Fending Off Food Cravings

Fending off food cravings has been a topic in nutritional circles for decades.

A recent article by Melinda Beck in the Wall Street Journal explores this issue in detail.  Bottom line:  Are we craving certain foods because we're hungry or because of the associations that come with eating certain foods?

Learn more about what makes our heads tick when it comes to craving food.

Doggy Treadmills

Are you ready for this?  Pets are joining the fitness craze.

I was a little surprised to learn about the care and expense some folks are taking to keep their pets healthy.

This is an interesting read from the Macon Telegraph.

Short, Quality Sleep

Is it possible shorter, quality bursts of sleep could be just as good for us as the long nights experts say we need to stay healthy?

This post from Run DMZ does a good job of exploring this topic, using a recent article published in the New York Times.

According to an expert highlighted in the article., one theory suggests that short bursts of quality sleep can be good for us as well.  Keep in mind, I'm not sure there is anything that helps the body recover more than a good night of natural sleep though.

Provocative thoughts, nonethelss.  And everyone is different.  What works for some may not work for all.  

Various Forms Of Yoga

We learn something new everyday.

I had no idea there were more than 12 forms of yoga. 

This post from Stephanie Romine on www.dailysparkblog.com outlines quite a bit about yoga.  In fact, more than you probably want to know.  I found it interesting and wanted to share.

Active Recovery

Active people are active because they don't much enjoy sitting still.

That being said, rest is sometimes what active athlete bodies require.  Again, folks actively engaged in fitness activities find it hard to rest.  It often is not their psyche.

Triathlete Coach Sean Leenaerts recently wrote about ways we can recover, yet be active in the process, for www.active.com.  It's a worthwhile read to learn about how we can get some rest while actively working.

Biking Efficiency

As the days for outdoor biking come to a close, some hints on how to do some efficient bike work might come in handy.

First - there's no reason why you can't get a good workout indoors. Trainers and spin classes make for great indoor alternatives. You also don't need the "long" bike workout during the winter. You can maintain your form with other activities and shorter time periods on the two-wheeler. We also need to get used to "flying solo". Group rides are usually our staple, but that doesn't mean you always need a group to ride.

Check out Triathlete and Coach Ben Greenfield's take on this topic from EverymanTri.com.

Balance Your Training With Yoga

I know I have written about this in the past, but yoga is such a great activity for helping to balance your fitness.

It's soft on muscles and joints.  Plus, it helps you relax. 

Read this post from Melissa Eisler about you can better balance your training with yoga on www.active.com.

Do You Need New Shoes?

How do you know you need new running shoes?

Generally speaking, if you've logged over 500 miles on your shoes or you have run in them for four to six months (and they are looking a little worn), then it's time to hit the running shoe store.

However, there are other signs new shoes are in order.  Do they twist easily? Have you noticed soreness you haven't experienced in the past?

Check out Christine Luff's post on signs to seek out on the question of new running shoes at www.about.com.

Hill Training Drills

I regularly run with a group on a particular day of the week and when one of us says, "Let's do the hills" - we all know what they are talking about.

It's good to incorporate some hill workouts into your runs.  If nothing else, it offers a little variation in your routine.

Check out these hill workouts from Lee Gardner at USA Triathlon.

Is Half Marathon Requirement For Marathon?

The simple answer is "no".

However, I will tell you from experience that completing one or more half marathons is good preparation before doing a full marathon for two big reasons.  First, it mentally prepares you.  Mental preparation for a full marathon is just as important as physical preparation.  Additionally, you will find that a full marathon is much beyond a half, so getting that foundation under your belt is a good idea.

Christine Luff recently shared some thoughts worth considering on this issue in her blog found on www.about.com.

Taking a little break following this post for a convention.  Check back soon!