Phedippidations

A conversation is an informal talk with someone about opinions, ideas, feelings or everyday matters.  A good conversation is an interaction between two or more people, where questions are either explicitly asked or implied.  For many of you, over the past four years you have been having a conversation with a middle aged, middle of the pack, slightly asthmatic fellow runner, but I assure you that that conversation was not one way.  And while I admit I’m not able to answer my emails as much as I’d like (not due to the increased listenership to this podcast I assure you; rather it’s a function of my work life getting in the way as it does) this episode, and those which I’ll produce a few times each year is my attempt to respond to things that are on your mind: to give you my impression, opinion, or researched response: because while I have been on the road for 10 years; in my mind: I’m still very much a newbie to this sport.  And as for being your running partner over these past four years: I feel it’s only pol

When summer rears its oppressive head of high humidity and heat, fellow runners must take to the road with the solar conditions in mind and heed the warnings to ensure a safe and comfortable run.  Acclimatization is an important precursor to taking to the hotter than usual roads, and the better our bodies can adapt to the heat, the greater our performance will be once we put these bodies to the test in a race. There will come a day when, here in the Northeast, the days will shorten, the leaves will fall and the cold harsh reality of winter will settle around us: but not today, because today the earth tilts sunward in our favor, today the road heats up and our bodies have to adapt to the time before us: because our running goes on despite the conditions that exist outside our doors: we are runners, this is what we do, and our bodies have the incredible ability to adapt to the climate which occurs here in the summertime. Show Links: Fdip Blog of the Week: The song “Summertime” was by Brother Love

The Bunion Derby was an event like no other, and there will never be another like it.  While there have been many cross continental races since 1928, none were organized in the way that C.C. Pyle had organized the event: it was an endurance race, a circus and a harsh and unforgiving competition.  In his book “C. C. Pyles Amazing Foot Race: the true story of the 1928 coast to coast run across America, by Geoff Williams, published by Rodale Press…the author writes “As difficult as his amazing foot race was, for all the car collisions and nervous breakdowns involved, calling it the Bunion Derby was never quite accurate.  As winter turned to spring in 1928, the runners suffered blisters, brusies, boils, shin splints, charley horses, sore toes, broken and fallen arches, corns and calluses: but not one of them developed a bunion.” Show Links:Fdip Blog of the Week: The song “Human Race” was by Darius Lux

There’s this rumor going around that distance runners are more prone to developing arthritis, a medical condition from by the Greek word “arthro” meaning joint and “itis” meaning inflammation.  Many non-runners and medical laypersons have assumed that the constant repetitive pounding forces on our joints, especially in the knees, as we run are too much for our bodies to absorb.  In this weeks episode I’ll go through some of the scientific medical research on the subject and present an answer to the question: are runners at higher risk for developing arthritis? NOTE: I didn’t want to make a huge deal out of it during this episode, but this marks my fourth year producing Phedippidations and I wanted to be sure to thank you, at least here in the show notes, for your friendship, kindness and support over these past 1,461 days since episode #1.  It continues to be an honor to run with you. Run long and taper! - Steve Show Links:Fdip Blog of the Week: Featured PodCast: “Run Yank Run”The song “Down to the Bone” by

From a small island in the middle of southern Maine’s Sebago Lake, I present for you my annual review of some of my favorite songs from the past year of Phedippidation episodes.  This week, I’m on vacation: giving my ankle a chance to heal and my soul a break from stress as I enjoy my family, lapping waves, a few good books and delicious wine. “Veni, Vidi, Vici” Show Links:“Terra Nova” by Jim Fidler at jimfidler.com.“Be Okay” by Ingrid Michelson at “Pizza Day” by Jonathan Coulton at “I Know You’re There” and “A Cautionary Tail” by Matthew Ebel at “Win At All Costs” by Man Bites God at “Run to Your Grave” by The Mae Shi at “Ones and Os” by Geoff Smith at “Broken Heart” by “Black Lab” at

Beware the contents of this episode, ye who come here to listen to the runner boy run!  In this episode, I go out for a run and just let my mind flow, talking about a few things that may or may not have to do with running. Of particular interest (to me at least) is the contemplation of the ship of Theseus’s, the discussion of which might may you say “Huh?” We are made of stuff that has a limited shelf-life, but most of the atoms in your body will be completely replaced in just 10 years time, and if you believe in an eternal life after this stuff we wear is gone; then you’ll not worry so much about these bodies of ours breaking down over time: because time is just a construct and we all have a limitless warrantee. Show Links: Fdip Blog of the Week: The song “What Are We?” by “Candygram for Mongo”

