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Lead Stories: Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Kate O’Neill:
Taking the First Steps
(Elite Athlete Blog - Entry #9)

Posted May 27th, 2008 at 2:30 PM by Kate O'Neill

Section: News & Results, Marathons, Track & Field, Elite Athlete Blogs, Kate O'Neill

Hi, this is my blog in TFS’s Elite Athlete Blog Series. Bookmark kateoneill.thefinalsprint.com and check back every other Monday for my latest entry as I strive for the 2008 Summer Olympics!

For the first few weeks after the Olympic Marathon Trials, I was not able to run at all, but I thought about running constantly. Worries about what I had done wrong filled my head and doubts made me question all of my decisions leading up to the race. As my knee improved and I progressed toward running again, those thoughts quickly changed from the past to the future. I kept wondering what those first few steps of running would feel like. The first run loomed over thoughts and I wanted to do everything I could do to make sure that it went well.

I have been running for 13 years. In an ideal world, all those years of experience would make the act of running instinctual. I would not have needed to waste energy with all these thoughts. Instead, I felt sick with worry that my feet would no longer remember how to support me, my arms would start flailing, and my knees would buckle forward into each other.
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Q&A: Abdominal exercises and related info for runners

Posted March 31st, 2007 at 11:34 AM by Jim Fortner

Section: Running & Training, Health & Fitness, Exercise

Jim Fortner is a weekly, guest contributor to TFS. Also check out his own personal running and advice site: “Jim2’s Running Page”.

Strengthening the abdominal muscles is important for runners. One function of the abs is to counter the force exerted on the pelvic structure by back muscles in order to stabilize the pelvis structure and maintain an erect posture.

Running strengthens back muscles, but not abs. If a runner doesn’t exercise his/her abs to strengthen them, an imbalance can develop. Stronger back muscles can overpower the abs and result in a tilted pelvis, or forward hunch, when running …
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Run through the day, but then always dance the night away!

Posted January 2nd, 2007 at 7:00 AM by Valerie Cerami

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

From pop stars, to pro athletes (to you and I) … taking a dance class is a true power enhancer and morale booster. Exactly the little lift we all need for the cold-n-dark winter months ahead.

There are as many types of dance, as there are types of personalities.

Tap, Jazz, Hip-Hot, Hula, Salsa, Swing, Square, Exotic, Ballroom, Ballet, Break, Belly … to name but a few. I’m most certain you can find a style that suits your profile, mood and/or schedule. Need a little inspiration? Flip on WABC and watch the popular “Dancing With The Stars”, it’s sure to get your toes a’ tappin’.
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Washboard abs and why they are important for runners too!

Posted December 30th, 2006 at 4:00 PM by Carolyn Hershler

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

Toned arms, strong legs, and chiseled abs are all factors that come into play when searching for the ideal athletic body. But what’s the ideal body type for a runner?

A strong abdominal section may seem to only be important aesthetically, but it actually is of the utmost importance for runners. Having a strong mid-section can provide an assortment of benefits for runners, such as: providing a strong core, improvement of running form, as well as a reduction of stress on the back.

With the correct combination of ab strengthening techniques, one can become a stronger runner (and have that beach-ready body you always wanted!).
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What’s the big hubbub about Pilates? Can it help runners?

Posted December 17th, 2006 at 10:00 AM by Valerie Cerami

Section: Running & Training, Injury & Rehab, Health & Fitness, Injury & Rehab, Exercise

So, what’s all the hubbub about Pilates these days?

The name seems to pop-up everywhere: magazine covers (as I wait online), DVD’s (as I wait for someone to move out-of-the-way down the music aisle), overheard lunch conversations (as I wait for my salad), the gym’s class schedule board (as I wait to scan my card), the new boutique studio’s neon sign (as I wait at a red light on the corner).

Seems like Pilates is everywhere (and that I’m always waiting somewhere!) - So, what am I waiting for? A long overdue meeting is needed between my oldest and favorite pals:

“Runners, allow me to introduce you to Pilates, your new best friend”

It’s the time to dig-in, give-in and drop-in on one of those omnipresent and popular Pilates classes.
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Yoga can be a cure all – for all (yes, even for runners)

Posted December 7th, 2006 at 12:00 PM by Valerie Cerami

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

It can be done by anyone; anywhere. It involves mind, body and spirit. It strives to create balance; unison of physical and mental. It nurtures all areas touched upon in life; thorough in addressing all segments of one’s self and beyond. A learning experience. An art form. A must - for all athletes – and non.

Historically, yoga is almost as old as running. Running was actually the very first form of physical conditioning. I bet those cavemen didn’t even realize the health benefits they were developing while chasing prey – or being chased by an angrier or larger caveman! Read the rest of this entry »

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