Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Don't look we're being followed!
One thing I love about running, even after all these years, is that there is always a new experience waiting for you out on the road. Saturday morning, just 2 weeks to go before the BIG C. After a leisurely sleep in and lazing in bed we decided to head out for an easy 8km run. We picked one of our regular 8km runs, affectionately called the School Route because it passes no less than 8 schools. The run starts with a big HELLO as the first 1.5km is up hill. We started our slow trudge up the hill, repeating our now common mantra - "Comrades pace" - but knowing that the interminable hill nonetheless stretched out a long way before us. And then all of a sudden we realized we were being followed. It's an inner sense, a sense that something is not right, a sense of being stalked. Furtively I glanced around and my suspicions were confirmed. He was right behind us, and closing fast. At first we tried to increase our pace but he was a natural, there was no way we could outpace him. Then we thought maybe we would just ignore him and try and behave like we didn't know he was there. However that did not work as he continued to follow just behind us. Eventually exasperated I turned around to confront him. "Stop following us," I said, but he continued seemingly ignoring me. I changed language trying to be firmer, "Voetsak!"
The road alongside which we were running was busy with Saturday morning traffic as parents ferried kids to and fro from sports events at schools and Saturday shoppers headed resolutely to their weekly places of homage. There were cars everywhere and all my efforts to dissuade him from following were futile. He simply wagged his tail and continued on resolutely. If we didn't stop him, he would certainly be run over by a car. I could see his was afraid, lost, alone and looking for someone to take care of him. But we were on a jog, we had a plan, a training run to do...there was not time for a lost dog.
On closer inspection we noticed there was a phone number and a name on his collar. "Hello Bruno," I said, reading his name. "Where do you live?" He answered with a nervous wag of his tail and a look of hope in his eyes. The number would not help as we did not have a cell phone on us. There was only one solution. Picking up Bruno, a stocky little Jack Russell, we resumed our journey up the hill with a plan to drop him off at the vet that we knew we would pass. However, were on a run, so tucking Bruno under one arm, we set off once more on our jog up the hill.
I'm not sure what they have been feeding Bruno, but after about 200 meters or so I was considering taking the dog to the police station, convinced the owners were smuggling gold bullion in the dog. The jog stopped in a panting wheeze, I think much to Bruno's delight, as I'm not sure being jiggled under a sweaty armpit will go down as a high point in his life. Switching arms every few steps to ensure both my arms were stretched equally, we walked the remainder of the hill.
A relieved Bruno was shortly thereafter handed over to the loving care of the vet and we headed on with our jog. While we'd got off to a rather slow and somewhat unexpected start, the remainder of the run was at a significantly faster pace, as I tried to stay upwind of my personal dog smell. So, the run wasn't as planned, but hey, we got to help out poor old Bruno. That's what I love about running. You are out there experiencing life with all it's rich adventures, opportunities and experiences. It's never the same, but it's always fulfilling. "Thanks Bruno, I'll remember our jog together, short as it was. After all, I still have hundreds of your dog hairs clinging tenaciously to my shirt!"
It's only days now before the Big Comrades marathon 2011 arrives. Daily I scan the weather forecast as it fluctuates from 40C to 4C...thankfully now seems closer to a beautiful 22C. So between Bruno's, Beaches, Bruce's and now Butterflies (and plenty of them now) ...the time has come. Enjoy the big day. Surrounded by thousands of cheering supporters, together with 20,000 comrades on the same journey, and a vision of ultimate achievement, it's the ultimate human race. Enjoy it. May God bless us all as we run in his strength.
Yours in running easy,
Craig
www.runningeasy.com
www.theamazingrice.com
The road alongside which we were running was busy with Saturday morning traffic as parents ferried kids to and fro from sports events at schools and Saturday shoppers headed resolutely to their weekly places of homage. There were cars everywhere and all my efforts to dissuade him from following were futile. He simply wagged his tail and continued on resolutely. If we didn't stop him, he would certainly be run over by a car. I could see his was afraid, lost, alone and looking for someone to take care of him. But we were on a jog, we had a plan, a training run to do...there was not time for a lost dog.
On closer inspection we noticed there was a phone number and a name on his collar. "Hello Bruno," I said, reading his name. "Where do you live?" He answered with a nervous wag of his tail and a look of hope in his eyes. The number would not help as we did not have a cell phone on us. There was only one solution. Picking up Bruno, a stocky little Jack Russell, we resumed our journey up the hill with a plan to drop him off at the vet that we knew we would pass. However, were on a run, so tucking Bruno under one arm, we set off once more on our jog up the hill.
I'm not sure what they have been feeding Bruno, but after about 200 meters or so I was considering taking the dog to the police station, convinced the owners were smuggling gold bullion in the dog. The jog stopped in a panting wheeze, I think much to Bruno's delight, as I'm not sure being jiggled under a sweaty armpit will go down as a high point in his life. Switching arms every few steps to ensure both my arms were stretched equally, we walked the remainder of the hill.
A relieved Bruno was shortly thereafter handed over to the loving care of the vet and we headed on with our jog. While we'd got off to a rather slow and somewhat unexpected start, the remainder of the run was at a significantly faster pace, as I tried to stay upwind of my personal dog smell. So, the run wasn't as planned, but hey, we got to help out poor old Bruno. That's what I love about running. You are out there experiencing life with all it's rich adventures, opportunities and experiences. It's never the same, but it's always fulfilling. "Thanks Bruno, I'll remember our jog together, short as it was. After all, I still have hundreds of your dog hairs clinging tenaciously to my shirt!"
It's only days now before the Big Comrades marathon 2011 arrives. Daily I scan the weather forecast as it fluctuates from 40C to 4C...thankfully now seems closer to a beautiful 22C. So between Bruno's, Beaches, Bruce's and now Butterflies (and plenty of them now) ...the time has come. Enjoy the big day. Surrounded by thousands of cheering supporters, together with 20,000 comrades on the same journey, and a vision of ultimate achievement, it's the ultimate human race. Enjoy it. May God bless us all as we run in his strength.
Yours in running easy,
Craig
www.runningeasy.com
www.theamazingrice.com
Monday, May 16, 2011
Don't look, we're being followed!
One thing I love about running, even after all these years, is that there is always a new experience waiting for you out on the road. Saturday morning, just 2 weeks to go before the BIG C. After a leisurely sleep in and lazing in bed we decided to head out for an easy 8km run. We picked one of our regular 8km runs, affectionately called the School Route because it passes no less than 8 schools. The run starts with a big HELLO as the first 1.5km is up hill. We started our slow trudge up the hill, repeating our now common mantra - "Comrades pace" - but knowing that the interminable hill nonetheless stretched out a long way before us. And then all of a sudden we realized we were being followed. It's an inner sense, a sense that something is not right, a sense of being stalked. Furtively I glanced around and my suspicions were confirmed. He was right behind us, and closing fast. At first we tried to increase our pace but he was a natural, there was no way we could outpace him. Then we thought maybe we would just ignore him and try and behave like we didn't know he was there. However that did not work as he continued to follow just behind us. Eventually exasperated I turned around to confront him. "Stop following us," I said, but he continued seemingly ignoring me. I changed language trying to be firmer, "Voetsak!"
The road alongside which we were running was busy with Saturday morning traffic as parents ferried kids to and fro from sports events at schools and Saturday shoppers headed resolutely to their weekly places of homage. There were cars everywhere and all my efforts to dissuade him from following were futile. He simply wagged his tail and continued on resolutely. If we didn't stop him, he would certainly be run over by a car. I could see his was afraid, lost, alone and looking for someone to take care of him. But we were on a jog, we had a plan, a training run to do...there was not time for a lost dog.
