One foot in front of the other.
Black Diamond Sprinter Headlamp
Newton Running Symposium in Boston
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Date: 3/8/10
Consecutive Days Run: 67
Runner: Brandon Wood
Shoes: Newton AW Trainers
Location: New York, NY
Type of Run: Quickie
Time of Day: 6:20 PM EST
Distance Run: 1.71 miles
Time Run: 00:17:43
Average Pace: 10:20 per mile
Weather Conditions: Cool (51 degrees Fahrenheit)
Disposition: Good, but with tired legs
Link to Run Detail: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/26505486
About the Run: Happy tenth birthday to our baby girl Annie! No, not the human baby girl, but the canine version of our baby girl. She is ten years old today and for her birthday, she wanted to go for a run with her dad and I was more than happy to oblige.
Whenever I run with either of my dogs, it really give me a chance and pause to see how they literally stop and smell everything. Even when they don’t stop, they’re still taking in everything around them. They aren’t jaded or oblivious to the incredible world with which they are surrounded, they are simply fascinated to be in it. This innocence always touches me. Even when I get upset with one of our dogs, they will always say they love me no matter how angry I am.
The run was good, but slow. Don’t be fooled by her age, Annie is fully capable of breaking down and going far faster than I am, but she just likes to take her time. My legs are a bit weary so it was probably a good thing to take it easy.
I rescued Annie from the Albermarle County, Virginia SPCA when she was just eight weeks old. Our other dog, Bubba was rescued from the North Shore Animal League two years ago. Danielle and I strongly support rescuing dogs and cats and other animals from humane shelters. Please consider donating to Me and the Road and helping to support the North Shore Animal League. You can donate by linking through Me and the Road or by going directly to the donation site located at: http://meandtheroad.bbnow.org
Date: 3/4/09
Consecutive Days Run: 63
Runner: Brandon Wood
Shoes: Newton AW Trainers
Location: New York, NY
Type of Run: Middle distance for endurance
Time of Day: 2:26 PM EST
Distance Run: 9.14 miles
Time Run: 01:09:09
Average Pace: 07:33 per mile
Weather Conditions: Cool (45 degrees Fahrenheit)
Disposition: Good
Link to Run Detail: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/26095528
About the Run: My assigned run for today was: Run a nice relaxed pace. Zone 2 Nice relaxed shoulders and hands. Tall and quiet. I took this very much to heart and was sure to take what felt like a very relaxed pace and posture. During this run I made a point of looking around and enjoying the scenery and ignoring anything to do with pace or effort, which is to say, I relaxed. I kept this up for the entire run, having no idea what my pace was the entire time. It felt good.
Since I usually do an out and back route when I run during the day, I got some wind in my face today. It wasn’t tremendously windy, but there was enough that it felt completely still on the way downtown. Once I turned around and headed back uptown, the wind hit me a little more. I remained relaxed as much as I could but I did catch myself picking up the effort more than I should have a couple of times. All in all, a very good, relaxed run.
Please consider donating to Me and the Road by going to: http://meandtheroad.bbnow.org
In 2009, The Fresh Air Fund’s Volunteer Host Family program, called Friendly Town, gave close to 5,000 New York City boys and girls, ages six to 18, free summer experiences in the country and the suburbs. Volunteer host families shared their friendship and homes up to two weeks or more in 13 Northeastern states from Virginia to Maine and Canada.
The Fresh Air Fund relies on donations to provide memorable summers to NYC children.
The Fresh Air Fund needs hosts for the summer of 2010.
More than 65% of all Fresh Air children are reinvited to stay with their host family, year after year.
Thanks to host families who open up their homes for a few weeks each summer, children growing up in New York City’s toughest neighborhoods have experienced the joys of Fresh Air experiences.
“It is rewarding to see the smile on our Fresh Air child’s face as she enjoys the simple things we take for granted…”
Friendly Town host families are volunteers who live in the suburbs or small town communities. Host families range in size, ethnicity and background, but share the desire to open their hearts and homes to give city children an experience they will never forget. Hosts say the Fresh Air experience is as enriching for their own families, as it is for the inner-city children. There are no financial requirements for hosting a child. Volunteers may request the age-group and gender of the Fresh Air youngster they would like to host. Stories about real Fresh Air host families and their New York City visitors are just a click away!
Click here to learn more about becoming a host or call (800) 367-0003!
