It Has Nothing To Do with Age

It Has Nothing To Do with Age is a read about transformation, health, fitness, taking control of your life, and discovering passion. Our contemporary American culture has an uncomplimentary view that middle-agers are overweight, heavily medicated, and sedentary with their electronic lifestyle. This book defies and challenges this negative perception of retirement and the aging process. Science has found a positive correlation between passion, fitness, sports activities, and being healthier and more fulfilled. This book is about choices for changing our lives for the better.

This is the first to provide, in rich detail, how to think “outside the box” by providing examples of how and why older individuals push their physical, mental, and emotional limits to new frontiers. The focus is on individuals who are optimistic, competitive, and perform at unfathomable levels in grueling events. Their intriguing stories demonstrate evolution to a more proficient level of physical and mental functioning.

The books unique content is based on the author’s journey( a PhD workaholic psychologist) along with seven interviews of outstanding athletes in sporting events that include the Tevis Cup, Western States 100 mile run, Swanton Pacific 100 mile Ride and Tie, Dipsea ( America’s oldest trail race), Hawaiian Ironman, Molokai to Oahu Outrigger canoe race, and national and international rowing.

I present a psychological basis for understanding the motivation of the mature competitor; why the older athlete is able to compete, train, and win; describe how the thinking process affects achievement and performance; the importance of incorporating play and fun through exercise; how to fulfill meaning in life; a roadmap to create and begin a healthy lifestyle; and provide inspirational models.

In 1997 my transformation began with the sport of ride and tie. Since that year, I have completed over 1800 miles in that sport, and in 2008 (age 68) won the 100 mile ride and tie at the Swanton Pacific with my horse Gypsy and my young partner Jonathan Jordan; in 2002(age 62) was a division winner in the Western states 100; and at age 60 in the year 2000 completed the Tevis on my horse, Raider.

My name is Frank Lieberman, PhD, and I invite you to hear my story and the tales of seven remarkable men and women athletes that I met during my discovery.

Please join us for a book signing and something to eat between 3:00 - 5:00 on Saturday, October 15th.

Finding the Perfect Race

We're currently in the midst of prime running season (although it's hailing in Auburn and snowing in the Sierras at the moment). Way Too Cool 50k, American River 50, and the Miwok 100k have come and gone and our attention is now poised on the Western States 100 on June 25th. Many runners are still training high mileage weeks (75-120), and mixing in a few 50k or long training runs before their mid June taper. Whereas a lot of attention is focused on the aforementioned Ultras, there are many others that provide there own challenges/training opportunities to runners. The Northern California/Nevada region is loaded with great races from the 5k to the 100 mile distance. But where can we find these diamonds in the rough? Continue reading and you'll find out.

Let's start out where most runners begin, the shorter distances. As much as I love being out on the trails for 2-5 hours, there is something to be said about a shorter distance race (5k, 5m,10k,10m). First and foremost, these distances are where most new runners begin their running endeavors and typically get hooked. Secondly, there are always a plethora of 5k/10k races locally and I'm a huge advocate of supporting local business/groups. And lastly you can get a great run in, have the rest of your day free, all the while doing something healthy. In my opinion, one of the best places to find such races is at www.zinsli.com. This website has a great list of races within the greater Sacramento/Foothill area. Many races listed have links to the RD's website or registration page making it easy to sign up and begin training for your newly acquired goals. Zinsli also has many great links to other race pages and event coordinators. Many people look at 5ks and 10ks as short, but they may be the most important distance in our sport. They truly are the gateway distances to long distance running.

Running lends itself to so many walks of life in that it's races are structured to promote healthy growth (from 5k-10k-10m-13m-25k/3ok-marathon-50k-50m-100k-100m). How fast one should go from one to another is debatable, but it's structured to do so. I categorize the half-marathon-30k race as a mid-distance race. Many runners feel as though these distances are the most enjoyable. Not too short, not too long; perfect! There are a couple of great websites that offer a wide range of distances that I use most. The first is www.pctrailruns.com. The Pacific Coast Trail Runs group puts on 2-3 races a month with multiple distances per race in the greater Bay Area. They have races as far south as Santa Monica, Ca and as far north as Portland Or. The second website is www.ultrarunner.net. This site provides races with a wide variety of distances but in a more local realm. Again, races like these are fun because runners of different levels can both participate in the same race and have a great time. Many of these races provide not only goal achievement, but training opportunities for those who run the longer distance ultra races.

