YOUR BEST DAYS

2016 is upon us.

And, your best running days lie ahead.

Why?

Yes, we will become another year older. There may be times of setbacks. Our races may not always turn out the way we had hoped. There will be days when the weather will slap us in the face and it will be difficult to get out the door.

But...You WILL get out there. Because you can.

For nearly four months I was sidelined with a torn meniscus, which resulted in arthroscopic surgery.

It was hell!

Getting back out there proved to me how much I love to run.

Your best running days lie ahead whenever you can run on your favorite route, whether it be street, trail, mountain or beach.

Your best running days lie ahead when you stare Mother Nature in the eye and you win.

Your best running days lie ahead when you can run with friends, laughing, joking, and exchanging training tips.

Your best running days lie ahead when you are out there doing what 90% of the population can't do.

Your best running days lie ahead, and they begin anew tomorrow, in the new year of 2016.

Have a great 2016.

I'll be here to offer my advice, rants, guidance, and, sometimes humor.

Finally, here's an Irish blessing for the New Year.

"May those who love us, love us; and for those who don't love us, may God turn their hearts; and if

he doesn't turn their hearts, may he turn their ankles, so that we may know them by their limping."

HAPPINESS STEP BY STEP

Having written two books about running, I frequently enjoy reading other writers perspectives about our sport and its benefits.

I recently read, Happiness Step By Step: The most practical how-to guide to more happiness in your everyday life, and...the most unusual easy running guide, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0156XO93E, by Usual Oddman (you gotta love that pen name).

The book is great and the download is free!

Most of know that running is a positive addiction. In this book, the author explains the addictive nature of running, and lists reasons why we should embrace the addiction.

The book begins by outlining what are the things in life that really make us happy. There are a lot of unhappy millionaires out there. Movie stars, professional athletes, and other high-profile individuals may have reached a level of success, but many are dreadfully unhappy.

For the person who may need motivation to begin an exercise regimen, the author is a superb salesman. He offers many concrete reasons why it is time to get up from the sofa and get out for a run. And to make it easier for non-runners, he suggests an easy, regular workout schedule.

Peace-of-mind, stress release, camaraderie, and physical wellness are all incentives for those who may be reluctant to become runners.

The issue of weight loss is tackled by providing scientific and medical evidence about the effects of regular exercise and calorie burn along with a sensible approach to food consumption. Simply put: a regular running regimen, along with sensible eating habits, WILL result in weight loss.

There is a chapter that offers tips on proper running techniques, as well as some suggestions on what prevents many folks from embarking on a regular running program: finding the time to do it.

Most veteran runners recognize the importance of having running goals. In this book, the author recommends the half marathon distance as both a reasonable and an attainable goal for anyone who plans to run.

Simply, the author has, in a short, concise manner, written a recipe book that links running with happiness.

In a sense, he is a preacher and veteran runners are the choir. We all want more members of our running congregation, and this book is an excellent method of spreading our running gospel.

Read this book and recommend it to your friends. It is free and packed with advice that all runners can benefit from.

You can also go to http://happinessstepbystep.com/free.shtml to sign up for the author's new releases,mailing list, and to receive free bonuses.

Check it out and experience happiness...step by step.

THEY WON'T BE RUINED

It hasn't been the best of times in my running life.

After battling back from a career-threatening double hamstring tear in 2013, and finally getting close to my previous running self, a dull ache on the inside of my knee, which appeared in mid-August, developed into a debilitating pain, resulting in another visit to my orthopedic surgeon.

MRI results revealed a torn medial meniscus. Certainly not life-threatening, but as every runner knows, enough to make one want to smash the nearest object in frustration.

My orthopedic surgeon, a young man who served as a fellow to the renowned surgeon, Dr. James Andrews, suggested a conservative, non-surgical approach, requiring patience, with the promise of full recovery.

So. for now, I'm cycling, lifting weights to strengthen my leg, and riding the elliptical.

But, here's the good news for all. I'm approaching my fourth decade of running. My knee problem was a direct result of my overcompensation for my weakened, unstable hamstring. It was NOT a result of simply running.

My very knowledgeable physician, Doctor Jason Phillips, emphatically stated what I already know, have written about, and studied, based on a great deal of research.

Despite what the haters tell you, running WILL NOT "Ruin your knees."

Overall, running is actually very good for your knees.

I have yet to know a runner who has a knee replacement.

Being sedentary and overweight, on the other hand, WILL, eventually ruin your knees.

So the next time a friend, relative, or co-worker, donut in hand, preaches to you about the ruination of your knees due to running...well, I'll let you answer, providing the expletives.

In the meantime, I'll see you back on the roads,,,soon.

IT RAINED TODAY

It hasn't rained around these parts for three solid weeks. The grass has turned brown, and leaves are already beginning to lose their green color and are falling from some of the trees. Late summer temperatures, which topped the 90-degree mark for the past week, made running uncomfortable, to say the least.

Today, a steady rain, measuring over an inch, more in some areas, cooled the torrid temps, and made running a joy again.

Dropping nearly thirty degrees, into the high 60s, running through and between the rain drops felt like a refreshing, cool shower.

Most runners appreciate a cool summer rain, as long as it is not accompanied by thunder and lightning, so we best enjoy it while we can.

Soon, chilling precipitation will soak us to the bone. You know, that raw, penetrating rain that, despite our modern fabrics, chills our bodies and stings our faces, causing us to curse and cringe.

But, for today at least, we enjoyed and appreciated nature's shower.

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.

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.

THERE'S NO EXCUSE FOR THAT

It has happened to all of us at one time or another. We run a personal best, turn in a great performance, earn an age-group award, or defeat that "special someone," and we are elated.

Within moments it begins to rain.

No, not precipitation from the sky, rather a deluge of excuses.

That "special someone" seeks you out after the race to tell you, "My hamstring's been sore all week. I didn't think I'd be able to run this race/

"I've been down with the stomach flu."

"I was catching you."

"That pasta didn't agree with me last night."

"Too many beers.."

"I don't run well in the heat (cold, wind, rain, high or low humidity)"

"This is my third race this weekend."

Want more?

I devoted a chapter, entitled, "Excuses, Excuses" to the subject of, well, runners' excuses,. in my first book, Running Shorts. www.muldowneyrunning.com

Runners are great people. We are passionate about what we do, and sometimes we fall short of our goals. That's why we have our support group. Your spouse, or significant other, needs to be your excuse sounding board. Your training partners probably know you better than anyone. They are usually empathetic to your excuses, many of which may be legitimate.Don't portray yourself as a sore loser at a race. If there, indeed was a legitimate reason for your less than expected performance, accept it, and give props to those who had a good race.

One of my oldest running partners, Brian Tonitis, says, "It only counts when you pay the entry fee."

Training is the practice field; your race is your game day. You've conducted rehearsals and the race is your stage performance, your musical recital, your victory speech.

Don't water down your performances by over-racing. Rather, choose your races judiciously, and make each race your own world-class performance.

Oh, and when you're on the receiving end of, "I just ran this race as a speed workout," just grin and think to yourself, "Excuses, Excuses."