ESPNHS Track & XC

What is the dumbest thing you did last week? For me that is an easy question. I let a friend I have never met in person talk me into running a 100-mile ultra-marathon three months from now. I have always been prone to making quick decisions and acting on a whim without much forethought. But as we get older, we are supposed to gain in maturity and common sense. Going from not even considering running an ultra-marathon to committing to one in less than 35 minutes demonstrates just how far I have come in my 40 years.

Here is how it happened:

My friend Adrian Belitu who runs the popular Facebook page I <3 To Run and website Benefits of Giving, just celebrated the birth of his first child one month ago. He is still getting used to the new schedule and middle of the night feedings. As if this is not enough of a challenge, he is also yearning to start running again after almost two years off while trying to start his family.

On April 28 Adrian called me on the phone. The conversation went something like this:

Adrian: We should run the Burning River 100.
Tim: Dude - I haven’t run over 15 miles in a week in almost nine months!
Adrian: I just ran 2.7 miles yesterday. My longest run in a year.
Tim: I have never run more than three hours in my life.
Adrian: That’s OK we have three months to prepare.
Tim: Well in that case, let’s do it!

OK, so the conversation was a bit longer than that, and it took a little more convincing, but that basically sums up what happened. Somewhere in our conversation Adrian, a veteran of several ultras, told me these two stories:

#1. Adrian: It’s great. You get to experience the highest of highs and the lowest of lows all in one day. Like Luis Escobar said, 'Training to run 100 miles is like training to get hit by a truck!'

#2. Adrian: After my first 100 miler, my wife was driving me home and had to stop the car, come around to my side, and help me uncross my legs.

With compelling arguments like that, how could I say “No.”?

If you are a runner, you understand the lure of doing hard things. As we state in Running the Edge:

“If running were easy, it would lose its seduction as an exclusive club reserved for the fit and tenacious. If it were easy, tens of thousands of people who pay money to register for local 10K runs or who commit huge chunks of time to train their bodies to withstand the pounding of an ultra-marathon would choose other, more challenging pursuits. Yes, running is hard, and that is exactly what makes it so irresistible to those of us lucky enough to understand.”

So we are committed. We want to see if it is possible to go from zero miles to a 100-mile race in three months. I have no idea what will happen between now and then but I know that I am excited to take on this challenge. My only regret is that Adam can’t do it with me. He is waiting until after the Olympics to have another knee surgery so he can run again. If he were healthy, I have no doubt I could have talked him into doing this with us. He is not that bright either!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTMaoKwggRo

**Look for more from Adrian and Tim by following Run The Edge on facebook.

Imagine you are a single runner. Or even if you've had a significant other for years, picture the following scene: You are out for a solo training run on one of your favorite trails. Up ahead, you catch a glimpse of the most attractive runner you have ever seen. This is your moment. This is your one chance to say something witty and strike up a conversation.

You can’t afford to chicken out with a simple, ''On your left" as you run past, never looking back. You also can't afford to be unoriginal. "Are your legs tired? 'Cause you have been running through my mind all day?" That's a tired cliché and will not separate you from the pack. Your mind races as you try to remember all the cheesy pick-up lines you laughed about with your friends. Should you be funny? Sincere? Direct? Original?

You begin to panic but fortunately you are a loyal reader of Run the Edge! (We are here to help in all aspects of your running life, including running romance.) At the last moment you remember one of the following pick-up lines just for runners. You say exactly the right thing, sweep this super attractive runner off his/her feet, and run away happily ever after.

Disclaimer: Use the following pick-up lines at your own risk. After reading this list you will probably wonder how either of us ever got a date!

1. Dang it! My coach told me not to get my heart rate over 160 today but then I saw you!
2. What’s your PR (Personal Record)? If you go out with me, you will be mine!
3. You can stop chasing your dreams. I am right here.
4. Was that an earthquake or are you rocking this run?
5. You run like DSL. How can I get high-speed access?
6. Roses are red, violets are blue, would you mind if I ran with you?
7. Do you know karate? 'Cause you have a great finishing kick!
8. (At the end of a race) I am like chocolate pudding. I look like crap but I am sweet as can be!
9. I hope there's a fireman around, 'cause you're smokin' fast!
10. Apart from being a running gear model, what do you do for a living?
11. I am not sure if it was this run or you that just took my breath away.
12. You run faster than my nose in allergy season!
13. Since distance equals velocity times time, let's let velocity or time approach infinity, because I want to run all the way with you. (For the nerdy runner.)
14. My love for you is like an ultra-marathon. It goes on and on.
15. Your voice is so beautiful, you make fartleks sound appealing.
16. When it comes to love I am in it for the long run. Want to join me?
17. On a scale of 1 -10 you are a 26.2!
18. When I log my run in my journal today, it will say I ran 10 miles with my future wife/husband.
19. My name is Garmin. Will you take me running every day?
20. Excuse me... Do these shorts make me look fast?

Like all pick-up lines, these are just as likely to get you slapped as they are a date, so be careful out there!

Can you think of any other pick-up lines that might work on a runner? Submit your best lines in the comments below or on our Facebook page.

Ever wonder how an Olympic Marathoner trains leading up to the big race? Would you like an inside look at the day to day preparation? Kara Goucher has graciously agreed to allow us to document her journey to the London Games and to share it with you! We will be posting pictures and updates from now all the way through the Olympic marathon August 5th. Follow us on Facebook for frequent updates and visit this new web page often so you don’t miss a single stride of her journey.

Currently, both Kara and Shalane Flanagan are spending five weeks in Mammoth Lakes, California to get in some high altitude base training. They are running an average of 120 miles a week with no major workouts, intervals, or track sessions. They will return to Portland in May to begin the next phase of their training.

Here is a short update from Colt’s perspective:

Colt Goucher (age: 19 months)

Learning to crawl was a pretty cool experience. I could finally go wherever I wanted without having to hitch a ride on someone else. Then came walking. Mom and Dad made a big deal out of my first steps but to tell you the truth, it was only slightly better than crawling... and I fell down a lot. Recently, I have discovered something much, much better than walking. Running!

Running is more fun than playing with my toys these days. Plus, I get to spend more time with Mom and help her train for the Olympic Marathon in August! She is really excited to represent the United States again and wants to compete for a medal. I want to do everything I can to help her achieve her goals. Lately, I have been encouraging her to get in a little extra training by chasing me down the hallways. She thinks it is just a game but really it is speed work in disguise.

Check out this video of our most recent training session:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXpN2RgQl_E&feature=youtu.be

As you can see, she is pretty fast but she wears out before I do. Hopefully, with some consistent training, she will be able to pick up the pace a bit and push herself. She won’t have me to help pace her on the course in London!

For more updates on Mom’s road to London, make sure you subscribe to this blog, follow my dad and uncle Tim on facebook, and don’t forget to buy their super cool book “Running the Edge!” This week they are giving away a free spike bag ($8.99 value) to anyone who orders the book from their website store!

Happy Running!

Colt

This is the link to the new web page we set up to follow Kara's Road to London. We will post updates regularly.

The following is an excerpt from "Running the Edge" Chapter 7:

"It is easy to dodge our responsibilities, but we cannot dodge the consequences of dodging our responsibilities." — Josiah Charles Stamp

If there is one lesson runners learn well, it is the connection between their behavior and the consequences. By its very nature, running requires a certain amount of self-discipline and personal accountability. If a runner misses the majority of his or her runs, slacks off during workouts, or ignores proper nutrition, performance suffers. Likewise, when runners consistently work hard, eat right, and do the things needed to stay healthy, they almost always find success.

