Secrets to Running Through the Holidays

1. Any running is far better than no running. Many runners feel that if they don't have time for, say four miles, it's not worth going out the door. This is NOT true for many reasons. For one thing, most people eat more during this time of year. Every mile burns approximately 100 calories; so, even one mile will make a dent in the holiday calories. Also, as far as maintaining fitness, even a little bit will go a long way toward keeping your fitness beyond the level it will plummet to if you don't run at all. And, consider that as hectic as things are at this time of year, you might miss your running the next day. When you think about it that way, even a couple of miles over a two day period is MUCH better than none. Never miss an opportunity to run, even if it is a very short run.

2. Everyone experiences extra stress at this time of year. It's counterproductive to beat yourself up when you can't get your run in. Don't let that add to your stress. Just accept that it happened, you missed your run, and get over it. Tomorrow is another day and another opportunity.

3. If you have school age children, there will be exponentially more activities. Holiday choral and band concerts, school parties, church-related activities, etc. Accept that you can't control this. One day they will be grown. If you miss those events to run, you can't ever have them back. If your running fitness suffers a bit, you'll recover. There is always January, right? Before you know it, you'll have an empty nest and plenty of time to run.

Yes, that's right, I, the running coach, am giving you permission to miss runs and not feel guilty when your family needs you. Remember, we run to be healthier and, therefore, happier; therefore, it makes no sense to let running cause you stress.

Some of us are in the opposite situation, too. Our parents are elderly and we are, as a result, taking on added responsibilities because they need us. They won't be here forever; we don't want to look back and regret not giving them the assistance they need.

4. The very worst thing you can do is get frustrated because so many of your runs have been derailed by seasonal activities and say to yourself, "Oh well, I'll just let it go and start running again after the holidays." DON'T do this. Never do this. It's like splurging and ignoring your healthy diet for one dinner party and then saying, "Oh, well," and eating like a pig for the rest of the season. One unhealthy meal - and even a couple of splurges at parties - won't kill you, but you never want to throw caution to the wind for the whole holiday season. The same is true of running. Never just say, "My running training is a lost cause for the time being; I'll start over in January." If you do that, you will suffer later, and you will be extremely disappointed when you resume training because your fitness level will be so deteriorated.

5. Run as much as you can. Stick to your schedule as much as you can. If you only get in half as many miles as prescribed in your schedule, well, maybe your schedule was a bit optimistic. That's likely; most runners are incredibly optimistic people, and that's a good thing, but don't let that schedule make you feel like a failure when you can't live up to it.

6. If you have kids and they are out of school, think of some activities they will enjoy, say hula hooping or jumping rope. Now, don't jump into this overnight; you might get injured, but if you start with just a little bit, it might be a type of training that the kids would enjoy doing with you. Another option, always, is bike riding. Maybe the kids can ride along with you while you run. Here is a thought: Make a schedule and put it on the refrigerator. Log in every mile you run and every mile your kids bike. Then plan some kind of reward for the one that gets the most miles in by the time the holidays are over. 

7. If your kids are at the age when they are able to shop alone but need you to carry them to the mall - or wherever - while they are shopping, you should run in the outside vicinity or walk around the open space in the center of the mall. It's 100 calories per mile, even walking, and you will work some different muscles, too. Think of it as cross training.

8. Register for a January race; then you'll feel like you have to get in whatever miles you can.

9. Do a jingle bell race, one with a kids run. These are great fun for all. Many runners are likely to have on holiday socks, antlers, santa hats, etc. Try starting a tradition of doing this every year. 

I hope these ideas help you enjoy your holidays. Remember, running should enhance every other part of your life. Never let it add stress. That just doesn't even make sense because running is something we choose to do because of all the ways it benefits us. Don't let the holidays cause you to lose your running mojo.

