Health-Chair Reform

From NPR online…

Health-Chair Reform: Walk, Don't Sit At Your Desk

by Eliza Barclay

11:19 am, April 27, 2011

Most Americans have their behinds glued to a chair for a good eight hours a day. Or more. Our expanding waistlines, sluggish metabolisms, and hunched shoulders are ready evidence of where we spend our time, as NPR's Patti Neighmond reported on Morning Edition this week.

But a backlash is brewing to the ossified desk setup. And the treadmill desk is gaining a particularly loyal following complete with an active social networking community for those who've eschewed the chair. Some companies have installed treadmill desks for their employees: SALO, a Minneapolis human resources company, has 10 walking workstations throughout the office. Health care giant Humana has done the same.

And Shots learned that a Norfolk, Virginia real estate company is considering a similar move, inspired by senior vice president Tom Johnson, 41, who recently installed one in his office after reading about the health benefits on the Internet.

Johnson, like many treadmill desk converts, says that his chair didn't just restrict his natural inclination to move all day – it also made him less creative and productive. "It's almost like sitting in chair mentally dumbs me down," Johnson told Shots. "And when I get up I'm bent over like a crooked stick."

Read on here.

Does Exercise Really Boost Your Mood?

From the NY Times online…

April 27, 2011, 12:01 am

Does Exercise Really Boost Your Mood?

By GRETCHEN REYNOLDS

There exists a large and soothing body of scientific literature suggesting that regular exercise can improve someone’s mood and fight anxiety. And then there is this experiment from Germany, in which researchers placed running wheels in the cages of a group of laboratory mice and let them exercise at will.

Mice generally love to run, and these rodents spent almost every waking hour on their wheels, skittering through more miles than most animals are allowed to complete during exercise studies, averaging about seven miles per mouse per day. The scientists, from the Central Institute of Mental Health at the University of Heidelberg, then placed these avid runners in unfamiliar situations. What they found was surprising, in part because it contradicted earlier experiments by other researchers. The mice froze or quickly fled to dark corners, behaviors considered by some researchers to signify anxiety. It was as if the marathon runners in this experiment had become more anxious and neurotic than the nonrunners, presumably because of the volume of their running.

Read on here.

Wednesday Night Run 4-27-2011

Hello ORC,

I was going through Inman Park today and there were many reminders of the Inman Park fest going on this weekend.  If you are going, take Marta or ride a bike.  Parking is hellish for the fest.  And of course with the Inman Park Fest is the requisite 5K race but it’s not on a Saturday morning.  The race will be on Sunday morning.  I really wish I can make it for the race because I have never seen Caterpillar runs where groups of 7 or more are tied together and race together.  Craziest/funkiest costumes win prizes.  On Saturday and you are a Beltline fan, there is the Atlanta beltline Northside 5K.  if the Beltline does ever get complete, it will be a real nice place to train on.  Imagine a long run circling the city.

What else is going on?  What would you like to share?

You are running through the Winnona neighborhood.  It is Route 1.  The run goes through Kirkwood, through McKoy Park, around Winnona, through Agnes Scott, and a long finishing straight on Ansley.  The link to Route 1 is at the bottom of this e-mail.  After the run it's off to Mojo's Pizza for food, drinks and trivia.

Enjoy your run Wednesday night.  Thanks for making the Oakhurst Running Club one of the friendliest running club in Atlanta.

Corny

http://oakhurstrunningclub.blogspot.com/

http://oakhurst-running-club.googlegroups.com/web/Route+1.pdf?gda=v86xvD

Boston is not a marathon

If strict IAAF criteria were applied, Boston would not be a marathon…

A BOSTON ROAD RACE

Posted on April 23, 2011 by Pat

Last Monday’s so-called Boston Marathon has made a mockery of long distance running. The world’s best practitioner of the art, Haile Gebrselassie ran 2.03.59 in 2008, on an admittedly fast, but fully authenticated marathon course, in Berlin; and now sees two Kenyans, Geoffrey Mutai and Moses Mosop run almost a minute faster on the Boston course.

That Mutai and Mosop are fine distance runners, no one can doubt. What should be in doubt is whether the road race from Hopkinton to downtown Boston, held on Patriots’ Day every year should be called a marathon.

Read on here.

