This VLOG is an update on training for the Allison Hills 100 Miler, some life stuff, and the OWW Run Against Bullying 5k.
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Yes, Your Feet did Change Size and Shape!
One of the main reasons that I went to work at a running store, is because I knew that the exposure to running coaches and runners would help continue my education in the field of running and make me a better coach and runner myself. So, when something as basic as my own foot shape and size, stumped me, I knew that I still have much to learn.
Here is the scenario. I am training on how to use the Brannock device to manually measure feet. The Brannock, as most people my age know, is that metal contraption that the shoe salesman puts your feet in to get shape and size information to better fit you for a shoe. Well, I am, uh was, am? I don’t know; a size 12 foot. Which meant I was wearing a size 13 running shoe. But, I was starting to get a black toe nail on my left foot’s second toe. Well, when I stood up in the Brannock, my left foot’s second toe was hitting almost a size 13. What? And my right foot was a solid 12.5. Double what?
The thing is, I learned that our feet change shape and size over time. They are not growing per se, but due to things like genetics, your choice in footwear, diabetes, weight gain, and most likely in my case, running, they do change shape and size. Which means, that you should get your feet measured fairly regularly to ensure that you are still wearing the correct shoes.
Still not convinced? This is straight off of: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/shoes-getting-tight-feet-change-size-time/“Over time and through gravity, our feet tend to get longer and wider,” Dr. Rowland says. “That happens after our ligaments and our tendons become a little bit more lax over time.” In addition to getting bigger, your feet can develop deformities such as bunions and hammertoes when you reach middle age, Dr. Rowland says. This can happen when tendons and ligaments in the feet that get tighter or loose depending on the area of the foot in which they’re located. Other factors that determine development of foot deformities include heredity, the types of shoes you wear and whether your footwear fits well.
Now you know, and as G.I. Joe says, “Knowing is half the battle.” The great news here is that like everything else in life, technology has advanced our capabilities greatly in the foot measurement department. Most good running stores have scanners that can scan your feet in about 5 seconds and create a 3-D picture of them, allowing the experts to match your foot shape, size, and movement to the correct shoes. I love the Fit Id that we use at Fleet Feet Sports. If you have a Fleet Feet close by, I suggest you go get a free scan, you may be surprised at what you learn. I was! I am now wearing a size 14 running shoe and loving every step! #bigfootisreal
For behind the scenes photos and comments on my training and personal life, follow me on Instagram: joe_the_runner Strava: Joe Randene YouTube: Joe Runner
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Joe the Runner Interview in Dure Magazine
This amazing new endurance athlete magazine called Dure, as in endurance sports, just published an interview where we discussed topics ranging from weight loss, ultra running, to the state of the sport, and much more! Click here to read the article in it’s entirety.
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100,000 Miles to Run Against Bullying
Nobody Does It
“Everyone always says follow your dreams and your passion, but nobody does it.” – Chris Mocko
I’ve started to write this post several times and stopped. I’m scared. This is scary stuff. I’m 47, with two kids in college, so I have responsibilities. Look, I am definitely not a rash guy, or what you would call a risk taker, but I am not afraid to do some things differently than most people if I feel it is an opportunity. We have run the numbers several times, and they work. So, I retired early. Not the kind of sitting in a rocking chair, playing bridge, and napping all day retired. No. This is about taking a shot at living my dream life. And where does it start? Working part time in a running store.
I want to build my life around my passion of running and I want to use the platform to raise awareness and money for the issue of bullying. The goal isn’t to make a bunch of money, it’s to make enough, and be really, really happy every day. Between working at the store, coaching, and running my investments, I think we can make it work. And that will leave me with time to train and do the charitable work that I have been wanting to do.
If this sounds crazy, remember, this is MY dream. And as scared as I am, I have been on cloud nine since I handed in my notice and made it official. To be clear, this is not about my unhappiness with my old career. I love the company that I worked for and I will be forever grateful for the people that I worked with and the opportunities that they provided. This is a true case of “It’s me, not you.” I simply do not want to wake up one day, a 65-year-old man, and have regrets. I want to take my shot.
Amazingly, my wife has been my biggest supporter. Or maybe a better way to say it is “OF COURSE, my wife has been my biggest supporter.” She has never let me down, and I couldn’t do this without her. In fact, most of my friends have been overwhelmingly supportive. There have been a few comments made about leaving my “safe job to work at a running store?” But that’s ok. You either get it or you don’t. This is not a choice for everyone.
