Many people each year make a resolution to get fit, and a large number of these people look to some major event as their motivation, with many deciding upon a triathlon. So, books are bought and videos are watched, and then training begins: a light jog, a winded bike ride, and a humbling first swim workout in the pool.

Many who start this way have wonderful intentions, but they have not provided themselves with a real, definable goal. Before training, select a race, register for it, and create a training plan that seeks to peak you for that performance.

Most experts claim that a person wishing to enter the sport of triathlon should do at least one major race per training cycle. Obviously you will place yourself in the best situation to succeed if you match your training to your ultimate competition. Considering this idea, you make your job near impossible if you approach your triathlon experience with no goal. Training just to see offers a million chances to make excuses; however, paying for a race and obligating yourself, telling people about it, is more apt to keep you going.

Once you have locked into a race, you should plan on competing in several other, normally slightly smaller, triathlons during the training cycle. While you can certainly work to excel in these lead-up races, the real goal is still the race at the close of your training cycle. But these events will give you invaluable experience, as running in and out of transitions and competing with others in close proximity cannot truly be replicated in a normal workout.

Also, participating in lead-up races will serve as a barometer upon which you can measure your progress. No other workout you design can match actual competition, so give yourself the chance to gauge your current level. Doing so will allow you to adjust your training to address weaknesses and to have an increased level of confidence when the real race day finally arrives.

Thus, make a concrete commitment that disallows you from creating excuses. Set a schedule to train for this day, and use smaller races to get you ready. In the end, you'll find yourself in incredible shape with a new found sense of confidence and purpose.

Sure you can take a short drive down to your local Outback restaurant to gaze at the mass produced Australian "artifacts" that adorn the walls, the ever-so-menacing warnings to beware of the crocodiles, and the fuzzy presence of a fake kangaroo. Once you sit, you can order the pure shrimp on the barbie, cleverly named kids' meals, which each end with "roo", and jazz all the dishes up with some serious spice. But, if you're into something a little more authentic with a running twist, consider packing away some cash and heading to the real Outback, deep in the heart of Australia, for the Outback Marathon in late July of 2010.

The day's events, which include a full marathon, a half marathon, an 11k and a 6k, take place primarily off-road on the famous red earth that is common across the central portion of the country. Carving your way through bushwhacked lands on unsealed roads and paths, you'll run past a lifetime's worth of scenery, none more spectacular than Ayers Rock and The Olgas.

With the 6k and the 11k open to all age divisions, this could be a nice family event to punctuate a once-in-a-lifetime vacation. The half marathon requires a minimum age of 15 whereas the full marathon calls for only those 18 and up. All participants, however, receive a commemorative medal at the conclusion of the race, and certificates are available for printing on-line.

Yes, you can run a marathon any place in the world, and most would be significantly closer to your home. But, how many times in your life will you ever be able to claim that you ran through something most only imagine, a place that most people only visit in books or on the internet?

Thus, a true athletic challenge awaits a half a world away, in a place offering memories for both young and old. Make a trip you will forever recall, and along the way interject a day of pure joy as you run through the Outback. For more information about the marathon, visit www.australianoutbackmarathon.com.

People get bored very easily. That is a fact that is about as certain as death and taxes. Think about the high school kid who falls asleep during a forty-minute lecture on the Italian Renaissance or the security guard who drifts off during the graveyard shift. When a person experiences something that spans a long period of time and offers no alterations or adjustments, there exists no possible way for a legitimate focus to occur. As a result, body and mind change course, looking to either rest from exhaustion or re-stimulate itself with something else.

Training for triathlon is no different. While following a detailed, structured workout schedule will give you the format to stay consistent, doing the same routine day after day will result in two situations: a serious loss of mental motivation and a seemingly unbreakable physical plateau.

Mentally, when you continually change your patterns, the brain stays sharp, as it constantly has a new goal to reach. You provide the stimulus your brain requires to keep your body moving in a manner that permits progress. For example, using a swim workout based on stroke count one day, always working to lengthen the body's reach to reduce the number of strokes it takes to cover a given distance, and the next day swimming against the clock, a place where strokes are less important and time rules, provides you with a different set of challenges. Your brain avoids the patternization that generates boredom and fatigue.

Likewise, physically, if you can repeatedly alter your goals, you can keep your body from reaching those plateaus that stunt growth. Confusing the muscles, making them work similar groups in a variety of ways, dodges the monotony of identical workouts. For example, running an endless string of treadmill workouts will never produce the long-range results you need. Instead, get outside and hit the trails or do a track workout. Try plyometrics or Kenpo. Mix in multiple variations that will strengthen the muscles while keeping them fresh and stimulated.

