All three sections of a triathlon are grueling both physically and psychologically. Swimming forces you to not only deal with your physical ability to cut the water, but it mentally challenges you to stay focused through the unpredictability of open water. Cycling, which is physically more challenging in terms of maximum heart rate, gives no physical break following the swim, and it requires intense mental attention as you must manipulate a machine at high rates of speed.

Running, the third and final stage, however, trumps both in its physiological and psychological demands. Runners tax their bodies like no other athlete, as evidence by the long wait periods between major races. No runner can compete at high distance levels week after week like a cyclist can. No runner can perform the multi-faceted workouts in repetitive fashion that a swimmer can.

Runners must be acutely aware of their situations. Injury prevention is critical when building a running base for a triathlon, as overuse problems stemming from too much volume too quickly or insufficient rest can destroy any person's triathlon season. As far as elite runners go, they spend roughly 25% less time training than their counterparts in swimming and cycling.

Psychologically, the run can mentally hinder any ill-prepared triathlete. As the final stage, the run not only pushes your fatigued body, but it also sternly challenges your mind. Your mentality is stressed from the moment you hit the water, so as you enter the last phase, your brain is tired. Training yourself psychologically, knowing how to handle your body, playing mental tricks to keep focused, understanding how to overcome your brain's desire to ease up, will provide you with great returns come race day.

Overall, be smart about your run training on both levels. Set reachable goals that will allow your body to make small, manageable strides. Along the way, pay attention to how you respond psychologically to the difficulties you face. Knowing how to handle your brain on race day may prove to be the difference for you.

A lot of people buy running shoes based on style and color and also even coolness factor. If a famous sports personality is photographed wearing Nike running shoes or Madonna wears Reeboks, all of a sudden, thousands of people rush out to buy the same pair of running shoes. If black running shoes are suddenly en vogue, every other person on the street is wearing a pair. But is that smart? Should you really be choosing which running shoes to buy based on how cute they look, what color they are or who's been photographed wearing them?

Overall, none of these factors are important. If you're a person who likes to be in style and wants to always be on the cutting edge, sure, maybe style is important to you. But it's not important to your feet. In fact, it can cause your feet more harm than good. Buying a pair of red running shoes might brighten up your day and make you feel happy when you look down at your rapidly moving feet and see a blur of rosy prettiness, but it doesn't make you run faster. And, seriously, who cares what Madonna or Victoria Beckham is wearing. Some women might think buying the same running shoes is going to make them look like Madonna. Seriously, it's not going to happen. Get over it.

What matters when you buy a pair of running shoes is actually simplicity itself - do they fit correctly and are they comfortable? Nothing is more important than buying a pair of running shoes that fit correctly. Badly fitting running shoes can damage your feet, rub holes in your toes and heels and cause you to lose interest in running quickly, because you get so sick of being in pain all the time. Badly fitting running shoes can also cause permanent injury to your feet if you wear them for any length of time. An ill-fitting pair of running shoes can easily cause you to end up with shin splints, damaged knees or even tendonitis.

So, the next time you buy a new pair of running shoes, ignore the coolness or style factor and instead concentrate on correct fit and comfort. After all, you're going to be running miles and miles in those shoes - so your feet might as well feel good while you're doing it.

It started with a desire to press out a pair of pants and ended with a lesson on foot care. How? I dropped the portable ironing board I was carrying on my big toe and split it in half. Luckily, my injury didn't require stitches, but as a nurse patched me up, she handed me a booklet on shoes. After reading it, I realized the importance of proper shoe attire especially in regards to running.

Running shoes can greatly affect your ability to perform. Why? A good pair of running shoes can reduce the risk of injury while extending the life of your feet, ankles and shins. So, it's important to know what to look for in a pair. Here's how to do it.

Look for a pair of running shoes at a store or website with a large selection. It will increase your chances of finding a pair that is in your size. Select three pairs of running shoes in your size that fit your taste. Don't worry about brand name or price. Check out the flexibility of the toe in each pair of running shoes. It should be able to bend, which will allow your feet to move freely.

When you put each pair of running shoes on, jump up and down. Which pair of running shoes absorbs the shock of your weight the best? Run up and down the shoe aisle. (Be sure to run on uncarpeted flooring.) Does your heel slip out from the back? Are your toes comfortable?

Elect to buy the pair of running shoes out of the three that marks highest in flexibility, shock absorbance, fit and comfort.

If you follow this process when you purchase a pair of running shoes, you will find the one that is best for you. You will also learn that Adidas, Nike and other popular brands have variations in them that might make your feet hurt. Therefore, you can't just pick a pair of running shoes because it's popular. Plus, you wouldn't want to select one in this way anyhow. After all, you're a runner - not a high school student.

Calling all single women! Are you looking for a place to vacation where you can find a hunk man who's well paid, physically fit and family oriented? Do you want your vacation to be centered on a special event? Should it be something fun for you and all of your desperate gal pals, as well as inexpensive? Well, here's the place for you: Anchorage, Alaska.