On closer inspection we noticed there was a phone number and a name on his collar. "Hello Bruno," I said, reading his name. "Where do you live?" He answered with a nervous wag of his tail and a look of hope in his eyes. The number would not help as we did not have a cell phone on us. There was only one solution. Picking up Bruno, a stocky little Jack Russell, we resumed our journey up the hill with a plan to drop him off at the vet that we knew we would pass. However, were on a run, so tucking Bruno under one arm, we set off once more on our jog up the hill.
I'm not sure what they have been feeding Bruno, but after about 200 meters or so I was considering taking the dog to the police station, convinced the owners were smuggling gold bullion in the dog. The jog stopped in a panting wheeze, I think much to Bruno's delight, as I'm not sure being jiggled under a sweaty armpit will go down as a high point in his life. Switching arms every few steps to ensure both my arms were stretched equally, we walked the remainder of the hill.
A relieved Bruno was shortly thereafter handed over to the loving care of the vet and we headed on with our jog. While we'd got off to a rather slow and somewhat unexpected start, the remainder of the run was at a significantly faster pace, as I tried to stay upwind of my personal dog smell. So, the run wasn't as planned, but hey, we got to help out poor old Bruno. That's what I love about running. You are out there experiencing life with all it's rich adventures, opportunities and experiences. It's never the same, but it's always fulfilling. "Thanks Bruno, I'll remember our jog together, short as it was. After all, I still have hundreds of your dog hairs clinging tenaciously to my shirt!"
Visit www.theamazingrice.com to change your life and the lives others.
The road alongside which we were running was busy with Saturday morning traffic as parents ferried kids to and fro from sports events at schools and Saturday shoppers headed resolutely to their weekly places of homage. There were cars everywhere and all my efforts to dissuade him from following were futile. He simply wagged his tail and continued on resolutely. If we didn't stop him, he would certainly be run over by a car. I could see his was afraid, lost, alone and looking for someone to take care of him. But we were on a jog, we had a plan, a training run to do...there was not time for a lost dog.
On closer inspection we noticed there was a phone number and a name on his collar. "Hello Bruno," I said, reading his name. "Where do you live?" He answered with a nervous wag of his tail and a look of hope in his eyes. The number would not help as we did not have a cell phone on us. There was only one solution. Picking up Bruno, a stocky little Jack Russell, we resumed our journey up the hill with a plan to drop him off at the vet that we knew we would pass. However, were on a run, so tucking Bruno under one arm, we set off once more on our jog up the hill.
I'm not sure what they have been feeding Bruno, but after about 200 meters or so I was considering taking the dog to the police station, convinced the owners were smuggling gold bullion in the dog. The jog stopped in a panting wheeze, I think much to Bruno's delight, as I'm not sure being jiggled under a sweaty armpit will go down as a high point in his life. Switching arms every few steps to ensure both my arms were stretched equally, we walked the remainder of the hill.
A relieved Bruno was shortly thereafter handed over to the loving care of the vet and we headed on with our jog. While we'd got off to a rather slow and somewhat unexpected start, the remainder of the run was at a significantly faster pace, as I tried to stay upwind of my personal dog smell. So, the run wasn't as planned, but hey, we got to help out poor old Bruno. That's what I love about running. You are out there experiencing life with all it's rich adventures, opportunities and experiences. It's never the same, but it's always fulfilling. "Thanks Bruno, I'll remember our jog together, short as it was. After all, I still have hundreds of your dog hairs clinging tenaciously to my shirt!"
Visit www.theamazingrice.com to change your life and the lives others.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
For Comrades Runners (and others) - A very good article on causes/cures for nausea during and after long runs - http://goo.gl/5P0Rs
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
"Facebook, Facebook on the wall, who is the fairest of all?" See how dangerous staring into the Facebook mirror can be - http://goo.gl/n9C7O
Monday, May 9, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Reebok ZigTechs ReeRok!
I am always a little nervous when I change my running shoes, but then again I'm always keen to try something new, especially if it is pitched from some tech, new-fad angle. I just can't resist. So when I first laid eyes on Reebok's ZigTech shoes I was immediately wooed. I could see me in a pair of these, computer designed with enough research to develop a fleet of shuttles, and so on. Quickly I was on the Web trying to see what people thought. But as is typically the case there were only a few reviews - but mostly by those who blindly followed Reebok and said "of course they will be great" or those who were anti-Reebok and said "they are junk (even though I haven't tried them)" - of course the part in brackets was not included.
However, I could not take this decision lightly. I am busy preparing to run the big 89km (56 mile) Comrades Marathon in May. I can't have shoes that will not work...but then again, the tech, the possibilities...so I took the leap and got a pair. Tentatively I took them out for a short 8km run, as this always gives an early indicator if something is not right...and my feet returned happy. But the real test is only when I run over 2 hours, as then any strange rubbing, weird footfalls will be revealed. So a few days later they got to go on their next big outing, a 30km training run. Once more my feet returned happy. Subsequent to that I ran in my Reebok ZigTechs multiple times as we prepared for our Comrades long training run, the 56km Two Oceans marathon. This would be the real test where my Zigs would be my close companion for nearly 6 hours.
How did they do? The Zigs went unnoticed! I did not even realise I was wearing them...not once. This is the ultimate testimony to a great pair of running shoes. They should not make themselves noticed. They should feel natural on your feet, and just do their job. And then I did notice, as I slipped them off at the end of the race. For the first time in all the years I have run marathons and ultramarathons, I had not a single blister - and no black toenails! This time my feet were really smiling.
So, in short, for me, my ZigTech Reeboks have been superb. I had the best race (and fastest time too) for the 56km Two Oceans marathon. The ultimate test is still to come, when they join me on the 89km Comrades journey - the ultimate human race. But I'm confident my feet will be in good company. If I have a complaint, its that the Zigs are not designed for off road running. They have a voracious appetite for stones...as small stones get embedded in the zig design and then you clunk along sounding like tap-dancing zebra. But, use them for what they are designed for - road running - and you'll give your feet (and legs) a great party! These Reeboks Rock!
However, I could not take this decision lightly. I am busy preparing to run the big 89km (56 mile) Comrades Marathon in May. I can't have shoes that will not work...but then again, the tech, the possibilities...so I took the leap and got a pair. Tentatively I took them out for a short 8km run, as this always gives an early indicator if something is not right...and my feet returned happy. But the real test is only when I run over 2 hours, as then any strange rubbing, weird footfalls will be revealed. So a few days later they got to go on their next big outing, a 30km training run. Once more my feet returned happy. Subsequent to that I ran in my Reebok ZigTechs multiple times as we prepared for our Comrades long training run, the 56km Two Oceans marathon. This would be the real test where my Zigs would be my close companion for nearly 6 hours.
How did they do? The Zigs went unnoticed! I did not even realise I was wearing them...not once. This is the ultimate testimony to a great pair of running shoes. They should not make themselves noticed. They should feel natural on your feet, and just do their job. And then I did notice, as I slipped them off at the end of the race. For the first time in all the years I have run marathons and ultramarathons, I had not a single blister - and no black toenails! This time my feet were really smiling.
