Christmas Day!

No running for me today, it's all about the family! It's been a great year with some good races, lost of thrashed Saucony Kinvaras, looking forward to more in 2012! Enjoy your day today and be thankful!

First Day of Snow!

First snowy run of this winter, kinda crazy considering it's the middle of December. Broke out the gray Saucony Kinvaras so I don't trash my brighter colors!

Now getting ready to go to Jason Marks's wedding, first day of snow...at first I was only kidding about the hell freezing over thing no I am starting to wonder.

Trail Run Kicked My A**

I am not usually a trail runner but decided to wander off the beaten path Saturday and ended up running 13 on a hilly dirt course. It was fun for something different but a killer workout! Props to anyone who trains like that on a regular basis. It also gave me a chance to break in my Saucony Razor 2.0 shoes I have been waiting to get out. Those things are built for cold weather and tough runs!

All Back To Normal!

After a week of being sick I finally managed to get a decent amount of mileage this week. A pretty normal week of running, biking, and lifting. It feels good to be back on my feet! It's starting to get cold which means it's time to break out the Saucony Razor's and other cold weather gear!

I Hate Being Sick!

It was a long week and I am almost feeling back to normal after being sick all week. You know I am not feeling well when I barely get mileage in!

Today I managed to sneak in an hour bike ride before breakfast and I know my Saucony Kinvaras have been missing me so I decided to take them for a mid tempo 10 miler. It was a beautiful day here in Columbus, I don't know how many more of these we will get so I had to take advantage, not a bad start to the weekend!

15 Miles With A Stroller?! I Must Be Crazy!!

I must be a glutton for punishment, I pushed Claire in the jogging stroller for a 15 miler today. She was great, didn't sleep just talked and sang the whole way! She even wanted to wear her running shoes like daddy even though they aren't Saucony...yet :-)

Air Force Finish Photo

Just got this photo from my friend Janet at the Air Force Marathon, I just love the picture! Rocking the Saucony gear and obviously exhausted but that is nothing compared to the men and women in dress uniforms handing out medals!

Herald Dispatch Coverage

A nice photo of the start from the Herald Dispatch paper in Huntington, you really can't miss that Saucony ViZiPRO outfit!

Redemption Time

Feeling a sense of redemption today at the Marshall University Marathon in Huntington. Went 2:54:02 and going home with some hardware for winning my age group. Thanks to Jenny Ditty for cheering me on and everyone thinking of me at home!

Saucony Razor 2.0!

Got a new pair of Saucony Razor 2.0 winter running shoes yesterday kind of want the weather to be crappy next week so I can try them out. Of course then I will complain about it!

It is a seriously wicked shoe hopefully it keeps me warm and dry! http://www.saucony.com/store/SiteController/saucony/productdetails?catId=cat10004&productId=4-108170&skuId

"For runners who never let weather get in the way, Razor 2.0 trail running shoe is the ultimate shield to the elements. Improving on the success of Razor 1.0, the 2.0 reduces stitch-through on the upper, creating a better waterproof membrane in a more minimal package. The inner booty features easy, cinch-lock enclosure, covered by an outer shield with a watertight zipper. eVent® fabric ensures one-way moisture transfer, so sweat escapes to keep your feet dry. All-weather athletes will appreciate the protection of a winter boot with the profile and performance of a running shoe. Weight: 13.5 oz."

Wheaties Costume!

Spending Halloween with both sides of the family so I had to come up with a killer costume. We used a full sheet of coroplast to make a Wheaties box with one of my photos from the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, it was complete with proper nutritional info on the side. Had to top it off with the proper outfit including Saucony singlet and Kinvara shoes!

Busy Halloween Weekend!!

Started the day with an awesome 13 mile run at Sharon Woods, lunch with the family at Mellow Mushroom, Boo at the Columbus Zoo, Candy By the Carload in Powell , and pumpkin painting. Busy day!

Finally Back To Normal

It has been a long 3 weeks running the Chicago Marathon, working the Columbus Marathon, and working the Rock & Roll St. Louis Marathon. Finally feel like I am back to training like normal, I managed to get 2 runs and an upper body strength workout in today. It is nice to spend quality time with family, friends, and Saucony Kinvaras!

No One Likes To Be Cold and Wet...

