I was fortunate enough to have recorded the audio of Blaise’s lecture, and he was kind enough to give me permission to post the audio as a podcast here on Runblogger. Below are links to the audio at Itunes, as well as a direct link to a downloadable MP3 file. Blaise is an informative, dynamic, and entertaining speaker, and I encourage you to give the lecture a listen.

Itunes link: click here

Direct MP3 link: click here

To learn more about Blaise and his work, you can visit his website at www.therunningclinic.ca. You can also sign up for his mailing list – he writes often on topics relating to form, footwear and injuries.

To listen to the audio of the panel discussion in .mp3 format, click here. Alternatively, you can right-click here and save the file to your computer.

To download audio of the panel discussion from iTunes, click here.

Video of the panel discussion is provided below courtesy of Newton Running.

In this grab-bag of an episode I:

-talk about the events of the past 5 weeks, including the birth of my son Ben, and whine a lot about how hopelessly busy I’ve been lately

-solicit your advice on how to stay active with a baby in the house

-discuss my personal connections to the Boston Marathon

-and talk about my options for a Fall marathon

Not sure exactly how things will go from here, but my hope is that now that my semester is over I’ll get back to a more regular podcasting schedule.

To listen or subscribe via RSS: http://feeds.feedburner.com/RunbloggerRuncast

To listen or subscribe via Itunes: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?i=80594539&id=348528478

Alternatively, you can listen directly here:

Links related to Runblogger Podcast #17:

-Here’s a link to a post I wrote about Ben’s birth: http://www.daddy-duty.com/2010/04/easter-surprise-baby-ben-arrives-little.html

-Here are links to the 4 marathons that I’m considering as options for Fall 2010:
1. Hampton Smuttynose Rockfest Marathon
2. Clarence DeMar Marathon
3. Baystate Marathon
4. Hartford Marathon

-Fleet Foxes – The closing song, “White Winter Hymnal,” can be downloaded from the band’s web page at Sub Pop Records.

To listen or subscribe via RSS: http://feeds.feedburner.com/RunbloggerRuncast

To listen or subscribe via Itunes: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?i=80594539&id=348528478

Alternatively, you can listen directly here:

Links related to Runblogger Podcast #16:

-Here’s a link to the first post in an awesome series on barefoot vs. shod running from the Science of Sport blog.

-At the beginning of this podcast I reference the Book Born to Run, by Christopher McDougall. You can read my review of Born to Run here.

-If you’re interested in the Nature article on barefoot vs. shod running by Daniel Lieberman and colleagues, you can find it here: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v463/n7280/full/nature08723.html

-Here is a nice write-up on the research of Daniel Lieberman’s study from the Boston Globe: http://www.boston.com/news/health/blog/2010/01/oliver_ames_cro.html

-And finally, here is a really nice companion site to the Nature article from Daniel Lieberman’s group at Harvard University: http://barefootrunning.fas.harvard.edu/index.html

-Runblogger Runcast #7 – The Evolution of Distance Running in Humans – Click on the link to view the show notes for my podcast episode on the evolution of distance running in humans.

-Posts on Minimalist Running – Click on the link to view all of my blog posts on minimalist running.

-Posts on Vibram Fivefingers – Click on the link to view all of my blog posts on the Vibram Fivefingers shoes.

-Fleet Foxes – The closing song, “White Winter Hymnal,” can be downloaded from Iron and Wine’s web page at Sub Pop Records.

To listen or subscribe via RSS: http://feeds.feedburner.com/RunbloggerRuncast

To download the .mp3 file directly, right click on the following link and save to your computer: RP#15: Running Science – VO2max, Running Economy, Lactate Threshold

To listen or subscribe via Itunes: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?i=80594539&id=348528478

Alternatively, you can listen directly here:

Links related to Runblogger Podcast #15:

-If you’re interested in how I record these podcasts, check out my review of the 5th Generation Ipod Nano with audio recording capability (this episode was recorded with the Apple earbud microphone clipped to my jacket – hands free recording on the road!)

