A few days ago, I ran the Jerusalem Marathon. As I lined up at the start line, I looked around and noticed the wide variety of runners around me; some were kitted out in compression socks and CamelBaks, and an interpid few wore nothing more than racing singlets and 2-inch split shorts in 52-degree weather. … Continue reading Assorted Thoughts on AirPods
The Next Web reports that running app Runkeeper was purchased by sneaker firm Asics. Runkeeper CEO Jason Jacobs wrote: When we look ahead, it seems clear that the fitness brands of the future will not just make physical products, but will be embedded in the consumer journey in ways that will help keep people motivated and … Continue reading Of Sneakers and Software
The Atlantic has a neat story about the increasing number of marathoners, and the corresponding increase in users of running apps. The apps can help runners find camaraderie with one another, but can also remove running’s stripped-down, essential nature. As a longtime MapMyRun user, I found that the article particularly resonant. Especially the following: “It has a … Continue reading Running with Tech
I’m an active runner, and I’m pretty committed to tracking my excursions. I’ve used MapMyRun for about two years, but just downloaded Strava in order to kick the tires a bit. There are dedicated running watches from Suunto, Garmin, and others, but, as I’ve written before, I’m hesitant about investing in one-use devices, especially when … Continue reading Running with the Apple Watch
Sneakers are notoriously subjective. Everyone has a unique body type, running style, and exercise environment. If Nike commercials and the “five-finger” movement are any indication, footwear companies have settled on a less-is-more philosophy, heavily pushing more minimalist footwear. Despite the subjective nature of sneaker advice, I’d like to offer some of my experience with a crossover … Continue reading Flyknits
On Friday, I crossed the one-thousand mile threshold for 2014. It’s pretty neat. I started running casually about four years ago, and seriously about two years ago. The introduction of running into my routine has been nothing short of transformational. Combined with diet modification, running helped me lose, and keep off, about 35 pounds since late-2012. … Continue reading One-Thousand Miles
As I’ve written in the past, I’m a big fan of MapMyRun, an extremely versatile fitness tracking app that works on both iOS and Android. I use the free version, since I don’t mind the occasional Reebok splash page when I finish my runs, and $30/year seems a little steep for additional functionality that I’m … Continue reading Just for Kicks
James Robinson writes in PandoDaily today about his fleeting love affair with fitness trackers. He notes that these one- or two- function bands are great at giving one a sense of quantified self, and perhaps some short-lived motivation, but not much more than that. In the long-run, they’re destined for the desk drawer, along with the … Continue reading Sitting, Waiting, Watching
I took up running about three years ago, and have typically been a fair-weather jogger. I’d run outdoors – and more specifically, NYC’s phenomenal Greenway along the Hudson River – but only between the months of March and November. During the winter months, I’d only run in weather above forty degrees, or otherwise hit the treadmill at my college gym. However, I find running on a treadmill tedious and occasionally stomach-twisting, and much prefer the outdoors, whenever possible. This year, I decided to venture outside during the winter months, and managed to squeeze out a few runs in 10-20 degree weather. Here are a few items I’ve found indispensable:
Silicon Spatula 