Someday Maybe I’ll Top the Other List

R is for Running Ebooks Are Now FREE!

There might be a few extra exclamation! points! in this post, but they’re justified.

You can now get an ebook edition of R is for Running for FREE!  That’s right – $Zero Dollars and Zero Zero Cents!  Download your copy today! Tell your friends!

R is for Running is the lighthearted lexicon that spells out what it means to be a runner. There are 26 letters in the alphabet. There are 26 miles in a marathon. Coincidence? I think not! R is for Running is 26 smiles of running enjoyment!

There’s also a new, low price for the paperback – only $5.99.  It’s an inexpensive gift for your favorite runner!

New editions of “Chasing the Runner’s High” and “R is for Running”

Revised versions of Chasing the Runner’s High and R is for Running are now out! Both books have improved formatting (I’ve learned a few things since they first came out), I’ve added a new high-res cover to the ebook editions, and I’ve fixed a few things that were missed during the original editing process.

No need to rush out and replace your existing copy (unless you want to , but if you purchased a Kindle edition from Amazon, you should be able to upgrade to the new version by requesting it from customer service.

“R is for Running” Contest Winner Announced

Kevin Counihan is the winner of a free copy of R is for Running!

Kevin won his prize by signing up for my mailing list.  For your chance to win future prizes, and to get information about special offers for my next book, Overthinking the Marathon, sign up now!

Ray’s mailing list

Get info, Win book!

My next book, Overthinking the Marathon, will be out early in 2013 (hopefully before the Boston Marathon).  I’m putting together all kinds of special offers to start things going.

If you want to make sure you’re notified via email when the book is ready to go, sign up here.

Everyone who registers before January 15, 2013 will be entered for a chance to be one of three people to win a free copy of R is for Running!

CCM Diary: New (Boots and) Panties

I bought a new pair of CEP compression sleeves for my calves (aka “calf panties”) yesterday.  They provide a little more support than the ones that were already in my closet.  Calf panties are supposed to help with recovery, so I wore them while I slept.  When I woke up, my legs felt OK, but since today was a bike day I practiced patience and refrained from running – almost.  I couldn’t resist a few test strides in the hallway.  My legs passed, but the real test won’t come until tomorrow.

The calf panties are also supposed to make you 5% faster in a race, according to the sign in the store.  Does that make them PEDs (Performance Enhancing Devices)?

This whole week has been beautiful, with crisp, clear mornings perfect for running followed by warm, sunny afternoons. These are the days we’ve been waiting for all summer.  It’s been no fun to be sitting at home, not running, on mornings like these.  At least I can get out on the bike.  I kept the calf panties on and went for a good ride on the Lexington/Carlisle/Concord loop, marred only by the fact that it was a Dead Bunny Day.

Biking doesn’t really cut it for a true running addict.  If running is like heroin, biking is particularly weak methadone.  Running withdrawal leaves me irritable, restless, and anxious for my next run/fix, especially when I’m in the middle of training for a big race.  It’s stressful, and my usual way of dealing with stress is… running!

I’m still wearing the calf panties.  I better be better soon.

(32 mi. bike; 147#)

R is for Running in Kuala Lumpur!

Jamie Pang blogs about running (and photography) from Kuala Lumpur.  He had some nice things to say about R is for Running.

Whenever I’m reminded of Kuala Lumpur, I can’t help thinking about this video:

J is for Joggler

Perry Romanowski, also known as The Joggler, wrote about “R is for Running” on his blog.  He likes it

Joggling is a sport that combines running and juggling.  If I were to try it, a lot of stopping and bending over would also be involved.  Perry has joggled 50 miles in 8:23:52 (the current world record).  He’s currently working on a daily joggling streak that started back in November of  2008.

Next Chapter Bookstore in Barre VT!

The Next Chapter Bookstore at 158 North Main St. in Barre VT is the latest place where you can find my books.  I’ll also be doing a reading there later this spring – stay tuned…

The store just opened in February.  Drop in to say “Hi!” to the staff (and buy something!).

Buy books at Book Ends, Winchester, MA

Book Ends, an independent bookstore in Winchester, MA, has both Chasing the Runner’s High and R is for Running in stock!  You can find Book Ends right on the rotary in the center of town.