Spartan vs Tough Mudder

♠ Posted by Paul Naylor

I have made a goal for this coming year to run a Spartan or Tough Mudder race. These are both great race by great companies, but when it comes to deciding between the two, it can be hard to know which one would be better.

                 

I had several friends compete in both races, and they all have great things to say about them, and they had great experiences. I first heard of these races a few years ago and have been fascinated by them. It is one thing to run a long distance race, but entirely different thing when running that long distance race with several obstacles.

The closest thing I have done to one of these races was the Dirty Dash in Midway, Utah. I was invited by a few friends and we all participated in the 6+ miles course. This was the early summer of 2013.

I really enjoyed this race! It was the first time running in the mud and the obstacles made it for a fun day. However, many of my friends told me that it was nothing compared to either a Spartan or Tough Mudder. Hearing this really made me want to do one of these races, but during the rest of 2013 and 2014, I never had time in my schedule for one. 

In 2015, I hope to compete in my first one. I'm not sure if I'm going to participate in Spartan or Tough Mudder, each race has it own benefits that makes it a great race. So I'm going to do some research on the two, and see if I can have a race picked out so that I can get it in my schedule.  

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50th Anniversary Mustang Half Marathon - Race Recap

♠ Posted by Paul Naylor

This race took place earlier this year in April, yet still a great race and second half marathon in Nevada. There is not as many races in Nevada as there are in Utah, and this is one that I wish would be a yearly event. Unfortunately, this is only a one time event, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Ford Mustang. I saw this race from a Facebook ad and there were a few things that drew me to this race. First, was the opportunity to run on the NASCAR track. I've always wanted to run a race on these tracks, and this event opened the door for that goal.


Second, it was the medal, this is one of my favorites in my collection. I would have ran the race, regardless where it was, just for the medal. I think this is a great way to celebrate one of America's classic cars with the Mustang logo as the focus point.

Third, I wanted to run another half marathon during the spring months, I had recently ran in the Xterra Half Marathon Trail race a few weeks earlier. So I was hungry for another race to compete in, Even though I was not out to get a PR during this race, I wanted to at least improve my time from a year ago. This was a flat course, had at the most 40 feet elevation change.

The start and finish line was at THE starting line for the NASCAR race, one full circle was made around the track, we then made our way through the entry tunnels. The course then made a turn north as we headed to circle around the drag strip area then around the entire race track.



After making the full circle around the track, the course took a turn onto a side track west from the starting line. Lastly the course went back to the drag strip lanes, then turned to head back to the entry tunnels to the race track where we made a partial circle before heading back the start/finish line.

Once the race was over, I was really happy to be done, and to have the finisher medal. The only down side from this race is while I was doing my cool down stretch, I tweak a muscle around my left ankle. I think that I was leaning to far into a stretch with my shoes on(my shoes should have been off during these stretches). It was too much for my ankle to handle, and it made the walk back to my car really interesting.

I made a full recovery from this injury, but it took about three/four weeks.





Race medal for the one-time race.



Early morning, two hours before the start.



Race #2 for 2014


We had to pass through these tunnels twice!


Near the starting and finish line.

Things from the race I remember:

-Realizing how big the NASCAR track was, really put everything in perspective while running on the track.

-Enjoying the benefits of a local race by not having to travel a long distance to get there.

-This was pretty much a flat course, there was this one small hill at the start of mile six.

-My Garmin was not fully charged before the race(rookie mistake) and it died at the 10k mark.

-April in Vegas is very warm, I was sweating just standing at the starting line at 7:00 in the morning.

-After the race, runners were allowed to enjoy the Mustang show,

-I was running my second race in a new pair of Reeboks, these were a great shoe to run in.

-Then got injured by these same shoes during a cool stretch after the race.

-This injury sidelined me for about four weeks.

-The medal is one of my favorite medals in my collection.

-This was the race that really kicked off the running/racing bug. I wanted to sign up for more races after I left here.




One the Mustangs entered in the show.


One of 1964 commemorative Mustangs for the 50th Anniversary.


Another Mustang entry from the show.


Race #2 for 2014

Overall - This was a really fun race. I love the idea of running on the race track, I just wish a race next year will take place on this track. And even though I got injured during my cool down, I think this was one of the more memorable races in 2014. The support for the race was amazing! There was help through out the entire race. I was really worried that I was going to get lost during the race, but there were plenty of people guiding us where we needed to go. The finish line was also really well done, there was plenty of recovery food and drinks for all runners. It had to be one of the best finish line areas I have seen.