Overall, you will be a happier triathlete if you mix it up. Failing to do so will not only hurt your performance, but also it will take away the pure joy associated with the sport. Keep yourself mentally and physically excited and vary those workouts as much as possible.

Running events always seem to have a purpose, and not one designed for the individual alone. Charities and fundraisers normally serve as the backbone for countless running events with folks coming together for a common cause. The spirit wrapped inside these types of events displaces the running itself, and instead makes the experience one of empowerment and generosity. And while each event holds a sincere significance to all involved, the need associated with the Marysville Marathon Festival is dynamically real on so many levels.

Marysville, Australia, a cozy town nestled in the Victorian Alps, home to an endless string of tourists and the former stop-over for those on their way to the goldfields at Woods Point in the late nineteenth century, was nearly obliterate on Black Saturday, February 7, 2009, in a fiery inferno. With a devastating loss of life, the town now seeks to rebuild and rise from the proverbial ashes; however, the task exists as near impossible without the help of others. Thus, the Marysville Marathon Festival was born.

A place that was once teeming with tourist accommodations and events, Marysville now has little left, and calls upon runners, walkers, and virtually anyone to come join this critical inaugural and possibly annual event. The festival holds four trials: a full marathon, a half marathon, a 10k run/walk, and a 3k run/walk. Serious runners can cover the full or half course while those who just wish to support a more-than-worthy cause can bring their families and walk the other distances. The roads are wheelchair and stroller accessible, except for one small portion of gravel, and the race officials permit pets on leads, especially on the short course.

The community needs you to help, so make your way down if possible. People in the world must embrace each other, and reaching out to those in need, even on other continents and under foreign flags, makes this planet a better place to live. Run the Marysville Marathon Festival to not only support a town's recovery, but also, and maybe more importantly, to show the real strength in humanity.

Hey there! I'm still working on racking miles up, and last week was a good one.
Monday-3 miles
Tuesday-4 miles
Wednesday-7miles!!!!

It was hard, but I finally arrived at the halfway mark for the Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon. Below is a video of the afterthoughts and one tired country boy. And his dog.

Hello there, runners!

We are well into October, and the Dec. 6 Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon is sprinting towards us at a fast and crazy pace! I have decided, at the advisement of the Zappos Running Team, that I just do the half. The thought that I should run this powerfully and next year do the full. I agreed, and now I have my mind set on completing the Half at a good time and still have enough energy to have a beer and listen to some rock and roll afterward!

This week I am at the goal of 7 miles. I'm not moving along at the pace that I really wanted; I've been flat-lined at 5 miles, and I am going to break it!

Brooks, Asics, New Balance and Saucony have all helped me along with some gear, and it is much appreciated. The only thing I had to run in before this was a plaid moo-moo and wooden clogs I fashioned out of a tree in the forest near my house. (Picture that.....yes...yes....frightening, I know.)

But this week, I came across the finest piece of running gear known to man. (at least this man)

Behold:

Playlists for Brett's Running This Week:
-Robert Palmer-Sneaking Sally Through the Alley (obsessed with this album)
-JEM-Finally Woken
-Old Crow Medicine Show-Tennessee Pusher

Sign up here for the Half or the Full Marathon!

Many Zapponians that are planning to run the 13 mile Half for the Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon are training hard and have their eyes on Dec. 6. We all have different reasons for wanting to run the Half Marathon, and today we profile some of the brave souls who have decided to boogie on to the finish line. I introduce some of our Half-ers in the fine video below, produced by our own Jason C..

For Those About to Run, We Salute You!

So many running events are representative of a stern individual challenge, but ever so often a truly genuine chance arrives, one that permits this normally solitary sport to be enjoyed by groups of close friends, that defies normalcy and lets people accomplish something that there is no way they could do alone. In the bright Florida sunshine, the Ragnar Relay series is that place, and any runner, from novice to seasoned, should think deeply about partaking in such a memorable event.

Starting on the Gulf of Mexico in Clearwater and ending on the Atlantic coast in Daytona Beach, you and eleven teammates will traverse the 191-mile course in relay form, running anywhere from 3 to 8 miles at a time, with each member taking three turns. Trailed by a maximum of two support vehicles stocked with apparel, food, and water, the runners will cheer one another on as they cover the entire width of Florida. The vehicles will perform leapfrog maneuvers to get runners to and from check points to keep the race moving and organized, so there is no need to worry about logistics and technicalities. Just train and run!

