2008 Triathlon Course Overview: Louisville, Kentucky w/ Heather Gollnick (2/4)

Gain pre-race insight on the 2008 Triathlon Course in Louisville, KY by 5x Ironman Champion, Heather Gollnick. Part 2 ———————————————————————————————————————————– Brought to you by Trakkers (www.TrakkersGPS.com) Featured Triathlete: Heather Gollnick (www.heathergollnick.com) Host: Simply Stu (www.simplystu.com) Producer: Charlie Patten, Jr. Creative Director: Jay Bussiere

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2008 Triathlon Course Overview: Louisville, Kentucky w/ Heather Gollnick. Part 5

Gain pre-race insight on the 2008 Triathlon Course in Louisville, KY by 5x Ironman Champion, Heather Gollnick. ———————————————————————————————————————————– Brought to you by Trakkers (www.TrakkersGPS.com) Featured Triathlete: Heather Gollnick (www.heathergollnick.com) Host: Simply Stu (www.simplystu.com) Producer: Charlie Patten, Jr. Creative Director: Jay Bussiere

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2008 Triathlon Course Overview: Louisville, Kentucky w/ Heather Gollnick. Part 4

Gain pre-race insight on the 2008 Triathlon Course in Louisville, KY by 5x Ironman Champion, Heather Gollnick. ———————————————————————————————————————————– Brought to you by Trakkers (www.TrakkersGPS.com) Featured Triathlete: Heather Gollnick (www.heathergollnick.com) Host: Simply Stu (www.simplystu.com) Producer: Charlie Patten, Jr. Creative Director: Jay Bussiere

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Women’s Running Tips: Top 40 tips for women over 40 runners

Being a runner over 40 has presented new areas of interest (and concern) for me on the road and more importantly in my training and recovery off the road.  I love to run and it's great to see research being done on older runners…the Yale study that shows that older marathon runners (women in particular) are improving their running times more than younger runners.

I would like to share some insights and tips that I have learned along the way.  Many of these women's running tips can apply to all runners, but they definitely take on a new perspective as the years go on and we get older, wiser, and perhaps, faster…  (due to format restrictions, many links have been removed, to see full text with links, go to aboldpace.com)

Training Tips:

1. Adding Miles: SLOWLY! Use the 10% rule.   Add no more than 10% increase of the mileage each week. Here's more detailed explanation and chart from FitSugar.

2. Warmup: As we get older, the body needs time to get going and giving it that time will help avoid injuries.  See "The Perfect Warmup" from Runner's World.

3.Cross-Training:  Is a must for any runner, but as you age the relationship between cross-training and running becomes even more important.  For a different, low impact, cross-training option, see our recent post on Aqua Running (or Pool Running).  Core exercises have become another essential, here's some good ones from Runners World.  Running Planet has done a nice job w/ laying out “The 8 rules of Strength Training".   We have some good videos on our Resources page.

5.Stretching/Yoga: Another must for the aging runner (and this has certainly been debated by many).  Dara Torres proved this in her Olympic effort that stunned us all.  She adhered to a strict resistance stretching regime (see previous post – “Doing the Home Stretch with Dara Torres”).  I am not a huge fan of yoga, but here's a good article by Runners World about a runner w/ a ITB injury who didn't like yoga at the beginning, then became a convert.  My always injury free LDF ("Long Distance Friend") swears by power yoga!

6.Rest: This has become one of the most important parts of my training. If I don't get enough rest, my body begins to break down.  Listen (very closely) to your body.

7.Massage: Another Dara Torres staple and one of my personal favorites.  It does not matter if you have a fabulous husband like I do or get from a pro, it works to relieve the stress of training and tired muscles.  You can even do it yourself w/ some videos by Rich Poley who wrote "Self Massage for Athletes".

8.Set a Goal: Having a goal or a race to strive for makes the training have a purpose and keep me focused.

9.Training Programs: A little planning goes a long way.  If possible, try to plan your training to run more often on softer surfaces like trails, dirt roads, grassy parks, or even the track.  A few good programs are on our resource page.  There are many good ones out there–find one that suits you.

10.The Track:  Most marathon training programs will include track work as it helps develop the fast twitch muscles to build speed and lung power during a race…getting older does not mean getting less competitive:) If I am training for a marathon, it really makes a difference for me especially in the later miles of the race.  Good article from Runner's World called "Running in Circles".

11.Injury/Recovery: This one is hard for me as I have had many… at 46, I still like to run fast.   There are several common injuries to running and I think I have had them all.  See “Coming back from an injury" posts.  I have learned to recognize my body's warning signs and back off.  Many of these tips (see Rest, Diet, Stretching/Yoga, Massage, Weight/BMI, Orthotics, and more) are meant to help avoid injuries or help w/ recovery.

12.Running with Music: Running with music can help motivation and provide a needed distraction.  I have also learned about the importance of  BPM (beats per minute) and ensuring that if you are listening to a song, be sure it is not too slow and unconsciously slowing your pace.  Find 70's, 80's, and 90's music along w/ best bands of today and learn more about BPMs in this post:  “Best Running Music Ever”

13.Weight/BMI: It seems that fast marathoners have a low Body Mass Index (BMI). Marathon Guide has a quick tool to calculate your BMI.  Knowing yours can help to find the "right" BMI for your best running performance.  See also post: “What's the 'right' BMI for a woman marathoner?"

