As I've mentioned in prior posts, the fitness business is one of the world's biggest snake oil markets. Count all the ways that promise to make you better: Devices, superfoods, miracle fitness and diet programs, and enlightened fitness gurus abound. Meanwhile, the stuff that actually works has been known since the dawn of human civilization. Background Back in the day I … [Read more...] about Skills, Action, & Stoke w/ Skye Nacel
Training
Doping for Girl Scout Cookies
Every couple of years a Seattle-area bike racer gets busted for doping. Most of the races in the PNW are relatively low profile and don't include testing because of the expense. But, at national caliber events testing is part of the program. Last week, on March 20, USADA announced that 57-year-old Seattle masters bike racer Joe Baratto "accepted a one-year suspension for an … [Read more...] about Doping for Girl Scout Cookies
The Unquantified Self
The "quantified self" is a term spawned by Silicon Valley in the late 2000s to describe how health and fitness could be revolutionized through new, enhanced data collection methods using wearables. The premise of self-quantification is that the limitations of the human organism can be enhanced like an engineering upgrade. By constantly measuring variables like sleep, … [Read more...] about The Unquantified Self
Northwest Winter Challenge 2019
Winters in the Pacific Northwest are not easy. I know winter, I was raised in Minnesota, land of 10,000 frozen lakes. I lived in Boston for sixteen years, the setting for the movie The Perfect Storm. Winter running in the Pacific Northwest has its own set of challenges. I'm still adjusting to all the rain. During January and February, my running shoes are in a constant state … [Read more...] about Northwest Winter Challenge 2019
Smoke Season Weather Window
I'm surprised to see how many folks have been out running and cycling during the recent smoky weather. It's as if the rest of us need to HTFU. Current AQI: Exercising in unhealthy air isn't like lifting weights: it's not going to make your lungs "stronger." And, just because you don't feel irritation or soreness doesn't mean you aren't doing damage. If you are … [Read more...] about Smoke Season Weather Window