Daytona Beach Half Marathon

Click here to get more information of this exciting new event. It looks like they are trying to model the Festival 500.

Upcoming Events

For upcoming races, please check the "EVENT CALENDARS" section located on the sidebar which you will find on the left side of this blog.

Keys 100 Ultra-Marathons

The Florida Keys will be hosting Ultra Marathon Races on May 17, 2008:

100 mile individual race starts at 6:00 AM
Key Largo to Key West

50 mile individual race starts at 10:00 AM
Marathon to Key West

100 mile team relay race starts at 6:00 AM
Key Largo to Key West

Please click the title bar for more information about this inaugural event.

Foam Roller

This is an excellent stretching tool for runners. Especially for the ITB band. The demonstration video from YouTube is being brought to you by Diet.com.

No Headphones Icon

Source: Road Runners Club Of America

Arlington, VA - As race directors struggle with the RRCA guideline against the use of headphones in RRCA insured events along with the USATF ban on headphones at sanctioned events, the RRCA is encouraging race directors to adopt the new universal NO HEADPHONES symbol on race entry forms and race materials.

The RRCA has promoted a guideline against the use of headphones in running events that dates back to the mid-1980's and this guideline has been re-affirmed several times by the RRCA membership since then.

Five Points of Light Marathon/Half-Marathon

Want to finish an event in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, on the University of Florida campus? Check out this event in Gainesville, FL. which takes place next weekend.

A1A Marathon/Half Marathon Results

Click on the logo to see the results from this year's event.

Ocean Drive 5K Run

I know there are several 5K Events, but this is March 8 event takes place in South Beach. Click the title bar or logo above for more information. Enjoy the video.

When Sugar is Good For You

Source: Chicago Athlete; January, 2008

We sometimes think that all types of sugar are bad under all circumstances. This article looks at the issue. Please click the title bar above to view this article.

St. Paddy's 4 Miler

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Road Runner's Club (GFLRRC) coordinate this March 8 race. If you want to run a bit over the 5K distance, this event may be for you. Click the title bar or Leprechaun to get more information.

Gas Cap Hat

This is a new type of hat for runners or long distance athletes, where the participant has space to hold certain items. Please click the title bar or hat above to get a better view and understanding of this accessory.

PattStrap

This is a strap that you can place below your knee for knee support and above your knee for ITB support. You can learn more about the item by clicking the title bar above. Several different companies manufacture this item and you can also find it available at your local running store.

Merrell Converge and Brooks Defyance Previews

Runner's world previews the Merrell Converge and Brooks Defyance which are considered neutral shoes.

ING Georgia Marathon/Half Marathon

Approximately 14,000 runners participated in the inaugural event. The event takes place on March 30, 2008 and no mail-in entries after March 19. Approximately, 7500 individuals had registered at the time of this post. Please click the title bar or logo for more information.

7 Mile Bridge Run Information

This race takes place entirely on the Seven Mile Bridge located near Marathon, FL in the center of the Florida Keys. The 6.8 mile race will occur on Saturday, April 19 on one of the more unique settings in the country. Please click the title bar above to get information about attaining an application. The cap is 1,500 runners.

The McMillan Running Calculator

The McMillan Running Calculator is a useful tool in assisting the runner find a training pace, as well as, estimated times on specific distances based on past performance. Please click the title bar to access this tool.

Disney Minnie Marathon Weekend

Registration for this unique event is still available. You can access all of the information by clicking the title bar or logo above. Click the register button whether you intend to register by mail or on-line. In terms of eligibility, please make sure you read the information very carefully.

ING Miami Marathon Results

Please click the title bar or picture above to view the results from today's event.

Rain forecast for Miami Marathon

Source: Miami Herald

It's marathon day in Miami, and, if the weather forecast holds, it could be another wet one -- at least for the first part.

'As we always say, `If you don't like the weather, wait about 15 minutes and it will change,' '' ING Miami Marathon and Half Marathon director Robert Pozo said. ``Last year for the start of the race it did just that. It rained for the first 15 minutes, and five minutes [later] it stopped.''

The forecast called for 40 percent chance of showers from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., with a low of 63 degrees and high of 71. The event begins at 6:15 a.m. for runners and 6:05 a.m. for wheelchair participants.

Nearly 13,000 had registered for both races, about 8,700 for the half and 3,600 for the 26.2-miler. This year, participants come from all 50 states and 47 countries, with 52 percent men and 48 percent women.

Garmin Watch 405

Runner's World presents a three minute video on the Garmin Forerunner 405. As a user of the Garmin 205, I am very impressed with the product. The 405 is a GPS watch that looks like a watch. Please click on the watch to view the video.

ITB Stretches

Runner's World posted an article last year about ITB Stretches. Please click the title bar above to view what I thought was helpful information.

Running Away

This company provides Running Vacations where you visit certain parts of the country and train for a few days. I actually learned about this information at my neighborhood New Balance Store.
For more information, please click on the title bar or logo.

Upcoming Events

Saturday, Janury 26
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Fl Tropical 5K, Watson Island 7:30 AM 305-278-8668

Sunday, January 27
ING Miami Marathon & Half Marathon, American Airlines Arena 6:10 AM 305-278-8668

Half Shell 1/2 Marathon, Key West 7:00 AM 305-296-7182

Physio Forum

This site is a discussion forum which addresses issues related to sports injuries. I think it is a British site, but I notice users are from all over the world. Please click the title bar for more information.

Hip Bursitis

Source: Health Touch Online

What are the signs and symptoms of hip bursitis?

The pain may be over the outside of your hip and thigh. The pain may be in your buttock and later move into the hip. The pain may also be in one side of the groin with some milder pain in the opposite hip.

