Socks in the wintertime are everything. They’re the difference between enjoying your run in frigid temperatures and being miserable. I have great socks from Decathlon, the Running Room, and Nike and, quite honestly, they have kept me on the paths in 2022. We asked readers to talk about their favourite socks and would sincerely like to encourage everyone shopping for a runner’s Valentine Day’s gift to consider the cozy winter run socks. Here are some socks for your mind.
“Dad and I love CEP long compression socks! This, pictured above, was my fiftieth marathon and I refuse to run a race without them! Dad likes to rock the single side compression.” He says, “Well, then the pair lasts twice as long.” The socks do indeed matter!”
Another reader said: “My favourites are Darn Tough and Icebreaker.Smartwool has declined in quality the last few years but they are a close third.”
“I absolutely love my Mizuno Breathe Thermo socks for winter running,” wrote one reader. “They stay toasty no matter what. For all other running its Smartwool socks.”
Smartwool and Darn Tough received many nods from our readers, as well as a brand I’d never heard of. Apparently the Running Room sells Feetures, and they also advertise a lot on Facebook.
This is what Feetures look like.
“I love my Feetures,” another reader said. “They are great wool socks, not too thick. Socks definitely matter. The wrong sock and I’ll have blisters on my heel and in between my toes.“
Endur received a lot of votes, a company I’m not familiar with. But one company whose socks I do love was popular amongst our readers. “Lululemon running socks have definitely lasted the longest for me. I’ve tried everything and Lulu are by far my fav. Second are Nike Elite. Both fit well and are comfortable, as long as you know your size. Pricy, but worth it.”
Reid Coolsaet, who we quote often, once told me he thought socks didn’t matter. But only on this one point I’ll challenge the Canadian Olympian. Many runners agreed with me, not Reid, and bemoaned a sock that’s not longer being made. “Ah, The Joy of Sox! I will only wear Wright Socks Silver Elite. They have discontinued the specific ones I wear. Fortunately I have a store of about 40 pairs in stock!”
How many socks do you need? Who makes the absolute best pair? Everyone has their own preference. But, I implore you, as a fellow runner, gets yourself some socks for Valentine’s Day. Before they’re all gone. “Running Room used to make the perfect double-layer sock,” wrote one reader. “Because they were double-layer, they were virtually indestructible—hence why they became discontinued.“
Runners are a diverse bunch, but take any runners anywhere in the world and you’ll generally find a consensus: there’s almost no greater pleasure in the universe than whatever it is we eat after we run. In the name of defying COVID, trucker strikes and winter, we dedicate this story to pure blissful pleasure: the foods enjoyed after a race or even a training run, the prize for crossing a finish line. Now, this weekend, some runners might be watching the Super Bowl, can we recommend some of these delicacies for the big game?
Many, many readers spoke of the blissful taste of a post-run burger and fries. “The Works Restaurant in Ottawa, burger and fries. I ate it after my 21K,” wrote one reader. While the great Heather Gardner said: “Burger and shake!” and posted, below, this satisfied photograph.
We heard runners proclaim the greatness of soft pretzels, spaghetti and meatballs—which also works the night before a run, chips, onion rings, and Kentucky fried french fries in ranch dressing, which, I don’t know exactly what that is, but I certainly want to find out—after my run. “After a race, I like to go out for a late breakfast of eggs, home fries, and toast, with coffee, of course! It never tastes better!” one runner said, and you’d be amazed how many runners eat celebratory donuts.
“Who doesn’t love a donut? I may have a whole collection of post-race donut pics.”
(Below is an example of Tina’s post-race donut picture).
It’s fun to run because, afterwards, we treat ourselves. We should be treating ourselves anyways, but the running seems to give us a license to delight. A license to eat. A license to splurge. Readers talked about going to McDonalds, to Subway, to Dairy Queen, to feasting on nachos and, in the same vein, lots of are great racers across the country proclaimed their love of post-run poutine. Here’s a call-out to a homemade recipe. “Sometimes with squeaky cheese, but sometimes I don’t have any and my poutine is still pretty good—the homemade sausage is my special touch.”
