that I tend to be a bit of a rogue; you never know when I’m going to go off on a goofy comedy riff or a screaming anger-thon…quite honestly, when I clip on this microphone I’m not even sure what’s going to happen…so, it’s probably in John Hancock’s best interest to suppress my speech at this and every Boston Marathon expo.
 
As I was thinking about this, while out on a long run (where my best thoughts are formed) I asked myself what I would do if I got the call to speak?  What if the event organizers called me up tomorrow and asked me to present the key note address at the Boston Marathon Health and Fitness Expo; one of the largest gatherings of runners in the world?
 
Well, obviously the first thing I’d do is panic, then resolve to respectfully refuse: but opportunity is not a lengthy visitor, so as adverse as I am to speaking in public or standing in the spotlight of attention: I know that I’d have to somehow suck it up; and take to that podium and speak.
 
I wouldn’t enjoy the experience; I would dread the days and hours prior to my presentation: but despite all that I know that I’d accept the invitation, because like it or not: I do have something to say.
 
What I’d have to say to a large gathering of fellow runners would require a number of speeches.  This being the 225th episode of Phedippidations, I’ve venture to guess that I’d have at least 225 themes that I’d want to cover…but if I only had time for one topic; one keynote message to transmit from my mouth to the ears of an audience of runners it would be what you’re about to hear.
 
So imagine, if you will, that it’s 2:00 in the afternoon on Sunday, April 18th 2010; the day before the 114th running of the Boston Marathon.  You’re sitting in a packed room at the Hynes Convention Center on Boylston Street in Boston, just a quarter mile up the road from the finish line of the Boston Marathon.
 
You’ve been walking around town and the expo floor for the past three days, and you’re just about ready to head back to your hotel to rest up for the night in preparation for the big race.  You’re tired, a little anxious and your patience is getting a little frayed when someone familiar steps up to the podium….
 
Show Links:
http://ww.runnetcommunity.org
New Podcast: http://www.middleagedathlete.com
Send in your race reports to joe@middleagedathlete.com
“Underground” by Black Lab off the Album Give Us Sugar http://blacklabworld.com/music/give-us-sugar/

Today’s episode is the first to talk about the phenomenon of Ultra Marathons.

There is obviously a lot more to this topic than I can fit in a single goofy little podcast, and as a homework assignment to you and myself, I recommend that we pick up a copy of the book “Ultra-Marathoning: The Next Challenge” by Tom Osler and Ed Dodd published by World Publications. The book appears to be out of print, but you can still pick up a few used copies over at Amazon.com.
I’m intrigued about training for and running an ultra someday. This seems like a much different kind of race than I’m familiar with, and the idea of running 50 to 100 miles or kilometers seems to be an amazing test of the human spirit, and an accomplishment that: as a distance runner, I’d like to try.

Human beings are evolved to be long distance runners; and an ultra-marathon seems like the natural next step progression for anyone who has conquered the marathon and is looking for a new adventure and challenge…out there, on the road.

Show Links:

http://www.snooth.com/wine/beni-di-batasiolo-barolo-2003/

http://www.ultramarathonrunning.com

http://www.teamsweat.org/

Ultramarathoning: The Next Challenge

“Still Walking” by Michael Gaither
http://www.michaelgaither.com

In his essay, IS RUNNING A RELIGION, Dr. George Sheehan makes that point that running is a place, not a system of belief.  Running gives us an opportunity to renew ourselves while we’re out there on the road: both psychologically and spiritually.
I’ve heard that phrase before: “Running is your religion” and it makes about as much sense as the phrases “cooking is your politics” or “singing is your manifesto”. 
Every time you go out for a run, you are given an opportunity to commune with yourself, with your thoughts and with your God.  The sins of yesterday are forgiven on the roads; that extra slice of pizza you couldn’t help inhale; the frustration turned outward anger you expressed at someone who didn’t deserve the outlash is suppressed, your soul is made calm, your body serves it’s good purpose…running takes you to a place that cannot be defined by latitude and longitude.
As you run, you develop the deepest commitment; the most serious mind…your mind begins to focus on “where you are and what you are doing”.
And it does you no good to visit this physical monastery only a few times in your life, or on random occasions when you have the time.  You have to visit this place called “running” often; almost everyday if you can. 
In other words: If you want to take with you, through the course of your life, the positive benefits of our sport: you have to constantly renew yourself out there on the road.
For those of us who believe in God, running is an opportunity for prayer.  You don’t have to always pray in quiet places or on Holy Ground.  When you’re out there, running at the perfect pace, feeling the sweat coat your body and moving with the breeze in your face…you are being the good animal you were meant to be; but more than that: you’re performing an act that your body was evolved to perform. 
This is the perfect place to have a conversation with God.
When you run, you are acting more human; and as a homo sapian, or thinking man: you are in community both with God, the creator of heaven and earth and with nature and the universe all around you.
Dr. Sheehan makes this point very clearly: Running is a place to commune with God and yourself, it’s a place for psychological and spiritual renewal.
Running is NOT a religion.  It is in its very essence: a place.
Show Links:
** WARNING **
This episode ends with another angry (some might say “psychotic”) diatribe as I lash out against the babbling hate-speak of a self righteous bigot who has the audacity to call himself a Christian.
As far as I’m concerned, Pat Robertson can go to hell.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-raushenbush/go-to-hell-pat-robertson_b_422397.htmlhttp://www.digtriad.com/news/national_world/article.aspx?storyid=135964&catid=175http://www.delawareliberal.net/2010/01/13/pat-robertson-haiti-deserved-it/
Please pray for the people of Haiti.
The song  “Hey Kate” by The Fire Apes http://www.myspace.com/fireapes