Local Races This Weekend

Friday, April 29

Our Lady of the Assumption's 2nd Annual Spring Stampede 5K/Mile/Tot Trot, Atlanta

Saturday, April 30

Tink Trot 5K, Dunwoody

6th Annual Big Peach 5K, Brookhaven/Oglethorpe

Water for the World Run 5K/10K/Tot Trot, Johns Creek

Girls on the Run Spring 5K, Buckhead

Atlanta BeltLine Northside 5K, Atlanta

Sope Creek 5K and Mile, Marietta

Not for Sale Free 2 Walk 5K, Grant Park

Sunday, May 1

3rd Annual Rocket Run 5K & Caterpillar Cruise, Inman Park

Fiesta Atlanta 5K, Centennial Olympic Park

Barefoot Running Style

Beat The Street For Little Feet 5K - April 23rd

Saturday, April 23, 2011 @ 8:00 AM

5k: 8 am, 1 mile: 8:45, Fun Run: 9am

Coan Park1520 Woodbine Ave., SE

This family friendly race through the historic neighborhoods of Edgewood and Kirkwood will be followed by a post-race childrens party and runner expo located at Coan Park. Race Fees 5k – $20 by March 31, 2011. $25 April 1 - April 22. $30 day of. Phantom Runners – $25 by April 22, 2011. One Mile Run – $15 by March 31, 2011. $20 April 1-April 22. $25 day of. Kid’s Fun Run – $10 by March 31. $15 April 1 - April 22. $20 day of.

Additional Information

We will have a prizes for age divisions in addition to overall first place men and women's and masters mens' and womens'. There will also be a jogging stroller division. The race is also one of the greenest in the area, reflecting Oakhurst Cooperative Preschool’s strong commitment to environmental education and sustainable practices. Compostable cups will be provided to all runners, and special efforts will be made to collect any compostable or recyclable waste generated by the event. In addition, the school will be facilitating a Nike re-use-a-shoe drive in conjunction with the race. A special door prize also will be reserved for a participant who makes an effort to be green on race day, either by carpooling, taking public transportation or bringing a pair of shoes for recycling.

There will be a fun post race party with lots of kid friendly activities. Big Peach, Whole Foods, Mix 1, Fontis, Larabar, and Frannie's Gluten Free Muffins will all be there.  Big Peach is providing gift certificates for the top 4 overall finisher awards (1st male female and 1st masters male and female).  Coan Park is an excellent venue with some really good post run hang out areas and lots of greenspace for throwing a frisbee.  We've rented the rec center so we'll have those amenities - like restrooms - all there for runners too.  This will be a very eco-conscious race as well with limited trash and a door prize for a runner who comes via alternate transportation such as biking, running, marta, or carpooling.  The preschool was recently featured in the AJC for its efforts to sustain the environment.

http://www.ajc.com/lifestyle/going-green-is-kid-904475.html

Registration is on-going at active.com or instore at the Big Peach in Decatur until Wed.

http://www.active.com/running/atlanta-ga/beat-the-street-for-little-feet-5k-2011

2011 Boston Marathon: Kilel is women's champ

Boston Womens Race Recap

From Runner’s World online Boston coverage (look at the picture, it’s so close)…

Kilel Kills Boston Course, American Davila 2nd

2011/04/18 5:50 pm

 by Susan Rinkunas

As has been the case the last three years in Boston, the women’s race was decided by mere seconds in a sprint down Boylston Street. Caroline Kilel of Kenya, a relative unknown, outdueled Desiree Davila of the United States to win the 115th Boston Marathon by 2 seconds in 2:22:36. Sharon Cherop of Kenya, who won September’s Toronto Marathon, took third in 2:22:42.

Read on here.

Boston Men's Race Recap

From Runner’s World online coverage of Boston…

Kenyan Geoffrey Mutai Runs 2:03:02 Marathon, Fastest Ever; Ryan Hall Fourth In American Fastest 2:04:58

2011/04/18 5:52 pm

By Amby Burfoot

On the world’s most hallowed annual-marathon course, on a spiffy, cool day, in a race full of world-class marathoners, Kenyan Geoffrey Mutai, 29, sprinted down a pulsating Boylston Street to break the Boston Marathon finish tape in 2:03:02, by far the fastest marathon ever run. His countryman Moses Mosop, 25, running his first marathon, crossed the line just 4 seconds later.

Both easily surpassed the current 2:03:59 marathon world record of Haile Gebrselassie. However, today’s Boston times will receive an asterisk in the record books, due to the point-to-point nature of the historic Hopkinton-to-Copley Square Boston course. (See this story to fully understand the issues involved.)

