Training Tips For You

How To Deal With Big Meal

2012-01-27T12:45:00.000-08:00

You know you're attending an event where you will eat a lot . . . what do you do to counter it?

It's a friend or relative's birthday, a holiday or the Super Bowl. A lot of eating is involved in the activity, you've been disciplined and you want to counter these additional calories without killing yourself.

There's a great recent article from Shirley Wang in the Wall Street Journal that explains how the body reacts to a heavy eating event. More importantly, the article offers some strategies to minimize the impact of your hard work to lose weight.

Things like taking time to exercise early in the day and eating a high-protein breakfast will help in your battle to maintain discipline in your fitness/weight loss efforts.

Sitting Around Won't Get You Very Far

2012-01-25T14:05:00.000-08:00

Have you ever sat around on a Sunday afternoon . . . only to feel exhausted afterward?

I can't speak for everyone, but not doing anything is difficult for me. Exercise, movement and activity inspire health and energy for me. This post from the Shut Up and Run blog aspires to making this point.

Sitting around tends to make one tired and lose energy, whereas activity tends to boost your energy and provide your muscles with needed activity. I don't know about you, but I get stiff when I'm not active as well.

Get up and get your body moving. You can start by forcing yourself to walk a little further at least four times a week. This is so easy, it can be done during your work day. Simply park further away from your entrance, take the stairs or walk around your office at lunch time. These are simple ways to get yourself moving.

Some New Ways To Stretch

2012-01-22T08:33:00.000-08:00

I'm always looking for some new ways to warm up my muscles before I work out.

I loved this video with distance runner Dathan Ritzenhein posted on Mike LaChapelle's How 2 Run Fast blog. He has a lot of moving stretches and warmups.

This is a six-minute video, but you can skip the first two minutes. That's where the fun stuff starts.

Fun Winter Activities

2012-01-20T08:15:00.000-08:00

In my last post, I mentioned the importance of having fun with fitness.

Sometimes, it's particularly hard to find "fun" in the winter. Options for outdoor activities can be limited and that doesn't help. However, winter presents some great options to consider.

This post on www.active.com from Michelle Valenti offers a little more detail about activities like snow shoeing, cross country skiing, rock climbing and other endeavors.

Check these out and see what you and some of your fitness friends might enjoy most.

In the Des Moines area, learn more about a local group that gathers for snowshoeing at snowshoerunners@groups.facebook.com.

You Just Gotta Have Fun

2012-01-18T17:30:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it's more important to make fitness fun.

Have you done anything different in your fitness activities lately? There are countless activities available that will make for added fun in your fitness life.

This is the time of year where there are numerous "cold-weather" themed running events. Have you ever tried wall climbing? Many fitness facilities have added climbing walls to their options.

Have you tried cross country skiing or snow shoeing? These are fun and different types of activities to try during the winter months.

Jump out of your routine and try something fun and different!

Off-Season Tri Workouts

2012-01-16T17:48:00.000-08:00

We're always looking for an edge in the off-season.

This article from www.active.com by Gale Bernhardt offers some tips on how to build effective workouts during the off-season.

Consider this: Are you doing two to three workouts each week for each sport? Are you doing the appropriate fueling for your workouts? Do you have the proper number of strength workouts in your routine?

These questions are answered here and will get you off on the right foot as you prepare for your events this year.

Foods Prevent Flu

2012-01-14T18:51:00.000-08:00

Not interested in slowing down this winter?

Getting sick with something like the flu is generally a track to a winter slowdown. But check out this article from the Dietblog and learn what foods will help prevent the flu.

For example, sunflower seeds and yogurt are two examples of foods that feature nutrients that will help keep you away from the flu bug.

Beating Winter Excuses

2012-01-11T14:45:00.000-08:00

It's too cold outside. We should be able to have treats during the holidays.

AOLHealth just published an article that debunks excuses as to why we don't practice healthy lifestyle habits during the winter months.

For example, many will say, "It's too cold outside and I only like to work out outdoors." Well, get a hat then.

This is the weakest excuse I've ever heard. Everyone knows that if you layer up properly, there's no harm in working out during colder weather.

Learn how you can reverse your excuse for not being healthy in the cold winter months.

Benefits of Exercise For Older Adults

2012-01-10T02:00:00.000-08:00

If you haven't heard, muscle mass begins declining as you age.

After 70, the decline is exponential. However, a recent study shows this trend can be reversed among older adults with regular exercise. Older athletes in a recent study conducted at the University of Pittsburgh proved you can slow this process with an active lifestyle.

Read about the results of this study and why exercise is so important to older adults from Gretchen Reynolds in the New York Times.

People tend to think we should slow down as we get older, but that doesn't mean we should stop.

10 Super Foods For Athletes

2012-01-07T02:00:00.000-08:00

Looking for some of the best foods for athletes?

Here is a great place to start. This list from Alana Brager in this post on www.active.com provides insight into some great nutritional recommendations.

These are all foods full of protein and the right carbohydrates to ensure proper fueling for your next endeavor. The article describes the benefits of healthy foods like oatmeal, kale and whey.

There is also a link to a nutritional plan at the end of this post.

Quitting Before The Start

2012-01-04T04:05:00.000-08:00

Interesting indeed. 15,000 entrants in this year's New York City Marathon were estimated to not even show up at the start.

15,000. Yes, I said 15,000. This number was a bit of a surprise to me too, but according to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, that's the number of folks estimated to have entered the race, but would not show up at the start.

Why?

There are various reasons, according to the article. Most prevalent is injury due to improper training. This certainly validates the case for doing your homework prior to embarking on a marathon journey. It's not a physical endeavor for the meek or faint of heart. It takes a physical and mental toll.

I'm not saying you shouldn't do a marathon. It's a great experience. But it's too bad those 15,000 slots couldn't go to race entrants who are really anxious to compete in this high-profile event and would be more than physically prepared to make the race.

Core Exercises

2012-01-01T15:33:00.000-08:00

Here are some great core exercises from Nick Clark at www.active.com.

Give them a try!

Inspiring Story

2011-12-29T06:20:00.000-08:00

I enjoy sharing inspiring stories others have shared.

This is a story from the Everymom To Ironmom blog. It confirms a point I often make - you CAN do a triathlon. In fact, it's amazing to hear the backgrounds of the many people who participate in triathlons and complete them.

