The National Football League isn't just interested in the big guys. They're also encouraging kids to get and stay active.

Thus the 11 you'll see on the field pregame. They're members of the Dallas Salvation Army football team. And as part of the NFL's initiative to fight obesity by getting kids active, these active kids will be wearing PLAY 60 jerseys.

The Dallas kids were chosen by their coaches as being especially passionate, compassionate, brave, uplifting and trustworthy. On AND off the field.

So far, the NFL has put over $100 million toward the campaign. Cowboys DeMarcus Ware and Jason Witten are among NFL players involved. Click here for more information on the

On this, Thanksgiving week, we at FBHQ (Fitness Blog Headquarters), have deemed it seasonally necessary to don our Professional Fitness Nag hat. The one that, yes, for all of November, makes us look suspiciously like Miles Standish.

'Scuse us while we adjust its rim as we gently remind you of that famed Thanksgiving story: The one in which the Indians invite the pilgrims to a delicious repast of maize and turkey and Mrs. Smith's (John's wife's) pies.

Did the pilgrims say, "Oh, thanks but no thanks. You live too far away"?

Heck no. They hoofed it over, burned calories in route and were starving by the time they arrived. And they ate without guilt, plenty of -- oh, whatever it is that passed for food back then.

Which brings us to the point of our story:

As the countdown to the Dallas White Rock Marathon continues, we continue to enlist the help of running and triathlon coach-about-town Chris Phelan. His record for the upcoming Turkey Trot is 41:44; his marathon best is 2:27:04. He's fast AND knowledgeable. Plus, lucky for us, he likes to share.

So put down that Powerade and cheeseburger and pay attention.

1. Dallas may be flat, but...Pleeeze tell us at this point you've practiced on some hills. (If you haven't, just quietly leave the room right now and head out). Do some speed work, too. Both, says Chris "wlil come in handy the last third of your race.

2. Shoe tip, exhibit A. Don't wait till Dec. 13 to treat yourself to a pair of My Special Marathon Shoes. You need to run in 'em before the big day.
Take your current pair to a store such as Run-On or Luke's Locker. The pros there can tell if you need a new pair, AND what kind you should buy. Just because they look snazzy doesn't mean they're the right ones for you.
Besides, says Chris, "When you're feet are killing at Mile 3, you won't care. No one else did in the first place."

3. Shoe tip Exhibit B. Don't fret about the size. Not to name names, but some of us now wear a running shoe that only a year ago seemed the size of an oar. And we don't care!

To read Chris's previous marathon countdown tips, click here and here.

How's y