List of Run and Races 2013

   There is still a few months left in 2013 and plenty of races and runs you can sign up for. Here is a nice list I saw on azcentral.com. It is broken up nicely to different areas of town to help you find the perfect one in your area. Enjoy.

http://www.azcentral.com/thingstodo/events/articles/20131016runs-walks-marathon-fall-winter.html?nclick_check=1

I am running the Rugged Maniac Twice

   My workouts have been a bit inconsistent with work and my son. I have been doing the best I can fitting it in but not where I want to be. I talked to my buddy over at Impact Boot Camp and we came up with a plan that would help me out and his business out. I am signed up for the Rugged Maniac here in Arizona on November 23rd.
   I plan to run the course at the first time slot in the morning. This way I can run it at my pace and enjoy it as I always do. I will get back and lead my buddy's class through the same course. I will have experience having run one before and current experience with the course and conditions that day. I will help the first timers make it through. It is all about team work. They are all use to doing an hour of intense boot camp so this will be do-able for sure.
    My little man has been there for me. We go running in the mornings on the weekends or in the evenings when it is cooler during the week. I am feeling pretty good and I hope to own this course again.

Running in the sun

   I have noticed that I have slowly been making modification to how I run now that summer is here in Arizona. The difference in temperature can be noticeable between being in the sun or the shade. I already have feel like I over heat as is so I need a way to cool down when I am done. Here is a few things I am doing that seem to work.
   I make sure to hydrate a lot before the run. I do not like to run with water and I am not running far enough yet that I feel like I need to have some with me. I do know some places at my far turn around point that have a drinking fountain which I do take advantage of.
   As I am running I use to get rid of moisture by spiting. But in this heat I do not want to loose any precious fluids so I make sure to swallow all that for now. I know, gross, but it is part of survival in the meat.
   I have also adjusted the routes I run. I make sure to choose one that runs perpendicular to the path of the sun. That way I have a better chance of having some shade from trees and buildings. That is huge for sure. I use mapqwest to help me figure out distances and which roads will work the best.
   When I get home I am glowing hot. I need to cool down asap. I drink more water first thing back. The thing I have found to be the best way to cool down is to get in water. Pool is best if you can find one to jump in. Water is great at pulling heat away from the body. I know my head feels the hottest so I have to get that in the water. Just hang out under water for a bit. If you do not have a pool then hang out in the shower with cooler temps.

   Be safe out there. Keep training.

Running In Humidity

We are in the monsoon season here in Arizona. The humidity levels go, from almost nothing, to the 80's that help cause the Monsoon storms and much needed rain. The rains do help to cool down the temp's and in turn allow me to still get out to do some runs in the morning. I have noticed that my runs have been harder. The air feels much heavier and that makes running my normal lengths more difficult. Not to mention getting home completely drenched in sweat. It is something I will have to deal with for now. Unless I run indoors. I have to keep training so I am ready for all my races, challenges and mud runs.

Color Me Rad San Diego 2013

      I have really gotten into doing mud runs. Any races or challenges that are not what I call your "vanilla" running race. But I did hear about this race where they hit you with color. I wanted to go down and check one out. I thought it would be an amazing photo opportunity.
     My impression was that it is a nice, easy and mellow fun 5k. You should try one. Get a group together or family. It really is about enjoying the run and making it a fun event. It is about finishing on your own time. If you do not run much or want to try something new this is one for you.
     It is amazing what a little wind does for the neighboring areas where the color is being thrown. Some people might not be happy when they came out to their car later. =D I will say as a note, be prepared to get color on you even if you don't run. It is a party scene down there. People will not know if there is a person standing near them trying to stay clean. It is a Super fun environment.

As a photography rich event I want to remind myself of some things to think about next time:
Families
Kids and kids in strollers
Aftermath shots
Workers when they are done
Some cool individual  in front of crowd doing the color throw facing the race signage

Making things Healthier

My son wanted to have a donut for breakfast. Well they sure are healthy. How do I enjoy a tasty treat with my son and not feel guilty? I know that we have a place close by so I made sure to take my son over in the jogging stroller. I took a route that had me run a nice 4.5 miles. We then enjoyed our treat and I had a nice cool down walk home. Win/win situation.

Our First Mud Run Together March 2013

This is a great shot taken by the photographer at the Rogue Runner race my son and I did recently. I had to share. I ran my race first and then they took this shot. Before my son got wet and dirty doing the kids run. We would have each had our own medals then. It was a great time. The first of many we shall do together. Soon enough my son will be running the adult races with dad.