Sunday, September 30, 2012

Blog 6: Second Interview Questions

The purpose of the second interview is justify your mentor as an expert in the field.  Thus, you will be asking at least 5 questions about their background and/or the background of the organization or company where they work.


I) How did you end up at Run With Us? What attracted you to it?
II) What is the sole purpose of the Run With Us specialty store?
III) How does this environment differ from a different sports store? Why should runners come here for their running needs?
IV) What did you learn when you first began working here, that you didn't know before? Such as shoe fitting and the effects of a proper fit.
V) What have you personally accomplished as a runner? And what kind of runner would you label yourself as?
VI) What techniques do you use for training others that you use on yourself?

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Blog 5A: Problem Statement

1) Long Distance Running

2) Problem in your topic.  What will you do once you solve the problem?
A problem that occurs often in running is injury. Once I solve the problem I will be able to train using techniques that can prevent injury or reduce the amount of injuries long distances runners come across. 

3) Problem in your topic.  What will you do once you solve the problem?
Another problem in running is not having the correct running equipment such as running shoes. Once this problem is solved I will be able to help runners find the proper running shoes for their feet which will also prevent injury.

Blog 4: Working EQ

The Pentagon: 
(1) Positive Statement: What positive thing happen as a result of what you have completed so far?

Due to my research I have learned more about training, and how to be a successful runner. Through my interview I learned a lot about the realities of a marathon, such as hitting the wall, and training enough so you know you can do it, and maybe even more. Through my mentorship I learned the importance of proper running equipment, such as the right running shoes for your feet. I also learned the importance of having the right running shoes, how it effects your body, and how to give a runner proper running shoes.

(2) EQ Content:  Pick a piece of research or your interview.  How has it helped you improve your understanding of your topic?


There was an interesting article I read about "hitting the wall" I really enjoyed it because it's a common thing for runners to reach that point where they think they can possibly take another step. And I never knew that there was an actually scientific reason for it. I always thought it was a mental thing, that you just reach mile 20 and it feels like its never going to end. This has helped my improve my understanding because I never knew this. It's one more extra tip in my pocket for crossing that finish line at mile 26.

(3) What has worked for you so far in the senior project?

I think my connections in the running world have really helped. I get to talk to a lot of people who live for running, and they so passionate about it that I'm able to learn so much. I'm really glad I am able to talk to all of these people.


(4) What hasn't worked so far?

I think what hasn't been working is that my mentor and service learning location are far from my house, so it's hard to go back and fourth. It would be nice to find something local but as of now I haven't come across anything. Although, at the same time I enjoy who I'm working with.
(5) Finding Value:  Based on your experience so far,

  •  What possible question or questions come to mind regarding what you would like to study this year?
What does it take to complete a marathon?
How should I train for my first marathon?
  •  What is your end goal this year with your senior project?
I want to be able to run a marathon, or at least know how to properly train for one. I also want to be able to help others train and show them proper techniques.
  • Who would you like to talk to you next? Why?   
I would like to talk to a college or high school level track or cross country coach since I am considering doing my science fair project on that. I would also like to know his/her techniques for training not only his team, but training first timers. People who have never ran before.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Blog 3: Interview Preparation

1.  Who do you plan to interview?  Why?
I plan on interviewing Sylvia Mosqueda for my first interview because she is an experienced runner. She has a marathon time of 2:33:10, half marathon time of 1:09:52, and she also holds the 12k american record of 38:38 from 1988. Along with this accomplishments Sylvia Mosqueda was the first American in the 2003 Vllamoura World Half Marathon, and 10th overall. Since she has accomplished so much as a runner, I feel she will be able to give me good information on how to train and reach my running goals. Sylvia also has her own training program where he helps out runners of all levels.

2.  You have to ask 5 questions.  What additional questions do you plan to ask?
How did you feel when you ran your first marathon?
What do you suggest I do for my first marathon? Any tips for finishing with out dying?
Do elite athletes hit the wall?
What is the most important part of training for a marathon?
Do you have any stretching tips?

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Blog 2: Long Distance Marathon Running

My topic for this is will be long distance marathon running. I chose this because running is my life, it completes me. I've been running since I was 13. At first I just did a few 5k races here and there, but after a couple of races i found a strong liking to it. I was never competitive, it didn't matter it I finished first or last. Running is about the journey, what it takes to reach that finish line. Since I started running 4 years ago, I've completed several 5ks, 10ks, and half marathons. My hope for this year is to accomplish my very first full marathon. Although this does not directly relate to the Ipoly ESLRs, my journey there will lead me on a path to being an effective Ipoly Citizen.
Studying the road to becoming a marathon runner will help me become a better Ipoly citizen because already several people have come to me asking about training schedules, and running plans. I know that this is the kind of information others will be interested in, and I can even help them achieve their goals of finish their first run. I can also work with other people who enjoy runs and put running groups together to participate in fun team relays. This topic will also make me a better communicator because no one can finish a marathon alone. In order to reach that finish line you need help from others, people who have been there, and even people who are just willing to support you. I plan on talking to current marathon runners, and using their knowledge to create my own personal running schedule. By listening to what experts have to say will make me an effective learner because I plan to apply what they say to make my schedule the most effective toward my marathon journey. Although most people don't associate running with technology, I know there are resources I can find though an online database. I can also use technology to take me running schedule a step further, such as creating a system that can work for any type of runner. I want to be able to help out all levels of runners. Also, most people don't take into consideration the amount of technology it takes to create the prefect most effective running shoe.
I know this year I will be learning a lot of new information that will benefit me as a runner for the rest of my life. And I know this won't be my last marathon.