Does Running with Music Limit or Add to the Experience?

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Once in college, I had the chance to meet legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden. He must have been in his 80s or 90s during our meeting, which was right before he died. Of course, at his age, everyone considered John Wooden a basketball fundamentalist–including himself. Coach Wooden talked about how slam dunks had ruined the game and stripped it of so many important fundamentals like the lay-up. When I think about running with or without music, I am reminded of my meeting with Coach Wooden. On one hand, a running fundamentalist mentality would suggest music distracts from the...

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Cross Training with Box Drills

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Box drills are an excellent addition to any runner’s regimen—especially for anyone desiring a quick burst of speed. Some gyms are starting to put out boxes in the free weight area, which shows their up-and-coming popularity. For those unfamiliar with box drills, the “boxes” are simply very sturdy elevated platforms. Generally there are a series of boxes—small, medium, and large. If you are working on speed, try standing on top of the box and allowing yourself to “fall” (on your feet) to the ground. When you reach the ground, you pounce off as quickly as...

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Pre-Competition Meals for Runners

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Any long-distance runner is no doubt aware of the importance of eating an optimal pre-competition meal. Your pre-competition meal has three purposes: to keep you from feeling hungry during your race, to keep your muscles fueled, and to maintain your blood sugar. Ideally, you should eat about 3 hours before you compete. You do not want to compete on a completely full or completely empty stomach. If your race starts in the early morning, be sure to eat your pre-competition meal for dinner the night before and have only a snack or light meal for breakfast. If you’re competing in the...

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Running Clubs vs. MP3 Running Tracks

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Once you decide to embark on a running path after graduation from school, you face some interesting decisions. While running is probably the most solitary sport possible and you are no doubt already used to pushing and motivating yourself, will you need a coach? Will you benefit from a running club? Does your schedule, lifestyle, or geographical location prevent you from doing these things? That is where MP3Running.com comes in handy! Joining a running club can be expensive–if there are even running clubs available in your area. Despite this, even the most “lone wolf”...

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Review of Running Hydration Packs

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Running hydration packs are one of the neater running innovations of the last few years. The market is swamped with different models, sizes, colors, types, and prices. The original design of the first Camelbak is essentially still the norm for these hydration packs. A hydration pack is essentially a aerodynamic water bladder “backpack” with a hose you can position near your mouth for hands-free drinking during a run. A running hydration pack will generally run you $50 and up, depending on how much water you want to carry and the brand and type. When deciding which hydration pack is right...

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Barefoot Running

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Barefoot running is one of the newest—and oldest–running crazes. Runner’s World recently ran an article featuring commentary from leading voices in the field entitled, “Barefoot Running: Two Sides of a Very Hot Topic.” On one side, where (realistically) are you going to run without your shoes on in today’s world safely? Back and forth around the local high school football field for an hour? Street and presumably treadmill running, the two most popular forms, would obviously be out. On the other side, you can connect with the ground, carry less weight, save money,...

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