About a month after I launched Running With the Locals (as a YouTube channel and as a Facebook page) I uploaded the April Edition. It was shot in downtown Jeffersonville (my hometown!) at Fast Freddie's Shamrock 2-miler. Lincoln had agreed to shoot the video, and having him there was a big help. He's done this all before, AND he knows so many people in Jeff. Having him behind the camera allowed me to focus on delivering the script (as it was). It also allowed him to work his magic, which, for this occasion, was getting people to appear in the video. It opened my eyes to how interact with someone on the spot, which would spill over to online interaction, and also a bigger audience.
Two weeks later, with a little help from Lincoln, I appeared on "Live From 725" as the guest announcer. A little banter with John Ramsey, a plug for RWtL, and a bad case of nerves (which, thankfully, were off-camera), and the audience grew a little more. Two weeks after my appearance on the show, Swag's posted a link to RWtL on their Facebook page, and the audience doubled!
In late April/early May, I attended the Kentucky Derby Festival mini-marathon expo (and ran the mini, as well). At the expo, I met Ryan Althaus (from Sweaty Sheep) and one of the Running Elvii (who run and raise $$ for Team In Training). After the Mini, I met Fleet Feet Louisville owner Jeff Wells. I was very impressed by all of them, and I've shot video with Ryan (at this year's Hangover Classic) and Jeff (about a half-dozen times so far! He's a natural!). Working with them inspired me to reach out to other local running stores and race organizers, mainly through their Facebook pages. I've since shot video with just about all of the local stores, and I've also shown a lot of love to them through the Facebook page.
In late June, I witnessed my first Beer Mile. It was a bizarre scene. The rules are, basically, you drink a beer and follow it with a quarter-mile run. Repeat four times and you've got a beer mile. This particular beer mile was organized by John King.
I first heard of John from his now-defunct running blog while I was searching online for info about the now-defunct Underground 5k. We struck up a cyber-friendship over our enjoyment of both running and beer. I met John in person at a local beer-fest, where he and his wife Ashley were slinging beer for NABC. The Kings are a really nice couple, and, as it turns out, a couple of insanely good runners. I hope to do a video profile of the couple sometime this year (hint, hint John).
By the way, at the Beer Mile, I saw a guy run a sub-7-minute-mile AND drink four beers before each lap. INSANE! Of course, as soon as he crossed the finish he spewed like a fountain. The whole event was surreal.
In August, I watched some of the Ironman Louisville runners along the course and at the finish line. So impressed by the commitment and effort that goes along with completing one of those events.
Labor Day arrived, signaling the end of summer. For me, though, it ended up being the start of something else-my first group run with the running group at Fleet Feet. I had done a few fun runs over the Spring and Summer, but this time I stuck around. The run itself was pretty uneventful (a few miles through Cherokee Park), but afterward, almost everyone had breakfast at Panera and hung out. This is more than a running group, it's a community, and I'm glad to be a part of it.
October's highlights were a doughnut run and the Tap 'N Run. Oh, and don't forget the BlueMile Brew Miles! Lots of eating and drinking to go with the running. Since I've pretty well documented my exploits at those events, I will just say that it is a heckuva lot easier to run and drink beer than it is to run and eat doughnuts!
In November, I had the pleasure of staking out a spot at the finish line of the Louisville Sports Commission's inaugural Half-Marathon, where I saw Ryan Althaus cartwheel across the finish line to win it. I was very impressed by the event and the runners.
Also in November, I got to check out the Muddy Fanatic course during a trial run. Holy Crap, that is going to be a fun event! Oh, and the video I shot was a big hit! To date, it is my most-viewed video.
December didn't end up being very eventful, but by then I was ready for a bit of a break.
I can't wait for whatever 2012 has in store for me!
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
2011 Recap, part one
This blog entry is the first in a series, which will recap my first year of Running With the Locals.
2011 began with a Hangover. Not an actual, New Year's Eve induced, lower-case "h" hangover, but the annual Hangover Classic 10-miler. I wasn't entirely prepared for the distance, but I ran it anyway. Actually, I ran stretches of it and walked shorter stretches of it.
