Running and Health

2006-12-14T15:26:00.000-08:00

Eating before or after you run

I have always been curious if it makes any difference if you eat before or after you run. I read an article I found at msn that answered this question. However, I think there are probably lots of professional opinions on the sujbect. This article said that it is a myth that it is bad to eat before you run. It is not good to exercise when your body is depleted and needs energy. Before running or exercising it can be a good idea to have a sports drink, juice, fruit, bread or pasta. It is also a myth that if you go running in the morning before you eat breakfast that you will burn more fat. The energy your body expends needs to be replaced. If you have a surplus then you put on weight and if you deplete your body of the energy it needs then you will lose weight.

http://health.msn.com/dietfitness/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100146039

2006-12-13T17:52:00.000-08:00

Top ski resorts in North America

It is now official ski season! I decided to find some of the best ski resorts in North America and share them on my blog. This article rates the top 10 ski resorts in North America. I have been to a couple of them and would have to agree with the ratings. The top resorts, according to this article, are Mammoth Mountain, Squaw Valley, Aspen, Vail, Sun Valley, Taos Ski Valley, Snowbird, Killington, Jackson Hole, and Whistler/Blackcomb.

I have been to Sun Valley, Snowbird, and Whistler/Blackcomb. They are all amazing resorts and offer a variety of terrain. Snowbird is located in Utah and has awesome snow and tons of fun runs. Some of the best runs are more hidden and you have to hike to, but they are definately worth the extra effort. Whistler/Blackcomb is in Canada, right above Vancouver, B.C. It is made up of two mountains--one called Whistler and the other called Blackcomb. They are both great mountains, but I think that Blackcomb is my favorite. I don't really remember Sun Valley that well because it has been a long time, but I remember having a great time. Sun Valley is located in Idaho.

The photo is a picture of Whistler/Blackcomb

http://away.com/top_picks/namerica_ski_resorts_1.html

Whistler/Blackcomb
http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/index.htm

2006-12-11T18:37:00.000-08:00

The benefits of cross-training with swimming

There are many benefits that runners can acquire while cross-training with swimming. Swimming helps strengthen the upper body, which usually does not receive much attention with running, especially if you do not do any strength training. It helps maintain and build your cardio-respiratory fitness level. Swimming is also gentle on your joints and stimulates blood flow helping with recovery time. It is a good activity when an injury occurs and you cannot run, bike, or use another type of cardio machine.

http://runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-263-266-11141-0,00.html

2006-12-08T16:58:00.000-08:00

Running injuries caused by type of arch

According to an article I read on a website called thefinalsprint.com, your arch type can indicate different injuries that you are more prone to. Runners with a high arch have a higher risk of stress fractures and small cracks in the bones of their feet and lower legs. Runners with low arches are more prone to knee cap pain. When you run at six miles per hour, the impact on your feet is three times your body weight. Your body is designed so you never land flat footed when you run. Instead, you land on the outside bottom of your heal and roll inward toward the big toe. This lessens the impact and protects your body from injury.

http://www.thefinalsprint.com/2006/12/do-high-arches-cause-running-injuries/

2006-12-07T18:16:00.000-08:00

Running network

I found another good running website that has running news, and training, nutritional, and injury prevention tips. It is called the running network. The running network has a section that is called "product reviews" and you can search. I found the "2006 shoe review" and it reviews lightweight, award winning, motion stabilizing, and neutral shoes.

2006 Shoe Review
http://www.runningnetwork.com/productreviews/fallshoereview06index.html

Running Network
http://www.runningnetwork.com/index.html

2006-12-05T21:57:00.000-08:00

Running while you are sick...good or bad?

I have been sick the last few days and I was wondering if it was okay for me to still go running. I remember back in high school track that my coaches told me that any sickness from the neck and above is okay to run and any sickness below the neck is not okay. I wanted to find out if this was really true so I searched on Runner's World to see if they had any advice. I found the exact same advice that my coaches had shared with me.

The article said that symptoms below the neck, such as a chest cold, a bronchial infection, or a body ache, require time off. A study was done to determine the effects on running when someone has a cold. The study took two groups of people and inoculated them with the common cold. One group went running 30-40 every day for a week, and the other group did nothing. The duration of the cold for each group was the same.

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-241-286--9082-0,00.html

2006-12-04T18:58:00.000-08:00

Why are Kenyan's so good at running?

I was wondering why there are so many amazing distance runner's from Kenya. So I looked around and found one source of information from PBS. The article said that most of the successful Kenyan runners are from a single tribe, the Kalenjin. The Kalenjin live in high altitudes from 5,000 to 10,000 feet. They have ideal running conditions and their lungs become strong due to the altitude. I definately think these are good reasons of why Kenyan's are good at distance running, but I wonder if there is more to it than that.

