WalkBlogRun

Quinoa and Brown Rice: Two Grains are Better Than One

WalkJogRun — Thu, 31 May 2012 09:54:00 -0500

Repeat after me everyone... KEEN-wah. That is the phonetic spelling for this word, quinoa. I know, it looks like Kwin- No-Ah and that is exactly how I pronounced it when I first discovered it. As if I actually discovered it? Quinoa is an ancient grain from Peru where it is a staple in the diet. Here in America it is growing in popularity and it's now grown in Colorado; but it's still referred to as the "supergrain" of the Incas. Quinoa is gluten-free which means it can be tolerated by those with gluten sensitivities.

Quinoa is one of those near perfect foods that we stumble upon every once in a blue moon. It is nearly perfect because it is very nearly a perfect protein and no other "whole grain" can really make such a claim to fame. Quinoa is a "complete" protein because it contains all nine essential amino acids which are essential because you must consume them each day. Your body can not manufacture enough of these nine essential amino acids to sustain life.

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Pantry Raid: What Would They Find in Your Kitchen?

WalkJogRun — Tue, 29 May 2012 12:49:00 -0500

I recently read an article in the LA Times Health section about dietician Ruth Frechman doing a pantry raid on a 29 year old woman. It's very important for runners to get adequate nutrients in their diet. Sometimes when you're in a rush, simple meals like Ramen noodles can seem like a lifesaver. However it was quite eye opening to read that eating this way can leave you very low in nutrients. [More]

Runner is No Longer Prisoner of Her Own Body

WalkJogRun — Fri, 25 May 2012 12:13:00 -0500

Could you imagine waking up one day and are unable to move? You're still cognitively there, but you cannot move or speak. You can still feel everything around you, but the only way you can communicate is by blinking. It's a terribly frightening thought, right? Well this is exactly what happened to Kate Allatt, our podcast interviewee of the week, at only 39 years old.

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Soup for the Soul, Fish for your Thoughts

WalkJogRun — Fri, 25 May 2012 10:40:00 -0500

You probably already know about the many health benefits of fish and seafood for their coveted omega-3 fats, but did you also know that soup has some health benefits of its own? Soup has been shown to aid weight loss by helping you feel full.

Barbara Rolls, PhD, a Professor of Nutrition from Pennsylvania State University (my Alma mater) has conducted numerous research studies on the principles of "feeling full on fewer calories." In other words, by consuming foods that provide very few calories for a large volume, you can feel full and lose weight without feeling deprived.

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Not Enough Research for Barefoot Running Conclusion

WalkJogRun — Thu, 24 May 2012 14:24:00 -0500

I recently read an article describing a barefoot runner's stress fracture diagnosis. It's an interesting coincidence that the runner developed a stress fracture soon after wearing his barefoot running shoes. However, there's still no evidence the shoes were the cause. He could have increased his mileage too quickly, or suffered the same injury while in other shoes. It seems like everyone is interested in the barefoot running vs. sneakers debate, including those outside the running community.

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Running Clubs for Kids

WalkJogRun — Tue, 22 May 2012 10:00:00 -0500

An article posted today by the Tulsa World News covered the story behind an elementary school running club. The group of 75-100 students met early before school for their group, "The 101 Mile Club." These early morning runs have resulted in some students logging 296-362 miles in the school year. I thought this article was very fitting since this month is National Physical Exercise and Sports Month.

Mike Mills, Grissom's physical education teacher and a former high school cross-country coach, leads the club with three parent volunteers. He said a club like Grissom's is extremely rare, in part because it's hard to find volunteers willing to wake up and head to school early in the morning.

Mills said getting students out on the track benefits both students and teachers, because children learn most efficiently when they can release their energy.

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Boston Man Proposes via a WalkJogRun Cycling Map

WalkJogRun — Fri, 18 May 2012 17:11:00 -0500

We recently found out about a fan who proposed to his long-term girlfriend by using the WalkJogRun website and his WalkJogRun iPhone app. We were incredibly impressed by his ability to track a cycling route and map the words "marry me."

On April 11th 2011, Adam Kilker, an avid cyclist and tech enthusiast decided to get creative. He visited the site and mapped out a route to spell out, "Marry Me." He carried his WalkJogRun iPhone app with him to be sure he was following the course of the route. He knew the route would be difficult that day.

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Boston Cyclist Proposes on a Google Map

WalkJogRun — Fri, 18 May 2012 16:55:00 -0500

Adam Kilker proposed to his long-term girlfriend Erica Casale in April 2011 by spelling out, "Marry Me," on an online cycling map.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

- May 18, 2012 -

On April 11th 2011, Kilker, an avid cyclist and tech enthusiast decided to get creative. He visited WalkJogRun.net and mapped out a route to spell out, "Marry Me." Kilker carried his WalkJogRun iPhone app with him on the 11th of April to be sure he was following the course of the route. Kilker knew the route would be difficult that day.

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73 Year Old Two-Time Boston Marathon Winner

WalkJogRun — Fri, 18 May 2012 15:14:00 -0500

Doris Schertz is a 73 year old grandmother of 15 and mother of six. She began running later in life and finished first in the 70-74 age group of the Boston Marathon...twice! She wanted to try to win first place in her age group this year, but due to an injury she was not able to run the marathon.

In this podcast I talk with Doris about Title IX, marathon running, and competing. To Doris, it's not all about winning races. She believes it's all about doing your personal best, whatever that may be.

