IN THIS ISSUE:

 Follow the Tour de France and win great stuff!

 Marathon FAQ, with Hal Higdon

 Don't run from training in summer's heat and humidity

 Just like the pros (sort of): road bikes go high tech

MARATHON FAQ, WITH HAL HIGDON

"How should I train for a marathon"? "When should I get new shoes?" "What pace should I aim for?" -- these are all common questions for first-time marathoners. Running author and coach Hal Higdon answers your frequently asked questions.

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FOLLOW THE TOUR AND WIN GREAT STUFF!

The 2004 Tour de France is in full swing, and Active along with the Outdoor Life Network is bringing you great daily coverage: stage reports, feature articles, expert commentary, video clips and much more! Plus: subscribe to our free daily Tour e-mail updates for a chance to win great cycling gear from Rudy Project, Spinergy, Polar and Vision Fitness in our Tour Trivia Contest!

DON'T RUN FROM TRAINING IN SUMMER'S HEAT AND HUMIDITY

Take advantage of summer temperatures. Use heat and humidity as training tools to maximize aerobic conditioning. Train through these conditions and you will likely be in the best shape of your life come fall. Of course, you'll need to take the usual precautions.

JUST LIKE THE PROS (SORT OF): ROAD BIKES GO HIGH TECH

High-tech bikes aren't just for Lance Armstrong and the almost 200 pro cyclists riding the Tour de France. Amateur racers and recreational cyclists are benefiting from the latest improvements developed for elite riders. Of course, weekend warriors not quite ready to shell out $4,000 or more for a top road bike have less-expensive options.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE ACTIVE NUTRITION MONTHLY NEWSLETTER!

If you're looking to improve athletic performance and diet while getting the latest scoop on supplements and wellness trends, our free monthly Active Nutrition newsletter is packed with enlightening and exclusive articles written by the top sports nutritionists in the nation, along with fascinating facts from University of California, Berkeley's Wellness Institute.