American marathon star Ryan Hall led through most of the first 10 miles, and eventually finished fourth in 2:03:58, five seconds behind third-place finisher Gebre Gebremariam, who won last fall’s New York City Marathon. Hall’s time is the fastest ever run by an American marathoner, eclipsing the former mark of Khalid Khannouchi, 2:05:38. Hall’s time will also get an asterisk in the books.

Read on here.

Interesting Grete Waitz Fact

From the AJC’s online article here…

Waitz first won the hearts of Atlantans in 1983. At the start of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race, she was pushed to the ground. Her brother scooped her up, and with a large, bleeding bruise on her thigh, Waitz won in then-record time, 32:00.2. She went on to win the race three more times.

Wednesday Night Run 4-20-2011

Hello ORC,

Not meaning to start on a negative note but safety warrants it.  Please be careful around the neighborhood.  Even though it is Oakhurst and Decatur, take care of your safety and be aware of your surroundings.  After my PSA, at the Academy Theatre, this Saturday is the Think Global/Act Local: A Benefit for Japan & Actor’s Express.  And I only realized this but the Art Institute in Downtown Decatur has a gallery.  Currently they are showing Extraordinary Things: 2011 Chattahoochee Biennial of Textiles.  The Dogwood Festival has passed and the same for the Sweetwater 420 Fest.

What else is going on this weekend?  Anyone want to share?

On the local race scene, there are 2 that are a warm-up run distance.  In the morning is the Beat The Street For Little Feet 5K at Coan Park and later on that Saturday is the Take back The Night 5K and Mile.  A little further out is the Magic of Life 5K in the Highlands, the Laurel Ridge Elementary 5K, Run For Success 5K at Georgia Tech, and the Chamblee Run & Rotary Roll.  Lots going on locally watch out for traffic and blocked streets.

This Wednesday you will be running route 6.  It's the elephant run as named by Gail.  There are the challenging hills of Delano, the grind up Rogers, and of course climbing up McClendon.  The link to the route is at the bottom of this e- mail. After the run it's off to Mojo's Pizza for food, drinks and trivia.

Enjoy your run Wednesday night.  Thanks for making the Oakhurst Running Club one of the friendliest running club in Atlanta.

Corny

http://oakhurstrunningclub.blogspot.com/

http://oakhurst-running-club.googlegroups.com/web/Route+6.pdf?gda=VFOSQEAAAABX1J9qhvqHbbbNJKzo8aYdx2ayATu3Cg1bzWPokcZa6XPNLSJDWxDtttThEJZz0tZtxVPdW1gYotyj7-X7wDON

Marathon Great Waitz Dies

The most interesting tidbit of marathon greatness was that she ran the NYC Marathon as a rabbit, an early pacesetter, and to celebrate her retirement from competitive running so she can focus on her job as a teacher and start a family.  She ended up winning, quit her job teaching, and never had kids.  Marathon greatness from the NY Times…

Grete Waitz, Norwegian Marathon Runner, Dies

By MARK McDONALD

Published: April 19, 2011

Grete Waitz, the splendid Norwegian runner who set a world mark in her first marathon, in New York City in 1978, died of cancer on Tuesday in Oslo. She was 57.

Her death was confirmed by her husband, Jack.

Ms. Waitz was just 18 when she competed in the women’s 1,500-meter race at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games. She was eliminated in the first round in Munich but her career as a competitive runner and pioneering athlete was just getting started.

Grete Waitz crossing the finish line of the New York Marathon in 1983.

Photo from AP

Local Races This Weekend

Saturday, April 23

·       Magic of Life 5K, Virginia Highland

·       Beat the Street for Little Feet 5K, Coan Park

·       Dirty Spokes GSC 5.5 Mile Trail Running Race, Gainesville

·       Laurel Ridge Elementary Romp Thru the Woods 5K/Fun Run, Decatur

·       Run for Success 5K, Georgia Tech

·       Chamblee Run & Rotary Roll: 5K Run and 1K Walk and Roll, Chamblee

·       Take back the Night 5K and Mile, Decatur

Publix GA Marathon Photos

Full album here.

Trail Running 101 at REI Atlanta

Maybe its not trail running 101 but the REI Atlanta store is offering an introduction to trail running on May 1st and May 6th.  Here's an intro from REI...

