Become a Trail Runner and Get the Ultimate Workout While Experiencing Nature

Are you a road runner? Love the sweat, the burn and release from a good run but tired of breathing in exhaust and running near traffic? Take the road less traveled by becoming a trail runner. Hit the off-road dirt paths, 4×4 backcountry roads and experience the tranquility, beauty and fresh air of moving through nature. Trail running offers better views, air and cushion for your stride and the same physical demands and even more benefits than running on pavement.

There are outstanding physical benefits from making the switch from road runner to trail runner. The trail runner experiences a whole body workout. The unpredictability of terrain on trails improves your sense of balance, awareness and forces your all of your body to respond. Trail runners build balance by having to run continuously on uneven rocky terrain, over water, tree roots and whatever else nature presents itself. Therefore, running on trails requires you to use more muscles which ultimately burns more calories than running on pavement or a treadmill. A trail runners ankles and knees become stronger due to the uneven terrain. Dirt trails absorb the impact for your joints, yet maximize the workouts for your muscles.

Running in sunshine, away from crowds and the mundane responsibilities of life, can help you reconnect to nature and your senses. Become a trail runner and experience the mental benefits: diversity of visual stimulation; what nature has to offer: varied terrain, wildlife, floral, fauna and new and old life;
great concentration: “zone out” and you’ll trip over a root or stumble over rocks; vitamin D and increased serotonin production from natural sunshine.
Mental stress is reduced by running through nature.

HOT TIP: Be sure to practice safe trail running by knowing your route, telling someone when you’ll return, carrying plenty of water (see hydration packs) and an ID.

Get off the pavement and into nature with the ultimate physical running workout as a trail runner.

Review of Instep Ultra Runner BA202 Double Jogging Stroller

A video review of the Instep Ultra Runner double jogging stroller for sale at www.rowdytown.net

Best Russian Kettlebell Exercise to Make You a More Effective Trail Runner

Running down hill, variable terrain, tough climbs, and uneven footing; these are the ingredients of trail running. They demand lateral agility and responsiveness that one might lack from the more predictable strides of road running. The key to the requisite lithe footwork of trail running is a strong and supple core because the abdominal and lower back muscles are the essential centerpiece of the gyroscope that allows for balance and resilience. The core forms the foundation for posture, back support, and stability, and assists in absorbing the impact of descents. More and more runners are using Russian Kettlebells as part of their cross training and the following exercise is one that will develop your core as well as your legs.

Kettlebell thrusters are simply one of the best compound Russian Kettlebell exercises you can do, if your goal is to build a strong core and work your whole body. In addition, the cardio vascular component of this exercise complex is flat out amazing. The kettlebell thruster is a full body workout. If you employ the correct levels of tension, remember to inhale at the bottom and sharply exhale at the top you will tax every muscle of your being and raise your heart rate to lung searing levels. If you are a kettlebell rookie, then you need to use the right size bell. Most women will start with either the 8 kilo or 12 kilo and most men the 16 kilo.

The first part of the exercise is to use a "clean" to lift the Kettlebell. You will start with the kettlebell in front of your feet like the point of a triangle. The first move is a hike pass through your legs, near your crotch and above the knee. Keeping your arm loose, the KB is lifted with your hip thrust. Keep your elbow in and quickly flip your elbow under when the bell has almost reached your shoulder. Do not pull with your arm or try and cheat curl it up to your shoulder! The power is from your hip thrust. Move your hand through the handle. Don't move the kettlebell around your hand. Once you are in this racked position keep the elbow tight against your rib cage with full upper and lower body tension and a happy, relaxed face. You do not support the kettlebell with a shrugged shoulder or by pushing up the arm. Instead, relax the shoulder girdle and let the force of the kettlebell pass to your ribcage, stomach and hips. You need to have your elbow as low as you can. The Kettlebell will be just off center of your chin for men and just to the side of your chin for women to protect the breast area. When returning the Kettlebell to the bottom position, after the set of thrusters, keep your arm very loose. Swing it back between your legs and don't try to stem the tide of the kettlebell momentum. Then let it swing forward just a little bit and then place it on the deck.

