Table of contents for March 2013 in Runner's World

RUNNER Mike Ray THE EXPERIENCE Elegant, sunbathed antebellum mansions lining the mile-long Battery promenade overlook the historic harbor where Confederate cannon fire aimed at nearby Fort Sumter signaled the start of the Civil War. “You can’t help but feel the history all around you,” Ray says. “When I run, I imagine the roads filled with horses and buggies.” FOR DIRECTIONS, RESOURCE INFORMATION, AND DOWNLOADABLE WALLPAPER IMAGES, VISIT RUNNERSWORLD.COM/RAVERUN.…

AFTER THE FLOOD Your Hurricane Sandy and New York City Marathon coverage wonderfully highlighted the no-win ethical problem that we all wrestled with in early November (“The Storm [And Everything After],” January). But I have to take issue with Mark Remy’s and Scott Douglas’s respective editorials, both of which suggested the existence of elitism in runners’ attitudes and economic statuses. I’m a graduate student who cobbles together a living out of fellowships, part-time lecturing jobs, and tutoring. My take-home income is decidedly less than most “blue collar” workers. But I still ran almost 2,000 miles this year, including two marathons. I think it really can be as simple as getting a discounted pair of Asics, going outside, and putting one foot in front of the other. —JASON CLEMENCE, Boston I…

FREEDOM FIGHTER Paralympian Tatyana McFadden, a Russian adoptee, delivers a petition to the Russian Embassy in Washington, D.C., protesting the ban on U.S. adoptions. FAST FASHION Jamaican sprint star Asafa Powell expands his “clothing line” to include baby onesies and women’s underwear. BRING ON BOLT NFL rushing champ Adrian Peterson wants to qualify for (and race Usain Bolt at) the 2016 Olympics in Rio. RUNNING ON “E” Following costar Hugh Jackman’s advice, Anne Hathaway runs 45 minutes every day on an empty stomach for her role in Les Misérables. GOLDEN TOUCH Angelina Jolie plans to direct a film about American Olympic distance runner and World War II POW Louie Zamperini.…

Be the Youngest Iditarod Winner At age 25 DALLAS SEAVEY, of Willow, Alaska, mushed and ran his way to victory in last year’s famed sled-dog race. The marathon runner lessened his pack’s load by running alongside the sled at key times (often for 20-mile stretches). He will defend his title at the 2013 event, which begins March 2.—JENNIFER CHESAK “Distance running gives me a better understanding of what I ask my dogs to do.” Go the Distance — Without Legs JAMI GOLDMANMARSEILLES’S frost-bitten legs were amputated in 1988. To mark the 25th anniversary of her ordeal, the 44-year-old Orange County, California, teacher was set to run the Rock ’n’ Roll Arizona Half-Marathon in January.—BOB COOPER “I’d like to break 2:45 and raise $5,000 for the Challenged Athletes Foundation. Choose Kindness…

HEADING OUT FOR TWO RUNS in a single day—logging “doubles” or “two-a-days”— is standard practice among elites. But most mortals wouldn’t dream of it: not enough time and too much injury risk. “There is a misconception that doubles are something only high-mileage, elite runners do,” says Steve Magness, an exercise physiologist and cross-country coach for the University of Houston. “But a lot of runners can benefit from them.” Including time-crunched folks trying to squeeze in miles and veterans looking to step things up. For good reason: Studies suggest doubling up and running in a depleted state can boost fat-burning, train the body to use glycogen more efficiently, and stimulate mitochondria production (more mitochondria can delay fatigue). “By shortening the time between runs, you’re challenging your body to recover faster,” says…

IT’S NOT UNCOMMON FOR RUNNERS to forego other forms of exercise. Running is what we love, after all. But cross-training plays an important role in improvement. It gives our running muscles a chance to recover while strengthening underused muscle groups and connective tissue, which helps stave off injuries. So when dark days and cold weather force you to a gym, here’s how to get a good workout on common cardio machines. THE OPTIONS ELLIPTICAL It’s easy to adjust these machines to mimic the range of motion you use while running. The activity will stimulate your neuromuscular system to maintain muscle adaptations, while resting the muscle that does most of the work—the calf. ROWING MACHINE Rowing is an excellent way to tap underutilized muscle groups and condition the entire body. In…

