Cotton is the New Coolmax

Truly. I love cotton. Fastest material on earth.

Perhaps I should look for a sponsor to supply me with all kinds of low tech swag. Surely not many athletes pester the Cotton Board and the National Cotton Counsel.

The Heartrate Debate

I never follow my heart -- rate, that is. I do not wear a monitor and I do not check my pulse. I just run against the clock. And at least someone agrees with me -- the fact that he is Kevin Hanson, coach of the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project (team of Brian Sell), only makes me feel that much better.

That said, there are many ways to get fast. What is your strategy?

Rowers Have Heart

The New York Times suggests bigger is better.

Beat the Heat

The New York Times explains how.

Qualifying for Boston

The New York Times investigates the black market in official Boston Marathon entries.

Running for Dana-Farber

If you want to run a world-famous marathon for a world-famous cancer institute, then keep reading. Perhaps you know you may run for Dana-Farber in any race, of any distance, in any city around the globe. And presumably you know Dana-Farber provides 500 lucky runners (who apply to the DFMC and pledge to raise money for the Claudia Adams Barr Program) with official entries to the Boston Marathon. But did you know Dana-Farber also provides lucky runners with official entries to other races? No? Then today is your lucky day!

Join the Dana-Farber team and receive an official charity number in the following events:

Falmouth Road Race: August 10 (official)
BAA Half Marathon: October 12 (official)
Chicago Marathon: October 12 (official)
New York City Marathon: November 2 (official)

ps See you in Falmouth and NYC!

Chevalier on Clay

Rafael Nadal, I salute you.

Yesterday, Nadal hammered Roger Federer, arguably one of the best tennis players in history, to win his fourth consecutive French Open. I love Nadal.

While I am lauding one champion, I should also celebrate another king with four crowns. (Is any prize as precious as that laurel wreath?) On April 21, Robert Cheruiyot won his fourth Boston Marathon in six years (and his third consecutive). I love Cheruiyot.

Dare I ask, fair readers, which accomplishment impresses you more?