The Efficiency of Running

My buddy Cecil had been off the bike for 7 months when he joined us last weekend.  It really wasn't anything but life getting in the way for him.

The bicycle takes a lot of time.  It's part of the reason that you see a lot of older folks on bicycles.  It's a lot easier to get away if you are an empty-nester.

There's no way I would ride as much as I do if I had children at home.  It's not only time with the kids but it's all the other things that you are responsible for. 

And that's what happened to Cecil.  He told me "I can run for 30 minutes and get about the same amount of exercise than biking for 2-3 hours."

That's actually quite true.  On the bicycle, if you're going to be good, you've got to spend a lot of time.  Too much time, actually.

Running may be the most efficient way to get your exercise in. 

It probably is the simplest too.  No equipment.  No schedule.  Just put on your running shoes and head out the door.

Just this morning, I saw two groups on my way into work; a group of three males and another group of four females.  I'm pretty sure they are the same groups that I see regularly on the Greenbelt.

Speaking of which, there may not be many better places to run than on the Greenbelt.  The track at one of our schools is OK but is there a prettier place to run than the Greenbelt?

It connects our parks, travels for much of its length along Pistol Creek, and yet has very few road crossings from one end to the other.

Turtles, ducks, geese, osprey...really in the heart of town you can see all kinds of wildlife. 

Originally created as a bike path to connect our communities, it has become a true local treasure for a lot reasons.  And a great place to go for a jog.

Back to that running thing:  About all you really need is that pair of shoes.  I recommend being fitted for good shoes made specifically for running and selected because of your foot.  You will need to visit a shoe store that knows runners and their feet to get all that.

The right shoes can make it a joy.  The wrong shoes can make it misery.  Running shoes are definitely not all the same. 

Contrary to popular opinion, you don't really need to stretch much before you run.  Stretching is best done after you run.  Just start out at a slow jog to get warmed up before you get up to cruising speed.

If you are over 40 are have any health issues, you really need to get the blessing of your primary care physician before starting on any exercise program.

Start slowly and build mileage very gradually.  The biggest problem I see in the clinic is when people try to go too fast or too far.  Like every exercise program, be smart about it.

Not at first, but before long, you will be looking forward to that run and the health benefits that go along with it.