So, in short, for me, my ZigTech Reeboks have been superb. I had the best race (and fastest time too) for the 56km Two Oceans marathon. The ultimate test is still to come, when they join me on the 89km Comrades journey - the ultimate human race. But I'm confident my feet will be in good company. If I have a complaint, its that the Zigs are not designed for off road running. They have a voracious appetite for stones...as small stones get embedded in the zig design and then you clunk along sounding like tap-dancing zebra. But, use them for what they are designed for - road running - and you'll give your feet (and legs) a great party! These Reeboks Rock!
Beating Bruce (Fordyce)
Beating Bruce
The start was dark, but the tension was palpable as we stood waiting for the gun that would herald the start of our 56km Two Oceans race. The gun sounded...and we stood, and stood, and stood...before breaking into a slow walk, shuffle, walk, shuffle, jog, and finally run. 9,000 runners were off on the most "world's most beautiful marathon". As the early part of the race winds through small towns lined with shops, we developed the pavement dash. Darting off the clogged road we'd fly down the pavements - even getting in a chance to do some early morning window-shopping. Yet, before too long the twisting snake of humanity began to stretch out and the race was on. It was just before reaching Muizenberg that we spotted him - unmistakable in his poise, professional and easy style, and surrounded by other greats. The king of Comrades, Bruce Fordyce was just ahead of us. This was our chance. Throwing caution to the wind we increased our pace and came "flying" past him. What euphoria - we'd passed the legend himself. But of course Bruce would not be so easily overcome, and a few minutes later- obviously trying to break us with an early surge - he came past us once again. Yet, we were not to be beaten. This was our day, and once more we drew from deep within, and surged past Bruce again. This time it would be final...as we clang to our precarious lead over peak and through bays till with joy we crossed the line to claim our place in the halls of fame!
OK...so maybe it was not quite like that. When we first passed Bruce he was nonchalantly chatting to the great Noel Stamper - another legend who has completed 41 Two Oceans marathons. I also overheard someone saying Bruce had run a marathon the week before in like 57 minutes or something. And of course, I never mentioned to Bruce that there was a race. And maybe Bruce was aiming for a blue medal to complete his collection. And on I could go. But this is the amazing thing with running. Ordinary people can run with legends. Ordinary people can participate in an event with people like Bruce and Noel. Ordinary people can be in the same race as the super athletes who win the event in mind-blowing times. Ordinary people can be Heroes.
As we lumbered slowly up the energy and soul-draining Constantia Nek we came up behind a runner with 75 pinned to his shirt! That means he is 75 years old, or more! Unbelievable, so inspiring. If only I can be like him at that age. And here we are running in the same race with him, running in the same race with legend after legend. There is no other sport that lets you experience this quite like running.
And then the moment of pure exhilaration, where words fail - as roads thick with cheering supporters scream, and sing, and shout out your name as we approach the finish. The flood of music, the commentators voice, the television cameras, the rising crescendo of cheering fans, as we run down the final stretch to the finish line. It is an Olympic stadium in everyway. Punching the air in achievement, we leap across the finish line, and with bursting hearts, face-splitting smiles, we receive our medals. Wow, we've done it. We've run with legends and felt like heroes. We're Ordinary Heroes...and there is no better feeling!
You want a heroes challenge? Join The Amazing Rice challenge - www.theamazingrice.com - run and circle the world with a ring of rice!
The start was dark, but the tension was palpable as we stood waiting for the gun that would herald the start of our 56km Two Oceans race. The gun sounded...and we stood, and stood, and stood...before breaking into a slow walk, shuffle, walk, shuffle, jog, and finally run. 9,000 runners were off on the most "world's most beautiful marathon". As the early part of the race winds through small towns lined with shops, we developed the pavement dash. Darting off the clogged road we'd fly down the pavements - even getting in a chance to do some early morning window-shopping. Yet, before too long the twisting snake of humanity began to stretch out and the race was on. It was just before reaching Muizenberg that we spotted him - unmistakable in his poise, professional and easy style, and surrounded by other greats. The king of Comrades, Bruce Fordyce was just ahead of us. This was our chance. Throwing caution to the wind we increased our pace and came "flying" past him. What euphoria - we'd passed the legend himself. But of course Bruce would not be so easily overcome, and a few minutes later- obviously trying to break us with an early surge - he came past us once again. Yet, we were not to be beaten. This was our day, and once more we drew from deep within, and surged past Bruce again. This time it would be final...as we clang to our precarious lead over peak and through bays till with joy we crossed the line to claim our place in the halls of fame!
OK...so maybe it was not quite like that. When we first passed Bruce he was nonchalantly chatting to the great Noel Stamper - another legend who has completed 41 Two Oceans marathons. I also overheard someone saying Bruce had run a marathon the week before in like 57 minutes or something. And of course, I never mentioned to Bruce that there was a race. And maybe Bruce was aiming for a blue medal to complete his collection. And on I could go. But this is the amazing thing with running. Ordinary people can run with legends. Ordinary people can participate in an event with people like Bruce and Noel. Ordinary people can be in the same race as the super athletes who win the event in mind-blowing times. Ordinary people can be Heroes.
As we lumbered slowly up the energy and soul-draining Constantia Nek we came up behind a runner with 75 pinned to his shirt! That means he is 75 years old, or more! Unbelievable, so inspiring. If only I can be like him at that age. And here we are running in the same race with him, running in the same race with legend after legend. There is no other sport that lets you experience this quite like running.
And then the moment of pure exhilaration, where words fail - as roads thick with cheering supporters scream, and sing, and shout out your name as we approach the finish. The flood of music, the commentators voice, the television cameras, the rising crescendo of cheering fans, as we run down the final stretch to the finish line. It is an Olympic stadium in everyway. Punching the air in achievement, we leap across the finish line, and with bursting hearts, face-splitting smiles, we receive our medals. Wow, we've done it. We've run with legends and felt like heroes. We're Ordinary Heroes...and there is no better feeling!
You want a heroes challenge? Join The Amazing Rice challenge - www.theamazingrice.com - run and circle the world with a ring of rice!
Friday, April 29, 2011
We've hit 50KM - WOW! We have now laid a trail of rice 50km long in our Amazing Rice Challenge. That is sufficient for 800 meals. Thank YOU everyone who is changing lives (yours included). We have just 12,422km to go to circle the earth...so grab a friend and get them to join - www.theamazingrice.com - every grain counts.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Start Running Today - Scientific Research Proves Running Boosts Your Immune System
There is nothing better than a strong immune system. It quite simply means that you get sick less often and when you get sick the symptoms are a lot less severe. And so in our quest to get a stronger immune system we turn to "magic cures". This can be anything from special berries that claim magical properties to vitamin tablets and more. However while millions of dollars of advertising revenue push these wonder cures on us, very few are backed by scientific research. It's one thing to have some doctor nodding his agreement in a million dollar commercial, it quite another to have hard research proving the claim appearing in an academic research journal.
However, unless you are academically minded and keen on spending hours trolling through verbose, complex research journals you are unlikely to find out what really works to boost your immune system. So understandably we rely on the TV commercial, and spend all our hard earned cash on the latest "wonder cure". Yet hidden inside these complex journals are thousands of proofs showing what is the most effective way to boost your immunity. If you are a budding researcher head on over to Google Scholar and search for "running boosts immunity" and you will find all the proof you need. Here are some examples of the amazing research that is found in academic journals relating to how running easy is proven to be the most effective way to boost your immune system.
We live in a world of "no pain no gain" mentality. And so when it comes to getting fit, getting healthy and losing weight we assume there must be pain and suffering. However research shows that the adage "Less is More" applies when it comes to running. It's all about running at an easy, comfortable pace. Not only is staying at a pace where you can hold a comfortable conversation best for weight loss and fitness it's best for boosting your immune system.