Read this story about a woman who wanted to compete in a triathlon following the birth of her three children. It's certainly food for inspiration if you're thinking about competing in a triathlon yourself. It can be done!

Battling The Bulge This Winter

2011-12-28T02:00:00.000-08:00

We're turning the corner on the holidays, so now it's time to be serious about battling the bulge this winter.

Most folks let up on their training activities in the winter months. Most of us also tend to "let go" during the holidays with poor eating habits.

The www.evertymantri.com blog has three candid recommendations to avoid adding weight this winter. By eating carbs early in the day, staying hydrated and consuming healthy fats; you can work toward eliminating the winter bulge.

20-Minute Workouts

2011-12-18T11:32:00.000-08:00

Low on time for a workout?

This often seems to be an issue for busy athletes.

Matt Fitzgerald writes in this post on www.triathlete.com about the value of a 20-minute workout, as sometimes we think, "20 minutes? Why bother?"

Additionally, he has some great suggestions for different 20-minute routines.

I'm going to be taking some time off for the holidays. See you soon.

Resisting Holiday Candy Cravings

2011-12-16T12:32:00.000-08:00

I dug up this post about dealing with resisting Halloween treats, but the issues are the same during the holiday season.

Holiday candy cravings are heavy during this time of the year. It can be difficult resisting the urge because you think "just one little piece of candy" won't make a difference, but it adds up.

Try using gum or low-calorie hot chocolate to ease these cravings. You can check out Christine Luff's post from www.about.com to learn more about strategies to reduce your urges to consume holiday candy.

Mobile Phone Can Be Tool For Weight Loss

2011-12-12T15:17:00.000-08:00

Did you ever think your mobile phone could be used as a tool for weight loss?

According to a recent study, mobile phones can be be used as powerful tools in the battle to lose weight.

The study conducted at the Center for Obesity Research and Education at Temple University showed that students who used their mobile phones to monitor calories and physical activity, and got personalized feedback, lost significantly more weight than those who didn’t.

”Cellphones are a powerful intervention tool for weight loss,” says lead researcher Melissa Napolitano of the Center for Obesity Research and Education at Temple University in Philadelphia. She reported findings last week at a meeting of the Obesity Society.

Check out this article from USA Today to see if you can use your mobile phone to help with your weight loss activities.

Coming Home

2011-12-10T19:04:00.000-08:00

At what time of the day are you most stressed?

Think about it. More than likely it is the time of day when you've faced the most issues, you're the most tired and you're likely the most hungry. All of these factors lead to the end of the day when many folks greet their spouses after work.

I found a recent article by Elizabeth Bernstein in the Wall Street Journal to be very thought-provoking on this topic. Essentially, it's often hard for us put the "honey" back in "Honey, I'm home" when we're tired, hungry and irritable about the day's past events. Let's face it, as the article points out, the days of wives greeting their husbands at the door with a martini have gone the way of the "pet rock".

The article is helpful in providing some helpful insight and strategies toward making your "coming home" to your spouse a less stressful and a more enjoyable experience.

Improve Pull Technique

2011-12-07T12:24:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for an "edge" to improve your swim stroke?

Kevin Koskella recently did a post on triswimcoachonline.com on two drills you can do to improve your stroke skills. The first drill focuses on the elbows and the second drill focuses on strength.

Take a look at these drills and how they might be able to help you move up through the pack in the swim portion of your next event.

Be Positive

2011-12-05T15:55:00.000-08:00

Are you a positive person? Do you think "good" thoughts?

Perhaps this sounds a little "naive" or "idealistic", but when you think good thoughts, good things generally happen. I personally don't go seeking the negative in my life, particularly when it comes to fitness. Even if something doesn't go to plan, I review to identify what went wrong and how it can be corrected.

One of my good friends who just competed in a marathon recently told me how I was correct when I told him that so much of marathon training was "mental". I consistently shared with this person how to think positive thoughts and good results would ensue.

This "Develop Positivity" post from the Run To The Finish blog illustrates this point. It also shares some insight on how to keep your thinking positive.

More Exercise To Improve Balance

2011-12-03T10:12:00.000-08:00

For most activities like swimming, biking and running, you can benefit from improved balance.

Justin Levine of JustinTrain.com writes how certain exercises done routinely can drastically improve balance, particularly in your lower extremities and core.

Balance is something you can develop to improve all aspects of your fitness life. See if Levine's tips help you improve your balance . . . and your performance.

Tips To Make Working Out Easier

2011-12-01T19:16:00.000-08:00

No matter how much we enjoy working out, we've all wished it was easier to do.

Whether it's the ability to make the time to work out or lingering soreness, we can always find an excuse not to work out.

Nicole Nichols of the www.dailysparkblog.com recently wrote about some tips you can use to make fitness an easier proposition. Whether it's keeping a gym bag packed and ready to go, joining a gym on the route to where you work or periodically rewarding yourself for reaching milestones; these are all things you can do to make the process easier.

See how you can make your fitness endeavors easier.

Swim Stroke Technique

2011-11-29T19:25:00.000-08:00

Are you looking to improve your stroke technique in swimming?

Take a look at this video from Jan Javier of Total Immersion to learn how you can improve your technique.

Is Cycling The New Running?

2011-11-27T12:48:00.000-08:00

Let's face it - running takes a pretty big toll on our bodies.

The never-ending list of muscles and joints that are impacted by running is immense. As much as many of us enjoy the practice of running, it certainly takes it out of us.

Many are turning to cycling as the "new running". Read this everymantri.com blog entry from English triathlete Andy Holgate about his thoughts on how this transition has occurred for him. I know in my experience, knee injuries have forced me in this direction.

Making Phys Ed More Productive

2011-11-25T20:01:00.000-08:00

Children face plenty of pressures during the daily lives.

We tend to take for granted the stress kids face during the course of their lives these days. They're not much different than adults - they live in this 24/7 world too! This makes their physical activity even more important as the activities in which they engage at school may represent the only significant fitness activities in which they partake.

One physical education teacher is taking strides to make phys ed more productive for students. The Wall Street Journal's Sue Shellenbarger recently chronicled the efforts of Indiana physical education teacher Tammy Brant.

Instead of pushing everyone to hit specific performance targets, she works with the students to formulate their own goals or "fitness zones".

There are some valuable lessons here as we encourage our children toward more physical activity as well as ourselves.

The People You Meet

2011-11-19T13:20:00.000-08:00

One of the great benefits of engaging in fitness endeavors is meeting many great people.

