Balancing Exercise and Sleep

Exercise and sleep are big contributors to your health.  Several fitness experts weigh in on how to find the right balance between these two factors. It is a good read.

Balancing Exercise and Sleep


Enjoy!


Chuck

Is running dose dependent, just like any other "drug"?

I have given a lot of thought to the health benefits of exercise over the years, but also worried that like many other things in life, there has to be a limit, at which point exercise stops being beneficial and could otherwise harm your health (one of the biggest concern for high mileage runners is burning out, otherwise known as Overtraining Syndrome.  See my blog post on Overtraining Syndrome for more background).

There has been a lot of speculation as to the potential downside to high mileage running, but until now, no good research. The below article covers a fairly recent study, which is a good start, although is likely somewhat flawed. By way of example, there is no mention of diet or other lifestyle choices which could have led to the higher rate of cardiac damage.

The Potential Cardiac Dangers of Extreme Exercise

As an aside, another long range study of ultramarathon runners is being carrier out as part of the Western States Endurance Run - Research.  This organization sends out surveys to runners who have complete ultramarathons from time to time.  They will likely turn out some good information on endurance sports and hearth health down the road.

Enjoy!


Chuck

Update:  The NY Times just published the Ask Well Blog, Ask Well: How Many Miles a Week Should I Run?  This comes to a somewhat similar conclusion about how much running is beneficial.

How sound impacts sleep

The below Huffington Blog post addresses some of the impacts sound can have on your sleep.  It is important to keep your sleeping space dark, cool and quiet.

How Sound Impacts Your Sleep Cycle

Enjoy!

Drink up - Study Links Daily Coffee Habit To Longevity

Coffee is one of the top "drugs" in America.  It is good to see it get some love for the many health benefits it contains. So drink up.

Study Links Daily Coffee Habit To Longevity

Enjoy!


Chuck

What happens to your body during an ultramarathon

Below is another article/graphic, which lays out some of the physical challenges brought on by running long distances.

What happens to your body during an ultra marathon


Enjoy!


Chuck

The Case for High-Intensity Training for Older Runners

The below article on Competitor.com is an excerpt from Joe Friel's book, Fast After 50.  There is strong evidence that structured anaerobic training is key to maintaining racing fitness in your 50's and beyond. I highly recommend the below article, as well as the book to all who are still competing after 50 years of age.

The Case for High-Intensity Training for Older Runners

Enjoy!


Chuck

Your Body During a 100-Miler

Below is a good article on at least some of the impacts 100-mile races have on your body.  There are many more, including hormone disruption and the risk of long term degredation of kidney function. Each person needs to find the running dose which works with them and please listen to your body.


Your Body During a 100-Miler


Cheers!



Chuck