14.Running in Different types of Weather: I am not a treadmill runner, so I will run in anything short of a blizzard.  With the right layers of clothing this is possible.  However, if you are training in summer for a fall race, beware of weather differences.  The weather during your race may be very different then when you are training. Don't be discouraged if you are not able to run 17 miles the way you think you should when you are in 80-90 degree heat and high humidity.

15.Travel Running: Always bring the running shoes along!  Some of my best runs have been among the monuments of parks, cityscapes and beaches of sand.  Hotels (see this post that mentions WestinRun) now will provide maps (and sometimes runners) to guide you.  With the help of MapMyRun you can find a route from anywhere.  Take a look at some of our Travel running posts.

16.Running and Sex: Here's an interesting article by Running Times that quotes an Israeli scientist who declared "Women compete better after orgasm, especially high-jumpers and runners"…who am I to argue w/ Israeli scientists?

17. Fartlek Training: Sports Fitness Advisor has some good tips on how to incorporate fartlek into your training  (psst…if you don't know what fartlek is, check out 10Ktruth.com's "Runnerspeak – Dictionary of Running Jargon and Other Sport Terms" ).

Nutrition and Hydration Tips:

18. Type of Diet: Adhering to a well-balanced, low-fat, wholegrain diet that is higher in carbs has always been the best route for me.  I love a good smoothie (see post “Smoothie Operator –quick nutritional training meal") while training.  Here's an interesting article w/ good tips on eating from Cool Running called “The Runner's Diet".

19.Hydration: It used to be all water and Gatorade for me, but now as I get older I don't want the same amount of calories.  I opt for the lower calorie alternatives like electrolyte powder mixes (see post: “Water log: Hydration and road recovery options for runners").

20. Eating after Running: The window for eating after running is small, but important.  See post “Refuel 'Right' after a Run"

Gear Tips:

21. Running Clothes/Bra: I like my running clothes sporty–not funky, but this is obviously personal preference.  A good running bra will go a long way…avoid cotton at all cost.  I have learned that running skirts are the most polarizing of all apparel items.  However, if you love wearing a skirt, check out the Skirtchaser Race Series…looks like fun!

22. Running Shoes/Socks: Running shoes are so personal the only way to really find a pair is to go to a running store and keep trying them on until you find one that feels comfortable.  There are tons of shoe guides for different types of feet that are helpful in narrowing it all down.  Learning about pronation and choosing a shoe that fits whether you have normal pronation, underpronation (or supination), or overpronation (or hyper-pronation) is key.  Runner's World has a good article along with videos on pronation. I have changed my shoe once.  I alternate pairs of three for marathon training (it used to be two but with my foot issues, it's now three).   Here's Runner's World's "Spring 2009 Running Shoe Guide".  The Asics Gel Kayano 15's are the "Editor's Choice" winners and also the shoes I use. A few other quick tips:

               Measure your feet: As you age, your foot size may gradually change.  Make sure salesperson measures your foot while you are standing up

              Shop later in day: As the day goes on, you feet get slightly larger.

              Orthotics and socks: Wear socks you use and bring orthotics to store when trying out shoes.  Find "dry-wick" type of socks instead of cotton.

              Check wear: Most shoes give you between 300 – 500 miles of running.  Keep track of the miles (see #24- Running Log).  Replacing shoes can avoid unnecessary injuries.  Check for wear on soles and inside the shoe as well.  Once you've found the shoes that work for you, you may be able to find the shoes again on-line at places like Runners Warehouse (a bold pace readers get 15% off), Overstock, or Holabird Sports.

              Break in the shoe: Don't wear a new shoe to a marathon, be sure you have had time to break it in.  However, when buying a new shoe, it should feel good when you are trying it on.

              Thumb-width: Have a thumb width between the end of your longest toe and the end of the shoe.  I wear a 1/2 size bigger to make sure I have room in the toe box.

              Get medical advice: If you have a persistent problem with your feet, get the advice of a medical professional.   Believe me, waiting for a foot to heal can be agonizing.  Don't make it take any longer by waiting to get help.

Here's a great video from Howcast that covers many of these tips: “How to Choose a Running Shoe"

23. Orthotics: I overpronate and could not live without these.  If you have foot issues (plantar fasciitis, heal spurs, significant overpronation or underpronation, etc.), I'd recommend seeing a sports doc to consider orthotics as your new sole-mates:)

24.Running Log: Memory is not one of my strongest assets, so having a log to record my training keeps track of: weekly mileage, meals, shoe purchases (so I know when to retire shoes), favorite routes/runs, etc.

25. Running Watch/GPS: At heart, I am more of a zen runner (would rather not wear a watch or calculate each mile's pace…just run), but the NYC marathon last year changed that for me.  I went out too fast and had a hard time at the end.  I now wear one again.  There are great watches and GPS devices (see article from NY Times) that make it easy to calculate pace/time/distance.   Another option in a marathon is to make use of "pacers" at a race…here's Clif Bar's Marathon Pace Team info.

26. Running Bag: See “What's in your Running Bag?  10 Essential Items for Taking your Run on the Road"

27. Chaffing: Avoid blisters, use BodyGlide, Vaseline or new Asics Chafe Free.  Apply anywhere that rubs…feet, nipples, etc.  For more on Asics, see “The End of Run Chaffing?"

28. ipods: The must have for runners (even if you need to borrow from your child).  I understand why a lot of runners do not like to use during races , but if you love music, this can be a great way to relax and keep going (ipods are now allowed at some races, see post “Music to my ears").  Be sure to choose songs that work w/ your pace/BPM.

