TRAVEL EASE

On the 4th of July I will be flying out of the Baltimore-Washington International Airport, and I have just made a purchase on Amazon that will ease some of my traveling woes. From now on, whenever I travel, I'm taking my YMWILL Portable Silicon Travel Bottle Set https://www.amazon.com/YMWILL-Portable-Silicone-Travel-bottles/dp/B07BQC687N",  with me.

These 3 ounce, lightweight, silicon travel bottles conform to the TSA standards, so there are no worries when you prepare to board the airplane. I like that the Travel Bottle has a wide mouth so that I can easily fill and clean it. The bottle also has a leak-proof, three-layer design that is triple-sealed, soft and flexible.

I use the travel bottles when I go to the gym: One for my shampoo and another for my liquid soap. Rather than buying expensive travel-size toiletries, I simple fill my Travel Bottles, rinse them when they're empty, then fill them back up. These bottles are ideal for camping, and the can be used for baby food, salad dressing, and sauces.

The YMWILL Portable Silicon Travel Bottle Set is a great inexpensive, no fuss way to take your toiletries with you wherever you go. This is a great gift for dad or the grad.

GREAT DEALS=EVERYWHERE

Father's Day and the summer solstice are nearly upon us, so don't let the sun set on a plethora of deals on some terrific summer reading.

 There's still time to get in on the biggest sale and savings ever on my two books, Personal Best, and Running Shorts/

The books are the perfect summer read. The tips and advice will definite go a long way in helping your dad to become a better runner.

GLITCH ALERT AHEAD!

It has come to my attention that the website is not generating the BOGO sale correctly. When ordering, order only ONE of the books, and we'll send the other book for free, and you'll be charged properly. Sorry for the mix-up.

Go to www.muldowneyrunning.com, where you can buy one of the books, and receive the other ABSOLUTELY FREE. That's right. You can buy one for you and give the other to dad. Or keep both for yourself. Give one to the person who inspired you to begin training. Give one to your spouse, your son or daughter...well, you get the picture.

You can also check out my books at Amazon, www.amazon.com, where you can purchase the Kindle version of Personal Best  for only $1.99.

AND, until June 21, my publisher, Lulu, www.lulu.com, is offering a whopping 30% off all print books.

My first book, Running Shorts: A Collection of Stories and Advice for Anyone Who Has Ever Laced Up a Pair of Running Shoes, published in 2011, is a compilation of my experiences as competitive runner for 39 years, but many of these tales reflect experiences YOU have had during your years as a runner. As one of the Amazon reviewers stated, "It will make you laugh and it will make you cry." amazon.com/author/joemuldowney

Traveling the country, promoting my first book, prompted me to write, Personal Best, my second book, published in September 2014.

Runners told me what they wanted in a running book, and I tried to respond by writing a book that is instructive to runners of all ages and abilities.

Personal Best took a tragic turn in April 2013, soon after I crossed the finish line at the Boston Marathon. I devoted my first chapter, entitled "Was That Thunder," to the events, and my experiences of that day. I guarantee you, it is worth the read, and it is my fervent hope that I was able to capture the emotions of that fateful day in a manner in which every runner can relate.

I will personally sign the books for you, and I will guarantee that the books will inspire and help you become a better runner.

The offer will continue only while supplies last, so order your books now.

Happy Summer Solstice Day, happy Father's Day to all dads, and happy reading and running this summer.

FLYING UNDER THE RADAR?

It seems to never end.

It was hot and humid on Tuesday. I ran easily through the streets of my hometown, phone strapped to my arm, listening to inspirational "running" music.

A car approached, driving slowly toward me. the driver, a woman, rolled down her window and said something. Thinking she may need directions, I removed an ear bud, slowed to a near stop and leaned toward the car. To my astonishment, her question was not a question at all. It was an admonishment.

"Slow down. You're sweating," she barked.

Many thoughts went through my mind, but the wisdom of age tempered me and I simply replied, "Thanks for your concern."

Lately, I've taken to stealthfully sneaking back to my home after a run.

The reason?