If you are unfit your immune level is low. As you begin to run, your immune level increases. However once you put your body under stress, your immune level actually drops off.
Research published in the Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that "moderate levels of physical activity are associated with a reduced risk of UTRI (Upper Track Respirotry Infection)". In English - moderate levels (running easy) of exercise will reduce the risk of illness. So, if you run easy you'll get healthier. However, not running at all, and you are more likely to get sick. Over doing your running, and you're more likely to get sick.
It all comes back to - "Less is More" - and with Running Easy it means More Health, More Fitness, More Life!
If you want to find out how to run in such a way that you maximize your immune system, then go and get the complete list of scientific reasons supporting the Running Easy approach. Get it NOW and Never Fear the Sneeze!
Research Sources
- Matthews, C E: Ockene, I S: Freedson, P S: Rosal, M C: Merriam, P A: Hebert, J R, "Moderate to vigorous physical activity and risk of upper-respiratory tract infection" in the Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise
Source: Running Easy
Running Easy is a unique concept designed for ordinary people who aspire to achieve amazing things. By applying a scientifically supported approach, Running Easy introduces people to the last art of running. Not only do members enjoy fitness, improved health, weight-loss...it is all about fun, enjoyment and lifestyle...something unique to Running Easy. Subscribe at http://ping.fm/47IF3
However, unless you are academically minded and keen on spending hours trolling through verbose, complex research journals you are unlikely to find out what really works to boost your immune system. So understandably we rely on the TV commercial, and spend all our hard earned cash on the latest "wonder cure". Yet hidden inside these complex journals are thousands of proofs showing what is the most effective way to boost your immunity. If you are a budding researcher head on over to Google Scholar and search for "running boosts immunity" and you will find all the proof you need. Here are some examples of the amazing research that is found in academic journals relating to how running easy is proven to be the most effective way to boost your immune system.
We live in a world of "no pain no gain" mentality. And so when it comes to getting fit, getting healthy and losing weight we assume there must be pain and suffering. However research shows that the adage "Less is More" applies when it comes to running. It's all about running at an easy, comfortable pace. Not only is staying at a pace where you can hold a comfortable conversation best for weight loss and fitness it's best for boosting your immune system.
If you are unfit your immune level is low. As you begin to run, your immune level increases. However once you put your body under stress, your immune level actually drops off.
Research published in the Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that "moderate levels of physical activity are associated with a reduced risk of UTRI (Upper Track Respirotry Infection)". In English - moderate levels (running easy) of exercise will reduce the risk of illness. So, if you run easy you'll get healthier. However, not running at all, and you are more likely to get sick. Over doing your running, and you're more likely to get sick.
It all comes back to - "Less is More" - and with Running Easy it means More Health, More Fitness, More Life!
If you want to find out how to run in such a way that you maximize your immune system, then go and get the complete list of scientific reasons supporting the Running Easy approach. Get it NOW and Never Fear the Sneeze!
Research Sources
- Matthews, C E: Ockene, I S: Freedson, P S: Rosal, M C: Merriam, P A: Hebert, J R, "Moderate to vigorous physical activity and risk of upper-respiratory tract infection" in the Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise
Source: Running Easy
Running Easy is a unique concept designed for ordinary people who aspire to achieve amazing things. By applying a scientifically supported approach, Running Easy introduces people to the last art of running. Not only do members enjoy fitness, improved health, weight-loss...it is all about fun, enjoyment and lifestyle...something unique to Running Easy. Subscribe at http://ping.fm/47IF3
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Hitting Half Hillcrest's Hills
Part 3 of the ongoing saga of our Journey to Comrades Marathon 2011.
“The time has come…to say fair’s fair…to pay the rent…to pay our share…da da de dum“…go the lyrics of Midnight Oil’s 80s one hit wonder. Eish! Those were the days of pink shirts for guys, oversized sunglasses and the Walkman! Hmmm…It seems that nothing’s changed…besides maybe the walkman (which was always politically incorrect – it should have been Walkperson). It’s now been replaced by iPod, iPhone, and iPad…which I can well imagine future generations will also be clambering to rename.
But the bottom line is the time had finally come to get out there and do a real race. One of those ones where not only do you awake before the proverbial birds, but where you register, and get things pinned to you and join hundreds of other crazy runners doing the same thing. Stealth training is great…and we do loads of it…only appearing now and then to let our running friends know we still exist. But sometimes you have to do the real thing.
So the sleep of the innocent was shattered by the shriek of the alarm at 3:45am heralding our first race of the year. Following my normal transition from coma to consciousness, I once more berated myself for deciding to do this, berated the race organizers for starting so early, berated the person who invented the clock for not increasing the number of hours in a day, and so on. Armed with the energy of this, I was soon leaping around doing the runner’s early morning dance…dress, toilet, snack…and espresso of course! We’ve got it to a fine art now, but as the brain only wakes up a few hours later it is vital that I refer to my master list to check its all done.
Dressed…shorts and top?…Check! Are you sure…both? Yep…Check!
Shoes on?….Check! (I’ve had dreams about leaving these…and after seeing people running without shoes the nightmare continues)
Socks on?…Yeah, should be if shoes are on but just be sure…Check!
Vaseline?…down low where things rub and on the moobs (man boobs)…Check!…double check otherwise this will certainly come back to bite!
Sunglasses?…check.
Sweatband?…I need this or else I have to run with my eyes closed, which may be preferable sometimes…Check.
Garmin Running watch?…so I know we are actually moving forward when we are running…Check
Running Pouch for keys?….Check! But it feels tighter than last time I wore it. It must have shrunk over the Christmas period…probably from getting wet.
Cell Phone?…so I can take photos of other crazy runners and phone a friend if I get lost or bored or tired…Check
Before long we’re following the stream of runners’ cars…obviously they’re runners because who else is crazy enough to be driving around dressed like they’re going to the beach at 4:30am?
There is something electric about the start of a race. The familiar sound of the announcer’s voice, the music, the hundreds of runners with bleary eyes, the laughter, the smell of Deep heat and overburdened chemical toilets. It’s just awesome…even if it is 4:45am! After the usual hurried scramble to register, interspersed with the normal criticism of how it should be faster, better, shorter, earlier, later…we’re off to the start. to join the growing throng of tightly clustered runners all waiting excitedly And before we know it the gun sounds, and like a laxative released load, the runners spew forth.
It’s always amazing, how minutes later the tide of humanity seems to stretch off into the dark distance. How did I end up so far back? What did they have for breakfast? Do they have an urgent appointment? All these thoughts clamour for attention as we bob and weave like Mohammed Ali through runners, walkers…and seemingly some sleep walkers.
I always admire the bastions of courage who man/woman…the first table. The avalanche of carbo-loaded runners hits them in a surging rush. Runners grapple and lunge for water and coke as though they’ve run hundreds of kilometers or been deprived of moisture since childhood. Quickly we skirt the writhing mass knowing with firm resolve that we can make it…it’s only be 15 minutes…we will survive.
Finally the human snake starts to stretch out as you settle into the pace of those who run sensibly…like we do…slow and enjoying the smell of the roses…or sweat and gaseous deposits, as there were no roses Winding our way down from Hillcrest towards Winston Park we’re rewarded with smiling supporters, beautiful leaf covered roads, and incredible houses…obviously only affordable by government officials. The sun finally dragging its bulk above the distant ocean washes the roads in orange as it drips its golden light through the trees.
