Loco's Running Week in Review ( With the Tip of the Week- Dec.20th, 2010)

It's December in Oregon and Loco has transitioned to his cold, wet weather running tactics. No, this doesn't mean running on a treadmill inside a warm house, or joining the local gym. These tactics involve "embracing" the elements and using them to fuel the running fire. This has been a great week of running for Loco, with 50 miles logged in torentual downpours. Below are some of Loco's tips for "embracing" and "enjoying" the cold, wet run.

Tip of the Week ( Embracing the Cold, Wet Run)

1) Wear swim goggles : This is a fun way to mix it up on the wet run. Swim goggles look cool.

2) Wear all cotton : Cotton clothes will absorb the water like a sponge. You can experience running with five extra pounds. Upon completion of the run as you remove this extra weight you will feel like you instantly lost five pounds.

3) Run through puddles: Kids rarely go out of their way to avoid a puddle, because they know it's fun to splash through them. Try to get as soaked as you can by running right through puddles.

Have a great week running. Hopefully there will be some good wet days of running... Happy running..........

Loco's Running Tip of the Week (December 12th)
(This weeks tip is mainly for men. If you are a women you surely know more than I about this situation.)

Have you ever jumped in the shower after a long run and felt like your nipples were on fire? This happened to loco gringo this weekend after getting a great 8 mile run in an absolute downpour. I snuck into my 9 year old daughters room and stole her aquaphor to apply to my diamond cutters. As she walked in the look on her face said it all, but she asked anyway. I explained to her that running in the rain sometimes causes friction between clothing and the body, which results in post running pain. So, what can be done to avoid this situation? After some research I came up with two great ideas.

1) Put aquaphor or some other lubricant on a band-aid and tape your nipples before your run. (Caution : If you are on the hairy chested side, this might lead to post run pain.)

2) Run without a shirt on. This will eliminate the friction as well as give you an unbelievably great experience. Running without a shirt in the rain must be experienced once a month.

Have a great week of running.............

Back Fusion to Boston

On June 4th 2009 I had back fusion surgery. While recovering with my back brace, the couch, and Louis LaMour books, I set a goal to run a marathon within a year of this surgery. Reading Louis LaMour books all day made me feel like a wuss. In October 2009 I began jogging, and on February 13th, 2010, I took my lovely wife to Rochester Washington to achieve my goal. She supported me immensely on that 38 degree rainy day. I finished the marathon in 3:38, had a bud light (or two) and reflected. I decided to sign up for the Eugene Marathon, and increased my training. The Eugene Marathon was a great experience which we shared with friends. My Eugene time was 3:25. After Eugene I had the best summer of running ever. I ran a couple fast 5 mile runs and had a great half marathon in September. Over the summer I set a new goal to qualify for the Boston Marathon. I needed to run under 3:20 to qualify, and after being shut out of the Portland Marathon decided to sign up for the Seattle Marathon on November 28th, 2010. With the help of a friend (Scott Spink), I was able to have a great run on a hilly course and finish in 3:14. I felt great about this accomplishment and am planning to run Boston in 2012. I have learned a few things over the course of the last year and a half about myself and running. I am proud to have accomplished two goals in this time and am anxious for the chance to keep running.