29. Reading about Running: There are so many fabulous books out there on running that are fun to read.  They can motivate and excite  you.  We have a few posted on our Amazon Store.

Racing Tips:

 30.Finding a Race: Marathon guide or Racevine can help you find a marathons and other shorter races.  These sites not only list races, they rate them.

31. Racing for a Charity: Millions of dollars a year are raised by runners for charity.  It can make the race more meaningful if you have someone in mind as you run the miles.  Supporting a good cause can also be a way into a sold-out race.

32. Women only Races: More magazine's Marathon/Half-Marathon (they have the best expo), Zooma Women's Race Series, Nike Women's Marathon and See Jane Run are just a few of the women only races out there.  They are fun, lively and a bit more polite then the co-ed races:)

33. Pace your Race: It is helpful to know your race goal and have the mile split times easily accessible.  PaceTat is a durable, lightweight (actually weightless), and unobtrusive way to keep track of your pace while racing.  These are simple transfers that you apply before you race and shows your mile split goals in clear large font.  Brilliant idea, and only $2.00 – $2.99 per transfer.  Or go the simple and FREE route w/ this tool from Clif Bar.

34.Speed at 40/Beating your PR:There have been numerous articles about how women are older women are getting faster and staying there (see ABC News article on Yale University Study).  As we gain experience, we become more efficient runners.  We know to run the tangents, prepare properly, and read tips like many we have listed here.  We also have more time to train as our children get older.

35.Qualifying for Boston/The Boston Times: Boston is a great, tough race.  It is an honor to run it.  This is not one to be missed if you qualify.   See some of our posts about the Boston Marathon.  Check out the Boston Marathon Qualifying Times.

36. The Race Day Survival Kit: You don't want any last minute surprises on race day.  Having a race day kit can help you to know you are prepared and keep you focused on the race.  Assuming you already are wearing your clothes, shoes, have your watch, etc…there are still some items you need.   There are two options… you can use a "check-in bag" where you have to wait in-line to get a claim ticket or use a "disposable bag" that has just the essentials and can be tossed.  Here are checklists for both:

   Check-in Bag:

 ____Extra Clothes: Nice to have a spare top, shorts, and socks to change into after the race.

____Sunglasses and sunscreen: If it's a hot and sunny day, you'll be glad you have these.

____Towel: There may be a shower at the end of the race, but even if not, nice to have to towel off.

____Phone: To contact friends after race

____Money: For any emergency needs

____Pre-race food and fluids

____Post-race food and fluids

____Race Number (if already have) and safety pins: Bring a few extra and you'll make lots of friends:)

____Race Chip (if already have)

____Course map/Race instructions

____Band-aids/Athletic Tape/First aid

____BodyGlide/Vaseline/Chafe Free

____Deodorant

____Large garbage bag: Helpful if windy or raining before the race or just to sit on.

____Wipes: Useful for nasty porta-potty

____Magazine: Nice to catch up on Vanity Fair while waiting in line for race to start:)

____Extra Goo packets: Use safety pin to keep a couple with you for during the race.

      Disposable Bag:

 ____Pre-race food and fluids

____Wipes: Useful for nasty porta-potty

____Throwaway old clothes: Sweatshirt or long-sleeve shirt.  Most races donate discarded clothes to charity.

____Race Number (if already have) and safety pins: Bring a few extra and you'll make lots of friends:)

____Race Chip (if already have)

____Magazine: Nice to catch up on Vanity Fair while waiting in line for start:)   Put in garbage before start.

____Large garbage bag: Helpful if windy or raining before the race or just to sit on.

____Extra Goo packets: Use safety pin to keep a couple with you for during the race.

The Running Psyche Tips:

 37. Making time for yourself: Running =  sanity.  Alone or with friends it has fantastic therapeutic results that last all day.  I find doing it early in the morning is best as I know I'll get my run in and "life stuff" during the day will not get in the way.

38.The Running Group: One of my LDFs and I always joke how we are going to write a book about the nuances of our running group.  Finding friends to share running with is a wonderful thing and helps you to stay motivated and enjoy the company along with the run.

39. Running Websites/Blogs: There is so much on the web now that you can tap into for running advice, training, support…see our blogroll.  It's a great time to be a runner.  If you're not getting automatic e-mail updates from <b>a bold pace</b>, don't miss out!  Or if you prefer, get our RSS feed.

40. Going beyond your limits: I have to add this because it is the reason I give my son every time he asks why I run…"running for me is about going beyond the limits I have of myself in my mind".  He's very logical and always answers…"limits are definitive–you can't go beyond them"…I keep trying to prove him wrong.

Perhaps it is the fresh air or the hours of laboring over one subject with LDFs but from running has come some profound realizations.  My LDF Heidi and I have decided that everything our children need to know about life we can relate to running.  A life manual in the making perhaps?  There is always "One for the THE Book…" decided on a run.

