In case you missed it yesterday, the news was posted in various places on the internet, including NBC Sports which is the link I will give you.

A new world marathon record was set on Sunday. The fastest marathoner in the world is now Patrick Makau of Kenya. Makau ran ran the Berlin Marathon in 2 hours 3 minutes and 38 seconds, breaking the previous world record by 21 seconds. Haile Gebrselassie has held the world record for three years up until now.

Patrick Makau: “I came to Berlin to win. At the half way point I knew that I could break the record. It is the greatest day of my career.”

Gebrselassie has been struggling with injuries and asthma;, dropping out of the New York City Marathon at mile 16 in 2010 citing a knee injury, and on Sunday his lungs were seizing up and he struggled to breathe. Makau has been known for his fast half marathons. Sunday’s marathon attempt was meant to gain experience at the distance, not set a world record.

Ten years ago times like these were practically unthinkable. Predictions are being forecast that we will see more and more marathon times like this.

The first woman across the finish line was fellow Kenyan, Florence Kiplagat with a time of 2:19:44. She beat Paula Radcliffe who was running Berlin for the first time, and her first marathon in nearly two years. Radcliffe finishee third with a time of 2:23:46.

Read more: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/44659145/ns/sports/

Photo: Avda

The Delaware & Lehigh Trail, more affectionately known as the D&L Trail, will be host to it’s first marathon and half marathon this coming October. The D&L Heritage Marathon/Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 23, 2011. I spoke with race representative, Elissa Garofalo, this morning and she assured me that the race course successfully weathered the damaging effects of Hurricane Irene. Aside from a few tree branches along the path, the trail is in great shape after the storm. Portions of the trail, from New Hope and south, did sustain damage from the storm and clean-up crews will be taking care of this in the coming weeks.

As local runners anxiously await and begin to train on the trail, new segments of the trail will be opening, making even more history. The newest section of the D&L Trail is now complete and can be seen in a video on The Morning Call website.

http://www.mcall.com/videogallery/64189964/Sports/VIDEO-Newest-section-of-the-D-L-Trail-complete

The D&L Trail is 165 miles long and extends from Bristol, outside of Philadelphia, northwards to Mountain Top, in the Poconos. A future link will extend from Mountain Top to Wilkes Barre and Seven Tubs Nature Area. The trail passes through three distinct areas: Wyoming Valley and Carbon County, Lehigh Valley, and Delaware Valley. The trail bears witness to 300 years of of activity, ranging from the anthracite industry to the cement and steel industries. Another important contribution to the area was early transportation via the locks and canals that can be found along the trail. Canals and towpaths helped to transport industry items such as coal and steel, as well as serving as transportation for people along its routes.

Today, there is an important effort to manage and preserve these historical reminders of our nation’s past. As athletes, we benefit by having beautiful, well-maintained trails and paths on which to train and enjoy our region. If you plan to run the D&L Heritage Marathon or Half Marathon this October, bear in mind the rich history these trails have to offer as you are running.

You can learn more about the D&L Trail on the website -  http://www.delawareandlehigh.org

To find out more about the marathon and half marathon, visit this link – D&L Heritage Marathon/Half Marathon

Catch a glimpse of a beautiful waterfall as you run the D&L Heritage Marathon.

I have come within inches of being hit by a car on more than one occasion, a situation that scares the bejesus out of me each and every time. It also makes me angry. Not only at the drivers who are speeding because they left the house late, especially those who are doing everything in their car (applying makeup, texting, or speaking on the phone) except what they should be doing – watching the road.

I also get angry about our road situation and lack of sidewalks or right-of-ways along the streets, especially in the suburban areas. One particular road that I run on has it’s white line painted on the very edge of the macadam, directly abutting a home owner’s property. There is no road easement for me to run on. Each and every time I run my oh-so-familiar roads I wish for a day when all of our area roads have alternative transportation pathways alongside them for walkers, bikers and runners.

I am a huge proponent of wearing bright, standout colors when I run on the roads. In the early hours I wear a light belt or head lamp as well as flashing lights. I demand to be seen. And all I ask in return is for a little respect from automobiles. Most drivers do me that courtesy and even pull over into the other lane if they are able to do so. There is always that driver out there whose aim is to “teach me a lesson” and they swerve towards me. It actually happens more often than I’d like and always makes me lose a little bit of confidence in my fellow man.