If you've been pounding pavement and need a new challenge or if you want to learn more about improving your off-road skills while exploring some excellent trails, this outing is for you.

When Is It Time To Replace Your Running Shoes?

I’ve been looking for this article, from Running Competitor online…

When Is It Time To Replace Your Running Shoes?

Updated: Apr 5th 2011 10:43 AM UTC by Linzay Logan

With so many different factors that go into determining how long a pair of running shoes last it is difficult to know when exactly it is necessary to replace them. I have heard every number from every six months to every 300 to 500 miles. And then I have read books that say you can run for hundreds of miles on a single pair of shoes if your feet are acclimated to less stability and cushioning. So what gives? When should I get a new pair of kicks?

There is good reason as to why criteria is spread all over for when shoes need to be replaced and that is because it is different for everyone. There is no magic number of months or miles where your shoes just fall apart when you go to put them on.

The amount of time you have had them is probably the worst way to decide when a pair of shoes needs retiring because the amount I run in six months is probably different from the amount you run in six months and it is definitely different than the amount Ryan Hall runs in six months. Instead, mileage is a better factor in determining when your shoes need replacement and 300 to 500 miles is the ideal range. For smaller runners who weigh less they can go for a bit longer on one pair and for heavier runners who weigh more they should look at the lower end of the spectrum. Another factor that determines when the best time is to replace shoes is treading wear. If you over pronate a lot and your shoes are showing wear on the tread it is definitely time for a new pair.

Yesterday, I realized what the single best factor is in determining when it is time to replace running shoes—when everything hurts.  If you can feel the lack of support and cushioning in your shoes, that is the telltale sign you need a new pair. I went for a 17-mile run and felt the impact of the pavement on my feet and every joint in my body every step I took. With over eight months of training, three half-marathons and one marathon for probably close to 1000 miles on my shoes I guess I should take my own advice and go out and get a new pair.  Clearly I know which shoes I like; now I just need to decide what color to get!

Read it here.

Owning the Aid Station

From Running Times online…

Owning the Aid Station

What to accomplish and how to get it done

By Jackie Dikos, R.D.

As featured in the Web Only issue of Running Times Magazine

Knowing when to drink, how to drink, and how much to drink can leave questions. Should I drink during a 10K race or leave drinking for the half marathon and longer? How do I make sure I’m getting enough fluid? Am I drinking too much or too little? Such questions can be remedied by knowing a few simple guidelines and following through with a few basic principles.

Read on here.

Kenyan dominance par for the course

Kenyan dominance par for the course

Boston has always run in cycles

By John Connolly

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Marathon running, like life, can be one big circle. What goes around often comes back around. It’s why the sport of marathoning carries cyclical overtones with regard to domination by a particular country. The issue comes to the forefront when considering the 18 titles won at the Boston Marathon by Kenya in the men’s open division, all since 1988 when Ibrahim Hussein outkicked Tanzania’s Juma Ikangaa by one second in a magnificent stretch run to begin the trend.

Now, the question begs: Is the domination by the Kenyans unique?

A cursory glance at the history of the 115-year-old Hopkinton-to-Boston footrace would indicate the answer is no. There have been other countries which at various times have shown superiority, albeit not to the extent of the deep Kenyan running machine.

Wednesday Night Run 4-13-2011

Hello ORC,

Yes the outdoor festival season is upon us.  The Sweetwater 420 Fest is this weekend at Candler Park.  There is also the Decatur Business Association Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday morning.  Also on Saturday is the Community Shred Event at 1^st Baptist Church of Decatur.  In Oakhurst on Sunday is the Earth Day Celebration.  And April is Pedestrian Safety Month.

I am only reading about this and it shows how little I drive, but the Big H lot (next to One Step At A Time) is now a $5 pay lot.  Do you park there for our Wednesday night runs?

And with the Sweetwater 420 fest there is also the companion 5K races on Saturday morning.  It’s actually closer to Noon than the morning.  The crowds may be bigger.  After seeing the route, if there was ever a challenging run, this is it.  The net gain on elevation is uphill.  But for hill runners, you are in luck.  There are a couple of other races around town.  As local as it gets, Candler Park and Lullwater Park which is hosting the Emory PA 5K is as close as we can get this weekend.

What else is going on this weekend, care to share?