Typically, once a runner is caught up in the ultra-scene, they're pretty well educated in how to/where to find races. That being said, the following websites can pretty much cover everything: www.ultrasignup.com, www.run100s.com and my local favorite, www.norcalultras.com. You can find many of the same races on each of these sites, but each webpage offers something unique. The latter website is one of our personal favorites because Julie Fingar(RD), does a wonderful job coordinating some of the biggest races in the country. Check all of these sites out and I assure you, you'll be impressed.

Running has evolved into it's own over the years. Whether you run a 5k or a 100 mile race, you ARE a runner. Some are just crazier than others. What's important to us is that you enjoy it, and maintain good health. We hope that this article of resources can aide you in your future running adventures and remember, running is like walking...just a little faster. Cheers!

Sincerely - The ARC Crew

Way Too Cool 2011 Men's Report

A week or so has passed since the 2011 Way Too Cool 50k and it's time to reflect. First and foremost, Julie Fingar(R.D.) and her entire crew put together yet another amazing race. With a new course and 100+ more entrants, everyone was eager to see how the day would pan out. Although the gun went off at 8:00 am on Saturday morning, the race for Auburn Running Company officially began Friday morning. Oh yes, packet pickup day!!!

Packet pickup day is a day that all Auburn Running Company employees look forward to. We love to talk about running, and what better way to do that than filtering hundreds of ultra runners through our doors the day before one of the biggest 50ks in the nation. There is always a buzz circulating the store and you just can't help but notice the smiles on everyone's faces and how contagious they seem to be. We truly enjoy the opportunity to meet runners from all over who share our passion for the trails. Thank you to all of those who chose to come in and we look forward to seeing you again next year! Now onto the race...

There were an abundance of great stories that unfolded at Way Too Cool this year. Mike Wolfe's domination of the new course was quite remarkable. I guess when you're used to running on snow in Montana for months on end, a little bit of mud isn't going to hold you back much. His finishing time of 3:28 was impressive considering the gobs of mud, and multiple creek crossings that had to be endeavored throughout the day. Not to mention that Todd Braje was right on his tail most of the morning (Todd Braje 3:33). Gary Gellin completed the podium with a 3rd place finish of 3:35 and the Ashland boys rounded out the top 5 (Tim Olson 3:36, Hal Koerner 3:41). It was truly a great day for the "big boys," but the performances of two of our local boys cannot be overlooked.

Coming into this year's Way Too Cool, we felt like there was a local secret that had yet to be fully tested in battle. Although he'd previously won a few races including the Sierra Nevada Double Marathon, even Jacob Rydman, (seen below leaving Goat Hill) knew that Way Too Cool would be his first true test of fitness and talent amongst other ultra runners. Jacob is a true competitor who is only beginning to understand his capabilities on the trails. Jacob's finishing time of 3:48 put him in 8th place overall!! Not a bad start for Jacob's 2011 race schedule. Congratulations buddy. Coming into Way Too Cool I knew Jacob was going to do great and he didn't let us down, but it was the 10th place finisher that created the most post-race buzz.

Christian Finkbeiner, (seen below) is a Junior at Placer High School here in Auburn, California. Whereas his running talents are well known, I don't think Christain even expected to place in the top 10 at this year's Way Too Cool. His overall time of 3:51 placed him 10th overall in a field of great runners. After the race, Christain claimed, "I was just trying to get a 4:30." To think that Christian ran a 3:51 while attending high school and training for track is hard to fathom but running is in his blood. His father Bill Finkbeiner has been an ultrarunner for years and is as certified as they come. Bill also finished Way Too Cool this year in 5:10 and plans on running AR 50 and Western States 100. Those Finkbeiners can run!!

Overall, the 2011 Way Too Cool 50k was a great success. With a new course that can accommodate 700 or so runners, one thing is for sure, we'll see lots of smiles come March 2012. Cheers to all of those who were involved in the race and we'll see you at packet pickup next year!!

The Way Too Cool women's report will be done later this week. A great year for the women!!