Lots of runners spoke about eating chocolate, whether it was chocolate ice cream or chocolate milk, and I love the readers who mentioned pizza, brunch, New York cheesecake, and both cinnamon buns and hot wings scored lots of votes for favourite post-race food. I think, however, if there was one winner for the most common post-race treat, it wouldn’t be a food, but a liquid. Of course that liquid was beer. “A beer after a 20K run at the nearest pub,” wrote one reader. “It’s not food, but it’s delicious.”
Maybe my favourite response was this one, but I can’t share a picture.
Question: What’s your favourite post-race treat?
Answer: “Beer, always—in the shower!!”
What do you eat after a run? And: what will you be eating at the Super Bowl? Share your tips in the comments and below and let’s make runner’s mouths water across the country.
As a teacher and advocate for equity and inclusivity in the education system, I have strived to use this power and privilege to bring awareness to the injustices in our school system, dismantle them and be a part of making the world a better place.
In running, I have a place where I belong. It is a welcoming community that embraces every person, including myself.
As the host of the Trillium Running Podcast, partnering with Athletics Ontario we will strive to use the podcast platform and outlet to make our running community a better place. With the podcast, Athletics Ontario presents me with the position to speak with runners, race directors, volunteers and others in the fields of trail and road running about each individuals’ experiences in our running community. It will be an important opportunity to reach those that we are not already reaching and to listen and give voice to the underrepresented members of our community.
We will have the pleasure to interview athletes such as Canadian Olympians Reid Coolsaet and Paul Osland, endurance athlete such as Jessica Kuepfer, race directors like Jeff Rowthorn of Happy Trails Racing and Charlotte Brookes of Canada Running Series, champions of inclusivity like the multi-talented Andre Morgan and Steel Town Athletic Club founder Vincent Kuber, and everyday runners like you and me.
We strive to celebrate that everyone has a place in the Athletics community in Ontario. It is incumbent on those with power and privilege in this space to ensure that it truly is for all of us. The Trillium Running Podcast, brought to you by Athletics Ontario is our opportunity to bring our community forward. Together we will make strides towards a thriving and inclusive running community in Ontario, where all people, all speeds, all terrains and all abilities are always welcome.
The first week into the New Year meant it was time to shake off the rust of December’s Honolulu Marathon and see what, if any, juice I had back in my legs. The plan was a small fartlek or broken tempo—which, in my mind, is actually just a fartlek by a different name.
Since the marathon, I had started back with some easy run-walks and built back up to regular easy runs. I noticed that the shoes I had been wearing for the majority of the late summer and fall were now cooked.
Now, it was time to check out my options for something new on my feet.
My contract ended at the end of March 2021, which means I have been able to play around and see what has changed in the shoe world while I’ve been sidelined. What I am a bit excited about is that I started out my career unsponsored and trying out different shoe brands and models.
Being back, unsponsored, and running for fun seems like a return to home and a fresh start.
Designed to fit the profile of a woman’s foot, the Women’s Deviate NITRO is meant to be an everyday plated trainer. Not a flat, not a race shoe—but something that still lets you feel good out there for a regular run. I have read that it should run comparable to Saucony Endorphin Speed, Nike Tempo Next% and HOKA One One Carbon X in terms of wearability, however, the Deviate NITRO come in at slightly lower price point. I’ll have to check those out on this journey for a fair comparison.
Since I am just building back into any form of regular running with some light efforts, I’m typically someone who does my first few weeks of workouts in my everyday trainers. These seemed like the perfect fit (pun intended). No seriously, these shoes run true to size.
As Mother Nature would have it, my first planned runs in my Deviate NITROS were derailed by inclement weather. I live in Colorado, where the weather can be a bit temperamental in the winter. For those of you who know me, my surgical history, and my stupid left leg, you know that ever since the end of 2016, I cannot run on a treadmill. Either my left leg gets jenky, or after two to three treadmill runs I’ll end up with a stress reaction in my right femur. It’s been problematic.