04-Feb-2010: Gord Pauls of Hamilton, Ontario is an Ironman athlete and Cervélo customer who will be undertaking a truly remarkable feat in an effort to raise money for the people of Haiti. Pauls has been an advocate for Haiti for many years, organizing charitable initiatives through his store, The Runner’s Den, to support initiatives to bring improved nutrition and education to the children of Haiti. This year, the need in Haiti is far greater, and Pauls has challenged himself to raise $250,000 by completing 3 Ironman distance challenges on 3 consecutive days. On Friday, August 27 and Saturday, August 28, Pauls will complete a 3.8 km swim, a 180 km bike, and 42.2 km run (2.4 miles, 112 miles and 26.2 miles, respectively). He will follow those up by competing in Ironman Canada on Sunday, August 29.
We wish Gord all the best in his training and fundraising, and look forward to reporting on his successful completion of the challenge. For more information on Gord Pauls, the triple Ironman, and his fundraising, please visit www.gordpauls.com.
ATLANTA and SAN DIEGO, Feb. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The American Cancer Society and the Competitor Group, Inc., today announced a new collaboration to empower endurance athletes of all abilities to take a more proactive role in improving their personal health and saving lives from cancer. The collaboration will, for the first time, combine the resources of the nation’s largest health care nonprofit with the endurance sports industry’s leading media and event entertainment company to extend the reach of the American Cancer Society DetermiNation® endurance event program and to strengthen its impact on creating a world with less cancer and more birthdays.
The American Cancer Society/Competitor Group collaboration will begin with the Rock ‘n’ Roll Seattle™ Marathon & 1/2 Marathon this June, followed by the Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago™ 1/2 Marathon in August, and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Mardi Gras™ Marathon & 1/2 Marathon in New Orleans in February 2011. All three events will be branded for the benefit of the American Cancer Society.
Additionally, the American Cancer Society will be designated as a preferred charity for Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series events in Denver; Los Angeles; Nashville, Tenn.; Philadelphia; Phoenix; San Antonio; San Jose, Calif.; and Virginia Beach, Va.
“We are excited to join our DetermiNation program with the Competitor Group Rock ‘n’ Roll series to provide an unmatched running experience for athletes of all abilities,” said Alan G. Thorson, M.D., F.A.C.S., national volunteer president, American Cancer Society. “Many people are not aware of the important role that exercise plays in reducing cancer risk – in fact, one-third of all cancer deaths could be prevented with a healthy diet and exercise. By training for and running in a Rock ‘n’ Roll event that benefits the American Cancer Society, people can take one of their most important steps to stay well and reduce cancer risk by being physically active, while helping save lives from cancer.”
Through their participation in the Rock ‘n’ Roll events in Seattle, Chicago and New Orleans, DetermiNation athletes can dedicate their event training and race participation to the only endurance charity program that helps save lives from all forms of cancer. As part of their involvement, these athletes will receive team training, race-weekend VIP amenities, social event opportunities, and much more.
“The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, which provides a unique, world-class endurance event and rock concert in-one, is a proud supporter of the American Cancer Society and its DetermiNation program,” said Competitor Group President Scott Dickey. “Our goal is to create connections that promote our vision of a healthy, fit world. This is a powerful alliance which will raise significant funds for the American Cancer Society.”
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Series format is an enjoyable experience for race participants and spectators featuring live, local bands playing at every mile along the course to energize the runners. Events conclude with a finish line festival as participants celebrate with their families and friends at a headliner concert.
The Rock ‘n’ Roll series revolutionized the running industry in 1998, when it incorporated the live music component at each milepost with themed water stations and high school cheerleading squads providing refreshment and motivation along the way.
The DetermiNation program is the American Cancer Society’s powerful and inspiring movement that empowers athletes of all abilities to make their miles more meaningful by dedicating their training and participation in marathons, triathlons, cycling and other endurance events to a lifesaving effort to end cancer.
Begun in Chicago in 1996 and formerly known as Charity Runner, the DetermiNation program expanded nationwide in 2007 and now includes an increasing variety of endurance events and the growing involvement of athletes across the country.
For more information about how to join the growing American Cancer Society DetermiNation team, visit acsDetermiNation.org. For more information on the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, visit www.runrocknroll.com.
Sarah Stanley’s Run Ride Inspire
Black Diamond Sprinter Headlamp
Newton Running’s Take on Barefoot Running
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BOULDER, CO. – JANUARY 2010 – U.S. Olympian Matty Reed has added another race to an impressive 2010 schedule. Reed will captain a relay team in the charity race during the Memorial Hermann Gateway to the Bay Triathlon in Kemah, Texas. The Olympic distance race is Sunday, April 11th and raises money for Jenny’s Light.
