The Ultradad Podcast

Episode 31: It’s not easy being Green

ultradad — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 07:38:40 +0000

Green, green green. It’s not easy being green. Today I talk a little about the green movement that is sweeping the nation.

I also talk about running in the rain and how I cope.

A little more about the Bad Boys of Running Challenge now on Buckeye Outdoors. I ramble on about the first challenge even though it ended 3 weeks ago.

So come with me won’t you. I’d sure like to have you along.

Runcast TV

Runner Plus

Bad Boys of Running (BBOR)

Runners World Article of Green Living

Bonneville Environmental Foundation Carbon calculator

Episode 30: Makenki : The Japanese Spirit Not to Lose and our Podcast Nation

ultradad — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 04:14:15 +0000

In Japan they call it the Spirit Not to Lose or the Spirit of not Losing. It’s that little bit extra, the extra push we all have as marathoners. The drive to succeed. In today’s episode I discuss the Japanese marathon culture that exists. The Japanese nurture the will to marathon and embrace the event with a fervor unlike anything we’ve seen as a collective in North America. That is until the collective is our Podcast Nation. Although disjointed by geography we exist through podcasts, blogs, and Twitter. I discuss the similarities of our community to the Japanese Way of the Marathon. Makenki.

Links mentioned in today’s show

Episode 29: Shoes

ultradad — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 03:28:13 +0000

The life of the average running shoe is 300 to 500 miles

The wide range in lifespan is due to make up and materials but also the runner and the running surface.

Today’s episode I discuss what I know about shoes

I’ve got my adoption update

Stupid fire call of the week

Episode 28: Are Marathons as risky as Firefighting

ultradad — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 05:42:44 +0000

On today’s show I explore the risks of having a heart attack from a marathon from an article I read in December’s Runner’s World Magazine I later go on to discuss the elevated risk of cardiac arrest in firefighters.

Medic saves runner at Marine Corp Marathon

Medics in Marathon Save Cardiac Arrest Victim

Stefanos Kales et al. New England Journal of Medicine Article

Emergency Duties and Deaths from Heart Disease among Firefighters in the United States

Chicago Paramedics Busy day at the 2007 Chicago Marathon

RIDERS ON THE STORM

Everyone Goes Homes Website

http://www.everyonegoeshome.com/

Episode 27: Chasing the Runner’s High

ultradad — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 20:32:58 +0000

This week’s episode I talk about the elusive Runner’s High. I recently re-read an article by Amby Burfoot of Runner’s World about the high and give you some of the highlights from the article. I then go on to discuss the merits of the article. Is it real and why can’t we tap into it more readily?

This weeks highlights from the Firehall

Still no TUNE notes this week.

Feel free to contact me at:

Ultradad.podcast at gmail.com or read my blog at

http://ultradad.blogspot.com

Runner’s High? Endorphins? Fiction, Some Scientists Say

Yes, Running Can Make You High

Episode 26: Off Season Training and Planning for Next Season

ultradad — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 02:59:04 +0000

This week’s episode is about off season training and planning for the next season. I discuss what I want to accomplish during this off season as far as what weakness’ I’ve uncovered. Also for me, a lot of factors come into play when choosing races. It’s not a matter of this race sounds good lets do it. I talk through many of these factors in today’s episode.

I also give you the weeks highlights from the Firehall. I know this is a running podcast but its part of my life so bear with me.

As the season winds down there are fewer and fewer ultras to report on so there are no TUNE notes this week.

Feel free to contact me at:

Ultradad.podcast@gmail.com or read my blog at

http://ultradad.blogspot.com

Episode 25: Little Wii Ideas

ultradad — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 04:26:44 +0000

A talk about what my new fitness equipment idea incorporating Wii Fit Technology. Also I talk about my favorite running magazines.

Runners World

Running Times

Canadian Runner

Trail Runner Magazine

Episode 24: Much Ado about Nothing

ultradad — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 04:23:49 +0000

Hello Podcast Nation. I don’t really have a topic! This weeks podcast I take you on a run a quick 6 mile run around the neighborhood and tell you in a roundabout way why I’m so late putting out my podcast. I don’t really get a chance to finish my thought so I’ll put out another one this week. See you soon. - Rob

Episode 23: Sleep much?

ultradad — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 02:28:08 +0000

This weeks show discusses Sleep Deprivation

Articles Referenced:

Rest Assured by Hal Higdon

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-369—11967-0,00.html

Chasing ZZZZs by Sarah Bowen Shea

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-267–8028-0,00.html

TUNE Notes Arkansas Traveller 100

Grindstone 100

Shoutouts Lori from Oregon. My very first supporter. Lori’s Race Report from the Portland Marathon http://toughnoodles.blogspot.com/Scooter1805 is doing the Heartland 50 Miler. #4 on the Million Feet Running ChallengeChris Chapan is doing the Chicago Marathon this weekend. Anybody else?