After I hit the 'stop' button on my watch, I like to walk for a bit to cool down. And, ever since I sustained a hamstring tear, my post-run walk has been a bit labored, my gait a bit slow.

I have grown weary of the sometimes well-intentioned, "Are you ok?" "I can't believe you're walking," or "I saw you the other day and you didn't look too good."

I have even used my lawn mower to carve a path near the back of my yard so I can slip home unnoticed.

In my first book, Running Shorts, www.muldowneyrunning.com I wrote a chapter entitled, "Why Do They Hate Us So Much."

Why is it that our simply act of running evokes so much ire in folks.

Why are we heckled, scolded, buzzed by vehicles, cursed at, and even the target of thrown objects?

When was the last time you went to a basketball court, a golf course, or tennis court to heckle the people engaged in those activities?

One of the answers is that we, as runners are too "In your face."

Our activity is public. It is not confined to a court a gym, course, or field.

As obesity numbers increase, as people become more stressed with their lives, as texting and other concerns increase, the loathing of us and what we do seems to grow.

Another factor is jealousy. In our busy lives, we always find time for our workout. Our detractors do not. While they sip their $6.00 latte, we sweat. (and get told about it) They may hate us, but they envy us as well.

And when someone who runs dies prematurely, or is hobbled by an injury, folks are quick to pat themselves on the back for their sedentary lifestyles.

So, the bottom line is, simply fly under the radar. Don't provoke the haters. Smile, wave, thank them for their concern, but most of all, remain safe. Get out of their faces and run on trails or the beach when possible.

Now, get out there and sweat!

COOL DOWN...LIKE A TRIPLE CROWN

It;s that time of year.

Heat is smothering runners in many parts of the United States, and we are still a few days away from the official start of summer.

This morning, avid runner, Ken Shapiro, from Oviedo, Florida, posted that is was a steamy 79 degrees when he began his 10-mile training run at 5:00 a.m. A cool 97 degree day today will be followed by three consecutive days when the temperatures are expected to reach 99 degrees in the Sunshine State.

At Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where I'll be headed on Saturday, temperatures will hover in the mid to high 90s for the next week or so.

Don't beat yourself up. Practice all the necessary means of staying relatively cool and safe during periods of tropical temperatures. Try to run in the morning or evening. Seek shade whenever possible, and stay hydrated. Resign yourself to the fact that your workout and race times will suffer as temperatures rise, and use these days as "maintenance" days. Maintain your fitness and try not to slide back.

Back in the last century, in 1980 to be exact, I was afforded the opportunity to run and spend some time with a superior runner, and a great, personable individual.

New Zealand's Rod Dixon captured the bronze medal in the 1500 meters at the 1972 Olympics, and went on to win the 1983 New York City Marathon.

 In 1980, world-class runners were not yet "professionals," so Rod Dixon received sponsorship from an athletic store chain to train near Reading, Pennsylvania, a city 35 miles south of my home.

Among the many things I learned from this Olympian was an easy method of coping with hot weather training.

Simply, one can employ a technique that Triple Crown winner, American Pharoah, has used.

Finish your training run and go directly to your garden hose.

Rod Dixon told me, "If it works for horses, it can work for you."

Spray that garden hose on your tired, sore legs, from your hips to your feet, for as long as you feel is necessary.

The cool spray will drop your overall body temperature, but what's more important, it will reduce inflammation in your legs, and freshen you up for your next workout.

It's the same concept as an ice bath, but a lot less painful.

So, stay safe and hydrated during this summer heat, and even though we may not rank as a Triple Crown champion, at least we can cool down like one.

www.muldowneyrunning.com

THERE'S STILL TIME-GLITCH ALERT!

If your dad's a runner, he's probably particular about his brand, style and size when it comes to running shoes. You don't want to take a chance by purchasing a pair that won't suit him.

And those neon orange running shorts you bought him last year are gathering dust in his dresser drawer.

So, for this Father's Day, help your dad become a better runner, and throw in a dose of inspiration for good measure.

 There's still time to get in on the biggest sale and savings ever on my two books, Personal Best, and Running Shorts/

The books are the perfect summer read. The tips and advice will definite go a long way in helping your dad to become a better runner.