Reed’s team will go up against a triathlon team captained by fellow pro and Olympian Andy Potts. Spots on both Team Reed and Team Potts are being auctioned off over the internet now. Proceeds benefit Jenny’s Light charity which helps women with Postpartum Mood Disorders. Another benefit of the charity relay is the participants will also get entry into the sold-out Escape from Alcatraz race (http://www.onurleft.com/Onurmark_Productions/Gateway_to_the_Bay_-_Charity_Relays_Auction.html).
Reed, the 2009 winner of Race to the Toyota Cup- the prestigious American triathlon series is a father of two. “I am a father and husband first, Olympian and professional triathlete second,” says Reed. “If I can use my talents as an athlete to bring attention to Jenny’s Light, I am proud to do so. And this race course is fabulous! Challenging, fun location and a great event. And to do this event with my buddy and talented athlete Andy, I couldn’t be more honored.”
Besides the charity relay race, Reed will also put on a running clinic Saturday afternoon where participants will have a chance to meet Reed and get tips on improving performance.
“We really wanted a world-class athlete to participate in our first race this year,” says Aaron Palaian, Co-Founder of OnurLeft Sports, “Matty was the perfect choice and he went above and beyond by agreeing to speak with local kids, put on a clinic and sign autographs. Hopefully, he will help us grow the event for years to come.”
To check out Reed’s full race schedule go to www.mattyreed.com.
You can also follow him at http://twitter.com/boomboomreed.
Matty “Boom Boom” Reed is one of the most decorated triathletes in competition today. A 2008 U.S. Olympian and defending national triathlete champion, Reed has been a dominant force in the triathlon world since 1994. Born in New Zealand, Reed now lives and trains in Boulder, Colorado.
Racers Against Childhood Cancer
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Date: 1/12/09
Consecutive Days Run: 12
Runner: Brandon Wood
Shoes: Newton AW Trainers
Location: New York, NY
Type of Run: Interval run followed by slow group
Time of Day: 5:23 PM EST
Distance Run: 11.00 miles
Time Run: 01:28:03
Average Pace: 8:00 per mile
Weather Conditions: Cold (27 degrees Farenheit), clear
Disposition: Good
Link to Run Detail: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/22246646
About the Run: Today was a long day. I began at 5:45, waking up to shower, warm-up in said shower and go move my car (NYC alternate side parking rules, don’t ask). I got to my office at 8 AM and was there until 4:45 PM. Right before I left to go change and head to Central Park, I had a Cliff Bar because I knew that I’d need some calories. Bad idea.
I headed to the gym to change and then right back out again to go meet the Laminator who was gracious enough to put my bag in his locker at New York Sports Club on West 73rd. We met, he took my bag and we went our separate ways, only to meet again at Bethesda Fountain at 6:30 with a bunch of NYC area Twitter buddies.
My assigned run for the day was a tough one: Warm up for a mile then run 5×1 mile at your 5K race pace recover for 2 minutes between each. This was added upon by the fact that it was colder than I had expected and the wind had decided to kick up and swirl around the park. On top of that, my stomach had begun to do flip-flops from the Cliff Bar. I set off, doing my warm up and then getting into the first fast mile. Right away, I knew I was under what should be my 5 K pace, but I was aiming for 5 K effort rather than just pace. It so happened that sack in the middle of my first mile was Cat Hill, a lovely little slice of hell nestled on the East side of Central Park. By the time I got to the end of that mile, I thought I was going to lose my lunch, but managed to maintain things.
The rest of my run went OK. Not my best workout ever, but I still pushed myself. When I finished and headed to Bethesda Fountain, people had just begun to gather. In all, I think about 18 people showed up. About little less than half went to do a hill workout while the rest of us headed off to run the upper loop on the park. I really is so much fun to have a real sense of camaraderie while running, especially when the TriLife triathlon team comes at you from the other direction and their larger group doesn’t move an inch, thus making our smaller group run in the car lane (thanks guys). Afterward, we headed to Dive 75 to partake in a few libations before heading to respective boroughs. Good friends and good times!
Date: 1/11/09
Consecutive Days Run: 11
Runner: Brandon Wood
Shoes: Newton AW Trainers
Location: New York, NY
Type of Run: Nice and easy
Time of Day: 5:59 PM EST
Distance Run: 2.33 miles
Time Run: 00:19:04
Average Pace: 8:11 per mile
Weather Conditions: Cold (30 degrees Farenheit), clear
Disposition: Good
Link to Run Detail: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/22184167
About the Run: I made a point to take it easy for this run. It was not what was called for by Jeff today (that was 3700 meters in the pool) and I decided to eve let myself off easy. As I was remarking to someone this evening, it is extremely difficult to run “slow”. I know that sounds like a stupid problem to have, but it really is difficult to just sit back and let your body cruise along when you’re so used to pushing the pace.
