Arthritis: What You See… »

…isn’t always what you’ve got.

One of the more involved discussions that I have with patients is going over what their x-ray or MRI findings mean, especially when the radiologist mentions arthritis. For runners, this is a bit of a hot button topic because

40+ Men: Why Are You So Fast? »

Surely most men do not speed up as they get older, so how come the M40 age group is often more competitive than the M35 one? Having just recently celebrated my 38th birthday, I got asked more than once if I was already dreading the big four-zero coming along. “On the opposite,” I usually replied. “I can’t wait to get the chance to finally win an age group award.” While this

Running through Illness: A Cautionary Tale »

The most frustrating part of running is being sidelined by either injury or illness. These twin terrors have caused many a runner to miss an important race or to seriously hamper their preparation. I give you my own recent experience as an example.

Do You Need a Doctor Who Runs? »

Every runner who has been at it for more than a few months likely has come up with some kind of ache, pain or injury that was serious enough to land you in a doctor’s office.

Resolved: Set Goals! »

New Year’s Resolutions.
It’s that time again. The gyms will be bursting at their seams again for about four weeks, as hordes of people try to get rid of excess weight. Unfortunately, the majority of them will have given up by the time February comes round. Fortunately, we are runners, and therefore already fit, slim and [...]

Endorphins: More Than a Feeling? »

I don’t get high. It seems that ever since I stepped onto the running scene, I’ve heard accounts of the euphoric place running can take some of its practitioners. But so far, my jaunts have not once taken me to this seemingly mythical runner’s Shangri-La. There’s no doubt running keeps me happy; but, that’s more [...]

Strength Training for the Off Season »

Some of us *cough* are not out runnning as often as we should be because it’s cold. All does not have to be lost on the wimpy, though. Winter is a great time to work on strength training. This short video demonstrates a couple of exercises that are useful to runners.

Gain Weight From Running? It’s Possible »

In 2006, I fractured my right hip and left ankle and spent four months off my feet, using crutches to get around only when I had to. I’d just run a marathon and thought for sure the abrupt drop in exercise would result in instant weight gain. But a funny thing happened; I lost about [...]

It’s Not Only Milk That Does a Body Good »

When we picture physical benefits of exercise, it is easy to think of building muscle and losing fat, depending on our own personal motivations. These are easy to focus on because the progress can be visual. We watch the sinews become prominent, feel our calf muscles develop, and notice our hamstrings and quadriceps take shape. [...]

Turkey Trot »

Did you manage to get out and do a Turkey Trot on Thursday as a pre-emptive strike against gluttony? How about today as a post-prandial attempt at returning to normal? I found this video of a Southern California Turkey Trot that has great shots of all kinds of people out for a great [...]

Abdominal Muscle Strain »

1. What is it?
An abdominal muscle strain is an excessive stretching or tearing of one or more of the four abdominal muscles. These muscles are the rectus abdominus (the “six pack” muscle in the front of the abdomen), internal oblique, external oblique and transverses abdominus muscles.

2. What are the causes/predisposing factors of injury?
Causes of injury vary. [...]

Stuffing My Face for Fitness »

My peak performance training program at Canyon Ranch concluded with meetings with nutritionist Hana Feeney. I described my diet to her in great detail, from typical off-season meals to what I eat before, during and after long runs and speedwork.
I stay away from junk food, rarely drink alcohol, and pasta addiction is in my DNA. [...]

The Perfect Day »

Runners hear a lot of advice. Sometimes, too much advice.
Don’t get me wrong—I’m all for healthy living. But you can drive yourself crazy trying to do everything that experts recommend.
I’ve gathered a large sampling of advice and put together a blueprint for a Perfectly Healthy Day. How many of these things [...]

A New Warning If You’re Running for Two »

I have a friend who’s run all 10 Rock ‘n Roll Marathons in San Diego, including one when she was pregnant. She is quite proud of her streak and the fact that having a baby didn’t keep her down. She also likes to remind those who roll their eyes that she was still in her [...]

Running for Cause »

I ran my first marathon with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training Program. I raised about $3,700, met some of our mentors (people stricken with blood cancers) and felt really good about my participation.
Many of us run for cause. There are many causes to run for, all worthy. [...]

Torquemada’s Treadmill »

Read the entire account of Mike’s experience: part one, part two, part three, part four, and part five.
Leg strength tests and body scans are all to the good, but now I was going to get a chance to take a running test. Even those who are relatively new to running have probably heard of an [...]

And Now for Something Completely Different: Heel Spurs! »

1. What is it?
A heel spur is a bony growth or calcification that begins at the bottom of the heel and extends forward towards the toes.
2. What are the causes/predisposing factors of injury?
People with chronic plantar fasciitis seem to be more prone to heel spurs. A tight plantar fascia, heel cord or calve muscles may promote [...]

Them Dry Bones »

Read the entire account of Mike’s experience: part one, part two, part three, and part four.
My next stop for Canyon Ranch’s peak performance program was to the dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan machine. As I understood it, the machine would pepper me with gamma rays and turn me into a superhero.
Dr. Brewer punctured my balloon [...]

Inflaming Opinions »

Read the entire account of Mike’s experience: part one, part two, part three, and part four.
I can’t say my second day in Canyon Ranch’s peak performance program started the way I like. After a 12-hour fast I had a 7:30 a.m. appointment for a blood draw.
Dr. Stephen Brewer, Canyon Ranch’s medical director, kindly invited me [...]

A Peek at Peak Performance »

Read the entire account of Mike’s experience: part one, part two, part three, and part four.
Because of my amazing celebrity connections, I got an opportunity this week to try out the peak performance package at the Canyon Ranch health resort in Tucson, Arizona.
I will be spending four days being tested, poked, prodded, analyzed and examined [...]

A Letter to Mrs. McCarthy*-Part One »

Part one of a three-part essay I composed for an acquaintance who had met me for lunch recently to discuss “how to run.”

New @ FitSugar for the Week Ending May 25, 2007 »

Today we’re introducing a new weekly feature called What’s New @ FitSugar. We like FitSugar because it’s obvious to us that they’re as passionate about fitness as we are. FitSugar blogs with a slant toward women’s interest articles and they often have some great stuff of interest to runners. So, without further delay, here [...]

Runners Are Sexy »

Sex. Ok there I said it. So what about sex and runners? Bottom line, if you run regularly and long enough, you will enjoy numerous sexual benefits.
For both men and women, self confidence and a better self image are the psychological benefits of being a runner. This enhanced sense of well [...]

Will Run for Health »

Dr. Lee Miller wrote a piece arguing that, due to health care savings and productivity increases inherent in being more fit, that we should lobby for tax breaks to cover fitness expenses. The case that he presents about the health care savings associated with active people versus sedentary people is tempting.
However, in the more immediate [...]

Can Running Ruin Your Teeth? »

Recently, I had a disappointing visit to my dentist. “Why so glum” you ask? Well, he found three cavities (tiny ones but still).
Honestly, I’ve never had the toughest chompers—even as a kid I struggled with cavities whereas, my brother could chew on stones, never brush his teeth, and still never get a single cavity. But, [...]

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