Losing Muscle Tone

If you are working out regularly, why do you notice a lack in muscle tone?

As we age, it gets harder to maintain muscle tone.  These tips from an article on www.active.com will help get you on the track of keeping those muscles from drooping to the floor.

Using Foam Rollers

Using foam rollers as a way to help your muscles to recover can provide a lot of relief.

Check out this post in the "Run To The Finish" blog to learn how to use a foam roller to help yourself "heal".

Diet Critical To Weight Loss

Here's an interesting perspective on the role diet plays in weight loss.

This article from Aaron Campbell in the New York Times argues there is far more benefit in weight loss from eating less versus exercise.  He maintains it is difficult for people to maintain the type of fitness schedule that results in significant weight loss.

While Campbell may be correct in his assumption, I will still argue exercise is critical to one's overall physical and mental health.

Recovery Smoothie

This post-run recovery smoothie looked good enough to share.

Check out "Runner Dude's Blog" for a video on preparing a great recovery smoothie.

Taking a little time off from posting.  Will see you soon. 

Trust Your Breathing

If you are doing a breathing program associated with your current training efforts . . .  learn to trust the program.

This post from the "Gotta Run . . . Gotta Ride" blog spells out how you need to trust your program.  Even though you may feel like accelerating, stay the course.

Compression Socks

I am seeing people use compression socks more frequently.  In fact, I was surprised at a recent large race here the number of runners using compression socks.

I have not tried them, but I probably need to break down and give them a shot.  I found some of the rationale for using compression in this "Shut Up + Run" blog post.

If nothing else, compression socks make this blogger "feel faster".

America's Fittest City

According the American College of Sports Medicine, Washington, DC is America's fittest city.

 While Des Moines holds its own in this category and "Iowa's Healthiest State" helps our cause, I'm sure, it always makes me jealous to see how other communities pay close attention to fitness.  While better trail systems and other amenities have improved here, it's hard to beat the level of fitness awareness in communities like the Twin Cities and Denver.