YOU KNOW FISH is good for you. “It’s a rich source of protein and healthy fats,” says Cassie Dimmick, M.S., R.D., a sports dietitian in Springfield, Missouri. But that doesn’t mean you eat it: 48 percent of respondents to a runnersworld.com poll said they eat seafood only occasionally and usually at restaurants. What’s the problem? If fresh fish seems inconvenient, expensive, and hard to prepare, you’re forgetting about a handy option: canned swimmers. In many ways canned fish is a better choice for runners. Multiple common varieties offer less-expensive, better-tasting products naturally low in toxins and contaminants and, as a bonus, harvested in an environmentally sustainable way. Shelf-stable and already cooked, canned fish is there when you’re ready for a protein-rich recovery meal. CAN DO ANCHOVIES This tiny, silvery fish…

PROTECTS YOUR BRAIN Onions are a good source of the antioxidant quercetin. This flavonoid may help offset oxidative damage to muscle fibers and body tissues caused by intense exercise. In fact, in a study using lab animals, quercetin helped prevent oxidative damage to brain tissue after a long workout. KEEPS YOUR HEART HEALTHY The pungent odor from onions (and garlic) comes from sulfur-containing compounds called allyl sulfides. These compounds, combined with onions’ rich quercetin content, may help protect blood vessels from damage caused by cholesterol, boosting heart and vascular health. STRENGTHENS BONES In a study published in 2009, women who ate onions daily had greater bone density than those who didn’t eat onions. And among older women, onion-eaters had a 20 percent lower risk of hip fractures. Researchers think sulfurous…

Maple Syrup IN SEASON Late February to late April Get the Best Maple syrup is graded according to color. The lightest (produced early in the season) are designated grades AA and A, and generally have a mild flavor. Syrups harvested later in the season are darker and receive a B or C grading and have a more intense maple flavor. Good for You One tablespoon of maple syrup has 52 calories—nearly half the amount in sugar—and provides 30 percent of your daily need for manganese. Recent research has found that maple syrup also contains 54 antioxidants linked with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities. Kitchen Simple Sauté half an onion for 5 minutes. Add 1 pound Brussels sprouts cut in half. Sauté 5 minutes. Add ¼ cup water. Cover and cook sprouts…

AFTER A LONG WINTER of circling the same neighborhood loop or staring at a treadmill screen, many runners are eager for the change of scenery that trail running provides. But sidestepping rocks and roots and navigating twists and turns doesn’t just make for an exciting workout—it also puts your balance and strength to the test. These moves from Charlie Merrill, a physical therapist in Boulder, Colorado, will prepare your body to handle the terrain of the path less traveled. Watch a video of this routine at runners world.com/groundwork. MONSTER WALK Works the glutes, which power you up hills and stabilize the hips TO DO With a resistance band around your ankles, step forward and out to the left with your left leg. Then bring your right leg up to meet…

It’s an all too common scenario: Runner begins training program. A month or so later, a twinge settles on a knee. Runner stretches, pops ibuprofen, keeps running. A few—or maybe 100—runs later, runner is on the couch, ice pack on knee. What are the chances? The answer isn’t exactly clear: A review of studies suggests that as few as 19 percent or as many as 79 percent of runners are sidelined each year. Many multiple times. Some—ouch—never run again. The good news: Researchers are on the hunt for an injury solution, perhaps more fervently than ever, in part thanks to the release of Born to Run in 2009. The best-selling book, which claims that the modern running shoe is the culprit behind the sport’s high injury rate, got runners talking…