I know I’ve said this before, but I want you to understand that I read all of your email.  This problem I have with answering email is somewhat embarrassing for me; and when I starting having these problems…I considered not saying anything about it here on the show.
I thought that for me to tell you that my inbox was overflowing, and that I couldn’t possibly answer every email I received would be a fairly vain, narcissistic thing to do.  But then, I realized that for me NOT to say anything about it, and still being unable to dedicate myself to the task of responding to every message sent to me: would be kind of arrogant and untruthful.
My Grandmother, Helena Viola Walker, daughter of James and Mary MacDonald…taught me the importance of being truthful.  It doesn’t matter if your filling out a job application, speaking with friends or typing something on Facebook…you have to be truthful; especially with friends: because they will always be able to see through you, and if you’re dishonest, few will ever trust what you say.
So, the truth is that I won’t be able to answer all of your emails; I wish I could: but with only 118 or so waking hours available to me each week, minus 50 or so for work, 14 or so for producing this podcast, 5 or so for my running, another 5 to prepare for and document the results of my running, that leaves me with only 44 hours every week, or 6 hours a day to drive to and from work, cook dinner, walk the dog, spend time with my family…look, you get the idea because you’re in the same situation…and you probably have even less time each week to fit in the things you wish you could make a priority.
So, when an opportunity arises for me to multitask, to perform more than one activity at the same time: such as producing a podcast and answering email as I’m out there getting my run in…I am going to get it done…because it’s not so much how much time we have to do the things we want to do, it’s how we use it.
Show Links:http://www.amilewith.me.ukhttp://shadowcasts.blogspot.comhttp://twitter.com/snowshadowhttp://www.pbs.org/wnet/humanspark
“A Little Time” by Amy Ayres   http://www.myspace.com/amyayresmusic 

This episode begins with another ice cold swim in Boston Harbor with friends, and a stated theory that will become my “law of thermodynamic refreshment”.
Because athletes prefer to run distance races in more comfortable temperatures; the Spring and Fall are often preferred seasons for marathons.  Today, in January, we’re getting a couple of inches of snow, and the air temperature wind chill is 10 degrees below zero F, or minutes 23 degrees C; making it a bad day to schedule 114th running of the Boston Marathon or any other 26.2 mile road race.
But come Spring, when the flora and fauna of the Northern Hemisphere begins again to flourish: marathoners around the world will toe the line at their races and run in relative comfort, for the most part.
Today I want to list for some of the Spring Marathons, scheduled for the spring time: and while this will not be an all inclusive list, it should give you some ideas for races you might want to run as the March equinox draws nigh.
Show Links:L Street Brownie Don Bravo:http://www.wickedlocal.com/allston/local_news/x2072785598http://www.wickedlocal.com/allston/fun/entertainment/arts/x668809333
http://www.marathonguide.comhttp://www.bataanmarch.comhttp://www.npmarathon.comhttp://www.comrades.comhttp://www.olimpo.cl
 “Tickle Cove Pond” by Great Big Sea http://www.greatbigsea.com

This is my first podcast episode of 2010, and my second episode regarding my intentions for running a sub Four Hour Marathon in the Autumn of this year.
Endurance training and Aerobic development are critical elements in good marathon training program.  You have to put in the time without worried about the mileage, and you have to develop a base from which to launch yourself at your goal.
This is the year I’m going to break 4 hours in a marathon NOT because I’ll be physically fit to do so, but because I’ll have trained carefully, with patience and dedication: when my friend John Ellis tells me to go out and run for an hour up and down the hills of Oxford: I’ll do it…I may not enjoy it at first but once I’ve got a good and healthy base, once my endurance is up to the point where running 26.2 miles non-stop isn’t such a big deal anymore: I can work on my stamina and then go into a taper period in preparation for the day that I’ll run a marathon in 3 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds; or less.
Show Links:http://burning2010.comhttp://science2health.orghttp://www.teampointtwo.comhttp://10in10challenge.blogspot.com
“Run Away” by Natalie Brown http://www.natalie-brown.com

Personally, I’ve never really needed the changing of the calendar year as a reason to set and keep a resolution: so any promises I’m going to make are probably a continuation of what I’ve been working towards for the past few years; although I do have a few running-specific resolutions that I’ve set and intend to see through.2009 is finally over and 2010 is upon us.  The phrase “Out with the old, in with the new” creates images of hope for a new year, where war and violence come to an end, where the hungry are fed, the sick are healed and the global economic crisis is resolved.  Albert Einstein said it best when he said “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow”.  The New Year gives us all a clean slate from which to re-create parts of our live for all the roles we play in life.  Here’s a wish that the runners in us, have an injury free, PR setting 2010, and that we all enjoy the happiness of a year in motion.Happy New Year.
Show Links:http://burning2010.com“Maybe You Should Drive” by Craig Cardiff http://www.craigcardiff.com

In the spirit of all those old cheesy classic television holiday variety show specials by the Osmond Brothers, Bob Hope, Donny and Marie, and the Smothers Brothers: I present for you my first Holiday PodCast Variety Show Special complete with special guests, a musical act, and comedy sketches created to make your season merry and bright.
I don’t expect this episode to become a holiday classic, but it will keep you company as you get a long run in on a cold winters day!
Special appearances by: John Michael Walker, Terry Higgins, Gabby Sherman, Steve Chopper, Kevin Gwin, Toni Harvey, Adam Tinkoff, Mat Chasey, Nic Wong, Dan Medeiros, John Ellis, Joe Steindl, Lynn Runner, and Gordon Scott.
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from my home to yours!
Show Links:
“Jingle Bells” by Skid Row http://www.skidrow.com (made available by the Podsafe Music Network)
“Joy to the World” by Hairy Larry http://deltaboogie.com
“Joy to the World” by Two Harps http://twoharps.yolasite.com
And a special gift to all by Gordon Scott: http://www.tiree.blogspot.com

Browning Ross was a talented runner, coach, spokesman, leader and proponent of distance running; at a time when there weren’t too many runners in the world who could actually finish a marathon.
It was through his hard work and passion, that road races in the United States are so popular today.  He made it his mission to spread the word about long distance running, and create the buzz which would lead to the Great Running Boom of the 1970’s.
 
