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Lead Stories: Sunday, September 7, 2008

Tai Chi: Excellent cross training since 1460 AD

Posted January 27th, 2007 at 2:12 PM by Valerie Cerami

Section: Running & Training, Cross Training, Health & Fitness, Exercise

Tai Chi is a series of gentle, graceful movements designed to exercise the body and clear the mind. Tai chi is a noncompetitive, non-aggressive, self-paced system of continuously flowing postures, using every part of the body and benefiting all bodily parts, while stimulating the psyche. It is also an effective exercise for overall health and improving athletic performance.
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Warning: If you start running, you may become “addicted”

Posted January 15th, 2007 at 7:03 PM by Amanda Black

Section: Running & Training, Motivation, Health & Fitness, Exercise

People often look at serious runners with awe and admiration, wondering why they would choose to do such a thing and how a person could get up at five in the morning and go for a run in the freezing cold before the start of a stressful day.

For most runners the answer is simple: they need it, they love it and they just don’t feel “right” if they don’t go for their run. In a lot of ways, running is actually psychologically and physically addictive. The body produces natural endorphins during exercise; the so called “runner’s high” and many people just can’t get enough! Author Pam Hilts explains that these endorphins:
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Keeping sane during injury

Posted January 13th, 2007 at 4:00 PM by Paul Petersen

Section: Running & Training, Injury & Rehab

Running injuries present many challenges. Getting the injury diagnosed and implementing a rehabilitation program are at the forefront, but keeping your SANITY during the potentially long layoff is often overlooked and can be very problematic.

We injury-ridden runners have all had our “Shining” moments: All elliptical and no run makes Jack a dull boy. All elliptical and no run makes Jack a dull boy. All elliptical and no runs makes Jack a dull boy. All elliptical and no run makes Jack a dull boy. All elliptical and no run makes Jack a dull boy…You get the picture.

Although injured runners going through withdraw usually aren’t homocidal, we do become the next worst thing: grouchy, frustrated, depressed, and, yes, slightly insane. Maybe it’s the loss of structure and stress release to our day, maybe it’s the lack of “runner’s high” in our chemical diet, maybe it’s weight gain due to decreased activity, maybe it’s the loss of part of our social network. Whatever it is, any spouse of an injured runner can tell you that we are no fun to be around!
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Other stories of interest: January 9, 2007

Posted January 9th, 2007 at 4:00 AM by Allyson Rosen

Section: News & Results

From time to time TFS will try and highlight other stories that you might find of interest:

Free the Mind and Fewer Injuries May Follow — NY Times

Feel the anger (why snow is good for you)… — YourRunning.com

World Record Eludes Amputee Marathoner – CanadianRunner.com

Karnazes: All About Passion — RunAthena.com

Running sites you should visit — JustYourAverageJoggler.com

GPS addiction with Motionbased & Everytrail – Trail Runner’s Blog

Five Ways to Stay Motivated — EndurancePlanet.com

Why don’t people join running clubs anymore? — Gary Moller Online

Head for the hills — ThatsFit.com

A Bitter Pill to Swallow — Washington Post
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Opt for an outdoor run to chase away the winter blues

Posted January 8th, 2007 at 6:30 AM by Valerie Cerami

Section: Running & Training, Motivation, Training Tips, Health & Fitness, Exercise

Are you feeling lethargic? Craving carbs? Noticing sleep disturbances? Experiencing depression? Anxious? Gaining weight? Having difficulty concentrating?

If so, you’re not alone – and you’re not crazy! If you’re seemingly sad, you may be feeling (the effects of) S.A.D. The acronym stands for: seasonal affective disorder - a.k.a. the winter blues. A real condition we are all susceptible to.

Even a party animal like Mike Jagger sometimes needs to sing the blues … Take a gander at some lyrics from “Winter”, by The Rolling Stones

It’s sure been a cold, cold winter
And a lotta love is all burned out
It’s sure been a hard, hard winter
My feet been draggin’ ‘cross the ground

In fact, it’s not all that unusual to be affected by this affliction. You’re in good - and plentiful – company. SAD affects half a million people every winter between September and April, peaking in December, January, and February.
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