No, it’s not what you think! Ball strikers are runners who absorb most of the impact of striking the ground with the balls of their feet as opposed to the heels. I recently read a really cool article in Men’s Health that covered this natural technique and tried it myself. It felt so right that I went to Pacers in Alexandria to purchase a pair of Nike Free sneakers. I am totally sold. Here’s a vide on YouTube explaining some basic biomechanics. Enjoy!
Archive for the ‘Active Lifestyle’ Category
Simple Swing, Simple Running Style
January 16, 2010I got quick pointers on my golf swing today by a believer: something called “the simple swing.” The idea is you straighten up, bend at the hips, loosen the knees, then you have your left arm and shoulder lead the movement and allow the rest of your body to comfortably follow. Don’t even worry about your head, just keep your eye on the ball and swing.
Just now I was reading an article in Men’s Health about the Tarahumara of Mexico. Supposedly the tribe members put enormous mileage on their feet, eating corn mash for fuel during the day and party all night. They don’t die of any of the diseases or cancers we do. And despite their steep mountainous living terrain, they don’t even get running injuries! From the description I read plus the recent running study that explained 40 miles + per week is what you should really aim for, their secret lies in their ability to run great lengths. Their running style is simple: straight body, small steps. I remember changing from a long stride (“gazelle-like”) to shorter steps when playing lacrosse. It was a relief on my hamstring as well as added control – I could pivot, stop, and/or change directions very quickly. I bet I even sped up faster.
Newlyweds Bed TWEETS “On the Job”
December 14, 2009via WaPO: The best man done it as a prank! Check out the twitter feed @newlywedsontjob
“This device, which is similar to the one found here, is a pressure-sensitive pad that tweets out when sexual activity starts, when it ends, the force of the “action,” and a “frenzy” rating.”
OCS: Not so scary when you’re not there
December 1, 2009My mom sent me this link to videos of this summer’s Marine Corps Officer Candidate Scool (OCS) classes. I saw parts and could only think “I remember having it worse” when I went in ’04! Watch here.
Weekend Wrap-Up
September 10, 2009It’s been a while since I described all my exciting weekend activities but I definitely got out and about this past Labor Day weekend:
I went to the 18th birthday party of my friend Sarah’s younger brother on Saturday down in Southern MD. We had a big group dinner of Surf n’ Turf that was delicious. My boyfriend Michael fixed up a recipe we got from our subscription to Gourmet Magazine, sautéed kale and kohlrabi. It was a hit! Sarah and her brother drove back with us to Arlington to hang out.
little yellow things: pistachios
The next day, Sarah and I drove down to just south of the Belle Haven Marina to do an hour of cardio. I think the perfect place to park along GW Parkway if you want to avoid the traffic of the park by the marina and not be too close to the GW trail hills but also get the waterfront experience is here. So we parked and took my bike off the roof of my car while Sarah ran north ahead of me. I caught up with her and did interval sprints while Sarah jogged up to Old Town and back. In fact, I took the bridge to the Belle Haven neighborhood and did some hills (ok two hills). It was fun to ride by her slowly and tell her her speed based on my spedometer and hand off the waterbottle I was carrying. It’s too bad we forgot to bring a camera!
On Monday, Michael and I went to a cook-out at a friend’s place in Manassas. It was more of a cook-in due to the rain but it was good times and we met a bunch of new people. Michael brought another creation from Gourmet which was an interesting combination: watermelon and cucumber salad tossed in lime juice and mint along with mint tzaziki! I made the tzaziki, which I usually use dill. The mint stand-in was a new flavor for me and I still prefer dill, however the combination with the watermelon and cuc’s was fun and fresh – definitely a summertime recipe.
We left the house early to stop by the Buttercup Farm to check out the new bunnies. Apparently, therewas an accidental “explosion” do to an incorrect sexing and unplanned pregnancy that occurred through wire cage walls. So there are over 40 rabbits on the cool farm that’s tucked away off Rt 66. The owner is very nice and she has a fan page on Facebook. We picked out two grey bunnies that are only seven weeks old to bring home. I posted some videos to Facebook and YouTube here. So far besides being super cute, they love to run in circles around my giant couch, sit on my lap during movies, and evade Michael when it’s time to go to bed. They are a blast.
Mirkin’s “Fastest Beans & Rice” Recipe Skips a Step
September 3, 2009I looked at Dr. Gabe Mirkin‘s e-zine from August 16, 2009 and clicked on the link to the Recipe of the Week for “Fastest Beans and Rice,” interested to see how this old stand-by can be yummy and fast enough to be highlighted.
It sold me on the yummy he recommends cayenne, chili powder and parsley to add kick to flavor when you don’t have time to cut up sausage and veggies.
However, Dr. Mirkin’s shortcut for speed didn’t sell me on the “fast” – the reason this recipe is so quick is because it calls for pre-cooked rice! Sure, it’s fast…just like when I reheat leftovers! Since uncooked rice takes too long, I’d recommend parboiled (partially-boiled) rice like the kind that come in a box at the supermarket. This way you get yummy and fast without cheating :)
Not that I’m hating on Dr. Mirkin, mind you. I grew up listening to his radio show, which mostly focused on health topics for atheletes. I still follow him online and love to download his old shows as podcasts for my iPod lineup…it’s great info free from a smart doc. But, even the smartest doctor needs a second opinion sometimes!
I looked at Dr. Gabe Mirkin’s e-zine from August 16, 2009 and clicked
on the link to the Recipe of the Week for “Fastest Beans and Rice,”
on the link to the Recipe of the Week for “Fastest Beans and Rice,”
interested to see how this old stand-by can be both yummy and fast
enough to be highlighted.
I’m sold me on the “yummy”. The recipe sounds delicious – he
recommends cayenne pepper, chili powder and parsley to add some kick
and flavor.
However, Dr. Mirkin’s shortcut for speed didn’t sell me on the “fast”.
The reason the recipe is so quick is because it calls for pre-cooked
rice! Sure, it’s fast … just like when I reheat leftovers! Since
uncooked rice takes too long, I’d recommend using parboiled
(partially-boiled) rice. You get yummy and fast without cheating!
Not that I’m hating on Dr. Mirkin, mind you. I grew up listening to
his radio show, which mostly focused on health topics for atheletes. I
still follow him online and love to download his old shows as podcasts
still follow him online and love to download his old shows as podcasts
for my iPod lineup. It’s great info free from a smart doc! But, even
the smartest doctor needs a second opinion sometimes!
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