The South Shore Cyclery Bike Ride on July 15th was a huge success! I took off from work to attend this bike race and it was well worth it. I worked as as Safety Marshall and I really enjoyed having the opportunity to be a part of this historic event.

As far as I know, this is the first time people have traveled from Germany and Australia to visit Cudahy. This was truly a world-class bicycle-racing event and I was thrilled to be able to see it and even to play a small role in it as a Safety Marshall. I will never forget this day as long as I live.

I am already looking forward to next year's race!

The race was sponsered by South Shore Cyclery on Packard Ave. I have purchased two bicycles there (both are FUJI models) and they are exceptional bikes. ( I have a great passion for bicycling and I love riding my bike).

In other news,  mark your calendar for Sunday, July 18th. There will be a day-long celebration of 100 years of Grant Park! Activities will include a 5k run/wan, a pancake breakfast, color guard, open house, sandcastle competition, pony rides, petting zoo, a blessing by the Archbishop, and a concert with Elvis. For more info go to www.milwaukee.gov/Community8455.htm ot www.southmilwaukee.org .
 

Sounds like a party! I am especially looking forward to the 5k run. I am so thankful for all the people who have supported Grant Park over the past 100 years. Thank You! I hope everyone enjoys the day and appreciates the precious resource we have in our County Parks.

On Thursday, July 8th I stormed the Bastille! Viva La France!

I'm talking, of course, about the "Storm the Bastille" Run at Bastille Days. This is sort of a "goof-off" run for a lot of people. The run starts at 9 pm and runs through downtown Milwaukee and the Third Ward. Is is not accurately timed. There were tons of people and lots of people were drinking before, during and after the race. (Personally, I recommend waiting until after the race is over!). This race is unusual in that there are actual "beer stops" in addition to "water stops" so if you're really thirsty during the race you can stop and have a beer. Yikes!

I got new running shoes for Father's Day and I love them. They are my favorite running shoes. I am looking forward to doing some serious running and biking this summer. I am also volunteering to work at the bike race on July 15th.

Looking ahead, don't forget to mark your calendar for the Cudahy Lion's Sweet Applewood Festival which starts on July 30th! I will be working at the food tent. This is always fun with great food, great music and an all-around excellent time.

I will also be running in the Badgerland Strider's Cudahy Classic 5/10-Mile Race on Sunday morning, Aug. 1st. This is one of my favorite runs and is the Club's longest-running race. The race actually pre-dates the formation of the Club. The race is held in Sheridan and Warnimont Parks. http://www.badgerlandstriders.org/home/Races/CudahyClassic.htm

I hope you are enjoying your summer as much as I am.

Pedal in the Park with Pat was a huge success. I really enjoyed the ride and the Bluegrass band. And we got to see the really cool kiosk built by a local Eagle Scout. What a great service project!

For Father's Day my wife and son took me to Polish Fest. The food was incredible and we all enjoyed the Fest.

I have volunteered for the bike race on Thursday, July 15th. I am excited for this event and also for the 4th of July. I love the 4th of July and look forward to it every year. Have a safe and happy 4th !

What an amazing month it has been! There is lots of news to report. On Sunday, June 6th I completed the annual "Miller Lite UPAF Ride for the Arts". I completed the 25-mile ride, although we rode from my house to the starting gate at the Summerfest Grounds. After the ride, we rode home on our bikes. Overall, we completed approx. 45 miles including the ride to and from the starting point. It was perfect weather: cool and cloudy, but not raining. After the ride there were festivities at the Summerfest Grounds. We got lots of free food and saw a skateboarding competition and some really cool performers including the Boulevard Theater and performers from the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. I will never forget this day.

If you are interested in a fun ride in Sheridan and Warnimont Parks then mark your calendar for Thursday, June 17th! This is the date for the 4th annual "Pedal in the Park with Pat" sponsored by our County Supervisor Patricia Jursik. Riders will meet at 6 pm at the Pavilion at area 1 in Sheridan Park. Bring your bikes and your helmets! There will be a 5-mile ride followed by a performance by the "Bluegrass Allstars". This band features Dan Nimphius and you will hear some great Bluegrass music featuring banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar and bass. Sounds like a party! The public is invited so mark your calendar and make sure your bike is tuned up and ready to roll.