That usually means that I will just skip runs on days that it’s too snowy. But because I have yet to be killed by my own curiosity, I decided to give the Pumas a try on the treadmill—hoping that the jog/walk breaks between efforts would spare me any of my usual treadmill woes.
My first run was a 20 min jog warm up, 10 sets of 1 min run/1 min jog/walk and then a 20 min cool down. The left leg held up, my legs were more lively than I expected and the shoes were actually a lot of fun to run in.
I like shoes that are/feel cushiony, but not chunky or heavy. I’m small—so I can get away with lighter weight trainers and also can sneak around using those trainers for low-grade workouts.
The full Nitro foam midsole keeps the shoes light, but responsive. The carbon fiber plate was not that obviously felt during the easy run minutes, but I could feel it show up when my pace began to pick up. On my next run, the weather cleared, and I was able to run outside. Just an easy 12km, but with some slick spots of ice to navigate. I had zero concerns or issues running on those slick spots—my foot felt secure in the shoe, and the soles felt secure on the ground.
And then—she snowed again. This time, right when I was ready to be brave and try a broken down tempo (aka moderate fartlek with longer “on” sections). Since I handled the treadmill well the first go around, I figured why not try my luck again? I completed my standard 20 min warm up jog, and then rolled into six sets of 5-minute tempo/threshold with 1-minute walk break, and a 20 minute cool down. I certainly enjoyed testing the shoes out for some longer interval work, and again felt the aid of the carbon plate when my pace increased.
My hip though, was not impressed with my effort and I have decided that my dances with the treadmill this winter will be no more.
The true test of the breathability of the shoes came when I skipped town and went to Phoenix for the long weekend—and some warm weather runs. There, I got to test them out on my favourite run loop—the Papago Park 5km loop. This loop is undulating and mostly loose gravel. True to form, the Deviate Nitros felt secure on my feet, responsive—even on loose dirt, and were not chewed up by the change in surface.
Overall, I have worked my way up to regular running mileage, tested out the shoes with some basic workouts, put in some medium-long run miles and they have held up for each run. These shoes remind me of the good old days where I had to do my warm-up, workout, and cool down all in one shoe to save on time during my lunch break from court.
If you cannot tell—my reviews are going to be more of a run blog with a shoe focus.
I’m not sure where any of these shoes might take me. But I’m excited to share the path with all of you.
Lanni Marchant is a two-time Olympian and one-time fastest female Canadian marathon runner of all-time. If you’ve tried running in the Puma Women’s Deviate NITRO or else have a shoe review you want to share with Lanni Marchant, put your comments down below. To follow Marchant on Instagram, go to @lannimarchant.
As we run into to February I hope you’ve had an opportunity to think about your routines within, and outside of, running. Perhaps you’ve even completed some of our challenges! The second half of this month’s series is going to build on the same theme of routine by touching on sustainable habits and building a foundation for long-term running success.
Tying back to the first article, the greatest predictor of long-term success is consistency over time, so the biggest take away from this article is going to be developing habits and building foundations that are sustainable over the long term. We’ve all felt that excitement of starting something new, diving in head-first and investing significant time and effort, only to burn ourselves out and lose interest. To use a baseball analogy, running is a sport that rewards getting on base consistently rather than trying to hit a home run every time you step up to the plate.
“If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude.”Colin Powell
Sustainable Habits
In the first installment of this series I noted that “we’ve probably all felt the disappointment of not meeting our own expectations when the day-to-day grind of pursuing our best intentions becomes overwhelming.” We tend to overestimate what we can accomplish in the short term and underestimate what we can in the long term. Is setting a goal to run every single day of the week sustainable? Perhaps in the short-term for some, but over a long enough period of time that may become unbearable. I often take a step back when writing training for athletes to ask myself “Is what we’re doing today sustainable for years to come?” and “Does this workload make sense given the athlete’s training history?”
Starting small and building momentum over time is a far better approach than going ‘all-in’ on day one. Is your goal to run your first marathon in the spring, your first 5k? Perhaps the first habit to develop is consistently running 4 days per week. Eventually you will get to those speed workouts and long runs, but for now we just need to develop the sustainable habit of running regularly at an easy effort over reasonable distances.
