Run For Your Health

It's that time of year. We've finally pulled ourselves out of the post-holiday slump, devoured the last of Santa's chocolate-covered reindeer, and found that last year's pants may be a bit...snugger than they were. The air is crisp with the promise of resolutions, and the internet is full of helpful videos on how to lose weight in just 5,6,7 minutes a day! 

Which makes it tempting to buy into the latest 3day cleanse, 30minute workout video, or extreme workout trend to burn fat, build muscle, and improve our overall health. 

I've tried them all myself. 3day cleanse? I lasted 2, very expensive, days. And then the desire to actually chew something became so overwhelming that I realized I might actually chew off one of my baby's dear, sweet, adorable little toes. The 30minute workout videos were effective - until I became bored. At which point I began mocking each and every word that came out of that instructor's mouth as I watched the clock on the dvd player count down to the last...eh, that's good enough I can stop here. And I've even done -90X. The "muscle confusion" variety tends to stave off boredom long enough to feel some results, and it is Effective. Until you stop. And then you lose 10lbs....all of it muscle. It's almost impossible to maintain long-term for most people, not to mention requires a good 60-90minutes - something many of us are short on.

So this year, I made a different resolution. Not to lose 10lbs. Not to cut out all chocolate. Not even to "get healthy." (Which is a great resolution, but a bit vague...)

This year? I resolved to make exercise a regular part of my life. To make it a sustainable habit, 2-3 days a week, for at least 30minutes each time.

But instead of reaching back into that stack of 30min ab-buster videos collecting dust behind the dvd player, I laced up a pair of running shoes, and headed out the door.

Running.

It's one of the MOST effective forms of exercise you can do, requires only 30minutes at a time to be effective, very little equipment is actually needed, and you can do it anytime, anywhere, any place.

But I DON'T RUN, you say? I totally understand. That was exactly my mantra for decades. Honestly. DECADES. I grew up an asthmatic, doctor's note in hand for every gym period throughout school, and while I was willing to walk all day long - running 20ft for to catch the bus? Was out of the question.

And, good news is, you don't have to start running with, well, actual running. Start out walking. Then walk faster. When you are consistently walking as fast as you possibly can without actually running, well THAT is when you can start running.

Still not convinced?

Neither was I. But then I did some research. And, in addition to getting me a size or two closer to those skinny jeans decorating the top shelf of my closet, it also:

• Increases Longevity
• Builds Muscle - and not just in your legs! Of course, it does wonders to help tone and build muscle in your legs, but proper form also builds strength in your core (stomach muscles!), as well as in your arms (pumping along as you run - especially with a little extra wrist weights)
• Improves Cardiovascular Health - running works the Entire body. It increases the heartbeat, which gives the circulatory system a good workout as well, strengthening it even as you strengthen the rest of your body.
• Improves Mental Health: Exercise in general increases your endorphins, which help in a general overall happiness. It also reduces stress - giving you time to think things through, or just not think about them.

• Boredom - Get bored running through the neighborhood? Run in Dixon Park. Or the track at Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center. Or Downtown. Or your best friend's neighborhood. Preferably with your best friend.
• I don't like working out alone - Run with a friend! Or join the Fredericksburg Area Running Club and find an entire group of people, all ages and abilities, to run with!
• I don't like working out with people - Run by yourself! Be safe, keep to well-marked trails, wear reflective clothing, and carry a cell phone just in case. But feel free to get that quality "you" time in on the run!
• Time constraints - 30minutes. 5ks, 10ks, Marathons - they are all great. But 30 minutes is all you need to be effective in improving your overall health. If you want to run longer, go for it! But if you've only got 30minutes before the laundry needs to be put into the dryer, the kids get off the bus, the spouse asks what's for dinner, and the cupcakes needed for tomorrow's first period class must go into the oven - YOU CAN GO RUN!
• Too cold/hot - dress appropriately. Or just run inside. Treadmills work in all sorts of weather conditions
• It's raining - run anyway. Unless it is creating dangerous conditions (or thundering/lightening), running in the rain can be rather refreshing!
• Asthma - yes, I know this was my excuse for years. And, as with any exercise routine, you should ALWAYS consult your physician before beginning. But, for me at least, I've found that the cardiovascular workout I get from running actually improves my asthma.

Dr. Jason Sneed will be joined by Sarah  Pevehouse  discussing how to  make running a healthy, effective, and safe part of anyone’s lifestyle – everything from how to get started, to how to prevent and treat common injuries. Special guests VA Runner will be on hand to discuss the all-important topic of finding the right running shoe – and helping measure participants feet so they’ll know exactly what they need!

The best part is that we’ll be taking donations of all those old athletic shoes that you've got piling up in the back of your closet to donate to Nike’s Reuse-A-Shoe program!

To register for the seminar and/or donate your shoes, please call 540-322-5040 or email us at info@odomedicine.com for details!