Program Director’s Update for 8/30/2008

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

  Well, the Olympics are over and we all had our favorite sports and athletes.  It was so inspiring to watch the best in the world compete and win sometimes within a hundredth of a second.  We all are competitive in our own ways and usually we compete with ourselves.  We set goals and start planning to reach that goal.  You are unique because most people do not place exercise and athleticism high on their list.  Most people don’t set goals like we do and their health suffers because of it.  Running offers one of the best aerobic benefits compared to other forms of exercise.  I could give you a list of 100 things exercise can do to benefit your health.  Well, I know that I am preaching to the choir because you are already motivated by committing to marathons, half-marathons, triathlons, etc.  Many of you have come out for the magic mile and most of you run long with us most Saturdays.  I am always excited to come out and see all of you committed to being the best that you can be.  I guess you can say that we are investing in our future health. 

  Chicago runners are running long again this Saturday, (20-23).  It will be a great way to start the Labor Day weekend.  If you are running early, be sure to let your group leader know so that they can match you up with someone else.  It is especially important to carry a cell phone on these early runs.  You will need to bring a bottle of water because the hydration team may not be out until 6 AM. 

  Iris is back from her vacation and will be sounding the bell at 5:50 AM behind the library.  If you have some Chicago runners in your group running long, do them a favor and meet them at the 10 mile cooler so they do not have to cool down by stopping.  Unfortunately, Linda is still rehabbing a knee and hopes to be back within a couple of weeks.  I have learned that as runners, we sometimes focus so much on our running, that we ignore other muscle groups which can open us up to injury.  I am doing some strengthening exercises as well as other therapies.  It is taking some time but will be totally worth it.

  Are you keeping track of how many miles you run on your running shoes?  Most experts recommend that you change your running shoes about every 300-400 miles.  It is always best to be fitted by a running shoe expert.  We all have different feet and what works for one person may not be right for the next.  There are several running stores in the Tampa Bay Area.  We recommend the Running Center on Dale Mabry.  The owner of the Running Center has always been very supportive of the Galloway Program and he gives us a discount.  Just let them know that you run with Galloway. 

  Have a great run on Saturday and hope you enjoy your Labor Day Weekend. 

Linda and Iris