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Marathon Runners Can Rock and Roll Again

While training for my first marathon (way) back in 1999, the one thing I never left home without was my Walkman. I’m not sure if I could have pushed myself to run 50 plus miles per week for nearly three months without Sarah McLachlan, Bono, Sting, Hootie, and company helping me pace myself along those lonely Wisconsin back roads. I turned to them again on race day and they didn’t falter. In fact, their performance was more consistent than my own. Of course, I wasn’t the only runner getting assistance from their favorite singers the day of the marathon. Thousands … Continue reading →

The Best Part of Marathon Training: Tapering

With just over a week to go until the Honolulu Marathon, several of my close friends are entering my favorite part of marathon training—-tapering. In just a few short days my childhood friends will join about 25,000 other runners from around the world to participate in one of the largest marathons in the universe. To prepare for the 26.2-mile trek my friends have been diligently training for months and today marks the last of their major workouts. Let the tapering begin. Studies show that it is now too late for any of them to build up more endurance or speed. … Continue reading →

Do You Experience Runner’s High?

I run because I have to, NOT because I want to. Running is a relatively inexpensive sport that helps me stay fit. What’s more, I can do it just about anywhere. There are many pros to running, but for me, the pursuit of a “runner’s high” is not chief among them. I’m thrilled when I complete my daily run, namely because it means I can check it off my to-do list. I am not someone who relishes the endorphin rush of completing six, 12 or 18 miles. Nor do I sink into a valley of despair when something prevents me … Continue reading →

For the Love of Running

I don’t love to run. In fact, on most days I dread the thought of having to lace up my Brooks Ariels and hitting the trails near my home. Still, I do it, because it is a cheap way to maintain a decent fitness level and it allows me to occasionally devour my daughter’s leftover jelly donuts with the least amount of guilt possible. Apparently I am not the only one. According to a new survey, more and more people are turning to running as a way to get fit. Officials from some of the biggest marathons and triathlons in … Continue reading →

To Run or To Run-Walk

When I was training for my first marathon I briefly considered using legendary runner-turned coach Jeff Galloway’s run-walk method. Contrary to what you might think, the technique doesn’t include taking walking breaks when fatigue hits; rather it requires taking brief walk breaks when you’re not. Which is exactly why I decided against incorporating it into my marathon training. I am the type of person who finds it nearly impossible to consistently stop and start, especially during a race. Which is not to say that Galloway’s method is not a proven winner. There are millions of runners out there who swear … Continue reading →

More Ways to Make Running Fun

I have Oprah Winfrey to thank for making my hour-long runs tolerable. When I was training for my first marathon (in the dead of winter) I would run on the treadmill at my gym. I always chose the treadmill that was located in front of the largest TV, so I could have some sort of distraction while I logged my daily miles. Since I worked out at the same time each day I eventually got hooked on Oprah. Needless to say, her shows helped the time fly by. It was only after the season changed and I started running outdoors … Continue reading →

Make Running Fun

If you are a recreational runner looking to kick up your workouts a few notches, I highly recommend running a marathon. I know; it may sound crazy at first, but if you are logging the miles anyway, you might as well put all that hard work to good use. That was the rationale I employed while training for my first marathon. If you are serious about running, road races can give you added incentive to train. What’s more, marathons can be fun, if you find ones that offer great views of spectacular cities. I reviewed a few of my favorites … Continue reading →

Stay Fit and Have Fun

Who says exercise has to be boring? Now that the weather is finally beginning to cooperate you can say goodbye to marathon sessions on your gym’s treadmill and hello to the real deal. Road races hosted by popular U.S. cities give runners the chance to get in a bit of sightseeing while they pound the pavement to the finish line. If you’re looking to combine great views with an even better workout, then consider the following outstanding races: CHICAGO MARATHON I can’t say enough about this fantastic race. It truly is the best way to tour the Windy City. The … Continue reading →

Benefits of Fitness Competitions

Want to get fit quickly? Then, enter a weight loss competition. I’m not talking about getting on some reality TV show and dropping pounds ala “The Biggest Loser.” Rather, instead of shedding weight in front of millions, consider entering one of the dozens of local weight loss contests being offered around the world. A new study shows that weight loss competitions have become successful weapons in the battle against obesity. The study, conducted by researchers at The Miriam Hospital and Brown University, concluded that these types of challenges can produce weight loss in large numbers of people at minimal cost. … Continue reading →

Benefits of a Trainer

I started lifting weights in college. My boyfriend at the time was training for a bodybuilding competition and the gym was one of the few places he enjoyed being. Needless to say, he became my trainer, of sorts, during the early part of our relationship. In the years following our break-up I continued to lift weights and also started running. I never considered getting a trainer for running until I registered for my first marathon. I met a local physician through work, who had completed more than a dozen marathons, and he took me under his wing. I finished the … Continue reading →