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Lead Stories: Sunday, July 20, 2008

If You Don’t Snooze, You Lose: The Importance of Sleep

Posted November 29th, 2007 at 5:00 PM by Lisa Cieplechowicz

Section: Health & Fitness

Sleep - it’s one of our nation’s favorite pastimes. Sometimes nothing feels better than throwing a blanket over yourself, burying your face in your pillow, and settling down for a nice, long slumber. But as enjoyable as this nocturnal activity is, millions of Americans are seriously missing out on the fun.

Over 60 million individuals in our society suffer from some type of sleeping disorder, and more than half of these people are men. Unfortunately, lack of sleep can have a myriad of consequences on our minds and bodies.

Read the rest of this entry at our partner site: HesFit.com

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Video: HealthWatch: Kids & Sleep, Pregnancy & Running

Posted November 9th, 2007 at 8:00 PM by Hariz Siddiqui

Section: News & Results, Marathons, Health & Fitness, Exercise

In the following video report, Dr. Holly Phillips of CBS-2 New York discusses the connection between children, sleep, and how marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe won Sunday’s 2007 NYC marathon just 9 months after giving birth.

For more information on Paula Radcliffe and the 2007 ING New Yrok City Marathon, please visit: http://newyork.thefinalsprint.com

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Understanding the
Need For Sleep

Posted September 27th, 2007 at 3:00 PM by Lisa Cieplechowicz

Section: Health & Fitness, Exercise

Most athletes know all too well the intense feelings of fatigue and exhaustion that tend to follow intense workouts and training sessions. Frequent naps and long-night sleeps become common for the individual used to pushing their body to perform physical feats. But why exactly is it that strenuous workouts lead to such drowsiness while other forms of exercise can actually help boost our energy levels?

According to a recent article from The New York Times, this is one issue that is still unresolved. Though much research has been dedicated to the topic of sleep, there is a significant lack of studies on the effect intense exercise such as endurance running can have on an individual’s sleeping patterns.

To read the rest of this entry, visit our partner site: HerActiveLife.com

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Race Recap: Great Midwest Relay (GMR)

Posted July 10th, 2007 at 3:30 PM by Perry Romanowski

Section: News & Results, Marathons, Running & Training, Cross Training

The following race recap was written by endurance “joggler” Perry Romanowski; a unique and talented athlete who successfully juggles while running marathons and other long-distance events at competitive paces. For more information about Perry, “joggling”, and/or to support his current charity venture, please visit: JustYourAverageJoggler.com.

The Great Midwest Relay (GMR) is a two-day race featuring a 190-mile trek from Madison, WI through Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL. 2007 marked the third annual running of this team event which is the longest distance race of its kind in the Midwest. Relay teams of 6-12 people run 36-continuous segments along bike paths, wooded trials and streets following red arrows the entire way. Some of the proceeds from GMR are donated to the Special Olympics and runners of all skill levels are encouraged to participate.

This year, 120 teams started and 115 teams finished. The winning time was a blazing 19:55, but the average finishing time was just around 27 hours. It was the first year I participated, so this review is presented from the vantage of a newbie. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience. A few minor issues with the event organization were unfortunate but in the end, I’d recommend you try it if you have an inclination for team fitness events.

Read the rest of the recap at our partner site: TrailFit.com

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Tips for Runners: Overcoming the perils of travel

Posted April 26th, 2007 at 2:35 PM by Paul Petersen

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

In just the past month, I have had to travel on business to three different destinations on three separate occasions. This plethora of traveling has often made it difficult to run, but since I maintain an active racing schedule, I really can’t afford to have these trips impede on the 80-90 miles of weekly running required by my training program.

After my most recent trip, I returned home fatigued and endured a series of terrible runs on the ensuing days. I’ve been spending these trips sitting around a conference table, not hiking around or digging ditches, so it was not immediately clear to me why travel is so taxing on the body.

However, after serious reflection, I identified several reasons why traveling can be perilous to a running regimen:

1. Change of schedule. We are creatures of routine and habit, and this is something that is not just psychological, but also physiological. This is why I am unable to sleep in on weekends anymore and why I get tired at the same time every night. Upset that routine and our body clocks get upset too. The result is fatigue.

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Power nap to power your run!

Posted February 4th, 2007 at 4:00 PM by Valerie Cerami

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

Why nap? Because a nap can: increase alertness, boost creativity, reduce stress and improve perception, stamina, motor skills & accuracy.

It also enhances your sex life, helps you make better decisions, keeps you looking younger, aids in weight loss, reduces the risk of heart attack, elevates your mood, and strengthens memory. It is nontoxic, has no dangerous side effects and is absolutely free.

The right nap at the right time can give you all of this and more!
Read the rest of this entry »

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Will exercising at night keep me from sleeping?

Posted January 3rd, 2007 at 7:00 AM by Martha Jones

Section: Health & Fitness, Exercise

Many fitness instructors give bad advice when they tell you not to exercise within three hours before going to sleep. Several studies show that exercising vigorously before going to bed does not interfere with sleep.

One study from the University of California at San Diego showed that three hours of vigorous pedaling at 70 percent of maximum oxygen uptake in very bright lights did not stop fit men from falling or staying asleep.
Read the rest of this entry »

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Energy Drinks: To drink or not to drink? That is the question . . .

Posted November 17th, 2006 at 7:00 AM by Jonathan Faccone

Section: Nutrition, Hydration, Health & Fitness

Energy drinks are quickly becoming our favorite weapon for dealing with our fast-paced and stressful lives. They are convenient, work well and can even taste great. As a matter of fact, Red Bull and other energy drinks have become a true savior for those among us who dislike the taste of coffee, but who also could use that extra boost from caffeine. With all of the “natural” ingredients that the energy drink companies have added to their beverages - won’t we gain energy and become healthier at the same time? Unfortunately . . . (Brace Yourself!) . . . the answer is . . . NO!

Suzanne Farrell, spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, believes that there is no substantial evidence proving that the ingredients in energy drinks actually do what the manufacturers advertise them to do. In addition, the caffeine and sugar intakes from these products can be detrimental to your health. Read the rest of this entry »

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