Author Archives: Elisa Kinder

About Elisa Kinder

Elisa Kinder started running after watching the historic fall of Zola Budd and Mary Decker Slaney in the 1984 L.A. Olympics. Since then, she’s straddled a rattler, come face-to-face with a bull, been attacked by geese, watched a zillion sunrises and run by the light of the full moon.

Runners Gloat

Posted on November 1, 2011 by Elisa Kinder

Runners love to show off their prowess I find it interesting how men and women differ in describing their latest run challenges and how they delight in the simplest of things. After noting some of these comments, I realized these … Continue reading →

Posted in November 2011, Running | Tagged | Comments Off

2011 Running Shoe Review

Posted on September 30, 2011 by Elisa Kinder

Flashy, light, fun and technical This year’s new running shoe models have true pizzazz. With so many options, our review this year focuses on three major areas — road, trail and minimal shoes. Going green (more natural) appears to be … Continue reading →

Posted in Feature Articles, October 2011 | Tagged | Comments Off

Running Partners

Posted on September 30, 2011 by Elisa Kinder

Finding a good running partner isn’t easy Schedules, pace, training goals and route choices differ from one runner to another, which sometimes makes it difficult to find a running partner. But once you find one that fits your style, you’ll … Continue reading →

Posted in October 2011, Running | Tagged | Comments Off

Unfriendly Foods

Posted on September 1, 2011 by Elisa Kinder

The worst foods for runners You’ve had it happen: You start out feeling good, and then about a mile into the run your stomach growls, you burp up acid and cramps force you to slow down or stop. All these … Continue reading →

Posted in Running, September 2011 | Comments Off

Motivating Kids

Posted on August 1, 2011 by Elisa Kinder

Get them running On a recent group run, two women asked me for some fun ideas to motivate their kids to run. They needed something to get their children off the computer and television, and had tried signing them up … Continue reading →

Posted in August 2011, Running | Comments Off

Jumping Rope

Posted on July 1, 2011 by Elisa Kinder

Effective indoor exercise Look hard enough and you’ll probably find your old jump rope in the back of a closet. If you’re like me and dislike the treadmill, this indoor activity offers many benefits including coordination, agility, muscular strengthening, cardiovascular … Continue reading →

Posted in July 2011, Running | Comments Off

Heal in the Pool

Posted on June 1, 2011 by Elisa Kinder

Submerge, and then emerge feeling better Whether you’re recovering from a knee, ankle, stress fracture or plantar fasciitis injury, or you just need to take a break from pounding on dirt or asphalt, you may want to give pool running … Continue reading →

Posted in June 2011, Running | Comments Off

Beach Marathon

Posted on May 1, 2011 by Elisa Kinder

Train for a scenic, seaside run If you’re looking for a scenic, flat course for a marathon in early October, check out the Long Beach International City Bank ICB Marathon, Half Marathon and its many events in California. Nowhere else … Continue reading →

Posted in May 2011, Running | Comments Off

Training Tips

Posted on April 1, 2011 by Elisa Kinder

Five techniques to improve your running Training doesn’t have to be a hardship that you undertake to achieve a goal of placing at an event. It’s a way to improve your performance or just make the distance easier and more … Continue reading →

Posted in April 2011, Running | Comments Off

Hill Shifting

Posted on March 1, 2011 by Elisa Kinder

Get stronger and faster One of the first running partners I had in Tucson was a retired high school running coach from Palatine, Illinois. After 30 years of coaching, Joe Johnson had succeeded in making his school’s running team one … Continue reading →

Posted in March 2011, Running | Comments Off

Cold Morning Run

Posted on February 1, 2011 by Elisa Kinder

Tips to keep you running warm Last month when our group ran in Catalina State Park, our car temperature reading said it was 13 degrees. The chill in the air made us realize how important proper clothing is when it’s … Continue reading →

Posted in February 2011, Running | Comments Off

Getting Enough D

Posted on January 1, 2011 by Elisa Kinder

Your legs will thank you When you turn 40 your body starts losing bone mass and muscle strength, both which lead to an increased risk in fractures. Thankfully, there’s a way to prevent this deterioration. Running helps you build leg … Continue reading →

Posted in January 2011, Running | Comments Off

Natural Prozac

Posted on December 1, 2010 by Elisa Kinder

When you feel moody, run This year, don’t let the stress, depression and lack of time the busy holiday season leaves with you get in your way of enjoying being with your family and friends. During a recent visit my … Continue reading →

Posted in December 2010, Running | Comments Off

Heart Screenings

Posted on November 1, 2010 by Elisa Kinder

Making them mandatory It’s rare for athletes to die in a race or during training, but a hidden heart defect that stresses the heart can cause sudden death. A panel of the American Heart Association Science Advisory and Coordinating Committee … Continue reading →

Posted in November 2010, Running | Leave a comment

Sock Matters

Posted on October 1, 2010 by Elisa Kinder

Runners are just as picky about their socks as they are about their shoes There’s nothing worse than having a good run ruined by poor-fitting socks. Just a small crease, a tear or a sight bit of shrinkage after a … Continue reading →

Posted in Feature Articles, October 2010 | Leave a comment

Strengthen Your Legs

Posted on October 1, 2010 by Elisa Kinder

Work on your running muscles For more than 20 years I’ve combined weights with running. I’m a firm believer that it has helped me reduce injuries and survive hilly courses and trail running. Here’s my approach. Frequency I schedule my … Continue reading →

Posted in October 2010, Running | Leave a comment

2010 Running Shoe Review

Posted on October 1, 2010 by Elisa Kinder

This year’s models feature minimalist shoes for a more natural gait, shoes for extreme long-distance runners and those who enjoy running on rugged terrain. ASICS The structurally sound Asics Gel-Pulse 2 is a highly cushioned lightweight trainer for the neutral-footed … Continue reading →

Posted in Feature Articles, October 2010 | Comments Off

Fight Inflammation

Posted on September 1, 2010 by Elisa Kinder

Eat these foods to reduce pain and swelling Inflammation is usually due to an irritation or injury that results in pain, swelling and sometimes loss of movement. It’s also a component of heart disease and stroke. A healthy way to … Continue reading →

Posted in Running, September 2010 | 2 Comments

Back-to-School Fitness — PE Class doesn’t cut it anymore

Posted on August 1, 2010 by Elisa Kinder

According to experts, physical education programs in today’s schools won’t keep kids in shape. With cuts in school programs children are lucky to get 30 minutes of exercise during the school day, which means parents should encourage out-of-school activities kids … Continue reading →

Posted in August 2010, Running | Tagged | Leave a comment