For many, taking up running is a way to challenge themselves, to make something in their lives change. Whether it be losing that stubborn weight that just won't seem to fall off or proving to themselves that they can do something they previously thought impossible, heading out onto the road to cover the miles does something for the body and mind.

Yet, once you begin, you'll start to realize that each body responds differently. Some can endure the pounding on the knees and hips that concrete and asphalt surfaces can dish out, while others will find it near impossible over time to maintain their running health just taking jaunts on the roads.

If you happen to be one of those folks whose body resists, and sometimes simply rejects, the roads, you may want to grab some trail running shoes and head off-road. While trails can get technically tricky and will force you to engage your muscles in a contrasting way in comparison to the road, running on this type of surface has very real benefits.

The softer landing will take serious pressure off of all of your joints, especially the knees, hips, and ankles. Gone are the bouncing and shaking, the jarring and hammering, and in its place is a much quieter, more flowing series of impacts. Runners who chronically suffer from shin splints or sore knees generally either have fewer occurrences once they switch to the trails, or they literally do not experience such pain at all.

Overall, if you have any joint or bone pain and you only run on hard surfaces, give the trails a try. You will improve your fitness level by making your body work hard in a new way, you will have a different scenery set that refreshes you mentally and physically, and you'll reduce the amount of trouble you previously had in regard to your bones and joints. This is not to say that you should forfeit all road running. Instead, make the trails a part of your weekly routine, blending the types of surfaces to keep your body healthy and happy.

Trail running can be tough, but it can add so much to your running life. Injecting a little nature into your training can give you not only a solid challenge, as the terrain itself will force you to engage your muscles in a variety of ways, but also it can allow you to re-energize yourself mentally. Yet, despite nature's simple abundance and virtues, being ready for what she offers is an entirely different story.

One way to make sure that you are completely prepared for a good trail running experience is to select a pair of shoes that make sense for the terrain you will encounter. Failing to do so can and probably will cause you anything from needless blisters to serious injury.

So, to avoid racking up preventable problems, consider the following when buying shoes before you hit the trails.

If you are running on a relatively smooth or groomed trail, look for shoes that have solid traction, appropriate stability for your style foot, and adequate cushioning. The shoe should not be loaded in any specific way, but it should have some moisture-wicking capability to best manage sweat build up.

Highly rocky trails that are technical and choppy require shoes that own toe-rands, excellent forefoot protection, sturdy treads, and dual-density midsoles. Unlike traversing flat trails, running on the rocks means you have to take greater care of your feet.

Sloppy, wet trails should encourage you to find water-resistant, breathable shoes that favor stability over cushioning. Find products that have Gore-Tex or Lycra, and look for uppers that can wick moisture and mud.

Trying to run on trails in the same shoes you use to jog along the streets is a large mistake, one that you will unquestionably regret. It is best to buy another pair that is appropriate for the challenge ahead. It'll be money well spent. 

Trail running can be tough, but it can add so much to your running life. Injecting a little nature into your training can give you not only a solid challenge, as the terrain itself will force you to engage your muscles in a variety of ways, but also it can allow you to re-energize yourself mentally. Yet, despite nature's simple abundance and virtues, being ready for what she offers is an entirely different story.

One way to make sure that you are completely prepared for a good trail running experience is to select a pair of shoes that make sense for the terrain you will encounter. Failing to do so can and probably will cause you anything from needless blisters to serious injury.

So, to avoid racking up preventable problems, consider the following when buying shoes before you hit the trails.

If you are running on a relatively smooth or groomed trail, look for shoes that have solid traction, appropriate stability for your style foot, and adequate cushioning. The shoe should not be loaded in any specific way, but it should have some moisture-wicking capability to best manage sweat build up.

Highly rocky trails that are technical and choppy require shoes that own toe-rands, excellent forefoot protection, sturdy treads, and dual-density midsoles. Unlike traversing flat trails, running on the rocks means you have to take greater care of your feet.

Sloppy, wet trails should encourage you to find water-resistant, breathable shoes that favor stability over cushioning. Find products that have Gore-Tex or Lycra, and look for uppers that can wick moisture and mud.

Trying to run on trails in the same shoes you use to jog along the streets is a large mistake, one that you will unquestionably regret. It is best to buy another pair that is appropriate for the challenge ahead. It'll be money well spent. 

Runners across the United States have plenty of opportunities to participate in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, which reports raising $1.5 billion in 27 years for breast cancer research, education and community outreach programs.