Six out of the top ten fastest times for the marathon are held male Kenyan's. Eight of the top ten fastest times for the half marathon are also dominated by male Kenyan's. Kenyan women hold five of the top ten in the marathon and three of the top ten in the half marathon.

http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/kenya/facts.html

2006-11-27T20:33:00.000-08:00

Running indoors

I usually enjoy running outside, even if it is cold, but today I was forced to run inside due to the weather conditions. I really dislike running around in circles for 30 minutes. I get so bored and really hot! I also find myself running much quicker because of all the other runners. For some reason I feel like I am in a race and have to beat them all. However, I realized one good thing about running inside on a track is the motivation I feel because you are surrounded by other people running or jogging. It's a good feeling to be around other people who are there because they enjoy the benefits of running.

2006-11-20T19:57:00.000-08:00

Eating healthy fast food

I don't really like to eat out that much at fast food restaurants because of the high amount of calories and fat. I found a website that lists a few fast food places and their healthier, low calorie options. The restaurants included are Wendy's, McDonald's, Taco Bell, Subway, Burger King, Baja Fresh, KFC, Boston Market, Chick-fil-A, and Cosi. So if you would like to choose healthier options while eating fast food, take a look at this website. Each restaurant is listed invidivually at the end of the article.

http://www.drgourmet.com/health/fastfood/

2006-11-18T19:38:00.000-08:00

The disturbing truth about runners and their resting metabolic rate

I was reading an article in Runner's World that talked about runners and how many calories they typically burn while running. Running burns approximately 100 calories every mile and after you are done running, your metabolic rate is elevated higher than normal for a while. However, when a runner's metabolic rate returns to normal, it is lower than people who only run occassionally.

http://runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,sss6-242-304--10586-1-1X2-3,00.html

2006-11-14T18:17:00.000-08:00

The New Food Guide Pyramid

Incase you didn't know, there is now a new food guide pyramid. It has been around for a few years, but it is new and improved. I found a site that can help you determine what amounts of fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, and meat are best for you. You enter your age, gender, and amount of physical activity. Once you do this, it will give you amounts and then tips following each category of the pyramid.

http://www.mypyramid.gov/index.html

2006-11-09T10:18:00.000-08:00

Running with digital devices

I was reading an article in the NY Times that I found through another running and health blogger about running with music and other digital devices. One device mentioned was the use of a cell phone during a race. Other devices mentioned were GPS paces that runners can wear on their wrist and see if they are keeping up with an imaginary rabbit which is running at a targeted pace. The article also mentioned the use of mp3 players and that music can help runners stay on their targeted pace.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/02/fashion/02fitness.html?pagewanted=1&ei=5070&en=27377a43311eb138&ex=1163566800

Check out this blog on running and health

http://stephgibson.blogspot.com/

2006-11-08T20:38:00.000-08:00

Running Blog Network

So I just found this running blog network that is filled with blogs related to running and health. You can find blogs for serious runners to first time runners. Give it a shot and see if there is anything that is particularly suited for you!

http://completerunning.com/

2006-11-02T15:17:00.000-08:00

Canyonlands (Moab) 1/2 Marathon Registration is Opening!

Registration is opening on November 15th and people will be selected in a lottery. Only 4,000 participants can be selected from the lottery. After the 4,000 participants are selected there will be a silent auction of another 50 entries to raise money for local charities. If you want to make sure that you and your friends are all selected in the lottery, then you can sign up as a group and be drawn all together in the lottery. The group size is limited to 10 participants. I do not know when the lottery will be closed so sign up close to the 15th of November. To register, you can either register by mail or by online forms. Visit the website to find out more information and to register!

http://www.moabhalfmarathon.org/halfm/register.html

2006-10-28T09:11:00.000-07:00

Proper Sit-ups

I am not a huge fan of doing sit-ups. Maybe it's because I feel like I have to do so many to see any results. I found some sit-up recommendations from Dr. Mirkin, a doctor and certified in sports medicine. He says that it is not necessary to do repetitions of more than 30 to strengthen your abs.

He says you should lie on your back with your knees bent enough for your soles to touch the floor. Then place both hands on your chest and slowly raise your head off of the ground. Raise your shoulders about one foot and then lower them to the ground. Repeat this slowly ten times, and then do two more sets of ten. When you become stronger then you can add a weight held behind your neck or on your chest.

To read more in detail about this article, visit his blog.

http://drmirkin.blogspot.com/

2006-10-25T15:37:00.000-07:00

Running with music

During my first 1/2 marathon I was totally against running with music. For some reason I thought it would be going against the unwritten rule of running without any sort of aid or inspiration...just me, my head, my feet, and the pavement. After my experience with this marathon I decided to forget it and run with music to make the run a little more enjoyable. Lets be honest...who really wants to run over an hour without anything to think about besides occassional thoughts running through your head of pain and "how much longer do I have left?!" Definately not me! Whenever I spot a really serious and diehard runner, they are usually running without any music. Do they really enjoy running those lengthy distances without anything?? I guess I understand if it is for safety reasons, but I think there are times where you can be perfectly safe and listen to music.