Part Distractinator Part Procrastinator

As we approach the end of another year, I am reflecting on this year. This year, I ran more miles than ever; yet, as I approach my December marathon, I still feel that more 60 mile weeks would have provided me with a better base. I bet many runners share these kinds of thoughts at this time of year. Getting in my run is a priority every day; yet, somehow, every so often, I discover with surprise that it is nearing bedtime, and I have not managed to get in my run.

Since I coach or teach classes or lead running groups five days a week, I always get in a lot of miles, but I need to focus on also making my own personal training a priority, and there is time for that, but I will have to stop getting distracted and spontaneously spending time on other less important activities. When this happens, I never think that I am doing whatever it is instead of my run; I always believe that I will still get in my run, but when I look back on the day, sometimes when I run out of time for my run, I realize it was those unexpected distractions that robbed me of time for my personal quality run.

I find that I am driven to do many things, too many things, and I admit that sometimes I move from project to project, chore to chore, thing to thing, in a helter skelter manner. Yes, I have a slight tendency - okay, a major tendency -  to get distracted; hence the term, which I just invented, distractinator. Yes, that's me. I'm terrible. I could put on one shoe and then get distracted before I get the other one on. I have many times gone through the day wearing just one earring because I got distracted. 

I also schedule too much into my day; I do this every day. I am the epitome of a lover of life, to the point that I couldn't fit another activity into my life if I used a shoe horn. If I was to squeeze another hour into the day, it would be full before it started.

Have you heard this quote?With Wendy at the XTERRA Wildhorse Half Marathon.

"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body … but rather to skid in sideways thoroughly used up totally worn out, and proclaiming, 'Wow, what a ride!'"  -Hunter S. Thompson

Well, that quote is talking about me. I didn't know Mr. Thompson, but he sure knew me.

There are so many things that I want to do, things that at any given moment I am committed to doing, that I sometimes push aside other things, temporarily, things like running, because I know I will be able to do them later, later in the day, in the case of running.

It's almost like a sickness, my eternal belief that I will be able to accomplish, in this lifetime, so much more than is humanly possible. And when I boil that down to a daily level, I also, every day, expect to accomplish more than is possible in that day. Hence, pushing my run back to make room - time - for the other things.

I've been getting my run in, most days, for years and years. So I know I can and almost always will; therefore, I tend to say, "I will do that later," and, of course, sometimes I end up not getting around to it, which is a bad thing. Many times, at the end of the day, I wish I could go back and re-prioritize my activities and leave out some of the things I did do to make room for the things I didn't accomplish. I admit it, I am a procrastinator as well as a distractinator. 

So, we're coming to the end of another year, and I'm thinking that a good resolution would be to resolve to plan less, schedule less, into my days. I won't do less; that's not my goal. I just want to stop planning more than I can do. The advantage of that is that I won't fail to accomplish things I had planned. I just want to be more realistic, and that's a realistic goal. That way, there will be fewer days next year when I get so wrapped up with other activities that I don't get around to my run. That doesn't happen too often, but it would be better if it never happened.

And the other thing is that I simply must exercise better self control as regards distractions. Not sure how to do this, but I resolve to just try harder and to be more aware of this trait. Perhaps that will help me to control that tendency. I think part of the problem is that I'm just interested in too  many things. Next year's mantra will be Stay Focused!

Once again, running has caused me, or will cause me, to make a change in my life that is positive and will improve the journey through the rest of my life; although, I gotta say, the journey is already pretty darn fantastic.

Endorphins: A Runner's Best Friend and Worst Enemy

Endorphins are generally a runner's best friend because they make us continue to do something that is extremely healthy and worthwhile, but just like other 'highs,' they can cause us to use poor judgment, and if that happens, they can be our worst enemy.

If you are a runner, you know about endorphins. In fact, they are what gets you out the door day after day. They are what makes you love running. It is difficult to explain their effect to anyone who has not experienced it, but if you have, you fully understand.Technically, endorphins are hormones that your body releases during exercise.  They make you feel good, even, dare I use the word, high. In addition, of course, once you have experienced that feeling, you will yearn for it again. Hence, your motivation to run miles and miles, day in and day out, year in and year out. Running keeps you healthy, so if endorphins keep you running, then endorphins can only be good, right?