Monica Anderson is the founder, owner and creator of Remanents. She is a mother of three and avid marathon runner. She launched a new line of running themed tees and notecards along with a new running blog for women called: a bold pace-running for our lives. The high-quality papers, witty wordplay, clean design, and innovative packaging have made Remanents a favorite of discerning customers. Remanents has been sold in many exclusive stores including, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Henri Bendel, Nordstrom and Anthropologie-and in hundreds of paper and lifestyle stores across the US. Also sold internationally in Japan, Australia, U.K. and directly at www.remanents.com.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/track-and-field-articles/womens-running-tips-top-40-tips-for-women-over-40-runners-1149401.html

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12 Secrets to Being The Perfect Human

The Perfect Human 

DEAN KARNAZES WAS SLOBBERING DRUNK. IT WAS HIS 30TH BIRTHDAY, and he’d started with beer and moved on to tequila shots at a bar near his home in San Francisco. Now, after midnight, an attractive young woman – not his wife – was hitting on him. This was not the life he’d imagined for himself. He was a corporate hack desperately running the rat race. The company had just bought him a new Lexus. He wanted to vomit. Karnazes resisted the urge and, instead, slipped out the bar’s back door and walked the few blocks to his house. On the back porch, he found an old pair of sneakers. He stripped down to his T-shirt and underwear, laced up the shoes, and started running. It seemed like a good idea at the time.

He sobered up in Daly City, about 15 miles south. It was nearly four in the morning. The air was cool, slightly damp from the fog, and Karnazes was in a residential neighborhood, burping tequila, with no pants on. He felt ridiculous, but it brought a smile to his face. He hadn’t had this much fun in a long time. So he decided to keep running.

When the sun came up, Karnazes was trotting south along Route 1, heading toward Santa Cruz. He had covered 30 miles. In the process, he’d had a blinding realization: There were untapped reservoirs within him. It was like a religious conversion. He had been born again as a long-distance runner. More than anything else now, he wanted to find out how far he could go. But at that exact moment, what he really needed to do was stop. He called his wife from a pay phone, and an hour later she found him in the parking lot of a 7-Eleven. He passed out in the car on the way home.

That was August 1992. Over the next 14 years, Karnazes challenged almost every known endurance running limit. He covered 350 miles without sleeping. (It took more than three days.) He ran the first and only marathon to the South Pole (finishing second), and a few months ago, at age 44, he completed 50 marathons in 50 consecutive days, one in each of the 50 states. (The last one was in New York City. After that, he decided to run home to San Francisco.) Karnazes’ transformation from a tequila-sodden party animal into an international symbol of human achievement is as educational as it is inspirational. Here’s his advice for pushing athletic performance from the unthinkable to the untouchable.

1. BE AUDACIOUS
Finding the right challenge is the first challenge. "Any goal worth achieving involves an element of risk," Karnazes says in his autobiography, Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner. Risk, yes, and creativity too. For instance, looking for the ultimate endurance running challenge, in 1995 Karnazes entered a 199-mile relay race – by himself. He competed against eight teams of 12 and finished eighth.

2. GO LACELESS
One of the biggest annoyances in long-distance running is lace management. After banging out 50 miles, it can be hard to squat or even bend over long enough to tie your shoes. The North Face recently responded to Karnazes’ complaints and came out with the $130 M Endurus XCR Boa. Its laceless upper is enmeshed in thin steel cables that connect to a tension dial at the back. A simple turn cinches the shoe onto the foot. No more slowing down to fiddle with laces.

3. FLIRT WITH DISASTER
In 1995, Karnazes ran his first Badwater Ultramarathon, a 135-mile trek that starts in Death Valley, California, in the middle of summer and finishes at the Mt. Whitney Portals, 8,360 feet above sea level. After running 72 miles in 120-degree heat, Karnazes collapsed on the side of the road suffering from hallucinations, diarrhea, and nausea. He had pushed himself to the point of death to find out whether he was strong enough to survive. He was. Though he didn’t finish the race that year, Karnazes came back the next and placed 10th. He won it on his fifth attempt, in 2004. "Somewhere along the line, we seem to have confused comfort with happiness," he says.

4. EAT JUNK – LOTS OF IT
You wouldn’t believe the stuff Karnazes consumes on a run. He carries a cell phone and regularly orders an extra-large Hawaiian pizza. The delivery car waits for him at an intersection, and when he gets there he grabs the pie and rams the whole thing down his gullet on the go. The trick: Roll it up for easy scarfing. He’ll chase the pizza with cheesecake, cinnamon buns, chocolate éclairs, and all-natural cookies. The high-fat pig-out fuels Karnazes’ long jaunts, which can burn more than 9,000 calories a day. What he needs is massive amounts of energy, and fat contains roughly twice as many calories per gram as carbohydrates. Hence, pizza and éclairs. When he’s not in the midst of some record-breaking exploit, Karnazes maintains a monkish diet, eating grilled salmon five nights a week. He strictly avoids processed sugars and fried foods – no cookies or doughnuts. He even tries to steer clear of too much fruit because it contains a lot of sugar. He believes this approach – which nutritionists call a slow-carb diet – has reshaped him, lowering his body fat and building lean muscle. It also makes him look forward to running a race, because he can eat whatever he wants.

5. CUT BACK ON SLEEP
Karnazes has a wife and two kids, and he worked a 9-to-5 job for the first eight years of his quest to transcend his own limits. Finding four hours for a 30-mile run during the day was next to impossible. The solution: sleep less. "Forgoing sleep is the only way I’ve figured out how to fit it all in," he says, noting that running in the dark can be soothing. Plus, there’s less traffic to contend with. He now gets about four hours of shut-eye a night. Before he started running, however, he was just a regular guy who got a regular eight. As he started to run more, he found that he could sleep less. The National Sleep Foundation reports that exercise does lead to more restful sleep, and Karnazes takes this idea to the extreme. "The human body," he says, "is capable of extraordinary feats."

