Runtastic

There's a growing amount of web based tools and websites to help the runner. One I've just been introduced to is runtastic. Track your runs, get apps if you have a Garmin, Android or iPhone and lots of other stuff. The site looks good and could be a decent site, well worth using. I've added a permanent link on the blog.

What happened in their first year? Some facts:

• runtastic mobile sports tracking apps were launched on the iPhone (nov. 2009), Android (apr. 2010) and Blackberry (aug. 2010).
• runtastic sports platform was launched as beta (dec. 2009).
• runtastic was chosen as the best app in Austria.
• On July 8^th 2010 (Re-launch of the sports portal) the runtastic iPhone Pro app (for free on this day) reached the first place in the category Health & Fitness in more than 25 countries (amongst others big countries we reached #1 in US, UK, FR, GE, IT,)

What happens next in the up coming year?

• runtastic apps on more mobile operating systems
• Connect to sports watches (e.g. Garmin Forerunner 405)
• Heart rate integration on more platforms
• Creation of training plans and extension of the sports portal
• More languages for mobile apps and sports portal

Why you should splurge on shoes

Here's an article that tells why you should never skimp on your running shoes amongst other things

A friends first half-marathon

My web design buddy from Philadelphia just ran his first half marathon. Here's how he found it

Rain brings a run alive

So went out on my normal route (25'21) so a bit off my pb but there was traffic. I think I can go much faster, need to dig in.

Anyway, it was warm, humid and then the rain came. I can't get myself out for a run if its already raining. Just can't do it. But if I'm running and the rain comes down (especially in the summer) it just feels great. It revitalises you, makes you feel like you're living and achieving. The senses quicken, touch on your skin as rain mixes with sweat, cooling you, muddying you, refreshing you.

Loved it.

I love running

I love running, and while I don't want my identity to be in that and all that jazz. Every now and then you see something that is just cool. This made me want to go out for a run, which I did last night and this morning. Made me want to buy the product too, but I haven't done that yet.

Just very tired

So for the last few weeks I've done hardly any running. I have been so tired. Work has been busy, life has been challenging, evenings have been full. In the mornings I can barely open my eyes and by the evening I'm hungry and shattered.

So nothing for the last couple of weeks. Then on Sunday this happened and I suddenly have two weeks paternity break. So last night I went out and ran. Not far, just the usual 3.43 miles and went for it hard. I was minutes quicker for the first two thirds but came in at 25'59 so must have faded pretty badly over the last third.

Still it was a decent time and good to get some of the cobwebs out. Lets see if I can rediscover the running groove!

Rodney's Pillar

Rodney's Pillar is an odd thing in Shropshire commemorating as it does a naval victory by Admiral Rodney. His boat was made of wood from the area so we thought 'I know why not stick a pillar on top of a hill'.

In keeping with silly ideas, every year there's a race up and down this hill, 3.9 miles in total. It's a bit tough.

2009 was my first entry and I finished almost last in 66th place in a time of 36'20.
I was determined to improve upon that this year and managed a slightly more respectable 50th place in 34'17.

As it was a handicap race I won a prize - a nice little England Lion! But knocking 2 minutes off a time was a big plus.