The next few weeks were uneventful, running-wise. Around here, races are scarce during the first two months of the year. Fewer than ten, as I recall. Probably closer to five. I was putting in some miles, but nothing stellar. I didn't have much pushing me to get out and run, except for the Mini and another local two-mile race, so I borrowed an idea from my friend Lincoln and came up with something to get me out there. Not just training for some race on the horizon, but to be social, and also learn more about the running scene in the Louisville area.
You may know Lincoln and his partner-in-video Squire as The Local Guys, but before their gig on Live from 725, they created a series of web-based videos called "Living With the Locals". It was a highlight reel of the finer parts of the city, focusing one one neighborhood or area in each episode. I believe it spun out of wanting to use video, and specifically YouTube, to grow Lincoln's real estate business. I wanted to take this model and tailor it toward the races and runners in the Derby city. With their blessing, support and a little push, I started Running With the Locals in mid-February.
That month, I made two videos. The first was an introduction, to explain what I wanted RWtL to be. The other was the March race edition. I also launched the Facebook page, to dovetail with the YouTube channel, while also promoting it.
It was a modest start, with a pretty steep learning curve, but I was pretty excited about making something out of it. Plus, it got me running more. I didn't want to just talk the talk, you know?
To be continued...
2011 began with a Hangover. Not an actual, New Year's Eve induced, lower-case "h" hangover, but the annual Hangover Classic 10-miler. I wasn't entirely prepared for the distance, but I ran it anyway. Actually, I ran stretches of it and walked shorter stretches of it.
The next few weeks were uneventful, running-wise. Around here, races are scarce during the first two months of the year. Fewer than ten, as I recall. Probably closer to five. I was putting in some miles, but nothing stellar. I didn't have much pushing me to get out and run, except for the Mini and another local two-mile race, so I borrowed an idea from my friend Lincoln and came up with something to get me out there. Not just training for some race on the horizon, but to be social, and also learn more about the running scene in the Louisville area.
You may know Lincoln and his partner-in-video Squire as The Local Guys, but before their gig on Live from 725, they created a series of web-based videos called "Living With the Locals". It was a highlight reel of the finer parts of the city, focusing one one neighborhood or area in each episode. I believe it spun out of wanting to use video, and specifically YouTube, to grow Lincoln's real estate business. I wanted to take this model and tailor it toward the races and runners in the Derby city. With their blessing, support and a little push, I started Running With the Locals in mid-February.
That month, I made two videos. The first was an introduction, to explain what I wanted RWtL to be. The other was the March race edition. I also launched the Facebook page, to dovetail with the YouTube channel, while also promoting it.
It was a modest start, with a pretty steep learning curve, but I was pretty excited about making something out of it. Plus, it got me running more. I didn't want to just talk the talk, you know?
To be continued...
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Looking Ahead
In running, it's obviously a good idea to keep your head up and your eyes on the path ahead. In blogging, it seems the same is true. At least for me.
A few nights ago, while I was working on a seemingly endless order at work, I started thinking about resuscitating this blog. Admittedly, I haven't put nearly as much time or effort into this portion of the Running With the Locals brand (it sounds weird to call it a brand, but that's the best word I can think of to describe what I'm doing), and I felt like trying to bring something else to the table, besides the occasional video on YouTube and comment on Facebook. I hadn't forgotten about the blog. That's actually where the origins of this whole endeavor lie. If I hadn't started blogging about running on my Running Journal blog, then I probably wouldn't have started making videos. And if I hadn't started running at all, then I wouldn't have had much to blog about. So this seemed like a way to get back to my roots, in a world-wide-web kind of way.
Once I started thinking about getting back into blogging, it just took over my brain. That's also how I usually end up starting an early day: I just can't stop the wheels once they start spinning.
So I grabbed some paper and started jotting down ideas for blog topics, and also a few ideas for some recurring posts. I think the latter came from my experiments with video segments this year. They came to me organically, and some seemed to have promise (if I would give them a chance to grow before moving on to something else!).
I think this may end up being a nice component of RWtL, and it could end up being an outlet for things that I can't, for whatever reason, create with video. I certainly hope it will, anyway.
