Claude Diamond's Running for Success

I did a Personal Best; Was it the NB Minimalist 10 running shoes ?

2012-01-26T13:40:00.000-08:00

Been running and training in very high altitude for several months and came back down to earth or rather San Diego to run in the best half marathon in the country in Carlsbad . Great weather, fun music, very happy running crowd. I even ran a personal best for the half 1:34. Was it the shoes? My new favorite running shoe is the New Balance Minimalist 10. Very light comfortable,seamless and between the altitude runners high and weightless shoes I had a wonderful running day.

Life is good 101

CAn you ever have enough of these ?

Spectacular Ending to 13.1 miles

Just a kwel Japanese Style home I passed during a training run

Checkout the colors of Carlsbad in Jan by the beach

I need a Latte

Love the colors of SoCal

Glad thats over3

Great Hawaiian Rock Band along the way

NEW BALANCE MINIMUS - Anton Krupicka in Brazil

2011-11-20T12:12:00.000-08:00

Trail running in Winter Park,Colorado

2011-11-20T11:48:00.000-08:00

HAd a fun run today going up to the higher altitude and breaking some snow trails.
Too much free time dept (thank Gawd)

New Balance Minimus 10 Road shoe review

2011-06-26T06:29:00.000-07:00

Finally a minimalist running shoe that doesn't crush the toes and comes in a ee width. Very comfortable right out of the box and doesn't look as goofy as some of the barefoot shoes out there. Did a road/trail mix and they virtually have no break-in period. Nice road feel but not as sensitive as my Vibrams (which I love) . Extremely breathable unlike the new Nike Free ID's(2011) which I had to return because my foot was suffocating. I had to replace the laces with my favorite stretch lock laces as the NB laces kept coming undone even with a double knot;not a biggie but personally annoying for me.

I run in a variety of shoes on trails and roads in the Colorado Mtns. file:///Users/ClaudeDiamond/Desktop/detail_hero_template_400x400.jpeg

Colorado trail running movie

2011-05-24T18:12:00.000-07:00

High quality running short about Anton Krupricka. Great photography-music and honesty

Trail Running 8 miles in the Rockies in May

2011-05-15T14:43:00.000-07:00

Greta Waitz was a great Lady

2011-04-21T06:16:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of meeting Greta at one of the NYC Marathons . She was very polite and unbelievably patient with admiring runners. She was a role model for all runners.-Claude

The NJ Record 4/11

HER FIRST name was Grete. It should have been Grace, because that is what Grete Waitz brought to the sport of running.

WAITZ

Her death Tuesday at age 57 comes much too soon. The native Norwegian won nine New York Marathons, set world records and fought cancer. She was a seminal figure, not just for women runners, but in the entire sport. Today, we see joggers everywhere, from the suburbs to cities, men and women, young and old, run for pleasure, health or possibly the glory of finishing or even winning a competition.
But the running craze of today was in its nascent stages when Waitz ran her first marathon in New York City, a 26.2-mile test of physical endurance and mental focus. Running is one of the purest of sports — it is the human body against time, distance and the elements. Fancy running shoes may help, but in the end, it is a contest between the body and the mind.
Athletes like Waitz proved that the prize was more than the glory of crossing the finish line first or opening the door of a sport to women. In 1992, no longer a competitor, she ran the New York Marathon with its founder Fred Lebow, who was in remission from brain cancer.
They ran in tandem, two friends. It was a long, grueling race at more than 5 1/2 hours, more than double the running time of her first world-record marathon in New York in 1978. In this 1992 race, it was not about time, but about the distance traveled with a friend.
Fans will marvel at her record wins. Many a Sunday-morning jogger may imagine what it would be like to cross a finish line crowned with the laurels of victory. But for any of us who admire athletes who achieve the greatness within themselves, it will be the image of Waitz finishing a 5:32:35 marathon with a dying friend that will define how great an athlete she truly was.
Grete Waitz was a champion.

The Carlsbad Marathon 2011

2011-04-03T15:31:00.001-07:00

Things I See while running in California on a Sunday

2011-03-06T15:32:00.000-08:00

One of the best things you can do on a run is take a few pictures along the way.

>>>>>Only in California

New Christopher McDougal speaking gig

2011-02-09T17:33:00.000-08:00

new-Darwin barefoot minimalist running shoe

2011-01-22T08:30:00.001-08:00

Men's Bugatech™ Lite Omni-Heat® review by Claude Diamond

2010-12-27T06:15:00.000-08:00

Columbia Bugatech Lite Omni-Heat Boots (pictures below)

Wifey: "Hey, can I try on these new boots?"

Moi: "Uh, sure Honey, but I need them back for the review I am writing for Ryan at Snowshoe Magazine."

Wifey: "Well, OK, but can I have them when you are finished? They look and feel great."

Darn, the wife likes my new Columbia Bugaboots which translates into sharing or a complete surrender of my new lightweight Columbia Lite-Omni hiking boots. As many of my readers know, I live part of the year in Winter Park, Colorado which has a top elevation of 12,060 feet. In a good winter, (like this one), we can get up to 400 inches of the fluffy white stuff. Durable boots are a way of life here and are the basis of many a heated discussion. We had a holiday party several years ago where a guest’s brand new hiking boots were taken by mistake from the mud-room. That is how gunfights used to begin in the Old West Colorado mountain towns!

