The running world is gearing up for another big race, the New York Marathon. I use the word big on purpose, four times as many people participant in the marathon as the population of my hometown. That's not the only exciting event  that will be happening in the world of running on race weekend. The men's Olympic trials for the marathon will be held on November 3^rd.  The best runners will be competing for the coveted spots. All the superstars with be there James Carney, Khalid Khannouchi, and Meb Keflezighi. I have to say I'm really cheering for Fasil Bizuneh. No one knew about this runner till a few months ago and he is certainly the black horse of the trials. The thing I love about road racing is that a relative unknown can, on occasion, come to the big times. So go Bizuneh and good luck to all the Olympic hopefuls. Check out everyone at the Men's Olympic Trials

We don't think much about technique in our day to day lives. Everything we do, however, from sitting up to taking a step has a proper technique that makes the motion healthier and more elegant. When one starts a running or walking regiment, the need for technique becomes apparent. How is it that someone at the same fitness level as me can go farther and run/walk with less pain or injury then me? Answer: proper technique. This is the reason why New Balance decided to partner with ChiRunning® and ChiWalking®. These popular new running and walking techniques follow the inner principles of T'ai Chi, (you may know it as the slow motion routines that groups of people practice in the park). T'ai Chi is all about finding perfection and meaning in the simplest movements. I find running by itself to be a very cathartic routine, so to add another level to it and improve my performance, what could be better. For more information and some very cool articles check out New Balance ChiRunning Partnership.

 I consulted our friends at the Road Runners Club of America in order to get the best advice for running in hot weather

1. Avoid Dehydration- It seems like stating the obvious, but a runner looses 6-12 ounces of fluid every 20 minutes. It is important to drink every 20-30 minutes. Warning signs that your running while dehydrated are a persistent elevated pulse even after finishing the race, and dark yellow urine. Thirst is not an indicator of hydration needs.


2. Avoid Overhydration- Other wise known as hyponatremia, often occurs in hot weather marathons where the runner, fearing dehydration, over does the fluids and dilutes the sodium levels in the blood. Hyponatremia can be more dangerous then dehydration, and often effects slower runners (5 to 6 hour marathoners). Self-awareness is the best means to safe guard against this.


3. Temperature Control- You should avoid running in temperatures above 98.6 or humidity higher then 70%. Humidity is a greater culprit then heat. If there is a great deal of moisture in the air the evaporation process, which cools your body, will not take place. Also, know your environment, if you usually run in 65 degrees weather and its 90 degrees on race day take that into consideration.


4. Medical Problems-If you have any heart or respiratory problems consult your doctor before starting any run outdoors


5. Know Your Space-Plan your run so you will have plenty of shade and areas to re-hydrate.


6. Watch For Heat Stroke- If you become dizzy, nauseated, irritable, have chills or cease to sweat; you should stop running immediately, find shade and drink replacement fluids like Gatorade. These are the early signs of heat stroke that can be deadly.


7. Watch out For Each Other- We run for ourselves but we race together. If you see anyone showing signs of sever fatigue or heat stroke, assist them in getting to help. It is better to loose a race and save a life.

For more information check out the links below.

RRCA

WebMD-Heat Stroke

 It was a grueling race by all accounts.  Berhane Adere- Ethiopia retained her title and yet another Kenyan, Patrick Ivuti placed for the men in the Chicago Marathon. Despite their great success, the race was marred by tragedy. The weather was not only hot in Chicago but also humid which is a lethal combination for distance running. The coordinators stopped the race at 11:30 a.m. due to heat concerns. Still 49 people were hospitalized, 250 were treated on site and one runner, police officer Chad Schieber, succumbs to his injuries. It is a terrible shame when one looses their life in pursuit of a sport one loves. However, that was not the only race related death on Sunday. At the Army Ten-Mile Run in Arlington, Va., another unidentified runner also collapsed and later pasted from his injures. My deep felt condolences go out to the family and friends of Mr. Schieber, and the unnamed racer in Arlington. I hope, also that these event will cause more runners to take extra precaution in this extremely hot autumn.  Running and especially racing can be one of the most life changing activities one can be a part of. The race in the end is only with our selves. I will be posting a following blog about  tips for running in hot weather.

Living green means doing your part to make things better, and I know that isn't easy. It seems like you need to do a year of research just to go to the grocery store. However, it's great to find out that brands you already love are just as neurotic about reducing their ecological impact as you are. Check out some fun facts about New Balance:

-In 2007, NB launched several apparel items that used eco-friendly fabrics like bamboo, and coconut fibers. Bamboo is one of the fastest renewable resources on earth and the coconut husks used to make our coconut fabrics are post-consumer from the restaurant industry.

 -NB recycles more than 2,280 tons of material every year

-All of NB's footwear is made without the use of polyvinyl chloride

-All NB shoe boxes are made from 100% post consumer materials and of course are 100% recyclable