This episode is a review of a study published last month in the American Journal of Cardiology titled “Relation of Biomarkers and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging After Marathon Running”. We use terms and phrases such as “you’ve got to have heart” and “don’t go breakin’ my heart” as a reference to the symbolic vessel we have within us to harbor our capacity to love.  In reality the heart is an important organ, strategically located in the center of our bodies to provide oxygen rich blood throughout the vessels of our body as a means to sustain life.  While these bodies we inhabit are amazing creations, capable of running great distances…it’s important to take care.  We’re all soft and squishy creatures; resilient yet fragile, strong yet capable of suffering injury…when you pull a leg muscle or sprain an ankle: you can apply ice and deep massage: it’s not so easy to do that with our hearts. Training for any distance, any kind of race event: especially for distances like a marathon requires proper training;

As simple and exhausting as it sounds: running can be your purpose in life; and if you’re already a runner as I suspect you are: then running can be a purpose you can give to others, by asking them to join us: by making this sport a game, by thinking of it as play and by embracing a lifestyle that helps you to improve the duration and quality of your life. It’s short fellow runners, this life of ours is far too short…but it should be long enough; and when you find yourself with a purpose to live it, you’ll have savored each experience: you’ll have lived your life to the top, and you’ll have achieved the satisfaction of knowing that your life is not ruled by the random and chaos: your life has meaning, and above all your life has purpose. Show Links:The song “Buying Time” was by Great Big Sea

They called him Arthur “Greatheart” Newton.  He had been a runner in his twenties, but gave it up after a time, taking to the road again 12 years later when, at the age of 38, he ran his first Comrades Marathon.  His contribution to distance running is great in that he chose to use common sense to guide his training methods, rather than formulas found in books on the subject of running.  Dr. Tim Noakes, in his book “Lore of Running” outlines 9 of his principles of training that helped to guide Newton’s success in our sport, and revolutionized the way that coaches trained their athletes Show Links:Fdip Blog of the Week: Featured PodCast: Run Vegan RunThe song “Ghost In Your Mind” was by Black Lab

This is one of those strange podcast episodes that merges a little of my personal life (you’ll hear us picking up our new Dog Indiana and bringing him home) along with some practical tips about exercising your dog and this history of the beagle. It goes without saying that I have a lot to learn about dogs; and puppies specifically.  While my wife has always owned a dog, growing up: this experience is new to the rest of us in my household. Will I make mistakes: count on it: he’ll end up chewing all my running shoes, leaving squishy wet mementoes as he marks his territory around the house: both inside and out and will undoubtedly follow me around the house as I try to get some work done with the less than few hours that he’ll allow me to sleep, which might beg the question: is this all worth it? It is worth it to share your day with a creature who loves you unconditionally with all his heart, it is worth it to welcome into your home a being who constantly reminds you that it’s not the stress of life and work th

In this episode I present for you the major findings of Professor Daniel Lieberman of the Biological Anthropology department at Harvard University and Professor Dennis Bramble from the University of Utah in their 2004 paper published in the journal Nature titled “Endurance running and the evolution of Homo”.  In this paper, they make the powerful case that “The fossil evidence suggests that endurance running is a derived capability of the genus Homo, originating about 2 million years ago, and may have been instrumental in the evolution of the human body form.” We are by our very nature: endurance runners, meant to run for long distances. The evidence is overwhelming and conclusive: you and I were born to run. Show Links:Fdip Blog of the Week: Featured PodCast: Fifty Counting DownThe song “Evolution Rocks” was by Overman

A runner lives for the moment, and can rise to call of her or his own character to do what we know we have to do, for our bodies, for our training, for the promise we made to ourselves some time ago.  We will have bad days, we will be haunted by the memories of a 4:01:31 finish in Philadelphia back in November of 2007, and we’ll look to our next marathons where we dream of running a sub four…but still, on those icy, rainy, blisteringly hot and humid days when work was a nightmare and everyone wants to carve a little chunk out of us...we find ourselves lacing up our shoes and living the life of a runner: a life nothing short: of present defense. Show Links:Fdip Blog of the Week: Featured PodCast: Lagan Runner PodcastThe song “The Life I Am Trying to Find” was by Adam and the Walter Boys

Ours is a social network of fellow runners who are using new media and the power of what has become known as Web 2.0 – a second generation of web development and design that facilitates communication, collaboration and above all: sharing of thoughts, opinions, observations and yes, even rambling diatribes. There’s this question that philosophers and scientists, artists, writers and dreamers have asked for many centuries when they looked above into the heavens.  That question is this: ARE WE ALONE? The question is intended to inquire about the validity of the Drake equation and the possibility of intelligent life, or any life on worlds other than our own.  It’s a question that, in it’s asking, evokes a sense of loneliness, as if we are adrift on a tiny blue bubble in space, far from communities in distant galaxies.  If I had to guess, I’d say that there is life out there, and very likely intelligent life of some kind: I just don’t think our world and even the life that swarms upon it is entirely unique and spe

