what are the best triathlon retail store in the US?

Looking for "brick and mortar" stores, not online stores, and only in the United States

I am participating in a triathlon, can I get some encouragement?

I am going to be running, biking, and swimming across the border into the United States. I will brave the Rio Grande, run from vigilantes, and hop fences.

Which type of shoes perform better in kickball? Running or cross training shoes?

There are actual kickball leagues all over the united states. So I was wondering which type of shoes works best while playing kickball. I believe that cross training shoes works the better. Cause the tip of the cross training shoes is half running type but yet can get a could aim at kicking the ball then running shoes.

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

Read Tips About Lose Weight Eating A Vegetarian Diet

Read Information on healthy low fat meal plans. Find handy info about healthy meal planning – check out this page.

Two third of U.S. citizens are corpulent and more than people are searching for a natural weight-loss option in order to avoid pickings prescription medications or exercising for four hours a day. For many people the vegetarian lifestyle tantrum the measure exactly.

Although the commercial message message message message market is swollen with the number of diet supplement and weight-loss options available for individuals to try, research worker and primary care physicians well understand that natural weight-loss options are the safest and most successful way that people volition lose weight and maintain that weight loss. As well as meeting these criteria, a vegetarian life style also aid individuals to improve their overall wellness and increase their intake of essential nutrients.

Research Worker wealthy person found that people who have a higher level of raw fruits and veggie in their diet are at less risk for heart disease, malignant neoplastic disease, stroke and immune mediated diseases, such as as lupus. An added benefit to this is the weight-loss, which person who pattern a vegetarian modus vivendi volition experience, go on almost effortlessly. Almost all of the weight-loss programs available to people today permit individuals to eat as many vegetables as they desire and only limit fruits, nuts and seeds as they rank higher in calories and fat.

People whose hunt for a list healthy organic structure are also ordinarily interested in improving their overall wellness. While eating the right nutrient and getting habitué physical exercise should be included in this regimen, imbibition enough h2o is likewise essential.

One big question that most new vegetarians ask is, “How volition I get my protein?” Wish any other weight-loss program, large serving of high fat sources such as as peanut butter, loony or cheese can cause people to addition weight. So, or else of using peanut butter or nuts as a snack, people who are interested in weight-loss should turn to whole-grain snacks, fruits and veggie during the day.

Unfortunately, while it is easier to lose weight eating a vegetarian diet, it is not automatic. Because of the high denseness calories and fat in kooky, seeds and high carbohydrate repast people who practice a vegetarian modus vivendi must also keep track of the large calorie they eat. What brand it easier than most other programs is that your energy level increases significantly and you can become much more full eating as many vegetables as you care than trying to seriously limit calories and suffer through with with hunger pangs all day long.

As in all other weight-loss programs people should program their choices during the day because last-minute grabs for the candy bar are normally higher in calories. Level though chips, cookie, power analog bars and candy are still meatless they all incorporate sugar, fat and processed calories. Do not holiday resort to debris nutrient and convenience nutrient in the food market store or to fill in the gaps. Instead, use a daily multivitamin and fill up on apples, bananas and fruit smoothies Find Helpful Information.

Find practical things to know in the sphere of lose 10 pounds in days – please make sure to go through this web page. The time has come when concise information is really only one click of your mouse, use this possibility.

Diet Pills – What To Expect From Weight Loss Supplements

When purchasing weight loss pills, there are a few various methods to do it. Certain pills are only available by prescription, while others can be purchased without it . There are several various types of weight loss pills , which will be discussed in the following few paragraphs.

Some of the most common prescription pills are: Bontril, an appetite suppressant; Xenical, a supplement which helps the body to absorb fat; Meridia, a supplement that helps your organism to shed excess weight , and Phentermine which is undoubtedly the most popular appetite suppressant in the USA now. For prescription pills are available only from a licensed physician, over the counter supplements can be bought by anyone and include such ingredients as amino acids, herbs, minerals, vitamins, etc. They typically are in the form of capsules, powder, and pills but can’t replace diet and workout . When combined with a healthy smart diet and workout , these pills can be effective in your weight reduction .

When purchasing any weight loss means , it is important to consult with your physician beforehand. When getting an OTC supplement, it is very necessary that you study the ingredients, and look through the labels thoroughly . Some strong side effects can happen when using supplements which include Ephedra , such as arrhythmia, heart valve damages , and high blood pressure. Fortunately, Ephedra is no longer widely available. Even the most commonly used weight loss supplements can cause problems, with or without Ephedra present! High doses of caffeine (which numerous weight loss drugs have) have happened to do harm to heart, and still other supplements are under the suspicions of the FDA. The main thing of taking any drug created to accelerate weight loss is to study the components list thoroughly , make certain it will not react with some other medications you are taking, and speak with your physician before starting any weight loss plan.