Furthermore, the bonds you establish with the people you meet on the road to fitness are very strong. Even when I run into a "fitness friend" I haven't seen for weeks or months, we always seem to easily pick up right where we left off.

I experienced this recently following a triathlon event that I did without much group training. This summer got a little crazy and many of the folks I regularly train with or do events with -- well, we just didn't get together as often as we normally do. However, five of them poured out of a spin class at my gym a few days after the event, all with questions about how my race went. Every last one of them knew I had done the race and was genuinely interested in my performance. It was the perfect opportunity for long-needed catch up.

Andrea reports about similar experiences in her Go The Distance blog. Part of the joy of fitness truly is . . . the people you meet!

It Can Be Done

2011-11-13T16:26:00.000-08:00

Going from overweight to endurance athlete is no picnic, but it's possible.

At age 32 and 325 pounds, Richard Kalasky was told by a doctor he needed to move from the altitude of his Colorado home or he'd need to wear oxygen. This was just the "slap in the face" he needed.

Kalasky turned to bariatric surgery to get a jump start on weight loss, but started a disciplined diet and fitness lifestyle to ultimately lose more than 140 pounds.

Cooking his own meals, starting to run, then moving to biking and swimming; Kalasky competed in marathons and triathlons.

Read about Kalasky's inspirational story from a post by Michelle Valenti on active.com.

More About Injury Prevention

2011-11-10T09:27:00.000-08:00

Let's face it, this running business is not easy and not without pain.

Those of us who say we run for the "joy of it" mean what we say, but not without consequences. While I made it to my mid-30s without any significant running injuries, I should probably consider myself fortunate. Two key factors make running a difficult feat in avoiding injuries: Age - the older you get, the more susceptible you become to athletic injuries; and Impact - running places a tremendous amount of impact on our bodies.

I wrote earlier this month about avoiding running-related injuries, but Christine Luff had more suggestions in her blog that regularly appears in about.com.

Finding the right shoes is important. Remember, if it takes buying a few different pairs of shoes to find "the right fit", you'll find that is a worthwhile investment.

Additionally, DO NOT beat yourself up when you miss workouts, fall behind on a plan or anything along these lines. If you're training for a major distance event and you're using a plan you found in Runner's World or wherever, keep in mind these plans are the masses and they generally "overtrain" you by design. In fact, take care to replace some workouts in a plan with other cardiovascular exercise like swimming or biking if you're feeling a little sore. Trust me, your body won't miss a beat and will likely thank you later!

Lowering Transition Times

2011-11-09T02:00:00.000-08:00

When I looked at my recent Hy-Vee Triathlon transition times and compared them to my times from 2009 and YIKES!

There can be a lot of time gained from faster transitions in your events. It's worth taking a look at those times to see if you can shave a few minutes off.

This article from Gail Bernhardt at www.active.com offers some good ideas on how to cut time from your transitions. Review your most recent times and where you think you can decrease time. Then read his article and see if it all makes sense.

I particularly like the idea of clipping your shoes to the bike in advance.

There is real potential to lower race times in this area.

Here We Go Again

2011-11-06T09:40:00.000-08:00

Here's another reason why you need to start somewhere.

A recent study discussed on the EverymanTri.com blog says that half of all Americans will be obese by 2030. This is just unacceptable.

Most people find themselves in an obese state based on the poor choices they make. They overeat and/or they make no effort to stay fit. Furthermore, it makes our health care system unaffordable and unsustainable. Too many people are draining on the system because they don't make an effort to take care of themselves.

There's an effort in our state people to people to start on the road to a healthy lifestyle. You have to "start somewhere" and this website will help provide the spark you need to get started. The hope is that Iowa will become the healthiest state in the nation based on the Gallup-Healthways Well Being Index.

Take a look and "start somewhere" today.

Sometimes You Need A Week Off

2011-11-03T19:18:00.000-07:00

Maybe you need some rest.

I don't usually encourage people to rest very often, but sometimes you need it - like when you're hurt.

This post on the Shut Up and Run blog takes a very fun look at the value of taking a rest when your body is feeling hurt. She makes a good point - if you keep running when you feel like you have an injury, it generally "doesn't end well".

Take time to let your body heal from an injury. If you want to have a long running life, you have to take care of your body. There are also some other things you can do to keep your mind off missing your runs.

What Does Your Body Burn?

2011-11-01T16:09:00.000-07:00

Fat is good.

Your body does need fat because that's what it burns first when you exercise. When you work out, your body will burn fat, then carbohydrates and proteins.

Jeff Gordon writes for the Livestrong.com blog and discusses how your body burns through these things.

After you read through this, it's important to ensure you have these items in your system available to burn, particularly before a prolonged workout. You don't want your body turning to burning muscle as a last resort.

Running Injury-Free

2011-10-29T16:11:00.000-07:00

Keeping away the injury bug can be a trick, particularly if you're a runner.

Nicole Nichols of www.dailysparkblog.com posted about her strategies for keeping yourself injury-free as a runner.

Her suggestions make sense - it's important not to run every day, not do things you know will cause trouble for you and be conservative.

Take a peak at this post to learn how you can keep your running injury free.

20-Minute Workout

2011-10-27T18:14:00.000-07:00

There is a benefit to the "20-minute workout".

At least Matt Fitzgerald of Triathlete.com says there is.

Most people wouldn't really consider working out for 20 minutes worth the effort. Read Fitzgerald's recent post and his rationale for why a 20-minute workout is still worth the time.

There are healthful benefits to a 20-minute workout even though it seems like too short of a period of time to make it worthwhile.

Running With Friends

2011-10-24T15:34:00.000-07:00

I found another reminder why it's great running with friends.

Not only does running with others help pass the time away, it helps keep you accountable and provides for a great way to enjoy your friends. I find it's just "fun" to run with people I really enjoy. I don't get worked up about pace either - if they are slower, I slow down and if they are too fast; I know that person or persons aren't the right running partners. Keeping it fun is the name of the game, so I prefer not to hung up on these issues.

In this post from The Happy Runner blog, we're reminded about the fun of running with others and not just by ourselves. Take charge, get an e-mail out and organize a run with some of your friends this weekend. Don't wait!

Proper Warm Up

2011-10-22T17:25:00.000-07:00

Having been injured as a result of not getting a good warm up, I highly recommend taking time to make sure your muscles are prepared for work.

