Exercise and fitness: running redux

Self-tutoring about running: the tutor makes a few observations.

Running was once my main form of exercise. However, possibly about six years ago, I started to feel it differently. At the same time, I began hearing about people a little older who needed hip or knee replacements, etc. To be safe, I cut back on running. Instead, I turned to skipping, riding the stationary bike, climbing stairs (or using the stair climber if at the gym), or even following home workout tapes I’d play on TV.

This past summer I began running again: it’s been a happy reunion. Here are some rules to which I hold myself:

• I only run on grass – never on a hard surface.
• I don’t do any speed laps until at least one-third of the way into the run. Therefore, if it’s twelve laps of a field, I don’t do any fast running until completing four normal-pace laps.
• I always do a cool-down walk of at least five minutes – I think more is even better. This is one reason I don’t drive to the running location, but instead walk there, do the run, then walk back.
• I stretch the groin, hamstrings, and calves after each run.

I’d feared my running days were over, but following these guidelines, I can imagine running virtually forever.

Best of luck with your running or other exercise:)

Jack of Oracle Tutoring by Jack and Diane, Campbell River, BC.