Marathon You Can Do It

Most articles I have read on fat intake claim that at least 20-35 percent of a runner’s diet should come from healthy fats.

During running, muscles rely on fats for energy after the all the carbs have been depleted. The difference between the elite runners and the casual runners is elite runners are good at utilising their fat stores as energy source.

When it comes to fats, their are good fats and bad fats.

Examples of Bad fats for runners

Saturated fats are bad fats, they are fats mainly found in animal products such as meat, dairy, eggs and seafood, which have been shown to contribute to health problems.

Example of good fats for runners

Cold-water fatty fish, canola and soybean oil, walnuts, flaxseeds and tofu are good sources of omega-3 fats, which have been linked to disease prevention.

Amounts of fats to consume

Remember at least 20-35 percent of a runner’s diet should come from healthy fats.

written by Constantine Njeru \\ tags: Animal Products, Canola, Carbs, Cold Water, diet, Disease Prevention, Eggs, Elite Runners, Energy Source, Fatty Fish, Flaxseeds, Good Fats And Bad Fats, Health Problems, muscles, Omega 3 Fats, Running, Saturated Fats, Soybean Oil, Tofu, Walnuts

The importance of protein for runners is, protein helps in injury prevention. Protein is crucial to muscle recovery after a run.

During running a alot of body tissues experience small tears. A diet rich in protein helps in repairing muscle damage.

Research also has shown when protein is taken atleast one hour after work out it diminishes the effects of cortisol—the so-called “stress” hormone that breaks down muscle.

Amount of protein runners should eat

To gain the full benefits of protein’s power, most sports dieticians and nutritionists recommend eating protein within 30 minutes of finishing a run that’s when your muscles are the most receptive to a helping hand.

The amount of protein to eat should be based on your sex, weight and age. Running Times magazine has a formula on how to calculate your Protein requirement based on your weight.Read it at Running Times Nutrition

written by Constantine Njeru \\ tags: 30 Minutes, Alot, Body Tissues, diet, Dieticians, Helping Hand, Injury Prevention, Muscle Damage, Muscle Recovery, muscles, Nutrition, Nutritionists, Protein Power, Runners, Running Times Magazine, Sports, Stress Hormone

Calcium and vitamin D help keep bones strong. Strong bones can keep you on your feet, and prevent falls that can damage joints. Dairy products and green, leafy vegetables like broccoli and kale are good sources of calcium.

Because of the hard impact nature of running all runners should ensure they consume food rich in Calcium. If you don’t get enough calcium in your diet, ask your doctor about supplements.

written by Constantine Njeru \\ tags: Bones, Broccoli, Calcium Supplement, Dairy Products, diet, Good Sources Of Calcium, Green Leafy Vegetables, Impact Nature, Importance Of Calcium, Joints, Kale, Runners, Running, Sources Of Calcium, Supplements

Just before 2009 NYC Marathon, American marathon runner, Ryan Hall was interviewed by a Chicago paper. Ryan was asked the following question;

What’s your go-to, night-before-the-race meal?

Ryan Hall : Pasta, olive oil and Cytomax Muscle Milk Protein Shake.

Another interesting question from the interview was his answer on his strategy for Boston Marathon

What’s your strategy for those Boston hills–and downhills?

Ryan Hall : My strategy for the hills in Boston are to run the same effort level whether I am going up, down or flat, which means I will obviously slow down going up the hills and fly down the back of them. I think that energy management is one of the keys to running a good marathon. The better I can keep it locked in at the right effort level, despite the terrain, the better I will run.

written by Constantine Njeru \\ tags: Boston Hills, Boston Marathon, diet, Effort Level, Energy Management, Fly, Marathon Runner, Muscle Milk Protein, Nyc Marathon, Olive Oil, Pasta, Right Effort, Ryan Hall

Dara Torres has defied age, at 40 she swims faster that she did at 20. According  to Dara Torres her one secret is Amino acid supplements.

