As a Charm City Run Training coach, Charm City has asked me to contribute to their training website blog. So, this is the first of what I hope will be many installments. In my attempt to keep you reading, I think I have to tell you a little bit about myself. Most of this is not an attempt to brag about my running, but it is more an illustration of what training properly can do for you and to illustrate how personal running can and has to be. And, because I think blogging has to be somewhat personal, I will get to how running has changed my life. I have been a long distance runner since about 2005. I got into long distance running by accident, which is to say my wife (girlfriend at the time) invited me for a long run and, like most men, I figured it would be easy, so I went along. A few miles in, I threw up….several times. After several years of running sporadically, I reluctantly agreed to go for a 7-miler with a friend. At the conclusion of this run, I experienced the “runner’s high” for the first time in my life. Within a year of this run, I signed up for and completed my first half marathon and my first marathon. I’ve run races ranging in distance from 5k to 50k (31 miles). I’ve begun and finished five marathons, bettering my time by more than 35 minutes and now have a PR of 2:53:19. Like most runners, I know all of my PR’s…but, let’s face it, marathons are sexy and most people care about marathons, so I will spare you the boredom of my other race times.
Shoe of the Week: Asics Kayano 22
The Asics Gel Kayano 22 is here at Charm City Run. With a long legacy of successfully blending cushioning and stability, this new model has several improvements to showcase. Most notably, the Engineered Seamless Mesh upper has removed most of the stitches that can rub hot spots. Asics also has enhanced the Heel Clutch System, cradling the rear foot even better than before. Deeper flex grooves and a plush sock liner continue to make the Kayano a very unique and durable everyday running shoe. Come slip a pair on and discover the plush cushioning and superior support that has kept this shoe awesome for over two decades.
Pronation Suitability: Neutral, mild to moderate overpronators
Men's Specs: Weight: 10.9 oz.; Heel Height: 22mm.; Forefoot Height: 12mm
Women's Specs: Weight: 8.9 oz.; Heel Height: 24mm.; Forefoot Height: 11mm.
"Why I Run" by Josh Levinson
The run is very personal. It is one of my best friends or better yet a family member. I rarely share it with anyone else. I was once reading a tri article (something I rarely do) and a professional tri-athlete was describing dreading a run and when he got back home he remembered a run is never a mistake and it always made the day better. Running is selfish because I do it all alone. It brings clarity to the day and makes a great day greater and more importantly a bad day much better. I will do long runs with other people and my summer running is done with my son Ben. That is pretty special. No cell phones. Sometimes we laugh. Mostly we are quiet. No matter what form it takes it is pretty great. I also enjoy the run meeting, not with randoms, but with my guys (my guys are guys and girls). It is a great way to catch up on one or two work things, but mostly catch up with them.
Frederick Runner of the Month: Jim Treece (September 2015)
This month it was almost a no-brainer who we should showcase for the month of September, Jim Treece a truly respectable and humble runner in the Frederick area. Most of you who frequent the trail scene may know of Jim but what you don't know he has finished over 41 ultras and 11 of those are 100 mile finishes. One of the great characteristics about Jim is he simply runs for one reason, for fun!
Frederick Runner of the Month "Mom Edition" - Lisa Johnston (May 2015)
Lisa Johnston a mother of 6, a friend to many, dog lover and an ultrarunning fanatic. A runner that recently pulled off a stellar performance at the C & O 100 winning first female in a whopping time of 21:38. With 5 -100 mile finishes (and many more to come in ’15) she exudes excellence in the Frederick ultrarunning community.
Frederick Runner of the Month: Billy Clem (April 2015)
This month we highlight a runner that has and continues to impact the lives of many in the Frederick running community. A runner, like many, that has experienced his own challenges when first starting in this crazy sport. A runner that truly caught “the bug” and can’t stop, or shall I say won’t stop.
Frederick Runner of the Month: Dobson (March 2015)
This month's Runner of the Month happens to be a good friend and an idol of mine. I have been running with this guy since moving to Frederick a little over 3 years ago. Better yet,
I’ve been trying to keep up with him! I was hooked up with “Dobson” for my first trip out in
the “Shed.” I informed him that I was looking for good 16 mile run. As any good respectable ultrarunner would, he tried to kill me with all that the “Dark side” had to offer in 16 miles.
On that day, 13 miles was all I could take.
Frederick Runner of the Month: Shawn (February 2015)
Our Runner of the Month is a women that truly could not have been more of a "perfect fit" for the month of February. The month of love. A women that spreads her love for running and life with one of the the biggest hearts (literally.) A mother, wife and friend to many who had a vision to run some day (just shy of a year and half ago) and did exactly that. Shawn is a runner who has certainly surpassed her "newbie" runner status by completely over 30 races in her first year of running!
Frederick Runner of the Month: Anne Light (December 2014)
This month we have a very special guest to highlight as our Runner of the Month. A mother, runner and friend to many shares her heart with the community in a really big way.
Anne Light, Founder of the Panther Running Club effortlessly makes a daily impact on so many young minds in our community today. She is a true gift to the community and we are ever so grateful to share her love and compassion. This runner truly is a“perfect fit” to showcase this holiday season, it was obvious for ITSF to showcase Anne’s story as December ROTM.
Frederick Runner of the Month: Joanne Cappocia (November 2014)
This month we chose a very special runner as November's Runner of the Month. A local and Steeplechaser who is not only pushing to run her longest distance nearly every weekend but a women who practices a vegan lifestyle while doing it. She is a true delight to share your miles and smiles with on or off the trail. The Steep has embarked on running her first 50K this year, currently training for her first 50 mile race and has had the opportunity to be a pacer at this year's Grindstone 100. (Have a good feeling there is so much more to come from this Steep!)