The kilometers seem to fall away as we are swept up in the amazing journey of running with so many people. Before long we are heading back up the gentle but long hill towards Hillcrest. “21 turn, 42 straight” shouts the marshall…”Aah, it’s half this time…” I think to myself, as we turn into the stadium “Half the distance but twice the fun.”
Driving home I lean out the window and shout encouraging words to some family who’re just heading around for their second lap…words that every runner loves to hear…”You’re looking good…You’re nearly there”… And then we’re off towards home and the welcome embrace of a cool pool and another espresso. But in the back of my mind is the thought…”We will be doing our marathon in 2 weeks time.”
Oh well, that time has not yet come!
“The time has come…to say fair’s fair…to pay the rent…to pay our share…da da de dum“…go the lyrics of Midnight Oil’s 80s one hit wonder. Eish! Those were the days of pink shirts for guys, oversized sunglasses and the Walkman! Hmmm…It seems that nothing’s changed…besides maybe the walkman (which was always politically incorrect – it should have been Walkperson). It’s now been replaced by iPod, iPhone, and iPad…which I can well imagine future generations will also be clambering to rename.
But the bottom line is the time had finally come to get out there and do a real race. One of those ones where not only do you awake before the proverbial birds, but where you register, and get things pinned to you and join hundreds of other crazy runners doing the same thing. Stealth training is great…and we do loads of it…only appearing now and then to let our running friends know we still exist. But sometimes you have to do the real thing.
So the sleep of the innocent was shattered by the shriek of the alarm at 3:45am heralding our first race of the year. Following my normal transition from coma to consciousness, I once more berated myself for deciding to do this, berated the race organizers for starting so early, berated the person who invented the clock for not increasing the number of hours in a day, and so on. Armed with the energy of this, I was soon leaping around doing the runner’s early morning dance…dress, toilet, snack…and espresso of course! We’ve got it to a fine art now, but as the brain only wakes up a few hours later it is vital that I refer to my master list to check its all done.
Dressed…shorts and top?…Check! Are you sure…both? Yep…Check!
Shoes on?….Check! (I’ve had dreams about leaving these…and after seeing people running without shoes the nightmare continues)
Socks on?…Yeah, should be if shoes are on but just be sure…Check!
Vaseline?…down low where things rub and on the moobs (man boobs)…Check!…double check otherwise this will certainly come back to bite!
Sunglasses?…check.
Sweatband?…I need this or else I have to run with my eyes closed, which may be preferable sometimes…Check.
Garmin Running watch?…so I know we are actually moving forward when we are running…Check
Running Pouch for keys?….Check! But it feels tighter than last time I wore it. It must have shrunk over the Christmas period…probably from getting wet.
Cell Phone?…so I can take photos of other crazy runners and phone a friend if I get lost or bored or tired…Check
Before long we’re following the stream of runners’ cars…obviously they’re runners because who else is crazy enough to be driving around dressed like they’re going to the beach at 4:30am?
There is something electric about the start of a race. The familiar sound of the announcer’s voice, the music, the hundreds of runners with bleary eyes, the laughter, the smell of Deep heat and overburdened chemical toilets. It’s just awesome…even if it is 4:45am! After the usual hurried scramble to register, interspersed with the normal criticism of how it should be faster, better, shorter, earlier, later…we’re off to the start. to join the growing throng of tightly clustered runners all waiting excitedly And before we know it the gun sounds, and like a laxative released load, the runners spew forth.
It’s always amazing, how minutes later the tide of humanity seems to stretch off into the dark distance. How did I end up so far back? What did they have for breakfast? Do they have an urgent appointment? All these thoughts clamour for attention as we bob and weave like Mohammed Ali through runners, walkers…and seemingly some sleep walkers.
I always admire the bastions of courage who man/woman…the first table. The avalanche of carbo-loaded runners hits them in a surging rush. Runners grapple and lunge for water and coke as though they’ve run hundreds of kilometers or been deprived of moisture since childhood. Quickly we skirt the writhing mass knowing with firm resolve that we can make it…it’s only be 15 minutes…we will survive.
Finally the human snake starts to stretch out as you settle into the pace of those who run sensibly…like we do…slow and enjoying the smell of the roses…or sweat and gaseous deposits, as there were no roses Winding our way down from Hillcrest towards Winston Park we’re rewarded with smiling supporters, beautiful leaf covered roads, and incredible houses…obviously only affordable by government officials. The sun finally dragging its bulk above the distant ocean washes the roads in orange as it drips its golden light through the trees.
The kilometers seem to fall away as we are swept up in the amazing journey of running with so many people. Before long we are heading back up the gentle but long hill towards Hillcrest. “21 turn, 42 straight” shouts the marshall…”Aah, it’s half this time…” I think to myself, as we turn into the stadium “Half the distance but twice the fun.”
Driving home I lean out the window and shout encouraging words to some family who’re just heading around for their second lap…words that every runner loves to hear…”You’re looking good…You’re nearly there”… And then we’re off towards home and the welcome embrace of a cool pool and another espresso. But in the back of my mind is the thought…”We will be doing our marathon in 2 weeks time.”
Oh well, that time has not yet come!
Pop into Runner's World site and read about our journey to Comrades 2011. Latest post "Hitting Half Hillcrest's Hills" - http://ping.fm/EVjLU
Monday, February 14, 2011
G'Day Mate - You Fancy a Run with the Roos?
And so 2011 leaps on...Aussies, Animals and Adventure.
While the year is yet young at heart, it seems that the journey to Comrades 2011 is leaping ahead in Kangaroo bounds. Near the end of January Nicky and I found ourselves in Australia for a week. As any travelers would know, being away from home does tend to play havoc on the routine and put pressure on those weekly training runs. And so we too, suffering from more than our fair share of A.D.D., were busily ensconced in many things, but not running. However in our hearts beat the passion of Comrades, and the need to get a training run in began to steadily mount...plus I'd sort of oversold myself.
I was speaking at a Christian conference and had regaled them with stories of my Comrades conquests...it's awesome to see how impressed foreigners are when you bandy around numbers like 90km. It's all lost on our satiated South Africans. And so it wasn't long before they suggested that I lead an early morning run of interested Aussies. Finding myself stuck between a boast and an Aussie, we finally succumbed. We put out the hard-to-refuse invitation that on the Tuesday morning we would be heading out at 4:45am for a 21km run.
Well, as you can well imagine...they leapt at it like swarm of Roos. Several people came up to me to discuss possible routes and hours were spent pouring over Google Maps and listening with keen interest to the advice of the locals.
4:30am....Beep, Beep, Beep....Squawk..Screech...The alarm woke us in its usual uncaring way. "Eish," Nicky said, "My Aussie Didgeridoo! It's still dark outside. Why did you make us start so early?" Through bleary, unhappy eyes I stared vainly out the window hoping to catch just a glimmer of the new day. In those first few moments, with nauseating regularity, I experience the same thoughts..."Why in the world am I doing this? I love my bed. I want to sleep. This is crazy. I need counseling. All those non-runners were right." However, normally this period of transition is washed away with the warm, bitter, strong kiss of the first espresso. However on this occasion there was no espresso, and so bearing the reproach of my good wife we dressed and hurried outside into the darkness.
Dew lay thickly on the ground, and even though it was not yet 5am the temperature was already reaching the mid 20s. The days had been blisteringly hot, with temperatures as high as 35C even at 7pm. In the lights of the camp we made out one other would-be runner. It's easy to tell - they're the only ones awake and wearing skimpy, non-flattering clothing. Soon we were joined by a young boy of 13 (who'd never run further than 6km) and finally by our guide. The Fabulous Five...up at Five...were off.
