Tuesday, May 20, 2008 04:32 PM The World Champs, more drug troubles, how chocolate can help your running, the dangers of pollution and Julie Peterson.
Last Thursday evening at an all-comers meet in Los Gatos, California, Regina Jacobs ran 2 miles in 9 minutes, 11.97 seconds, the fastest time in history by a woman. The previous world best was 9:19.56 by Ireland's Sonia O'Sullivan last year; Amy Rudolph had been the previous fastest American at 9:21.35. Controversy surrounds the question of whether or not Jacobs' mark will be regarded as a "world record."
Ben Johnson has been banned from Track and Field for life by the International Amateur Athletic Federation. Johnson, who was banned in 1993 after a second positive doping test, lost his bid for reinstatement on Thursday.
Jamaican sprint legend Merlene Ottey failed a doping test last month and has pulled out of the World Championships this weekend. Ottey tested positive for Nandrolone, the same drug Linford Christie tested positive for earlier this year. The test was carried out at a track meet in Lucerne, Switzerland on July 5.
One of the advantages of hill training is that it builds the quadriceps muscles, which allow you to lift your legs off the ground. As most marathon runners who have hit the wall can tell you, it is often the quads that go at 20 miles. -- From Hal Higdon's Smart Running, p. 47. You can buy this book at: http://rodalepress7.cam-colo.bbnplanet.com:8080/Unity/UrlView/7/10/14/2/4141
Some chocolate a day: Chocolate contains high levels of catechins, the same type of antioxidant found in black tea that has been shown to protect against cardiovascular disease and cancer. According to researchers at the National Institute of Public Health and Environment in the Netherlands, dark chocolate has the highest amount of catechins at 53.5 milligrams per 100 grams while milk chocolate contains only 15.9 milligrams per 100 grams.
When not to run: Even relatively low levels of air pollution can inhibit your performance, according to a study in this month's issue of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. When you run in cities like Los Angeles that have high amounts of air pollution, the carbon monoxide you inhale may displace the oxygen you need. This may produce lactic acid sooner than normal, making you feel the burn earlier in your workout.
In the market for a fall marathon? So are many others. As "marathon season" approaches, more and more runners are mapping out running schedules for the next few months. Whether you need a training program, motivation, stretching tips or diet advice, helpful marathoners are willing to share their input on our Marathons forum.
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Julie Peterson, 39, has qualified for all five U.S. Women's Olympic Marathon Trials. She got her 2000 qualifier with a 2:41:24 at Grandma's Marathon in June of 1998. Her previous personal best was a 2:37:45 at Grandma's in 1995; she has also run 1:14:21 for a half-marathon. Peterson's highest Trials placing was a 13th in 1992. Runner's World spoke with her: <http://www.runnersworld.com/dailynew/archives/1999/August/990818.html#chat>
Saturday, August 21, IAAF World Championships in Athletics. The best track and field athletes in the world gather in Seville, Spain. Check out the Runner’s World Web site < http://www.runnersworld.com > for all the latest action.
Saturday, August 21, Parkersburg Half-Marathon. More than $50,000 in prize money will be awarded at this race which also serves at the U.S. men's and women's national championships.
Satuday, August 21, Racefest 5-K: Bristol, Tennessee's top running event of the year; race finishes on the Bristol Motor Speedway.
Sunday, August 22, Abe's Amble 10-K: Takes place in Abe Lincoln's hometown of Springfield, Illinois. $4500 in prize money available.
Sunday, August 22, Pikes Peak Marathon. America's toughest marathon in Manitou Springs, Colorado. Elevation gain (start to summit) is 7,815 feet (2,382 meters); the start is at 6,295' (1,918 m) and the summit is 14,110' (4,299m). There's also a half-marathon on Saturday.
The music of the marathon is a powerful martial strain, one of those tunes of glory. It asks us to forsake pleasures, to discipline the body, to find courage, to renew faith and to become one's own person, utterly and completely. -- George Sheehan
barry Tuesday, May 20, 2008 04:32 PM