Music Increases Endurance? »
You have no doubt heard people tout the positive motivational effect that music can have on your running, but according to new research it may be more
Keep Active to Fight Cancer »
We all know exercise and physical activity is good for us. You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who could tell you that activity is not a component of balanced, healthy living. (Or at least honestly, and not part of a last-ditch attempt to spend a lazy summer’s day sunk deep into the couch watching baseball [...]
Endurance Training Boosts Your Fast-Twitchers, Too »
When it comes to muscle fiber-types, you’ve got your fast-twitch for sprinting and slow-twitch for distance running performance, right? Well, not so fast. Researchers have recently published results online in the Journal of Applied Physiology that suggest it might not be so black and white, after all.
Oscar Pistorius Cleared for Competition »
As if we needed another reason to be intrigued by the track and field events leading up to, and culminating at, this summer’s Beijing Olympics, we might now have one. If he can qualify for the South African team, Oscar Pistorius, a bilateral amputee and Paralympic track star, will be allowed to compete against able-bodied [...]
You Say Tomato, I Say Tomahto »
Last summer caffeine broke into the news as a possible weapon in the fight against the damage and cancer caused by the skin’s exposure to UV rays. Now, as we trade our running tights for shorts and strip off to our t-shirts and tanks, it looks like it’s the tomato we need for our added [...]
All In A Day’s Work »
No matter what part of the running spectrum we slot into, whether we’re out for a 2-mile weekend jaunt or to haul it across Death Valley and surrounding mountain ranges, most of us want to know what we can do to run better—faster or longer, or happier and healthier with fewer aches, injuries and heaving [...]
Taking a Closer Look at Runner’s Knee »
Swimmers have their ears. Tennis players have their elbows. Us runners have our knees. [ad#inPost-Big] When you consider the act of running and the impact our bodies absorb each time a foot hits the ground, it’s no wonder our knees are susceptible to injury. There is a variety of things that can go wrong at [...]
Does Imagery Influence You? »
All right, fellas. Moment of truth. Does the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition ignite your muscle-building, fat-burning machine? When you flip through Maxim, are you instantly compelled
Visualizing the High »
Runner’s high: the idea that endorphins released during endurance activities cause a person to feel exceptionally happy— euphoric, even. Is it fact or fiction?
Probiotics: Not Just for Your Gut Anymore »
In recent years, bacteria have gained popularity on the health and wellness scene. Most commonly, you hear of the wonders probiotic bacteria can work for your gastrointestinal health. But now there’s evidence to suggest they may play a beneficial role in staving off respiratory tract infections too. This could be welcome news for endurance athletes who might have compromised immune systems that leave them more susceptible to these types of
Science Wednesday »
At every gym, there is a dark and mysterious place. There are heavy things that can crash and bang, as well as easily hurt someone. I’ve cast surreptitious glances toward this world, even tried to step inside, but it is beyond my comfort zone. I have no problem throwing on bright yellow clothing and running [...]
Play Often, Stay Young »
It is general knowledge that exercise leads to healthy hearts, toned muscles, and strong bones. But if you take your microscope and zoom in to your body at the cellular level, there’s new evidence to show exercise benefits the bits inside our cells too. And when it comes to the natural aging process, this is [...]
Young, Female, Running & Dieting? Read This »
When we think of running nutrition, our minds turn to what foods will help us run faster, better, easier. What foods give our bodies the pep they need to sustain our high-energy pursuits.
Science Wednesday: The 10 Percent Solution? »
It’s that time of the year again—the beginning. We’ve traded last year’s calendar for a fresh, clean slate, and many of us are busy negotiating our ticket back onto that wagon of good health after a brief layover in the land of indulgence and lethargy. It’s a good time to take a deep breath 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 [...]
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. [...]
Time for a Water Stop »
How much water should I drink? What seems to be a fairly straightforward question usually has a different answer, depending on who you ask. You should drink 8 glasses of water a day. No, that’s an old wives’ tale: you don’t need that much. Or, you could need more. When we exercise, it becomes more [...]
Filling Gaps in the History of Running »
Do you remember the first time you ran? Was it early in life? Later? Somewhere in the middle? Did you bound out of the womb ready to clock your first personal best, or did you take to the track with a bit more hesitation? Did you do it because it was asked of you, as [...]
