How to pick the right running shoe

All running shoes are not created equal.

read more | digg story

Didn’t have to Drive somewhere to Run Nowhere

I’m so excited!! Why, you ask. Because today I went for a run! So of you may think I’m crazy, but it’s a wonderful feeling of accomplishment to run 3.1 miles nonstop outside. (I even ran a little more which made it a total of 4 miles run).

I had 3 reasons for running outside as apposed to running on a treadmill (my usual mode of running adventures):

1. I couldn’t make it into the gym today.

2. It was a beautiful day to go for a run. (Warm, partly cloudy, sun at times, and not too windy. My kind of weather for exercising outdoors).

3. In two weeks, on May 3, 2008, I will be running my first 5K!!!!!!!!!!! I’m super excited about that. I thought it’d be smart to actually run on terrain similar to what the race will be like.

I consider running 4 miles outside an accomplishment. (I could have never done that 5 years ago) I’ll keep ya posted on how my first race goes.

Runners, walkers, bikers, and roller bladers will all benefit from mapmyrun.com

Ever wondered how far you are walking every night? Now you don’t have to guess!!!

Map Your Runs!

Online Pedometer!

Plot your running routes over mountains (view elevation), through the woods (topo maps), and speeding through the city (street level views) with just a few mouse clicks. Once your running map is complete you can quickly view it in 3D, satellite maps, or share it with friends.

Training

Workout Log

Track your running history and progress using the new My Training feature. Easily integrate your running routes in your training calendar and view key stats like calories, total mileage, speed, power, and more!

MapMyRun.com

Just beginning to run? Or perhaps contemplating picking up the sport?

These links are for you~

Beginner’s Guide to Running

Beginning Running

Tips from Runner’s World (one of my very favorite magazines:)

Have some questions? How far? How fast?

Read up on running at about.com

Advice on shoes, running while pregnant, and fuel for the run

Some running links provided by running4beginners

FOOT TIPS FOR BEGINNER RUNNERS by Ashley Mahoney

100 tips for running 

Calculators

Want to know your BMI, VO2 max, or maximum heart rate??

Check out this website for the tools you need 

The McMillan Running Calculator

by Greg McMillan, M.S.

Ever wonder what pace you should be running in workouts? How ’bout when you run a 5K and want to know what you could run for 10K? Well, wonder no more. Since the mid-1990’s, I’ve been working on a method that estimates your equivalent race performances using a current race time at any distance as well as giving the appropriate pace range for all the different types of workouts that you perform.

To use the handy calculator and read the rest of the article click here

So how far is a 5K??

Wondering how far a 5K is?? 5 miles? 3.22 miles? 3 something…? way too far!?

Well, we’ve got the answer for you, plus more useful info. Just click How far is that….?

9 months til they run their first marathon (and they’re out of shape…)NOVA | Marathon Challenge | Watch the Program | PBS

Ever seen “The Biggest Loser”? Well, maybe this show was the inspiration for it.

Watch as the group shapes up and prepares for their first marathon.

Watch the Marathon Challenge

Running a race soon? Check out these programs to train for your best race yet

Training for a 5K
Novice

Intermediate

Advanced

Walking program for 5K

Half marathon plan

Novice

Intermediate

Advanced

Walk

Marathon training schedules for all levels

All programs by Hal Higdon

Achieved my New Year’s Resolution (one of them:)

Today I attained one of my New Year’s resolutions! I had written down that by May 31st (I gave myself a good chunk of time, but as you can see I didn’t need it!) I would achieve my goal of running 5 consecutive miles.

Today I ran 5 miles on the treadmill without stopping! I listened to upbeat running music which I believe helps keep me motivated to take the next step. This is the most I’ve ever run in my life! Several months ago I ran 4 consecutive miles (I thought that was great), but lately I’ve been motivated to try for more distance. Last week I was reading a great running magazine and was inspired to run further. It explained that I should run about two minutes slower than my normal pace in order to persevere and not get too exhausted. So, for example, if you usually run a 10 min. mile (6.0mph) then try running at a 12 min. mile (5.0mph) to go the distance. For me 5.0mph is too slow so when I ran I kept the pace between 5.5 and 6.2 mph.

I was also inspired when I watched a national track meet on tv. The 1st place winner ran the 1500 in less than 4 minutes!! She beat the world record! Now that’s amazing.

Well, I hope you are well on your way to achieving your goals this spring (and yes I did say spring! I have spring fever in case you couldn’t tell:)

Your fitness motivator,

Layna