News From Jeff: June 25, 2010: My Favorite Week In
The Year
Since 1975 I've held a running
retreat in Squaw Valley CA, near Lake Tahoe. The weather is
wonderful (@ 15% humidity), and the trails are amazing. The best
part for me: the friendships. We run, eat great food, philosophize
and fine-tune the training for everyone, as goals and priorities
change. Unexpectedly, we have a few spaces that are still available
and we'd love to have you join us to celebrate my birthday, among
other fun things. Contact susan@jeffgalloway.com for more information.
I'll be running the Peachtree Road Race this year, and will be giving
some clinics at the race expo (July 2, 6:30-7:30PM and July 3, 2-3PM).
If you are in town for this great event, come by my Phidippides
Ansley Mall store on Saturday, July 3 from 10-11:30AM. I'd love
to see you at any
of these events.
Barbara and I start our marathon season in August this year in Anchorage's
Big
Wild Life Runs Marathon (August 15). Last Sunday we did our
next-to-last training run, 23 miles, in the wildlife preserve (Pt
Washington State Forest) at our beach
retreat area, Blue Mountain Beach, FL. Because we started at
4:30AM and used a 30 sec run/30 sec walk throughout, it was a wonderful
run.
Join me as I'll be running in the Disneyland
Half Marathon (Labor Day) and the Epcot
Wine & Dine Half Marathon (Oct 2nd). There are many fun
events during these weekends and I hope to meet some of you and
run with you. Next month's edition will include more details.
In support of the Marathon
and Half Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer (Feb 13, 2011) we
will be expanding our Half Marathon training groups. If you are
interested in starting one in your area, let us know.
As I travel to your cities for various events, let me know what
I can do to help you enjoy running more, as you focus on your goals.
Jeff Galloway
US Olympian
P.S. Stay updated by following me on FaceBook and Twitter -
Facebook.com/JeffGalloway
Facebook.com/JeffGallowayFan
Twitter.com/JeffGalloway
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Medical Advice
Always see a doctor for medical problems, especially a physician
who wants to get you back out there on the sidewalks or trails.
Always get your doctor's OK when you train strenuously. This newsletter
is an offering of information from one runner to another.
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How to Stay Cool
* Slow down early. The later you wait to do this, the more dramatically
you'll slow down at the end and longer it will take to recover.
* Wear lighter garments and not cotton. Sweat soaks into cotton,
causing it to cling to your skin, increasing heat buildup.
* Pour water over your head.
* Don't wear a hat! Hats keep the heat from being released through
the best vent you have, the top of your head.
* Drink cold water. Good research says that we shouldn't drink
more than 27 oz (800 ml) per hour.
* Take a dip or shower. The break in your workout will not cause
you to get out of shape.
* Don't eat a big meal. Eating too much, particularly meals that
are high in protein or fat, will put extra stress on your system
when you exercise.
From Galloway
Training Programs
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2010 Races I Recommend
(* indicates a Galloway Running School will be held during the weekend)
• Big
Wild Life Runs, Anchorage AK 8-15-10: 26.2, 13.1, 10K *
• Crim Races,
Flint MI, 8-28-10, 10 miles, 5K
• Omaha
Marathon, 9-26-10, 13.1, 10K *
• Brooksie
Way, Oakland Country MI, 10-3-10, 13.1, 5K
• Portland
OR Marathon, 10-10-10, 13.1
• Des
Moines Marathon, 10-17-10, 13.1, 5K *
• Athens,
Georgia Half Marathon, 10-24-10 *
• Apalachicola
FL 26.2, 13.1, 10-23-10
• Athens,
Greece Marathon (The Original) 10-31-10 “on the original
course”
• Register NOW: Marathon
To Finish Breast Cancer: 26.2, 13.1, relay Jacksonville FL,
2-13-11
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RunningTrax Opportunities
RunningTrax Software Development Opportunities
RunningTrax, an exciting, soon-to-launch web portal for runners
worldwide, seeks software development resources to 1) build &
maintain the RunningTrax web portal, 2) develop desktop and 3) SmartPhone
applications to support the web portal. RunningTrax will help millions
of runners worldwide improve without increasing risk of injury.
