Skip Orem's Studio Blog

Barefoot Running Episodes Begin September 12 -I hope everyone is having a great weekend.  In the USA, it’s Labor Day, so that means we are enjoying our last long holiday weekend of the summer.  After my run this morning, I’ve been spending a lazy Saturday editing the next two Get Fit Pod Podcasts, both of which will be on the subject of Barefoot Running.

Next Sunday’s episode (Get Fit Pod Episode 152) will be the first in our two-part series on Barefoot Running.  Our special guest on that podcast will be Wendy Nail, The Rusted Runner, and on the following Sunday (9.19.10) Get Fit Pod Episode 153 will feature the God Father of Barefoot Running, Barefoot Ken Bob.  These are extremely interesting individuals, who will provide you with good information on barefoot running. 

Also on Episode 153 I’ll let you know what I’ve decided to do, personally, ref-barefoot running, and my overall running training program.

If you haven’t listened to our current episode (Get Fit Pod #152), you may want too.  It featured an interviewed with Ben Greenfield, with good information about nutrition and fitness. Ben also weighs-in on barefoot running.

The next Get Fit Pod Workout Episode will be released on 09.26.10, and it will be The Get Fit Pod Long Slow Distance Autumn (yes Autumn) Running Workout.  That episode will be followed by lots of important Get Fit Pod episodes and workout episodes during the next few months.  All of which are available free at getfitpod.com or on iTunes.

Have a great weekend, and I’ll talk with you next Sunday on the Get Fit Pod -Skip

If you have been following me on Twitter you know that in the past few weeks I have been working to update my head shot and my profile pictures.  I’m doing this because I’m launching my voice over web site Skips Voice in September.  Skip’s Voice is the website I will be using to help promote my “day job” as a voice over artist.

lt is kind of strange marketing yourself in an area, voice overs, where you are definitely heard and  not seen, and still needing a head shot.  In this era of social media marketing people prefer visual images.  An interesting fact, people will always click on a real picture more than an avatar. Another interesting fact -when someone is presented with a word link and a picture, they will usually click on the picture not the words.  If you wanted to go to this site would click on the words or the picture?

How About Checking out My Website

Any who, since this avatar picture really would not work for my business, I hired Melissa Pauquette, a very talented photographer in the Columbus, Ohio area to do the shots.  She came to my sound studio, with just tons of gear, to do the shoot.  As soon as she started taking the pictures I knew, by the way she maneuvered and set up the shots, they were going to be great.  I was just so pleased when I first saw the photos.  She did the impossible, she made me look good.

Melissa Pauquette Photography  

 I’m just so happy with the photos.  The main head shot, what I call the “attitude shot” will be used in all my Skips Voice profiles.  Melissa also took some very cool shots of me in my studio and I will be using them on the web and in my media kit.  I know you will love the photography, if not the subject. The other head shot, the one on the right is, in my opinion, more me, and that is the one I will be using in conjunction with the Get Fit Pod!

This is the main head shot

This pic is more me, but I like the attitude in the first one

I’m continuing my attempts to add barefoot running into my training program.  There is also another transition going here, moving from my hi-tech, cushioned, orthotic inserted, Miznuo Wave Riders.  My goal is to transition permanently to Nike Frees, Terra Plana Vivobarefoot, or some other type of minimalist running shoe and loose the Wave Riders altogether. 

It will be a slow transition.  Several feet things are happening with my running workouts. On long runs, or HIIT workouts I’m still in the Wave Riders.   Shorter runs-slower speed, are done in the Nike Frees.  A couple of workouts each week include barefoot intervals 150 meters, on grass, moderate speed.

I don’t know when or if the transition will be complete.  My goal is to be able to run barefoot, when I want, then use the minimalist shoes on my regular runs at all distances and all levels of intensity.  I am definitely starting slowly and I’m not an expert, in any way, on barefoot running.  I just want to give it a try, because I think the overall benefits will be worth it.

Somebody, please tell me if my goals are unrealistic or my plan for transition is wrong.

I’m still trying hard to get another “big name”, barefoot running guru for an interview on the Get Fit Pod, I’ll keep you posted. Don’t forget we already have Wendy Nail, The Rusted Runner appearing on our next episode on September 12th

The question of the day –Winter will be here sooner than I want. What’s the appropriate footwear for minimalist runners?

