Red Laces for $1

Saucony has jumped on board to fight childhood obesity. They are raising money, selling red laces for $1.00. The Saucony Run for Good Program has been created to help reverse the trends of lacking exercise and poor dietary habits amongst our children and youth today.

One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to the Run for Good Program, which provides grants to non-profit organizations that support our mission. Some of the fourth round grant winners were YMCA of Greater Spartanburg, Crim Fitness Foundation, Perry Central Community School Corporation, and Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The Massachusetts Governor's office is helping with the fight against obesity. The governor, Deval Patrick, declared Monday, April 9, 2007 the program in the Commonwealth.

FEEL YOUR HEART RACE

The Victory Junction Gang Camp was founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty in honor of the loss of their son Adam, in 2000. Victory Junction Gang, founded in June 2004, enriches the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun, and empowering, in a safe and medically-sound environment.

Run to Victory is a half marathon (13.1 miles) and 5 mile run/walk that will be occurring on December 7th, 2008 in Randleman, North Carolina. All proceeds from the "Run to Victory Half Marathon and 5 Mile Run/Walk" support the programs and excitement at Victory Junction Gang Camp. If interested in participating, you can register online.

Your miles.
Their smiles.

Worried about eating too much on Turkey Day?

Take advantage of the 5k runs on Thanksgiving morning this year! They are 3.1 miles long, with options to do runs or walks! Don't convince yourself you're out of shape, get active in the community and with your health with these events! The sponsored runs occur in every U.S. state. Just try googling, "Turkey Trot." Most events cost between $20-$25 per person to participate. The money will buy you a shirt, pre-race & post-race goodies, and go towards helping a good cause.

Even individuals in Antarctica are racing in the 3.1 mile race! The event is run on the sea ice! I encourage all to participate in a walk/race on Thanksgiving morning. Believe me, this year you won't feel as guilty for eating that second helping of apple pie!

Caffeine can help you...?

A study was done by researchers in Melbourne, Australia, that put participants through two streams of exhaustive exercise to drain glycogen stores. Researchers then gave the athletes a large dose of carbs either with or without caffeine. Within four hours, caffeine boosted glycogen rebuilding by 66 percent compared to carbohydrate alone. Note of advice...after a hard run, refuel with a carb-rich meal along with a caffeinated energy drink to boost recovery.

I personally don't consume much caffeine because of the effect it has on my stomach. Do you really think this caffeine helps boost recovery for the long term, or is it just a quick fix for the time being?

Source: Runners World Magazine, November 2008

He's running, why aren't you?

Oscar Pistorius was born with no fibula -- the outer bone between the knee and ankle -- is either 0f his legs, forcing him to have his legs amputated before he was even a year old. Also known as "the Blade Runner", Pistorius races on blades called "Cheetah Flex-Feet." Many concerns arose from Paralympic competitors that his prothetics were unfair.

Pistorius was in line for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, however speculation was not too far behind. A professor at the German Sport University examined Pistorius' blades and concluded that the blades returned energy more efficiently to the legs than a normal human ankle joint, allowing him to expend less energy than other sprinters.

After these findings were made public, Pistorius was barred from IAAF races, including the Olympics. Pistorius appealed to the Court of Arbitration of Sport and his legal team provided evidence from biomechanics experts that had the professor taken the entirety of Pistorius' body mechanics into account, he would have found that Pistorius does not compete at an advantage. The court was persuaded and reinstated Pistorius, and the president of IAAF welcomed Pistorius back to the competition.

Do you think a man with prosthetics should be allowed to compete in the Olympics with able-bodied athletes? Or should he stick to the Paralympics?

FACT or FICTION?

"Running on pavement is bad for your joints"
FICTION: Running's impact is actually good for you; it stimulates bone growth and strengthens mucscles. And while softer surfaces like dirt and grass are believed to help absorb impact, achy joints are more often caused by training errors than running surfaces.

"Marathons are deadly."
FICTION: According to a study in the British Medical Journal, marathon deaths are not only rare, but races actually save lives by limiting traffic accidents.

"When running uphills, resist leaning and thinking 'forward'."
FACT: To minimize effort and maximize efficiency, it's best to maintain a posture that is perpendicular to the horizon - meaning don't lean! Leaning forces your muscles to work harder and can put excess stress on your lower back. Simply run tall, making sure the top of your head is pointing straight up.

Sources: Runner's Magazine, May 2008.

BEGINNING RUNNERS...FAQ!

