The Green Flash Blazes Through Chicago

Lionel Sanders doesn’t swim that well — at least, not for an elite long-distance triathlete. He typically comes out of the water about four minutes after the race leaders. But just wait till the run portion of the swim-bike-run event — about 10K in, he’ll catch up. That come-from-behind strategy has served him well, making the 27-year-old Canadian — who visited Chicago on Monday — the youngest top-10 Ironman in the world. This year alone, he’s won four out of his six half or full Ironman races and has his sights set on the Ironman World Championship in Kona in October. Read the full article for A Sweat Life.

The Best Food Combos To Eat Before Every Type Of Workout

Just like your gear needs vary by workout, so too should your fueling strategy. The smoothie that goes down easy before strength-training could cause digestive distress in spin class. And you don’t need quite as many calories for a 30-minute brisk stroll as you would for a high-intensity interval session. Read the full article for Prevention.

How Not to Be a Head Case at Your Big-City Race

You’ve spent your training runs loping along tree-lined trails or quiet back roads with your herd. But one day, you find yourself on a city street inside an immense crowd of unfamiliar beasts. Music blares, crowds roar, and you have to fight your way through a veritable obstacle course to reach your destination. Add the pressure to perform and months (if not years) of preparation and expectation, and you have the perfect description of a big-city race—and a potential recipe for a major mental meltdown. Read the full article for Runner’s World.

10 Exercises You Hate The Most—And What To Do Instead

weights-652486_1280It’s bound to happen at some point during your workout. The moment you always dread: Your instructor or workout DVD announces that it’s time to do your LEAST favorite move. You know, the one that always makes your back ache, your knees hurt, or makes you feel like the most uncoordinated person in the room. (We’re looking at you, squats, planks, and burpees.) Read the full article for Prevention.com.

6 Ways Your Health Suffers When You Stop Working Out

Just as a good training program builds you up, falling off the workout wagon can have the opposite effect—sometimes almost immediately. Experts call this phenomenon “detraining,” and its consequences can weigh even heavier than the gut you see in the mirror. Fortunately, the condition is fully reversible, as long as you get your butt back to the gym. Read the full article for Men’s Health.

12 Habits of Highly Motivated Runners

Runners dream big. Tackling a new distance, posting a personal best, losing 20 pounds–we embrace grand challenges. But what happens after you accomplish your goal, or if your resolve weakens before you succeed? You risk stalling–unless you’ve changed your routines to those of a stronger, healthier runner. Read the full article in Runner’s World.