June 2 marks the one year anniversary since I started running again. The last time I had run before was 33 years ago back in 9th grade. I was an avid runner all the way to that point in my life and had quit simply because I did not make the cross country team one year. I had forgotten all the reasons I ran and why it was so enjoyable. But, let’s start again now shall we? Beginning last year about the last week of May, I was feeling low for many reasons (turning 50 that year amongst them) but the main one was simply depression and lack of motivation in everything. My office is above a Gym and I have been there for 3 years and on a daily basis as I headed … [Read more...]
Tips for Running in Humidity
Tips for Running in Humidity By Liz Plosser; Image by Mark Matcho Published July 10, 2013 Runners often obsess over weather reports, tracking the coolest time of day in which to run. But as anyone who's ever tried to finish a five-miler in steamy conditions knows, it's not just the temperature that matters, it's the humidity."Of all the climate measurements we take to assess heat risk for our runners, humidity is the biggest factor," says George Chiampas, D.O., the medical director of the Chicago Marathon. Humidity makes warm summer runs even more taxing because the higher the moisture content of the air, the hotter it feels. An 88-degree … [Read more...]
Ten Things I Hate (About Running)
Ten Things I Hate (About Running) Obviously, we runners love our sport for the health benefits. And the camaraderie of our peers. And "finding our greatness" and "stopping at never" and yadda yadda yadda. There's a lot to love. But let's admit that there's a lot to hate, too. I know this because conversations with runners seem to revolve around complaints. About what? Well, let's start with these 10 things . . . DOGS OFF-LEASH: Every dog that has bitten me was a dog that didn't bite. Their owners told me so – often as the blood dripped down my leg from Fido's fang marks. Oh, and sniffing, charging and tackling aren't OK either. I'm not your … [Read more...]
Nine Surprising Ways Running Helps Your Body
Nine Surprising Ways Running Helps Your Body STRENGTHENS BONESWeight-bearing exercise increases bone density, which guards against fractures and osteoporosis, according to researchers from the University of Missouri. High-impact exercise, like running, appears to offer the greatest protective benefit. REGENERATES MUSCLEMuscles mass declines over time—or does it? University of Illinois researchers found that exercise triggers a type of stem cell (mesenchymal stem cells) to spur other cells to generate new muscle. That process could prevent age-related muscle loss. SAVES YOUR SKINRutgers researchers found that mice who drank caffeinated water … [Read more...]
It begins:
It begins: A fitness enthusiast wrote this controversial message to an overweight runner at her local track. After posting it on Facebook, it has gone viral and deserves everyone's attention. Although he began with an insulting tone and made a number of questionable judgments on the runner, his message is clear. Share this powerful message and inspire others on Facebook by clicking below. read the rest of this article..... … [Read more...]
Is It Better To Be Flexible or Stiff?
Is It Better To Be Flexible or Stiff? Flexibility is a hot-button topic for runners. We used to think it was always better to be more flexible. In recent years there's been a pendulum swing, with evidence that stiffer runners (as measured by a sit-and-reach test) have better running economy, and pre-run stretching makes you slower. The idea is that the muscles and tendons in our legs act like springs, storing and releasing energy with each stride, and a tightly coiled spring can store more energy. That's a nice theory, but it would be a mistake to think that the issue is settled. There are lots of different muscles and tendons in the legs, each … [Read more...]
10 Great Moments from the Last 40 Years of the Boston Marathon
10 Great Moments from the Last 40 Years of the Boston Marathon Like a lot of runners, we look forward to the elite races at the Boston Marathon every year. But over time, some years stand out more than others, sometimes because the race itself was thrilling, sometimes because of a singular performance, and sometimes because of how a given race later became obvious as a seminal event. What's your favorite detail from the first of Bill Rodgers' four Boston wins? The shirt he pulled from a trash can and hand lettered with his club's name? The new shoes that he wore, a promo sample from an upstart company called Nike that were sent to him by Steve … [Read more...]
When Do You Need New Running Shoes
When Do You Need New Running Shoes They Cover Tough TerrainSometimes a sneaker will develop some small holes in the mesh early on, especially if you run outside in tough trail conditions. Usually, you can continue running with them, though, says Wood. “However, if the upper portion of the shoe starts to fall apart and the mesh holes start to increase in size and number, it’s time for a new pair,” she says. These signs may seem obvious, but runners tend to ignore them if the shoe hasn’t even logged 200 miles yet. The sneaker still seems new, but conditions like wet, muddy trails that leave your shoes damp can deteriorate the overall structure of … [Read more...]
Everything We Know About Running Was Discovered in 1937
Everything We Know About Running Was Discovered in 1937 The most prolific winner in Boston Marathon history was also its most prescient. Clarence DeMar, who won Boston seven times between 1911 and 1930, was a self-coached but systematic and inquisitive runner. In April 1937, DeMar—who also won a bronze medal in the 1924 Olympic marathon—espoused his views in a memoir titled Marathon. Written long before a participatory running culture in the United States existed—“How does it feel to run a marathon?” is the title of one chapter—Marathon is aimed at the 1930s reading public, to whom the idea of running 26.2 miles was akin to flying an airplane … [Read more...]