Yes, hiking boots is serious business here and having feet stay warm and dry during long hikes and snow shoeing is often a problem. Many boots I have previously purchased, look great in the store or in the catalog, but in reality, are not designed for the tough Rocky Mountain environment. Nothing is worse, than when I am 5 miles from home and feel the moisture seeping in my boots, resulting in cold and wet tingle in my toes. I need boots that don't make a fashion statement, they just need to WORK!

Here is my list of wants/needs in hiking wear:

A. Warm.

B. Comfortable, dare I say Snug.

C. Easy to get on and off. AKA: secure fit.

D. Not so heavy that they are cumbersome.

E. Reputable company.

F. Ok, Ok, they should also look cool.

I am delighted to say the Columbia has hit it out of the park with their Omni-Lites. A solid looking green and black designed shoe which looks great, right out of the box, with no significant wear-in period. I took these puppies for a long initial test hike in 2 feet of packed powder snow on the Wolf Park Trail in Winter Park. They had a good secure feel without any slippage. The tread is serious stuff. They were as warm and snug as my sheepskin slippers with no leakage or external moisture. The best part of this design is the weight: only 1 LB 6 OZ per shoe.

The following week, we received a ton of new snow and I thought that I had better try them with snow shoes on a more challenging trail. I wore them up to the Vasquez Trail and then onto my favorite secluded mountain trails, Blue Sky and Ice Box Trail, for some really heavy duty, untracked mountain traveling. Nothing I love better than warm pitters in 5 below temperatures. These boots endured the challenge with flying colors!

These are the boots you want for the back country, when weight and warmth are major priorities. Columbia has the right combination here. The only problem is that if your outdoor active wife likes them, you will have to buy a 2nd pair!

Information from Columbia's web page
Designed with advanced Omni-Heat® technology, this flexible, ultra-light evolution of the Bugaboot is like wrapping your feet in a waterproof space blanket. LESS
The ultra-slim Techlite® shell adds protection in critical areas without sacrificing nimble-footed mobility on snowy terrain. Made of rugged ballistic waterproof mesh, the upper features protective Thermoplastic support panels for added stability in deep-snow conditions, while Omni-Heat technology reflects natural body heat back into the boot. A Thinsulate® lining with additional underfoot insulation adds even more warmth, keeping feet comfortable all the way down to -25º below zero. Completing this high-performance package is an Omni-Grip® outsole with lugged traction patterns for outstanding grip in any winter wonderland.

FEATURES:
Waterproof ballistic mesh upper
Protective Thermoplastic support panels
Omni-Heat technology reflects body heat for added warmth
200g Thinsulate with added underfoot insulation
Contour Comfort® 1D footbed with AgION® anti-odor treatment provides cushioned comfort and support
Zonal Techlite lightweight shell provides warmth and moisture control in critical areas around the foot
Omni-Grip outsole with lugged traction pattern
Weight: Size 9, 1/2 pair=1lb. 6oz/635g
Imported

Anyone enjoy running in the snow at 7:30AM in the Rockies ?

2010-12-22T16:53:00.000-08:00

It's been snowing for the last 2 weeks in Winter Park,Colorado. Best Powder skiing that I can remember for this early in the year. Running on the other hand can be challenging especially if you have a 10 mile daily addiction.

No, 7 minute miles in the snow but its better than getting fat on holiday fruit cake.

New Nike running shoe for 2013 ?

2010-12-20T17:49:00.000-08:00

http://www.gearfuse.com/enhanced-nudity-adhesive-prostheses/

Came across this idea from on of the running blogs I peruse;imagine a world where shoes are getting lighter-smaller and more fun.

Yaktrax for Running in the Snow

2010-12-07T12:13:00.000-08:00

How To make your own snow & Ice trail running shoes for 50¢

2010-11-18T07:57:00.000-08:00

The runners road in snow

2010-10-12T12:55:00.000-07:00

First snow run of Autumn 2010 today in Winter Park,Colorado
12,060 feet. Highest mountain Ski area town in America .
Went out for a slow and easy 6 miler in my Brooks trail shoes.
Always an event when you have to put on winter clothes for the first morning snow run
(waterproof gortex running pants-gloves/mittens/ski hat/sweat shirt etc).

Question: What do I do with my Vibram Classics and Nike Free 5.0's ?

Robert Frost (1874–1963). Mountain Interval. 1920.

1. The Road Not Take


TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;	5

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,	10

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.	15

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

My 120 pound journey.-Motivating video I heard about today-well done

2010-09-26T15:59:00.000-07:00

New Balance Minimalist shoes for 2011 video

2010-08-19T12:17:00.000-07:00

Fighting Gravity - America's Got Talent 2010

2010-08-12T20:15:00.000-07:00

Hiking in Vibram Five Fingers Bikilas through the Rocky Mountains of Colorado

2010-08-04T06:34:00.000-07:00

Hiking in Vibram Five Fingers Bikilas through the Rocky Mountains of Colorado

Nothing like a trail run at 12,300 feet above sea level in July

2010-07-29T13:35:00.000-07:00

Nice July 2010 15 mile Trail run from Berthod Pass in Grand County Colorado to Winter Park Ski Area. All you need is a Camelbak, compass and map, and a peanut butter sandwich.

