If you believe the body and soul are connected, you will love running the Great Tibetan Marathon. It's one of the rare times that both the spirit and body are purposely mixed together in a marathon.

When you think about Tibet, images of monks probably pop into your head, and rightfully so. Tibetan monks are legendary sources of spirituality sought after by Westerners studying Buddhism. They are also figures incorporated in a lot of action movies and comedies. For this reason, the majority of people are familiar with their existence. However, what you probably didn't know about Tibet and Tibetan monks is that they host one of the best marathons in all of Asia.

The Great Tibetan Marathon is an excellent trek for locals and foreigners seeking to run a 10k in a tranquil area that reminds them of a higher power. It's unique because it's held at an altitude of 3,500 meters in countryside near the Himalayan mountains, fit for a Tibetan god. The lack of oxygen does present a challenge, but it is one that can be met by a physically-fit runner. Also, monks actually help facilitate the marathon, so if you hurt yourself, kind hands will care for you.

Other things that make the Great Tibetan Marathon a wonderful run are its special events. In 2007, an exclusive group of runners from all over the world gathered in Tibet to run a full marathon (10k) and a half marathon (5k). This run brought global attention for a variety of reasons, including the excellence and unity of humanity regardless of race, sex and creed. It was a feat that only a spiritual mind could put on public display.

So, as you can see, the Great Tibetan Marathon is not your usual marathon full of loud spectators, weird costumes and fanatical runners. It's one that feeds the body and the soul. If you are ready to run up high and chant a few positive words along the way, the Great Tibetan Marathon is for you. Get more details about it from www.greattibetanmarathon.blogspot.com. It includes photos and one blogger's account of this great marathon.

Find out more about Carl Lewis, a runner who dominated the Olympic games from the '80s into the '90s.

Guess who's having a birthday on July 1st? Carl Lewis. He is one of the most prolific runners in history and his life has all of the elements of a track star: struggle, drama and triumph.

Frederick Carlton Lewis (a.k.a. Carl Lewis) was born in 1961 in Birmingham, Ala. It was a chaotic time in history because the civil rights movement was in full force. And, Carl Lewis' family was not untouched by it. Riots and protesting affected his parents, who were both teachers. His father was often attacked by the police. As a result, the family decided to move to a more peaceful, racially diverse town: Willingboro, N.J.

After the move, Lewis's parents started a track club. Little Carl and his sister Carol were a part of it, yet Carl wasn't the star. As a matter of fact, he wasn't even good. It was during this time he met a family friend, the legendary Jesse Owens. Owens gave Carl a piece of advice that would stay with him forever: Just have fun. Apparently, these words led to a breakthrough. Carl eventually entered the spotlight and had a headline-making running career.

In the '80s, he began to dominate the 100m and 200m. At the 1984 Olympics, he walked away with four gold medals and ended up breaking a world record. He carried this winning streak well into the '90s. By the time it was all over, he had 17 gold medals and the title "Olympian of the Century." The world praised Carl Lewis and, to the dismay of onlookers, he often praised himself.

Yes, Carl Lewis was known for his flamboyant hair, clothes and behavior. He wore a flat top. He dressed in unconventional, flashy clothes. And, he lived in Los Angeles and rubbed elbows with the stars. It was all too much for some people. It could be the reason why he didn't get as many endorsements. Yet, to a few of us, it was understandable. Anyone who had achieved as much as he did deserved to pat himself on the back. So, on his upcoming birthday, I hope the now 47-year-old Carl Lewis will be eating a big slice of cake and telling himself, "I did good. I did really good." After all, it is the truth, whether you like it or not.

Source: http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/3257/lewis.html

Trail running can be a great way to break the monotony.

When I was living in Southern California, I used to run every day. The great weather is conducive to running and, because California has an outdoorsy lifestyle, it's encouraged. But, because I did run every day, after a few months boredom set in. Running on the beach was well and good, but I needed some variety, so I took up trail running. I lived near the Santa Monica Mountains, which are perfect for trail running, and I soon found myself loving it again. If you decide to take up trail running though, here are a few tips to make it not only enjoyable, but also fun.

Trail Shoes

First of all, make sure you buy some running shoes suitable for trails. Trail shoes are stiffer and have better support and cushioning than regular running shoes. The soles are sturdier and get better traction and the outsides are usually more waterproof and can handle abrasion by small rocks and debris.

Run With a Friend

Trail running can be more dangerous than road running. Two people are safer than one, especially if one person is injured and the other one can go for help.

Run Slower

Generally it's safer to run slower when you're trail running. There will be plenty of loose gravel and rocks and slippery bits, where you could easily fall and injure yourself. Running slower makes sure you can see what's coming up and plan for it before you get there. It also means you can avoid situations easier if you're coming up to them at a speed that's controllable.

Downhill Running Should Be More Controlled

Some runners get out of control while running downhill. It's easy to pick up speed and keep increasing it unknowingly until, soon, you're hurtling downhill out of control. Pace yourself running downhill and make adjustments for loose soil, small stones and muddy patches. If you do this, you'll save yourself potential problems and ensure you get back home invigorated but still safe.

Overall, trail running is really fun. You're in the great outdoors, the scenery is beautiful and the course is usually challenging. Just make sure you follow these quick guidelines and you'll have a great run while still remaining healthy and injury-free.

Wearing new clothes, new shoes or eating new foods on race day is a no-no.

New is usually good. But, on a day when you have a race, new isn't good. On a race day, new can be run-destroying, disastrous and downright dangerous.

When buying new shoes, you should break them in for at least a week before you wear them on a long run. When I buy new running shoes, I don't actually wear them for running until they're broken in. Instead, I wear them an hour a day just walking around the house. After a week of doing this, they're broken in enough that I can safely wear them on a short run without getting huge blisters. If I'm planning on wearing new shoes for a race, I break them in, then wear them for at least another week running short distances before I even think about wearing them for a race. On race day, you want to be wearing shoes that are already broken in to the shape of your foot and that you're completely sure are comfortable. Even experienced running shoe buyers sometimes get a pair of shoes that take a couple of weeks to feel right, so the last thing you want to do is find out they're not comfortable in the middle of a big race.

Same goes for running clothes. New clothes can sometimes chafe or scratch. If you're running in a big race and especially if it's a hot day, wearing new running clothes could give you a nasty surprise after a few miles. I always wash them first before wearing them and use a fabric softener. Then I wear them on a short run so I can be sure they fit and that they're lightweight enough. Running bras especially can be a pain and I've had more than my fair share of chafe marks from a bra that was too constrictive or that didn't wick away moisture correctly.

