Firefighter's Workout

This firefighter doesn't mess around when it comes to fitness.

Check out the routine of this Indiana firefighter from the Wall Street Journal.  Not only does he do some creative activities to keep up with the physical demands of his job, but he plays dodgeball as well.

This is a "must read" if you're into intense physical fitness activities. 

Taking a break here for week . . . will be back soon!

Maybe Just Do Half

As I read this post from "The Happy Runner" blog, I was reminded that doing a half marathon is a pretty challenging event.  It can also make you happy.

Here's what I mean . . . I wrote a couple of weeks ago about preparing for a marathon.  If you think you can complete a marathon, that's great.  But it is equally as great to set your sights on a goal that is perhaps not as lofty in a half marathon. This post from The Happy Runner points out some of the training elements of preparing for a half marathon.  It's nowhere near as grueling. Which makes for a happy runner!

I recently completed a half marathon that I thoroughly enjoyed.  I was certainly a bit sore afterword, but recovery came quickly.  If you're not up to putting yourself through a marathon, then maybe a half marathon is another great goal.

Marathon Post Recovery Meals

These items looked pretty tasty.

Even if you hadn't run a marathon, they still looked like pretty good meals.  Read in this post from the Run To The Finish blog why these meals are good for recovery following a marathon.

Strong Core

Do you have a strong core?

The test outlined in this post by certified triathlon coach Adam Hodges will tell you.

The article goes on to highlight the importance of a strong core and exercises to strenghen your core. Take a look.

International Healthy Habits

I enjoyed reading this article from Shape magazine about healthy habits from around the world.

I'm currently reading the book "The Blue Zones" by Daniel Buettner. This article rings a similar theme in that in provides habits from around the world that help people live longer, healthier and happier.

How To Pick A Marathon

Running a marathon is increasingly making its way to people's "bucket lists".

A great New Year's resolution is choosing to run a marathon. Choosing a marathon to run can be a process beyond physically preparing for one. 

Review this post from Christine Luff about choosing a marathon to run from www.about.com to learn some considerations that are part of the marathon event selection process.

Full Fall Workout

Well, it's winter time, but this "fall themed" workout appealed to me, so I thought I would share.

This workout is definitely different, but will give you a full body fitness test.   The workout was designed by Trainer Sara Hailey.  Check it out on www.sparkpeople.com.

Can You Beat A Celebrity In A Marathon?

A variety of large-scale marathon events attract various celebrities.

Many celebrities run for a charity or cause.  There are a large number who run the New York City Marathon, of course.

Check out this post from www.about.com from Christine Luff. It features a link to check out celebrity times so you can compare against them.

Downfall Of A Champion

There is no need to beat the Lance Armstrong drum any further.

However, I couldn't stop reading a recent Wall Street Journal article that is an excerpt from a new book titled "Wheelmen: Lance Armstrong, the Tour de France and the Greatest Sports Conspiracy Ever" that outlines the fall of the cycling icon.  The book was written by two Wall Street Journal reporters Reed Albergotti and Vanessa O'Connell.

If you are like me, you worshipped Armstrong and all he did.  Only to be later fooled and disappointed with his horrible behavior.  This article shows just how "duped" we were and what a horrible endurance sport tragedy the Lance Armstrong saga has become.