Week 51

‘Tis the Season - to ask Santa for the expensive sh*t you can’t buy without starting a fight with your spouse.

Race Results of the Week

1. Trondheim - Cross Country Skiing World Cup Stop

2. Arena Lodowa - Speed Skating World Cup Stop

3. San Diego Holiday Half

Tidbits

Holiday Running Rules: Yah, we’re kind of past the Turkey Trot and Jingle Jog SZN, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t make your own festive trot, walk or cycle on Christmas Day. Getting outside with the fam on a day that’s meant to celebrate new beginnings, family tradition and quality time, is at the top of our wish list. Here’s a list of “rules” to make your Christmas Day (or New Year’s Day) workout, an enjoyable one! Make it a family tradition to get moving, outside - we have!

✅The Norwegian Method: In recent years, Norwegian athletes are putting out some epic watts and posting speedy times. Many of these top athletes partake in what is now being dubbed, ‘the Norwegian Method’ which is the concept of strict intensity control coupled with daily lactate testing (something that is typically only done in a lab setting). If you ask us, lactate testing, which involves finger pricks, should be left to the professional(athletes)s.

✅Not Galen Rupp’s Face Mask: IYKYK, in 2011, for the USATF Championships, Galen Rupp debuted the cringiest face mask we’ve ever seen. Yes, this one KIND OF resembles that, but unlike Rupp’s, it serves an actual purpose. Running in the cold is TOUGH, and this face mask makes breathing just a bit easier when you’re out in the chilly temps.

✅Vintage Merch: If you’re a - Masters Runner (code for OLD) - chances are you have a stack of old race shirts that you can’t bear to part with. We feel you on that, but if you are willing to part with them; you might be sitting on a goldmine. This “vintage” NYRR shirt is going for $100 on Etsy.

✅Race The Reef: Race The Reef, down unda’. The World Triathlon Championship is headed to Townsville, Australia in 2024. If you’re a multisport athlete that has (or will have!) the opportunity to race WTC, this is one of the more lux destinations you can compete in.

🏃Bucket List Recs

Big training week behind ya and want to add something to your bucket list? Need something to kick your butt into high gear? Check out our endurance bucket list recs below and sign up for something you’ll probably regret when you’re doing a 20 mile training run in August in the Midwest.

• Arrowhead Ultra 135: This snowshoe event was stamped into ultra history (and many a ultrarunner’s bucket lists) when it was recognized in the book “The World’s Toughest Challenges” as one of the 50 toughest races in the WORLD. 135 miles through the Minnesota backcountry - on snowshoes, isn’t for the faint of heart.

• Safari Gravel Race: IDK if riding through the literal Lion King movie on a gravel bike is something that sounds amazing or terrifying. Passing through the Hell’s Gate National Park and the Pride Rock (can’t guarantee any Simba sightings), you’ll ride more than 100KM through Kenya.

• AuSable Canoe Marathon: This is a 120-mile canoe race stretching from Grayling to Oscoda, Michigan. 120 miles is a physical feat no matter what, but paddling a canoe - let’s just say you better start doing pushups now if you want to compete in this event next summer.

Performance Of The Week(end): Josh Kerr with a 61:51 Half Marathon at San Diego Holiday Half