April 24, 2008

Running Towards a Beer?

So one of the first things I had to learn about when moving to Portland from NC was a little thing called hops ... and how seriously people take their beer on the west coast. Thankfully it wasn't hard. With over hundreds of breweries in the NW, it's difficult not to acquire a taste for these yummy microbrews. I also can't help but notice how having a beer seems to have incorporated itself into many outdoor activities: bar-b-queuing (only if the sun ever comes out), camping, and now, running. With beer gardens becoming a popular post-race activity (think The Shamrock Run, Bridge to Bridge...to Brews), it's hard not to have a cold, tasty one while celebrating your recent success. But how does that one (or more) beers affect your body? What about drinking one the night before a race? Read this Runner's World article, which seems particularly pertinent to the Oregonian runner.

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April 18, 2008

Boston Marathon: What's with the hype?

As marathons become increasingly popular among runners, one stands out in particular as the be-all-end-all of races. The culmination. The elusive dream. The- well, you get the point. Most of you have probably guessed it - the one and only Boston Marathon. On Monday, April 21, Beantown will essentially come to a halt while this year's race takes place. Businesses shut down, students have the day off from school, and everyone comes together to celebrate this special day. Even celebrities such as Will Ferrell and Lance Armstrong have been attracted to this exclusive marathon. But why? Keep reading to get the skinny on the Boston Marathon.

  • On April 19, 1897, the first Boston Marathon occurs, making it the world's oldest annual marathon. There were 15 starters and 10 finishers.

  • The race occurs every third Monday in April on Patriot Day, honoring the first battles of the American Revolutionary War, which took place in Massachusetts.

  • For the last few years, the number of entrants averages over 20,000 runners. In the centennial race of the Boston Marathon, a world record was set for the largest marathon (recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records) with 38,708 entrants.


  • Not just anyone can participate - you have to qualify with a certain time based on your age group and the qualifying times can be a challenge in itself for the common runner.


  • Over $575,000 is distributed among the winners.


  • Current course records are 2:07:14 and 2:20:43 for men and women respectively.


  • The Boston Marathon is considered one of the more difficult marathon courses because it takes runners over the 4 famed hills in Newton, MA that begin at the 16 mile mark. The hills require a late climb after the majority of the course has been downhill, giving runners a huge challenge. The last and most difficult hill is Heartbreak Hill, occurring between mile 20 and 21, which is also when most runners "hit their wall".


  • Over 500,000 spectators cheer on runners, making it New England's most widely viewed sporting event.

  • Behind the Super Bowl only, the marathon is considered the largest single day sporting event in the world, in terms of on-site media coverage.

  • The Boston Red Sox play a home game every year, timed so that when the game ends, the crowd empties into Kenmore Square to cheer the runners in their final mile.


  • In 1975, the race recognized a first-ever wheel-chair participant, and today the marathon includes a push rim wheelchair division, a visually impaired/blind division and a mobility impaired program.


So with all the history and challenges that the Boston Marathon entails, you can see why runners are attracted to this famous race. I don't know about you, but I definitely want to put this on my list of life's to-do's.

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April 15, 2008

Fresh Starts

This past Saturday was the first warm AND sunny day in what seemed like ages. I'm sure it found many of you, like myself, trying to spend every second possible outside. Maybe all that sunshine inspired you to put on a pair of tennis shoes and go for a walk, a hike, or a run. Maybe that was even the first one of the season. Did you feel a little rusty? No need to worry - everyone has to start somewhere. If you took a break from running over the winter, are getting over an injury, or even want to try running for the first time, follow these tips from Runner's World to get a fresh start.

WALK FIRST
If you have not been doing any cardio exercise, do three 30-minute walks a week for two to three weeks.

THEN RUN/WALK
Interspersing walk breaks into your runs let you catch your breath and lessens the impact on your joints and muscles. "Even if you've run before, and especially if you're returning from an injury, walk breaks are smart," says Jeff Galloway, an Olympian and coach to thousands of beginning runners across the country.

GO FOR TIME
Runners love miles- but don't worry about them. Running by time is easier; it de-emphasizes pace, and allows you to adjust to how you feel that day.

TAP THE POWER OF THREE
"People who do not run regularly are more likely to quit," says Galloway. So plan on running a minimum of three days a week. The reason is simple: You can only get into running shape if you do it consistently.

BUILD SLOWLY
Denise Gross, 49, took up running by walking 300 meters and running 100 on a track in her hometown of Amherst, OH. A year later she was running three continuous miles. That's how everyone should build up - slowly, consistently, and in your own time. Rush the process and you could end up sore, frustrated, or injured. So increase your running time by about 10 to 20 percent a week.

GET TO THE NINTH RUN
The end of the third week is the turning point for many new and returning runners. You're not as out of breath, and things start clicking. Make it to that ninth run, and you'll likely begin to feel running's rewards - more energy, a stronger body, and a sense of accomplishment.

ENDURANCE FIRST, SPEED SECOND
You need to be able to cover a distance before you can cover it fast. Plus, fast running puts a greater demand on your muscles, connective tissues, and cardiovascular system than jogging. So build to 20 minutes of continuous running before you work on speed.

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