TAT CN Header

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

When Worlds Collide

Thanks for the 5K advice -- especially from Bob, I will probably integrate that speed work into my routine -- and thanks to Wendy for this article on the 5K, which helped me realize that my preconceived notion that starting fast was wrong is, perhaps, an error. I guess I should be starting fast(er) in order to better utilize the VO2 Max (lay terms: oxygen consumption). Anyway, I'm gonna take all of this into consideration over the next 6 weeks as I work toward that PR and I'll keep you guys informed of the progress.

But, in an interesting collision of worlds:

From time to time, I review books for "Foreword Magazine," a publication that reviews independently published books, and I've reviewed a broad range of books in the past, and I'm open to reading/reviewing a variety of material, but guess what I get to review presently? (No, not the "Porn Star's Guide to Kama Sutra" -- get your minds outta the gutter!) It's called "The Athlete's Guide to Yoga." This is awesome. Not only do I get to learn how to use yoga better with my training programs (it even has a section on running and yoga), but I also get paid to do so!

I've only given the book a flip through and a glance at the table of contents, but it looks promising (although, I don't want to pre-judge; I am supposed to remain objective in my review). I've long thought that yoga is complimentary to sports like running, but now I get to see exactly how I may be able to approach it so that it fits even better into my running. It's cool when two separate interests (running + reviewing) come together for me (= pleasurable learning experience for Jess). And it's even cooler when said experience comes with a free book and a check!

17 comments:

ws said...

If it came with a housecleaner or a personal grocery shopper, that would be even better.

hope the advice helps...6 weeks until your 5K PR...good thing there is no taper for a 5K.

Agate Lake Girl said...

Ah yes, to be paid to read... my dream job! :)

Nancy said...

Wow, how'd you get that gig?? Sounds great.

Mary Gee said...

You can hardly get better than that! Well, except what Wendster said about the cleaner and shopper...

Marcy said...

Wow that article was interesting. I think if I ran 6% faster on the first mile I'd die LOL

Dang I don't know about you but the "Porn Star's Guide To Kama Sutra" sounds like a FABULOUS book to review :P

Sweet!! Sounds like a great job! Free books and money what more can you ask for? ;-)

SavvyFitChica said...

Can you post some tidbits from the book for us or would that be illegal? Lol. I would love to know what it says.

David said...

Interesting article, and it kind of matches my approach to fast training runs of short to medium-short distance (2.5-4.5 miles). I don't trust myself, due to human nature, to do consistent negative split runs. The tendancy would likely be for me to sandbag and finish strong, just so I know I have some left to accelerate.

Now, if I knew what my baseline pace was at each part of a run course, I could calculate what my 75%, 80%, 85%, and 90% efforts were, and ensure I was accelerating and maintaining as appropriate. But how realistic is that? Maybe on a track.

Cool sounding book! I look forward to the review, if you can share it here without violating copyright issues with the magazine.

Laurel said...

I want your job.

Plus, I have to agree with Marcy. The Kama Sutra book sounds pretty good...

My Life said...

Can't wait for the book review (you will put final thoughts on here, right??). Envy you for getting paid to read... *sigh* that almost sounds like a perfect job!

L*I*S*A said...

I'd love to hear more, as I know I need to incorporate something else into my running life!

Wes said...

Awwww man! You are so lucky. And here I am reading Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets :-) If you get to keep the book, how about passing it around?

Unknown said...

That article is interesting. I usually start out fast just due to excitement and fade after that. I've always thought that was a mistake, but maybe not...

Mendy said...

Sweet! I'm not surprised you review books, as much as you like to read. Sounds like they've picked the right person. I'm interested in what you learn from it! I hear pilates is good for runners, and have been off and on doing some and enjoy it. I look forward to the review, if you can share it here, that is!

Lori said...

I would love to hear what the book says, too. Sounds like a pretty sweet setup you've got going! Reading for money. Heck yeah! Good luck on the 5k training :)

Triseverance said...

Downward dog that sucka.
And you are very welcome. You can acomplish a lot in 6 weeks. But be careful, as a fellow IT band sufferer speed work can create issues. Be sure to stretch and roll that sucker.

J~Mom said...

Can't wait to hear how the book is. What else have you reviewed? Can we stalk you reviews?

J~Mom said...

you = your.

Clearly it is not safe to drink in the middle of the day.