Sincerely - The Auburn Running Company Crew

The Northstar-at-Tahoe Snowshoe Social and Race Series

Races will be held December 18, January 23 (part of the Tahoe Rim Tour), and the series finale will be February 12, which will benefit the Truckee-Tahoe Humane Society. The first race on December 18 will also serve as a USSSA regional qualifying race. The December and February races will feature a 5K, 10K and kids’ course, while the January race, in conjunction with the Tahoe Rim Tour, will be a point-to-point 1/2 marathon from Tahoe XC to Northstar Resort.

Prizes:

- Monetary Prizes for 10K and half-marathon race day winners – Top Three Men and Women Racers

- Monetary Prizes for 10Ks/Half-marathon Overall Series Winners - Top Man and Top Woman Racer

- Product Prizes for 5K Race-Day Winners – Top Three Men and Women Racers

- Product Prizes for Kid’s Rising Star Race Day Winners – Top three finishers in each age category (6–8 years and 9–12 years)

- Celebration with awards/raffle prizes and food/drinks following each race

5/10k Course Description:

Racers and spectators alike will enjoy courses surrounded by constant action at the hub of Northstar Resort’s mid-mountain activities. All divisions of the 12/18 and 2/12 races will begin and finish at the Northstar Resort Cross-Country, Snowshoe and Telemark Center at 11:30am. The 5K races are a constant rolling course, incorporating groomed and ungroomed single-track sections - an adventurous challenge for fitness and orienteering skills. The 12/18 10K race will incorporate two loops of the 5K course and the 2/12 10K race will be one big 10K loop. The Kid’s Rising Star Rumble, ages 6 to 8 years old will cover a 500 meter course and the 9 to 12 years old a 1K course. Both will take place on groomed and ungroomed trails. The 1/23 point-to-point 1/2

marathon will begin at 9:30am at the Tahoe City High School. Racers will travel from Tahoe XC to Northstar Resort on a challenging 21K course. Course routes are available to view online at www.NorthstarAtTahoe.com.

Gold Sponsor: Silver Sage Sports Performance

Silver Industry Sponsor: Atlas Snowshoe Company

Bronze Sponsor: Northstar Foundation

Supporting Sponsors: Clifbar, The North Face, Sierra Summits Sunscreen, The Ritz-Carlton Highlands Lake Tahoe

For further details and event registration, please visit www.NorthstarAtTahoe.com

Vibram Five Fingers - Stocked and Loaded

Quick update to all Vibram Five Finger lovers! As of today, 11/9, we've received another shipment of men's KSO Five Fingers in black. We also have some larger men's sizes in the color grey/palm/clay (pictured above), and are still stocked with the women's KSO from size 35-38. If you're still on the lookout for this great product, look no further. Happy running!!

Sincerely - The Auburn Running Company Crew

Halloween Mountain Bike Duathalon/Potluck

The Victory Velo Mountain Bike Duathalon is back again!! This year it will be on Halloween 10/31, from 8:00am to 1:00pm. Therefore, break out your best costume (optional), and come join the group for a fun-filled event. The event begins with a 6 mile run that begins at the front of Victory Velo Bike Shop (next door to the Auburn Running Company), and ends at the American River Confluence. There, you will jump onto your mountain bike (stage bike at confluence prior to 8:00am start) and ride the Clementine Loop and the Stagecoach Trail. After the event, everyone will re-group at Victory Velo for a Potluck/BBQ which will also include Recoveritas!! If possible, please bring a dish to contribute to the potluck. There will be prizes for best costume so come on out and enjoy this great, free event that we all look forward to every year. Here's to happy running and riding!!

Sincerely - The Auburn Running Company Crew

Ahhhh...We Have Bikilas Too!!

If you thought you loved the Vibram KSO, (pictured in our previous post), then you need to check out one of the latest Vibram Five Finger models: the Bikila. The Bikila is Vibram's first model. specifically designed for a more healthy, and natural forefoot strike. This shoe is built on a completely different platform as the KSO, and offers a 3mm polyurethane insole with a 4mm anatomical pod outsole. This addition to the Bikila's outsole, will aide in forefoot impact distribution, without compromising ground feedback that is essential for proper forefoot striking form. We currently carry the Bikila in Men's sizes only. The Bikila is in our store now, but they won't last long. Come in, put them on your feet, and feel the difference yourself.

Live Well and Run: The ARC Crew