She takes amino acid supplements developed by German swimmer Mark Warnecke, who won a world championship in breaststroke at the age of 35.

The amino acid is said to speed recovery.

Amino acid supplement composition

On his Web site, Warnecke does not offer a full list of ingredients and their proportions. He does name several amino acids, including glycine, proline, and especially arginine. He says arginine is responsible for increased blood circulation, which “significantly reduces regeneration time” of muscles. In America, he adds, it’s known as “natural Viagra??????”

written by Constantine Njeru \\ tags: Amino Acid Supplement, Amino Acid Supplements, Amino Acids, Blood Circulation, Breaststroke, Composition, Dara Torres, diet, Mark Warnecke, muscles, Natural Viagra, Proline, Proportions, Regeneration, Swimmer Mark, Viagra

Because carbohydrates are the primary fuel source for active muscles, athletes need to consume them on a daily basis.

Carbohydrate-rich foods include: –

1. Fruits
2. vegetables (potatoes and beans),
3. Grains,
4. Breads,
5. cereals and some dairy products (milk and yogurt).

In general, the best diet for an athlete is one that contains a variety of foods from each of the major food groups—this will help ensure that your diet is made up of nutrient-rich foods.

Approximately 55-60% of total calories should come from carbohydrates. Athletes need to consume carbohydrates before, during and after exercise to provide fuel for the body and support overall health.

written by Constantine Njeru \\ tags: Athlete, Calories, Carbohydrate, Carbohydrates, Cereals, Daily Basis, Dairy Products Milk, diet, Exercise, Food Groups, Fruits Vegetables, Fuel Source, Grains, Health, muscles, Nutrient Rich Foods, Potatoes, Runners, Yogurt

Peter Jackson the Director of Lord of the rings trilogy was once overweight. But following the release of The Return of the King, Peter Jackson lost a large amount of weight (over 50 lb/22.5 kg) to the point of being unrecognizable to some fans.

How Peter Jackson Lost weight

In the British Daily Telegraph he attributed his weight loss to his diet. He said, “I just got tired of being overweight and unfit, so I changed my diet from hamburgers to yogurt and muesli and it seems to work.”

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The big question from new runners is what foods should I a runner eat?

I just read this list of 20 healthy foods for under $1 on New York Times. It reminds us that you don’t need to break the bank to eat healthy.

1. Oats: High in fiber and good for cholesterol.

2. Eggs: Costing about a dollar for a half-dozen, these are one of the cheapest sources of protein.

3. Kale: At about a dollar a bunch, this is one of the cheapest greens you’ll find in the supermarket.

4. Potatoes: Stay away from fries and chips, and eat them skin and all as a good source of vitamin C and potassium.

5. Apples: Tasty, cheap and filling.

Read the rest of the foods HERE

written by Constantine Njeru \\ tags: diet, food, Runners, Running, Sports Nutrition

Tired of siping water? try eating your fluids instead.

How much more should you drink when the weather is warmer? Your hydration needs can jump as much as 12 cups of fluid a day. but your dont have to guzzle just water. Fruits and vegetables, which are about 80% water, can help you stay hydrated.

Fruit Nutrients and Muscle Recovery.

Fruits provide key antioxidants vital for muscle recovery and a healthy immune system.

written by Constantine Njeru \\ tags: diet, Marathon Running, Sports Nutrition, water

My sister she is always asking me what are the best exercise she can do to get a flat stomach. I have recommended my favourite exercise, running but she refused, she wanted an exercise she can do indoors.

I researched around the internet and these were what I found

1. Good old sit ups

2. Bicycle exercise

3. Exercise Ball Crunch

4. Full vertical crunch

5. Plank on elbows and trunk, it won’t trim your tummy but it will give you a strong tummy

Other tips for a flat stomach

1. A good diet, cut on those calories

2. Stay hydrated.

written by Constantine Njeru \\ tags: diet, Exercise, fitness