As far as new foods go, even healthy foods can give you stomach ache. You don't want to eat a new healthy snack on race day then find, half way through the race, you're doubled over with stomach cramps because it's just not sitting well. Any new foods, either test out a few days before a race or after it. For race day, stick with foods you know give you energy and that your body doesn't interact badly with.

New York City is known for its fashion, food and skyline, but which activity draws celebrities like Puff Daddy out into the streets?

When Oprah Winfrey ran the Marine Corp Marathon in 1994, she not only inspired thousands of people to lose weight and raise millions of dollars for charity. Though she didn't realize it at the time, she was inspiring Puff Daddy, who years later publicly challenged her winning time of 4:29:20 - and beat it running in the New York City Marathon. Oh yeah, he also raised a little more than $2 million for charity. This public challenge let everyone see that these two celebs weren't so different after all. It also flashed a spotlight on the New York City Marathon, which has been growing in popularity ever since its origins in 1970 due to a great course and wonderful charities.

Here is a quick description of the New York City Marathon:

The New York City Marathon takes you through five key boroughs (Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Manhattan) giving each runner a view of what makes this city great: diversity. You will see a variety of people, buildings and sideline events. Where's the finish line? At Tavern on the Green in the world-famous Central Park.

The New York City Marathon allows its runners to sponsor a lot of great charities including The New York Road Runner Foundation Team for Kids (children funds), The New York Road Runners Champion's Circle (athletic funds), Fred's Team (cancer fund) and Charity Partners (your charity of choice). All of these charities give participants and spectators a chance to open their hearts in a big way and promote great causes.

So, are you ready to take a run on the wild side? If so, get more details at www.nycmarathon.org.

Sometimes, not sitting down is all it takes to motivate you to go on that run.

One very simple running tip that probably sounds simplistic but isn't is this - when you're planning on going on a run or a jog after work, when you get home.....don't sit down. Instead, walk into the house, put down your bags, grab your running gear and change into it immediately. Go to the bathroom, drink some water, pick up all the stuff you're taking with you on your run (walkman, water, snacks etc.) and then leave the house.

If you can get yourself trained to do this every night, you'll find you consistently continue to run. But, if you allow yourself to sit down, even if it's only for a supposed five minutes on the sofa relaxing before you put on your running gear - you'll often find you'll sit down and you'll stay down. Because, once your rear end hits the sofa, it becomes much easier to rationalize not going on your run that night.

When I first started running, I hadn't yet instituted the 'don't sit down' rule, so I'd come in from work, plop my bag on the floor and my rear end on the sofa and spend a few minutes in front of the TV channel surfing. Nine times out of ten, an hour later I was still there, it had now started to go dark and there was no way I was leaving on a run at that time of night. Then, my running partner, realizing how often I actually missed going running, began the 'don't sit down' rule. Every night on my way home, my cell phone would ring, I would answer it and I'd hear her voice saying "Remember, don't sit down. Get ready and I'll be over in 15 minutes to pick you up." Nine times out of ten, I was on the doorstep waiting for her when her car pulled up, feeling happy, psyched about running and raring to go.

When you sit down,even "just for five minutes", it gives a signal to your body it's time to take the weight of your feet, wind down from a stressful day and relax. None of these feelings are condusive to keeping you motivated for running. But, if you train yourself to not sit down, your body remains in the active mode it's probably been in since morning. Keeping moving while you get dressed and ready for your run will keep your muscles and joints relaxed and put you in a great frame of mind for running.

So, remember, the next time you plan on going running straight from home make sure you have no excuses not to go - and don't sit down. Get all your running gear ready the night before, your water bottle filled with water and in the fridge keeping cool, any snacks you want to take all ready in a running pouch and your running shoes by the door. Only then will your brain (and your body) realize "this person means business", and your brain and your body will happily trot out of the door on the way to another fun night of running.

A lot of people enjoy running. I confess that I am not one of them. But I still find the construction of my brother in law's running shoes interesting. And I have tried on running shoes and found them immensely comfortable. And that is, of course, the point. When running, one expects to be wearing shoes for a long period of time. This means that running shoes have to be durable and comfortable at the same time.

Early running shoes

Early running shoes were hardly ideal for serious athletes. While there were shoes made with soft rubber soles in the early 20th Century, they almost always wore out too soon to be of much use. Indeed, running shoes (sneakers) grew out of the plimsolls which were made in the 19th Century for those who worked on ships. When people began to see their use in running, shoes began evolving.

At first, though, even with the rubber soles available, many runners preferred leather soles for their sneakers. The soft rubber simply fell apart too easily for professionals. Running shoes for sprinters had kangaroo leather for the soles, and they were spiked slightly for traction. Marathon runners chose heavier shoes, with thick and stiff leather soles. But, even with advances introduced at the 1936 Olympics, it wasn't until nearly 30 years later that we saw the first truly modern running shoes.

Modern running shoes are born

In 1962, an orthopedic shoe company introduced a novel design adjustment to running shoes. A rubber wedge was placed in the back of the shoe, between the upper and the sole. This allowed for increased comfort, since it change the position of the foot while running. Then, not too many years later, a University of Oregon coach, Bill Bowerman, got serious about designing an ideal running shoe for his track athletes. Some of the changes he introduced included:

• Nylon uppers (as opposed to leather or canvas).
• Sole made from urethane (instead of straight rubber or leather).
• Waffle sole, resulting in better traction without the need for spikes.

Bowerman started the company Nike, and the innovations of that company led to the creation of the midsole. The midsole in running shoes is an extra layer of cushion that lies between the sole and the upper. It adds to the stability and comfort of the runner -- and eases pressure. (After all, when a runner strikes the ground with his or her foot, the pressure is equal to three time his or her weight.) Today, midsoles are made from silicone gel or from some other type of cushioning material.

Today, as well, there are running shoes that come with pumps. These pumps allow you to fill bladders in the shoe with air, creating a tighter fit. This can increase comfort and stability. And, manufacturers of running shoes are always coming up with ways to increase your natural ability to run, while at the same time providing comfort. Mesh, lacing schemes, air cushioning and different sole patterns for traction are just a few of the ways that technology is constantly improving the design of running shoes.

One of the best running tips I can give anyone is this - don't forget; it does get easier.

