LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth CAMP Fitness by Rick Moore Run for Your Life It was mid-day, and Nick and I were driving down Surf Avenue, heading to Cape Henlopen State Park, when we passed a jogg
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
CAMP Fitness |
by Rick Moore |
Run for Your Life
It was mid-day, and Nick and I were driving down Surf Avenue, heading to Cape Henlopen State Park, when we passed a jogger running toward us on the opposite side of the road. "Cheese o'whiz," I said, as he passed by. It was totally sunny, not a cloud in the sky, and 96 degrees. The poor guy looked terrible, drenched in sweat and pushing himself beyond all common sense! This guy was truly a die-hard runner. He'll be lucky if he doesn't die from heat stroke or a heart attack. Did he look like he was enjoying himself? I would have to say no. Now, I'm all for running/jogging for health or enjoyment, but that was plain crazy. Running and jogging are great for you, but there are certain rules and regulations you should follow to make this form of exercise enjoyable. First offshoes! Don't run in sandals, flip-flops or anything with a heel (I'm serious). The proper footwear will make all the difference. It's best to buy two pair, if possible, and switch them out each day to extend their wear. Shoes that are too tight or too loose will result in blisters and rubbing. Luckily the guy we saw had on the proper shoes. Next is hydration. We all know that water is best, and should be taken in throughout your running or jogging. If you don't like plain water, add some lemon or lime slices to it for flavor. Sugar based drinks will make you thirstier, so you should avoid them. The guy jogging on Sunday wasn't carrying any water on him, but he should have. He should have known better. The one thing the jogger did do right was to choose the right area to jog in: minimal amount of traffic with a 25 mph speed limit. Also, the shoulders of the road were wide and marked. Try not to run/jog in areas of high traffic, with high speed limits and narrow road shoulders. If you do, you might become a hood ornament for a corvette. The time of day you choose will make or break your jog routine. Most joggers like to run in the morning before the sun heats up. Most of the others will jog in the evening just as the sun goes down and the temperature drops. Running at mid-day with the temperature in the nineties is out and out crazy. If you really don't have time in the morning or evening for your jogging, then by all means find an indoor treadmill. Whether at a gym or at home it is much safer than being outside in extreme weather. Even though running outside when it is dry is ideal, remember to limit your running when it rains. Besides getting soaked to the bone, your running shoes will also get soaked and will most definitely give you blisters. Even if you are wearing socks, it's best not to run in wet weather. Jogging or running is ideal for many in that anyonefrom 5 to 75can do it. It's never too late to jog no matter what the age. It's not expensive, other than the proper shoes and outfit (shirt and shorts). That's all you really need. Many like to run for the peace and quiet, yet there are many who do it for the social contact, in neighborhoods, or clubs. Many really like the thrill of competition. If that's what you seek, there are many, many running and jogging clubs in the area. This is, after all, a resort and we are lucky to live in a truly beautiful area of the country. You can't disagree with that. If you really like to compete and like a neat social experience, then check out this Saturday's run at Cape Henlopen High School at 7:30 a.m. It's called Chad's Run, named for a former client of mine. He was a Marine killed in Iraq three years ago. The proceeds go toward the Chad Clifton Foundationa non profit organization that raises money for injured Iraq War Veterans. Anyone that falls into the 9 to 70 year old category is eligible to participate. Chad was a wonderful, smart, and funny young man. We still miss him dearly.Rick Moore is a personal trainer certified by the American Fitness Professionals & Associates. Visit him at www.ricksfitness.net. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 18, No. 10 July 25, 2008 |