Also, rest in peace Larry “Legend” Olsen: coach, leader, mentor, and fellow runner.
 
Show Links:
http://www.rrcahistory.org/longdistancelog.html
Please support Sharon’s run to fight blood cancer: http://pages.teamintraining.org/sj/napa10/skoontz
http://thedevotedrunner.blogspot.com
http://www.catholiclab.net
http://runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=18305
Larry’s last race: http://www.coolrunning.com/results/09/ma/Nov26_21stAn_set1.shtml
http://runnetcommunity.org
“Go the Distance” by Danny the Multitracker (aka Danny Fong) from Ontario, Canada.

Running a race with a friend is always a good thing because the friendly rivalry will tend to push you past your own comfortable limits.  When I first started running back in December of 1998, I would run every day with a good friend at work; and we would push each other to finish as fast and as strong as we possibly could.  I averaged a 9:10 pace back in those days for my daily and long runs…guess what that pace run over 26.2 miles would get me?
If I had run the race on my own today, I most certainly wouldn’t have pushed myself too hard: I’m still weeks away from the start of my Spring marathon training, and I just had no reason to push myself too hard, risking possible injury.
I had a lot to be thankful for on this day of Thanksgiving; I had my family, my job, my health, and an ankle that was strong enough to let me run a road race.  I had the gift of an entry into Boston, and a good training plan to get me there, with that goal of a sub 4 hour race in the new year not too hard to belive.  And today; I was thankful that my friend Joe challenged me in this 5 mile road race; pushing me to do my best and making me feel like I really might be; once again: Steve Runner.
Show Links:http://bluedawgsrunning.blogspot.com/http://www.coolrunning.com/results/09/ma/Nov26_21stAn_set1.shtmlhttp://runnetcommunity.org“Changed” by Stray Palace (Paul Durham, Deej Hofer and Paul Bohak) http://straypalace.com

When you inspire someone to take to the road, to join us as runners: you are filling them with the same passion that you have for this sport, you are influencing their behavior by showing them what it means to live this lifestyle.  It’s not about looking thin and healthy; although that is a cool consequence of running: it’s feeling good, having a sense of pride in being able to run for a certain distance: and if you can inspire even just one other human being to lace up their shoes and become a runner: you will have made the world just a little bit better than before they did; and like a healthy infection: that person you inspired might go on to inspire someone else, maybe a few people…and they’ll inspire others, and so on, and so forth until we have this exponential growth in the number of fellow runners AND, more importantly: healthy people who are living their lives to the top and living with a better quality of life than they did before you inspired them to run.
Show Links:http://www.teampointtwo.comhttp://www.duffrunner.blogspot.comhttp://www.lachaineguitare.comhttp://runnetcommunity.org
“My Generation” by The Who (presented podsafe by http://www.razorandtie.com)

I’ve said before that a podcast is better than a radio show because it embraces communication through social media; in fact: better than that…it IS social media, independent podcast producers can honestly call those who subscribe to their content: Friends; and really mean it.  Despite the commercial advertisements on this show; I’m not really going overboard in trying to sell you something…I might recommend some products or services that I think are pretty cool, but the unspoken truth is that it’s rare for anyone producing a podcast today to “sell out” their audience, and we certainly work hard to stay connected.
I get a lot of email that I don’t read on this show that is angry, hurtful and hateful…the hate you can appreciate I will avoid, but if you disagree with me: that’s okay. 
Why? 
Because we’re having a conversation, we’re creating a social bond; and while time and distance will probably negate our ever being able to meet in person, and share a glass of wine, pint of cold ale or a steaming hot coffee: We can use this social media of podcasting, and these responses by email, Twitter and Facebook to create this community; this Run Net Community as we share the open road together and with others.
In this episode, I’ll answer some emails and enjoy some good conversations with fellow runners.
Show Links:http://www.tomfangrow.com/jsvdot.htmlhttp://chadintheazdesert.blogspot.com/ http://runnetcommunity.org
THANK YOU for your daily VOTE: http://www.podcastawards.com“If This Geek Ruled the World” by Geoff Smith http://thegeoffsmith.com

Human beings have always feared the unknown and unknowable.  Desperate for cures to our everyday ailments and those conditions and illnesses which cause pain and death, we are willing to try anything that we can justify as a reasonable remedy.  Runners, who are often prone to injury, are especially vulnerable to medical quackery.  Take a walk around the Health and Fitness Expo of the Boston Marathon, and you’ll find all sorts of samples of alternative medicines, with products and services that claim to relive pain, help you run faster and longer and prevent injury.
Beware promises of un-tested alternative medical treatments or any medical therapy that remains untested by science.  Do not fall prey to the lies and false claims of alternative medical practitioners who seek to cheat you with magical magnets, suspicious serums and tacky treatments.  Trust your doctor and science, and accept the validity of scientifically proven medical therapies regardless of how complex and unnatural these things may sometimes seem.
Remember that there are people like Jenny McCarthy in the world who would like nothing more than for you to avoid receiving a flu shot; for her own purposes….be that to sell a book, claim her fame or get her nose picked face back on MTV….there are charlatans, impostors, con artists, frauds and quacks out there who think nothing of causing you harm through making you believe that un-tested alternative medicines and medical treatments are the best and only way to cure you, keep you healthy and improve your performance on the road.
Show Links:http://www.whatstheharm.nethttp://www.jennymccarthybodycount.comhttp://www.sciencebasedmedicine.orgTHANK YOU for your VOTE: http://www.podcastawards.comhttp://www.takethesurvey.com/wizzard“Rattlesnake Oil” the Bad Detectives  http://www.baddetectives.co.uk

