Run to Win

This week last year was a busy one, and ran a pretty wide range of topics.

• I began the week by continuing the discussion of technology and fitness by describing 7 ways to time workouts. This article ran the technological ladder from using the sun to using an RFID chip on your shoe.
• In a very unique race, 56 people ran blind in the Vision 5k. Half of them were actually blind and the other half were sighted runners taking the blindfold challenge. This would be a fun race for me and one that I believe that I could do well at, except that I can’t afford the time to get down to Boston multiple times for mandatory “training” sessions.
• Almost 4 months before Ryan Shay died in the Olympic Trials, I discussed whether running a road race will kill you. I still believe that running is inherently healthy and that the infinitesimal chance of having a heart attack is not something that I am personally going to worry myself about.
• On a lighter note, I followed up that morbid discussion by defining some common running terms that you may encounter. Specifically, I defined what it means to get “girled” or “geezered” in a race. Sadly, I did not hear any of the women at the Maine Coast Half Marathon complain about getting “guyed”.
• On a non-running related note, I shared my thoughts on attending minor league games, specifically baseball games.
• This week two years ago was pretty busy.
  • Nick had a great suggestion that I wish that I had done. He suggested that you take before and after pictures for new exercise programs. When you are starting a new program, there may be some aches and pains, so remember to ice early and ice often.
  • When in a training program, be sure to include some downhill running. Last year I provided a half dozen benefits to doing so. You should also remember that the best runs come when you least expect them, such as the morning after your bachelor party.
  • I reviewed the Vitruvian Running Shoes. In other shoe news, the Nike+ system launched.
• This week 3 years ago, I reviewed Thorlos socks and I got punched by an Olympic Gold Medalist. My wife also did a workout that I would never even attempt, and it was only the first workout of the day. Even 3 years later, I wouldn’t attempt that kind of a workout. I’m still amazed by it.

Bryan at the Chicago Minor League Review has a great article on the differences between a major league and a minor league baseball game. In particular, he recommends that you enjoy the decreased cost and stress of attending minor league games, along with a few pointers of how to get the most out of your experience.

I am a huge fan of the minor leagues, not least because these players tend to have more to play for than you see in the major leagues. This is true across all sports, and not just baseball. The skill levels will vary quite a bit more, but the games are still a lot of fun. They are also much easier and cheaper to attend and are usually much more family-friendly than major league games.

Attending the minor league games tends to put more money into your local community, as well, especially for baseball. Because the team salaries are provided from the major league team affiliations, it is easier for minor league teams to be “profitable” even if there is a net loss, and that extra money makes it easier for teams to afford the rent or leases for the stadiums or to provide for programs in the local communities.

Keep an eye on your local team’s websites or the local sports talk radio. You’ll be able to find out what promotions are coming up in the near future. You never know when one of the top names in the game might drop down for a rehab start, and it is always a lot of fun to watch your favorite local players get called up and make a difference at the major league level.

How often do you go to minor league games? When you have a few moments, drop by Bryan’s site and find out how to attend a minor league baseball game. Let me know what you think.