Run The Planet Newsletter - March 2007

March 2007 - Vol. 12, Issue N. 3 (N. 133)

Check out the newsletter archive at www.runtheplanet.com/community/newsletters/

Phil The Frog, our running celebrity

You might not know Phil The Frog yet, so let us spend a few words this month to introduce him.

Phil is sort of an ambassador between Run The Planet and runners of the world. He travels to reach all of us wherever we run. His trips represent the precious link between Run The Planet's virtual running community and the real community, thus promoting our philosophy of running this planet of ours together.

In his seven years of traveling, Phil has gained a real celebrity status - he has been featured on several newspapers, local websites, attended the Sydney Olympics, and last month Phil even got an interview on a Canadian radio station.

To know more about this green little runner, visit Phil's official webpage and learn about his adventures. If you have not done it yet, add yourself to the list of Phil's next hosts.

From all of us at Run The Planet, the best wishes for a great month of running.

In the spotlight

The Great Running Traditions of the Basques - Researching the unique basque running traditions has been fascinating. The earliest recorded reference to Basque runners comes from the early 16th century. At this time, at least in England and France, and it seems in Spain, it was common for aristocrats to employ runners on foot to carry messages or run beside their coaches. In France this post was usually filled by Basque runners, which gave rise to the proverb "To run like a Basque".

Safety Tips for Running with Your Dog - Howard Erickson, professor of physiology at Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine offers some tips for jogging with your dog. Exercise is not only good for you, but it offers benefits for your four-legged friend as well.

Last-Minute Marathon Preparation Tips - After marathon runners have completed their final long training runs, there is little to do but taper, eat sensibly, rest and wait for race morning. Additional intense training can only prompt injury in the final two weeks before a marathon. But as race day approaches and just prior to the race, here are some useful tips to consider.