A Seven Continent Journey

An article published in New York Times makes an interesting read click here for details

Over the last 12 days I have tried to push for more mileage. Initially everything seems to go with the plan. Last week I was able to put more then 30 miles of training session, including a long run of 8 miles. However I've had some discomfort in my lower back with some radiation of pain to the right leg. My diagnosis is probably a nerve entrapment. This week until today, I had been able to run only 4 miles . I felt low and miserable. Did some stretching exercises last night, and surprisingly felt good in the morning. Ran 5 miles at a slow pace in the morning, with no worsening in back pain. Returning back from work, I was able to sneak in another 7 miles. Tomorrow's a rest day, possibly some cross-training. I will attempt 13/14 mile long run on Sunday.

Close to 4 months are left for the next marathon, in Marrakech, Morroco . Running in Appleton last weekend was an eye-opener, I realized we'll have to work hard to get back in good shape to complete the run. This week I put in around 40 miles of running and resumed strength training. The aim is to build a good tempo run tolerance of approximately 14 miles. I intend to run a warm-up run of around 2 miles at 9 minutes a mile pace, followed by alternating a mile each, at 8 minute/mile, and 8.45 minute/mile pace. The long runs will be over the weekends gradually increasing the distances to around 22 miles. This time around I plan to train at least 4 times a week.

Garmin 305 Forerunner : This device changed the way I approached outdoor running. I have run in different parts of the world wearing this and found it to be extremely reliable . Until one is a very seasoned runner it is very difficult to judge the pace you are running at. This is where Garmin 305 steps in. With the help of overhead satellites I know exactly at what pace I am running at, and the exact distance covered. There are some navigation features too, in case you lose your way back home. This information is particularly helpful for planning training runs and in actual races. I should also mention that the data that is acquired during running can be downloaded to Motion Based where very advanced analysis of the completeted run can be performed.

Nike PLUS, Nano iPod : Well on long runs you need company, I listen to Music, Podcasts in educational topics and lately a new passion attempting to learn French. Presently I am probably at Preschool level. Wearing Nike plus shoes a small sensor sends information to the iPod, you can keep a log of the distance covered. I get this information on Garmin 305 as well. Post run the information can be downloaded to nikeplus website, where as a member of the biggest Running club in the world I have been able to compete in different challenges.

Oakley Thump Pro Sunglasses: My latest acquisition, shades with a MP 3 player. No more nuisance of hanging wires.

If you want to stay young, get into your sneakers and hit the road..

New research suggests regular running delays the effects of aging, according to a new study from the Stanford University School of Medicine.

Researchers followed 500 older runners for more than two decades. What they found was that elderly joggers have fewer disabilities, remained fit for longer than non-runners and are half as likely to die early deaths.

The new findings are published in the recent issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine click here for complete article