It’s Friday and I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup!
Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

This week, the topic is: Fitness Trends

Well, I tried to think of one that I do participate in but I could not.

I guess I am a pretty traditional runner.

So  here are FIVE trends that I will most likely never participate in:

1. Ragnar Races

I know that they are popular and everyone says that they are so much fun.  But…

• I don’t want to run at night…by myself
• I don’t enjoy sleeping in a van or a tent
• I don’t think my body can handle all that mileage in one weekend

2. Challenges

They always seem like a good idea but I have a hard time motivating myself to run a few times a week never mind running or planking EVERYDAY!!

3. Color or Themed Runs 

I am a competitive person by nature and when I run a race, I want to do my best.  I know it sounds like fun to have color or foam thrown at you, but it’s just not something I want to pay to do.

4. Warrior or Spartan Races

I am way too old and too clumsy to do one of these races.  I know for sure that I would get injured.  Plus I am sure that I could not climb the wall, jump over fire and complete most of the obstacles.

5. Virtual Races

I know that it’s fun to get the bling.  Plus they raise money for great causes.  But if I spend the money, I want to compete in a race with other runners.  What I enjoy most at a race is the competition and the camaraderie among the runners.

Happy Running? Which trends do you participate in?  Are there any that you would not?

Yes, I am late to the party but when I run alone, I used to listen to music. But I got tired of the same old same old tunes and decided to try listening to podcasts – running ones, of course.

They are GREAT! Why did I wait so long?

Here’s five reasons why:

1. It’s like talking to a friend but they’re doing all the talking.
2. It’s educational.  You learn a lot by listening to other runners.
3. It’s makes the miles go by faster. I guess it’s like listening to an audio book while driving your car. You get so engrossed in the story that you forget the time.
4. It’s free.  You don’t have to buy anything and if you don’t like the one you’ve downloaded, just delete it.
5. There are so many to choose from. Just go to itunes and search for running and you’ll find one or ten to your liking.

So here’s are five that I would recommend:

• Ali on the Run Show – It’s fairly new. I’ve always loved her blog and I’ve enjoyed all the guests that she has interviewed so far. They last over an hour and I’ve used them during my long run. She will soon be adding shorter ones for weekday runs.

• Run This World – this one is done by Nicole DeBoom who is the founder of Skirt Sports. Her podcasts last as long as the average 5k run and her guests are so varied and yet motivating.

• I’ll Have Another – I can’t wait to listen to Lindsay’s guests – she interviews only women – some are well known but many are not. I am sure they all have a story to tell (about running.)

• The Runner’s  World Show and The Human Race – both put together by Runner’s World magazine. I haven’t listened to any yet but looking at the topics, I definitely plan to soon.

• Another Mother Runner – The Podcast – I’ve met these two women in person and they were very entertaining so I am sure that their podcasts are as well.

It’s Wednesday so I’m linking up with  Nicole and AnnMarie and Jen for the Wild Workout Wednesday…

and with Susie and Rachel and Debbie and Lora for the Running Coaches’ Corner.

Happy Running! Do you listen to podcasts while you run? Do you have any others to recommend?

It’s Friday and I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup!
Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

This week, the theme is FREE so I chose How to Run With a Slower Partner

It’s no secret that Judy, a frequent running partner, is slower than me.  She runs about 2 minutes per mile slower.  I don’t think she will be upset that I say this because she mentions it all the time.

after one of our summer runs together

But that doesn’t mean that I don’t run with her. I do and here’s what I recommend:

1. Run Slower

and it is easy to run slower when there’s snow on the ground…

It seems like a no-brainer. If you run with someone who runs slower, you have to run slower. Just consider it an easy run or a recovery run.

2. Split up the Run

I ran 2 more miles after our recent run together.

You can start earlier and get some faster miles done. Or you add some speedy ones afterwards.

3. Enjoy the scenery

Running with a slower runners is relaxing. You can walk and take photos and then sprint to catch up.

4. Make it the Exception not the Rule

If you run with a slower runner all the time, you will probably get slower yourself. So do your own thing most of the time. Do your strides, intervals or whatever you need to do improve your speed when you run by yourself.

5. Add a run with someone faster

Running with someone faster is always a challenge. But running with a faster runner helps you get faster.

So don’t give up your slower running friends.  After all, they are your FRIENDS!

Happy Running! Do you ever run with a slower runner?