REPOST: 60 minute session: Endurance run with nasal breathing

Improve your cardiovascular system while you run by doing this nasal breathing workout featured in the article below:

Image Source: triathlete-europe.competitor.com

Every Friday we’ll feature a different coach’s workout you can complete in 60 mins (or less!). This week’s running workout comes from One-Hour Workouts: 50 Swim, Bike, and Run Workouts for Busy Athletes by Scott Molina, Mark Newton, and Michael Jacques. Excerpt from the book:

The respiratory system works to provide your body the oxygen it needs. You may be astonished to know that we breathe more than 20,000 times a day, so any respiratory problems are going to be exacerbated when you’re training.

As a percentage of your body’s energy expenditure, breaths can reach double digits under heavy effort loads. Amazingly, we pay more attention to training the muscles that demand oxygen and little to no attention to the respiratory system that delivers it.

Endurance Run With Nasal Breathing Time – Description

10 min. – Easy running RPE 1

4 × 5 min. Nasal breathing (NB) intervals RPE 3

5-min. running recovery (Take a break from NB work and run at a moderate effort.)

10 min. Easy running RPE 1

Nasal breathing workouts are ideal during the base period as you are focused on improving your cardiovascular system. You can mix NB intervals into your normal base runs. Here’s a good progression to get you started:

Week – Interval – Recovery

1 – 4 × 5 min. NB – 5 min. normal run

2 – 4 × 6 min. NB – 4 min. normal run

3 – 4 × 7 min. NB – 3 min. normal run

4 – 4 × 5 min. NB – 5 min. normal run

Steven Rindner is a marathon runner. For more articles on running, visit this blog. 

Running for fat loss: Tips for breaking through a plateau

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Runners experience the most fat loss in their first few months of running. After a while, running becomes easier and losing weight becomes more difficult and for some runners, it stops completely. 


It's common for runners to hit a fat loss plateau. As the body becomes accustomed to the demands of running, it becomes more efficient. Simply put, the body burns less calories despite the same level of activity. 



The following are some tips for runners to break through a plateau and get back on the road to fat loss.



Mix it up




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To keep the body from adapting to running, it's a good idea to change things up by varying the speed, length, or intensity of a run. Adding an extra mile or two, running at a slightly faster pace, or raising the treadmill incline can help the body burn more calories. 



Try Tabata 




Image Source: experiencelife.com

Tabata running involves running at maximal effort for 20 seconds, then resting for 10 seconds. The cycle is repeated continuously for four minutes. According to Professor Izumi Tabata, who created the method, Tabata training burns the same amount of calories in four minutes as steady-state cardio does in an hour, and burns up to 150 calories more even after the workout is over. 


Tabata is best incorporated into a regular running program and should only be done twice a week to allow for recovery.



Pump some iron 




Image Source: deesportsdoc.com

Strength training increases the body's metabolic rate, helps maintain lean muscle mass, and creates an after-burn effect even after leaving the gym. It also helps improve running performance by increasing endurance, power, and speed. Runners should start with light weights and progress to heavier ones when they're ready. They should ask a fitness professional for help with their form in order to avoid injury. 



Eat well




Image Source: realbuzz.com

Runners have special nutrition needs and can't get away with scrimping on calories in order to lose weight. Instead, runners should focus on staying away from processed food and drinks. Runners should eat adequate amounts of carbohydrates in the form of whole grains, fruit, and vegetables, as well as protein from healthy sources like beef, bison, and turkey. 



By adding variety to a running plan and eating nutritious food, runners can safely lose excess pounds without added time commitments and without compromising their training.



 Follow this Steven Rindner Twitter account for more discussions on running.

REPOST: Five questions to hone your business strategy

This article from The Globe and Mail enumerates some of the questions that business executives and leaders need to ask when fine-tuning their strategies and plans for effective formulation and execution.

Image Source: theglobeandmail.com

Strategy has two elements: Formulation and execution. While Toronto-based consultant Alex Lowy, who also lectures at the Schulich and DeGroote business schools, believes the strategy literature is 90-per-cent geared to formulation, he says the usual downfall is in execution.

“About 70 to 90 per cent of strategies don’t work out and the cause of failure is that things tend to fall apart in execution,” he said in an interview.

Those observations aren’t new. And, in a way, neither are his solutions. As he works with companies and executive MBA students, he has pieced together five questions that companies need to ask in order to ensure their strategies can be effective.

While the questions aren’t novel, bringing them together in a package is, forming a powerful way to stimulate discussion and thinking:

1. Why does our business deserve to succeed?

This gets at the essential issue of the value being delivered to customers. “How does your company’s strategy create a value-edge that stakeholders appreciate? Does it engender their loyalty or will your win be evanescent?” he writes in Strategy & Leadership Journal, where the ideas first appeared.

