eBeanie-Part Deux

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Here in northeastern Pennsylvania, the fall colors are beginning to fade, and the colors of winter: brown and gray, are starting to appear. It was cold and damp today, and temperatures are expected to dip into the 30s over the weekend. 

For the second time in the past couple of weeks, I fired up my running power play list, and donned my eBeanie, while I logged five hard miles on the road. 

When I returned home, it was time to tackle the mountains of leaves that have taken over my mountain home. My Beanie was completely dry after my workout, and I was able to listen to my favorite songs as I merrily raked millions of colorful leaves.

What a fantastic product.

 The great features of the eBeanie, which is approved by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, are its revolutionary embedded microphone, control system and stereo-quality speakers. 

It’s simple to use, too. All you have to do, once it has been synched to a Bluetooth-enabled device, is put it on, turn it on and let the eBeanie do its job. Put it through its paces. Use it outdoors and inside. It sure beats those annoying ear buds.

It's range is 25 feet. It is completely washable, comes in many colors, and will work down to 25 degrees below zero. 

Go to: www.whatsgoodebeanie.com, and order one, or several of these great products. They make great Holiday gifts for the outdoor enthusiasts on your list.

Khai

Veteran runners out there remember the days of cotton shirts. Every race offered one of these fashion dinosaurs, and most of us utilized them on our daily workouts. The result of our wardrobe selection often left us battered and bloody. At the end of the run, on a hot summer day, the cotton shirt weighed an extra five pounds, and, thanks to an unhealthy dose of chafing, a rivulet of blood often streamed from nipples rubbed raw.

The 21st century has sent most runners on a quest for better technology, in an effort to make our running more pleasant. In the chapter, 'Tech It Baby,' in my latest book, 'Personal Best,' www.muldowneyrunning.com, I address some of our latest running technology, and how it has benefitted our training and racing.

On Tuesday I had the opportunity to try out a new product. It was 72 degrees here in Pennsylvania, and a sleeveless shirt was in order for a top garment.

I donned my new Khai shirt, from www.khaiearth.com, and the result was simply amazing.

Like you, I've worn many moisture-wicking shirts, but this one was different. After my 5-mile run, it was actually still dry! Now, I produce a large amount of sweat when I run, therefore, I was amazed by how dry my Khai top remained.

So I did my research.

Khai apparel utilizes a mixture of polypropylene and polyester in order to channel the sweat from the inner to the outer layer. Most of the "big name" companies use a mixture of cotton and polyethylene. Cotton does not channel sweat as quickly as polypropylene. Also, the big companies spray their products with a chemical reagent in order to facilitate the wicking process. After several wash cycles, the wicking effect diminishes.

I tried an experiment. I poured some water on the inside of the shirt. It was sucked into the outer layer, and the inside remained dry.

My Khai shirt was extremely lightweight. Although I normally wear a size large, I ordered a medium, as they are cut fully.

This is a great product. In fact, it is the best moisture-wicking shirt I've ever worn. It is the perfect gift for the runner or workout enthusiast on your Holiday gift list.

Go to www.khaiearth.com, and when you place your order, type in the code: runningjoe30, and you will receive a 30% discount on all AirLite products. Try one of the Khai products. You won't be disappointed.

eBeanie-A Terrific Product

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It was cold here in the northeast today, so tried the eBeanie. Man, it is a terrific product. The great features of the eBeanie, which is approved by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, are its revolutionary embedded microphone, control system and stereo-quality speakers. 

It’s simple to use, too. All you have to do, once it has been synched to a Bluetooth-enabled device, is put it on, turn it on and let the eBeanie do its job.I imagine your audience will find it most useful in their activities. Try it out for yourself. Put it through its paces. Use it outdoors and inside. It sure beats those annoying ear buds.

It's range is 25 feet. It is completely washable, comes in many colors, and will work down to 25 degrees below zero. 

Go to: www.whatsgoodebeanie.com, and order one, or several of these great products. They make great Holiday gifts for the outdoor enthusiasts on your list.