RW Shoe Finder FINDING THE RIGHT PAIR of shoes is a highly subjective exercise, but we’ve simplified the task by reviewing 23 top new models. To find the best pair for you, answer the questions in this flowchart. Your choices will lead to a set of options tailored to meet your needs and preferences. For even more reviews, see runners world.com/shoefinder. BODY MASS INDEX (BMI) BMI is calculated from your weight and height, and offers a fairly reliable indication of body fat. Generally, the higher your BMI, the more shoe you need. UNDERWEIGHT 20 OPTIMAL 25 OVERWEIGHT Find your BMI at runnersworld.com/bmi ARCH TYPE NORMAL Normal-arched runners commonly have normal pronation—the natural rolling of the foot after impact that dissipates shock. These runners can wear just about any shoe. HIGH…

UTICA BOILERMAKER 15-K AND 5-K July 14 Utica, New York Runners finish at the 125-year-old F.X. Matt Brewing Company. Those over 21 can celebrate with the Boilermaker Saranac beer made on site. boilermaker.com SEAWHEEZE LULULEMON HALF-MARATHON August 10 Vancouver, British Columbia This race (left) has an after-party that boasts sunset yoga and a live outdoor concert—last year’s event featured the band Fun. seawheeze.com SMUTTYNOSE ROCKFEST HALF-MARATHON & MARATHON October 6 Hampton, New Hampshire Trade in tickets at the finish line for a lobster roll and a Star Island Single Belgian pale ale from Smuttynose. Enjoy clam chowder and ice cream while listening to a live rock band. hampton rockfest.com—HANNAH MCGOLDRICK…

MARCH 2 Fall Creek Thaw 15-K Pikeville, Tennessee 250 RUNNERS WHY RUN IT? To chase waterfalls Participants (above) pass a 1,000-foot gorge that houses the tallest free-fall waterfall east of the Mississippi. The view comes with a price—mile five brings a mile-long climb with 150 feet of elevation gain. www.tn.gov/environment/parks/RunningTour/ 16 Six Tunnels to Hoover Dam Half and 5-K Las Vegas/Boulder City, Nevada 1,300 RUNNERS WHY RUN IT? For “dam” good views See the storied Hoover Dam and the Colorado River Bridge that spans the area above it on this out-and-back course. You’ll pass through six tunnels in each direction—hence the event’s name. mountainmanevents.com/sixtunnels.htm 17 Bay Area Runners Club St. Patrick’s Day Races (5-K Walk and Run) Bay City, Michigan 6,000 RUNNERS WHY RUN IT? For the postrace parade Take…

IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A SWIM DAY. January 8, a Tuesday. I had several epic meetings and conference calls on deck, which would keep me chair-bound for six or seven hours. To gird myself, I planned a pool workout on the way to the office, but I hit a traffic jam and had to skip it. I’d also misplaced my wallet and been woken up by our 3-year-old at five-something. Right off the bat, one of those days. ¶ It was also the day I had to write my Editor’s Letter for this issue, which is always more painful than it should be. I think the great sportswriter Red Smith was right when he said, “There’s nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and…

SEE THE FUTURE If you’re wondering how you might be able to perform in an upcoming race, use our Race Times Predictor. Plug in a recent race time, and the tool will estimate your finish time in other distances, from 1500 meters up to the marathon. This intel can help you set a realistic goal and train at the right pace. Find the tool at runnersworld.com/race-times-predictor. INSIDE PLAN Are yucky winter conditions keeping you indoors? Make the most of it by doing exercises that will ward off injuries and build strength for spring racing. See runnersworld.com/workouts. ONLINE POLL In which season do you prefer to race? Spring 24 % Summer 11 % Fall 43 % Winter 7 % Don’t care. I’ll race in any season! 15 % Based on 723…

DEAR MILES, After an intense race, I tend to dry heave or throw up. Back when I was on my high school cross-country team, this was everybody’s goal—we thought it was a sign we had pushed ourselves as hard as possible. Is this true? And is it healthy? —LAUREN W., Greeley, Colorado Lauren, back when I was in school, we thought it was smart to chug cheap beer from funnels. It wasn’t. Ditto on running till you puke. You know the advice about listening to your body? Well, when you vomit, your body is trying to tell you something: “Whatever you just did, it’s wrong.” (A message that applies to racing too hard and to guzzling Old Milwaukee.) Next time, try not eating in the few hours prerace; warm up…