And, the company plans to develop similar resources for swimmers,
cyclers and enterprise fitness programs. Find
out more here.
RunningTrax Web Portal Seeks Launch Partners RunningTrax
seeks marketing partners to help millions of runners worldwide improve
without increasing risk of injury. The excitement surrounding this
launch has created an opportunity for a select number of businesses
that are interested in the community and demographics of runners
(healthy, active and lower risk of health issues) to become charter
marketing partners of the site. Find
our more here.
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Kids Department
Early childhood movement exercise unlocks brain cells. If you have
a young child or grandchild, you can help their mental growth by
getting them active.
"Kids who exercise regularly can gain major control over attitude,
energy level, bone strength and health."
* Better test scores, when physical activity is increased, Shephard,
R.J., 1997.
* Math scores are better when physical activity is increased, Shephard
et al, 1994; Thomas et all 1994.
* GPA and attendance improved when physical activity was increased,
Dwyer et all, 1983.
* More strenuous physical activity results in the following: better
academic achievement, better math scores, improved reading and writing
scores, and a reduction in disruptive behavior. Symons et al, 1997.
"Self esteem, depression, physical activity and academic achievement"
* Self-esteem increased with athletic participation and was related
to academic performance, motivation and mood, Boyd et al (1997)
and Harter (1999).
* Physical activity reduces depression and anxiety throughout a
lifetime. Dunn et al
From Fit
Kids, Smarter Kids
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Cadence Drill
This is an easy drill that improves the efficiency of running,
making running easier. This drill helps to pull all the elements
of good running form together at the same time. Over the weeks and
months, if you do this drill once every week, you will find that
your normal cadence slowly increases, naturally.
1. Warm up by walking for 5 minutes, and running and walking very
gently for 10 minutes.
2. Start jogging slowly for 1-2 minutes, and then time yourself
for 30 seconds. During this half-minute, count the number of times
your left foot touches.
3. Walk around for a minute or so.
4. On the 2nd-30 second drill, increase the count by 1 or 2.
5. Repeat this 3-7 more times. Each time trying to increase by 1-2
additional counts.
6. If you reach a count that you can’t exceed - just try to
maintain.
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Are there any cross
training exercises that improve running?
Water running can help you improve your running form. As you move
your legs through the running motion, the resistance of the water
forces the legs and feet to find a more efficient path.
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How do I run in the water
Get a floatation
device and move to a part of the pool where your feet don't
touch the bottom. Move your legs through a range of motion that
is similar to an efficient distance running stride: kick the legs
a bit out in front, bring each leg behind, but don't lift your knees.
The resistance of the water will force your legs to find a more
efficient path as you move your legs. Monitor your breathing rate
as a measure of exertion. You want to breathe at about the same
rate as when running one of your short runs as on Tuesday or Thursday.
From Marathon
FAQ by Jeff Galloway
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Galloway Training Programs/Free Clinics give support that
can get you to your goal.
Upcoming Galloway Training Program Kickoffs/Free Events:
Atlanta, GA - Austin, TX - Encino, CA - Greenville, MS - Houston,
TX - Jacksonville, FL - Los Angeles, CA - Sacramento, CA - Santa
Rosa, CA - St. Augustine, FL
Get
more information and see the complete list of
training groups.
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Motivation!
If you have trouble getting out the door after a tough day at work,
read on. Here are some great ways to help you avoid the pull of
the couch at the end of the day.
Try a "vision" exercise by spending a few relaxed moments
each day to collect your positive thoughts about exercise and what
makes you feel confident and looking forward to the next exercise.
* The physical exertion will feel good.
* The increased blood circulation makes me feel more alive.
* I love the way I feel afterward: relaxed and focused, with a great
attitude.
* My family appreciates the way I am after a run.
* It's so great to run to get the mind and spirit mobilized and
focused for the day.
* My evening run takes away the stress, getting me ready to enjoy
my family.
* During the second half of my run and afterward, I'm in another
world, swimming in endorphins.
From Galloway
Training Programs
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The Athlete’s Kitchen
Copyright: Nancy
Clark MS RD CSSD June2010
Chocolate: Is it a “Health Food”?