A few minutes later we stopped and leapt from the car. We watched with amusement as the Aussies underwent various running rituals...stretch, loosen, twist...Our thinking is, "Hey, we are here to run not do pilates or yoga...leave that to the non-runners." So after a few condescending remarks about their ability to flex and how they'd look in a pair of tights we were ready to head off.
The route made its way for about 10km on a quiet road past farms, and homes along the base of a valley in the Newcastle area of New South Wales. The plan being to wend our way along the valley floor and then turn around just before the road climbed up into the hills beyond.
"This is why I run. This is why I get up at crazy hours. This is living." Almost without fail this is the next transition after pluming the depths of my sanity in those first waking moments. It's the pure joy and exhilaration of running. There's no better way to see a place - to experience a country - surrounded by the sweet strains of the Aussie accent, the rich aroma of the farmlands and trademark vista of the Aussie Eucalyptus. And even their company is not too bad. It's quite surprising, but thankfully they aren't all like Shane Warne.
The kilometers seem to fall away as we were caught up in the experience. It wasn't long before the iconic Aussie symbol...no not beer...the kangaroo was seen leaping across the road ahead of us. Shy, but inquisitive we saw many of them also seemingly out on their morning training hops. We were even treated to one of the myriad of Aussie snakes...although this one was either fast asleep or suffering from a hard night of partying. While we did not spot any Koalas...apparently its not their hunting season or something...there was no shortage of spiders. You wont be in Australia very long before realising that it's not flies that are the problem but spiders - a strange paradox indeed. And it wont be long before your friendly Aussie mate is indulging you in terrifying stories about how all the worlds deadliest venom dripping, 8-legged beasts live on their island. It's understandable - the scary stories must either come from a croc, a spider, a kangaroo or a koala...we really are spoilt in Africa.
Before we knew it we were closing in on the end of our run. The sun was beginning to paint the road in molten gold, and it felt as such when it touched us. I was immediately thankful we had started out early. That's another thing I must remember next time I'm in the valley of self-flagellation in those first waking moments - it will be cool.
As the 5 sweaty bodies clambered into the ute (bakkie for us South Africans) we were all grins and jokes. Everyone had made it, even young Reuben. All I can say is "That was a fair dinkum experience mate, and another great leap along the road to Comrades!"
Visit www.runningeasy.com for loads more tales, yarns, and great advice.
While the year is yet young at heart, it seems that the journey to Comrades 2011 is leaping ahead in Kangaroo bounds. Near the end of January Nicky and I found ourselves in Australia for a week. As any travelers would know, being away from home does tend to play havoc on the routine and put pressure on those weekly training runs. And so we too, suffering from more than our fair share of A.D.D., were busily ensconced in many things, but not running. However in our hearts beat the passion of Comrades, and the need to get a training run in began to steadily mount...plus I'd sort of oversold myself.
I was speaking at a Christian conference and had regaled them with stories of my Comrades conquests...it's awesome to see how impressed foreigners are when you bandy around numbers like 90km. It's all lost on our satiated South Africans. And so it wasn't long before they suggested that I lead an early morning run of interested Aussies. Finding myself stuck between a boast and an Aussie, we finally succumbed. We put out the hard-to-refuse invitation that on the Tuesday morning we would be heading out at 4:45am for a 21km run.
Well, as you can well imagine...they leapt at it like swarm of Roos. Several people came up to me to discuss possible routes and hours were spent pouring over Google Maps and listening with keen interest to the advice of the locals.
4:30am....Beep, Beep, Beep....Squawk..Screech...The alarm woke us in its usual uncaring way. "Eish," Nicky said, "My Aussie Didgeridoo! It's still dark outside. Why did you make us start so early?" Through bleary, unhappy eyes I stared vainly out the window hoping to catch just a glimmer of the new day. In those first few moments, with nauseating regularity, I experience the same thoughts..."Why in the world am I doing this? I love my bed. I want to sleep. This is crazy. I need counseling. All those non-runners were right." However, normally this period of transition is washed away with the warm, bitter, strong kiss of the first espresso. However on this occasion there was no espresso, and so bearing the reproach of my good wife we dressed and hurried outside into the darkness.
Dew lay thickly on the ground, and even though it was not yet 5am the temperature was already reaching the mid 20s. The days had been blisteringly hot, with temperatures as high as 35C even at 7pm. In the lights of the camp we made out one other would-be runner. It's easy to tell - they're the only ones awake and wearing skimpy, non-flattering clothing. Soon we were joined by a young boy of 13 (who'd never run further than 6km) and finally by our guide. The Fabulous Five...up at Five...were off.
A few minutes later we stopped and leapt from the car. We watched with amusement as the Aussies underwent various running rituals...stretch, loosen, twist...Our thinking is, "Hey, we are here to run not do pilates or yoga...leave that to the non-runners." So after a few condescending remarks about their ability to flex and how they'd look in a pair of tights we were ready to head off.
The route made its way for about 10km on a quiet road past farms, and homes along the base of a valley in the Newcastle area of New South Wales. The plan being to wend our way along the valley floor and then turn around just before the road climbed up into the hills beyond.
"This is why I run. This is why I get up at crazy hours. This is living." Almost without fail this is the next transition after pluming the depths of my sanity in those first waking moments. It's the pure joy and exhilaration of running. There's no better way to see a place - to experience a country - surrounded by the sweet strains of the Aussie accent, the rich aroma of the farmlands and trademark vista of the Aussie Eucalyptus. And even their company is not too bad. It's quite surprising, but thankfully they aren't all like Shane Warne.
The kilometers seem to fall away as we were caught up in the experience. It wasn't long before the iconic Aussie symbol...no not beer...the kangaroo was seen leaping across the road ahead of us. Shy, but inquisitive we saw many of them also seemingly out on their morning training hops. We were even treated to one of the myriad of Aussie snakes...although this one was either fast asleep or suffering from a hard night of partying. While we did not spot any Koalas...apparently its not their hunting season or something...there was no shortage of spiders. You wont be in Australia very long before realising that it's not flies that are the problem but spiders - a strange paradox indeed. And it wont be long before your friendly Aussie mate is indulging you in terrifying stories about how all the worlds deadliest venom dripping, 8-legged beasts live on their island. It's understandable - the scary stories must either come from a croc, a spider, a kangaroo or a koala...we really are spoilt in Africa.
Before we knew it we were closing in on the end of our run. The sun was beginning to paint the road in molten gold, and it felt as such when it touched us. I was immediately thankful we had started out early. That's another thing I must remember next time I'm in the valley of self-flagellation in those first waking moments - it will be cool.
As the 5 sweaty bodies clambered into the ute (bakkie for us South Africans) we were all grins and jokes. Everyone had made it, even young Reuben. All I can say is "That was a fair dinkum experience mate, and another great leap along the road to Comrades!"
Visit www.runningeasy.com for loads more tales, yarns, and great advice.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Runner's World Blog - Journey to Comrades 2011
Hey everyone,
Well the new year has gotten going with a great blast, and so has the running. Before you know it Comrades is panting down your neck. While the epic 90km race is only in the end of May, the training has already ramped right up. In 3 weeks time we have a marathon to run so we already need to hit out peak week this week. So Friday will see us slip out and do a 30km run....Eish!
And then the journey to Comrades 2011 will be well and truly on its way.
Anyway, please pop on over to the Runner's World page where I am writing a blog for them on our journey to Comrades 2011. We'd love to have you along for the journey and hear your thoughts and comments. So go here - http://ping.fm/56olw and grab the first issue...the next post will be about our exciting run in Australia (last week)- Kangaroos, snakes and more.