Lastly, I get frustrated at the growing population in the area. Growing up in these parts, I remember as a child being able to safely ride my bike for miles along all of the local roads. I often rode from Macungie to Alburtis, looped through Lock Ridge Furnace and back home, an 8-10 mile bike ride. I was probably about 11 or 12 years old at the time. Doing so now, along the same roads, would be taking my life into my own hands. I’ll be clear on this, my children are forbidden to do this. No way!

Population growth is good, but our infrastructure wasn’t built to sustain this growing community. This is not an easy situation to remedy, doing so would cause a lot of headaches to landowners. So, we build bypasses, and that works, for now.

In this morning’s Morning Call an article was published by a local resident and runner, Michael Drabenstott, about Allentown’s West End district. In it, Michael mentioned how walkable his neighborhood is; he is able to walk to restaurants, theaters, salons, coffee shops, etc. The walkability rating for my neighborhood is 11/100 according to www.walkscore.com. The website told me that “100% of Allentown residents have a higher Walk Score” than I do. I am car dependent. I live within 1-2 miles of so many conveniences (grocery stores, restaurants, banks, an amusement park, a museum, a city park, libraries and schools) but getting their on foot or by bike is dangerous. I really wish that local townships, municipalities, etc. would incorporate walkability factors into area planning when they grant permits to all of these companies to build more neighborhoods. There should be more pedestrian paths connecting each of these neighborhoods with each other rather than simply building them around said neighborhoods. Even connect these paths with existing sidewalks so that local residents can safely walk or ride their bike to the grocery store, drug store, or restaurant.

Hey, I can dream, right?

I’m including, below, text from Pennsylvania’s Pedestian Laws. It’s always good to be familiar with the laws that govern us as runners. I caution you that just because we may have the right of way, that doesn’t mean that drivers will always respect that fact. Always use caution when it comes to crossing intersections and running alongside busy streets.

Also, I found some Pedestrian Accident statistics that I felt worthwhile sharing with you.
(Please note that 2010 and 2011 national and Pennsylvania pedestrian accident statistics have not yet been released.)

2008 Pennsylvania Pedestrian Accident Statistics

• In Pennsylvania in 2008 there were 4,589 pedestrians involved in traffic accidents, 142 (3 percent) of which were killed.
• 80 of the 142 pedestrian deaths (56 percent) in 2008 occurred while the pedestrian was entering a crosswalk.
• Pedestrian-related crashes represent 3.5 percent of the total reported traffic crashes in Pennsylvania; however, they account for 10 percent of all traffic crash deaths.
• In 2008, male pedestrian deaths accounted for 69 percent of all pedestrian deaths in Pennsylvania.
• 18 percent of pedestrians killed in Pennsylvania traffic accidents in 2008 were 75 or older.
• Nearly 65 percent of all Pennsylvanian pedestrian fatalities in 2008 occurred in cities.
• Younger pedestrians (age 19 and under) accounted for 36 percent of the pedestrian injuries in Pennsylvania in 2008.

Chapter 35: SPECIAL VEHICLES AND PEDESTRIANS
Subchapter C: Rights and Duties of Pedestrians

Section 3544. Pedestrians walking along or on highway.
(a) Mandatory use of available sidewalk.—Where a sidewalk is provided and its use is practicable, it is unlawful for any pedestrian to walk along and upon an adjacent roadway.

(b) Absence of sidewalk.—Where a sidewalk is not available, any pedestrian walking along and upon a highway shall walk only on a shoulder as far as practicable from the edge of the roadway.

(c) Absence of sidewalk and shoulder.—Where neither a sidewalk nor a shoulder is available, any pedestrian walking along and upon a highway shall walk as near as practicable to an outside edge of the roadway and, if on a two-way roadway, shall walk only on the left side of the roadway.

(d) Right-of-way to vehicles.—Except as otherwise provided in this subchapter, any pedestrian upon a roadway shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.

Section 3545. Pedestrians soliciting rides or business.
No person shall:
(1) Stand on a roadway for the purpose of soliciting a ride.
(2) Stand on a roadway for the purpose of soliciting employment, business or contributions from the occupant of any vehicle.
(3) Stand on or in proximity to a highway for the purpose of soliciting the watching or guarding of any vehicle while parked or about to be parked on a street or highway.

Section 3546. Driving through or around safety zone.
(a) Through zones.—No vehicle shall at any time be driven through or within a safety zone.

(b) Around zones.—Traffic may move on either side of a safety zone unless prohibited from driving to the left of the zone by the installation of an official traffic-control device as provided in this title.