On Thursday, July 8th, it is once again time to Storm the Bastille! This 5k race starts downtown Milwaukee at the Bastille Days festivities. This is always a popular race with thousands of walkers and runners. Last year I ran this race with a group of over a dozen people. One unusual feature of this race is that there are beer stops along the way so if you get tired you can stop and have a beer! Yikes! I recommend waiting until AFTER the race! Here is some more info on this event: http://www.easttown.com/documents/29-online-run-registration

That's all for now! Stay tuned for more exciting news. Stay active this summer and get out and meet some of your neighbors. You will enjoy the experience and stay fit at the same time.

Please join Sheridan Park Friends and The Park People in making Sheridan Park even more beautiful this Saturday!

Participate in a
Sheridan Park Weed-out & Planting at the Pavilion
Saturday, May 22
9 a.m. to Noon
Meet at Sheridan Pavilion, Area 1

Pull invasive garlic mustard to protect plant diversity in Sheridan Park!  Meet at Sheridan Pavilion (Area 1) near the pond.  Supplies will be provided.

Assist in weeding and planting at the Pavilion itself!  Plant donations are appreciated.

In other news, the 30th annual UPAF/ Miller Lite Ride is only two weeks away! I am very excited for this year's event on Sunday, June 6. The ride starts downtown Milwaukee on Water Street next to the Performing Arts Center. Riders have their choice of a 15, 25, 50 or 75 mile ride. This year there are two new routes: 43 and 65 miles. In the past I have done the 25, 50 and 75 mile rides. This year I may try one of the new routes. It is great fun for the whole family.

Money raised benefits the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) and helps support a number of theater, art and musical groups in the area.

For more info go to http://events.upaf.org/ride/

On Sunday, May 16th my son graduated from the University of Wisconsin--Madison with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics. Congratulations to all the graduates!

In other news, the UPAF/ Miller Lite ride is only a few short weeks away! This year's ride will be on Sunday, June 6th. More on this later.

A recent Associated Press article by Malcolm Ritter titled, "Psychedelic trips help cancer patients in study" caught my attention. The tone of the article seems to suggest that there are medical or spiritual benefits to using illegal mind-altering drugs. This article has been printed in newspapers throughout the country and was printed in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Friday, April 23rd (p. 2A). For some odd reason I couldn't find a link to the J/S copy but here is a copy from another newspaper:

http://www.nwherald.com/articles/2010/04/22/r_z1ubvubmrfujbvjzqbz_pq/index.xml

Ritter seems to offer legitimacy to the use of illegal drugs. One scientist is quoted as saying, "There's still a lot of resistance to it ... The whole hippie thing in the '60's and media coverage at the time 'has kind of left a bad taste in the mouth of the public at large' ".

Let me go on the record saying that there SHOULD be a lot of resistance to use of these drugs, and people SHOULD have a bad taste in their mouth regarding the use of illegal, mind-altering drugs.

These drugs are unnatural. Yes, I know they come from plants, but there are lots of things found in nature that are very poisonous and these chemicals are not meant to be ingested by humans.

The author of this bizarre article goes on to suggest that using Psilocybin ( a type of psychedelic drug derived from mushrooms) can enable people to experience "powerful spiritual experiences":

"Psilocybin has been shown to invoke powerful spiritual experiences during the four to six hours it affects the brain. A study published in 2008, in fact, found that even 14 months after healthy volunteers had taken a single dose, most said they were still feeling and behaving better because of the experience."

Really? Really? Getting wasted on illegal drugs can cause "powerful spiritual experiences" and leave people feeling and behaving better "even 14 months later" ? Wow.

I would like to offer an alternate view. These people are not getting powerful spiritual experiences, nor are they feeling and behaving better. They are just very, very wasted.

IMPORTANT: ***** The true way to have powerful spiritual experiences and to feel and behave better is by doing the following: Work hard. Have Faith in God. Practice your faith. Believe in yourself and in your family, your friends, your Church, your community and your co-workers. Develop meaningful relationships with the significant people in your life. Take care of your family. Be someone's hero. Do the right thing, even if no-one is looking. Obey the ten commandments. Be prepared. Do something nice for other people every day. Be strong -- life will knock you around sometimes and you will be better off if you can face life's problems and challenges with courage and determination. Be kind to animals. And if someone offers you an illegal drug, get in your car and drive as fast as possible in the opposite direction. *****

I am especially appalled by this article, and the fact that it was printed in the Journal Sentinel, in light of all the recent news about teenagers and young adults dying from Heroin overdoses. Yes, I realize that heroin is a completely different type of drug .... but I also believe that a person who experiments with one type of drug may be more open to experimenting with some other type of drug. There have been a number of tragic stories in the paper about high school students dying from drug overdoses. Were they also looking for a "powerful spiritual experience"?