He points to BlackBerry Ltd. Its initial mobile device, offering a mini-computer with high security, was so far ahead of other offerings that the company truly deserved to win. But over time, the iPhone offered an alternative that many individuals embraced. Yet the Canadian company stuck to its old approach, and faltered. “Arguably, they didn’t deserve to succeed any more,” he said in an interview.

Admitting you don’t deserve to succeed will be tough, of course. But it’s a vital question you need to ask and answer dispassionately.

2. What would a new CEO do?

When Intel was stumbling with a successful but declining memory chip business, founders Andy Grove and Gordon Moore asked this question of themselves. They decided a new CEO would exit what was becoming a commodity business and instead enter the world of microprocessors. So they decided to figuratively walk out the door in the office where they were meeting and re-enter as if they were new CEOs, changing the strategic direction. “Get out of your defensive position,” Mr. Lowy advises.

If you are the incumbent CEO, it is very hard to do something that makes you and your policies look bad. But you can count on a newly recruited CEO taking a different approach if the company is seriously troubled. New CEOs aren’t there to defend the past but to create a new future, as BlackBerry is finding out with John Chen. So take the same tack.

At the same time, he warns that the board of directors might be unenthusiastic, since they are consumed with quarterly reports and changes can mean investments that bring the numbers down before raising them again.

3. Imagine it is three to six years in the future and the proposed strategy has been unsuccessful. Why did it fail?

This is known as the premortem question, and more and more companies are posing it. The notion is that it’s a lot easier to see what went wrong by looking backward – using 20/20 hindsight.

Executives can find it hard to anticipate the possibility of failure. But they actually have some clues about where they might go off track, and asking this question can allow those fears to be put on the table, in a positive way, for discussion. You might also ask people to complete this sentence: “If only we had …”

4. What would have to be true for our strategy to succeed?

Former Rotman School of Management dean Roger Martin, who has consulted for many years with Procter & Gamble, calls this his favourite question. A strategy’s success depends on a host of factors – a host of assumptions – coming true. This question forces you to be explicit, naming those assumptions and considering whether they are realistic. “Instead of looking at the content of the strategy, you look at the conditions under which it will be implemented,” Mr. Lowy said.

This sounds relatively simple but often executives take the question too literally and get it wrong. They look at the near-term and the obvious – for example, in order to succeed everyone must be on board. But the question is meant to probe factors such as the economy not being strong enough to support customers buying what you produce.

5. Would I put my own money into this?

This simple question is often greeted with laughter when Mr. Lowy asks it. But after that initial response, the mood gets serious as executives contemplate whether the strategy they carefully have constructed is worth their own financial investment. Often individuals will share their deeper concerns as someone admits it’s way too risky or it’s too little too late. Then he asks: So what has to change for you to put your money in it? “It leads to honest evaluation,” he said.

Those five questions allow you to take stock, share concerns, and build awareness of where things can go off the rails. They might help you avoid strategy failure.

Learn how to develop effective business strategies by following this Steven Rindner Twitter account.

Steven Rindner Enlists Many Types of Gear to Run Marathons

The average runner is most concerned with having the right shoes, which are important for preventing injury. If you go for a 30 minute run a few times or even several times a week, you might have to replace your sneakers every few months, which can get very expensive. Fortunately, you do not need to replace other gear, such as singlets, shorts and socks as often. Steven Rindner, a frequent marathoner, keeps a chafing protector among his gear, too. There are many brands out there, but this balm will protect from painful rashes that could cause a runner to stop early.

Another product frequently used by long distance runners is energy gel. During long weekend runs, runners can hit a wall if they deplete their carbohydrate stores. Steven Rindner carries with him a few packs of energy gel that he can suck down during his run. He also runs with a lightweight pack that carries water because he has to stay hydrated.

Image Source: consciousbusinessblog.com

Steven Rindner loves using technology to help him train and stay competitive. One of the pieces of technology that offers help and support is his smartphone and the many useful running apps. Fortunately, many of these apps cost nothing. One interesting app is called Map My Run. It will track your run, show it on a map, and tell you the distance, number of calories burned, the time necessary and the pace. It allows for inclusion of many types of running, including sprints, treadmill and cross country.

If you are carrying a lot of gear, you need something in which to put it. Some folks opt for a simple backpack or gym bag. Others get more elaborate. Do not forget to have a way to carry critical items during your runs. Drivers license, a bit of money and car keys are important. You might decide to use the pockets in your shorts, or you can add a small pouch on your shoes.

Fortunately, when it comes to running gear, there are many choices.

REPOST: Client Retention: The Key To Business Success

According to this article, looking for new customers may add up to your marketing expenses while valuing your existing customers is a sure way to double you profit. Tips on how to keep your customer's loyalty are listed below.

Image Source: thenextwomen.com

In the world of business and commerce, anything that’s new is going to cost you… including gaining new customers.

Reaching out to new customers can add significantly more to your marketing budget as, customer for customer, the overall cost of acquiring a new customer is reported to be 5 to 10 times more than selling to or garnering repeat business from an existing clients, according to Inc.com.

