Five Things Running: Issue #101
Run more. But read this first!
Heya and welcome back to Five Things Running!
I wanted to run much more last week, but somehow I had no energy for two days and so only got three runs in. My Sunday run was a fun one, though: a 10 km run through the so called Harburg Mountains, which are just hills, as part of the Trailrunning Cup Hamburg. This is a series of unsanctioned races that take place on hilly terrain at the southern edge of Hamburg. On Sunday there was still plenty of snow around and I was extra careful (and slow) on the many short downhills. I did manage to overtake a (much younger!) runner on an uphill, which gave me a huge boost of confidence, but unfortunately it took him just a few minutes to overtake me again. Anyhow, I had fun in the snow and I’m looking forward to the final run. The organizers have already sent out the GPX file for 30km up and down the hills. I’ll run the route next Sunday.
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Here’s this week’s Five Things Running!
Transcendence and Tumbleweed: Getting that Runner's High
“Hitting your stride as you run produces a “runner’s high.” This is the release of hormones called endorphins into the blood. It’s a short-lived chemical effect that makes you feel really good all over your body and in your head. It’s a natural drug-induced experience. Unlike taking dope or morphine, getting a runner’s high is a healthy and welcome addiction. It’s cheaper and more effective too!” - runner’s high is the best!
Running hits the mainstream, but who's buying?
“Maybe this is a reminder that there is a huge swath of people who run, and maybe don’t actually identify as runners, so are not even aware of any conversation around running culture hitting the mainstream. They just want to go for their before/after work run, and think nothing more about that run. Running is just something that they do, rather than being a key part of their personality. They have no idea what a heel-to-toe drop might be. They are not concerned with pronouncing Saucony correctly. They have never used a marathon tracker. They might not even know their weekly mileage.” - Zara is ripping off the designs from high-end running brand Soar. I doubt people who buy from Zara care about this at all.
✳️What if Running Apparel was Cheaper?
“I came across Terignota like anyone who is chronically online does – on Reddit. There, amongst the questions of an author’s readiness for 100-milers and hot takes on Garmin watches, was a thread about the name of a brand mentioned on the SWAP podcast. As fellow lurkers do, people swooped in with the answer – Terignota, a new trail running apparel brand that wants to make trail running more accessible through selling clothes at low prices. And when I say low, I mean jaw-droppingly low. Like Decathlon low for you Europeans.” - I’m always rooting for the little guy, so I hope that Terignota will succeed, although I must admit that I’m not even buying at Decathlon because I think their stuff is too cheap… also, I want 2-in-1 shorts with sidepockets, thanks.
How The Scientific Attitude Can Help Your Running
“I came across the Scientific Attitude when learning about psychology. Since then I regularly think about it. I realised I should apply it to my running.
In the end, the Scientific Attitude is a mental framework. It helps you to think critically. It helps you to uncover your own biases. It helps you to do things you might not have thought possible. Especially for running, I realised it can unlock a new level of motivation and purpose.” - this sounds interesting, but I guess I’ll continue to just run. Would you be interested in this framework helping you run?
"He is among the world’s most formidable endurance athletes" – Mathieu Blanchard first to finish brutal 600k Yukon race in -40°F
“It was a typical winter's day in Teslin, Canada meaning temperatures were hovering around a chilling -8F at 9 a.m. when 37 intrepid adventurers took off from the starting line of what was billed as the world's "coldest and toughest" ultra. Over the next week, an unusual sight unfolded across the frozen landscape, as the runners made their way north across the territory's frozen subarctic region on foot, pulling their gear behind them in sleds for 340k, then turned around and retraced their steps.” - that is just plain crazy. Kudos for that kind of achievement!
I’m grateful for the partners of Five Things Running: Acid Running, New Balance and Coros!
If you missed last week’s edition, you can read it here:
Now, go running!
— Nico
🏃🏻♂️
Hey, ONLY running three times is better than none, or one, or even two!