It should be said that even weight loss pills advised by a physician carry risks. If a doctor has prescribed a drug for you, generally they think that the advantages will cover the risks but it can’t be considered completely safe. You have to always follow instructions exactly as prescribed, and stop taking them straight away if you notice any strange symptoms. Even prescription supplements have to accompany a healthy diet and exercising. Whatever weight loss pill producers want you to believe, no one pill can encourage you to lose weight. It is a matter of time and effort, and just the willingness to spend both will guarantee success.

If you have serious intentions about losing pounds and would like to purchase a weight loss supplement to aid you achieve your aim, make certain to incorporate a well balanced diet and exercise into your schedule . Purchasing diet supplements can be beneficial to your weight loss plans, but only provided that you are smart about your lifestyle choices.

Read more about natural appetite suppressants, hoodia appetite suppressants and best hoodia product.

Find Out Useful Tips About Obesity

Persons who are heavy, have a reduced life expectancy, and an bigger risk of lots of illnesses, together with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoarthritis, gout, gallstones, decrease in exercise tolerance/level of health, and Also, broad medical problems may be extra complicated to deal with in those who are obese. Gastrointestinal disorders, including indigestion, heartburn and constipation, may be extra difficult to calculate in an portly person, as the information obtained from a medical Appetite Suppressors test may be Also, the endurance rate of the portly females who have breast cancer is far lower than females who are fit and healthy.

The young fat person who loses weight to normal or near-normal value may have a substantial improvement in life quality and expectancy, and reduction in risk in practically all of the above. The improvement in arthritis, gout, blood pressure, diabetes, or blood cholesterol level may be remarkable and evident within a few weeks or months of a dietary programme.

The underlying causes

Obesity has been proven to go develop down the family line. Research shows that if both parents are overweight, 70 per cent of the children will be overweight. If one parent is fat, 40 per cent of the children will be chubby, and if both parents are lean, then only 10 per cent of the children will be portly.

The Appetite Suppressants disposition of the parents is thus carried down to some extent to the children, but of course, we could quarrel that portly parents eat too much, and therefore are likely to over-feed their children, making them plump in turn, and that this has naught to do with genetics or inheritance. Then again, evidence shows us that adopted children tend to have a body that resembles their real parents. Many have argued that this proves that obesity is actually genetic.
It is also impossible to ignore the significance of environmental factors. By environment is meant all the factors that occur around us and possibly influence our internal metabolism which we have already seen is initially determined by genetic make-up. With regard to obesity, the most critical environmental factors are the food supply, level of fitness, Appetite Suppressant lifestyle and social pressures.

Remember though in those countries and communities where the food supply is limited, obesity tends to totally disappear. In such a situation, with a restricted food supply, environment is more critical than any genetic factor. Nevertheless, when there is an profusion of food, this allows the obesity tendency to express itself fully. When food is abundant, some 20 per cent (or more as we have seen for countries like UK and the USA) of the population may become obese.

Free Info About The Six Benefits Of Eating Oatmeal .

Eating a bowl of oatmeal each morning is the perfect way to start your day off right. This article will explain the six benefits of eating oatmeal and ways to make it taste delicious.

First off, the oatmeal discussed here is not the instant kind that comes in the different flavors- these are full of sugar. The real stuff is the plain oat flakes from Quaker Oats or a similar brand.

The benefits of oatmeal are due to the fact that it’s made from oats and oats are a good source of both soluble and insoluble fiber.

According to the American Cancer Society:

1. Insoluble fiber’s cancer-fighting properties are due to the fact that it attacks certain bile acids, reducing their toxicity.

2. Soluble fiber may reduce LDL cholesterol without lowering HDL cholesterol. LDL is bad; HDL is good.

3. Soluble fiber slows down the digestion of starch. This may be beneficial to diabetics because, when you slow down the digestion of starch, you avoid the sharp rises in your blood sugar level that usually occurs following a meal.

4. It has been found that those who eat more oats are less likely to develop heart disease, a disease that is currently widespread in the United States.

5. The phytochemicals in oat may also have cancer-fighting properties.

6. Oats are a good source of many nutrients including vitamin E, zinc, selenium, copper, iron, manganese and magnesium. Oats are also a good source of protein.

The difference between insoluble and soluble fiber, besides the foods that they come from, is what they do in your body.

Insoluble fiber’s main role is that it makes stools heavier and speeds their passage through the gut, relieving constipation. Soluble fiber breaks down as it passes through the digestive tract, forming a gel that traps some substances related to high cholesterol, thus reducing the absorption of cholesterol into the bloodstream.

Oatmeal has a pretty bland taste which makes it hard for the average person to consume every morning. Here are ways you can make it taste better.

