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Marathon Dangers

FitSugar — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 08:00:00 -0800

The New York City Marathon is over now, but many people are still in training for future races such as the Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio Marathon (Nov. 16), the Philadelphia Marathon, (Nov. 23), and the Atlanta Marathon (Nov. 27). There's just something about conquering the distance of 26.2 miles that inspires so many people. Training for a marathon is a healthy aspiration, but if running this distance is on your to-do list, you should know there are some risks involved.

Running extreme distances is not exactly good for your health. As you run, you experience changes in your immune system and kidney function. The consistent stress signals your body to go into emergency-repair response mode. Your adrenal glands and brain produce the stress hormones cortisol and vasopressin. Also, your damaged muscles churn out proteins called cytokines, which trigger the liver to start producing C-reactive protein. The result is inflammation, and all your muscles feel the brunt, including your heart. In extreme cases, death by cardiac arrest has been associated with running this historic distance.

To find out if it's possible to avoid these risks,

How Do You Feel About Running a Marathon?

FitSugar — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 04:30:00 -0700

'Tis the season for marathons. The Chicago Marathon was last weekend, the Nike Women’s Marathon is coming up this weekend on Oct. 19, and the NYC Marathon is Nov. 2. Since I love to run, I've always had the goal in mind to run a marathon, but I'm giving myself a few years. What about you . . .

How Do You Feel About Running a Marathon?

I've already run in one and can't wait to do it again.

It's definitely a goal of mine.

Maybe a half marathon, but not the entire 26.2 miles.

I do like to run, but a marathon just isn't for me.

I don't even like to run, so a marathon is not on my to-do list.

Other? Tell me below.

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.

Having Trouble Finding a Race Near You?

FitSugar — Thu, 22 May 2008 03:00:00 -0700

Have you ever found out about a race you wanted to run the day after it happened?

You're not alone. This is why MarathonGuide.com was created. This awesome online database not only lists races all over the country, but it also provides insider information from folks who have run past races, race maps, and even the results for the previous year's races. You can sort the list of races by date, state or city – it is so easy to use. Having all this at your fingertips means you'll have ample time to train your legs. Happy running!

Source

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

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? Source

Four Month Training Schedule for Your First Marathon

FitSugar — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 09:30:00 -0700

If you've been into running lately and have run a few short races, you may have your heart set on running a marathon. It can seem very overwhelming, running 26.2 miles, so it's important to stick to a training schedule that gradually builds your distance and endurance up.

Here's a four month training schedule I found on the Runner's World website. This schedule is for the 16 weeks leading up to the big marathon day, and each week you build up your mileage.

Week	Mon	Tues	Wed	Thurs	Friday	Sat	Sun	Total Miles Run
1	XT (cross-train: bike, yoga, weight training, hike, etc.): 0-30 min	3-4 miles	2-3 miles	3-4 miles	Rest	4-5 miles	2-3 miles	14-19 miles
2	XT: 0-30 min	3-4 miles	2-3 miles	3-4 miles	Rest	5-6 miles	2-3 miles	15-20 miles

Want to to see the rest? Then

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

Run Like a Girl: Nike Women's Marathon

FitSugar — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 02:30:00 -0800

If you're looking to run one race this year that will be memorable, I suggest signing up for the Nike Women's Marathon (and half marathon) on October 19, 2008. Not only are the official Finisher Necklaces designed by Tiffany & Co (and given to finishers by firemen in tuxes, mind you), you'll also get to run a truly beautiful course laced with girly perks ("pedi-care" stations for blister treatment or a change of socks) through San Francisco. If the fabulous scenery isn't enough, there will be 39 stations with live music, DJs, and cheering squads, plus two more bands at the finish.

Here's the tricky part. Since the race is extremely popular and already sold out for general registration, all interested participants must now register for the random drawing online through Active.com between March 4th and March 18th. Runners will be randomly selected and an email with results will be sent to each applicant on April 1st notifying you if you got a spot or not. Entry fees are as follows: Half Marathon is $90, and Full Marathon is $110. Check out InsideNikeRunning.com for more details.

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Don't Drink Too Much Water When Running

FitSugar — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 14:30:00 -0800

It is important to keep hydrated when running a marathon but did you know that too much water can be a bad thing?

A good rule of thumb is to drink about one cup of fluid every 20 minutes during a marathon, anything more than that could be dangerous and could cause hyponatremia — when you have low amounts of sodium in your body. It can be fatal if not treated immediately. To prevent it, be sure to drink sports drinks during training and, as long as you don't have high blood pressure, increase your salt intake a few days before the race.

