Book Review: The Long Walk by Stephen King

The Long Walk by Stephen King

Yes, it's fiction and No, it's not about running.

But, it is about a race.

Non-Pertinent Information:

1. My only experience with Stephen King previous to this book was a book on CD that my friend Pony gave me to listen to on my drive home from Myrtle Beach one year. Here's how conversation went...

Me: "Night Shift, huh? It sounds scary. Is it scary?"

Pony: "Not really. It's a bunch of short stories. You'll like it."

Me: "I do like short stories. But, it's Stephen King. Doesn't he write scary books? I don't like scary."

Pony: "He does, but this is just a bunch of short stories."

What he should have said was THIS IS BUNCH OF SCARY ASS STORIES. TOTALLY INAPPROPRIATE FOR YOUR PANSY ASS TO LISTEN TO ON A LONG ROAD TRIP BY YOURSELF.

It's a nine hour drive.

The X is where I started listening.

The O is where I stopped listening.

The jagged lines are where I assumed the search party

would look to find my mangled, dead body.

2. After that experience and only knowing about his books that were turned into movies (the Shining, Carrie, It, etc...), I just assumed that Stephen King only wrote books that would terrify me and keep me up at night. I don't like being terrified.

On my last long run before the marathon, The KoB brought up the book The Long Walk. I'm not even sure how it started, but he started describing it to me and I thought it sounded really terrible and weird. I'm not into Dystopian Fantasy. I'm a fuddy duddy that doesn't like to stretch my imagination to believe something out of the box. So, I wrote it off.

But something about that conversation nagged at me. I think it was probably something to do with the fact that The KoB said he just about always thinks about the book in some way or another during a long race/run and it had been YEARS since he read it. So, I checked it out from the library fully expecting to not like it. But, wow. I loved it and can't stop thinking about it.

The tagline on the old copy above says:

In a future America the Marathon is the ultimate sports competition- a novel of chilling, macabre possibility.

The premise is this: The Long Walk is a yearly endurance competition for teenage boys. There is only one winner and the losers... well... let's just say they REALLY lose. If you're like me and love spoilers, you should read the book review on amazon, but otherwise... just check the book out from the library and dive in.

Since the plot is so simple: uhhh.. it's a walking competition, you can really just get into the minds of the characters. It's amazing. Their attitudes at the beginning, the middle, the end and how they change and how the competitors relate to each other. And OF COURSE, the competition is a metaphor for life.

As a runner, I couldn't read it without thinking about racing and running. Like... how much harder could I push? What would happen if I kept going, even when when I thought I couldn't? What is stronger... my mind or my body? Also, if my life had depended on it, could I have ran a 3:34 in Baton Rouge? OH THE QUESTIONS.

The bottom line is this... I finished the book almost a week ago and I'm still thinking about it. It's really good. You should read it and then tell me what you think the ending was because according to The KoB and Wikipedia I read the ending wrong and went all deep shit and read too much into it.

Book Review: Raw Food Life Force Energy

I realize the timing of this post is rather interesting. A book about juicing and raw food immediately following a post about my continued dominance of the Beer Mile? Welcome to my life.

Last July I read a book that changed my life and my body:

Raw Food Life Force Energy: 

Enter a Totally New Stratosphere of Weight Loss,

Beauty and Health by Natalia Rose.

Longest book title ever.

A couple of disclaimers first:

1. You may think I'm one of those people that goes around emphatically telling people all the time that something has seriously CHANGED MY LIFE. Well, you're right, I am exactly one of those people. But, I don't just say it willy nilly. The things that I claim to have changed my life... Running, My Yoga Trip to Mexico, Biscoff Spread, Becoming a Vegetarian, Getting a Proper Bra Fitting... they legitimately have changed my life. (I'm only kidding about the biscoff spread. Kinda).

You see, I'm pretty open to things, and I think that creates an opportunity for things to really impact and change my life. So, yeah, I kinda say that a lot. But, it's sincere. A lot of things are life changing to me!