Well, in the big picture, since endorphins are what keep you running, they have to be considered good, even wonderful. Still, use them with caution. Here's why:Once in a while, they may cause you to use poor judgment, and that can have drastic results. Like any other chemical that makes us feel good, sometimes endorphins make us do foolish things.

This is how it happens. You go for a run or maybe you participate in a race, and you feel good. You feel great when you finish. That's when they can become a problem. Sometimes they cause you to ignore your better judgment and do something you shouldn't do. It's not likely to be as problematic as deciding to drive drunk, but it happens the same way. While endorphins are raging in your veins, you may make a decision to run a few more miles or to do another race, or to continue with more training or cross training.

I told this story once before in a podcast, so if it sounds familiar, that's why. Feel free to skip over it.  A few years ago, I did a 5k race on the 4th of July. I had an excellent time and felt great afterwards. Oh yes, the endorphins were surging. Afterwards I went out to breakfast with my friends; then I felt even better. The camaraderie of my running buddies always enhances my mood.

When I left the restaurant I thought about the fact that I hadn't worked out at the gym in a couple of days, and happened that the gym was right across the street; so I went over and worked out my upper and lower body.

By then, the endorphins were surging even more. I felt like Super Woman.The exercise room in that gym is two stories. The cardio machines are on the second level overlooking the workout floor.

Well, I decided to do some sprints up and down the stairs to the second level. I did this about four times. Then, I decided to do a quick brick. If you've never heard that term, it refers to doing two parts of a triathlon back to back, usually biking followed by running. I got on the stationary bike and spun for 15 minutes, keeping my rpm above 90. Then, I immediately got on the treadmill and did two miles with periodic leg turnover drills. That's when you work on getting 180 foot strikes a minute.

I must have been looney toons to do all that in one morning, after a race. Oh, I felt great when I was finished, but by that evening, I felt dreadful. I felt dreadful for the next 48 hours, and I was not feeling like myself again for several days. I even had trouble sleeping. It's hard to explain how I felt. I would describe it as excited and anxious. I felt like I just couldn't relax.

I did NOT feel like Super Woman. I felt like STUPID woman. I had allowed endorphins to dictate my behavior. Rather than benefiting from that workout, rather than moving closer to my long-term goals, rather than making me fitter and faster, it interrupted my training and necessitated my taking it easy for about a week.

More importantly, while I was feeling lousy, I had to listen to that little voice in my head telling me how foolish I had been. I was very fortunate that I didn't injure myself.

Never let endorphins influence your thinking.

Here is another endorphin related problem I have seen and personally experienced. You do a race, and it's a great race. Afterwards, you're hanging out with your friends, and everyone is talking about what race they plan to do next. When they encourage you to do a race that you hadn't planned on doing, one that is only a couple of weeks away from another race that you plan to do, you can't resist and you hear yourself saying, "Yeah, I think I'll do that." And, once committed, even after the endorphins wear off, you feel you should stick to your word.

The moral of the story is that you should respect endorphins, recognize your well-earned endorphin high for what it is, and enjoy it, revel in it, but don't make any rash decisions. Always stick to your training plan. Wait a few hours until you come back down to earth. In the meantime, never continue training unless those other physical activities were on your prescribed, carefully planned training schedule.

The thing is that you don't ever want endorphins to influence your judgement and cause you to do something that might result in an injury that might derail your running. If that happens, endorphins will be your worst enemy, at least for a while.

Running Your Way Out of a Bad Day

If I have a bad day . . . no, when I have a bad day, the feeling of being upset, hurt, discouraged, or even angry, dissipates after running a few miles. Even after just two miles, the stress starts to ebb, and, eventually, all the anguish is gone, and I am renewed.