For symptoms of hyponatremia just

Speak Up: Has the Marathon Lost Its Status?

FitSugar — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 09:29:35 -0800

I recently read a rather interesting article on Salon.com that blames Oprah for lowering the bar for excellence in the sport of marathon running. The article goes on to say that the idea of the marathon being an actual race is entirely lost, and instead of being an incredible test of physical endurance and speed, it is now merely a self-improvement exercise. People no longer run races to win, but rather to check off a box on their lifelong to do lists.

I personally think it's fabulous that people such as Oprah have inspired the less fit and overweight folks to get off their couches and into races. Anyone who inspires anyone else to get moving is OK in my book. Those who want to finish the race in two hours flat can still do so, even while there are less speedy folks bringing it home in the back of the pack. In the New York Marathon, Lance Armstrong finished in about 2:50, while Katie Holmes finished in 5:30, and the person who finished absolute last (38,554th place) did it in 9:51. Everyone, in my opinion, upheld the integrity of the sport just as much as Paula Radcliffe (who won it for the ladies).

What do you think about all of it — should the marathon be only for serious racers, or should anyone with a will and a way be able to participate? Speak up and share your thoughts in the comments section below.

(Let's do our best to keep comments respectable, so everyone will feel comfortable leaving their opinions.)

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Know Your Races: The "Athons"

FitSugar — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 09:30:00 -0700

There is always talk about all the '"athons," so I am sure you know the names, but do you know what they really mean?

The term marathon comes from the legend about a Greek soldier, who was sent from the town of Marathon to Athens to announce that the Persians had been defeated in the Battle of Marathon — it is said that he ran the entire distance without stopping. So now that you've got a little history, here is what it all means in modern times.

Marathon: A marathon is a long-distance running event of 26 miles and 385 yards (42.195 kilometres) that is usually run as a road race but can be done as an off-road race (for example, on mountain trails) too.
Half-Marathon: A race that encompasses running 21,097.5 meters, or about 13.1 miles.
5K: A race that encompasses running 5 kilometers or 3.107 miles.
Aquathon: A race encompassing swimming and running.

So consider this list before you sign up for any race so that you know what you're getting yourself into. If you are interested in brushing up on other race names, you should read up on the "athlons" too.

Fit's Tip: A good start is a Fun Run, which literally is a run for fun (often including runners who are sponsored for a charity). Unlike a lot of races (marathons, triathlons, etc.) fun runs do not require a qualifying time to enter the race.

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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.

Best Marathons for Newbies

FitSugar — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 14:30:00 -0700

Running your first marathon can be a very scary thing. So instead of signing up for the New York City Marathon as your very first marathon, try starting with something a little less intimidating.

Not sure which marathons are good for first timers? Here's a list from US Airways Magazine that sums it right up:

DISNEY WORLD MARATHON
Novices will love the fact that the course is level, and you’ll never be at a loss for scenery as you wind past sights like Cinderella Castle. This race always fills up fast, so reserve early. Check it out at DisneyWorldMarathon.com
LASALLE BANK CHICAGO MARATHON
The nation’s 2nd-largest marathon features a very flat course and is well organized. Bring lots of water and pace yourself since the weather can be quite hot during this marathon. Check it out at ChicagoMarathon.com.
MARINE CORPS MARATHON
Also known as "The People's Marathon," this perennial favorite win are recommended. Check it out at MarineMarathon.com.
MEDTRONICS TWIN CITIES MARATHON
The citizens along this flat course extend the type of friendly atmosphere people have come to associate with midwestern America. Check it out at TwinCitiesMarathon.org.
NEW LAS VEGAS MARATHON
This race begins at Mandalay Bay at the southern end of the Strip and proceeds through the heart of Vegas — it’s perhaps the only time Las Vegas Boulevard is closed. You’ll see hundreds of runners dressed as Elvis. (A push is on to break the world record with 101 Elvises!) There’s even a “Run Thru Wedding Chapel” featuring a “Running Reverend” for those who’d like to tie the knot or renew their vows. Check it out at LVMarathon.com.

Marathon Motivation

FitSugar — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 16:30:00 -0700

Motivation to run the 26.2 miles of a marathon comes in many different forms – some of them related. And in this case I mean that literally. The thirteen Weisse siblings will be running in Wisconsin's Fox Cities Marathon this weekend. Aside from the bragging rights that come with finishing a marathon, if the entire family finishes they will break the current Guinness World Records. Currently holding the record is a family of 12 Irish siblings that completed the Dublin marathon.

