Minute 1: Swiping right on runners
You’ve seen the sweaty but sweet stories about runners who pop the question as they cross the finish line of a marathon together. But rewind a couple of years and ponder this: Is it a good idea to go for a run together as a first date? One of our favorite running publications just laid out the four pros and four cons to this dating strategy. (What if you run at very different paces?) There are loads of interesting takes on the intersection of fitness and dating. We like this one by Ultra Running Girl about “dating outside the species.” She makes a strong case against run dates.
We like Ultra Running Girl’s article about “dating outside the species,” including a strong case against run dates.
Outside Magazine offers the secrets to dating someone who lacks your passion for the sport. For a sillier viewpoint, Women’s Running shares the 25 thoughts every woman has before a running date. (Can I wear makeup without looking like I’m wearing makeup?)
#untilshinsplintsdouspart #youhadmeatlet’sgo
Minute 2: Eat to win
The search for the next great super food seems to never end. This week, old-fashioned cauliflower is getting its 15 minutes of fame. Some are calling it the new kale and sing its praises for Vitamin C, Vitamin K, protein and even tumor-fighting natural chemicals. Other nutrition news includes a new analysis of whether intermittent fasting is good for active amateur athletes hoping to shed a few pounds. Do elite athletes buy in? According to the top male finishers in the 5th Avenue Mile this week, not so much. They confess to eating a lot more junk food than you’d think on the theory that if the furnace is hot enough, it will burn anything.
#eatlikearabbit
Minute 3: The bizarre story behind “Just Do It”
Just when you thought news out of Nike couldn’t get any more controversial, the Washington Post published a story on the crazy origin of the “Just Do It” slogan. Was it inspired by Michael Jordan? Steve PreFontaine? Nope. It was based on the infamous death row quote of Gary Gilmore whose executioner asked him to share his final words. Gilmore replied simply: “Let’s do it.” A former Nike chief marketing officer explained that it was viewed as “the ultimate statement of intention.” Yup. The original ad was much sweeter than the back story. It featured an 80-year old marathoner named Walt Stack. The YouTube video is advertising hall of fame material.
#cuethefiringsquad
Minute 4: Ultra multi-tasking mom
Any time ultra-running news makes it into People magazine, you know it’s gotta be more than a story about blisters and trail hygiene. Accomplished trail runner Sophie Power is featured in People this week because she just completed the famed Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc – while nursing her baby. No really, she was nursing him on the course. Her husband would shuttle their 3-month old son to aid stations along the 103-mile course in the Alps where Sophie would pause to nurse the little guy while re-fueling herself. In a quote that most new moms can relate to, Sophie said that the grueling race was actually “a much needed mental break to only have to think about looking after myself for once.”
#mymomiscooler #gotmilk
Minute 5: Quick Takes
- Boston Marathon registration is now open! Even if you meet the qualifying standard (3:10 for a 35-year old man and 3:40 for a 35-year old woman) you may still be at the back of the pack. This year 5,000+ people met the standard but didn’t get a bib.
- Ever wonder what a successful professional distance runner can earn? A new survey of sports agents shows that runners can make a lot of money, particularly if you’re American. Some think Galen Rupp may earn as much as $1 million per year. Jenny Simpson and Emma Coburn aren’t far behind in the mid to high six figures.
- Speaking of Emma Coburn strongly insinuates the brand new world record for the 1,500 steeplechase was fueled by more than pasta. Coburn, the American record holder in the event, said there’s no way someone can knock 15 seconds off their time cleanly.
Minute 6: Daily Inspiration
“When you are down to nothing, the universe is up to something.”