6. SHOW YOUR BODY WHO’S BOSS
"The human body has limitations," Karnazes says. "The human spirit is boundless." Your mind, in other words, is your most important muscle. As a running buddy told him: "Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention to arrive safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming: Wow!! What a ride!"

7. GET A COOL WATCH
Karnazes wears a souped-up Timex that monitors his speed, distance, calories burned, and elevation, all of which is critical for deciding when to order the next pizza while in the midst of a 200-mile trek. Besides letting him order a pie on the run, his cell phone uses specialized GPS software to broadcast his location to the Internet for all to see. It’s fun to follow his icon rolling across the digital landscape, but it’s also useful when Karnazes disappears into the night. If he ever pushes himself too hard and collapses, his people can locate him. And fans would know something was wrong if his signal landed on top of a hospital icon.

8. LEARN TO LOVE KRAZY GLUE
If something goes wrong – and it inevitably will – it’s usually with Karnazes’ feet. In races and on training runs, he has battled giant, foot-devouring blisters. A surprisingly effective treatment: Krazy Glue. Pop the blister, slather the wound with the super-adhesive, and voilà – your foot is ready to take a beating again. The glue acts as a kind of indestructible second skin and has helped Karnazes finish competitions he wouldn’t have otherwise. (Officially, Krazy Glue recommends avoiding all contact with skin.)

9. GET USED TO IT
If you’re going to explore the boundaries of human endurance, you’ll have to learn to adapt to more and more pain. To prepare for the searing heat of the Badwater race, Karnazes went on 30-mile jogs wearing a ski parka over a wool sweater. He trained himself to urinate while running. He got so he could go out and run a marathon on any given day – no mileage buildup or tapering required. This training made the extreme seem ordinary and made the impossible seem the next logical step. Eventually, when he grew accustomed to the pain, it stopped hurting. "There is magic in misery," he says.

10. PROMOTE THE HELL OUT OF YOURSELF
Before he became Superman, Karnazes was the Clark Kent of the PR world: a humdrum marketing executive at a pharmaceutical company. But in the past three years, he’s published a memoir, nabbed a sponsorship from the North Face, appeared on Late Show With David Letterman, and gotten himself on the cover of a handful of magazines. The book and the North Face contract generate enough money to support his family, and the high profile translates into maximum motivation: Failure is scarier when the family income is on the line.

11. BREAK IT DOWN
Fifty-six miles into his first Western States Endurance Run – one of the oldest 100-mile races in the country – Karnazes found himself alone entering a canyon at twilight. It was tough going – the trek boasts a total elevation change of 38,000 feet. With 44 miles to go, his spirit was flagging, but he found a way to make it seem conquerable: He remembered the next checkpoint would leave only a marathon and two 10Ks left to go. He knew he could run each leg, and that helped him achieve the whole.

12. AVOID KRYPTONITE
Forget tequila. Karnazes has given up hard drinking. His big vice these days: chocolate-covered espresso beans.

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RunKeeper a brilliant free iPhone app to monitor your fitness activities

I do love the outdoors and last Sunday was a lovely springs morning and seen as though I’ve been spending a lot of time eating junk food,  I decided to get some fresh air by jogging alongside the canal.

Wanting to track my jog I quickly downloaded an app called GPS Lite from the appstore. I realised after the run that it wasn’t really what I was looking for, all it did was measure the distance between two points, (although once connected to a PC it does tell you more), I did however take some pictures whilst running using the app which you can see at the end.

As the GPS lite app failed to meet my needs  I decided that I’d go for another run this morning, and downloaded an app called Run Keeper. This App claimed to:

• See how far you run, walk, and ride.
• Track your speed, pace, and elevation.
• Record and map your routes using GPS.
• Share your fitness activities and progress with your friends.

Everything I wanted…Therefore, I downloaded it and put it to the test..The app was easy to use and I put the phone in my pocket whilst running, however, its recommended that you strap it on your arm.

After the jog I created an account on my iPhone and uploaded the jog details. I used my registration details on the RunKeeper website immediately after, which displayed the run I’d just uploaded. It overlays your run on Google maps and there is a graph below displaying the Speed Vs. Elevation, also by hovering over it shows you exactly where you are.

Run Keeper Dashboard

Have a look for yourself at this run on the link below.

Run up Calder and Hebble Canal on Run Keeper 

I used the free version, and to be honest I think it was more than adequate for my needs but they do have a premium version too, which will remove all ads and allow audio cues too.

You can see its features in the video review of the app below.

Here are some images that I took using GPSLight last week.

Calder and Hebble Canal

Calder and Hebble Canal

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10+ Ways to Track Your Marathon Run

By Paul Glazowski

Some people make goals for themselves to reach every day. Like an hour-long bike ride, or a walk or jog around the neighborhood each morning, noon, or night. Others like to work themselves up toward bigger things. Like climbing Everest. Or rowing across an ocean. Or running a marathon.

Now seems a fitting time to spotlight that last endurance sport, given that this is the eve of the annual NYC Marathon, set to begin in less than 24 hours. Whether you’re in the main pack, watching from the sidelines, or simply feel inspired to boost your own level of performance, these are some networks, applications, and services that will help move you forward faster and longer yet.

If it’s the NYC Marathon that you’ve got your eyes set on, the main NYC Marathon page will give you much of the information that you need to know about the race happening tomorrow, November 2, 2008, and anything else happening around the big event. Will, or anyone you know, be taking part the marathon? Tell us in the comments!

