FitSugar

Run Like a Girl: Nike+ Women's Half Marathon

FitSugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 05:30:00 -0700

If you were into the virtual element of the Nike+ Human Race on Aug. 31, you're going to love this Nike+ Women's Half Marathon. On Oct. 19, you can be part of the largest women's online race benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

This Nike+ event is on the same day as the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco. Unfortunately there's no more room left to register for that 26.2 mile race, so Nike is giving runners a chance to run alongside those 20,000 lucky runners with this 13.1 mile race. Just like with the Human Race, you can either sign up to run at select locations, or you can run wherever you are at whatever time you choose, using your Nike+ gear. After your run, you can upload your data to Nikeplus.com. The entry fee is $45, but all finishers receive their own Nike Sports Essentials Finisher's T-Shirt and an Official Finisher Keychain designed by Tiffany & Co. Interested? Then register now before the deadline ends October 8.

Want to Run a Marathon? Team in Training Can Help

FitSugar — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 09:30:00 -0700

Have you always wanted to run, cycle, or walk to help fight or raise awareness about a deadly disease? Not only is it a powerful feeling to cross the finish line, but it makes it even more worthwhile if you know your efforts are going to support a cause. Your accomplishments will give you the sense that you did something more important than just get in good shape.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training program will help you get there. They offer training from certified coaches for four to five months, training clinics, your own website for fundraising, lodging and airfare to the event, and they'll connect you with a patient so you know who all your hard work is going to benefit.

In exchange for their training and support, the money you raise will go towards finding cures to help beat blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

To get started, all you have to do is type in your zip code here. You can train with the largest endurance sports training program that's been saving lives for 20 years, and has raised over $700 million. It's a great way to help make a difference.

You Asked: What Should I Eat Before Running a Marathon?

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 03:00:00 -0700

You asked: "I am running my first half marathon in little over a week and I was curious to know your suggestion about what the appropriate dinner the night before would be and also what if any type of breakfast I should have before the race."

Thanks for the question. For the answer I looked to my friends over at CoolRunning.com, the authority on running marathons. To see what they recommend eating, read more

Week before: This is carbo-loading time. It is an important period to stock your energy reserves to their max, but don't make too much of the process. Some elite runners, for example, will race hard about seven days before the target race day to deplete their glucogen stores, then train normally for three or four days, eating mostly fats and protein to keep glycogen low. Then in the last few days before the race, they pack as many carbohydrates into their system as they possibly can. The theory is that their muscles are so starved for glycogen that they will soak up even more carbos than they normally would, giving them extra energy for the race. We do not recommend this for the mainstream runner -- certainly not without the oversight of a dietitian. Too often, this approach can backfire and leave you out of gas midway through the race.

Instead, follow your normal balanced diet and kick in some extra carbohydates in the week before a race. Fruit juices and sports drinks are good carbo supplements if you're having trouble eating all that pasta. Try not to miss meals, but also try to avoid overeating. Balance and consistency are particularly important as the big run approaches. For the same reason, this is not a time to sample new cuisines or even a new sports drink. Eat foods that you know agree with you.

Two days before: About two days before a race, particularly longer runs, start loading up on fluids. Sports drinks can kill two birds with one stone by letting you get carbos at the same time. Try to stay away from alcohol, however, since it not only dehydrates you but also interferes with proper storage of glycogen and undercuts your carbo-loading.

In the last 48 hours, avoid high-fiber foods like beans, bran cereals, lettuce and broccoli to avoid an upset stomach or other gastrointestinal discomfort during your run. Avoid hard-to-digest foods like peanut butter, fried food and the like. If possible, cut back on dairy products, too. Some runners have a slight lactose intolerance; while they may not even be aware of the condition on a day-to-day basis, the strenuous effort (and constant sloshing) of a race can cause their bodies to rebel against the lactose in the milk, causing gas and bloating.