Pressing on your hip or turning your hip and leg inward as you flex your hip may make the pain worse. The pain may be worse when getting up from a deep chair or getting out of a car. You may have trouble sleeping because the pain may be worse at night. Pressing on your groin may make the pain worse.

For more information about this condition, including diagnosis and treatment, click the title bar above.

A1A Marathon and Half Marathon

This marathon/half-marathon takes place on Sunday, February 17 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. The course is a bit flatter than the Miami event and many feel it may be an easier race than most who may be attempting to qualify for Boston. Please click the link or logo for more information.

Sarasota Marathon/Half Marathon

Please click the logo or title bar above to get more information about the Sarasota Marathon/Half Marathon, which takes place on March 2. The race had over 2200 runners participate last year. It is one of the last long distance spring races in Florida as we enter the warmer months of the year.

Upcoming Events

Jan. 20
Inspiration 5k Run & Fitness Walk Miami, FL. 8:00 a.m 305-666-7223
Bay Harbor Islands 5K Run/Walk 8:00 AM 305-866-6241
Naples Daily News Half Marathon Cambier Park Naples, FL. {EVENT IS CLOSED}

Jan. 21
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 5k & Fitness Walk Miami, FL. 8:00 a.m 305-666-7223

Runner's World Discussion Forum

The Runner's World Discussion Forum is an excellent resource to find out information, get advice and share your own thoughts in various topics related to running. Please click the link to access the site.

Disney Marathon Weekend Results

To check the results for any of the 2008 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend events, please click the title bar or logo above. This site also contains the results from the past five years.

Running Routes

Do you need to find a place to run in your area? Do you want to create your own routes? If your answer is yes, then please check out this site which is sponsored by the USA Track & Field (USATF) Association.

Amphipod Gear

When it comes to hydration equipment, you will receive multiple opinions. While I will be providing information on all of the hydration products, I chose Amphipod first because it was the product I use because for me at least I do not feel the belt bounce when in use. In particular, I use the Full Tilt Body Pack.

Amphipod does sell other types of accessories. Please click the link above for more information.

Groin Pull

Copyright, The American Running Association.

A groin pull is the tearing of the hip adductor, or inner thigh muscles. The inner thigh muscles are used quite frequently for propelling you straight ahead or from side to side. They're even responsible for allowing you to move your foot inward.

As with any muscle pull, its severity is rated as a Grade I or II, which means a slight to moderate tear, or a Grade III, which is a complete rupture. As with any muscle pull, it takes persistence and dedication on your part to heal a groin pull.

Signs and Symptoms:

You'll often feel a sharp pain when the injury occurs, which forces you to stop exercising. When you try to start again, pain again forces you to stop. The pain can stay in one area, or may extend down the inside of the thigh. Often, bruising develops hours later that starts at the groin and moves down the inner thigh. If this happens, don't worry that the injury is spreading. Gravity is forcing the blood down and making the injury appear more widespread than it is.

Therefore, pain is usually worsened by running with changes in direction (cutting), running in a straight line if the foot is turned in or out, getting in and out of cars, climbing stairs, or simply walking.

Causes:

Overuse. You could over use the inner thigh muscles in obvious ways.
Foot imbalance. Certain foot imbalances force you to constantly use your adductor muscles, which leads to overuse of the muscles.
Improper conditioning. If you're not adequately prepared for an activity, you run the risk of pulling your groin muscles. These muscles should be properly strengthened and stretched.

RX Measures:

Stop exercising immediately.
Ice for 10 minutes, then remove the ice for 10 minutes. Do this periodically throughout the day.
Take anti-inflammatories. This will help to keep the swelling down.
Don't exercise again for at least seven days. When you start again, stop if pain develops.
Compression. Wrapping the area with elastic wrap can provide comfort.

Stretch and strengthen. As the pain subsides after a few days, begin light stretching and strengthening exercises. Squeezing a small ball between your knees, for instance, is a simple effective exercise. Don't do any exercises that cause pain. As you begin to resume activity, try heating the area before exercise. (Continue to use ice after exercise.)

Rehabilitation exercises. Once your groin starts healing, it's imperative to continue rehabilitation exercises to keep the area strong and flexible. The muscles have a tendency to shorten after injury so it's important to keep them stretched. Generally, running in a straight line or bicycling are good alternatives. However, pain is the best guide.

Upcoming Events for the Non-Disney Group

If you are not participating in the Disney Marathon Weekend, there are other events occurring this weekend.

Saturday
- One-Hour Run, Key West High School Track, Key West 9:00 AM 305-304-1019
- Bridge Buster 5K, Fort Pierce 772-334-3469

Sunday
- FLIPANY 10K Run/5K Run/Walk, North Beach Park, Hollywood 7:20 AM 954-423-3727
- Martin County Half Marathon 772-221-1419

Please check the links in the Event/Calendars section for more information.

ING Miami Marathon & Half Marathon

Registration is still available for this January 27 event. Please click the link above to attain more information

Disney Running Website

For those of you who are participating in any Disney Running Events, please click the link above to view an unofficial Disney site which provides an abundant amount of information about all of their running events.

Upcoming Events

Saturday
- Race Like A Kid All-Comers Track Meet Olympic Heights High School 4:00 PM 561-312-4221
- 5K-10K Beach Run, John U Lloyd Park 7:00 AM 954-682-3613

Sunday
- Champion Audi Scholarship Run/W 10K/5K, Kids Races, Parkland 7:00 AM 954-340-7600
- Run For Miracles 5K Run/Walk, Anchor Park, Delray Beach 7:30 AM 561-279-2970


Please check the links in the Event/Calendars section for more information.