Run Well *** Finish Strong

The Lung Run in Chicago is a benefit event with more than 1,500 runners/walkers, lung cancer survivors, and representatives of leading Chicago hospitals who participate in the Annual Chicago 5K Lung Run. Great run, well organized, great charity.

The female winner was a graduate student studying for her master's degree from Norway.

This article from China will cause you some wonder if you use Melamine. 432 infants in China have become ill with kidney problems (one confirmed death) from drinking powdered infant milk containing melamine. Sale of Chinese infant products are illegal in the US. Apparently the use of melamine or "melamine scrap" (reside product of melamine production) is/was used in China because it causes products, such as meat, to appear as if they have more protein content than is actually present. And some lady years ago told me that use of melamine would help me recover quickly from jet lag. Good thing I did not believe her. The US owes China "zillions" of dollars, but you cannot get safe food out of those folks!!! Go Figure!

September 28, 2008 will be the 35th running of Berlin Marathon, one of the World Marathon Majors. They say there will be 40,000 athletes, 1,000,000 spectators, and 70 live bands. A nice part of the Oktoberfest celebration which runs from September 20, 2008 until October 5, 2008.

Are you a couch potato? Have you ever wondered why so many people are out jogging or running? Do you think they are crazy...or their elevator does not go all the way to the top floor? Well, I say, give it a try before you buy...or decide NOT to buy. The Cool Running site has a great plan they call the Couch-to-5K Running Plan to get you up and started. Give it a shot. Who knows...you might even like it.

The old philosophy for doing well in a distance race was to train with a lot of distance runs. More recently data is building suggesting that distance running is not as beneficial as previously thought and speed training is being boasted for greater success. I am not expert, but here are three good speed training sites:
Basics Regarding Speed Training.
Sample Programs and Training.
Training Suggestions.

Proper nutrition is often a missing link in a physical training program, even just a happy life program. Your body can no more operate properly without proper food than a car without proper fuel. You would not think of driving down the road in your car with an empty gas tank. Why then do you run down the training path without proper fuel? Your body is a complex piece of equipment which needs proper fuel to function successfully. Your body needs it's "gas tank" correctly filled. Your car is mechanical and electrical. Your body cannot function if only the "mechanical" parts are developed. The electrical system (brain, nerves, cells) cannot function with their necessary "fuel." Proper nutrition provides the "fuel." This article on Active.com provides thoughts and suggestions. Another excellent article from Roadrunner Sports regarding nutrition. GET YOUR FUEL RIGHT!

Sponsored by Bank of America, there are just 14 days left before the 31st running of Chicago Marathon.