The Workout

The Workout: Hitting the Trails

It's easy to overlook our local trails, but for walking or running, they offer an off-road change of pace.

When people talk about hitting the trails, I usually think of hiking in rugged places such as the Rocky Mountains, or at the very least, someplace farther afield, like Wisconsin. The local terrain seems to be too flat to have any decent trails. However, “hitting the trail” has benefits beyond finding elevation gain. For one, it's nice to get away from the busy, stressful streets filled with car traffic. Another benefit: walking or running on crushed gravel is much more forgiving on the joints than pounding concrete sidewalks. In fact, if you run or walk regularly, you might want to consider spending at least one day a week off the pavement. We are lucky to have some decent trails nearby. Granted, they don't offer the challenging hills and …

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The Workout: The Wrath of Runners

Running controversies have been in the news lately. But why would anyone tell a lie about running, especially when members of the online running community are so quick to catch it?

Runners are an odd breed. Even though running is an activity that, for the most part, they do simply for the fun of it, they take the sport very seriously. When someone breaks the runner code of conduct, they start angrily buzzing like a swarm of killer bees. With the advent of social media sites like Twitter, Facebook and various other on-line forums, it doesn't take long for dozens or hundreds of runners to chime in with an opinion. Alas, Paul Ryan inadvertently stepped on the running hornet's nest when he “misstated” his marathon time, shaving off over an hour. The mistake violated one of the first commandments of running: Thou shalt not fib about race results. The whole incident began innocently enough. As reported in Runner's World, …

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The Workout: A Cautionary Tale for Cyclists

Going fast is great, but not at the expense of safety.

The other day, I had a nice reminder about the importance of riding safely and wisely. I saw a cyclist almost get hit by a car. I was running with a friend on the trail where it intersects with a busy road. The traffic signal started flashing “Don't Walk” as we crossed, but we made it to the other side with plenty of time. We continued running up the trail, and then, from the opposite direction, a cyclist came speeding around the corner. He showed no signs of slowing down. “He's not going to make it,” I said to my running companion. I turned around to see the guy riding into the intersection just as the traffic signal gave drivers the green light. He kept going, forcing the motorists on the far side of the road to jam on their brakes to …

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The Workout

The Workout: Back in the Saddle

As summer winds down and the school year begins, it's time to go back to class.

I ran a lot this summer. I tried to do other things, such as cycling and weight training, but mostly I just ran. However, as the weeks ticked by, I could feel my upper body getting weaker and my legs becoming rigid from so much repetitive motion. A little voice in the back of my mind reminded me about the importance of cross training and strength training. I tried to do some weight training on my own, starting with lofty goal of 45-minute sessions. That goal quickly morphed into 30 minute sessions, then 15 minute sessions, then finally a few meager push-ups while watching TV. I knew I needed some structure, like an exercise class. Fortunately, we have many local offerings up and down the North Shore. Back to class However, I didn't want a …

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The Workout: Upcoming Events in September, October

The North Shore, Chicago and around Illinois will be packed with running and cycling events, including some unusual offerings, beer and burger 5k anyone?

September is just around the corner, and with it comes a staggering number of local athletic events. It's not hard to see why: September and October usually offer great weather for outdoor activities here in the Midwest. The season is punctuated by the some of Chicago's biggest events: The Chicago Triathlon, the Chicago Half Marathon (which also offers a 5k race), and then the biggest of them all, the world-class Chicago Marathon in October. Bike Winnetka But in addition to the big guns, there are lots of mid- and small-sized events. One of the most notable local events is Bike Winnetka, which this year features Mark Stephan leading the pack. If you don't know about Mark, he is a Winnetka resident and avid athlete who was critically …

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You, too, Can Play Like an Olympian

There are plenty of opportunities to practice some Olympic sports on the North Shore.

Olympic fever seems to be ubiquitous, with citizens across the country glued to the TV every night, sometimes every day. But what will we do with all our free time after the closing ceremonies this weekend? One option: try an Olympic sport.  There are plenty of local resources for those wanting to channel their inner Olympian. In addition to the obvious facilities, such as the AC Nielsen Tennis Center in Winnetka and the 50-meter pool at the Centennial Aquatic Center in Wilmette, there are also ways for local residents to participate in some of the more obscure Olympic sports. Track Cycling Many area residents are surprised to hear that there is a velodrome right here on the North Shore, one of only 27 outdoor bicycle tracks in the United …

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The Workout

The Workout Book Review: A Walk on the Wild Side

Even the most die-hard couch potato can experience a summer of exercise and adventure, just by reading "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed.

Summer is a great time to do something ambitious and physically challenging like, for example, hiking a thousand miles through the mountains. But since August is already on the horizon, it's probably a tad too late to embark on such an endeavor this year. However, there's still plenty of time to do it vicariously via Cheryl Strayed's engaging book Wild.   Wild recounts the story of Strayed's solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail, a journey she undertook one summer several years ago. The book has been generating buzz for months, ever since Oprah announced it as the reason she was reviving her book club. I was intrigued, but afraid it would be full of banal observations about finding inner strength and overcoming adversity. The last thing …

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The Workout

The Workout: A Summer Olympics Training Program

Even those of us who aren't competing in London need to get ready for The Games.

Last week, I wrote about training plans for runners who are planning to do late summer or fall races. This week, however, I'd like to highlight a different kind of training, one that requires immediate attention because the opening ceremonies are less than a week away. Yes, it's time to employ the London Olympics Spectator Training Program. Training your eyes The first task is to get your eyes ready. The last thing you want is to be confused while watching the Track and Field finals because you can't tell which athletes represent which countries. Take a moment to sit down in front of your television and turn on one of those irritating cable news networks. If the “BREAKING NEWS” looks blurry, then you'll never be able to see the tiny "USA" …

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The Workout

The Workout: Running Training Programs

An abundance of training programs means that there's one out there for you, whether you're looking to try your first 5k or run your fastest marathon.

Although we're currently stuck in the heat of summer, the cooler weather of autumn will soon be here, and along with it will come plenty of running races: 5Ks, 10Ks, half-marathons, and even the queen of the Illinois running calendar, the Chicago Marathon. But if you're planning on a fall event of any distance, you should be doing some kind of training program. The first time I did a half marathon, I didn't train for it. Oh, sure, I prepared, but I didn't follow a training plan. In fact, I didn't even know training plans existed. I just ran on a regular basis and tried to make my weekend runs progressively longer, adding more mileage until I finally ran 13 miles the weekend before the race. When I got to the start line, I still hadn't …

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The Workout

The Workout: Beat the Heat

When the mercury creeps into the uncomfortable zone, try a cool new workout.

High summer temperatures have become frequent visitors this summer. While ice cream sales are probably up, many exercise routines are down, since exertion during a heat wave can be dangerous. But instead of looking at the heat as an obstacle, view it as an opportunity to mix things up. If you are usually a mid-day exerciser, try getting up to run in the pre-dawn hours when temperatures are more moderate, or wait until evening to hit the pavement. That may mean you have to run or bike with a headlamp for safety, but consider it a part of the adventure. Your regular running route may have a completely different feel in the early morning or late evening.  A heat wave is also a great excuse to try something completely different, like an …

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