It took way too much effort to peel myself out of bed for a run this morning. It was dark, cold, wet, and I am still having an epic battle with a cough and sore throat.

I strapped on my trusty Saucony Kinvara 2's and set out to see who would give in first, I win.

Columbus Marathon Expo

It was a little weird coming off the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. I had a nice low mileage recovery week so I had plenty of energy to meet other runners in the Saucony booth at the Columbus Marathon expo! I was rocking my ViZi PRO orange shoes and shirt, people loved it!

Not What I Had Hoped...

I am going to upload this photo of me while I still looked good during the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. As the saying goes some days you have it and some you don't, today was definitely not one of those days. The first half went great right on pace but then my right hip started bugging me and did not finish in pretty fashion but I did make it I suppose. I live to fight another day! Great job to all finishers, race staff, volunteers, and special thanks to my family Jenny Ditty, Claire Ditty, Mom, Dad, Jeff Baxter, Heather Baxter, and Beth Salinger for coming out to support. I could not have made it without you guys!

Marathon Sunday!!

As many of you know I am running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday. It may be hard to believe with all the races I do but I have not run a full marathon since 2006 so this will be challenging and exciting. Mentally and physically I am ready to go, I have all my family here, and the weather looks like it will be great. People always ask me why I run so much, watch this video and runner or not it will help you appreciate my sport. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiRFx4yD4DY

Chicago Marathon Next Weekend!

Last decently long run before Chicago Marathon next weekend, unfortunately it was cold and wet. I'm looking at it as a test of fortitude and I passed. I am cautiously optimistic for the race, go Team Saucony!. Now that Chuck Marathonjunkie Engle is pacing the 3 hour group if I fall of pace I know he'll be there to pick me up!

Easy workouts until Chicago!

I'm feeling recovered after Akron, now it is going to be moderate workouts until the Chicago Marathon! Today however I am giving my Saucony shoes a break today and hitting the bike. They probably feel lonely we spend lots of time together!

Road Runner Akron Marathon

Just finished the Road Runner Akron Half Marathon, had a much better day than last weekend. I was not out to set any records today with Chicago Marathon right around the corner and cruised in with a 1:25:32. Congratulations to Darris Blackford who came in at 1:24:11. A post race massage, snack, Saucony AMP PRO Compression Suit will make for a great recovery!

Saucony On Sale!!

I know fall is right around the corner but Saucony just pull their summer clothes on sale!! I highly recommend the Inferno stuff (pictured), nice and lightweight. In fact the Inferno singlet and split short is the only thing I race in!

Men's Clothes
Men's Shoes
Women's Clothes 
Women's Shoes

2011 Air Force Half Marathon In the Books!

Had lots of fun at the Air Force Half Marathon this morning. The conditions were perfect and Rob Powers did a kick ass job of announcing as always. Nobody has any trouble finding me with all the Saucony Vizi PRO I was wearing! Things started off great but I had two bathroom stops on course and got stung in the head by a bee, yes a bee!? I still managed to pull off a 1:24:26, hoping for better at the Akron Marathon next week! Thanks to Jenny, mom, and dad for the cheers and support!

Great Weekend Long Week Ahead!

I had an amazing time at Fort2Base over the weekend, very inspirational. Long hours and not much sleep but it is easier with good friends! Thanks again to Beth Salinger, Abby Strauss, Julie Levin Schaeffer, Caylei Vogelzang, Patricia Ball, Rob Powers. It is going to be a light training week with Ryan Ritchie's wedding Friday straight into the Air Force Half-Marathon Saturday! Definitely need to eat well, rest, and relax in my Saucony AMP PRO compression gear.

Back on

Feeling back to my old self just in time for Fort2Base in Chicago. After being sick and some less than inspiring training this week I am looking forward to it. 90% of the stuff in my bag is Saucony, do I really need anything else?!

Feeling Blah...

Feeling a little under the weather again today, my throat is killing me and seriously congested I have been training so hard I can't say I'm surprised. It didn't stop me from working out this morning though, then I might feel really bad!

I have already tried hot tea, Halls, lots of water, etc. Anyone with suggestions?

Emerald City Half Marathon

Got up this morning and ran the Emerald City Half Marathon in Dublin. I was not out to race just get some decent miles and test out my shoulder. The course was wet and humid but still a good training run (1:25:00). Ryan Ritchie from Caught Smiling got some pictures good shots of my new Saucony ViziPRO racing kit (I even got him to wear some to match).

