Why it's okay to have pizza and beer

Some people run to get in shape. Some people run so that they can eat food like pizza and beer. Other people run just to run. Me, I love slurpees.

Tuesday nights at the Harvard track has become a staple for most runners and tmirce'ers come out for all different reasons. You wanna get fast, you wanna get strong or you're training for a race. We run for all sorts of different reasons but the outcome is the same. See post track workout photo below.

From Left: Fast Bob, Ray, Dan, The Kid, Energizer Bunny, Danzu Ryu

So why do you run? I bet it's because a llama's chasing you; a valid reason. If that's not the case, tell us. If you're looking for a good reason to get out on a Monday night when it's dark and want to run with some fun people with free food afterwards, check out Lululemon's new run from their store at the Pru.

Want to run with Informal Running? Then get off your booty and join:
~

The Most Informal Running Club Ever
we're even on Facebook too.

An Affair to Remember: The TMIRCE IN4MAL

Last Saturday night, droves of informal runners put on their best duds, suits, tuxedos, dresses and ball gowns to get down and boogie on the dance floor. The Most Informal Running Club Ever, as founded by Dave Johnson (pictured below,) has been in existence for 4 years. Originally meant to be a group of a few friends who ran every now and then turned into a mob of sorts.

Left to Right: Andy, Justin, Dave

The night was full of raffle prizes, giveaways, music and dance-offs. The crew from Lululemon represented strongly at the party. Dance-off winner, Jonathan Hall, pulled off an insane backflip; what seemed like slow motion and 9 feet in the air, Jon pulled a move rarely seen at TMIRCE events. Of special note, Hudson Doyle won the NB Reach the Beach Relay full team entry for this years Massachusetts race, May 18th and 19th. Hudson is suffering from good karma after volunteering with TMIRCE this past September at RTB Relay's NH version of the historic race.

Earlier in the day, TMIRCE Saturday's at City Sports saw a near record number of runners, 60+, all donning birthday hats for the group run. There was a lot of excitement in the air as runners were talking about their anticipation of the event later that night.

Left to Right: The gang

With Basket Case blaring over the sound system, and hands flailing in the air, one of the workers of the Marriott pulled the plug. We partied so hard that the staff was told to shut us down. And so they might be able to quiet us at the end of the evening, but TMIRCE will reign strong, at least until next year, when the big 5 beckons and the lights dim once more.

lululemon got us running

When someone says they like lululemon, they're probably a woman and you think they're totally into yoga. Well look out ladies and yogi's - lululemon is making a case for us guys too! And not just in the yoga department. They are jumping into the running foray feet first and with a big heart.

Left to Right: Anne Morrissey, Amanda Walsh, Joe Davies, Martin Potter, Andy Marx,
Chris Montgomery, Liz Tempesta, Kaipo Henning (Not Pictured: Jeff Barbieri, Ellen)

Last night, a few Informal Runners of varying abilities gathered at the lululemon store at the PRU and were presented with a unique opportunity - personal assistance in selecting a running outfit and then a run/wear test with Assistant Manager, Nicole Cristoforo, 400m hurdler Jonathon Hall of Northeastern, and all the sushi we could eat. In return, we were asked to be righteously critical of the gear. If lululemon does one thing well, it's listening to their customers and enthusiasts.

11 of us departed for a lovely 3.3 mile run around the Charles, as is tradition, and were greeted by a cool, evening breeze. Myself, Martin, and Amanda were all recovering from an incredible half marathon, Sunday in Quebec City, while our stiff legs from the 7 hour, post race drive home were thankful for the 25 minute shake out jog. Returning to the store hungry, we crowded around a generous tray of Snappy Sushi -- tuna, avocado, and california rolls are some of my favorite pre and post run foods -- go Omega-3 fatty acids!

As for the gear, I ran in the light as air short and was pleasantly surprised by the compression lining sewn right into the shorts. There are a few pockets, one zipper low on the left quad for an id, credit card, T-pass and Panera card. I didn't notice to much shifting of material during the run and felt comfortably cool. If you bump into any of this crew on the street, ask them what they think of the gear!

Want to run with Informal Running? Then get off your booty and join:
~

The Most Informal Running Club Ever
we're even on Facebook too.

Running with Lulu in a Thunderstorm

Last night I was heading out the door for an after work run with Nicole from lululemon. I felt a breeze and looked up and saw ominous storm clouds approaching. Inside the buzzing store, Nicole and I discussed briefly our concerns regarding the weather, but decided, as most Bostonians of summer do, to brave the elements as they presented themselves.

The streets of Back Bay were crowded with throngs of people, clinging to every moment of outdoor time they could, creating a challenge of bobbing through the crowds as we attempted to find the river path. The heat was oppressive at one point, but the breeze kept us going until we reached the Harvard Bridge on Mass Ave. when the sky's opened.


Nicole, Assistant Manager of lululemon in Back Bay, has a deep passion for running, yoga, and bringing the Vancouver based brand onto the running scene. Did you know that they make men's apparel? I've been a fan of lululemon since I bought my running shorts there back in March, but I've come to realize that they are more than just a clothing store. lululemon has a great mantra geared towards creating a healthy community, bringing people together to share in positive experiences through yoga, running, and sometimes the occasional beer and sushi.

Our run took us around the Museum of Science where the duck boats were lined up with excited children quacking away. The rain continued to pepper us but at this point it was a welcomed reprieve from the heat. As we cruised back into the Back Bay, around 8 min/mi for the duration - said my Garmin Forerunner 210, the sun broke the clouds and reflected off of the Prudential Tower. After a good stretch and a quick bite at Bostone's, my favorite local pizza joint, we said our goodbye's and headed for home.