Running Your First Marathon?

If you have been running for some time and are contemplating taking it a step further prepare your body first. Running in a first-time marathon is major. It is major exciting and major challenging. Like most beginning marathon runners you probably like both of those ideas, excitement and challenge. It is a thrill to be out there for the first time with a bunch of other runners. You are hoping to win, of course, but that is not the most important thing in mind. We all want to win, but even more you want to prove it to yourself that … Continue reading →

Walking Can Reduce Chance of Having a Stroke

Sometimes we need to be reminded of all the benefits found in walking. We know that it’s good for us but sometimes we don’t think about the specific benefits in doing so. One of the dilemmas middle-aged people face is increased weight gain in their middle. If there is one trouble area that I have found in recent years to be my thorn in my side it is my middle. The sad thing is that having a heavier middle also increases your risk for heart problems, including heart attacks. Women especially are at an increased risk of developing heart disease. … Continue reading →

Can A Pedometer Help You Lose Weight?

A pedometer does more than just keep track of your steps. I really believe it can help you lose weight. First of all, if you are new to the idea of walking for exercise you might not realize how many steps a day you are taking. Experts believe that those who are seeking optimal fitness should take 10,000 steps a day. That sounds like a lot. In fact it might sound impossible. But I challenge you to purchase a pedometer and find out how many steps you are already taking. You just might be surprised. Once you see how many … 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 →

Sand Running Risks

According to researchers, 20 minutes of sand running is equivalent to an hour of jogging on the street. Now that’s incentive to workout at the beach. Running on sand is a great activity with tremendous health benefits. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come without risks. When running on soft sand you need to be extra cautious in order to remain injury-free. Sand is an inconsistent surface and you can easily strain your Achilles tendons or calves if you are not careful. This is true if you run with or without shoes. Shoes are a big issue with runners who opt to workout … Continue reading →

Do You Run on Sand?

You don’t have to live in Hawaii, California or Florida to put in miles on the beach. The soft surface is easier to find than you might think. Lakes, ponds and oceans boast miles of sand to run on. So why not trade in your treadmill for a day of summer fun running on the beach? Studies show sprinting on sand is one of the best workouts a runner can get. Researchers say running on a surface like sand strengthens your ankles, arches and muscles below the knees more so than running on hard surfaces. In addition, experts note that … Continue reading →

Why Are Americans Unfit?

Two words: They’re lazy. According to a new study, Americans are just a bunch of lazy sloths, who could be fit, but are not willing to sacrifice the time to exercise. Okay, perhaps, I’m interpreting the study’s results a bit more liberally than the author would intend, but I’m pretty sure my synopsis is on target. In what may be the first large U.S. study of health and commuting, researchers found only about 17 percent of workers were willing to trade their wheels for their feet to get to and from their jobs. The study, which queried more than 2,000 … Continue reading →

Swimming for Fitness

Michael Phelps did it again. The part-man-part fish broke the world record in the 100-meter butterfly at the U.S. national championships last week in Indianapolis, giving him ownership of five individual world marks. It’s unlikely that any of us mere mortals will ever accomplish what Phelps has in the pool, but his successes have inspired many to hit the water. Swimming is a great way to stay in shape and have fun in the hot summer sun. What’s more, it also helps build endurance and muscle strength, too. Still, swimming doesn’t come without drawbacks, especially if you are unprepared. The … 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 →