Best Online Tools and Websites for Runners

I've pretty much been addicted to the Internet since the first time I found about listservs in college.  I still remember marveling at the way this new simple programming language - HTML - could be used to create linked texts that could have pictures and everything!  And then there was the world wide web - with the infamous www prefix - that's where the real magic was happening.  This was about the time that one meg of memory was about $50, which jumped to $60 each when there was a fire in one of the manufacturing facilities overseas. 

Fast forward 14 years, and here we are today.  My new iPod Touch is practically attached to me, and the amount of things I can do with it is amazing.  Especially for running.  Gone are the days when I have to keep a notebook with scribbled notes of my training runs or caloric intake.  I don't have to hop in the car to drive my routes in an attempt to figure out how far I've gone.  And I don't even have to pick up the phone to check on my friends' training.  Here is a list of my favorite online tools (in no particular order):

1) Dailymile
A brand new social networking site for runners and other endurance athletes, the Dailymile offers really nice blog widgets for training and upcoming races.  You can enter your daily miles which the site will log for you, and send friends motivation and messages.  Attractive graphics and modern interfaces should make this site a hit among runners.

2) Athlinks

The great feature of Athlinks is that you can find your race results going back several years and claim them on your profile.   Once you are registered, the site will automatically update your results.  You can find rivals, check on your friends' performances, and use the social networking features as well.  I just like to see all of my results in one place.

3) Map My Run

When you need to find out how far you ran, Map My Run is the go-to site.  You can register and save your runs for future review.  I find the Hybrid view especially helpful when I run on trails - I can actually accurately map where I've been.  They've also built an iPhone app that allows your iPhone to work as a GPS when you are running.  Now, I'm still far too enamored with my iPod to actually take it out into the elements, but if I had a solid, waterproof case, I wouldn't need to bring anything else.  They've also been working on Facebook and Google Apps to be able to track workouts and so forth.  Their widgets aren't quite as pretty as DailyMile's, but the integration with the mapping is pretty cool.

4) Sparkpeople

When losing weight is one of your goals with your running, a site like Sparkpeople helps to make it all come together.  Sparkpeople is a diet site that builds daily menus and tracks calories for you.  The thing that I appreciated was the fact that I could track my protein and fiber intake very easily and making changes to the suggested menus was super easy.  If I didn't have what that day's menu called for, I could just choose something else and everything updated.  It wasn't until I used their guidelines on a regular basis that I learned how to eat properly.  Simple changes like moving to whole grains and more fruit and veggies have yielded fantastic results.

5) Running blogs

I have found that a daily dose of the thoughts of other runners has been one of my best motivating tools.  Just knowing that others are struggling like I am, or that others have dealt successfully with injuries, or even getting a laugh from a fellow runner can get me out the door and on the road for the day.

6) Runners World

The online site of the popular magazine actually has a lot to offer.  The forums are packed with information, and the Smart Coach feature actually offers really great training plans.  They have a nice lineup of bloggers, and I use their Rave Runs wallpaper on my computer.  I just wish they would continue updating them.  Plus, they have a lot of nice videos for core strength training and stretches for injury prevention.

7) Racecenter.com

This is really only for us Pacific Northwest folk, but the race listings at Racecenter.com seem to be the most complete for the area.  I always try to pick up a copy of their magazine when I'm in a running store, but for the times I don't have one, I use the site.

8) Running Warehouse
When it's time to get some gear, I like to use the Running Warehouse folks.  They have fantastic 2-day free shipping in addition to great prices on their shoes.  Of course, there is no substitute for proper shoe fitting, but once you have shoes picked out and can order them online, this is one retailer I strongly recommend.

9) Google Docs
When you need a basic spreadsheet to build a training program or track miles, Google Docs is a super simple choice.  While there are few bells and whistles, it is great to have access to your documents from any computer or iPhone or Touch.  I use Docs a lot for managing my training, although I'll be switching over to the DailyMile for tracking miles in the new year.  I will keep my mileage record that tracks my cross country journey on Docs though.

