Monthly Archives: July 2011

Paddle Up for the Summer

Stand Up Paddling or SUP, is surfings latest twist – combining something old and something new – the sport has gained an explosion in growth and popularity in the last few years. Its incredibly low learning curve and versatility in the ocean, lakes, waves and rivers has made it a world-wide hit. SUP is not only a perfect inland sport for a place like Seattle where waves are scarce but lakes and rivers abound, it’s also a fantastic way to work your core, legs, back and arms in a fun and relaxing way.
Continue reading “Cross Training: SUP” »

via the seattle times / steve ringman

Janitor’s Lottery Win Helps School Build New TrackThe Seattle Times

U.S Womens Soccer Team Advances to FinalsThe New York Times

Double Leg Transplant Patient ElatedLos Angeles Times

10 year old finishes the 209 mile Seattle To Portland Race – The Seattle Times

When Fatty Feasts are Driven by Automatic PilotThe New  York Times

Chain Restaurants Will Make Kids Menus Healthier – Huffington Post

How To Train for a Sprint Triathlon - Active.com

Can Shoes Really Tone a Body? – The New York Times

“Born to Run” by Chrisopher McDougall

Christopher McDougall’s engaging and hollistic book about barefoot running past and present has held steady on the New York Times best seller’s list for years—sparking passionate debate about running shoes, evolution and feet. The book can also be blamed as the catalyst for thousands of fashion faux pas around the world (we’re looking at you Vibram wearers).

McDougall makes a convincing case for liberating your toes, getting back to your evolutionary roots and setting your soul free from running shoes. An ultrarunner himself, McDougall became curious about the connection between injury, pain, modern running shoes and the mysterious running tribe of Mexico – the Tarahumara Indians. We have to admit, we’ve thrown off the running shoes on more than one occasion and it’s felt pretty darn good.

The book has recently been released in paperback, pick up a copy here.

READ IT:
“Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen” (2009, Vintage)

1. Miller Sunglasses, Roxy, $80; 2. Nike V-Neck Tank, Nordstrom, $28;  3. Camelbak Delaney Plus, roadrunnersports.com, $39.99;  4. Outdoor Visor, The North Face, $20;  5. Sport Sunscreen Stick SPF 50, Banana Boat, $6.50;  6. K2 Endurance Sunblock SPF 50, drugstore.com, $11.99

Stay Cool in Summer’s Hot Heat

The Pacific Northwest’s cool and cloudy summers make me yern, beg even for just a glimpse of blue summer sky. While we plead for sunshine, parts of the country are well into their summers, temperatures reaching into the 90s and 100s in the south and the ubiquitous humidity blasting the East Coast. Running in the heat doesn’t have to be torturous. Taking just a few precautionary steps can keep you running through the summers and into a fall race or marathon.

1. Stay Cool: Alter Your Running Schedule
You may need to alter your running schedule to catch the coolest parts of the day – morning or night. Depending on your schedule, if you’re a early bird or a night owl, pick what works best for you. We don’t recommend mid-day runs when the sun is at it’s highest and brightest. Dehydration, sunburn or sun stroke are all common risks for doing any intense activity in the heat.

2. Stay Hydrated: Drink Up
Depending on the temperature, length of your run and how much you sweat, carry a water bottle or a hydration belt during your run. If you’d rather not run with a belt or a bottle, tuck a few dollars into your running shorts and plan a stop at a conveneince store for water or a sports drink.
And don’t forget the rules of hydration before you head out the door – drinking 16 to 20 ounces of liquid should keep you hydrated but not overhydrated.

Continue reading “Training: Summer Running” »

Hmmmmm....Caveman Bars

On any given day the various piles on my desk may contain any combination of paperwork, office supplies, cords, electronic equipment, plates, forks, sticky notes, magazines, waterbottles and last but not least, the Seattle-made, all-natural, power-punch snack that is a Caveman Bar.

Created with a minimalist approach in mind, Caveman Bars contain no more than five all-natural ingredients. My favorite flavor, peanut and sea salt, has the perfect crunchy, salty, sweet flavor for an after recovery run or an in between meal snack. You can find them at various grocery stores in Washington and Oregon and at Seattle-area farmer’s markets.