BEEN THERE

As I approach another birthday (on October 28), I reflect on a long running journey that began in earnest in 1976, and continues to this day.

Please excuse the excessive use of the pronoun "I" in this blog.

I have logged enough miles in my running career to have run around the world more than four times. At last check the total was in the vicinity of 123,000 miles.

I've run 54 marathons, but I've never been one for completing a marathon simply to put another notch in my belt.48 of them have been under 3 hours, and 12 have been under 2:30. 16 of them have been the Boston Marathons; 4 have been New York City Marathons.

I witnessed the first running boom of the late '70s and early '80s, and the second running boom of today.

I've run a marathon with my daughter, Kelly, and several races with my wife, Christina. I've proudly watched my daughter, Megan win the 800-meter race to capture her league title.

I heard the blast that rocked the finish line at the 2013 Boston Marathon as I prepared to eat lunch after my race.

I've been privileged to coach a USCAA College All-American to a 7th place finish at Nationals, as well as two Pennsylvania state collegiate champs. I coached a young lady over the summer who recently won her high school league cross country championship as a freshman.

Through www.fiverr.com and my website, I have coached hundreds of runners from around the world.

My motivational speeches have ranged at race expos from Niagara Falls to Salt Lake City; from Minneapolis to Miami.

I published the book, "Running Shorts" in 2011. It was a chronicle of some of my running experiences. My latest book, "Personal Best," is about you, and for you. It is somewhat of a running self-help book, whether you are trying to get off the couch and run that first 5K, or whether you want to use my "Super Sevens" to dip under the 3-hour marathon mark for the marathon,


In addition, I feature three runners in Personal Best who will inspire you not only to achieve a personal best in races, but in life as well.

So, I may be entering the fourth quarter, but I still need to pass on what has worked for me to you.

Check out: www.muldowneyrunning.com. Take a look at Personal Best. Read it, and you WILL

achieve your personal best.

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IT CHANGED MY LIFE FOREVER

In September 2012, I began writing my second book about running, entitled "Personal Best." My intent was to write a running self-help book for runners, with guidance from me, based on my 38 years of running and racing.

Most of the book, I believe, achieves that end. But the events of April 15, 2013, and my experiences in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon will forever remain indelibly stamped in my memory. it became impossible for me to write a book without recounting the events of that tragic day.

Visit my website: www.muldowneyrunning.com for more about the book and how to purchase a signed copy. Below is the Preface of the book, "Personal Best."

August 1, 2014

On September 12, 2012, I began writing “Personal Best.”

My intent was to offer a road map to runners of all abilities, based on my experience, in an effort to guide readers of the book toward achieving their personal bests. I hope the rest of the book meets that objective.

On April 15, 2013, though, everything changed.

My wife and I were witnesses to terror. We experienced evil in its most vile form as it manifested itself during one of the world’s purest sporting events.

Before the pages of this book celebrate what we do on a daily basis, I feel compelled to share the events of that tragic day with you the readers.

 Therefore, I have positioned the chapter, ‘Was That Thunder,’ in its rightful place, at the beginning of the book.

All runners from everywhere on the globe have been touched by the events of that April day. The celebration of joy and the deep bond that exists between the Boston Marathon runners and the Boston Marathon spectators was, for a few tragic seconds, shattered on Boylston Street.

As quickly as the terrorists had completed their despicable acts, the bond between runners and those wonderful Boston Marathon spectators coalesced. All joined to assist the victims. All cooperated to bring the perpetrators to justice.

In the weeks and months that followed, runners in races around the country did their best to assist the wounded spectators who have always done their best to assist the runners.

My first chapter is my personal, on the scene account of the events.

This book is dedicated to my soul mate, my wife Christina. On the streets of Boston on that April afternoon, I recognized how short and fragile life can be, and how much I need her in my life.

RACE FOR THE LACE 5K-A GREAT EVENT FOR ALL

I just received information on a race in Crestview, Florida that looks like a great event for a great cause. It's a great time of the year to visit the Sunshine State, and for those of you who live there, I would highly recommend this race.

