Getting Back Into Trail Running

Today I went for a power hike that turned into a trail run. I started my workout with hiking over half a mile. After power hiking, I jogged for as long as I felt comfortable about fifteen minutes, then eased into some intervals of power hiking and sprinting spurts. Trail running to me is like taking your hike to the next level. You push yourself harder and blast calories faster. However, because of this it is harder on your body. Trail running is a great outdoor workout. If you like to run in your neighborhood and you like nature, trail … Continue reading →

Want to Run a 5k?

Want to run a 5K? Not that long ago, about two or so years, I wanted to do something I had not done before- run a 5k! I had some friends who have done them recently and my mom did some races when I was a kid. Running a timed course seemed like a great experience and a rewarding one too. To get started on a jogging program, I did some research online. I looked into what shoes to wear, where I could jog nearby, what to eat or not to eat before and after you run, and other tips. … Continue reading →

The 10% Rule for Running Doesn’t Prevent Injuries

Have you heard of the “10 percent rule” when it comes to running? It’s unclear as to who came up with it and when, but it is a way to help reduce the risk of injury for runners. The way it works is that you should increase your mileage to no more than 10% each week. There is no specific starting point so that is up to you. But let’s say you are running 20 minutes a day. After one week you should increase that time by 10%. This is a way for runners to safely increase the distance they … Continue reading →

Running in the Dark: Be Noticed!

Like many people with busy schedules, running in the very early morning hours or after nightfall seem to be a convenient time for me to run. Mine is now grown, but I remember the days when the house was silent and I would get up to fit my morning exercise in. There was something very special about that time of day. There was nobody asking me things and I got a chance to do a lot of thinking without any interruptions. I had my cup of coffee in silence and it gave me a chance to “get my head together”. … Continue reading →

Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon

Attention! Attention! Calling all marathon enthusiasts! Is anyone up for a challenge?!! Come and join the marathon runners at this very special event that is part of this area’s tradition! The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon is one of the oldest marathons in the Midwest, USA. This will mark its 33rd year in a row of this highly popular marathon that involves thousands of running athletes. The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, Half Marathon 10K & Rite Aid Cleveland 5K will take place on May 15th and 16th, 2010 at St. Clair Avenue and 9th Street. The Cleveland Marathon Expo will take … Continue reading →

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 →

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 →

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 →