Building Foundation
Now that we’ve covered establishing routines and thinking about sustainable habits, the first purpose of training, regardless of goal race distance, is to build a foundation. Before we can think about those 30km long runs or fast track sessions, we need to prepare the body and mind so we can complete them successfully. Some would call this ‘base training’, but what I really mean is setting an absolute baseline weekly training load (frequency x duration x intensity) that develops all aspects of running. I would almost consider this to be “pre” base training!
To start, I’d recommend figuring out how many runs per week are sustainable for an indeterminate amount of time. For example, if you think that this would be 4 runs per week, ask yourself if you can manage 4 runs per week for the next 6 months (rather than the next few weeks). Then, the distance of these runs should be reflective of current fitness and shouldn’t leave you so fatigued that you’ll need to take extra time to recover. For some, this could mean four 30-minute runs per week. For others, this could be a lot more. Remember, we’re only looking to set a foundation that we can sustainably build upon over time.
Activity Suggestion
Our challenge to you this week is reflective. Think about your relationship with running so far in 2022 – is what you are doing sustainable over months or years? Are you building a foundation for continued enjoyment and success in the sport or are you burning the candle at both ends without realizing it? I regularly find taking a step back to look at long-term sustainability to be helpful in guiding athletes along the path to reaching their potential. Running is a sport that really rewards training over prolonged periods of time so keeping that in mind is important.
It’s true. I was running a speed session last Friday and the path hadn’t been properly cleared, and so there was only one pathway for pedestrians. The workout called for 3-minutes at tempo pace between two minutes of leisurely running and I was having a week—dry January, COVID, winter, etcetera. If you were jogging in the opposite direction, or else walking along the path during my three-minute go-time, I would’ve forced you out of the way. I wasn’t stopping and I wasn’t ceding my ground. And you know what? I’d done this before.
I try not to do speedwork on crowded sidewalks. I’m not an animal. But I have. I have been running quickly along College Street and barely missed running into a pedestrian. I think I’ve done that to mothers pushing strollers and grandmothers out for a breath of fresh air. If it sounds like I’m proud of this, I’m not. It’s humiliating. I’m always on about people who don’t properly control their dogs or else races where participants have to stop for a light. I complain more than Goerge Costanza. So I thought it might make sense to look at my own behaviour. Once at the track, at the beginning of COVID, a woman complained I was getting too close to her. Was I? I don’t think so. It was a track, but still: you have to listen to what the universe says.
Other runners have also acknowledged recent times when they were big jerks. “Running with my group they were doing a 30K LSD, they didn’t know I was only doing 21 that day. The guy that usually leads the pack hates when anyone is staying with him. At 16K I moved up the pace for my final 5, he stayed with me or a little ahead, so I kept increasing my pace until my final K when I got into my closing sprint mode. Sure enough he kept moving up. I surprised him when I bailed at 21.”
That’s a big one. Racing on a training day when it’s supposed to be a slow run. Another jerky thing to do is to run together with your partner until the very end, and then speed up toward the finish line: if only you know that you’re racing. Jerk! “When my husband who doesn’t run, says he will go for a 5km with me but he’s quite fast on the shorter distance (annoying because he never runs!), so I pretend to check my Garmin and tell him we still have a bit to go… I lie about the distance until he looks like he can’t sprint the finish so I can “win.” I’m a jerk. Also, he doesn’t know we are racing.”
A lot of runners talked about interacting with civilians. I know we all hate when we’re running on a sidewalk or path and someone is looking down at their phone. Pick your head up! Most of us make way for the phone-looker. One runner did not. “I shoulder checked the clown walking towards me with his face buried in his phone. The guy behind me laughed. He was flabbergasted, but when the fellow behind me started to laugh there wasn’t much he could do.”
iRun doesn’t endorse shoulder-checking civilians. (Look at Lanni Marchant, pictured above, Lanni shoulder-checking someone on their phone will send them to the ICU). This will not give runners a good name. Once, I was in my running clothes, all florescent yellows, and the garbage man hadn’t picked up our trash and so I brought it to the building across the street, to dump my garbage. The super of the building came out and caught me, and I was in all bright yellow clothing. Not a good look for our sport.