Although the author has only positive things to say about mind-bending drugs, the article includes a small caveat stating, "Experts emphasize people shouldn't try psilocybin on their own because it can be harmful, sometimes causing bouts of anxiety or paranoia". How bizarre! What it should have said, of course, is "Experts emphasize that experimenting with illegal mind-altering drugs is extremely dangerous and can cause brain damage, genetic damage and death. People should avoid these drugs and avoid any environment in which these drugs are being used."

I would like to see a follow-up article that explains the dangers and pitfalls of these and other drugs and includes stories on people whose lives have been irreversibly damaged due to these drugs. For example, the college student who jumped out of his dorm window because he wanted to fly like a bird, or the teenage girl who overdosed on heroin. To print a story that presents drug abuse in a positive light is absurd and irresponsible.

The Sheridan Park Friends has three events planned for April and May. Mark your calendar!

Saturday, April 24
Arbor Day Clean Up
In cooperation with the City of Cudahy and Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful.
9 a.m.: Meet at Sheridan Pavilion Area #1 (near the lagoon) at 9 a.m. Trash bags will be supplied.
Noon: Ceremony in front of Cudahy City Hall with a tree dedication. Enjoy refreshments and the presence of the DNR.

Saturday, May 1
10 a.m. Sheridan Park Friends Annual Meeting and Potluck Brunch
Help plan activities, organize our Friends group, and meet other park enthusiasts!

Saturday, May 22
9 a.m. Sheridan Park Weed-out
Location TBA. Help pull invasive garlic mustard! Bring your own kneeling pad. The Parks People will supply the bags.
 

Thanks to all the volunteers who have stepped up to the plate for Sheridan Park.

There was a huge turnout for the 2010 Badgerland Striders South-Shore Half-Marathon! I'm sure the weather had something to do with the large turnout. In the past it has always been cold, wet and windy for this race. This year's race saw temperatures in the upper forties, possible even the low fifties, and it was sunny with relatively little wind! I really don't like running outside in cold weather so this was a welcome change from prior years.

The course is entirely on the Oak Leaf Trail. Runners start at South Shore Park in Bay View and run through Bay View Park, Sheridan Park, Warnimont Park and Grant Park for a total of 13.1 miles.

I finished in 2 hours 16 minutes. This was about my same time as last year. My son finished in 1 hour 48 minutes which was a huge improvement over last year's time.

I was hoping to finish just a little faster. I blame the Guiness Brewery in Dublin, Ireland for my slower time.

I also wanted to say "Thanks" to all of the volunteers who helped on race day and to those who planned this incredible event. An event like this would be impossible without volunteers who devoted their time and energy. It is all too easy to overlook their contribution.

And thanks again to our fantastic Milwaukee County Parks. It would be both difficult and dangerous to run a course this long without our Oak Leaf Trail and our priceless County Parks.

What an amazing week it has been! Tony Day defeated Mayor McCue. As you know, I was McCue's campaign treasurer and I supported him in the election. I do, however, wish only the best for Mayor Day and I look forward to working with him. I believe he will be an excellent Mayor and I will support him in his efforts to improve our great City to make it an even better place to live, work and play. I have lived in Cudahy since 1988 and I have grown to truly love this city and the people in it !

Congratulations to Tony and to all the other winners in Tuesday's election.

In other news, the famous South-Shore half-marathon is only a couple days away! Yikes! I'm very excited for this race. I missed my workout at the Petit National Ice Center on Monday, and I did not work out on Wednesday due to the election. ( I was a little tired from the election party the night before). I normally do not work out on Tuesdays or Thursdays since those are my "recovery" days. I have not worked out since Sunday, and I will take Friday off because I wouldn't run the day before a race. I trained hard  last week, however, and I am ready to run hard on Saturday.