When people first start to run, many of them expect it to be easy. When they realize it's not and that it requires a lot more work, a lot more energy and a lot more persistence than they thought it would, a large percentage of them give up. "Running isn't for me", "running is too hard," - I've heard all the excuses, but none of them are true. Running isn't always easy when you start out, in fact, but most of the time it eventually becomes second nature.

When you first start running, your body goes through all kinds of trauma. For some people, they've barely lifted a finger to exercise in more than 30 years then, overnight, they decide they'll take up running. Not being prepared for this and wondering what the heck is going on, their body goes into shock. Muscles ache, joints stiffen, feet hurt and toes begin to develop corns and bunions. It's at this stage that many people quit. It just seems too difficult, it doesn't feel like it will ever get any easier and the aching limbs and sore feet are simply not worth it.

If this is happening to you and you're thinking of giving up, remember, it does get easier but you have to push your way through the aches and the pains, the annoying out of breath feeling and the fact that you feel like you've run across the state..... and you've barely run a mile. Persistence is the key and persistence will ensure that, eventually, your runs will get easier and you'll enjoy the experience more and more.

When I first started running, the first month was a nightmare. Every run was difficult, just getting myself motivated to go was killing me and, often, I'd turn around halfway through my run and give up for the day. But, as the weeks went on, I started to push myself a little bit more. When I'd finished my planned route I'd force myself to run another block, another two blocks, another three blocks and before long my run was naturally lengthening by itself. After about six weeks, I noticed I wasn't as tired when I got home after my run and, soon after that, I found myself getting home positively invigorated from my run. It was then I realized how easy running had become for me and how much I looked forward to going every day. Since then, I've run almost every day for the last six years.

So, keep running

Get out there every day, run as far and as fast as you're comfortably able to do, and don't beat yourself up if you don't make your goals that day. But, if you keep at it, one morning you'll get up and set out on your run and it'll be easier. The day after, it'll be easier still and, the day after that, even easier. Eventually, it will seem so easy to get out there and run you'll wonder what all the fuss was about. That's when you'll feel like a real runner and realize all your effort was worth it.

Asafa Powell is a renown record breaking runner. Find out what he initially planned to do with his life and how fate turned it around.

Asafa Powell is 25-year-old man from Kingston Jamaica who (according to rumor) initially planned on making his living as a mechanic. Now, this is a noble trade and one that would bring him a steady living. As a result, he filled out the proper applications and enrolled in school in Kingston, Jamaica. However, it was while he was learning to perform this noble trade that life took over and swirled him in a different direction.

Donovan is Asafa's older brother.

While Asafa was in school, Donovan was attempting to compete in the 2003 World Championships. It was a situation that caught Asafa's attention and eventually led him to also compete. This is no surprise because we all know that one of two things always happen between siblings. Either a brother or sister tries to keep a sibling from doing what he or she is doing, which makes said sibling want to do it even more. Or, a brother or sister tries to get a sibling to do what he or she is doing and said sibling buckles under the pressure. Regardless of the path, it's common for siblings to end up following down a similar path, which is why it's common to see a family of bakers, carpenters and politicians. Anyway - back to our story. Asafa decides to run professionally. Fast forward to the year 2005.

In June of 2005, Asafa Powell was set to run the 100m in Athens. It was a big deal because only a year prior, he'd run the 100m in the Olympics and failed to perform to his usual standards. As a result, this time, he was more determined than ever to run his fastest race ever. To his delight, while in Athens, fate granted his wish.

After the 10m race started, a crouched Asafa sprung ahead with such speed and force that no one could catch him. 9.77s later, he'd set a new world record that would inaugurate him as the fastest man alive. It would take 3 years for another runner to beat his time. It was a great feat for a man who only wanted to be a mechanic and a lesson to us all. What's the lesson? When fate is turning your life upside down and twisting your agenda in another direction, don't fight it. It might just turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to you. Your life might be being propelled into a new destiny that will give you more money, glory and joy than your "planned" life.

James Cleveland Owens is one of the most famed record breaking athletes in the world.

In 1913, James Cleveland Owens was born as the seventh child of Henry and Emma Owens in Oakville, Alabama. Right away, the family started calling him J.C. and the name stuck. As a result, when the family moved to Cleveland, Ohio and James started at a new school, he introduced himself as J.C. The only problem was that his southern drawl got in the way. His teacher and fellow students were unable to understand James' thick southern accent. So J.C. sounded to them like Jesse and this situation is what forced J.C. Owens to eventually go by Jesse Owens.

As most of you probably know, Jesse Owens is one of the greatest record breaking runners of all time. One of his most celebrated moments was in 1935 at the Big Ten held in Ann Arbor Big. After falling down a flight of stairs earlier that week and still reeling from back pain, he ran well enough to break 3 world records. They are as follows:

• 220-yard dash in 20.3 seconds
• 220-yard low hurdles in 22.6 seconds
• Broad Jump at 26 feet 8¼ inches

These record breaking events convinced Jesse Owens, who was a sophomore at Ohio State at the time, that he was ready for the 1936 Olympics. It was a moment that inspired him as well as others.

A year later at the 1936 Olympics held in Nazi Germany, Jesse Owens continued to break records. As a consequence, he ended up winning four gold medals and being the first American in History to do this in a single Olympic meet. It was an event that showed his strong athleticism and bucked against Hitler's idea that his Aryan nation was superior.

From this point on, Jesse Owens name was a staple in American history. Although he wasn't offered endorsements and other deals Olympic athletes get today, he didn't let this stop him. He used his athleticism to provide for his family in a variety of ways including as a motivational speaker up unto his death in 1980. However, even in death, he triumphed. Ten years after his death, he was awarded (posthumously) the Congressional Gold Medal by President George H.W. Bush. It was an honor well deserved because Owens showed humanity that when hard work meets up with opportunity it can do great things regardless of all of the barriers put in front of it. Therefore, he is a role model for anyone trying to do big things in life.

Source:http://www.jesseowens.com/biography/

Start a training diary, it really helped me become a more serious and better runner.

When I first started running, I really wasn't that serious about it. I'd run now and again, sometimes fast, sometimes barely jogging, and then there'd be big gaps in between where I did nothing. A few months into it though, I decided if I was going to run I needed to take it seriously.

So, among other things, I bought a blank book and started to write a training diary. Writing a training diary is a great tip for runners, as it really does focus your thoughts and goals. Also, because you can actually see your progress (and days which aren't so good!), you feel like you're really getting somewhere.