Section 3547. Right-of-way of pedestrians on sidewalks.
The driver of a vehicle emerging from or entering an alley, building, private road or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian approaching on any sidewalk extending across the alley, building entrance, road or driveway.

Section 3548. Pedestrians to yield to authorized emergency vehicles.
(a) General rule.—Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle making use of audible and visual signals meeting the requirements of this title, or of a police vehicle properly and lawfully making use of an audible signal only, every pedestrian shall yield the right-of-way to the authorized emergency vehicle.

(b) Exercise of care by driver.—This section does not relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway nor from the duty to exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian.

PDF version of Pennsylvania’s Driver & Pedestrian Laws

Ultra marathon performance linked to high training and low bmi. Nausea and blisters = big DNF problems. http://1.usa.gov/gseDZn

Among female recreational half-marathoners, faster training paces linked to lower body fat and faster race times. http://1.usa.gov/hOsxsp

Hip abduction tip: When doing side leg raises, extra weight on legs gives no extra benefit. http://1.usa.gov/gtubW3

Exercise nutrition expert Louise Burke’s thoughts on the risks-benefits of training with a low-glycogen supply. http://bit.ly/ij3HNb

Blood doping probably does more than just increase hematocrit. Benefits are likely multifactorial, include even mood. http://bit.ly/gOce5o

After 30 years, long-term cross-country skiiers have lower death rate than nonskiiers. http://1.usa.gov/h1gY94

In large cohort of nordic skiiers, those who race often with fast times have higher incidence of osteoarthritis. http://1.usa.gov/f7PXJC

Cardiac-screening study: In Singapore, ECG screening for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy yields prevalence of just .005 %. http://bit.ly/hWjgS4

The plot thickens (of course): Different genes influence runner responses to an antioxidant oil. http://1.usa.gov/gAJyB5

Fitness (vo2 max) more important than total physical activity (like slow walking) to reduce all-cause mortality. http://1.usa.gov/bDLYc6

ACSM expert warns “perhaps some important losses may even occur” from antioxidant supplements. So eat fruit, veggies. http://bit.ly/fkhOH8

Marathon training yields quadriceps fiber changes–some get bigger, some smaller–”very specific” to training done. http://1.usa.gov/i0uoiD

My new Peak Performance blog: Does pre-marathon travel increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis? http://bit.ly/hDI2bC

Happy Social Security! Exercise level at age 65 “strong predictor of well being” 7 years later. http://1.usa.gov/hW5nN5

Wow, a controlled light exercise trial with 90 yr olds! Exercise boosts muscle strength, decreases risk of falls. http://1.usa.gov/eQqM4r

Motiving people to exercise is huge challenge. Here, “10,000 steps” goal better than “30 minutes.” http://1.usa.gov/eQqM4r

Amazing how all the nitrate studies are yielding positive results. Here with subjects who have peripheral artery disease. http://1.usa.gov/eLAviX

At a submax pace, barefoot running uses 2 to 5.7% less oxygen (is more economical) than shod running. http://1.usa.gov/g7vyR5

Viagra does not improve endurance performance (15K cycle time trial) in men or women at mod or high altitudes. http://1.usa.gov/fAHpQd

What’s best max HR formula? Croatian Army likes: 205 – (age/2). http://1.usa.gov/fAHpQd

Boston Marathon, with fast qualifying times, has < cardiac death rate than other marathons: 1/374,000 vs 1/128,000. http://bit.ly/dPspBt

The more workouts per week throughout life, the stronger and more flexible the heart in old age. Conf. presentation. http://yhoo.it/hOpuDn

Multivitamin use has no mortality effect, good or bad. Eleven year follow up of 182,000 participants. http://1.usa.gov/fUtIa8

During “block” of heavy training, extra protein reduces psych stress and may lessen performance loss. http://1.usa.gov/becwuC

In heat, caffeine raises body temp slightly, does not improve endurance performance of cyclists. http://1.usa.gov/fV9rm6

Among 198 beginning runners (>10:00/mile), no significant injury effect for peak force or loading rate. http://1.usa.gov/eOuCsq

Meta-analysis: Dehydration to 4% not a factor in time-trials (more like real races than “duration” tests). http://bit.ly/hovjy4

Use of cooling vest during warm up for hot 10K run fails to produce meaningful performance differences. http://1.usa.gov/evMgzq

