Worth Reading

*Big Brother Fitbit Flex is watching tracking you. If you’re looking to get a handle on exactly how much exercise you’re getting every day and are considering strapping on a fitness tracker (think those armband things you wear that meausure your activities, calorie burn, sleep, etc.), word has it the new Fitbit Flex is the cream of the current crop.

* Should you eat before a morning workout? Probably.

* Too busy to train for a marathon? Here’s one that anyone…and I do mean anyone…can finish.

* The real cause of muscle cramps (it’s not what you might think) and how to avoid them. (I can vouch for this…learned it the hard way)

Video of the Week

Leave it to SNL to do the best parody commercials ever. This New Balance commercial is hysterical:

T-shirt of the Week

In honor of tonight’s final episode of The Office, the classic Michael Scott’s Dunder Mifflin Scranton Meredith Palmer Memorial Celebrity Rabies Awareness Pro-Am Fun Run Race For the Cure race T-shirt:

Available here for $16.95.

Worth Reading

 * Ready for a new challenge? Try reverse running.

* Outside magazine puts Tough Mudder’s First Death Into Context.

* Beautiful with brains: Why the whole concept of a bikini body is bunk.

* The running racket: How big business wrecked the marathon. “The average entry fee for the top 25 U.S. marathons has gone up 35 percent since 2007, to $112—three and a half times faster than inflation—according to the industry association RunningUSA.”

Video of the Week

Friend and fellow runner, Rob Frank, and his crew — including runner Matt Kleck, filmed this awesome Beast on the Bay promo video during the 3-mile trial run:

HOWEVER…..there’s an even BETTER one of Matt Kleck doing a total face-plant in the lake. His “friend” Robb slowed down the video and added sound…it’s hilarious.  If you know Matt or Rob or work out with Steve Krauza and his Team Adrenaline gang, ask them about it, and I’m sure they’ll share it with you.

Here’s a screen grab:

Poster of the week

FACT:

T-Shirt of the Week

Available here in various styles starting at $14.99

Worth Reading

* Genetically Modified Foods: 7 Things Every Shopper Needs to Know

* If you haven’t had a tick on you yet….it’s a matter of time, especially for those of you who run trail…(If this doesn’t make you itch, I don’t know what will): The Rise of the Tick & 9 tips for Avoiding & Treating Tick Bites

* Former Pittsburgh Steeler, Hines Ward, is not done being a bad#@$. He’s training for an October Ironman triathlon! Find out how his training is going.

* Runner’s World: Do Ice Baths Reduce Muscle Soreness?

Video of the week

T-shirt of the Week

This has absolutely nothing to do with running, but…man, don’t you miss Hills?

Available here for $20 (but it would totally be like $6 if you could still buy it at Hills…and you could spend $1 on an Icee and popcorn on the way out).

Worth Reading

* Do you feel like you’re faster in the dark? Here’s why.

* A Penn State Behrend alumna shares her 2013 Boston Marathon story.

* New York Times: A Moment from the Boston Marathon. Through audio, stories & photos, this interactive feature highlights as many people as the NYT could track down from one famous finish line photo.  Stunning piece of modern journalism.

* Just can’t lose that extra weight? Maybe it’s all in your head: 10 psychological hurdles keeping you from losing weight and how to overcome them.

Fun stuff

* Test your Running IQ (Um….I failed)

* 10 ‘Healthy’ foods that are actually bad for you — a hilarious take by The Onion on the classic fitness magazine story.

T-shirt of the Week

Available here in various styles for $20+

Worth Reading

* 12 most annoying types you encounter at the gym. Snicker.  These 12 types of people are why I QUIT the gym and bought a whole crapload of weights and DVDs and workout in my own basement where I don’t have to deal with The Abdominator, The Fishermen, or those Herculass bitches.

* Planning a big-city vacation? Here, according to Outside Magazine, are the best cities for runners. I can vouch for Minneapolis.

