Got Sisu?

I went up north this past weekend with Kate to run in the 26th annual Brimson Sisu run. This community race to help raise money for the local fire department was supposed to be a respectable 4.4 miles. The course changes each year, and therefore the mileage waivers slightly in order to include or exclude certain points of interest. Just my luck, this year's run netted out much closer to 5.5 miles. I managed, but have been paying the price the past couple of days with sore legs. Guess my goal of running a 10k this year just became that much more attainable.

Running from the Ritz

The Ritz is awesome. I think I can easily say that my room had the most comfortable bed I've ever slept in (minus the surprisingly dream-like beds that rest above the Essen Haus in Madison, WI). Despite the luxury, I woke up early this morning to get outside for a run.

I started out across the street and ran through Battery Park, passing a line of tourists waiting to purchase their ferry tickets to visit the Statue of Liberty, then headed up along the well-manicured park that hugs the Hudson River. Surrounded by other morning runners, dog walkers, and Wall Street pit workers smoking their morning's final cigarettes, I couldn't help but feel the energy of the city and wondered what life would be like in Manhattan.

Back at the hotel, a "For our morning runners" sign rested on the entryway table and was stocked full of chilled Vitamin Water and towels. Small perk, but much appreciated and thoughtful. I guess it's that attention to detail that sets the Ritz apart from the competition.

Run Forrest, Run

The Twin Cities Marathon took place today amongst unusual heat and humidity for this time of the year. I ran in the 5k yesterday, and let me tell you, that is still the right distance for me -- it's long enough to feel like you did something, yet short enough that your knees don't feel like they're going to explode.

I love how marathons bring out the best in everyone. If you're a runner, you're pushing your physical limits. If you're a bystander, you're cheering on complete strangers out of pure goodwill and camaraderie

I'm thinking a 10k is next on my list...any recommendations out there?

All 5Ks Should be this Way

A beautiful fall day
+ Skiers
+ Dogs
+ Gorilla on rollerblades
+ Lumberjacks
+ Runners
+ Beer
-------------------------
= The James Page Blubber Run


This was the first 5k I've run where I passed the 3 mile mark and thought to myself, "No way, already? I want to keep going."