26.2 Training Tips for Your First Marathon!

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NOW is the time to start training for a fall or spring marathon!  There are hundreds to choose from at MarathonGuide.com.

I've run a few marathons myself. 26 of them at last count. So I have about 26.2 thoughts and opinions to impart on training for your first marathon:

1. Don't Procrastinate! The first thing you need to do is get out there and start running. Talking about it is fine, but start making it happen! Today!

2. Start Slow and Go Steady: Don't try to prove something by running 10 miles your first time out. You'll injure yourself! Unless you're already a runner with solid base mileage, start out easy, maybe 10 to 15 miles in 3 to 4 runs per week. Increase weekly mileage no more than 10%.

3. Pick a Marathon Now and Set Your Goals: Always helps to establish a goal to train for. Sign up for a marathon 6 months out now (don't wait) and you'll have the end goal in mind. You'll need the motivation as you train through the warm summer months or colder winter months

4. Buy Decent Shoes and Change Them Often: Running is a very inexpensive in terms of equipment. So don't go cheap on the shoes. Change them often...the lesser of every 300 miles or 3 months. Your limbs and tendons will thank you for that.

5. Ramp up the Mileage: To run your first full marathon, plan to peak your weekly mileage at 30 to 35 miles per week. But once again, get there gradually, not all at once.

6. Rest as Needed: For those of us past the motivation hurdle to train, the next biggest marathon training issue is fending off injuries. Don't be fearful of taking days off when needed. Rest benefits you as much as training.

7. Train With Others: The best thing to motivate one to wake up at 5 a.m. on a Sunday morning for a 20 miler is knowing you'll be letting someone else down.  Click here for some local Ventura County running groups.

8. Share Your Goals: Tell your friends and family about your marathon commitment and your training. You'll need the support system and they'll keep you motivated.

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Centers for Disease Control Gives the Scoop on Poop in Public Swimming Pools

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Last summer, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) did a public pool study that concluded that feces are frequently introduced into pool water by swimmers.

I debated whether to publish this, well, not particularly pleasant information, but we should all be aware of prepared when we venture out into public swimming areas (such as this compilation of several dozen fun water activities in and around Ventura County).

The CDC collected samples of water from public pool pool filters last summer and tested the samples for genetic material of multiple microbes. Fully 58 percent of the pool filter samples tested were positive for E. coli, bacteria normally found in the human gut and feces.

Finding a high percentage of E. coli-positive filters indicates swimmers frequently contaminate pool water when they have a "fecal incident" in the water or when feces rinse off of their bodies because they do not shower thoroughly before getting into the water.

The study did not address water parks, residential pools or other types of recreational water. The study does not allow CDC to make conclusions about all pools in the United Stat

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Children's Medical Services Available to Qualified Ventura County Residents

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The Ventura County Health Care Agency (VCHCA) has several Children's Medical Services to improve healthcare services for Ventura County infants, children and teens. The programs are described below.

Californa Children's Services (CCS) is for children under age 21 who have chronic medical conditions such as cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, cerebral palsy, heart disease, cancer; traumatic injuries; and infectious diseases that cause major medical problems. CCS is funded with state, county and federal support.

If a child’s condition is eligible, VCHCA can provide lab tests, x-rays, physician services, hospital care, physical and occupational therapy through the Medical Therapy Program (MTP) and obtain certain medical equipment.

To qualify for CCS (as of January 2013), the indvidual must come from a family income of less than $40,000 or whose out-of-pocket medical expenses for a child who qualifies are more than 20% of family income. Or the child has Healthy Families medical insurance coverage.

The Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP) program assures access to preventive health care for eligible infants, children, and teens.  CHDP Public Health Nurses assure comprehensive health check ups by certifying physicians and clinics. These health check-ups include a complete health physical examination, growth and development check, all needed shots and lab tests, dental, vision, and hearing screening and appropriate health education information.

Children eligible for CHDP include those with Medi-Cal from birth through 20 y

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Applying for a Job is a Lot Different Than Buying a Lottery Ticket

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Originally posted in February 2011

Recently I posted a job in craigslist for an Office Assistant position. The posting listed specific job duties and requirements, from administrative to accounting to human resources, as well as other desired qualities.

We were overwhelmed with the response. Over 120 applicants within the first 24 hours and 200 in less than a week. Nearly 300 in total. A very eye opening reminder that there are a lot of people in need of jobs out there.

Let me first say that there were numerous very capable, outstanding people that applied for the job. I was very impressed by quite a number of resumes and cover letters and we are still contemplating the best candidate for a job offer.