The Universal Sports website will feature live coverage of the NYC Marathon from 9AM ET until the finish, and will offer streams from three live views. (Remember to account for Daylight Savings Time.)

There is also the storied Boston Marathon to consider, of course. The 113th edition of what is called the world’s oldest marathon is set to hit the city’s streets on April 20, 2009. Better get prepared!

Want to start pushing yourself toward a particular goal, be it as a runner or otherwise? Mecanbe is a great place to network with people and manage a kind of collaborative success. When you’ve got someone to nudge you on when you’re feeling ready to retire from your efforts, that’s when a place like Mecanbe can make quite a difference.

There are a number of other services that can network you to other runners, if only just to socialize and brag about how easy (or excruciating) it was to get past that 20 mile marker and continue moving them limbs. Favorite Run is one such environment, which claims to maintain a membership of nearly 70,000.

LogYourRun is another. It is a Web application that charts routes, sports GPS tools, as well as a forum, Facebook () application, mobile-friendly and iPhone-compatible features, blogs, a calendar, and more.

MapMyRun functions much the same way, thought some users may find it to be a more easily navigable environment.

RunningNetwork delivers any news having to do with the sport. National news, photos galleries, videos, training tips, and resources aplenty.

You might like to listen only to your surroundings as you maintain a pace to the finish line, but if you prefer to get through mile after mile with some beats, an interactive and slightly social service championed by the most ubiquitous name in sporting goods the world has ever seen, a trip down Nike+ lane and all it entails might prove handy to experience your training any eventual “big day” in an interesting way. You can trace your speed and share songs for playlists with other users. An iPod is a must, and, depending on your personal setup, you might need a special pair of shoes to make the system complete, but if you’re up for it, you might get that extra umph from your earbuds that songbirds and the sound of thousands of rubber soles hitting tarmac couldn’t quite match. There are also several Facebook apps which connect with the Nike+, all of which you can find here.

Speaking of gadgets, if you’ve got an Android ()-equipped T-Mobile G1 on hand, perhaps Breadcrumbz may do the trick for logging your route. Concentration might be hard to keep as you travel further along your journey, but hey, it’s all fun, right?

Meanwhile, in iPhone world there exist several downloads, some free, some paid. Pacemaker [iTunes URL], for example, is free and simply calculates time for a set pace and distance. This can be useful if you want to see when you can expect to “make it there” – wherever “there” might be. Alternatively, the App Store showcases a duo of applications named iRun [iTunes ()] and iRunPro [iTunes]. They are $0.99 and $1.99, respectively, and essentially provide a user with a pace meter. The pricing option gives you a pace graph and audible alarms.

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Running 101: Take the First Step Today

By Amby Burfoot
Runner’s World

So you want to start running? You’ve heard it’s inexpensive, great for your health, the best way to lose weight (and keep it off). You’ve got friends and coworkers who run, and they’re trim, happy, centered, and productive. Running also looks like a straightforward enough sport. There’s only one thing that’s bothering you: If running’s so simple, why do you have so many questions?

You’re not alone. Every beginner worries about how to get started and has a lot to ask—about how to get motivated, what to eat, how to avoid injuries, and exactly when and where and how much to run. No problem. We’ve got the answers—from experts who have been teaching beginning running classes for up to 35 years, and from others who’ve certainly been around the block. Every runner began with a first step. You can, too.

INSPIRATION
Help, I need motivation!

Make All the Excuses You Want. Then Get on With It

You don’t have time" you don’t have the energy; it’s too cold/hot/rainy; the dog ate your shoelaces; Uh-huh. Now go out and run. Online running coach and former educator Dean Hebert has heard so many excuses from his runners that he assembled them into a book, Coach I Didn’t Run Beacause… Excuses Not to Run and How to Overcome Them. "These excuses are real to peoples and I don’t diminish in Tempe, Arizona, and can be found at rxrunning.com. "I tell my beginning runners to concentrate on the one reason that brought them to running. A clear focus can work magic on your motivation."

Keep Track

Keeping a written diary is a highly successful way to stick with an exercise or diet program. It doesn’t have to be fancy or sophisticated. Indeed, where you place the diary might be more important than what you write in it. Put a calendar on your fridge or in front of your computer, write down every time you complete a run, and take pride in watching those numbers build up. (Or feel guilty when they don’t! That’ll get you out.)

Keep at It

Some runners win gold medals and set world records, but no runner has ever done every workout he or she planned. You won’t either. Stuff happens, but you can deal as long as you stay focused on the big picture. Shrug off the bad days, get back on the program, and you’ll still achieve your goals — losing weight, gaining energy, improving your health, adding distance to your runs, and so on. Remaining persistent is crucial to improved running. "When beginners get discouraged or hit a plateau, I tell them to remember the time and effort invested and the progress they’ve made," says beginners coach Jane Serues. "You don’t want to slide backward, you want to keep working toward the progress ahead."

Find a Fitness Friend

Beginning running coaches agree that one of the best ways to stick with your exercise program is to get a training partner. When someone is counting on you as much as you’re counting on him/her, it’s much tougher to blow off a workout. But it has to be someone of similar ability who is supportive, not competitive with you. "We emphasize the emotional power of training partners," says Serues, who’s introduced 6,000 women to running in the Lehigh Valley of eastern Pennsylvania. "One or two is good. Three or four are even better."

NUTRITION
"I Don’t Know What To Eat!"