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If 'The Night Before Christmas' had been written by a scientist

♠ Posted by Paul Naylor

'Twas the nocturnal segment of the diurnal period preceding the annual Yuletide celebration, and throughout our place of residence, kinetic activity was not in evidence among the possessors of this potential, including that species of domestic rodent known as Musmusculus.

Hosiery was meticulously suspended from the forward edge of the wood burning caloric apparatus, pursuant to our anticipatory pleasure regarding an imminent visitation from an eccentric philanthropist among whose folkloric appellations is found the honorific title of St. Nicholas.

The prepubescent siblings, comfortably ensconced in their respective accommodations of repose, were experiencing subconscious visual hallucinations of variegated fruit confections moving rhythmically through their cerebrums.

My conjugal partner and I, attired in our nocturnal head coverings, were about to take slumberous advantage of the hibernal darkness when upon the avenaceous exterior portion of the grounds there ascended such a cacophony of dissonance that I felt compelled to arise with alacrity from my place of repose for the purpose of ascertaining the precise source thereof.

Hastening to the casement, I forthwith opened the barriers sealing this fenestration, noting thereupon that the lunar brilliance without, reflected as it was on the surface of a recent crystalline precipitation, might be said to rival that of the solar meridian itself - thus permitting my incredulous optical sensory organs to behold a miniature airborne runnered conveyance drawn by eight diminutive specimens of the genus Rangifer, piloted by a minuscule, aged chauffeur so ebullient and nimble that it became instantly apparent to me that he was indeed our anticipated caller.

With his ungulate motive power travelling at what may possibly have been more vertiginous velocity than patriotic alar predators, he vociferated loudly, expelled breath musically through contracted labia, and addressed each of the octet by his or her respective cognomen - "Now Dasher, now Dancer..." et al. - guiding them to the uppermost exterior level of our abode, through which structure I could readily distinguish the concatenations of each of the 32 cloven pedal extremities.

As I retracted my cranium from its erstwhile location, and was performing a 180-degree pivot, our distinguished visitant achieved - with utmost celerity and via a downward leap - entry by way of the smoke passage. He was clad entirely in animal pelts soiled by the ebony residue from oxidation of carboniferous fuels which had accumulated on the walls thereof.

His resemblance to a street vendor I attributed largely to the plethora of assorted playthings which he bore dorsally in a commodious cloth receptacle. His orbs were scintillate with reflected luminosity, while his submaxillary dermal indentations gave every evidence of engaging amiability.

The capillaries of his malar regions and nasal appurtenance were engorged with blood which suffused the subcutaneous layers, the former approximating the coloration of Albion's floral emblem, the latter that of the Prunus avium, or sweet cherry.

His amusing sub- and supralabials resembled nothing so much as a common loop knot, and their ambient hirsute facial adornment appeared like small, tabular and columnar crystals of frozen water.

Clenched firmly between his incisors was a smoking piece whose grey fumes, forming a tenuous ellipse about his occiput, were suggestive of a decorative seasonal circlet of holly. His visage was wider than it was high, and when he waxed audibly mirthful, his corpulent abdominal region undulated in the manner of impectinated fruit syrup in a hemispherical container.

He was, in short, neither more nor less than an obese, jocund, multigenarian gnome, the optical perception of whom rendered me visibly frolicsome despite every effort to refrain from so being. By rapidly lowering and then elevating one eyelid and rotating his head slightly to one side, he indicated that trepidation on my part was groundless. Without utterance and with dispatch, he commenced filling the aforementioned appended hosiery with various of the aforementioned articles of merchandise extracted from his aforementioned previously dorsally transported cloth receptacle.

Upon completion of this task, he executed an abrupt about- face, placed a single manual digit in lateral juxtaposition to his olfactory organ, inclined his cranium forward in a gesture of leave-taking, and forthwith effected his egress by renegotiating (in reverse) the smoke passage.

He then propelled himself in a short vector onto his conveyance, directed a musical expulsion of air through his contracted oral sphincter to the antlered quadrupeds of burden, and proceeded to soar aloft in a movement hitherto observable chiefly among the seed-bearing portions of a common weed. But I overheard his parting exclamation, audible immediately prior to his vehiculation beyond the limits of visibility:

"Ecstatic Yuletide to the planetary constituency, and to that self same assemblage, my sincerest wishes for a salubrious beneficial and gratifyingly pleasurable period between sunset and dawn. "

HO! HO! HO!