Yours in running easy
Craig
Well the new year has gotten going with a great blast, and so has the running. Before you know it Comrades is panting down your neck. While the epic 90km race is only in the end of May, the training has already ramped right up. In 3 weeks time we have a marathon to run so we already need to hit out peak week this week. So Friday will see us slip out and do a 30km run....Eish!
And then the journey to Comrades 2011 will be well and truly on its way.
Anyway, please pop on over to the Runner's World page where I am writing a blog for them on our journey to Comrades 2011. We'd love to have you along for the journey and hear your thoughts and comments. So go here - http://ping.fm/56olw and grab the first issue...the next post will be about our exciting run in Australia (last week)- Kangaroos, snakes and more.
Yours in running easy
Craig
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Scientific Research Proves Running Promotes Greatest Weight Loss
There are thousands and thousands of approaches to weight loss from Acai berries to special machines that will shake and wobble you in all the right places. Yet, while millions of dollars of advertising revenue push these "miracles" onto us, very few are backed by solid, reputable scientific research. Normally they are accompanied by glowing claims from previous participants or Dr X who nods sagely in agreement with the new technique, while undoubtedly receiving a handsome "appearance" fee. Yet when it comes to most things in life that we want to be certain of we rely on scientific proof. We rely on researchers who publish their findings in journals with incomprehensible names under titles full of even more confusing words. Proper scientific research that appears in peer-reviewed journals from recognized universities is the proof that we trust. Yet, amazingly we forget this when we desperately reach for another "miracle cure".
However, hidden within these musty, complex journals are thousands of proofs showing without doubt, what the most effective method for weight loss. Yet, sadly because we don't read these journals - unless you're a researcher - most people never get to find out what has been discovered. And so we continue to get our scientific "proofs" from TV commercials and website adverts.
If you are so inclined go and visit Google Scholar and search for "running promotes weight loss" and you will find all the proof you want. However, here are some examples of the amazing research that is hidden in these journals.
Research carried out at Berkley University found that the more weight you have to lose and the more you want to lose that weight, the better running is for you. The researchers found that “running promotes the greatest weight loss specifically in those individuals who have the most to gain from losing weight”.
In other research, Freeman and Janssen found that cardiovascular exercise like running is so effective at reducing weight loss it can be used without changing your eating habits and you’ll still lose weight. Now how many times have we heard this claim from magic pills and berries. Yet it is scientifically supported when it comes to running.
But there’s more! Research has found that running results in boosting your metabolism for up to 48 hours. That means that even when you stop running, your body keeps on running for nearly another two days. Dr. T Thomas found that runners burned 600-700 calories during an hour of running and then about 15% more calories than they normally would have during the next 48 hours. So even while you’re sleeping, watching TV, or at work, your metabolism is still out on a run and you’re losing weight!
And it’s easy! To keep your metabolism at it’s peak you only need to run every other day – and that’s exactly the easy plan behind Running Easy. In fact you only need to Run Easy just 3 times a week and you can enjoy the scientifically proven most effective, sustainable weight loss approach.
Find out about the other amazing scientific proofs associated with running - treating depression, treating ADHD, decreased chance of dying from all diseases, increased brain power and more. Go here and grab your free "10 Miracles of Running as Proved by Science", it's AMAZING - http://www.running-beginner.com
Research Sources
- P T Williams, Vigorous exercise and the population distribution of body weight, International Journal of Obesity (2004) 28, 120–128
- Ross, R., Freeman, J. A., & Janssen, I. (2000). Exercise alone is an effective strategy for reducing obesity and related comorbidities. Exercise and Sport Science Reviews, Vol. 28, No. 4, pp. 165-170.
- Tom R. Thomas, Ph.D., University of Missouri
However, hidden within these musty, complex journals are thousands of proofs showing without doubt, what the most effective method for weight loss. Yet, sadly because we don't read these journals - unless you're a researcher - most people never get to find out what has been discovered. And so we continue to get our scientific "proofs" from TV commercials and website adverts.
If you are so inclined go and visit Google Scholar and search for "running promotes weight loss" and you will find all the proof you want. However, here are some examples of the amazing research that is hidden in these journals.
Research carried out at Berkley University found that the more weight you have to lose and the more you want to lose that weight, the better running is for you. The researchers found that “running promotes the greatest weight loss specifically in those individuals who have the most to gain from losing weight”.
In other research, Freeman and Janssen found that cardiovascular exercise like running is so effective at reducing weight loss it can be used without changing your eating habits and you’ll still lose weight. Now how many times have we heard this claim from magic pills and berries. Yet it is scientifically supported when it comes to running.
But there’s more! Research has found that running results in boosting your metabolism for up to 48 hours. That means that even when you stop running, your body keeps on running for nearly another two days. Dr. T Thomas found that runners burned 600-700 calories during an hour of running and then about 15% more calories than they normally would have during the next 48 hours. So even while you’re sleeping, watching TV, or at work, your metabolism is still out on a run and you’re losing weight!
And it’s easy! To keep your metabolism at it’s peak you only need to run every other day – and that’s exactly the easy plan behind Running Easy. In fact you only need to Run Easy just 3 times a week and you can enjoy the scientifically proven most effective, sustainable weight loss approach.
Find out about the other amazing scientific proofs associated with running - treating depression, treating ADHD, decreased chance of dying from all diseases, increased brain power and more. Go here and grab your free "10 Miracles of Running as Proved by Science", it's AMAZING - http://www.running-beginner.com
Research Sources
- P T Williams, Vigorous exercise and the population distribution of body weight, International Journal of Obesity (2004) 28, 120–128
- Ross, R., Freeman, J. A., & Janssen, I. (2000). Exercise alone is an effective strategy for reducing obesity and related comorbidities. Exercise and Sport Science Reviews, Vol. 28, No. 4, pp. 165-170.
- Tom R. Thomas, Ph.D., University of Missouri
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
10 Miracles of Running - According to Science
If you want to lose weight, get fit, stay healthy and feel great then you need to discover the lost art of running. Every year thousands of "new" schemes are launched that claim to miraculously transfer you from the overweight, tired, sickly old-you to the miraculous new you. Yet most of these schemes, besides draining more fat from your wallet than your waist, are not supported by science. They are normally supported by the glowing testimonials of other "big losers". Yet what they fail to show is how these glowing, smiling, slim, healthy-looking people appear 6 months or 2 years later...when the hype is over and the ad revenue all spent. The bottom line is that any successful approach to weight loss has to be a "lifestyle approach".
If the approach is not natural, like gyrating your body on a special machine, it will eventually fail.
If the approach is not easy, like having to go to a gym every day, it will eventually fail.
If the approach is not fun, like spending hours indoors on a stationary bike, it will eventually fail.
A lifestyle approach to losing weight, getting fit, staying healthy, and feeling great must be natural, easy and fun.
Running is the most tried-and-tested and effective approach to enabling people to lose weight, stay healthy, look good and feel great of all time. While other fads come and go, since the dawn of civilization, running has been used. Humans are designed to run - yet sadly the approach that worked for thousands of years has been lost. It's been lost in competition, "trying harder", "no pain no gain" distortions. The result is that the secret of the most effective, most time-tested approach has been lost. Yet an overwhelming amount of scientific research (see http://ping.fm/9dLK9) is proving that the lost art of Running Easy is the ultimate approach to a healthy, energized and long life.