Cardiac biomarkers back to norm 72 hrs post marathon. From Germans who have published troubling mara-heart studies. http://1.usa.gov/gj62aW

Latest study of cardiac events in marathons: 1 death/128,000; 1 “arrest”/45,000. From total 1.4 million runners to ’09. http://1.usa.gov/eTHVTb

Great study: How training regulates gene expression, ie, endurance vs strength. Plus mitochondria and fat-carb utilisation. http://bit.ly/glWhg0

Doh science: Running across the side of a hill creates many atypical forces, possibly injurious. http://1.usa.gov/gSiDf5

Post-exercise chocolate milk beats carbs-only for subsequent performance and protein synthesis. http://bit.ly/fFTMMO

Peter Wood (friend, great runner, important exercise-heart-health researcher) dies at 81. http://bit.ly/i9TDpb

Dietary nitrates again: In rat study, nitrate is “strongly protective” against kidney and heart disease. http://bit.ly/fjDCj9

You want healthier kids? Fix the father. Results of a controlled study in Australia. http://bit.ly/fvFb4J

In well-trained cyclists, strength training in season retains muscle size and “further improves” performance. http://1.usa.gov/fiCPtR

Genetics of sweating: Distance runners with AQP1 (G→C) gene variation lose more than 2x body fluid in 10K race. http://bit.ly/e0I0hh

Weight loss exceeds total body water loss in endurance runners, so weight is not a good measure of dehydration. http://1.usa.gov/es2JOh

Olive leaf polyphenol, hydroxytyrosol, may have beneficial effect in endurance muscle training and racing. http://1.usa.gov/hcQQol

Water therapy might be good 4 you after exercise (or maybe not), but it will likely increase your calorie consumption. http://bit.ly/ifuPsl

You train your heart and legs, but what about your gut, which has to handle all those in-race fluids and sugars? http://bit.ly/g87WI4

Oh, my, what next? 55K of trail running is tough on the leg muscles, and masters runners need more recovery time. http://1.usa.gov/i8JkH3

Meta analysis of carbs during endurance exercise reveals 41,000+ studies. The 50 best = yes, carbs work. http://1.usa.gov/hhNHjK

In small test using moderate exercise, more fat burned after light meal than after fasting. http://1.usa.gov/id3ODx

Among 370 Hong Kong marathoners, virtually no blood sodium problems at the end. http://1.usa.gov/drliBK

Gene that affects collagen and flexibility (lower leg stiffness) may increase running economy. http://bit.ly/dNzhWP

Another muddy CHO vs PRO drinks study. This one finds low CHO + PRO > higher CHO only, but CHO sources aren’t =. http://1.usa.gov/fOq1Ak

Pregnant elite women runners might “compromise fetal wellbeing” if they exercise at higher than 90% of max. http://1.usa.gov/fgdfVw

Young cyclists don’t care much about possible health risks of doping. More interested in “short term performance.” http://1.usa.gov/hLLNbk

Creatine could produce big results for seniors, enhancing strength, performance, and brain functioning. http://1.usa.gov/exO15q

More evidence for hip-abduction exercises for runners with knee pain. Increased muscle strength, less pain in 3 weeks. http://1.usa.gov/ielvxM

Among 80 endurance athletes, those training harder came down with more winter colds. http://1.usa.gov/hS3xJv

Counter to hypothesis, a fatiguing run produces no change in lower-leg measures among 12 competitive m & f runners. http://1.usa.gov/f0OJzB

For tibial stress syndrome, shockwave therapy (5 sessions over 9 weeks) produces significantly reduced recovery time. http://bit.ly/hfuzGj

Help for knee injuries may come from: weight-loss, upper leg flexibility, quad strengthening, orthotics. http://bit.ly/eavSQx

“Variables associated with brain activity”–glucose, dopamine, noradrenaline–explain much of RPE-performance link. http://1.usa.gov/hz7dHN

Veteran marathoners have more myocardial fibrosis. Great NYTimes article. Still no adverse mortality data. http://nyti.ms/giPKZ4

Computer exergaming can provide fitness benefits for kids. Importantly, enjoyment was highest for fattest kids. http://bit.ly/gWvKKh

Two recent h.s. athlete deaths put sudden cardiac arrest in headlines. But new study = screening doesn’t reduce risks. http://bit.ly/eGkCfM

More than you might want to know about heavy training vs rest periods, and effect GI tract and stool frequencies. http://1.usa.gov/fJQYWX