Here is an article that talks about running with music. It talks about how music can inspire you to make you run faster and longer, but it also talks about important factors that relate to running without music.

I will admit that I do think there is some benefit to running without music. You have time to think and relax, and it is also safer. So I guess you should just find a balance that works for you. Maybe this article will give you some better ideas.

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,sss6-240-363--10348-1-1X2X3-4,00.html

2006-10-24T09:42:00.000-07:00

Cold Weather Running Tips

Now that winter is approaching, I thought it might be useful to find some tips for running in cold. Here are 10 tips to help with running in the winter. Some of them were new to me so hopefully there will be some helpful to anyone who reads this.

1. Stay hydrated
2. Be known while running in winter
3. layer for winter weather
4. dry off quickly
5. dress for weather 20 degrees warmer than it feels outside
6. start your run into the wind
7. bring a friend
8. know what color to wear
9. change your winter running schedule
10. add dark sunglasses

Here is the link to read more in depth on these 10 tips.
http://running.about.com/od/runninginjuries/tp/winterruntips.htm

Here is another link for some more tips on winter running:
http://www.runnersrescue.com/Cold_Weather_Running_Tips.htm

2006-10-20T07:58:00.000-07:00

How many calories did you burn??

Are you curious how many calories you burned when you went running today? Try out this calculator that estimates how many calories you burned based on your weight and how far you ran. I know this probably isn't completely accurate because everyone has a different metabolism rate, but I'm sure there is some truth to it.

http://runnersworld.com/channel/0,7119,s6-242-0-0-0,00.html?location=_*topnav*

2006-10-12T15:48:00.000-07:00

Moab 1/2 Marathon

The Moab Canyonlands 1/2 marathon lottery registration is just around the corner. The lottery opens the first of November and has a limit of 4,000 runners. The actual 1/2 marathon is March 17. You can enter individually or with a group. I have participated in this race twice and loved it! It is amazing to be surrounded by thousands of runners enclosed in a canyon and running along the Colorado river. Arches National Park is also located just a few minutes away. If you don't want to run the 1/2 marathon, there is also a 5K race available.

2006-09-21T18:47:00.000-07:00

How to train for a marathon, 1/2 marathon, or any other kind of race

I have run a few 1/2 marathons and my experience with each keeps getting better. The first was a horrible experience because I just didn't train enough and I vowed to never run another. Somehow I ended up entering in the same 1/2 marathon a couple years later. This one was much better but still not one of my best memories. The third was completely different from the first two. I was in much better shape and I learned how to pace myself throughout the race. I never really had a set training routine, which I believe would have made a significant difference in how fast and how prepared I was. I was reading in Runner's World and found some great training schedules that include tips and that can be personalized to individual needs depending on your desired time. You only run three days a week and cross train two other days. It also gives a few suggestions for eating while training and for the race day. For my next 1/2 marathon or first full marathon, I am definately going to try this training technique.

Training program

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-244-258-9369-0,00.html

2006-09-19T18:49:00.000-07:00

Finding the perfect running shoe

So, are you looking for the perfect running shoe? I think a lot of the time people don't enjoy running because they don't have the right shoes. Having the right pair of running shoes makes a huge difference in the whole running experience. Here is a website I found helpful if you are wondering what type of running shoes to buy. It covers all the different foot types such as high-arch, low-arch, and normal. After using this website you should also check out roadrunnersports.com. You can shop by different categories of the types of shoe you are looking for. Road runner sports also provides a guide to help you purchase the right shoe.

Finding the right shoe
http://running.about.com/od/shoes/ss/shoehowto.htm

Road runner sports
http://www.roadrunnersports.com/

2006-09-18T16:50:00.000-07:00

Provo River Trail

One of the best places to run in Provo, UT is along the Provo river trail. I know I hate running on busy streets and waiting at stop lights while I barely escape death sometimes. The trail is long and there are a lot of different places to get on. There are a lot of trees and water all along the trail, which makes it very pleasant and relaxing to run on. The trail is about 14 miles and stretches from Utah lake to Vivian park. You can also see and hike up to Bridal Veil Falls from the trail. Above is a map of the trail.

2006-09-15T12:50:00.000-07:00

This is my first experience with blogging. I love to run and stay healthy. Nothing compares to the feeling of completing a run. I will admit that I sometimes do not actually enjoy the run, but I feel a sense of accomplishment after running, which makes it addicting! I also enjoy health in every aspect. I love eating and cooking healthy foods. I'm always on the lookout for healthy, tasty recipes. I know there are lots of other individuals who feel the same as I do. Hopefully I can share some experiences, tips, and news with others like me.