2. I've read a SHIT TON of diet books and tried a SHIT TON of diets in my life. So, I know the feeling you're having right now. OMG. Another fucking blog post about some diet/healthy lifestyle bullshit. Snooze. But, I never did a blog post about my Fruitarian phase a couple summers ago and I've never even blogged about being a vegetarian. So, it's not like I'm constantly writing blog posts about diets and claiming them to be the one. And I'm not going to do that here, either. I realize that this lifestyle isn't for everyone. It's probably not even for most people. But, it's working for me. And after a year of healthy success, I feel like maybe you guys want to hear about it.

*****

The changes I've experienced since reading the book and implementing some of the concepts into my life:

1. Energy. Seriously, I have a boatload of more energy than I used to have. In the past, every afternoon around 3pm you would find me banging my head against my desk trying to stay awake. Not anymore. Now I just power through my day like a champion.

2. Sweet tooth reigned in. I used to have a RAGING sweet tooth. Constant cravings of sweets, we're talking visceral cravings. Those are pretty much a thing of the past. Sure, I occasionally still want sweets, but it's not some deep craving that feels like a bottomless pit of desire.

3. My attitude towards food has completely changed. I no longer diet. Or even think about dieting. I kinda of just have this routine that works for me and I really enjoy the food that I'm eating and it really satisifies me. And, if I want to go out and stuff my face with mexican food and beer, I do. (Uh... like once a week, usually).

4. Without trying one iota, I dropped 20 pounds in a year. I had been stuck around 150-155 pounds for the past 5 years or so (with a really healthy diet for the last couple of those years). I'd occasionally lose 10 pounds if I severely restricted my diet, but then as soon as I went back to trying to eat normal I'd gain them back. When I read this book, I decided that maybe 150-155 was the weight that I was just meant to be. I wasn't thrilled about it. But, if I couldn't keep those last few pounds off without severe dieting, then what else could I do? I decided to just accept who I was and move on. And now, a year later I'm in the 130-135 range. I think I finally found the way to eat that my body responds to. And I think I'm just naturally settling into the weight that I'm supposed to be.

5. I now eat chocolate everyday. Every night, I have a square or two (or yeah, sometimes 3) of dark chocolate. I started out eating the 72%, but now I've moved up to the 88%. If you'd told me that I'd be 135 pounds and eating chocolate everyday, I would have laughed in your face.

6. I haven't been sick in a year. I think that juicing has had a powerful effect on my immune system (knock on wood).

Instead of going through the changes I've made to the way I eat and boring you all to tears. I'm just going to tell you that if you're opened-minded and you already eat pretty healthy, but you feel like you just aren't operating at your maximum potential. Then at least check this book out of the library. (That's what I did). You may read it and think that it's totally poppycock... but, you might also find a few things in there that might just change your life, too. Now, if you're judgmental and stubborn and think that hippies are whack, then move right along...

Like I said before, it's definitely not for everyone. It requires a bit of a commitment and it's kind of expensive (I spend $50/week on juices alone) and some of the concepts are the complete opposite of what every other healthy lifestyle book will tell you. But, I wish someone had told me about juicing, and this book, and this lifestyle a LONG time ago.

If you have any questions about the specifics, feel free to email me.

And now back to our regularly scheduled blogging of running and drinking (occasionally at the same time).

Book Review: Eat & Run: My Unlikely Journey to Ultramarathon Greatness

Or... Why Scott Jurek and I are meant to be BFFs.

When I found out that Scott Jurek had a book coming out, I preordered that shit as quickly as possible and FINALLY last week, I got it! And... it only took me 3 days to read it.

Eat & Run: My Unlikely Journey to Ultramarathon Greatness

by Scott Jurek with Steve Friedman

Before I read the book, I knew there were 3 things that I loved about Scott Jurek:

1. He likes to run. A lot.
2. He's a vegan.
3. He's friends with Dreamboat:

 I'd travel down the road and back again.

Those three things are good enough for me to be like... yeah, he'd be a cool dude to share a beer with.

But, after reading the book, I am now completely convinced that he and I were meant to be BFFs. Let me count thy ways:

1. He likes to run. A lot. - Me too. Most of the time.

2. He's vegan. - Me too. Most of the time.

3. He's friends with dreamboat. - I WANT to be friends with dreamboat.

4. He does yoga. - Me too. 

5. He meditates. - Me too.

6. He's into existentialism. Me too. When we stop talking about running, Dreamboat, and vegan burrito recipes, we can discuss authenticity and despair in my favorite book, The Moviegoer!

