80% mental, 20% physical?

Everyone knows in order to cross the finish line, you must train your body, but did you know how important it is to train your mind?

Racing is just as much a mental  game as it is a physical game. Here are some tips to help you TRAIN YOUR BRAIN!

Visualize yourself crossing the finish line

Get outside your comfort zone during training runs

Be confident in yourself and in your training

How willing are you to push yourself?  How bad do you want it?

Do what you can do at the moment and don’t look ahead

Practice Mantras; Make it short, uplifting, instructive, and full of action words:  

 “Run Fast, Go Past” or "The strong get stronger."

You are your biggest competitor, not the weather, not your family, not the race course, YOU.

Go beyond your zone!

Happy Labor Day everyone! I hope you’re enjoying a fun long weekend and finding some time to get your runs in!

Today’s Motivational Monday is all about hydration.

The human body is 65-70% water weight.  This great stuff keeps your body temperature regulated, blood volume in line, throws those waste products out the window, maintains blood pressure and lots of other vital stuff.

It is hard enough to get through the work day when you are dehydrated; those annoying distracting like headaches, nausea, and extreme tiredness can really be a drag, but it’s even more difficult to exercise when dehydrated.  Here are some handy tips to staying healthy and hydrated all day:

1.Try to drink water with the goal of having your urine turn pale yellow to clear by mid afternoon. This means your lean machine is topped off with hydration and ridding itself of all those icky waste products.

2. Drink when thirsty. All day, every day even at happy hour!

3. Drink before you run.  Top off your tank with 8 ounces (1 cup) 30 to 60 minutes of starting your exercise session

4. Water is fine for workouts 60 minutes or less.  For longer workouts a sports drink is needed to refuel your electrolytes.

5. Drink 16-20 ounces of fluid while you cool down.

6. Weigh yourself before and after your workout (no clothes!)  Every pound you lose during your workout equates to 2 cups of fluid lost.  Do this a few times and you can estimate your specific fluid needs during exercise.

7. Be aware of climate changes.  If it is hot, there’s change in humidity, or  your are at high altitude your body will require more fluid than usual.

8. Take water with you!  Bring along a bottle and drink 4 ounces every 15 minutes.

9. Know the signs of dehydration: Nausea after exercise, dark yellow urine, dry/sticky mouth, and dizziness= you need water A.S.A.P.!

To sign up for the Zappos.com Las Vegas Rock n' Roll Marathon and 1/2 Marathon, click HERE. Happy running!

CEP, a leader in compression sportswear, has set the standard in compression technology in the few years they've been in the market. Designing compression socks and clothing for athletes of all levels, CEP is now a go-to name for the best in sports compression goods.

Here, Michael from CEP shows you the correct way to put on your compression socks.

Make sure to check out Zappos Running Central for more running clothing, shoes and accessories. To stay in the know about all things running, you can also check out our Zappos Running Facebook page.

Runners of all levels have been using compression clothing and socks in order to boost blood flow and increase performance. Fit is paramount when it comes to compression garments, and it's always important to wear the right size.

In the video above, Brad from CEP talks about how compression socks and clothing should fit on the body. Make sure to check out Zappos Running Central for more running clothing, shoes and accessories. To stay in the know about all things running, you can also check out our Zappos Running Facebook page.

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/