In this episode I will be completely honest and open up a little to tell you some things I’ve not previously revealed about me, and will run the 113th Boston Marathon with you.  A marathon is a very open, public and sincere physical event that puts you out there: for better or worse, revealing all of your weaknesses, as well as physical and mental pressure points.  A marathon forces you to face yourself in a very public and very introspective way. I wasn’t supposed to run this race, and when I was a child the kids on the playground who once laughed at me when I dropped the ball said that I could never do such a thing.  But today, I’m running a marathon…an event that is as much an analogy for life as anything you could cover in 26.2 miles.  It correlates perfectly mile after mile for every period of your life, from cradle to grave: and it gives you the opportunity to do something special, amazing, inspirational and impressive. Show Links:The song “Curra Road” was by Ger Wolfe The song “I’m Shipping up to Bost

I do not make my case here with an elitist attitude.  I make my case with sound facts which, from my perspective, lends evidence to the fact that the Boston Marathon is, without a doubt and lacking hesitation from my lips to your ears: THE WORLDS GREATEST MARATHON.I made a statement on this podcast, three years or so ago regarding why it is that I’m a runner.  Many reasons come to mind; but the one that always rises first and foremost in my thinking might not be one that others would expect from a soon to be twenty-time marathoner: I run because I love pizza and with Boston’s North End of wonderful Italian neighborhoods, from which my family is descended, I run towards Boston with the hope that there’s a slice waiting for me at the end.Show Links:Fdip Blog of the Week: Featured PodCast: Adam 20The song “Pizza Day” was by Jonathan Coulton

There’s something special that marks an elite athlete as a true running legend.  It’s more than just their athletic appearance, their healthy bodies and the way they carry themselves when they enter a room. A running legend is someone who has a very humble confidence.  Their eyes, voices and motions speak of having worked harder than most of us could ever imagine to reach a brief moment in their lives where they understood that they were experiencing something that only the very dedicated and passionate person could ever hope to experience.  They are living examples of what we could be as good animals and good human beings. Jacqueline Gareau is a running legend because she had that moment of glory stolen from her; but in her heart she knew what she had done that day.  Her running is her art, and she showed us on a Spring day in Boston the a true champion celebrates victory in her heart, holds nothing back, and forgives silly transgressions…and when it came to her sport, Jacqueline Gareau made running seem eff

Two key messages about the Boston Marathon Course: Hopkinton, Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Brookline, Boston.Head Away From Nature West Near Ballpark Boston. and Only 17% of the course climbs at a rate of greater than 1%.I’ve learned many lessons from this course.  The Boston Marathon has taught me to conserve on the downhills, and pace myself on the uphills.  It’s taught me to have humility amid the cheering crowds, to smile despite the pain gastronomical discomfort, to savor the race as if it were my last, and to celebrate the achievement no matter how physically and mentally exhausted I might be at the end. I’m not expecting to set a course PR or even come close to 4 hours in the 113th Boston Marathon.  I am expecting to enjoy the day, and appreciate my life all the more. Patriots Day will be a day to celebrate the successful completion of my 20th Marathon…a milestone of sorts that I can quite honestly feel proud of despite all the pain and weariness I’ve had to overcome.  Life is short

To run the 113th Boston Marathon with minimal preparation I have to condition my body for constant and repetitive motion for at least five hours.  What’s more, I must be able to carry the weight of my body on a gradual 16 mile course into Newton Lower Falls, up the hills of Newton and over a goofy little speed-bump, and finally down the other side past mile 22 with as much strength as I have left. Traditional marathon training programs begin with a base and gradually work up to build strength and endurance, so this training program, more than the race itself, is the real test of how well the maintenance miles I’ve been running can prepare me for a race like the Boston Marathon. Boston is more than just a race, and my efforts in these five weeks will be exhausting, painful, time consuming and demanding: but that’s what I’m compelled to do…and if there is such a thing as a siren song from the island of Sirenum Scopuli…the song I hear is coming from Hopkinton Massachusetts and I can’t help but show up on Patriot

Despite the scientific rational to the contrary, running in the morning as opposed to other times in the day has many personal benefits which may not seem obvious.  We are human beings, called to embrace each day with a vigor and enthusiasm that demands hard work and strenuous effort.  We are good animals, moving across the planets surface with purpose and power from the moment the sun rises over the horizon to enlighten our day.  We are runners, and the world is our race course: and once they turn on the lights with the rising of that big yellow star in the sky, it’s time to start the whole human race. Show Links:Fdip Blog of the Week:   Featured PodCast: The Quad Cast“Crazy in the Morning” by Brene Wilson at

The phrase “Taking it all in stride” means to get all you can get within a single step.  As runners, we have a special appreciation for longer, stronger strides in that they ensure faster speeds on the open road, and combined with more frequent strides, can turn our back and middle of the pack efforts into something closer to the front.  When we train, we are already prepared and pre-conditioned to expect speed work and strength work, long runs and the building on endurance: but within those efforts we also need to focus and dedicate ourselves to improving the quality of our natural strides…because it is in doing so that we improve our efficiency and speed in races and on the road. Show Links:Fdip Blog of the Week:   Featured PodCast: Dirt Dawgs Rambling Diatribe Podcast“Highway Run” by Charlie Wheeler Band