Day before: By the end of the day before the run, your high-carbo diet should have worked its magic and topped off your glycogen stores. You should snack moderately and frequently on familiar, mild foods. Drink water and juice constantly. For your final meal that night, eat moderately and go for food that contains -- you guessed it -- lots of carbohydrates and only a little fat. Skip the beer or wine and get to bed early.

Source

Charlotte's Thunder Road Marathon

FitSugar — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 15:30:00 -0800

Still looking to do a marathon before 2007? Charlotte's Thunder Road Marathon (Marathon, Marathon Relay, Half Marathon and 5K) is this weekend on December 9th!

From the time the green flag drops on the starters until the checkered flag falls on the final finisher (this race is race car themed), you will experience a unique race enjoying the sounds of music from the Southeast provided by local bands and DJs as you race. The Thunder Road Marathon will feature a mixture of the old and the new in Charlotte. This race is a Boston Marathon qualifier. But hurry, you must register in person by December 8th! For more information, visit the Thunder Road site.

Beginner's Half Marathon Training Schedule

FitSugar — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 13:30:00 -0800

So you've run a few 5Ks and maybe have a 10K under your belt. Now you're ready to tackle your first half marathon. You'll need a training schedule to get your mileage up, but it's hard to find time to train when you have a full-time job, family, etc. So this schedule from About: Running is just what you need. It allows you to train moderately throughout the week, while working on your longer runs on Saturdays, when most people have free time.

To see this basic 12-week training schedule read more.

Before looking over the schedule, here are some important notes.

Mondays: Rest to prevent injury.
Tuesdays and Thursdays: After warming up, run at a moderate pace for the designated mileage.
Wednesdays: Rest on rest days. On run days, after warming up, run at a comfortable pace for the designated mileage.
Fridays: Do a cross-training (CT) activity (biking, swimming, elliptical trainer, etc.) at easy to moderate effort for 30 to 45 minutes. If you're feeling tired or sore, then rest.
Saturdays: Run the designated mileage at an easy, conversational pace.
Sundays: Recover on this day with easy runs to loosen up your muscles.

Week	Mon	Tues	Wed	Thurs	Friday	Sat	Sun	Total Miles Run
1	Rest	2 miles	Rest	2.5 miles	Rest	3 miles	2 easy miles	9.5 miles
2	Rest	2 miles	Rest	3 miles	CT or Rest	4 miles	2.5 easy miles	11.5 miles
3	Rest	2.5 miles	2 miles	3 miles	CT or Rest	5 miles	2 easy miles	14.5 miles
4	Rest	3 miles	Rest	4 miles	CT or Rest	6 miles	3 easy miles	16 miles
5	Rest	3 miles	3 miles	3 miles	CT or Rest	7 miles	3 easy miles	19 miles
6	Rest	4 miles	3 miles	4 miles	CT or Rest	8 miles	3 easy miles	22 miles
7	Rest	4 miles	Rest	4 miles	CT or Rest	9 miles	3 easy miles	20 miles
8	Rest	4 miles	3 miles	3 miles	CT or Rest	10 miles	3 easy miles	23 miles
9	Rest	5 miles	3 miles	4 miles	CT or Rest	11 miles	Rest	23 miles
10	3 easy miles	4 miles	Rest	3 miles	CT or Rest	12 miles	3 easy miles	25 miles
11	Rest	4 miles	Rest	3 miles	CT or Rest	5 miles	2.5 easy miles	14.5 miles
12	Rest	2 miles	20 minutes	Rest	20 minutes	Race Day! 13.1 miles	Rest	15.1 miles + 40 minutes

Source

Rock 'n' Run: Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon Virginia Beach

FitSugar — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 02:00:00 -0700

When: Sunday, September 2, 2007 at 7:00 am
Where: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Who Benefits From It: Well you, of course but also The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
How: Register online at RnRHalf.com. Registration fee is $85.
Why: This half marathon runs through the scenic Virginia Beach oceanfront and finishes on the spectacular oceanfront boardwalk. Participants will be treated to 14 stages along the 13.1-mile course, featuring 20 local bands as well as 16 local high school cheerleading squads every mile. What's more? All 20,000 participants receive free entry to the post-race concert, being headlined by INXS on Sept. 2.

