Train Smart Now, Reap the Rewards in the Fall

Melisa Christian, a dentist and a 2:41 marathoner, has qualified for two Olympic Marathon Trials despite—or perhaps because of—training in the heat of Dallas. To log her 80-plus miles per week through the summer months, when overnight temperatures rarely drop below 75°F and the humidity wraps around her like a blanket, she gets up before dawn and drives her running route, dropping bottles of water and electrolyte mix every few miles. The payoff comes when she runs a fall race, often the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon in Minneapolis. Going from the intensity of the Dallas heat to the cool northern climes, Christian gets an instant boost, both physically and psychologically.
"You feel a lot more fresh and vibrant," she says. "You're not drenched in sweat just toeing the line. It seems so much easier."

6 Sneaky Ways To Get In Exercise

Need to work out but can't get to the gym? Try these six easy ways to work out! The best part? You can do these moves anywhere!

At-home chair squats: Hover above a chair seat as if you were going to sit down, without letting your butt or thighs touch the seat. Hold for 30 seconds, building up to 1 minute. Do these body toning exercises whenever you get a moment, aiming for once an hour.
Squat in the Kitchen: Every time you're in the kitchen, perform triceps dips using a kitchen chair: Stand in front of a chair as if you were going to sit down, then bend knees and lower hips, placing hands on the seat edge, fingers pointing forward, arms straight. Walk feet forward, and with feet flat and torso erect, bend and straighten arms, keeping butt close to chair seat without touching it. Do 8-15 reps.
Sourced By:  Shine from Yahoo

5 Things To Know Before Your First 5K

You've signed up, you've logged the training miles and race day is almost here! Taking on your first 5K can be both an exciting and nerve-wracking experience. Here, find the best tips when it comes to running for beginners. These will help you maximize the enjoyment out there—and make your… Read More »

Sourced By:  Yahoo health

Fitness Enthusiast

Drexel Long

If you followed track and field in the early 1990s, you probably heard about Drexel Long. One of the most accomplished 400-meter runners in the country, she was the 1994 Southwest Conference 400-meter champion (with a time of 52.93) and was a six-time All American track athlete while attending the University of Houston.

“I ran because it was fun, a challenge, gave me a goal to strive for and I loved the true teamwork on the relays,” Long says. “It also got me a free education!”

Long was born in Philadelphia, but as an “army brat,” was raised all over the country. She attended high school in New Jersey, where she played field hockey and ran track. More...

The Basics of Track Training

Whether you're taking your first steps as a runner or trying to improve your speed, a track can be a safe, convenient place to run. There are no cars to contend with, many tracks are lighted, the synthetic surface cushions your joints, and the measured distance makes it easy to monitor your pace. But beginners often steer clear of running on the local oval because they're intimidated—unsure of the rules and etiquette. Here's all you need to know to run in circles safely.  More Yahoo health.com

3 Reasons To Run A 5-K

Whether you're an eager newbie or a serial marathoner, there are loads of reasons to register for a 5-K.

"If you're a beginner, targeting the distance is a great way to gain motivation and build structure into your schedule," says Luke Humphrey, M.S., an exercise physiologist and head coach for Hanson's Coaching Services in Rochester Hills, Michigan. "For regular runners, the 5-K stokes your competitive spirit, breaks up the monotony of high-mileage training, and serves as a solid test of speed." In fact, all runners can improve their fitness—and maybe even their PRs—when training for a 5-K, says Humphrey. Here's what keeping it short and sweet can do for you.

Get Going: Try these exclusive 5- and 10-K Runner's World training plans for novice, intermediate and advanced runners. More...Yahoohealth.com

The Secret to Breaking Through My Weight Loss Plateau

I had such a productive week! It has been quite some time since I felt like my food choices and exercise were in sync with my weight loss plan. I ran three times this week, and I met my goal of going to the gym four times. I am also back to my pre-Christmas weight; in fact, I am down to 211.8 pounds. Overall, I would call this week a huge success!

I am five miles down in my goal to run 20 miles in the month of January. It took me a year to be able to get up on the treadmill and pound step after step of a glorious mile. But you know what? I did it. I do it. And I'm on my way to becoming a better, more consistent runner.  More...Aol health