Live music will line the scenic course, which covers Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs, New Port Richey, and parts of the Ocala National Forest, and prizes will be given to top finishers by team and age division, and the best decorated vehicle will be honored at the race's completion. The relay's tone, one of celebration and triumph, will surely inspire all of those involved, as the end result is not one that rewards just a single person for crossing first; instead, the relay's intent is one that seeks to promote camaraderie and togetherness, ideals that the world certainly needs a little more of.

If you are not interested in running, or physically cannot, teams can offer volunteers to work the race route, and registration information can be found at ragnarrelay.com/florida. If you are looking for a memorable event, one that brings you to a place a sheer beauty, one that will deeply test your fortitude and leave you proud, grab your running buddies and find your way to the sunshine state...there is no way you'll ever regret it.

Although Usain Bolt's dynamic performances have dominated track and field headlines as of late, and America's obsession in recent times has been with the sprint distances, no event over the history of the sport has generated more interest and enthusiasm than the running of the mile. Having its roots set deeply in English history, the mile became official in 1850, which was the first year recording results came to be, and later, in August of 1865, the first real spectator race, which housed approximately 15,000 onlookers, was held in Manchester, England, with the world's best milers competing. The winning time was 4:17. And so it began.

Now, some 144 years later, the mile remains a strong draw, and the idea of 4:17 being the world's fastest time is almost laughable. And while so many remarkable stages exist across the world upon which this time-tested, treasured event is contested, the energy and excitement felt all along Fifth Avenue, in the heart of New York City, is ever so tough to replicate.

With some of the world's quickest milers converging upon the Big Apple to compete in the professional race, normally held at the end of the race day, fans flock to see just how fast the Kenyans or Ethiopians can go. However, the day also provides the chance for the commoner, the regular runner, to trudge up the world renowned street in their own glory.

With open divisions extending from the age of 8 all the way through 70+, the day has reserved spots for any miler who wants to take on the challenge. On September 26, 2009, this year's event will kick off at 9 am with the wheelchair and handcylce division and will conclude with the professional men at 1:05 pm. Sponsored by Continental Airlines and in conjunction with the New York Road Runners, the race is sure to have moments that exhibit incredible athleticism and endurance as well as those poignant stories that pull at the heart and make us all remember why we run.

After providing a nominal entry fee, you can fly up Fifth Avenue with all you have, run beneath the big timing clock, and dive headlong into the post-race refreshments. Whether you are a professional poised to win or a regular runner searching for that personal best, participating in the Fifth Avenue Mile will undeniably be an experience you'll always remember.

While not a specific race, World Run Day, founded in 1999 by Long Island runner Bill McDermott, seeks to promote the sport of running and enhance charitable giving around the globe. On Sunday, November 8, 2009, runners from around the world will join together by simply running. Whether competing in small groups in local races or individually as part of the "virtual" experience offered, people come together to not only raise awareness of the sport, but also, and more importantly, to gather funds for meaningful charitable organizations.

Runners, after registering at runday.com, can plan and submit their favorite running routes in their town or city, and they can generate groups to follow that path. World Run Day offers schools, charitable organizations, individuals, businesses, running clubs, and corporations to host legitimate fundraisers that have a direct impact on the communities in which they serve.

Currently, the top five participating cities in the United States are Baltimore, Anchorage,Houston, Pittsburgh and San Diego. Also, the top five charitable organizations that have received donations are the American Cancer Society, the ALS Foundation, the Children's Wish Fund, World Vision, and the St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Each team captain will receive a planning kit that covers all the basics to get his group started on becoming completely prepared for a successful experience. Items such as bib numbers, pacing charts, advertising posters, training logs, and certificates will be distributed to each participant. In addition, every person receives tickets to an online expo with running apparel and merchandise from around the world.

While running is largely seen as an individual pursuit with personal goals and accomplishments, opportunities do arise that let runners become something far greater than themselves. World Run Day, and all of its associated items, gives runners that chance. Becoming a piece of something that has a greater good can alter not only the lives of others, but it can regenerate your own spirit. If you are going to run, why not run for a cause? Jump on board and become part of World Run Day.

Oh, dear, blisters are no fun, kids. I've found myself with two big ones since the start of my running. But I've gotten through it with the help of our resident Zappos running experts.

In the video below, Chris P. tells us of a few ways in which we can avoid blisters when running or hiking, and ways to deal with them when we inevitably get them.

As triathletes begin training, they inevitably hope to tackle as much as possible, generating workouts designed to push them to the limits of their own potentials. Yet, wrapped within the need to extend beyond what they previously thought was impossible, triathletes must remember to provide ample time for the fourth event in training: sleep.

