TheFinalSprint.com - Track & Field, Marathons, Racing News, Training Advice, Elite Athlete Blogs, Interviews, Podcasts, Videos and More! - TheFinalSprint.com is the Premier Destination for Track & Field, Marathon, Cross Country, Olympic and Road Racing Enthusiasts.

Lead Stories: Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Quote of the Day: 10/07/07

Posted October 7th, 2007 at 6:00 AM by Jimmie R. Markham

Section: Motivation, Famous Quotes

Stadiums are for spectators. We runners have nature and that is much better.

- Juha “the Cruel” Väätäinen

Comment on this post | Permalink

Bored with your trail running route? The solution may be simpler than you think …

Posted June 4th, 2007 at 2:37 PM by Bart Moylan

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

So you’ve just blown through one of your regular trail routes and you are feeling like it’s become too routine, as if you’ve just done your regular 3-mile loop in your neighborhood. As you think to yourself how mundane that loop was the thought hits you in the side of head like a wild right hook from Chuck Liddell, the trails I’m running have become just like the pavement, uninspiring and ridiculously repetitive!

One of the reasons you left the pavement for the woods was the different surroundings but somehow that does not seem to be the case. Lost is that sense of adventure, excitement or what lurks up ahead. Logic would dictate that you should change trails, routes, hills or mountains. However, what if that’s not possible, or you have already tried that, but can’t shake the monotony?

Well, you should start by considering your attitude towards your training runs and workouts, as well as how your routine generally unfolds…

Read the rest at our partner site: TrailFit.com

One comment, add yours | Permalink

Fastpacking: The perfect mix of running, hiking and nature

Posted May 5th, 2007 at 12:00 PM by Amanda Black

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

Have you ever wanted to fuse the beauty and surroundings of a hike with the face pace of a run? Well, if you did - then your in luck - because that’s exactly what the newest craze, called “fastpacking”, is all about.

Fastpacking is about taking as little gear as possible so you can travel greater distances in the wilderness unhampered. And what gear you do take with you should be necessary camping gear: (sleeping bag and tarp), food, cooking utensils, water, and everything should be durable and light. The total weight of your pack should be around twenty pounds or what you can comfortably run with for a long period of time.
Read the rest of this entry »

One comment, add yours | Permalink

Keeping it safe on the trails

Posted April 2nd, 2007 at 12:00 PM by Lisa Cieplechowicz

Section: Running & Training, Injury & Rehab, Training Tips, Cross Training

Trail running can be a great workout and an excellent way to challenge your body and take your run to the next level. It can also be very mentally fulfilling by providing opportunities to enjoy nature and escape into a world of peace, quiet, and beautiful scenery.

Although enjoyable, trail running, like other forms of exercise, also comes with some inherent and potential risks. Rocky terrain, unknown paths, and unfriendly wildlife can make any trail run a challenging experience. So the next time you’re heading out to a trail, keep these helpful tips in mind to stay safe and have fun:

1) Get the low-down on a particular trail before you begin your run. Consult trail guidebooks, check the internet if possible, talk to people who have already run the trail you’re considering, or speak with the appropriate land-management agency to ensure the trail is safe and open to the public – whatever you do, make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into!
Read the rest of this entry »

Comment on this post | Permalink

Switch it up and challenge yourself with a trail running adventure!

Posted January 22nd, 2007 at 2:30 PM by Kathryn Magro

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

We’ve all experienced that day when we finally grow tired of seeing the same houses and landmarks along our running route. What’s a runner to do? Fear no more! Add some excitement, change your scenery, enjoy nature and increase your workout intensity by trying: Trail Running!

Trail running typically takes place on hills, mountains, hiking paths, etc - and is exponentially growing in popularity among runners, triathletes, hikers and other athletes. As a matter of fact, there are now approximately 6.5 million regular trail runners in the United States. The main allures of trail running comes from the more challenging and scenic courses. Constant changes in terrain are common; therefore, proper training and equipment are recommended before participating in any sort of formal races or events.
Read the rest of this entry »

Comment on this post | Permalink

KEEP ON RUNNING iMix #1 - Country / Rock

Posted January 15th, 2007 at 12:00 PM by Alex Schneider

Section: Motivation, Music, Special Features, Pump-up iMix's

Every week The Final Sprint’s team of music gurus posts a new, downloadable iMix on the site and in iTunes to help you stay motivated throughout all of your weekly runs and workouts.

KEEP ON RUNNING iMix #1, created by Alex Schneider, is a 10-song playlist of passionate country music favorites. It is perfect for your moderate workouts and when you want to enjoy good ol’ American tunes. Below you will find the complete track listings and then a brief synopsis by Alex. To open iTunes and download the iMix, click here or on any of the songs or artists below.

Read the rest of this entry »

Comment on this post | Permalink