The Heat Is On… Tips to Stay Cool This Summer

For a lot of us, winter turned to summer in a blink of an eye as we found ourselves pulling off the leggings one day and digging for the shorts the next.  Even though this climate hastiness might have us scrambling for the self-tanner before our first outing, we should know by now that summer running comes with more important considerations – like staying cool amidst the often blazing temps.

Here are my top tips for staying cool on your runs this season:

1. Run Early – So what if you’re use to the 8am wake-up call.  The sun is shinning earlier this time of year which makes life a little easier getting out of bed when the temperatures are still cool.  Late risers should opt for evening outings.

2. Dress the Part – Booty shorts it up!  They were made short for a reason.  Unless you’re training for a sweat fest, put the winter wear away and stick to super light, ventilating pieces.

3. Hydrate – Before and after.  Boosting H2O prior to heading out for your run will help you regulate your body temperature better.  Plan on consuming 20-24fl oz water for every 1 lb lost during exercise.  If you aren’t weighing yourself pre and post workout – not something I’ve ever measured – take the rest of the day to continue hydrating, staying away from caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.

4. Cooling Aids – With the growth in technology, you think there would be something better than a good old fashioned ice bath.  But nothing beats cooling down with a full dunk in your local river, pool, shower or grocer’s walk in freezer.  Make sure to get your head and neck.  Relief is instant and will help core temps drop dramatically.

An Anniversary

“An anniversary (from the Latin anniversarius, from the words for year and to turn, meaning (re)turning yearly; known in English since c. 1230) is a day that commemorates and/or celebrates a past event that occurred on the same day of the year as the initial event.”

Couples, families, businesses, dogs and cats – we all have anniversaries come and go.  Some are joyous and mark a specific landmark in one’s life; a wedding, a birth or a health goal.  Others mark a loss, an injury, a change.  With each year that passes, we seem to reminisce about what that specific day meant and more so, how much time has gone by and how much growth accompanies it.

Anniversaries are a great way to take a moment to think back, but, remember to use them equally to ponder the present.  What can you commemorate today?

Location Changed for Rally 4 Riley Event this Saturday in Boulder

Updated flyer here.

Rally 4 Riley Fundraiser in Boulder this Saturday

Nike 6.0 and FREESKIER Present:

Rally 4 Riley

Take a pause for the cause and show your love for friend, partner and ski industry staple, Riley Poor, to help Riley get back on his feet. All proceeds from the door are going to fund Riley’s recovery.

• When: Saturday, May 2nd, 9pm – 2am
• Where: Bacaro, located @ 921 Pearl Street, Boulder, CO
• $10 donation (includes bracelet, and drink specials)

Santa Cruz Half Marathon A Beauty This Year

The sun was shining…the weather was sweet.  No fog or glum this year for Santa Cruz’s Half Marathon, held last Sunday, April 19th.  The weather couldn’t have been better.  The course- a 13.1 mile piece of heaven, out and back with 90% bordering ocean cliffs and a good 2.5 mile loop on dirt.  The temp. started to rise but the slight breeze made things tolerable for the most part.  Nothing beats the finish- a 2o yard sprint in the sand and the ultimate cool off pool- the very theraputic Pacific Ocean.  This one’s a winner.  Put it on the list for next year.

Race Season Here We Come

Yes, there are races all year- in the sun, in the snow, across the world.  But, here, in the U.S. of A., there is nothing like the first signs of Spring paired next to that first starting line since your last race.  It’s easy to get out of the groove and lose your rhythm, but there is nothing like committing to an event for you to get back on the horse and start things up again.  Racing is a key factor for keeping you accountable in your training/exercise regime.  Not only does it provide you with a solid goal to work towards, the race itself is always a true test of adrenaline and enjoyment.  The resources for events are endless, but check out a few of the favorites and mark your calenders.  Don’t forget- there is usually always free food and beer at the finish line.

Active: http://www.active.com/

Marathons and Half Maratons: http://www.mustrun.com/

MarathonGuide: http://www.marathonguide.com/

Rocky Mountain Sports: http://www.rockymountainsports.com/events/

The Big Bad Cough: Run. Rest. Recover.

Certain people have certain beliefs about what is the best way to heal.  Some go and invest hundreds into the wellness isle at Whole Foods while others go straight to the doctor, and some might just stay home and wait or even carry on unfazed.  Whatever type of sicky you may be, it’s never fun to be sick and especially if it interferes with your training schedule.  Answers are few and far between, but David Nieman, PhD might have the on you’re willing to listen to.  Nieman uses the “neck down” rule, basically granting permission for you to continue running if your symptoms are above the neck (sniffles, stuffy nose, etc.).  Below the neck is a no go.  We are talking chest coughs, bronchial infections- got it?!?  So, here is the predicament- just how long do you need to take time off?  Given the textbooks’ time frame for some of these viruses (8-10 weeks), the “listen to your body” rule comes back into play.  After proper rest, it might just be good to go run some of that junk out.  Time to get things moving again.

Rally For Riley Fundraiser THIS Saturday!

The 1st fundraiser for Riley Poor will be hosted this Saturday, Feb. 28th, at Sutra in Denver.  All door proceeds will go directly to Riley!  Please schedule this VERY important date into your weekend.  Make an appearance, join the Riley crew and enter the raffle for a chance to win some awesome swag.  Visit Riley Poor’s Recovery Blog for more info on upcoming events.

Donations For Riley Poor Fundraiser

The trek has begun and fundraising efforts are underway for Riley Poor.  Do you have something really cool that you would like to donate for the auction?  Are you someone really cool that wants to sign something for the auction?  If so, please email rallyforriley@gmail.com to help raise money for Riley’s medical expenses.  Riley is making his own personal updates (via his lovely girlfriend) on Riley Poor’s Recovery Blog, so check that out for up and coming events.

Direct donations can still be sent directly to:  Riley Poor   PO Box 4105   Boulder, CO 80306

Bob Knits: The Bobier Collection

Knits have a whole new meaning- couture and comfy.  bob knits is pioneering the fashion world with simple, elegant head-wear and more- from freeskiing mogul Simon Dumont to the runways of beautiful ladies, these one of a kind pieces are lucky to come by.  “Inspired by all the eccentric personalities that have come into my life over the years”, owner/designer/knitter Katrina Bobier has created a true art out of organic materials and individual style.  Whether you pick up a Lindi Lid or Rose Hood, you are guaranteed to experience a soft, warm style that is handmade in Colorado or NY- depending on where Bobier sits down to make it.  Order now… this is too good to be true! www.bobknits.com