“One time I was running on the sidewalk approaching a couple from behind. I started saying “behind you,” and they didn’t move or acknowledge me. Then I said “behind you” again, still wouldn’t move. Maybe they were so engrossed in their conversation, they weren’t paying attention to me. Then when I got right up behind them I yelled: “HEY! MOVE IT!” Scared the living CENSORED out of them, they jumped onto the grass.”
Of course, as runners, we share the road with other people. We share it with other runners, with cars, with people eating their dinners and talking on their phones. I’m sure my neighbours don’t love it when, in the summer, and their enjoying a meal on the patio, I come cruising by, shirtless, dripping sweat like a faucet while they try and enjoy their Chardonnay. Well, it happens. “One time I was running a half marathon and a fellow decided to pass me (hey, no biggie, I’m slow). BUT HE GOBBED a SNOT ROCKET as he passed. To me, that felt like it was done on purpose so I ran quite hard to catch up to him and wiped my sleeve on him and said don’t ever do that again. Use your manners buddy! I still gag when I think about that memory.”
Snot rockets are a common occurrence on the race path, nobody’s favourite cup of tea. Same with spitting in general. Look, it happens. But: yuck. There’s one other big one that all runners will acknowledge but only few are brave enough to admit. And I dare say no one among us hasn’t at one point been involved in something similar. Have a good day everybody, mine your manners, as least as much as humanly possible, and we’ll just leave it at this: “I remember farting while at the front of a group going through a tunnel,” shared one reader: “That was a jerk move, but funny as hell!!!!!”
As you might expect from the name, double-layer socks feature two layers of socks in one package. Instead of having to put two socks on to prevent blisters or hotspots, double layer socks have two layers built into them, giving wearers all the advantages of wearing two pairs of socks without the hassle, bulkiness, and potential discomfort of putting on two pairs.
Double-layer socks from Wrightsock come with an inside sock designed to provide your foot with a flat, smooth surface and fit snugly. Wrightsock makes these socks with a hydrophobic, undyed yarn to wick away moisture and give your feet a protective barrier. Alongside the inner barrier, double layer socks have an outer layer that interacts with the inner sock to remove friction. By having two layers, these socks absorb the excess friction hiking and running generate.
Benefits of Double Layer Socks
Double-layer socks come with many advantages for everyone, from daily walkers and joggers to avid hikers and runners. Due to their unique design, you can better prevent blisters, wick away moisture, and receive several customization options.
Learn more about the primary advantages of double-layer socks below:
1. Prevents Blisters
One of the biggest benefits of purchasing double-layer socks is their ability to prevent blisters. Since they feature a snug inner surface and protective, hydrophobic layer, they reduce excessive heat and moisture. Since heat and moisture are the two main causes of blisters, these socks excel at preventing them.
Essentially, the two layers help to absorb friction and allow the body’s natural cooling processes to evaporate moisture. As a result, double-layer socks can be a much better option for blister prevention than single-layer socks. They’re especially useful for activities where you’ll generate more friction and sweat, such as hiking and jogging.
2. Wicks Away Moisture
When moisture builds up in your shoes, it can weaken the skin, causing blisters and sores. Besides raising the risk of blisters, wet socks can be very uncomfortable and foster bacteria, leading to athlete’s foot or rashes. For long, cold hikes, wet socks can even cause frostbite. Since jogging and hiking create a great deal of sweat, it’s critical you have a pair of socks that wick away moisture.
Double-layer socks wick away moisture by using a hydrophobic outer layer. This layer moves moisture away from the skin and gives it the chance to absorb instead of pooling inside your sock and shoe. Due to the moisture-wicking properties of two-layer socks, you can run, hike, jog or walk without worrying about your feet getting wet.