At the starting line, it may not be apparent who has put in the work and who has not, but as the race treads on, each runner is judged step by step for his or her actions in the days, weeks, months, and even years leading up to the race. There is nowhere to hide from this judgment, no one to blame or credit for what is happening. By toeing the line, the runner has submitted to this sometimes cruel but always honest evaluation. Time is a cold-hearted arbiter of truth, and like it or not, a runner must take responsibility for the race and the results.

This is not to say that at times circumstances beyond a runner’s control do not affect a race. Injury and illness often wreak havoc on even the most disciplined runner. In the cruelest twists of running fate, these factors seem far less fair than simple cause and effect. It is easier to accept harsh judgment when it is deserved, when we have not demonstrated the will to prepare. We can accept this blame and legitimate appraisal of our ability. But when we know we are ready for more and are dealt a losing hand anyway, we are alone, with no one else to bail us out.

Adam:

There is a fine line between tough and stupid. It is a line I have had trouble walking my whole life, and it has occasionally come back to haunt me. In 2000, I was the proud owner of my first home. It was a new home that needed a lot of work to finish. I could have hired a landscaper to finish the backyard, and a builder to put in a deck, but I thought it would be a fun challenge to do both myself. So one day, some of my good friends helped me work the auger as we drilled holes for the pilings of the deck. They helped dig the trenches for the new sprinkler system and haul eleven tons of gravel from the driveway to the backyard one wheelbarrow at a time.

The Olympic Trials were seven weeks away. The smart thing would have been to take it easy and rely on my friends to do the heavier lifting. I could have taken smaller loads in my wheelbarrow or just spread the work out over several days. But I had to be tough and outwork everyone else. That day, I was on the wrong side of the line between tough and stupid. Only several years later did I learn that on that day, I had suffered a bilateral sports hernia. All I knew was that my back hurt. I was also rushing back from an Achilles tendon injury and was hammering ninety miles a week without much base. The day after the dirt hauling, I went on a twenty-mile run, and by the end of the run, the sacroiliac joint in my lower back was killing me. Not wanting to miss a day of training, I pushed through.

The next day, despite the pain, I started my run. I was now on the wrong side of tough and stupid for the third straight day. Four miles into the run, I had to stop. The pain in my back was so severe I had to walk back home. I could not bend over, dry myself off when I got out of the shower, or even brush my teeth without severe discomfort. At the advice of my doctors, I had no choice but to stop running and allow my body to heal.

I took my first steps running again ten days before the 5000-meter prelims at the Olympic Trials. I did some basic jogging and felt OK, but I had missed almost five straight weeks of training and my confidence was at an all-time low.

In my preliminary heat, I ran as fast as I could. I knew I needed to be in the top six to advance automatically to the finals, but I could barely manage fifth. That race was incredibly hard, and I was not even close to the top three. How was I supposed to make it into the top three of the finals to make the Olympic team when I could barely get out of my heat? In the hours before that final, I had plenty of time to think. I was so frustrated. To be this close to achieving a lifelong goal, and now I could easily miss it. No one else could run this race for me. I would toe the line and take my shot. I would offer myself up to the cruel judgment of the clock, my competitors, and the public. There was nowhere to hide. There was no one else.

When the gun went off, I placed myself on the inside lane but way back in the pack. Two laps in, I was in thirteenth position, already 30 meters behind fourth place. By the mile, I had slowly worked my way to the front of the chase pack, running comfortably in sixth or seventh position, but Bob Kennedy had opened up a nearly 50-meter lead. At 3,000 meters, Kennedy’s lead had been closed by Marc Davis, and the pair led the chase pack by less than 30 meters. I knew I had to be patient and could not afford an early move. I needed to wait for the race to come to me, but I could feel the stiffness creeping into my legs. I had to keep shaking doubts from my mind. With two laps to go, Nick Rogers had taken the lead, followed closely by Marc Davis. I was next to Kennedy, along with Brad Hauser and Matt Lane, rounding out a pack of six. Three of us would make the Olympic team in the next two laps. I watched Nick Rogers stretch out to a big lead with a lap to go. I wanted to respond, but my legs seemed to be ignoring my mind. Pain seared my quadriceps and chest. I was hanging on by a thread. In the final lap, I summoned every stride of every workout I had ever run to help me. I beckoned every weight I lifted in pursuit of this goal, every morning I dragged my weary body out of bed to get in my morning run, every party I skipped, every choice I made in the last four years to help me in this moment. All that training had to be somewhere inside me. A few weeks off could not erase the previous four years! All those workouts had to be somewhere in the deep recesses of my capillaries, ready to lend what they could to the final surge.

Nick Rogers had a four-second gap on Brad Hauser and me, and it looked as though the race was for second. With 200 meters to go, I knew I had made the team, but something in me would not stop or settle for just making it. I needed to prove to myself that I belonged, and nothing less than the national championship would be good enough. My consciousness was sucked inside my body, where it wrapped itself up in muscle, blood, tendon, and bone. Everything looked as if it were shrouded in a red and black veil before I suddenly shot out of my body and watched myself from above the stadium as Brad Hauser and I overtook Nick Rogers. I broke the tape first, and everything went silent. For a brief moment, there was no pain. I tried to raise my arms in victory, but could not get them to rise past my shoulders. I was mercilessly slammed back into my body to deal with the agonizing pain of what I had done. I had never hurt that bad before or have since. It was as if my lungs were full of boiling oil, burning me from the inside out—the kind of pain that hurts days later just from the memory. But I had done it. There was no one else but me. I learned more about myself as a runner and a human being on that day than I had in any other single event in my life. I got closer to the edge of my potential than I had ever been and saw myself not for who I was but for who I could be.

One of the first lessons running teaches us about success in athletics and in life is that there is no one else. No one else can do your workouts for you. You alone must do the drills, repeat the core exercises, stretch, and lift the weights. You cannot hire someone else to do your cross-training when you are battling injury, or pay someone to run a race and get you a new PR. You are truly your own hero in running. It is up to you to have the responsibility and self-discipline to get the job done.

**Spring Special: Order a copy of "Running the Edge" this week from our website and automatically receive a free Run the Edge foldable water bottle (Normally $6.99) Hurry! Offer Expires the 18th.

We were caught off guard by an interesting piece in The Week magazine highlighting the possibility that a person’s name might influence their destiny. This sounds like a very strange concept but according to the article there are disproportionally large numbers of Dentists named Dennis and Lawyers named Lauren. Is this merely a coincidence or did the sound of there own names give them a little nudge in that direction? Is this why Ryan Hall runs races or Meb Keflezighi chose the marathon? Let’s look into this a little deeper.

According to the article, it may not be a coincidence that Douglas Hart of Scarsdale, N.Y., chose to work in cardiology or that a family with the last name “Greathouse” runs a real-estate firm in West Virginia. Psychologists call this phenomenon “Implicit Egoism” which states that we are unconsciously drawn to things, occupations, places, and people that sound similar to our own name. So what does this have to do with running?

For readers who already have children and they hope will be runners someday it is too late unless you come up with a good nickname. But for those of you who have dreams of having children in the future who will grow up to be record setting endurance athletes, this might be something to keep in mind. We recommend first dreaming up what event or distance your would like your child to run and then coming up with a name that sounds similar. For example, if you want your child to be come a marathoner, we recommend names like Mary, Mark, Martha, and Martin. If you prefer they stay on the track and run shorter events, consider names like Tracey, Travis, Trisha, and Trevor. If you just want them to be a runner and do not care the distance try Russell, Ruby, Rupert, or Ruth. Finally, if you want your child to be fast, do not even consider names like Sloan!