Matt Fitzgerald of www.competitor.com writes a great post about how to be both general and specific in your warm up efforts.

Muscles need the general warm up of getting prepared for a work out. A slow exercise of any kind like running or vigorous walking can help achieve this. The muscles that will specifically be used in a workout can benefit from stretching and warm up specific to those areas.

Check out Fitzgerald's article to learn how you can improve your warm up efforts and avoid injuries.

Older Athletes Make Strides

2011-10-20T02:00:00.000-07:00

When you consider the "comebacks" of older athletes like Janet Evans, I can't help but think what all of us can achieve as we age if we put our minds to it.

Olympic swimmer Janet Evans is the latest in a list of 40-plus athletes working to make a "comeback" in their sports. USA Today's Janice Lloyd chronicled Evan's work in a recent story that also highlights how many aging athletes are still able to accomplish a lot.

Of course, you're thinking by its nature, swimming offers the opportunity for this type of activity because it's not as hard on your body as other sports. Certainly, this may be the case. The point I would make is that even though most of us are not world class athletes, there's no limit to when one can pursue fitness activities as a way to keep themselves healthy.

If Janet Evans and others are doing it in their 40s, there's no reason whatsoever why any of us shouldn't be out looking for ways to get ourselves moving.

Using Swim Paddles

2011-10-16T17:40:00.000-07:00

Using Swim paddles is a great way to perfect your stroke technique in the pool.

Swim Coach Frank Sole provides recommendations for varying levels in the size, style and brand of paddles for swimmers in this post for www.active.com.

You're looking for a paddle about 10 percent bigger than your hand. The goal is to use the paddle to help "train" proper stroke technique.

Maybe You Need A Coach

2011-10-14T08:51:00.000-07:00

Maybe your routine is in need of a "shakeup".

You may have reached a point in your training life where you'd like to "take things up to another level". Or you may be in a position where you feel as though you're in a rut and you need to "shake things up".

Whatever your case might be, I thought this post on the Frayed Laces blog laid out a good process for deciding upon and engaging a coach.

There are a lot of considerations in choosing a coach - your goals, the experience you're seeking, synergy with a coach, etc. Use this experience as a guide in helping you make a decision that's right for you.

Speed Workout

2011-10-11T05:25:00.000-07:00

Check out this resistance band workout video.

Todd Durkin of FitnessQuest10.com demonstrates how to use the band in a variety of ways in this video. Durkin has been a personal trainer for New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees.

Using a resistance band for exercise is a great alternative workout to using weights.

Take Care Of Yourself After Runs

2011-10-09T18:44:00.000-07:00

Take care of yourself after runs.

Are you feeling sore? Do you have headaches? Various treatments might be called for to treat symptoms you're feeling after runs that "aren't quite right".

Applications like ice baths or certain foods or drinks can play a role in the recovery process. Check out Christine Luff's post on www.about.com to learn more about things you can do to make yourself feel better following your runs.

Check Out Mr. Fitness

2011-10-07T02:00:00.000-07:00

Gary Player, the famous South African golfer, isn't generally know for his fitness exploits.

Personally, I wasn't aware he was dubbed "Mr. Fitness" in the 1950s. At age 75, take a look at how good this guy looks now! I can only hope I look half as good as he does at that age.

Player has an interesting mix of resistance training and cardio he does "five or six times a week". His routine includes 1,000 pushups and situps every morning.

Read more about how this golfer takes fitness seriously through Jen Murphy's Wall Street Journal article. Player relates how his fitness activities have contributed to his success on the greens.

Running Injury Free

2011-10-04T18:14:00.000-07:00

If you're looking to run free of injuries, here's some good advice.

Nicole Nichols at the dailysparkblog.com posted about how she's stayed injury free this year with some pretty easy-to-follow instructions.

Advice for running injury-free? Well, it starts with some easy suggestions like listening to your body, not pushing your body just because you think you can and not running every day.

From experience, I can tell you these suggestions make sense. Cross training and not pushing yourself into extremes are good points to follow.

Swimming Etiquette

2011-10-04T18:12:00.000-07:00

I never thought much about this, but there is swimming etiquette.

If you're taking the plunge into the pool and looking for some direction, the Frayed Laces blog has a "starter's kit" for you.

As I read this, there were some great suggestions that I honestly had taken for granted. Most of these items are common sense, but sometimes it's good to get the benefit of someone else's perspective.

For example, the post shares when it's good to leave the "band-aids" at home, when to chat with others and how to approach sharing a lane.

Check out this Emily Post guide for swimmers.

Reasons Not To Exercise

2011-09-28T18:18:00.000-07:00

Reasons not to exercise?

I'm not usually talking against working out. And I'm not going to start. However, this piece from the EverymanTRI.com makes some arguments against fitness . . . in a playful way.

Check it out . . . some great information about the benefits of adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Variety In Your Workouts

2011-09-27T10:59:00.000-07:00

Vincent Morris has an interesting way to determine what exercise he will do each day.

Inspired by his days of playing Dungeons and Dragons, he rolls a 20-sided die with 20different exercises labeled on it to determine what form of workout he will do each day.

According to recent article by Jen Murphy in the Wall Street Journal, Morris says it forces him to have variety in his routine and makes the die "the bad guy."

He leads a life of fairly sedentary work in his role as communications director for the Senate Commerce Committee.

Using this form of fitness activity selection forces him to have variety in his routine and do things he enjoys.

Purchasing A Bike

2011-09-24T02:00:00.000-07:00

As we get closer to fall, you might be looking for some deals on a new bike.

It's a good time to look for a new bike as retailers are trying to get rid of old inventory to make room for the new.

Many dealers ar doing just that -- offering deals. So take advantage of that by taking a look at what's out there on the shelf.

Take a look at these tips from the Triathlon Training Notes blog for some pointers on how you can take advantage of a deal when you make your next bike purchase.

Just What You Wanted - Hill Repeat Workouts

2011-09-22T02:00:00.000-07:00

Hills make you stronger.

I don't run hills as often and enthusiastically as I used to, but I still do them. They make you run stronger on a flat surface and help your core muscles.

Here are three hill-repeat workouts you can incorporate into your training from triathlete.com. Check them out - they are not for the faint-hearted.

If You Skip The Gym

2011-09-17T16:39:00.000-07:00

We all lead busy lives, so missing a day's work at the gym I suspect is not an uncommon occurrence.

A post on the That's Fit blog offers some ideas for a quick workout you can do without the tools you generally seek at the gym.

