Fartlek, Doped Russians, Gender Confusion and Chocolate Milk

Training Update:
I hope that all of you are enjoying your "down" week. Everyone should receive their new training schedules via rmail tomorrow. There are two suggested workouts on tap for next week: a fartlek session (preferrably on rolling hills and a soft surface, i.e. golf course, xc course or trails) and a short threshold (3m women/4m men), preferably on flat to gently rolling terrain. The intensity is negotiable - just make sure you are cognizant of the fact that it's the first week of August - a full 15 weeks removed from the national championships.

Russians, Romanians fail drug test:
A week after a truckload of rediculous times were posted at the Russian Oly Trials, 7 athletes have apparrently failed drug testing. 6 were members of their Olympic team, and have been subsequently barred from the Olympic Games. http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/31072008/58/beijing-2008-top-russians-banned-games.html
2 female distance runners from Romania were recently booted from their team for EPO use (or at least suspicion thereof...their hematocrits were apparrently higher than what is humanly possible). Not to worry, team.... we are always one step ahead of testing here at the University of Southern Indiana...we haven't had a failed drug test yet! Of course I'm kidding, but it's always nice to be accused of cheating (you know you're doing something right then).

Gender Testing:
The Chinese will be conducting gender testing at the Olympics. Not sure if you're a man or a woman? Apparrently the Chinese now have the technology to uncover the truth. They think of everything, don't they? http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/jul/30/olympicgames2008.gender

Chocolate Milk: The ultimate sports recovery drink
Our upperclassmen already know this little secret, and I am sure that some of our rookies know as well. Here is a link to story ona study that was conducted a few years ago @ IU. Low Fat Chocolate milk has the same 4:1 Carbohydrate to protein ratio found in Endurox R4 and other leading sports recovery drinks. It works, and it tastes great, and it's a LOT cheaper. If you want to recover from your long runs and workouts optimally, have a glass of low fat chocolate milk immiediately following your training session.
http://www.winforum.org/HeraldTimes_StagerResearch.htm

That's all for now. Keep up the great work, Eagles. Go run.