“Chocolate! I try to stay away from it!!!” commented
my client, a runner who described herself as having a rampant sweet
tooth. For her, chocolate fits into the categories of junk food,
guilty pleasure and ruiner of good intentions to lose weight. Yet,
she also recognized there is potentially a happier side of the story.
Ads for (dark) chocolate suggest chocolate is good for us. Chocolate
comes from plants and contains the same health-protective compounds
that are found in fruits and vegetables.
So what is the whole story on chocolate? Is it little more than
an alluring form of refined sugar, saturated fat and empty calories?
Or does chocolate (in moderation, of course) have positive qualities
that might be beneficial for runners?
Here are some nuggets of information about chocolate. I'll let you
decide whether or not the health benefits of eating chocolate are
greater than the health costs—and if you personally want to
define chocolate as a “health food” within the context
of your own sports diet.
The “Bad”
The bad news is chocolate consists of primarily saturated fat and
sugar. A Hershey's Chocolate Bar (43 g) contains 210 calories, 24
grams sugar (46% of calories), 13 g total fat (55% of calories)
and 8 g saturated fat, equivalent to a tablespoon of butter. Boo
hoo. (But here's how you can rationalize including this popular
treat in your overall well-balanced sports diet: The fat in chocolate
does not raise bad cholesterol levels and the sugar (carb) in chocolate
fuels your muscles....)
• Like most people, runners commonly eat chocolate in bursts—a
lot in a day, such as on holidays or pre-menstrually—or none.
The question arises: Would enjoying some chocolate every day help
reduce an runner’s urge to binge-eat the whole bag of, let's
say, M&Ms in a moment of weakness? That's a good question and
one that needs to be researched. We do know that deprivation and
denial of food contributes to overeating. You know the syndrome:
“I'm starting my diet Monday morning, so Sunday is my last
chance to eat chocolate...” and there goes the whole bag of
M&Ms!
I invite my clients to try taking the “power” away from
chocolate by enjoying a little bit every day, such as for dessert
after lunch. Ideally, daily chocolate could reduce it to being simply
a commonplace plant food, just like bran cereal, an apple or carrot
sticks. Give it a try?
The “Ugly”
Some runners claim they are “addicted” to chocolate.
Perhaps “chocolate addicts” grew up in a household where
the parents banned chocolate? Now, as grown-ups, maybe they rebel
by eating Reece's Pieces by the bagful? Or are they “super
tasters”—and the flavor of chocolate is just irresistible?
Perhaps they have a genetic difference that makes chocolate highly
attractive? Some day, genetic testing may help us find the answer
to that question.
The “Good”
Chocolate is made from cocoa. Cocoa comes from a plant. It is a
rich source of health-protective phytochemicals, just like you'd
get from fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Two tablespoons natural
cocoa power (the kind used in baking) offers the same antioxidant
power as 3/4 cup blueberries or 1.5 glasses red wine.
• Of all the types of chocolate, dark chocolate is the richest
source of phytonutrients. Unfortunately, dark chocolate has a slightly
bitter taste and most runners prefer the sweeter milk chocolate.
Maybe we should raise today's children on dark chocolate, so they
will they learn to prefer it...?
• One phytochemical in cocoa is nitrate. Nitrate gets converted
into nitric oxide, a chemical known to increase blood flow. Nitric
oxide lowers blood pressure, a good thing for masters runners who
want to stay youthful and invest in their health. (1)
• Another group of phytochemicals are called flavonoids.
They are in many plant foods, including tea, apples and onions.
Epidemiological surveys of large groups of people indicate those
who regularly consume chocolate consume more of these health-protective
flavonoids than non-chocolate eaters. This reduces their risk of
heart disease. In the Netherlands, elderly men who routinely ate
chocolate-containing products reduced their risk of heart disease
by 50% and their risk of dying from other causes by 47%. (2)
• Cocoa increases blood flow to the brain. If this means
you can process information better and faster—like calculate
your split times or help your kids with their math homework—wouldn’t
that be a great excuse to enjoy chocolate?!
• Many parents keep chocolate away from their children, thinking
chocolate makes them hyper. No research to date supports that claim.
