About.com Running & Jogging

Celebrate World Run Day

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:13:43 +0000

Runners around the world are getting ready the annual World Run Day�tomorrow. More than 1,600 charity runners across the U.S. are already registered to participate in the event, which asks runners to celebrate running and donate to a local charity. Many participants will choose their own course to run for the day, while others will participate in World Run Day group events, held from San Francisco to New York City.

Now in its 11th year, World Run Day has raised money for over 1,000 charities in the United States alone. Runners can decide which charity they want their donations to benefit. It's not too late to participate in World Run Day�-- check out the World Run Day site to find out about group events or how to run on your own.

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Celebrate World Run Day originally appeared on About.com Running & Jogging on Saturday, November 7th, 2009 at 09:13:43.

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Don't Forget the Hand Sanitizer

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:02:05 +0000

Runners who frequently participate in races have come to expect the standard race T-shirt, mini-energy bars, or pain reliever samples in their race goody bags. But if you're doing a race in the next few months, don't be surprised if you also find a bottle of hand sanitizer in there.

Fearing H1N1, as well�as the regular flu and colds,�some race organizers are taking precautions to prevent the spread of�germs among runners. Participants in Sunday's New York City Marathon received a small bottle of hand sanitizer when they picked up their race packets and were cautioned to not run the race if they had flu symptoms. They were also reminded to be vigilant about washing their hands and getting rest after the marathon, since their immune systems may be compromised for up to three days after.

Even if you don't get a free bottle of hand sanitizer, it's always a good idea to bring your own and use it before and after�your race�-- especially if you're planning on giving race spectators lots of high-fives along the way.

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Don't Forget the Hand Sanitizer originally appeared on About.com Running & Jogging on Thursday, November 5th, 2009 at 11:02:05.

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Marathons Are Not Just for the Swift

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:59:43 +0000

A recent article in the New York Times last has created a huge debate in the running community about whether slower runners and walkers should participate in marathons. Should the 26.2-mile race be reserved for those who can run the entire distance at a fast clip? The article states that some "purists" believe that, "Slow runners have disrespected the distance...and have ruined the marathon's mystique." The "stragglers" force race directors to keep the course open longer, which can make the race more expensive to organize.

In the interest of full disclosure, I ran my last marathon in 3:20, so I can't claim to know how it feels to be a back-of-the-packer. But I definitely don't agree with the elitist views of those faster runners who want to keep the marathon all to themselves. I get excited when I hear about the growing number of people taking on the marathon challenge. And with the huge obesity problem that we have in the U.S., I can't really imagine why anyone would want to criticize or discourage people who are actually getting off the couch and moving. Who cares how fast they're going?

I was at the New York City marathon on Sunday and watched in awe as the elite men and women passed by, running at incredible paces and still looking so relaxed and graceful. But I was equally as inspired and impressed many hours later when the back-of-the-packers made their way into Central Park for the last two miles. The huge crowds had left, the sun was setting, and the water stops were being broken down. Yet these troopers -- many of them proudly displaying their ages (some in their 70s!) or the words "Cancer Survivor" on their shirts -- still fiercely and proudly plodded along.

Mary Wittenberg, CEO of the New York Road Runners and the race director for the New York City marathon, wrote a thoughtful response to the New York Times article. I think this quote sums up her points best:

"A marathoner is a marathoner regardless of time. Virtually everyone who tries the marathon has put in training over�months, and it is that exercise and that commitment, physical and mental, that gives meaning to the medal, not just the day's effort, be it fast or slow."

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Marathons Are Not Just for the Swift originally appeared on About.com Running & Jogging on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 at 13:59:43.

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Big Day in New York City

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:58:37 +0000

U.S. marathoner Meb Keflezighi ended a long drought as he became the first American man since 1982 to win the New York City marathon yesterday. Pulling away from a very strong field in the 24th mile, Keflezighi, the 2004 Olympic silver medalist, won the race with a personal-best time of 2:09:15.��

In the women's race, Derartu Tulu of Ethiopia won with a time of 2:28:52. Three-time NYC Marathon champion Paula Radcliffe of Great Britain struggled with a leg injury and faded to fourth place.