Anchorage, Alaska is known for its disproportionate ratio of single men to single women. No one is totally sure why. It's the cold weather and wild animals. However, for some reason, women aren't attracted to the area. Yet, the Alaskans make-up for this situation by creating events that attracts a lot of people. One of them is the Mayor's Marathon race.

The Mayor's Marathon race is held each summer in Anchorage. It's a popular race because the path isn't too challenging. Also, this race is one that qualifies runners for the world-famous Boston Marathon. The Mayor's Marathon is also known for giving out great prizes as well as tours. Yes. That's right ladies. So don't forget to pack a pair of Uggs to replace your Nikes. This marathon understands the needs of its participants. Runners can sign up to tour the local area, which will acquaint them with locals. It's a great way to find Mr. Right now.

OK, even if you sign up to participate in this race and don't meet anyone, it will still make for a great vacation. The Mayor's Marathon offers participants a chance to run a fun and relatively easy marathon with all of the perks of a bigger and more difficult one. Plus, it's held in an area famous for its natural beauty and clean air. What more could you want?

If this sounds like a marathon for you, visit their Web site. Check out the site and find out more reasons why you'll want to run this race.

I'm a Pisces. OK. There, I admitted it. I hate to tell anyone that I'm this sign because so many contradicting qualities are attached to it. Often, I hear how sweet, spiritual and loving my sign is (usually from other Pisces.) But then, I read astrological books, and they state people born under my sign are prone to be drug addicts, prostitutes and any human entity given to excess. It's a confusing, messy situation that contributes to my desire to skip over certain sections of the newspaper and head straight for the comics. For this reason, I am always happy to read about another Pisces who is living a decent life, like retired, professional athlete Jackie Joyner-Kersee.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee was born on March 3. She is popular for her current record in the heptathlon and prior records in the long jump. Although she ran during a period of time in which track and field athletes were pumping their bodies with performance enhancing drugs, she always steered away from them. Jackie was a strong proponent for staying drug free and doing other things to build up one's athleticism. This fact has maintained her reputation as a legitimate athlete through the years.

The other thing I like about Jackie Joyner-Kersee is that she used her fame to help others. Yes, she hooked up with Nike and enjoyed the publicity that went with that partnership. However, in the meanwhile, she started a few foundations to help others. In 1988, she started the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation in order to help struggling youth, adults and families. Later, she followed it up with a combined effort to start Athletes for Hope. Both of these organizations touch the lives of hundreds of people. And why? Because one lady, a Pisces, decided to turn her dream into something that expands outside of her personal realm. It's enough to make another Pisces, me, proud. Jackie is a great example of how an athlete can use their fame for good, and what a Pisces can do in her life.

One of the best marathons in the world is the London Marathon. Find out about its origins and upcoming scheduled run.

Chris Brasher was the kind of man who didn't look the part. His glasses were big and thick. His smile was crooked and slightly curled. And, his legs weren't the kind that would ever be pictured on the cover of a box of Wheaties. Yet, none of these things stopped him from doing great things and creating one of the best marathons in the world.

It all started years after a stint as an under-rated runner and long career in journalism. Brasher had just come back from New York and running in the famed Boston Marathon when an idea hit him. He decided it would be great to bring the same type of marathon over to his home territory of London. So, with the help of an old running mate, Brasher brought to life the popular London Marathon. And in 1981, his dream came to life.

You may be wondering by now what makes the London Marathon so special. Well, it's one of the best marathons in the world for three reasons: the trail, the runners and the money. Here's a break down of each:

THE TRAIL

The London Marathon trail is a historic one that follows along the River Thames (south side and north side). It's a trail that allows the runner to see a variety of landmarks such as the Tower of London, Clipper Ship and Cutty Sark. As a result, the runners in this marathon not only get to stimulate their bodies, but also their brains which serves for great memories and, at minimum, interesting bar room chatter.

THE RUNNERS
The London marathon is a run that attracts a variety of people. Some folk are locals and other foreigners. However, they all get together for at least one common reason, which is to tackle the London Marathon. The fun part of it all is to see the different groups dressed in humorous customs in an effort to push their separate agendas or stand apart from other runners. It makes for a very festive day and also gives spectators (along with the media) something to catch on camera.

THE MONEY
No, the type of money most people gather for in the London Marathon is not prize money. It's actually in an effort to raise money for charity. Although the figures aren't firm, it is estimated that, since its origin, the London Marathon has raised over 300 million for charity. It's a number that keeps rising each year and the main reason for certain people to join in on the run. It also gives major athletes a chance to raise awareness about their specific cause and help out their fellow man.

So, are you ready to put on your Nike's yet? The next London Marathon is scheduled for April 26, 2009. If you go to the Website for the London Marathon at
http://www.london-marathon.co.uk, you can get details right now. It's not too late to sign up. Remember, it'll be one of the best marathons you've ever run.

Sources:

http://www.times-olympics.co.uk/historyheroes/stgbo08.html