On a sweltering hot day in mid June the Marathon story began. A midlife crisis, heat getting to me, no one knows for sure how it happened, but non-the-less it did. A moment of clarity, this defining moment, was upon me. I looked in the mirror and with disgust said “it has to stop”.
There I was, a sixteen year veteran to a pack a day smoking habit, dedicated to non-exercise for the last ten, 6 pack a week drinker, out of shape, poor health, and over weight. I am going to have a heart attack and soon if I don’t quit treating my body this way. Beating myself up mentally and desiring to beat myself up physically it became time for change.
The Marathon idea didn’t come right away. See at first it was hearing those words “your fat” that motivated me to start some sort of exercise. It was on a jog that it came to me. Reflecting upon my youth, when I wasn’t ‘fat’, when I was attractive. I remembered the admiration that I had for athletes who would run those 26.2 miles. How I felt these individuals were the elite. When I was a boy I wanted to be that man. That man that crosses the finish line, arms raised in a V, smiling, victorious in achievement. These thoughts inspired the dream. The vision that a man, poor in health, over weight and out of shape, will complete a marathon. The decision was made on that afternoon, I was going to run a marathon.
Upon sharing this news with friends and family, the skepticism in their voice, expressions and laughter became a motivational tool. Everyone that I had come to know and love throughout my life had expressed their doubt in one form or another that I could achieve such a task. After all, completing a marathon was a very ambitious goal. Nonetheless, I had hopes that these people would have known me well enough to know I’d follow through with my commitments.
There I was Marathon bound and nothing to hold me back. Everything and Everyone I know was providing fuel, positive or negative, to train this mess into a running machine.
In each of us, tucked deep in the back of our minds, is a life list. A list of dreams, accomplishments and desires that we’d like to achieve in our lifetime. This list divided into two sections, the achievable and the doubtable. You can imagine which side of the list we don’t share with others. When I was a boy I looked at the marathoner as an elite athlete. I always said to myself how I’d love to be that kind of person and how I could never do something like it. The marathoner was on the silent side of my list. After my declaration of independence on July 4th , 2006 from Phillip Morris I committed myself to completing this goal of running the Tucson Marathon. In order to completely commit to the project I told my family and friends my intentions. Many of which doubted my ability to complete, and some of whom laughed. I had the motivation of defying the doubters and the loving support of friends and family that kept me on the road four times a week.
On December 10th my vision came to fruition. The day was upon me and there I was on the starting line of a marathon, holding back the tears and thanking God for getting me this far. He had run 400 training miles with me in five months and only 26.2 miles remained. I must have thanked God twenty times during those five hours for running with me. For I never doubted that I would finish. As I passed mile twenty six and only that last .2 to go I asked God for the strength in my legs to sprint the remainder out. Through the face of adversity, and skepticism I ran across that finish line, arms raised in a V, smiling, victorious in achievement.
Although I now stand among a small group of people we call marathoners, I am nothing more then the average Joe. I challenge each of you to look at the silent side of that list we hide from the general public and complete one of those dreams. With God all things are possible.
The Marathon Story is an actual blog entry of Jeff Woodruff. More articles from this author and detailed accounts of his marathon journey can be found at roflmao.wordpress.com
Author: Jeff Woodruff
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Creditcard Currency Conversion Fee
Jogging for beginners can be a daunting task but be prepared for your first run and learn what it takes. This is important because many people start jogging and never make it a habit because the first couple of times were not fun or they hurt too much after the run. Here are some things that you can do to make it enjoyable:
First, is to run when it is cool outside or run on a treadmill. Running in the morning or the evening might be a better option because the midday sun is very tough on beginning joggers. Running indoors can be fun for some but can also be boring for others. It is important that you find out what is fun for you and stick to it. Remember, you are doing this for you so make yourself comfortable and enjoy jogging.
Next, once you find your location it is important to have the right equipment. In a previous article about jogging for beginners I discussed some of the basic equipment but just make sure you are comfortable and you can jog for your goal time. When i started jogging, I would do static stretching which is the old school thinking way of stretching which is hold your stretch for a certain amount of time. Studies have shown that this is ineffective and dynamic stretching is better. You can search for dynamic stretches that can help you or do it my way and not stretch. I have found that even for races, if I start at a slow pace my body warms up naturally and I do not need to stretch. This may be different for some people so find out what works for you.