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Healthy Turkey Divan

WalkJogRun — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:30:00 -0500

The Kitchen Vixen is our weekly recipe contributor. This week she offers a delicious and healthy turkey casserole recipe! When most of us think of casseroles, we likely think of a high fat dish that contributes to our weight gain around the holidays. The Kitchen Vixen created a healthy casserole with quinoa, turkey and broccoli that you don't have to feel guilty about!

Who doesn't love a good comforting casserole? Casseroles are a great way to combine many healthful ingredients into one savory dish. But casseroles are often unhealthy because they are typically loaded with high fat ingredients. Chicken is usually the main ingredient for a divan, which is often layered with processed pasta. I've taken this traditional comforting casserole and turned it into a healthful, divine dish. Made with turkey and quinoa, these two main ingredients give this a meal a nutritional boost.

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Anyone Can Develop "Jumper's Knee"

WalkJogRun — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:00:00 -0500

Dr. Nace is our running injuries guest blogger. He blogs twice a month on common running injuries, and also takes questions from readers. This month his injury spotlight is on "jumper's knee." If you have a question you'd like to ask Dr. Nace, or an injury you'd like to suggest he cover, click "Ask the Doctor" at the bottom of the page.

As a follow up to my post on "runner's knee" last month, I thought I'd touch on "jumper's knee" because they have seemingly similar symptoms. "Jumper's knee" is not limited to people who play basketball or volleyball, it can happen to anyone, but those who frequently jump are more prone to this condition.

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Why Does Running Make My Feet Sore?

WalkJogRun — Mon, 14 May 2012 10:47:00 -0500

Dr. Nace answers specific questions from runners on the blog once a month. If you have a question you'd like to ask Dr. Nace, click "ask the doctor" at the bottom of the page.

I have been struggling with soreness to my feet. I have tried a variety of different running shoes, but I have still not found a pair that really makes much difference. Sometimes I can do 16 miles with very little trouble and other times I do 12 miles and I'm in a bit of pain for two or three days. I have seen a podiatrist who supplied me with inserts that lift my instep, but the problem seems to greater if the pavements slope downwards from right to left and the right is a lot worse than the left. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks, Paul

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The Community of The Half Fanatics & Marathon Maniacs

WalkJogRun — Fri, 11 May 2012 12:06:00 -0500

This week I had the pleasure of interviewing with four members of the Marathon Maniacs and Half Fanatics. This organization consists a great group of people of all ages who simply love to run. The organization is internet based, and many members meet through Facebook or noticing another member at a race wearing a shirt.

Heather Zeigler, Marathon Maniac #3086 and Half Fanatic #1343
Diane Miller, Half Fanatic #1842
Bob Miller, Marathon Maniac #3875 and Half Fanatic #506
Abbi Florence, Marathon Maniac #5102, and Half Fanatic #933

If you've never heard of the Marathon Maniacs of the Half Fanatics, you probably don't know what any of these numbers mean. The Marathon Maniacs are a group of people who love to run marathons. The same follows for the Half Fanatics, but they prefer half marathons. Those who are a Marathon Maniac and Half Fanatic, are called double agents. The organization is international, and if you send in your race date information you get assigned a number which shows what number you are within the organization.

It was great getting to talk with these Half Fanatics and Marathon Maniacs. I was curious about the organization since meeting Bob at the Fox Valley Marathon Expo in 2011. He was there sporting his Half Fanatics jacket. You can see him with us in the photo below.

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Chicago Walkers, Joggers, and Runners Needed for Video!

WalkJogRun — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:34:00 -0500

We are casting walkers, joggers and runners to be part of our iPhone video ad. If you are in the Chicagoland area and would like to be a part of the video, we would love to have you join us on Thursday May 17th!

We need walkers, joggers, and runners of all sizes, shapes, and ages. We ask that participants commit to four hours of filming, although you will likely be released earlier. This is not a paid opportunity, but all participants will get bagels, coffee, and the opportunity to be in the ad.

Please send us a well-lit photo of your face, as well as the times you are available on the 17th (some will be filming as early as 5AM.)

Sign me up!

WalkJogRun Android App Stalling

WalkJogRun — Wed, 09 May 2012 16:29:00 -0500

At this point it looks like we are not on track to reach our Kickstarter goal and create an Android app for WalkJogRun. We have 23 days left in the project and need to raise over $29,000. Unfortunately, we just do not have the funds at the moment to support the project on our own.

We thought adding a pre-order option for only $3 (40% off) would help add more momentum, but it still looks like the project will not get funded. If you have already pledged to one of the rewards, you will not be charged if the project is not funded. However, there are still a few things we can do to try to get this project funded and bring our amazing iPhone app to Android phones!

Some stats

15,000 of mobile visitors per month to WalkJogRun are using the site from their Android device.

This number is probably dwarfed by all the Android users using the site from their computer. We will reach half of our goal if everyone using the site from their Android device donated just $1 or 62 pence to the project. We are certain that if everyone using the site from their computer that owns an Android device donated just $1 as well, we will exceed our goal in a heartbeat.

How you can help

Share the Kickstarter page!

Even if you are an iPhone user, but would like to see this project be successful, please consider sharing it with your family and friends, or pledging to get one of the rewards.

If you or someone you know would be interested in our advertising sponsorships, for only $1,000 or £600 , their ad can be seen by over 17,000 people in a day! Check out the advertising opportunities on our Kickstarter page.

Pre-order the app!

If you're an Android user, please pre-order the app TODAY! Kickstarter only gives funding if the full goal amount is pledged.

We'd greatly appreciate your feedback on the Kickstarter project. We really care about this project and would like to make it a reality. Did you consider donating to the project, but decided not to? Do you have any ideas on how to make this project successful in the next 23 days? We'd love to hear your thoughts!