GLITCH ALERT AHEAD!

It has come to my attention that the website is not generating the BOGO sale correctly. When ordering, order only ONE of the books, and we'll send the other book for free, and you'll be charged properly. Sorry for the mix-up.

Go to www.muldowneyrunning.com, where you can buy one of the books, and receive the other ABSOLUTELY FREE. That's right. You can buy one for you and give the other to dad. Or keep both for yourself. Give one to the person who inspired you to begin training. Give one to your spouse, your son or daughter...well, you get the picture.

You can also check out my books at Amazon, www.amazon.com, where you can purchase the Kindle version of Personal Best  for only $1.99.

My first book, Running Shorts: A Collection of Stories and Advice for Anyone Who Has Ever Laced Up a Pair of Running Shoes, published in 2011, is a compilation of my experiences as competitive runner for 39 years, but many of these tales reflect experiences YOU have had during your years as a runner. As one of the Amazon reviewers stated, "It will make you laugh and it will make you cry." amazon.com/author/joemuldowney

Traveling the country, promoting my first book, prompted me to write, Personal Best, my second book, published in September 2014.

Runners told me what they wanted in a running book, and I tried to respond by writing a book that is instructive to runners of all ages and abilities.

Personal Best took a tragic turn in April 2013, soon after I crossed the finish line at the Boston Marathon. I devoted my first chapter, entitled "Was That Thunder," to the events, and my experiences of that day. I guarantee you, it is worth the read, and it is my fervent hope that I was able to capture the emotions of that fateful day in a manner in which every runner can relate.

I will personally sign the books for you, and I will guarantee that the books will inspire and help you become a better runner.

The offer will continue only while supplies last, so order your books now.

Give dad something he can REALLY use this Father's Day. Help him achieve his personal best.

WHY ARE YOU STILL RUNNING?

After my speed workout, consisting of 4x800 meter repeats on the track yesterday, I went about my daily chores. At a stop at a local gas station, a well-meaning gentleman, after observing my wobbly gait, asked, "Why are you still running?"

I know, I know, I could have retorted with a wise guy remark, like "Why are you overweight," "Why do you smoke," or another snarky rejoinder. Instead, I politely said, "I still love it."

I'm not really sure I convinced him, as he responded, "You're crazy."

That well may be, but as I drove home, I thought about his question, and I concluded that I run for many of the same reasons you do.

Among them:

--I like the way it makes me feel.

--It feels pretty darn good when you look at others your age and realize they really look old.

--Setting race goals, then achieving them, brings tremendous satisfaction.

--It's fun being able to eat and drink most anything I want. (moderation is still the key though)

--I like runners. My oldest and dearest friends are runners.

--On days when the sidewalks are melting from the heat, or when there is a torrential downpour, or when the snow, wind, and ice drive others indoors, I run. I complete my workout, and I feel superior to other mere mortals.

--Running along the beach, on the streets of the big city, leaping over a snake while it suns itself on a shaded mountain trail, are all moments I cherish. I've been fortunate enough to run along the Atlantic shore, and along many a waterway. I've felt the spray from  Niagara Falls, run along the mighty Mississippi in both Minnesota and Louisiana, received strange looks from men wielding machetes while cutting sugarcane in the Dominican Republic, struggled for air at 8,000 feet in the Rocky Mountains, and have loved every step of the journey.

--I have run a marathon with my daughter and a half marathon with my wife.

--Each day I run is a new adventure. In 39 years, running has never become boring.

--Running keeps me sane.

--Running has helped me through the most difficult days of my life.

--Running allows me to think more clearly. It makes me more rational. I would like to think it has made me a better father, husband, teacher, coach and friend.

I retired from teaching last year, but I never plan to retire from running.

Why am I still running?

I'm still running for the same reason I breathe the air, eat food and drink water. I run because running sustains me. The daily question, "When am I going to run?" is to me as important as asking, "What's for dinner?"

So, I'm an addict, and I bet you are too. Embrace your addiction as perhaps the most positive thing you do in your life. You are perfecting and preserving the temple of which we are issued only one. Your running is a positive addiction that positively impacts those who are in your orbit.