What’s the coolest city you’ve ever run in? (post a comment or email me and I’ll include your answer in a Friday Q&A blog post!).

* Running & reading — my two favorite things in life (and, according to Will Smith, they key to life) — are being combined in a unique high school program that features Tim Catalano and Adam Goucher’s Run the Edge book (a worthy read, friends) and culminates with a 5K for students, teachers, staff, and the community.

* What it’s like to direct the Boston Marathon. A first-person account from the race director.

Video of the Week

Run with Ryan Hall. This is awesome, especially when Ryan shows up:

T-shirt of the Week

If you’re going to ride a $4K bike, ride it in style:

Available here for $79.99

Worth checking out

* 14 Things Every New Runner Should Know

* Water stop rules

* Why you can’t lose weight (pretty solid stuff here)

* Pondering a switch to minimalist running? Some things to consider.

Just for fun

T-shirt of the Week

Available here for $25

Worth checking out

* Tips for a successful first marathon (some good tips here)

* Did you wear too many layers? Here’s how to carry your jacket without looking like a superhero.

* Check out this new concept for a key/cash running wristband that even a guy would wear. I actually want one of these.

* The Runner. A profile of 101-year-old marathoner Fauja Singh by ESPN Magazine.

* Jim Lang from Big White Trailer race timing, reminds us that the Bemus Point triple crown series starts this weekend.

Yep, pretty much.

Video of the Week

Stupid, but entertaining:

T-Shirt of the Week

Available here for $30.

Worth Reading

* I switch back & forth between at least two. Do you? Here’s why you should.

* Outside Magazine: Yes, you can run a half marathon.  “The half marathon hits the sweet spot between being manageable and being a challenge.” (I <3 the half).

* This isn’t running related, but it’s too good not to share: 1 Thing You Must Stop Doing to Be Happy.

* Food is not a moral issue. Food is just food.

Video of the Week

I’ve posted a video about Dozer before, but I recently stumbled across this and had to share:

Tshirt of the week

This has absolutely nothing to do with running, but it made me laugh:

Available here for $23.

Worth Reading

* Who in your life has an eating disorder and what can you do about it? It’s more common than you think, especially among runners and, it’s not just women.

* Eggs got a bad wrap years ago, but they are seriously one of the best things you can eat (yep…eat the WHOLE thing, even the yolk, that’s where all the nutrients are!). Shape magazine gives you 20 quick & easy ways to cook them.

* 6 tips for running with your dog (I just bought a gentle lead to try with Sam. I will report back!)

* 5 things to do on a treadmill, besides run on it.

* What’s the optimal running cadence? Find out here.

Video of the Week

T-shirt of the Week

What every woman wants to wear to the weight room:

Available here for $26.96

Events

Looking for a new challenge? Try the Presque Isle Light House climb on Monday, March 9 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Join park staff for a chance to climb the 78 spiral iron steps to the top of the tower. There’s no fee, but registration is required and space is limited. Participants must be at least 44 inches tall to climb the stairs. For information and registration, call Brian Gula at (814) 217-9632.

See what else the park is offering in March (some fun stuff) at Matt Martin’s NWPA Outdoors blog.

Also…..don’t forget that Yoga, Pilates & More is offering another runner’s workshop on Saturday at 11 a.m. This workshop will focus on the lower limbs and, really, is there any part more important to a runner?  I found Elyssa’s last workshop to be really useful & informative.

Worth Reading:

* Knee trouble? Lots of great info about it at Athleta.

* Ever wonder what happens to your body during a 30-minute run? Wonder no more.

* 12 salads worse than a Big Mac (not sure I agree, but….)

Video of the Week

Did she seriously just as Mo Farah if he had ever run before?  Props to Mo for being so kind and gracious to this obviously clueless and completely unprepared reporter. Sad, sad, sad, lady.

You know Runner’s World’s Mark Remy was going to jump all over this opportunity, right? Click & enjoy!

 T-shirt of the week

Eco-tank available here for $30.