Barefoot kenBob (and his dog Herman) comes to the Rockies

2010-07-13T15:01:00.000-07:00

Claude: Hey CJ, I need you to drive me to Golden,Colorado (60 miles away from Winter Park)

CJ: Why ?

Claude: There is a free fun run and lecture by Barefoot KenBob.

http://barefootkenbob.com

CJ: Who ?

Claude: Barefoot KenBob. The man is a living legend.

CJ: why?

Claude: uhhh, He runs barefoot and has inspired a generation of tenderfeet to go sans shoes.

CJ: And you want me to drive 2 hours so you can learn to run barefoot ?

Claude: Uh Yup (Colorado speak for yes)

CJ: You didn’t tell me insanity runs in your family !

So went the discourse I had with the wifey when I registered online to meet the Missionary of tender toes, Barefoot KenBob. He spoke for a short while on the advantages of the foot

that is un-encumbered by shoes. He has run all sorts of marathons including Boston in the raw (no zapatos). He is a wonderful speaker and very generous with his time. After the questions were answered he took us on a fun run from Buffalo Bills Grave around the neighborhood roads and finally we ended up on a great dirt trail. Yes, all barefoot.

My Fred Flintstone feet were tingling from the virginal running experience and a certain amount of bathing was required upon my return home to change the color of my feet back to their original pink glow.

Would I do it again, Yes. Between using my Vibrams Classics five finger running shoes and some beach and grass running there is a place for becoming a nature boy once again.

Thank you KenBob, you are a Mensch

The best 4th of July race in America

2010-07-03T13:35:00.000-07:00

Every year I schlep in the "run for independence" 4th of July run. Its five miles downhill at 9000 foot altitude in Winter Park, Colorado . Its a good ol fashioned road race with accurate timing. Pro runners-dogs-baby carriages,guys carrying flags with usa shorts participate. Its onlys costs $25.00 and between the great custom design shirts-swag bag and food it is a fun race with a great value. Best of all the money goes 100% to sending kids who need dialysis to day camp. This year they sent 26 kids.

On a personal note how come all the popular races are going up in price ? Because they are for profit. Yes, I know they do all the charity stuff but the reality is why are they charging so much ? I guess Because they can. I recently wanted to enter the 2011 Carlsbad 1/2 marathon;one of my favorite races. They now charge $70.00 plus and they have the audacity to want to charge me an extra $5.00 because they wanted me to pay for the credit card charges. I offered to pay by check but the nice lady on the phone said that was a no-no. Maybe its me but give me the small town reasonable style race where all the money goes to charity.

New Jersey Trail running for a transplanted Rockies jogger.

2010-06-30T10:55:00.000-07:00

Hi Guys, Just returned from a business trip to NYC so I thought I would go back to my old home in Lake Hopatcong, N.J.

It's up in the wilds of Sussex county New Jersey and I thought I would take a few runs with some old jogging ghosts.

I re-discovered or better said I forgot what real temperatures and humidity was like 90/90 (90 degrees and 90% humidity). Going out for an easy 5 miler at 11AM created a fountain of sweat running down the arms ,forehead and back.The good part however is that I usually lose a few pounds running in this type of climate. Quite different from the 45 to 55 degrees and dryness of Winter Park, Colorado at 9AM most summer mornings.

BTW, I brought my Vibram barefoot running classics and did I get looks and comments from the locals. I was surprised the running community has not embraced the minimalist movement yet.

My run the next day began at 6AM; which is a much more sensible time to take a 10 miler run in the summer;so much cooler in the early AM.

I also forgot how annoying flying bugs are .The trails around the county are still heavily wooded and wonderfully quiet but the gnats/mosquitos bugs are a pain unless you saturated yourself in bug spray.

Note: I am really not found of bug repellents for the skin-I figure no good can come from it once the stuff is absorbed in the skin and starts floating around the blood stream ,

No bugs to speak of on the high mountain trails in "cool" a RADO. Usually all I have to do is douse yourself in SPF #100 sunblock unless you want your skin to look like a deep friend Twinkie.

Note: Not healthy but delicious and can be found at the Delmar,CA county fair.

With all my whiny complaints there is still something special about running at sea level after I have been training all winter and spring at 9 to 11K altitude. Its amazing to rediscover that you still have a few really fast miles left in you without breathing hard.

Finally, there is the reward that only transplanted Colorado runners can appreciate after a long hot run in NJ;Its a slice of the worlds best hot pepperoni with anchovy pizza washed down with a rolling rock beer (try the Grotto in Hopatcong-say hi to Todd for me).

Anton Krupicka Pre-2010 Western States Interview

2010-06-30T09:58:00.000-07:00

Anton Krupicka Pre-2010 Western States Interview

Bear and cougar thoughts while trail running/hiking with kids

2010-06-13T05:25:00.000-07:00

I live in the Colorado Rockies (Winter Park) and we had a Mountain Lion mortal attack several years ago in The nearby Rocky Mtn National Forest. A small child ran ahead of its parents and a cougar jumped him. Its good advice to keep the real little ones within a small perimeter of their parents when in the woods. This Lion was hunted and found to be diseased but regardless perhaps it could have been avoided if the group appeared to be larger by staying together.