Physical inactivity affects 21% world’s adults (76 countries). Worst in wealthy, urban areas, among women, elderly. http://1.usa.gov/hFBNWM

Want to make a dent in childhood obesity? Start by changing their parents’ behavior. http://1.usa.gov/gKmaYe

You don’t need an HR monitor or other fancy gear to find your aerobic training zone: The “Talk Test” works fine. http://1.usa.gov/dOWC4E

Hi intensity intervals improve performance of 9-11 yr old swimmers. http://1.usa.gov/gJjPIp

Top Nordic skiier tested with unusually high vo2 max (90.6) and even more impressive submax lactate levels. http://1.usa.gov/fWF7fj

Protein drink during endurance exercise does not increase muscle protein synthesis over carb drink. http://1.usa.gov/gOI3wp

Orthotics gets 2 votes for injury prevention (not rehab) from meta-analysis and military. http://1.usa.gov/hMbLkD http://1.usa.gov/h2RAfv

Orthotics might prevent injuries, but not correct them. http://bit.ly/gcnJAb Orthotics decrease military injuries. http://bit.ly/hFKJ16

5 yr controlled trial shows no benefit of knee arthroscopy vs. home exercise program for patellofemoral pain. http://bit.ly/eIdviu

Mountainous 100-mile run produces large changes in neuro-muscular measures. But all returns to normal in 2 weeks. http://bit.ly/hNX4WZ

Oil prices flirting with $100/barrel? That’s good news. High gas prices increase physical activity. http://bit.ly/haweq3

Dept of no surprises here: After 100-miler, runners have reduced stride length, greater stride frequency. http://bit.ly/id7eRE

Looking for a little bit of inspiration? Check out this incredible story about a Pennsylvania woman who will be running the St. Luke’s Half Marathon this May in honor of a friend who lost her life to cancer.

Kristen Maisano sustained a serious leg injury when she was struck by a car at the age of 8. Little did she know that this incident would propel her into a lifelong direction of helping others overcome their own difficulties. Kristen completed her doctorate last year in Occupational Therapy and currently works at Genesis Rehabilitation Services in Wilkes-Barre.

In 2009, Kristen decided to start running and ran her first half marathon in Philadelphia that same year. Soon after that she ran her first marathon. This year, Kristen will compete in her first triathlon later this summer. But first, she plans to honor the memory of a friend who died in January after a three month battle with cancer, stating that 13.1 miles is nothing compared to the suffering her friend endured.

You can read more about Kristen in an article published on citizensvoice.com – Marathon Runner Inspired by Traumatic Event

Nick Falsone

Nick is training for his third half marathon here in the Lehigh Valley. He will also be running this year’s St. Luke’s Half Marathon. For Falsone, training for a 13.1 mile race is less about the competition and more about leading a healthier lifestyle as he tries to wean himself from snacks which are disruptive to his quest. He says this is sometimes hard to do when he runs on his parent’s treadmill where the cupboards are well-stocked with sugary and salty snacks. One of the things Falsone is most looking forward to is the adrenaline rush he’ll get as he passes by cheering crowds, which always keeps him moving.

You can read the full article at lehighvalleylive.com – Following Falsone: Preparing for the St. Luke’s Half Marathon is more about keeping a healthy regimen than winning a race

Get involved in the effort to improve Pennsylvania’s roads; add biking and walking projects to the ReconnectPA website now!

At PA Walks and Bikes, we have been working with the Keystone Coalition to pursue a comprehensive solution to the state’s transportation needs. This group of individuals and organizations represents all modes of transportation and road users. The Coalition’s goal is to convince the Pennsylvania legislature and the Governor to develop a well funded and comprehensive transportation plan. Thanks to the outreach of our partners at the Lebanon Valley Bicycle Coalition, $20 million of the Keystone Coalition’s funding plan is proposed for bicycling and walking. This funding is intended to improve infrastructure on the roads, especially to widen shoulders. and to fully fund the bicycling and walking staff within PennDOT.

The Keystone Coalition has developed a new website – ReconnectPA – to catalog all of the transportation project needs in the state. On the site, you can add the specific project needs in your community and vote on the projects suggested by others. By taking the time to identify locations of needed improvements and voting on the projects proposed by others, you will provide the information that the Keystone Coalition needs to promote their comprehensive transportation plan.

