Monday, August 23, 2010

Cambridge Valley Fall Bicycle Ride

The Cambridge Valley Cycling annual Cambridge Valley Cycling Fall Benefit Bicycle Ride is scheduled for Sunday, September 19, 2010.

The 100 mile ride begins at 8 am, with a 50 mile ride at 9 am, and a 25 mile ride at 10 am. The pre-registration fee is $20 for individuals and $30 for families (add $5 for day-of-event registrations). To register, go to www.BikeReg.com (search: Cambridge).

The 25 mile route passes into Vermont, providing a two state experience. The 50 mile route passes through Salem, NY, Rupert, VT, West Pawlet, VT, and Hebron, NY, with moderate climbing. Century riders will tour Arlington, Manchester, Rupert, and West Pawlet, in Vermont, and Argyle, NY with difficult climbs along the scenic Hudson Valley. Routes include water stops.

Rides originate at the Washington County Park, Lake Lauderdale Facility on Route 22, four miles north of the village of Cambridge. Proceeds will benefit Road to Recovery (an American Cancer Society program providing cancer patients transportation to and from treatments) and Cambridge Valley Cycling.

All riders must sign a release form, wear helmets, obey traffic laws, and check in at the end of each ride. Support vehicles are provided. Riders under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Registration fees are non-refundable. Registration will be limited to 200 participants.

For more information visit www.BikeReg.com

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Inspiration for Tired Runners

Over the past week I have taken inspiration form an unlikely source - Seth Godin's business blog.

In the blog post, 'How Big is Your Red Zone?' Seth Godin explains a concept that I think can be applied to running. Every runner needs a "green dot" person, motivating her to keep on running through the frustration and plateaus. My green dot is a fellow endurance athlete that I admire for his dedication to his sport.

In another blog post titled, 'Avoiding Momentum,' Godin writes about the difference between a hobby and a profession. Now that the mileage is getting harder on my body, I need to adopt Godin's advice and treat my running schedule as a professional would.

Do you treat running like a profession? Do you have a mentor or cheerleader that you depend upon when your motivation is low?

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Monday, August 9, 2010

How to Train at Altitude in the High Desert


I went to visit my father for a few days in Spanish Springs, Nevada, outside of Reno. I am training for the Saratoga Palio Half Marathon in September, so this was a running vacation. I kept to my Hal Higdon intermediate training schedule, which consisted of a 3 - 4 mile run each day. For variety, I substituted a hill workout for my tempo run on Friday, running up and down La Posada twice.

Tempo run on Friday? Hill Workout? Friday is a rest day!

Yes, I typed Friday. I had to skip running on Saturday, as I would be flying back to New York, so I ran on Friday instead. The key to staying happy with my running whilst on vacation is flexibility and planning for success.

Tips for running at altitude:

Listen to your body. I did not force myself to run at the same pace as normally do.

Hydrate. I can usually run for 3 - 4 miles without additional water. In the desert, I took care to constantly hydrate. On my La Posada workout, I stashed a water bottle at the bottom of the hill. When I ran on the other days, I ran a loop around my father's house and stopped to drink at from the water bottle I left on the front lawn.

Plan your route. I use gmaps pedometer to plan my running routes. I told my father where I was running and when I planned on returning. I wore my Road ID and carried a cell phone. I also carried a small bottle of water with me.

Run in the early morning or evening. I used my LiveStrong visor to shield my face from the sun and ran while the weather was at its coolest.

What tips do you have for running at altitude or in the desert?


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