YOU AND YOUR BODY

I have visited religious shrines in a number of foreign countries where marble statues have been literally worn away by being kissed or touched by passing pilgrims. SOLID MARBLE, MIND YOU, WORN AWAY BY THE SOFTNESS OF HUMAN LIPS OR THE TOUCH OF A HAND!

What does this have to do with running? Maybe more than you realize. For example, for every mile you run each of your feet will strike the ground an average of 880 times. This quickly multiplies into 2728 for a 5K, 5456 for a lOK, or an astounding 23,056 for a marathon! I remind you again that this is for each foot. These figures will naturally vary according to the length of your stride; but they bring a message which must not be ignored.

Do you remember your last really bad head cold? You probably used the softest tissues you could find; but your nose still turned red and sore simply because you had to wipe it so often. That's when you should remember the marble statues.

The point is the human body is a marvelous machine. It will endure a great deal of use; but it will not tolerate much abuse at all. It must be properly maintained. So shoes or clothes which are only slightly uncomfortable under normal circumstances becomes almost unbearable on a long run. Just think of wiping any spot on your skin 10,000 times and you will begin to get the picture. No wonder that even soft clothing can draw blood! Furthermore it is easy to see that we might be able to get by with something in a 5K that would not do in a lOK or half marathon.

THAT IS WHY A FEW SIMPLE RULES ARE IN ORDER:

1. USE NEW SHOES FIRST ON SHORTER RUNS. It is not so much that they need to be broken in, as that you need to get adjusted to them. Experiment with the best way to lace and tie them for the greatest comfort. Do they rub (even slightly) after the first five miles? Do they need better insoles? Once you are comfortable with them you can begin to stretch your distances.

2. WASH YOUR NEW CLOTHES FIRST. Run them through two or three times, maybe with fabric softener. They may not look as good or be as wrinkle free as they were when they were completely new; but they will wear much better for running. Even then try to wear them on training runs first. Even a label or a rough seam may cause you more trouble than you have envisioned. Now is the time to find out.

3. TRY ANY ENHANCERS BEFORE RACE DAY. Will this energy bar or drink really help? Will your stomach tolerate it properly? You are sure to be disappointed if something which you thought would help actually hurts on race day. This needs to be determined well in advance and always err on the side of caution.

4. NEW SOCKS MAY BE THE ONE EXCEPTION. Be sure that every label or plastic string is gone; but a soft pair of new socks may give you a lift on race day.

5. EVALUATE YOUR SHOES AGAIN AFTER WARM UP. Do they need to be retied? Do they need to be tighter or looser? Consider any adjustments now.

6. BE GENEROUS WITH TAPE OR SOFTENERS. Just put them on early and readjust as necessary after your warm up. Carry powder, petroleum jelly and tape with you to the race. Use them freely on potential trouble spots. You'll be glad you did later.

7. DON'T NEGLECT THAT STRETCHING. Both before and after the run. Forget other people or being embarrassed. Don't let other things distract you. This will pay big dividends.

Just take care of your body. It is the only one you are going to get! They are strictly one to a customer! If you abuse the one you have, you are going to have to pay a price because of it. Furthermore your running will never be what it could have been otherwise. BUT if you handle it carefully, and show proper respect for it, it will serve you well for  a lot of running for years to come. I CHALLENGE YOU TO DO IT!