First thing to do to start a training diary is to buy a book. You can buy books that are set up as training diaries, but I preferred to organize my own so I bought a blank book. Once you have your book, set it up. Starting from the front, on every page, I set up columns for Date, Distance I Ran, Time I Ran In, Weather Conditions, Where I Ran and Who I Ran With. Then, starting from the back of the book, I have a section for Goals (these change weekly, so this bit has quite a lot of information in it).

About 15 pages in from the back, I set up a section for Races. Here I record when races are and if I participated in a race, how far it was and what my time was in it.

Other things you can add to your training diary if you like include the Pace Ran (there are several pace calculators online), Calories Used, Weight Loss (or gain) and other information pertinent to you. The great thing, with a blank diary, is you can set it up to be exactly what you need it to be.

There are also several places online where you can write a training diary. The problem with this though is, if the site goes down, you can't access your diary and, if it disappears altogether, you've lost your diary completely. You could also set up a training diary in Microsoft Word or Excel. I prefer the feel of the actual book in my hand though and like to take it with me in my running kit when I go to races.

One thing having a training diary did for me was to help with injury prevention. I've pulled muscles in my knee three times while running (same knee), and couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong. When I finally looked back at my diary, I discovered all three times I'd pulled the muscle was when I had been running courses that were hillier. Without the diary, I may not have figured this out.

So, if you're serious about your running, buy or set up a training diary. You'll immediately feel more organized and more like a 'real runner' and, if you're like me, that's half the battle.

One of the best pairs of shoes that I have -- and wear regularly -- is my pair of cross trainers. I do not run much, nor do I play organized sports. But, I do like to shoot around a little or play baseball or soccer with my son and husband. And I enjoy tennis. But I really can't justify spending the money for a particular pair of shoes for each sport. So instead, I wear cross trainers.

A pair of cross trainers can serve as a sort of all purpose athletic shoe. They are reasonably comfortable, and they are capable of providing support for the amount of activity that I do in them. Here are the parts of cross trainers, and what makes them ideal for all different sports.

Cross Trainer Outsoles

The key to the versatility of cross trainers is the part of the shoe known as the outsoles. (the bottom of the shoes) On most shoes, the outsoles are very wide, as to offer good stability, and is ideal for side to side movement. Most outsoles are made from some sort of carbon rubber (which is quite durable) for the sturdier varieties. These will hold up longer, and will work well for outdoor sports activities.

If you are looking for flexibility, however, look for cross trainers that have a mixture of carbon rubber and blown rubber. Blown rubber is lighter and softer. These shoes are ideal for frequent use and offer a higher level of comfort while playing sports. It is important to check to make sure that your outsoles are approved for indoor activities, since many gyms restrict the types of shoes you wear; they do not want your shoes marking up the gym's floor.

Midsoles

The midsole is that area between where your foot rests and the bottom of the shoe. One of the things that contributes to the comfort of cross trainers is the fact that there is cushioning at the heel and at the front of the shoe. You want midsoles that are fairly durable, yet somewhat flexible. Look for polyurethane, since it is more dense and will add stability to your shoe. EVA may provide for a lighter shoe, but it is less durable. In many cases, cross trainers will combine EA and polyurethane to produce a shoe that is lighter, but still durable and stable.

Uppers

One thing that I need in my athletic shoes is ankle support. Cross trainers usually have mid-tops that provide a degree of ankle support without the restrictiveness of high top shoes. Most uppers are made from leather, along with synthetic mesh. The leather offers stability, while the mesh provides breathability, so that there isn't a problem with your feet becoming uncomfortable from the moisture.

Another thing that many cross trainers come with is a lacing system that is secure. This provides additional stability and ankle support, especially for side to side movements.

There are plenty of popular distance runs hosted every year in the United States, but one of the most popular is the Great Cow Harbor 10K Run, which is closing in on its 30th anniversary.

There are plenty of popular distance runs hosted every year in the United States, but one of the most popular is the Great Cow Harbor 10K Run, which is closing in on its 30th anniversary. More than 5,000 runners participate every year in Northport, N.Y., which is located on Long Island, and it has become an integral part of New York culture and history.

The Great Cow Harbor distance run is sponsored by North Fork Bank, according to the Web site, and it is sanctioned by the Road Runners Club of America. For the last eight years, it has also been classified as a Championship Race, which has increased both participation and media coverage.

The Cow Harbor distance run is one of the most difficult in the country with regard to inclines, as the majority of the race is run uphill. Even though it is a road race, which means that it is conducted on surface streets, the hills and valleys of Newport present unique challenges to participants.

Runners are given an easy start with downhill streets during the first mile, as they set out from the front yard of Laurel Avenue School toward Scudder Avenue, and the decline continues until runners hang a left on Woodbine Avenue. However, it all changes once they turn another right onto James Street, which begins the notorious climb up "Widow Hill." Runners who aren't used to distance runs with inclines often bail here.

After that, the participants begin to weave their way through the twisting Northport streets, earning a beautiful view of Long Island Sound if they happen to make it to Ocean Avenue. More than a mile is run on Waterside Avenue, which progresses uphill at a slight incline, and there have been races where 50 percent of the runners didn't make it through this leg.

Then, for the final stretch, participants jog up "Pumpernickel Hill" toward a downhill stretch that ends at Northport Hardware Company, located on School Street. In 1991, Jeff Jacobs set a course record at 28 minutes and 44 seconds, which was beaten by Ryan Hall in 2006, shaving 16 seconds of Jacobs' time.

The spirit of this race, however, is what makes it one of the most popular distance runs in the country. People from all over the United States gather in Northport for this spectacular event, and NEWS 12 Long Island usually covers the event, in addition to local newspapers and radio stations. The prizes are $3,000 for the top men's and women's finishers, with a $5,000 bonus for anyone who sets a record for the Great Cow Harbor distance run.

Additionally, the a 2K walk-run has been added to the festivities, allowing participants who aren't interested in running 10K to still have fun at the event. In the shorter race, baby strollers, walkmans, iPods and other devices are allowed that are prohibited in the longer race.

If you are interested in participating in the Great Cow Harbor distance run, you can register up until Sept. 16 through the mail, or you can visit the web site and register online. Fees are $22 when registering before the beginning of September, and $30 for late registration, while kids under the age of 12 run for $10.