Try these exercises, particularly if you're looking for some lower body and core fitness.

Building Mental Toughness

2011-09-15T11:22:00.000-07:00

Successful participation in an endurance event requires as much mental training as physical training.

Ask anyone who's competed in marathons and they will confirm this advice. Additionally, today's winning athletes are beginning to understand that overcoming obstacles they face is simply a matter of adjusting their attitudes.

Creating a "mental strategy" with your training plan is important - do you have a mantra, like-minded training partners and other mental aids to help you in this process? Check out this post from the Frayed Laces blog and learn more about strategies you can use to help you develop your mental toughness.

A recent article in Newsweek also poses the benefits of honing your mental game in fitness endeavors.

Can't Decide On A Race

2011-09-13T15:41:00.000-07:00

It's less than five weeks until the Des Moines Marathon.

I guess I'd better get my act together and decide if I'm going to run this race. Don't kid yourself . . . I'm not going to do the marathon, but the half-marathon is a definite possibility. I have certainly put enough miles in.

Have you ever faced the dilemma as to whether or not you think you should participate in an event or not? Quite honestly, there isn't any reason for me to turn down this race. I'm feeling good following my main goal of the year -- completion of the Hy-Vee Triathlon.

My feeling is if you can't find a good reason not to do an event, then why not?

Post your comments. I'm interested to know the decision making process people use to determine whether or not to do an event.

Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage

2011-09-11T02:00:00.000-07:00

Have you had trouble with nagging sore muscles and joints?

If you are an endurance athlete and you haven't ever had trouble with this issue - that's great. The truth is that most of us like to "push our limits" and injuries often result from these types of symptoms.

Believe it or not, I have had trouble with flareups of tendinitis in my left knee over the past 10 years. It started after I ran the Chicago Marathon in 2001. The problem recurs every so often when I overindulge in training activities.

It's not fun and I imagine others suffer from similar issues. I've recently experimented with deep tissue massage treatments as a way to address this problem and have found it very helpful.

You might look into deep tissue massage as a way to treat this type of pain. Here's a post from Michelle Bery on e-zinearticles.com that will give you a little more detail about what's involved with deep tissue massage treatments.

Raising Healthy Kids

2011-09-10T02:00:00.000-07:00

If you're like me, making sure your kids are healthy is a constant challenge.

In our house, we're constantly trying to make sure our children are engaging in appropriate training activities and eating habits. We run the range in our house of sometimes not eating enough to eating too much. We're not often challenged for a lack of activity - and that's critical. My first bit of advice to anyone trying to support children's health would be, "Keep them active!"

We have been lucky in that our children have always been active. And that really is important to keeping your children healthy.

Check out these other tips from the Dietblog. There are some great suggestions here for keeping those children on the proper health track.

When It's Coolest To Run

2011-09-07T11:47:00.000-07:00

I hear people contemplate when it's the coolest time of day to run fairly often.

This post from Christine Luff at www.about.com spells things out pretty well. Morning is the best because the pavement and sidewalks aren't radiating the heat of the day. While darkness can make people feel less than comfortable, running just after sunrise is still a cool time of day to run.

Personally, I find the early morning hours the best time to run. There's less traffic, it's quiet and cool. Plus, you have the benefit of feeling a sense of accomplishment getting your morning run behind you early in the day.

Check out this post to learn more about the pros and cons of running at various times of the day.

Is "Pre-Cooling" Effective?

2011-09-04T15:41:00.000-07:00

Is "pre-cooling" your body prior to a hot endurance event worthwhile?

The answer probably varies, but take a look at this article from www.active.com about Olympic athletes who used "ice vests" to cool their core body temperatures prior to competing.

Take a look and see if this could be effective for you.

Keep Yourself Fueled Up

2011-08-29T02:00:00.000-07:00

In these hot months of summer, it's important to keep your body fueled up during long workouts.

Even if you're working out indoors, there is often heat and humidity that saps your body of much-needed fuel and energy, particularly during long workouts. You have to make sure you keep up with vital fuel, otherwise you'll run yourself ragged.

At the very least, water and sport drinks will help keep up. But take a look at this article from Everymantri.com to learn more about the things you need to keep up during your long workouts in warmer weather.

Doing Things Different

2011-08-25T02:00:00.000-07:00

I've said many times it's important to keep our bodies guessing.

Strength, weight loss and other good things result when we do things our bodies don't expect. Otherwise, when we do the same things over and over again, our bodies get too efficient and we don't reap as much benefit from the exercise.

I tried something new a few weeks ago that was different and fun. I rode my bike to a fabulous park in our community that features a lake and a free Saturday morning yoga class. When I arrived, I swam several hundred yards, attended the yoga class and rode my bike home. I probably rode 22 miles in total.

The weather was great and I saw some friends there I hadn't seen in a while - an added bonus!

Sometimes it's worth it to push beyond the comfort zone a bit and expand our fitness horizons.

Working For Better Balance

2011-08-23T02:00:00.000-07:00

Better balance may not seem important, but it is.

Strong balance, particularly in the core area, supports so many of the things we do. I discovered this when I started taking classes with exercises using a Bosu ball.

Check out this post from www.dailyspark.com. It goes through a series of exercises that will help you improve your balance.

Beating Food Cravings

2011-08-20T08:13:00.000-07:00

When you crave chocolate, you want chocolate.

While we realize we shouldn't eat chocolate, maybe we should. We may eat several hundred calories to satisfy our cravings for chocolate - just because we think we shouldn't eat chocolate.

Nancy Clark writes for www.active.com saying that if you crave chocolate - or some specific food - your body may need it as fuel. She advocates teaching your body to control cravings by embracing them, but not to excess.

Running In My Mind

2011-08-18T18:53:00.000-07:00

Here's a piece most runners would enjoy.

If you're feeling a bit down on your running game, check out this piece from David Glenn Cox. He talks about how he couldn't view himself running, but the more he did it, the more he enjoyed it and excelled at it.

It's a long piece, but stay with it. Cox has a good story to tell about perseverance.

Tips From An Ironman

2011-08-16T13:15:00.000-07:00

Maybe you're not running in an Ironman event, but the advice from Peter Reid is good.

Most of us will never compete in Ironman events. However, many of us will prepare for some type of an endurance event whether it be a 5K or an Olympic-distance triathlon. Ironman triathlete Peter Reid has some advice on www.triathlete.com that applies to all of us who are doing one of these events and everything in between.

