7 Thoughts A Runner Has During A Half Marathon

What the heck am I doing?

That question happens around the half way mark when the reality of a likely finish time sinks in...if only I can hold this pace!  Although I may have done it once in a training run, running the second half faster than the first is unlikely and unrealistic.  Oh well, better just enjoy the run.


Here are some other thoughts a runner has during a half marathon:

1. Don't go out too fast.  Did I go out too fast?  I told myself to start slowly and ease into race pace.  Why did I go out too fast?
2. Did I hydrate properly before the race?  Did I balance the electrolyte with enough water?  
3. I hope the gels don't make my stomach turn.  Wish I hadn't changed my usual brand at the last minute?  Hope I brought enough gels.
4. Do all these runners in front of me need to be chatting so much? And they're smiling!  Wish I could smile.  I'm smiling, right?
5. If I stay in front of the 2 hour pace bunny I'll finish under 2 hours!  The 2 hour pace bunny must be running too fast.  Why is the 2 hour pace bunny pulling ahead.
6. I overdressed.  I overdressed.  I overdressed!
7. I see the finish.  Pick up the pace.  Smile.  Breathe.  Forget breathing...smile for the finish line camera!

First thought on crossing the finish line:   "I'm never doing that again!"

Thought about 10 minutes later:  "That wasn't so bad...when's the next race?"

Until next time...

ThatRunninGuy

Connecting in Micro-Moments

The moment of truth.  More correctly, the 'moments' that trigger action that keep marketers up at night.  At least they do for me. It's the daily conversation with Managers and Business Owners revolving around how to generate more traffic to our websites and convert more of that traffic into leads.

Conversations with our website partners go something like this, "We need to optimize both our organic and paid search traffic...how do we add or improve calls-to-action so that we increase the opportunity of the Searcher to contact us directly?"  

At a recent event hosted by 6S Marketing and Google, we dug into this more deeply with three key insights:

1. The four micro-moments are, I want to know, I want to go, I want to buy, I want to do.
2. The force of mobile in triggering follow-up actions
3. The speed at which conversions occur in mobile searches:  It's fast!

Moving forward my challenge to our website and online advertising partners is to bring solutions that will encourage a higher percentage of visitors to our websites to find what they are looking for faster...from their mobile devices.

I found this slide very interesting:  75% of mobile searches trigger follow-up actions.  It leaves no doubt that we are now living in a 'give it to me now' world!

In the Automotive Retail business we talk about best in class response times of less than 15 minutes. Knowing that the majority of searches are happening via mobile devices and that conversions happen with the hour drives home the need for speed.

I want to know;  I want to go;  I want to buy;   I want to do.  

Chris M Morales

chris.morales@bell.net

@ChrisMoralesTO

647 393 3855

The opinions expressed on this blog are my own and are not associated with any other group or organization

Running with Dogs?

A few runners in my neighbourhood run with their dogs.  I think they do it to exercise their dogs.  I wonder if their dogs enjoy it?

For running to have any benefits you need to keep running for a minimum of 30 minutes.  Generally at a ‘good’ pace.  In other words, not jogging.  Most of the runners I see have dogs who seem to be loping along but they all seem to be panting.  

In the warm summer months, even in the cooler morning hours, I have to believe it is uncomfortable for the dog.  We runners can wear less clothes but a dog generally can’t shed his/her coat to cool down.

I’ve seen oblivious runners cause their dogs discomfort when their dogs stop suddenly or veer from the running path.  Ouch…that’s gotta hurt the dog’s neck no matter how large the dog.

I don’t see the point of running with your dog.  If you focus on your running, you ignore your dog;  if you focus on your dog you have a sloppy run.  Seems like multi-tasking gone wrong. 

Take your dog to the leash-free dog park for a run.  Take your dog for a walk.  Leave your dog at home when you go running!

Until next time...

ThatRunninGuy

Reputation Matters

Online your reputation matters.  It really matters! 

People have always chosen products based on what others have to say about their own experiences. Fact Check:  Modern Marketing did not invent Brand Opinions.  Brand Reputation lies in the hands of the consumer, your customer and is affected at every touchpoint they have with your business or brand.  Today via Social Media opinions can be shared more freely.  The task of online reputation management is more technical...blogs, Facebook, Twitter...and task more complex and inter-related. Staying on top of your reputation is your top-of-mind opportunity.

Chris M Morales

chris.morales@bell.net

@ChrisMoralesTO

647 393 3855

The opinions expressed on this blog are my own and are not associated with any other group or organization

Reggae Marathon...My Favourite Experience

My favourite races?  There are so many over the years but one stands out for the experience:  Reggae Marathon!

I've experienced Reggae Marathon every year since 2009.  If you're counting that's 8 to-date.  This December 2 makes 9 consecutive.  I can't think of another race that has captured the pure essence of running commraderie.  Larry, Navin and Dan (above, left to right) would agree!