1. Q: Is there a right way to breathe when running?
A: Not really. Some runners find that inhaling every second or third stride helps them maintain a steady breathing rhythm, but what comes naturally is best. Maintain an upright posture - head over shoulders, shoulder over hips, and feet lightly touching underneath - and inhale into your lower lungs (your stomach will rise).

2. Q: I can barely run a mile. What can I do to help my body get to that level without killing myself every time?

A: Walk more often! Try running for 3 minutes, walking for 2 minutes, running for 3 minutes. When you've accomplished that, try running for 4 minutes and walking for 1 minute and repeating that cycle. Before you know it, you'll be running for 10-15 minutes straight!

3. Q: Is there an easy way to keep track of our running splits and pace?

A: PaceTat is a temporary tattoo that lists every mile split for your specific race, lasting three to five hours! They are durable and easy to read and they're only $3.00!

4. Q: Do you have extra medals and want to donate them?

A: You can visit http://medals4mettle.org/ to receive further details about donating. Giving your medals is a way of saying, "I know you're having a struggle more difficult than the one I just ran, and I'd like to express that."

5. Q: Should I eat before a run?

A: When you begin a run, you should feel neither stuffed nor starved!! Avoid eating immediately before running because it can lead to cramping. Best advice is to eat a light snack or meal about 1 1/2 - 2 hours before you start running.

6. Q: What should I wear when I participate in a race?

A: A good rule of thumb: Dress as if the weather is 15 degrees warmer than it is. That's how much you'll warm up once you start running, believe it or not!

7. Q: Should I take advantage of the water stops?

A: Take advantage of the water stations on the course. Successfully running through the water stops in a road race is a common fear among new runners. Some runners walk through them because they don't think they can grab and drink water on the run. Choose to walk or run through the water stations, but use them!

8. Q: The finish line is where the race ends, why do so many people keep runnning?

A: You shouldn't immediately stop at the finish line or in the chute. There will be runners coming in behind you, so keep going until it's safe to come to a stop!

9. Q: What is the proper etiquette for lining up before the race begins?

A: Nothing is more annoying to a runner at the start of a race than having to weave around slower runners after the gun goes off. Faster runners should line up at the front of the starting line, slower runners and walkers at the back.

10. Q: Can I run in races that I haven't paid and registered for?

A: Running in a race you haven't entered, also called "banditting", is not fair to race organizers, volunteers, and especially the people who have paid to participate. It's also unsafe, since race organizers plant heir course amenities, such as water and sports drinks, and medical assistance based on the number of people who have signed up for the race. And overcrowded race conditions can lead to falls and other problems.

Sources: Runner's World Magazine, October 2008

Exercise for...?

What is the reason you exercise: feels good, lose weight, relieve stress or prepare for a race? According to the recent poll on this blog, the majority of you exercise because "it feels good". Regardless of the reason, exercise has shown to reduce levels of stress, provide deeper sleep, lose weight, increase muscle tone, increase endurance and strength, and increase one's self esteem. The doctor's orders may be the reason you dread exercising, simply because you have to for the sake of your health. Why not have fun with your fitness? I'm sure you've heard of 5k races, walks, marathons, triathlons, or even adventure races, the question is: why aren't you participating in them? It certainly doesn't matter how fast you can run a mile, what matters is that you get involved with something bigger than yourself! You'll improve your overall health and help someone else! Ever wonder why you have to pay money to run in the races? They are all to help fund specific causes like breast cancer, heart disease, and even the Women in Congo! From participating in these athletic events, money is raised for research, treatment and programs to be implemented to further help the victims affected.

Adventure races sure do sound thrilling...but what are they exactly? They are races that are exciting and are fun physical events to be apart of. Muddy Buddy, currently races are only in nine cities, is a combination of 6-7 mile running and biking event that you will do alternately with a partner. The unique thing about this race is that at every switch point, there is an obstacle course...over a mud pit. Yes, hence the name, Muddy Buddy. The event occurs only once a year at select cities, so many people plan far in advance for it! There are other organizations that host adventure races like Active, U.S. Adventure Race Association, Odyssey, plus many more.

I created this blog to motivate others to become physically active through sponsored events: 5k walk/runs, 10k runs, triathlons, sprint triathlons, half marathons, marathons, adventure runs, etc!

Not only will you be benefitting yourself and improving your own health, but you can feel a sense of community with all those participating and help further research, prevention and treatment for specific health illnesses and diseases. Become apart of the movement: help yourself while helping others!