Pass on the Extra Carbs

Bread, bagels, pasta, potatoes, and pancakes—you just can’t get enough, right? Wrong, says Boston-area sports nutritionist Nancy Clark, R. D., author of the new book Nancy Clark’s Food Guide for New Runners. Running two or three miles at an easy pace will burn 200 to 300 calories, an amount so modest that it doesn’t demand lumberjack portions of carbs (or anything else) before or after. Clark advocates eating healthy foods throughout the day, and having a small snack an hour or two before you run. "Exercisers shouldn’t skip meals early in the day or try to run on fumes," she says. "But you don’t require special foods after a workout—just a snack that offers a few carbs and a little protein."

Drink Water. But Only When You’re Thirsty

Yes, runners sweat a lot. Yes, they need water, sugar, and electrolytes when they run for 90 minutes or more, particularly in warm weather. But unless you’re training for a marathon this summer (which you won’t be), you don’t need sports drinks and an advanced hydration strategy. Sip a little water before your workout and a little more after. And skip the extra calories in sweetened drinks. "Beginning runners don’t need a sports drink, because they’re not running far enough," notes Clark.

Eat Real Food

Runners, even beginners, tend to be driven, results-oriented people. When promised shortcuts, miracle cures, and unbelievable benefits from supplement and "superfood" manufacturers, they’re easily swayed. However, eating standard, simple, unprocessed natural foods will give you the same end results. "Every time one of those vitamin or supplement studies produces a negative result, I am reassured that focusing on quality calories is the best advice," says Clark. "I’ve always believed that the healthiest foods are the real foods—the quality vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean proteins packed with everything runners need."

If You Want to Lose Weight…

Sorry, but you won’t automatically drop five pounds just because you run, says Clark. You also have to reduce your daily food intake. Each mile you run burns roughly 100 calories. Cut out a cookie or two every day, and you can add another 100 calories to your weight-loss effort. "Reducing calorie consumption by just 100 calories a day will theoretically give you a 10-pound weight loss by the end of the year," Clark says. "Hit 200 calories a day, and you’ll lose 20 pounds." Clark suggests cutting calories by eating smaller portions and fewer fried foods.

INJURY-PREVENTION
"How Can I Avoid Injury, Or Worse?"

Stretch After You Run, Not Before

Runners have long believed that stretching will give them a longer, smoother stride and reduce their risk of injuries. However, in recent years research has failed to prove either point. Budd Coates and Jeff Galloway say they’ve never advocated stretching for their beginning runners, and the runners haven’t developed injuries. Adds Dr. Lewis Maharam: "A preworkout stretching routine doesn’t prevent injuries or improve performance, so there’s no reason to do it. The time to do your stretching is after your run, or even later in the evening." Stretch (without straining) your calves, quads, and hamstrings for 10 to 15 minutes.

Expect a Little Tenderness

Sure, runners have to deal with occasional aches and pains. Especially beginners. However, these are temporary complaints, and don’t lead to long-term damage. Last summer, the Archives of Internal Medicine published a study on a group of runners who were first investigated in the mid-1980s when they were 50 years old or older. Twenty-one years later, these runners, now in their mid-70s, were found to have better function and overall health, and less disabilities than similar individuals who had not been running for two decades. When you experience mild aches and pains, follow the tried-and-true RICE prescription: rest, ice, compression, elevation. Don’t overuse pain meds and anti-inflammatories. "The over-the-counter meds are not perfectly safe and aren’t meant to mask pain," says Dr. Maharam. "Overuse can lead to liver, stomach, and kidney problems."

You’re (Almost Certainly) Not Going to Die

Yes, heart attacks happen, and they make headlines. But these events are extremely rare, averaging about one for every 800,000 half-hour workouts. Meanwhile, it’s a well-established medical fact that runners and other highly fit individuals have a 50 percent lower risk of heart attack than nonexercisers. It’s more dangerous to sit in front of your TV. The heart is a muscle. If you don’t exercise it, it becomes weak and flabby. Still, every runner should know the signs of a heart attack: unusual shortness of breath; chest, arm or neck tightness (especially on the left side); nausea; and a cold sweat. If you experience these, stop immediately, and call your doctor.

GEAR
"Do I need fancy stuff?"

Buy the Right Shoes

You don’t absolutely, positively need a new pair of running shoes when you begin running. You can run in your comfortable crosstrainers, sneakers, or walking shoes. But when you’re ready, the right pair will make your runs more comfortable while adding extra injury-prevention features. Selecting these shoes, sad to say, can be a complex process. That’s why it’s smart to go to a specialty running store. The experienced staff will make sure you get shoes that fit right and provide the biomechanical support you need. Expect to pay $85 to $120. "We know how to look at your foot when it hits the road, and that makes a huge difference," says J. D. Denton, senior writer at Running Times and owner of a Fleet Feet running store in Davis, California.


Wear Polyester

You don’t need a lot of expensive gear to run, which is good news in a recession. That said, you’ll never regret the dollars you spend on breathable socks, and even shirts and shorts. These garments, made from polyester fabrics, are a world apart from the scratchy material your father ran track in. The best are lightweight, soft, and nonchafing. "They’ll prevent blisters and rashes," says Denton, "and they’ll actually help keep you cooler in summer and warmer in winter."

Forget About Gadgets

Heart-rate monitors, GPS systems on a watch, accelerometers that tell you how fast you’re going, cell phones with astonishing tools—none of these glitzy products will help your first efforts. All you really need is a watch with a stopwatch function, available for around $30 at any drugstore, to help you keep track of your walking and running intervals. Don’t worry about other fancy gizmos. But if your iPod makes your workouts go better, by all means take it with you—as long as you run in a safe place.