My son Chris is coming home Friday and will start the race with me. I will not be able to keep up with him for the entire race, but we can probably run the first third or maybe the first half together. I always enjoy this race and I especially enjoy the opportunity to spend some quality running time with my son. I will post my results from the race on Saturday afternoon.

The following is a list of Mayor McCue's accomplishments in office. Please read and remember to vote on Tuesday!

Jobs and Economic Development

When I took office, Cudahy was viewed as anti-business. I’ve helped change that and in the process we’ve protected family supporting jobs in our community. I’ve listened to business leaders, developers, and citizens and worked hard to make Cudahy friendly to businesses. Today, Cudahy is pro-business. In spite of the economic downturn, we’ve attracted new businesses to Cudahy and many businesses are expanding.

Cutting Wasteful Spending

I’ve cut city spending by making government more efficient. Under my administration we paid off the city’s $3.7 million unfunded pension debt which will result in $11.3 million in long-term savings. We privatized the assessors’ department, saving $133,000 annually and combined two department head positions, saving $139,000 annually.   We’ve created a solid five-year financial plan. Also, city employees are now paying a portion of their health care premiums, which will save taxpayers $95,000 annually. Due to these positive fiscal measures, Cudahy’s bond rating was upgraded by a national rating agency.

Freezing Taxes

I am the only candidate who proposes a freeze in Cudahy’s 2011 property tax levy, so that families can sustain themselves during these difficult economic times. I’ve held the line on taxes while maintaining vital services during a time when other cities are making drastic cuts and raising taxes. Cudahy is on the right fiscal track.

 Making Cudahy Safer

I’ve worked hard to make Cudahy safer. We’ve added to the police force a highly respected chief, a patrol officer, two school safety officers, a K-9 unit, a crime suppression unit, and an additional detective. As a result, crime is down substantially. Violent crime has dropped 21 percent in the past year alone. Protecting Cudahy’s citizens will continue to be a priority in my next term of office. I am proud to have earned the Cudahy Professional Police Association’s endorsement.

Cleaning Up the IcePort Fiasco 

We’ve put the Ice Port mess behind us. Both the $5.3 million lawsuit and foreclosure lawsuit are settled, and the city prevailed. After nearly eight years of stagnation, the site is finally available for development. We are working together to bring good paying jobs to the site. I am negotiating with real estate developers in order to bring in manufacturing, office space and retail. I am committed to developing this site and bringing good jobs to our city.  

 Talk of the Town

“Mayor McCue and his administration helped Patrick Cudahy remain in the City of Cudahy after a disastrous fire shut us down. Mayor McCue was responsive and quick to act. He showed real leadership during a critical time for our company and was integral to our getting back in production so quickly.”

Bill Otis - President of Patrick Cudahy

“We’ve seen first-hand that you are dedicated in making the city of Cudahy a safe community for the citizens; doing so by providing us with the tools and resources necessary to accomplish our goals. Please accept this endorsement letter as a voice of support and appreciation for the relationship you’ve built with our membership during your last term.”

Detective Joseph Zblewski - President, Cudahy Professional Police Association

“Mayor McCue’s efforts were a major factor in our decision to keep our business and 80 jobs in Cudahy.”

Mike Graverson- President of National Tissue Company

“Mayor McCue has put Cudahy on the right track for business growth. His successful economic development agenda is bringing new business to Cudahy and growing real economic opportunities. Mayor McCue is good for business and good for creating jobs in Cudahy.”

Rick Ceschin - Community Development Authority Member

“As a veteran, I know a leader when I see one. Mayor McCue is a proven leader. He has made the tough decisions to make Cudahy a great place to live and supports our veterans.”

Bud Bessler - Cudahy Veteran and Former Alderman

“Under Mayor McCue’s administration, Cudahy is a much safer place to live. The sharp reduction in crime demonstrates that the support he has given the police department was very effective.”

Gerald Rieder- Police and Fire Commission Member

To learn more or watch the mayoral debate please visit www.ryanmccue.com .

Be sure to vote on Tuesday, April 6, 2010 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Don't forget to mark your calendar!

The Badgerland Striders Running Club will once again be hosting the annual South Shore Half-Marathon on Saturday, April 10th ! This 13.1-mile race starts at South Shore Park in Bay View. The course follows the Oak Leaf Trail south through Bay View Park, Sheridan Park, Warnimont Park and reaches the half-way point in Grant Park in South Milwaukee. After reaching the half-way point the runners reverse direction and follow the same course back to the starting point at South Shore Park.

