I’m sure every runner would like to run their PR race every race they do. Unfortunately that does not always happen to be the case or even really the norm. But what I would like to let you in on is a little secrete on how to start running your PR.

So first off let’s take a look at your recent racing. Have you been trying and trying to run that one PR time and just keep falling short or can’t get over that hump? I know for me that has been the case for some time in some of the distances I race in.

But I’ve recently figured out what the problem was. You have to take this all back to the basics and look at what your technology is for running. Do you have a technology? Meaning what is it what you can do which will 100% of the time produce that PR and of course being legal/ethical. If you don’t know what that is off the top of your head you need to find out.

Think about it… how can you expect to run a (insert time here) if you are not even sure how to train for it or what other things you should be doing to ensure you get your PR.

So the basic first step in all this is to find out what is the exact science or technology behind running your PR race. And that might be getting the right fitting shoes, doing some weight-lifting, running such and such mileage, etc…

But how do you find out what that it? Well you can first start by asking other runners then take a look at some books (there are some great books on training out there) and if all that still turns up no answers then you must figure out or develop the training and science.

One last note on this, it’s key to understand, know and recognize you might come across information or data that just does not work, basically data that does not get you to reach your PR, and it might be advertised that it will work. So your going to have to really check things out, find out from others… did this thing work or not.

Well hope that helps and please let me know, I’d love to here you got your PR :).

And make sure to log it in your running log.

I was shocked when I found this out. It did not even cross my mind that men could run this race. But I don’t know why you would, especially after I give you more details.

I recently stumbled across a blog post about Men Want to Be Princesses, Too, detailing all about men running the Nike Women’s Marathon. And of course being a guy myself, run this race and the idea of being a princesses just does not appeal to me!

But anyways, Nike does allow men to run the race. Although the race awards and giveaways are not general neutral. Meaning you still get “free pedicures at the race expo, Tiffany necklaces (in place of a finisher’s medal) handed out by tuxedo-clad firefighters at the finish, and feminine-looking giveaway shirts.” That does not sound like something me or most guys would want.

On the other hand running a race which does not have many male entries could be a plus. I could definitely see the benefit of running such a race. Think about it how many races have a low number of male runners in them. Not too many of any that I can recall. Most races have many male runners and sometimes a lower number of females participants.

If it was only as good as that… I mean I guess you could just avoid all the girly stuff they give away and just run the race. But you from what I’ve heard some of the top male finishers sometimes get booed or heckled. Not very sportsman like but of course you are running a women’s race.

I wonder if at some point Nike will do a Men’s only race? But then again a good deal of races feature more men then women so I don’t think the chance of having such a race is too high.

Since 1982 no American has won the NY Marathon. Now 34-year-old Meb Keflezighi has been the first since then. Wearing a U.S.A running jersey he crossed the finish line at 2:09:15, that’s smoking! The 2009 NY Marathon also represented the largest marathon field ever.

Keflezighi is originally from Eritrean and moved to the US when he was in sixth grade (1998). He stated he is proud he is an American, started running in America and is still going!

For those that don’t know Keflezighi, he also was in the 2004 Olympics where he placed 2nd. This was the first metal the US won since Frank Shorter’s silver in 1976.

Keflezighi is a great running force for the US, has and will continue to forward and create a surge in popularity for running. His NY Marathon victory will certainly generate more on the resurgence of running in the US.

For more information check out this short video clip on Keflezighi’s win: Keflezighi claims men’s victory in NYC. And this Newsweek article: Keflezighi leads solid U.S. effort, wins NY Marathon.

Also feel free to check out our New York running routes.

Yes, it’s spring time again and with that brings in the new season for marathons and for collegiate sports, track & field. In fact some of the bigger marathons are just around the corner, including the Boston Marathon. So lets focus in on some tips that can help you make your race safer, easier and faster!