TRAINING
"So How Do I Do This?"

Start Slow. Back Off

Most beginning runners worry that they’re not improving fast enough. Don’t compare yourself with others. Every runner gets into shape according to his own body’s schedule. Physiologists have calculated that any and all running paces are fast enough to put you into the moderate-to-vigorous aerobic zone that delivers health benefits. So take your time and focus on going farther, not faster. "We tell people that they didn’t get out of shape in five weeks, and they’re not going to get back in shape in five weeks," says Bob Glover.

And Again: Go Slow

If you feel out of breath or sick to your stomach, you’re running too fast, a mistake made by perhaps 99 percent of beginners. "A lot of people think that they have to go at least a mile at a time, and at a good clip," says Budd Coates. "I always tell my beginning runners to slow down and take more walk breaks." When you slow down and/or walk more, your breathlessness and nausea will go away. You’ll learn that running should be a relaxed activity, and that you should "train, not strain." And, yes, beginning running includes lots of walking. Get over it.

Run Tall and Relaxed

For the most part, you don’t have to worry about your technique. That said, experts agree that you should run tall (not slouched) and straight (not leaning far forward or backward). Don’t overstride; that could put extra strain on your knees. "Run with your eyes focused about nine feet ahead," says Jane Serues. "Let your arms relax, down around your waist, and take a natural, comfortable stride."

Whenever and Wherever

Is there a best time and place to run? Sure: whenever and wherever is most convenient. Finding ways to fit workouts into your schedule is more important than fretting over the when/where questions. Neighborhood roads, a high school track, a treadmill — all good. Beginners should stick to relatively flat running. Hills dramatically increase the muscular and aerobic strain of a run. Run against traffic, so drivers can see you. After all, you’re in this for the long run.

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Keeping A Sense Of Direction

The buttons on these smaller systems are logically placed and allow a one-handed operation. These smaller systems will also allow you to set all of the options and calibrate the compass and altimeter without ever having to reference the owner’s manual. Unfortunately, with the smaller systems the directional response is slower in reflecting the correct direction than with the larger, bulky systems. However, many of the smaller navigating system will keep a type of breadcrumb trail of your path on their map page. So as you go to the map page you are able to see how far you have gone by simply replacing your steps, but the directional indicator on the pointer page is often pointing directly back to the *Home* way point. Fortunately, once you are within thirty feet or less of your way point, then you generally will not need the system anymore to find your way. Another common navigation task that these smaller systems are great for is when you line up the compass with a landmark then select the option for sight-n-go, this will automatically lock the bearing into the compass. Then all you have to do is to follow that bearing and the pointer on the compass to the landmark. Many of these smaller systems will have a much better visual mapping system that have a graphical map page, which shows your track and way points that will allow you to zoom in and out to adjust your view of the area. This is extremely handy for seeing all the zigs and zags of your path.  [DFR::329966-10552296-cj|align_left_1][DFR::10020612-10386385-cj|align_left_1][DFR::SSGPSM-10494103-cj|align_left_1][DFR::197371-10552296-cj|align_left_1]

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Inexpensive Fun For The Family

Summer is the perfect time to get the entire family outside for some fun, but getting together doesn’t have to be expensive. There are plenty of activities everyone can enjoy that won’t break the bank. Just a few are flying a stunt kite after a picnic in a local park, getting everyone together on bikes and going for a ride or hiking along a local trail. These activities will get your family away from the television, video games and computer, off the couch and out in the sunshine.Flying A Stunt Kite After A Picnic In The Park.

A picnic lunch followed by flying a stunt kite in the park is a great way to spend an afternoon. Lunch can be as simple as cold sandwiches, chips and sodas or as elaborate as prepared salads and sparkling juice in plastic wine glasses. Afterwards, get out the stunt kite and fly the afternoon away. Prices for stunt kites start around $10 and go up from there so it’s easy to find one in nearly every price range, or even to buy one for each person in your family. Stunt kites are great for nearly everyone because they’re sturdier and can withstand crashes better than regular kites. Families can have stunt kite competitions to see whose kite can stay in the air the longest and who can do the best tricks like loops and dives

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All you need for this fun family afternoon is a kite, some good food, good company and a little wind. Going On A Family Bike Ride Another great family activity is a bike ride. Grab your bikes and helmets and find a local bike trail. Many areas of the country have extensive bike trails, with smooth surfaces to ensure a safe ride. If you have young children that are too little for a bike, they can ride a big wheel, tricycle or even sit down in a bike trailer attached to an adult’s bike. Make sure everyone has plenty of water and double check to see how long the trail is before setting out for the day.

You’ll definitely want to make sure young children can complete the trail. Hiking A Local Trail At A National Or State Park Many state and national parks are full of hiking trails and the park’s admission is usually minimal, making a family hike a great low-cost outdoor activity. You don’t actually need hiking boots, just grab some comfortable tennis shoes and get hiking! Make sure to stay on the trail, but it’s a good idea to have a cell phone or GPS unit with you in case you accidentally lose your way. These are just a few of the many outdoor activities families can take advantage of when the weather turns nice. No matter what you choose to do, the important thing is that you’re reconnecting as a family and enjoying each other’s company.

8 Fun Family Festivals

7 Fun Beach Games

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