-In this episode I mention muscle fiber types (fast-twitch and slow-twitch) on several occasions. If this topic interests you, check out my podcast episode on “Muscle Fiber Types and Athletic Potential.”

-Fleet Foxes – The closing song, “White Winter Hymnal,” can be downloaded from Iron and Wine’s web page at Sub Pop Records.

Runblogger Runcast #9 – Minimalist Running

Runblogger Runcast #7: The Evolution of Distance Running in Humans

I’d love to hear what you think, so feel free to leave a comment. If you like what you hear, an Itunes review is also very much appreciated!

For more general podcast subscription links, see the following:

To listen or subscribe via RSS: http://feeds.feedburner.com/RunbloggerRuncast

To listen or subscribe via Itunes: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?i=80594539&id=348528478

To listen or subscribe via RSS: http://feeds.feedburner.com/RunbloggerRuncast

To listen or subscribe via Itunes: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?i=80594539&id=348528478

Alternatively, you can listen directly here:

Links related to Runblogger Podcast #14:

-At the beginning of this podcast I reference the Book Born to Run, by Christopher McDougall. You can read my review of Born to Run here.

-Runblogger Runcast #7 – The Evolution of Distance Running in Humans – Click on the link to view the show notes for my podcast episode on the evolution of distance running in humans.

-Posts on Minimalist Running – Click on the link to view all of my blog posts on minimalist running.

-Posts on Vibram Fivefingers – Click on the link to view all of my blog posts on the Vibram Fivefingers shoes.

-Fleet Foxes – The closing song, “White Winter Hymnal,” can be downloaded from Iron and Wine’s web page at Sub Pop Records.

In this first installment of the series, I discuss my own entrance into the world of social media and blogging, and give you a few tips on things to think about when setting up your own blog, and suggestions for how to build an audience, both of which are topics that I’ll expand on in more detail in future installments of this series.

To listen or subscribe via RSS: http://feeds.feedburner.com/RunbloggerRuncast

To listen or subscribe via Itunes: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?i=80594539&id=348528478

Alternatively, you can listen directly here:

Links related to Runcast #12:

Books:
Blogging Heroes: Interviews with 30 of the World’s Top Bloggers, by Michael Banks

Say Everything: How Blogging Began, What It’s Becoming, and Why It Matters, by Scott Rosenberg

HTML, XHTML, and CSS All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies, by Andy Harris and Chris McCulloh

Blogging For Dummies, by Susannah Gardner and Shane Birley

Episode #12 of the Runblogger Runcast discusses the building of a running support network.  Having others to support you as you train and race is essential, particularly on those days when you just don’t feel like heading out the door. In this show I discuss some of the sources of support that have worked well for me, namely my local running club (Granite State Racing Team), and two on-line social networks that I use regularly for running related support and discussion (dailymile and Twitter). If you have other suggestions for sources of running motivation and support, feel free to send me an e-mail or leave a comment – feedback is always appreciated!

To listen or subscribe via RSS: http://feeds.feedburner.com/RunbloggerRuncast

To listen or subscribe via Itunes: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?i=80594539&id=348528478

Alternatively, you can listen directly here:

Links related to Runcast #12:

Road Runners Club of America – Site with a wealth of information about local running clubs, as well as a locator so that you can find one in your community.

dailymile.com – a fantastic social workout site for runners, cyclists, and traithletes. You can also read a previous post I wrote about Dailymile here: https://runblogger.com/2009/04/dailymile-new-social-training-log-for.html

Twitter – if you haven’t given a Twitter a try yet, I highly recommend it. You can view my list of Twitter runners here: http://twitter.com/Oblinkin/runners/members

My Dog Jack – If you’d like to read more about me and my favorite running partner, check out this post about my buddy Jack or this more general post about running with dogs.

Below is a video featuring Kelly and Ben, the founders of dailymile.com:

You’ve probably heard of the phrases slow-twitch and fast-twitch – these terms refer to different types of fiber that we have in our muscles, The fiber makeup that each of us has in our muscles is somewhat variable, and is largely determined through genetic inheritance from our parents.  Perhaps most importantly for runners, fiber type makeup has the potential to influence your potential for success in races of different distance (e.g., 5K vs. marathon).  This episode discusses the topic of fiber types in muscles, how they differ physiologically, and how this relates to athletic potential and performance.