1. Eat Something During Race - For most of us running 26.2 miles can be pretty taxing on our body and will use up a significant amount of energy. Replacing that energy and doing it appropriately is a key step to a successful marathon. Many races will even give out food supplements such as the seemingly popular Gu. But an important thing to remember is that some of these food supplements might not be the best thing for your body. Make sure to check out what is actually in these supplements before ingesting them. Some contain a lot of caffeine which could do more harm than good, depending on what’s best for your body. The best thing to do is test these out on a long run during your training prior to running a marathon.
2. Wear Non Rubbing Clothing - An unfortunately and sometimes very painful side to running is that some clothing can contribute to rubbing that can cause rope type burns on your body. Make sure you’re clothing does not have excessive seams as they can lead to this type of problem. As well running in clothing specially made for long distance running should be safer.
3. Get Plenty of Rest - A key step to a good race is always a good nights rest. Running a race with out proper rest can really wear down your body. One thing I’ve found very successful is giving yourself more time to sleep than you usually do that way you’ll make sure you get a good night’s rest (in case you get butter flies the night before).
4. Stay Focused - Keeping focused on the race can sometimes be rather difficult especially if your running for hours. But staying alert, noticing those around you and paying attention to the race time can all help keep you focused which can lead to a faster race time.
5. Drink Water - Although there has been a bit of controversy on what is best for a runner, drinking a lot of water or drinking only a small amount of water during long races such as marathons, I still feel it’s important to get needed fluids into your system. Myself I usually will drink water at ever station, although it might only be a small swish in my mouth. I try not to over do it but certainly not under do it. Understanding when you need to drink more water or drink less can really effect your race. I’d also suggest to practice drinking water during your training so that you know what is appropriate for your body.

Well, I hope that helps you run a successful marathon!

Usain Bolt, world record holder and three-time Olympic Gold medalist, is expected to be a rabbit in the Boston Marathon on April 20th. Surprisingly I learned from Runner’s World today that he has been hired to run as a “rabbit,” pacing the leaders through mile 15.

It will be interesting to see how he will fair as a pace runner. Honestly though, I’m actually wondering if he will be able to pace the leaders for 15 miles being that he is primarily a sprinter. To me it sounds like a odd choice for a pace runner. And of course he is known for his show boating so I’m not sure what we can expect from him. Will he try to keep running the whole race? But from what Runner’s World has been told it sounds like there won’t be to many surprises. “We fully expect he’ll do the right thing: Run at the front for 15 miles, then step aside and give some of the slower guys a shot at winning.”

… This just in, April fools!

Well no matter I’m sure the Boston Marathon will be a spectacular race this year. Check out the interactive race course posted in our race directory to see where the course goes.

Last night I watched a TV show on a man named Wim Hof, who wearing only shorts completed the first ever barefoot half marathon on snow in Antarctica. There were no other runners, just him a camera crew and the snow. I didn’t catch the whole show but boy did that look cold! Wim’s run of 13.11 miles on bare feet above the pole circle set a Guinness World Record.

Temperatures on this chilly run where between 20 and 30 degrees celcius below zero.

Quite an inspiration for running on the cold winter roads where I live. It’s not nearly as cold as the Antarctic, and if he can run there barefoot I’m sure I can survive my winter runs.

Upon Wim finishing his Antarctic run his feet where examined for frostbite and to see their condition. There was much concern that he’d lose his toes as they where turning black and he said he lost feeling in his left foot after 11 miles. In the end he didn’t lose his toes, which made him happy and excited to get him self prepared for his next challenge - running on Mt. Everest. But of course for now he’s allowing his feet to recoup.

Do you know of any holiday races? Typically during the winter holiday time there seems to be a drop in the number of races - most likely due to the weather. So I thought it would be nice to hear about neat and interesting holiday races near you.

Myself I usually do an annual turkey trot and then nothing really during the holiday season but this year I missed the turkey trot as I was visiting some family out of town during the day of the race. So what races to you typically run during this winter holiday time? If you have some interesting ones, we can also place them up in the race directory.

Tomorrow (Nov 2, 2008) the New York City Marathon, aka the ING New York Marathon, will kick off at around 9:10am to 9:40am or afterwords depending on the wave/corral you are in. As an interesting bonus about the race, daily saving time will take place on the same day (at 2:00 a.m.). So these runners will get an extra hour of sleep, rest or stretching prior to the race.

The New York Marathon is usually quite a big run, with 100,000 people entered this year alone.

There is also $600,000 in prize money give out to finishers. So as you could expect there will be many world class athletes competing not only for the cash but for the competition and the prestige of the New York Marathon.

This year the race will also be shown nationally on NBC Sport at 3:00 p.m. And alternatively you can also watch the marathon live through the Internet on NBCSports.com or UniversalSports.com