This year's big event is slated for June 5 at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., with 50,000 participants expected, but 135 other U.S. communities are hosting their own local events. There also are "Komens," as they have come simply to be known, in San Juan, Puerto Rico; in Frankfurt, Germany, and in the Italian cities of Rome, Naples, Bologna and Bari.

Originally known as the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, the organization now is simply Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The pink-ribbon logo has become the nation's best-known symbol for breast cancer education and outreach.

It all started in Peoria, Illinois. Susan G. Komen, known to family and friends as Suzy, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1977 when she was 33 years old. She gradually perceived that her doctor was uninformed, going through surgeries "that left her feeling stripped of her sexuality," according to the organizations website.

As the story is told, Suzy Komen asked her younger sister, Nancy G. Brinker, "Promise me, Nanny. Promise me you won't let it go on like this." Brinker established the foundation, organized the first race in Dallas in 1983 with 800 participants, and has remained as CEO ever since. Sales of her book, "Promise Me," provide a prime fund-raising tool. President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in August 2009.

Brinker emphasizes that people need not be distance runners to support Komen Race for the Cure. Participants can walk, or join sleep-ins that are popular at some of the Komen sites.

The Komen website indicates that 84 percent of funds raised go directly into programs and services, with 16 percent for staffing, promotions and other expenses. Roughly three-fourths of funds from local Komen events remain in the community for education, screening and treatment, while the remaining one-fourth if for research.

SOURCES

http://ww5.komen.org/findarace.aspx

http://ww5.komen.org/

Imagine walking into a shoe store to find running sneakers. You stand there, gazing at the endless wall in front of you inundated with a seemingly endless line of cool shoes. So many colors, designs, and shapes. Then your eyes lock on the perfect pair, the pair that will carry you over the finish line first, cutting the tape with ease. The salesman asks what size, and you say, "That one should do. Wrap it up." Later that week, as you are running down your street in all your glory, with your heels slipping out the back and massive blisters forming on your toes because the shoe is far too big, you come to an athletic epiphany: size does matter.

Just like selecting the right shoe, one that fits ever so perfectly, choosing the right bike is critical to your success and your body's health. Unlike running into a local big box store or a mom-and-pop bike shop to buy your seven-year-old son his first two-wheeler, you can't just eye-ball it, hoping that it will do the trick. Instead, you must find the specific measurements that suit your body, and you need to get fitted for a bike if you expect to compete and achieve your goals.

The old school method of the stand-over, where you would straddle the top tube of the bike's frame while standing barefoot, is a thing of the past. Whereas a clearance of 0 to 1 inch used to suffice, the variations and altered geometries of modern road bikes make that traditional test antiquated. Because styles and frame sizes change from company to company, there exists only one surefire way to find the proper size: measure your inseam.

To do so, stand against the wall in bare feet. Place a one-inch think book between your legs, firm to your thighs and crotch. With the book squarely against the wall, measure from the top of the book to the floor, finally converting the inches to centimeters by multiplying the number by 2.54. Since your frame size normally equates with roughly two-thirds of your inseam, multiply the centimeter result with 0.67 to determine your frame size. Bring this number to the bike shop with you.

Any good bike retailer will help you, and they may offer a computer program to further assist you. Either way, be informed. It is a major investment, so do it wisely. You'll enjoy your patience and diligence once you hit the road.

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.

Would you like to win $120 in merchandise credit to purchase Rockport shoes at Zappos.com? Keep reading!

Our blogger/runner Brett H. is running around New York City this week in honor of the New York City Marathon! Brett has been working with Rockport, one of the finest shoe brands in the land, and he, along with the team at Rockport, will be in Grand Central Station on Thursday for a very special event: If you’re in New York, stop by to try on a pair of Rockport shoes and you’ll receive a free shoe shine! Look below for full times and places.

Now, back to that Free Shoes thing:)

Check out the link below to enter to win $120 in free Rockport shoes from Zappos!
http://www.zappos.com/c/run-rockport-run-sweepstakes

Thursday:
Try on the new DresSports and receive a complimentary shoeshine!
Meet Brett from Run Brett Run and give him advice on running his upcoming marathon and fun things to do in NYC.
When:

Thursday, October 29, 2009

7am-7pm

Brett will be available 7am-9:30am, 11:30am-1:30pm, and 4:00pm-7:00pm
Where:

Grand Central Terminal -the Main West Entrance at E. 43rd/Vanderbilt Ave.

Sometimes you just gotta train for a marathon during office hours.