This is the first part in a series I’ll produce over the next year, regarding my efforts to run a sub four hour marathon.
For me, the goal of running a Marathon in less than 4 hours is important to accomplish for many reasons including self confidence, a feeling that I’ve reached a new level in my running, reclamation of my inner youth, setting an example for my son, earning the respect of those who understand what a sub four means, and being able to look back at my trials and tribulations on the road over the past ten years with a new sense of appreciation for the hard work I’ve put in. 
A sub four hour marathon finish will mean that I have stepped it up a notch, even if it’s the only sub four I may ever run; and it will be a personal record that I’ll savor and find pride in with the knowledge that even as a middle aged, middle of the pack slightly asthmatic goofy little podcaster runner: I can do anything.
Show Links:http://heartlinerunners.blogspot.comhttp://runnersroundtable.comhttp://seecoreyrun.blogspot.comhttp://www.takethesurvey.com/wizzard
Four Months to a Four-hour Marathon,UpdatedDare to Dream by Adam Ilami   http://www.myspace.com/adamilami

I present for you another one of my annual gadgets and gizmos review shows for some ideas on running gear and Apparatus that you might give your fellow runners for the holidays.
But I also ask you to think about the idea of giving the gift of yourself this holiday season.  Maybe, instead of heading to the shopping malls this year, you should head to your calendar and start picking out a day or two a week where you’ll make a point of going out to dinner or have a few beers or cup of coffee with a friend you haven’t spent enough time with this year. Better yet, why not plan to go for a run with a friend?
Life is short fellow runners…you know this; and one of the main obstacles to enjoying this life is all the stuff that we clutter ourselves up with: physical things like geeky Motorola Droid cell-phones, mp3 players, laptops, big screen TV’s and electronic game consoles….I’m not saying that those things aren’t cool: they are; but they pale in comparison to friendship; all we really have to spend here on this planet is time….we convert some of that time into money though employment in order to support our families and live a life with more and better stuff; but the STUFF should not be the purpose of our work...because all we have is time; and we need to use that time in a way that brings joy to ourselves and others.
Show Links:
http://www.garmin.com
http://www.polarusa.com
http://www.petzl.com
http://www.gomotiongear.com
http://www.vibramfivefingers.com
http://www.tptherapy.com
http://www.nathansports.com
http://www.asicsamerica.com
http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/TDU001/
http://moeben.com
http://spibelt.com
http://www.educatingforjustice.org/store_main.htm
http://www.runnewengland.blogspot.com
http://www.runningwithghosts.com
http://sites.google.com/site/staten7
http://kellyinmotion.blogspot.com
http://www.takethesurvey.com/wizzard
The song “Gift of Love” was by Joe Colledge http://www.joecolledge.com

I live in a world
Where everyone runs
With this one thing in common
We love to run together
Although we live apart
On a tiny blue bubble in space
Where borders are meaningless
Where friendships are cherished
And our experiences are shared
I live in a world.
Where everyone runs together.
...and on this 4th Annual World Wide Festival of Races, it was indeed: an honor to have run these miles with you.
Show Links:
http://www.worldwidefestivalofraces.com
http://runtodream.web-log.nl/runtodream
http://eddiemarathon.blogspot.com/
The song “All Around the World” was by the band After Son from the Netherlands.  http://afterson.hyves.nl

In the course of a long weekend, my friend Joe and I would explore the coastline and harbors of the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia.  We’d check out rock formations and earthen cliffs, lighthouses and small finishing villages; tidal plains and earthen dykes.  We have lunch at a local German café, we’d investigate an outcropping of Devonian limestone in a place called Morden and taste locally created wine in vineyards around the Valley…in short, we’d see the sites, run the course, and race the race in our excursion around the bay.
 
This is my race report for the Fourth Annual World Wide Festival of Races and my running of the Wolfeville, Nova Scotia Valley Harvest Half Marathon.
 
Show Links:
http://www.valleyharvestmarathon.com
http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/2039
http://www.bluedawgsrunning.blogspot.com
 
The song “Excursion Around the Bay” was by Great Big Sea at http://greatbigsea.com

In this special episode of Phedippidations Intervals, Joe Steindl interviews podcast host and Run Net Community member: Steve Runner, asking him 20 of the most mind numbing, heart revealing questions that listeners to his goofy little podcast have always NEEDED to know.

