Running and Water Skiing

This may sound a bit crazy but I had a moment during my long run this morning - a 6 miler along the riverfront in Bettendorf - that reminded me of water skiing.

I have probably been waterskiing between 5 and 10 times in my life. I consider it fun but have never really been into water sports either on the river or in a lake.

That being said, for a total novice like me the moment you are up on the skis being pulled by that boat is a good feeling. It's like "okay I'm not going to immediately fall" which is then followed by adjusting your board shorts and figuring out the best way to proceed.

So what in the hell does water skiing have to do with running? Good question. At about mile 4 I really felt like I was running on top of my legs. What I mean by that is it was just like the feeling when you get up on water skis. My form was good, I was gliding over the pavement with measured strides that made for a quick turnover. My arms and upper-body were doing their part to propel me forward.

Even the music I was listening to was really working. I can't name the song but the band was Dropkick Murphys. Come to think of it the song might have been "Dirty Glass."

Have a look here:

If it's an even year ... I'm running a marathon!!

Well HELLO 2010!

So it's only been one year and four months since I've posted to this blog. I guess that makes me a bid of a dormant ninja these days. In any case I'm now training for the 2010 Chicago Marathon (this week is my first week) so I figured I'd better get back with the program.

I live in LeClaire, IA which is beautiful - right on the Mississippi river - but has limited running trails I can get to without driving. Therefore I've become a road runner.

Learning to run against traffic (okay so I knew how to do THAT) and on the shoulder of the road has been interesting. As long as the gravel on the side of the road isn't too wet I seem to be okay. The only other issue is that it's a two lane highway and has a fairly large crown on the road. This means my right leg is closer to the ground with every footfall than my left. No problem on a short run but we will see if it is an issue as time goes on.

Tuesday I ran 3, Wednesday 3, Thursday was cross-training on the elliptical, Friday 3 and today I rest. Tomorrow will be a 6 miler and I'm hoping for good weather.

I also need to buy one or two new pair of running shoes. My Kayanos are about shot and I don't know if I want the same make / model. The good news is they have a lot of stability but they are also HEAVY.

I have been an Asics / Saucony guy for the past 3 years so I will probably end up with one of those.

That's all I got. GO USA! BEAT ENGLAND!