RUNNING AND GIVING go hand-inhand—Running USA estimates that runners raised $1.2 billion for charity in 2011 alone. And in that spirit, Mike Burnstein and Dave Spandorfer launched Janji, a running apparel company with an altruistic bent, last May. Janji’s shirts and shorts, made of lightweight, moisture-wicking polyester, feature designs inspired by the flags of countries combating food and water crises—and they donate a portion of sales to benefit those causes. Burnstein, 23, and Spandorfer, 24, came up with the idea on the way to a track meet in 2010, when they were teammates at Washington University in St. Louis. The two wanted to address a problem close to runners’ hearts. “Runners are so tuned into nutrition and hydration,” Burnstein says, “which makes the food and water crisis a cause that…

Build a base Accrue 18 to 24 months of running four to five times a week before adding doubles. Run by time Start with a second run of 20 minutes. Over time, build up to no more than 45 minutes. Ease into it Begin with one double. After a week or two, add a second. Build up to no more than four. Space it out Allow four hours between doubles, and be sure to hydrate and fuel well between each. Stay alert If you start to feel sick, rundown, crabby, or achy, back off. You’re probably overdoing it.…

RESEARCHERS HAVE FOUND that our minds process distance and time differently. When the finish line of a measured effort is in sight, you get visual feedback about how much farther you have to go, which spurs you to accelerate near the end. Time feedback, however, is discontinuous: You have to keep glancing at your watch. As a result, studies find that you’re more likely to maintain an even pace throughout a time-based interval, but run faster in a distance-based effort. Both approaches have advantages, depending on the purpose of your run. Change Up How a weekly speed workout evolves from effort-to pace-based leading up to a 5-K…

Bar Harbor Foods A small-scale cannery in Maine, they offer wild herring, kippers, and skinless sardines—which are infused with just a hint of smoky flavor from real wood. Henry & Lisa’s This consumer line sells sustainable canned tuna and salmon, and also offers frozen wild salmon burgers and individually frozen wild Alaskan cod fillets. Miller Select The company adheres to strict catch quotas to help maintain healthy blue-crab populations. The crab meat also has a fresher flavor than many competitors. Raincoast Trading Their No Salt Added Wild Sockeye comes from healthy Pacific Northwest stocks. It’s packed in cans without BPA, a chemical linked to various cancers and other diseases. Wild Planet Their omega-3-rich tuna is caught using trolling or poles and lines—not large nets or long-line catching methods, which are…

5 MINUTES Grilled Onions Slice a red or sweet onion into 1.4-inch-thick slices; drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook on a hot grill, 2 minutes per side. Use on burgers or sandwiches or add to salads. 10 MINUTES Onion-Mushroom Saute In a pan heat 2 tablespoons olive oil. Saute one sliced onion with 1 1.2 cups sliced mushrooms for 5 minutes; add 1.2 cup red wine and salt and pepper. Simmer 4 minutes. Serve on top of fish or lean meat. 15 MINUTES Onion Soup Slice an onion into circles; sauté 5 minutes. Heat beef broth in a pot; add onions, pepper, and salt. Cook 5 minutes. Ladle into bowls with Swiss cheese on bottom. Top with toast and cheese. Broil 3 minutes. 20 MINUTES…

AS A RUNNER YOU KNOW that a program that incorporates various distances, paces, and surfaces helps you perform your best. What you may not realize is that the same holds true with the company you keep—or don’t keep—on the run. Whether you’d rather gab away the miles with pals or be alone in your own thoughts, runners who are strictly social butterflies or lone rangers are at a disadvantage. “Being set in an introverted or extroverted running pattern can limit your experiences and prevent you from growing as a runner,” says Michelle P. Maidenberg, Ph.D., M.P.H., a psychotherapist who works with athletes. Mixing things up and seeking out—or passing up—companionship can make you a more balanced runner. SOLO PRACTICE Between chirping cell phones, pinging e-mails, chatty coworkers, and rowdy kids,…