Now, if the problem is something horrible, life-changing, running obviously cannot make that problem go away. However, the stress that problem caused is reduced to a level that allows me to think clearly about what I must do.

I find myself wondering how many people could toss their anti-depressants - and many other drugs for that matter - if they just got outside and worked up a sweat. I'm sure running isn't the only exercise that has this effect. I imagine it is the best, though. Assuming you're not running in a locale that requires you to navigate busy intersections, you can just meditate. It's both mindless and convenient. You don't need any special gear or preparation. You walk out the door and begin to run and continue until you stop. It's that simple. And simple is optimal when you are trying to unwind. What is it Thoreau said?

"Simplify, simplify, simplify."

You can also have mental conversations. When I was teaching, my problem usually involved a student. When I was running, I could say whatever I wanted to the student, in my head, and the student responded just the way I wanted him or her to respond. Sometimes, I think that mental role-playing was the secret to having a win-win dialog with the student the next day.

A trail in the woods is the best place for a 'recovering from a bad day' run. I can feel the fresh air cleansing my respiratory system as the smell of it intensifies my sense of camaraderie with Mother Nature. And the feeling is enhanced by the sense of being alone with my thoughts where no one can interfere. I hear only the music of birds chirping, wind blowing, and leaves rustling. Whatever the problem, they are on my side, empowering me to solve it.

Running is a powerful elixir. It’s free, it’s available to me every day, and unlike a vacation, I have the satisfaction, the sheer appreciation that – barring a debilitating injury – it will be available to me for the rest of my life. How great is that?

Rain Running

It's not what you look at that matters, it's what
you see. -  Henry David Thoreau

It's been raining in Palo Alto for the last ten days; and I am not exaggerating. Most days I ducked out for a quick three or four mile run during a brief lull, and I actually took two days off, but I finally got fed up. Not only was I not sticking to my running schedule – which makes me not like myself very much - but I also had cabin fever because I am currently staying with my son for a few weeks. His condo is nice, but it is just a one bedroom, and I just needed to get out, rain or no rain.

So, today, I bundled up – it was 45 degrees, put on a weather resistant hooded parka – because I had nothing waterproof - a stocking cap, and gloves. I put a $20 bill and my I.D. in a Joey Pouch around my waist, and I was out the door.

It was ugly. I mean ugly, very overcast, drizzling, and cold. I ran up Page Mill to Junipero Serra, the street that forms the back border of the Stanford campus. I took a circuitous route to add some mileage, and after only a mile or so I was loving being outside, even in the rain. Sometimes I even forgot it was raining until I tipped my head and rain water flowed off the top of my hood.

As I approached the campus the Dish Trail came into view on the left, and I was tempted to tackle that again, but instead decided to hang a right onto a lovely little trail that runs along Stanford Avenue, next to a stream. With all the rain, the stream was rushing along, almost spilling onto the trail.

At one point I came upon three orange caution cones stretched across the path. I stopped, wondering what lay ahead. A runner passed me, and ran around the cones. I thought about turning around, but then another runner went by, also ignoring the cones.

I figured they were probably locals, students, and they would know whether it was safe to go on, so I followed their lead. I never did see any reason for the cones.

When I got to the Stanford campus, I took a left and ran towards the center of campus, taking any path that looked inviting. And there were many. Ugly as it had been when I embarked on this little adventure, by the time I reached the campus, it was looking much better. Not really, but by then, although I was looking through the same eyes, at the same weather, my brain, thoroughly affected by endorphins, only perceived beauty in the same scene.

At one point a magnificent rainbow appeared. Spectacular. I like the people here. Lots of people were stopping to look at it, and that pleased me. Such things should be appreciated, and these people, hurrying along under umbrellas, stopped to look and comment.

Six miles into my run, I dropped in at the bookstore to warm up, enjoyed an excellent latte and even indulged in a tiramisu. Yum!

