Tag: running

What is a professional pacemaker and why don’t we see them at the finish line of a race?

Posted on by bill
What is a professional pacemaker and why don’t we see them at the finish line of a race? A professional Pacer or Pacemaker is frequently employed by race organizers for world record attempts with specific instructions for lap times. Some athletes have essentially become professional pacemakers. A competitor who chooses the tactic of leading in order to win is called a front-runner rather than a pacemaker. This is according to Wikipedia. The NY Times recently explored the profession of Pacers or Pacemaking and followed Erik Sowinski on his journey being a Pacer or as it is sometimes called a rabbit.  A Read More »

A better workout can begin with a cup of this popular drink.

Posted on by bill
A better workout can begin with a cup of this popular drink. If you are wondering what you can do to improve your workouts, the answer may be that drinking this popular breakfast brew is the answer. According to a recent NY Times article, caffeine may be the secret to better bike rides and faster runs. For most of us, our morning coffee ritual gets us going in the morning.  For anyone who works out, caffeine may be the ultimate performance aid. According to the NY Times, caffeine is the most widely consumed psychoactive substance in the world and one of Read More »

How runners can benefit from resistance band exercises according to Runners World Magazine.

Posted on by bill
How runners can benefit from resistance band exercises according to Runners World Magazine. Exercise bands are a popular form of exercise and also a great warmup for those who run. Years ago, stretching was the norm but that thinking began to change when the book Total Body Training by Dominguez came out years ago.  The concept was simple: Exercises help pre-race and before exercises while the benefits of stretching were temporary at best. By performing active exercises, there were fewer injuries and stronger runners with better times during their runs. This also likely worked well because fascia only stretches after Read More »

The link between better running and pelvic alignment.

Posted on by bill
The link between better running and pelvic alignment. Years of working with runners through USATF NJ have proven to me that pelvic alignment is essential to faster runs and fewer injuries. The core is the conduit for how forces come from the foot through the upper body as you are taking your next step. Everyone has heard or read that a strong core is important for speed, flexibility, and simple tasks such as getting out of a chair or out of your bed in the morning.  It is also important for stronger and longer runs. The core stabilizes the pelvis Read More »

Can running shoes make your knees hurt? Check out the newest research.

Posted on by bill
Can running shoes make your knees hurt? Check out the newest research. A dozen years ago running shoe manufacturers developed shoes that were labeled for the number of millimeters the heels were held off the ground.  Barefoot running was the rage and many people were adopting negative heel, flat heel, or regular heel running shoes.    The choices were confusing for the general public and runners were developing knee, hip, calf, and foot pain if they chose the wrong shoe for their body style. Some who did not ease themselves into a barefoot running shoe such as the Vibram 5 Read More »