1. Make the oatmeal with milk instead of water. This will also add calcium and more protein.

2. Add Stevia powder to the oatmeal. It will naturally sweeten up the taste without adding sugar.

3. Stir in your favorite-flavored protein powder to it after it’s been cooked. This gives the oatmeal a pretty good taste plus it adds protein. Combine this with using milk and you’ll have a meal that is high in fiber, calcium and protein!

4. Add fruit such as blueberries to the oatmeal.

You should aim to eat roughly 1 cooked cup of oatmeal each morning for optimal health benefits. And play around with the above preparation suggestions until you find a taste that you fall in love with. Your heart and body will thank you for it! Read more other articles about trendy hairstyles and layered hairstyles.

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The Marathon Generation

By Daniel Kadlec

If you’re a middle-ager, it’s increasingly likely that you or one of your friends will run a marathon. Folks in the 40-plus group are pretty much taking over the sport, accounting for a surprising 43% of all marathoners in the U.S. in 2004–up from 26% in 1980. The maturing baby-boom generation partly explains that growth. There are simply more folks over 40 out there. Yet there’s more than demographics at work. Surging interest in marathons at middle age and beyond testifies to our longer, healthier lives and our growing determination to get the most out of that bonus time.

How much healthier are we? Mortality rates are going down, and our quality of life is improving. The rate of chronic disability among those over 65 has plunged to less than 20% from more than 26% two decades ago. The number of nursing homes and their occupancy rates declined over the 10 years ending in 1995, even as the population aged, according to Milken Institute Review. We’re more educated than ever–and good health and education go hand in hand. For example, only 8% of Americans who have gone to graduate school smoke, compared with 34% of high school dropouts.

What are folks doing with all the extra healthy years? Many are pursuing long-forgotten passions. Patrick Bookey, 57, of North Pole, Alaska, chucked a 25-year career as a high school music teacher to pick up woodworking, which he had enjoyed in grade school. So what if he makes half his old salary? "It’s the most stress-relieving thing you can do," he says. "I absolutely love it. My wife has to come get me out of the shop in the evening."

That’s how a lot of older people nowadays think about marathons. "For days after running a marathon you just feel this sense of calm, of accomplishment," says Marla Rhoden, 50, a government administrator in Topeka, Kans. Her times are slower than they were 10 years ago. "But that’s not hard to take," she says. "I do well for my age." She placed first among runners ages 50 to 59 in the Boston Marathon in April.

A remarkable 20% of the runners who finished in Boston were 50 or older, up from 13% of finishers 20 years ago. The numbers are similar for the Seattle Marathon, where the 50-and-up crowd is growing 10% a year. In the New York City Marathon, that group accounts for 16% of finishers, up from 4% in 1976.

What may be most interesting about the increase in the number of boomers (and in some cases even their parents) who participate in marathons is that the movement seems to have staying power. Research from Yale University, Johns Hopkins and elsewhere shows that people over 50 who train regularly gain muscle strength and can improve their performance, relative to their potential, faster than people in their 20s. Put another way, it’s easier for boomers to slow their biological clock than it is for, say, their kids. Now, that’s incentive.

And you don’t have to be a marathoner to enjoy those benefits. Regular exercise of any kind lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, keeps weight down and improves mental outlook. It also reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Those are races everyone must run.

Kadlec’s latest book is The Power Years: A User’s Guide to the Rest of Your Life

 

You CAN run an ultra-marathon!

GOING BEYOND 26.2 MILES IS TOTALLY INSANE!!!!!!!!!!  The image above is a guy working on finishing the Badwater Ultramarathon.  It’s a 134 mile race from the lowest part in the United States to the Highest.  That’s hardcore, not to mention that the race goes through Death Valley in the summer when the average temperature is 120. An ultramarathon is any race longer than 26.2 miles. It can be done, but ultramarathons are not something you do to get or stay healthy.  They can really beat your body up.  I am not saying never try it, I did it, but it’s not for everyone.  Even before I wanted to do a marathon I desired the ultra.  I read about a guy who ran 50 miles and I just could not believe it.  That made me want to do what I couldn’t believe was possible.  It took me a long time to do it.  I did several marathons first and then I slowly worked my way up the ultra ladder by doing the shortest races first until I reached 50 miles.  I just don’t have the time to train for anything longer than that.  If you have running experience you can give it a shot.  I also talked to my doctor before I did an ultra.  He was not real excited about it, but he told me I was healthy.  You should do the same.  If you don’t have experience and want to do an ultra, keep it on the back burner until you have some, but don’t forget about your dreams.  Here are some resources to help you get started.

• Ultra running resource site.  Just about all you need to know.
• Runners world ultramarathon training
• Hal Higdon 50 miler training
• UltraLadies 100 miler training schedule

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