Month: November 2015

APSA’s 2016 Annual Meeting Heads to Philadelphia in September

APSA’s 2016 Annual Meeting
Image: https://www.eapsa.org

A professor of political economics, Dr. Sharyn O’Halloran teaches undergraduate- and graduate-level courses at Columbia University. Dr. Sharyn O’Halloran also participates in activities hosted by the American Political Science Association (APSA).

In 2016, APSA will host its 112th Annual Meeting in Philadelphia. Taking place at the Philadelphia Convention Center on September 1-4, the forum will cover topics related to the theme of Great Transformations: Political Science and the Big Questions of Our Time. The conference will encourage attendees to reflect on major challenges impacting social, technological, economics, and environmental spheres, as well as approaches to studying large and complex processes. Attendees should also expect discussions on comparative politics and new norms and policies.

APSA is accepting proposals for papers and roundtables. In addition, it seeks short course and workshop ideas that encourage hands-on participation. These activities should embrace adult learning principles while offering information that enhances knowledge in professional development or a subfield. The call for proposals is open through January 8, 2016.

Ultra Marathon Training Tips

Ultra Marathon Training Tips
Image: worldrunning.com

A Columbia University professor, Sharyn O’Halloran, PhD, teaches political economics. A dedicated runner in her spare time, Sharyn O’Halloran has completed an ultra-marathon.

An ultra-marathon is considered anything longer than 26.2 miles. If you intend to run one, consider these tips.

Keep drop bags organized. An ultra-marathon allows racers to have one or two bags filled with personal items along the route. Two-time national 50-mile trail champion Michele Yates recommends breaking nutritional bars into bite-sized pieces in advance and placing them in bags to ease accessibility. Using bags with clear pockets also helps identify gear and food quickly.

Run two long days in a row. Running back to back long days prepares the mind. Specifically, it gives you a chance to prepare a plan of action for running on tired and sore legs. When planning these training days, determine how long you expect to take to complete a race and divide the hours between the two days. You can vary the hours as well. For example, if you think you can finish a race in six hours, run three hours one day and the same time another day. The next week, complete four- and two-hour runs on back-to-back days.

Try out equipment before a race. An ultra-marathon requires additional gear, such as headlamps that aid in visibility when starting and ending a race. It is important to get comfortable with these items before a race. You may find you will need other essentials, like a bandana to keep your headlamps from becoming uncomfortable.

Avoiding Injuries While Training for a Marathon

Sharyn O’Halloran serves as the George Blumenthal professor of political economy and a professor of international and public affairs at Columbia University. An avid runner in her free time, Sharyn O’Halloran has participated in several half-marathons and marathons.

Requiring more than just building up distance, training for long-distance races also involves avoiding and preventing injuries. Instead of increasing mileage rapidly over a short period, spread your training over a longer span and build up mileage gradually. On average, a 10 percent weekly increase is a safe guide. Additionally, focus on races of reasonable length. Although some individuals can go from never running to completing a marathon, they often emerge injured or burnt out from the experience.

Challenging workouts involving speed work and long runs are a necessary part of any marathon training plan, but doing them back-to-back increases your risk of injury. Interspersing hard workouts with easy ones reduces the risk of fatigue and injury. Although following a training plan is important, listening to your body and altering the plan as needed is significantly more important. Your body needs time to adapt to running regularly, and there is nothing wrong with taking a break for a week if you’re just too tired. Let your body recuperate during that time and be prepared to start training again.