SUNRISE WAS STILL an hour away. I drove silently with Susan in the passenger seat next to me. Our oldest and youngest children, in tech T’s with race bibs pinned to the front, were asleep behind us. Our middle son, Owen, also wearing a bib, watched the road over my shoulder. He was wide awake. Irritation does that. We were on our way to the starting line of a marathon we would complete as a relay team. To make it to the finish line, each of us would have to run a portion of the 26.2-mile distance. With the sky brightening in the distance, Owen caught my eye in the rearview mirror and gazed at me flatly. “I wonder what normal families do for fun on a Sunday,” he said.…

ON A SUNNY SATURDAY MORNING in Carbondale, Colorado, nine runners, including me, were hungry for happy miles. We were an injured lot—with a combined medical history that included countless hamstring strains, beat-up knees, tweaked backs, and cortisone shots. For the past four years, my training had become a delicate dance of getting in enough miles to complete a marathon or half-marathon but not enough miles to end up hurt. I usually crossed the finish line, but some part of me—feet, hips, or back—suffered excessively for it. I gathered with this hobbled but hopeful group for a daylong seminar on Chi Running. We were drawn by the promise offered in the very title of the movement’s bible, ChiRunning: A Revolutionary Approach to Effortless, Injury-Free Running, by Danny and Katherine Dreyer. If…

SOFTEST Wrightsock Stride ($13) Testers loved the Stride’s silky feel. That’s thanks to two independent layers that are stitched together at the toe and collar, as if you were wearing two socks, to reduce friction without adding bulk. wrightsock.com BEST IN WINTER Falke RU Stabilizer ($28) With its high, over-the-ankle cut, the RU Stabilizer bridges any gap between your pant leg and shoe. Testers liked the sensation of extra foot and ankle support that the tight-fitting sock offers. falke.com BEST FIT Brooks Infiniti Double Tab Mesh ($15) An anatomical cut—there’s a left and right sock—allows the Infiniti Double Tab Mesh to more closely hug the contours of your feet. Padded strips protect the top of the foot and the joint at the base of the big toe. brooksrunning.com RACE New…

DUANE SOLOMON, 28, inched out U.S. teammate Nick Symmonds in the 800-meter Olympic final last year, taking fourth place by a tenth of a second. The two will face off again at the Millrose Games in New York City on February 16, both hoping to break the American 600-meter record (1:15.80) set in 1987 by Chip Jenkins. Q Do you consider Nick a rival? A Not necessarily. We’ve been racing each other since my college days. For the past couple of years, I wasn’t able to beat him, but [last summer] I finally gave him a loss. Now we’re even, and it will be interesting to see how he races the 600. Q How are you planning to race it? A I just want to get out quick and get…

They’re writers and musicians, TV hosts and race-car drivers, politicians and poets. And they all have something in common—with each other, with us, with you. This month, we pause to look back at the 100-plus “I’m a Runner” profiles we’ve run in the last nine years. Famous Last (Page) Words “I tried texting on the run once and slammed into the hood of a car. I don’t text anymore.” Mika Brzezinski, cohost, Morning Joe, July 2010 “They might outrun me, but they’re never going to outlast me.” Michael Waltrip, race-car driver, October 2004 “Beauty comes from the inside, and running certainly makes you feel good about yourself. It shows.” Kim Alexis, supermodel, April 2007 “There are days when you don’t feel like running. Those are the days you have to…

CHRISTOPHER SOLOMON Since 1915, a race up Mount Marathon from Main Street in Seward, Alaska, has drawn daring runners, claiming the life of one last year (“The Last Man Up, page 74). “It’s hard to believe a mountain close to town can be so ruthless,” says author Solomon. GUIDO VITTI A five-year RW subscriber, Vitti says shooting this month’s cover “was a great way to put my stamp on a magazine I have used as both a training and inspirational resource.” The Somerville, Massachusetts, resident has a 5-K PR of 24:50.…

