I’ve recently found myself with more time at night this summer so I decided to check out some local running clubs.  I found out that I could attend a different running club within 3 miles of my house every weeknight!  This week I attended 4 different running club events and met some really interesting people at each of them.  There was the guy with a plaque by his table at the restaurant where the running club meets signifying his 17 years of attendance.  That’s dedication.  There was the Div-III University track coach telling stories about elite runners’ personalities.  I met a writer who had recently published a popular book about Eagle Scouts, which I am one, along with my two brothers and father, called Spirit of Adventure.  I met the country club physical therapist who told me not to go to the physical therapists for my knee injury because I could do the exercises on my own without paying for it.  I even met a running shoe store employee who said the best thing for runners is to just run and stop worrying about the exact type of running shoes they wear.  All very interesting people and I definitely learned a lot from all the runners I met.  I really enjoyed myself and plan to continue to attend these social running clubs for the rest of the summer.  Other than the fact that I’m doing it, here are some other reasons to do some social running and attend your local running club runs:

Safer: Most of our routes were on city side streets.  With my recent knee issues I try to run on asphalt as much as possible which was easy to do when running in a group.  Cars seem to slow down and give you the right away, making running in a group much safer.  Plus you get an excuse to why you aren’t running on the sidewalk.  We have too large of a group!

Conversation Substance: As you can see from my intro paragraph I really enjoyed the conversations I had during and post group runs.  Runners all have a pretty universal personality that usually involves being awesome at all aspects of life which makes for some interesting conversations.  I have found that conversations at bars and other social events are usually pretty dumb and lack substance.  Think recapping a television show or movie.  So converse with some runners if you are looking for conversations with more substance.

Increases Motivation: It’s like the Army, you do something you may not want to do if you think other people are counting on you.  How many of the men and women in the Armed Forces do you think care about securing Iraq?  They’re there fighting for their buddies, because their buddies are counting on them.  A running club works the same way.  You know other runners are counting on you to be there, to help them, push them, and socialize.  You don’t want to let them down do you?  No, you’re a runner.

Improved Performance: I always run faster when running with someone else, but not because I am competing with them.  I usually allow the other person to set the pace, always staying a half-step back.  But people just run faster when they are running with others.  I’m not sure why, but it works.

Expand Your Social Circle: See first paragraph.  I love meeting interesting people who are different than me but share some similar interest.  Running club attendees are a perfect fit!

New Running Routes: Even though the clubs started in my area, I ran some new routes that I had never run before.  I had run in these areas before, but hadn’t taken specific back streets that make up the running clubs’ named routes.  I got to see my local neighborhoods in a more intimate setting.  I also saw 3 houses I considered buying a year ago in a neighborhood close to where I eventually bought and all of those houses were still for sale.  Glad I made the right choice…I think.

Seems Quicker: The time running seems to go quicker when you are socializing.  Don’t get me wrong, I love to think when I run but sometimes you just need to socialize and run, not worrying about anything else.

You don’t necessarily have to join a running club to enjoy social running but it does make it easier.  At the very least, grab a friend and go for a run.  It’s a great way to socialize, keep you motivated, and expand your running prowess.  You’ll be more serious about your running!

No this isn’t about sitting on a copier bare butt.  Although, that is fun.  Butt Prints 5K Run & Walk is the next race in the 2009 B.A.R.E. Butt Chasers East Coast Race Series.  It only takes running two events in the series to qualify for this amazing vacation prize!  So on July 4th celebrate our nation’s independence by running naked through the woods at Steph’s Pond in Williamson, New York.  Leave your footprint in this back to nature setting race.

There are some other things to bare in mind (pun intended) about nude running, which conveniently spells out B.A.R.E. for ease of memory.  B:  Behavior:  It’s your ticket to returning to future events.  A:  Always was a first time for all of us to BARE (like when you were born).  R:  Run or walk with other like-minded social recreational nudists who have no body judgments.  E:  Enjoy and have fun.  This adventure will last you a lifetime.  I know it has for me.  I ran a nudist 5K a couple of years back and I still tell people about it today.  It’s one of the most interesting things I’ve done.  You don’t become the “Most Interesting Man in the World” by running with your clothes on like typical runners.