RWtL
A few nights ago, while I was working on a seemingly endless order at work, I started thinking about resuscitating this blog. Admittedly, I haven't put nearly as much time or effort into this portion of the Running With the Locals brand (it sounds weird to call it a brand, but that's the best word I can think of to describe what I'm doing), and I felt like trying to bring something else to the table, besides the occasional video on YouTube and comment on Facebook. I hadn't forgotten about the blog. That's actually where the origins of this whole endeavor lie. If I hadn't started blogging about running on my Running Journal blog, then I probably wouldn't have started making videos. And if I hadn't started running at all, then I wouldn't have had much to blog about. So this seemed like a way to get back to my roots, in a world-wide-web kind of way.
Once I started thinking about getting back into blogging, it just took over my brain. That's also how I usually end up starting an early day: I just can't stop the wheels once they start spinning.
So I grabbed some paper and started jotting down ideas for blog topics, and also a few ideas for some recurring posts. I think the latter came from my experiments with video segments this year. They came to me organically, and some seemed to have promise (if I would give them a chance to grow before moving on to something else!).
I think this may end up being a nice component of RWtL, and it could end up being an outlet for things that I can't, for whatever reason, create with video. I certainly hope it will, anyway.
RWtL
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Post-race, catching up
When I last blogged, I was anxiously awaiting my live television debut. Let me tell you, it was quite the experience.
I did not realize how nervous I would be. I was okay before the show started. I chit-chatted with a couple of the guests, and also with the host. We went over what I would be doing, and it all seemed fine. Then, the show started. Live TV. I quickly started feeling warm under the lights, and my nerves got to me. By the first commercial break, I was ready to walk off. I felt light-headed, hot and sweaty, just awful.
We got back from commercial, and, luckily, I was out of frame. I thought I might pass out. I had my head on the podium, hoping for an end to this misery. Shortly after that, the host threw it to me, so I sucked it up and took us to the next break. This continued until I got a drink of water, and finally started to feel okay.
By the end of the show, I was feeling more like myself. Maybe it was the humongous coffee I drank on the way to the show, along with my nerves, that created this perfect storm. If and when I do that again, I won't be downing 24 oz of coffee before I go on.
--
Since then, I've been working on more videos, averaging about 1 a week for the last couple of weeks. My personal schedule got a little busier when I agreed to help out with my oldest daughter's soccer team, and that has cut into my vlogging time. Also, the weather here has been downright nasty! Up until a few days ago, we had rain and storms every day for 9 or 10 days. We even had a tornado hit a church behind our house, then touch down again at a trailer park about a mile from here. Our house had some minor damage, but luckily, no one was hurt
--
Lastly, I ran the Kentucky Derby Festival mini-marathon today. I must say, I did better than I expected. Conditions were great: clear skies, temps were ideal, and the support was fantastic. The course got a last-minute change, which ended up being great. I thought the 4-mile stretch of 3rd Street was going to be dull, but the folks that lined up along the course kept things lively. Along with that, there was plenty of shade.
Let me just say that the city of Louisville has a lot of beauty and history, and they highlighted that wonderfully with this course. And the people that came out to cheer on the runners were phenomenal! They helped make this a fantastic day for me and the thousands of others who ran.
Thank you, Louisville!
I felt like such a rock star when I typed that.
I did not realize how nervous I would be. I was okay before the show started. I chit-chatted with a couple of the guests, and also with the host. We went over what I would be doing, and it all seemed fine. Then, the show started. Live TV. I quickly started feeling warm under the lights, and my nerves got to me. By the first commercial break, I was ready to walk off. I felt light-headed, hot and sweaty, just awful.
We got back from commercial, and, luckily, I was out of frame. I thought I might pass out. I had my head on the podium, hoping for an end to this misery. Shortly after that, the host threw it to me, so I sucked it up and took us to the next break. This continued until I got a drink of water, and finally started to feel okay.
By the end of the show, I was feeling more like myself. Maybe it was the humongous coffee I drank on the way to the show, along with my nerves, that created this perfect storm. If and when I do that again, I won't be downing 24 oz of coffee before I go on.