Sleep deprivation impacts countless Americans each night, as chronic sleep issues have reached an almost epidemic rate across much of Western society. Most people in industrialized, competitive-based countries sleep far less than the standard minimum of eight hours per night. This downward spiraling pattern within our culture will have its influence in the sport of triathlon if athletes do not take clear steps to prevent its long-reaching problems.

If the regular American who does not participate in triathlons suffers from sleep deprivation, then how does a triathlete, who in all probability works a similarly structured job, train endless hours and get the required sleep? Seems near impossible, right? The answer, however, comes in the form of decision making. Consider all the needless minutes and hours each day spent doing next to nothing, and then think about what life would be like if you used that extra time to extend your night's sleep by 30 to 60 minutes, or if you elected to take a nap during the day. Without a doubt, with the increased rest you would see your recovery from training improve, your intensity during workouts would double, and your overall vitality in life would be dramatically enhanced.

So, when sitting down to structure a plan for training, make sure you consider not just the need to rest, but also the need to sleep. Make the best decisions in your life to allow your body that unadulterated down time to refuel and regenerate. Not only will your experience with triathlon improve, but also, and more importantly, your daily life will become better and better.

If you're into both reggae music and running, why not combine the two? In the Reggae Marathon, you can. This annual event takes place on the coastline of Negril, Jamaica. Beginners and professionals alike can get in on the competition and entertainment of the Reggae Marathon.

Considered one of the world's finest beaches, the tropical atmosphere of Negril is appealing to many. The Reggae Marathon includes a full marathon and a half marathon event. The course leads through the village and offers beautiful scenery of green pastures and plant life. While this is a fairly mild course open to participation from beginners, any marathon event requires some training beforehand. With that in mind, before the event, start looking for the best gear for the race and try it out while you are training. This way, when you get to the actual event, you will be comfortable and can concentrate on the race.

Negril, Jamaica has a tropical climate. Weather, for the most part, is warm and humid. Therefore, thin, breathable clothing will be beneficial. Short sleeves and thin running shorts are ideal. When considering clothing, think about pockets, as plenty of pocket-sized hydration packs will be handed out at various stations. These consist of a water and Gatorade mix. Also, don't forget the sunscreen. It helps if clothing is treated with sun protection.

Shoes for this event should have good grip for running, but not too thick. Thicker traction is best for snowy and icy conditions, none of which you will find in Negril. Running shoes for the Reggae Marathon also should be lightweight, so as not to weigh the feet down. Besides, you likely will want to hear the drums in the blaring Reggae music, rather than the pounding of your shoes on the pavement.

Breathability is a must in running shoes for a Jamaica marathon. Because of the hot and humid weather, precaution against feet getting too warm is a must. This means socks also should be thin and breathable. If your hair is long, consider a bun or ponytail to keep from getting hot.

SOURCE:
http://reggaemarathon.com

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.

The mundane daily run, the one that passes the same houses, businesses, parks, etc., can become a true drag on a runner's much needed enthusiasm. Likewise, the identical race series than follows the paths and streets run down the previous years simply fails to stimulate a runner's spirit. To reinvigorate your soul and challenge your every physical fiber, collect your loose change, pinch your pennies, and make your way to the Swiss Alps and Glacier 3000.

Entering its third year and boasting a starters' list that eclipses over 500 athletes, the 26 kilometer run covers each type of terrain known to man, thus making it as spiritual and meaningful as it is physical. Beginning in the small village of Gstaad that sits 1,050 feet above sea level, the race climbs its way almost 2,000 feet through Feutersoey, Gsteig and Reusch to Glacier 3000. Beginning on asphalt roads and rocky trails, the race transitions to soft forest paths, gravel corridors, old cart tracks, and steep mountain ridges, with the final 500 meters covering the ice and snow of the Tsanfleuron glacier. The beautiful landscape passed will engage your mind and motivate your weary legs as they attempt to defy that desire to quit, that point each runner confronts, and upon conquering, makes him feel untouchable. Knowing that running is a physical activity guided by a mental toughness, you will experience a pure euphoric feeling when crossing the finish line seemingly on top of the world. And this will happen regardless of where and when you complete the course; after all, the race's motto is "the path is the goal," so everyone wins.

With a supportive competitive environment full of people very proud to run, the event offers everything a runningenthusiast could wish for: challenge, beauty, and pride. So, if your wallet agrees, book those tickets and begin training. Like any true test in life, you'll walk away a better person inundated with lasting memories and a rewarding sense of who you are. What more could you ask for?