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.