10) Google Maps

If you are going to build your own cross-country journey with the miles you've run, Google Maps will not only help you figure out mileage and route, it will highlight photos that were taken along your route and which are featured in Panoramio.  Plus, you can check out the street level view in most towns, which can be downright scary at times!  But if you're going to imagine a journey, you might as well see photos of what it looks like along the way . . .

2009 Goals

I've scouted the "buffet", and I've set my goals for the new year:

1) Run to Austin, TX (about 1,375 miles of running from where I'll end the year - west of Dunes, CA)

2) Tackle a trail race (on the calendar for February)

3) Run an ultra (I've got my eye on the Timberline marathon or the McDonald Forest 50k in October.  Timberline isn't technically an ultra, but it is technically a really tough trail run, so I'd count it for my own goal purposes.)

4) Focus on being healthy - listening to my body when I need to rest, eating right, stretching

5) Have fun!!

I've been conflicted about trying for a BQ at the Eugene Marathon.  It is within the realm of possibility, but after much soul searching, I would rather focus on the ultra distance and see what happens rather than push myself for the speed to travel that distance in BQ time.  My long term goals are focused on staying well and extending my endurance, not going faster and faster.  Really.  And since goal #5 is to have fun, I'm afraid that putting my focus on that goal will negate much of the fun that I have running.  And if I were to fail in qualifying at Eugene, I would miss the fact that I have the opportunity to absolutely destroy my PR in a huge way.  And that, my friends, is fun : )

On The Road Again

I am so glad that the snow is melting away. I love the snow on the mountains, where it belongs, and I don't mind a dusting of the white stuff, but a foot of snow at home - no thanks. Happily the sidewalks are clear enough that running is not so treacherous.

Not so on the trails, however. Our group this morning was tough - lots of slippery snow to contend with. I have to say that I am impressed with the studded out running shoes one of our group had, so I thought I'd post a link to how to do this in case winter is not over: Video Article

If the snow starts falling again, I'm going to drag out my old shoes and make myself a pair.

My favorite part of this morning's run (outside of the hot coffee at the finish): Zipping down the trail at mach speed. At least it felt that way. Kind of like skiing with lots of obstacles and tiny little skis. I felt like a kid, laughing all the way down. I think runners tend to be mostly large children, at least when they are out doing what they love. How else to explain running in gorilla costumes or Santa suits?

Now that I'm back at it, I'm starting to think about goals for 2009. New races? Increased mileage? Staying healthy? There are so many possibilities - it's like being at a Vegas all you can eat buffet and not knowing where to begin . . .

Meltdown

The snow is melting. I can hardly believe that such a little thing could make me so happy on Christmas Eve, but there is an end in sight. A few flakes tonight and tomorrow wouldn't be so bad, but then let it melt, baby!

Realizing just how wimpy I am in the snow, I have found an event that could be my Everest (not that I want to do this, mind you) - the Iditarod Trail Invitational. Participants can run or bike 350 or 1100 miles across the frozen Alaska terrain. There is a 50 racer limit, and yes, there is a waiting list, if you can imagine. At least I would be comfortable in the snow by the time I finished.

It never ceases to amaze me how far we are willing to push ourselves in the attempt to find our limits. Why is it that some of us feel the need to go to the edge, while others are perfectly happy never venturing out of their comfort zone? I do think that 2009 will be a year that I push myself farther - I am so drawn to these events that I can't help but think that I will start venturing into that unknown territory myself.

Human Nature

I've spent more than my fair share of time the past week grumbling about the weather. I can't even begin to count the "woe is me" whines that have left my mouth as run after run has been given up for one reason or another. "This sucks" has become such a permanent thought in my mind that I have had a hard time seeing the beauty in the drifts of snow that lay thick around the house.

This is why I love reading blogs. You realize how alike we all are in our obsessions, in our neverending chatter of our minds, in our struggles to make sense of our emotions as we react to the world around us. A blogger from Alaska laments the lack of snow and the clear, cold weather; a blogger from Southern California hates the "cold" rain and 50 degree weather she has to run in, and you know that somewhere, a Hawaiian runner is complaining that the 80 degrees and sun is just too warm to run comfortably. And here I sit, hating the 14 inches of snow that has fallen in the past few days because it means I can't get outside!