Once you have the kettlebell racked into position, then find your ideal stance right around your feet at shoulder width. Keep your heels planted and you should be able to wiggle your toes. Track your feet with your knees. Push your hips back as if sitting and go as deep as you can. Keep your core under tension and your lower spine straight. Ideally your hamstrings rest on your calves. Next, drive through with your heels and press the kettlebell overhead without raising your shoulder up to your ear. Keep your whole body tight. Lower the kettlebell back into the rack position by pulling it down, not by dropping it. Re-squat and repeat. Work for thirty seconds on one side, set the kettlebell down, rest for thirty seconds and then go to the opposite side for thirty seconds. Try for 9 minutes. As you get fitter you will be able to work more and rest less.

This one exercise workout will develop your core and balance like no other. In addition, you will be building metabolic lean muscle that will want to feast on your fat. If you can last for a full nine minutes, without any rest, but just switching from right side to left side, then you are tough as nails. A full nine minutes means never letting the kettlebell touch the deck. Most of you will not be able to do the nine minutes without using the rest periods. The goal is to work more and rest less each time you the workout. Good luck!

Running Stretches: Comprehensive Stretching Exercises for Running & Jogging

Increase performance and reduce the risk of injury with the following comprehensive video from www.TheStretchingInstitute.com Only the best stretching exercises have been compiled in one easy to follow video.
 

 

Nike Women’s Marathon 2009 San Francisco (Part 1 of 4)

2009 Nike Women’s Marathon in San Francisco. Part 2: www.youtube.com Part 3: www.youtube.com Part 4: www.youtube.com

What are some good cross-training options for an xc runner?

Currently an 18:01 xc runner, 4:53 in the 1600, need some cross-training methods for the summer to get more leg speed. You can suggest good workouts as well.

How do you get a good run split during a triathlon?

I did a triathlon last week. I am a runner. I am not much of a swimmer or biker. But ironically, I did great on my swimming, 0k on my bike and horrible on my run. My legs felt like jelly for half of the run and Iit felt like I didn’t have much control over my muscles even though I have been training for the past 3 months. What can I do to keep that from happening in the future? Thanks for you time.

Ft Myers Running Club

The Joy of Running

Running is a popular sport that attracts a variety of people of all ages. While everyone has different reasons for running, the health benefits of running are the enjoyed by everyone who participates. Here are the Top 10:

1. Weight Loss
Running is an awesome calorie burning workoutand when combined with good eating habitscan assist with fat loss and weight control. The key is to burn more calories than you consume.
Running also increases lean muscle which increases metabolic rate.

2. Maintain Bone Density
Weight bearing exercises such as running, help to reduce the loss of bone density, aidingin the prevention of osteoporosis.

3. Prevention of Diabetes
Running is a great cardiovascular workout and as such can help to prevent the onset of diabetes and lessen the symptoms of diabetes if you currently have the condition.

4. Strengthens Cardiovascular System
Your heart is a muscle and will receive great benefit from exercise that elevates your heart rate for extended periods Running can help to prevent heart attacks and also benefit your arteries. When you run, your heart pumps harder to keep up with the increase oxygen needs of the body. This increases the pressure flowing through your arteries and clears of the plaquewhich might otherwise block arteries.

5. Stress Reduction / Relief
A good run can help to release stress along with sweat and toxins. The intense physical activity encourages better relaxation and also enhances sleep.

6. Increases Lung Function
Regular running increases the number of capillaries that supply oxygen to your lungs. Whenyour lungs become more efficient your respiratory system improves over time.

7. Promotes a Sense of Well Being
Running promotes a better quality of life in numerous waysways. If you are leaner and more healthy you just naturally feel better. When you are less stressed and more relaxed you feel better. Running also releases endorphins and can produce what is known as a runner's high.

8.
Running is inexpensive and doesn't require any special equipment. Other activities may also require access to specific locations. This is not the case with running. It only requires a good pair of running shoes, comfortable clothing, and a safe environment

9. Spend Time Outdoors
Running is a sport that permits you to spend time enjoying the great outdoors. You can get your daily dose of Vitamin D and enjoychange of scenery at the same time.

