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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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