So what can you do to bring more to the table and keep doing business with your existing clients, rather than having to find more from your budget for new ones?

Customer Services

The holy grail of customer retention has to be keeping customers for the right reasons: that they want to come back to you.

You should be aiming for this to be not only because they trust your business methods, products or services, but also that they actually feel the value… both getting genuine value for money themselves and being valued as a customer by your business.

Superior Products

If your products or services not only fill a gap in the market but are forging the way in industry innovation, then this may be enough to keep your clients coming back for more, just to be a part of it.

Apple and their products are a very good example of how to gain this type of customer loyalty through initial innovation, consistent branding and service. In this way, Apple has managed to bridge the gap between customer satisfaction and customer loyalty mainly by products alone.

Loyalty Programs

From high value, maximum publicity air miles, to in-house stamped cards to get a free coffee for every 10 you buy, to discounts and loyalty programs for repeat customers are a popular part of corporate and sole trader business … and there are plenty to choose from. However, with the US’s 2011 Colloquy Customer Loyalty Census revealing that up to a third of all customers don’t redeem their loyalty bonuses, choosing the right scheme is paramount. But how do you choose? By putting your clients first … don’t think of a loyalty scheme which best serves you, instead ask yourself what your client might need or respond well to. Depending on the answer to that question, and your business model, your possibilities include:

Points systems: spend X and gain Y points, to put towards Z.

Tier systems, popular with corporations such as Virgin Airlines: spend / use A and gain B; spend and use A+ and gain B+.

Offering a paid-for add-on to your services. Although charging customers more may seem an odd way to motivate them to stick with you, offering them exclusive benefits in return is the way to get this working and to keep them coming back to you. Amazon’s Prime membership program is a good example of this.

Offer additional value by supporting a mutual interest or worthy cause. For example, if you’re selling fair trade products, show customers that their return spends with you will help to sponsor a fair trade project overseas.

Join forces with another company to offer mutual rewards and reductions for loyalty: popular combinations include theatres and restaurants for example, veterinary practices and pet food suppliers; hotels and local tourist attractions.

Personal Payback

Whether you’re in the B2B world and want to continue working with another company or you’re a smaller company wanting to show your clients and customers that you value their continued business, corporate hospitality is a remarkably flexible way to achieve great results.

Whether you’re offering days out as a payback for loyalty so far, as reward incentives, or as an innovative product-launching event to entertain as well as pitch to your existing clients (and a few well-identified contacts) then hospitality events can be the ideal platform. It’s a myth that you have to have your own dedicated staff to organise such events as companies such as Team Tactics can take care of all the arrangements as well as provide all manner of entertainments and team-building activities.

Be Responsive

Organising treats and incentives to keep your clients on board when everything’s all well and good is one thing, but when it’s not?

For consumers, customers and clients alike, often the real test of a service or product isn’t when all’s going well, it’s about what happens when things go wrong.

Who can forget the You Tube video of the FedEx courier delivering a computer monitor by throwing it over the fence of the property? This viral media age demonstrated that not all publicity is good publicity and the world waited to see if FedEx could possibly respond and rescue their reputation. But they did, and swiftly.

Immediately reaching out to the affected customer, FedEx then quickly recorded and uploaded their own video response in which the Senior Vice President of US Operations sincerely apologised to customers and reinforced the company’s values. This swift and appropriate response went a long way to restoring customer confidence in the company, which has gone on to show a 2.2 percent global and domestic (US) gain in growth for 2014.

All of which demonstrates that where customers are concerned, being responsive when problems arise and working with customers to put things right is a great way to retain loyalty and confidence from your customers… in good times and in bad.


Follow this Steven Rindner Twitter account to know more about good business practices.

Steven Rindner: Training for Your First Marathon Requires Multiple Steps

The thought of being able to finish a marathon may be thrilling, but in reality, you may be far from accomplishing this feat. Achieving this goal takes patience and a willingness to endure – the same qualities needed to attain anything else of value in life. A few tips may help you to successfully work toward your goal of running your first 26-mile stretch and finally feeling like the champion you know you can be.


First, it is wise to talk to your doctor about running your first marathon, as this long-distance run can put strain on your body, said marathon expert Steven Rindner. When you and your physician decide that you can begin the marathon training process, it would be expedient for you to start by running consistently for one year before starting an actual program for training for a marathon.

Image Source: wmtw.com

As part of your consistent runs, you can initially run shorter distances and then slowly progress to longer ones. For instance, you can try a 5K or 10K walk before embarking on a half-marathon. This will prepare you both mentally and physically for a full marathon. The shorter distances are essential to master because they will give you an idea of how to pace yourself and speed up when necessary. You will also get used to running in the elements, which may be necessary since marathons do not always occur when the skies are clear. In addition, your shorter runs will help you to determine whether you want your first marathon to involve crowds of people lined up along the street or a simple, low-key race on backcountry roads.