10. Meet New People
Running is a good group activity. It's a great way to meet other runners and share in group workouts.

Join A Running Club

If you would like to meet others, share workouts, and socialize then you may want to join a running club. The 3D Running Club is a Fort Myers, FL running club that promotes running among athletes of all abilities and ages, to train and run all the year around with the help and support of others.

The 3D philosophy is one of dedication, discipline, and desire. If you would like to share the benefits of running with others, then 3D Running Club may be the club for you.

Click here to check out the Fort Myers Running Club.

Here's another site worth checking out Top 10 Reasons To Run

Debby Wier is an internet marketing specialist who also blogs and writes articles on a wide variety of topics.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/track-and-field-articles/ft-myers-running-club-1146225.html

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

Running and its Impact into Training

By June M. Lay Certified Nutritionist, Fitness

The NYC Marathon is over, and its participants are headed home to soon once again begin training for next year's run. Running is popular for many reasons, and some of us feel almost addicted to it. So, whether we aspire to begin a running program, run just a few miles a week, or we want to improve our performance (for the next marathon?), here's "Running and It's Impact" on our health, that is.

Running is a weight bearing exercise that is highly effective for maintaining our bone mass. The stress it places on our bones every time we land, generates a force that is 5-6 times our body weight. Since our bones are living tissue, they respond to this impact by building more bone cells! Running of course is a moderate to intense aerobic exercise (jogging may be considered moderate, while running is more intense due to its faster speed), which can increase and maintain our cardio-respiratory fitness and health. And when running enthusiasts mention the " runner's high" they feel, it's because the brain releases "feel good" neurotransmitters (opiate like chemicals) which is why so many of us feel addicted to it. And we all know how these "feel good" brain chemicals help fight mild depression. So, what are the disadvantages to running?

Unfortunately, running places great stress on our joints and the soft tissues in our body such as our muscles and tendons. This stress is greater if our posture and running form is incorrect. Running is also more stressful to our joints if we do not strength train to strengthen the muscles which support our joints and absorb the impact. Running like most things, requires some thought and planning. Also, we should be aware that the very feel good neurotransmitters that give us the high mood, also block pain signals temporarily, which is why we might continue running through an injury when we shouldn't! So, here are a few tips to keep in mind if we are running year round, marathon or not.

Let's:

• Cross-Train: Let's add some cross training to our routine such as cycling, swimming, and fast walking. Many of our injuries are a result of repetitive stress. Let's give our body a rest from the hard impact, and train our muscles in different ways. Training for a race? Try race-walking. A study done on Olympic athletes showed race-walking (technically racewalking begins at 6 mph) to be an effective training method that can enhance running ability. And let's not forget about strength training for our upper body to help improve our posture, a vital component to getting those deep breaths!

  Start slowly: This tip is for us beginners and experienced runners when we change any variable such as our running surface, shoes, geography (uphill vs. flat) and so on. Why? One client who had been used to running on a flat surface, ran 5 miles mostly uphill and created a chronic tendonitis in her shins!

• Vary our routine: Let's challenge ourselves by doing interval training (changing speed for instance). Our bodies adapt to the same training methods, so if we want to increase our fitness level, let's add some variety to our routine. This can also be good for those like myself who cannot run for more than a few minutes (I had knee surgery years ago). Now during my fast walk, once per week I add in a few fast 20 second sprints, and I've increased my fitness level and renewed my interest with a new challenge. I have also added a little more impact on my bones!

• Wear the right shoes: This is important for all our activities. For example, fast walking is more difficult to do in running shoes due to heel thickness and walking shoes do not have enough support for the impact of running, while running shoes do not offer enough lateral support for weight training. Some of us need more support due to our body biomechanics, so let's buy shoes for function, not style.

• Heed the signals. Let's heed the signals of our body. Are we tired, in pain or coming down with a cold? Let's remember that rest is an important part of a training program!

So, let's make our running and exercise program as safe as possible and keep it enjoyable. I also like to suggest that we seek the advice of our doctor before we start anything new or if we're in pain.

Happy Running!

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