We know this sounds absurd and we share your skepticism. So we dug a little deeper and came across an article in the Wall Street Journal saying many of the same things. According to the Journal, there was a former mayor of Austin Texas named Will Wynn. He did indeed win with the help of slogans like, “We all will win when Will Wynn wins!”
Here are a few of the other interesting cases cited in the article and its comments section:

* A real-estate agent named Anita House
* An electrician named Lloyd Watts
* An investment professional named Rich Widows
* A barber named Kat Mohair
* An orthodontist named Dr. Chu

Lastly, our two personal favorites, a lawyer in California named Soo Yoo (Apparently she does not handle lawsuits) and the founder of the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography named Charles Fish.
Even with all of these examples, we still think the notion of a name having any influence over a person’s career, choice of pastimes, character, or running acumen is a little far fetched. But we anxiously await what becomes of Cruz Culpepper and Colt Goucher!

Do you know anyone with a great running name?

**Follow Run the Edge on facebook and click the poster below to get super cool stuff from our store!

Running is a dangerous sport. If you do it long enough you are bound to experience some type of injury. Many runners suffer through overuse injuries such as Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS), plantar fasciitis, and stress fractures. In these cases the main cause of their injury is due to volume and biomechanics. Other runners will endure injuries that happen during a single run when the unexpected happens. Danger is everywhere. From stepping off a curb and spraining an ankle to automobiles not wanting to share the road, each run has the potential to cause an injury.

A few weeks ago we posted this picture (above) on our facebook page and asked if any other runners had scars they earned while running. Much to our surprise we had over 100 stories shared in less than two hours! It was almost painful to read through some of the stories about blackened toenails and dog bites. Here are just a few of the stories and pictures we received. Don’t read them if you are squeamish!

Cherie Johnson Lost two toenails, many blisters, fell and threw my pelvis out of place, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, strained Achilles tendon, vomiting, peed my pants, chafing, diarrhea, wheezing, chased by a dog, came across a javelina (ran the other way to avoid it), jumped over a rattlesnake and a tarantula on my runs...good news is I haven't given up yet :)

Gina Halbert-Rasinski I ran into a construction sign - it was a bright orange one, but in my defense, I was running against traffic, so it was not orange on the back. Ok, yes, they are VERY large - it was kind of funny, but the big bruise on my arm was hard to explain. Good thing I'm six feet tall or I would have been knocked on my butt!

Laura Samuels LeBlanc I had a neighbor's dog jump up at me. He was a big dog and I didn't realize until the next morning that he had bit me (that's when the teeth mark bruises appeared). Unfortunately, I didn't know the neighbors at all and couldn't place their house. More unfortunate was the several thousands of dollars of rabies shots I had to take as a precaution!

Crystal Beck Hopson Blisters/blood blisters/missing toenails/shin splints/scratches from random things on trails/poison oak....

Just a few of the pictures of running injuries sent to us by runners

Michael Moran Slipped on ice and fell, breaking my fibula and shearing a ligament which has left me with a dandy of a scar on my ankle. Surgery to place two screws and a second surgery to take the screws out once it was healed. If the scar doesn't remind me of what happened, the pain still does. Oh well, still running...

Harrison Harmon I stepped on a glass bottle while zoned in during a time trial. It didn't feel great, but wasn't bad. Once I got back, my teammate pointed out I was bleeding profusely. I hid from coach so I could finish my strides and workout. Five hours later, I got 6 stitches.

Sandra Vivas I have been lucky recently, but I got a scar when I was 8 racing & fell while I was racing with some kids in a little village in Nicaragua. I still have the scars, but the most important part of it was that I learned not to ever stay down. Keep going & just do it!

Stephen del Villar It's quite embarrassing really, but for your amusement, here's how I got the scar on my shins: It was a nice crispy day, years back, when I decided to go out for a run in my neighborhood. Twenty or so minutes after having left the house, I noticed I was about to make contact with a "present" left by one of our neighborhood canines, so I tried to veer away from it in an effort to miss it. Well, I avoided it alright, BUT I fell to the ground as I tripped on the uneven pavement. I won't ever forget that day, not to mention the lingering picture that awful dog doo left etched in my memory bank! Have a good running day, everyone!

Nicole Gronek Sometimes I run with my dog-- she's a half pit with LOTS of energy, so it does her good and she behaves really well when we run together. However, one day I was totally in the zone and she spotted a squirrel or cat and took off, dragging me 20 feet thru gravel, mulch and grass before I could get my bearing. My legs were all ripped up. Never caught the squirrel.

Brian Hansen Six inch scar on the shin where the wound exposed the bone. Mt Hood Scramble race, mile 1 of 6, wading through the 30 degree White River and went down on a rock. Ran the rest of the race through the brush and finished with a respectable time!

Rick Roberts Spike scar from a cross country race in high school. Dislocated finger from tripping in the parking lot after a trail run. Knocked myself out slipping on ice a block from my house.

Anna Rossano-Arnold I fell while I was running and broke my elbow and skinned my knee. I did get up and run four miles before I knew it was broke. No wimpy girl here. :)

Bob Garcia Fell while on a jog in Las Vegas last June, ended up with complete rotator cuff surgery. About 25 years ago I ran into a "No Parking" sign and had to get stitches.

Bryce Lambley Went to hurdle a barbed-wire fence the weekend before State Track '80. Upon takeoff I felt the ground give a little under me (probably a mole tunnel), so attempted to steeple the fence as I'd done before. But my toes slipped off the top strand, my leg shot through between the top two strands, yet my body carried over the top and my leg ended up twisted in the fence. Big gash from ankle to knee looked gruesome, but wasn't deep. State 4x8 came off without a hitch, and I even carried a cool wound to boot. :)

Jean Raymond Bury Ending a race on a long downhill stretch in a gully. Must have caught a toe and went sprawling among loose fist size rocks. One nine inch dark bruise that drained into my foot. Three inch long raised scars. Finished the race, but was "bloody last."

Anthony Brooks Shoulder and arm from passing out on treadmill at the gym...just glad the belt didn't erase my face!

Ryan Beastybear Bjellquist-Ledger Running with the Johnny xc boys at like 9 at night and fell randomly when I tripped and landed on a brick by a driveway...the scar looks like an "x" so I always think of it as my "x"c scar. lol

Gary Brimmer Junior Year High School, got tripped on the first turn of a large cross-country invitational race while running at the front, went down hard, lots of people stepped on me. Spike gouges on my ankles, outside of my quad and on my hamstring...calmly waited for the crowd to go over me, got up and finished fourth!!

Matt Lindsey I was 10 miles into the Oil Creek 100 mile trail race and tripped over an old metal wire in the trail. I went down hard and cut up my right knee leaving a nice reminder scar. To make matters worse, during the fall, I tore the ligament that connects the top of the foot and the lower shin. Didn't know that it was torn until my Monday morning visit to the hospital. Still successfully finished all 100 miles though. It is a race and scar to never forget.

The great thing about these stories is not the injuries themselves but the fact that each of these people continues to run and enjoy this sport despite the dangers.

Feel free to share stories of your running misadventures in the comments below. Most importantly, be careful out there!

**Follow Run the Edge on facebook and click the poster below to get super cool stuff from our store!

Imagine being kidnapped from church as a 6-year-old. Imagine you are thrown in the back of a truck along with other kidnapped children and taken to a military prison for the purpose of fighting for a cause you do not understand. And that running is your only way out.

Lopez Lomong does not need to imagine that scenario. He lived it. He was a Lost Boy of Sudan, an innocent victim of a brutal civil war raging in his home country. His story is real.