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Different variation of a bread bowl

♠ Posted by Paul Naylor

This is a recipie that I have found while browsing Facebook. It did not have a title for the food, but I thought that it still looked great.

1 (16- to 18-ounce) round loaf Italian or sourdough bread
1/4 cup butter melted
1 teaspoon dry ranch dressing mix
1/2 cup (about 5 slices) cooked chopped thick-cut bacon
1/4 cup jarred jalapeño peppers, chopped
10 (3/4-ounce) slices cheese chopped
2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley, if desired

Heat oven to 350°F. Place two (24-inch) pieces aluminum foil, crossing one over the other, on flat surface.

Cut bread, using serrated knife, in grid pattern, spacing about 1-inch between rows. Do not cut through bottom crust. Set aside.

Combine melted butter and ranch dressing in medium bowl. Add all remaining ingredients except parsley; mix well.

Place loaf in center of aluminum foil pieces. Spoon cheese mixture into cut areas of bread. Wrap foil loosely around bread. Place onto ungreased baking sheet.

Bake 30 minutes. Pull back foil; continue baking 5-10 minutes or until loaf is golden brown and cheese is melted. Sprinkle with parsley, if desired.

Serve immediately. Pull out individual bread pieces, using tongs or 2 forks and reaching down into loaf to include filling and bread.

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Social Media for Runners (abridged)

♠ Posted by Paul Naylor

I have used some social media outlets when it comes to my running, but with so many platforms out there, it gets a little confusing to know what platform does what. So I've made a list to help you out with some of the more popular social media platforms availible. 

                              I'm out #running
Twitter

                             I like running
Facebook

                          This is where I run
RunKeeper

                         Here's a vintage photo of me running
Instagram

                            Here I am running
Youtube

                                  Here's a recipe for runners
Pinterest

                               One of my skills is running
Linkedin

          Many experiences I've had running
Blogger

                   Track my running
MapMyRun


                  The song I wrote about running
Reverbnation

         Find songs about others running
Last fm

                 I'm a Google employee who runs
Google+

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My 10 Running Goals for 2015

♠ Posted by Paul Naylor

1-Run a challenging course - The majority of races are either run downhill, occasional rolling hills or on a flat course. There are a few races that will make the discipline a little harder to conquer. Some races offer a course that is uphill, or with many steep rolling hills throughout the course. I would really like to run a race that is going to push me more than the mainstream courses.

2-PR with a sub 1:20 half marathon - My PR from 2014 is 1:29 at Big Cottonwood Canyon Half, I would really love to work hard this year to break 1:20. Anything better than that is a bonus.

3-Qualify for Boston - I think Boston is a goal for many runners, and I would now like to make it one of mine. I'm currently planning on two marathons for 2015; Run Surf City and St George. My qualifying time for my age group is 3:05.



4-Find a running partner - This might seem like an easy goal, but I want a running partner that I can run with at least two-three times a week. I have found that running with someone during training increases your production and motivation. So finding a runner with equal skills sets and matching work schedule is going to be a bit tricky.

5-Run in four Ragnar Races - Wasatch Back and Las Vegas are currently on the schedule, but I have ran these two relays several times. I would like to venture to other relays this series has to offer. I would like to run the two in California, or possibly the Ragnar Trail Series.



6-Volunteer at a race - I have always been on the running side of the race, and I love the volunteers that help. I think it'll be a great experience to be the one that hands out the water and cheer for the runners.

7-Try a new distance/themed race - I have been thinking about participating in different themed races, and I would like to try one this coming year. I have thought about Spartans or Tough Mudder, triathlons or ultra-marathons.



8-Run a race in every month - I would like to at least run one race per month this coming year, I have some months that have two races, but I won't count those for another month. I have the first two months covered for next year, and still looking for races in March and April.

9-Mentor a new runner - I think one of the best ways to learn or re-learn running techniques is teaching another runner. I would like to give back to the running community this way. I feel I have a lot of experience that a runner just starting out can benefit from.

10-Join a running club - This might sound like the easiest out of the 10, but I've always wanted to belong to a running club. Even if it is meeting as a group of runners every week and wearing the club shirts, I think its a great way to network with others and meet new people.


