Metzler

Since so many sports, including basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, gymnastics, and of course track and field, require good running technique, coaches must concentrate on teaching proper running technique.

Most people and often even athletes and coaches take for granted that if they can run, they are performing efficiently, but this is often not the case. Even with professional ball players, corrections can be made with running technique and speed. Running should be analyzed, broken down into smaller parts drills, and then taught correctly.

Foot alignment, knee lift, heel lift, arm swing, and even where the athlete is focusing should be trained individually, corrected, and practiced frequently. Perhaps during training, each portion of the run or the drills should be used as a warm up for training or for a more enjoyable experience, as relay races.

For a relay race each movement of the run can be performed by a different teammate. Another idea is to have every participant in the race perform a certain portion or movement of the running technique.

A great contest idea for athletes is to use the arm swing for the run; once the correct elbow angle and swing (alternate motion of forward and back) are learned, the number of arm swings per 30 seconds can be timed. Coaches must watch that the athletes keep their arms bent throughout the swing rather than bending and straightening with each swing. The "karate chop" motion is popular and may be a natural movement for some, but it is incorrect. The participant with the most correct arm swings can be the winner.

With the knee lift motion; once it is learned correctly without impact (marching in place and marching forward) and then with impact (running in place lifting knees and running forward lifting knees) the participants can race toward the finish using the knee lift motion. Of course, if the knees have not been lifted to at least hip height or even belly button height the knee lift was not performed correctly and that participant cannot be the winner, especially since the race was specifically designed in order to practice using the knee lift motion for correct running technique.

The same race can be performed using the heel lift or actually the heel to buttocks (kick butt) motion. This motion should be learned separately form the knee lift motion. Once learned correctly using a walking motion, and then a running in place and running forward motion, have your participant's race while using the kick buttocks motion. Remember, if the heels do not touch the buttocks each time, that participant cannot be the winner, especially since the participants were actually learning and practicing the heel lift for proper running technique.

Once both the knee lift and the heel lift have been learned and practiced, they can be combined. It takes a great deal of coordination to combine both! It is easiest explained by stating that the participant must lift one knee (right leg) and then kick the buttocks with the other foot (left). It is lift knee, kick butt. And it takes even more coordination to continue toward a finish line alternating the two techniques! It feels awkward and does take practice.

After the leg motions and arm swing are learned separately, they can be combined. Perhaps try to combine the knee lift with the arm swing or the heel lift with the arm swing. Once each leg motion can be combined with the arm swing, the participant is ready to attempt a sprint toward a finish line using all of the proper techniques. The coach must constantly observe and make useful suggestions to the athletes such as lift the knees, opposite arms, and keep the elbows bent while performing the arm swing.

You see, there is a great deal of learning and careful practice that goes into the proper running technique and eventually an efficient sprint. Just think of how many baseball players would be on base safely and how many more football players would score touchdowns if they ran just a bit faster! And how many more gymnasts would vault more successfully if every one of them would practice running technique on a regular basis.

Besides good technique, many athletes need more speed. This is not something that is improved or learned as proper technique is. And is usually is not improved within minutes or over night. One sports coach stated that anyone looking to increase their running speed should run down hill. This will force the athlete to run faster because gravity is at work. The muscles will be forced to react quicker, thanks to gravity, and eventually the athlete will be able to react this quickly on their own. Quicker reaction equals a quicker run. The coach must keep the angle of the hill in mind, because if it is too steep there could be risk of injury.

So go out there and help your athletes perform better by teaching and correcting running technique. Good luck and may the force be with you!

The running drills mentioned in this article can be found in the book, "Over 100 Drills and Conditioning Exercises." It is a training manual that was written for gymnastics coaches, but is useful to physical education teachers, dance teachers, and any coach in need of running drills.

by Karen M. Goeller

The book, Gymnastics Drills and Conditioning Exercises, (ISBN 9781411605794) has a running drills section along with vaulting, bars, dance, and press handstand.

Many people buy bumper stickers at one time or another in their life. These are the perfect way to express yourself, and people buy them for many different reasons. The problem with these stickers is that they often can ruin the finish on a car if you try to take them off, and some of them wont come off at all. They can lower the value of a car if you want to resell it, but some people think it is worth it if they find the perfect bumper sticker to put on their automobile.