FYI, I run everyday in the mountain trails and here is a few ideas I embrace :

A. Make noise. I clap my hands every once in a while and Occassionaly use a bear bell when I am very secluded in the higher altitudes. They are only $3.00 at REI and have a magnet in the carry pouch to stop the clapper when you no longer need it. This is especially important by streams where there is more background noise.
B. I carry a large can of bear repellent spray on the back of my Camelpak water backpack. I spoke to a hunter who has used this mace spray to ward off aggressive bears. Works on uncontrollable/aggressive dogs too.
C. No headphone,ipods etc. Be alert of your surroundings.

The Hybrid Barefoot running solution

2010-06-09T12:05:00.000-07:00

Claude Diamond J.D. is the author of several Business Success Novels and Mentors select individuals in his principles of wealth, sales and Success. Give him a Call, he answers his own phone; really ! (619) 421 4121 or Skype him at: ClaudeDiamond

How to use the Nike + Sportsband with your Vibram Fivefinger Classics

2010-06-07T09:43:00.000-07:00

Problem: How the heck do you attach the Nike+ sensor to your Vibram Fivefinger running shoes ? Claude Diamond shows you how

Claude Diamond J.D. is the author of several Business Success Novels and Mentors select individuals in his principles of wealth and Success. Give him a Call, he answers his own phone; really ! Call himat (619) 421 4121 or

Skype him at: ClaudeDiamond

http://www.claudediamond.com/Running/Blog/Blog.html

Running Bare with Vibram FiveFinger Classics

2010-06-07T09:33:00.000-07:00

Decided to go bare and try out the Vibram™ FiveFinger Classics today. A truly different type of running shoe. Claude share a few insights on this new “born to run” movement. http://www. claudediamondrunning.blogspot.com

Claude Diamond J.D. is the author of several Business Success Novels and Mentors select individuals in his principles of wealth and Success. Give him a Call he answers his own phone; really ! (619) 421 4121 or Skype him at: ClaudeDiamond

A runners tale (humor for the day)

2010-05-27T08:52:00.000-07:00

This woman was having an affair during the day while Her husband was at work. One day she was in bed with Her boyfriend and she heard Her husband`s car pull in the driveway. She yelled at the boyfriend "Hurry! Grab your clothes and jump out the window my husband is home early!"
The boyfriend looked out the window and said, "I can`t jump out the window! It`s raining like hell out there!" She said, "If my husband catches us in here, he will kill both of us!" So the boyfriend grabs his clothes and jumps out the window!
When he landed outside he was in the middle of a "running Marathon" so he started running along beside the others only he was still in the nude, carrying his clothes on his arm.
One of the runners asked him, "Do you always run in the nude?" He answered, while gasping for air, "Oh yes, It feels so free having the air blow over your skin while you are running."
The other runner then asked the nude man, "Do you always run carrying your clothes on your arm?" The nude man answered breathlessly, "Oh yes, that way I can get dressed at the end of the run and get in my car to go home!"
The runner then asked, "Do you always wear a condom when you run?" The nuddy answered, "Only if it`s raining.

New minimalist style barefoot running shoe to challenge Nike free & Vibram -The Darwin©(humor)

2010-05-24T14:42:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veATaGIbRaQ

O Boy !, am I excited. I was like a kid on Xmas Morning getting my first gift from under the tree.

I Just received my new pair of "The Darwin" running shoe. This is the latest entry into the burgeoning naked minimalist barefoot running shoe movement that is sweeping the nation.

I understand that these innovative running shoes were sold out by the first batch. Is it any wonder why these revolutionary style shoes are designed to actually bring us back to the original style of running 4. 5 million years ago.

The fit was quite snug and comfortable on my first run up in the Colorado mountain trails. They were the lightest pair of shoes I have worn and quite comparable to the Nike Free and Vibram five finger shoes that seem to be so popular.

The only problem was the urge to climb trees and eat copious amounts of bananas. That aside the stares from local runners at my new state of the art shoes also made me a little self conscience.

How to use the Nike + Sportsband with Barefoot running

2010-05-08T18:12:00.000-07:00

I pondered that if I was going to become one of the new naked foot club how could I use my beloved Nike + Sportsband . I thought long and hard and then it came to me in a flash: use the wonderful velcro holder from Mareware which hold the red and white Nike transmitter and attach to my Fred Flintstone feet. Viola! - we have minimalist running apparel with state of the art technology.

Now I can eliminate the cumbersome shoes but utilize accuracy of the Nike + sportsband.

Great video on The Dipsea Race in California

2010-05-02T15:26:00.000-07:00

Dipsea Race Documentary from Chris Morgan on Vimeo.

New Nike Commercial

2010-02-17T14:44:00.000-08:00

Carlsbad Marathon Pics

2010-02-13T14:16:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite runs is the Carlsbad 1/2 Marathon in Jan. Great place for a personal best. I knocked off a 1:48 run and felt really good the entire run. Great flat course that parallels the beach and goes through the town of Carlsbad.

Best Mountain Trail Run of the Year Photo Slideshow

2010-01-01T15:12:00.000-08:00

Had a great 16 mile trail/snow run today high in the Rocky Mountain in Winter Park, Colorado

Nothing better than a sunny 10 degree day at 11K feet.