Join us on November 15, 2014 in Crestview, Florida to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The Race for Lace 5K has many categories, including Adult (18+), Children (Grades K-12), Military, and Stroller 5K, and VIRTUAL 5K all of which only cost $25 to run. We are also hosting a one-mile Superhero Dash for children ages 3 to 12 for $15. All runners will receive one free Race for Lace t-shirt.

www.RaceForLace.com

http://www.active.com/crestview-fl/running/distance-running-races/race-for-lace-5k-superhero-style-2014

HOPPY

The Yuengling Brewery, tucked into the lush, green hills of northeastern Pennsylvania, is America's oldest brewery, established in 1829.

It has been owned and operated by the Yuengling family, immigrants from Germany, for five generations.

Yuengling appreciates runners and their love of beer. It is the main sponsor of the Virginia Beach Yuengling Shamrock Marathon, which attracts over 28,000 runners for its race weekend.

Two years ago, here in Pottsville, the home of the original brewery, the Yuengling Light Lager 5K race was initiated. On October 1, registration for the third annual race, which will be held in April 2015, opened. As of this morning, only 200 of the 3,000 bib numbers remained available.

Runners who have participated in the Yuengling Light Lager Jogger 5K in Pottsville know that Pottsville is comprised of many hills. It is 1.3 miles from the Yuengling Brewery to my house, a 300 foot elevation rise. Today, I passed the sweet smell of hops at the brewery, running 3 miles down; then 3 miles back up,

If you ever come to Pottsville, Pennsylvania, be sure to take the Yuengling Brewery tour, and be sure to look me up. We can scale some of the hills together.

HAPPY TRAILS

On Monday, my wife and I covered 8 delightful miles on the Bartram Trail, near Hamburg, Pennsylvania.

The trail is a flat, hard-packed gravel path, which follows the Schuylkill River. For history buffs, "Schuylkill" is actually a Dutch word, not Native American, meaning 'hidden.' Dutch traders, who explored Pennsylvania long before the arrival of the English under William Penn, named the river, which was hidden under a thick canopy of trees.

That canopy is beneficial to the many runners, walkers, cyclists, even horseback riders who utilize this segment of the Bartram Trail. The Schuylkill River flows for about 100 miles, from near Pottsville to Philadelphia, and several trails line its banks. It's tree-lined paths offer cooler temperatures during the summer, and protection from the wind during the colder months.

This particular portion of the trail stretches for six miles, from Hamburg to Auburn. It is loaded with animals of all kinds. Deer and wild turkeys are in abundance, and an occasional black bear will wander about. The railroad, once the lifeline of the region, carrying anthracite coal to Philadelphia, runs parallel to the trail as well as the river. Mile markers, carved into wooden posts, mark the trail, and even half-mile splits can be recorded, thanks to wooden mallards impaled onto posts.

Trails are, in my opinion, essential to running longevity. Years of pounding sidewalks and roads eventually take their toll on an aging runner's joints. Logging miles on trails, at least once a week, if possible, eases stress on the body, as well as the mind.

It's a jungle out there, but not in the woods. It's becoming more and more hazardous on the roads. The number one cause of accidents today is distracted driving. Most of us have encountered the driver, looking down, as he or she drives, That means they're texting or looking at their mobile device, and not at you. I don't know about you, but I'd rather swat mosquitoes, hurdle a snake, or dodge a skunk than deal with some of the drivers out there.

Trail running is as good for the mind as it is for the body.

In my part of the world, the next few weeks feature an explosion of colors along our mountain trails. Enjoy what nature has to offer. Snap that selfie, and appreciate what we as runners have the privilege to experience.

In my latest book, "Personal Best," available now at: www.muldowneyrunning.com,  published just last week, I write that for all of us, regardless of age or ability, "Our best running days lie ahead."

Trail running is an integral part of that philosophy. On the trails, we are free, a part of nature. We become primal, running as our ancient ancestors did.

Hit the trails whenever you can

Trail running WILL help you to achieve your personal best.