Ryan Hall's Blog, page 161

When Is The Best Time Of Day To Run?

Morning, noon, or night—everyone has a preference about when is the best time of day to run. Some runners would go out for their miles morning, noon and night if they could. So, if you had to run at one time, what time would it be? Let’s compare three options:

Morning Magic

If you’re a morning runner, you go to sleep with your alarm set for your run. You probably dream of your adventure and the hill repeats that are in store. I feel that the morning is the best time of day to run because you can get it out of the way before your day gets busy.

Afternoon Delight

The afternoon is the best time of day to run because you don’t have to wake up at the crack of dawn (or before!). You’re also not overtired in the evenings. You can slip in an afternoon run on your lunch break, or if you’re like me, you can run during your kid’s nap times, which interferes less with your  family’s schedule. The afternoon run can be a great pick-me-up in the middle of the day. Mid-day miles tend to provide great weather that can’t be found in the early morning.

Evening Unwind

Are you an evening runner? With some lights and reflective clothing, the sidewalks could be yours without competition! The evening run is the best time of day to run because you can wash away the stress of the day, decompress, and have some quality time with yourself while you sneak in a few miles.

The verdict? The best time of day to run is the time of day that you can make it happen. It’s also about getting out there consistently—day after day and week after week, regardless of the hour. The best time of day is the time that makes you happy. Whether it be watching the sunrise over the trees, basking in the noon sunlight, or a peaceful evening run to relax you before bed, there’s a best time of day to run for everyone.

Related: Rise And Run—How To Become A Morning Runner

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Sanya Richards-Ross Reveals Abortion Before 2008 Olympics In New Book

In her new book that was released this week, titled Chasing Grace: What the Quarter Mile Has Taught Me about God and Life, Olympic Gold medalist Sanya Richards-Ross stunned the running community when she revealed the decision she made with husband (then-fiancé), NFL player Aaron Ross, to have an abortion just weeks before the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Just two weeks after the abortion she flew to Beijing where she later took Gold in the 4×400 relay, along with her teammates, and took Bronze for her solo performance in the 400m.

“Abortion would now forever be a part of my life. A scarlet letter I never thought I’d wear,” she wrote. “I was a champion—and not just an ordinary one, but a world-class, record-breaking champion. From the heights of that reality I fell into a depth of despair.”

It has been reported that she decided to talk about her decision to highlight choices that female runners—and other professional athletes—often have to make about starting a family when it comes to their performance and career.

In her book she also talks about her childhood and the journey she took to becoming a world-class athlete, as well as her tough decision to retire after suffering an injury before the 2016 Rio Olympics.

”Sometimes you think you are chasing a gold medal, but that’s not what you are chasing. You’re racing to become the best version of yourself,” she said.

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Despite Medical Emergency, Marc Scott Wins 10,000 Meters At NCAA Champs

Marc Scott (right) sprints away from Rory Linkletter and Erik Peterson to win the 2017 NCAA Division I 10,000m title in Eugene, Ore. Photo: Chris Lotsbom for Race Results Weekly

(c) 2017 Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved

Marc Scott stormed to a very significant win in the 10,000 meters on the first day of the 2017 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships, drawing on a 55.44-second final lap. But that wasn’t the most startling fact of the Englishman’s victory: On Monday, the 23-year-old University of Tulsa student was hospitalized for 24 hours after suffering a seizure mid-training run.

“I’ve waited for five years for this moment,” said a poised Scott, cracking a small smile after discussing his medical scare and emphasizing how important the moment was.

Standing on the top spot of the podium was almost in jeopardy after Scott’s emergency on Monday. Four miles into a 10-mile run in Eugene, Ore., Scott suffered a seizure. After completing the run and consulting with team staff, Scott went to the hospital and spent a full 24 hours undergoing tests and being observed. He wasn’t released until mid-day Tuesday, roughly 30 hours before racing. He had a CT scan on his brain and an EKG on his heart, but neither test provided any concrete conclusions. Scott has suffered seizures before.

“I was always going to be on the start line unless I didn’t get the nod to go to get on the start line. If I was going to be held out, it was going to be a big shame,” he said. “I was determined to be on the start line and got the go ahead.”

After all, this may have been Scott’s best chance at an NCAA title, knowing three-time reigning champion Edward Cheserek had withdrawn last month due to injury and has since signed a professional management contract. The race was conservative from the start, with the entire field passing halfway in a leisurely 14:53. Not until single digits showed on the lap counter did the race begin to progress from a jog to a tempo run, and then to a race. Eight kilometers in, 18 men were still in contention. Middle Tennessee State’s Jacob Choge was the de-facto pacemaker, leading laps ranging from 68 to 72 seconds. The yo-yo’ing was non-stop.