7. He's into Pranayama. - Me TOO! Nadi Shodhana 4ever!

8. He's into inspiring quotes (or at least there's one at the start of every chapter)- Me TOO! I've got them posted all over the place. There's even a Rumi quotation in the book. DUDE. I LOVE Rumi.

Scott, call me. Seriously.

My heart is true. I'd be a pal and a confidant.

Okay, I should probably give a REAL book review, instead of talk about how I became Scott's #1 Superfan after reading this book.

When I ordered the book, I was kind of afraid that it was going to be 200+ pages about how great a vegan diet is. And, while I'm very passionate about and interested in veganism, the idea of reading 200+ pages JUST ABOUT THAT sounded pretty terrible. And while yes, there is a vegan recipe at the end of every chapter, and he does discuss how he became a vegan and how it's affected him as an athlete, in general, the book isn't a diet book. (whew).

 And if you threw a party and invited everyone you knew...

You would see the biggest gift would be from me.

He starts the book talking about his family and home life as a kid growing up in Minnesota. His dad was a total hardass, his mom was awesome, but eventually got sick and Scott was kinda forced to grow up a little quicker than most kids. It sounded tough, and you definitely get a sense that the struggles in his childhood fuel him today.

The most enjoyable parts of the book for me were the "race recaps." Most of the chapters are about a particular race. And while yeah, a lot them are about races he wins and sets the course record in, he also talks about races he doesn't finish (DUDE! I've had a DNF, too!), so it's not entirely... hey look how awesome I am!

 

The book is really well written. Kudos to Scott for finding a good sportswriter, Steve Friedman, to actually write the book for him.

And the card attached would say...

Thank you for being a friend.

If you have any interest in trail running or ultra running, or hell... I'd say running in general, then I'd definitely pick this book up.  I wouldn't necessarily say it's inspiring... because, he's a way tougher guy than I could ever be and obviously has natural talent that I lack. But, it's like... we all know that one guy/girl in our running community (cough KoB cough), that has done a shit ton of cool races and works his/her ass off running and training... and all you want to do is sit down with them and pick the shit out of their brain. You want to ask them every detail about every race, how they trained, how they fucking gutted it out and finished, but you don't want to seem like a creepy stalker. So, you can read this book and while it's not the same as sitting down one on one with a badass... it's still a great read.

I'll end the review with my favorite quotation from the book:

The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places. 

-Ernest Hemingway.

 Oops. How'd Dreamboat get on here again?

Book Review: Born to Run

Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Super Athletes, and The Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen. By Christopher McDougall

The whole review should just be: GO OUT AND BUY THIS BOOK, OR CHECK IT OUT AT THE LIBRARY, NOW. But, I feel like some of you might need some persuading, because honestly... the book title and image didn't really do it for me initially, either.

A couple of months ago, Vandy-Montana told me he was reading a book about running and that it was really good. I was intrigued... until I started to get e-mails and phone calls from him wherein he discussed such things as...

--Some kind of funky ass tribe down in Mexico
--Barefoot Running
--Vegetarianism/Veganism and how it can pertain to running.

Do what? Are you freaking kidding me? What a snooze and hippie-fest, I thought. When he told me that I had to read it myself and that he would let me borrow it when I got to Montana, I was less than thrilled.

He handed me the book and I went in with LOW expectations. I expected to be totally bored (a tribe in Mexico?? Not my thing to read about) and totally skeptical (barefoot running? come on). But, from the minute I started the book, I was hooked. It reads like a novel and is one of the most fascinating books I've ever read.

First of all, this might be a little incoherent as a book review, but it's only because the book is so good that it's hard to really condense it down into something easily understandable (and I'm just so damn excited about it, that I have a hard time getting my thoughts lined up). Now, this review should be taken with a wee bit of salt (or, if you're like me and apparently have high blood pressure now, take some Ms. Dash with the review), because at the time of reading it...