Each member of the family needs to complete all 26.2 miles in 8 hours. I am rooting for them! Most of the Weisse siblings are running newbies, but the family, spread across the state of Wisconsin and the U.S., used daily e-mails to encourage and inspire each other. I, for one am, inspired!

What about you? Would having your name and the names of all your siblings in the Guinness Book of World Records motivate you to run a marathon? Tell me how you feel about it in the comments section below!

Get in Gear: Running Speedometer

FitSugar — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 02:30:00 -0700

When you're out running, having a target helps you stay motivated. Maybe you want to run for a certain amount of time, say 20 minutes. Or maybe you're shooting for a certain distance, like 3 miles. Or you might be training for a race, and trying to beat your personal best. It's great to have these goals in mind, but you need to be able to measure them. That's where the Tech4o Running Speedometer comes in handy.

This watch measures speed, distance, and your heart rate with more than 95% accuracy. There's a chest strap that you wear next to your flesh that works as a heart rate monitor, but it also comes with an accelerator that measures your speed. It has a clip on the back that you attach to your waistband (kind of like a pedometer). The two work separately, so if you only want to measure your speed, you can just wear the accelerator and the watch.

This is a great way to keep track of your progress, and to reach the goals you set for yourself. Marathon here you come! Order it from Tech4o for $179.

Celebrity Marathoners

FitSugar — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 11:45:00 -0700

Who says you can't be fit and famous? Take this quiz and see if you know what celebrity has run a marathon.

Thanks to Compete Running Network!

Get Motivated: Go Watch a Marathon

FitSugar — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 10:15:00 -0700

Over the weekend I experienced motivation like no other.

A friend of mine was running her first half marathon so my husband and I went to support her at the finish line. At the finish line we found hundreds of people cheering on their loved ones in the race. Everyone was elated, but especially those who had just completed the race. There were people of all walks of life crossing that finish line, not just the über fit. I was inspired (along with everyone else that I knew that was there) like never before to get out there and start running. So if you are having a hard time getting off that couch visit the finish line at a local marathon and just observe. It's free and it's inspiring, and it may be that extra push that you've been needing.

Source

Women and Running

FitSugar — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 11:00:00 -0700

In 1988, the San Francisco Marathon was canceled due to lack of interest. This year things were decidedly different. On the 29th of July, 6,500 people ran 26.2 miles around SF and 8,500 ran half marathons, with a portion of both races crossing the Golden Gate bridge. I would say interest is not lacking. Running is back, and one of the main reasons is that more and more women are running and running in races. In fact, in the SF marathon 50% of the runners were women. I am woman, watch me run!

Running has bounced back, and one reason is that training for marathons is no longer considered a full time job. Most marathoners only run about 40 miles per week, which sounds like a lot to me, but in the 80s the average marathoner put in 80 plus miles. Women often belong to running groups, so training time doubles as social time and running in races doubles as girls' weekend away time. We are the more social sex they say. Running officials think that Oprah's participation in a marathon in the mid 90s was a pivotal moment for the average woman's attitude on endurance races. Non-athletes could participate, and finish times didn't need to be under 4 hours.

How about you? Planning a marathon weekend away with your BFF?

Weekend Reading: The Non-Runner's Marathon Guide for Women

FitSugar — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 10:00:00 -0700

Recently, there has been a bit of chatter on the Sugar pages about running marathons. Some of you have already run some while others are contemplating or training for one. Well, I have a great book for all of you newbies to check out, The Nonrunner’s Marathon Guide for Women by Dawn Dais.

The book serves as a training guide, running buddy, entertaining read and journal of Dawn’s experience getting up off her recliner and hitting the pavement with the goal of running 26.2 miles. Inspired to run for the American Stroke Society, Dawn joins a team for training. Using metaphors of battle she details her quest to find the ultimate running bra, hydrating while running, her dependence on her iPod.

The book will make you laugh while asking important questions prior to signing up for a race. Dawn will have you ask yourself - Do you think knee joints are overrated? Apparently her knees gave her lot of trouble while training. My other favorite quiz yourself question is: Sometimes, when driving long distances, like 15 miles or so, I feel the overwhelming urge to pull my car over and simply run the rest of the way. If you find this true, than marathons are for you.

Another great part of this book is worksheets for you to list how you are going to combat the inevitable excuses to not run. Another listing exercise helps you determine your reasons for running a marathon, while yet another helps you figure out different training strategies - like walking for 1 minute after completing 1 mile.