How Do You Re-Fuel When Long-Distance Running?

FitSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:00:04 -0800

FitSugar reader AZDaisy posted this question in the RunningSugar community group.

Hey everyone! So I've been running off and on for years now, but I just started getting serious, and I'm running my first half marathon this February! The longest I've run before was 7 miles . . . so replenishing my energy mid-run has never been an issue thus far. But I've read that for every hour you work out, you need to eat something, and that's where the gels, gummies, and bars come in. However, I've also read that you need to drink water when you eat these things, and where I run there's typically no water source, nor do I like the idea of carrying a water bottle with me on my long runs. I'm just curious . . . what do you long distance runners do when it's time to boost your energy mid-run?

If you love chatting about running or have a question, then post your thoughts to the RunningSugar community group. Not a runner? Then take a look at our other community groups - there's something for everyone. If you want to see your health or fitness post featured on FitSugar, then private message me here to pitch your ideas.

Get Motivated: Marathoning With Prosthetic Leg

FitSugar — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:30:53 -0700

In the evening when the couch gets too comfy, a little outside inspiration can be helpful. The story of Abdi Dhuhulow is just that. After reading his story on BBC News, I laced up my sneakers and went for a run. When fleeing fighting in his native Somalia as a young boy, a bullet struck his ankle. He fell from the truck, which then ran over his foot - crushing every bone. When he emigrated to the UK he underwent four surgeries in attempt to repair his wounds, which also included a fracture to his femur. In the end, his leg was amputated. After struggling to walk for 14 years, moving about with a prosthetic leg brought new found freedom and running. Of the experience of losing his leg, Abdi says, "Before this I could not even walk without crutches, but by losing my leg I felt I got my freedom back. Now with one leg I can run marathons."

To see his impressive race times, read more.

Although running at first was difficult, because the surrounding legs muscles were so weak. Determined to not be defined by his disability, eight months post-op he was able to run a mile in under seven minutes - with a prosthetic leg designed for walking, not running. When he upgraded to a better prosthetic leg designed for running, his race times increased: 19 minutes for a 5km, 40 minutes for a 10k, 1:30 for a half marathon, and a little over three hours for a marathon.

Reading the determination of others inspires me. Abdi's times are fast. I think he is amazing, and he motivates me to hit the pavement. What about you - are you inspired to run?

Race Training Tip: Long Workout = Dress Rehearsal

FitSugar — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 03:30:57 -0700

I work better under the pressure created by a deadline, so I like to think of races as deadlines. They provide set goals and training plan - I love a schedule. If you're the same way, whether you're competing in a triathlon, a half or a whole marathon, I have a little tip: use your long workouts as dress rehearsals. Wear the clothes, down to the socks, that you plan to wear on race day. This way you'll know what works and what rubs. Make sure to test your nutritional regimen too, from the pre-meal dinner to sports gels for during the race. Race days tend to be a little bit crazy, and your adrenaline will likely be pumping. Having put your gear through trial runs, you can focus on making it to the finish line rather than futzing with your new shorts.

Valerie Bertinelli Believes in Her Amazing Body

FitSugar — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 13:00:48 -0700

2009 is the year of firsts for Valerie Bertinelli. Back in March she appeared in a bikini on the cover of People magazine after losing 50 pounds, and this weekend she completed the Napa-to-Sonoma Wine Country Half-Marathon. Valerie crossed the finish line in 2:12:19 and commented, "I am in amazement. I can't believe what a body can do if you believe in it."

She had her boyfriend and workout buddy Tom Vitale with her every step of the way, and she ramped up her training regimen during the months leading up to the race. That meant more running, ab-work, and upper body workouts. Valerie is still on a high from finishing the half-marathon, but her trainer thinks she's going to do a full marathon before she's 50. She said, "I have till April. I'm not committing yet! I haven't wrapped my head around it. We're negotiating."

It seems to me that if Valerie puts her mind to something, her body will follow. Her achievements prove that having faith in yourself can work wonders.