Oh, dear, blisters are no fun, kids. I’ve found myself with two big ones since the start of my running. But I’ve gotten through it with the help of our resident Zappos running experts.

In the video below, Chris P. tells us of a few ways in which we can avoid blisters when running or hiking, and ways to deal with them when we inevitably get them.

Monday night was sort of a milestone for me: I ran 3 miles. Given, some of it, I did have to walk. I’m still getting winded every time I end up on a big incline, but I made it nonetheless. I know that 26 or 13 mile runs are a ways off from this, but it’s a start, and I’m not discouraged! One thing that I find that motivates me: Air Drums.

I have been playing Air Drums since the age of 5, and I’ve found that if I listen to some killer music and jam along with it, sometimes even beating on my chest when the time is right, really motivates me to kick it on down the road a little quicker. If you give me a good Bo Diddley beat, I’ll run from here to Texas!

Although the art of the air drums can make a run go fast and be the inspirado needed for a mental and physical *kickstart to your heart, there are a few guidelines to follow.

1. Avoid tree limbs. When you run into them with your face/head/body, that’s no good.
2. People passing in automobiles are going to be under the assumption that you’re mentally ill. And they are just going to have to get past that.

So, Day 4 is tonight, I’m going for 3 miles again, with little or no walking.

Playlist for Day 3:

• Creative Screenwriting Podcast: (500) Days of Summer
• Van Morrison (Astral Weeks)

• More Ben Harper….can’t get enough of this Relentless 7 album!

*Yes, this is a Motley Crue reference. You’re welcome.

The mundane daily run, the one that passes the same houses, businesses, parks, etc., can become a true drag on a runner’s much needed enthusiasm. Likewise, the identical race series than follows the paths and streets run down the previous years simply fails to stimulate a runner’s spirit. To reinvigorate your soul and challenge your every physical fiber, collect your loose change, pinch your pennies, and make your way to the Swiss Alps and Glacier 3000.

Entering its third year and boasting a starters’ list that eclipses over 500 athletes, the 26 kilometer run covers each type of terrain known to man, thus making it as spiritual and meaningful as it is physical. Beginning in the small village of Gstaad that sits 1,050 feet above sea level, the race climbs its way almost 2,000 feet through Feutersoey, Gsteig and Reusch to Glacier 3000. Beginning on asphalt roads and rocky trails, the race transitions to soft forest paths, gravel corridors, old cart tracks, and steep mountain ridges, with the final 500 meters covering the ice and snow of the Tsanfleuron glacier. The beautiful landscape passed will engage your mind and motivate your weary legs as they attempt to defy that desire to quit, that point each runner confronts, and upon conquering, makes him feel untouchable. Knowing that running is a physical activity guided by a mental toughness, you will experience a pure euphoric feeling when crossing the finish line seemingly on top of the world. And this will happen regardless of where and when you complete the course; after all, the race’s motto is “the path is the goal,” so everyone wins.

With a supportive competitive environment full of people very proud to run, the event offers everything a running enthusiast could wish for: challenge, beauty, and pride. So, if your wallet agrees, book those tickets and begin training. Like any true test in life, you’ll walk away a better person inundated with lasting memories and a rewarding sense of who you are. What more could you ask for?

There’s something inherently pure about the sport of running, requiring only a t-shirt, shorts and a good pair of athletic shoes to participate. It also is a sport that shows how athletes can reach down deep into themselves to squeeze out one extra mile, even when they are teetering on the brink of exhaustion.

Without Limits, the story of Olympic athlete Steve Prefontaine (Billy Crudup), perfectly demonstrates that drive and determination. Before a car crash ended his life at the age of 24, Prefontaine was one of the most talented runners at the University of Oregon. Nicknamed “Pre” by his friends and fans, this athlete pushed himself hard on the track.

Prefontaine trained under the now-legendary coach Bill Bowerman (Donald Sutherland), who also was the co-founder of Blue Ribbon Sports, the company that would later become known as Nike . As shown in the film, Bowerman used his runners as test subjects for new athletic shoe designs. Bowerman wanted footwear that was lighter, offered greater protection for his runners and produced less wind resistance.

Hailing from Eugene, Oregon, Prefontaine participated in the 1972 Munich Olympics, but did not receive a medal in the event that he was best known for, the 5000-meter run. A favorite to win the same event at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, Prefontaine tragically lost his life before he could compete.

Without Limits takes a look at the man who receives some of the credit for the popularity of running. Director Robert Towne offers a fair look at the very short life of this amazing athlete, showing both his triumphs and failures. This is a film that honors a man who could have achieved even more greatness in his chosen sport.