Ironman in Kona goes this weekend. Watch live on http://www.Ironmanlive.com

Chris Chapan’s website

http://www.girlsontherun.org/

Big Rahn’s Blog

http://gonesomewhere.com

SLB+ Blog

http://quadrathon.blogspot.com/

and his race report from the Leona Divide 50 Miler

http://quadrathon.blogspot.com/2008/04/leona-divide-50-mile-race.html

Pocast Alley Feed

ultradad — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 03:40:12 +0000

My Podcast Alley feed! {pca-24160f8a707f1e55cc67106ff0d20ea8}

Episode 22: Sheldon’s Body Types

ultradad — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 21:12:31 +0000

Psychologist William Sheldon authored a book entitled The Varieties of the Human Physique. It became the discussion point in Dr George Sheehan’s book Running and Being where Sheehan agreed with Sheldon and noted “Who I am is visible for all to see.” I discuss the topic of body types defining us as runners.

TUNE Notes:

Rio Del Lago 100

Delaware 100

The Bear 100

The Vermont 50

The Mailbag section check out these links

Lori Chapan’s 5K program for Girls in the Chicago Area

http://www.girlsontherun.org/

Killrgrams Blog:

http://www.runningfromdiabetes.blogspot.com/

Episode 21: Abbotsford Police Challenge 5K with my Son

ultradad — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 21:24:54 +0000

In today’s episode I talk about:

Running by Headlamp

Nintendo Wii Fit Product Review

Abbotsford Police Challenge

Tune Notes:

Lost Soul Ultra Update

Iroquois Trail 100

Dean Karnazes 48 hr Treadmill

Coffee is not a Diuretic

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/05/health/05brod.html?em

Chris Chapan’s Fit 4 Fun Kids Fitness Program

http://worknotes.com/IL/Chicago/Fit4FunKidsFitness/

Episode 20: Coffee and the Runner

ultradad — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:13:55 +0000

I’m in Kelowna. Running through the Okanagan in a little park called Mission Creek, I discuss the effects of coffee on long distance runners. I also give a personal take on coffee.

I’ve got some TUNE notes. It’s been awhile but I discuss some of the 100 milers that have gone on since my last foray into the Ultra World.

Todays music has been brought to you by the podsafe music network at music.podshow.com.

Thanks for listening if you feel inclined drop me a note at ultradad.podshow@gmail.com or look me up on www.runnerplus.com

Aloha!

PS I tried cutting the show down. Next week will be shorter I promise. I’m removing shows from my archive as we go along to make room in my account. I’m at 950MB at this podcast and I had to sacrifice Episode 1 and 2.

Episode 19: My Bomb Story

ultradad — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 04:46:25 +0000

Today I talk about my first encounter with the bomb squad. I know some of you out there do this all the time but I live in a small town.

The Runners World Speed workout insert.

My thoughts on upgrading to a larger account plan.

Episode 18: How I spent my summer vacation

ultradad — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:39:43 +0000

I think everyone should have goals and be able to actively pursue those goals. August was a month of accomplishing several long term goals. With my ultramarathon now in the history books I discuss shifting gears towards new goals without getting the post marathon blues or at least trying to avoid them.

Note: I’m trying to keep the length of the podcast down either by not babbling on (which is very hard) or cutting out certain segments like TUNE., Intro Notes. This podcast will go through a metamorphosis over the next couple of shows, so watch out.

Episode 17: Adoption News and Running with my Son

ultradad — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 22:55:44 +0000

Sorry to be a little tardy with this one. It was family vacation time so I’m kind of rushing to get this episode out. In today’s episode I update you on some fantastic news about our adoption. I also take you along on a training run with my son Ethan. He’s 7 years old (almost .

Episode 16: The Week After

ultradad — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 05:28:06 +0000

This week I want to review some of the highlights of the race. I talk a little bit about the people you meet in ultras and the after effects of racing such a distance.

Episode 15: STORMY 50 Mile Ultramarathon

ultradad — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:55:32 +0000

Today I take you with me on my first ultramarathon the STORMY 50 mile Trail Ultra. More to come later. Thanks for listening

Episode 14: Injury before the Race? Argh!

ultradad — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 03:25:40 +0000

In the two remaining weeks before my race I had planned to run Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, all about 3 to 4 miles each run. Then Saturday was to be a 7 miler. Sunday I would rest and then in the last week run the Monday, Tuesday Wednesday. Two days rest and then on Friday my family would drive up to Squamish we would check into the hotel room we had rented and have a good nights sleep. I would wake up around 4 am and grab a taxi out to Brennan Park. Do some light stretches, eat a banana and Powerbar with a cup of coffee and wait for the start. Jenny and the kids would wake up later and come out and cheer me on along the course somewhere at a pre-planned time. I would be charged up by my family cheering me on.