But when the gears started moving and 400 meters remained, it developed into a three-man race. Scott, Butler’s Erik Peterson and Samford’s Arsene Guillorel had broken from the pack. Peterson led entering the bell, but Scott let loose a kick for the ages, gapping the pair on the backstretch before hitting the Bowerman Curve.

“I had been working on that all year at the end of workouts closing really hard,” Scott mused. “I knew it would come down to the last lap…I really tried to develop the final lap.”

While Scott seemed to be running away with the win, BYU’s Rory Linkletter was stirring the exuberant crowd. In tenth position with 800 meters to go, Linkletter used his 1500m speed—the BYU Cougar qualified for regionals in both the 1500 and 10,000m. Taking it one lap at a time, Linkletter let loose in the final circuit mowing down all but Scott down the backstretch.

Scott was simply too much to handle, and Linkletter couldn’t match the Brit’s speed. Scott would be the clear winner in 29:01.54, with Linkletter second in 29:02.96.

“Five years later I’m a national champion. I’m really, really happy,” said Scott after his first national crown. With team points in mind, he’ll return on Friday for the 5000m. “This was spot on for me.”

Linkletter was overwhelmed by his finish. As a 20-year-old sophomore, in just his third 10,000m, he took second in the NCAA.  Crossing the line, Linkletter brought his hands to his head in shock.

“It’s surreal. I mean I had goals of being at least first-team all-American coming off regionals. I was in ninth with about 500 to go,” he recalled, shaking his head. “I kind of just went for it, had it, and it was good. I mean, dream come true, Hayward Field, everything. It’s just magical.”

Third went to Peterson in 29:04.74, while Guillorel was fourth in 29:05.27. Navy’s Lucas Stalnaker placed fifth (29:08.81), a great showing for the Midshipman.

RELATED: Farah Says Goodbye To Hayward Field With Win

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8 Father’s Day Gifts Perfect For The Runner Dad

Chances are your dad has all the grilling tools he needs. Step away from the monogram branded BBQ kit and give your runner dad something he really wants—fresh running gear! From sunglasses to shorts, we’ve got you covered. Not only is this gear he’ll use, supporting his healthy lifestyle, it’s also an incredible way to show you care. Now all you need to do is take your old man out for a run. Whether or not you let him win the final sprint is up to you!

RELATED: 5 Inventions Runners Desperately Need

 

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The Best Tweets From Global Running Day

The Twittersphere had plenty to say about Global Running Day yesterday—from the pros to everyday runners—and we were listening. Here’s a sampling of a few Tweets we love!

This comic strip shows that even the Flash could be outrun on Global Running Day.

Run Barry Run! Speedsters coming thru! #GlobalRunningDay art by @DarkLitriapic.twitter.com/m25NDDDZkr

— ⚡flashcrewhuz⚡ (@hollyanderson30) June 7, 2017

If you’re running with your dog, this very short run would still count.

Shortest. Run. Ever!#GlobalRunningDaypic.twitter.com/Sb77loJtk5

— Michael Clarke (@Mr_Mike_Clarke) June 7, 2017

American Olympic steeplechaser Emma Coburn gets nostalgic with a clip of her first track meet. Even then her stride looks great!

Happy #GlobalRunningDay. Here’s a clip of my first track meet 15 years ago on a dirt track ❤️ pic.twitter.com/zRSYnCUaGM

— emma coburn (@emmajcoburn) June 7, 2017

Some words of inspiration from running icon Haile Gebreselassie.

What a beautiful day for a run. No matter how far you go, no matter how quick you run, today just enjoy #GlobalRunningDay. pic.twitter.com/6YOTYE8sCm

— Haile Gebrselassie (@HaileGebr) June 7, 2017

But no one says it better than Desi when it’s time to lace up those shoes and just run. 

#GlobalRunningDay a timely reminder to forget all the crap and celebrate the craft. Get out and #RunHappy! pic.twitter.com/FRio4lg30F

— des_linden (@des_linden) June 7, 2017

Or this simple reminder from the quirky comedy television series Portlandia, that truly captures the spirit of Global Running Day.

Keep going. #GlobalRunningDaypic.twitter.com/Am1mnvPZaW

— Portlandia (@portlandia) June 7, 2017

 

RELATED:  Meb Keflezighi Throws First Pitch At Yankees Stadium

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Meb Keflezighi Throws First Pitch At Yankee Stadium

Maybe it’s best if Meb sticks to running.

