Archive for external conditions
Running Relieves Stress
Posted by: | Comments
Running can help relieve stress. If you haven’t noticed what’s going on in the economy or aren’t feeling it, you undoubtedly have noticed that friends, parents, and loved ones are more anxious right now because of the twists and turns in the economy. The stockmarket has lost a significant amount of its value along with many people It’s a tough time for a lot of people and stress is piling up. So yes, “TGIF” is the pertinent saying.
Exercise increases blood flow and with it, inhibits the release of certain other hormones. One of those hormones is cortisol: the body’s natural stress hormone. It increases release of endorphins, which are our “feel good hormones” which cause that other effect known as runners’ high. We all know about that, don’t we?
Running also distracts us from our problems. It alleviates our worries because we focus our attention in other directions. Running takes you down familiar, comfortable paths, or off exploring new ones. Either way, both are good for our attitudes.
And finally, one other positive effect of running on our attitude. It helps us lose weight and trim our physiques. Which whether we admit it or not, makes us feel better. Who doesn’t like feeling better about themselves and their appearance. You can say it’s shallow, but this does make people feel better about them appearance, and act more confident.
So the next time the stockmarket gets you down, take an extra lap. Or two.
#8 Golden Rule of Running: Heads Beat Tails (at least on windy days!)
Posted by: | Comments
This is Number 8 in our periodic series of “The Golden Rules of Running,” which are tested, tried, and true rules of running that work for every runner, with some minor, occasional exceptions.
The Heads-Beats-Tails Rule
A headwind always slows you down more than a tailwind speeds you up.
You’ve noticed this works on airplanes, so it makes sense that it would also work in running, right? We’ve all heard the pilot come on and say that “we’re experiencing a strong headwind. We may be arriving a little later than expected, but we’ll try to pick up some speed.”
So expect to run slower on windy days. You’re likely going to meet the same wind coming as you are going, so one way you’ll benefit; the other direction will find you struggling.
“I disregard the watch on really windy days because headwinds cost me 15 to 25 seconds a mile, and I only get a portion of that back after I turn around,” says Monte Wells, a longtime runner in Amarillo, Texas, America’s windiest city. “The key is to monitor your effort, not your pace. Start against the wind, so it’s at your back in the second half.”
The Exception: On point-to-point runs with the wind at your back, you’ll fly along faster than usual.
And keep a weather eye out for that turbulence. It can almost knock you out of the sky somedays. Have a great run!
Fall into Running Fun
Posted by: | Comments
Are you enjoying the Fall season? I hope so. Some say Fall is the best season of all for outdoor running.
The scenery is great. And the weather is usually not too hot and not too cold — making it perfect for enjoying favorite old paths and exploring new ones before the winter’s onset. This last gasp of favorable weather gets lots of runners away from the treadmills for one last bit of enjoying the temperate beauty of fall.
But Fall by its very nature also brings the early close of day. In fact, sunset comes earlier every day until we find ourselves in winter. So a little extra caution is neccessary.
Always Run Against Traffic
It’s easier to avoid traffic if you can see it. Avoid busy roads and those with no shoulders or sidewalks.
Be Visible
If you’re running in the early morning or at night, even at dusk, wear white, yellow, or orange clothes. Also, make sure you have reflective gear on. If you purchase running gear that doesn’t have any reflective areas on it, you can always add some. (Purchase reflective tape at fabric stores or online.)
Always Have Identification on You.
Put your driver’s license in your pocket or wear an ID tag on your shoe.