Science and Research

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 [...]

« Previous Page