Among the more than 43,000 runners who started the race were some celebrities - including music stars, television and film actors, and sports legends. Oscar-nominated actor Ed Norton, who ran in support of the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust, finished in 3:48. His fellow Team Maasai member and Grammy-award-winning singer Alanis Morissette crossed in 4:28.

Other celebrities who made the 26.2-mile journey through New York's five boroughs included: former ER star Anthony Edwards (4:08), Olympic speed skater Dan Jansen (3:41), and NHL Hall of Famer Pat LaFontaine (4:27).

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_{Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images}

Big Day in New York City originally appeared on About.com Running & Jogging on Monday, November 2nd, 2009 at 11:58:37.

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Stay Safe When Running in the Dark

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 09:27:04 +0000

Now that we've turned the clocks back, we have limited hours of daylight in the evening. If you have to run in the dark, make sure to follow these safety tips.

Always run against traffic. It's easier to avoid cars if you can see them coming. Avoid busy roads and those with no shoulders or sidewalks.

Be visible. If you're running in the early morning or at night, even at dusk, wear white, yellow, or orange clothes. Also, make sure you have reflective gear on. Although some items (running shoes, jackets) already have reflective pieces on them, it doesn't hurt to add more. A headlamp is also a great item for runners who do a lot of early morning or evening runs.

Run with a buddy. There's strength and safety in numbers. If possible, try to never run alone. If you're running alone, let someone know the route you're running and approximately how long you will be out.

Get more tips for running in the dark.

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Stay Safe When Running in the Dark originally appeared on About.com Running & Jogging on Sunday, November 1st, 2009 at 09:27:04.

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The "Real" Rules of Running

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:57:08 +0000

Aside from the physical challenges, running can sometimes feel overwhelming to a beginner because of the many rules associated with the sport. I don't mean the rules posted on a sign at your local track or listed on a road race application. I mean those unstated rules -- the real running rules -- that you sort of discover by accident. They're often passed on from one runner to another, and include advice such, "Don't wear the giveaway race T-shirt during the actual race" and "You don't have to jog in place at red lights." They're the kind of things that may distinguish newbies from more experienced runners.

Well, you don't have to be part of some secret, exclusive running club to discover those unspoken rules of running.� Now, runners can find all these "rules" in one place. The Runner's Rule Book provides answers to runners' burning questions about etiquette, lingo, gear and behavior. From the practical ("Have a mantra") to the humorous ("When elastic is gone, man, it is gone") to the introspective ("Run the mile you're in"), the book covers more than 100 unspoken rules of running.

I have a lot of running books on my shelves and this is one book that I know I'll keep referring to, for both information and a good laugh. If you're looking for holiday gift ideas for yourself or other runners in your life, it's a good book to add to your lists.

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The "Real" Rules of Running originally appeared on About.com Running & Jogging on Thursday, October 29th, 2009 at 17:57:08.

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Rain Won't Ruin Your Marathon

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:22:44 +0000

A lot of runners I know are running the New York City Marathon this Sunday and they've been constantly checking the forecast on weather.com. Right now, they're calling for rain, which has a lot of them totally freaking out. While it's not perfect marathon weather, a cool, rainy day definitely beats a sunny, warm one. Once you're running, you won't even notice the rain anymore. But here are tips to help keep you as comfortable as possible:

Dress in layers. If it's cold and rainy, you may need to wear a couple of layers. The most important layer is the one closest to your body. Make sure it's a technical fabric (not cotton), which will wick water and sweat away from your skin. Your outer layer (if necessary) should be a wind- and water-resistant jacket or vest.

But don't overdress. This is one the biggest mistakes runners make during rainy runs. Wearing more layers will not keep you dry. Unless you're running with an umbrella over your head, you will definitely get wet. If you have tons of layers on, you'll just be wearing more wet, heavy clothes. Dress for the temperature, as if it were a dry day.

Use a garbage bag. When you're waiting at the starting line, a big trash bag with armholes and a neck hole cut out can help you stay dry. You can take it off and throw it to the side once you get moving.

Wear a hat. A hat with a brim can be your best friend during a rainy run. It will keep the rain off your face.