Nothing lasts forever in this physical universe of ours.  We can talk about the eternal world to come, the kingdom of Heaven, Nirvana, Tian, the Celestial, Terrestrial and Telestial kingdoms, the six heavenly planes of Hinduism and the 8 levels of heaven in Islam…but this planet that we ran upon today, this place: will not last. 
The Earth is 4.5 billion years old, and in 7.59 billion years from today, it will be dragged from our solar orbit by our sun which will have grown to be 256 times as big as it is today: and the race course of the World Wide Festival of Races will be consumed in fire, forever.
But I have to wonder, what will our evil Robot overlords: or any advanced alien civilization that learns about us over the next 7.59 billion years: come to think about us?
Will they struggle to understand why we went to war with one another? 
Why we murdered and killed each other? 
Will they dedicate eons in trying to figure out why we’d gather millions of each other into concentration camps and systematically torture and destroy each other? 
Would they try to figure out why we’d kidnap a noble people from a beautiful savannah, stuff them into sailing ships and sell them as property to wealthy people in a new land? 
What would they say about a shoe company that treated their workers as slaves, paying them only a few dollars a day and not caring that they had to live in slums while their CEO and sports star promoters earned millions without concern?
I have an answer: they’d think WE WERE STUPID.
Yeah, that’s what they’d think: they’d have come to the conclusion that our species had evolved to suffer from a form of brain damage.  They’d be happy to know that our planet was about to be consumed by the Sun…they’d consider us as a biological disease in the universe; unintelligent and defective. 
An intelligent and advanced alien species would pick apart our genome, see that we differed by only ZERO POINT TWO PERCENT, and conclude that whatever caused us to hate each other: it couldn’t be because of the color of our skin, or from what continent on the little blue bubble we originated from… there could be no other explanation: humans had to be stupid.
But if they could see us now, today: running this World Wide Festival of Races; they’d think differently.  They’d have to.  Because today, we’re celebrating our community regardless of our differences; in fact: today we celebrate our differences.
This planet is small.  It’s a tiny blue bubble of life cruising through the cold vacuum of space, and it’s the only place that we’ve been able to find which can support life.  Think of this Earth as a life-raft, adrift on it’s own in the Universe…it’s more than just our home: it’s all that we have…that and each other. 
Today you’re running in an event that celebrates that: we live on a small little rocky life raft, but we have each other…to care for, to cheer for, and to encourage.  Our lives on this rock are short, but they should be long enough for us to experience love, joy and peace with each other as friends.  Fellow runners: this wasn’t some small thing you did today, and today wasn’t just another run: you participated, you proved by your example that whatever differences we have in thought, opinion, and observation is what makes our time here, in this Universe special and interesting.  We are so much alike, you and I…and those little differences that we do have, are something to savor: like the nose of a Cabernet Franc over that of a Malbec…they’re both vitis vinifera, but what makes them different is remarkable, and when you blend them together…well, my friends….you get something magical, like a mertiage or a Bordeaux where the sum of it’s ingredients combine to make  a wine worthy of sharing with the world.
We are like those grapes, our differences enhance the flavor of our community, and as you run your World Wide Festival of Races today…think about how much we have to give to the world around us….in living this lifestyle, of savoring our time on the road, of sharing our experiences from the perspective of  our own bodies and how we have no room for hate in our lives…not when there are miles to be run, and friends to be made.
Show Links:
http://worldwidefestivalofraces.com
The song “Lucky” was by Black Lab pick up your FREE 3 Black Lab songs (from the album “Give Us Sugar”) at http://blacklabworld.com/marathon
The song “The World We Are a’Racin” was by the band “Moneypenny, Walker, Chopper and Scott” with apologies to Mr. Dylan; lyrics by Steve Chopper (http://www.amilewith.me.uk ), vocals by Phil Moneypenny (http://www.runcast.tv ) and some annoying American who apparently thinks he can sing, along with instrumentals and vocals by Gordon Scott.  Check out the musical talent of a good friend and bad boy of running at http://tiree.blogspot.com
Think Global, Run Local.

ChiRunning is a new technique that incorporates traditional Lydiard style training with moving more efficiently, more in tune to the way our bodies were intended to run.  It requires and provides a special sense of self awareness of our environment, our bodies and our movement through space.  To practice ChiRunning is to embrace a style of running that gives more emphasis to running form and less focus on speed.   
ChiRunning makes many promises about your health, freedom from running injury, better self contemplative on the road meditation and with all that: peace of mind.  It’s an excellent example of a revolutionary running technique designed to improve your condition and performance on the road.  While the science is inconclusive on the benefits of Tai Chi, the personal observations and impressions of its practitioners gives weight to the argument that it’s good for you…and that has a direct reflection on the benefits and worth of ChiRunning: a program designed to help you run long, run strong, and feel one with the road.
Show Links:http://www.chirunning.comhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UYkAB18wgshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-zrH6IOTQIhttp://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/guide/mindful-chi-runninghttp://shockofthenews.comwww.nurseontherun.comhttp://worldwidefestivalofraces.comGoody Bag Submissions: goodybag@worldwidefestivalofraces.com“Peace of Mind” by  Finniston  http://www.myspace.com/finniston

I read every one of your emails, although I’m sorry to admit that I can’t always respond.  I want to, I really do…were this production my full time job; email responding would be a welcome addition to my weekly task list; but like you: I have a family to feed, a career to attend to, a sick dog to worry about, my training to embark in, injury to overcome and this podcast that I feel called to produce (however scary that notion might sound).
So I’ll respond as best I can, right here on the show….and if you email me, or leave a comment at SteveRunner.com, the discussion forum or at http://twitter.com/steverunner  I’ll always read what you write; ALWAYS…and I’ll do my best to answer; even if only here on this goofy little podcast.
Show Links:http://www.winelibrarytv.comhttp://www.winefornewbies.comhttp://www.graperadio.comhttp://www.3wineguys.comhttp://goosecross.com/go/podcasthttp://www.clovispointwines.com/http://www.macariwines.comhttp://www.teamsweat.orghttp://froggietedrunsboston.blogspot.comhttp://worldwidefestivalofraces.comGoody Bag Submissions: goodybag@worldwidefestivalofraces.com“Lawyers Guns and Money” by Lance Larson http://www.lancelarsonmusic.com
THIS IS THE LAST CALL FOR “SHOUTS OF ENCOURAGEMENT” RECORD SOMETHING AND SEND IT TO ME steve@steverunner.com OR CALL (513)-397-0525 AND LEAVE A MESSAGE ON THE EXTRA MILE PODCAST LINE!

