A big "congratulations" to Annie's sister, who just completed a marathon and a major milestone. This is an amazing accomplishment by any standard, but even more so for someone like me who cannot even fathom what it must involve. And while I am in awe of this feat, I also have a cringe-y look on my face just thinking about it.
I'll admit it. I've never liked running and all of it's accoutrements: shin splints, sore arches, wrecked knees, achey lower back, etc. Yes, sure, there are many health benefits, and who am I, of all (out of shape) people, to dis it? I've never had a runner's um, structure and composition, and always found it very taxing. It's possible that I'd feel differently if I were actually capable of running without feeling like I'm going to die. I've scoured the medical literature on this and there are plenty of qualified professionals who say that the human body (and not just one type of body) is designed to run. Period. So, fat people, get over yourselves and quit yer whinin'! Right?
Well not exactly. I caught a news item on Daily Planet last week that discussed the results of a study from Quebec on the condition of marathon runners' hearts. The study was provoked by the untimely deaths of a few marathon runners during their runs, and it turns out that not all runners are necessarily 'fit' to run these gruelling events. Marathon runners who train properly and who are in good health may experience some temporary and reversible tissue damage in the heart, but those who are not in good shape and who do not follow a proper training regime may not fare as well. Basically, running long distances when you're not ready/fit/prepared can have some pretty serious consequences. The Daily Planet host commented that an unfit person is physically capable of running 45 km (I must have heard that wrong, right?), but that doesn't necessarily mean that because they can, that it's not without risk to their cardiovascular health.
So the lesson in all of this is that if you're on your way to a healthier weight and improved overall health, incorporating exercise/running into your daily routine is important, but it's essential to do it right. I mentioned in a previous post that I'm getting a book on a walk-to-run training regime and I am doubling the weeks it suggests (16 instead of 8). At the end of 16 weeks, I won't be running marathons, but maybe 5 km. I suspect I'll be at that level for a while until I work up to the kind of stamina and hard-work required to run around Greece ; )
Annie sez: it's worth noting that the soldier who did that original run from Marathon to Athens reputedly dropped dead after delivering the news. He obviously hadn't had the benefit of your library book! :o)
ReplyDeleteSister has always been a runner, but trained for her marathon using a combination of online resources, books, magazines, and the training clinic at The Running Room. She speaks really highly of TRR; I'm thinking of joining one of their "learn to run" clinics in the spring, once I'm lighter (and the snow is off the sidewalks, haha!). The only obstacle is what to do with Child when Husband is working, but I'm hoping Grandma will be able to help me out.
If you're interested, come with!
I have a dream (nothing like my sister's, I know!) of one day running in (read: completing) a 5K. I asked her to save one of her shoelaces from her marathon sneakers for me - I'll wear it as a bracelet or something, to keep me inspired! :o)
Also important to note is that sister started by the RR learn to run clinic 10 years ago. Then ran recreationally for several years. Then did a couple of 10ks. Then did a couple of half-marathons. Then came the marathon. This doesn't happen overnight (for normal people anyway). A little bit at a time!
ReplyDeleteMae sez: AnnieMo, I, of course, knew that sister was one of the responsible runners who was doing it 'right.' Apologies if that wasn't clear in my post : ) The cautionary tale was meant for people like myself who are not ready.
ReplyDeleteI work with a number of people who also praise TRR program, so I'll evaluate progress several months from now when it's not a hazard to be outside.