Besides films and books, Prefontaine’s life continues to inspire people, especially the residents of Oregon. The Prefontaine Memorial Run, which is next scheduled for September 19, 2009, is now entering its 30th year of operation. A film that still pops up on cable and satellite stations, Without Limits tells the tale of the greatest runner that you probably never knew existed.

Resources: http://www.prefontainerun.com/

Our Development Department redecorated each row of their department with a sports theme….and then tested it with real, live sports action!

This year, on Dec. 6, Zappos will be sponsoring the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon!

We hope to have many Zapponians running the marathon and the half marathon, as well as volunteering in many different areas to help the event to be successful.

We are hoping to encourage as many people at Zappos to participate as we can, and in a meeting earlier this week, we were trying to decide who would be the most unlikely candidate to train hard, eat right and get in shape for a marathon, and Brett H. began to sink into his chair a bit. And then a lot. At one point he might have actually been under the table in the fetal position in a wild, fearful panic.

It slowly dawned on everyone that he would be the perfect candidate to inspire people to train….because he’s widely regarded as ‘un-trainable’. Tom E. and Rebecca L. pointed out that the motto should be: “If Brett can do it, why can’t you?”

So, after a bit of prodding and poking, laughing and joking, tears, fears and a deep desire for beers…....Brett said yes, yes, yes, he would begin training next week and run the Las Vegas Marathon. (Pending a Physical:)

We will be following his progress on Zappos Blogs, Facebook and Myspace.com

We’ll let him explain and let some of his friends at Zappos fill him with confidence…............

Check back next week to see Brett’s progress, and please comment below with any suggestions to help him out or with any words of encouragement!

Running itself is a rewarding experience. Yet, the deep personal challenge associated with attempting to accomplish more than you ever thought you could, represents one of running’s best kept secrets. Many run for fitness and health, but others run for something more, something deeper and more satisfying.

The American Zofingen Ultra-Distance Duathlon, a race that combines two separate running stints split by a cycling leg, was created to fill the void in ultra-distance duathlon in the United States. Based on the Powerman Zofingen in Switzerland, a race that holds a mind-boggling combination of a 10k run, a 150k bike , and finally a 30k run, has long stood as the planet’s most formidable physical challenge, even more so than the world-renowned Ironman Hawaii.

Although slightly shorter than its predecessor, the American Zofingen itself represents a nonetheless grueling test of mind, body, and spirit. Divided into three distinctively different challenges: a 5 mile trail run, an 84 mile bike course and a 15 mile trail run, the race will do everything it can to destroy its athletes, yet therein exists the challenge.

Set in Spring Farm’s Mohonk Preserve near New Paltz , New York, the race is not only a severe test in its sheer distance, but it also forces its participants to climb 2,914 feet during the trail runs, and another 8,121 feet during the bike course. Held in October in the Hudson Valley, racers will travel through breath-taking scenery filled with beautiful fall foliage, pumpkin patches, and the smell of hot cider, all the while pushing themselves beyond any point they have ever experienced.

While intimidating on paper, the accomplishment of such a seemingly insurmountable challenge can be life-altering. While this event is not for the new runner or the weekend enthusiast, any person who adores running and wishes for the ultimate test, preparing for and finishing the American Zofingen will not only get you into the best shape of your life, but it will also, more importantly, infuse you with a remarkable sense of pride and self-worth.

While triathlon, a sport that has its roots planted squarely in the idea of camaraderie, seems on the exterior to be an entirely individual sport, the preparation for one requires the help of others. Searching out those people who have the same passion as you can go a long way in making your training, not to mention the overall experience, rewarding and safe.

However, many new participants actually shy away from groups, primarily out of intimidation and insecurity. They see those who have competed as too good to work with, and they feel inferior because of their lack of experience. Nothing could be further from the truth. No other sport in society is as supportive and welcoming as triathlon, and those who endure have an endless desire to usher in new people to share in the enjoyment and further the popularity of the sport itself.

Yet finding training partners can be a true challenge. So, consider the following list when trying to discover valuable people to help you on your way to meeting your goals, whatever those may be.

Health Clubs and Gyms: Naturally, social environments and community places such as gyms are destined to have traithletes walking around. Spin classes can be a great resource for meeting people, and, if your club has a pool, then you may find a few floating about.

Group Swim Workouts: Normally held at local YMCAs, health clubs, community pools, or in the open water at area beaches, these groups want people to belong, so all you have to do is ask. While some may be less formal, most have a Masters swim program that offer formal instruction.

Group Riding and Running Clubs: Every community has small packs of people who meet in local parks in the evening to run or ride, so take a ride and find some of these groups.

Formal Triathlon Clubs: Most towns and counties have an established group that organizes and sponsors the sport. Find these people, as they will have access to endless resources.

In the end, working with others will not only give you confidence and a chance to learn, but also it will keep you committed to the sport and your goals.