Dealing With Digestive Issues

Many runners and triathletes experience stomach issues in their training and even worse . . . their competitions.

I have been very lucky and have never experienced these problems, but I know many runners who have.  This post from Maria Conner on www.active.com goes into great detail about a variety of things that can set off digestive problems as well as ways to address these problems.

Why Aren't You The Runner You Want To Be

There are a variety of reasons we don't achieve the levels of fitness we desire.

I thought this post on the Shut Up and Run blog offered some interesting perspective on issues that can set you back in your running and/or other fitness activities.  Listening to the wrong people, injury or just being plain lazy are just a few of the reasons that can contribute to your setbacks.

Take a look at this list and make sure you're not falling into one of these "ruts".

Using A Virtual Trainer

What is a virtual trainer?  Is it for me?  Will it work for me?

Check out the Jess Runs blog and she explains about her experience using a virtual trainer.  The trainer assists her with her workout and dietary needs.

You can learn if this application is right for your situation.  If you don't have time to visit regularly with a trainer, the virtual trainer can be a cost-effective alternative.

Running In The Snow

So . . . it's mid-February.

What does that mean for your outdoor running? If you live in Iowa, you might get some unseasonable warm weather, but it most likely means there is a good chance there is still snow on the ground.

Christine Luff writes about tips for running in the snow for www.about.com. Have you tried Yaktrax? What about putting screws in your shoes? Or running in trail shoes?

These are just a few ways to make your running experience in the snow more productive.

Baby Steps To Improving Health

Looking for "baby steps" toward better health?

Taking small steps and taking one step at a time improves the odds of one sustaining a health program. Check out this post from the Coach Calorie blog.  The post shows 10 easy steps people can take to improve their health.

The best part about this is the steps are pretty easy.  Making health and fitness easy improves the chances you'll stick with it.

When Team Loses, We Add On Pounds

Check this out . . . sports fans tend to put on weight with additional food consumption when their teams lose.

HealthDay recently published an article on the findings of a study where on the Monday after a team loss, people ate 10 percent more calories and 16 percent more saturated fat, compared to their typical habits. In contrast, they ate slightly fewer calories and less saturated fat on the Monday after an NFL victory.  The study found the same among French soccer fans.

So as football wraps up and basketball heats up, keep this in mind when your team is behind!

Health Myths Busted

I found a great article that "busts" some health myths.

This article from the Des Moines Register reviews some common "health myths" and essentially debunks all of them.  It's a good read.

Learn how to do a proper squat, why women won't "bulk up" with weightlifting, why you can't just exercise while eating anything you want and expect to lose weight.

There is some good material here. Check it out.