Here are a few shots I took.
Enjoy and Happy New Year
Claude

All I want for Xmas is More running shoes

2009-12-16T07:14:00.000-08:00

Well it looks like it's going to be a great holiday. I just received 2 new pairs of Custom Nike Free 5.0. These are the older more sock like version of the minimalist innovative running shoe from Nike not the 5.0V4 . $120.00 from Nike.

My last 2 pairs lasted me well over 2 years and thousands of trail and treadmill miles. Actually a very good value for all the wear I get from them. The uppers seem to wear out before the soles;in particular the soft nylon heel area.

They are comfortable-very light 8oz and they have the cool look so I can wear them with my Tux for formal occasion's and with jeans for everything else. I have heard some rummers that Nike is even working on a lighter pair of Nike Free's

New Nike ultra light shoes

2009-12-09T10:24:00.000-08:00

Heard an interesting rumor today about Nike from an interesting source in California. Nike will be coming out with a line of ultra light running shoes. Not much more to report but perhaps the new emphasis on lighter and flatter minimalist shoes is having an impact on the industry from The "Born to Run" book.

Barefoot runner in the airport Bathroom,YUCH !

2009-12-06T12:51:00.000-08:00

I am reading a great deal about the barefoot movement in books, youtube video and blogs of late. I often travel for my mentoring business. If I get to the airport early and travel with just a backpack and my Nike plus watch I can log in 3 to 5 miles doing laps in the Southwest terminal at DIA.

Today I was surprised to see a barefoot person who appeared to be a runner (Nike runner t-Shirt) in the bathroom.

My only feeling and I assume that you feel the same was a major YUCH.

Why would any person want to walk past urinals barefoot and step into OPP (other people pee).

OMG, Is this youthful rebellion,insanity or the need to be trendy ?

Sorry, I know I am venting but I had to share :-)

Keep running have fun stay healthy and thin

Claude,

I in the airport going back to good ol San Diego.

A Shoe For Barefoot Runners (2009-09-19)

2009-10-20T09:04:00.000-07:00

kuar:
: A Shoe For Barefoot Runners (2009-09-19)

The New runners natural power food

2009-10-19T14:17:00.000-07:00

">">The new power food for runners

Denver Marathon needs to end Marathon Gridlock next year

2009-10-19T10:39:00.000-07:00

New York, Chicago and San Diego do it much better.

Traffic management within Denver was Horrendous yesterday during the marathon; what a poor design for the locals and tourists trapped within the inner city area. We sat in our car for hours trying to leave Denver-que lastima

Question: Can't the organizers come up with a design that allows ingress/egress to at least one major hway (25-70 etc). Having a cop let one car cross over the route every 30 minutes is crazy for a major metropolitan area. Just for the record I am a marathoner and not unsympathetic to running a good race, but I believe that any future design should allow for a better design for vehicular traffic. There should be a intelligent route that doesn't stagnate the entire inner/central city with gridlock.

Let me out dude !

Great Barefoot running video with Chris McDougall

2009-10-14T06:55:00.000-07:00

Barefoot minimalist running in Central park video

2009-10-08T08:17:00.000-07:00

TV Health Gurus Dr. Andrew Weil and Dr. Phil

2009-10-05T07:45:00.000-07:00

Read another article today on TV Health Guru Dr. Andrew Weil and was pondering the following: Why should anyone take health advise from obese/overweight doctor personalities like Dr. Weil or Dr. Phil who don't practice what they preach ? It's common knowledge that the closer one is to their BMI (body mass index) the lower the chance of all major health issues (cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes etc). They tell us what to do but they don't seem to do it themselves. I wonder if they run on a daily basis ? Just my 2¢

Barefoot Running fad or revelation ?

2009-10-02T06:40:00.000-07:00

Fun and informative running page I recently discovered. Claude

A Trailrat's adventures......: Barefoot Running

Minimalist bare naked foot running

2009-09-29T14:06:00.000-07:00

The hot topic in running lately is barefoot or minimalist running shoes based on the new best selling book "born to Run" by Christopher McDougall; great book BTW.
I rotate my running shoes between my Brooks adrenaline and Nike free 3.0. I have always preferred the lighter Nike free shoe just because it was so darn comfortable. I always had a concern however about protection especially on trail running, hitting rocks etc.

Well it seems that everything old is new again; the more we get back to basics the better off we become. The same can also said for a healthy unprocessed food diet.

I have no problem running on the beach au natural (just feet) but I draw the line on grass in parks and city streets. I figure Between the dog poop, glass and gawd forbid a disposed of hypodermic needle why take the chance ?

Now the new minimalist shoes like the Vibram are just to goofy looking for me but I will try a pair on and see what happens.

Keep running

Claude Diamond

New Nike+ Sports band review

2009-07-22T13:18:00.000-07:00

Just received my new Nike+ Sports band; generation 2 and it looks like they got it right this time. I was a big fan of the original timepiece but due to some construction defects with water/sweat resistance and a fragile display that love affair was short lived.

I must however compliment Nike for standing behind their product. They not only replaced the original damaged sports band I had with no questions asked but sent me a new one as a way to say we got it right this time. They get an A+ for outstanding customer service.

The new band works great, looks very cool and the new Nike+ web page design is a pleasure. The band is simple to operate, surprisingly accurate and a bargain at $59.00 compared to competition that sells for hundreds more.

Thanks for getting it right Nike

Claude Diamond

The Colorado Mountain Man Trail Runner Challenge

2009-07-22T08:04:00.000-07:00

Bad Dogs and Dumb Owners while running.

