I received a request via email from Aviv Laufer with the subject being “”An Interview”. I did not recognize the name, but recognized the word Laufer as German for running, and also the subject line piqued my interest, so I opened it.

Here is what I found: “Hello, We are a group of runners who operate the first and only web site in Israel dedicated to Ultra Running http://www.distance.co.il. It's a non-commercial site by runners and for runners. We are conducting a series of interviews with Ultra legends (we already spoke with Pam Reed and Scott Jurek). We were refereed to you by Karl King. We would like to have an interview with you either by phone or by mail.

Regards

Aviv”

(Read more)

In February, I completed one of the most challenging races in the world with Project Athena. We spent a week in Johannesburg, before flying to Windhoek Namibia. In Namibia we ran 220 kilometers over five days in some of the most challenging terrain and conditions imaginable. It was the most amazing experience in my life and I would do it again tomorrow. The feeling of accomplishment is amazing and something I am fiercely proud of.

Trying to sum up the experience is difficult for many reasons. Africa was so beautiful, and I was in awe of my surroundings every day. Although the country and the people there touched me, the true power of my experience was in the spirit of the women I was privileged to do the race with.

Base training is what will determine your racing results in endurance athletics.  We've heard this over and over in magazines, blogs and articles. But what IS base training? Let me throw a concept out to you that defines what it develops: Maximum Lipid Power. What is that??? This is the speed or power output you can generate at the exact point where you are getting 50% of your energy needs for your effort from fat and 50% from carbohydrates. You may be saying that's wonderful, but still why is this so important? There are as few things that make this number gold for endurance athletics.

In a race you can burn around 700 calories per hour. If this corresponds to your maximum lipid power you will be burning 350 calories/hour of fat and 350 calories of carbs. Now, once again, why is this so important?

He works in Wigwam socks, he professionally Big Game Hunt Guides in Wigwam socks, he travels to the Middle East and Beyond on Armed Forces Entertainment Tours in Wigwam socks, and he is a big supporter of our American Made brand. Here is his latest testimonial:

Please pass onto everyone at Wigwam my thanks for putting me in the most comfortable, highest functioning socks I've ever worn. They got me through 12 hour days at the Vancouver Olympics as the Field Talent Annoucer for all the Nordic Events. I wore your product inside a pair of brand new TAC Issued US Armed Forces Combat Boots (which I wear as a way of showing support to our soldiers and their families).

Simply amazing quality. As a 9 year veteran, former National Team Athlete in the sport of Biathlon, 14 Year Veteran of Coaching and Servicing for the US Ski Team and Olympic Teams, I've had my share of socks on my feet.

I'm happy to be promoting my use of your products. Your products American made and American quality really rings with me. Thank you.

- Rob Powers

At times, we all find ourselves out of our element. Those moments usually occur when we are not prepared. Things that happen at those times are not necessarily the things we want to happen. They are not under our control and that is where problems may become uncomfortable or unbearable.

Part of the reason some people are able to cope with things that are out of their element is they do not fear being out of their element. These individuals are not afraid of placing themselves in situations they are not comfortable with to see how they can actually deal with new experiences.

In January I chose to run a couple of warm weather marathons. Leaving the comfort zone of single digit temperatures for the heat of the Arizona dessert one weekend and the heat and humidity of Florida two weeks later. Not that I am implying the single digit temperatures are comfortable; meaning the higher temperatures would be out of my comfort zone related to training in a completely different climate. (Read more)

Runners are not the only creatures of habit, but I guess we have our share. It starts out innocently enough, holding on to every pair of shoes we have ever worn because we ran our best time in those shoes; holding on to every tee-shirt so that we can also hold onto the memory of a certain race or place we ran; hoarding finishers medals and other awards as if they were the national treasure.

We may also create and hold onto habits that affect our very being as a runner or athlete. Certain things that define our lifestyle might also be described as habits. For me, I discovered a simple phrase, thought to be a Kenyan philosophy, but I also can relate to one that is believed to be of Greek origin.

Looking back on the past year, there have been highlights and some tough times. I guess it goes with the saying, “These are the best of times; these are the worst of times.”

Yet, even the tough times teach us something, if we really look at all the components of what we felt were not to our liking. That is why they are called experiences. Taking something good out of what at the time may seem bad is what helps make up the fiber of who we are, and furthermore, who we are capable of becoming.

2009 is almost over. There were a lot of nice things that happened this past year. One of which, I picked up a new hobby in snowshoeing. I have already been able to get out a few times this winter. It has been cold in Minnesota so far. There are about 13 inches of snow on the ground already and I will throw on some snow pants and my Weather Warrior socks and hit the trails at Fort Snelling State Park. I knew that the park was there, but I hadn't been until I had a three day class at the location.

What is your impact in this world? How do you affect the people in your life? The people you have never met? How about those you will meet but don’t yet know or to those you will never have contact with? What do you mean to them and how have you affected their lives?

These are big questions and if you follow the questions long enough and far enough, the possibilities become too big. It becomes impossible to wrap your head around it. If you are like me, your head starts to spin with the overwhelming amount of potential answers. Or maybe you don’t think about it at all, each day passing by in the focus of daily tasks.

I am going to describe why the history behind an event I have done 4 times, run from Athens to Sparta, Greece has helped to make it one of my most memorable foot races. Because the history on which the race was founded; an epic battle and a messenger’s part in it, it will always remain that way.

Think back to your school days and recall the subject in world history covering the country of Greece and its affluent culture. There were many Greek philosophers and artists, but the backbone of the country and reason for its strength and stability, was its well-trained army.