Below I’ve included a short video of parts of one of my transition runs on Thursday

Get Fit Pod #151 Ben Greenfield Visits Get Fit Pod – This episode features a special interview with top ranked triathlete and one of the top triathlon, nutrition and metabolism experts in the nation-Ben Greenfield,  Skip will seek Ben’s guidance and advice on the diet and exercise elements of the Get Fit Pod Fitness Strategy.  Ben will also weigh-in on barefoot running.  The episode features two mini-workouts with music provided by Flying Machines -On A Whim and by Kortney Jean - New Dance

Here are links to some additional information from Ben Greenfield Fitness   About Ben Greenfield    Pacific Elite Fitness   Ben Greenfield’s Triathlon Adventures   Rock Star Triathlete Academy  

Hey Everybody!  I’ll be taking a late summer break for the next three weeks.  The next new Get Fit Pod episode will be #152 scheduled for release on September 12th.  It will be the first of two consecutive episodes focusing on barefoot running.  Our special guest will be Wendy Nail, the RustedRunner.  I’m continuing to do my research on barefoot running, which includes trying it myself.  I’ll be making occasional posts about it in the Barefoot Running category on this blog. I’ll also be posting twitter updates.  I’ll talk to you on September 12th.–skip

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 49:17 — 67.7MB)

Skip Orem is the voice and producer of The Get Fit Pod.  He is a marathon runner and “fitness geek” who has combined his love of running and all things fitness, with his “day job” as an internationally recognized voice over artist, to create one of iTunes most popular fitness podcasts. 

Running and fitness have been a daily part of his life for over 25 years.  He is a dogged researcher of all things fitness and health related. He shares important information gleaned from this research with his listeners on weekly Get Fit Pod podcast episodes. 

In addition to the regular podcast episodes, Skip’s Get Fit Pod Interval Training Workouts are used by both regular folks and elite athletes as part of their overall training programs.  He makes these workouts available free as downloadable podcast episodes. 

After more than 150 weekly episodes, the Get Fit Pod-the people’s fitness podcast, has evolved into an important resource for the average individual seeking to get and stay in shape.  With the help of his listeners, Skip has developed the Get Fit Pod Fitness Strategy which combines diet, exercise, music, knowledge and journaling into an effective, life-long fitness approach. 

“… I’m especially proud of my unique personal relationship with the listeners of The Get Fit Pod.  We have developed a special bond as we work together on improving and maintaining our fitness and health.  The Get Fit Pod regular and workout episodes are totally driven by listener suggestions and comments.  It’s very cool to work with so many great friends, all over the world, as we get and stay fit and heathy…” _{–Skip Orem}

Skip works closely with new musical artists throughout the world in helping them get their music out to new listeners and grow their careers.  All of the music played on Get Fit Pod regular and workout episodes is provided by new, unsigned, musical talent.   

“… The real stars of the Get Fit Pod are the musical performers. You will hear great, new, professional sounding music by independent artists. It is fun and amazing to watch the careers of these talented individuals take off…” _{–Skip Orem}

Skip often rants about things totally unconnected to fitness.  These brief rants, which appear occasionally on Get Fit Pod episodes, have become one of the most popular parts of the podcast. Travel, restaurants, music, favorite movies; you never know what Skip will talk about when he goes off on an aside totally separate from fitness.

Skip Orem’s Get Fit Pod Podcast is available free at iTunes (just search on get fit pod), or at getfitpod.com.  Skip also occasionally blogs on his Studio Blog at getfitpodpodcast.com. 

 You can also follow Skip on Twitter http://twitter.com/skiporem

The “shrink-Wrap” is officially off! Today I  began running with no shoes.  From previous posts you know that I have been doing some runs and then taking the shoes off and walking at the end of the runs (all on concrete).  Today the shoes came off for a run.  I used some advice Ben Greenfield gave me, and will give you,  in our interview which will be part of Sunday’s Get Fit Pod episode.

I ran to the park in my highly cushioned, with  custom orthotics, Mizuno Wave Riders 13.  After I got to the park, the shoes came off and I did ten 150 yard intervals (at my long slow distance pace), with 15 seconds of rest between each interval.  Of course my goal is to get that interval pace up into the anaerobic zone at some point in the future.  It’s important to start out slow with this barefoot running project. I put the shoes back on to run home.

I can’t remember the last time I ran barefoot in grass -It was AWESOME! I can see an additional benefit coming in the future, my white feed will soon match the rest of my legs. I’m going to try this workout (the run to and walk back from the park was 3 miles each way) at least once a week as I begin to incorporate barefoot running into my overall workout schedule.

My Barefoot Running Track

All My Shoes-I’ve started my personal research into barefoot running and some information will appear on Sundays Get Fit Pod Episode 151 as part of my interview with Ben Greenfield.  Episode 151 will be followed later in September with two consequtive podcasts dealing with the subject.  In fact tonight I’m interviewing barefoot running blogger,  Wendy Nail  for the first “all barefoot running podcast” which will be Get Fit Pod Episode 152 scheduled for release on September 12th.  I’m hoping to provide you with some great background to help you determine if barefoot running is for you.  I’m in the process of making that decision for myself right now.  I have started to take the shoes off, at least for my walkbacks. There are problems! read on…

This will seem strange but here’s an issue I’m dealing with.  It was the Nike Waffle Trainer that attracted me to running.  In short, running shoes are what have made me the life long runner I’ve become.  They are an important part of why I love running.  I get excited discovering new shoes, I love how they look on my feet, I enjoy the cushioning they provide.  I crave the smell of the shoes when I open a new box.  I’m anal about lacing techniques.  In fact, I love all kinds of shoes, running shoes and dress shoes.  I’m ashamed to admit how may pairs of brand new running shoes I have in the Que waiting for their chance to hit the road.  Now they may have lost their opportunity.  At least my dress shoes get a chance to be worn, once, before they are placed neatly on display in my closet. 

