I've decided to buy another heart rate monitor. My first one served me well. It was an Polar FS1 watch. Basic stuff. I think I'm going to go for the ramped up version: the Polar F6 for $100 bucks!

From this weekend at A-Basin: Thanks Kiki!

Wolf Creek: Step Bowl.jpg

Wolf Creek: Step Bowl.jpg
Originally uploaded by CSCUSA.

Recently, someone I work with was scoffing at the the fact that his wife would do a part of the Outward Bound Relay. I found it amusing, but it also got me thinking. Those who haven't gotten the chance to step out into the energy of a race miss the whole point.

"Why would anyone go out, run all that way, for no other reason than to run it?"

Simple. But I want to compare it to the droves of HOG clubs - that's Harley Owner's Group - who get up from their couches, and rev the ever-so-branded rumble of their engines across towns, states and countrys. They do it for good reasons. To meet people who love the sport. To meet people they actually like. To try, to question the decision to go, then overcome it, and stay on track - to finally hit the milestone that kept them at it - well, that's just an experience that you all had better try. It's really kind of a "high".

But that's not to make the "runner's high" so cliche. Now that's something completely different. But of course, all part of it. Anyhow, the next time you spend part of your weekend shopping, surfing the internet or hell, even working, try getting out to one of the 1000s of races in Colorado going on right now, even some of them with teams - like my friend's wife completed this weekend - and run 'em.

One of my favorites is the California to Rhode Island Coast-to-Coast Run that's going on right now. The team is now in Steamboat Springs, and this coming Wednesday, they'll be in Denver!

The next time you're thinking of skipping a run when it's hot, just remember these things:

• Gulp the water/Gatorade beforehand - remember the feeling of being parched?
  
• Carry a hydration container if you're headed out for more than an hour.
• Eat a Gel - this is going to be key energy that keeps you out.
  
• Slap on some 'screen - 'specially if you're at altitude.
• Name a goal - any goal: 40 minutes, 5 miles, to the park and back.

Oh, and by the way. October 15th isn't far away. That's the Denver Marathon if you forgot! We've got a 4-person team planned and we're gettin' ready. Then, of course, there's Rim Rock Run.

5 little tips for getting out even when it's HOT or raining:

1. Run with a group. Take along pals and you'll forget that you're there to run. Just hang out while you move your feet and talk.
   
2. Sign up for a race. If you pay for and sign up for a race in the near future, you'll "fear" not being able to run it - and you're less likely to slack off.
   
3. Set small goals. Like, "By August 10th I will have run 100 miles." You are more focused on tallying up the miles and planning rather than skipping one day with the excuse of going the next.
   
4. Race other runners in the park. Even if you don't admit it, everyone loves to pass another runner. Pick out people and make a goal of catching up or passing them and maintaining it.
5. Plan the day that you'll rest. Like: "I'll take July 19th and 24th off to go to a movie." Plan and anticipate how you'll savor every minute of the time you now have - free!
   

I had to get out and run even though it seems it's been pouring for a week now. I made my run shorter and ran with a few friends. Then when you're trying to run in the heat - heh - rain doesn't seem so bad!

The Bay to Breakers was a complete blast. Costumes like I've never seen, amped crowds, hyper runners, tortillas flung like frisbees for the first mile, naked people, insane elite times, and so fun that I'm going back next year for sure. OH yeah.