Don't Be a Runnin' Fool

"Before you begin, it’s important to make sure you have a good pair of shoes. "

Wrong. Wrong! WRONG!!

Before you begin, it's important to make sure you are healthy enough to run.

Since the Chicago Marathon 10/9/2011 thru the SanAntonio Rock and Roll Marathon 11/13/2011, four runners have died! Chicago a 38year old firefiighter from NC, in LasAngeles a 35 year old, In Savannah, I saw a 58 year old man die, and today in San Antonio a 32 year old.

See your doctor if you are 40 ponds over a 25 BMI weight. If you are running anything over a 10k see a doctor and ask for a referral to a cardiologist.

Don't be a running fool! - 11/13/2011 10:23:36 PM

To all beginning runners: check out Chi Running by Danny Dreyer. It's a book about running with a biomechanical form that is way easier on your joints. I ran 40 miles a week in my 20s and even completed 2 1/2 marathons, and finally a whole marathon. Along the way, I got totally addicted to running. I also completely wore out the hyaline cartilage in my knees and acquired arthritis in my spine. All from striking on the heel and not the midfoot. Humans are menat to run on the midfoot, not the heel, but the fancy running shoes they sell with the cushioned heels completely alter the way your skeleton absorbs force. That's why 70% of runners can expect injuries in any given year. Like me, some are never able to run again.

Even better, check out Barefoot Running by Michael Sandler. The foot is a marvel of engineering, and shouldn't be "dumbed down" by overpadded running shoes. Believe me, I know what I'm talking about, not only as a former runner, but as a physician. If I had only known then what I know now, I'd still be happily running. - 2/21/2011 2:58:08 AM

Great article. Earlier I started too fast. The heartbeat climbed up like a rocket. Then I trained with more experienced friend who told me he is using heart rate monitor all the time. Adjusted to reasonable level. I bought one and realized what I did wrong in the past. It's pleasure to run nowadays as I learned my limits with the monitor. I still use It. - 2/6/2011 9:24:15 AM

I will never buy my running shoes from a brick=and=mortar store. The last time I ever set foot in one, the jocks there sized me up as a stooge and did the let's-see-what-yo
ur-gait-style-is thing and sold me shoes that they were trying to reduce inventory on. Waste of my money.
I went through a mail-order company after that, where I dealt with voices on the phone, and never looked back. I got a lot of helpful advice, and even though I always said I was a "clydesdale" runner, I never got the attitude of "oh, here's a pretend athlete". - 10/31/2010 7:49:59 PM

Great article. I ran a 5K May 1 of this year and with the heat have gotten out of the habit and just started back last week. I just signed up to run a quarter marathon and used to tell my track star husband that I would NEVER be able to run a mile. The couch 2 5K program was a God send in my training. I highly recommend it. Many blessings on your journey everyone. - 9/1/2010 6:54:24 AM

This is a great article, especially if your at the beginning stage of running. I was an active runner before I had my son and after I thought I wouldn't even be able to run a mile ever again. I started running again about 5 months ago and now I'm running 4-5 miles at least 3 times a week. On my off days I do strength training and run 2 miles. It's all about finding your stride and pace then improving it with time. Good luck and happy running!! :) - 6/17/2010 2:08:29 PM

This really answer my question about how to start running, especially if want to begin with walking first then gradually move to whole workout of run only. This article is short but enough info that didn't mess with my head. Actually, my friend suggest me to do running to burn more calories, get rid of these pesky fat. I'm still in planning stage as I'm waiting for August to buy the perfect running shoes - can't wait to start walking and running! - 6/11/2010 12:02:00 AM

I totally agree with this article. I do a lot of walking and quite a lot of this fast, but when I tried jogging I couldn't do it.
I have now started running with my son, who regularly goes running (but doesn't like walking). He constantly reminds me to slow down and suddenly I find, I can run .......... ok not very far yet, but watch this space ..... - 5/16/2010 9:24:43 AM

My goal is to make it around my 1.25-mile block. I'm up to jogging for about 3 minutes, walking for one, but my knees are starting to complain about the whole business. I got properly fitted for running shoes and everything. I'm hoping I don't have to give this up before I make it to my goal, but I also don't want to really damage my knees in the process.

Anyone have any suggestions? - 12/5/2009 10:33:27 PM

Good article. I totally agree with the breath test. I always thought I was going too slow, but actually I was going way to fast. Once I slowed down to a more comfortable pace I could run for hours!!! You can too. - 9/17/2009 3:31:23 PM

Thank you for this article. My running road is hilly terrain and this sentence, "Remember that it is important to maintain a consistent effort, not necessarily a consistent pace, when running uphill." is just what I needed to learn. Too often I tried to keep the same pace and then could never make it all the way up the hill. Now I know I ought to be focusing on the effort not the pace. Again, great article.
- 9/16/2009 10:08:20 AM

I go for a regular 1 hour walk each sunday, so this week I'm going to try a few 1 minutes jogs too, who know where it will end!!! - 4/9/2009 6:40:10 AM

Great article. I want to incorporate running into my routine, so this was valuable information. - 12/11/2008 9:42:12 AM

I took up running at 46 and, along with weightlifting and good nutrition, it got me to 50 in the best shape of my life! This article has great advice and anyone starting a running program will benefit from it.

I love to run and plan to continue doing it into my sixties, seventies and beyond... for as long as I can...

Vivian - 8/17/2008 4:51:29 PM

Great article. - 7/10/2008 12:50:59 PM