In 2008, Lopez made the United States Olympic team in the 1,500 meters, but this was far from the greatest or most important run of his life. Sixteen years earlier he and a few other boys escaped from the prison through a hole in the fence. They began a three day ultra marathon they had to win. Running for their lives through the dangerous African landscape, they would need to outrun starvation, dehydration, wild animals and enemy soldiers. They believed they were headed back to their villages in Southern Sudan but had gone the wrong direction and crossed the border into Kenya where they were taken into a refugee camp.

Lopez lived in the camp for 10 years. Conditions were hard and most days he only received one meal. Still he found the energy to run. Running had been his escape from prison and now it was his escape from the hard realities of his new life. His family assumed he was dead. Having no way to contact him, and knowing the harsh realities of the war, it was natural to assume that Lopez had been killed. He was alone in a sea of thousands of other lost boys and running to nowhere in particular.

When Lopez was 16 (2001) he got a chance to escape again. While attending school inside the refugee camp, he wrote an essay to the Catholic charities about what he would do if he had the chance to come to the United States. His essay was so moving it prompted the Rogers family in New York to sponsor him to come live with them in America and start a new life. The first thing Lopez wanted to do when he arrived at his new home? Run. The Rogers family provided Lopez with a second chance. They supported his passion for running and enrolled him in school as a 10th grader. After an extremely challenging yet successful high school career, Lopez graduated and accepted an offer to run for Northern Arizona University.

In the years that followed Lopez won NCAA championships and USA championships and earned an Olympic berth. But his success in running has not erased the memory of his life back in Sudan. He has been reunited with his biological parents and discovered that he has two younger brothers, Alex and Peter. He is fully aware of how fortunate he is to have two sets of parents and to be living in a place with safe drinking water and plenty to eat. Now it is his turn to give back.

In addition to raising funds to build a community center in Sudan to help other children affected by the war, Lopez has teamed up with 4 South Sudan to help provide clean drinking water, basic health care, education for children, and life saving nutrition to families in need. Lopez was lucky but many more lost children are in dire need.

The Lopez Lomong story and charity was brought to our attention by Olympian and American record holder Shalane Flanagan. We want to help Lopez help the children of Southern Sudan so we have teamed up with Shalane and Benefits of Giving to help share this story and raise funds for the 4 South Sudan project.

There are two ways you can help.

1. This week if you buy a copy of our book “Running the Edge” we will send you the book along with a signed Shalane Flanagan autograph card, and a free “Gone Running” sign from Benefits of Giving. (Domestic orders from this link only)

2. You can also support 4 South Sudan by buying a t-shirt or making a direct contribution on lopezlomong.com

It is impossible to tell the complete story of Lopez Lomong in one short blog. It would take a book to capture what he has been through.

Feel free to republish all or part of our blog to help spread the word and help Lopez Lomong continue his impressive run.

**Don't forget to follow Run the Edge on Facebook and Benefits if giving at I <3 to Run.

It has been almost a year and a half since we first met a runner named Ben Davis. Like many people, we were inspired by a Youtube video of Ben and his “120-Pound Journey.” In the video Ben transforms himself from an overweight unhappy young man, into a super-fit runner who enters marathons and Ironman triathlons with his father and brother. He is happy again. It is a story that resonates well with runners of all ability levels. Ben is one of us, fighting the same battles, overcoming the same doubts, challenging himself to get out the door each and every day to "do life" his way with purpose and direction.

Even if you have seen the video before it is worth another look.


As inspiring as the video is, it does not fully encapsulate the man. After speaking with Ben on the phone we found that we have way more in common as runners than we could have imagined. We wrote a blog about him in October of 2010 detailing the common ground we share in running and the fulfillment we gain from exercising. We felt connected as runners and asked if we could incorporate more of his story into our book Running the Edge. Ben agreed and is featured in Chapter 15 in a story titled “Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After.”

So much has happened in the past year, that we decided to catch up with Ben to see how he is doing. No surprise that he is still running, still inspiring, and still brutally honest about the struggles and joys of his journey. Below is a brief Q&A with Ben where he discusses weight loss, running milestones, being on the cover of Runner’s World, and much more. To read more about Ben and follow his journey, please like his facebook page and his newly launched website dolifemovement.com.

Thank you Ben for reminding us again and again that even though runners come in all shapes, sizes, and speeds, we are more alike than we are different! Do Life!

It has been 15 months since we last talked to you. Your story remains one of the most popular blogs we wrote in the first year of ”Run the Edge.” In the past year what have been the biggest challenges and biggest accomplishments in your life. Milestones? Big news?

It's been a really great year. Lots has happened since we talked. I've done a lot more races (four marathons and a second Ironman). The highlight, race-wise, was definitely finishing our second Ironman. My dad, brother and I do all the big races together; it adds another level of excitement. I broke 15 hours which was a pretty big deal for me as I had kind of expected 16 or 16:30. And I got a book deal! So that's what I've been working on the past few months. It's a dream come true, really, and I've never been so excited to work.

Struggles? I think, for me, the struggle will always be with food--it's the constant thorn. Over the last six months of 2011, I gained a good 15 pounds. Now, though, with the new year I've started back training for spring marathons and I'm shedding some pounds again. There's no doubt in my mind that I'll be battling the rest of my life, but I'm okay with it.

You have been on the cover of Runner’s World and had some brushes with celebrity. Describe those experiences.

Oh man. The Runner's World thing was amazing. I was able to meet some really remarkable people through that whole experience--people I will never forget. And yeah it was definitely surreal walking through airports and grocery stores and seeing my face.

I did actually get my heart broken by John Mayer, which is fun to laugh about. But yeah, some pretty fun things have been happening, no doubt.

How does it make you feel to know that you have inspired so many people not only to lose weight but to find running and take control of their lives?

I think you hit the nail on the head with the running thing. I get a lot of emails from people who have lost weight after reading my blog or seeing the video, and it's always a really awesome thing to see, but yeah, there's something special about seeing people crossing the finish line of a 5K or a marathon and saying that I had at least a small part in their journey. That's pretty cool and I've been fortunate enough to meet and hang out with a lot of them. That always means a lot.

Is there a story from one of your followers or readers that has inspired you?

For sure. I always go back to Nancy. Nancy was a woman I met at a “Do Life 5K” in Buffalo. She had been on her journey for 12 weeks. As we were running together she shared with me that we were running her first 5K ever. She went on to say that she had always been afraid to run outside for fear of ridicule; it's a common fear, I know I dealt with it a little bit. She told me that she had done all the training for the 5K in her house. A treadmill, I assumed. Nope. She had literally run through her house from room to room to train for the 5K. Her first 5K, her first time running outside. It was incredible. And she finished! That was an inspiring moment and one I'll never forget.

Statistics suggest that upwards of 90% of people who lose large amounts of weight gain it back. You struggled with this in the past but this time seems to be different. You are beating the odds. What do you think is the key, or keys, to your success of maintaining your weight?

It's all about the shift of mindset from "losing weight" to "leading a healthy life." In the past I was only focused on calories in and calories out. But now it's about the racing, and enjoying life, and doing it in a healthy manner. You have to find something bigger than the number of pounds. Once you find that, it becomes a lot more reasonable and a lot more fulfilling.

There is always a dark side to fame. As soon as you become a public figure of any size there is bound to be criticism. How have you dealt with negative people and how does it effect you?

It's a strange world we live in, especially when there is a blanket of anonymity. And the Internet is the perfect breeding ground for that. People say things that they absolutely would not say if the two of you were out to dinner. Yeah, it sucks sometimes to see mean comments, but you have to understand that it means literally nothing. And it's such a small percentage that it's a lot easier to let them roll off. For the most part, people are awesome and those are the comments I put stock in.

What does being a runner mean to you? Is it a love/hate relationship?