It was an impressive bookstore: two stories with the center area spanning the full height. The coffeeshop was on the second floor, looking down over the center area.

It took me several minutes to squirm out of all those layers – many more than I really needed, which I had realized when I left. But I know me. You see, I find that if I make myself comfy when I leave to run in cold weather, I'm more likely to get out in it. And if I have to peel off some layers and wear them hanging from my waist or around my neck, that's still better than being cold for the first mile or so until I warm up.

Alas, I am a baby, a Florida born wimp when it comes to cold weather. If it's colder than 60, my instinct is to stay inside.

I blame this on my mother. Sorry, Mom. Her magic number was 62 degrees when I was a kid. I remember one day when I wanted to go out to play tetherball, and she said I couldn't go out until the temperature got up to 62 degrees. I remember watching that thermometer all day. I don't know why that was the magic number.

My parents believed that the 'night air' was bad, too, and that we were likely to get sick if we got cold and wet. I don't know what made them think that, but I think that was the prevailing belief in their time. Even I knew it didn't make sense. How much did they miss, and how much did we children miss, because of those commonly illogical beliefs?

Anyway, I relaxed there for a while, appreciating the fact that I am at a time in my life when I could just sit there for a while if I wanted. I pulled out my iPhone and took my turn in the five ongoing Words With Friends games I was playing with Scubajo, KThomas, LilBrit, Tattles, and my husband, Davyvee. Words With Friends is really Scrabble, but I guess the people that made that app couldn't legally use the Scrabble name.

By this time I'd finished my latte, I was itching to get outside to explore some more. In my mind I kept thinking I was 'sploring.' Yes, that's what I said, "sploring," not exploring.

Sounds silly, I know, but when my son was about 12, he was on a swim team, and on the weekends we often found ourselves out of town for swim meets and staying at a motel. Ben and his best friend would always spend the first hour after our arrival 'sploring' the hotel. That word stuck, and it seemed a perfect description for that afternoon's adventure.

Anyway, I set out across the Stanford Quad; it was raining harder now, and I was really cold for a bit, until I had run a half a mile or so. I was just dazzled by the Craftsman architecture all around me. Lots of students whizzed by on bikes, some wearing shorts and t-shirts; I guess they get used to the cold, or maybe they grew up in colder climates.

It was dusk by then, and everything had a wet, intense, surreal look. Puddles everywhere reflected everything, amplifying every view as I logged the last couple of miles.

I stopped along the trail, in the rain, to take some time exposed photos, carefully holding one hand over the camera to try to keep it dry.

Then I hunted for the path that my GPS map had shown would deposit me at the intersection of University Drive and El Camino Real. There I took a picturesque little tunnel under the street to the downtown area and made my way to a nearby Starbucks.

I had looked forward to another cup of hot coffee, but, oddly, it was uncomfortably warm inside, so I opted for a table outside in the weather, and called Ben to arrange a pickup on his way home from work. It was 6:30. I settled down, played another round of Words With Friends, and checked my GPS. 9 miles.

Ben pulled up just as I finished my coffee. I reported my 9 miles.

"How was it?" he asked.

"Well, this will sound silly," I said, "but I've never felt more alive."

He smiled. I'm lucky. Both my kids share my love of adventure, exercise, and Mother Nature. He understood.

I will always remember that afternoon. Of running 9 miles in the cold rain around a town that was not my town, on unfamiliar trails.

No matter how long I run – and it's been over 30 years now - it continues to provide me with memorable experiences. Think about it. I was only out there today because I was desperate for a long run. I would not have been so driven to go out for a walk, although, I could have been. No, it was the desire to run that got me out the door. It was the difference between sitting inside all day, allowing the gloomy weather to control me, and running 9 lovely miles, the sensations of each one enhanced by the weather.

No matter how much effort I put into running, it always gives back more.

What Are You Missing?

