[48] Deja Review

No sooner did my feet touch down in Heathrow Aiport, did I start seeking out a current issue of Runner's World UK. Every couple of months or so, I drop by my local bookseller and pick up a copy to read, but shipping it across the pond usually translates into reading an issue from two months prior. What better way to celebrate my arrival in the UK with the shiny July 2011 issue? I cringed at the £4.50 price tag, but after doing the math, I realized that $7.99 US wound up being cheaper! Before I hoist myself up onto my soapbox, allow me to delve into the bits of the British sister of the magazine I've grown to love.  

[Uniquely UK Edition]

"Human Race: Tourist Trot" (page 29): an interesting personal piece about how Sascha Cutura got in shape and elected to give running tours of his stomping grounds of Colchester. I love how he found a way to incorporate running into his career pursuit. Perhaps on my next trip to the UK, I'll lace up, drop by, and go for an educationally stimulating run.

"Tonky Talk: Runners Anonymous" (page 42) by Paul Tonkinson: A delightful, comedic piece about a conversation the author had with a drunken traveler in Calais. Touches upon addiction and how running should be outlawed as its a free means of getting a truly natural fix.

"Asics Super Six: The Road Ahead" (pages 58-59): RWUK selected six individuals from a applicant pool of over a thousand to coach (via the Asics Pro Team) for the 2011 Paris Marathon. This month's issue reveals their results and their future running goals. The goals range from a sub-3:00 to a sub-6:00 finish. The results are not yet posted on RW.co.uk

 (The Result)

"Marathon des Sables" (pages 60-65) by Alison Hamlett: I have deepened my respect for ultramarathonners, moreso for those who have tackled the 156 mile trek through the Sahara Desert. Hamlett documents her experience on what can only be described as epic. Tips, packing items, and a stage-by-stage breakdown of the event are included, but it certainly looks like an event I will never participate in. Ever.

"A Flying Start" (pages 66-69) by Michael Donlevy: with my first 10K (Boomer's Cystic Fibross Run to Breathe) rapidly arriving (July 9th), I found this article extremely informative. Having properly trained for 5Ks and half-marathons, I figured that since a 10K in somewhere in the middle, adjusting my training may not be necessary. I hope it goes live soon.

"Northern Star: Charlie Spedding" (pages 72-77) Having visited area around 'The Angel of the North' in Durham, England, I was excited to read about someone from an area of England of which I am now famliar. He recently realized an autobiography, From Last to First which I am curious to read, too. I particularly like his five tips for runners. P.S. I also have a fancy picture at the massive Angel of the North!!

"Inside Track: Born in the USA" (pages 86-87;89) by Sarah Shephard: Profiles Michael Bingham and Tiffany Ofili both American born Olympians who have chosen their English citizenship over their American, and the primary factors in moving across The Pond from North Carolina and Michigan respectively. I look forward to watching them block up against the US, Japan, and of course, Jamaica at the 2012 Olympics in London next summer.

"Event Editorial: Mud, Maidens, and Merry Men" (pages 99-100) by Ed Vanstone: Highlights the night time finale of the Notorious Night Runs Series in Sherwood Pines, Notts on April 2nd. The obstacle course-style, night run looks like a riot, complete with costumed runners (accessorized for safety, of course). Running through the woods in the Legends of Sherwood Forrest? I better pack my tights next time.

Now here is where things get a bit sketchy for me. One of the biggest things I adore about RW is their creative editorial photos and running related art work. Flicking through the pages, some of the images looked all too familiar. This is largely in part that some of the following articles from the UK July 2011 issue were some of my favorite articles from the last three months worth of US editions! I was a bit miffed when I realized that I had paid close to ten dollars for stuff I had sitting at home on my bookshelf. However, it has become a lovely travel souvenir, providing some new avenues of pursuit for this blog. As the following are available for readership on the Runner's World homepage and their related social medias, I would like to take the opportunity to dog ear them for your review:  

[Deja VUS Edition Materials]

1. "Better Together" by Liz Plosser (May 2011)
2. "The Perfect Week" by Jeff Galloway (April 2011)
3. "Power Surge" by Ed Eyestone (June 2011)
4. "The Golden Rules of Weight Loss" by Sarah Lorge Butler (April 2011)
5. "Can You Be Fit and Fat?" by Adam Bean (April 2011)
6. "Inner Workings: Marathon des Sables" by Matt Allyn (July 2010)
7. "Time to Rest" by Jayme Otto (June 2011)
8. "I'm A Runner: Bear Grylls" by Nancy Averett (May 2011)

Unrelated, I finally learned that "ASICS" is actually an anachronism for the Latin phrase "Anima Sana In Corpore Sano" or "a sound mind in a sound body" courtesy of a two page advert in the magazine. I do not remember ever seeing that explanation in any of the US advertisements (of I have been completely oblivious to them). So it's not just a catchy tagline. I am impressed by their development of a substantial brand.

I am milling over my posts for this trip and deliberating over what to write to the UK editors with reference to. Their "Letter of the Month" recipient receives a pair of Saucony Progrid Hurricane 12s (worth 105 GBP). I did not pack any wacky American clothes to take a photograph with the magazine, so I am wracking my brain at the moment for a glimmer of inspiration. I believe I may write just write a witty rehash of this post (as my readership is so limited). Thoughts?