Born to Run

"Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must outrun the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning in Africa, a lion wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the slowest gazelle, or it will starve.  It doesn't matter whether you're a lion or a gazelle - when the sun comes up, you'd better be running." Roger Bannister from Christoper McDougall's Born To Run

(And yes, this excerpt is ironically what my blog title is based upon!)

Yesterday, at Monmouth University, I had the great opportunity to hear McDougall speak and then joined him with many others for a short run to the shore - which he ran barefoot!  While he may not have all of the secrets to running fast and injury free he surely demonstrates a love for running. I immediately went back to my office and searched for Ultras in the NJ area.  (Busy work day, huh?) I think that may be my goal for 2013! Any recommendations?

And speaking of running/racing, I'll be heading back to my college stomping grounds to visit one of my best friends and join her for her first 10K!  After tearing her ACL for the 3rd time this past summer, she still plans to take on the hills of Bethlehem, PA at the Runner's World Half & Festival.  Come support thousands of runners, sign up to run or volunteer, or stop by to meet Olympian Shalane Flanagan!  There will also be plenty of useful info sessions for both recreational and competitive runners to check out. Best of luck to everyone racing this weekend and I can't wait to spend some time with my second family!