From Around the 'Net

The signs and symptoms of a stroke are:
 - Slurred speech or inability to speak.
- Numbness or tingling in an arm and/or leg.
- Facial drooping (one side becomes flaccid).
- Blindness. 
- Changes in behavior and/or memory.

 
(Body symptoms may affect one or both sides.)

If you suspect a stroke, seek medical attention immediately and note the time of onset of symptoms. 
 
  

2. Muscle Tone
 
 
A total of 600 muscles work in different combinations in the body. The muscles are slightly contracted and firm, which is called muscle tone. An exercise program including the health-related components of fitness (strength, muscle endurance, flexibility, cardio-respiratory) will improve muscle tone. The muscles become larger and muscle fibers become stronger as the muscles are challenged. Exercising three to four days a week will improve muscle tone. Alternating weight lifting days with aerobic activity is necessary for the muscle fibers to grow larger. It is important for the fibers to have periods of rest and healing between weight lifting workouts. 
Heredity is an important factor in muscle tone. It determines the ratio and the types of muscle fibers in the body. There are two types: fast and slow twitch fibers. Fast twitch muscles work rapidly but tire quickly (sprinters). Slow twitch muscles work for a longer time without tiring (marathon runners). Exercise will increase muscle tone, but it will not change the types of fibers found in the body. However, without a workout program, the muscles will definitely lose muscle tone as a person ages--especially in the stomach and buttocks.
 
 

3. Carbos - the fuel of choice

For endurance athletes, carbohydrates are the fuel of choice

A few high-protein, high-fat diets are making their way through the masses with headlines and testimonials suggesting that they are the ticket for fast weight loss. And indeed, many have found success with these diets. But for endurance athletes, all the signs still point to high-carbohydrate diets for good health and performance.

Asimba.com offers a defense of the mighty carbohydrate, with a quick primer on the science behind fueling an endurance athlete.
In addition, there are some ballpark numbers on how many calories the average athlete burns in a variety of grueling events .

For the details, check out the full article:
http://www.asimba.com/lifestyle/magazines/article/nutrition/nut_gen_ntr_3158.html

4. The Importance of Form and Function

A good runner is an efficient runner, whose economy of motion and energy means more left over for going the distance. That means form and posture are crucial; the way that a runner carries herself determines a great deal about the efficiency of her running. Active.com offers a guide to proper form, including the way you should hold your head, arms, hands, shoulders and hips.

"Some of the more common mistakes," writes Active.com, "are saggy shoulders, arms hanging too loosely by the runner's sides or moving too far across the chest, the dreaded knock-kneed syndrome, or a runner actually sticking both thumbs straight up (affectionately known as 'The Fonz')."

For more, check out the full article at Active.com:
http://www.active.com/story.cfm?story_id=5299

5. Your Racing Flats

"Save your racing flats for races or a serious speed session on thetrack. Flats (weighing less than 10 ounces) make you feel fast, buttraining shoes offer better protection from injuries."

6. Use For Old Socks

"Use an old pair of tube socks as gloves during a cold race. They're
cheap and effective, and you can simply toss them aside if your hands
get too warm during the race." - Parker Morse, RW online editor

7. Calling All Clydesdales and Athenas
 
 
A growing number of races are including Clydesdale divisions for the heavier runner. A Clydesdale athlete is any male runner or triathlete over 200 pounds. Women over 145 pounds are called Athenas. Each weight group is divided into two age groups: an open category for 39 and under, and a master's division for over 40.

Running "large" requires a modified training program. The training principles are the same, but increasing intensity requires caution. In the weight room, big runners often tend to put body muscle mass on easily and end up with unwanted bulk. An exertion of 6 or 7 on a scale of 1 to 10 may be all that is needed. Also, large runners often require more water than a smaller person. The recommended amount may not be enough.

8. Tapering for a Marathon

Be careful when you reduce your mileage before the event.  Unwanted weight can accumulate.  As you lessen the mileage, decrease the amount that youtake in.  If you are a calorie counter, a guide would be about 100 fewer calories for each fewer mile that you run during this period.  Each mile you run or walk burns about 100 calories.  This balances out the reduction in exercise.

9. An Extra Push to Get You Out of the House and Running / Walking

You have the best of intentions of being a consistent runner as it gets cooler, but you don't keep to them.  Here are some suggestions
that may prove helpful:
 Get out the door.  Lay out your clothes the evening before.  Make it easy to get dressed.  Put on your running shoes to pick up the morning paper.  Whatever it takes, overcome the inertia of lounging in bed for a little more time and perhaps skipping a day's planned workout.
Reward yourself for your efforts.  Set some achievable goals and some concrete rewards when you attain your goal.
Have a partner.
Seek out some new routes to periodically explore.  Variety is good.