Shoulder Problems

Just got back from seeing Dr. Bright at Max Sports about my shoulder. He fixed me up with a shot of meds and limited mobility, hopefully I should feel better in 72 hours. I am really hoping for no PT, keep your fingers crossed!

A Nice Relaxing Sunday

After my long run Saturday I was pretty beat I spent Sunday "relaxing" with Jenny Ditty and Claire, lunch with Shaun Ditty for his birthday (we got him a Flavor Flav clock), and helped Mike Jobson pour concrete for his new hot tub (really that is just so I can use it). What was it I said about relaxing? God bless Saucony AMPPRO compression gear! Back at today with a run, bike, and lift all BEFORE work.

What a Run Today!

Today I had one of the best training runs I have had in a long time. Averaged 6:24 pace for 21 miles, I hit a high and never came down. It was harder than I intended to go so I'm certain I will be paying for it tomorrow, but totally worth it! I swear there is magic in the sole of the Saucony Kinvaras!

Back On Track

After some lighter training while on vacation I am back in the swing of things. I have already had a couple good runs, rides, and lifting sessions this week with more to come. I have a new pair of Saucony Kinvaras I am going to tray and beat into submission!

It's Good To Be Home

San Francisco was lots of fun but it is good to be home. I managed to get runs in every day including a hill workout, which in S.F. was very challenging. We did lots of the tourist things but also wandered off the beaten path. If I would have been closer to Golden Gate Park I would have run there every day, the trail system there was amazing.

West Coast Running

Heading out to San Francisco for my 1st anniversary "honeymoon". We have plenty of things planned and packed plenty of Saucony gear to sneak in runs every day.

Who is up for hill repeats?

Staying In Balance

As we all know life is a balancing act. For me it is juggling exercise, family life, and one of my many jobs which can be difficult. For example I was in Chicago all weekend, up at 3:30am to work at the Rock & Roll Chicago 1/2 Marathon and got home at 8pm. Somehow I managed to drag myself out of bed at 5:20 so I could get a run in before Jenny leaves for work. After my run I hit the bike trainer and weights for upper body strength all before 7:30 which is when I had to wake up Claire so I could make breakfast and drop her off to grandma before work.

What is the point of the long story? You have to find that balance even if it means losing a little sleep and no making excuses.

Surreal Running With An Olympian

Had one of those surreal running experiences this morning. I got to run 8+ miles with 2 time Olympic marathoner Alan Culpepper along the Chicago lakefront. We held a solid sub 6 minute pace which was challenging but also very fun. For those of you that don't follow running you can read more about Alan and his incredible accomplishments here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A​lan_Culpepper. I assure you he is far from done adding to that list. Thanks to Saucony for building some magic in those Kinvara 2's that helped me keep up!

First Run In New Saucony Cortana

I love getting home from work and there is new running shoes waiting for me. Yesterday marked the arrival of the Saucony Cortana. I have been in love with my Kinvaras since they launched so in my mind they would be hard to rival.

These look really sharp if you have not seen them and they were extremely comfortable the first time I put them on. The first thing I noticed was they were was more cushion with the Cortana.

Now we hit the trail and the ride was great! The foot strike was very natural. After 12 miles they still felt great. While I still love my Kinvaras  this will be a nice supplement for some longer runs.


Here is some the technical info from the website:
The latest concept car in the line features Saucony's new and innovative PowerGrid technology that provides superior cushioning and an incredibly responsive ride for the everyday runner. Weight: 10.7 oz.

UPPER
Sauc-Fit
A unique fit system in the upper that not only locks the midfoot onto the platform but also keep the heel secure and comfortable

Engineered Airmesh

Hydrator Collar Lining
Saucony's performance apparel fabric that provides next-to-skin comfort and maximizes wicking

Comfortride Sockliner
Saucony's exclusive open cell foam sockliner, is antimicrobial and breathable while providing superior cushioning and ride

HRC Strobel Board
Increases cushioning and comfort

MIDSOLE
PowerGrid with PowerFoam
Combining our new and innovative PowerFoam with our industry acclaimed Grid technology we created PowerGrid to provide the runner with superior cushioning and responsiveness on every run

Impact Interface
Cushions and isolates heel impact

SRC(Super Rebound Cushioning) Impact Zone
Provides shock attenuation and sets the foot up for a smooth transition

OUTSOLE
IBR
Our new blown rubber compound that is lighter, more responsive and has enhanced cushioning and durability properties

XT-900™
A carbon rubber outsole material that offers exceptional traction properties without sacrificing durability

Work Is Overrated

Outside it is mid-70's and partly cloudy, a beautiful day to run. My office is nothing but windows and I am stuck inside until 5:30. I have watched runners and cyclists go back and forth, it's enough to drive me crazy!