Did you know that the word "marathon" has its roots in ancient Greece? According to historians, during a Greek war, a soldier named Pheidippides ran from the town of Marathon to Athens in order to deliver a special message. "Nikki!" was the word he yelled out upon arrival, which translates into the modern term "victory." Yet, unfortunately, as soon as this word leapt from his lips, he fell to the ground and died giving new, literal meaning to the phrase "my job is killing me."

The good news is that Pheidippides boss didn't let his effort go unrecognized.

Like any great boss, the ruling government made sure that Pheidippides' name went down in history. Pheidippides' run from the town of Marathon to the city of Athens was acknowledged as the original marathon course. Then, some time later, a historic run was made from the bridge of Marathon to the Athens Olympic Stadium in his name. Yet, the biggest honor to Pheidippides is that marathons are still being ran today with a few noteworthy ones that standout in history as the best. Katherine Swtizer ran one such marathon.

Katherine Switzer is a modern day Pheidippides. Although female, she has acted as a soldier in the efforts to show women as capable athletes. And what was one of her most memorable feats? Being the first "official" female to run the Boston Marathon.

The year was 1967. Jimi Hendrix had burned his guitar for the first time at London's Astoria Theatre. Elvis was in love for the first time with a woman named Priscilla Presley. And, a 20-year-old Katherine Switzer had officially signed up to run in the Boston Marathon. Because, in the past, only men had "officially" signed up to run this race, Boston Athletic Association (BAA) officials didn't believe she was woman. Apparently, they just thought she was a man with a funny name. So, it wasn't until 3 miles into the Boston Marathon race when the media and a BAA official, Jock Semple, saw her running with a number that all hell broke loose.

Jock Semple, acting of sound mind, jumped off the BAA truck and tried to rip the number off of Katherine's shirt while yelling, "Get the hell out of my race and give me that number." Thankfully, a nimble and swift Katherine was able to avoid most of his grasp and only lose a corner of her number. Then, a shoulder block later (administered by her boyfriend) the upset BAA official was knocked back and away from Katherine. It was not without
consequence though. Semple was determined to get Katherine in trouble. And he did.

Katherine got into so much trouble that the media glared down on the all male Boston Marathon and they were forced to change their rules. A few years later, women could officially enter and guess who helped sign them up? Yes. Jock Semple. See what happens gals when you (and a burly boyfriend) offer up a little friendly persuasion.

Today, Katherine Switzer is public speaker that advocates for female athletes. It was a role she hadn't planned for initially. However, just like Pheidippides, fate took over and now her name is honored everywhere. Also, women can now officially participate in one of the
most popular marathons in America making Switzer's 1967 run in the Boston Marathon one of the best marathons ever.

Sources:
http://www.katherineswitzer.com/
http://www.athensmarathon.com/marathon/history.html

The spirit of the Chicago Marathon draws thousands of runners and spectators each year, and it is one of the most popular marathons in the United States.

Held every year in Cook County, Ill., the Chicago Marathon is one of the most famousmarathons in the United States. The 2008 marathon has attracted more than 50,000 registrants, which is quite an improvement from its humble beginnings of 4,200 participants in 1977. It has earned prestige as one of the five World Marathon Major marathons, according to its Web site, and is ranked just behind New York as of 2007.

The Chicago Marathon is unique for many reasons, not the least of which being that runners don't need a qualifying time to enter. The race has a maximum capacity of 45,000 participants every year, but elite runners can enter beyond that standard, as well as runners who are representing charitable organizations. The marathon is held in September every year, and draws a tremendous amount of press coverage and spectators.

Much of the Chicago Marathon's popularity is derived from its impressive sponsorship, which includes several dozen of the world's most popular corporations. McDonald's, Hilton, Energizer, Volkswagen and Nike are some of the most notable sponsors, and the entire event bears the Bank of America brand. In addition, a large group of charities encourage participants to run for fundraising purposes, including the American Cancer Society and the Red Cross.

Furthermore, the Chicago Marathon attracts runners from all over the United States in addition to 120 countries throughout the world. To date, the U.S. has the highest number of champions of the race, with Kenya coming in at a close second, and the U.K. trailing in third. According to the web site, this particular marathon has traditionally been more popular with men than with women, but that trend is gradually beginning to change.

The race itself spans 26.2 miles through the surface streets of Chicago, starting and ending at Grant Park, which is just a few blocks away from Buckingham Fountain. This marathon is also unique because, despite its length, it is relatively flat, with a top elevation of only 24 feet. Officially, the race closes six and a half hours after it begins, though many of the elite runners finish in a quarter of that time.

The Chicago Marathon takes runners past the "El", the United Center, U.S. Cellular Field and Old St. Patrick's Church. Much of the race is run with a spectacular view of downtown Chicago, particularly during the first and last mile in the vicinity of Grant Park. Many of the runners use the Sears Tower as a personal landmark and frame of reference for how well they are doing on time, as it can be spotted at several points during the marathon.

Even more impressive, there are a few runners in 2008 who have participated every year since the marathon's inception. The entire city of Chicago focuses its energy on this event in September, and many of the local shops even run sales in honor of it. The spirit of the Chicago Marathon is almost as important as the race itself, and it has become an integral part of Chicago's history and culture.

If you were a child of the '80s, you thought the colors red, white and blue were a great idea for a hair color. The Cure didn't refer to a disease, but a rockin' band. And jelly wasn't a condiment, but a popular pair of shoes you could find in a variety of colors. Yes, the '80s were a different time.

The '80s were such a unique period in history that you saw public persona and acceptance change dramatically. An ex-movie star, (Ronald Reagan) became an American president. A man dressed in full drag and wearing dreads (Boy George) became a fashion icon. And women everywhere were showing up BIG in sports, especially within the arena of track and field.

In the '80s, women all over the world were running around the track faster than ever. Lyudmila Veselkova, Ella Kovacs and Mary Slaney all won medals due to their speed and agility. They were the new role models for little girls everywhere and a source of inspiration proving that being female was not a detriment in sports. Yes, in the '80s, it was a great time for a woman to own a pair of shorts and track shoes. So who is an unsung hero of this period? Doina Melinte.

Doina Ofelia Melinte is a Romanian woman who shined brightly in the area of track and field during the '80s and early '90s. Although you won't find her picture in the pages of any fashion magazine or on a TV show reminiscing on the '80s, you will see her name under the "Athletes" section of the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) Web. It is the first sign that you are looking at the legacy of a woman who took her sport seriously and fought hard to get her name in the history books. What was her biggest feat? Breaking two world records on the same day.