ON RACE MORNING last June, Shivani Bhalla wasn’t worried about lions on the course. The sun was about to rise over the African savannah, and the nighttime predators had retired. The race director was more concerned about elephants. “You don’t want to come running around a blind corner and surprise a bull elephant,” she says. “He’ll charge.” Bhalla would know. Born and raised in Nairobi, the 34-year-old Ph.D. student has spent the last 10 years stationed in Samburu, Kenya, with five of those at West Gate Community Conservancy, where she founded Ewaso Lions (a research project dedicated to lion conservation) and created a race, Running for Lions, as a way to bring together the local Samburu people in support of her cause. Lions, or the lack thereof, are a concern…

Steve Edwards, 50, Moreton in Marsh, United Kingdom 1] 500 by 50 My deadline was my 50th birthday. When I did it, I thought, Blimey, this is it—the end of my 24-year-long dream. 2] Lightbulb moment I read about an American who had run 500 marathons in just over 3:30. 3] Nickname At my 500th sub-3:30 marathon, they printed “The Godfather 500” on my bib. 4] Most exotic race The Midnight Sun Marathon in Norway. It starts at 8:30 p.m. The sun shines the entire night. 5] Rerun I’ve run the London Marathon 17 times. 6] Fave film Gladiator. The main character was on a mission and was prepared to put himself through anything to accomplish it. I can relate to that. 7] Rare splurge Sticky toffee pudding and ice…

3 THINGS TO DO AGAIN (AND AGAIN) 1. Talk to yourself A motivating phrase that refocuses your mind can get you through a rough patch in a run or race. Practice verbal cues like “keep fighting” or “smooth and strong” to find a mantra that speaks to you. 2. Run in circles Speedwork on a track makes it easy to keep tabs on your pacing. Do five to ten 400-meter (one-lap) repeats, trying to nail the same time on each. Recover fully in between laps. If possible, alternate directions to avoid injury. 3. Trace your route Preview your upcoming race’s course by training on it. Knowing what to expect tames prerace jitters. THE PULSE What’s the longest period of time you’ve maintained a running streak? 31% Less than one week…

1. Make It Quick “I do intervals that go from one to five minutes, then back down to one, with a one-minute recovery jog between each. I’ll do it twice for 50 minutes of hard running.” 2. Make It Hard “My long runs get progressively faster. This builds a ton of stamina and strength for the later miles of long races—and the faster you go, the sooner it’s over!” 3. Make a Plan “I schedule my weekday runs on the weekend. I’m busy with law school and a 1-year-old kid, so this eliminates the daily stress of figuring out when to fit it in.” —BOB COOPER…

A A strong upper body helps you maintain good posture, which facilitates breathing, and counterbalances the work your lower body does, which can prevent injuries. In fact, it’s critical to strengthen the muscles that keep your trunk in the proper position as you run. On inclines, strong muscles help stabilize the rotational motion between your upper and lower half as your legs drive you uphill. The following exercises will target your arms, shoulders, back, and core to help you run strong, tall, and relaxed: push-ups on a stability ball, bent-over reverse dumbbell flys, and bent-over rows. Do three sets of 10 reps each, two to three times a week. —JAY DICHARRY, M.P.T., C.S.C.S., is the author of Anatomy for Runners, and director of biomechanics for Rebound Physical Therapy in Bend,…

CHIVES Considered an herb, chives supply FOS for good intestinal-tract health. Snip a handful with scissors and sprinkle on potatoes, eggs, stir-fries, and more. GARLIC Known for its cholesterol-lowering properties, garlic contains allyl sulfides that have been shown to enhance exercise performance in people with heart disease. LEEKS With more than half of your daily need for vitamin K in one cup, leeks help support bone health. Rinse sliced leeks well since dirt gets trapped within the layers. SHALLOTS Shallots have a flavor between garlic and onions. They contain many of the same compounds as onions, including those with good antibacterial properties. SCALLIONS Also called green onions, these delicate vegetables are best served raw in salads and on tacos, eggs, and chili. Rich in vitamin C, they also supply a…