The rules that society has laid out are pretty clear. Go to college, get married, buy a house, have kids, work until your 63 or so, and then retire when you are probably in the twilight of your life. Well, I did most of that stuff, but I want a little twist at the end. I don’t just want to work, I want to live. I want to live my life in a way that makes a difference, doing what I love with the people I love.
So, what have I been up to in 2018?
- Ran the Bloody Massacre Relay Marathon with my friends and family
- Became the “Trail Writer” for Running Junction Magazine
- Paced a woman to her first successful 100-mile race
- Partnering with Operation Warm Wishes and running the #owwrunagainstbullying campaign to raise awareness against bullying on Instagram
- Retired as an executive to work part time at a running store
- Became an ambassador for Runners High Herbals JOETHERUNNER10 for a 10% discount
- Ran the Northern Trails Marathon and finished 12th overall, 11th male, and 4th in my age group
- Started to officially coach people to help them reach their dreams and running goals
- Training hard for the Devil Dog Ultras 100 Mile Race in December
Where will this all lead? I don’t know… but I am happy, and I feel like I am off to a pretty good start.
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For behind the scenes photos and comments on my training and personal life, follow me on Instagram: joe_the_runner Strava: Joe Randene YouTube: Joe Runner
Questions, comments, feedback? Please leave them in the comments section BELOW and we can have a discussion!
The Tenacity to Succeed
Train the Brain! VLOG16
I’m Published! My Article in Running Junction Magazine
Great news, I am now a regular writer for the quarterly magazine Running Junction! My segment is all about trail running, and I couldn’t be more excited. The magazine is funded by Junction 311 Endurance Sports. They create running events and take a portion of the proceeds and donate to various charities. They are a great organization that always supports a great cause! So if you would like to see my first officially published article, click here: My “Watershed” Moment
Please have a read and provide any feedback, I am always looking to improve what I do!
I hope that this post and this blog helps! To receive new post notifications, newsletters, and post previews, please SUBSCRIBE!
For behind the scenes photos and comments on my training and personal life, follow me on Instagram: joe_the_runner Strava: Joe Randene YouTube: Joe Runner
Questions, comments, feedback? Please leave them in the comments section BELOW and we can have a discussion!
Randene Rant! I Can’t Give It Away!
Look, I need help. This is going to sound crazy, but I am trying to partner with a charitable organization, any charitable organization, that is doing work regarding bullying and/or cyber bullying. I have reached out to several organizations via e-mail and explained that I am looking to become an ambassador for the cause, and every single one that has responded, has responded no. And those are the ones that have responded. Some haven’t even replied!
Let me be clear what I am offering. I am willing to do any or all of the following:
- Donate my own money
- Donate my time (speaking, organizing, fundraising, etc.)
- Fundraise via my racing, my future merchandise, and my future virtual races
- Wear the organization’s gear during my runs to help spread the message
- Blog, Vlog, and use my various social media
- Anything else that is within reason
What I would like in return is fairly straight forward and simple, I think. I would like to be an official ambassador so that I can use the organizations logo for marketing and possibly have some support to help with my fundraising efforts and any potential events where I can volunteer or speak. It seems to me that if I was an official partner of an organization, they would be able to point me in the right direction for these types of events. This would help me to be much more effective in my charitable efforts as the logistics piece will take much less time with their support. That would allow me to focus on my training for events like the Devil Dog Ultras, where I will leverage the event in to fundraising. I am a runner, not a professional organizer.
So, I am asking if anyone reading this either works for an organization, or knows someone who works for an organization, that is trying to address bullying and wants to partner with a bad ass, high frequency, ultra-running, fund raising machine? If you do, please help me connect. My e-mail is joe.randene@joerandene.com and I am locked and ready to go.
There are way too many instances of bullying and cyber bullying that are leading to people who are stressed out, depressed, and in worst case scenarios suicidal. At this point in our history, you would hope that we would all know better and that we would treat each other with kindness and respect. However, lately I have observed many instances where it has been just the opposite. Bullies have been emboldened by our politicians (unfortunately) and the anonymity that the internet provides. And all too often the targets of these types of attacks are children and people that may be considered “different” based on traits ranging from sexual preference to something as simple as the clothes that they wear. It’s time to help create an environment of acceptance and love and I want to do my part. HELP ME PLEASE!
Peace.
Joe the Runner
I hope that this post and this blog helps! To receive new post notifications, newsletters, and post previews, please SUBSCRIBE!
For behind the scenes photos and comments on my training and personal life, follow me on Instagram: joe_the_runner Strava: Joe Randene YouTube: Joe Runner
Questions, comments, feedback? Please leave them in the comments section BELOW and we can have a discussion!