Issue #009

In This Issue:

1. The Perfect Run 
2. Motivational Quote
3. Monthly Running Tip
4. Coaches Forum
5. Free Month of Coaching Contest

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1. The Perfect Run - Reno and Susan Stirrat

(Susan is the life partner of coach Reno and is an accomplished runner in her own right, ranking 4th Senior woman in 2007 New England USATF)

Have you ever had that run where everything goes right and you never tire? Why is this run so 'perfect'? Is it the result of stimuli that are physical, mental, emotional, philosophical, or spiritual, or is it because these all interact and create a pleasant bubble within which we run?  

Some would say that in the Perfect Run we find truth or feel God’s presence.  For each of us it is a very personal experience. There are many different ways to attain the Perfect Run.  

Does the Perfect Run occur when you reach a personal best time, win a race, or catch someone who you had never before beat?

Does it happen when running on a solitary beach at sunrise or slowly ascending a mountain trail?

Or is it simply the runners high you get when running a certain period of time?

Is it the Perfect Run or the Perfect Race?  

This can be debated over and over again. It depends on who you are and how you define yourself as a runner. We see the quest for the perfect race very clearly in movies about running,...  Chariots of Fire, Prefontaine, and The Billy Mill’s Story, to name a few. Overcoming adversity and fighting inner demons are the themes of these stories. But don’t they also tell our story?  

Let’s look at the two main characters in Chariots of Fire, Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell .   Early in the movie, Eric Liddell is tripped in the 400. He pulls himself up, and with an unearthly look on his face, charges ahead and wins the race.  Later, he tells how, when he runs, he feels God’s power and runs for His pleasure.

Harold bears the agony of being a Jew in unfriendly surroundings.  He runs to overcome prejudice and his own self doubt. Both Harold and Eric win Gold medals in the Olympics.  Both these men run their Perfect Race.  

Is winning a Gold Medal the Perfect Race for a competitive runner?  

Was running the mountains of the Scottish Highlands the Perfect Run for Eric Liddell?

Did he feel God’s closeness there? Did those runs prepare him for the Perfect Race?  Only Eric could answer that question.  Did Abraham find peace of mind once he ran his Perfect Race?

What does the Perfect Run or Perfect Race bestow upon us?

What gifts does it bring, or is it perfect in itself, those minutes, hours of bliss?

Each of us has had  Perfect Runs or Races or combinations.  For me personally there have been many Perfect Runs and Races.  The wonderful thing about them is that I never know when they will happen but cherish each and every moment of them.  When they happen, the first thoughts that come to me during the run are ones of being happy to be alive.  My senses heighten so that I almost feel like superman.  I can run fast, breath heavy and feel no fatigue.  My mind is one with God and the universe.    Nirvana, bliss, joy are some of the feelings I have. 

What causes this to happen?  Is it the runners high with all those chemical stimulants my brain is giving off?  I do not think so; otherwise, it would come more often.  I believe it is the coming together of our body, mind, emotions and spirits when we clear our minds and just be.

We would like to hear back from anyone who would like to share their Perfect Run with the Distance Running Tips community.  We will then select a 'story of the month' and give one away one FREE month of coaching!

(Details at the end of this newsletter.)

“Being a runner means you are now 'free' to win and lose and live life to its fullest.” 
- Bill Rodgers

Some runners never log their workouts, while others keep detailed logs year after year. I go back to 1979. Back then you had to use a pen and paper.

Not anymore. :)

There are a number of online running logs out there. Some good and some, well... not worthy of your time and effort.

I've looked at a bunch and the best one I've found is Running Ahead. (Reno and I both use it).

Not only do they have the usual options for logging workouts, you can also map your runs and they have an excellent user forum.

My favorite feature is the option to have your workouts visible to the public.

This is great for tracking workouts of your friends... or athletes if you are a coach.
(This is what we do here at with our runners).

Running ahead is awesome... check it out:
free online running log.

Every month coach Reno will answer questions about running, training, diet, racing, etc. To submit your question, simply Click Here To Ask The Coach.

Question:

Hi Reno,

I am 41 yrs old and been running for about 2 yrs now.

I know the rules of carbs and proteins for runners.  Well, what about vitamins?  Do they recommend vitamins?  If so, what type.
I love reading your newsletters.  It really helps me and teaches me a lot about running.
Keep up the great job!"

(Debbie from Batesburg, SC)

Coach Reno:

Hi Debbie,

The amount of vitamins you need really depends on what you eat.  If you eat a lot of vegetables, fruit, and whole grains you are ok. A vitamin supplement with iron that has approximately 100% of the daily requirements is fine. You do not need the mega vitamins.  Also try and take the vitamins with dinner, this will help with absorption.  Also liquid vitamins are better due to improved absorption.

Good luck with your running,
Reno

For info about how our coaching can help you achieve maximum running fitness:
Training Programs To Help You Run Your Best!

See you next month...

Run smart and with your heart!
Reno Stirrat
Franc Karpo
Distance Running Tips
Boston, MA
781-975-9202