Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Austin Marathon and Shin Splints

ok, so I had planned to try to qualify for my 4th Boston Marathon at the Austin Marathon next month with a sub-3:30 and was (notice the past tense) having some of the best training sessions I've had in years, and I come down with a shin splint in my left leg (not just the garden variety, the "Who stuck the knife in my leg" type). So now, I've gone from 2 consecutive 200+ mile months in November and December to barely 100 this month and haven't been able to run more than about 20 miles in the last 2 weeks. I'm still going to do Austin, and I have no clue what my time will be, so I'm just going to enjoy myself and do what I can. If by some miracle I can get in a decent 10-12 day stretch of training, I might still have a shot. If I can run the whole way by then, great, if not, I'll walk or crawl or do whatever it takes. You all know the drill. So I may make up my own pace sign that says "3:30-6:00".

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Searchable/Categorized Running Blog Database!

I have the sample up and running on my web site for what I believe to be the only categorized and searchable running blog database on the internet. You can take it for a test drive by accessing http://www.faithfulsoles.com/fsblogsearchstart.htm The web site has only been online now for about 7 months, but we are already up to more than 2,000-3,000 hits a day and people thus far seem very excited about this feature.

If you would like to include a link to your blog in the database (no cost to link your blog), simply fill out the 2-3 minute form by going to http://www.faithfulsoles.com/fsblogregister.htm

The Running Blog Database will give members of my site the exclusive ability to see other bloggers by selecting specific categories such as age group, sex, location, experience level (beginner, intermediate, advanced, elite), running type (walker, jogger, runner, etc.), type of events completed and/or training for (such as 5K, 10K, half-marathon, marathon, triathlons, ultra-marathons, trail runs, etc.), and a description of what the blog is about. Once they have streamlined what they are looking for, a list of blogs meeting the category or categories they select appear on screen so that they can link immediately to those blogs that most fit their own personal goals or interests.

Sunday, January 21, 2007

This is my first blog post, but I've kept a diary on my running since about 1986...

I have kept a fairly detailed running log in a database format since about 1986 that includes date, mileage, time, pace, weather (including temperature, heat index or wind chill, percent humidity, windspeed and direction), type of run (easy, long, tempo, race, etc.) and general comments for each entry on how I felt that day, what was going on in my life or in the world, and so on.

I'm not sure how much I will post here, since my main focus and all of my information is on my web site at http://www.faithfulsoles.com. On Faithful Soles, you will find my running background under "Meet Robert" from the main menu, but most importantly lots of amazing and inspiring stories and information about walker, runners, and athletes of all ages and abilities.

My inspiration to create Faithful Soles came at the 2000 Boston Marathon in a story I call "The Greatest Marathoner" (you can access it through the web site via the link under the "Message from Robert" on the home page). I have shared this story in nearly every motivational speech I have given to running clubs, schools, businesses, churches and various other organizations. I have had people come to me years after hearing it to tell me they still think about it when things get tough in either their running or their life.