I don't agree with all of his advice, but some of it is great. For example, I don't agree with "training alone". I have always advocated training with others who will support your endeavors and keep you accountable. There's ALWAYS time to train alone. Making investments in the right equipment and training for a race, on the other hand are pieces of good advice.

Take a look and see what applies to you.

Being Goal Specific

2011-08-14T15:50:00.000-07:00

Are you competing just to compete or are you competing with specific goals in mind?

It doesn't matter which, but if you're considering a specific time in an upcoming event, you need to start getting serious. This post from the Essence of Running blog highlights the writers goals for next year's Boston Marathon.

As the writer indicates, there's no time for "lallygagging" around. You can't waste time when you need to get serious about training for an event.

Hopefully, this post helps you get kick started into gear for your next "goal specific" event.

Dealing With IT Band Injuries

2011-08-12T10:32:00.000-07:00

If you're a consistent distance runner, you've probably had IT band issues.

This is a common injury among distance runners -- friction of a tight iliotibial band causes problems for your knees and hips.

This feature from "As The Running Doc" on www.running.competitor.com site lays out the symptoms and the treatment for this issue.

Having suffered through this issue numerous times, the information is pretty accurate. You can continue to run with it; however, the discomfort in between runs can be unnerving.

It's a frustrating injury that requires patience for recovery.

Morning Running Helps Sleep

2011-08-11T02:00:00.000-07:00

When do you want to run during the day?

Well, if you want to have better sleep, you'll run in the morning. At least that's what's coming from the American College of Sports Medicine. Researchers spent time studying the impact of running at different times of the day on various types of runners.

According to the data compiled by researchers at Appalachian State University running in the morning leads to better sleeping patterns. This information comes courtesy of Christine Luff at www.about.com.
Let's face it, most of us are busy people; therefore, we run when we can. But if you have options, the morning seems help your sleeping habits.

Long Swim Workouts

2011-08-06T14:48:00.000-07:00

We're in the dog days of August. So there's no better time for some long swim workouts you can hopefully do outdoors.

Check out these three swim workouts for 4,000-plus yards. They are from the IronMom blog. These workouts are ideal, particularly if you can find a 50-meter outdoor pool.

Take a shoot at some new and different workouts that are longer in length to enhance your training in the water.

Ways To Make Hills Fun

2011-08-04T15:34:00.000-07:00

Runnings hills can be fun - now that seems a bit like an oxymoron.

But it's really true. There are ways to make running hills fun. Additionally, if you make hill workouts a regular part of your workout routine, you will be a stronger runner.

Read Lauren Leatherman's post on examiner.com to learn how hill workouts can make your training more fun. Running hills will improve your running strength and it will make a difference as you participate in more events.

"Naked" Run

2011-08-02T18:52:00.000-07:00

Well, at least the headline got your attention!

This post from Jamie Berube at the sparkpeople blog isn't what you think. It's about a runner who decides to run free from all of her "equipment". Take a look. It is definitely a liberating feeling.

10 Race-Day Tips

2011-07-30T10:12:00.000-07:00

Here are 10 race-day training tips from the Runners Dude blog.

These are important tips - the most critical one - enjoy the taper!

This information might come in handy as you prepare to participate in summer/fall events this year.

Breaking Through Plateaus

2011-07-26T16:45:00.000-07:00

So you've made great strides in lowering your time . . . then it hits. You reach a plateau time that you seemingly can't break.

Most people who engage in healthy training activities reach a plateau at some point. The important thing to keep in mind is that your times will initially shrink quickly, but it gets frustrating to reach a time at some point that you can't seem to overcome.

As this article from www.active.com indicates, it's moving past these plateaus that can be the most challenging part of your training. Moving past a plateau takes focus and discipline. Read this article from Total Immersion Coach Terry Laughlin to learn how you can work to overcome these barriers in your training.

Beginning Training For Triathlon

2011-07-23T10:11:00.000-07:00

If you're thinking about tackling the challenges of a triathlon, some helpful advice is available.

The Beginner Triathlon blog recently featured some tips for starting your training. The tips here are especially helpful if you haven't done a lot of running, biking or swimming.

There are some good tips here to help you get started, but I would tell you this -- this is only the beginning. You'll need to consider a more aggressive training plan if you are in better shape than what is indicated in this article. You'll also need to consider how you will build swimming and biking into your training.

This is a good start, but there is definitely more to it!

The Importance Of Recovery

2011-07-21T17:40:00.000-07:00

When you start training for triathlons, you often reach the point where overtraining can become a problem.

As you set out with your plan, stick to your plan. Avoid the temptation to go beyond the plan because the risk of injury multiplies exponentially.

It's often natural to feel as though "you're not doing enough" when you train for triathlon events. Check out these resources from www.active.com to learn why you stick to your plan and avoid overtraining.

Getting Your Groove Back

2011-07-19T15:17:00.000-07:00

Do you ever find yourself in need of a little "mojo"?

Sure, we all find ourselves in different forms of funk that keep us from our healthy lifestyle goals.

The Oh She Glows blog recently took up this issue and how we can get ourselves out of the slumps we find ourselves in. Whether it's not feeling motivated for exercise, not keeping up with diet discipline or just feeling a lack of energy - there are a variety of solutions for these issues.

Take a look at the ways you can work to "get your groove back".

Training Improvement Through Kaizen

2011-07-16T13:22:00.000-07:00

Here's a bit of inspiration . . . do you seek to do better? To improve your times and make yourself stronger?

I think we all know the answer to these questions. One way to to seek improvement is to use a Japanese form of quality improvement - kaizen. Kaizen is a practice used throughout business and government today to improve process. You can use kaizen to improve the process of your training.

Read this entry from the Everymom to Ironmom blog. It provides a some fabulous guidance as to how you can improve your training methods through this approach.

Half Marathon Training

2011-07-10T10:54:00.000-07:00

If you have been running for a while, you might feel like challenging yourself with a half marathon.

A half marathon is much easier than training for a full marathon and doesn't take the toll on your body.

Check out this plan that blogger Tina Haupert is using on Carrots and Cake. It's the training program from "Smart Coach" that allows you to fit a plan to your own needs.

Half marathons are easy to enter and there are plenty of them to enter. Take your training to a new level by trying for a half marathon.

The Sleepless Elite

2011-07-08T20:12:00.000-07:00

I don't encourage this lifestyle and I am definitely NOT in this category of people.