Running a marathon is an ideal way to get fit, raise awareness about a charity or lose weight. It also allows you to prove to yourself that you can go beyond your previous limits and overcome a personal challenge. No matter how hard the race may become, these benefits can motivate you to keep pushing toward your dream of marathon achievement, one step at a time.

This Steven Rindner blog site contains more articles about running.

Steven Rindner: Choose the Right Shoes for Your Upcoming Marathon

If you are interested in trying out a half-marathon or marathon this fall, one of the most important things you can do is choose the right shoes. A marathon can actually cause more harm than good if you have poorly fitting shoes. When selecting your long-distance running shoes, several factors should be taken into consideration, said Steven Rindner, an expert at running marathons.

First, it is wise to have a shoe company test your gait. The shoe shop can complete a comprehensive gait analysis that will assist you with identifying which types of shoes will provide you with the most support during your run. The analysis will also offer tips on how you can enhance your unique running technique.

Image Source: outsideonline.com

It is also important to consider the terrain on which you will be running. Whether you will mostly run off road or on the road dictates what shoe type will be most fitting for you. In addition, if you plan to run a marathon, you may benefit from buying training shoes, which are designed for running longer distances. Race shoes, on the other hand, are lighter and are better suited for shorter runs, such as four-hour races.

Not selecting the best shoe can be dangerous because running involves using joint and muscle movements repetitively, and this can be demanding on the body whether you are a young high school student or are in your 60s. Having well-built shoes will prevent injuries so that you can focus on reaching your personal fitness goals.

Some of today’s most popular running shoe brands include Nike as well as Asics, Salomon and Saucony. A shoe company representative should be able to help you to select a shoe that is comfortable for you and weather-resistant. The right shoes will propel you forward in your quest to remain healthy and to enjoy the emotional benefits that running provides.

Visit this Steven Rindner blog site for more articles. 

Steven Rindner: Running a Marathon Can Improve Your Quality of Life

There is something special about reaching the finish line following a long run. If you have run a marathon before, then you likely know firsthand the many benefits of completing this 26-mile run. If running 26 miles seems impossible to you, learning about the several advantages of this type of exercise may be enough to motivate you to give it a try and watch your life change for the better, according to expert marathon runner Steven Rindner.

One of the primary benefits of running a marathon is that it can improve your health and fitness level long-term. Running long distances can actually lower your risk of prostate and eye disorders, research shows. It can additionally improve your cardiovascular health and strengthen your bones. Through long-distance running, you burn fat calories and tone your body as well.

Image Source: wgal.com

Running’s benefits are not just physical, however. Marathon-running also has multiple psychological benefits. You experience a sense of accomplishment when you are able to finish your run and reach your fitness goals. Winning the race is not necessary to feel the excitement of completing a marathon, either. Some individuals take part in marathons in an effort to beat emotional trauma or terminal illnesses. When you prove to yourself and to others that you can run 26 miles with confidence, this can boost your self-esteem and your desire to endure all situations you face in life.

Running a marathon additionally provides an avenue for you to socialize with other people who share your interest in running. It also helps you to support loved ones who are trying to run in order to improve their health. Although running a marathon may be challenging, overcoming this challenge can be a source of personal pride that no one else can take away. In the process, others whom you inspire will thank you for your persistence, and your heart will thank you, too.

More about Steven Rindner and running can be accessed on this blog. 

Cross-training for runners: Is it really necessary?

Image Source: healthscopemag.com

Runners who are comfortable with logging the same number of miles, on the same terrain, and at the same pace forever don't need to cross-train. Those who want to be faster, stronger, and immune to injury should, however, consider adding some variety to their workouts with regular cross-training sessions.

The following are three cross-training activities and their benefits:

Core work

Image Source: active.com

Runners might mistakenly believe that to become better, all they need to do is strengthen their legs. However, elite runners all pay great attention to their core. The core, composed of the gluteal and abdominal muscles and the muscles of the lower back, provide stability, endurance, and power for maintaining good running form, hill work, and speed work. A strong core also improves lateral movement, useful for quickly navigating obstacles such as potholes and sharp turns.


Some examples of quality core exercises are the bridge, which works the gluteal muscles and hamstrings, the side plank, which hits the obliques, lower back, gluteal muscles, tranversus abdominus, and hips; and the superman, which strengthens the lower back and the deep abdominal muscles.

Cycling

Image Source: runnersfeed.com

Whether outdoors or on a spinning bike, cycling is a low-impact way to boost cardiovascular fitness and increase endurance while working the quadriceps, gluteal muscles, hamstrings, and calves. Cycling can also strengthen the connective tissue of the ankles, hips, and knees, reducing the risk of injury.

Strength training

Image Source: active.com

Strength training can improve total running economy, leading to increased speed and strength. It also targets muscle groups infrequently utilized during running, alleviating muscle imbalances. It also increases muscle mass and decreases body fat percentage.