It isn't often that you hear about any athlete breaking a world record, but two on the same day? This feat is what separates Doina Melinte from several other female and male athletes. She showed the world what a person could do with a bit of determination and '80s vigor. Well, let's qualify that last statement.

Doina Melinte actual broke the two world records in running on the same day on February 9, 1990. Yet, it was an offshoot of all of her success as a track star in the 1980s. In the 1980s, she was also able to break records and win two gold medals. With this winning past and a lot of training, she broke into the 1990s to do her most memorable feat. While running indoors in East Rutherford, New Jersey, she ran the 1500 m in 4:00.27 and the 1 m in 4:17.14. Both times were records breaking runs thus re-establishing her name as a top athlete. From this point on, she would have one more memorable year in running and fade into the history books. So where is she now?

Today, at age 53, Melinte is back in Romania. What she is doing with all of her time is not readily available. However, I actually imagine her sitting on a beach, sipping a cool fruity drink and encouraging other athletes to aspire to greatness. While joking about the time she sprayed her hair pink, she's probably telling other young runners not to let the confines of society pin them in because you will never know what you can actually do until the whistle blows and your feet hit the track.

Sources:
http://www.canoe.ca/Track/track_records.html
http://www.iaaf.org/athletes/biographies/country=ROU/athcode=61238/index.html

Records, running

When you run on the street, one thing you have to make sure you take notice of is the traffic. Cars are coming at you from both directions, and sometimes from the left and right too. It's up to you to be aware of your surroundings and figure out what each car you can see is doing or is going to do. Your awareness on the road while running is really important to your safety. Even a brief distraction can mean the difference between life and death. I'm amazed though at how many runners don't seem to have a clue.

Once while running, I saw a runner in front of me get hit by a car. Luckily, she wasn't hurt beyond a few scrapes where her knees hit the road when she fell, but it could have been a lot more serious. When I talked to her afterwards she said she'd thought the car had seen her and so had continued to run across the intersection. He hadn't until it was almost too late, as he was having an argument with his girlfriend on his cell phone and that was more important than watching the road. If the runner had not assumed he had seen her, she would have waited until he passed and not experienced the scare she did.

The first rule when running on the road is to make sure you run facing traffic. I've seen runners running with traffic coming up behind them. That's so incredibly dangerous, as you have no idea what's coming, how close to you they are or, if they've even seen you. Even if it means slowing down your pace, when you turn onto a new street, make sure you're always running towards traffic.

The second rule is be aware of every car coming towards you. Don't forget, many cars are driven by inexperienced drivers, drunk drivers, drivers who are in ill health or elderly drivers. Any one of these drivers could suddenly do something or have something happen to them (a sudden heart attack!) that could cause their car to head towards you. You want to be aware of where they're heading, and not be surprised when one suddenly hits you head on. Smack! Ow! Dead!

The third rule is always make sure you watch for cyclists. Some people cycle without much of a clue about what's happening around them and, because their brain is looking for something the size of a car and not a person, they can cycle right into you without even knowing you're there. Cyclists also often cycle on the wrong side of the street or go the wrong way down one way streets. This is one reason why it's so important to either not run while listening to music, or keep the music at a low volume so you can hear the bike coming.

Good road safety while running is honestly just common sense. Be aware of what's going on around you. Watch every car you can see and try to anticipate what they'll be doing next. Look out for bikes and don't cross the street until you're absolutely sure that car heading towards you isn't going to hit you. A smart runner is a safe runner and good road sense will ensure you have many happy running years ahead of you.

Thailand is known for many things. Temples, elephants, tuk-tuks, food and also as being hotter than H E double hockey sticks. But, it's not normally known for 10K races. That's why many people will be amazed to hear there are lots of them there. One of the newly popular 10K races is connected to the Laguna Phuket International Marathon, and is held in June every year. It was begun in 2005, to help attract people back to Phuket after the Asian tsunami, which killed almost 10,000 people in Thailand. I ran it in 2007, and was surprised how many runners were there - almost 1,000, from all over the world.

One of the interesting things about the Laguna Phuket 10K (and the 5K) is that the organizers encourage all their entrants to run the race and to raise money for their favorite charity. Now, in Thailand, donating to charities is not really popular (Thais normally give to their temple instead), so this was an innovative thing for the organizers to try. It seemed to be successful though, as I talked to a lot of people who were running to raise money for children's groups, animal groups, the elephant sanctuary and a bunch of other places.

What's really cool about this year's race is that runners are being encouraged to not worry about their finishing times but, instead, only to think about having a good time. One of the runners, Hajime Nishi, from Japan, runs with the philosophy "Slow is beautiful" and this year he's encouraging people to sign up for the 10K, the 5K and the Marathon just to have fun and, oh, take pictures along the way.

If you've ever been to Phuket, you'll understand why this is such a 'Thai' philosophy. Thai people live their lives with a saying "Mai bpen rai", which means 'never mind, relax, have fun, be happy'. Thai people are not really great competitors because they'll often end up helping each other instead of trying to beat each other, but this is what makes them one of the kindest people I've ever come across.

This year, the Laguna Phuket 10K (it's actually a 10.5 K race) will be on June 15, 2008. It's a flat race, so it's great for beginning runners and kids, and it loops around Laguna Phuket and comes back to where it started from. You'll also get some beautiful views, especially on the road near the ocean. Phuket has gorgeous blue water and with the palm trees and sparkling blue skies it's truly lovely.

Like all 10K races, they'll have aid stations with electrolyte drinks and fruit, and very friendly Thai volunteers to help with any problems. The 10K race starts at 6:30am and will finish around 10am. Prizes will be awarded for this, the 5K and the Marathon at 11am. Before the prize ceremony they also have an interesting Thai dance exhibition.

So, if you're in Thailand and want to run a cool, fun 10K, the Laguna Phuket 10K could be for you. At a $35 entry fee, it's a bit steep, especially for locals, but the scenery is so pretty and the people so nice...it's definitely worth it, I think.

Before getting started on a run, make sure you follow these few simple preparation techniques - believe me, you'll thank me later.

Before you get started on a run, there are certain techniques you should follow. Of course, if you're anything like me when I first started running, you've already gone out there and just started running. Well, now it's time to back up and start again, this time doing it properly.

