Arthritis: What You See… »
…isn’t always what you’ve got. [ad#inPost-Big] 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 [...]
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 time at [...]
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. [ad#inPost-Big] 2. What are the causes/predisposing factors of [...]
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 [...]
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 can you [...]
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. I also make a [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 are [...]
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 being is said [...]
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 [...]
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. [...]
The Down Side of Gettin’ High »
Come on, admit it. Even if you haven’t done it before, you’ve wanted to. Everyone else is doing it. I’m talking, of course, about high altitude training. What did you think I was talking about?! Yes, train high, race low (or more accurately: live high, train low, race lower); every endurance athlete has dreamt of [...]
Will Run for Money »
We all enjoy the benefits of running and the enhanced quality of life it brings, but wouldn’t it be great to get paid for it? No, I’m not talking about becoming a professional runner and winning races and making money, I’m talking about being paid to just be a runner. Sound farfetched? This idea may [...]
Ya Gotta Have Heart »
We all know that running is good for our bodies, but a recent report in the March issue of a medical journal suggests too much running can actually damage the heart. At least in middle-aged men. A 51-year-old physician failed a calcium screening used to measure hardened arteries despite having no coronary risk factors to [...]
Sleep on This »
While listening last year to an archived episode of the Phedippidations podcast, host “Steve Runner” mentions that he got a great night’s sleep on the eve of the Cape Cod Marathon thanks to taking the sleep aid Ambien. It was the first time I’d heard of a runner taking a prescription drug to get some [...]
Why I Run »
Any time a conversation at a party or business meeting comes around to running, as it somehow always does, it’s inevitable that one of the non-runners in the discussion will ask: Why do you run? I, like most runners, have any number of stock answers to this question: Because I love it; it’s great exercise; [...]
I Love Coffee, I Love Tea »
Pepsi and Coca-Cola recently announced they will soon include more specific label information on the caffeine in their beverages.. Reports suggest the vast majority of adults consume caffeinated beverages daily, particularly coffee or colas. Recreational runners most definitely are among them. Some drink caffeinated beverages in the morning to get an energy boost or to [...]
Jeff Is Cookin’! »
I was contacted a while back by the folks over at Matisse & Jack’s to give their Trail Blaze bake-at-home oatmeal energy bars a try. i’m always one for trying out new products and their pitch for the bars sounded great. Bake ‘em yourself, save some money, no packaging or preservatives and enjoy a home [...]
Becoming Blood Brothers and Sisters »
The American Red Cross estimates that half the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood, but only 5 percent ever does. Some of us are scared; some of us are busy; and some of us worry about a donation’s effect on exercise. Removing a pint of blood does have immediate and residual impact on workouts. [...]
The Ups and Downs of Cardio Equipment »
It’s been getting tougher to run in colder corners. If you aren’t careful, frozen hair breaks off. Exposed skin chaps. The brutal air can compromise vulnerable bronchial passages, leading to illnesss or exercise-induced asthma. Water bottles turn solid quickly, spelling trouble for those trying to stay hydrated on long runs. The slick roads and snowy [...]
A Different Kind of Runner »
About a month ago I was at a local running store helping register people for a local marathon training program when I overheard an interesting exchange between a newcomer and a coach trying to decide where to place her. “What’s your pace?” he asked. “I have no idea.” she responded.
Patience with Patients »
I see quite a few runners in my practice, and it appears that they are comforted by the fact that I too am a runner. However, these patients can be both the most rewarding and challenging patients to treat. The reward is to see them back running healthy again. The difficult part is dealing with some of the more unique personality types that make our encounters more
Quick Link – Fitsugar »
We’re starting something new this week – Quick Links. These will be links to places or articles we think you might enjoy. They will be shorter than our weekly Featured Website articles and will appear not on a scheduled basis, but just whenever the time is right. We’re starting off with a hot site that people interested in fitness will love.
Getting Fit with FitLink »
I recently wrote a review of FitLink.com. The site impressed me and the review I wrote caught the attention of Chris Charlier, one of the founders of FitLink.com. With this, I took the opportunity to ask Chris a few questions about him, the site, and his team’s vision for the future.