Go ahead and get your early registration in by June 12th for $25.  After that the price increases to $30.  Entry fee, $30 dollars.  Gas to race, $14 dollars.  Striving to become the Most Interesting Man in the World?  Priceless.  Be more interesting and give running nude a try and this great race!

Happy National Running Day!  I don’t believe I’m here working today.  That’s dedication.  You think Santa Claus works on Christmas or Dr. Ruth works on Valentine’s Day?  I didn’t think so.  But I’m here, working for you.  Well, you and Running.  I love her and try to treat her well.  Everyday is National Running Day in my house.

Yesterday I came across a cool Time magazine interview with Chris McDougall, ultramarathon runner and writer.  In it he discusses his new book, Born to Run, along with some misconceptions about running and the simple running techniques of the Tarahumara Indians.  Sorry, Chris, but you’re a little late to the Tarahumara Indian party bro.  I think there may still be some peace pipes lying on the floor somewhere though.

The quote in the interview with Chris McDougall that struck me the most was, “You won’t find a 4 year-old on this planet that doesn’t like to run.  Why?  Because they haven’t been told it’s a workout.”  It’s so true.  Once you are told something is work you don’t enjoy it.  Well let me tell you now, running is not work.  I run because I love it and I think you should too.  You already have a job, why create more work for yourself?

I encourage you on this day of celebration to get out there and run.  That’s all that National Running Day is about.  Well, that and an excuse for the running industry to push running and running related products to you.   Note:  SeriousRunning.com is included in the running industry; so check out our trail runs, races, running shoe reviews, mapping tool, and much more! That’s right, I just linked “much more.”  We all know that Hallmark rules the world anyway.  Stop trying to fight it.  I bet you spent over 10 dollars this morning getting all of your “Happy National Running Day” cards before work (not to be confused with running, which is not work).  I chose a card that said, “Let’s go running together!”  And on the inside it reads, “I know of some great Trails to run that will make you Happy!”  Love,  Chris Barber, HeadRunner, SeriousRunning.com.  Hold on to that signature.  It’ll appreciate.

The thing that I also like about Chris McDougall is that he is a social runner.  We are all runners.  No matter what our abilities are.  We just like to run and share that with each other.  He talks about an ultra marathon race in which racers stopped to help a competitor that was ill.  What other sport are you going to find that?  In baseball they recently chastised an opposing team dugout for bracing an opponent that was about to fall on his head catching a fly ball.  In football players talk about wanting to inflict pain on each other.  In basketball, players even jump in the stands to fight with fans, Mr. Ronnie Artest.  Running isn’t that way.  Every hard fought race I have ever run the competitors have given each other high fives afterward and talk about, “Man, I was dieing on that uphill.  Way to charge up it.”  Once I even told another runner I was racing against on a 10K trail race, “Dude, I went out way too fast.  I was dieing on mile 2 but when I heard you gagging like you were throwing up I knew I at least wasn’t as bad off as you.  So I tightened up my breath and passed you.”  Running is cool like that.  Maybe that’s the difference between runners and other athletes.  All of us are hurting.  All of us are pushing ourselves to the limit.  You have to respect that even if you are competitors.  No matter if you limit is a 25 minute 5K or a 30 minute 10K, you are still pushing yourself to the max.

That is what National Running Day is to me.  Pushing yourself to run to the Max.  Not to be confused with running to the burger restaurant on ‘Saved by the Bell.’  Although, when the teacher pops a test and you know you’re in a mess because the dog ate all your homework last night.  Write a note in your chair that says, ‘I’m going for a run’ and trust me, everything will be alright.  Running will make you feel better, even if you aren’t as fast as Zach Morris.  So get out there are celebrate National Running Day by just running, Screech Powers.

Many races have the tag-line “Classic” but the Baltimore Women’s Classic 5K is true to the namesake.  The Baltimore Women’s Classic 5K has a storied history dating back to 1976.  Since then thousands of women have participated in Baltimore’s premiere all-women’s race, the competitive (also known as serious) and those out for a fun morning run with friends.  All race proceeds support women’s causes.  The race is intended to celebrate life, fitness, and the power that lies inside each women to take control of her health.  In 2008, the race attracted 1,200 women and the 2009 goal is to break 1,500 participants!  Be a part of this classic, growing, women’s 5K and help it achieve its goal!