As part of a packed day in the Big Apple to help celebrate Global Running Day, Meb Keflezighi was picked to throw out the first pitch before Wednesday night’s Yankees-Red Sox game.

He was the obvious choice for the Global Running Day festivities. He won the New York City Marathon in 2009–becoming the first American to win there since 1982. And he’ll cap his brilliant career later this year with his final race at the New York City Marathon.

He also won the Boston Marathon in 2014, becoming the first American to win there since 1983.

Prior to tossing out the first pitch he had a chance to talk up New York’s rising star Aaron Judge.

But whatever diamond-based tips Keflezighi had for the slugger didn’t take. While the Yankees stomped their rival 8-0, Judge went 0-for-4 with a walk, two strikeouts and left four runners stranded.

Aside from the GRD celebrations, Keflezighi was joined by 26 students from a school in the Bronx who are part of the New York Road Runners youth program.

RELATED:  5 People Meb Thinks You Should Follow On Twitter

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He Teaches Math During The Week And Wins Races On Weekends

Algebra enjoys an uncomplicated relationship with running.

For example, Erik Reitinger averages a mile pace of 6:38, and he runs for three hours, 18 minutes and 49 seconds. Solve for x, the amount of miles he covered during his win in March’s unsanctioned race around Manhattan’s perimeter organized by Orchard Street Runners.

Answer: 30.

The back-to-back OSR30 champion teaches algebra at Brownsville Collegiate Charter School in Brooklyn, where he brings a competitive record to the front of the classroom. In 2013, Reitinger swam, biked and ran at the Ironman World Championship in Kona, the most famous triathlon event. He stood on the podium at Ironman Lake Placid the following year with a third-place overall finish, aided by a 7:23 pace during the marathon portion.

He devotes more of his time these days to the whiteboard.

“Before, that drive and that determination was specifically targeted at racing and training, and Ironmans,” he says. “Now, it’s targeted really toward my kids, the commitment to becoming the best educator I can be.”

Related: What Running Shoes Do Ironman Triathletes Wear?

That’s not to say he’s abandoned a win-first mentality, as the OSR30 proves. But Reitinger says the act of running has shifted slightly and perceptibly — a stride or two away from strict competition and toward building a community and connections.

“It’s brought a lot more meaning to my everyday life, being able to run around the city I live in and really get to know New York City on a ground-up basis.”

That renewal finds an application in school as well.

“I always try to bring something of my personal life to the classroom,” he says. “Kids are aware that, oh this guy used to run Ironmans. I find that it builds their teacher up as an actual person who has real-life activities outside of being their teacher, and on some level, gets them excited to do these things on their own.”

Reitinger moved into a hands-on role to stoke that motivation this past spring in his first season as the Brownsville track coach. Students who don’t consider themselves athletes still receive a dose of running in his class though. For instance, a graph for a math problem might show Reitinger’s splits from recent races.

With homeroom in the morning plus plentiful afternoon activities and meetings, Reitinger says he typically stays at school from about 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. That means he spends his nights on the streets of New York, particularly after a difficult week. Happy hour at the bar doesn’t hold as much appeal on a Friday night as the winding route to the Queensboro Bridge.

Related: 5 Places To Run In New York City

“It’s a way of recentering myself after that long week of being in front of adolescents —all the challenges and joys,” Reitinger says. “That’s my reset: 15, 18, 20 miles.”

As for any overlaps between his two passions, Reitinger sidesteps the easy analogy of homework as the practice and tests as the race. Running and teaching share a more visceral bond.

“Both of those things require so much emotional and physical investment,” he says. “The people who are running and the people who are teaching — you know that both of those groups genuinely love what they’re doing.”

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10 Ways To Respect Local Communities Along A Race Course

Three friends of mine who are race directors were recently put in a situation that they never expected. They had to go to city council meetings to fight to retain permits for their races. These were not new events. They were long-standing, well-attended races held in the same community and on the same course for years. So what changed that made the permit approval process more difficult?

Some cities and towns have become stringent when approving races in their areas. Communities are restricting the number and size of events allowed on their roads to reduce the impact on residents. In some cases, there is a risk that great races will not be allowed to continue or to grow because of complaints from people in the community. Unfortunately, these town councils often only hear a handful of negative comments from residents who live on the race route, yet don’t hear all the positive aspects of having a race in their area. The bad behaviors of a few athletes leave a negative impression with residents, local government or town council officials. As a result, race directors have to work harder to secure a permit.