 

Tomorrow, Wednesday, you will be running route 13.  The route goes up the hard flat of Oakview and hits the hills of Spence/McDonough.  The link to the route is at the bottom of this e- mail.  After the run it's off to Mojo's Pizza for food, drinks and trivia.

Thanks for making the Oakhurst Running Club one of the friendliest running club in Atlanta.

Corny

http://oakhurstrunningclub.blogspot.com/

http://oakhurst-running-club.googlegroups.com/web/Route+13.pdf?gda=Ay36GUEAAABX1J9qhvqHbbbNJKzo8aYdwqvuyWwHeyruJaqMXqN7VdMauZfeP2VUhote_RWBRRRTCT_pCLcFTwcI3Sro5jAzlXFeCn-cdYleF-vtiGpWAA

Local Races This Weekend

Saturday, April 16

·       Sweetwater 420 Fest 5K, Candler Park

·       10th Annual Run the River 5K/10K, Roswell

·       39th Annual Pi Mile 5K Road Race, Georgia Tech

·       9th Annual Radiant Systems Sprint for Cancer, 5K and 10K, Perimeter

·       Y Not Run 5K & Skirt Run, Marietta

·       Hightower Trail 5K Hustle, Marietta

·       Emory PA 5K Charitable Fun Run, Lullwater Park

7 of 1 Show Opening

ASICS

I never realized the ASICS is an acronym.  Did you know what it stands for?

Anima Sana In Corpora Sano, or a sound mind in a sound body

I actually don’t know what language it is translated from.

A Brief History of Barefoot Running

Interesting, from Running Times online…

A Brief History of Barefoot Running

Minimalist shoes and barefoot running has been a strategy of champions for decades

By Roger Robinson

As featured in the April 2011 issue of Running Times Magazine

Rome, Sept. 10, 1960: Starting line of the Olympic Marathon -- The three New Zealanders, Jeff Julian, Barry Magee and Ray Puckett, nervously await the starting gun. Standing next to them they notice an unknown African runner with a skeletal figure and no shoes. "Oh, well, that's one we can beat, anyway," Puckett says.

The African was Abebe Bikila of Ethiopia. His bare feet skimmed over the hot streets of Rome that night to give him the Olympic gold medal in a world-record 2:15:16.2. Magee was third. "It was amazing that Bikila was standing right next to us on the line," Magee told me late last year. Puckett's ill-fated remark has become urban legend. David Maraniss's book Rome 1960 wrongly attributes it to a member of the American team.

Bikila's gold medal in Rome is the most famous barefoot victory in modern running history, but far from the only one. Bare feet were not invented in 2009, and have been the footwear of choice for many top and other runners long before the current fashion.

Read on here.

Wednesday Night Run 4-6-2011

Hello ORC,

If you didn’t know today, April 5^th, is One Day Without Shoes Day.  Sadly I could not participate because I work in a business office and walking around with no shoes would be frowned upon.  And then tomorrow, April 6^th is National Start Walking Day.  I think we’ll take care of that by running.  If you want to learn how to draw awesome comics of running, artist Tim Drummond will be teaching a call at the Oakhurst Community Garden.  STEAMfest 2011 is going on at the Academy Theatre although I am unfamiliar with Steampunk.

What else is going on?  Care to share?

There are a couple of local races this weekend.  In Dunwoody is the Run Zulu 5K.  In Marietta is the Operation Yellow Ribbon 5K.  In various places in and around Atlanta are the 32^nd Annual Sickle Cell Road Race which is a 7K and a 4K; the Run Before You Crawl 5K; and the Bolt for PCOS 5K.  Next weekend is the Sweetwater 420 Fest 5K in Candler Park and the Pi Mile at Georgia Tech.  Go another week and it is the Southern Blue Relay, Magic of Life 5K in the Highlands, Beat the Street for Little Feet 5K (a favorite of mine and surprisingly run in Coan Park and not at Harmony Park where it is usually run at), a Dirty Spokes run in Gainesville, Laurel Ridge 5K, and the Take Back the Night 5K and Mile in Decatur.  Just want to give you a heads up if you want to sign up for some races around our neighborhood.

This Wednesday you will be running route 10.  The run hits Rockyford, Hosea, Tupelo, and the rolling hills of Spence/McDonough.  Watch out for traffic at intersections.  You can see the map through the link below.  After this 5 miler it is off to Mojo's Pizza for food, drinks, and trivia.

Thanks for making the Oakhurst Running Club one of the friendliest running club in Atlanta.

