How I Saved Myself Hundreds Of Dollars

Did the title catch your eye? Good! It was supposed to.

But I must tell you this is no get-rich-quick scheme nor is it how you can save hundreds off your car insurance. No, this is just a simple running tip I feel the need to share with you.

So, how did I save myself hundreds of dollars? Two words: Ziplock baggies.

Scratching your head yet? Great. Keep reading.

Remember last autumn when I took a great fall while trailing running? Sure, you do. It was epic! I mean, it happened right smack in the middle of my training for the 7 Bridges Marathon. Well, I didn't share every detail about that spill, but now you will get to hear (in the words of the late Paul Harvey) the rest of the story.

5 Weeks Down, 11 More To Go - Training Update

I can't believe how fast time flies. Seems just like yesterday I started my training plan for the 2013 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon. Yet, here I am with five weeks under my belt already.

Thus far, I am feeling good about things. My approach this time is more focused as I'm looking to find ways to improve my performance, and more importantly to me, my endurance.

Above everything, I want to be able to remain strong throughout the race. This takes place planning, focus and practice. Slowly but surely, I'm coming to understand it is OK to have a slower, consistent pace at the beginning of a run/race in order to have more in the tank at the end of the run/race.

This is not an easy concept for me to put into practice. Being a bit Type A, I want to go all out from the get go. And this approach wears me out, forcing me to take more and more walk breaks during the final stages of the run/race.

My Impromptu Rest Day

I was planning to do my long run this morning. Just a mere 13 miles or so.

I was mentally prepared to do this; after all, I have ran this distance numerous times, so much so I've lost count.

I was going to mix up my route just to spice things up. To better prepare for the Knoxville Marathon, I was going to add hill or two early in the run and then another one or two hills during the end of the run.

But my body had other ideas.

We Were All Once Newbies At One Time

It's the first of the year, the time of renewal and resolutions. And as nearly everyone can easily guess, losing weight and getting fit are among the top if not the top resolutions every single year.

Consequently, gym memberships go up in the month January.

As do the angst from the regulars.

Now before you write this off as a holier-than-thou blog post, let me just say I get the angst. Shoot, I feel and experience the same frustrations for I too am a creature of habit. Don't believe me? Please ask my bride. She will tell you.

Shooting For The Moon In 2013

2012 was a big year for me. Nearly 1,600 miles, two full marathons under my belt and a shiny new PR in the half marathon.

Also, in 2012, my bride started running. Yes, I know I've mentioned several times on this blog about how thrilled I am about this, but I'm very proud of her for running her first 5K and now training for a 10K. Love having my soul mate as my No. 1 running buddy.

I'm really looking forward to bigger and better things in 2013. After all, 13 is my favorite number in the world!

So without a further ado, here are my goals for the new year.