WalkBlogRun

Yoga for runners: yoga studios in Boston

WalkJogRun — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 17:18:00 -0500

Looking to do some stretching pre-or-post Boston marathon? Here is a quick guide of some of the great places to practice yoga in the city.

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Returning to the Boston Marathon after injury

WalkJogRun — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 17:02:00 -0500

Every year when I was younger, my mother and I would go to Heartbreak Hill and watch the Boston Marathon runners. I remember looking her in the eye and saying, "I want to run the marathon some day". She nodded as we continued to watch the race. That's a big statement for a young child to say, yet here I am training for my second Boston Marathon. But it wasn't easy to get to where I am today.

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Fuel your race: what to eat before running

WalkJogRun — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 09:07:00 -0500

Finding the right pre-race fuel is trial and error for many runners. While some can indulge in whatever they want -- Bill Rodgers famously had a stomach of steel -- others need to keep it simple and relatively boring.

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Prevent - and stop - common GI problems on the run

WalkJogRun — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 08:29:00 -0500

Are you one of those runners who carefully plans out their routes based on where the bathrooms are located? If so, you're not alone.

About 65 percent of runners suffer from mid-run stomach problems at some point during their running careers. Not only are runner's trots and other gastrointestinal (GI) issues embarrassing and bothersome, but they can hinder race performance and lead to dehydration. Severe runner's diarrhea can even cause weight loss and vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

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Marathon courses on WalkJogRun: April 13, 14, and 15

WalkJogRun — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 12:05:00 -0500

We're on a mission to map all the marathons in the world. (You read that right -- ALL of the marathons in the world.) Here are this weekend's upcoming marathons, mapped on WalkJogRun. Note that we're just getting started so if we're missing a few, let us know.

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Healthy Boston cream pie pudding

WalkJogRun — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 21:14:00 -0500

This week, I wanted to come up with a recipe that served as an ode to Boston and the marathon on Monday and was vegan, quick, and simple. But this turned out to be way more difficult than I anticipated.

Bostonians are known for some complicated, un-vegan dishes: lobster rolls, baked beans, Boston cream pies, etc. These dishes do not scream, "I'm so simple, make me on a random Wednesday morning." Even a quick search on "vegan Boston cream pies" brought back recipes with 25 ingredients and 15 steps -- definitely not what I had in mind nor my kind of cooking.

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Boston Marathon basics: what you need to know

WalkJogRun — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 21:06:00 -0500

If you are a running fan, Boston Marathon time is one of the most exciting times of the year. This classic race -- the world's oldest annual marathon -- boosts a speedier than average field, a challenging course, elite marathon masters, thousands of dollars raised for charity, and 26.2 (42 km) miles of screaming fans.

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Runner of the week: from "Gorda" to elite marathoner

WalkJogRun — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 20:04:00 -0500

This week's runner of the week, Erika Huerta, lost 80 pounds and is now training for the Olympic Trials. Here is her incredible transformation story:

I never considered myself much of an athlete. As a matter of fact, early on in life I wasn't proficient in any kind of physical activity except eating.

As a young girl living in a Cuban household, my diet staples consisted of rice, black beans, fried steak, and fried plantains. I spent most of my summers watching television, eating potato chips, and drinking McArthur chocolate milk. My eating habits and lack of physical activity inevitably led my family and closest friends to nickname me "Gorda" aka Chubster, a Cuban term of endearment.

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Ten steps for race day success

WalkJogRun — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 20:49:00 -0500

You've spent months preparing for it. You set your alarm clock early in order to train well for it. You turned down multiple social invitations because you had to make it your priority.

Well, it is finally here. It is race day. This is the goal event you've been training hard for -- and looking forward to -- for months. And the last thing you want to do is ruin that hard work by making an avoidable mistake.

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How to find the right marathon training plan for beginner, intermediate, and competitive runners

WalkJogRun — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 19:54:00 -0500

Picking the right marathon training plan can be daunting. There are just so many options -- how do you know which one is right for you? As with any practice, the more familiar you become with marathon running, the better able you will be to tweak your training plan.

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Taper dos and don'ts: how to rest up and rejuvenate

WalkJogRun — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 19:30:00 -0500

It's taper time, and you're likely feeling mixed emotions.

On one hand, you're thrilled to have the months of intense training behind you. There are no more 20-milers or long, hard tempo runs looming on your calendar. But on the other hand, now that your training is over and race day is near, you wonder, "did I do enough?". You may toy with the idea of squeezing in one more long run. Or maybe you think it's a good idea to hit up a few intense yoga classes so you're limber for the big event.

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Training for your first marathon and fundraising: one runner's Boston story

WalkJogRun — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 15:57:00 -0500

I never thought I'd run a marathon. But when I decided I wanted to run a marathon, I knew it would be Boston.

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Yoga for runners: the basics of a home practice

WalkJogRun — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 13:06:00 -0500

My sister is an avid runner and reluctant stretcher. I can't tell you how many times I've told her she should take up yoga. Her response is always the same, "it takes so long, I'd rather be out running."

It's true -- heading to a studio to practice is a commitment and luxury not all of us have the time for. Luckily, you don't need a studio or teacher to get your yoga on. You can easily create your own home practice. All you need are a few basic guidelines.

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The week in review: running with friends and our iPad Mini winner

WalkJogRun — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 15:09:00 -0500

It was a busy week here at WalkJogRun. In addition to some phenomenal new content and more spring challenge workouts, we also announced the winner of our iPad Mini giveaway -- Sophia Kearney from London. In the next few days, we start gearing up for the Boston Marathon on April 15 and are planning on filling these pages with exciting columns from Boston Marathon runners, marathon day tips, Boston info, and so much more. Make sure to check it out!

And now, what you may have missed (as animated in the GIF above):

On WalkJogRun:

Childhood obesity rates have tripled over the past three decades. Here are some tips on helping your kids stay fit.
Wondering if that twinge is something serious? Read signs that you should see a doctor.
Meet Sophia Kearney, our lucky iPad Mini winner.
Just as convenient as PowerBars -- but significantly healthier and less processed -- these protein balls are also quite delicious.
Running with friends is good for your health and for your fitness.
It's good to exercise when pregnant. But how much and how often?

Elsewhere on the Internet:

No need to run all day, every day. Brisk walking can be just as effective at reducing heart health risks as running.
The London Marathon is two weeks away, and these celebs have raised the most money.
The pre-race meal. What to eat and when.
Running and marriage. Tips for running with your significant other.

Are you shipping out to Boston next week? Want to share your story? Email bianca@walkjogrun.net.

Have a great week!

Five fun fitness ideas to get your kids moving

WalkJogRun — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 12:54:00 -0500

As a mom, my main goal in life is to raise my child well. I want my son to live a long, healthy life. And sadly, there is something scary out there threatening all our nation's youth: childhood obesity.

Childhood obesity rates have tripled over the past three decades, and today, close to one in every three American children is overweight or obese.

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