This is a great race course winding through Northwest Harbor beginning and ending at the Baltimore Museum of Industry. Runners will run by Fort McHenry, Latrobe Park, and Southside Marketplace on this scenic 5K course.  If you are a first time runner then this is the perfect 5K to start you on your way to becoming a serious runner.  The Balimore Women’s Classic 5K provides some great training programs with the goal to provide fun, inexpensive, and supportive workouts to encourage women to embark on a lifelong program of fitness.  There are training groups for all types of runners from beginning walkers to intermediate runners.  Join one of these groups and develop a passion for running you will carry with you for the rest of your life.  Then you can run the Baltimore’s Women’s Classic 5K every year and become part of the tradition.

If you would like to socialize more than training runs with other women runners like yourself then participate in some of the pre-race events.  Tomorrow night, June 3rd, race participants along with friends and family will be meeting at Mt. Washington Tavern at 6:00 pm for music and drinks, plus a raffle and prizes.  You could be a winner before even starting the race!  If you don’t plan on running the race but would still like to support the Baltimore Women’s Classic 5K then come out to Camden Yards for the Orioles vs. Braves for only $13.00! Bring a friend and support the race without even breaking a sweat!

So get ready to have some fun and participate in the state’s largest Women’s 5K!  You can register online until June 20th or send a paper registration via standard mail postmarked by June 19th.  But don’t wait that long, register online or have your mail registration postmarked by June 8th and the entry fee only $25.00.  You may register at any packet pick-up site or on race day starting at 6:30 am for $30.00.  Also bring the family along for this family affair.  There will be a co-ed kids fun run for ages 8 and under with an emphasis on fun at the conclusion of the 5K race.  You can register your kids when you register yourself, too easy.  Your kids will recieve a cool medal that will go great with your race T-shirt!

Bring the family and enjoy an awesome day at the Baltimore Women’s Classic 5K, but you don’t have to just take my word for it.  See what previous participants have to say about this fun Women’s event.  So go ahead and get out there, get running, and get fit!

Cheating happens in all types of races; however, marathons seem to be a prime target of cheating runners.  Perhaps this is because the long distances make it easier to cut the course, the high prestige of doing well in these races, or the large size of participants which makes it easy to blend in the crowd.  Whatever the reason, the fact is, there have been and always will be people who try to cheat in marathons.

The most famous marathon cheater, Rosie Ruiz, cheated is the most famous race, the Boston Marathon, in 1980 by riding the subway and running the last mile to the finish line.  She was able to break the tape, be awarded her medal for being the top female finisher, and be interviewed by reporters.  Those are some great incentives to cheat.  More recently, the fitness group and charity partner of the Marines Corp Marathon, JeansMarines admitted to helping at least eight of their participants cut the marathon course so they could reach their goal of getting from the couch in January to finishing a marathon in October.  Personally I think they should have just stayed on the couch rather than cheat.  However, JeanesMarines helped them cheat because they wanted to help their clients achieve their goals in order to continue to conduct a successful business.  Perhaps another runner’s goal is not to merely finish a race but to run fast enough to qualify for a larger marathon such as the Boston Marathon.  Take Hassan Ibrahim for instance, the University of Minnesota physician who had run the Twin Cities Marathon numerous times without being able to qualify for Boston.  So he gave his race bib number and timing chip to a friend who could run a faster qualifying time.  Then Hassan used that time to register for the Boston Marathon in his own name before race officials found that he had cheated in the Twin Cities Marathon.  Cheating seems counter-cultural to people who typically run marathons.  So why do people cheat in races?

It could be to gain monetary winnings or to simply gain respect from family and friends; however, the incentives for people to cheat should not be the question, but rather, ‘How can race officials provide incentives for runners not to cheat?’  Every system will be gamed, it is more important how race officials develop incentives for runners to not want to game the system.