Being a runner means just that: running. No matter how much or how fast, if you're out there pounding the pavement, you are a runner. Most of the time I love it. Yeah, it takes a couple minutes to get out the door and getting into a groove, but that's pretty universal. But once you hit that stride? That's a good place to be. And I'm here in Vancouver BC, which is just the most beautiful place in the world, so I'm lucky.

You are in a new relationship since we last spoke. How is that going and how has it changed your life?

I'm engaged! Her name is Brooke and she's the perfect girl for me. We balance each other out really well. She's a runner too, and a very talented graphic designer. Which, you know, works out really well when “Do Life” needs a new shirt design. No, she's wonderful and we're getting married next spring in Arkansas.

How has the “Do-Life” movement expanded in the past year? What is next? How can people get involved/help?

It's been a big year for “Do Life.” We did a nationwide tour last summer and it turned out to be a huge success. We did 32 5Ks in 32 cities in 40 days and met 1,600 or so incredible people with incredible stories. We just launched our new website--dolifemovement.com--a community of folks who are looking to improve their lives through fitness; it's really great to interact daily with like-minded individuals and we've been very happy with how it's going so far.

Right now we're in the midst of planning for a UK tour. We'll be there March 25th-April 1st and will be doing a “Do Life” 5K and multiple speaking engagements across the country. I'm psyched--I've never been to Europe. Party in Britain!

**LIKE our facebook page and be inspired daily by the "Run the Edge" community!

***Visit our store to get your copy of "Running the Edge" and other great "Run the Edge" stuff!

Just because I am a baby does not mean I don’t know anything about running. I have spent a lot of time observing my mom and dad run and have picked up more running wisdom than most kids twice my age! This week I thought I would share some of that wisdom with you in my dad’s blog.

I have written two previous guest blogs for “Run the Edge” but that was before I was very good at talking. If you want to read those, click here and here. Now that I am a talking machine, I am ready to push my limits and express my thoughts in my first video blog.

Although I am very good at talking and expressing myself, it is frustrating that some people still have a difficult time understanding what I am saying. You are probably not one of those people, but just in case you are, I have included subtitles to help you get some of the words you may have difficulty deciphering.

What is my video about? I figured I would respond to a couple questions I get asked from people when they find out my parents are runners. If you have more questions you would like me to answer, leave them in the comments below. I am happy to share all I know.

Here is the first video: I am responding to a very common question about the difference between pain and injury.



As I state in the video, you need to know the line between tough and stupid. There is pain in running and you will have to run through some of it. But be careful not to be too tough or you may end up hurting yourself worse and missing more time in your training. You can read about this fine line in my Dad’s book “Running the Edge” in the chapter titled “When to Bend.”

The second video is a pet peeve of mine. There is so much hoopla over guys who wear split shorts to run. This video shares my opinion on the matter. If you want to see what my Dad and Uncle Tim think about split shorts, read one of their first blog posts here.



I hope you enjoyed my first video blog. If you have other running or baby questions you want to ask me please post them in the comments below. Also feel free to tell me how cute, adorable, handsome, and smart I am. My parents dig that stuff!

***Be sure to follow Run the Edge on facebook and visit our store to get our book "Running the Edge" and other great Run the Edge stuff!

This week, in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, we want to ask you a few questions: Are you wildly madly, passionately head over heals, in love...with running? Do you savor your long runs, relish your workouts, and yearn for your next chance to get out the door to spend time alone on the roads? Are you consumed with thoughts and daydreams that reflect your passion for running? Are you hooked on the feeling you get from a good workout and moonstruck about running at night? If you answered “yes” to any part of these questions, you may want to take the test below.

Valentine's Day is supposed to be a holiday where we express our love and affection for the significant others in our lives. But what if your significant other is not a person? A healthy appreciation for running is a good thing but can we love running too much? Even if you are currently single, you can look for the danger signs that your love for running has gone over the top. Below are seven signs that you may love running too much. If you score more than six points in the test you may want to consider therapy!

1. Do you think about running more during the day than you do your love interest? Reflect on your random thoughts during the day. How many times does your sweetie pop unexpectedly into your mind compared to running? If you think about running more often, give yourself a point.

2. Do you sneak off to run? Like a lover's tryst, do you find a time when no one will miss you at work or at home and then secretly get in a quick run? If you ever do this, even occasionally, give yourself a point.

3. Consider the following adjectives commonly associated with love. If you can apply more than half of them to running, award yourself a point. Passion, Desire, Appreciation, Devotion, Commitment, Affection, Attachment

4. Would you rather have a painful sports massage than a relaxing massage given by your significant other? Imagine this. Your sweetheart gives you a coupon for “One free massage” hoping to personally give it to you. Even if you would take the massage from your sweetheart, give yourself a point if you would rather have received a coupon for a sports massage.

5. Do you get more depressed when you can’t run or when you can't spend time with the love of your life? People in love tend to long for each others’ company. They yearn to be together and when they have to spend time apart it can be difficult. Would it upset you more to be away from your significant other for a week or not be able to run? If you answered “run” give yourself a point.

6. Is your idea of a romantic dinner carbo-loading? Your main squeeze wants to take you out for a nice romantic meal and says you can pick the restaurant. Knowing that you have a long run the next day, you decide on some cheap pasta and lots of bread. You also request to make it an early dinner so you can get to sleep before 10. If this is something you would do, you get a point.

7. What type of jewelry would you like to get? If your dearest love wanted to take you shopping for a new piece of jewelry and said you could get a ring, necklace, watch, earrings, or whatever you desire, would you rather get the latest GPS watch or other running accessory? If so give yourself a point.

Count up your points.

*If you scored 0 or 1, you are either a beginning runner, or you have a fantastic Valentine.

*If your scored between 2 and 4, congratulations! You have a healthy relationship with both running and your significant other. You are well balanced both in your love of running and for your partner.

*If you scored 5 or 6 you are in the danger zone. Consider ramping up the romance with your partner a bit or mellowing out a little on the running to bring yourself into balance. Find a way to share some of your passion for running with your honey.

*If you scored 7 points, we understand your love of running but think you might need a new romance in your life that can stir the same fire in your heart. Relationship therapy in a real possibility for you.

Remember that the above quiz was just for fun and like most things we write in this blog, should not be taken seriously. But seriously, we LOVE you and the Run the Edge community! In fact we love you so much that we wrote you a little Valentine’s day poem:

Roses are red.
Violets are blue,
We love running...
Be back in about an hour.

***If you love to run make sure you like our facebook page. Also check out I <3 to Run for more running inspiration and fun!

"Nice guys finish last." This is probably true but there have been plenty of nice guys who have finished first as well.

Nice guys finish last is a cliché, a phrase that is so overused it has become mundane. Clichés may ring true in most situations but according to wikipedia: "Using cliches shows a lack of original thought... In writing and general speech it is a mark of inexperience of unoriginality."

This blog has more than 30 clichés in it. We wonder if that shows more of our inexperience or our general lack of originality?

In an attempt to make the unoriginal original, we put a twist on 31 commonly used clichés. We wanted to see if these everyday phrases were true or false when applied to distance runners. See if you agree with our assessments.

1. It's only a matter of time. False

For runners it is a matter of time and distance.

2. It ain't over till the fat lady sings. False

It is over as soon as you cross the finish line no matter what the fat lady is doing.

3. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. True

Over 45,000 people run the New York Marathon and only one person can win. The rest are joining them.

4. What goes around comes around. True

Ever run a 10K on the track?

5. This will hurt me more than it hurts you. True

Very true when said by a runner to a spectator.

6. Time is of the essence. True

Especially true for runners seeking PRs and qualifying standards.

