ANCHORAGE (Alaska) - ALASKA Governor Sarah Palin, the former Republican vice presidential candidate, says she'd come out ahead if she went one-on-one with fellow jogger President Barack Obama in a long run, according to an interview published online on Tuesday.

Mrs Palin said she'd have more endurance in a long run than the president. Mrs Palin, a 45-year-old former beauty queen who became the first woman and youngest person to be elected Alaska's governor, is featured in the August issue of the magazine for jogging aficionados. She was dubbed the country's 'hottest' governor when she stole the show as US Senator John McCain's presidential running mate in 2008.

In the interview, she talks about her fondness for running, which is perhaps why the mother of five who gave birth to a baby boy last year is able to keep trim. The magazine on Tuesday published an extended version on its Web site.

Mrs Palin said running wasn't just a body thing and that it helps keep her emotionally and mentally in shape.

She said one of her biggest frustrations while campaigning with Mr McCain was that the senator's staff didn't carve out time for Palin to get in a run. But she recounted one memorable run at Mr McCain's ranch in which she fell coming down a hill. The incident happened a few days before the debate with now Vice President Joe Biden.

The governor also pointed out an advantage to running: When she's out, she's just another hockey mom in running shoes.

'When I run, I'm totally incognito because I'm not wearing a trough full of makeup. I can go running through a mob of tourists and they don't recognise me,' Mrs Palin said.

And for her running soundtrack, Palin said she likes to crank up classic rock n' roll, usually Van Halen and AC/DC, then keep it mellow with a little country music. She wraps up with Amy Grant songs. -- AP