However, this article from Melinda Beck in the Wall Street Journal was interesting about the functioning habits of "short sleepers". Amazingly, some people can accomplish a lot on little sleep.

At the end of the day, our bodies are generally very good at adapting to what we train them to do. But everyone is different. When I think of myself, I know I need a good seven to eight hours each night.

Studies repeatedly have shown that maximum amounts of sleep also help benefit training. So, don't be among the "sleepless elite" and get your sleep.

Recovery Through Swimming

2011-07-07T02:00:00.000-07:00

I knew there were more benefits to swimming than I realized.

Swimming is an enjoyable, low-impact exercise for me. Now, Matt Fitzgerald of triathlete.com reports about a new study published in the International Journal of Sports Medicine showing that swimming has many benefits toward recovery for athletes.

Read how swimming benefited a group of Australian athletes looking to identify a way to gain recovery for their bodies, while keeping up their cardiovascular systems.

Vegetarian Cooking

2011-07-05T02:00:00.000-07:00

I recently attended a program with my Rotary group that featured one of our members highlighting the benefits of vegetarian diets.

With young children and because I enjoy meat too much, I have found it hard to go completely meat-free. However, I do make a strong effort to eat healthy and naturally. The program I attended confirmed for me that there are some pretty easy things you can do to improve your diet.

First and foremost - we can easily cut down on the amount of processed foods we consume. Think about how easy it is -- and how healthy it is - to eat raw foods that are good for you and tasty. Fruits and vegetables are limitless.

Check out this post from the Go The Distance blog. The author recently attended a vegan cooking class and learned some of the same things I did. I'm not saying we all need to be vegans or vegetarians, but there are some healthy things we can learn from their habits.

Candy Boosts Morale, Weight

2011-07-01T11:56:00.000-07:00

The battle of the office candy jar - do I or don't I?

Certainly, during a stress-filled day, a treat from the office candy jar is the perfect remedy. But that little tasty goody doesn't come without its costs. Eating just a couple of pieces of candy each workday for a year can add up to nearly 25,000 calories!

Not that I'm trying to put a stop to the office treat brigade. Everyone can agree that food is a great way to bridge communication among officemates. However, you might want to take a look at Sue Shellenbarger's article accounting for the various calories for eating candy from the office "treat jar" in the Wall Street Journal.

With the information from this article, you will at least know what you need to do to avoid the extra calories or work them off!

Keys To Injury Prevention

2011-06-29T16:15:00.000-07:00

We all feel some pain once in a while. The key is making sure that pain doesn't turn into anything serious.

Vic Brown recently wrote about keys to avoiding injury in VeloNews. He has some important advice for those looking to stay hurt-free.

Remember stretching and warming up, refueling following a workout, not going too far too fast and getting enough sleep to name a few strategies. These are all among the techniques Brown recommends in his article.

He also wraps up by recommending yoga as an important way to prevent injury. This is something I've preached for years. Yoga has many qualities helpful toward injury-prevention.

Alignment, Balance Help Surfer

2011-06-25T08:11:00.000-07:00

The story of surfer Bethany Hamilton serves to inspire us all. But wait until you read about her workout.

Hamilton had to focus quite a bit on regaining her balance following an incident where she lost her left arm in a shark attack nearly eight years ago. She uses special alignment exercises and TRX equipment to focus on balance and strengthening her core.

Jen Murphy highlights Hamilton's routine in an article featured in the Wall Street Journal. The article also highlights some special exercises you can easily do to help your alignment.

Workplace Fitness Challenge

2011-06-23T18:11:00.000-07:00

You spend a lot of time at your place of work. Why not try to make it the source of health and fitness in your life?

Coworkers often discuss how they're going to start a diet or fitness program. How we're going to lose weight and be healthier seems to be a popular goal, but are we reaching those goals? Wouldn't it be more productive to spend that time working together in a fitness or diet program?

Think about it - employees often spend a lot of time together. That means time spent supporting one another and holding each other accountable for reaching goals that are set.

Here's a link to an article from www.naturalhealth.ca that tells you how you can go about working to establish a wellness program in your workplace. The article even offers information regarding the benefits to employers for wellness programs.

Exercise More Important With Age

2011-06-22T02:00:00.000-07:00

Exercise gets more important as we get older.

It's important to stay fit no matter how old you are.

Just read this article by Janice Lloyd from USA Today.

The article is quick to point out how your routine will change in your exercise (or . . . we can't do what we used to do!), but that doesn't matter. Even though we probably can't do what we used to do, we still need to stay active. Plus, we shouldn't be worried that we can't do what we did when we were younger.

Check out this article about how older folks can still maintain an edge with fitness.

Swim Faster

2011-06-18T02:00:00.000-07:00

Looking for a little advice to pick up your pace in the water?

Marty Gaal breaks it down for you in an article from USA Triathlon. According to Gaal, swim speed breaks down into three categories: technique, volume and intensity. He outlines how to use all three to get faster.

There's some great advice here if you've run into some barriers to speed in the pool.

New Playlist

2011-06-14T16:28:00.000-07:00

I love to get new playlists from other folks for my runs.

Check out this one from the Tall Mom On The Run blog. It's the playlist she used for the Boston Marathon.

If you're looking for a new selection of tunes for your next long run . . . here it is.

Must See For Inspiration

2011-06-12T16:12:00.000-07:00

This is a "must see" if you're seeking some new motivation.

Check out the 201Ironman blog to view a video that is amazingly inspirational. It features a woman running a race for the hometown crowd at an indoor track meet for the University of Minnesota.

I won't spoil the video . . . just watch it. What a great performance!

New Spring Weather Gear

2011-06-11T02:00:00.000-07:00

Spring always brings out the best in us.

And the best in us might involve shopping for new spring weather gear. Often times, spring weather means we'll get wet. So, the outdoor athlete must be prepared.

Check out this article by Kristen Seymour from www.thatsfit.com for the latest gear to help keep you dry this spring.

Another Reason For Sleep

2011-06-09T02:00:00.000-07:00

Researchers at Columbia University have given us a new reason to sleep more.

Of those who participated in a recent study, sleep-deprived participants consumed approximately 300 more in calories per day.

Now that's a reason to sleep in. Check out this article discussing the results of this study from Jen Mueller at www.sparkpeople.com.

Triathlon Practice

2011-06-07T02:00:00.000-07:00

Preparing for an upcoming triathlon event?