So, what are you waiting for? Get over there and add some bicycle and pedestrian project ideas now!

by Josh Karns, Executive Director of PA Walks and Bikes

As we reported last week, the 2011-2012 legislative session has kicked off with a number of bills looking to restrict the use of mobile phones while driving. While all of them would make our roads safer, none took a comprehensive approach to the issue.

Now, a much stronger bill, House Bill 330, has been introduced by Representative Josh Shapiro, with a whole crew of cosponsors, that takes a broad look at the common causes of distracted driving and driver education.

This bill will make the following changes in Pennsylvania to reduce distractions and increase driver competency:

• Mobile phones (aka “interactive wireless communication devices”) will be limited to hands-free call.
• All text-based communication will be prohibited, except for entering a telephone number or operating a navigation device.
• Drivers with a junior license or learner’s permit will be prohibited from using a mobile phone in any context while driving, including hands-free calling.
• PennDOT will launch a distracted driver education campaign and report on vehicle crashes that involve the use of a mobile phone.
• Video screens , other than those used for driving or navigation, will be prohibited within sight of the driver.
• All children under 18 will be required to wear a seat belt or child seat, no matter where in the car they are sitting.
• Junior drivers will be limited to one passenger.
• The drivers education requirements for a junior driver’s license will be increased from 50 hours to 65 hours including no less than ten hours of nighttime driving and five hours of inclement weather driving.

All of these provisions will help to reduce distracted driving and increase driver’s education. They will help to make our roads safe for all users: pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists.

Are you a member of PA Walks and Bikes? Join today!
We need you to join the movement. PA Walks and Bikes is working to protect the rights of pedestrians and cyclists. We envision a complete transportation system in communities across Pennsylvania with safe access for all users.

In group of runners, longer leg tendons (espec Achilles) and less joint flexibility linked to greater running economy. http://bit.ly/gHNPcV

Ouch! Researchers compute that weight loss-exercise programs reduce “weight-related disease burden” by only .01%. http://bit.ly/hBtLkl

Combined protein-carb supplement improves endurance performance among cyclists in hot, 8 day event. http://bit.ly/fMvcLh

In randomized trial, plyometric training helps running-after-cycling neuromotor control in some triaths. No RE boost. http://bit.ly/eJsLxT

Incredibly great info-graphic shows your carb needs (and more) during exercise of different lengths. Read article too. http://bit.ly/eQE0oE

Among elite track/field athletes, leg-length discrepancy increases risk of stress fractures. http://bit.ly/eZWA6q

Controlled trial finds “no evidence for the use of platelet-rich plasma injection in chronic Achilles tendinopathy.” http://bit.ly/gsuA6Q

In prospective study w men, increases in intensive exercise linked to lower cancer death rates. http://bit.ly/hc8EtB

Training partners are great at any age. Here, kids who have active friends are more active themselves. http://bit.ly/f1xBXp

Do orthotics work? Maybe, NYTimes: http://nyti.ms/ggm6Uc. Yes, two controlled 2010 studies: http://bit.ly/etMZBu. http://bit.ly/dTEk74

After 5 yr followup, increased daily step count associated with lower bmi and better insulin sensitivity. http://bit.ly/hGHoAl

Too much screen time (ie, sedentary behavior) increases mortality risk, even among physically active. http://bit.ly/htnQ11

Big breakfast for successful weight-loss overturned in study, not-yet-published. http://bit.ly/hKwddF

Cost of obesity approaching $300 billion. http://yhoo.it/hLZhPm. Boston now has special ambulance for the obese. http://yhoo.it/hm4zVI

Prolonged sitting is independent risk for bad health markers. More evidence, from large population sample. http://bit.ly/eMKewi

When running in heat, a cooling neck collar increases endurance by 13.5 percent. Collar lowers perceived effort. http://bit.ly/e9xFe0

Somewhat surprising: Various running-generated forces don’t change that much with modest uphill or downhill slope. http://bit.ly/eIINYO

In British military recruits, simple set of stretching & strengthening exercises reduces anterior knee pain by 75%. http://bit.ly/gv1l2Q

Active stretching beats static stretching for hamstring flexibility, is more time efficient too. http://bit.ly/eYiyQY

High fitness (probably from high exercise levels) protects midlife women from weight gain. Low and mod fitness do not. http://bit.ly/h6pnqG

“Increased physical activity” decreases symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. http://bit.ly/hfMuRM

Modest human study indicates that high fitness slows “the biological aging process.” http://bit.ly/hyve9a