So Many Answers

David over at “Adventures in the Thin Trade” has some interesting questions:

1. So if you are someone who likes to run with headphones/earbuds, do you like to race with them too?

Yes – helps me focus, helps me concentrate, and gives me somewhere to go when I’m pushing hard other than that dark “Man, this really sucks” place.

2. If you like to race with headphones and had a free entry into the Minneapolis Twin Cities Marathon would you race? Headphones are forbidden on the course and those confirmed to have used them (photos/videos) will be disqualified.

Not just yes, but heck yes. I’m actually tempted to see exactly how many races I can register for and get disqualified from for wearing headphones. The rule they use to ban headphones (USATF Rule 144.3.(b)) should also disqualify folks for things like GPS and heart rate monitors, but I don’t hear people getting kicked out for them. The rule used isn’t a safety rule.

3. Do you think wearing headphones is a safety hazard?

4. Do you think headphones are less of a hazard in a controlled route race?

On a closed course? Probably less of a safety hazard than a live band or a water stop.

On an open road? It depends. I try to keep the volume low enough that I can hear most traffic over whatever I’m listening to.

5. Do you find those who wear headphones to be a hazard to you on the course/road?

Nope. No more than folks who walk through water stops, or stop to tie shoes, or who fumble around with those freaky looking gel belts, etc…

6. Spirit of the Marathon is screening in theatres all over America on January 24. Are you planning to go? Is it sold out yet where you are?

7. Have you ever heard of a one-time-only screening of a film before? Unusual to me.

No, dunno, no.

8. Have you ever seen a running watch that gives you an air temperature reading? That would be cool

.Or hot, depending on what kind of a day it was.

Oh, and I gotta brag on my Alma Mater again – we just got mentioned during the National Championships, something that’s never happened before, and not likely to happen again, due to our being DIII:

RBF Upgrade

Hey, boys and girls – I’m rarely a shill, but I’ll be one for Mark Iocelli, as he’s the hippest guy ever to wear a skirt. So, help a brother out, and check out the updated CompleteRunning. I cannot say enough about how much Mark’s inspired me to keep running since I started this blog way back in 2004.

Most people around here know about the Running Blog Family Directory (RBF) – the web’s most ginormous list of running blogs. Until yesterday, the RBF was a one trick pony – it was just a big ol’ list. Well, the RBF just went through a huge upgrade. It’s now search-able in a big, big way. You can now search for blogs by:

  • Location (city/town/province/state/country)
  • Gender
  • Favorite Distance to Race
  • Ability
  • Tags/Key Words

And, much more! But, we need your help to realize the RBFs full potential. Why? Because, right now, we have over 1600 links in the RBF that don’t contain things like:

  • Location (city/town/province/state/country)
  • Gender
  • Favorite Distance to Race
  • Ability
  • Tags/Key Words

So we’re asking every blogger (you!) to submit a new listing for their blog. Don’t worry about the old duplicate – we’ll remove that. By signing up again, you’ll make it easier for people to find you. That’s when the RBF will really rock! So get on the RBF train and sign up (again!) today!

So, go check it out!

8 for ’08

Missy and I started off the year right – 8 miles on New Year’s morning. She took it easy on me, and we both finished together. Even though she has to sandbag for me now, I still LOVE running with my blushing bride.

Sunday was 4 miles – early. Believe it or not, I made it out of bed to enjoy some “warm” weather. Funny how high 30’s can make everything better after some single-digits.

Lastly, I’m still on the Nike+ bandwagon, and am using the “resolutions” for this year. I’m targeting 700 miles for the year, with 70 miles for January.

Races? I’m running the OK City Marathon at the end of April, and registering for the NYC Lottery. My fall fall-back is going to be the Hartford Marathon. And, as always, the highlight of my year will be the New Haven 20K on Labor Day.

Missy’s targeting the RunVermont Marathon, and the boys and I are looking forward to Memorial Day in the mountains. She’s also looking at the San Antonio Marathon,

So, life is good, hope everyone’s on track for ’08, and keeping warm.