There really was nothing very remarkable about this run. I took it easy and just enjoyed my time out running. Not that I ever don’t enjoy it, but I reall took this time to “run and smell the roses.”
Tomorrow is a big running day, with some pretty intense pacing work and then a tweetup run in Central Park!
Racers Against Childhood Cancer
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Black Diamond Sprinter Headlamp
Racers Against Childhood Cancer (RACC)
Carved by God, Cursed by the Devil by Ted Archer
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Greens+ Chia — Click here to email Diane for samples!
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I am re-posting this from Ari’s site first, as a favor to Ari, but more importantly because it is something that should always be brought to the forefront whenever possible. Foundations like this take private funding and funnel it to research, free from the whims and bureaucracy of government agencies and, as such, make many more advances. On top of that, this is an amazing way to get out and do something active in what is sure to become a sports icon!
Todd Brogan, Communications Coordination for the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, sent me a message on Facebook after reading my post about my Yankee Stadium Run. His foundation is has recently launched a 5k run/walk at Yankee Stadium. The entire event will take place in the Stadium. Participants will run/walk the concourses and ramps, climb the stairs between levels and enjoy incredible views of the Stadium from all angles. The race ends with special access to a victory lap on the warning track circling the field where you will see the Stadium from a player’s point of view.
The event is limited to 2,500 participants. If you are interested in participating, sign up soon. More information can be found by visiting the event’s website. If you cannot participate in the event but would like to contribute towards cancer research, please click here.
Protest Over the Lakefront Marathon
2009 Ironman World Championship Results (YAY CROWIE!!)
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This past Saturday, August 1, 2009, my best friend, Bobby Cockrill, became an Ironman.
Bobby was a racer in the twentieth annual Vineman, the oldest independant Ironman distance triathlon held in the continental United States in Sonoma, California. If you’ve read or listened to Brandon’s Marathon in the past then you probably know that I started this site simultaneously with Bobby starting (the seldom updated) Bobby’s Marathon. Over the past roughly eighteen months, Bobby and I have seen each other go from running our first marathon, to our first sprint, olympic and half-Ironman distance triathlons to this, the culmination of hours upon hours of Bobby’s hard work and training.
Bobby raced as a member of the Greater Los Angeles chapter of the Lukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training. Bobby is one of the most gifted and generous people I know and below is a passage from his website that I think captures that:
We are a drop of water in the ocean of life but if you get enough of use together we can make a difference and I want to be apart of that difference! If we can just drown away one persons worries or sorrows than we have succeeded. “A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove…but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.”
All that said, I am not only exceedingly proud not just to know Bobby, but to be able to call him my friend.
Brain Surgery Frees Runner, but Raises Barriers
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This year’s New York City Half-Marathon takes place on August 16th, 2009. As of now it is far too late to enter simply by registering and paying your fee. that said, it is NOT too late to run this year! You can still be entered into the NYC Half by joining a charity team and raising money for a cause.
One such cause is the Fresh Air Fund. A bit about the Fresh Air Fund from their site:
Since 1877, The Fresh Air Fund, a not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer experiences in the country to more than 1.7 million New York City children from disadvantaged communities. Each year, thousands of children visit volunteer host families in 13 states and Canada through the Friendly Town Program or attend one of five Fresh Air Fund camps.
Today, the Fresh Air Fund contacted me and asked me if I would give them a shout on my site and on Brandon’s Marathon Podcast. I am more than happy to lend a hand, and I think that if you have the time and want to help NYC kids, while staying healthy, the Fresh Air Fund is a wonderful way to do it! From the FAF:
The Fresh Air Fund is looking for runners and sponsors to join our Fresh Air Fund-Racers team for the NYC Half-Marathon on August 16th… Last summer’s NYC Half-Marathon was a huge success and the Fresh Air Fund-Racers raised more than $125,000. We are also still in need of Friendly Town hosts for next month. Host families open their hearts and home to a NYC child who would not otherwise have the opportunity to escape the hot, crowded city streets.
So, if this is something you’d be at all interested in, as a sponsor or runner or Friendly Town host, please follow this link:
Thanks so much for visiting my site! My name is Brandon Wood and I am an opera singer living and trying to make it in New York City. This site and podcast follow my adventures on the way to competing in and training for all kinds of endurance events, especially triathlon and running. Click the "About Me" tab for more info!