The most important thing if you're thinking about seriously getting into running is to get a checkup from your doctor first. Tell Doc what you're planning on doing and talk to him/her about any health problems you might already have. It may seem like an unnecessary precaution, but better a few minutes spent with a medical professional now than a few weeks later after you've keeled over from a heart attack.

Next thing, start thinking about safety. As a good rule to follow, probably best not to run alone. It's also a good idea to map out a route and make sure you know where all the places you could have mishaps are. Check for any holes in the sidewalk, look at traffic patterns and make sure you wear clothing that helps drivers see you.

Listening to music while wearing stereo headphones is very popular. It's also very dumb if you're running on the open highway. When you can't hear what's going on around you, that opens you up for trouble. It's best to be able to hear the ambulance coming and not be run over by it....but maybe that's just me.

Another thing to think about is make sure you drink enough water. You should be hydrated at all times when you run. It not only gives you keeps you cool, water also rehydrates you and flushes waste out of your body. No need to buy fancy designer water though. A normal bottle of water or some filtered tap water is fine. Don't forget, you're using it to regulate your body and not using it to show everyone you have more money than sense.

The final thing before you get started running is remember to stretch. This is one thing I'm really bad at and probably why I've pulled a couple of muscles in the last few months. In a simple case of do what I say and not what I do, make sure you stretch before you start running, as well as after.

But make sure you stretch safely. Don't stretch cold muscles. Cold muscles are usually tight and can easily tear causing weeks if not months of misery and pain. So remember, before you run, get a check up, make sure you're running safely, don't wear headphones if running on the road, drink enough water and remember to stretch. You might think it's not important but, believe me, you'll thank me later when your friends are lying in hospital in traction and you're stretched out in your favorite armchair after finishing your latest marathon.

I'm a sucker for silly named marathons, so I really love the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon. Any event that is great for the city is alright in my book. (I used to reside there0

This year's marathon was held on May 4 and was the 10th marathon for the Flying Pig folks. It also had some surprises as, at the last minute, the course had to be re-routed around mile 22 due to a multiple-alarm fire the fire brigade was racing to.

In even more drama, one of the runners had a heart attack. Luckily, less than a minute behind him there was a group of fire fighters and paramedics who were running in remembrance of three firefighters who'd been killed in the line of duty. As soon as they saw the stricken man, they went into action, giving him drugs and medical care that saved his life.

The Flying Pig marathon this year was won by Andy Martin from Bend, Oregon. The 33-year-old Martin took the men's overall marathon title and finished in 2:30:40. Second was Brian List, 24, of Milford, Ohio, with a time of 2:33:33. Travis Murray, 26, of Owensville, Ohio, was third, finishing in a time of 2:34:34. Awesome result for Travis Murray, as this was his first-ever marathon, and great results for Ohio - two guys in the top three. <p>In the women's division, a 39-year-old mother of four, Michelle Didion, was the winner in a time of 3:05:18. Didion is from Laporte, Ind., and this was the first time she'd run the full marathon. Julie Spencer of Baraboo, Wis., was second with a time of 3:06:44 and Jen Gapin of Greensboro, N.C., came in third. She turned in a personal best time of 3:07:53.

The Half Marathon men's division winner was Todd Ptacek from Erie, Penn. Ptacek is 23 and won it in 1:09:22, a new record for the event. The women's division Half Marathon winner, 26-year-old Rachel Stoehr of Cincinnati, won in a time of 1:20:48. (You go, Cincinnati girl!)

This year's marathon was slightly longer than the normal 26.2 miles for a marathon. Because of the three-alarm fire, when the race was rerouted, it added .2514 miles to the distance. The time recorded at the finish line was the official time, but if you ran in it and need a qualifying time for another marathon, you can contact the race organizers when you register and tell them you were a Flying Pig runner. Most marathons know about the problems that arose at Flying Pig, so they will adjust your time accordingly.

The Flying Pig Marathon was huge this year....there were more than 14,000 runners, so no matter what your stamina level, there was probably somebody you could beat no matter what level of runner you are!

For a marathon that has everything, you've got to experience one of my favorites: the Hatfield and McCoy marathon in Williamson, W.Va. From the cool name to the awesome course, the incredibly nice people and the beautiful scenery - this marathon has everything. 2008 is the ninth year of the marathon, and this year it's on June 14. It's also great for those of you who are trying to run marathons in all 50 states as this one actually covers two states (yeah, yeah, cheating a bit, but who's gonna tell on ya?). It starts in a tiny town called Goody, Ky., and finishes in Matewan, W.Va., for the half marathon and Williamson, W.Va., for the full marathon. So you can say you've done both!

The Hatfield and McCoy Marathon is a pretty challenging course. There's a couple of major hills, you get street running, trail running, rivers, streams, fields, even a swinging bridge. There's also a parade and then, along the course, you'll see some of the friendliest people
in the country cheering you on. What they lack in number of people watching, they definitely make up for in quality - when you run this marathon you've never felt so welcomed or so encouraged.

The race director, David Hatfield, is a runner himself and he does an absolutely superb job of organizing this race. There's a free Pasta Dinner for all the race participants, and a Pig Roast where you can eat roast pig any way you like it fixed. Just remember not to make too much
of a pig of yourself, or you might puke after all that running.

One of the coolest things about this race though, I think, is the Hatfield and McCoy feud competition. The race reenacts the famous Hatfield and McCoy feud by putting racers into either the Hatfield or McCoy 'family' when they register for the race. At the end of the race, the 'family' with the lowest total time will win the feud. There are also two guys dressed as Hatfield and McCoy who pose for photos, appear around the race course during the marathon, and present the prizes at the end.

One thing you might discover on the Hatfield and McCoy Marathon is that your time will be lower than other marathons. The course is challenging and it gets hot (around 85 degrees by the end of it), so a lot of runners report 10 to 20 minute times that are slower than their normal time. But it's not always about time, right? This one is worth running just for the niceness of the folks who run it and watch it and for the scenery, which is really darn beautiful.

There'll be about 500 runners registered, so the competition is good. Remember to book a hotel early as there are only a few in the area. But, one runner last year did report that, when he couldn't get a hotel room, the race director offered him a bed in his own home. Now you can't get any more welcoming than that, right? So sign yourself up for this one - it's a doozy!

One of the best new marathons in the country is the Run Wild Missoula Marathon. This is the second year the Missoula Marathon will be offered and it looks like it will be an even better race event than the city's first marathon event. If you want a safe course, great running conditions and absolutely breathtaking scenery, then you need to enter the Missoula Marathon.