Corny

http://oakhurstrunningclub.blogspot.com/

http://oakhurst-running-club.googlegroups.com/web/Route+10.pdf?gda=Y5W1wEEAAABX1J9qhvqHbbbNJKzo8aYdkZ4rQCU_u672l2_IkAeIHNYTmJ10onBJPR398DLgjmhTCT_pCLcFTwcI3Sro5jAzlXFeCn-cdYleF-vtiGpWAA

What's My Lactate Threshold?

From Running Competitor online…

Ask The Experts: How Do I Find My Lactate Threshold?

Q.

Dear Matt,

I’ve read and heard all about the benefits of training at lactate threshold intensity. But what’s the best way to figure out my lactate threshold heart rate?

Ben

A.

Dear Ben,

There’s actually nothing particularly special about training at lactate threshold intensity. Yes, it is a powerful fitness booster, but so is training above and below lactate threshold intensity. The apparent specialness of lactate threshold intensity has been artificially inflated by the choice of scientists to single it out for individual attention.

Basically, it works like this: If scientists choose to study the effects of lactate threshold intensity on performance, they will have one group of runners train strictly at moderate intensity and another group add one or two lactate threshold-intensity workouts to their training. Both groups will be subjected to performance tests before and after the training intervention. The group that does lactate threshold training improves more, so lactate threshold intensity is confirmed as this magical intensity “sweet spot” with unparalleled fitness-boosting powers compared to other training intensities.

Read on here.

Local Races This Weekend

Saturday, April 9

·       Run Zulu 5K Run/Walk, Dunwoody

·       32nd Annual Sickle Cell Road Race 7K, 4K, Atlanta

·       Operation Yellow Ribbon 5K & Mile, Marietta

·       Run Before You Crawl 5K, Atlanta

·       Bolt for PCOS 5K Run/Walk, Atlanta

Mary Wittenberg Describes How She Got Into Running and NYRR

Interesting bit from NY 1 on Mary Wittenberg, head of the New York Road Runners; there is also a video on the site…

One On 1: Road Runners Head Mary Wittenberg Goes The Distance For NYC Marathon

By: Budd Mishkin

Mary Wittenberg took a significant cut in pay when she became head of the New York Road Runners, but the executive in charge of the New York City Marathon has been able to go great distances for the city and competitive running.  NY1's Budd Mishkin filed the following "One On 1" report.

Mary Wittenberg is the head of New York Road Runners and is in charge of the New York City Marathon, so I hoped to get some pointers on my running style.

"Full of potential," Wittenberg says. "I think that you have a little [of Ethiopian running champion] Haile Gebrselassie to you.... A little bit of a bounce to your stride, big happy smile."

Read on here.

Running 101: Class is in Session

From Runner’s World online…

Running 101: Class Is In Session

Are you ready to learn to love running, and begin a healthier, happier life? We've got the perfect teacher for you: Olympian, marathoner (and new mom!) Kara Goucher.

By Kara Goucher

From the May 2011 issue of Runner's World

I love to run. But I'm not sure I would if I hadn't gotten started with mentors—my grandfather and later my high school coach—who taught me that running was supposed to be fun and fulfilling. When I began, I couldn't have imagined that running would take me to the World Championships and the Olympics and to the other great love of my life, my husband, Adam. Not that it has always been smooth sailing. I've dealt with injuries. I've wilted under pressure to perform. But through it all, running has always been a relief and a sanctuary—something that makes me feel good, both physically and mentally. Which is why I want to help other people fall in love with running. Whether you're trying to lose weight or win a race, I hope this advice helps you become a better, happier, healthier, more fulfilled runner.

 Read on here.

NFL On The Track

From Sporting News online…

Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles getting his track shoes ready

PUBLISHED 12 hours and 50 minutes ago

Staff report

Sporting News

Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles says he will revisit his track-and-field career should the NFL lockout drag on for months.

Charles, who was a track All-American at the University of Texas, participated most notably in the 110-meter hurdles, the 300-meter hurdles and as part of the 800-meter relay team. He says he has talked with Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson and Titans running back Chris Johnson about joining him on the track-and-field circuit this summer.

"Just try to get an agent, get a sponsor, try to get on with a team," Charles told ESPN. "Maybe I could sponsor myself. All I'd have to do is get an offer by a team that could get me running track because you know, football season, you don't know how long it's going to go with the lockout."

Read it here.