Running Smart!

I loved talking to John Stanton this week on Alive! Bodies in Motion. Founder and CEO of The Running Room, John gave a very human account of a journey from being an overweight, heavy smoking executive to a man who runs marathons and inspires people all over the continent to improve their health by getting active.

"Start slowly and enjoy what you're doing." John suggests that a lot of people who have a negative experience with running are probably starting out too fast. He recommends starting with 1 minute running to 1 minute walking briskly for the first week. Over the next 10 weeks, gradually work up to 10 minutes running with 1 minute briskly walking. And the brisk walk is important! It changes the length of your stride and the muscles you are working - so when you start running again, you've had a real rest (more than you would get if you simply slowed your jog or "shuffled" for a minute.)

John figured that one of the big reasons people don't start exercise when they are out of shape is the fear of embarrassment. His suggestion is to get out and find something you enjoy and to find a group to do it with. The group takes attention away from individual insecurities and offers a kind of accountability to keep you doing what you've set out to do.

And he talks about posture and breathing too! Core strength and great posture will make you a better runner! A note though - make sure you are not "gripping" your abdominals or bracing your ribs. This kind of holding can make breathing difficult - and you'll end up with your shoulders around your ears - or an interesting lack of stamina!

My guests on Alive! Bodies in Motion have been unanimous in one thing - to begin your path of finding better health - go and find some kind of physical activity that you ENJOY doing. If you love it, you'll be more likely to do it again and again - and CONSISTENCY is the name of the game.