Hot Feet, Iron Deficiency & Footstrike Hemolysis »
It’s been almost a year since I committed myself to high mileage marathon training. Prior to that, I trained on roughly 35 to 45 miles per week (mpw). On the new program, my last two marathons peaked at between 70 and 85mpw. With a four minute PR in May and another eight minute PR in [...]
NOVA’s Boston Marathon Callenge »
We got a great email from NOVA today telling us about their upcoming show, NOVA’s Marathon Challenge. In cooperation with the Boston Athletic Association and Tufts University, NOVA was granted unprecedented access to the Boston Marathon course. In the summer of 2006, we began following 13 hopeful novices as they took the first step toward [...]
Out of the Freezer and Into the Fire »
In case you haven’t heard, it’s going to be hot at the Beijing Olympics next summer. We’re not talking a bit uncomfortable. To athletes pushing themselves to their absolute physical and mental limits, it’s going to feel hotter than a well-greased metal frying pan in the devil’s own kitchen. In other words, sizzling hot. The [...]
My Legs Are Eccentric »
Read the entire account of Mike’s experience: part one, part two, part three, and part four. My peak performance package at Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Arizona, began almost immediately after arrival with a trip to the nurse to check my blood pressure (116/64) and resting pulse rate (64). Then a program specialist went through my [...]
Is it Time to Work a Bit of Soccer Into Your Training? »
Some people live to run. These folks are happy as long as they feel the track, trail or road beneath their feet. And then there are other runners who relish various cross-training activities to mix things up now and then. If your spicy garnish happens to be a game of soccer, you may be in [...]
The Ice Bath: Sexy Fad or Scientific Fact? »
After a hot and sweaty run, the prospect of chilled liquid appeals to many runners. Water, a sports drink, maybe even a beer might do nicely to quench the body’s desires. But, the eyes widen when this cool cocktail is served up in the form of floating ice cubes in a bath tub sans purple [...]
The Aerobic System »
In the last article we discussed that ATP, regardless of the type of activity is the energy currency of the body. During aerobic activity, such as long distance running we require a constant energy supply over a long period of time. The aerobic system is able to supply this energy by using carbohydrates, fats and [...]
A Power Primer »
Article Summary: This is part three of a debate on long run/marathon fueling strategies. In part one, Mark Iocchelli put forward the case for a minimalist approach to fueling (less is more). In part two, Steve Runner takes the opposite view – that fueling on the run is the advisable strategy. In part three, Lee [...]
Age & Weight Grading Calculator Analyzes Race Success »
There was a three and a half year gap between my previous and new PR marathons. I had made a number of changes in how I trained for the latter marathon. I could chalk the PR up solely due to those changes, but I also must recognize that I’m seven pounds lighter now. Naturally, I’ve [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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
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 [...]
Try To Avoid These ‘Stunning’ Performances »
This month plenty of runners are contemplating not only resolutions but race calendars. Chances are there are some significant milestones on those upcoming lists, such as a half or full marathon, triathlon, trail run or other endurance events that will test the bodyís limits. A huge goal in all of this annual planning is staying [...]
Glycerol Loading for Improved Endurance »
While December is not normally the time of year one is trying to come up with strategies to “beat the heat,” it is something that may be on our minds come next summer, so now is a good time to start researching and considering your options. Much focus is placed on hydration for athletes, especially [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
“Daddy, You Smell Like …Pee” »
That’s what my son said to me upon returning from my long run on Monday. Want to know something? He was right! I’m sure I didn’t smell exactly like urine but, as you may or may not know, there is ammonia in urine and ammonia is the stuff responsible for the strongest odour we can [...]
Running: It Really Is Good for You »
So, I’m moseying on down the Information Superhighway in search of a training plan to get back on the wagon after realizing that, between one way and another, I ran all of seven times in September. (The upside? Since one of those times was the New Haven 20K, and two of them were long Saturday [...]
Get Your Weight Training On! »
Runners are not the most muscle bound of athletes, but we do need our fair share to keep us bounding over hill and dale, and in good overall health. Unfortunately, as we age we tend to lose what meager muscle we may have. Consider the following: After middle age, men typically lose five pounds of [...]
Running Physiology: A Cascade of Changes »
See the related article: “Turn Down That Stereo!” ————————- Why does it take a period of time before you feel warmed up and comfortable after starting a run? The answer begins with how your body responds to the increased demands of exercise. When you start exercising, your body must do the following: Increase the rate [...]
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