I must confess: I'm quite addicted. In the last two weeks, I've run 50 miles (35 on the cruise and 15 since getting home). The weird discovery for me (besides that I can do it!), is that I find it relaxing. Remarkably so. So if you've ever wanted to run, but thought you just couldn't - don't buy it. No one who knew this couch potato at 20 would ever guess that at almost 50 I'd be a runner. No one. One suggestion: buy or borrow and read *Born to Run* before you start. It will provide a very different take on running, and it is simply a fascinating work. Oh, and all those 50 miles were in my funny running shoes - my vibram 5 fingers (thanks again to *Born to Run*).
24 March 2010
Running
I must confess: I'm quite addicted. In the last two weeks, I've run 50 miles (35 on the cruise and 15 since getting home). The weird discovery for me (besides that I can do it!), is that I find it relaxing. Remarkably so. So if you've ever wanted to run, but thought you just couldn't - don't buy it. No one who knew this couch potato at 20 would ever guess that at almost 50 I'd be a runner. No one. One suggestion: buy or borrow and read *Born to Run* before you start. It will provide a very different take on running, and it is simply a fascinating work. Oh, and all those 50 miles were in my funny running shoes - my vibram 5 fingers (thanks again to *Born to Run*).
I would if my highly decrepit knees would allow it. I'm 38 and have 80 year old knees.
ReplyDeleteGrasshopper - read the book! It starts out with the problem of aching knees and feet. He attributes it to RUNNING SHOES.
ReplyDeleteSo, did you hear the one about the teacher who was running in Alaska & got eaten by wolves? Or the guy who was jogging in New Jersey on the beach & got squashed under a plane making an emergency landing?
ReplyDeleteNope, running is far too dangerous for my tastes... :)
Without a hard, Birkenstock-style arch under my previously-torn-out foot, even walking is risky. Spent most of the summer of 2008 off my feet after making THAT mistake!
ReplyDeleteIt stinks, because I actually would like to walk or run for exercise.
But I like biking even better, and that I can do without pain. I would swim, too, for hours, if I could get the pool time.
Fr. Weedon,
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a student at Concordia, St. Paul, MN, I walked everywhere. At Fort Wayne Senior College, and while at St. Louis, I ran every day.
My knees took a beating, but I kept on running.
Now, at soon to be 66, my dog takes me on extended walks at 6:00 AM and several more tines during the day. This 7 year old angel of mine (who saved my life last year when he found me at the bottom of the cellar steps) still insists that I run with him whenever I am up to it. If running is out of the question, he still keeps up a brisk pace for me to follow. Without him, I would be a dedicated couch potato.
I thank God every day for having insisted that this Bear of mine keeps seeing to it that I get the exercise that I need in my "senior years."
"God works in mysterious ways." So why can't a dog be a good disguise for a Guardian Angel?
Indeed, Father Deacon, thank God for your faithful pooch!
ReplyDeletePastor Weedon,
ReplyDeleteKeep on truckin'. I picked up running later in life, was up to about 50 miles a week for about 15 years and then hurt myself... by running incorrectly. The super-cushiony running shoes allow us to heel strike and get away with it, for a while. I think you're on the right path. The Vibrams and minimalist shoes enforce good running technique. Check out this group:
http://groups.google.com/group/huaraches
and this article (when you have time):
http://groups.google.com/group/huaraches/browse_thread/thread/7947cf122b44676e#
There's nothing like running outside. Enjoy,
- Tim
What's the author's name, there are two "Born to Run" titles on Amazon...thank you very much for the inspiration
ReplyDeleteChristopher McDougall is the author.
ReplyDelete