This is my kind of book, entertaining, motivational, informative and funny. Who knew chaffing could be so humorous?

Buy it at Powell's Books for $14.95.

Who is More Likely to Get Injured?

FitSugar — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 09:35:12 -0700

If you have aspirations to train for a race then think about this: Who is more likely to get injured -- Someone training for a marathon or someone training for a triathlon?

Relax Already: After a Long Day on Your Feet

FitSugar — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 15:45:00 -0700

Often the times when you really need to pamper your feet, you can't. Whether it's soaking your feet post Disney's Marathon in Orlando or after an all day tour around Italy, the appeal is not there so much if you have to sit in a cold hotel bathroom to do it. Luckily for us ladies who like to pamper our achy, worn out feet (even when traveling) there is a great product out there for you...

Gilden Tree's Inflatable Footbath In Box ($16.00) allows you to soak your feet when and where you want. The inflatable footbath is easy to store when un-inflated (even small enough to fit in a large purse), which means it's very easy to pack if you're going to be away from home. However you can use it at home in front of the TV, with a home-made mask on your face. Since it's made of a heavy-gauge vinyl, with a double bottom layer, you don't have to worry about it leaking or breaking. Buy it online from GildenTree.com.

Fit's Tip: For an even more refreshing soak for your feet, add a few drops of peppermint oil to the water to really invigorate and refresh those footsies.

You Can Be Your Own Hero: The Dean Karnazes Story

FitSugar — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 07:30:00 -0800

Dean Karnazes is internationally known for his crazy feats of endurance and for pushing himself to reach one extreme goal after another.

He's run 350 continuous miles, not sleeping for 3 nights straight. He's run across Death Valley in 126 degree heat and he's run a marathon to the South Pole in negative 40 degrees.

On 7 different occasions, he's run a 200-mile relay race ALONE, racing alongside teams of 12. Dean has swum across the San Francisco Bay, scaled Half Dome in Yosemite, and mountain biked for 24 hours straight.

And a few months ago, at age 44, he completed 50 marathons in 50 consecutive days, one in each of the 50 states.

Dean wasn't always like this. On his 30th birthday, while drunk he found that he was disgusted with the corporate rat race he found himself "running" in.

He walked back to his house, found a pair of old sneaks on his back porch, stripped down to only his t-shirt and underwear, laced up, and started running.

He sobered up about 15 miles from his home - but decided to keep on running. After 30 miles, he had a realization: There were untapped reservoirs within him.

Some people find inspiration in desperate situations. The thing is though, it is up to you and you alone to make the first move toward change. Will this be your moment? Make yourself your own hero.

Want to check out a video about Dean Karnazes? Then

Fly Pig Marathon: 5.6.07

FitSugar — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 09:15:00 -0800

Looking for a marathon in the Midwest to satisfy your desire to be a marathon runner?

This year's annual Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon (Half Marathon, Flying Pig 10K and Flying Pig 5K) will be on May 6th, 2007. The Flying Pig Marathon has made its mark as being the third-largest first-timer's marathon in the country. Welcoming athletes of all running abilities, this is a race where you can find out if this 'marathon thing' is really for you. What's more? With over 25 support stations and entertainment all along the course, you might even have a good time running.

Registration is going on now and if you register before January 19th, 2007 the fee is only $60 (the later you wait, the higher the fee is and you risk the races filling up). For more info and to register, visit the Flying Pig Marathon site.

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.

Follow in Rocky's Footsteps: Philadelphia Marathon

FitSugar — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 07:30:00 -0800

Hey all you marathon runners! (Or even all of you who are thinking about becoming one.)

The days are counting down on the register for the Philadelphia Marathon. The registration deadline is November 15th, 2006. If you're not up for the full 26.2 miles on November 18th, 2006 you have some options. On the following day you can just do the Half Marathon, which is only 13.1 miles or the Rothman 8k which is 4.97 miles.

If you're not ready to run the marathon, they are kicking it all off with a health and fitness expo on November 17th-18th, 2006.

Why is this marathon super cool?
Not only is Philly a cool city with amazing history. The Marathon will be using a new ChampionChip scoring system which uses a chip worn on the laces of the runner's shoe. The "chip" will transmit a unique signal which will enable the computer to record your official "gun time" as well as your "net time," taking into account the actual time that you cross the starting line.

You can register here.

Fit's Tip: Treat yourself to a cheese steak when you're done. You definitely deserve it!