What I need to do is celebrate the fact that I have found something I love to do so much that I miss it when I can't. I need to celebrate the quiet line of trees covered in snow contrasted against the clear, dark sky with the single star high above. I need to enjoy the Christmas lights, illuminating the snow like hidden jewels. Each moment is a gift, one that I can't have back when I finally realize that it is all good. Not just the runs, not just the triumphs, not just the days when everything goes the way I planned. Learning this essential truth is much harder than training to qualify for Boston. But perhaps as I log the miles that take me toward that goal, I can log the inner miles that will take me that much closer to that goal as well.

My Very Own Snow Grand Prix

Woke this morning to new snow, which meant my hopes to run the Mud Grand Prix were dashed this morning. A solstice tradition, the MGP covers about 6.7 miles on the Wildwood Trail. I've been hoping to actually run one for some time, but things don't seem to work out. Maybe this spring . . .

Still, I thought, maybe I could get in a few miles in the fresh powder. I had read enough blog posts about runners hitting the snow to know that I was admittedly being a bit of a wimp. So I started layering up - long underwear, running pants, multiple shirts, raincoat, hat, gloves . . . I felt a bit like the kid in A Christmas Story, to be honest. I hate even wearing long pants when I run, but if it meant the difference between another day at home and logging a few miles, I was going to do it. (I couldn't help but think of my new running friend who has a 5 year streak of running only in shorts, despite the fact that he runs every day of the year - yeah, I'm soft.)

Finally, putting on two pair of socks and my trail shoes, I headed out the door, not sure what to expect. It was an immediate surprise. The sidewalks weren't slippery, as long as I stayed in the snow. It wasn't that cold. (This is probably because I hard so darn many layers on!) And it was absolutely beautiful.

Fresh tracks:



I've been inspired lately by the blogger in Alaska who takes photos on her rides, so I brought my camera and captured a few of the prettier moments on the run:

A quiet chill over the Browns Ferry marsh.

Snow on the Tualatin River.

My favorite part of the trail - where I do my speedwork!

This was one of those magical runs. The snow was quiet and still, the air crisp and sweet. I was in the moment, and I could have kept running forever. I even managed to hammer out 6.75 miles, so I did get my Grand Prix in this morning. I even had a prize - a compliment from a fellow walking his dog, "Hardcore runner. I like it!"

Hardcore runner. Maybe, maybe not. But still, a runner.

2008 (In 52 words or less)

Finally, I am a runner. Going long with new friends. Running after midnight on the CLR. Hitting the heat wall. A sub 8:00 on a half - holy crap! Singing the injury blues after said PR. Recovery, good 10k, then snow. Too much of it. And now, dreaming of going further in 2009 . . .

Singing the Snow & Ice Blues

Despite my upbeat predictions that I would beat the snow and ice and run anyway, I've done a terrible job of keeping up the miles during this winter storm.

I managed to finagle 40 minutes on my neighbor's treadmill for just over 4.5 miles, but I swear, they must have a direct vent from their heating unit in that room. I sweated and suffered along, and since my iPod was dead, I just about died of boredom. I have new respect for my friends who pound out 6 or 7 miles a day on their treadmills. Give me the open road and a new place to explore anyday.

Bring back the rain!!!

Hmmm

The snow is falling. Two inches at least, and it doesn't seem to be letting up. But will it be easier to run in the snow, or the ice that is set to follow this winter wonderland?

I am such a wimpy winter runner. Is there a trick to running in the snow? I've tried it and rolled my ankles and slipped around to such a degree that I gave up. But I am sure that like anything else, enough practice allows you to get around to some degree.

I suppose I will give it a try this afternoon. See how it feels to crunch through the snow. A run this evening, with the Christmas lights and the snow would be fantastic.

Here Comes The Cold

"There is no such thing as bad weather, just soft people." - Bill Bowerman

The arctic air is closing in. Snow, rain, wind. Never the conditions the runner wants to hear on the news on Friday before a long run. Knowing what's on the way, I stretched today's miles to 8.5, leaving 6.5 for Sunday when the snow is supposed to set in. With any kind of luck it will be the kind of snow you can run in, but this is Oregon. It isn't likely.

