FitSugar

Are Marathons Bad For You?

FitSugar — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:00:57 -0700

With marathon season winding down (NYC marathon is 11/1) there is an ongoing debate in the medical field over the effect the 26-mile race has on the heart. Some scientists are claiming that running a marathon causes long lasting damage to the heart, while others say the damage is only temporary and is brought on by the extreme physical demands of the race.

Last year studies were conducted in Australia, Canada, and Germany measuring the effect running a marathon had on the hearts of elite to novice runners. Tests were given on the participants immediately before and after running a marathon. The end findings were similar across the board - the participants showed marked blood indicators of cardiac damage.

“We measure those same blood markers when someone comes in to the emergency room and we suspect a heart attack,” says Davinder S. Jassal, MD, an assistant professor of cardiology, radiology, and physiology at the University of Manitoba as told to the New York Times. Blood profiles like those displayed by the runners are similar to those in a very mild heart attack.”

Those scientists that oppose the findings, site that the research is premature and the studies were too small. They also say that accurate results cannot be determined since researchers in the original studies did not follow up with any of the participants after the race day. A later second study conducted in Canada seems to support this claim - a week after completing a marathon, researchers followed up with the runners and found none of the initial damage was lasting.

As the debate continues please keep in mind that running long distances is definitely taxing on the heart. Check out our tips to avoid any risks while training and share your own tips with us below.

Gear Up For the 2009 Nike+ Human Race

FitSugar — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 03:30:18 -0700

Last year, Nike hosted the world's largest running event - the first Nike+ Human Race had over 780,000 participants. It was such a hit, they're hosting another one on October 24, 2009, with the hope that this year it will be even bigger.

This race gives runners all over the globe the chance to run a 10K together on the same day. If you want to be part of it, there are two ways you can join. Either sign up for one of the runs hosted by Nike in more than 30 cities around the world. Or you can run a 10K wherever you choose - on a treadmill, in the woods, or by the beach. Just track your run with the Nike+ Sports Kit or the Sportband. Then upload your race data to nikeplus.com.

I did this race last year and it felt amazing to know that hundreds of thousands of people were running the 6.2 miles along with me, so I definitely plan on doing it again this year. If you're interested as well, register here, and then start training - you have about two months until race day.

Fit Tip: Train in the Rain

FitSugar — Tue, 06 May 2008 14:30:00 -0700

Race-day weather is always a big question mark. If you're training for a marathon, triathlon, bike race, or century ride, it pays to practice in all kinds of weather. As important as it is to work on your technique, your speed, and your stamina for these endurance races, you've go to be prepared for the worst conditions on the big day and train in all types of weather. Train in the rain, on bright sunny days, humid days, unseasonably cold temps, windy days, and heaven forbid – hail. Since you can't predict what the weather will be like on the day of the race, you need to practice biking, running, or swimming in all types of weather, you'll feel much more equipped and comfortable with whatever weather blows your way.

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Iron Girl Races Nationwide

FitSugar — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 10:00:00 -0700

Looking for a new race to get involved with this year but intimidated by all the choices? Then how about trying an all women's event?

Iron Girl is an all-women’s event series that has a little something for just about everyone - the series of events consists of run/walks, duathlons and triathlons. Iron Girl races typically have finishers ranging from 5 years to 78 years, including teams of grandmothers and mother/daughter pairs, as well as women who have never worked out a day in their life to women that workout everyday. Iron Girl is a great way for women to embrace a healthier lifestyle while being surrounded by other women with the same goal in mind.

To see a list of the next Iron Girl races nationwide just read more.

May 4
Denver, CO
5K Run/Walk

June 22
Del Mar, CA
10K & 5K Run/Walk

June 29
Atlanta, GA - Triathlon
.33 Mile Swim/18 Mile Bike/3 Mile Run

July 20
Irving, TX - Triathlon
500 Meter Swim/20K Bike/5K Run

August 24
Columbia, MD - Triathlon
.62 mile Swim/17.5 Mile Bike/3.4 Mile Run

September 7
Seattle, WA
10K & 5K Run/Walk

September 21
Bloomington, MN - Duathlon
2-Mile Run/22 Mile Bike/2-Mile Run

December 6
Tempe, AZ
10-mile & 5K Run/Walk

For more information and to sign up at an event near you visit IronGirl.com.

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What's the Longest Race You've Ever Run?

FitSugar — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 04:30:00 -0700

Since the Boston Marathon is coming up on Monday, it got me thinking about races. Running a marathon has definitely been a whisper in my ear, but so far I've only done a few 5Ks. What about you?

