Running often seems like the simplest sport. Its a motion our bodies perform naturally, the only gear required is a pair of shoes (if even that) and we get to pick the pace. Around the world people run for work, play, fitness and even spiritual enlightenment.And while you might think that running is running is running, it is practiced differently depending on where you do it. From the United States obsession with analytics to Ethiopias natural approach to Japans high-mileage grind, running cultures are as unique as the countries that create them.After graduating from Rice University, NCAA All-American runner Becky Wade received a Watson Fellowship to spend a year traveling the globe and studying the way the world runs. During her journey, she met legendary sprinter Usain Bolt, ran on hallowed ground at Roger Bannister Track in Oxford and powered up mountains in Switzerland. Twenty-two countries and more than 3,500 miles later, Wade returned to America armed with new techniques and fresh perspective, which she writes about in her book Run the World, which will be released on Tuesday.As she prepped to compete in the steeplechase at the Olympic track and field trials on Monday, we caught up with the 27-year-old Wade to hear about the lessons she learned while running the world.1. Walk before you runIn London, Wade shared a flat with elite Kenyan runners, who also became her training partners. These athletes started every workout in a surprising way: Walking. The 20-minute stroll to a local park spared their joints pavement pounding, and by accelerating gradually, their bodies had ample opportunity to loosen up. [B]y the time they actually begin running, their bodies are likely more alive and responsive than most peoples ever become during the day, Wade says.2. Metrics arent requiredWade spent two months living at the Yaya Village training camp in Ethiopia and hanging with three runners dubbed the Yaya Girls. Their workouts followed a pattern: single file, off-road and uphill -- or rather, up Mount Entoto, which tops off at 10,500 feet. The Ethiopians dismissed distance-based or time-focused training in favor of running by feel. Just being really attentive to how your body feels in the moment and not overexerting, but pushing the appropriate amount for that day.3. Following is funThe Ethiopian follow-the-leader format was also good practice for distance races. You dont want to overthink things. You want other people to carry the load for as long as possible, Wade says.4. Lose control, gain gritFor pros like Wade, structure is a fact of training. But traveling meant relinquishing control -- especially when it came to workouts. Id just hop in with a group, she says. I didnt know what we would be doing or how fast wed go. And adapting on the fly isnt just for practice. Its a useful skill for bouncing back from the inevitable mid-race surprises. Just diving into those unknowns benefitted me and probably would a lot more distance runners. In Zurich, Wade attended running club TV Oerlikons Track Challenge, a medley of 10 races from 250 to 1,000 meters. The catch? Runners started each race without knowing the distance. Only an official knew the length of each event and would signal to the racers when they entered the last half lap. It was fun for the runners and it was also really fun for the spectators. Youre always wondering, is this going to be a race where the sprinters go or are the distance runners going to dominate? Hows it all going to add up? I loved that.5. Diet schmietAmerican runners, Wade says, often are focused on innovation, the latest gadget or diet trend that might offer an edge. But Wade found cultures around the world where elite athletes stuck with diets diametrically opposed to the current wisdom at home. In Japan, she fell in love with sushi as a pre-run meal. In Ethiopia, she watched the Yaya Girls rely on injera crepes, pasta, white potatoes and white rolls. In London, she joined the Kenyans for vegetable stew and Ugali, a cornmeal bread also used as a utensil. While Americans are quick to swear off bread or whatever food is taboo at the moment, Wade writes, elite runners from Ethiopia and Kenya -- the best in the world -- have been found to consume between 64 and 76 percent of their calories in carbohydrate form.6. Scones can be a recovery foodIf the word recovery evokes ice baths and Advil, its time to think more broadly. At Irelands Finn Valley Athletic Club, most practices ended with a mental cool-down in the form of tea and scones back at the clubhouse. The mental wind-down after especially hard workouts is really important and undervalued, Wade says. Meanwhile in Japan -- known for its disciplined, militaristic approach to running -- recovery was also revered. Wade had her toes nibbled at a fish spa, took a dip in onsen bathing houses and turned to acupuncture when she suffered a mild calf strain. I was surprised to find in Japan that serious athletes are really good at separating rest and recovery from their training and work schedules, Wade says.7. Runners are awesome peopleWade returned from her journey not only primed for a killer marathon -- five months after her return to the United States Wade won the California International Marathon in her first shot at the distance, finishing in 2 hours,30 minutes and 48 seconds -- but also fired up about the community shed joined on the road. It is such a positive and kind and quirky group of people that share this one thing in common, but [running is] such a powerful thing that it fosters instant connection, Wade says. Im just very proud to be a runner. Jerseys China .7 million, one-year contract, a raise of $2.2 million. Wieters had asked for $8.75 million and the Orioles had offered $6. Nike NFL Jerseys Cheap . He was followed closely by David Clarkson, donning red, seconds later. Clarksons actions one night earlier, leaping off the bench in defence of Kessel during a pre-season game against the Buffalo Sabres, will cost him the first 10 games of the regular season. http://www.cheapnfljerseyswholesale.com/ . Zvonareva, who won the tournament in 2009 and 10, couldnt handle her opponents big groundstrokes in only her third event back after 17 months out with a shoulder injury. Zvonareva made her comeback in January in Shenzhen and played in the Australian Open but lost her first matches at both tournaments. 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Sir Bradley Wiggins insists he is still to make a decision about his future after winning what was expected to be his final event.The 36-year-old cyclist and fellow Briton Mark Cavendish won the Ghent Six-Day in the Belgian city of Wiggins birth, after a thrilling Madison.Wiggins had previously suggested that team pursuit triumph was the fairytale conclusion to his career, and that Ghent would be the ideal place for his final appearance.However, while Wiggins confirmed it was his last race with Cavendish, the 2012 Tour de France winner hinted he could yet carry on.I was born here and Ive always felt this is a second home to me, he told Eurosport.Its always special to win here. And I always said that this would be my final send-off, to come here and race Ghent for one last time.To win it with Mark as well, after everything we have been through the last 10 years together. This will be the last time we race together for sure.Maybe not my last individuallly, but together as a pairing.ddddddddddddWhen you think what we have achieved together it is incredible.I am not sure about my future yet, but at this moment Ive still got really good legs. I dont want to say 100 percent then make an announcement next week. I am just going to enjoy today.In a nip-and-tuck finale to the hour-long Madison, the British duo won a three-way duel with rival pairs Kenny De Ketele and Moreno De Pauw, and Elia Viviani and Iljo Keisse.With just five laps of the race to go Wiggins made his move and he and Cavendish were declared lap leaders.Me and Cav are like brothers you know, added Wiggins.We have a good time together and would do anything for each other. We fight and bicker, but we know each others strengths.We have raced together a lot, for 12 to 13 years now. It has been a great partnership. ' ' '