10 Best Reasons To Run

An interesting article from Runner's World.

Looking for that little extra motivation to don your running kit and head out the front door for a run later today? Here are 10 great reasons for you not to skip the run, no matter how hectic the day has been and how much that couch, television and beer are calling your name!

1. Running is the quickest way to cardiovascular fitness. You get fitter faster by running regularly.

2. Running is one of the cheapest forms of exercising. You only need a pair of running shoes and shorts and T-shirt to get started.

3. Running is easy to learn. Most people have run at some point in their life so there is no steep learning curve involved.

4. Running makes you feel good. Not only physically, but mentally as well.

5. Running is excellent for reducing stress levels. There is nothing better than a run to clear your head and concentrate the mind better. A lot of great ideas have been formulated on training runs.

6. Running is one of the most flexible methods of training around. Wherever you are in the world it is nearly always possible to get out for a run. You can jog, steady run or sprint depending on how you feel that particular day.

7. Running is good for your heart. It not only strengthens the heart but also reduces your resting heart-rate.

8. Running is accessible to all. As long as you are physically able, you can go for a run virtually anytime and anywhere. There are no barriers to running.

9. Running helps you to lose weight and tone muscles. The more you train and run, the more weight you will lose. Also by toning up, you are getting rid of the excess fat and converting it to muscle.

10. Running is for people of all ages. Old or young, everyone can benefit from running.

PMC Run : A hot humid morning

In spite of the hot and humid weather, a dozen runners gathered at the church foyer on April 25 for a 6 km run. A marked contrast with the run two weeks earlier, the temperature was in the high 20s even at 7:30 am.

Vivien, Kang Wei and Daniel joined us. After the opening prayer and brief devotion, the group set out, retracing the route we took the last time. A smaller group, comprising the younger and fitter runners, set off at a faster pace, led by Boon Pin. The rest of us were happy with a slower leisurely pace. A number turned back at the first bridge for a 3 km total, and the rest went on through Pasir Ris Park.

As veteran runners know, the trick to deal with hot weather is pacing and hydration. The pace was easy and relaxed. We took a toilet break along the way, and helped ourselves to some water.

It was a good thing that Pasir Ris Park provided good shade and we were grateful for that. Before long, we were all back in church and boy, the 100plus - courtesy of Boon Pin - never tasted so good!

But that was not the end. Much to our surprise and delight, Clarice came back - from her run! She arrived at the church after we set off, but bravely decided to do the run nonetheless! What great spirit and grit. Well done! :)

Never too late to start: the story of Waldo McBurney

With a title like that, how can I resist picking up this book?

R Waldo McBurney was 102 years old when he published his book in 2004. A quick internet check showed that Waldo is still alive!

What's even more remarkable is that Waldo started distance running at the youthful age of 65. He set the world record at the World Masters in 1995 in triple jump, shot put and high jump, and in 1999, the world record in discus, 200m and 500m race walk. New records were set by Waldo in 2003 in shot put, 100m and 5000m.

This was Waldo's account of his participation in the master's mile at Fort Hayes State College track meet at the age of 75:

Two years ago, I went to a track meet of small colleges in the new coliseum at Hays, ready to suit up for a masters mile run. I knew I would be lapped three times by the young runners and I would be running three laps after the race was over. That would be too embarrassing, and besides that, the spectators would know the winners and would have no interest in the slowest runner to appear all evening. They would no doubt head for the door rather than wait around for my finish. Under these circumstances I decided to leave my running gear in the car and go to the balcony to enjoy the meet with Vernice, my wife and date. I met the other master milers, all new acquaintances.

This year, I decided to swallow my pride and run even at my slow pace. I would ask the others how I could best keep out of their way as they passed me. The building atmosphere was dry and warmer than my near zero practice trails had been through my winter runs. Running was hard, and my mouth got dry. After the others finished, the crowd made so much noise I couldn't hear Fred Irwin, my pace advisor, call out the time. Two younger runners joined me in my second solo lap out of respect, hope, sympathy, support or encouragement. Whatever the motive, I appreciated this fellowship. I wound up the run with a kick, which was accompanied by cheers from all over the place. I didn't know until afterwards, but the spectators had come to their feet. It was as if someone had revealed how to retain the fountain of youth under the generally accepted handicap of old age.

The reaction of the crowd was a surprise to me. I would prefer that this praise would be directed to the One who created us all in such a fearful and wonderful way.

...

I trust that this experience will be instrumental in helping people become aware of the marvelous potential of the human body and help motivate each one to care for it with all diligence and thankfulness.

The book is a first (living) person account of life in the early 20th century, where there's no running water, except from the well, bath once a week on Saturdays and laundry wash the next Monday, using the same bath water. A work week was 60 hours, 6 days a week. School was 2 miles walk/run each way, and that was after doing farm chores such as milking the cow, feeding the chicken, etc. That was before the days of the automobile, toothbrush, birth certificates and penincillin. Such perspective!

Waldo also shared his views on nutrition, exercise, and of course, his journey from jogging to running to race walking. Throughout the book, one may use adjectives such as phenomenal, great, and incredible. But as Waldo himself put it right in the introduction:

But these achievements are not the greatest things in life. The following quote helps my humility and discourages my pride:

"In strength of horse or speed of man
The Lord takes no delight;
But those that fear and trust His love
Are pleasing in His sight."
Ps 147:10,11

Read more.

PMC run session April 25, 2009

The PMC run sessions are currently scheduled every other Sat morning. If you have not been able to make it for the last two sessions for whatever reason, fret not. Just come and join us when you can.

Date: April 25 (Sat)
Venue: PMC church foyer
Time: 7:30 am

Route: We have a three distance options - 3 km, 5 km and 6 km. The route is similar to our last run, except that there will be an additional 1 km loop across the second bridge.

We'd also like to reassure all interested runners that there'll always be a shorter distance options for folks who are rather intimidated by distances such as 5 km. The 3 km route will be a U-turn at the first bridge.