One example of a good strength training exercise for runners is the kettlebell swing. The exercise forces the body to stabilize the off-centered weight and push it forward with the hips. Kettlebell swings are a great way to improve stability, strengthen the core, and increase cardiovascular endurance all at the same time.

To reap the full benefits of cross-training, experts advise runners to have two or three sessions per week.

Steven Rindner is a marathon runner and a business development professional. For more articles on running and health, subscribe to this blog.

REPOST: How to create a positive workplace

 The job of a leader is to encourage those who follow him to work efficiently and effective. Follow these tips from Dynamicbusiness.com to create a positive atmosphere in the workplace so the employees will be more productive.

Image Source: dynamicbusiness.com

It’s well known that a happy workplace is more productive, but it’s far easier said than done. 

Especially for franchisors, it’s paramount to promote and foster passion for the company by encouraging all franchisees to take an active role in shaping the business. Here are a few tips on encouraging your staff to love your business as much as you do.

Foster good working relationships at all levels

The most important thing to keep in mind is that relationships are absolutely critical, a good relationship at all levels is vital in ensuring your team members enjoy their work. They stem from, and in turn encourage, employees who feel empowered in their role and engage in open and honest dialogue. Honesty gives employees the confidence to create the kind of team they want to be a part of and feel valued, helping tackle minor problems before they become major issues.

Encourage contribution from your employees

We have found one of the most effective ways to increase positivity amongst franchisees is to show that we value their input in key business decisions. We encourage our franchisees to join us on our overseas buying trips, providing a great opportunity to strengthen relationships between franchisees, senior executives and suppliers and helping to create a sense of ownership of Bedshed’s product range.

Instill a sense of responsibility in every member of your company

Ensure your employees understand the company’s goals so they can work towards achieving the same objectives. Although a franchisor-franchisee relationship might be a more direct example of this, it should be true of every company. Our buying trips work on multiple levels, showing the team the ways in which Bedshed is constantly striving to be an industry leader, instilling a passion to further that ambition in franchisees. A well-connected, respected and united group of franchisees are better placed to lead your business to success.

For more tips on how to be a good leader, follow this Steven Rindner Twitter account.

Scout Names Ross Levinsohn Executive Chairman and Unveils Executive Team

Media pioneer Levinsohn takes key role with male-focused media network, founded by longtime business partner Scout CEO James Heckman and Pilot Group.

Executive team filled with heavyweights from Yahoo!, AOL, MSN, Google, Amazon, NFL and News Corp. 

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/scout-names-ross-levinsohn-executive-225100246.html

A Better Run Might be as Simple as Using this Alternate Lacing Technique

In the running world, there is a popular term called “lace creep”, or an ill-fitting shoe not properly laced to meet the unique needs of a person’s foot. If you are feeling discomfort or “hot spots” on your feet after using your running shoes, do not throw the baby out with the bathwater. Simply try an alternative lacing system first, before buying a new shoe. There are many simple alternatives to the traditional crisscrossing lacing technique and finding the right one for you can make all the difference when hitting the pavement, trails or treadmill.

Running shoe designer, Altra, suggests the following approach for runners with a wider forefoot, or those just looking for more space for their feet to relax. It is both their own and their customers’ favorite lacing system allowing for the forefoot to expand and breathe while securing the heel and preventing lace creep:

1. Start by running the lace straight across the bottom, over the tongue and downward into the shoe. Make sure both sides of the remaining lace are equal.

2. Without crossing, skip under to the second set of holes, then over to the third set of holes.

3. From the third holes to the fourth holes, cross the laces over the top of each other and insert downward into the holes on the opposite side. Continue this crossing technique until you reach the second-to-last set of holes.

4. String the lace into the last holes upward from underneath. Create a small loop with each end by threading the lace back into the same hole.

5. Slide the remaining lace from the opposite side into the hole.

Image Source: womenshealthmag.com

Other lacing tips:

• The laces over the top of the arch/instep are loose enough to comfortably fit your finger after the shoe is tied.

• The lacing should fit snuggly at the heel, relaxed over the arch and roomy at the forefoot.

• It may feel "too loose" at first, but the foot will learn to spread out and relax.

For more on marathon running and related tips, please visit Steven Rindner's homepage.

Age is just a number: Career tips for young startup CEOs

Image Source: mnn.com

In business, older professionals have the advantage of wisdom, which means that they're well-equipped to prevent businesses from repeating mistakes. However, young professionals typically have energy and flexibility, which are important in a world of quick adjustments. They also tend to be more receptive to new ideas and willing to take risks.

Image Source: herahub.com

 
Although there certainly isn't a dearth of young CEOs, becoming the head of a business isn't as easy as seems: successful young CEOs like Jack Dorsey of Twitter and David Karp of Tumblr are on the rise, but are not yet the norm. The following are some simple career tips for those who want to work their way to the top before they reach their 40th birthday.  

Learn to network

Image Source: thebusyexecutive.com

Few startup owners have the financial ability to fund their enterprise on their own, and investors are necessary for further business growth. Networking is crucial in building a business. Building and maintaining professional and personal relationships help young CEOs find new talent for their team, meet potential business partners and clients early, and make their presence known to potential investors.