Reaching Painful Conclusions »
One of the most popular articles in last week’s online version of the New York Times was a story about whether it’s a good idea to run through pain. The high reader ranking wasn’t a surprise, even if the article’s placement in the fashion section was. The timing was perfect since newfound gym rats and overly enthusiastic runners are probably feelin’ it about now. A twinge to the outside of
Weight Loss and Measuring Up (Or Down) »
Losing weight is one of those perennial goals that people start in earnest this time of year. That includes runners vowing to shave their race times by paring down a few (or more) pounds. And thatís why many of us in the past week have headed to a calorie-counter or weight-loss site to first determine how much we can eat and still lose weight. The Body Mass Index is a popular
Running Away From Home »
On a recent trip to North Carolina, I was reminded how easily travel can affect my running routine—my hydration, nutrition and sleep were all affected simply by being in a new place. As if that wasn’t challenging enough, I also had to think more carefully about when, where and how I would run. Foolishly, I did little to plan ahead, and wound up running alone
Yet Another Reason to Use a Heart Rate Monitor »
This is a true story. It is not intended to scare people, but to make people aware of the safety factor that wearing a heart rate monitor while training can provide. A number of years ago I was doing pick-ups (2-minute surges with a 1-minute recovery) with a masters age triathlete. We were both wearing [...]
Long-Distance Running: Nothing to Sneeze At? »
There was an intriguing article in The New York Times recently about a study that had found a direct correlation between marathon training and an increased risk of skin cancer. The basic conclusion here is hardly surprising: Marathon runners spend a lot of time outdoors, often squeezing in runs during lunch in the peak sunlight [...]
So That’s Why You’re So Smart »
Even though this is something we runners have known all along, scientific proof comes to us via the Ririan Project Research suggests that people who get plenty of physical exercise can wind up with better brains. Scientists at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, Calif., found that adult mice who ran on [...]
Exercise Induced Asthma »
1. What is it? Exercise induced asthma (EIA) is irritation and swelling of the airways along with production of mucus triggered by exercise, especially aerobic exercise. 2. What are the symptoms? Symptoms can include any and all of the following: fatigue, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, tightness in the chest and chest pain. The symptoms [...]
Embracing the Dark Side of the Force: How to Turn Exercise Into a Lifelong Habit »
Warning: This article is for people in a constant struggle to find the will to exercise. It may not be appealing if you are not one of those people, or if you are the type of person who prefers to focus only on the warm, fuzzy side of life. —————— The Jedi & You The [...]
To Stretch, or Not to Stretch … That Is the Question »
We all know to do our stretches, right? I mean, we struggle to find time to do them, we don’t really want to do them, but we know we should do them … right? Well, maybe not. At least that’s what the recent research is pointing to for the sports included in triathlon. Before we [...]
Sports Injuries Revisited »
Most runners at some point in their training will be affected by an injury. Injuries can range from mild to severe. Some require no time off of training, and some may require you to stop running completely. Many athletic injuries are preventable and treatable. A basic understanding of the causes of injuries can help to [...]
Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain Syndrome) »
1. What is it? The plantar fascia is a band of fibrous tissue at the bottom of the foot extending from the heel to the ball of the foot. This structure plays a major role in supporting the arch and preventing the foot from collapsing under the weight of the body. When this structure is [...]
Ignore the New Rules of Stretching at Your Own Peril »
Most experts agree on why you should stretch: 1. Stretching enhances muscle flexibility, 2. increase’s the body’s range of motion, 3. and can alleviate muscle stiffness. But, as far as most athletes are concerned (that’s you!), the most important thing about stretching is that the three reasons listed above combine to help you a) perform [...]
More Benefits of Running »
“Bodies in Motion, Clean and Sober,” published Oct. 12, 2006, in The New York Times, confirms the benefits of running (and other forms of exercise) for recovering addicts. Aside from the ridiculous implication that completing an Ironman Triathlon isn’t “remarkable,” the article provides yet more proof that being active offers more than just a slim [...]
Running Long: Just Do It »
I guess I am something of a running masochist. Ever since I got my first taste of long runs while training for a marathon, I’ve been hooked. I loved the whole process of carbo-loading, filling up my water bottles and heading out the door for two or three hours. I got to the point where [...]
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