One of the most popular type of bumper stickers are political. These often pop up a lot during election time, and they are often used to voice displeasure in the current president or dominate party. These bumper stickers are often very simple and too the point, but most types are anyway. These only have room for a few words on them, so you have to get to the point rather quickly. If you havent seen a bumper sticker mocking George Bush lately, you may not be driving in my state. I see these far more than I see any other type of sticker, and some of them are rather obscene.

Many people also like to buy bumper stickers that have sayings on them that they want to show the world. You can get a personalized license plate, but a sticker is far more easier to get and can get the point across much easier. If you belong to a club or a group, you may have a sticker that states who you are and that you are a member. You may also choose bumper stickers that state which team you root for in sports, or perhaps who your favorite singer or band may be, or they may indicate your favorite hobby or pastime.

Other bumper stickers are often hilarious, though some of them can be down right mean. I have to laugh when I see one that says, If you can read this you are too close, because tailgating is a big problem. You may also find some that tell you rather rudely to get off your cell phone or to learn how to use your blinker. Though you may love these bumper stickers, remember that if the wrong person comes up behind you on the road, they may take offense and find a way to let you know.

InSiderguide.Com provides readers with the latest reviews, articles,commentaries and write-ups on all Bumper Stickers, automobile, finish on a car related subjects.

More than half of all pregnant women will develop stretch marks during their pregnancy. Otherwise known as striae gravidarum, stretch marks look like streaks on the surface of the skin, and may be vary in color depending on your natural skin color. Most lighter skinned women develop pinkish stretch marks, whereas darker skinned women tend to have stretch marks that are lighter than the surrounding skin.

Most women develop stretch marks on their abdomen during pregnancy, however it is also common to get stretch marks on the buttocks, hips, breasts and thighs. In some cases up to 90 percent of women have stretch marks on some part of their body as a result of pregnancy.

What Causes Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks form when your skin is stretched rapidly as happens during pregnancy. Most women develop stretch marks during the later trimesters of pregnancy though some women start to develop them as soon as their bellies start growing.

Stretch marks are actually small tears that form in the tissue that supports the skin and helps it stretch. Stretch marks represent the tearing or separation of collagen from the skin when tearing occurs. Stretch marks are not harmful or painful and usually fade over time.

Who Gets Stretch Marks?

Many women believe that using lotions and creams help prevent stretch marks. Realistically speaking however, the number of stretch marks you get depends on how elastic your skin is. The elasticity of your skin usually relates to your genetic make up. The best thing you can do is find out if your mother got bad stretch marks during pregnancy. If she did, you are probably more prone to stretch marks than other women.

Keep in mind the more weight you gain during pregnancy the more likely you are to have stretch marks. Normally the skin is elastic and capable of stretching quite a bit, however for some women the changes that occur during pregnancy are very drastic. These rapid fluctuations of weight and skin stretching can result in stretch marks.

Women with multiples are more likely to get stretch marks because their bellies usually grow much larger than women with single pregnancies. Other women likely to develop stretch marks include women who gain a lot of weight quickly during their pregnancy and women who carry big babies.

Here are some other factors that may contribute to your susceptibility to stretch marks:

*If you developed stretch marks before (like on your breasts during puberty) you are more likely to get stretch marks while pregnant.

*If you had stretch marks during another pregnancy you will usually get them again.

*If you are overweight or gain more weight than recommended you are more likely to get stretch marks.

*The better hydrated and well nourished you are the less likely you are to develop serious stretch marks.

Stretch Mark Prevention

Most women believe that they can prevent stretch marks by using creams and lotions. There are many formulations on the market today that claim to help prevent stretch marks. Some of these may help moisturize your skin and reduce itching. They may help reduce some stretch marks however there are no scientific studies that support this.

You probably know at least one parent however that swears by cocoa butter or some other formulation to prevent stretch marks. If nothing else rubbing these creams into your belly provides your unborn baby with a light and comforting massage. They may also give you peace of mind knowing you did everything possible to prevent stretch marks.

The best thing you can do to minimize stretch marks aside from using any creams or moisturizers you select is gaining the recommended amount of weight during pregnancy. Doctors recommend most women gain between 25 and 34 pounds. Gaining much more than this can cause you to develop more stretch marks.

Removing Stretch Marks

Most women worry about stretch marks after they have their baby. Fortunately most stretch marks do fade with time. Usually after 12 moths postpartum most stretch marks are light and less noticeable. Their texture may remain different from the surrounding skin however. Many women notice their stretch marks fading into whitish lines that are minimally noticeable.