Let's REALLY get ready then. What's the best way to have a great performance for an event - PRACTICE! So then, how about a practice event? Think about doing one on your own, particularly if you're preparing for your first event.

Here's a practice event you can do on your own from Jene Shaw of triathlete.com. It has a legitimate program to follow to prepare you for your "big day". Take a look.

Minimalist Running Event

2011-05-31T14:45:00.001-07:00

Here is an event coming up in the Des Moines area that local runners may find interesting --

Eric Orton, renowned innovator in the minimalist running movement and founder of B2R, is returning to Des Moines for another informative and exciting running clinic. This time, Eric and the B2R team will take on downtown Des Moines with an hour-long clinic/demonstration over the lunch hour on June 2nd at the Pappajohn Education Center Lawn area (Western Gateway Park). What could be better than spending your lunch hour outside in the fresh air learning from and exercising with the foremost authority of this movement?

What: B2R Minimalist Running Clinic
When: Thursday, June 2nd from 12:00-1:00p.m
Where: Western Gateway Park - Pappajohn Education Center Lawn area
Cost: FREE, with opportunities to win exclusive B2R merchandise

If you haven’t already, please make sure you take a second to LIKE B2R on Facebook for more information!

Here's a link to his website.

Walking/Running Program

2011-05-29T02:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a great program to get yourself back in shape.

If you haven't been keeping up with a fitness routine, this program from Women's Health is a way to ease back into things. It's not hard, but features a nice mix of cardio through walking and running along with a couple of exercise programs to "tone up".

This is a "no brainer". It's May and you're getting ready for poolside. Try this to make it happen.

Going to take a break from blogging, so we'll see you soon.

Quick Strength Workout

2011-05-26T13:41:00.000-07:00

When we're busy and running from one stop to the next, it gets hard to keep up with all of the workout goals we often set for ourselves.

Here's a quick 20-minute strength workout designed by Wayne Spaulding of USA Triathlon. While the workout is designed for triathletes, anyone can use it. All it takes is a chair and a fitness band.

Check this out and maybe the next time you're traveling or plowed under with meetings, this workout helps you meet your fitness goals.

Muscles Used When Running

2011-05-23T15:47:00.000-07:00

Do you ever think about the muscles you use when you run? More importantly, do you know which muscles require stretching and warming up when you prepare to run?

This post on the Running Runners blog reminds you of the primary muscle areas used in running and how to stretch and warm them up.

Three primary muscle areas are used in running - lower back, calf and Achilles tendon and the hamstring. Check out how you can make sure to properly stretch and warm these muscles up prior to a run. These tricks will help you avoid soreness and injury following your runs.

The Joy Of A Run

2011-05-21T15:20:00.000-07:00

When life hands you sour grapes, a difficult work schedule and other obstacles, that's when we can truly appreciate the benefits of a long run.

This post from the Run DMZ blog is a great reminder about how long runs can help us deal with the stress of our lives.

Quite honestly, any form of fitness you enjoy is a great way to help ease the stress in your life. Whether it's a long run, a yoga practice, a bike ride or whatever - take time to get active about controlling the pressure in your personal and professional life. It's a great form of therapy.

Runner's Diet

2011-05-19T15:43:00.000-07:00

Here's some help for runners looking for a diet that's made for runners.

The Runningrunnersrun blog features a great diet for runners rich in vitamins and minerals helpful to runners. It's based on raw foods that are lower in calories and feature more in the way of things we need.

This diet is based on what an experienced runner has practiced for decades, so give it a shot.

Setting Realistic Time Goals

2011-05-17T02:00:00.000-07:00

If you're preparing for an upcoming event, you're probably thinking ahead toward a time goal.

Let's face it - if we're competing in an upcoming event of some sort, we're competitive by nature! Some of us are thinking toward "successful completion" and there's nothing wrong with that. But most are thinking, "I want to finish in XX hours, minutes and seconds."

Gale Bernhardt of www.active.com has some great thoughts on this topic. The best place to start in determining time goals is previous performance. This data usually comes from previous race events, but it can also come from training activity as well.

Read Bernhardt's tips, but be realistic in setting your time goals. Don't set yourself up for failure or disappointment.

When Does Running Get Easier?

2011-05-15T02:00:00.000-07:00

Beginning runners often face the issue of "when does it get easier?"

Running can be a challenging undertaking, particularly at first. If you are just trying to get into shape, it can be a big challenge.

As you question whether running is "your thing", you will start to wonder when to increase mileage, increase pace and make other adjustments.

This post from Christine Luff on www.about.com answers some of these questions. She makes two key arguments - don't rush yourself and stay mentally strong. Winning the "mental game" is the trickiest part of staying committed to successful running.

Changing Nutrition Seasons

2011-05-11T02:00:00.000-07:00

Moving from recovery to training season as it relates to your nutrition can be challenging.

Your body is seeking more of certain things when we become more active, so you have to make sure you're providing the right "fuel" for your body at that time of year.

Even though we're not working out as much in "recovery" season, we tend to treat ourselves to holiday treats and other indulgences at this point of the year. Moving to a point of the year where more discipline is required in nutrition makes it trickier.

Check out this article from www.active.com to navigate these transitions in your training smoothly.

Tips On Finding The Right Personal Trainer

2011-05-08T07:52:00.000-07:00

More and more folks are turning to the use of a personal trainer for help with their fitness goals.

We've addressed this topic in the past, but I thought this post by Paige Waehner from www.about.com raised some of the appropriate tips here.

There are many options available for hiring a personal trainer, but what are you really seeking when you hire the right personal trainer for yourself? What are the costs? What certifications should you check? What should your expectations be for a typical session with a trainer?

These questions are addressed in this post. I have a friend who recently topped 70 pounds in his weight loss and he swears by the use of his personal trainer. There's no doubt this can help you meet your goals as well.

Are You Ready For An Ironman?

2011-05-05T16:02:00.000-07:00

The answer for most of us is obviously "no".

However, you shouldn't completely dismiss the concept. If you're reading this post, chances are you have done a fitness endurance event of some kind and maybe it's worth pursuing.

I know my knees couldn't bear the heavy running training involved in preparing for an Ironman event, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't give the concept consideration.

Check out this link to a complete guide of articles about the swim, bike and run portions of the Ironman event from www.active.com. There is a wealth of information here that will help you decide if you're ready to take on the ultimate test of individual fitness.