The next thing I can talk about for your first run is that you need to drink plenty of water all day long, not just before your run. Make this another habit and give up soda and drink water all day. This will make you feel better and you will always be hydrated. The worst feeling is being halfway through your run and feeling dehydrated. Some joggers purchase a water bottle with a hand strap but I just drink water before and after jogging.
Next, you need to have a goal time in mind not a goal distance. Distances can get beginners frustrated and usually will lead to them giving up on jogging. Start your time and run for 10 minutes. You can jog and walk when necessary. Increase your time daily and listen to your body. Many people think that you should cap your time when you get to 30 minutes because you will start getting more serious in your jogging and your goals will change. So just make sure you get out there today and jogging for beginners can be fun!
Russell Avina is an avid Jogger and Teacher. Who’s passions include helping people, teaching, and jogging.
http://www.joggingforbeginners.net
http://www.joggingforbeginners.net/jogging-for-beginners/jogging-for-beginners-benefits-of-jogging
Author: Russ Avina
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Anti-angiogenic Food
Nerves on edge, mind focused, elbows out. No, there is nothing quite like a cross country race. Anyone who has seen two hundred plus people lined up at the beginning of a race waiting for the gun to sound so they can push their way to the front knows what I am talking about. Most cross country runner will agree that the beginning of the race is the most important, especially since many courses bottle-neck onto a winding trail. This is what creates the tense mood at the start of the race.
But a lot more goes into this sport than performance at an actual race. This includes carb parties the night before, pre-race rituals such as power bars, walking the course, applying icy hot, stretching, and jogging warm-ups, and most importantly, months of training. Serious runners start training for cross country season long before the first race even begins. This is why a good training schedule is essential. Too many top runners peak during the middle of the season and drop off for the important closing races including district, regional, and state. A good workout schedule can prevent early burnout and provide runners with a chance to do their best when it counts.
There are several sources online that can help you develop a good training schedule. When you are developing your schedule remember that you want to push your body to improve to its best, but you do not want to prematurely wear your body out. You should rest your body completely one day a week. During racing season, use the day after the race to relax and let your body recoup. The day before a race you should do a light, short workout so your body has plenty of resources for the next day. During the rest of the week, it is good to vary workouts so you mix long runs with other types of workouts like weight training, sprinting, plyometrics, and intervals.
A young cross country runner should average around 35 to 45 miles per week. More advanced runners such as high school seniors and college athletes should run twice a day and average around 100 miles per week. Do not push your body beyond what it can handle. If you are a young runner trying to train at a schedule that is too advanced, you will only work against your body and wear yourself out.
Use these tips to create a schedule that will work for you. Ask your current or future cross country coach for a schedule you can follow during the summer leading up to cross country season, and work out with the team during the season. Your coach should be able to assess your individual training needs and help you perform at your best level.
Lisa Robbins is a former cross country runner. She is one of the owners of RobbinsSports.com, an online sporting goods and athletic equipment supplier.
Author: Lisa Robbins
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Benefits of electric pressure cooker
Every little point counts on race day. The smallest error or deviation from your program can imply the distinction in between a excellent race plus a poor race. Here are some ideas to adhere to to aid make certain that you simply operate a fantastic race.
Do not do something new – Ought to you ask for problems, you’ll get it. So, don’t eat any new meals. You may possibly upset your abdomen. Don’t wear any new gear, specifically new working shoes. It’ll throw you off and slow lower your progress, or hurt you. Do not do any new stretches. You may possibly tweak some thing. You’ve trained all this time and you also most probably have worked up a program that usually functions. If it ain’t broke don’t repair it.
Use a watch – You’ll want to remain disciplined at run in the pace you might have have educated for. A look at will assist you to do this by letting you record your splits. The best kind of watch is an individual that has speed-distance monitoring abilities. You ought to become instruction obtaining a enjoy way preceding to your race begins.
Be precise and effective at corners and hydration tables – Do not round corners in an arc-like style. Instead, operate a directly line by way of the curve. But will not cut the corners. Which is cheating. When you are obtaining to hydration stops, retain pace alongside the table and swiftly grab a cup. Pinch it and tilt your head, then pour it into your mouth.
Refuel – Just as you’d do correct right after every instruction run, you’ve to replenish following your race, in situation you truly sense like you are together with the world. So, use a great post race meal with a lot of carbohydrates and protein. This will allow you to keep wholesome to become able to run a lot a whole lot a lot more races.