Health Care is a system of rules and services, offered to help individuals become and remain healthy.  Here in the United States, the term Health Care has caused a lot of stress and anger about how our government is going to provide these services and how much each of us will have to pay.  I’m here today, offering a different, more effective and certainly more personal solution to what’s been called the American Health Care Crisis…it might seem a bit revolutionary, possibly radical for me to suggest a plan that calls for us to become personally responsible for our own health by protecting ourselves from influenza, eating well and exercising at a certain level and duration each week.
We can chose to be healthy; it’s not a right protected under any governments constitution, but there is a moral obligation for us to live healthier lives so we can contribute in a positive way to the society in which we live.  This radical plan for health care is far less expensive than any program the government could offer, and it’s guaranteed to work: giving you a healthy body and consequently a happier life for the rest of your life.
Show Links:http://www.fitnessrocks.org/http://www.teamsweat.orghttp://www.educatingforjustice.orghttp://www.oxfam.org.auhttp://worldwidefestivalofraces.comGoody Bag Submissions: goodybag@worldwidefestivalofraces.comAsk Nike CEO and President Mark.Parker@nike.com what they’re doing to ensure that overseas workers are paid fair wages.Please follow Team Sweat: http://twitter.com/TeamSweat
“Big Strong Man” was by The Brobdingnagian Bards http://www.thebards.net/

 "There is a discrimination in this world and slavery and slaughter and starvation. Governments repress their people; and millions are trapped in poverty while the nation grows rich; and wealth is lavished on armaments everywhere. These are differing evils, but they are common works of man. They reflect the imperfection of human justice, the inadequacy of human compassion, our lack of sensibility toward the sufferings of our fellows.  But we can perhaps remember - even if only for a tirne - that those who live with us are our brothers; that they share with us the same short moment of life; that they seek - as we do - nothing but the chance to live out their lives in purpose and happiness, winning what satisfaction and fulfillment they can.”
- Senator Robert F. Kennedy
Please listen to this special episode of Phedippidations, and ask your friends (runners and non-runners alike) to listen to this interview with Jim Keady from Team Sweat and Educating for Justice. 
If you never listen to another of my podcast episodes again, I’ll ask you to at least listen to this one with an open heart and mind. 
As a member of our Run Net Community, you have the power and responsibility to force Nike (and other companies who take advantage of the poor) to treat their workers with dignity and respect.  Help Jim Keady and become a member of Team Sweat: to direct and encourage Nike to “just do it” and pay fair wages to their workers. 
Show Links: 
http://www.teamsweat.org 
http://www.educatingforjustice.org 
http://www.oxfam.org.au
Recommended Reading:
When Corporations Rule the World – by David C Korten
Confessions of an Economic HitMan – by John Perkins
Fair Trade for All: How Trade Can Promote Development – by Joseph E. Stiglitz
Made in Indonesia: Indonesian Workers Since Suharto – by Dan La Botz
Let Nike CEO and President Mark.Parker@nike.com know how you feel about Nike Sweatshops.
FOLLOW TEAM SWEAT:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Team-Sweat/50908420352 http://twitter.com/TeamSweat
PLEASE donate what you can to the 501(c)(3) non-profit tax exempt Team Sweat.
There is an immediate and urgent need for $3K so that Team Sweat can promote presentations and grass roots organizations at College and High School Campuses, as well as in Indonesia. Contribute online or send a check paid to the order of “Educating for Justice”. Mail to:
Educating for Justice106 Meadow Point LanePoint Pleasant, NJ 08742
The song “Sweat” was by Darren Geffre http://www.nativesinger.com 

The Pose Method of running incorporates some interesting concepts that may be worth your consideration.  It’s a biomechanical model that has you landing on your mid-foot with your supporting joints flexed at impact and hamstrings used to pull your foot from the ground, using gravity to move you forward.  It’s a method that takes a lot of practice, some say it can take years to perfect: but the promises are impressive: stronger, faster and injury free running.
Like any running technique, this is something you should look into more; and not rely on this podcast introduction as your sole exposure to the method.  Find the way to use your body to it’s fullest without moving in such a way that you’ll get injured and you’ll be closer to becoming the runner and good animal you were always meant to be.
Show Links:http://www.posetech.comhttp://runnerinlv.blogspot.comhttp://vofmarathon.ning.comFdip Blog of the Week: http://runningwithfish.blogspot.comThe song “Hole in the Sky” was by Black Lab http://blacklabworld.com

Some called him Suuri Vaikenija "A Great Silent One" but to the world he was known as “The Flying Finn”. During the 1920s, he was the best middle and long distance runner in the world, setting world records at distances between 1500 m and 20 km. He is often considered the greatest Track & Field athlete of all time: This is Paavo Nurmi. From
Paavo we learn the importance of complete dedication; while most of us seek to lead a balanced life as a way to achieve happiness, Paavo Nurmi was all about focusing on a single goal: he yearned for perfection, he demanded nothing less of himself than excellence and while this unbalance in his life may not have given him the joy that he might otherwise have had; it did give him one thing: victory.
Show Links:
http://www.paavonurmensaatio.fi
http://www.gate.net/~rwms/EvoEvidence.html
http://theextramilepodcast.com
http://www.carreradelcsic.com
Program the Extra Mile Podcast phone number into your cell phone: 513-397-0525
http://www.worldwidefestivalofraces.com
Fdip Blog of the Week: http://barefoot-angieb.blogspot.com
The song “Good Day” was by Black Lab http://blacklabworld.com

We need to recognize the fact that, through cultural changes, we have evolved. It is through modern humanities incompatibility with our natural environment that we are beginning to dysevolve.  The Dysevolutional Runner is one who lives in this environment of fast food non-pedestrian and embraces her or his inner hunter gatherer. 
Professor Daniel Lieberman, Professor of Anthropology at Harvard University, says that "Dysevolution is a positive feedback loop."  When we work to treat the symptoms of our lack of physical exercise and don’t take to the roads and run, we are making the problem worse.
That’s why it’s so important for those of us who run to be positive examples for others; to be the good animals we have evolved into: homo sapien hunter gatherers endowed with the ability to run long distances to find our food across the open savannah; to serve Gods purpose for making the world a better place with these bodies that He has created through the process of evolution.
Show Links:
Mesa 1st NazareneCare of “Donation for Penny”955 E. UniversityMesa, AZ 85203
http://www.worldwidefestivalofraces.com  Fdip Blog of the Week: http://www.christopherspenn.comThe song “Not Too Late” was by Black Lab http://blacklabworld.com
 