The party or special event that surrounds the chocolate likely triggers
the hyperactivity. (3)
• Chocolate is yummy! Most runners love chocolate. Chocolate
lovers don't want sugar-free or fat-free chocolate. They want the
100% real stuff! That's because consumers buy benefits, not products.
Being yummy is a huge benefit!
During the recession in 2009, sales of Hershey's chocolates increased.
Is that because worried people bought a moment of yummy, cheer-me-up
chocolate? Or, did they simply settle for a bag of less expensive
Hershey's Kisses instead of a box of pricey Godiva Chocolates? Regardless,
chocolate seems to fit every mood, be it happy, sad, tired or celebratory.
• Flavanol-rich cocoa may help reduce muscle soreness. Studies
with athletes who performed muscle-damaging downhill running and
then consumed a cocoa-based carbohydrate and protein beverage experienced
less muscle damage and felt less muscle soreness. (4)
•Although the chocolate used in flavoring milk lacks the
health-protectors found in dark chocolate, the yummy flavor makes
chocolate milk a popular recovery drink. The sweetened chocolate
offers carbs to refuel muscles; the milk offers protein to build
and repair muscle. Plus, milk boosts intake of calcium and vitamin
D, needed for strong bones.
Conclusion
Despite all this good news about chocolate, it is still just a candy
and not a life-sustaining food. Yet, it does provide pleasure—and
pleasure is certainly part of a health and wellness program, right?
The trick is to enjoy dark chocolate as part of the 100 to 150 “discretionary”
sugar calories that can be part of your daily sports diet. As for
me, I'll enjoy my dark chocolate during a long hike, run or bike
ride. Tastes better than most engineered sports foods and nicely
fuels both my body and my mind!
Chocolate Lush
This low fat brownie pudding forms its own sauce during baking.
It’s a tasty treat for when you are hankering for a chocolate-fix
and a yummy way to add a little dark chocolate to your sports diet.
This recipe is one of many in my Sports Nutrition Guidebook (www.nancyclarkrd.com).
1 cup flour, preferably half white, half whole wheat
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons unsweetened dry cocoa
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons oil, preferably canola
2 teaspoons vanilla
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened dry cocoa
1-3/4 cups hot water
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts
1. Preheat the oven to 350°.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, white sugar, 2 tablespoons
cocoa, baking powder, and salt; add the milk, oil, and vanilla.
Mix until smooth. (Optional: add nuts.)
3. Pour into an 8x8" square pan that is nonstick, lightly
oiled, or treated with cooking spray.
4. Combine the brown sugar, 1/4 cup cocoa, and hot water. Gently
pour this mixture on top of the batter in the pan.
5. Bake at 350° for 40 minutes, or until lightly browned and
bubbly.
Yield: 9 servings. Total calories: 2,100. Calories per serving:
230
Carbohydrate 46 grams , Protein 3 , Fat 4
References
1. Fisher ND, Hollenberg NK. Aging and vascular responses
to flavanol-rich cocoa. J Hypertens. 24(8):1575-80, 2006.
2. Buijsse B, Feskens EJ, Kok FJ, Kromhout D. Cocoa intake, blood
pressure, and cardiovascular mortality: the Zutphen Elderly Study.
Arch Intern Med. 27;166(4):411-7, 2006.
3. Wiles NJ, Northstone K, Emmett P, Lewis G 'Junk food' diet and
childhood behavioural problems: results from the ALSPAC cohort.
Eur J Clin Nutr. 2009 Apr;63(4):491-8.
4. McBrier NM, Vairo G, Bagshaw D et al., Cocoa-based protein drink
decreases CK levels and perceived soreness following exhaustive
exercise. J Strength and Conditioning Research 2010, manuscript
in press.
Nancy Clark, MS, RD, CSSD (Board Certified Specialist in Sports
Dietetics) counsels both casual and competitive athletes in her
practice at Healthworks, the premier fitness center in Chestnut
Hill MA (617-383-6100). For help balancing your diet, read her Sports
Nutrition Guidebook and food guides for new runners, marathoners,
and cyclists, available at nancyclarkrd.com.
See also sportsnutritionworkshop.com.
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