Run From The Heart; 52 Workouts/52 Weeks/One Faster Runner; Holiday Giveaway Winner

"Sometimes, when not that fit or when I felt I needed to be competitive because much was at stake, or even when I let a fear of failure seep in, I would regress and try to run a "smart," conservative race. All, 100 percent, resulted in dismal races --- dismal times, dismal places (if I finished), and dismal feelings. Those races were not true to my nature. Sure, a lot of races I started hard in, I died, but the placing or finish is not what is important to me. My raison d'etre for running is to run from my heart, and I have never regretted a race where that is what I did. I have never had a magical race by pacing myself. A run doesn't even need to be a race to be magical. The excitement and competition appear to help, but mystical events can happen at any time. The only common factor in all my special runs is effort. They are all fast for me. The key is not in making myself run hard but in letting myself run hard, completely releasing the heart and soul to go. Who are the legs and feet to get in the way of the spirit?"

-- Excerpt from an article by Eric Clifton (Sep/Oct 2004 issue of Marathon and Beyond )

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"Fitz," over at Strength Running, is offering a free book which contains a year's worth of weekly workouts that promises to:

• Build monster endurance for the half and full marathon
• Increase turnover and speed
• Prevent injury and build stronger legs  
• Keep running fun!

Consider it my gift to you this Christmas - don't ever say I've never done anything for you. Head over to get your copy of 52, Workouts, 52 Weeks, One Faster Runner now. It's on me.

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By my count there were 44 entries; however, this was made more difficult by people like Em and Dawn, who could not grasp the 1 Comment limit imposed by our sponsor, the Endurance Athlete Project. I believe they are both blonde, could be blonde, have been blonde at some point, or just play one on TV. Moving on. Via the magic that is random.org, the winningest comment belonged to Beth, at Shut Up And Run (the Sewer Lady).  Please follow Beth, she is struggling to attract followers and has resorted to writing scatalogical prose, posting pictures of herself in see-through bathing suits, and generally sought attention by any means possible. Beth, I've emailed you the promotional code for $35 towards your next purchase at CNS Stores. Enjoy!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!!