3. Offers Customization
Whether you need double-layer hiking socks or double-layer running socks, Wrightsock’s selection of two-layer socks has you covered. Due to our wide inventory of socks, you can find one in the weight you prefer. For example, our lightweight socks, such as our Cool Mesh II, are perfect for people who want to stay cool and who enjoy a tighter fit.
You can also select midweight socks if you like a little bit more weight but don’t want to switch shoe sizes. Some of our top options include Running II and Escape double-layer socks. These socks are a great choice for new wearers of performance socks, and they excel at wicking away moisture.
Finally, if you need to fill out your shoes or want more cushioning, our heavyweight options are perfect. These socks feature a terry looped design for more cushioning and volume, and they come with a more substantial yarn.
Choose Wrightsock for Your Next Pair of Double Layer Socks
With all of the benefits of double-layer socks, you might be interested in adding a pair (or two!) into your wardrobe. At Wrightsock, we’re ready to set you up with a perfect pair of two-layer socks for your needs. Whether you need a new pair of double-layer socks for running or hiking, we’ve got you covered. Our double-layer socks give you the performance of two socks but the feel of only one.
I’m guessing you’ve never paid much attention to olive oil. You see it on the bottom shelves of the grocery store next to mustard, vinegar and other condiment staples. And truthfully, I never used to either. Still, after tasting a properly produced one many years ago in Tuscany, I went down a rabbit hole. Today, as a certified expert taster, international contest judge and producer of the award-winning documentary “Obsessed With Olive Oil,” I hope you’ll take a quick moment to join me down one of the many rabbit holes of olive oil.
For one, the health benefits are immense, and its production’s art and craft can be as incredible as any wine, beer, or cheese obsession that you may have taken pleasure in investing in. But to keep it simple, it’s the product of fresh fruit, so it needs to smell good and taste clean; it should remind you of freshness, green and vegetables. It needs to be bitter and peppery, letting you know that its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances are present. For a runner, these benefits of olive oil make it great to stock on your shelf.
It is challenging to understand how it was possible that 3,000 years ago, olive oil was already widely used by athletes to improve their performance when science had not yet discovered all of its remarkable properties. Undoubtedly a happy intuition and gift from mother nature who already knew that olive oil is in its composition and fatty acid content closest to mother’s milk.
The ancient athletes used it extensively by consuming and applying it directly to their bodies to prolong their sports efforts. Olive oil, indeed, was one of the original medical salves. Today, countless medical studies have confirmed all the insights into the usefulness of olive oil in activities that require the maintenance of a tremendous physical effort. Like, say, running.
Its high-caloric content (900 calories per 100ml) guarantees a high level of “ready to use” energy and important reserve, essential in endurance sports such as long-distance running. Its predominant monounsaturated fatty acid composition (the “good” fat) alongside the right amount in quality and quantity carbohydrates and proteins build a great diet to maintain long-term health and performance.
Like I said, I went down an olive oil rabbit hole. But I think you too will find that consumption of olive oil gives strength and protection to the muscles and psychophysical well-being. Its vitamin E and polyphenols contents help protect our cells from oxidative stress. This help is welcomed by the body of a marathon runner who, during a long run, requires a substantial increase in oxygen consumption by the muscles and has to cope with an excessive formation of free radicals.
Hydroxytyrosol is a polyphenol naturally present in quality extra virgin olive oil. Its antioxidant characteristics have proven to be ten times more effective than green tea. Its concentration will vary depending on the latitude and altitude of the olive’s origin, the harvest, extraction, transport, and storage methods. Another hidden treasure of extra virgin olive oil, of great benefit for athletes, is Oleocanthal, which is “Nature’s Ibuprofen.” It has a profile and power of action similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, perfect for limiting and naturally alleviating the appearance of inflammation and muscle pain.
All of this is to say: consuming good olive oil is essential, but not all olive oils are created equal.
So how do you find and recognize an excellent extra-virgin olive oil? Again, think fresh, green, bitter and peppery. And unlike wine or cheese, vintage is not an asset.
To follow Fil’s new harvest olive oil production in Tuscany, please click here: Abandoned Grove. To go down an olive oil passion rabbit hole, click here: Obsessed with Olive Oil
If buying from a store, ask to taste to ensure fresh, green, bitter and peppery. If tasting is not an option, bring home, taste and return or exchange if it doesn’t meet the standards!