**WARNING**
This episode ends with another one of those “angry rants” that I sometimes get into.  In the course of this rant I will describe a certain board chairman and his company as EVIL. 
I took a few days after I recorded that to think deeply about what I had said.  I re-listened to my rant with the idea that I might want to remove it from the show; and decided (in the end) to leave it as is; because after spending many hours of doing research on the subject (as well as refreshing my understanding of the concept of what evil is:(“1. morally bad or wrong; wicked, malevolent, sinful. 2. causing an undesirable condition, as ruin, injury, or pain; harmful, injurious”) I came to the honest conclusion that my premise regarding the owners/leaders of this corporation and indeed the corporation itself was, indeed EVIL. 
Defamation: the malicious and false communication given to present a negative image of an individual, product, group, government or nation. 
The burden of proof to my declaration that the individual and company mentioned in this podcast is EVIL, is with that person and company.  They have to prove that they are NOT the cause for the human abuse and suffering found in the overwhelming evidence.
I don’t consider myself morally superior to these parties; I’m just calling it as I see it.  It’s not fun to toss around the “E” word; and I’m a big believer in repentance and reconciliation; and this company is NOT the ONLY giant freakin’ corporation guilty of being EVIL…but they are the biggest and most prominent and thus fair game for asking of them the question “Why?”
My advice?  Don’t listen to the ending diatribe of this episode on a full stomach; some of you might not like to hear it.  I admittedly went a bit over the top on this one, even though my facts are verifiable.  I’ll probably regret this; but I’m only human: and I got really angry about this issue.
See if you get angry as well. Go to http://www.teamsweat.org

In a way, the reason I produce Phedippidations is so I can make the world just a tiny bit better than it was before I started to produce this podcast.  I understand that this is something I’ll most likely fail at and that my efforts here might be considered a colossal waste of time, however noble and altruistic this might seem. BUT: there’s always that small conditional word “IF”.
As in: IF I can inspire just one human being, who might by accident listen to this goofy little podcast and become inspired to rise off the couch of doom to live a better and more happier life: then fellow runners; I’m here to tell you: MISSION FRIGGIN ACCOMPLISHED!  That will be a day for a celebratory glass of Malbec: because that’s all it takes: just change the world for a single human being among us, and we will have satisfied our purpose in this life…we will have made an improvement through our examples….that’s the challenge: life your life in a way that inspires others to lace up their shoes and take to the road with us, and you’ll have made the universe just a little bit better than it was before they were so inspired.
This life is a gift, and my reasons for producing Phedippidations is both to celebrate the gift and serve a purpose that is much MUCH more important than this middle aged, middle of the pack, slightly asthmatic fellow runner.
Why do I produce Phedippidations each week?  Because, in a way, although it’s not easy to explain, and certainly not at noble as it sounds…that’s what feel like I’m called to do.
Thank you so much for supporting me over these past four years and 200 episodes.  It is both a pleasure and an honor to call you a fellow runner.
- Steve
Show Links:http://trueconfessionsofamedicalscholar.blogspot.comhttp://theextramilepodcast.comProgram the Extra Mile Podcast phone number into your cell phone: 513-397-0525 http://www.worldwidefestivalofraces.com  Fdip Blog of the Week: http://certainintelligence.blogspot.comThe song “Like I Used To” was by Black Lab http://blacklabworld.com

A podcast should be an expression of yourself, with a deep and open honesty that reveals all of the good things in your heart, as well as your weaknesses.  A podcast should not be a “show” per se, it should be a conversation: it should have as many audible elements that fit your personality and the truth of who you are.  Fear of being honest is perceived by the listeners…and if you’re doing it right: you’ll not think of those who subscribe to your podcast as mere “listeners”, they’re fellow runners…lending you their ears and their time as you share something of each other through a very personal and intimate new form of media.
This is my podcast, Phedippidations…but it’s also your podcast…and if you’ll take the time to produce your own audio content for your fellow runners to run with; you’ll be producing something that we will feel ownership of: that’s because we’re really, honestly, truthfully sharing the road with these episodes…encouraging each other with words, prayers, hopes, dreams and an all too realistic experience in the Run Net Community.
Show Links:http://www.libsyn.comhttp://www.podcast411.comhttp://www.podcamp.orghttp://marcirunsthemarathon.blogspot.comhttp://groups.google.com/group/fdipgrouphttp://www.facebook.com/phedippidationshttp://www.runfromthesunaz.comFdip Blog of the Week: http://carpathiankittenloss.blogspot.comThe song “The You and Me Show” was by Alicia Marie http://www.myspace.com/aliciamarie

Today, I’m going to read you an abridged version of another book by Thoreau, this one titled Walking, which Thoreau written in 1861.  This was an essay that was presented as a lecture and published after his death in 1862, this essay, lecture and book has become one of THE most important written works in the environmental movement.
So why am I reading this on a podcast about running?  Is it because I canoed up the Allagash River Waterway in the Maine North Woods where Thoreau himself spent time and experienced the beauty of the wilderness?  Partly, yes.  But it’s also because I think his message is important, especially today where technology is daring to alter the very nature of our tiny blue bubble in space.  This Earth is all we have, the other celestial possibilities for distant continents such as the Moon and Mars are volatile places or rock and rust, deadly radiation and bitter cold.
Henry David Thoreau saw the beauty of nature and sought to impress upon his readers a desire to preserve it. “….In Wildness is the preservation of the World” he wrote.  And on the Allagash River, in the wilderness that he so loved; I can think of no better way to tell you of his thoughts, opinions, observations and rambling diatribes.
You and I are fellow runners; and we run across the same blue bubble that Thoreau walked upon.  Listen carefully to his message and think about how precious our world really is.
Show Links:http://www.gutenberg.orgThe song “The Wild Rover” was by the band Bill Grogans Goat http://billgrogansgoat.com http://www.worldwidefestivalofraces.comhttp://twitter.com/steverunner