Networking can also help startup CEOs determine, in the case of acquisition, whether a large company would be a good fit. Aspiring young CEOs can attend and host networking events and participate in online networking.  

Be confident

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It's important for entrepreneurs to trust themselves and be confident in their decisions. While advice and feedback from others are important, young professionals should be wary of both well-meaning folk with misguided advice and those with ulterior motives.

Don't try to do everything alone

Image Source: champsoftware.com

Often, young CEOS will fall in love with their business so much that they'll insist on micro-managing.

Although it's true that CEOs have a responsibility to make sure that their businesses are running smoothly, it's important to find team members who are trustworthy and just as committed to the success of their companies and delegate other simpler aspects of the business to them.

Younger CEOs will benefit greatly from insights and should seek the advice of mentors and corporate development coaches so they can wend their way through the murky waters of new businesses.  

For more business articles, subscribe to this Steven Rindner blog.

New Running Shoe is the “Sensible Alternative to FiveFingers”

At only a few years old, Colorado-based running shoe company, Altra, is a relatively new addition to the industry. But do not let their youth fool you. Their visionary products are being touted as some of the best technical shoes a runner can find, designed specifically to help an athlete run with proper form and posture to minimize not only injury, but wear-and-tear on the shoe. Altra is becoming most known for their innovative “zero drop” technology, as the “sensible alternative to FiveFingers” barefoot running.

Altra’s zero drop became what it is today (one of the Top 10 running shoe brands) out of years of observation at Golden Harper’s family's running store in the Wasatch Mountains. A competitive runner himself, Harper says that he wanted to do more for his customers complaining of knee pain, shin splints and recurring foot pain. He began melting the outsoles off of traditional running shoes with a toaster oven to level the cushioning to a "zero drop" position where the heel is at the same level as the forefoot. (Traditional shoes typically have a 2:1 heel-to-toe ratio.)

Image Source: zogdo.com

This approach worked so well at reducing injuries for over 1000 happy customers, that Harper began designing his own line of running shoes. Vibram’s FiveFingers, the glove-like footwear that has become nationally popular and sparked the barefoot running movement, also offers zero drop; however, according to their own website, the shoe was never intended to be a full-distance running shoe. Many believers in natural running have therefore become injured in the process.

In addition to the fully-cushioned zero drop and a more natural foot strike, Altra running shoes have three other characteristics that set them apart from FiveFingers:

1. A very wide toe box meant to offer a more relaxed foot and therefore a more natural posture while running.

2. Incredible flexibility and durability in their choice of materials. The shoes can be bent in half and twisted – something a traditional shoe typically cannot do because of its rigid structure.

3. Gender specific designs to meet the physiological differences between the male and female feet/gait.

For more on Marathon running and related tips, please visit Steven Rindner's homepage.

A look at three modern CEOs

Image Source: spotfire.tibco.com

The roles of CEOs have changed over the past few decades. Amidst today’s technological advancements and the ever-changing business landscape, CEOs are commonly perceived as heroes that shape and move companies towards success.

Harvard Business Review has listed the best performing CEOs based on performance, reputation, popularity and celebrity status. The list includes:

Steve Jobs. Widely recognized as a charismatic pioneer of the personal computer evolution, Steve Jobs has left a legacy as an influential leader in the fields of computer and consumer electronics. After Apple's founding, he became a symbol of his company and industry. American business magnate and Microsoft Corp. co-founder Bill Gates notes: "His ability to always come around and figure out where that next bet should be has been phenomenal."

Image Source: abcnews.go.com

Jeff Bezos. E-commerce pioneer Jeff Bezos defined online shopping by ushering in a new era in business. As a leader, Forbes acknowledged Bezos’ core competency as an “industry transformer,” ultimately changing the way people shop. BBCNews.com describes him saying: "If the Internet was the new rock and roll, Jeff Bezos…was its Elvis … [Today he’s] the ultimate dotcom survivor."

Image Source: businessinsider.com

Yun Jong Yong. Having been part of Samsung for almost 40 years, Yun has made the company one of the world's fastest-growing brands with its wide array of products—from feature-packed digital gadgets to state-of-the-art semiconductor chips. He is also known for his efficiency campaign, which closed factories for weeks to cut inventories, slashing the workforce by one-third, and selling off dozens of noncore divisions.

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Steven Rindner is a business and corporate development executive with experience in media, technology, real estate services, and healthcare businesses. Learn more about corporate leadership by following his Twitter account.

Business strategy: Harnessing social media's potential

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Fact: Social networking platforms are here to stay for good.

Though many entrepreneurs still view these tools as irrelevant and a waste of time, business leaders who value their online presence would agree that these tools are material. Utilizing social media’s full potential is effective in providing better service and good customer relations. With that, Robert Wynne of Forbes presents some social media rules for business promotion and PR:

Rule 1 - Let customers know that the company is there to not over-promise and under-deliver but the other way around.