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Running Tips From Marathoners

FitSugar — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:45:00 -0700

Since I've ran in a few 5K and 10K races, the ultimate goal of running a marathon has been whispering in my ear. If you've been itching to run 26.2 miles, too, here's some advice from marathoners:

Before signing up for a full marathon get a few shorter races under your belt.
Train in all kinds of weather - heat, humidity, hail, rain, sleet, and sun. You never know what the weather will be like the day of the race, so you want to be prepared for anything.

Don't train the same way every day. Cross train with weight lifting and other types of cardio such as biking to build other muscles and prevent injuries from repetitive motions.
Don't run long distances every day. Run short races (3 to 5 miles) a few days in a row, and then run 8 to 10 miles one day. Each day you decide to run your long distance, you can work on building up to 12 miles, 15 miles, and all the way up to 20 miles.
Try to complete three 20-mile runs before the marathon. Your last one should be about two weeks before the day of the race. Then ease up on your training and run a few miles a day until the race. This is called tapering off, and it will allow your muscles a chance to fully recover before you run the full 26.2 miles.
Stretch after every workout to ease soreness, increase flexibility, and prevent injuries.

What else should you do? To find out read more.

While training, eat a balanced diet that includes lots of protein, carbs, and iron-rich foods. On the night and morning before the race, eat foods rich in protein and carbs. Eat foods you've eaten before and don't experiment with anything new like power drinks or energy bars.
On the day of the race, wear things you've run in before. Now's not the time to try out new socks or a sports bra because it could cause chaffing or blistering. The same goes for running shoes. Break in your new sneaks at least a month or two before.
Whether you're training or running in a race, listen to your body. If your knee is screaming in pain, stop running. You could make an injury worse.
Keep in mind that running long distances is 90 percent mental and 10 percent physical. There's only so much training you can do to physically prepare for the race, so on the big day, the most important thing is to keep your mind set on crossing that finish line. Believe that you can do it. Repeat in your mind that you can do it, and you will.

Ring in the New Year With a Race

FitSugar — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 12:30:00 -0800

So you say you're going to get fit in 2008, eh? How about jump starting your goal with a fun run/walk on New Year's Day?

If you're going to be in the NYC area to celebrate the new year, then you may want to skip the crowds in Times Square and join the Emerald Nuts Midnight Run in Central Park. This four-mile fun run features a costume parade, dancing, and fireworks. It really is more of a party than a race, so you'll burn tons of calories while ringing in the new year. Sign up today, registration costs anywhere from $30–$55 (depending on who you are). Sounds like fun to me!

Race Day Tips for Your First Race

FitSugar — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 11:00:00 -0700

I firmly believe that signing up for a race is a great way to stay motivated to workout. After all, your practice runs/rides/swims are all rehearsals for the big show.

You have logged many miles so of course you want your first race to be fun! So here are a few tips from realbuzz to help you race your best!

The night before you want to eat a well balanced, stomach agreeable meal. No need to focus on carbo loading unless you are running at a high intensity for 90 minutes or more. Drink plenty of water too!
Make sure to wake up 2 to 3 hours before the race since your body will function much better at the starting line if you have been moving around for at least a couple of hours. Eat a light breakfast (no fried foods) and drink plenty of water.
Arrive early so you can deal with registration and get your number. The number makes it feel so official!
Warm up! Jog for 5 to 10 minutes and then stretch. You will feel calm and race better after warming up.
Stay toward the back or middle of the pack at the starting line, since the front row is generally reserved for experienced runners. For the first few minutes, keep your pace nice and easy. Once you have settled into a pace that feels comfortable just enjoy the scene and the scenery.

Congratulations you're running your first race! Have fun!

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Women Only Triathlons

FitSugar — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 04:00:00 -0700

Are you searching for a race to compete in? Interested in training for a triathlon since cross training decreases your chance of getting injured? Looking to participate in a women's only event? If you answered yes to any or all of the above questions you should definitely check out the website Her Tri Find.

This site has a list of upcoming triathlons listed by date. Scroll through and see if there is an upcoming event in your area. You can even register online for most races using Active.com.

Many of the races take place soon, so check out the site and let me know if you sign up for anything!

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Have You Participated in a Road Race?

FitSugar — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 03:00:00 -0700

Training for a race, walk or fun run is a great way to stay motivated and workout. The race is like a big test and all that training is your homework. Some people are race fanatics while others avoid them completely. I am wondering about you -