2009-06-24T06:55:00.000-07:00

I recently read a great editorial by Michael Benge of Trail Runner Magazine about dogs and running. Here is my response

Hi Michael,

Really enjoyed your recent editorial "doggonit". I live in a resort community in the Colorado rocky mountains and go trail running everyday. Unfortunately so do many moronic dog owners who allow their untrained and unleashed dogs to run wild and assault runners. Your article hit home when you mentioned the typical response of........

"Gee Whiz, Bosco never did that before" or my favorite "Don't worry he's friendly" as though that is an excuse for an aggressive frontal or heel biting assault.

I recently encountered on a trail run a loose Rotweiller breed which charged me showing teeth, growling and snarling. The dog would not respond to voice commands from the lethargic owner. I froze dead in my tracks(which seems to works in most cases). I was not hurt but it truly scared the hell out of me.

The response from the owner ? None. Apology? None.

I now carry defensive mace-pepper spray on all my runs (legal in Colorado).

I guess there will always be, Bad Dogs and Dumb Owners.

After Thought; did you ever notice that the dog walkers who utilize the new 50 foot retractable leash still allow their dogs to get within your perimeter as though that is now acceptable. "Excuse me lady but I really don't want to trip over your 120 lb poodle or have him smell my crotch. Dog owners, get some manners.

Success in all your Endeavors

Please feel free to use/edit this letter in any manner you see fitting. Thanks Again. BTW love Trail Running Mag, one dirty magazine :-)

Claude Diamond J.D.

POB 960

Winter Park, Colorado 80482

mentor@mac.com

Beach Running in LA

2009-06-13T17:17:00.000-07:00

Had a few speaking gigs on in LA and decided to take a fun 10 miler . Heard the beach was only 2 miles away. I was staying at a nice Embassy Suites hotel by the LAX airport. What great sport where all you need are a good pair of running shoes and the desire to step outside and stay thin and healthy.

Colorado Trail Mountain Running

2009-05-19T14:43:00.001-07:00

The Colorado Trail Runner with Claude Diamond

2009-05-13T09:46:00.001-07:00

Just a fun run in the rockies

Running in the Rockies with Claude Diamond

2009-05-09T16:37:00.000-07:00

Nothing better than a 15 miles easy run on a sunny 55 degree day.

Look for the picture of me holding the small peas. These are really Juniper berries, used to make Gin (hic). Along the way I still found a bunch of snow at 9000 feet in May. As you can see the mountains in the background still have tons of snow cover which will usually last until early July.

Mountain running with it adventurous terrain and wildlife sure beats the pavement. Normally I encounter moose and deer; no bears or cougars please; although they are out there.

New Running Book I found today

2009-05-08T11:29:00.001-07:00

Browse Inside this book

Get this for your site

Platt River Run in Denver

2009-05-03T12:24:00.000-07:00

Beyond the Run Movie

2009-04-16T09:21:00.001-07:00

The Winter Park Running Club host a 3/4 marathon

2009-04-12T08:46:00.000-07:00

This web page will also now serve as the Winter Park Running Club.

We intent to promote the Health and fun of running in our community.

Our first 18 Mile 3/4 marathon Winter Park vs Granby run will be held this May on the Fraser River Trail tru Tabernash, past the Y and Sol Vista . The Winner Gets a case of PBR beer to share with their thirst friends. More info Later.

How to run a Marathon in Yuch Weather

2009-04-04T10:28:00.000-07:00

How to run in Yuch Weather

Oahu Hawaii 10 mile run

2009-03-12T16:19:00.000-07:00

New 1/2 Marathon run in April I registered for

2009-02-23T11:03:00.000-08:00

The 5 Minute Success video

2009-02-07T18:42:00.000-08:00

Learn all about Claude Diamond's 5 minute rule of Success in Health and Weight Loss

More CArlsbad MArathon Pics 2009

2009-01-27T13:58:00.000-08:00

A few more pics I thought you might enjoy from CArlsbad , CAlifornia

2009-01-26T11:17:00.000-08:00

Had a fun day yesterday at the Carlsbad Marathon . They had over 9000 runners. The weather was overcast and in the 50's; perfect running weather.

My intent was to run the half marathon event under 2 hours and I am happy to report that I did a 1:52. I just took it easy, made new running friends. I took the layback California approach and and keep my pace around the low 8 minutes miles.

The event was well organized considering the size of the crowd. Very cool Medals were awarded And I placed 30 out of 166 for my "young age group.

There were all sorts of entertainment, drum and rock bands along the way and the crowds and support were totally awesome dude.

If you are wondering what's over my shoulder (in the pic) it's my very light Camelbak. It holds the car keys, money and cell phone and a liter of water. Much better that the little bottles around the waist that I see other folks hauling.

Great job Carlsbad MArathon folks-Thank you.