• I was embarking on my biggest running feat yet, the back to back marathons (in case I haven't bragged about that enough yet)
• I was also noticing that my feet (which are usually the only thing that give me any trouble these days) were feeling mighty awesome lately despite high mileage weeks and over 800 miles on my shoes
• I have been constantly running into really fast runners who were vegetarians, vegans, or raw foodies... so much so, that I had started cutting back a little on meat and incorporating a few raw meals into my diet a week, just to see if I could tell any difference in my running (easy to do in the summer with all the summer veggies available).
  

I don't really want to reveal a whole lot about the book, because I want you to read it and go into with a clean slate... but I'd like to talk a little bit about my favorite things about the book...

• I loved the sections about ultrarunning and the Leadville 100. I had no prior knowledge of that race or of it's participants like the amazing Ann Trason. I was fascinated reading through those sections of the book and it made me dream of ONE day, maybe doing something LIKE the Leadville 100.
  
• Speaking of ultras and trail running and amazing people... all the characters in the book (do you call real people like, Scott Jurek, a character when they're in a book?) are so interesting and so talented and so inspiring. Although, I must admit... I feel a little more akin to Jenn Shelton (an amazing ultrarunner) who seems to exist on this lifestyle of partying hard and running hard. She can drink all night and pop up the next day ready to tackle miles and miles of trails. I heart Jenn Shelton and I want to be just like her when I grow up. (Well, I won't be as fast as her, plus, I'm not really the fighting drunk type).
  
• "If it feels like work, you're working too hard." So. Freaking. True. One of the main themes in the book is that running should be enjoyed. If you're running just to burn off calories or just to PR in a race, then you're not really tapping into what running really can be. If you're running because it makes you happy, and you find yourself grinning from ear to ear randomly after running 15 miles (this happens to me around mile 15 of just about every marathon), if you're truly enjoying yourself, then that's when running is magical. I mean, you have to admit... we're all guilty of going out for a run on a rest day, because we feel fat. And think about it... are those runs EVER enjoyable? No. (My runs like that ALWAYS suck total ass).
• Shoes. I don't really want to get into a whole big thing here about shoes... but, as a runner wearing a pair of shoes that are getting ready to break the 1000 mile mark, I am a true believer in the idea that for most of us... shoes should be basic and neutral. I was guilty of spending $125 bucks on a new pair of shoes every 400 miles... super cushioned ones, too. But, through my last training period, I seriously had the least amount of aches and pains that I had ever had. Why wouldn't shoe companies want you to change shoes more often than you should? They definitely make more money that way. And the runners back in the 70s and 80s had very little shoe options, and way less injuries (sure, more people are running now...). There are arguments for both sides, but just read the book and make up your own mind. I'm not saying I'm going to go all barefoot all the time or anything. But, I am going to do some experimenting with barefoot running and I'm going to stick with my old pairs of shoes, and then when they're too hole-y, I'll move onto some cheap, neutral shoes.
  
• Animal vs. Man. Why humans really are born to run... and born to run long distances... Soooo fascinating. Really, I know it sounds totally boring. But, it's not.
• Diet. This book talks some about diet and running. From the Tarahumara tribe and their brewed alcoholic beverages and corn-based diets, to the vegetarians and vegans who eat a big salad for breakfast. But it's never done in a preachy way. It's more just weaved into the story (for the most part. Now, the author/narrator does touch a little on his own diet changes, but still... not in a preachy, holier-than-thou way).
  

This book really has helped to change my perspective on running. It's made me realize that the end of the run or race isn't the goal. Running isn't just about burning calories and winning races. The ends are not better than the means. Running itself is what makes me happy. Particularly when I'm not stressing myself out to run faster or harder.

Now I find myself boring people talking about vegetarianism and performance, barefoot running, and a crazy- awesome- fast running tribe in Mexico. And you will be too, after you read this book. (Btw, this book would make an excellent movie. Reads just like one).

Book Review: Running the Spiritual Path by Roger Joslin

Running the Spiritual Path: A Runner's Guide to Breathing, Meditating, and Exploring the Prayerful Dimension of the Sport by Roger Joslin.