Chicken Stir-Fry Chicken is a good source of lean protein and the B vitamin niacin. “This dish cooks in minutes,” says Appleman, “and you can substitute ground turkey for the chicken.” 2 tablespoons canola oil, divided 1 pound ground chicken breast 1 small onion, thinly sliced 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger 3 cups green beans cut in half 3 cups broccoli cut into ½-inch pieces 3 cups thinly sliced cabbage 1/4 cups thinly sliced shiitake mushrooms 3 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons sriracha (a hot chile sauce) 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar or lime juice 3 scallions (green and white parts), sliced 1 bunch cilantro (about 3 cups chopped) 1/8 teaspoon salt, optional 1/4 cup chopped peanuts CALORIES PER SERVING 318; CARBS 23 G; FIBER 7…

THE LONE WOLF Ryan Hall, the fastest U.S. marathoner (2:04 at the 2011 Boston Marathon), split from his running group in 2010 to train alone (far right, top). Upside “When you’re part of a group, there is pressure to do certain workouts even when your body is tired. Now I can focus on what my body needs to do, not what the team needs to do. My workouts are tailor-made for me.” Downside “Training alone has been what’s easiest for me; training in groups is a bigger challenge for me. It’s in the midst of a challenge that we grow stronger, which is why I want to start training more with partners.” THE PACK ANIMAL Kara Goucher, a 2:24 marathoner who finished 11th in the 2012 Olympic Marathon, trains with…

WITH AN ANTICIPATORY SMILE, Greta turned the key in the lock of the door and ushered me into the penthouse apartment. It was palatial, with huge windows looking out over Chicago’s Grant Park, tastefully but lavishly decorated. To my surprise, there was a man sitting at the kitchen counter reading the news on a computer, rumpled and clearly undercaffeinated at 8:45 in the morning. “Hello!” Greta said cheerfully. “’Lo,” said the man, his eyes not leaving the computer screen. Greta kept walking right past him with nary a shared glance and opened the door to the outdoor deck, to greet her date for the next hour: Wombat, a 7-year-old Akita/Siberian husky mix. With Wombat following along, well, doggedly, we returned to Greta’s car to get Wrigley, a golden retriever, who…

For the past 16 years Tom Walsh has spent every Independence Day on a mountaintop above Seward, Alaska, TALLYING the AGONY. Walsh is the lead midcourse timekeeper for the Mount Marathon Race, the second-oldest mountain footrace in the world and, after the Iditarod sled-dog race, the most famous race in the 49th State. Contrary to its name, the Mount Marathon Race isn’t a legend for how far it stretches through the vastness of Alaska, but rather for how much unpleasantness it crams into so small a package. Starting in downtown Seward, racers run a half-mile to the foot of Mount Marathon, then scrabble about 2,900 vertical feet straight up cliffs and mud and shale before finally staggering to Race Point. There, Walsh and others note their time and bib number,…

THIS WAS A FIRST: I looked around and realized I was standing at the very front of the pack. Thousands of runners were lined up behind me. Race officials with walkie-talkies and throngs of spectators waited at my sides, seemingly looking at me, awaiting my start. My heartbeat quickened and the countdown began: Three…two…one… The horn sounded, sending me immediately onto the course. I held the lead for one glorious second—until a group of leprechauns surged past. This is where you’d expect me to wake up from my dream (or hallucination), and not because of the leprechauns. As a mid-packer, my place at a race has never been front and center—not at the teeniest of local, backyard chases, and especially not here, at a large, national affair where I’m one…

March 9 Ashland, Nebraska IT’S LADIES FIRST in this St. Paddy’s–themed chase—females get a 5.5-minute head start from the event’s home base, an air hanger at the Strategic Air and Space Museum. If a woman manages to hold on for the win, all “lasses” receive a free green beer at the post-party in the hanger. If not, the “lads” drink for free—which has only happened once in the event’s three-year history. The course goes through Mahoney State Park and passes horse stables, two lakes, and manicured gardens. Almost all the runners sport St. Patrick’s Day attire, whether in costume or just in green apparel, and traditional bagpipers (in traditional kilts) along the course encourage runners to go for the green. lc10k.com For more events, go to runnersworld.com and click on…