--
Since then, I've been working on more videos, averaging about 1 a week for the last couple of weeks. My personal schedule got a little busier when I agreed to help out with my oldest daughter's soccer team, and that has cut into my vlogging time. Also, the weather here has been downright nasty! Up until a few days ago, we had rain and storms every day for 9 or 10 days. We even had a tornado hit a church behind our house, then touch down again at a trailer park about a mile from here. Our house had some minor damage, but luckily, no one was hurt
--
Lastly, I ran the Kentucky Derby Festival mini-marathon today. I must say, I did better than I expected. Conditions were great: clear skies, temps were ideal, and the support was fantastic. The course got a last-minute change, which ended up being great. I thought the 4-mile stretch of 3rd Street was going to be dull, but the folks that lined up along the course kept things lively. Along with that, there was plenty of shade.
Let me just say that the city of Louisville has a lot of beauty and history, and they highlighted that wonderfully with this course. And the people that came out to cheer on the runners were phenomenal! They helped make this a fantastic day for me and the thousands of others who ran.
Thank you, Louisville!
I felt like such a rock star when I typed that.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Tomorrow, I'm the guest announcer!
The day has nearly arrived. Tomorrow, I head to the WAVE 3 studios for my first of hopefully many appearances on Live From 725. I have The Local Guys to thank for my debut. I've got to admit, I am a little nervous. I went to the set to watch the show a few weeks ago, and was amazed by how quickly it goes by. I hope I don't freeze or stammer or anything too embarrassing. One thing I do intend to do is mention RWtL. I may also try to get a little time with the host before or after the show to try to figure out how to make it a regular segment on the show. That would be super cool.
Fingers crossed for a good show tomorrow!
Fingers crossed for a good show tomorrow!
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Thoughts from a sleepless morning
Being on third shift is great for some things. It allows me a bit more flexibility when it comes to appointments and getting the kids to and from school, things like that. But when it comes to the weekend, all bets are off.
Yesterday was a busy day for me. I worked overnight, came home and slept for about 3 hrs, then got up to meet Lincoln and visit the Live From 725 set. After that, it was time to pick up the kids from their schools, then a brief pause before turning around and heading back to work for a 6 hr shift.
Please don't think I'm complaining, because I am glad to be employed and to have the opportunity to get some OT. I'm just illustrating one particular day.
After work, I get home and everyone is up, so we caught up on our days events. I don't end up crawling into bed until after midnight, but I am asleep in no time. Fast forward to about 5 hrs later, and I wake up to a quiet house but can't seem to get back to sleep. This is how most of my Saturday mornings are.
I start thinking about RWtL: ideas for videos, trying to get someone to write some theme music, things like that. At that point, it is pointless to even try to get back to sleep. It just ain't happening right now.
I get up with the intention of getting some of these ideas out of my head and onto paper, but I get sidetracked by email/facebook/blogger. Nothing new there, but I should know better. I did manage to get a few things jotted down (theme music, get out and actually run with some locals, a list of some notable locals to run with), but it wasn't worth getting out of bed before sunrise.
So, to recap, I am about a day behind on sleep, and I have a few flimsy ideas to try to build on to make RWtL more interesting and, hopefully, successful (whatever that means).
Yesterday was a busy day for me. I worked overnight, came home and slept for about 3 hrs, then got up to meet Lincoln and visit the Live From 725 set. After that, it was time to pick up the kids from their schools, then a brief pause before turning around and heading back to work for a 6 hr shift.
Please don't think I'm complaining, because I am glad to be employed and to have the opportunity to get some OT. I'm just illustrating one particular day.
After work, I get home and everyone is up, so we caught up on our days events. I don't end up crawling into bed until after midnight, but I am asleep in no time. Fast forward to about 5 hrs later, and I wake up to a quiet house but can't seem to get back to sleep. This is how most of my Saturday mornings are.
I start thinking about RWtL: ideas for videos, trying to get someone to write some theme music, things like that. At that point, it is pointless to even try to get back to sleep. It just ain't happening right now.
I get up with the intention of getting some of these ideas out of my head and onto paper, but I get sidetracked by email/facebook/blogger. Nothing new there, but I should know better. I did manage to get a few things jotted down (theme music, get out and actually run with some locals, a list of some notable locals to run with), but it wasn't worth getting out of bed before sunrise.
So, to recap, I am about a day behind on sleep, and I have a few flimsy ideas to try to build on to make RWtL more interesting and, hopefully, successful (whatever that means).
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