Category Archives: training

50 Years of Running: Freshman Blues

Posted on October 22, 2021 by Christopher Cudworth

On equipment day for the cross country season at Luther College, I was handed my first set of Luther Blues for training. I loved the simple dark blue tee shirt with the big number on the front. We got some … Continue reading →

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50 Years of Running: Sweet consolation

Posted on October 19, 2021 by Christopher Cudworth

When indoor track rolled around in the winter of 1974, our track team moved over to an elementary building called Davis School five blocks from the high school. There we engaged in an intense series of proprioceptive exercises under the … Continue reading →

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50 Years of Running: Freshman results

Posted on September 1, 2021 by Christopher Cudworth

The Kaneland Cross Country team competed in 21 meets in 1971, my freshman year in high school. That wasn’t just the number of teams we competed against during duals and triangulars.That’s the total number of races we ran. The weekly … Continue reading →

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Changing management practices spell the end of hosting country meets at county forest preserves

Posted on July 30, 2021 by Christopher Cudworth

A friend and former cross country coach named Jeff Leavey noted on Facebook that the Kane County Forest Preserve district board voted to boot all cross country programs out of the parks starting in 2021. The board may have an … Continue reading →

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The toughest thing out there is believing in yourself

Posted on May 27, 2021 by Christopher Cudworth

I’ve had plenty of time and reason lately to think about things that have gone well in life, and things that have not. Plus my son Evan is aiming to do wonderful things with his company dedicated to helping people … Continue reading →

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Life is one big classroom

Posted on February 9, 2021 by Christopher Cudworth

Many of us recall moments like that in which teachers helped us break through insecurities, fears, and misgivings. Some were tough influences when we needed a kick in the butt. Others were gentle guides when we needed encouragement. It takes a village. Continue reading →

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The mixture of joy and relief after a hard race

Posted on January 20, 2021 by Christopher Cudworth

The desire to compete in races comes from many different places within us. For some, it is a test of resolve. For others, a raw test of fitness. But it’s always about proving oneself in the face of difficulty. You’re … Continue reading →

Posted in Christopher Cudworth, competition, cross country, cycling, PEAK EXPERIENCES, race pace, racing peak, riding, running, track and field, training, TRAINING PEAKS, triathlete, triathlon, triathlons, we run and ride | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Some bright ideas about breathing and Breathe Right strips

Posted on December 26, 2020 by Christopher Cudworth

The other night when talking with my wife just before nodding off to sleep, I made some comment about not lying on my back to avoid snoring. She kindly informed me that despite my precautions, I still snore some when … Continue reading →

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Commonly known as fun suffering

Posted on November 16, 2020 by Christopher Cudworth

We ran a long way in the wind and rain yesterday. Fortunately, the trail we use sits down in the Fox River Valley, providing shelter from the storm bringing gusts of 20-30 mph. At the start, a spitting mist struck … Continue reading →

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The techie world of fitness trackers

Posted on October 21, 2020 by Christopher Cudworth

I wear a Garmin Fenix 5 fitness tracker. My wife purchased it for me two years ago. It has a ton of features. Beyond recording workout times, pace and route tracking, it also measures heart rate, estimated calories and stress … Continue reading →

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