See the following for additional information: [http://runnergpswatch.com/need-a-personal-trainer-try-the-garmin-forerunner-305/]
Hello, I hope you enjoy my posts regarding training and working out. If you have time you should check out my site. [http://runnergpswatch.com/gps-wrist-watch-what-to-look-for-and-why-3/]
Author: Antoine Dudley S Leonard
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
iPhone iPad apps and games
Women have traditionally always been at a slight disadvantage when it came to the issue of exercise equipment and sportswear. The Victorian age–with its emphasis on meek and unassuming women–has long been over the last time we checked, and since then women all over the world have made large strides in the effort to gain some respect and visibility in various areas of society and culture. But it seems that in many areas of society women–while not quite getting the short end of the stick so to speak–continue to be given somewhat less prominence than men at least as far as their various needs and concerns go. Now with the introduction of the New Balance Running Shoes for Women, that inequality will finally be addressed to some extent and–at least in terms of sportswear–the playing field will be somewhat leveled.
From the time that sports and fitness equipment first came into public consciousness, the overwhelming focus has always been on men’s needs. Women who wished to enter the more athletic pursuits had very little choice when it came to outfitting themselves with appropriate sportswear and equipment. They either had to make do with the substandard women’s models-if they could actually manage to find any-or resort to using sports equipment and attire that was designed for men. This was an unfortunate situation and brought with it a number of clear disadvantages. Women obviously have a lot of differences in physical characteristics compared to men and as such they have correspondingly different needs and requirements when it came to sports wear. The entire range of New Balance Running Shoes for Women has been specifically developed to conform to women’s special athletic requirements. The result is a technologically advanced running shoe that is not only cutting edge but also extremely comfortable and durable.
New Balance has long been known in the world of sports for their attention to detail and the entire range of New Balance Running Shoes for Women stands proudly as fine examples of how they have managed to earn that reputation.
Running as you may well know is a high impact sport and all that pounding on the tracks day in and day out can put quite a bit of wear on the foot and its various muscles, bones and tendons. The heel in particular is quite prone to long-term damage if care is not taken to protect it. With that in mind, the New Balance Running Shoes for Women have been developed with superior sole support ensuring you the utmost cushioning protection and flexibility. This way you can work-and play-as hard as you need to without worrying about causing long-term damage to your feet.
It is a commonly known fact that women have achieved some of the most noteworthy accomplishments in the athletic world–particularly in running related sports. With the New Balance Running Shoes for Women there is no limit to what greater heights women can continue to achieve.
The author has been publishing articles online since 2006 as well as creating websites on a number of topics since 2004. Please visit the latest website found at Golden Corral coupons which helps people find information when searching for Golden Corral locations as well as info they might be needing when looking for Golden Corral coupons.
Author: Sveinung Skoglund
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Canadian crossborder shopping
When I was younger and in high school, I can remember running my first seven minute mile. I felt like I was in great shape back then and while it was hard, I knew there was room for improvement. I was determined to get there though.
Later that year, I ended up injuring my knee and I was never the same runner after that. I gave up on the sport pretty much thereafter, even though I was fully recovered within a year or so.
It wasn’t until more recently that I started running again, challenging myself to beat my previous best times. While the 7 minute mile was a definite achievement for me, I was determined to set a new personal best by hitting a 6 minute mile instead.
After weeks of trying for 6 minutes flat out, I was unable to do it. I was fine with seven minutes, and even with six and a half, but I would always get stopped short on the third or fourth lap in my run, simply out of energy.
Here are a few tips I’m going to give you that eventually helped me to get to where I was.
First of all, not only do you want to master the art of the 1:30 lap (you’ll need to run four of these to do the six minute mile), but you’ll get there a lot more easily be mastering the art of the 1:15 lap. I know that it sounds really difficult, but if you’re successfully able to run two laps at this pace, then running the full mile in six minutes will be a cake walk in comparison.
Believe me, it’s not much fun running two laps at such a fast pace. If you’re serious about breaking that six minute mark though, you’ll want to do this in order to get there.
Next goal on my list is 5:30 and I’m sure I’ll be achieving it.
Alex Wilhelm writes about a wide variety of interests, including Pampers Cruisers diapers, which he writes about at http://pamperscruisersdiapers.com.
