Dealing With Disappointing Results

As we wind up the year, perhaps now is a good time to reflect on ways to "get back on your horse".

If you were disappointed with your fitness goals this year, take a read over this article from Cheryl D. Hart that was published in USA Triathlon.

I can't tell you how many times I've encountered disappointment from results at an event or my resentment for not being able to participate in an event due to injury. It's bound to happen. The most important takeaway from this experience is to learn from any mistakes and move forward.

Most events are annual, so in the popular Chicago Cub vernacular, there really is another "next year". Truthfully, you can always do an event again the following year. Don't be defined by the results that disappointed you, be defined by how you recover.

As the Japanese proverb quoted in the article says, "Fall seven times. Get up eight."

Should Men Be Allowed At Women's Events?

A recent article featured in the Wall Street Journal made me think quite a bit about this issue posed in my headline.

Let me get this straight - after much discrimination in the field of running, women are now saying "no" to men by sponsoring running events "for women only"? Yes, I know there are a number of distance running events that are geared toward women, but what's the big deal with men participating in the events as well?

Running has come such a long way as a sport that truly integrates gender in my mind. How many times do you see a group of people running where there are participants of BOTH genders? How many times do you see so many men and women running together at events?

If event organizers want to market to women with female-specific races, I'm fine with that, but I don't see a problem with men being allowed to participate too. I see this Wall Street Journal article by Kevin Helliker inspired many comments. Let's hear from you - what are your thoughts on this issue?

While you post some great comments on this issue, I'm going to take some time off to enjoy travel for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Running Better When You Run Long

Let's face it - those long runs can REALLY drag you down.

Running long runs can often become a grind that makes us less enthusiastic about the weekend's "big one". I'm a little unusual as I am always looking forward to my Saturday long runs. I view it as a highlight of my week mainly because I run with people with whom I enjoy running or I know I'm going to get some valuable thinking time to myself.

However, if you're looking to make your longs more interesting or make them an opportunity to improve your pace, you need to read this Runners World article from Bob Cooper.

Using "slow and steady", "progression" and "dress rehearsal" strategies as Cooper calls them, you can improve your pace for the next event. Try one of these approaches on your next long one.

Hospital CEO Promotes Health To Employees

I LOVED this story! A CEO putting her money where her mouth is by leading a healthy lifestyle to serve as an example to her employees.

I have written about this in the past - promoting health and wellness among employees can do nothing but make healthier employees who are less expensive to insure.

In my mind, it only makes sense that we would have less expensive health care premiums if people led healthier lifestyles. Employers can lead the drive toward healthier lifestyles by taking a more active role in the promotion of health in and out of the workplace.

Read this USA Today article about Margaret Sabin, a hospital CEO in Colorado Springs. She also works as a fitness instructor to act as a model to her employees for healthier living.

I hate to say it, but we've become a nation of lazy, overweight, cigarette-loving and unhealthy folks. It's no wonder health care costs so much in this country. Employers can make a difference by taking the lead toward educating their employees about the benefits of living a more healthy lifestyle.

Is Running Barefoot Better For You?

There is quite of bit of discussion about running barefoot these days.

Some experts speculate that it's better for you to run barefoot. I'm not sure I believe that, but check out the following article and video featuring Harvard Professor Dan Lieberman from www.nesn.com to see what you think.

Whether we like it or not, running is not a natural act for our bodies. It's a lot like throwing a baseball - we can do it, but it causes a lot of stress on our bodies - whether you're running with shoes or not. Be reasonable in your expectations for your body to avoid getting set back with injury.

Looking To Work Your Core?

Looking for some new ways to tone up your core?

Many are regularly seeking the "six-pack" abs. These exercises will help.

Check out these exercises from www.sparkpeople.com. There are several good exercises listed along with links to demos and videos for additional core exercises.

Don't forget - a solid core requires a healthy diet and regular cardio exercise as well.

Be Sure To Try Out New Gear

Reading a post tonight made me thing about making a recommendation to those of you out there who are participating in fall/winter events. Don't forget to try out any new gear prior to doing your event.

This post in the Happiness One Mile At A Time blog helps make the point. Never try new shoes, new clothing, new nutrition products or gadgets for the first time during an event. Test things out beforehand. New shoes can cause blisters, new clothing can cause annoying chafing and new nutrition can make you sick!

Get a feel for something new you want to use long prior to race day and you won't have any regrets.

Competing In Hot Climates

As mid-November approaches, I know our days of doing anything outdoors are pretty limited. With winter getting pretty close, I thought I would share something to make us think warm thoughts.

Read Gale Bernhardt's post from www.active.com about getting acclimated to warm climate events.

As the theory goes, you really can't control what the weather will do when you compete in an event. The best plan is to try and train in conditions that you EXPECT at your event so you're prepared. Heat is particularly tricky because it undoubtedly slows your pace and you have to be prepared to fight that off.

Hopefully, this post will help you think about warm thoughts and ideas for events next spring and summer. Off for a couple of days - see you soon!

Check Out New Diet Book

If you're looking for a new resource for a diet, the Mayo Clinic is a pretty good place to start.

Here's a review from www.thatsfit.com on The Mayo Clinic Diet, a new book about eating your way to a healthier lifestyle. The book is written by the weight loss experts at Mayo.

Sometimes we just need something new to offer a fresh perspective about healthy habits and losing weight. This book could be just what you're seeking.

Eating Local Usuallly Means Eating Healthy

I love this post about eating locally. We really should make an effort to support local food products.

Eating local usually means eating fresher, healthier food products and this is the point of this guest blogger post on Carrots and Cake.

I'm quite fortunate in that living in the heartland of the Midwest, I have many options for eating some great local food. It's this time of year where we often end our long Saturday runs at the Downtown Farmers Market so we can enjoy some locally-baked breads, locally-raised meats, locally-grown veggies and other great products.

Farmers markets are so popular now, they represent a great opportunity to sample local food from your area.

Check out this post so you can learn some other ideas for lending more support to local food products.

Take The Lead

Today, I'm just sharing something fun!

This link takes you to YouTube video that was recently posted on the Frayed Laces blog. The accompanying video is about taking the lead and establishing yourself as a leader. It's very fun and inspiring, so I thought I would share.

Enjoy some frivolous and entertaining inspiration today!

Running Smarter

Take peak at this article from USA Triathlon that will help you run smarter in your next event.