RRT 113: Mid-Winter Motivation

We're at the midpoint of this winter season, and for some, it's been a long season already, especially if you live in the northern US. The groundhog didn't see his shadow today, so maybe spring is on its way......

For some runners, this is the time when their motivation falters, when their enthusiasm for our sport succumbs to the darkness and cold of this season, and the winter is only half over.

For others though, this is a great time to be on the roads, with crisp fresh air in the North, and tolerable temperatures in the South. For these runners, motivation is just kicking in, Spring is coming, and winter is already half over.

Listen in to this discussion of getting started on those winter days (and nights), the right gear to help you succeed in less-than-perfect conditions, and how to beat those winter blues.


Mike W's Running blog: http://www.mwrunfar.blogspot.com
Russ Porter's Running blog: http://www.breakfastmiles.blogspot.com
Tim Doiron's (outdated) blog: http://www.rundervrun.blogspot.com

[Click here to Listen to RRT 113]

Click here to listen to the episode on TalkShoe!

RRT 111: Eating Disorders and Exercise Addictions

As runners, we're always looking for ways to gain a competitive advantage. Whether it's shedding those last few pounds of extra body fat or hitting triple digits on a regular basis, we tend to be a driven, determined lot.

But how do runners know when they've tipped over the edge and moved from healthy training- and eating-patterns to unhealthy ones? What causes these disorders? How are they typically treated and what's the outlook for those who are recovering from these issues? What can be done to prevent them from developing in the first place?

We discussed these topics with three runners who have been there:

• Lize Brittin is hostess of the recently revived blog Training on Empty (and author of an as-yet-unpublished memoir of the same title). Lize was a top high school and national-class mountain runner in Colorado in the 1980s, having set the Pike's Peak Marathon ascent record at just 16 -- despite battling severe eating and exercise disorder issues at the time.
• Dave Dunham currently competes for the Central Massachusetts Striders. Something of a Renaissance Man, in addition to road running Dave also competes in ultras, trail/mountain runs and on snowshoes. Among other distinctions, Dave is a two-time qualifier for US Olympic Marathon Trials and seven-time member of the US Mountain Running team. While in his thirties, Dave struggled with anorexia, reaching 110 lbs on a 5'7" frame. He blogs at DDMountainRunr
• Diane Israel, 1984 Colorado mountain-running champion, was a successful professional triathlete and runner for 15 years. She is also a recovering anorexic. Her film, Beauty Mark: Body Image and the Race for Perfection, examines how images from popular culture, familial influence and the drive for athletic perfection can all collide, resulting in dangerously disordered thinking and behavior.

Hosted by Julie Threlkeld -- RacesLikeAGirl and Running Times contributor -- for this show.

Listen to Episode 111

We need your help!

If you haven't already done so please sign-up with the Runners Round Table Google Group, which you can easily do by signing-up on the right side of this blog.  After you've done so, you'll be included in periodic RRT-related conversations (which you can limit to once per day to limit the number of RRT e-mail).  This facility allows you to easily share your ideas with other runners regarding future running related episodes, to supply your feedback to others, and if you've got a real interest in the topic to sign-up as a co-host. After you've got a bit of experience under your belt we truly hope you'll sign-up as a host/timekeeper, since it's in that area where we have the greatest need.

Don't think that the Runners Round Table is limited to "experienced" runners - it's not!  We truly want to encourage runners of all experience and backgrounds to contribute.  We're also proud of the internationally diverse community of runners and additionally hope to further grow participation outside of North America.

RRT 110: 1/5, 8pm EST: To Sleep, Perchance To Dream

On Wednesday, January 5 we spoke about the importance of recovery in any training plan. Training is all about (1) Stress, (2) Recovery, (3) Repeat. The importance of giving the body a chance to adapt to the stresses under which it is placed. And about how necessary it is for each of us to learn what our body needs on this front, and to listen to our bodies.

On board were Brenn, Craig, Mark, Mike, and TK, with Joe Garland as the host.

Our friend Flo put up a timely post on the taking-time-off issue, which is worth a read.

Listen to Episode 110