Claude Diamond

www.CaudeDiamond.com

running magazines and equipment I use

2009-01-11T14:37:00.001-08:00

Running magazines and equipment I use

2009-01-11T13:29:00.000-08:00

The Runners Video Theater

2008-12-17T12:26:00.000-08:00

Running equipment for the rocky mountains

2008-12-17T11:33:00.000-08:00

My First Running Video Blog

2008-12-16T13:47:00.000-08:00

Road running books I have read

2008-12-08T10:14:00.000-08:00

Using a Treadmill as a health and Success tool

2008-11-26T08:56:00.000-08:00

How to save a fortune buying new running shoes

2008-11-20T17:03:00.000-08:00

Running Cartoon that I found

2008-10-30T15:31:00.000-07:00

Road running stretch locking laces

2008-10-11T13:09:00.000-07:00

Book Review on 100 miles to destiny by Will McCarthy

2008-10-06T16:50:00.000-07:00

Just go to the link below to watch my video on this excellent running book.

http://www.amazon.com/review/R1DUQ7P3OK50EY/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm

Ipod Nike+ Sensor for running accuracy and tunes

2008-10-06T08:55:00.000-07:00

80 years olds who run marathons

2008-10-05T07:56:00.000-07:00

Here is a great article I just read in the wall Street journal

Over 80, It's Anyone's Race

Joy Johnson, 81, aims to break six hours in New York Marathon; 'I want to die running'

By MATTHEW FUTTERMAN

For Joy Johnson, winning her age group in last year's ING New York City Marathon was bittersweet. First place was nice, but her time had slipped to seven hours.

"This year I cranked up the training," says Ms. Johnson, a silver-haired, 81-year-old former Minnesota farm girl from San Jose, Calif., competing in her 21st consecutive New York City Marathon. "I want to die running. That's my goal."

Never mind the Kenyans who will battle through Central Park early Sunday afternoon and break the tape of the New York City Marathon in roughly two hours. The most intriguing competition among the 39,000-plus runners should come four hours later in the women's 80-90-year-old division, the oldest group of women competing this year.

Ms. Johnson will try to hold off four others in the race, including Bertha McGruder, who is in the 80-90 division for the first time after completing last year's race in six hours, 15 minutes, good for third place among 75-79-year-old women.

Bring it on, says Ms. Johnson. "I have my stronger leg muscles now," she says, placing her hands just above her knees. "I can feel it in my thighs."

More older Americans are exercising regularly than ever. By 2010, a quarter of the U.S. population will be older than 55, and officials with Running USA say seniors represent the fastest-growing segment of the sport's participants. Since 2003, the number of finishers 80 and above for all road races has risen 23% compared with 16% for all age groups.

Still, Ms. Johnson headlines a tiny segment in road racing's most grueling mass event. Just 26 runners over 80 registered for this year's race, including just three women other than Ms. Johnson and Ms. McGruder, none of whom are expected to win the division.

If history is a guide, roughly six hours after she crosses the Verrazano Narrows Bridge from Staten Island into Brooklyn, Ms. Johnson will trot across the finish line hoping to grab the piece of Tiffany's crystal awarded to the male and female winner in each age group.

It's a goal Ms. Johnson has been working towards for months. Throughout the summer she ran 50 to 55 miles each week instead of 30 to 35. She ran hills and bleachers at the local high-school football field, and she worked to build up her core strength at a running camp in Minnesota.

The hard work has paid off. Four weeks ago, Ms. Johnson finished the Twin Cities Marathon in six hours, six minutes and 48 seconds, nearly an hour faster than her time in New York last year. Since 1997, she has won her age group in New York five times, finished second on five other occasions and came in third once.

Winning her division once more won't be easy, though. Ms. McGruder, who declined to be interviewed for this story, ran the race in five hours, 56 minutes in 2005 and has not finished below third in her age group since 2002.

THE SUNNIEST PEOPLE

Joy Johnson has sturdy, pointed shoulders, smooth, tan skin that resembles soft leather, and a leggy, slim-waisted figure women 50 years her junior would kill for. She rises with a burst in the darkness of 4 a.m. at her 1950s, four-bedroom ranch house on a quiet street in south San Jose, reads her Bible for an hour then sets out into the eucalyptus and citrus tree-scented air on her pre-dawn run.

"When you wake up it can either be a good day or a bad day," Ms. Johnson says. "I always say, 'It's going to be a good day.' "

Mary Wittenberg, chief executive of the New York Road Runners Club, which stages the marathon, said such optimism binds the elderly runners she meets. "These are the sunniest people," Ms. Wittenberg said. "Maybe you have to be that way to run marathons in your 80s, or maybe it's just that running makes you so damn happy."

Like any aging runner, Ms. Johnson faces enormous obstacles. Dr. Alexis Chiang Colvin, a sports-medicine expert at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, said aging affects every system the body uses in long-distance running.

An elderly heart doesn't pump as fast or as hard, so oxygen -- the body's gasoline -- doesn't circulate as efficiently. An average 60-year-old pumps 20% less oxygenated blood than a 20-year-old, Dr. Colvin said. Like all human tissue, the lungs become stiffer and less expansive. Muscles atrophy at an increasing rate and ligaments and tendons grow brittle making injuries far more likely. Muscle strength generally peaks at 30. After 70, it declines 30% per decade.

But Jeff Galloway, the marathon guru whose running camp in Lake Tahoe Ms. Johnson has attended since 1996, said Ms. Johnson knows how to push her body to its limit but not beyond. Even in competitive marathons, she runs two or three miles, usually at a 13-minute pace, then walks for a minute or two.

"She is someone you really can see running when she is 100," said Mr. Galloway, who wrote his most recent book, Running Until You're 100, with Ms. Johnson in mind. "She just has that smile on her face all the time."

