Side Stitches? Change your posture.

Side stitches are a common problem for runners.  A new theory suggests that these stitches are caused by poor posture - a theory that may suggest why controled, concentrated breathing can help relieve side stitches; the focus on deep breathing fills the lungs and improves posture.

If you suffer from side stitches check out the NY Times article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/01/health/01really.html?_r=2&scp=4&sq=running&st=cse

Running Under the Sun - Sun Protection

I was told by a friend that I should do a post on sun screen / sun protection for runners. Since living in Miami this is a pretty relevant issue and the rest of the country is on spring break and dreaming of summer, here’s that post.

 

I, probably like many runners, don’t think much about the sun when I head out for a run, other than how hot it will make things. I’ve paid the price for that over sight the last couple of weekends running in the sun and coming home pretty burned. Not only painful, this can be dangerous too. Also, studies have shown that marathoners may have a higher risk of skin cancer because of the increased time in the sun and the compromised immune system from the high intensity exercise. The easiest way to avoid the problems is sunscreen…

 

Race Report: Miami Beach Karhu 5k

This is a race report I didn’t expect to write. Partly because I hadn’t planned on running 5ks this year as I focus on some longer distances, and partly because I hadn’t decided to run this race until 11pm the night before…

I went to bed at 11:45 the night of the race to get up at 4 to head over to South Beach to register for the race. With not enough sleep, not enough good food over the last week, and no speed training, I once again was going into a race totally unprepared. Hopefully this will not be the theme of this year.

Beer & Running

A Beer post on a Friday? Brilliant!

First, I do not condone drinking. In fact, my friends know I don’t even like drinking. *Cough* *Hack* I can’t even type that with a straight face. Okay, I love a beer after a run, and I like to claim I’m reloading on carbs and hydrating… So I when I started to write this post I was planning on talking about how beer is good for your running. Turns out that’s wrong. Sorry.

So here’s the summary for those who don’t want to read this; if you want to be an elite ultra runner, don’t drink alcohol, there are much better ways of hydrating and carbo loading. If you want to enjoy life, there must be a reason we have a liver – just make sure to practice moderation.

So with the unfortunate (for ultra athletes) summary out of the way, here are some of the facts;

Chicago Marathon Registration Closed

Bad news if you were still thinking about registering for the Chicago Marathon in October...  Registration closed today when the 45,000 capacity was met in a record 31 days.  Fortunately, if you're dying to run, there are still some limited entries through affiliated charities.

See the Chicago Marathon Registration Page for details.


Official E-mail from the Chicago Marathon:

Registration Has Closed for the 2011 Bank of America Chicago Marathon

Registration for the 2011 Bank of America Chicago Marathon officially closed today. The 45,000-participant capacity was met in a record 31 days. A limited number of entries remain available through affiliated charities and tour groups for the October 9 race.

More than 90 of the race's affiliated charities have entries remaining for participants still looking for a way into this year's field. By registering through a charity, runners simultaneously become members of a fundraising effort that has generated nearly $60 million since 2002. Chicago Marathon hopefuls living outside the U.S. also have the option to secure an entry via a number of tour operators offering travel packages that include registration to the 2011 race.

26.2 Miles... what could possibly go wrong?

Thanks to Veronica, I think I have my new Marathon training program...

Nutrition - Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are nothing new, in fact most Americans will immediately think of green furry potted pets when you mention chia, but very few will think running super food. Christopher Douglas’s mention of them in Born to Run has brought them to the forefront of the discussion on “natural energy” for runners.

Chia has been used for thousands of years as an endurance enhancing food, easily traced back to the Mayans and Aztecs. Stories abound about Aztec warriors and messengers running extreme distances on nothing but a handful of chia seeds. Chia seeds alone won’t make you a super runner, but they have many properties that can greatly improve your performance.

28 g of chia, or about 3 tablespoons, contains roughly 137 calories and 12 g of