7. Last but not least. True

Even the last finisher is ahead of everyone who didn’t have the courage to run. In a race, last is certainly not least!

8. Make out like a bandit. False

We do not encourage bandits here.

9. Better late than never. True

It is better to finish behind your goal time than not to finish at all.

10. It never hurts to try. False

Wanna bet? Ask any runner and they will tell that if it doesn't hurt you are not trying hard enough.

11. One good turn deserves another. True

Ever run a 10K on the track?

12. Pull a fast one. True

This is every runner’s desire as they toe the line.

13. Go the whole nine yards. False

You are going to have to go a lot more than nine yards to complete a marathon. Are you ready to go to whole 46,145 yards?

14. Distance makes the heart grow fonder. True

As you go up in distance, peoples' love of running intensifies.

15. Get off on the right foot. False

Does it really matter which foot you start on?

16. We will cross that bridge when we come to it. True

That is all a runner can do.

17. You can't judge a book by its cover. True

Ever see the guy/gal who looks really fast but can barely run? Then there is the person who does not even look like a runner but is as fast as lightning.

18. Running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. False

This might not be the best running strategy. The shortest distance between two points is a straight line.

19. The more the merrier. True

See 45,000 people in the New York Marathon.

20. Caught with your pants down. True

For the runner who couldn’t hold it for the full marathon.

21. You only live once. True

Perhaps, but you can die multiple deaths on a long run.

22. Quit while you're ahead. False

Terrible, terrible advice for a runner.

23. A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. True

And so does a journey of 46,145 yards!

24. I've got a monkey on my back. True

After you hit the wall the monkey turns into a gorilla ... carrying a piano.

25. Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. True

This is why runners are so strong.

26. If the shoe fits, wear it. False

Do not wear it in a race unless you have tested it out in practice first.

27. Misery loves company. True

See 45,000 people running the New York Marathon!

28. Don't hold your breath. True

Unless you only intend to run the whole nine yards.

29. She wouldn't know me from Adam. True

Readers who have never heard of this blog do not know Tim from Adam.

30. S/He is over the hill. False

This is meant to be a bad thing for most people but to a runner it is the best feeling in the world!

31. There now, that wasn't so bad, was it? False

Depends on the day and the run. Sometimes it WAS that bad.

Twenty of the above clichés seem to be true for most runners while eleven are false. Either way they at least win back a bit of originality when we apply them to running.

The artist Salvador Dali hated the use of clichés so much that he was quoted as saying, "The first man to compare the cheeks of a young woman to a rose was obviously a poet; the first to repeat it was possibly an idiot."

We may be idiots for using so many clichés in this blog but we had fun doing it. In our next blog we will avoid using clichés like the plague! :)

**Be sure to "Like" our facebok page and follow us during the week.

***Visit our store by clicking the image below. Get cool "Run the Edge" stuff and FREE shipping when you buy two or more items.

Foul language can be found just about everywhere these days, but does it belong in a middle school library? A media outlet in Virginia reported on Monday that at least one parent wants the book Running With the Buffaloes removed from the shelves of her son’s school.

For readers of this blog who are unfamiliar with the book, here is why we care: The book is about the 1998 University of Colorado men’s cross country team. Adam was a senior that year. Tim had graduated a few years earlier. Both of us are friends with the author Chris Lear.

It is a non-fiction book that tries to capture and describe the essence of what it is like to run at the collegiate level. Here is how Running Times described the book in a review,

“Set in the fall of 1998, the book chronicles the Colorado Buffaloes' cross country campaign - taking the reader on a ride from the anticipation of pre-season camp, through the mid-season shock of losing a teammate, to the elation of competing at the NCAA championships.”

Is the book full of “bad” language? Yes. One look at the table of contents and you can see that Lear pulls no punches in depicting the crude language used by the members of the team. The question is not whether the book contains foul language. The question is whether the book should be allowed to be carried in a middle school library. Here are our thoughts:

Adam:

I know I am partly to blame for the language used in Running With the Buffaloes, but that is how we talked. Chris wanted the book to be authentic, so he took down our words verbatim. In that sense, the book is honest and does a great job of portraying real people on a real team going through a real season. He did not water it down to make it appropriate for all ages.

As bad as the language is in the book, I probably used worse language when I was in middle school. By the time I was in the sixth grade, I knew all the bad words and exactly how to use them. My friends and I tried not to curse around adults, but when we were by ourselves, we filled our sentences with as many swear words as possible. In that sense, I do not think the language in Running with the Buffaloes will come as any shock or surprise to middle school kids.

However, it would be inappropriate for an adult in a school to curse in front of students. It does not matter that students curse themselves. It matters that the adult knows what is appropriate in specific environments. For example, just because a school knows that students have probably already seen pornography, does not mean they should have a subscription to Playboy in the library.

I don’t think this book is bad for kids. There is no violence, sex, or drug use, but there is a heavy dose of foul language which is enough reason for a middle school library not to carry it.

Adam’s verdict: Running With the Buffaloes probably does not belong in middle school libraries. If young runners want to read it, they can find it on Amazon.com, the community library, or at the bookstore. However, I would definitely let Colt read this book when he's in middle school if he wants to.

Tim

I taught and coached in high schools for eleven years after I graduated from CU. I am not sure if I ever walked into a middle school bathroom where I did not see graphic illustrations of genitalia on the walls, along with language that would have made the characters in Running With the Buffaloes blush. I did not use foul language as a coach because I knew I was supposed to set a standard of intellectual maturity. I was not always mature, but I did uphold those standards fairly well.

A library is the same thing. It sets a standard by what it carries on its shelves. Not carrying books such as these will not prevent kids from cursing. Just as not carrying books about violence and sex will not stop fights and teen pregnancies.

Tim’s verdict: Although middle school kids are already familiar with the language used in Running With the Buffaloes, a middle school library is not the place for them to find this book.

So what does the author think? We spoke with Chris Lear about the possible ban.

Chris:

Middle school is, for most, a dreadful, awkward time....generally speaking, middle school XC runners are not at the top of the social hierarchy, and let's be honest, many end up in XC by default. So that's our starting point.

Now here's a book that (paraphrasing others) shows that this place where they ended up can be a really special place. They may surmise after reading it that running can provide an avenue by which they will gain a sense of fulfillment and a sense of self. They may even learn that this melting pot of folks on the team may become like kin should - through shared effort and sacrifice - they commit to chasing some big goals.

There are worse takeaways to be found all around in media accessible to middle schoolers everywhere.

Are there some f-bombs along the way? You bet. Try training like those men trained, and you'll find it's not all unicorns, butterflies and cotton candy.

Chris’s Verdict: At the end of the day, you weigh the cost/benefit of language and message. Would I let my kids read this when they're in middle school. No doubt.

Running With the Buffaloes is a great book. Runners of all levels enjoy reading it because it is so honest and because it depicts a slice of running life that few people get to experience for themselves. If you have not read it yet, check it out - though probably not from the middle school library.

***We would love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to share your opinions in the comments below even if you disagree with us.

Have you ever wondered what the world record for the marathon was between 551 and 479 BC? Neither have we. Until we started writing this blog, we never even considered if there was competitive running so long ago. But there was at least one legendary runner during this time-period. In 490 BC a messenger named Pheidippides had just fought for Greece in the Battle of Marathon. He was sent to Athens with the news that Greece had defeated the Persians. According to the legend he ran the whole way from Marathon to Athens without stopping. He burst into the assembly hall, yelled out, “We have won!” collapsed, and died.

Depending on the route Pheidippides took to reach Athens he ran somewhere around 26 miles, making the distance famous. But why did he die? Did he literally run himself to death? Could Pheidippides have benefitted from a subscription to Runner’s World magazine or a few training tips from coach Lydiard? Probably. But since they were still 2,500 years away, he needed a different coach. A contemporary.