What are some of your running goals for the upcoming year?

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My Running 'First World Problems'

♠ Posted by Paul Naylor

There are many problems that runners come across that makes life a little harder; such as: ordering a arm band thats too small for our phone. MP3 player runs out of battery before your workout is over. Or, laundry hasn't been done, so your clean workout clothes do not match.

I have heard many over the years, and had experience some myself. They seem to be bog problems at the time, but when looking back at it, they are really funny.

Here are some of my 'first-world problems' I experienced this year:

-I forgot my running MP3 player, so I had to run carrying my phone for music. I didn't have an armband, so I literally had to carry my phone(Samsung Note 3).

-I accidentally stepped into a muddy puddle with my new running shoes.

-Sometimes having a phone that can make several alarms, can be a problem within itself:
                                                  

-Terrible weather outside, so now I have to run on a treadmill.

-And then getting to the gym, and EVERY TREADMILL IN THE WORLD IS TAKEN!!!

-I was running through beautiful countryside, but too far in the country so  my running app on my phone was not able to track my run.

-I usually don't take enough clothing with me to the starting line, so I end up freezing until the start of the race.

These are just a few from this year, but I have encountered many during the year in racing, training and recovery. They all but make our lives more interesting.

What are your 'first world problems' you've encountered as a runner? Post them below!

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Back to running and new race plans

♠ Posted by Paul Naylor

Tonight was the first night I've ran in about two weeks. I've been resting my right ankle and its finally feeling strong enough to run on where before I would feel pain after a few steps. I ran two miles at a moderate pace to slowly get back in the grove. Everything felt fine in the ankle, however my lower shin felt a little tight. This was great news to me, I feel I can work on my shin over the next week or so, and I think I'll be closer to a full recovery.

When I was out running this evening, I felt alive! Really felt good! I wanted to run more, my body was saying to me 'let's run forever tonight', I really wanted to. But I had to tell myself no, which was really hard for me to do. I had to remind myself that I'm com back from injury and that this is my third time running in three weeks. I'm sure I'll be back to my old self soon.

I've been thinking about my training tonight, I felt that I haven't been able to get a good start with my marathon training. The Surf City Marathon is coming up the first weekend in February, with the St. George Half Marathon two weeks before that. I know I have my work cut out for me, and I've been wondering how hard I should run in both races. The half in St. George is going to be a tune up race for the marathon. I thought about going at a conservative pace and finish in the 1:35-1:40 range, and there run harder in the marathon two weeks later. There are a few possibilities as far as strategy goes, but I have to get a plan quickly because I have to start this coming Monday.

I've been also been putting together a new diet plan. I've been eating pretty whatever and I don't think I'm getting away with it like I use to. So I thought about incorporating fruits and vegetables being the main staple in my meals. And chicken and fish as my meat, with a protein shake in the morning for breakfast. I have thought about a juice diet, but I'm not sure if I'll have time for it, since you can't train very hard during that diet.

Lastly, I thought about more races to do next year. I'm thinking about adding two dualthons in April and May. And the possibility of a Spartan or Tough Mudder race in the summer. I'm not sure about these yet, but I think they'll be fun races to participate in.

These are a few thoughts I had this evening. I hope all goes well for you all this evening.

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What to get your runner for Christmas

♠ Posted by Paul Naylor

If you been wondering what to get your runner for Christmas, such as your spouse, siblings, other family members and friends. Then this article will be the perfect guide for you this holiday season. Even the majority of the racing season is over for this year, runners continue to train through out the year.

For shoes, clothing, GSP watches, and music gear, these can be a little tricky and you may want to get a gift card for those items. For shoes and clothing, runners usually like to shop for those items themselves. Now, if you what size and style to get for your runner, then you'll have no problem here. However, if you're not sure about size, style, etc., then you can get them that gift card to their favorite running store and you'll be set.

But when it comes to the typical shoes, clothes and gear, they can be a little repetitive, and even general. If you want to get your runner something a little different, something that will REALLY speak to your runner. Take a look and some if the gift ideas below. These will be great for any runner.

*Race Bib Gifts
If your runner has a collection of race bibs piling up, you can take those bibs and turn them into great gifts such as:
Pillows and blankets
Mugs
Coasters
Frames
or even ornaments
And that is just for starters. There are many ideas online that make race bibs into something useful, decorative or something that a runner will keep longer.

