Have you ever found your run interrupted by an unexpected and unwelcome urge to find a bathroom? If so, you’re not alone. It’s a fact of life that the more you run, the more movement occurs within your GI tract. Long distance running also impacts your circulation by decreasing blood flow in your GI tract to direct it to the muscles that need it when you run. The result is that many runners fall into one of two camps: having to go too much, or not being able to go at all. Read on →

Here at the 7 Bridges Marathon, we’re proud of the sponsorship and engagement that’s developed within our community around Chattanooga and North Georgia, but that doesn’t mean we haven’t hit the radar of others around the country. Read on to learn more about two of our long-distance sponsors. Space Camp: Huntsville, Alabama What kid hasn’t heard of Space Camp? Founded in 1982 to promote the study of math, science, and technology, Space Camp trainees get to experience astronaut simulators, take command of a mission to the International Space Station, and develop leadership and teamwork skills. Read on →

Most of us love being out in the sunshine for summer training. And while you can’t beat the benefits of vitamin D, overexposure to UV rays can lead to skin cancer years down the road. In fact, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Check out these tips to enjoy your summer runs, while staying smart about preventing skin damage from the sun’s UV rays: Avoid running outdoors during the sunniest time of day — usually between 10 am and 4 pm. Read on →

Some of the best news about the 7 Bridges Marathon is that there is a race for everyone! Do you know which race is right for you? 7 Bridges Marathon New runners should dedicate at least 4 months to training before running a marathon. Experienced runners are advised to train for at least 2 months. Even if you aren’t quite ready to take on the full 7 Bridges this year, it doesn’t mean you have to forgo the day! Read on →

Hey, Chattanooga! Are you getting ready for the 7 Bridges Marathon on October 16, 2016? We’re excited to train right along with you and let you know about two of our fantastic race sponsors, High Point Climbing And Fitness and Fast Break Athletics. Both businesses are ready to help you enjoy your best training season, whether you’re running the full marathon, half-marathon, or one of our shorter races. High Point Climbing and Fitness is among our city’s most unique climbing facilities! Read on →

Fall is a great time for a race in Tennessee, and we hope you’ll register to run with us in the 7 Bridges Marathon on October 16, 2016! But as we head into the summer training season, we’d like to remind all of our runners to be vigilant against the potential dangers of running beneath a sweltering sun. This season, be sure to watch out for: Heat Cramps Painful muscle contractions which usually happen in the calves, quadriceps and abdominals. Read on →

Whether you are new to running marathons, or an old pro, there’s one common condition that can attack any runner and is always unwelcome. Plantar fasciitis. If you are someone who has dealt with repetitive cases, you know about the debilitating pain that can thwart your marathon training schedule. Generally, plantar fasciitis causes a stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot near the heel. For most of us, the pain is worst with the first few steps after awakening, and it can be triggered by long periods of standing or even just getting up from a seated position. Read on →

There are many benefits to choosing to run a marathon, and we hope you’ll join us to run on October 16, 2016! If you’ve never before run a marathon and you’re thinking about signing up, here are just three of the benefits you’ll enjoy. A Stronger Commitment When you sign up to run a race like the Seven Bridges Marathon, you’re giving yourself extra incentive to follow through with your commitment and finally meet your running goals. Read on →

Sedentary lifestyles are clearly a problem these days, and many children are paying the price with obesity, diabetes and other health concerns. If you want to help your kids lead long and healthy lives, getting them into running is a great way to go. Here are some tips for the journey. Make It Fun Always prioritize fun running with your kids, and never use running as a punishment. You’ll foster better health and a love for the sport when you encourage your kids to participate and try their best. Read on →

Everybody has opinions about running, whether or not they do it, and every runner has different opinions about what works best for them. Check out some of the top running myths for a more balanced perspective: Myth #1: ALWAYS stretch before you run. Warm-up is great, but it’s best to use sweeping motions that actually get your body warm and the blood moving. Runners should never hold stretches as a warm-up, because all it does is put stress on cold muscles. Read on →