Some women have very severe stretch marks that impact their self esteem after pregnancy. There are many treatments available for women that want to improve the appearance of their stretch marks.

If your stretch marks are particularly bad, you may consult with your doctor or a dermatologist. Some topical treatments such as tretinoin cream can help reduce stretch marks. These creams must be used after pregnancy however, because they can cause defects in your unborn baby.

Most of the topical treatments available should be used shortly after delivery, before they start to fade. The more time that passes between the delivery and use of cream, the less likely they are to be effective.

If you are breastfeeding it is important you consult with your doctor before using any stretch mark treatments. Some treatments may impact your milk supply or pass through the breast milk to your baby.

Most of the creams available to reduce stretch marks do not help relieve the sagging skin that also accompanies childbirth. There are some newer treatments including laser treatments however that may improve the skins elasticity and help reduce stretch marks. Some women also consider plastic surgery after they are done having children. A tummy tuck can help hide some stretch marks and reduce sagging skin.

Most women are able to joyfully overlook stretch marks when they consider the miracle of life they bring into the world. For the most the small annoyance even the worst stretch marks bring are well worth the joys of bringing a newborn baby into the world. Do what you can during pregnancy to maintain an appropriate weight and try not to worry too much about stretch marks. Many women wear them with pride, a war wound or badge of honor related to their pregnancy. Why not wear them with pride?

At Women's Healthcare Topics website you will find valuable and up-to-date information on numerous topics related to women's health including Signs of Pregnancy, Chlamydia, Hysterectomy, Early Pregnancy Symptoms and more.

Imagine being able to move objects with a mere thought. How your life would change! You wouldnt have to run for the phone, because it could come to you. You could carry more than two cups of coffee at one time or unlock doors without having to put down the heavy load in your arms.

Telekinesis, or psychokinesis, the ability to manipulate matter with the power of ones mind has raged for decades. In that sentence raged is woefully inadequate to describe the postings on news groups and bulletin boards that I have read. For example, an advocate for psionic ability asserts that it exists. End of argument. The skeptic answers, No, it does not exist, you [multiple expletives deleted]! End of argument.

Whether telekinesis (TK) is reality, less controversial is the ability for TK to capture our imaginations in pop culture literature and film. Before Stephen King frightened us with Carrie, Marvel Comics introduced Jean Grey, a mutant/hero in their extraordinary and wildly popular series, The X-Men. George Lucass Jedi Masters tapped into The Force. J. Michael Straczynskis Babylon 5 introduced us to the Psi-Corps, a group of psionic enabled humans (mainly telepaths), formed to police their own people. In later seasons, we find out that the Psi-Corps was formed by the Shadows for ulterior motives, etc. There are many more examples of TKs in pop culture and any omissions here are only for space and not in anyway reflective of the fantastic minds behind those creations, such as Anne McCaffreys Rowan and Pern series.

What I find interesting in just this short list is how unclear the boundary between heroic TK (one who uses their power for good) and the villain TK. Jedi Masters are revered and hailed as keepers of the peace in the galaxy, but they are susceptible to the Dark Side of the Force, in which they turn evil. We witness Anakin Skywalkers descent into the Dark Side, beginning in Attack of the Clones and completing the transformation in Revenge of the Sith. Once becoming a Jedi Master, they seem to be immune to the Dark Side, having faced it to become a master, but this has not been addressed specifically that Im aware of (Star Wars aficionados? A little help here). Jean Grey of the X-Men has been trained by Professor Xavier for using her powers for the benefit of mankind and mutantkind, but she also houses the Dark Phoenix, a terrifying creature that when unleashed becomes a destructive force that threatens the universe. With the important exceptions of Yoda, Obi-wan Kenobi and Mace Windu, it seems that no telekinetic is above being corrupted.

This maybe the result of the creators of these characters have introduced weaknesses or Achilles heels into their abilities or their psyches. Is it to ensure that there will always be some internal conflict on their orientation to the use of their TK? Or does the TK the source of the dissension?

Some creators use the period of time when the TKs realize their powers as the basis for their orientation. According to several of these characters, a psionic begins developing his or her powers around puberty. This is seen in the X-Men series and Babylon 5s Psi-Corps, but also Stephen Kings Carrie White. In his novel, Carries power manifested itself permanently with the onset of her first menstrual period, although she had an episode when she was three years old, that involved pulling meteorites out of the sky and tossing a dining room table through a window. In an episode of The Bionic Woman, Jamie Summers investigated a poltergeist, which turned out to be a young girl (played by Kristi MacNicol) who was still troubled over her mothers death. Her TK ability developed in her subconscious, manifesting itself during her dream state. Since this happened at night, the house she lived in with her father was purportedly haunted.