There are many things race participants can do to highlight the positive aspects of a road race. Runners also need to be aware of behaviors that impact local citizens and do their part to respect the communities they run through.

Here are some simple things athletes can do to help show appreciation for host towns and cities, and help reduce the impact races have on a community.

Carpool

Many races have limited parking areas in public lots, fields or on side streets. The more athletes ride share together, the fewer cars there are to take up spots. Fewer cars mean volunteers will be able to direct you to parking spots faster. There will also be less of a backup of cars waiting to enter a parking area or leave a race site.

Park and drive legally

Follow all street signs, especially one-way signs and no parking signs. Know the rules about how far you can legally park away from a stop sign or a fire hydrant. Residents are understandably frustrated when race participants park illegally, such as parking on a permit-only street, in a restricted lot, blocking a driveway or ignoring traffic rules.

Don’t litter

Race-related litter is one of the biggest complaints residents have about events. Most races have a few garbage cans right after the aid stations. Aim for them if you can, but if you miss, drop your trash right nearby, not a half mile up the road. Don’t drop your used gel packages or energy blocks wrappers in the middle of nowhere. If you’re consuming your race fuel away from the water stations, carry wrappers or packets with you until you can throw them out in a proper receptacle. Above all do not throw your trash on someone’s property or toss it into the woods. Also if you’re wearing a throwaway layer after the start, try to drop them near the mile marker signs versus scattering clothing all over the road. Disposing of your litter properly also makes post-race clean-up significantly easier for race directors and their volunteers.

Say thank you

Thank all the police, EMS, volunteers and spectators you see on the course. Remember that the emergency personnel and volunteers are often out on the course for hours to ensure your safety. Thank them for their time and support. Also wave to drivers who stop for you, even if you have the right of way or the car was stopped by an officer. Show your appreciation to everyone who helped make the race possible and safe.

Be alert

Don’t run with your earphones in both ears on full blast, making you oblivious to the traffic around you. Be aware of traffic that needs to pass you on an open road course.

Support local businesses

Local races do more than serve as fundraisers for regional charities. These events can also have a huge positive economic impact for local businesses. Off-season races can fill hotels and resorts in a seasonal travel area. Many athletes stay in the area after an event for lunch, shopping, sightseeing or visiting tourist spots. If you can, have a meal at a locally-owned restaurant. Visit a tourist attraction. In addition, tell people that you are there for the race. This helps point out the financial benefits a road race can provide for the community. Races bring in visitors that would not have come to the area or state otherwise.

Expect delays

Races held in small communities or in resort areas may have limited roads in and out. If there are hundreds or thousands of athletes heading to an area for an event, roads and exits will back up. Give yourself plenty of time to arrive and leave a race site.

Don’t go to the bathroom on someone’s property

This goes for both the men and the ladies. Most races have portable restrooms on the course. If they don’t, look for a portable restroom at a house or business that is under construction. Or look for a gas station or a fast food restaurant that will let you use the bathroom. If you have to go that badly, go into the woods—at your own risk—and stay out of sight. Getting to the race site at least an hour before the start will help give you the chance to get in the bathroom line for a final pit stop before the race begins.

Post the positive

If you see a news article online about a race you participated in, post a positive comment with your thoughts about the event. Leave positive reviews on social media for great races as well. Thank the race director, the town/city, the emergency personnel, and the volunteers. If you live in the area, you can also write to your town officials about how great the race is, and why you participate.

Respect the course time limit

Many race directors do everything they can to accommodate athletes of all paces and abilities. However most races have to set time limits to reopen roads to traffic, accommodate local needs, and ensure the safety of both participants and volunteers. Only sign up for events where you can make the require time limit or pace.

Related: 25 Must-Do American Marathons In 2017

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Brooks looking for regular-yet-superstar athletes

As you celebrate Global Running Day and the joys of running by lacing up to join thousands of like minded-runners around the globe, let yourself relish in what you’ve accomplished with your running and dream about where it can take you. Around the block, quality time with friends, good health, a start line, a finish line, a podium—dream big! Maybe you even want to go pro, or at least wonder what it would be like….

When it comes to professional runners, they seem to have life dialed—free gear, travel to exotic places, photo shoots, supportive teammates and running as much as they want, plus some. Yet those benefits are usually reserved for the chosen few who sign lucrative sponsorship deals. Until now! Brooks Running is launching the Big Endorsement, where any and all regular-yet-superstar athletes are invited to sign a contract with Brooks Running. The pay may only be $1, but the thrill of signing your very own endorsement deal is priceless.