And that is why you are still running.

www.muldowneyrunning.com

GREAT BOOKS,GREAT PRICES IN JUNE

If your dad's a runner, he's probably particular about his brand, style and size when it comes to running shoes. You don't want to take a chance by purchasing a pair that won't suit him.

And those neon orange running shorts you bought him last year are gathering dust in his dresser drawer.

So, for this Father's Day, help your dad become a better runner, and throw in a dose of inspiration for good measure.

 There''s still time to get in on the biggest sale and savings ever on my two books, Personal Best, and Running Shorts.

The books are the perfect summer read. The tips and advice will definite go a long way in helping your dad to become a better runner.

Go to www.muldowneyrunning.com, where you can buy one of the books, and receive the other ABSOLUTELY FREE. That's right. You can buy one for you and give the other to dad. Or keep both for yourself. Give one to the person who inspired you to begin training. Give one to your spouse, your son or daughter...well, you get the picture.

You can also check out my books at Amazon, www.amazon.com, where you can purchase the Kindle version of Personal Best  for only $1.99.

My first book, Running Shorts: A Collection of Stories and Advice for Anyone Who Has Ever Laced Up a Pair of Running Shoes, published in 2011, is a compilation of my experiences as competitive runner for 39 years, but many of these tales reflect experiences YOU have had during your years as a runner. As one of the Amazon reviewers stated, "It will make you laugh and it will make you cry." amazon.com/author/joemuldowney

Traveling the country, promoting my first book, prompted me to write, Personal Best, my second book, published in September 2014.

Runners told me what they wanted in a running book, and I tried to respond by writing a book that is instructive to runners of all ages and abilities.

Personal Best took a tragic turn in April 2013, soon after I crossed the finish line at the Boston Marathon. I devoted my first chapter, entitled "Was That Thunder," to the events, and my experiences of that day. I guarantee you, it is worth the read, and it is my fervent hope that I was able to capture the emotions of that fateful day in a manner in which every runner can relate.

I will personally sign the books for you, and I will guarantee that the books will inspire and help you become a better runner.

The offer will continue only while supplies last, so order your books now.

Give dad something he can REALLY use this Father's Day. Help him achieve his personal best.

FATHER'S DAY IS ON THE WAY

If the man in your life is a runner, or is thinking about running as a means of keeping fit, I have the perfect Father's Day gift(s) for him.

 I have just begun the biggest sale and savings ever on my two books, Personal Best, and Running Shorts.

The books are the perfect summer read. The tips and advice will definite go a long way in helping the reader become a better runner.

Go to www.muldowneyrunning.com, where you can buy one of the books, and receive the other ABSOLUTELY FREE. That's right. You can buy one for you and give the other to dad. Or keep both for yourself. Give one to the person who inspired you to begin training. Give one to your spouse, your son or daughter...well, you get the picture.

My first book, Running Shorts: A Collection of Stories and Advice for Anyone Who Has Ever Laced Up a Pair of Running Shoes, published in 2011, is a compilation of my experiences as competitive runner for 39 years, but many of these tales reflect experiences YOU have had during your years as a runner. As one of the Amazon reviewers stated, "It will make you laugh and it will make you cry." amazon.com/author/joemuldowney

Traveling the country, promoting my first book, prompted me to write, Personal Best, my second book, published in September 2014.

Runners told me what they wanted in a running book, and I tried to respond by writing a book that is instructive to runners of all ages and abilities.

Personal Best took a tragic turn in April 2013, soon after I crossed the finish line at the Boston Marathon. I devoted my first chapter, entitled "Was That Thunder," to the events, and my experiences of that day. I guarantee you, it is worth the read, and it is my fervent hope that I was able to capture the emotions of that fateful day in a manner in which every runner can relate.

I will personally sign the books for you, and I will guarantee that the books will inspire and help you become a better runner.

The offer will continue only while supplies last, so order your books now.

Forget about the ugly tie. Instead, buy dad books about running that he will appreciate each time he laces up his running shoes.