Runner's World Extr@

for Friday, July 21, 2000

==== In this issue ====

Ndereba cruises to her third Boilermaker win, Merlene Ottey sets a new masters record, tips on taping injuries, another benefit to losing weight, Michael Johnson, and how to get your fill of the U.S. Olympic Track Trials.

==== News ====

Editor's note: The News is abridged this week because most of our staff is in Sacramento covering the Trials.

The first four days of the 2000 Olympic Trials have met every track fan's highest expectations. Favorites like Maurice Greene and Michael Johnson came through with great performances, but some newcomers stole the spotlight in their respective races.

The first half of the Olympic Trials: A Look Back  http://www.runnersworld.com/dailynew/archives/2000/July/000719.html 

This year's Trials have unearthed a new USATF rule making it easier for more athletes to qualify for more events. Although the rule was passed a few years ago, it went largely unnoticed until observers at this week's Trials recognized that many runners hadn't met their qualifying times.

New rule allows more qualifying flexibility at Olympic Trials  http://www.runnersworld.com/dailynew/archives/2000/July/000719.html  > 

Runners seeking new ways to include their spouses in races can breathe easy, thanks to the North American Wifecarrying Championships. Forty-seven couples entered last weekend's event, with the winners finishing the course in one minute 16 seconds.

North American Wifecarrying Championships < http://www.runnersworld.com/dailynew/archives/2000/July/000719.html 

======= Training Tip ======

Stretching can be done at odd moments of the day, but take it easy. You're most likely stretching a cold muscle then, which has a shorter range of motion and therefore is more susceptible to injury. From Ken Sparks and Dave Kuehls, The Runners Book of Training Secrets, p. 68 http://rodalepress7.cam-colo.bbnplanet.com:8080/T/A77.88.10.2.4528 

======== Health and Fitness ========

Vitamin E: Clogs in the passages around your heart can lead to death, especially in people with type II diabetes. A study done at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center has found a way, besides exercise, to lower the risk of vascular disease - consume high amounts of vitamin E. It clears the plaque that clings to artery walls and allows you to live longer and healthier.

Cycle Problems, Training Problems: Women distance runners have some special concerns when it comes to their health -- menstrual dysfunction. The condition is more prevalent in women who distance train than in the general public. Menstrual dysfunction can cause a woman to need more time in recovering from an injury. Eating enough calories and maintaining a healthy diet can keep you regular and on the road.

======== In our forums ========

Did you know that the human body is, on average, made up of more than 50 percent water? With that in mind, it's no wonder you need to keep yourself properly hydrated-not just during the summer months-but all year round too. Runner's World has more nutritional factoids and even past columns by RW nutritionist Liz Applegate on our site. Read through them all then hop onto our Nutrition Forums and chat about what you learned. http://proxicom.rodalestore.com:8080/servlet/AppServer?t=login/login_rw 

======== Interview ========

Molly Watcke won the women's 3000 meters at the New Balance Maine Distance Festival (July 1) in a personal best of 9:06.08. She beat a field that included multiple NCAA champ Carrie Tollefson of Villanova and Gina Procaccio. Watcke, 29, was a member of the bronze medal 1998 and 1999 World Cross-Country teams for the United States 4-K (short course). http://www.runnersworld.com/dailynew/archives/2000/July/000717.html 

====== Coming this weekend =======

Friday, U.S. Olympic Trials, Sacramento, Calif. Last three days to select U.S. Olympic track and field team. Special RW Web site coverage at http://www.runnersworld.com/road2sydney . 

Saturday, Hoosier History Fest 4-Mile Run, Indianapolis, Ind. Part of Indiana Historical Society's summer festival. Course is in downtown Indianapolis. 

Saturday, Louise Mandrell Smoky Mountain Run for Boy Scouts 5-K, Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Louise Mandrell starts race and stays throughout lavish lunch to visit with participants. Web site: < http://www.louisemandrell.com . 

Saturday, Quad-City Times Bix 7-Mile, Davenport, Iowa. Held in conjunction with local jazz festival, live local TV coverage. Web site: http://www.bix7.com . 

Sunday, Wharf to Wharf, Santa Rosa, Calif. Approximately 6 mile scenic course from Capitola to Santa Cruz, beach front finish. Web site: http://www.wharftowharf.com .

======= Editor's Advice =======

Race courses are measured using the shortest possible distance around corners and bends. So always take the shortest, most efficient line through twists and turns on the course. Otherwise you'll cheat yourself out of precious seconds." - Mark Remy, RW senior editor

====== Words to think about ======

In our ever-more mechanized society, marathoners want to assert their independence and affirm their individuality. Call it humanism, call it health, call it folly. Whatever it is, our ailing world could use a lot more of it.- Erich Segal, marathoner and novelist

====== Television Schedule  ======