To listen or subscribe via RSS: http://feeds.feedburner.com/RunbloggerRuncast

To listen or subscribe via Itunes: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?i=80594539&id=348528478

Alternatively, you can listen directly here:

Links related to Runcast #11:

To see a picture of a muscle biopsy stained for the different fiber types: click here.

I was recently sent a trial pair of YakTrax Pro’s a few weeks ago to review here on Runblogger (full disclosure – I received no payment in return for this review – just a free sample of the product), and given the lack of snow here in New Hampshire this winter, I only just recently had the chance to put them to use. If you’re not familiar with YakTrax, here’s a description of the product from the YakTrax website:

“Yaktrax have a unique, spikeless, patented coil design, unlike other products on the market.

The Yaktrax Pro will instantly give you better traction, confidence and safety on packed snow or ice. Move about naturally with the same solid grip that you are accustomed to on dry surfaces. Walk or run as you normally would and experience stability on ice and snow like you have never felt before.

Made with high strength, abrasion resistant 1.4 mm steel coils and heavy duty natural rubber material, the Yaktrax Pro easily conforms to the shape of your boot or shoe. With its patented SkidLock coil design, the Yaktrax Pro provides 360 degrees of traction on packed snow and ice and can be worn in temperatures as low as -41° Fahrenheit”

On Tuesday, we had our first decent snow in quite awhile, with ultimate accumulations of about 6 inches.  It wasn’t much by typical NH winter standards, but this winter it was about as close to a snowstorm as we’ve had. With about an inch of snow accumulated on the ground, I figured it would be an ideal time to give the YakTrax a trial run. A fresh snow covering can be a challenge for most running shoes, espcially if they lack an aggressive tread. Thus, I laced up my Brooks Launch (which have an essentially flat tread), strapped on the Yaks, and headed out for a 3 mile run with my dog Jack.  Below is a video compilation from this run, with my review of the YakTrax, as well as some more general thoughts on running in conditions that keep most others at home, warm on the couch.

Runblogger Runcast #10 – Review of YakTrax Pro from Pete Larson on Vimeo.
Living in New Hampshire, snow is a constant in most years, and finding ways to stay active despite the snow is sometimes a challenge. In this Runcast I take a pair of YakTrax Pro foot-coverings for a spin during a snowstorm. My initial impressions – they’re very comfortable, and provide great traction on both ice and powdery snow. I’d highly recommend the YakTrax Pro if you’re looking for a way to get out for a run when there’s snow on the ground.

Purchasing Options

Yaktrax comes in two models – the Pro and the Walker.  Both are reasonably priced – the Pro can be had for around $20.00 or less on Amazon.com. Below are links to both.

Links Related to this Episode

-For more information about the YakTrax, you can visit their website here: http://www.yaktrax.com.

-You can also read my review of the Brooks Launch shoes that I wore in this video.

-I’ve posted several other Runcasts related to winter running – you can view a list of all previous Runblogger Runcasts here.

To listen or subscribe via RSS: http://feeds.feedburner.com/RunbloggerRuncast

To listen or subscribe via Itunes: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?i=80594539&id=348528478

Alternatively, you can listen directly here:

Links referred to in Runcast #9:

-Runblogger Runcast #7 – The Evolution of Distance Running in Humans – Click on the link to view the show notes for my podcast episode on the evolution of distance running in humans.

-Posts on Minimalist Running – Click on the link to view all of my blog posts on minimalist running.

-Posts on Vibram Fivefingers – Click on the link to view all of my blog posts on the Vibram Fivefingers shoes.

-Read my review of the Brooks Launch lightweight training shoe.

-Iron and Wine – The opening song, “Lion’s Mane,” can be downloaded from Iron and Wine’s web page at Sub Pop Records.

-Fleet Foxes – The closing song, “White Winter Hymnal,” can be downloaded from Iron and Wine’s web page at Sub Pop Records.