Today’s show I had a whole show planned out (as much as I ever plan out) about Dean Karnazes. Lately DK has been in the headlines a bit because of his new documentary about his 50/50 exploits. I, myself, have recently completed his first book Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All Night Runner and I was going to give you my take on the whole Dean Karnazes show. In ultrarunning circles DK has been a bit of a point of contention. For the most part ultrarunners either love to hate him or remain somewhat neutral and letting the Dean bashing go on. I wanted delve into this world for a bit and try to figure out why.

Usually I kind of choreograph what I want to say while I’m running and the thoughts just kind of flow. Unfortunately the week has not gone as planned. It was Sunday the first day of my “Taper”. I can’t believe I named my last show My Taper begins Tomorrow. It was almost like a jinx or something (not that I’m superstitious). The very next day after my long run was my crew’s Duty Weekend. As a volunteer firefighter we rotate weekends as to who is going to do truck checks and equipment testing. This was our weekend!

There’s a couple of ventilation fans on engine 1 that are wedged into one compartment. Depending on who put them in there last getting them out of there can be easy or a nightmare. I had a nightmare! As I twisted and turned the fan to extract it from its tiny hovel, I felt a twinge in my lower back. Great!

In the minutes following I could feel my back start to tighten. By the evening I was full on crippled by it. I was walking like a Circus Muscleman me chest pressed out, arms back and my but was sticking back further. It was the only way I could walk without falling over.

Monday morning I couldn’t get out of bed. It was agony. I stretched and was pill popping all day long. I was putting heat packs on my lower back all day long. By evening I was loose enough that I thought I might be able to run Tuesday.

Tuesday I got in a four miler (I think) but it wasn’t easy. The run seemed to tighten everything back up again so by Wednesday I was the Circus Muscleman again. Thursday was no different from Wednesday.

To make a long story short, it is now Tuesday, nine days after hurting my back. My original taper plan was to cut my volume down by about half while maintaining my frequency. It hasn’t quite gone that way.

All my plans, all my training, all my hopes and aspirations are fading as I get closer to race day and I still can’t get out of bed without pain. At this point Wednesday (tomorrow) will be a decision day.

Tomorrow I’m going to get out of bed. That will be the first hurdle. Next I’m going to lace up the shoes (Hurdle two). Then I’m going to go out for a 4 mile run. On the last couple of runs I could feel my legs and back tighten up as I went along. I knew that by the end of the run and the hours that followed would be a battle against a stiffening body.

If this happens then I’m going to call it off. If I can’t run 4 on Wednesday I definitely won’t be able to complete 50 miles three days later. At least I could cancel the hotel room. The entry fee is non-refundable. But I digress.

I know everything will be okay. I know I’ve got all my training in the bank now. If I can just get past this I can run walk and crawl a 50 miler.

This will be my last recording before race day. I’ll be recording on Saturday whether I’m running or not.

Episode 13: The Taper begins Tomorrow

ultradad — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 03:01:03 +0000

This week I talk about tapering. I mainly reference an article written by Wilson and Wilson. A Practical Approach to the Taper. Awesome article if you want to read it I can send it to you. Shoot me an email at ultradad.podcast@gmail.com and I’ll forward you the PDF with my gratitude for listening.

I joined Runnerplus.com. It’s pretty cool better graphics than Nike +. So I joined in on A Million Feet Running the challenge by Nik and Dan and their podcast Nik and Dan. Now I’m feeling that community thing that Steve Runner has been talkin’ about.

I’ve lost data somewhere I’ve got 44 miles on another sensor but can’t get it back. I would be ahead of you Trailblazer

Shout Outs

Troy in Iowa. Thanks for the PDF Troy. Troy wants to do one of the North Face Endurance Ultras coming to Wisconsin. But he’s getting married in September. Congratulations on impending nuptial but family first. Hawaii is an awesome place to run. Check out http://hurthawaii.blogs.com .

That’s an acronym for Hawaiian Ultra Running Team

Apteryx in Singapore –I had to look up Apteryx in Wikipedia. Apteryx is a Kiwi a flightless bird indigenous to New Zealand.

Dirt Dawg – has a blog. He takes a lot of pictures of his feet. I like the sidebar where he tracks his miles and the money he spends on running and then does a quick dollars per mile calculation. He too has a minivan. http://www.dirtdawgramblingdiatribe.blogspot.com/

Allan and Jeff both wrote emails wishing me luck and enjoying my show. They have an awesome show called Running with the Pack that I highly recommend at http://www.parkedthoughts.com/blog/ also on iTunes.