I have to tell you that I was so freaking excited to read this book. I went home the day I bought it and started reading it. And that was about... 3 months ago... I finished it this weekend and folks, it's not a big book.

You see, I am like a crazy ass multi-tasker. The phrase... "kill two birds with one stone," is like music to my ears. I am constantly looking for ways to maximize my time and I thought that this book was going to help me maximize my time while running (and make me feel less guilty about skipping church on sunday mornings for a run, instead).

There were some interesting bits on clearing your head before a run. The idea that you should go into your run very ritualistically... put on your running clothes the same way everyday... lace up your running shoes and concentrate on putting the shoes on... Joslin compared putting your running gear on like that of a priest/monk/(insert your own religious honcho here) puts on their robes, etc... And, okay... at the beginning of the book, I was like.. yeah, okay, I can do that... makes sense...

And he talked about clearing your head while on the run... to try and stay focused on your breath, if you start to think about work or how dumb boys are or something that you should acknowledge that thought, but then push it away...

Another thing that I liked from the book was he mentioned something about if you are having a hard time concentrating and clearing your head on a run to pretend that you are running TOWARDS something. If you're religious... then pretend you're running towards God, if you're spiritual, then pretend you're running towards Truth or Answers or whatever it is in your life that you are seeking on a spiritual level. I liked that sentiment and have used it quite a bit.

I also enjoyed the bit about the mantra. He suggests using a mantra to keep you focused. I really like this idea. I actually already have a mantra (aren't I rad?) that I use to calm myself and to help me fall asleep, but it's a little long and doesn't have a good rhythm for running. But, he didn't really give any good examples, so I've got to find my own... any suggestions? I tried out a couple this weekend... "school these bitches" and "you own this." But neither of those really did it for me, so I need to find a good one.

One thing I had a hard time getting behind is when he talked about pain. Joslin basically thinks that the rock in your shoe, or the twinge in your knee, should remind you of your Spirituality (or God) and that you should welcome that (in doses... he doesn't say you should run through injuries, etc... just minor aches and pains). He thinks that keeps you in the "spiritual zone." That doesn't really do it for me, that just makes me constantly think... "damn, my knee hurts. damn, I want to stop," but I mean... maybe it will work for you.

Basically... I kind of feel like this book was a bunch of fluff. A large portion of the book was dedicated to excerpts out of his journal and I felt like he was bragging about how in tune he is with his spirituality... it's like.. I get it... that's why you're writing a book.. now stop talking about yourself and teach me!!!!!!! I mean, that really frustrated me.

But, on the bright side, it did get me to think a lot more about my spirituality and how it can be connected positively to my running (and not just as a means to multi-task... I feel kind of self-obsessed and blasphemous for initially picking up this book for that reason, now).

I don't recommend the book. But, I do recommend the sentiment. Every once in awhile, clear your head on a run and let your mind be open and free.

If you're interested... here's a link to the book.

Getting Focused and Ready

Not too long ago, I picked up Dr. Jack Daniel's book, Daniels' Running Formula.

It's chock-full of scientific calculations and it really gets into the technical side of running. I am very intrigued and interested in learning how to become a better runner by using his methods. After all, he is the World's Best Running Coach (says so right there on the front of his book).

I even went out and bought my Polar running computer (that sounds so much cooler than just saying heart rate monitor). My plan was to read his book, do his speed training schedule and then move on to his marathon training schedule. However, I have now changed my mind.

While I do want to eventually complete the book and give it some thought as to how it can work in my life, I just don't think that I'm ready to do that quite yet.
For the last marathon training, we just ran. Of course, we built up our mileage and completed weekly long runs, but we didn't really focus on speed. But now, as we have our sights on Boston, we must have a more intricate and elaborate plan.

