It's Time To Run And Bike

A beautiful example of fall.

The temperatures are starting to drop, the winds are starting to blow, and the leaves are starting to change. This can only mean one thing, it's fall again! And fall is one of the best times to do some running and biking. Why? For many reasons. Here is why it's time to run and bike. 

Reason number one, the temperatures are nice. It's not a 100 degrees outside, and it's not 5 either. Odds are, it's going to be in the 50's to the 80's, depending on where you live. This makes it comfortable weather for running and biking. Run can go farther, without having to worry about carrying a gallon of water with you, or hot chocolate. Either one.

Another reason, it's just beautiful time of year. All of the leaves on the trees are starting to change colors. Bright oranges, dark reds, vibrant yellows, and tantalizing purples. This is a lot of motivation in itself. So get outside and enjoy the scenery and get a great workout as well.

There are a lot of reasons to run in the fall. Get some friends and organize a ride on the weekend. Or maybe participate in a local run. But whatever you do, have fun, and remember, it's time to run and bike!

Dedication is Everything.

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How To Workout While You Are Sick

Achoo!

Fall and winter are fast approaching, which means the cold and flu season is about to begin yet again. This can pose as a problem. First of all, because it means you will probably get sick. Which is no fun at all, and drags you down for days or weeks on end. Quite the damper on your life. Secondly, it means that you can't workout! Because almost any doctor will tell you to take it easy, rest, and refrain from any physical activity. But that's where this article comes in. Here's how to workout while you are sick.

Step One:


Make sure that you get enough fluids. This means water, juices, and tea. Not soda, coffee, or milkshakes. Keep them healthy. What the fluids do is flush the virus out of your system faster, and help increase your bodies reaction to fighting it off. That way you can be working out at full capacity in no time!

Step Two:


Rest, but not too much. Just make sure that you get enough quality sleep, and that in general, you take it easy. That way when it comes to working out, you can go harder.

Step Three:


Alright, how to workout while you are sick. First, the warm up. You don't want to burn yourself out before you even get started. Just do something light. Maybe some drills, a very light 5 minute run on the treadmill, or a quick jump rope session.

After you do that, do some light stretching. You don't want to pull any muscles or ligaments. Stretching is good for your general health anyway.

Step Four:

Now, you can get started with your routine. But, since you've got the sniffles, we're going to change it up a tad. As far as sets and reps go, those can stay the same. Or if you want, you can take some off. But the weight and intensity is what we are going to change.

First, how much weight to change. Instead of lifting at 70%, 80%, or 85%, today, you're just going to lift at 45%. This way you can still work your muscles, and not risk getting yourself sicker. You're not trying to build muscle today, just maintain it.

Now, if you are on a weight loss routine. All you're going to do is cut the time and intensity in half. If you normally run for 30 minutes at 7 mph. Then today, you will run for 15 minutes at 3.5 mph. Again, you still get a workout, just not a hard one. Although, unlike muscle, you still might burn some fat.

There you have it. How to workout while you are sick. Just take your time and stay with it.

Dedication is Everything.

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The Race Across America

Some fabulous scenery along the way as well.
Link to original photo

Just to honor the Furnace Creek 508 post, here is a little something about the Race Across America. Which is an even longer, and harder event than Furnace Creek. I am going to highlight what the race is, how long it is, and where it goes. 

First, what is the Race Across America? Well, it is an ultra endurance, transcontinental road biking marathon. It is one of the longest bike races in the world. The race is every year in mid june. It started way back in 1982. The Race Across America is probably harder than the Tour De France. Since it is 30% longer, it has no stages, and is non stop with no rest days. Once you get on the bike, the only reason you get off is to use the bathroom, eat, or fall to the ground because there is no way you can pedal anymore. It's that long.

OK. Well how long is it? The Race Across America is more than 3,000 miles, from the west to east coast of the United States. This race is only for the best of the best, and then some. Here is an excellent quote from the RAAM website," Truly, RAAM is larger than life. A breeding ground for champions, a testing ground for elite riders, and a shining example of the strength of human spirit". Those are some very inspiring words right there. Kinda makes you want to get on the road right now and start training doesn't it?


So where does this race go? First, it starts in the west coast. In Oceanside, CA at the Oceanside Pier. As I said earlier, it is more than 3,000 miles long. It passes through 14 states, with widely varying terrains, everything from the mountains of Colorado, the plains of Kansas, and the rolling hills of West Virginia. The race ends in Annapolis, MD at the City Dock. Where you officially pass one of the hardest races there is. 


So you think you're ready for this challenge? Actually, the majority of the racers are just average people. So head on over to the website, get registered, pay the entrance fees, and get training!


Dedication is Everything.


Resources:
RAAM website 

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The Furnace Creek 508

What a fabulous view!
Link to photographer

This is a follow up from the last post, the Badwater Ultra Marathon. In which I said I would give more info about the Furnace Creek 508. So here it is. 

This is a very aptly named ultra marathon road bike race event. Since it takes place in Southern California, crosses through the Mojave Desert, and Death Valley, hence the name Furnace Creek. Now the 508 simply comes from the fact that it is 508 miles long. This is no easy race, and it is one of the major qualifiers to be able to compete in the Race Across America. Which is even harder than Furnace Creek.

During the Furnace Creek you have to endure the blistering heat of Death Valley and the Mojave. It takes place every year during the first or second week of October. You had better get training.

This event is backed by the phrase, "The Toughest 48 Hours In A Sport". I would have to agree.

Dedication is Everything.

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Why You Should Road Bike

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Link to photographer

Just in case you don't know what it is. Road biking is biking long distances, usually 30 miles, and up to a few hundred, maybe thousands. All of this is done on a road bike, which is a specially designed bike used solely for riding on roads and pavement. These bikes are much more sleek and narrow than most bikes. But due to the advanced designing that goes into these bikes to provide them with maximum efficiency, they aren't cheap. You could get a decent one for the high hundreds, all the way up to 15,000 dollars for the very top of the line. Just don't buy a cheap one.

It's a great exercise


Biking is a very good exercise, especially road. It helps build up your stamina greatly, since you have to use your muscles for such a long period of time.

You get to travel


Everybody wants to travel, but in todays economy, it's just not feasible for most people to take a round trip. But with road biking, you can explore all of the trails around where you live. Find a lot of great scenic spots, and picnic there. If your willing to go the distance, literally, then you could bike for hundreds of miles, and do some real road biking.

Advancing Society


Motorized transportation is in a tight spot. All of the car companies are being criticized and forced to make better, more environmentally friendly cars. Like the Honda Prius and the Chevy Volt. But another thing many people are doing these days, especially in bigger cities, is they are biking to work. Most bus systems will allow you carry your bike on the bus. The majority of larger cities also have vast systems of paved and packed dirt trails, which you could use. Biking also saves money, since you do not need to buy gas as often.

It's Just Plain Awesome


Ever since the wheel was invented, people have biked. Why? Because it is a whole lot of fun! You can go out into the back country and explore the trails. Or you can stay in the city and explore places you didn't know existed. Either way, you're gonna be going back, again and again.

Those are just a few main reasons why you should road bike, but there are more. If you think of any, then feel free to leave a comment.

Dedication is Everything.

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