Haile Gebrselassie
Haile Gebrselassie, one of the world's top long distance runners, has said he will not compete in the marathon at the Beijing Olympics because China's air pollution would pose an unacceptable risk to his health and future career. Nonetheless, he still has plans to participate in the 10,000-meter race.
Haile, who currently holds the world marathon record and a remarkable total of 25 world records, suffers from asthma. He told the press:
"The pollution in China is a threat to my health and it would be difficult for me to run 42km. ...But I am not pulling out of the Olympic event in Beijing altogether. I plan to participate in the 10,000-meter event."
The Chinese government has already spent vast sums of money (with little success) trying to clean up Beijing's pollution problem. This decision by such a famous athlete was clearly a blow to their pride: transmission from BBC World News was suspended to prevent this story being relayed to domestic Chinese listeners.
Haile's agent has reported that part of the reason behind his client's decision to pull out of the marathon was his determination to improve upon his current marathon world record. Haile is one of only five men in history to run a marathon in under two hours six minutes and he claimed the record last year after running the Berlin marathon in just 2 hours, 4 minutes and 26 seconds (29 seconds faster than the previous world record).
"His dream is to run in 2 hours and 3 minutes and to be the first to do that. It's more important for him than to win another gold medal."
Runners know the importance of a good night's sleep. Rest is important not only for the next day's performance, but for long-term growth and conditioning. There's nothing worse than a 10-mile training run at 5:00am when you just fell asleep at 2:00am. The key to getting a good nights sleep is good habits. Here are some of the rules I follow to help ensure a complete night's rest.
- The bedroom is for sleeping. There is no watching tv, reading books, or any pre bedtime activities laying in bed. When I get into bed my body knows it is time to go to sleep. Because of this I will be out in less than 10 minutes. Most people including my wife says there is no way it can be done because their brain is just too active. This leads me to number two.
- Give yourself a half hour to an hour to wind down. Find something that relaxes you for the last part of the day before bed. Most people take care of all their tasks at night. Trying to get everything done right before bed. The National Sleep Foundation found that 60% of people do household chores right before bed. It would be better to find something that is more relaxing. You need a transition from an active day to a restful night.
- Get things done in the morning. Being a morning person is not a genetic thing, it is a trained way of life. Instead of doing chores at night, leave them until morning. In the morning you are rested and lacking all of the other distractions of the day. This is the perfect time to get up and run, do some laundry, or even get some work done. Your brain and body are fresh and will get more things accomplished than you ever would have during the same time frame at night.
- No caffeine after 2:00pm. Caffeine blocks the effects of adenosine, the brain chemical that makes you sleepy. Just one cup will ruin a good night's sleep. Have a cup of coffee and you'll be getting up to urinate more often as well. If you do have something before bed make it the same thing every day. Having that drink will signal to your body that it's time to start winding down.
- Drink some milk and consume some carbs. There is a reason they say drink milk before bed. This little snack is not going to make you gain ten pounds but it will put you to sleep. Milk has tryptophan (just like turkey) but needs carbs to deliver it.
- Exercise. Those who exercise sleep better. People who do some form of regular exercise sleep an average of 42 minutes longer than those who don't and they falls asleep 12 minutes faster.
- Don't watch the news before bed. There is nothing on the news that is going to wind you down. The controversies, violence, and politics are only going to get you worked up.
- Live closer to work. The number one reason people say they don't get enough sleep is lack of time. Make more time by dropping your driving time.
- No alcohol before bed. Contrary to belief, alcohol doesn't relax you and actually makes for a lighter sleep. You'll be up at the slightest noise if you drink right before bed.
- Turn the thermostat down. People sleep better at cooler temperatures, and a nightly drop in temperature signals to your body that it is time for sleep.
101-year-old marathoner
Buster Martin, a smoking, drinking, 101-year-old English man, is preparing to run the London Marathon on April 13.
Buster has 17 children and still works part time as a plumber. He recently completed a half marathon in 5 hours, 13 minutes. His first words upon crossing the finish line were, "Where's my beer?"
If Buster completes this race he will become the oldest person to ever finish the London Marathon.
- 10. You're not embarrassed to show someone where your hamstring *really* hurts.
- 9. You could watch a whole marathon and not be bored.
- 8. You can use endorphins in a sentence.
- 7. You check out the running stores for the new styles.
- 6. You get excited when you hear that there is a new Gatorade flavor.
- 5. You keep track of your shoes' mileage.
- 4. You get up earlier on weekends to run than you do on weekdays for school/work.
- 3. You think of distances in terms of mile repeats.
- 2. You always consider chafing while dressing yourself.
- 1. Your friends know to never call you after 8:30pm.
Also check out 10 Signs You Might Be a Runner.