The natural art of running has been lost in our modern climate of competition, getting ahead by putting others down, and trying harder. For thousands of years people ran just for the sake of it. They ran to get from one place to another. They ran to bring a message to someone. They ran for the pure pleasure of it. And in this was the art of running. Running that was a natural and easy part of life - running that brought health, fitness and energy as naturally as breathing brings air and life. Rediscovering this approach to running is not only energizing, but is also fun and natural.
It's all about Running Easy not running hard. It's about "trying easier" not "trying harder". It's about running because we love it not because we have to. It's about walking before you are tired not because you are tired. It's about running for an enjoyable time not a fast time. When these principles of Running Easy are discovered, running becomes a lifestyle. And when running becomes a lifestyle, the full benefits of running are experienced and enjoyed.
Go here to grab an amazing report on the 10 scientifically proven miracles of running - http://ping.fm/CncFT
If the approach is not natural, like gyrating your body on a special machine, it will eventually fail.
If the approach is not easy, like having to go to a gym every day, it will eventually fail.
If the approach is not fun, like spending hours indoors on a stationary bike, it will eventually fail.
A lifestyle approach to losing weight, getting fit, staying healthy, and feeling great must be natural, easy and fun.
Running is the most tried-and-tested and effective approach to enabling people to lose weight, stay healthy, look good and feel great of all time. While other fads come and go, since the dawn of civilization, running has been used. Humans are designed to run - yet sadly the approach that worked for thousands of years has been lost. It's been lost in competition, "trying harder", "no pain no gain" distortions. The result is that the secret of the most effective, most time-tested approach has been lost. Yet an overwhelming amount of scientific research (see http://ping.fm/9dLK9) is proving that the lost art of Running Easy is the ultimate approach to a healthy, energized and long life.
The natural art of running has been lost in our modern climate of competition, getting ahead by putting others down, and trying harder. For thousands of years people ran just for the sake of it. They ran to get from one place to another. They ran to bring a message to someone. They ran for the pure pleasure of it. And in this was the art of running. Running that was a natural and easy part of life - running that brought health, fitness and energy as naturally as breathing brings air and life. Rediscovering this approach to running is not only energizing, but is also fun and natural.
It's all about Running Easy not running hard. It's about "trying easier" not "trying harder". It's about running because we love it not because we have to. It's about walking before you are tired not because you are tired. It's about running for an enjoyable time not a fast time. When these principles of Running Easy are discovered, running becomes a lifestyle. And when running becomes a lifestyle, the full benefits of running are experienced and enjoyed.
Go here to grab an amazing report on the 10 scientifically proven miracles of running - http://ping.fm/CncFT
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
I don't do mornings, especially on holiday
There are loads of things that I really enjoy...sushi, hiking, technology, wine...and on and on the list can go. But there is one thing that will never be in this list - getting up early! "Hey Craig, don't you want to come along and see the amazing sunrise", are words that sometimes shatter my satiating slumber. And my reply is mostly the same, in some grumpy, slurred voice, "Take a photo and I'll look at that". I just love kids school holidays. The bliss of being able to sleep in until my body says, "OK dude, we're all done here." And so, there is no worse thing than suggesting, in the midst of a holiday, that I should participate in an activity prior to my natural emergence from blissful sleep.
Yet here I was, 6am and my eyes sprung open. Sleep had been vanquished, and two circles installed for eyes. I was awake, and felt awake. Outside a heavy misty cloud cover shrouded the land, adding a dampness to everything. I was keen, excited, to be out there. What enchantment had befallen me? Only one thing could draw me from my precious sombulant state, the prospect of a run. Not just any run, the first of the new year, in the beautiful mountains.
To the non-runner this sounds absolutely crazy! But for those who know, for those who have experienced it, there is nothing like an early morning run, in a beautiful place. The invigoration, the beauty, the energy is beyond words.
The run starts with a soft caress as we descend from our holiday home into the valley below for about 1km. Gently the last vestiges of sleep are erased as fresh air coarses through lungs, and the silent slap of feet on the road is all that disturbs the morning beauty. Birds busily sing their greeting as they prepare for the day below a thick cloud descending from the mountain ahead.
Then, all of a suddden, with little introduction, the run asserts itself, lest the partially entranced runner take the journey for granted. A huge hill suddenly looms menacingly in front of us, as the road snakes up and up, to be lost in the clouds above. In no time the only sound seems to be the bellows of some steam engine, as lungs frantically gasp for air, which seems to be at a premium in this mountain paradise.
Before any real steam is produced we change gear to a brisk walk. This is what makes Running Easy so awesome. The hill is relentless, climbing kilometer after kilometer up into the clouds. Walking and running, the cool mist caresses our bodies, and dampens the sound, leaving us in a strange dream space. Maybe I haven't woken up...but the salty sweat trickling down my face asserts otherwise.
The road finally reaches it's end, 8 kilometers later as it enters the National Parks Board. The mountains are still wearing their white night clothes, yet their imposing majesty is palpable nonetheless. Briefly, we savor a bottle of water, before turning around and heading home.
Homeward bound the journey feels like a surreal flight. The mist is still thick as it dances around us. As the road plummets into the valley below, it seems as though we are magically carried along. Cool air, soft light, cotton-muffled sounds weave a trance as the landscape flows by. This is a dream...I'm certain...but the best type of dream, a waking dream. This is why I run...even if I must get up early...to be alive, so very alive!
Yours in Running Easy
Craig
Yet here I was, 6am and my eyes sprung open. Sleep had been vanquished, and two circles installed for eyes. I was awake, and felt awake. Outside a heavy misty cloud cover shrouded the land, adding a dampness to everything. I was keen, excited, to be out there. What enchantment had befallen me? Only one thing could draw me from my precious sombulant state, the prospect of a run. Not just any run, the first of the new year, in the beautiful mountains.
To the non-runner this sounds absolutely crazy! But for those who know, for those who have experienced it, there is nothing like an early morning run, in a beautiful place. The invigoration, the beauty, the energy is beyond words.
The run starts with a soft caress as we descend from our holiday home into the valley below for about 1km. Gently the last vestiges of sleep are erased as fresh air coarses through lungs, and the silent slap of feet on the road is all that disturbs the morning beauty. Birds busily sing their greeting as they prepare for the day below a thick cloud descending from the mountain ahead.
Then, all of a suddden, with little introduction, the run asserts itself, lest the partially entranced runner take the journey for granted. A huge hill suddenly looms menacingly in front of us, as the road snakes up and up, to be lost in the clouds above. In no time the only sound seems to be the bellows of some steam engine, as lungs frantically gasp for air, which seems to be at a premium in this mountain paradise.
Before any real steam is produced we change gear to a brisk walk. This is what makes Running Easy so awesome. The hill is relentless, climbing kilometer after kilometer up into the clouds. Walking and running, the cool mist caresses our bodies, and dampens the sound, leaving us in a strange dream space. Maybe I haven't woken up...but the salty sweat trickling down my face asserts otherwise.
The road finally reaches it's end, 8 kilometers later as it enters the National Parks Board. The mountains are still wearing their white night clothes, yet their imposing majesty is palpable nonetheless. Briefly, we savor a bottle of water, before turning around and heading home.
Homeward bound the journey feels like a surreal flight. The mist is still thick as it dances around us. As the road plummets into the valley below, it seems as though we are magically carried along. Cool air, soft light, cotton-muffled sounds weave a trance as the landscape flows by. This is a dream...I'm certain...but the best type of dream, a waking dream. This is why I run...even if I must get up early...to be alive, so very alive!
Yours in Running Easy
Craig
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