We like to think that in a perfect world the Chinese philosopher Confucius would have made a tremendous running coach. His teachings could have revolutionized the sport and given messenger/runners like Pheidippides some useful insights.

At least 83 generations of runners have come and gone since Confucius walked the planet. Until now (like Pheidippides) they have had to go without gaining the wisdom and sage training advice from the master.

We have identified seven quotes commonly attributed to Confucius that suggest he would have made an excellent running coach. Hopefully by the time you reach the end of the list, you will have gained some of his running insight.

Confucius says:

1. “The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.”

Confucius would have understood that runners are constantly trying to find their maximum potential. He also would have known that the will to win personal battles against the clock and the desire to attain personal goals is what fuels runners and they chase excellence.

2. “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”

Is there anything worse than seeing “DNF” (Did Not Finish) next to your name? If you ran for Confucius you would know that even on your bad days there is a lot to be gained from finishing.

3. “Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.”

Those who like to criticize running fail to see the beauty and simplicity in it. They cannot remember what it was like when they were young. When just running from one end of the living room to the other brought squeals of delight. Of course there is beauty in running. Confucius would have seen it right away.

4. “By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.”

The deeper we probe into this quote the more profoundly it speaks directly to the runner’s soul. If you are a runner wishing to improve, you must reflect on races and workouts to examine your performance and how your body responded. You should also seek to imitate what has worked for other runners. Everything from nutrition to training schedules can be imitated to bring greater success. Finally you have to experience the good and the bad. We have all had bad runs, painful workouts, and disappointing races. As Confucius said, each of these things brings wisdom. Running with wisdom is a wonderful thing.

5. “Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.”

Long before marathoner Juma Ikangaa uttered the famous quote, “The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare,” Confucius was preaching the same principal. He understood that success and failure are directly related to how much, and how well, you train. Runners in the Confucius program would be well prepared.

6. “All good things are difficult to achieve; and bad things are very easy to get.”

Running is hard but brings with it many good benefits. Lower blood pressure and body weight, better stamina and muscle strength, a healthy heart, and a positive outlook on life are just a few good things running can help you achieve. Sitting on the couch is easy so it is easy to get higher blood pressure and body weight. It is far easier to get our of shape than into shape. Confucius knew that the good things are worth working for.

7. “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.”

Running and living with passion makes everything better. No matter the level of competition, or specific races we choose to run, we should do so with our full hearts. Recognize each run as a gift and give it the attention and passion it deserves. Wherever you run, run with all your heart.

Would Confucius have made a good coach? We think so. Pheidippides made his historic run from Marathon to Athens a full eleven years before Confucius died at the ripe old age of 71. Perhaps Pheidippides could have lived a much longer life (and survived his legendary run) if Confucius had guided his training.

**Note: There are many funny “Confucius jokes” out there that do not have anything to do with the actual man or his teachings. Two of our favorite running ones are:

“Man who runs behind car gets exhausted.”

“Woman who runs in front of bus is sure to get tired.”

***

Tim Catalano and Adam Goucher are the authors of "Running the Edge." They can also be found at their website and would appreciate some new followers at facebook.com/runtheedge.

Kara Goucher, my wife, stood on the starting line shaking out her arms, anxiously awaiting the gun. Only 191 women and 26.2 miles stood between her and the Olympic Games. I knew from experience what she was feeling. If you are a runner or have ever been in a big race, you know what she was feeling as well. You know what it is like to be nervous in the weeks and days leading up to a big race. You know what it feels like as the butterflies multiply every time you visualize your goals and strategy. When it is finally time to stand on the line, the last few minutes can feel like hours.

The gun finally signaled the start of the race. I watch Kara carefully use her arms to keep clear of other runners and place herself at the front of the pack. She was on her way. Her pre-race nerves were gone but mine remained. In that sense, runners are the lucky ones. The people who really have to suffer are the coaches, the parents and the spouses. Our nerves do not go away when the race begins. Our nerves persist every step of the race causing a completely different type of agony than what the runners are experiencing.

Perhaps it is because we have stood witness to the preparation for his moment for the weeks, months, and even years leading up to a race. This race is only a snapshot representing a much larger body of work. We have watched as the runners in our lives have battled through injury, sickness, doubts, good workouts and bad. We know just how desperately they want it and just how much they have already suffered and sacrificed to get to this line.

Fifteen miles into the race the lead pack had thinned to four women: Desiree Davila, Shalane Flanagan, Amy Hastings and Kara. Three of these women would stamp their ticket to London. It seemed so unfair that one of them would not make the team. I was a wreck as I reflected on how hard all of these women had trained and how badly each of them wanted a spot.

Just over a year ago Kara gave birth to our son, Colt. She rushed back to compete in the Boston Marathon just six months after Colt was born. Although she finished fifth in a personal best time of 2:24:52, this race did not boost her confidence. Instead she worried she would never be the same. Kara then set her sights on qualifying and running the Track and Field World Championships. She earned her spot despite hobbling on a bad hip and after the World Championships she was forced to take five weeks off from running. If this were not trying enough, she also made an incredibly difficult decision to change coaches. Three months before the Olympic Trials she was starting a new training program and was terribly out of shape from her injury. I reflected on all that she had been through in the past year to get to this place, 11 miles from the finish line with a chance to make her second Olympic team.

No matter what distances you like to run, you know that the number of steps you take in the actual race are nothing compared to the amount of steps you took getting ready. Marathoners train hundreds of miles for each mile in a race. Those are the important miles. They are the miles that make your race possible. But it is not only the miles. It is the workouts where you feel invincible as well as the workouts that humble you and make you question your stamina. It is the injuries and other setbacks you had to fight through just to get to that line. All of those things are with you on race day. You carry all of it, for better or worse, every step of the way.

Kara was carrying a lot of better and worse heading into the final ten miles. I just hoped it would be enough.

I sped from one vantage point to the next on my elliptigo to catch glimpses of Kara. I saw the pack dwindle from eight to four and eventually three. Even when it looked like she would make the team, my nerves still would not leave me. I knew anything could happen. I have seen it before when a body pushed too hard shuts down and refuses to cooperate. Kara needed to hold on.

It is the same for runners at every level. For a high school runner trying to get a new PR, or a 58-year-old road racer trying to place in her age group, all the way to the world class athletes going for Olympic berths and medals. Sometimes in the final stages of a race we just need to hold on. We need to maintain our pace and not allow ourselves to slow. We have to push back doubts, ignore pain and persevere. I would have given anything in those moments to be running next to my wife encouraging her, but she had to finish this race alone.

I think I finally relaxed with about two and a half miles to go. I could see in Kara’s stride that she was strong enough to make it to the end. My nerves were replaced by intense pride. She did it. She managed to navigate 26.2 miles fast enough to give herself a place on the line in London. When I was finally able to get to her, I wrapped my arms around her and whispered, “You’re amazing.” I handed Colt to her as her already teary eyes continued to release her elation. All the miles, all the setbacks, all the sacrifices had paid off. She was again an Olympian.

Most runners will never get the chance to represent their country in the Olympics. Most run for different reasons. But the beauty of this sport is that running is essentially the same for runners of every gender, age, and speed. Each of us is chasing very specific dreams and pushing our personal limits. Runners have a common bond and connection that is indescribable. As we say in our book Running the Edge:

"The unspoken and shared understanding of what it means to be a runner can be seen in the kinship between runners. When 40,000 people line up to run the Chicago Marathon, or when 130 line up at a high school cross-country race, they can look each other in the eye with a certain respect, awareness, and comprehension that is prohibitively elusive for the non-runner. Before, during, and after the race, the fellowship between runners is tangible and real. The brotherhood and sisterhood of the running community can be felt in the air as they inhale a collective like-mindedness. To be a runner in the midst of other runners just before the start of a race is a mystical experience that can no more be captured in words than can the color blue."