Author: Alex Wilhelm
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Canadian crossborder shopping
I used to hate running. As a kid, doing “laps” was punishment inflicted by coaches at Little League, Hockey, and other sports. When I was on the track team at school, despite the coach’s urgings, I did the high jump and eschewed any running as much as possible. When I rowed very competitive crew in high school, you guessed it, I skipped running as much as possible. And in college when I had a serious runner for a girlfriend, I’d often humor her by running a few miles with her and she’d humor me and do her real run after we finished. I not only disliked it, I was really bad at it.
So what changed? How can I claim I like or even love running now? Have I lost my mind or am I getting senile? No, I’ve just found that I like occasionally adding running to my exercise mix. Here are five main reasons why, and some are real surprises, at least they were to me:
1) Running gives me an intense short workout.
Last Monday I had very little time to consider working out, about 40 minutes. That wasn’t remotely long enough to go to the gym. If I had jumped on my bike, well, it takes me 20 minutes just to warm up and quite frankly a bike ride this short does very little for me. However in under 40 minutes, I was able to warm up, run three miles, and then cool down. I had a great workout in a short time.
2) You can run anywhere.
I travel a lot on business and often stay in rural areas where the exercise facilities are “limited.” I also bring a pair of cross training shoes, and just in the last year have run in London, Tokyo, the California desert, corn fields in Iowa, and several other places. If I hadn’t of run, I probably wouldn’t have exercised as much.
3) It’s great cross training.
Even if I only work a few runs a month in, I feel I get a significant benefit. This summer I trained for a long bike ride and logged a good 8+ hours a week on my bike. Adding a 30 minute run once a week or so helped me, at least mentally and I feel physically as well.
4) The big effect is the mental benefits.
I find running more peaceful than any other activity. It’s just me powering me. Maybe a pair of shoes but other than that running like man has run for thousands of years. I find myself thinking about all sorts of things while running, sometimes almost feeling like I’m meditating.
5) And related to number 4, I’m happy when I run.
Even a few runs a months tend to make me more peaceful and content. It sounds strange, especially to an analytical person like me, but it’s true.
I always hated running. Usually I had to run or people otherwise tried to coerce me. Now I run just for me, just because I like it, and I absolutely love the benefits I receive. If you’ve always hated running, give it another try and it just might surprise you!
Clear trash bags and kitchen trash cans are among the diverse topics Harry writes about along with other home, kitchen, and fitness topics.
Author: Harold Baldwin
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Low-volume PCB maker
Do you need shoes for stability, for long runs, with cushioning or without? Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right running shoes for your needs.
Shoes With Cushioned Soles
Cushioned shoes are an excellent choice for the runner who needs minimum support on the sides of the arches, but plenty in the midsole. These are ideal for people who don’t suffer from overpronation (the tendency to roll the foot as you run) and people who strike the ground with the middle or front of their foot. People with high arches are likely to do well in cushioned running shoes.
Running Shoes For Motion Control
This type of shoe is best for someone who suffers from moderate to severe overpronation, since it gives you the most control of the back of your foot, as well as plenty of support on the sides. These are excellent for people who are heavier or larger, since they tend to need durable shoes that offer lots of support. Runners who do well in motion control shoes may have flat feet or a lower arch.
Shoes For Racing
These are another type of shoe for people who don’t overpronate. They won’t work well for people with injuries, either new or old, but they’re very light and fast – perfect for racing. Some people choose to use performance training shoes, described below, in their racing, while others buy specific racing shoes and use them only for this purpose. The choice is one of personal preference, as both methods work well.
Performance Training Shoes
This is a well balanced, light shoe that works for daily training, as well as for racing and speed. To wear them, it’s best to be an efficient, fast runner with a fair amount of experience. Some people with moderate overpronation can race and train in these shoes, but they may have trouble if the problem is too severe.
Shoes For Stability
A combination of cushioned shoes and motion control racing shoes, stability types offer both midsole cushioning and side arch support. If you need durability and support, or if you overpronate mildly to moderately, these may be the best choice for you.
Shoes For The Trail
Do you prefer to run off road? These rugged running shoes offer outsole traction and a degree of weather resistance to meet your need. They’re often built to be low to the ground, in order to give you more stability on a rough trail.
As you can see, there are many types of running shoes and finding the right one for you is a matter of type of running you will be doing, budget, and comfort. Do your research ahead of time and you’ll be able to get a great running shoe that will make your running program more enjoyable.
Looking for discount running shoes [http://www.joggingspot.com]? Then a visit to the Jogging Spot is a must. You’ll find great jogging tips [http://www.joggingspot.com], videos, and more, for all levels of runners.
