Ordering Race Photos

So, when did you last order a photo from a race in which you participated?

Honestly, I can't remember the last time I bought one, but I thought this was an interesting question recently posed in post in the Run To The Finish blog.  Certainly, I have purchased a few in my time, but question is a legitimate one.

I understand there is a cost to local photographers or companies like MarathonPhoto setting up shop to capture you in your moment "in the sun."  But really - $34 to purchase one print of yourself looking like a sweatball? 

Perhaps there can be a little more economy applied to these fees for race photos.

Yummy Soup Recipe

If you live in the northern region of the Midwest, it's time for "comfort" food.

This yummy soup recipe is awesome from the TriSaraTops blog.  It is a healthy, tasty soup treat with black beans and lots of protein.

If you are like me, January is a perfect time to try new soup recipes.  Especially tasty and healthy ones.

Workouts On Vacation

Swimming while traveling can be tricky.

However, this post from the Everymom to Ironmom blog caught my attention because I am always trying to be creative about squeezing in workouts while traveling.

Here, the author finds a hotel pool where she is able to get workouts of a mile completed.  If you really want to stay active and keep up with your fitness, you will find a way to do it. 

Sometimes we just have to be creative!

Older Runners Beat Marathon

Older runners are having no trouble conquering the marathon event.

In fact, runners 50-plus runners are the fastest growing age segment in marathon running according to a recent article by Kevin Helliker in the Wall Street Journal.

If you think a marathon wasn't in the cards because of your age, think again. This article refers to how older runners are getting smarter about training to prevent injuries.  Cross-training, longer recovery periods and walking-running techniques make this event easier for older runners.

Maybe you're next?

Getting ready to get the legislative session started, so I will be taking a break from posting for the next week or so.

Indoor Triathlons

Sounds a bit like of an oxymoron to me.

However, it's not all that far-fetched.  This article from Kirsten Korosec for www.active.com reminded me how we have organized indoor triathlons at my gym in the past.  All you need to do is fire up your track or treadmill, spin bikes and the pool.  Set a designated distance or time for your swim, bike and run segments . . . and you're off!

This provides for a little twist in your fitness activities at a time when you're tired of being stuck indoors.  Perhaps your fitness facility would consider organizing one at your request?  Many fitness centers organize these events as part of their triathlon training programs as well as bike/run programs (or "brick" programs as they are often referred). 

Be a hero. Organize an indoor triathlon at your gym soon.

What's In Your "Synergy Stew"?

Just a few helpful reminders about what makes up the perfect "synergy stew".

This post from the Carrots and Cake blog helps remind us what's important about maintaining our health - exercise, healthy food, rest, moderation and, of course, . . . a few tasty treats!

Check this post out for your reminder about what synergizes our health.

Fatty Food Protection?

If I were you, I wouldn't take this to the bank.

However, you may find this article provocative.  It's from the New York Times physical education writer Gretchen Reynolds about how a study on lab rats yields some perspective on how exercise protects us from fatty food consumption.

Read the article all the way through to the end and you see that lab rats aren't all that different from us - when we consume high-calorie foods, we often think exercise "protects" us from the negative impact of fatty foods. 

Now my goal is not to reduce anyone to "lab rat" status here, but it illustrates the point that a little extra exercise certainly can't hurt . . .  especially when we're taking in more high-calorie food than we should.

Running A 5K

It would seem easy enough to run a five kilometer race in a desired time.

Some people scoff at these "short" races or have trouble adjusting to the strategy of running a successful 5K when you are mostly used to distances of 10K or more. 

Read this entry in the TriSaraTops blog. She shares some "lessons learned" from a recent race she ran at this distance.  A cross country runner shared some valuable insight with her to help her focus more effectively on this distance. 

In a shorter race, the early part should be automatic, while the later part is where you can "kick it in".

Food for thought the next time you are looking to run this distance.