RUNNING AND A LONGER LIFE

There has been a number of research projects focused on the effects that running has on longevity. There has been passionate debate on both sides. Some feel that the stress of running will have long-term negative effects. Others are just as sure that running and long-term health go hand in hand. The final results its of these studies are not yet in.

But, regardless of the research, I am a firm believer. You see, I have gotten the word from a fellow runner: RUNNING WILL MAKE YOU LIVE LONGER. In fact, she said, it has been determined that for every mile you run after age 50 it will add 5 minutes to your life. So that if you continue to run until you are 80, you get to spend five more months in a Nursing Home..... at the cost of $5,000 a month!  Now that sounds a little like a mixed blessing, doesn't it? But, even after you quit laughing, there has to be a message in there for us somewhere.

Do you see how we have missed the point? Just living longer is not a blessing in itself. Our problem is not really how to add years to life; but rather how to add life to years. That is, how to make life richer, fuller and more enjoyable than it would otherwise be. And that is what I believe running has the potential of doing. The final results may even be influenced more by the side issues than by running per se, for they make us focus more on the quality rather than the quantity of days.  How, then, could your life not be better when these things are true???

1. RUNNING PROMOTES A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE. No one has to tell you to do or not to do some things. You have already learned that they affect your running. You already know that a lack of rest the night before will show up in the race results. It is only natural, then, to clean up your act if you want to win.

2. RUNNING DISCOURAGES OVER-INDULGENCE. There may be a few runners who still smoke. There are certainly some who like to drink; but they learn very quickly that much of either, and their running is down the tubes. It is an activity that insists on moderation in all things.

3. RUNNING MAKES YOU MORE HEALTH CONSCIOUS. Have you noticed how much more you read about health related issues now? Even an ad on TV catches your attention more than ever before. You want to know about the newest products; and the results of the latest health studies. You know you can't run well when you don't feel well.

4. RUNNING ENCOURAGES GOOD EATING HABITS. Some of the things you really like you have to avoid or have only in limited quantities. Gradually you learn what works best for you the night before or for the early breakfast on race day. You seldom look over a grocery list or go with a friend to a restaurant without the thought being in the back of your mind, "how will eating this affect my next run?" Running is just the type of consuming passion that will do that to you.

5. RUNNING LESSENS YOUR AWARENESS OF MINOR DISCOMFORTS. Did you used to wake up and run a computerized list of your aches and pains? Did you give some attention even to minor discomforts? Well, those days are gone. Now your only concern is, "does this hurt too bad to run?" It is like hitting your thumb with a hammer: you are not going to notice a hangnail on that same hand anymore! You just don't sweat the little stuff now. Nothing really gets your attention unless it is bad enough to affect your running.

I have been around long enough to have learned that there are at least two ways to win races: One is to run fast; and the other is to outlive your competition. I have about given up on the first, so I am really holding on to the second. So runners beware, I am not the only one out there behind you. We may not be able to catch you now; but we will certainly outlive you if we can. Therefore, unless you practice a good life-style, we may be still picking up trophies... when you are only “pushing up daisies"!

While if you will fully accept the benefits that running can bring to you, your quality of life will be greatly enhanced. And if you persevere you can be right there with us... racing our wheelchairs in the Old Folks Home! If you want to be really happy, begin now to make every day of your life the best it can be. Realistically, you may not be able to do much about today; but tomorrow begins at midnight!