Rule 2 - Make posts straightforward and short because customers champion rousing and meaningful content over lengthy and boring announcements.

Rule 3 - Be newsworthy, taking into consideration the speed and relevance of the posts, as well as hashtags and real-time updates.

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Rule 4 - Offer help to customers by giving them tidbits of what’s relevant and useful to them in real time.

Rule 5 - Determine whether or not to use Facebook and knowing how and why customers use it.

The key to a winning social media campaign, whether for PR, promotion, or whatnot, is to target valuable customers and connect with them on a personal level. Strategy and media planning are always helpful steps in attaining this goal.

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Online media plays a crucial role in business success. Steven Rindner, a business expert, helps companies understand this role to gain optimal rewards. For more updates on business strategies and other related discussions, follow this Google+ page.

Experience is part of the business

Experience is part of the business

Academic degree and work experience go hand-in-hand in the making of a successful business executive. In fact, even students pursuing a master’s degree in business administration are often required to have work experience right after college.

A well-respected business and corporate development executive, Steven Rindner was not an exception to this rule. Before holding senior and executive positions in some of the industry’s finest companies, he had to work his way from the bottom.

Unlike other professionals who started early in business, Steven began his career in a different field. A law graduate from New York, he made the big move in the business world by becoming part of AOL, where he helped the company develop and execute strategies for website functionality, advertising, marketing, content, and subscriber acquisition.

With his eagerness to learn, Steven moved up the corporate ladder, where he served as director, executive director, vice president, and then senior vice president. This experience led him to take on more leadership roles in companies such as Citigroup Inc., Kastle Systems International, and Besins Healthcare International.

Steven is just one of the thousands of business executives who have culminated their success through experience. Those who want to make it big in business have to learn that experience is not a substitute for determination and passion but rather an opportunity that can help one go further in the competitive world of business.

Steven Rindner is a business executive with a strong background in business development and growth strategy in media, technology, real estate services, and health care. Learn more about him by visiting this Facebook page.

Quick and Convenient Organic Snack Ideas for Marathon Runners

As Steven Rindner has found in his marathon training, nutrition is often the deciding variable whether his daily run is enjoyable or not. There is nothing worse than indigestion when trying to talk the body into running way past its natural limits. Marathon runners need to focus their nutritional habits on whole, nutrient dense, organic whole foods to keep their bodies in highest condition and to recover quickly. Here are a few ideas for some simple and healthy snacking foods: (Most contain healthy protein and fat for energy. Please note all dairy items are whole fat and organic – a must if consuming this food group.)

• Organic Valley Colby-Jack Cheese Sticks
 • Organic Pickles (wrapped with AppleGate Farms deli turkey slices & organic cream cheese)
• Chocolate Raw Grass-fed Whey Protein Powder mixed with Unsweetened Chocolate Almond Breeze or Organic Valley Organic Whole Milk
• Hard-boiled Eggs

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 • Yo-Baby (Whole Milk) Organic Yogurts or Organic Whole Fat Greek Yogurts
• Organic Baked Blue Corn Chips & Salsa, Pico, or Guacamole (individual servings found at Costco)
• Large Bag of Raw Snap Peas
• Sliced Tri-Colored Peppers
• Bag of Baby Carrots w/ Hummus (individual servings found at Costco)
• Homemade Trail Mix (buy ingredients in bulk and mix together or Whole Foods has a great sprouted trail mix also found in bulk)
• Homemade Tuna or Salmon Salad (individual servings found in cups, cans or foil packs)
• Organic Apples, Grapes, Pears, Berries or Cut-up Melon
 • AppleGate Farms Deli Meat (especially the grass-fed roast beef)
• Organic Whole-Fat Cottage Cheese
• Homemade Popcorn (cooked in palm or coconut oil and topped with Redmond’s RealSalt)

For more information on marathon-worthy nutrition and other tips, visit Steven Rindner’s home page.

Steven Rindner on What to Expect on Race Day

You've worked hard to prepare yourself, mentally and physically, for the big day – your first marathon! Part of that preparation is in knowing what to do in the days leading up to the race, and what to expect on the day of the race.

• To begin with, about two weeks before your race, give your body a break by scaling back on the distance and the difficulty of your training runs. This will help your body to be ready to run the long distance of a marathon.

 • Make sure you are well-hydrated in the days leading up to the marathon. Drink lots of water before bed on the night before the marathon, and lots of water first thing that morning.

• A few hours before the race, eat a high-carbohydrate breakfast.

• Don't overdress. The day may get hotter the later it gets. Also, on the subject of clothing, don't wait for the day of the race to try out that new pair of shoes!

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• If you are used to running with headphones and would like to do so during the race, ask ahead of time if this is allowed. However, keep in mind that being able to hear people cheer you on may give you a much-needed mental boost.

• Get to the race with time to spare – you may be nervous enough without having to worry about getting to the starting line on time.

