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.
What You Need to Know When Starting a Running Routine
Posted September 20th, 2007 at 8:00 AM by Jamal Walker
Section: Running & Training, Training Plans
Why run?
Running carries with it the same benefits of all cardiovascular exercise: it helps reduce stress, strengthens the heart and lungs, reduces risk of certain diseases, increases confidence, brightens your mood, helps you sleep better, gives you more energy, and, in general, provides a better sense of well being. It is also a great way to burn calories.
How many calories do you burn running a mile?
Conventional wisdom says that, for every mile you run, you will burn 100 calories. But other factors play into the equation as well, including your running speed and your body weight. Generally speaking, a 135 pound person will burn about 100 calories per mile. A 200 pound person, running at the same speed, may burn 150. Obviously, the faster you run, the more calories you will burn.
Starting to run
Running can be stressful on your body, particularly on your leg muscles and knees. But you can minimize your risk of injury by following a few, simple tips.
Read the rest of this entry »
American Cancer Society offers “quick tips” for sun protection
Posted August 2nd, 2007 at 11:15 AM by Adam Jacobs
Section: Health & Fitness, Injury & Rehab, Exercise
The American Cancer Society (ACS) compiled and published a list of helpful steps and tips for staying safe in the sun this summer (and all year ’round!) that are especially important for runners and other individuals who engage in extended, outdoor activities.
Check out the following tips and for more information, please visit the ACS homepage: Cancer.org
- Wear hats with broad rims, shirts with long sleeves and tightly woven (moisture-wicking) clothing. Good clothing choices include dark colors and specially treated garments and bathing suits.
- Try to limit the time you are in the sun, especially in the middle of the day when UV light is most intense.
- Use SPF 15 or higher on all skin exposed to the sun.
Five helpful tips for a healthy, active summer of running and overall fitness
Posted June 25th, 2007 at 9:00 AM by thefinalsprint.com
Section: Running & Training, Injury & Rehab, Motivation, Nutrition, Healthy Eating, Supplements, Health & Fitness, Injury & Rehab, Exercise
The following article was written by TFS guest contributor Dr. Larry Robinson. For more about Dr. Robinson, check out the “About Dr. Robinson” section at the conclusion of the article.
1. Use the summer weather to increase your outdoor activity:
“From running and baseball games in the park to weekend getaways hiking, biking and canoeing, summer’s the perfect time to get in shape without a daily trip to the gym,” says Dr. Robinson. “Use the season to start a new sport you’ve always been interested in that can carry you through the holidays, New Year’s resolutions and colder weather.”
Of course check with your physician first if you have any physical concerns, and always start off easy. If you’re prone to heat stroke or exhaustion, take advantage of dusk and dawn to complete your fitness activity. And, as always, drink plenty of water and don’t forget the sunscreen for daytime outdoor activities.
Read the rest of this entry »
Stare Down the Demons: Get psyched up for your next run!
Posted June 5th, 2007 at 2:37 PM by Alexandra Haller
Section: Running & Training, Motivation, Training Tips
We all have moments when we simply don’t feel like working out. It’s not always easy to lace up the shoes, walk out to the car in the cold, or wake up for a 5 a.m. run.
There are a number of demons staring us down: a sour attitude; the comfortable couch we dared to sit on after an exhausting work day; the cozy bed with a warm, enveloping partner; or just plain laziness. We can all agree that while we may not always feel up for a workout, we are thrilled with how we feel at the finish. The natural high kicks in. This is why it’s vital to have strategies for dealing with the fight.
I want to highlight three ideas I find useful. You can think of them as ways to trick your mind into doing what your body knows it needs. Perhaps all of the strategies don’t appeal to you. That’s okay. Pick one and experiment.
Read the rest of this entry »





The Final Sprint
On August 29, 2008
Suzanne Walker Shaw said:
Jon- That was beautifully written, and such a true testament of the man you are....