Wear old running shoes and socks to the start.� When waiting at the start, keep your race shoes and socks in a plastic bag to keep them dry. You can check your old shoes in your gear check bag, and put on your race shoes and socks right before you head to the starting line.� If it has stopped raining by then, you'll be able to run the race in dry shoes and socks.

Prevent chafing. Spread Body Glide or Vaseline on parts of your body where you would normally chafe or get blisters -- such as your feet, inner thighs, underarms, sports bra lines (women), and nipples (men). (This is good advice for marathon running whether it's raining or not!)

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Rain Won't Ruin Your Marathon originally appeared on About.com Running & Jogging on Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 at 23:22:44.

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Do You Run in Costume? (If So, Thank You!)

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:38:46 +0000

Some runners don't need to use Halloween as an excuse to get dressed up in costumes - they'll do it all year-long. If you've run in at least a few races, you more than likely have seen at least one runner in some crazy get-up. Sometimes people run in simple outfits, like a Superman T-shirt and a cape, while others go all out, wearing a full cow costume.

And, as if running in a costume wasn't hard enough, some runners insist on adding ridiculous props to make the race even more challenging. I'll never forget the time I saw a man running the NYC marathon as a pizza delivery man -- balancing a pizza box on the palm of his hand as he ran along First Avenue. And don't even get me started about this crazy marathoner who dragged a 10-foot dragon for an entire marathon.

�Although I've never attempted to run in a costume (too worried about overheating and chafing - ouch!), I'm always entertained and impressed by the creativity and confidence of runners who attempt it. And, like many other runners, I've definitely been motivated to run faster�because of�those runners dressed in crazy outfits. The thought of getting beat by a man dressed as a hot dog will make any runner push themselves harder to the finish line.

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Do You Run in Costume? (If So, Thank You!) originally appeared on About.com Running & Jogging on Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 at 10:38:46.

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Calm Your Nerves

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 21:14:13 +0000

Whenever I'm training for a marathon, I always know when I'm getting close to race day because the marathon nightmares begin. Sometimes I dream that I'm late for the marathon because I forgot to set my alarm or I mixed up the a.m. and p.m. on the alarm clock (just like that Seinfeld episode). Or, I show up on time, but I don't have my running shoes, or�another critical item, like my race bib.

It's very common for runners to have anxiety dreams about a race, whether it's their first or their fortieth. But there are things you can do to try to control your pre-race nerves and limit those crazy dreams. Try some of these ideas:

Be prepared. Part of being ready for your race is obviously making sure you do the proper training. But you can do other things to help feel better prepared for your race, which can lower your pre-race anxiety levels. For example, many runners like to study the course map so they know exactly what to expect and where. If you know where the aid stations are on the course, you'll feel less anxious about staying hydrated during your race.

Start packing. If you're traveling to a race and you're anxious about forgetting an important race item, start packing early and use a checklist to make sure you're not missing anything. Waiting until the last minute to get ready for a race will only increase your anxiety.

Use visualization. A couple of weeks before your race, begin visualizing yourself starting the race, running in it, and crossing the finish line. Picture what you'll be wearing, who will be watching you, and how you'll feel when you hear people cheering as you cross the finish line. Why does this help reduce your anxiety? You'll be eliminating -- or at least minimizing -- the fear of the unknown, which is a huge cause of stress. By imagining yourself running your race, you're familiarizing yourself with what might happen, as well as how you may react.

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Calm Your Nerves originally appeared on About.com Running & Jogging on Friday, October 23rd, 2009 at 21:14:13.

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Listen to Music Safely on the Run

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:18:39 +0000

If you regularly run with music because you think it helps you run faster or longer, you're not fooling yourself. "Music can also help block out the little voice in your brain telling you its time to quit. Research shows that this dissociation effect results in a 10 percent reduction in perceived effort during treadmill running at a moderate intensity," according to a LiveScience article highlighting studies about the effect of music on exercise performance.

Although listening to music on the run can give you a much-needed boost, it can be dangerous when running outside. The music may block noise from oncoming cars, cyclists, other runners -- even unfriendly dogs. If you really need music for motivation (and there are lots of runners who do!), keep the volume low or leave one earbud out, so you can still hear what's going on around you. �

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Listen to Music Safely on the Run originally appeared on About.com Running & Jogging on Thursday, October 22nd, 2009 at 13:18:39.

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