Countless road races dot the American landscape each weekend, with runners following painted arrows from school parking lots through city streets or flagged meadows in local parks. Most offer a distinct challenge: make the individual push harder than before while offering enjoyment and lifelong fitness. Regardless of the distance, whether a spirited 5k or a marathon, the race gives the runner a blank canvas upon which to become something greater.

However, not all races are created equal, nor provide the same challenges. Yes, the goal remains the same in regards to a person proving something to himself, but the experience varies, and no one place gives a more creative, unpredictable run than the Leatherman's Loop.

The race, a 10k trail run held annually in April at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in Cross River, New York, is a massively popular event, with the 900 spots filling up in a mere 16 hours. Combining all that Mother Nature can dish out, the terrain houses mud bogs, deep streams with moss-slicked rocks, steep sand hills, and paths barely wide enough for both feet side by side. Although the budding tree canopy can provide some protection, the pounding sun, which recently reached a record high of 90 degrees on race day, can sap your energy, and the punishing wind can make the race double in its perceived distance. Needless to say, the race is physically abusive. It is one of those workouts that will have you hating it while you're doing it, but loving it when it is all over.

The atmosphere, one that is as supportive as it is fun, more than washes out the agony the race can bring. Runners can be found all across the course pulling others along, un-sticking them from the mud or pushing them up the hills. The sense of camaraderie bubbles over the second you arrive, as runners share advice, trade stories of duct-taped shoes and pricker-torn legs, and promise to meet for a drink at the finish line. No one feels alone on this day, with each person's success seemingly everyone's concern.

Regardless of your ability, take the chance and go. Train hard and enjoy the race that has the potential to keep you coming back for more. Not only will you have accomplished something physically impressive, but also you will have proved to yourself that almost anything is possible.

Jumping online to purchase a pair of running sneakers may sound simple enough, but there exist some important questions to consider before you make your final decision. While ideas such as size, make, and color are important to all buyers, considering what you need, what you plan to do, and how you want to do it should dictate your final decision. With a little time and thought, you can find the perfect running shoe.

First, think about how long you have been running. Do you really need that specific training shoe worn by the world's elite athletes, or do you require something more refined to get you started? Be simple and prudent.

Next, ask yourself how much mileage you plan on doing in a given week. High mileage shoes will offer different types of support to accommodate for the heavy training whereas racing-style shoes will be streamlined to enhance your competitive time.

Then reflect on where you do most of your running. Do you plan on hitting the roads endlessly or training on grass and trails? Differences exist when buying road sneakers versus trail shoes, so choose wisely. Buying thicker trail shoes and running a marathon in them could be a serious mistake. Likewise, attempting to run rocky trails in thinner, road-specific sneakers will cause almost certain injury.

Finally, consider if you have any foot problems. Are you an over-pronater, an under-pronater? Do you suffer from flat feet? Do you have especially wide feet? Think about your experiences with other shoes and how your feet responded and why.

Knowing the answers to these questions will let you make an informed decision that will result in you getting the most for your money. In the end, you will own a pair of shoes that are right for you, which will let you enjoy your daily training more than you ever thought you could.

For someone who has run marathons before and may need a bit of a challenge, the Grandfather Mountain Marathon may be the perfect choice. Held annually in North Carolina, this marathon is definitely not for beginners. The 25-mile track offers quite a challenge.

The Grandfather Mountain Marathon has runners racing up the mountainside to an elevation of 4,279 feet. A race such as this requires extensive pre-training and probably a good amount of prior experience running mountainous races. The Grandfather Mountain Marathon has strict time limits. Therefore, runners must be certain they can finish this race.

Because this is an extreme sport, it's also going to require some extreme footwear. Running shoes for a mountain adventure should also be equipped to handle trails and mountainous terrain. Look for a durable, but lightweight design with good traction, cushioning, bounce and flexibility.

Footwear is not the only thing to pay attention to in a marathon. Clothing is also of importance. Marathon runners should be wearing clothing that will help keep them cool, as well as help wick away moisture. Clothing for running should be flexible but not loose. It also should be made of breathable fibers. Chafing prevention also is a good idea.

A good watch, as well as a compass, may be a good idea. A combination piece is even better. This way if you accidentally get off track, the compass and a good map of the location can help you get back on track. The watch, of course, will let a runner know how they are doing on time, such as whether to maybe slow their pace or pick it up some to finish on time.

Some runners also may choose to wear a hat for sun protection. The hat chosen should be thin, as well as something that that will not fall off the head easily. Otherwise, it may be a distraction during the race. Some good, moisture-wicking running socks will also be a good idea. Gatorade and water will be supplied at various checkpoints throughout the race.

Source:
http://www.hopeformarrow.org/gmminfo.htm