But at the same time I was SHOCKED at how many applicants didn't treat the process seriously. Many appeared to be applying for the job without reviewing the job qualifications and editing the resume.

APPLYING FOR A JOB IS DIFFERENT THAN BUYING A LOTTERY TICKET!! Purchasing a lottery ticket is easy. Buy a ticket and hope for the best. It sure felt like a lot of people treated the job-hunting process in an equally nonchalant way!

Getting your dream job is hard work. It takes more than just submitting your resume. You must review the job requirements and make sure your resume highlights your relevant work experience. Where your experience is lacking, you need to sell yourself in the cover letter and point out what you bring to the table.

Here are some observations and advice based on some of the resumes I received.

Typos: One important requirement noted in the job posting was solid writing skills. As kind of a test I indicated that candidates should pay close to attention to proofing their submissions for typos. I literally said “Please no typos or grammatical errors in your submission,” yet the majority of applicants had typos. Now I can understand  one or two blatant typos as, heck, I’m often guilty of that myself. But when applying for a job, you’ve got to go the extra mile.  Use a Word or even Gmail editor and correct any typos, but better yet, re-read the resume several times. Or have someone else check it.

Example: "I am certain that my senior level executive/administrative assistant skills and experience when linked with thee vision of your company will serve to crea

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Ventura County Schools in U.S. News 2012 Ranking of Nation's Top High Schools

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In May 2012, U.S. News & World Report published its 4th ranking of the nation's best public high schools. The study covered nearly 22,000 public high schools across the country.

Schools were ranked based on the following factors measured 2009-2010: (1) how well students tested on reading and math proficiency assessments at the state level, factoring in disadvantaged students, who tend to score lower on tests; and (2) college readiness, based on how well schools prepare students for college-level work via Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) programs.

The median college readiness, measured on a scale of 0 to 100, was 16.3. A readiness index of 100 means that all 12th graders took and passed at least 1 AP or IB test. (More on the methodology)

There were 2,407 California high schools, 87,682 full-time teachers and 1,999,202 students enrolled during the survey period. To be ranked in California, schools must receive either a gold (top 500 nationally) or silver (top 501 to 2008 nationally) medal. 276 Callifornia schools received gold or silver medals.

We checked out local high schools in the Conejo Valley, Ventura County and adjacent areas and summarized the information below. There were 12 local schools that received gold/silver medal status and thus were ranked nationally and in California.

Malibu High School ranked 52nd in the state, with the highest local "college readiness" level. The top academic scoring school locally was Oak Park High School. Thousand Oaks High School

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Over-the-Counter Medicine Do's and Don'ts That May Come in Handy

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When it comes to minor ailments, I usually just wing it or ask my wife. That's why I enjoyed a recent article entitled "The Medicine Cabinet Quiz" in the Wall St. Journal where author Melinda Beck highlighted some useful basics about over-the counter medicines. With Beck's permission I've summed up some of the advice she compiled from experts.

What to Take for a Headache

Advil (ibuprofen), Tylenol (acetaminophen) and aspirin all help a headache but through different means. Advil/Motrin (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen sodium) and aspirin reduce inflammation and thus relieve headaches, arthritis, muscle sprains and so on. But they can cause stomach bleeding.

Aspirin also helps prevent blood clots and thus taken daily can reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, but shouldn't be used if you have low blood pressure or open wounds.

Tylenol calms pain signals in the brain but can cause liver damage if you drink too much or take too much.

Ibuprofen agruably is strongest but aspirin works faster, naproxen lasts longer and acetaminophen is safer if you have stomach problems and aren't a heavy drinker.

How to Treat a Muscle Sprain

Sprain your ankle, what do you do? Heat and ice both can help. Heat relaxes the nerves, cold numbs them and both bring more blood circulation to the area.

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Some Great Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes, Turkey Tips and More!!

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Thanksgiving is upon us!! Here's some great, practical advice on cooking some DELICIOUS side dishes that will make you the star of the dining room! Check out the video below and read on. For more free videos and cooking tips from Master Chef, Kirk Leins, visit www.notimetocook.com.

Thanksgiving is almost the perfect holiday. Unlike many celebrations, the emphasis is less about the material aspects, and more about the day itself.

Simply put, Thanksgiving is about reconnecting with loved ones, eating great food, and watching a few football games. The one blemish, however, is the pressure we feel to flawlessly execute a great Thanksgiving dinner.

Your Bird

It’s no secret that your turkey will be the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving table. It’s also no secret that the quality of the turkey is the primary measurement by which

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