We recently reported on the Dry January phenomenon, giving up alcohol for the month of January. One astute reader had issue with the piece. “Feeling a need to drink or wanting to drink alcohol is not a habit. It’s an addiction, which is very different from a habit. It’s actually a medical condition,” one reader wrote. “You classify “drinking in moderation” as healthy. You’re 100% wrong. Alcohol, by definition, is a poison. Drinking any amount is unhealthy for you and is one of the number one causes of death, linked to many issues and is one of the leading causes of cancer.” The message from this reader was clear: alcohol is nothing to take lightly.
Alcohol is certainly a personal issue and each individual has their own beliefs and responses. We heard from many readers after posting our story, and heard responses running the gamut. Some responses were funny. Some were serious. As a whole, the responses were almost entirely mixed.
“Dry Martini, dry white wine, dry [brut] champagne ….. what other form of dry is there?” asked one reader.
“As long as alcohol is in moderation—like everything—it’s fine. Live and enjoy life,” one reader said.
“I don’t hate myself enough to go through a pandemic and be dry at the same time. It’s hard enough,” said one more.
Of course, the opposite side of the spectrum was also heard from after posting our story. It was impressive, given how soaked our culture is, including the running culture, with alcohol messaging. Some of the comments against booze included these.
“Kinda haven’t stopped having a dry life—not for moral reasons. I just figure: if I’m going to have that many empty calories, it’s going to involve chocolate, caramel or ice cream instead,” wrote one reader.
“I do Dry January and Sober October every year. Always feel so much better,” one reader said.
“Sober 7 years!” one reader said. “My first half marathon when I was two years sober, and started running when I was one year sober.”
“I have now been sober for 10 years. It started when I was training for a marathon and noticed that my legs always felt a little fresher when I went without alcohol. Time just went by and I never felt like drinking again!”
Many runners talked about treating alcohol as a reward after a workout or a race. A reward for their training. How many runners enjoy a beer with their Sunday post-long run brunch? Plus, many races have a beer sponsor and some even hand out beers to finishers after their event. There are races in Las Vegas. Run clubs built around beer. And the Harriers, described as a “drinking club with a running problem.” Beer and running go hand in hand. Or do they? My friend Byron Jenkins wrote about his relationship with alcohol.
“Liquor never caused me to miss a day of work, be arrested or hospitalized or earned me a DUI rap. Still, I was keenly aware I was using booze as a crutch in far too many life situations,” he wrote. “Too often liquor was a handy release, a stress relief, a feel-good potion on Friday and Saturday nights and on almost all social occasions. Self-aware of its adverse affects on me, I’d lost track of how many failed attempts I’d made at cutting back.” Eventually, Jenkins quit alcohol, cold turkey. The way he did it might sense to many type A, all-or-nothing runners.
“American journalist John Drybred wrote, “For those who are given to excess, abstinence is easier than moderation.” Cutting it out altogether, then, was my only way forward,” wrote Jenkins. “All or nothing. The date I did it, May 28, 2018, will be etched on my memory for the rest of my life. How did I accomplish this feat, quit consuming alcohol altogether after using it for so long? I don’t know. I just spontaneously decided—and fortunately had the mental fortitude to back my decision—that, at age 62, it was time to remove this millstone from my neck.”
Jenkins runs marathons at 65-years-old. He says, “Halting the consumption of all that beer, wine and whiskey had to happen if I was ever going to get seriously fit. If I kept drinking booze I would never again drink from the fountain of youth.“
It’s interesting to consider the role alcohol plays in running culture. Both as a motivator but also as a hindrance. One runner described her drinking like this: “I’m enjoying “Damp January,” a significant cut back, but I don’t beat myself up if I have a Friday glass of wine.”
Not beating ourselves up, I like the sound of that.