I suppose someone from Michigan would laugh at such a statement. They surely can't fathom how inept we are in our cars out here when it snows. But webfeet have never been well suited to slippery sidewalks, and since the snow is so scarce, we don't have treadmills either.

I don't mind the rain. Even today, with 40° temperatures and some snowflakes in with the huge drops, I was happy. I shared a goofy grin with a fellow runner (as the rain pelted us sideways and the cars rushed by the intersection) - only us runner types get it, I think. But the snow, that's a different story. I get whiny, I get lazy, I get addicted to sitting in front of the fireplace.

But this weekend, I'm going to try something different. I'm going to push my comfort level, I'm not going to be soft, and I'm going to try to get those miles in one way or another. If that means I'm practically snowshoeing down the walk, so be it. If it means slipping and sliding over the ice, so be it. As long as I'm not going to injure myself, I will do it. So bring it on, weather system. I'm ready.

This morning was one of those eerie running mornings. The fog was so thick at times that it was hard to see the sidewalk in front of me. The dew dripped from my eyelashes. It was dark, and it was early, and it was wonderful.

I love running in the dark at Christmastime. Some thoughtful neighbors left their Christmas lights on all night, so I was treated to the glow of twinkling reindeer in the early morning hours. I haven't been running early in some time; it is usually reserved for summer mornings when the kids are home (I did have one reminder of summer - someone had their sprinklers on!! In Oregon!!!! In December!!!!!???? WTF??????). But I knew that I would probably have a child home sick, so I shook off sleep at 5:45 and put in my 6 miles before starting the day.

There is a certain magic to hitting the streets early. The people you meet are always friendly, always surprised that there are others out there in the dark with them. The memory of the run always feels like yesterday - it's like having a bonus day. I have already accomplished something before I even start the day.

I don't know what tomorrow holds. I have 4 miles to do at a fast pace - perfect for those early hours. I just might take advantage again.

Official Training

It's real to me now. Today was the first day I did official training - not just a prescribed amount of miles, but actual hill training at mach speed. Okay, so maybe it wasn't mach speed, but after two repeats, it sure was starting to feel like. My workout consisted of 5 miles at recovery pace, but as usual, I couldn't get myself to slow down enough to be in the recovery zone.

Recovery zone for me is supposed to be in the range of a 9:45 to 10:30 pace. I find when I am focusing on my form that I naturally speed up, so I'm having a hard time working the form and staying slow. If I run my funky old school "I'm gonna die" gait, I am much more effective at recovery paces.

I ran the first 3 miles or so, and then buckled down for the 6 x 45 second hill repeats that were on the schedule for today. The plan (which is in the book Brain Training for Runners) called for me to run said repeats at a "relaxed sprint speed", but honestly, there is no such thing as a relaxed sprint up a steep hill. By the 2nd repeat, I was bargaining with myself, reassuring myself since I didn't start marathon training on time I shouldn't have to do all of the hill repeats that were called for. Just do four, I chided myself. But after the 4th, I thought, okay, one more. And once that one was done, I couldn't not do the sixth. And so I did all six repeats, and then ran home.

Whew. First one down, way too many to go.

December Days

The Christmas carols are playing on the radio, and my VISA card is showing signs of strain. It must be December.

This is the toughest month for me to run through. The days are short, dark and full of excuses. Races are far off, the clothing is buried deep in my drawers, and my hat is nowhere to be found. The idea of baking a batch of cinnamon rolls is far more appealing than slogging out 7 miles in the rain.

Still, I persist. I managed 5 miles today, including speed drills - right on target for my marathon training program. I didn't make a single baked good. Yet. (The idea of cinnamon rolls is making my mouth water at the moment.)

This is like mile 18 of the marathon. Still so far to go, but man, does it hurt to keep going. It would be far easier to call it a holiday, take a month off. But the truth is, like in the marathon, where the walking hurts as much as the running, taking a break has its own pains. And they aren't the ones I want to feel right now.

So tomorrow I'll lace up the shoes, throw on the raingear if necessary, and do it all over again.