I can hear my @saucony Kinvara 2 shoes calling. Who is up for leaving work and going for a run?

Case of the Mondays

Up to run before the sun this morning so naturally I had to rock @Saucony ViZi PRO gear. Run, bike, upper body lift (all before 8am), breakfast with Claire Bear and off to work. It's going to be a long day!

 Definitely a case of the Mondays

20 Miles In the Book

I set out for a 20 miler this morning and my feet were sluggish, seriously felt like I had cement shoes. I had to double check to make sure I had my Kinvaras on! There was no way I was going to stop so I pushed on. 3 miles in I hit a stride that was comfortable, we were in business now! The sun stayed behind the clouds for a change. 2:13:25 later I was done, time for a nap!

I Love Days Off!

Took the day off yesterday, my @Saucony shoes needed a break! I was definitely sore after racing over the weekend and after a couple easier training days I just needed a rest.

I came back strong today with (10) 1 mile repeats at 5:40 pace, love it!

Christmas Came Early!

Got home today it was like Christmas a little early, got a box full of ViZi-PRO training gear from #Saucony!

Everyone can use more "traffic cone" orange colored clothes in their closet! Seriously this color is great anytime but especially if you train in lower light like early mornings or evenings.

Here is a little info on ViZi-Pro:

LEXINGTON, MA (October 29, 2009) – As runners are faced with autumn’s shorter daylight hours, Saucony, Inc., a leading global supplier of performance athletic footwear and apparel, is setting the standard for visibility with the launch of its highly reflective ViZiPRO Collection, a new line of performance apparel and accessories. Saucony’s ViZiPRO Collection, now available at select running specialty retailers, is inspired by the dedicated runners who want to extend their ability to run confidently in fall and winter’s reduced daylight by enhancing their visibility to increasingly distracted drivers.

“With digital PDAs like cell phones, GPSs and MP3 players, as well as on-the-go meals and back-seat kids, drivers today have more distractions than ever before,” said Todd Dalhausser, general manager of Saucony apparel. “Add to that the reduced daylight of fall and winter, and a runner’s visibility while on the roads can be severely compromised.
Our mission is to inspire people to run. ViZiPRO does that by removing the limitations, delivering both uncompromised performance and enhanced visibility for runners in any season, in any light, at any time,” added Dalhausser.

The ViZiPRO Collection includes jackets, vests, sport tops, headgear and hand gear for both men and women that feature its trademark fluorescent orange color that maintains an incredibly luminescent, reflective surface for heightened visibility of the wearer.  The new performance apparel products utilize a combination of lightweight, water-resistant fabrics engineered for maximum comfort and mobility.  Select items from the collection also feature a road-side (right side) sleeve holster which holds an accompanying blinking LED light for enhanced visibility.

Recent statistics by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report that nearly 6,000 people were killed and 500,000 injured due to driver distraction in 2008. Of on-road pedestrian fatalities, 10% were related to pedestrians not being visible to drivers. The report also states that 6 p.m. - 9 p.m., the time when runners are most likely to be out on the roads, is also the most dangerous time of the day for pedestrians.

The ViZiPRO Collection passed rigorous tests to ensure runners training in these low-light conditions can be better seen, giving them a visual advantage when out on the roads.  According to industry-standard chromaticity testing results, Saucony’s ViZiPRO fluorescent orange fabric rated highest in visibility among its competitors.
A chromaticity test measures the relative visibility of reflective and fluorescent materials and determines which provide the greatest visibility─a critical feature when running the roads.

Great Racing Today!

I had lots of fun racing today in the Giant Eagle Multisport Festival Biathlon in Columbus, Ohio today. The 40K bike course was flat and fast and the 10K run along the trail system was great. It started to heat up quite a bit on the second lap of the run. I managed to hold off National Champion (and friend) Michael Carmean to take 4th overall in the Olympic distance. It was a pretty good day!