Thank god for our wonderful County Parks. It would be virtually impossible to have a race like this without our Parks.

This is one of my all-time favorite races. There are always several hundred people from Southeastern Wisconsin ( and a handful from outside the area ) and it is a fun, exciting race. I have run this race the past four years. This will be my fifth South Shore Half.

One odd thing about this race is that the weather can vary from one extreme to the other. The first year I ran this race it was 34 degrees and raining. There was a fierce wind coming off the lake and there was standing water on the course which meant wet feet. Very, very cold! I think I nearly got hypothemia that day.

On the other hand, it can be in the fifties and sunny. (I'm hoping for fifties and sunny; I don't really like running outside in winter weather).

Here are pictures of the 2008 race ( I could not find pictures from 2009):

http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/creativeapps/slideShow/Main.jsp?token=360999066306:419284792

St. Patrick's Day is coming soon and our local Garlic Mustard Pickers will be performing three times in March. The band will be playing first in South Milwaukee, then St. Francis and finally in Cudahy.

The first gig is on Sunday, March 14th at the Grant Park Golf Course Clubhouse at 100 Hawthorne Ave in South Milwaukee. This is the annual "Pullin' O' the Green" which is an annual fundraiser for Friends of Grant Park. This is South Milwaukee's best Irish party! The event lasts from 4:30 to 8 pm. Check out the details at www.fogp.org for info on where to buy advance tickets ( $10) which will guarantee you seating for either the 4:30 or 6:30 dinner. Tickets will also be sold at the door for $12 subject to availability. Buy advance tickets to make sure you don't miss this great party.

On Wednesday, March 17th (St. Pat's Day) the band will perform at Carleton Grange Pub at 3807 S. Packard Ave in St. Francis. This event will start around 6 pm and last until 9 pm. ( I just ate there a few days ago; their fish is incredible and they have an interesting variety of beers).

On Thursday, March 18th the band will perform for the 2nd time in two days. This time the band will play at Sheridan's Cafe at 5133 S. Lake Dr. in Cudahy. ( I also ate there recently and the food is exceptional). The band will play from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. I know I don't want to miss this one.

I am looking forward to seeing the band at all three of these performances and hoisting a Guiness in their honor! ( And I'm not even Irish !). Hope to see you there.
 

I have made a New Year's Resolution to keep my mind active by reading one book per month starting in Dec. 2009. In December I read "The End of Food" by Paul Roberts and in January I read "The End of Oil" by the same author. I checked out both books from the Cudahy Family Library. ( I strongly recommend both of these books).

In one section, Roberts talks about what he calls "Hidden Economic Costs'. For example, consider the cost of burning coal in coal-fired power plants. Coal is actually a very dirty fuel and produces massive amounts of pollution. Economists and power company executives will consider many factors when trying to determine the cost of using coal to produce electric power. The cost of purchasing the coal is an obvious cost. Other costs include the amortized cost of building the power plant, labor and production costs, plant maintenance, pollution abatement, etc etc etc.

There are, however, "indirect costs" that are more remote and not paid directly by the power company. Consider, for example, the effects of pollution. Suppose a person contracts lung cancer as a result of pollution from the power plant. The costs of treating the cancer will never be directly paid by the power plant even though the pollution from the plant contributed to or caused the cancer. Instead, the costs are paid by the health insurance company which must then raise their premiums to cover the increased number of lung cancer claims. There is also a cost of lost productivity; the person cannot work at their job while being treated for the cancer. If they have to retire early, there is the increased cost paid in disability or lost income.

This analysis made me think of the economic benefits of our parks and the "hidden" costs of neglecting or losing them. We all know there is an epidemic of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and stress-related illness in our nation. There is a "hidden" benefit to using the parks: Exercise prevents these things. By the same token, lack of exercise does lead to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, joint problems and stress. Health insurance companies must pay the costs of treating these illnesses--which is an enormous cost--and raise premiums as a result. We all know all how health insurance premiums have risen. They have been rising faster than inflation for a long time.