The Basics

The second Annual Missoula Marathon is scheduled for July 13, 2008. Runners will leave the starting line in Frenchtown at 6 a.m. and follow the river into Missoula and end at the Higgins Avenue Bridge, located in Downtown Missoula. Running conditions will be near perfect for marathoners. It will be in the '50s in the morning and in the '80s in the afternoon, with low humidity all day long. (Last year the temperatures broke records and surpassed 100 degrees by the afternoon, so keep your eye on the weather reports the night before the race.) The cost of registration is $60 if you register before May 31, $70 if you register by July 11 and $75 if you register by July 12. There will be no race day registration opportunities, so get your registrations in early.

Events & Divisions

There are several different race events that will be held on July 13. The main event, of course, is the full marathon. However, a half marathon and a kid's marathon will also be offered. Wheelchair racers can enter the Missoula Marathon, however, there isn't a special wheelchair event.

Age divisions for this marathon are similar to those used by other marathons. Age divisions include the following breakdowns: 0-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+. There will also be a relay division open to a variety of different types of teams.

Why You Want to Enter the Missoula Marathon

In addition to near perfect marathon weather and conditions, the Missoula Marathon is also just a great celebration of running and runners. Missoula is a great community that lends a lot of support to local events. Many of the local businesses have donated prizes, food, refreshments and other items to make your stay in Missoula a lot of fun. For example, you can get around Missoula free all day on Saturday because the Mountain Line bus service is offering free rides. There are a lot of great trails to explore, stores to shop in and community events to stop by. Goody bags will also be offered to runners and they will contain coupons, freebies and treats. They will also include items that will help you to explore the city while you are here for the race.

On race day you will find a complimentary shuttle from the parking garage in Downtown Missoula to the race's starting line. Warm up exercises will be led by Gold's Gym and aid stations will be set up along the route. At these stations you will find water, endurance sports drinks and PowerBar Gel. Portable toliets and medical services will also be provided at each aid station, at the starting line and at the finish line. This race even provides you with pacers. Just look for a balloon and you know who the rabbits are.

The final attractions to the Missoula Marathon are the Sports Expo and the Runner's Spa. The Sports Expo will be held the day before the race. This is where you can pick up your runner's packets and explore what sports vendors have to offer. The Runner's Spa will be located near the finish line in Caras Park. It will contain full body massage services, bathrooms, espresso, furniture to relax on, changing rooms and food and beverages. This is a great spot to unwind after the event, talk with the other runners and meet up with your friends and family members.

Evelyn Ashford is a track and field star who dominated the 100m throughout the 80's. Find out more about her and her secret source of power.

Evelyn Ashford is an American Athlete born in 1957 in Shreveport, Louisiana. Raised in a military family, young Evelyn moved a lot until the stars aligned one day and she ended up in Roseville, California. Back in those days (and now), Roseville was primarily known for its long relationship with the railroad. The schools were small and their athletics department had yet to develop a girl's track team. As a result, Evelyn ended up running with the boys.

Well, we all know what happens when a person does something unique, EVERYONE notices her. Whether the fanfare is good or bad, being "noticed" opens up doors. And this is exactly what happened with Evelyn. She won a scholarship to UCLA in 1975 and that led her into the sports profession and a record-breaking run.

It was 1983 and Evelyn wanted only one thing - to beat her rival Marlies Gohr. Marlies Gohr was an East German athlete who had just won the 100 m a few weeks earlier with a time of 10.81 s. It was an astonishing feat and no surprise to anyone since Marlies was a top female runner for years in the 100 m race. Yet, Evelyn knew she could beat her.

As a result, less than a month later, Evelyn crouched at a starting line with one aim in mind - to run the 100 m in less than 10.81 seconds. Either way, as she sprung forward into the race, fire was underneath her feet and she beat Gohr's time. She ran the race in 10.79 s. It was a record breaking run that would go down in history. However, like all people with the name Evelyn, this was not the last time we heard of her.

Evelyn Ashford ran on to more victories in track and field becoming one of the oldest women to ever win an Olympic gold medal. Years later she was inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame. It was an event that would set her achievements in stone and let everyone across the globe see the power of a such an influential woman athlete.

Getting a running partner can dramatically increase your motivation to run.

If you're a runner, a serious runner or even just a casual runner, a great tip to make sure you continue to run is to find a running partner. Running partners are great motivators. On days where you don't want to run, or on days when the weather is miserable and you'd rather curl up inside with a good book, your running partner will do what it takes to get you out running. Cajoling, bargaining, pleading, even threatening - they're all things a running partner will try to get you moving - and let me tell you, they work.

When I first started running I was living in Dallas, Texas. Dallas is not the best place to begin your running life as it's freezing cold and incredibly windy in the winter, and boiling hot with 100% humidity in the summer. So I often made up excuses for not running that day. I ran alone, so on really hot or really cold days, it was so much easier to say to myself "I don't really need to run today", than it was to get my running gear on and actually get out there. This continued for a few months until I decided I needed to get serious. Then, at the running track one day, I fell into conversation with a woman, Laura, who I'd seen there many times. She was around my age, about my fitness level and I'd noticed we ran at about the same speed and around the same length of time. So, during the conversation, I asked her if she'd ever considered having a running partner. Long story short, from that day on, we ran together almost every night.

Running with Laura, I got a great running partner who encouraged me to get out on the track, even when I didn't want to. If it was cold, she'd show up with a flask of hot coffee and two cups and that would be our reward once we'd finished our run. She would call me on the hottest day of the year and remind me there were frozen Slurpees to be had at the 7-11 - but only available after an hour on the running track. And I would do the same for her.

Another great thing about having a running partner is you're never bored when you're running. When I ran alone, I would get bored. I used to take a Walkman with me, but my ears would hurt after half an hour and, besides, it's dangerous running with headphones on if you're running on streets. With Laura, we talked about everything while we ran. Funnily enough, she was a topless dancer (a profession I knew nothing about), but she was working her way through college at the same time, to get IT project management certification, and then move onto a 'proper career'. While I ran with her, I learned all about the topless dancing world - fascinating for someone like me who had never even been to a topless bar.

So, if you're finding you lack motivation getting out on your daily run, ask a neighbor, friend, relative or someone you see running in your neighborhood and get a running partner. You'll see your motivation to run increasing, and often your running stamina will also improve, as you'll be so busy talking you'll run faster and further than you expected to.