While on the Reggae Marathon, that's Lisa Laws the founding spirit of the Reggae Runnerz.  It began with a small group of ladies a few years ago and has now blossomed into 500+ Runnerz meeting up in Negril every December for their annual 'Runcation'.

I've got to run with two of my sons, Courtney and Andrew, a couple of times at Reggae Marathon.  I use the term 'running together' very loosely.  It's more accurate to say that we were in the same race event together...they are quite speedy!

Without Sally, Bob and Debbie...especially Sally...this 8+ year experience at Reggae Marthon would have been over after year 1.  That year, Reggae Marathon 2009 was my first time racing in Negril.  It was also the completion of my first and to-date only Marathon.  Sally sat in the hot mid-morning sun for hours waiting for me to finish.  Did I mention that she is not a sun worshiper?  Saint!

Cooling off in the refreshing Caribbean after Reggae Marathon!  Nuff Said!

The year I walked the Reggae Marathon with a broken foot.  Foolish?  Some would agree but I kept the consecutive streak alive!  

The big finish at Reggae Marathon 2009.  5+ hours (not bad for a newbie).  Elation combined with relief...and a few tears!  Dun and DUN!

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

The Anatomy of a Productive Salesperson

The Productive Salesperson:  What does she/he look like?  Up before dawn doing administrative paperwork, organized to the Nth degree, positive and enthusiastic.  Smile...it could be you! :)

Chris M Morales

chris.morales@bell.net

@ChrisMoralesTO

647 393 3855

The opinions expressed on this blog are my own and are not associated with any other group or organization

7 Reasons Why Running Is The Best Sport

I'm well over 7 reasons why running is the best sport. Then again I've been running for over 30 years. Here are my Top 7:

1. Running is the best sport for getting fit quickly. By the simple fact that running requires to move your entire body mass with only your personal power, running is the most effective way to drive up the heart rate and metabolism...both of which burn calories.
2. Running is easy to do.  All of us can run...go for a walk, speed up the pace then ease into a trot. That's it. One foot in front of the other.  No complicated instructions, equipment or skill required.  Yes you can 'tech it up' with microfibre and spandex clothing along with high-tech running shoes but that's a personal choice.
3. Running reduces stress.  Endorphins are released when doing any physical exercise and combined with the simplicity of running maximizes the 'zone out' benefits.  Going out for a run is the only time we can be truly free of communication technology. That break alone is worth it!
4. Running will incease your quality of life.  Thinking about running, dreaming even, and of course talking about running with running friends.  Nothing beats a good road running story. Plus what else do you have to talk about before and after a race?
5. Running is a sport.  Unlike golf which is really a game, running is a sport:  "an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others"
6. Running is fun.  Seriously.  There are no team mates, no ball/puck/disc to worry about.  Usually no one is watching so I can fantasize about looking like an elite marathoner.  Running is a solitary activity that frees my mind to scheme and dream. What's more fun than that?
7. Running is relaxing.  I know, that sounds like an oxymoron. With nothing to focus on but breathing and keeping one foot in front of the other, is my favourite form of relaxation.  

I was pretty lousy at team sports growing up.  Swimming, biking were more my thing.  I came to running late but has it ever been good to me!

Until next time...

ThatRunninGuy

AI and the Hockey Stick

Are we at the point on the hockey stick curve when Artificial Inteligence (AI) explodes exponentially?  Are you afraid of AI or are you charging forward?

I had a Luddite moment on Saturday morning.  I'd just finished listening to an interview on NPR where the Interviewee, the founder of a recently public AI software company, waxed on about how AI was changing the nature of work from drudgery to creativity.  He noted that companies embracing AI would find new and innovative uses for displaced and reduncant workers. 

I shuddered. Sure...that's what companies do with existing workers who become redundant...they re-train them.  I flashed back to the Industrial Revolution as the 'Satanic Mills' swept over the Cottage Industries throwing countless people into turmoil. Progress is double-edged:  On one hand there will be disruption and people will endure hardships if they can't adapt fast enough;  On the other hand there will be disruption and new opportunities will rise. For example:  Social Media Marketing didn't exist barely 10 years ago!

I'm no fortune teller but it feels like we are at the inflection point on the Hockey Stick growth curve.  If you haven't already, embrace the pace of change!

Chris M Morales

chris.morales@bell.net

@ChrisMoralesTO

647 393 3855

The opinions expressed on this blog are my own and are not associated with any other group or organization

Running in the Movies

Other than being chased by a bear, running in the movies always seems so effortless.  If only it were like that in real life.  

Here are some of the best running scenes from the movies...Scene 2 is my favourite...he really is running from a bear!  
That begs the joke:  "Two guys running from a bear. One guy says to the other, 'you can't out run the bear'.  Othe guy says, 'I only have to out run you'":

Until next time...

ThatRunninGuy