I would like to ask people to consider these costs. I also work out at the South Shore YMCA (especially in the winter) but not everyone can afford a health-club membership. Also, some people don't like to exercise indoors and prefer a more natural outdoor setting. Suppose we closed all the parks and sold the land to developers to build more stores. People would not have a convenient place to walk their dogs, to run or walk, to ride their bike or even to just spend a quiet moment away from the traffic, stress and bustle of life. Their health would decline. Stress-related illness, along with illnesses caused by too much food and too little exercise, would increase, leading to higher health-care costs, higher insurance premiums and an increased number of disability claims.

Is it possible our parks actually are saving us all money? It is probably impossible to calculate the true savings but I believe they are. One way of dealing with our nation's health-care crisis, for example, would be to continue to maintain our parks so that people can maintain their health and experience less health problems.

In economics, external costs are called "externalities". See the following for more info on external costs: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Externalities#Negative

I hope everyone had a chance to read the article "Sales of County Parkland Suggested" in Tuesday's paper. In case you missed it, here is the link: http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/80633172.html

You all know by now how I feel about this idea! The idea of selling County Parkland was simply suggested in an audit report and is not, as far as I know, being seriously considered by the County Board. This would be my worst nightmare if it were to become a reality.

I can't believe anyone could even suggest such an insane idea. The County Parks are a priceless resource. I love our parks and I would be devastated if any part of them were sold only to become yet another strip mall, parking lot or condo development. Yes, we need those things but we also need park area where people can walk their dog, run, bike or rollerblade. People have picnics in the summer. Kids go swimming at the pool ... well, I guess I am repeating myself because I have said this all before.

I find the idea terrifying.

I know times are tough financially but there has got to be a way. I hope you value the parks enough to find this idea offensive, as I do. If you are truly offended by even the suggestion of selling parkland please make your voices heard. Our parks have tremendous value which exceeds the "highest and best" real estate value!

As I watched Manny Pacquiao defeat Miguel Cotto last Saturday to win the WBO Welterweight Boxing Championship I thought of the other "boxing match" between Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker and Milwaukee County Board Chairman Lee Holloway.

What a fight!

I hope everyone had the opportunity to read the two editorials in Tuesdays paper.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/70231157.html

http://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/70231117.html

It is very clear these two men have radically different visions of how our County Government should function in coming years.

I wonder how Cudahy residents feel about this issue. What is your opinion? Would you be willing to pay a little bit more in taxes to avoid Lakefront parking meters, to keep bus routes and the bus call center, to maintain County Parks and keep Community Centers open, or would you prefer that these services be eliminated in order to reduce or maintain property taxes?

I would also like to refer readers to my Nov. 3rd article on "Finding the Will to Support our Parks". A couple readers made some very interesting and thought-provoking comments to the article. I hope everyone has a chance to give this issue some serious thought.

Thanks for reading!

A couple of readers wrote to me and asked me if I follow any special diet as part of my training. The answer is "yes and no". I do not count calories but I try to eat healthy, nutritious food as much as possible and avoid processed or manufactured foods. I am a firm believer in the "caveman diet"; i.e., I try to eat foods that come directly from a plant or animal source.

In addition, I am trying to eat as much fish as possible to get the maximum effects of Omega-3. I love fish and am trying to eat as much of it as possible. I eat fish almost every day. My favorites are salmon and herring, although I will eat almost any kind of fish.

In addition to fish, I try to eat a lot of vegetables, fruit, nuts, berries, seeds and rice. I do eat meat, but not every day. I love bacon, sausage, chicken and turkey but I choose fish over meat or poultry most of the time. I do not use any type of vitamins or Omega-3 supplements. I don't think there is anything wrong with vitamins or Omega-3 capsules, but I feel that I eat enough vegetables and fish to get the required nutrients directly from food. Some researchers believe, however, that a person can't really eat enough fish to satisfy the body's need for Omega-3. More research is needed to determine the optimal amount of Omega-3 and whether or not this requirement can be met through food alone.

I also drink a lot of green tea ( about four or five cups per day). I don't drink milk and the only foods I avoid are dairy products, junk food and candy. Other than that, I will eat almost any type of food.

I have found that by following this type of diet I can eat as much as I want, I feel great and my running performance is greatly improved. I am not a food fanatic and will make exceptions --- especially around the holidays!

Here is some research from Jeff Galloway's website on nutrition and running: http://www.jeffgalloway.com/nutrition/index.html