Krista DuChene had three dogs come at her once and was told by the owner: “Relax, you only have to worry about one!” This is my worst nightmare come to life, and yet plenty of other runners also had dog stories to share. “I had a dog try and bite me last Saturday and left my winter glove all sloppy with saliva,” a runner told iRun on our Facebook page. “My issue is with the dog owners having their dogs run off leash in public parks that are NOT off leash. I try and give a wide birth and stay away as much as possible.” Sometimes, however, staying away is impossible. Runners regaled iRun with stories of errant dogs interrupting their bliss. “I had an unleashed dog leap at me and rip my jacket while on a trail run,” a runner told me. “Another dog jumped at me as I was riding my bike and left several scratches on my legs. Both times were totally out of the blue.”
I don’t love dogs. I’m glad they bring people pleasure and know that plenty of runners exercise with their animals. Lots of runners—including Krista DuChene—made careful mention to say how much they liked dogs. (All of these runners pictured have shared photographs of themselves with their pet). But stories like the following are still too common: “I was bit once when the dog was on a leash, but the owner didn’t care,” a runner wrote on our Facebook page. “I screamed “your dog bit me,” and he shrugged and walked away. It was back before I ran with my phone so I didn’t get a photo. I got home and called the police to file a report and was told that “bite and runs” are very common. It was years ago, but still hurts on the spot on my thigh if I press on it.”
Bite and runs should not be very common. And many runners complained about this refrain from a dog owner after their dog moves in an aggressive fashion: don’t worry, he’s friendly! “I hate the but-my-dog-is-friendly comment,” a runner said, and many runners discussed being taken completely by surprise by the negative dog interaction.
“My husband got bit by a leashed dog on a busy road,” one runner said. “He was running the opposite direction and when he passed them, the dog reached out and bit him on the calf. We are dog lovers and often run with our dogs, but he was shocked.” Sometimes, it’s the dog lovers who seem to be the ones getting bit.
“I passed a house while running and, with the owners watching, I turned to let the Weimaraner smell my hand, and all seemed good until I turned to continue my run,” one runner said. “He leapt up and bit the back of my thigh. I was shocked! The owners ran to me and were very kind. They suspected that the dog had some mental issues. Biggest bruise I have ever had. I’m a dog owner and love all dogs—but this taught me to not assume anything.”
Runners always have to make concessions on our workouts. We’re not more important than anyone else. We share the sidewalks with civilians and need to appreciate that dog owners are entitled to their space. But should dog owners do more to protect runners? You control your space, I’ll control mine? Should it be that nearly every runner I know has some sort of war story involving a dog? Is it the price of admission for our sport?
Lindsay Tessier is an elite marathon runner and well-known dog lover and owner and has this to say about runners and dogs. “Ultimately, dogs are animals and, no matter how “friendly” our furry friends are, they can be unpredictable,” she says. “My biggest pet peeve—ha ha—is when a dog runs up to me and the owner shouts that I need not worry because Spot is friendly. We cannot assume someone else’s comfort level around dogs. It’s ignorant to do so. Further, friendly Spot can get spooked, or misread signs of someone running as an invitation to play chase.” Tessier says that, ultimately, the dogs can’t be blamed for their behaviour, the owners need to be responsible for their dogs. “It’s the owner’s responsibility to have an awareness of their dog and surroundings and to have their dog under control at all times for everyone’s safety,” Tessier said. “That can mean stepping off the sidewalk to allow the runner to pass, or, if your dog is off leash, the recall needs to be on point.“
Reid Coolsaet was recently bitten by a dog which prompted this story. He says he likes dogs, but the dog that bit uncomfortably close to his behind—see picture, below—weighed about 70 pounds. There was no skin broken and the owner was apologetic, but he founded the situation uncomfortably close to being a big deal. “The dog owner had two dogs, one was under control, but the other one was on me in seconds,” says Coolsaet. “It was a civil conversation, but I wanted to get across to her that this could have been really bad. She should be more careful with her dogs.”
What do you think? Do you run with your dog? Have you ever been bitten? Both? Let us know in the comments and, as ever, if you have photographs, we’d love to see them. Looking at all these runners with their pets brought a lot of joy to this non-dog-lover’s heart.
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