Before the race, race officials can use race bibs that are difficult to alter.  Use of holograms or other intricate graphic designs on race bibs will deter potential cheaters from fabricating their own race bib in order to have a lower seeded number.  Also, race officials should monitor online exchange websites like craiglist for people trying to sell their race bibs.  Race officials can contact these sellers and remind them the rules and regulations of bib transfer for their race or take further action.

Once the gun sounds and the race begins the best way to deter cheaters is to place timing chip locations throughout the course in undisclosed locations.  In order to be a cheater you must think like a cheater.  Think about where someone may try to cut a loop short by running down a side street or an easy entry and exit point for a cheater to use undetected.  Once you determine possible course cutting locations, place the timing mats.  Also, place race officials as snipers close to these entry and exit points to monitor runners.  Place snipers as high as possible above the race course armed with high strength optical lenses.  These snipers will be able to view the race course undetected as runners are focused on what is in front of them and very rarely look up.  Lastly, go old school and set up video cameras in addition to the normal race photographers at different spots on the race course.  Although, RFID tag mats are the most efficient way to catch cheaters, video is often needed to deter against runners running in other people’s race bibs to attain qualifying times.  These runners cross every tag mat but only pictures will tell who really ran the race.

It’s difficult to understand why exactly people would cheat in a marathon.  These runners are first cheating themselves but are also cheating everyone else in the race who did the training and worked hard to accomplish their goals.  Race officials can’t stop people from being cheaters, but they can deter runners from cheating in their races.  Cheaters never win, well, maybe initially Rosie, but eventually they’ll be caught.

The SkirtChasers Race Series is taking their skirt chasing to Chicago, IL on June 13th.  If you live anywhere in the Chicago area then you need to run this great time 5K event.  It doesn’t matter if you are a serious runner or a serious walker, if you like to have fun then this is the race for you.  The SkirtChasers 5K race is unique because the women are given a 3 minute head start of the men, then the men take off chasing down the skirts.  If you are a serious runner, 1st place prize receives $500 regardless of gender.  Finally, men and women are treated equally…well, except for the 3 minute head start given to the women.  Currently the score is 6-3 female to male winners, so no matter what sex you are, you have a chance to win this race.  Don’t plan on winning?  Well then recruit your fastest opposite gender friend and race to be the first couple to cross the finish line together hand and hand for a free pair of native eyewear shades.  You’re future is so bright.  Even less of a serious runner than that?  You still may win something!  Other than cash prizes to the top 3 finishers overall, there will be special “Skivvies Awards” awarded to the “most likely to make out at the water station” or possibly for simply being bib number “69!”  There are so many possible ways for you to be a winner!  Although, everyone’s a winner at the SkirtChasers races.

Why?  Because once you cross the finish it is time for a block party that is like no other block party.  And no, not because the party area is shaped like an oval or something.  The SkirtChasers – Chicago is a great social atmopshere with the single people wearing stickers, live music, and free Barefoot Wine and Dos Equis to race finishers.  Go ahead, dare to be the most interesting man in the world.  The post race block party will also feature free food and live music by Debe Welch in this awesome happy hour atmosphere.  Happy Hour on a Saturday?  Oh, yes.  Other entertainment include the DriLex fashion show, “all the way down to your skivvies” which will feature SkirtSports and SkirtChaser products, emceed by Nicole DeBoom, the hilarious founder and president of SkirtSports and the SkirtChaser Race Series.   Also, hang out and watch the comically akward dating game.  And you thought drinking alcohol, listening to music, and conversing with the opposite sex was entertainment enough.  Don’t worry either, the party won’t stop, the post party follows into the night.  Chics dig sweaty dudes fo sho.

So get out there and meet some fun, active people of the opposite sex at the SkirtChasers – Chicago.  Register online from now until June 10th.  You can also avoid the higher race day registration fees by registering at Runner’s High ‘n Tri.  If you miss all of these ways to register then you can still register on race day starting at 2:30 at the EXPO.  There are many different options for race packages depending on what type of SkirtChaser products you want to recieve, so check them out and decide which one best fits you.

Stop complaining, get out there, meet and have fun with other runners just like you!  Trust me, you’ll thank me for it later.