I did not write the description that follows. It's one of those things that I received in my email from a friend who sends interesting stories along. As I read it, I found myself wondering if it was a true story. It says it is, but we all know that many of the viral emails are not real, even though they claim to be. Therefore, when I finished reading it, I googled the info. Turns out it is true. A link to the Washington Post article follows. I think this account has greater impact, so read it first, but, afterwards, do click on the link to get all the details.

At a Washington DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007, he played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time approximately 2 thousand people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.

After 3 minutes:  a middle aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule.

4 minutes later:  the violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw the money in the till and, without stopping, continued to walk.

6 minutes:  A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

10 minutes:  A 3 year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly, as the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. Every parent, without exception, forced them to move on.

45 minutes:  The musician played. Only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money but continued to walk their normal pace. He collected $32.

1 hour:  He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the best musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, on a violin worth $35 million dollars. Two days before, Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.

This is a real story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities. The questions raised: in a common place environment at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?

One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be:

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments .....

How many other things are we missing?

Maybe it's just me, but do you ever think many people need to open their eyes, divert them from their cell phones, even from their daily focus on daily problems? I do. Sometimes you just need to look up or you'll miss something that you really would not want to miss.

Runners manage to divert their attention from work, physically, when they are running, but how often do they mindlessly put in 5 miles without ever thinking about anything besides work? Of course, running is a good time to think, and it's a great time to sift through problems and focus on solutions. But I wish all runners would focus on their surroundings a little more, especially when they are running on trails, because this often provides a real life mural of Mother Nature that, if they take time to allow their minds to record it, affects their consciousness in the best possible way for hours thereafter. It doesn't take long to forget the details of the scene, but the essence will remain, and their mood, their very happiness will be improved. This I truly believe.

As I said, this is a true story. It was a social experiment staged by the Washington Post, and it took place in 2007. Read the original Washington Post article here:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/04/AR2007040401721.html

Turkey Trots, Jingle Bell Runs and Reindeer Races

I love this time of year. Thursday morning I enjoyed a local Turkey Trot event where many, many people feel compelled to dress in various outlandish costumes. Oh, there are a few dressed in traditional pilgrim garb, but I am always amazed at the number of people sporting all manner of turkey headgear. And mind you, these are people who probably dress and behave perfectly normally, even coservatively the rest of the year. I just love it. I love that they don't care how ridiculous they look, in fact, they relish it. 

But the costumes are just part of the story. Thanksgiving races bring out whole families, and for many, it is a longstanding tradition. They race in a 5k or 10k first thing Thanksgiving morning, creating a calorie debt that will be more than paid later in the day.

The extended family groups are easy to spot. They usually all dress alike, and they always take a group photo. Now, that's a tradition that deserves attention. These families are teaching the kids that fitness is important, but equally important, they're teaching the kids that fitness is fun. Imagine that. Now, all these families can easily have found an excuse not to participate. For one thing, there's a turkey to cook, sweet potato casserole to bake, green beans to snap, and pies to prepare, but these families clearly have their priorities in order. It's not just about the running, just like it's not just about the eating; it's about doing those things together, appreciating that everyone is here on this day, giving thanks for each other.

Well, sometimes everyone is not here, as is the case with my family. My son couldn't get home this year, and there are still two empty chairs where my brother and sister would be if they were still alive.  They are always missed, but never more than at this time of year. So, we give thanks for the health that we have, and we remember those who should be around the table.

In the next few weeks, the scene described above will be repeated at many holiday themed races. Tomorrow I'll be at the Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run. There are sure to be many people in reindeer ears and santa hats, all wearing jingle bells and smiles.

Eveyone's life seems extra hectic at this time of year, but  make sure to schedule at least one holiday race. Don't worry about your time or whether you've trained enough to do a PR. Just remember, it's about being fit and enjoying the fellowship of likeminded individuals. And, one more thing, take the kids. Even if they don't, won't, or can't run, they need to see you do it. The example you set by making running a daily ritual is the most valuable gift you will give them this holiday season.

