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Lead Stories: Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Abdirahman, Culpepper, Hall & Teleconference Excerpts

Posted November 1st, 2007 at 9:00 PM by Martin Kennedy

Section: News & Results, Marathons, Olympics, Special Features, Interviews

abdi-abdirahman USA Track & Field, the U.S. Olympic Committee and New York Road Runners on Thursday hosted a national media teleconference with two-time Olympian Abdi Abdirahman (Tucson, Ariz.), 2004 U.S. Olympic Trials champion Alan Culpepper (Lafayette, Colo.) and American half-marathon record holder Ryan Hall (Palo Alto, Calif.).

All three will compete Saturday in New York for a spot on the 2008 Olympic Team, running in the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Men’s Marathon.

Below are excerpts from Thursday’s call:

Q: Could you discuss your readiness for Saturday’s race?

RH: I’m just really excited about this opportunity. I’ve been dreaming about this for a long time and it’s exciting to finally have the opportunity to make my first Olympic team. I know whatever team is selected here on Saturday is going to represent well in Beijing.

AC: Like Ryan said, we’re all excited about this event. We’re excited about the build-up and the excitement of making an Olympic team and it being here on the largest stage in New York City. I’m thrilled to be a part of this and thrilled to get out and run on Saturday.

AA: I’m glad to be a part of the USA Olympic men’s marathon trials. My preparation has been going well leading to this race. Everything’s going well, I’m healthy and I’m ready to race. The three men that will be selected Saturday for the U.S. Olympic team will represent our country well at the Beijing Olympics.
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Heart Health and Marathon Running: Preparation is Key

Posted February 13th, 2007 at 3:02 PM by Megan Hueter

Section: News & Results, Marathons, Running & Training, Injury & Rehab, Training Tips, Health & Fitness, Injury & Rehab, Exercise

Left Ventricle.gif The risk of death from coronary heart disease is decreased almost two-fold in physically active people. Regular exercise has beneficial effects on blood pressure, lipid profile (fats in the body), insulin resistance (ability to break down sugar to use for energy), and overall decreased risk of death.

However, prolonged exercise (such as a marathon running) is hard for the body to endure, especially the heart. The risk of a cardiac event is there, as indicated by dozens of emergency crews present at various intervals of an event such as the Boston Marathon. A 2006 study shows that heart damage from a marathon is significantly related to inadequate training and preparation; a problem seen in some amateur marathon runners.
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