Natural Ways to Improve Seratonin

great article here on natural ways to improve seratonin levels

Pics from 2011 Dallas Rock-n-Roll Half Marathon

Group Meet, Sat 26th is 9am

Group Meet for Sat the 26th starts at 9am. The format this week is bicycle. Because of the race on Sunday we will be taking it easy tomorrow. So bring your velocipede, boneshaker, walking machine or high wheeled tricycle with you tomorrow!

Also of note, we have moved up the start time up because its getting warmer sooner; roll call is 9am people! I love the smell of Napalm in the morning.

Here's a link of the history of the bicycle.

Target Heart Rate

Here's a link for understanding your target heart rate. This is good to be aware of and particularly important if you are at risk for cardivascular concerns or overweight.

Inspirational Story of the Week

This guy's story is just great!

Sum Big-O Awesomeness

Think you can't do a long distance endurance race? A Sumo wrestler just did and made it into the Guinness Record Book.

Check the article out here. Warning: major wedgy photo attached to article.

"Whether you think we can do a thing, or not, you are right."
--Henry Ford

Smoking and Diabeties

Here's an article on diabetic drugs new versus old, turns out the older one works better with fewer side effects. But the best approach among them all is healthy diet and exercise, surprise surprise.

Here's another article on smoking. This isn't just another public service message, it specifically addressing the procs and cons, myths and realities.

Still think little daily choices aren't effecting your health that much? Like most liberal indulgences, these vices compound negatively over time to a rather stark sum.

Here's a link to an app provides coaching and support to help you quit your smoking habit.

Here's a tool to calculate your body fat.

Group Meet, Saturday March 19th -- 9:00am

Please note we are meeting at 9:00am tomorrow morning for our Saturday morning group meet. We are starting a little earlier because its getting warmer earlier. I am looking forward to taking it easy for a change and walk/jogging with the group. Hope to see ya'll out there!

Rock N Roll Half Marathon, Elevation Chart

This one is downhill after a short climb in the first 8 miles...

Injury Avoidance

Hydrate, Your muscles are up to 75 percent water, so if you are not drinking plenty your muscles can become fatigued and much more likely to become strained or injured. Do 5 to 10 minutes of light excercise and stretching prior to working out, and stretch slowly. Stretch too quickly or improperly can actually weaken the muscles and tendons your are trying to protect. If you have a slight strain, take it easy for a few days. Give your body a chance to recover. And double up on your Vitamin C and leafy greens during rest periods.

Inspirational video of the day

The rip at 2:37 is a Rock-n-Roll top 5 all time.

Focal Habits and Trail Awareness

Keep your focus up!
Its natural to look down to check the terrain when it changes, but create a habit of continually returning your focus to the horizon. Unless you are on unsure terrain like trail jogging, don't fixate on your feet.  Looking down tends to slows you down -- as you are subsciously directing yourself downward rather than taking advantage of your natural forward inertia you've worked for. 

Trail Awareness:
its a good general rule to be aware of your surroundings at all times.  Knowing what's up ahead helps you to compensate for drivers who aren't paying attention and blow through that crosswalk in front of you.  Or walking up on a wolf out patroling for food, as Susie and I experienced during a twilight jog.  Not totally surprising, we live near a large body of water and animals go there to drink and hunt.  Being aware of your surroundings helps you prepare for what's up ahead on/off the trail.

Group Meet, Sat. March 5th

Hey Gang, let's plan on meeting at 10:00am this Saturday.  It might be a bit chilly at first but will prolly warm up quickly into the run. May want to wear a light layer to peal off.  High is suppose to be 65 if the wind stays down you can't draw it up much nicer than that for a Spring hike in North Texas.  Let's be safe out there people!