Ready to Race!

Having standard pre-race pasta dinner, early to bed, up at 5:00 for the Giant Eagle Biathlon. @Cervelo P3SL check, @Zipp_USA check, @Saucony Kinvara 2/clothes check, @ClifBar Shot Blocks, and other gear ready!

With all the training I have been doing I hope tomorrow goes well, I will post results when I get home!

Tapering for Sunday

Taking it nice and easy to get ready for Sunday's Giant Eagle Multisport Festival biathlon. All that is left to do is get a simple workout tomorrow, tune the bike Saturday, and get a good night of rest! The biggest question is which pair of #Saucony Kinvara 2 shoes do I wear?

Strong Workouts Today, Who Wants Ice Cream

Since I am racing Giant Eagle Multisport Festival this weekend today was my last hard workout day, Thursday and Friday will just be maintenance, I decided to push it hard. I got in a 22.3 mile ride and 25 minute upper body strength workout before work then (8) 1 mile repeats before dinner.

After a hard day it is time for some #Saucony AMP PRO2 compression sleeves and chocolate ice cream!

Nutritionally Speaking

So I was recording my workouts from last week and I burned approx 15, 821 calories. For those of you that like numbers that's the equivalent of 263 yougurt cups or 159 bananas or 27 Big Macs! Nutrition is a huge part of training and racing so be sure you are eating well!

Nice and Easy Recovery

After feeling like I ran through the Sahara yesterday I took it nice and easy today with 11 miles on a slightly less hot and humid day. Last week was good mileage and some solid runs. With Giant Eagle biathlon coming up Sunday I will have to tone it down a little.

Now if I could just catch up on sleep!

Feeling A Bit Fried

It was my intention to get up nice and early this morning to do my long run full knowing it was going to be smoking hot. Unfortunately after a long week my body decided it would rather sleep and turned off the alarm which left me to run in the hottest part of the day. I got 19.2 in which I was pleased with but I could have pushed it more had not been so hot. Now it is time to rehydrate with some #Gatorade, roll out with #TheStick, and put on some #Saucony AMP PRO2 compression.

New Running Music

I was having a good run this morning jamming tunes (as I often do) when I realized I keep skipping over songs because I have been training so much and hear them over and over. I will be asking everyone I know for songs to add.
It is another hot day here in Columbus 97 with a heat index of 110 and an air quality alert. I still refuse to run indoors so I had to get up earlier than usual to beat the heat. Definitely needed more sleep!
If you are training today be safe and stay hydrated!

Good Workouts This Week

Despite the incredibly hot weather I have had a solid week of 2 workouts per day. I have been getting one in before work and another when the sun goes down. Hopefully everyone is conscious of the heat this week!

A Short Video About My Favorite Shoes!

I rant and rave to everyone about  my #Saucony Kinvara 2, now hear it straight from #Saucony

If You Could Be Doing Anything...

Let's say your workout for the day is done and you have the day off from work, what do you do now? There are lots of things I can think of but this looks pretty good so far.

Ahhhh recovery days

After a couple long runs on Saturday and Sunday I needed a little recovery time with some easy workouts. Rolled out of bed at 6:40 for a 21 mile bike followed by a 25 minute upper body weight workout. After work I felt the need to move so I took off for an easy 6 miler. What was it I was saying about recovery days?

You Can Follow Me On Runkeeper

I will be using #Runkeeper this season to track my running and other fitness activities and goals. You can check out my progress here: http://runkeeper.com/user/bpditty

It Was A Hot One Today

Fighting the heat and dehydration I was able to pull off another 15 miler today. For the rest of the day I will be curled up on the couch with #Gatorade and water wearing my #Saucony AMP PRO2 compression recovery gear.

Great Run This Morning!

15 mile run just before sunrise, felt strong in my new @Saucony Kinvara 2. Recovering in my AMP PRO2 compression. #findyourstrong

Officially A Saucony Hurricane!

I am proud to announce that as of July 11, 2011 I am officially part of the national Saucony Hurricane Team. It is a huge honor to be representing such a great shoe and apparel company. I will do my best to train hard, represent the brand well in training and competition. Find Your Strong.