A conversation is an informal talk with someone about opinions, ideas, feelings or everyday matters.  A good conversation is an interaction between two or more people, where questions are either explicitly asked or implied. 
For many of you, over the past four years you have been having a conversation with a middle aged, middle of the pack, slightly asthmatic fellow runner, but I assure you that that conversation was not one way.  And while I admit I’m not able to answer my emails as much as I’d like (not due to the increased listenership to this podcast I assure you; rather it’s a function of my work life getting in the way as it does) this episode, and those which I’ll produce a few times each year is my attempt to respond to things that are on your mind: to give you my impression, opinion, or researched response: because while I have been on the road for 10 years; in my mind: I’m still very much a newbie to this sport.  And as for being your running partner over these past four years: I feel it’s only polite to answer any personal questions you might have for me…I mean, why not…we’ve been through some amazing times together fellow runners…good and bad, hot and cold, triumphant and in defeat.Show Links:http://burgerontherun.blogspot.comhttp://runnewengland.blogspot.comhttp://www.zonefivesoftware.comhttp://www.buckeyeoutdoors.comhttp://gowagon.comhttp://twitter.com/steverunnerhttp://www.rundervrun.blogspot.comhttp://www.giant-squid-audio-lab.comhttp://www.thecrazyrunner.comhttp://www.runnersroundtable.comhttp://www.drusy.blogspot.comhttp://www.facebook.com/phedippidationshttp://www.amilewith.me.ukFdip Blog of the Week: http://runfairchild.blogspot.comhttp://www.worldwidefestivalofraces.comThe song “What Have You Learned” was by Carbon Leaf http://www.carbonleaf.com

When summer rears its oppressive head of high humidity and heat, fellow runners must take to the road with the solar conditions in mind and heed the warnings to ensure a safe and comfortable run.  Acclimatization is an important precursor to taking to the hotter than usual roads, and the better our bodies can adapt to the heat, the greater our performance will be once we put these bodies to the test in a race.
There will come a day when, here in the Northeast, the days will shorten, the leaves will fall and the cold harsh reality of winter will settle around us: but not today, because today the earth tilts sunward in our favor, today the road heats up and our bodies have to adapt to the time before us: because our running goes on despite the conditions that exist outside our doors: we are runners, this is what we do, and our bodies have the incredible ability to adapt to the climate which occurs here in the summertime.
Show Links:http://highlandshashers.blogspot.com
Fdip Blog of the Week: http://www.runblogger.comhttp://www.worldwidefestivalofraces.comThe song “Summertime” was by Brother Love http://www.brotherloverocks.comhttp://www.twitter.com/steverunner

The Bunion Derby was an event like no other, and there will never be another like it.  While there have been many cross continental races since 1928, none were organized in the way that C.C. Pyle had organized the event: it was an endurance race, a circus and a harsh and unforgiving competition. 
In his book “C. C. Pyles Amazing Foot Race: the true story of the 1928 coast to coast run across America, by Geoff Williams, published by Rodale Press…the author writes “As difficult as his amazing foot race was, for all the car collisions and nervous breakdowns involved, calling it the Bunion Derby was never quite accurate.  As winter turned to spring in 1928, the runners suffered blisters, brusies, boils, shin splints, charley horses, sore toes, broken and fallen arches, corns and calluses: but not one of them developed a bunion.”
Show Links:Fdip Blog of the Week: http://rojrunning.blogspot.comhttp://www.amilewith.me.ukhttp://shockofthenews.comThe song “Human Race” was by Darius Lux http://www.dariuslux.com

There’s this rumor going around that distance runners are more prone to developing arthritis, a medical condition from by the Greek word “arthro” meaning joint and “itis” meaning inflammation.  Many non-runners and medical laypersons have assumed that the constant repetitive pounding forces on our joints, especially in the knees, as we run are too much for our bodies to absorb.  In this weeks episode I’ll go through some of the scientific medical research on the subject and present an answer to the question: are runners at higher risk for developing arthritis?
NOTE: I didn’t want to make a huge deal out of it during this episode, but this marks my fourth year producing Phedippidations and I wanted to be sure to thank you, at least here in the show notes, for your friendship, kindness and support over these past 1,461 days since episode #1.  It continues to be an honor to run with you.
Run long and taper!
- Steve
Show Links:http://www.drlarrysmith.comhttp://edmundy.blogspot.comFdip Blog of the Week: http://runbif.blogspot.comFeatured http://www.runningpodcasts.org PodCast: “Run Yank Run”http://twitter.com/wwforhttp://www.worldwidefestivalofraces.comThe song “Down to the Bone” by Edwin Holt http://topcatrecords.comhttp://winefornewbies.net

From a small island in the middle of southern Maine’s Sebago Lake, I present for you my annual review of some of my favorite songs from the past year of Phedippidation episodes.  This week, I’m on vacation: giving my ankle a chance to heal and my soul a break from stress as I enjoy my family, lapping waves, a few good books and delicious wine.
“Veni, Vidi, Vici”
Show Links:“Terra Nova” by Jim Fidler at jimfidler.com.“Be Okay” by Ingrid Michelson at http://www.ingridmichaelson.com “Pizza Day” by Jonathan Coulton at http://www.jonathancoulton.com“I Know You’re There” and “A Cautionary Tail” by Matthew Ebel at http://matthewebel.com“Win At All Costs” by Man Bites God at http://www.manbitesgod.com“Run to Your Grave” by The Mae Shi at http://www.mae-shi.com“Ones and Os” by Geoff Smith at http://thegeoffsmith.com“Broken Heart” by “Black Lab” at http://blacklabworld.com