THE FUTURE IS NOW!

Tomorrow marks the official start of Autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. Clearly, however, judging by the chill in the early morning air here in Pennsylvania, the season arrived a day early.

And, for runners, what a glorious season it is. Arguably, the best running weather of the year will greet us for at least the next eight weeks. Mornings will be crisp and cool. Many days will feature warm afternoon sun that's not too warm, as the sun moves farther away from us.

In addition, runners, perhaps more than any other athletes, will not only witness, but will actually be a part of nature's amazing transformation, as leaves change colors and we run through the magnificent foliage.

Races will abound throughout the next few weeks, and blazing summer heat will no longer slow us down. Yes, we are going to be forced to 'layer up' our clothing, but the effort will be well worth it as we see our race times tumble.

Don't squander these coming weeks. Select a couple of race distances you'd like to attack, and peak for those events. Don't fall victim to 'overracing,' rather, concentrate on the twin pillars of success: a weekly long run and a weekly speed workout during the weeks you don't race. Both workouts become much more pleasant during the fall months.

And, when we reach the end of this season and the Winter Solstice raises it's icy head?

Then it's time to reward yourself as you look back and contemplate your successes and setbacks of 2015.

Use the holidays to take a break for a couple of weeks, ready to rededicate yourself for the new year.

But, I'm getting ahead of myself.

Enjoy this magnificent fall season. Train and race well. When you do, each day will be your personal best.

 www.muldowneyrunning.com

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.

$1.99

It's difficult to buy a cup of coffee for $1.99 these days.

I may be a bit 'Old School,' (or maybe I'm just old) but I still like to turn pages when I read a book.

A lot of folks, however, appreciate reading books electronically, and I guess I can't say that I blame them. When I look at the great book bargains available by purchasing electronic versions, it makes sense to save reading money in order to buy that latte or a good craft beer.

If you go to Amazon, www.amazon.com (I love Amazon. I just picked u some kinesio tape last week), then check out amazon.com/author/joemuldowney, you can pick up a Kindle version of my latest book, 'Personal Best' for only $1.99.

Let me tell you, if you want to run faster this fall, read the chapter entitled 'Super Sevens,' and I can guarantee success.

There's plenty of good reading in 'Personal Best.' I was there when the tragic events went down at the 2013 Boston Marathon. I will never forget what happened and I try to convey the events to you in the opening chapter of the book.

So, I respectfully ask that you check out my Kindle version of Personal Best. And, hey, if you don't like it, come to Pottsville, Pennsylvania, we'll tour Yuengling, America's Oldest Brewery, and I'll buy you a cup of coffee.

Check out Personal Best, my first book, 'Running Shorts,' and my personal training programs at: www.muldowneyrunning.com

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

LAST CALL

Not everyone can afford a personal coach...or can they?

Visit my website: www.muldowneyrunning.com, and I'll personally coach you...FOR FREE!

You can also buy my books at Amazon: www.amazon.com and at Lulu: www.lulu.com. No free workout plan there, but you can check out my gigs at Fiverr. www.fiverr.com

Ok, what's the catch? There's always a catch.

The catch is that you purchase some great summer reading material, in the form of one of my books: Running Shorts, or Personal Best. Both offer a great deal of running advice in their own right, but when you purchase a book, which I'll personally sign for you, I'll design a six-week personalized training program, just for you.

Here's how it works.

Buy one of my books, at: www.muldowneyrunning.com, then scroll down to the 'Contact' form.

Tell me your racing or training goal. Give me a short description, including your age, approximate weight and fitness level, and we can get started. Then I'll create a six-week training plan just for you.

It doesn't matter if you want to train to lose weight, to return to running, to run your first 5K, half marathon, marathon, or anything in between. I'll write a program that will get you there.

Believe me, I've been there. I've been at this for 39 years. I've run a 2:22:54 marathon, and I've gone back to square one after tearing my hamstring in 2013.

So, don't wait. This promotion ends tomorrow, September 10.

Now you can run YOUR personal best...for free.

PERSONAL TRAINING FOR YOUR PERSONAL BEST

Not everyone can afford a personal coach...or can they?

Visit my website: www.muldowneyrunning.com, and I'll personally coach you...FOR FREE!

You can also buy my books at Amazon and Lulu.com. No free workout plan there, but you can check out my gigs at Fiverr. www.fiverr.com

Ok, what's the catch? There's always a catch.

The catch is that you purchase some great summer reading material, in the form of one of my books: Running Shorts, or Personal Best. Both offer a great deal of running advice in their own right, but when you purchase a book, which I'll personally sign for you, I'll design a six-week personalized training program, just for you.

Here's how it works.

Buy one of my books, at: www.muldowneyrunning.com, then scroll down to the 'Contact' form.

Tell me your racing or training goal. Give me a short description, including your age, approximate weight and fitness level, and we can get started. Then I'll create a six-week training plan just for you.

It doesn't matter if you want to train to lose weight, to return to running, to run your first 5K, half marathon, marathon, or anything in between. I'll write a program that will get you there.

Believe me, I've been there. I've been at this for 39 years. I've run a 2:22:54 marathon, and I've gone back to square one after tearing my hamstring in 2013.

So, don't wait. This promotion ends on September 10.

Now you can run YOUR personal best...for free.