Amy says that I am the more technical runner of the two of us, as I like to follow a training schedule that has been studied and proven by someone smarter than me. Amy is smart enough to do all that herself:)
And I guess I agree...I like to do workouts using target heart rate zones and all that, but I've decided that going from my previous plan to Jack Daniel's plan would be too big of a step up. At this point of my running career, I need more of a middle ground. Which is why I've decided to seek the help of this guy:

That's Hal Higdon. He's pretty famous in the running world and he's got tons of guides and training schedules for any type of running goals you may have. He's also an artist! No really, he sells his masterpieces on his website! Anyway, since I'm not looking to add to my art collection, I'll just use him for his running knowledge. I've looked over his marathon plans and I've decided to go with one of his advanced schedules. They are 18 weeks long and incorporate hills, tempo runs, intervals and long runs without being too complicated and technical.

If anyone who reads this blog has used any of 'Ol Hal's training schedules, I'm always seeking comments and feedback as to how you liked/disliked it!

So if the ING Miami Marathon is on January 27th, that means I've got 3 weeks to go until training officially begins. My goal is to continue building my base as well as continuing to inch up my long runs. The first week of his plan begins with 10 miles as the long run and 26 MPW, not including a day of hills. I guess I'd better be ready. It looks tough!

Book Review

Performance Nutrition for Runners: How to fuel your body for stronger workouts, faster recovery, and your best race times ever --Matt Fitzgerald.

This book wasn't quite as good as I had hoped it would be. It was super technical, but, I would have preferred it to be super specific. Basically, laying out meal plans, perfect recovery meals, pre-race meals, etc. Instead, it kind of led you there to make the decisions on your own. Blah. If I wanted to make decisions on my own regarding nutrition, I wouldn't buy a bloody book about it.

This Fitzgerald guy has done his research though. And I did learn a few things... or least I had a few things that I already knew pounded into my brain.

I. The word Bolus means stomach. And a full "bolus" empties faster and the faster your "bolus" empties, the faster it delivers fluid and energy to your blood and muscles while you run. So he recommends waiting until 10 minutes before a race and drinking several swigs then. Because that doesn't give the fluid a chance to get to your bladder and he says that this can prevent us porta-potty stops. Anything before that 10 minutes... and you'd better pack some toilet paper with your gu.

II. Caffeine delays fatigue during exercise by blocking some kind of receptors... so he recommends taking one or two caffeine pills between 60 and 30 minutes before a race.

III. The most effective carbo-loading regime seems to be this: during the pre-race week, eat normally while training lightly until the day before a longer race. On the morning of the day before the race, perform a very brief, very high intensity workout. Consume 10 grams of carbs per pound of total body weight over the next 24 hours. The high intensity workout makes your body think that your glycogen storage is depleted and makes it work harder to create and store more! And by not carbo loading during the week, you won't risk weight gain (that will slow you down on race day).

IV. Sports drinks are a good idea before, during, and after a run. As much as I hate to hear this, I think I'm going to start trying to incorporate them into my training. When running for more than an hour, drinking is a necessity he says. And according to his chart, the best drinks are Accelerade (which is 2 bucks a bottle at target!!!!!!) and something called E3. They have the essential types of carbs, electrolytes, amino acids, and vitamins. As far as gels go... clif shots contain electrolytes, Gu does not. So, he recommends that if you use Gu, you drink it down with pedialyte... because the double carbs of gel and sports drink is too great for optimal absorption.

V. Glutamine will keep us healthy. Endurance running breaks our immune system down which makes it easier for us to get bacterial and viral infections (i.e. likely the cause of my two bouts with tonsillitis) and glutamine limits that immunosuppression. Glutamine is found in sports drinks mostly... but I'm going to do some research and see if it's not available in pill form.

VI. The optimal diet for a runner contains: 40-70% of your total calories to be from carbs. 20-40% from fat and 15-25% from protein. (That surprised me, I figured you needed more calories from protein than fat!).

VII: Low energy in workouts, unexpected fitness plateau and frequent illness could all be from not enough carbs. A lack of stride power, lingering muscle soreness, and frequent injuries could be from not enough protein.

Everything else was basically common sense or super technical. We all know to eat less processed foods, as much organic and all natural foods as possible as well as eating as many fruits and vegetables that you can. I think that reading the book helped make me more aware of my diet being my fuel. And that the leaner and healthier I am, the quicker I'll get to Boston!

(One thing that was never answered in the book: Whether or not the dude on the front is actually Matt Fitzgerald.)