• If you're not going to carry your own water, take advantage often of the water and sport drinks that are offered at aid stations along the route.

• Start slowly so you don't burn out right away. You have plenty of time to pick up speed later.

Perhaps the best advice is to enjoy yourself and to imagine how great you'll feel when you cross your first marathon finishing line!

For more tips on running, check out Steven Rindner's website.

The strategic path to becoming a successful business executive

For people who dream of becoming a business executive, reaching the upper ranks of the corporate world may often seem fierce and challenging. Climbing the corporate ladder requires disciplined work ethic and education. Still, only a few make it as the vice president or senior vice president of a company.

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So when it comes to managing one’s own career, what does it take to climb the ladder?

For Steven Rindner, a renowned business and corporate development executive, it takes more than education to be successful in the field. Beginning his career as a lawyer, he has since become a successful business executive by studying a number of industries including media, technology, real estate services and healthcare.

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Like most CEOs and top executives, Rindner had to put into play his most strategic skills during the most crucial moments. As one of the former executives of Besins Healthcare International, a pharmaceutical based in Belgium, he turned the nutrition business of the company into a valuable enterprise through the development of numerous distribution channels, significant partnerships with media and marketing companies, and the successful execution of online strategies.

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According to Harvard Business Review, which recently featured research involving more than 20,000 executives, strategic leadership is the game in all industries with strong corporate structures. The study stresses the importance of leaders thinking strategically and developing the ability to anticipate, challenge, interpret, decide, align, and learn in various situations.

Steven Rindner is a results-oriented executive with a strong background in business development and growth strategy. Get more insights about business and leadership by visiting this Twitter page.

Steven Rindner of Scout

Although Steven Rindner began his career as a lawyer, he has since become a successful business executive, with a strong background in business development and growth strategy. He has used his expertise in many industries, such as media, technology, real estate, and healthcare.

Mr. Rindner graduated from St. John's University School of Law, where he was a member of the St. John's Law Review. After graduation, he served as a clerk to the Honorable John Terry, on the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. He then worked at top tier law firms, and even at the United States Attorneys Office, where he handled cases in both federal and local courts.

Steven Rindner then moved on to America Online, serving as director, executive director, vice president, and eventually senior vice president. He helped the company to develop strategies to grow subscribers, and also helped to develop website functionality and successful advertising and marketing campaigns.

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Mr. Rindner has also served as senior vice president at Citigroup, Inc., and executive vice president at Kastle Systems International, a company that specializes in outsourced services for commercial office buildings. At Kastle, he managed to double annual new revenue generation. He was also practice director at Perfect Sense Digital.

Steven Rindner was also chief executive for e-commerce and nutrition at Besins Healthcare, a pharmaceutical company based in Belgium. He helped to launch and develop the nutrition business, and turned it into a valuable enterprise by developing distribution channels and partnerships with media and marketing companies and by successfully implementing online strategies. He also worked to expand the company in the United States and throughout the world. Because of his success with the online business, Mr. Rindner was asked to take the lead with Olympian Labs, the company's retail nutrition business.

Mr. Rindner now works at Scout Media, Inc.

Besides his corporate work, Mr. Rindner also finds time to serve on the board of directors of the Charles E. Smith Life Communities and the Winston Churchill HS Educational Foundation.

For more about Steven Rindner, follow this Facebook page.

Steven Rindner

Steven Rindner began his career with a degree in law from St. John's University School of Law in Jamaica, New York, where he was also a member of the St. John's Law Review. After graduating, he was a clerk on the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Mr. Rindner then became an associate at Shearman and Sterling, where he worked to prepare credit agreements and indentures, as well as registration statements for public offerings. He then joined the United States Attorneys' Office. He was an assistant United States attorney and he handled cases in both federal and local courts. Then, until 1999, he was an associate with Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson, where he worked as a corporate attorney. After leaving this law firm, Mr. Rindner made the move to the business world.

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He became part of America Online, where he helped the company to develop and execute strategies for website functionality, advertising, marketing, content, and subscriber acquisition. He moved rapidly up the corporate ladder at America Online, where he served as director, executive director, vice president, and then senior vice president. In 2003, Steven Rindner moved on to Citigroup Inc., where he was senior vice president. From 2004-2008 he was executive vice president at Kastle Systems International, a private equity-owned security company. Mr. Rindner helped the company grow and expand internationally and also helped to raise millions of dollars.

Steven Rindner was also chief executive for e-commerce and nutrition at Besins Healthcare, Inc. Among his achievements at Besins Healthcare, he helped the company raise millions of dollars to launch new intiatives. He also helped to develop the company's award-winning website, which enabled the engaged customer database to grow by more than 100%, which was even more than expected. Because of the success of the online business, investors in the company asked Mr. Rindner to lead Olympian Labs, Inc., the company's retail nutrition business.

Steven Rindner now works at Scout Media, Inc. For more about him, visit this blog site.