Running Virtually

Update on my “Every Damn Street” running project. 17 runs complete, about 60 percent of the 170 miles of roads in Rehoboth. Comments on some of the critters I’ve seen while out and about. And Happy Thanksgiving to you, my friends.

New goal for the last two months of 2020: “Run Every Street” in my town. 170 miles of roads in 47 square miles. /-/ Does it feel like the world is out to get you? Hanlon’s Razor says that it’s more likely that they just don’t care. Incompetence and apathy are more frequently the explanation for misfortune than bad intentions.

October is a great time to go to the beach in New England. There may be a gale force wind on the Sakonet River (Little Compton, Rhode Island) or glassy smooth conditions on Vineyard Sound (Cape Cod) but life is good when you can enjoy the sun and sand. My brown dog and I enjoyed a long walk at Horseneck Beach in Westport (Massachusetts) while I recorded my recap of the Falmouth Unofficial Road Rac...

D&D attempt the 43-mile “Wapack and Back” trail ultramarathon. The adventure was a success, even if the total miles run was “only” 31 miles (50 km). Eight lessons learned to increase the chance for success on your next adventure. Plus some musings on history and perspective, and points of reference. I think it is human nature to think that the world as we see it now is “normal.” It’s always been t...

Putting to the test, the Ultimate Ultrarunner skill: Dealing with change and adversity with a smile. Join my real life running friends - - the Flying Quahog Running Club - - for an Ultra Grand Adventure. A 41-mile run from my house in southeastern Massachusetts to the beach in Narragansett RI. Adventures are better when shared with friends, even with (especially with) social distancing in the time...

Run training, using elevation gain as a metric during marathon training. Summary of vert - - elevation gain - - during 2020 monthly training. Feedback from Coach Chris Twiggs on potential benefits of hill training. And Just Plain Dave’s discussion of seven reasons why he includes hill training in his running program. Thank you to Kevin Gwin (The ExtraMile Podcast) and Coach Twiggs (Jeff Galloway t...

Meandering thoughts from a couple of very long runs. A brief recap of a solo self-supported 50 kilometer run and a Patriots Day hike on Mt. Greylock. Seth Godin commentary on people being bad a making predictions. And a 10-minute recollection about marine geology research from my graduate studies at the University of Hawaii. A simple sound triggered the memory from more than 25 years ago. Happy tr...

There are lots of stresses piling up. Too many things asking for our attention. I gathered a Top 10 list of action items to prioritize mental health and mindfulness. 1. Sleep; 2. Eat well; 3. Curate your attention; 4. Structure your day; 5. Manage stress; 6. Exercise; 7. Don’t overdo it; 8. Refuel properly; 9. Gratitude; and 10. End your day with a smile. Happy trails. Thank you got your time and...

Getting out in nature has tremendous value. Doing something (run, hike, watch a movie) with people you care about is also very important. Amid the chaos that is crisis planning and crisis management, I’d like to share some thoughts. Sometimes it’s more of a challenge to stay positive, and that’s okay. We are all in this TOGETHER.

Join my brown dog and me for some of the sights and sounds of Village Park in Swansea, Massachusetts. Inspired by RunRunLive @ChrisRussell and by Run The Narrow Path @KristerW.

Three thoughts while out for a walk with the brown dog: the importance of sleep; the mistake that is multi-tasking - we should focus on what we are doing; and it is better to be “different” than it is to be better. Reference to “The Knowledge Project” with Shane Parrish with guest Neil Pasricha, and “The Happiness Lab” with Laurie Santos.

No New Years’ resolution for Just Plain Dave. Pick a goal. Make a plan. Then breakdown the process into bite-sized pieces and get it done. Planning,Persistence, and Patience - the 3 Ps of endurance sport. This approach works in real life, too. Happy Trails!

Sharing stories and details about one of my favorite running companions. She’s brown, trim, happy to go for a run or walk no matter the time of day or weather. My trusted canine companion. In spite of my trust, she may be a little devious. Happy trails and happy New Year!

Trying a new podcast medium, let me know your opinion. It’s a chilly morning in Southeastern Mass, I’m grateful for health & well being. Plus thoughts on nutrition and the Placebo effect.