*Personalized Cowbell
Will Ferrell and Christopher Walken are not the only ones that love cowbell, this is one the best motivating tools for a runner during a race. And getting a personalize bell for your runner can be a great gift. Believe me when I say, a cowbell is a beautiful sounds to hear at the finish line.

*Jar of Nutella
This has been a staple for runners for as long as I've known running. They go crazy for this stuff. And getting a giant jar of Nutella will bring joy for weeks to come for the runner. Don't skimp out with the small jar on this one.

*Running Medal Holder
If your runner has been in a lot a races lately, you notice that their medal collection is getting bigger. And if they don't have a place to hang their achievements, then a medal holder is a great gift. There are many different themed ones on the market, and fairly priced.

*Cufflinks
For those who wear cufflinks, running-themed links are great. And you really can't go wrong with what style cufflink, as long as it centered around running, they'll love it.

*Race Entry
This is possibly one of the best gifts to surprise your runner with. A local 5-or-10k race is very affordable, but if your really want to see your runner jump for joy. Give a gift of bigger race, such as one the big city races, or Tough Mudder or Spartan. Cover their cost of a Relay Race. You can even look into a race that requires travel, which is great for both parties!

*Crazy Socks
Just about every runner I have met likes crazy socks. Its makes their training and racing more exciting to them. Sometimes the more flashy, the better. Even if it seems silly to non-runners, your runners will love it.
Click on the link below for sock ideas.
http://www.goneforarun.com/Yakety_Yak_Knee_Socks_s/1376.htm

*Stuff for Boston
If they qualified for Boston this year, give them a little something for a great accomplishment. This is one of the biggest races in the world that requires a qualification time. Let your runner know that you are proud that they are headed to the biggest stage in running.
      

*Massage
A great gift that can be used after a long training run, or a race. Sure, they have massage tables at the finish lines of most races. But a massage where they can go to a different location, that's more peaceful, quite and more personalized for the individual. Definitely something a runner will take this over a massage at the finish line.

*Running magazine subscription
These are great, but after signing up, it takes about four to six weeks for the first issue. So place the subscription, then go to the store and by this months issue and put it in their stocking!!
Some of the more popular titles are:
-RunnersWorld
-Running Times
-Womans Running
-Trail Running Mag
-Ultra Running
-Triathlete

*Pedicure
Feet take quite a beating during training and races, giving a pedicure can be a great gift for after those long runs. Prices can vary from location and places. But this gift is one that runners will really love.

*Running Club Membership
This is a thousand times better than a gym membership. Running clubs offer support, chance to me great people and make awesome friends. Plus, many incentives and deals are offered to runners that are part of clubs, sometimes discounts to races. If there is one in your area, jump on it.

So there are some ideas for you, hopefully they make the season bright for your runner. And with Christmas just over three weeks out, you better start shopping!

What gift ideas have you seen be a great hit for runners?

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Current Running Playlist

♠ Posted by Paul Naylor

Running with music, I know that many runners do. Music can be a powerful tool to help move you along whether you are training or running a race. There are times where I would want to unplug and just listen to the breeze, my feet hitting the pavement, or sounds of the city. But music can really fire you up during a run, especially if you're running up a hill. And sometimes, it can make the difference of a bad run from a great run.

I'm pretty new to the 'running with music' world. I have started taking music with me a couple of years ago after years of thinking it was not beneficial. Now I take music on almost every run.

I change up my playlist quite often, it really depends what mood I'm in. Sometimes it'll be songs from the same genre, and other times, everything is random. I listen to about anything, from rock to classical. Sometimes music can match up to the workout I'm running that day.

So here is my current playlist that is on my MP3 player. See if there is any music that is on your running or workout list, or see if there are songs that see on the list that you want to include on yours.

Worship you - Vampire weekend
Shine - Collective Soul
Carry on - Fun
Symphonies - Kid Cudi
Little Wonders - Rob Thomas
All these things that I've done - The Killers
The Greatest Man that ever lived - Weezer
Lucy in the sky with diamonds - the Beatles
Somebody to Love - Queen
Lets see how far we've come - Matchbox 20
Bad Blood - Bastille
Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen
Ballroom Blitz - The Sweet
Open your eyes - Guano Apes
Give you hell - All American Regets
Dream On - Aerosmith

So there you have it, this list is more of a random list. I change the list every two weeks or so, and these songs have fit my mood lately.

What are songs you have on your playlist?

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