Energy Drinks Improve Cardiac Function- At Rest

Taken together these results show that energy drinks enhance contractions of both the left and right ventricles, thereby delivering a positive effect on myocardial function,” said Dr Cameli. “This could be explained by the inotropic effect of taurine that, as previously demonstrated, stimulates the release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum.” -Heart function improved by energy drinks, says new study MY COMMENT: It remains to be seen what the effects of long-term use are and of course what happens during physical activity.

Ice Baths May be Counterproductive!

So it makes sense that if we're doing all this muscle training, and getting this damage and inflammatory response, [that] if we knocked it out right afterward with icing, anti-inflammatories or what have you, that we're decreasing the stimulus the body gets, and it's not going to adapt as much as it would if we just left it alone," -elite distance coach Steve Magness commenting on why post workout ice baths routinely used by world class distance runners, may not be a good idea. -Running Times

Mo Farah (Olympic 5K and 10K Gold) has a Twin!

This is facinating, and makes me wonder what could have been. "I was just as fast when we were children." -Hassan Farah Revealed: We find the twin brother Mo Farah was forced to abandon as a child in war-torn Somalia and he tells the harrowing story of how they were separated aged eight by their parents' agonising decision

Respibelt- Dumbell for the Breathing Muscles

Yet another training tool used by Alberto Salazar trained runners has surfaced called the Respibelt, a gadget reportedly successful in enhancing the strength of breathing muscles. "The innovative device fits around the lower chest and ribcage to provide a training load to the breathing muscles as the chest expands during breathing"

Underwater Treadmill Training

Check out Hydroworx International. Don't have the money for an underwater treadmill? I believe you can get the same benefits or close to it by just plain water running without your feet touching the ground.

Shame on You NIKE

“Skechers’ new performance shoes change the way I run for the better. I’ve been a heel strike runner my entire life, but I am now wearing SKECHERS to maximize the efficiency of my foot strike. My shoes are my most essential piece of equipment, and right now SKECHERS has the footwear I need to succeed. I’m excited to be partnering with this groundbreaking company.” - Meb Keflezigi in a 2011 statement after Skechers signed him to endorse their running shoes through August this year. Meb, the 2004 Olympic silver medalist, 2009 New York City Marathon champion, 2012 US Olympic Trials champion and 4th place finisher in the 2012 Olympic marathon, was considered washed up by NIKE, who I guess thought he wasn't fast enough or asked for more than he was worth,and decided not re-sign him. Last week I bought a pair of Skechers GoRuns, and after just 2 short runs fell in love with them! GO SKECHERS! As far as NIKE is concerned, go ahead and continue to pay Tiger Woods, and ex-con Michael Vick their millions. I'll continue to support Skechers, and I hope they have the sense to continue to do so.

Weight Training Made the Difference for Mo Farah

‘He was the weakest athlete I’d ever trained — in terms of core strength and being able to do push-ups, sit-ups and single-leg squats. He was a 90lb weakling." -Alberto Salazar speaking about Mo Farah.

Is Triclosan Slowing You Down?

Triclosan, an antibacterial chemical widely used in hand soaps and other personal-care products, hinders muscle contractions at a cellular level, slows swimming in fish and reduces muscular strength in mice, -Soap ingredient may impair muscle function, also found in deodorants, mouthwashes, toothpaste, bedding, clothes, carpets, toys and trash bags

What's the Best Workout Pace?

Having trouble figuring out what pace to do your workouts? Check out runworks.com, a race/ training calculator site that can provide you with optimal pace information for easy runs, marathon pace runs, tempo runs, and intervals. Created by renowned distance coach Jack Daniels, author of Daniels Running Formula, you can download the phone application from iTunes!