Running In The Heat

Some tips for running in the heat are always helpful this time of year.

You don't need to look any further than running expert Jeff Galloway's blog to get some help in preparing to run more effectively in this summer's heat.

Check it all out here.

Nutrition For Runners

I'm always looking for new advice on nutrition to keep fit.

Take a look at Gary Cooper's blogpost about running and nutrition at Running Runners Run. Some good advice here about effective eating habits if you're a runner in training.

Triathlon Pacing Tips

Sorry, I know I've shared quite a bit from the www.active.com Triathlete folks lately, but their content is so helpful and easy to use.

It's that time of year where everyone is preparing for events, so I'm hopeful this information is timely as well as helpful.

I ran across another post that should help you improve your time. Gale Bernhardt writes about strategies for effective pacing during your event in this post.

I hope it will help improve your time at the next race.

Speeding Up Your Transition

Are you looking to save time on your triathlon finishing time?

This can be a frustrating issue, particularly when you reach a level where you feel you've reached your maximum in intensity on your swim, bike and run. Now, look toward your transition. This makes sense considering the amount of time we spend in the transition area.

Check out this post from Andrew Kalley of Sports Center at Chelsea Piers on www.active.com. He has some great advice on cutting time off your transition activities. There are links to related articles on this topic here as well.

Take a look. You may be surprised over the seconds (or minutes) you can save with this approach.

Check Out This Tech Executive's Workout

Deneeta Pope is a busy executive in a fast-moving city. As president of Chicago-based Excel Solutions, she's experienced great success in the information technology industry.

However, after you read Jen Murphy's article in the Wall Street Journal, you'll find that she makes plenty of time for serious and successful workouts.

Read about how Pope wanted to "mix up" her routine and discovered the Bar Method workout. This routine alternates between exercises with bursts of energy and deep stretching.

Check out this post to learn more about this exciting method of fitness.

Walking And Running

Many often ask whether running or walking is a better exercise.

The answer isn't easy and it depends on the individual. However, I thought these tips shared on the Fat Loss Tips Blog offer some common-sense advice on this topic.

Ultimately, you need to choose what's best for your own needs. Some helpful advice along the way will hopefully make decisions easier.

I'm going to take a little time off from blogging to vacation. We'll be back soon! Enjoy the summer!

Practing "Sighting" For Your Next Tri Event

"Sighting" is one of those items we forget in preparing for a triathlon event.

If you're a tri "newbie", you're probably not aware that you'll need to use "sighting" techniques during your swim to keep yourself swimming in a straight line. Read Gale Bernhardt's tips from www.active.com about how you can effectively prepare for appropriate sighting at your next event.

Try this exercise to understand how important this is -- sometime during a future swim workout where it's not crowded, swim across the pool with your eyes closed. Where did you end up? Probably not where you thought you would. Here's the key - if you're not effectively swimming to a point you have "sighted", then you're wasting time and energy.

Remember, the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. Given this variable, it's important to continually sight points throughout your swim to keep you on course.

Hopefully, the use of proper sighting techniques will help lower your swim time at your next event.

Reducing Overuse Injuries Among Youth

I know I recently wrote about this topic, but Mark Hyman's Sports Illustrated article on this topic is worth sharing.

Hyman wrote a great piece in June about pioneering orthopedic surgeon James Andrews' efforts to warn parents against overuse injuries among children. This problem is reaching epidemic proportions and parents, as well as coaches, must be more sensitive to it.

As a parent who is assisting his 14-year-old son in coping through a serious elbow injury, I can tell you that you shouldn't take any signs of injury lightly among athletic children. If you detect something is wrong, visit your family physician immediately.

While we have carefully monitored our son's sports' activities over the years, his injury was more genetically-driven. When he began "short-arming" his baseball throws, I wished we would have acted more quickly. We're on the road to recovery now, but it's been a challenging road.

As the competition and hype heats up among youth athletes, pay careful attention to this issue and avoid problems you may regret later.

Try An Ice Bath For Sore Muscles

We're always predisposed toward taking a "hot" bath to ease the pain of sore muscles.

However, an "ice" bath may be the better source of treatment, according to Marty Jaramillo, CEO of the I.C.E Sports Health Center.

Sure, a hot bath always feels good, but read Jaramillo's comments from www.fitnessmagazine.com. He relates why the ice treatment is more productive and how to go about taking an effective ice bath.

Make sure to use this approach with your children when they return home from games or practices complaining of muscle soreness. Trust my experience - they are intrigued by the novelty of an "ice bath".

Sore muscles? Maybe reach for the ice instead of the heat next time.

Work With Experts On Bike Fit

Looking for a new bike? Don't purchase one before you read this post.

Matt Russ recently wrote a post on www.active.com that makes some very valid points to consider as you're shopping. The main point he makes is making sure to consult with a trusted bike expert for your fit versus making your decision based on some computer analysis.

Most communities feature great shops with professionals who are passionate about making sure you have the right fit and that you're not purchasing too much bike for your money. Seek out your friends' advice on the best places to shop to find these individuals.

Read before you buy!

Injury Prevention For Triathletes

Hopefully, you are well on your way to completing your first triathlon event of the season. Perhaps you've already done one . . . or two and you're ready for another!

Well, hold on to your bike. Before you get too over your head and risk an injury, check out this series of articles from www.active.com about injury prevention for triathletes. There are a variety of articles covering overtraining, asthma, injury prevention and other topics.

Having overstepped my boundaries last year and getting slapped with a knee injury in the fall, this is SMART reading.

I'm taking a few days off from posting, so we'll talk when I return!