Running in Later Years
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There are many fine sites with news and training tips; to those sites, I may not be able to add anything new. I have therefore decided to communicate with a smaller group of runners; i.e., runners over 40. I want to keep all of us running as long as possible. We may be able to exchange ideas on supplements and training tips for older runners.
Anti-Aging
Fifty years ago, I would not have been able to maintain my present endurance at age 50. Supplements that are available today were not available then. I invite senior runners to submit their thoughts and experiences on this subject.
Camel Hydration
You have heard all the time about the importance of proper hydration. It cannot be emphasized. Lately, I have been keeping a one-gallon jug of bottled water in my room. I help myself to it throughout the day.
Remember that it is cheaper to buy water in large quantities. When I am finished with my travel-sized bottle, I refill it with water from the one-gallon jug before I go out.
Hypocritical Legislation?
January 8, 2004. The FDA has just banned the sale of ephedra, also known as ma huang (an herbal supplement). The death of the Baltimore Orioles pitcher was a precipitating reason. What the news flashes (at least the ones I have seen) don't tell you is that he was overweight, deconditioned, dehydrated in hot weather, and had taken three capsules (or tablets?) instead of one.
Doesn't it seem hypocritical to ban the sale of ephedra while collecting money from cigarette taxes? It is a wonder that the government doesn't just have an ephedra tax; there is a tax for just about everything else.
For extra energy before an early-morning run (often 5 AM), I have frequently taken ephedra (including the beverages) for at least four or five years. I take it with respect and caution, however, and I read the directions before taking it.
Queen Bee Nutrition
A recent article in the newspapers reported the death of the oldest man in America; he was 113. (I would mention the date of the article if I remembered it.)
The man regarded bee pollen as one of the reasons for his longevity. That should not be surprising when one considers that the queen bee lives many times longer than all the other bees. The food of the queen bee is loaded with B vitamins and amino acids.
I'll be going to the vitamin shop and loading up. Will it enable me to stick around until age 113? I don't know, but it's worth a try. Formulas for life extension may be developed within the next 20 years. Stay in shape between now and then to take full advantage of them when they arrive.
On March 25, 2003, I bought a jar of royal jelly tablets. They may be working already. This morning, March 28, was the first time since December that I ran the full five miles.
Cross Training
February 13, 2005. At age 52 I cannot expect to regain the speed of my youth. Even so, I may become stronger than I was when I was young. Nowadays, I'll get more out of my training if I pursue all-around fitness. I've started doing some badly needed strength training, so far with good results. In certain aspects of fitness, it is not too late for me to improve.About to Turn 53
June 13, 2005. A few months ago, I was worried that this year would be my last year of running. Fortunately, my apparent decline had been more the result of winter inactivity than of aging. (Winter in New York State did not permit running.)A few days ago, I ran about 5.5 miles in under 50 minutes. Now it looks as if I'll have at least another year of running, as long as I take care of myself, which I intend to do.
The Five-Mile Square
September 21, 2005. The Five-Mile Square, as it is known in Dover Plains, is actually 5.2 miles if the odometer in my mother’s car is accurate. Two of my friends have told me that the distance is 5.3 miles. Most of my first mile is on Old Route 22; a few tenths of a mile are uphill, but not at a steep incline. The second mile begins near a pocket of poverty called Onion Town. Old Route 22 and New Route 22 meet at the bottom of a hill. (New is not part of New Route 22's name; I am adding the word New to distinguish the routes.) I can now take either route, but continue on Old Route 22 for the following reasons: 1) It is the more scenic of the two routes; 2) There is less traffic; 3) I am not retracing my steps on the way home.Most of the remaining four miles (or whatever the true distance is) will be on level surface where I enjoy the view of the farmland. There is a long, flat stretch on Limekiln Road, nicknamed Crazy Street. As of this entry, I am unaware of the reason for the nickname. Limekiln Road (or Crazy Street, if you prefer) ends near the beginning of the fifth mile. I turn left and continue through a residential neighborhood on Mill Street. When I reach the other end of Mill Street, I am back on Route 22 near my house, the starting and ending point of my run. My T-shirt is drenched with sweat.
Brutal Winter
February 20, 2007. The temperature has been in the single digits during the morning. Today it is 27 degrees--a heat wave. Finally there is enough morning light to go for a walk. If mild weather returns, I may be able to work back to a run within another 10 days. Free Webpages at Webspawner.com |
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