Question of the Day

QuoD: What keeps you from being in excellent physical condition?

Let's define "excellent physical condition" as whatever you think being "in shape" looks like or feels like. This question came to me while running today and looking at some of the other runners' bodies with envy. When I see a guy running by with his shirt off who is lean, has a six-pack, and is barely breaking a sweat in 90% humidity, my first thoughts are: "Damn! Why can't I look like that? I'm such a slacker!" Of course, most of these super fit guys are usually half my age with the metabolism of rabbits on speed, but I digress...

I've come to realize what a huge factor mental dialogue can be and how it impacts whether or not I reach my fitness goals. There are days when I feel on top of the world and can run long distances without even thinking about stopping, and then there are others when just about everything "bothers me" (e.g., my armband is too loose; the neck of my shirt is too tight; it's too hot out) and soon becomes a reason for me to stop running and start walking. What's up with that? How can this inner dialogue wield so much power on some days and be silent on others? Does anyone have a good muzzle I can borrow? :-)

My new favorite running shoes: Nike Lunaracer

I just bought the Nike Lunaracers yesterday and went for my first run in them today. They are AMAZING!! First, they're unbelievably light (only 5.5 ounces)! Honestly, when you pick them up for the first time it's shocking how light they are. It feels like picking up a paper plate or something. Second, it feels like you're running on pillows in these shoes! VERY soft and cushiony but still very supportive and stable. I love them!! The only downfall is that they're not supposed to get as much mileage as the typical running shoe (some estimate only 200 miles). But, with my trusty 20% of coupon for City Sports, I can get them for only $80, which is a great deal for top-notch running shoes. I recommend that all you runners out there at least go to your nearest sporting goods store and try the Lunaracers on! Trust me, they're unlike any other shoes you've ever worn before! Oh, and don't confuse them with the Lunatrainers, which are the same price but reviewers say they're uncomfortable because they don't have a typical heel and ankle cut-outs so they rub your achilles and can cause blisters.

Boston's Human Race on 8.31.08

Well, I must say that I was so glad I didn't let myself sleep-in that day and blow off this race (that's me in the pic above over on the left in the black hat and shorts looking at my watch). It was really exciting being in a crowd of 120 other runners, most of whom had shirts on just like mine, and all of us were united in a common purpose! To know that throughout the day more than a million other runners from across the globe would be running, as well, (also in shirts like mine!) in Nike's Human Race was kinda cool if I must say so myself! I'm proud to say that I'm a top 5000 runner in the world based on my time for the 10K that day. It wasn't my personal best, but I did it in 49 minutes and some change. Whoo Hoo! Watch out, London! Here I come for the 2012 Olympics!! ;-)