“At Brooks we stop at nothing to celebrate all runners,” says Stephen Cheung, Brooks’ global director of brand marketing. “No matter the goal, no matter the pace, we want to help all runners get out there and Run Happy.”

If you want it all (and who doesn’t?!) this is also your opportunity to score massive bragging rights, a head-to-toe outfit from Brooks Running and the chance to be on the cover of Competitor magazine! Once runners sign their Big Endorsement contract, they are eligible to enter Brooks’ Cover Runner Contest for Competitor by answering “What motivates you to run?” in 100 words or less. Winners will be chosen by the run-obsessed team at Brooks Running, so be sure to let your unbridled passion shine through! Not only will the winning runner be on the cover, they will also have a featured profile to share their unique running journey.

“Running is a powerfully transformative sport. If you go to a race, every single person who crosses that finish line has an inspiring story to tell,” says Jessica Sebor, VP, Media for the Competitor Group. “What’s so exciting about Brooks’ Cover Runner Contest and Big Endorsement is the opportunity to honor some of those stories and to celebrate an “average” runner—although as anyone who runs can tell you, there’s really no such thing!”

Not to burst your bubble, but designing your very own shoe like Brooks-sponsored, trail-running legend Scott Jurek, is not included. However, you are still in luck when it comes to customized running comfort. Brooks Running has already made it possible with the super cushioned ride of the Glycerin 15, that actually adapts to your foot for a made-for-me feel. Buying the shoes is optional (and will not affect your odds of winning), but they may help you to strike the perfect pose for any humblebrag #BrooksEndorsed Instagram posts!

The Brooks Big Endorsement and Cover Runner Contest connect you with the running community at large. Plus, you’ll be an officially-endorsed athlete—own it! Wave as you pass people on your run, give high fives, let your runner flag fly and show how incredible it is to lace up and go. Who knows, maybe your enthusiasm will inspire others to give running a try. That’s even more people to join in the fun for Global Running Day 2018!

You love to run. Brooks Running is unfathomably passionate about the sport. And Competitor is dedicated to sharing authentic running culture with its readers. Sounds like a winning team! Remember to dream big—maybe about your perfect cover pose—and let’s see how far your running can take you.

To learn more and to register, go to www.brooksathlete.com

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5 People Meb Thinks You Should Follow On Twitter

No, you can’t run like Meb Keflezighi—at least not as far and as fast. But where your legs come up short, perhaps your thumbs can pick up the slack.

In honor of Wednesday’s Global Running Day, which has inspired hundreds of thousands of would-be runners to pledge a distance through social media, we thought we’d check in on the social media habits of one of our favorite runners.

Twitter will be abuzz with the #GlobalRunningDay hashtag (and #CompetitorGRD). And we’re guessing Keflezighi will fire off a Tweet or two.

Competitor had the opportunity to catch up with the four-time Olympian (2004 Marathon Silver Medal) and 2014 Boston Marathon winner last weekend before the Synchrony Financial Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon where he filled us in on some of his favorite follows.

“I keep up with the news,” he said. “I like Haile Gebrselassie and Paul Tergat from Ethiopia and Kenya—Haile for inspiration—or [Eliud] Kipchoge. Those are probably the few I follow here and there, but I don’t have a lot of time.”

He continued, “I am more of a Twitter guy (as opposed to Instagram), so if I see anything interesting, I just click on them and see what has happened lately.”

Here are five of Meb’s favorite follows:

1. Catholic Charities, @charitiesboston

#BeBoston #TeamCatholicCharities pic.twitter.com/BwCj7kJmM8

— Catholic Charities (@charitiesboston) April 4, 2017

2. V Foundation, @TheVFoundation

June is National Cancer Survivor Month. Make sure you don't miss our Survivor Stories: https://t.co/SdtoFOTCJc #DontEverGiveUp pic.twitter.com/k56DhgyeP2

— The V Foundation (@TheVFoundation) June 1, 2017

3. Paralympic Games, @Paralympics

Summer sports are in full swing!

Find out what is on the event calendar for June.

4. USATF, @usatf

Happy #GlobalRunningDay! Where in the

5. Ryan Hall, @ryanhall3

If you are looking to freshen up your training as spring sets in check out my latest blog. https://t.co/AvMcIt5Xzj

— Ryan Hall (@ryanhall3) April 13, 2017

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