Author: Jay Villaverde
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Pressure cooker
You have been training for the 5K race for weeks. Your all hyped up and ready for the challenge. You’re eager to see how you match up against the other runners. Its easy to get carried away and imagine yourself standing on the winner’s podium at the end of the race, being showered with praise and glory. It you do, that’s where things start to go wrong. Remember who you are. You are a good runner, able to run at a competitive pace and turn in a reasonable time at the end of the race. If you push yourself too hard and try to match the performance of the professional or semi pro runners who may be in the race, you will burn out, could hurt yourself and when you find them beating you, the fun may go out of running. Don’t forget that you are running to 5K for fun, exercise and to be able to see where you stand amongst your peers, not the pros.
The first thing you need to remember is that there is an etiquette to be observed at the starting line. The pros will be in front, which is their rightful place. Why should they, who are the fastest runners, have to pick their way through a bunch of slower amateurs? It slows them down, will affect their race plan and does not benefit the slower runners in any way. Your place, as an amateur runner, it towards the back of the grid. You’re not going to come in first so what the professionals do does not concern you – let them speed off into the distance. Being in the back of the grid means there will be less of a crowd around you at the start of the 5K and you can run at your own pace.
Don’t worry about who overtakes you or whom you overtake during the race. That’s not important. Trying to keep up with people who don’t look like they should be faster than you and burning yourself out is not going to help you. Run at the pace you have been practicing at. What is important is not what happens during the race but being able to finish it and see where you stand amongst the other amateurs of your age group and fitness levels. This will give you a benchmark by which to measure your own performance.
During your training you should count your paces per minute or, if that is difficult, find songs that match your pace and listen to them. If you like to let your mind wander as you run, get a heart beat monitor and a set pace to match your heart beat. Stick to this during your training and also during the race . Let the others bolt off the starting line like the devils are after them. Do your own thing and soon you will find yourself passing the puffing and panting runners who got carried away with the excitement of the race and forgot the basics of running and what they are running for.
Go to Jogging Tip to get your free ebook on Jogging at 5k Race. Jogging Tip also has 5K Training Information, and forums and blogs all about jogging. Visit Jogging Tip today to get your free ebook on Jogging.
Author: Jenny Jenkins
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
How Electric Pressure Cookers Work
Running can be fun in all weather and many people will tell you that cold weather is one of the best times to exercise. It seems in colder temperatures you become more focused than you do in warmer weather. This makes your workout more beneficial in many different ways. I’ve gathered some cold weather tips that will keep you’re running schedule on track no matter how cold it maybe outside.
In cold weather the main thing to remember to dress in layers. Don’t dress in too many layers as it makes it tough to run. Always remember to wear a wool stocking cap. Most of your heat is lost through your head and keeping it in your body is the key. The more heat loss you suffer the tougher it will be on you and the better chance of you becoming sick. Heat loss needs to be keep at a minimum to afford you the greatest success. The outer layer of clothing should of course be great at repelling moisture and the cold/windy conditions. If you will be heading out at night, reflective clothing is a very good idea. Protect your skin as the wind and the cold can really take a toll on it. Skin creams are a good idea before head outing and liberally apply them so you will be protected. Chap Stick for your lips is a must carry tool in cold weather.
Wind can present a real problem for runners. Running into the wind to start out with is the best idea. The main reason for this is you’re at your strongest and on your journey back home you will have the wind at your back which will make it a lot easier on you. If all possible avoid running in the fog and mist. This can cause many problems from visibility for you, and vehicles that may not be able to see you on the side of the road. Many accidents happen this way and should be avoided if all possible. Freezing temperatures should also be avoided. Ice can form on sidewalks and roads fairly quickly and injury can also result from conditions like this.
Safety is something that should always be on your mind when running in colder weather. A cell phone is something that you should carry with you. Make sure other people know your running routine so they can find you just in case you don’t return at the usual time. A cell phone is great, but has been known not to work in certain areas. The more people know your pattern the better off you will be. Always keep safety in mind when you are out running.
Following some of these simple tips and it will let you continue your passion for running even during colder temperatures. Many people think that as the temperature drops they have to give up their passion. That just isn’t the case anymore. Running is a great exercise that should be continued as you will benefit more from a continued routine than just part-time.
Jeffrey Meier at Jam727 Enterprises at http://www.thearticlehome.com blog offers even more detailed information on a wide variety of topics.
Author: Jeffrey Meier
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Canadian crossborder shopping