If we take the authors and producers lead on this, the TK develops their powers at the time of intense growing pains. It seems during this period, the TKs orientation for good or bad is usually established. Carrie had been teased all of her life by her mean schoolmates, because of being reared by her maniacally religious mother. A particularly cruel practical joke at what was supposed to be a magical moment during her high school prom triggered her revenge, causing death and destruction among her classmates and town residents.

Jean Grey fortunately had Professor Xavier to help her with her direction. Jedi apprentices have the Jedi Masters to guide them. Telepaths in the Straczynski universe have the Psi-Corps, although very few possess telekinetic powers. Talia Winters gained her TK from a former lover, who had achieved a phenomenal psi-status from a Psi-Corps experiment. Lyta Alexander also received a boost to her psionic powers after she scanned Ambassador Kosh. Neither woman had exhibited any such power previous to their life-changing experiences.

With a sizeable contingent using puberty as the trigger, what could be the source of psionic power? Stephen King makes a strong case for a TK gene and describes in amazing detail how Carries parents and grandmother carried recessive and latent genes. The joining of her parents with their genetic codes was a disaster waiting to happen. But it leaves us with the question, what would have happened if her mother had not been such a zealous religious fanatic?

X-Men writers emphasize the importance of genetics on mutation, the source of Jean Greys ability, since there are numerous references are made to the mutant gene. However, Marvel leaves the gene as a wild card since no one knows who will be a mutant at birth. If and when the mutant gene is discovered, it is usually not known how the mutation will manifest itself.

Even the mother of Kristi MacNicols character in The Bionic Woman was able to manipulate needles on a recording instrument.

It appears that J. Michael Straczynski subscribes to the hereditary nature of psionic as well. Not much background was given on resident telepaths Talia or Lyta, but it was revealed that Commander Susan Ivanova was a latent telepath (less than a P-1, the lowest level of psi power as established by the Psi-Corps), the daughter of a more telepath, her mother. The decline and subsequent suicide of her mother as a result of injections given to her by the Psi-Corps to squelch her power is the reason Ivanova mistrusted the Corps. This aspect introduces another view on the source of psionic ability. If telepathy can be suppressed by drugs, does this mean it is biochemical?

Gene Roddenberry addressed this viewpoint in an episode of Star Trek: The Original Series, Platos Stepchildren. Humans established a colony on a planet, and developed their powers via eating the indigenous plants and food. Not only did telekinesis evolve, but longevity as well. The one person on the planet who did not obtain TK was a dwarf. Mr. Spock concluded that the pituitary gland, which regulated growth, also regulated the propensity for psionic power. It is interesting to note that the denizens of the planet did not exhibit telepathy.

It is apparent now that Luke Skywalker inherited his incredible ability from his father, Anakin. The Force as explained by Yoda flowed through everything in the universe and the Jedis could tap into this omnipresent force. But in The Phantom Menace, Qui-gon Jinn mentions the presence of a substance in young Anakins blood (Sorry again, Star Wars aficionados! Ive only seen the movie 3 times). Unfortunately, Qui-gon does not expand on the substance or its source, yet comments that its presence is paramount in being able to use the Force. Here we see two different requirements for the development of psionic ability.

But there are more variations on this theme. In a completely different approach, Wonder Woman (as portrayed by the beautiful Lynda Carter) did battle with a TK. In this case, the mans body was old, crippled and diseased, but his mind remained sharp and intelligence. Using this amazing intellect, he had his brain and one eye (I suppose so he could see? Gross) removed and placed in a life support tank. Once relieved of the burden of concentrating on bodily functions, the brain was free to develop powers that had been subdued by the every grind of regulating pulse and breathing, data processing and consciousness.

In conclusion, it is apparent to develop TK or any other psionic power, it is best to be born with them. When they finally manifest themselves, one should be in a happy home life (if that is possible with raging hormones) with positive role models to guide them when puberty hits!

I am a mystery writer producing a series of whodunits where the sleuths possess varying degrees of several psionic abilities to solve cases. My first novel, Inside Passage to Murder, takes place on a cruise ship in Alaska, sailing to British Columbia.