OK, I know this is more than you want to know about my compulsive shoe problem.  Help me!  How does a “shoe freek” convert to barefoot running?

Well the quest continues.  I’ll report back soon.  -skip

This episode features a special interview with Beth from the C. Beth Run and the C. Beth Blog  Blogs.  Parts of the episode, including Skip’s Las Vegas Resturant Review,  were recoreded over the July 4th holiday in Las Vegas.  The episode features two mini-workouts with music from Joe Colledge and Flying Maching.  The newsbreak segment has information on how to beat the heat during these hot days of July and August.  After the close of the episode Amy Regan sings Some Kind of Blues.  Other blogs mentioned by beth in the interview One Minute Writer  Dwell and Cultivate  Caesars Palace Restaurants mentioned by skip in the podcast  Bradley Ogden  Raos The Munch Bar  As I said in the podcast, if you are going to be in Las Vegas don’t miss the opportunity to see The best new entertainment in Las Vegas Matt Goss at Caesars Palace.  Catch Matt now before he moves to less intimate venues.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 44:49 — 51.6MB)

Barefoot Running – The Activation?  Well,  perhaps.  Of all the subjects we’ve discussed on the Get Fit Pod over the years, this one has generated the most listener interest.  Funny, but, I don’t think I ever really discussed it, yet, on the Get Fit Pod.  The interest has been displayed by the tons of emails I’ve received from you guys.

I will be interviewing Wendy Nail on our September 12th episode, which will be the first of two consecutive podcasts focusing on Barefoot Running. I’ve never really talked about anything on the Get Fit Pod that I’ve not tried first.  So, today was the beginning of my attempt to sample, at least, barefoot running.

No I didn’t run barefoot.  I ran out 5 miles in my well constructed shoes, orthotics firmly in place.  However, I took them off and walked the five miles back-barefoot.  Trust me, this was a big step for me.  I may not become a barefoot runner.  I will give it a try, ever so gradually.

Wendy Nail was kind enough to provide some additional links to barefoot running sites.  The Running Barefoot  Runner’s World Barefoot Running Forum  The Barefoot Runners Society and by all means, check out my friend c.bethrun she documents all of her runs, and she has recently started to run sans shoes.  Beth will also be my guest on this weeks Get Fit Pod, unfortunately we recorded the interview before she started running barefoot. 

As for me this is just the beginning.

Hey Everybody!  I just finished editing the 150th episode of Get Fit Pod.  It’ll be released on Sunday.  The episode is free and will be available at getfitpod.com or at itunes.  It features a really interesting interview (the 1st we’ve ever done on the Get Fit Pod) with Beth from the C. Beth Run and the C. Beth Blog  Blogs. Beth’s blogs are extremely interesting, well-written, and fun to read.  I’ve added the links, so that you can check out her blogs and have a little information about Beth before listening to the interview on Sunday’s episode. You will enjoy the interview.

This episode is also unique in that it was recorded over a period of time beginning late last June, then through the July 4th weekend in Las Vegas, and  just finishing up this week before release on Sunday.  This is unusual for the podcast since episodes are typically recorded in a compact time period the week before release.  Over the time period of recording this episode,  barefoot running has become a subject we need to explore on the Get Fit Pod.

Barefoot running was not mentioned in my interview with Beth, but since then she has become a barefoot running enthusiast.  I’ve also received many emails from listeners asking for more information about barefoot running, or suggesting I take up barefoot running. I’ve started researching and talking to people about the subject and, as a result, I’ve scheduled a Get Fit Pod episode on Barefoot Running.  It’s episode number 152, release date-September 12th.  In the meantime you can learn more about Beth’s adventures with barefoot running by reading her blog, C. Beth Run .  Some other interesting barefoot running blogs are, Barefoot Ted’s Advantures, The Barefoot Chronicles, and WendyBird.  One quick disclaimer, I’m not yet advocating barefoot running, however, we do need to check it out and we will on Get Fit Pod episode 152.

I’m trying to schedule a special interview for Episode 151 which will be released on August 15th. Follow me on Twitter for more information.  Also on that episode, I’ll talk about all the exciting things I have planned for the Get Fit Pod in the next few months, including some awesome new workouts.  I’m taking a late summer vacation so there will not be Get Fit Pod Episodes on Aug 22,29 and Sep 5.  I’ll comeback with the Barefoot Running episode on September 12th.  Complete Schedule of Get Fit Pod Episodes.  Talk to you on Sunday -Skip