Everyday Sprinter

Usain Bolt, 2011 World Athlete of the Year

It's pretty cool to see a fellow Jamaican receiving this honor. Ya Mon!

I as consider what my approach to rehabbing from my Jones Fracture, barefoot running is one of the approaches I'm considering. And after reading this article, I believe you could benefit from this approach as well.

And even if you're not rehabbing, your technique could be improved by applying what's been learned by studying barefoot running.

What do you feel about barefoot running?

Every feel like this guy on a training day?

On March 23, I was diagnosed with a Jones Fracture in my left foot. In October, I was cleared to begin a slow return to activity and training.

I found these exercises to help in that process. Any other suggestions?

Here's a great free chart to compliment the information you'll find at http://Bodyweightculture.com's website. My goal is to begin this program once I'm cleared to begin training again.

Here's a great site to help you get into the bodyweight philosophy of training. Wonderful resources are available once you register.

Have you wondered what it would be like to be a world-class runner? Well, here are some of the factors:

Shoes: Most elite runners have a shoe sponsorship from a major brand. The tendency is to replace the shoes before they become worn out. With a weekly mileage of 100 miles a week, the average shoe will last two to four weeks—less when the shoe is used for speed training.

Training Days Per Week: Seven days a week. Unfortunately, even when injured, many elite runners go into denial and keep pushing—aggravating the problem.

Hours Per Week: Top runners commit to about 10 hours of actual running each week. When you factor in driving to the track, warm-up, warm-down, recovery, and dressing—add another 15 to 20 hours. Treating an injury (which is common) can add another four to 10 hours.

Great reminder here. I know that it was targeted for distance runners and not sprinters but I believe that we EveryDay Sprinters could learnmuch from this list and be better prepared to be "world class" -- even if it's in our own minds. :)

the next time you are at the gym, remember that you are not only getting bigger, but you are also getting smarter!

I like how Kate Brown concludes this article on recent fitness research. And if you're like me, and you make anywhere your gym, you can get smarter anytime, anywhere. :)

As any EveryDay Sprinter can tell you, a strong core is a key part to being successful as a sprinter. Well, it's key to being successful athlete in general. This article outlines a simple workout that will improve your core strength significantly.

Which of these exercises do you do? What were the results?

For those of you looking for a good primer on incorporating hills into your training, this video by Pete Magill, formerly of Younger Legs for Older Runners and now Running Times Magazine. I learned a bunch and I think you will do.