Reading While Running

I'm still unwinding from running the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC,  last weekend. I'm not sure what was the most moving part for me, the beauty of the race course, the magnificence of the weather, the amazing people, the historic, meaningful sights, or the pleasure of sharing it all with my daughter Wendy. I guess all of that together is what made it such an intense experience.

While I was running, I occupied myself with reading the messages people wore on the back of their running shirts. Here are some of the memorable ones:

Earned, never given . . . Pain is weakness leaving the body . . . My father is a Marine and my hero . . . That's not sweat, it's fat cells crying . . . The older I get, the faster I was . . . Tuck ferrorism . . . Pass me, I'm tired . . . Lose is a four letter word . . . If I fall, drag me across the finish line . . . Who fartlekked? . . . Your feet hurt because you've been kicking ass for miles . . . Yes, you can . . . Got marrow? . . . Where is the beer stop? . . . Land of the free because of the brave . . . Live, dream, succeed . . . Pain is temporary but pride is forever . . . The race is not always to the swift but to those who keep on running.

Still Running, Longer and Stronger at 56

Saturday, I'll turn 56, and I sure feel like I have lots to celebrate. For one thing, I'm running better than ever before, and I'm probably in better physical condition. That is saying a lot because I've been running since shortly after Wendy was born, and she's 32. In  fact, now, she's my running buddy.

It's commonly thought, at least among non-runners, that running takes a serious toll on your body and ruins your knees.

Dr. James Frye conducted a study of over 500 older adults over a period of 20 years. His hypothesis was that runners might not live any longer, but that disability associated with old age would be delayed.

Well, he was right that disability related to age was postponed in the runners, but he was surprised to discover that, in fact, the runners in the study had half the mortality rate over that 20 year period, AND they had a lower rate of early death from heart disease, neurological disease and infection. 

Additionally, running did not increase the rate of osteoarthritis or total knee replacements. AND it turned out that the benefits of running continued well into the eighth decade of life.

I have  a good friend, Emery Jewell, 83 years old, who is walking - and running - proof of that. He didn't even start running until he retired, and he has over 400 medals and awards to show for his efforts. He still races and usually takes home a medal.

And I have several running friends in their 70's who look, feel, and act decades younger. I fully expect to be a member of that group one day. Next month, I'll run the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C., with my good friend, 71 yr. old Velma Radloff. Velma surrounds herself with happy, healthy, people, who share her gusto for life. I'm sure that is part of her secret. Running is just part of the prescription for living a long, meaningful life.

If 70 is the new 60, and 60 is the new 50, and 50 is the new 40, then, for runners, 70 is the new 50, 60 is the new 40, and 50 is the new 30. If you don't think so, just ask one.

I, for one, feel, physically, virtually the same as I did 30 years ago, except that I do need glasses to read. So I am a happy girl, because, mentally, I know the last 30 years have provided much wisdom. I can't wait to see what the next 30 bring. . . What am I saying? I mean the next 50!

Read the full article about the study of the effects of running on aging here.

 

More Safety Tips

Deputy Mark Mitchelson of Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office provided the following tips for running safely and for avoiding becoming a victim at any time.

Lately, there have been many smash and grab crimes in this area. The thief watches for women leaving their car without a purse. Often these incidents occur at gyms. They smash the window, grab the purse, and it’s over in seconds. Locking your purse in the trunk might be a little safer, but remember, most trunks can be accessed through the backseat.

Another opportunity to thwart a thief would be when you are returning to your car. Whether you are leaving the gym, have just finished running on the trail, or are exiting a store, have your keys in your hand, and walk with purpose, aware of your surroundings.When you get to the car, check the backseat before getting in. As always, try to be with a friend, and always park your car close to a light. Last, remember that leaving your doors unlocked is always an invitation.