She smiles even when Dick Beardsley, a former marathon champion who also coaches Ms. Johnson at his running camp in Minnesota, pushes her through a series of stomach crunches, push-ups and hovers (holding the body in a push-up position) that help Ms. Johnson avoid becoming hunched as her body tires. "She can hover better than I can," said Mr. Beardsley.

Strangely, other than the occasional game of tag with her five brothers and sisters on the family farm in Waconia, Minn., Ms. Johnson never ran growing up. The only hint of the sport was the verse from the Book of Isaiah on the kitchen wall. "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."

'I DO NOT WANT TO BE REVIVED'

Despite a career as a gym teacher, regular exercise didn't become part of her routine until 1985, when she took a three-mile walk on a lark. The exercise energized her. Soon the walk became a run and before long Ms. Johnson was entering 10-kilometer road races.

By 1988, she and a former teaching colleague some 15 years her junior, Andrea Rugani, were running 12 miles a day between their homes in Los Gatos and San Jose. In August of that year, they mapped out a training regimen for their first marathon in New York and sent it to a local cross-country coach. "He said, 'This is a good plan but you're supposed to have six months to train, not three,'" Ms. Johnson recalls.

Three months later, at 61, she finished in four hours, 22 minutes. Three years later, she finished in three hours, 55 minutes.

Two decades after she became a marathoner, Ms. Johnson still runs 11 races a year, including three marathons, the 12-kilometer Bay to Breakers race through San Francisco, and the 13.1 mile Securian Frozen Half Marathon in St. Paul each January. "It's cold as the dickens but it's so much fun," she says.

Her training each day starts with a block-and-a-half of fast walking. "OK, let's go" she says, and then she is off, trotting a mile loop over and over through her neighborhood or circling the track at Willow Glen High School among her friends.

She has outlasted all of the major characters in her running life. Ms. Rugani, her former training partner, died of complications from Parkinson's disease. Her husband Newell, her biggest fan, died of cancer nine years ago.

The octogenarians she meets at the high-school track at dawn, are all walkers now. One has a heart ailment. Another suffered a stroke last year. A third says her body simply can't take running anymore. "She's going to die doing those marathons," said Pat Dutton, one of those friends.

If that happens, Joy Johnson will end her life a satisfied woman, because she is most happy in motion, alone, planning out her day in her head, or thinking of a dinner to cook for her daughter and granddaughter who live with her. When fatigue sets in, she smiles and flings her arms in the air like an eagle and recites the words from Isaiah, her "running mantra," from the kitchen wall in her childhood home.

"I've told my friends if I die here on this track do not call 911 because I do not want to be revived," she says in the middle of two-hour workout earlier this week. "I say, wait a half an hour, maybe 45 minutes, then call the mortician. That's the way I want to go."

NYC MArathon 2008 Results-What about Beth Stern ?

2008-10-02T10:53:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a race ! Perfect conditions with 40 degree temperature and 15 mile an hour winds.

Marilson Gomes dos Santos made a dramatic move as the race entered Central Park to win this year’s race in 2:08:43.

His last mile he blew away his sole competitor with a 4:47, running so strongly that Goumri (2nd place) had no response when Gomes passed him as they ran down Central Park South. He finished 24 seconds behind.

Gomes grabbed a Brazilian flag after he crossed the finish line. When he won in 2006, he was the first South American runner ever to win here.

Britain’s Paula Radcliffe won the women’s race in 2:23:56. I am amazed at how close the women's times are getting to the men's.

Question: Anyone know how Beth Stern formally Beth "O" the new wife of Howard Stern did in her marathon debut. Howard discussed it quite a bit on the Sirius radio show. Hope she had a positive, fun and Baba Boey experience.

I think back to my 3:32 Marathon time. I was pain and sore for a week but I loved the entire experience. I plan on running in January 2009 at the Carlsbad Marathon and Half Marathon. In and Out Burgers and fries (once a year treat) after the race :-)
Special thanks and citation to the NY Times™ and Lynn Zinser for the picture and race information.

Running in Central Park

2008-09-23T16:16:00.001-07:00

Just finished a real estate lease Purchase business trip in NYC and NJ and decided I deserved a good 6 mile run.
What better place than Central Park, truly a running mecca.
I arrived thru the Columbus Circle entrance to the park and it brought back great memories of the conclusion of previous NYC marathons I had run. The park has a great 6 mile circle/loop and the plethora of people, hotdog vendors, horse and bicycle carriages is a feast for the eyes.BTW watch out for the horse poop, it's everywhere, yuch.

You can leave the ipod at home while just doing an easy 9 mile pace and looking at all the people. Think I caught a glance at Howard Stern running the other way. I heard that he and his finacee Beth O were avid runners and were training for the 2008 NYC marathon before they were married; go Howie. Heck of a way to spend a honeymoon.

The hour just flies by and I seriously considered doing another loop but the hunger pains started kicking in and there is no place for a runner to be hungry than NYC

BTW, That same day I also logged in another 7 miles by just walking around Wall Street, 42nd Street and Times Square. I love using my Nike Free watch and sensor; it keeps great track of my milage. Lately I have been averaging 70 to 80 miles per week.
More onthat in another blog posting

Run Well
Your Pal
Claude Diamond