One thing that has become increasingly clear to me over the past few years is that although each runner is incredibly unique, we are all the same. No matter the level, we are family. It is why we can get just as excited when a runner qualifies for Boston or breaks seven minutes in the mile for the first time as we can when an elite runner makes an Olympic team. This past weekend. Meb Keflezighi, Ryan Hall, Abdi Abdirahman, Shalane, Desi, and Kara all earned the chance to represent the United States in London. But as runners we know they are also representing each of us who share these roads with them. Because they are just like us. Because we understand what it takes to reach our maximum potentials. Because we are all part of the running family.

***

Dyestat extends its congratulations to all of the participants in the 2012 Olympic Trials marathon and offers good luck wishes to the members of the U.S. team. Tim Catalano and Adam Goucher are the authors of "Running the Edge." They can also be found at their website and would appreciate some new followers at facebook.com/runtheedge.

Astrologers believe they can understand things about you just by knowing the date of your birth. They believe your astrological sign determines key aspects of your personality and that they can even predict what kind of day you are going to have. You can look in your local newspaper any day of the week to read your horoscope. Depending on the astrologer writing it, you could learn about your mood, your financial outlook, or even your love life.

We admittedly know very little about astrology. Neither of us are regular readers of our horoscopes but we might read them if they included some valuable information about running. So this week we decided to learn a little about each sign (very little) and then speculate about how your date of birth might affect your next race. We did very little research on psychicguide.com to learn just enough information to come up with these running horoscopes:

Note: The following is for entertainment purposes only. Take it seriously at your own risk.

Aries: March 21 - April 19

• Element: Fire
• Symbol: Ram
• Life Pursuit: The thrill of the moment
• Secret Desire: To lead the way for others

Your desire to lead the way for others will propel you to the front of the pack in your next road race. But be careful. After you Ram your way past all the other runners and take the lead you could get caught-up in the thrill of the moment and go off course. Maybe consider a career as a rabbit if you can lead the way for others in record attempts.

Taurus: April 20 - May 20

• Element: Earth
• Symbol: Bull
• Life Pursuit: Emotional and financial security
• Secret Desire: Have a secure and happy marriage

Winning big races might be your way to financial security. Consider hiring an Aries as a rabbit as they love to lead the way for others. To achieve your secret desire of a happy marriage, consider a Virgo runner. Virgos have a strong need to be loved and can always be counted on to do the right thing. But beware of Pisces who will do anything to attract Virgo’s attention.

Gemini: May 21 - June 20

• Element: Air
• Symbol: Twins
• Life Pursuit: To explore a bit of everything
• Secret Desire: To be ahead of the crowd

Your symbol of Twins represents the two sides of your running personality. One twin wants to be ahead of the crowd and lead the race, while the other twin wants to take a path less traveled and explore new routes. Be careful which twin you are listening to in your next race. If you are ahead and then decide to explore you might lead the whole race off course with Aries.

Cancer: June 21 - July 22

• Element: Water
• Symbol: Crab
• Life Pursuit: Constant reassurance and intimacy
• Secret Desire: To feel safe

Bring as many family and friends as possible to your next race. Strategically station them throughout the course so you can be cheered on at every turn. The constant reassurance will help you feel safe and finish in personal best time. When you cross the line and see your best time ever, do a celebratory crab walk. You just might start a new trend!

Leo: July 23 - August 22

• Element: Fire
• Symbol: The Lion
• Life Pursuit: To lead the way
• Secret Desire: To be a star

Your life's pursuit is Aries secret desire. If you really want to lead the way and be a star, you will need to harness your inner lion and know exactly when to pounce. If you wait too long and let Aries take the lead, you might find yourself a lost kitten. Take the lead at the gun in your next race and you will be well on your way to being a star.

Virgo: August 23 - September 22 (Tim’s sign)

• Element: Earth
• Symbol: The Virgin
• Life Pursuit: To do the right thing
• Secret Desire: To love and be loved

Draw energy from the Earth under your feet in your next race but beware of runners (especially Pisces and Taurus) who appear to be in distress. They might not have your best interests in mind. Your desire to do the right thing is a great attribute, but if you are not careful you could be derailed from your best race. Your desire to love and be loved might be fulfilled by organizing a giant group hug at the finish line.

Libra: September 23 - October 22

• Element: Air
• Symbol: The Scales
• Life Pursuit: To be consistent
• Secret Desire: To live an easy and uncomplicated life

Unfortunately, your desire to be consistent and to live an easy life makes you vulnerable to running consistently slow splits. Those splits might be easy and you will have plenty of your element (Air) to fill your lungs at these slow paces, but you need to use your scales to weigh the benefits of an easy pace vs the pain of running faster. Take a chance and you will see that consistently fast is better than consistently slow.

Scorpio: October 23 - November 21

• Element: Water
• Symbol: The Scorpion
• Life Pursuit: To survive against all opposition
• Secret Desire: To triumph

Your element is water and you will need plenty of it if you are to survive your next road race. Keep an eye out for Aquarius the Water Bearer to help you stay hydrated. The opposition will be great but if you can save your scorpion-like sting for the final kick, you just might triumph.

Sagittarius: November 22 - December 21

• Element: Fire
• Symbol: The Archer
• Life Pursuit: To live the good life
• Secret Desire: To make a difference in the world

Good news and bad news for runners born under this star. The good news is that you are already living the good life just by being a runner. The bad news is that if you want to make a difference in the world you will need to branch out beyond yourself. Consider running your next race for a charity and raising money for a good cause. This might just be the bullseye your inner archer is looking for.

Capricorn: December 22 - January 19

• Element: Earth
• Symbol: The Goat
• Life Pursuit: To be proud of achievements
• Secret Desire: To be admired by their family, friends, and the world

Don’t buy into the hype that you have to win a race to be proud of your achievements. You do not have to be a champion to be admired by your family, friends, and the world. Sometimes just finishing a race is a fantastic achievement. If that is not enough then maybe consider doing something no one has ever done like being the first person to run 50 marathons in 50 states backwards.

Aquarius: January 20 - February 18 (Adam's sign)

• Element: Air
• Symbol: The Water Bearer
• Life Pursuit: To understand life’s mysteries
• Secret Desire: To be unique and original

Your symbol of the Water Bearer will be much appreciated (especially by Scorpios) in your next road race as you become one of the first ever moving water stations for the other athletes. Since you want nothing more than to be unique and original, you decide to carry as much water for the other runners in the race to keep them well hydrated. This is not a good strategy for running fast, so winning the race might remain one of life’s mysteries for you.

Pisces: February 19 - March 20

• Element: Water
• Symbol: The Fish
• Life Pursuit: To avoid feeling alone and feel connected to others
• Secret Desire: To live dreams and turn fantasies into realities

Look for a Virgo during your next road race. Pretend to have a hurt leg to appeal to Virgo’s desire to do the right thing. You might feel like a fish out of water but this feeling will quickly fade as you avoid feeling alone and feel connected to your new companion. Your fantasy of having a life-long running partner will turn into a reality as you cross the finish line together.

So there you have it. We are sure this was the most inaccurate running horoscope ever created. Let us know if your sign does a good job of describing you as a runner. Any real astrologers out there?

Tim Catalano and Adam Goucher are the authors of "Running the Edge." They can also be found at their website and would appreciate some new followers at facebook.com/runtheedge.