They say the United States is the most obese nation in the
world. While it is no doubt true, a quick scan of your television
channels will confirm that we are also obsessed with finding an
easy way to drop those excess pounds.
They say the United States is the most obese nation in the world. While it is no doubt true, a quick scan of your television channels will confirm that we are also obsessed with finding an easy way to drop those excess pounds. Whether the goal is fitness or just losing weight, there is a pill, exercise device, or diet plan that will transform you from a round-belly into a flat-belly. If you buy one of these products, the only thing that will probably lose weight is your wallet.
I have always run to keep within shouting distance of fit – and, as subjecting one’s self to pain goes, I like it.
After college, I decided that the best use for my diploma was to move to Vail and tend bar. I left Boulder and moved in with my cousin, Scott. Everyday, even in the Rocky Mountain winter, he would go for a run. I thought he was nuts, and I knew that I would never subject myself to such pain and boredom. Scott had always been a jock and very fit. But a couple of years before, he had ballooned to 300 pounds. He told me that the first time he went out to run, he stopped, dead tired, after a mere quarter of a mile. Now, he was a rock solid 180 pounds and could rip off 10 miles (at 8,200 feet) with ease. When spring came and the snow had melted, I thought I would give it a try. That was 30 years ago.
There are a number of reasons that I like running, but before I sing its praises, we must face one unpleasant fact: no matter what your fitness method, it is going to hurt. I am no expert, but if your fitness activity doesn’t involve a lot of sweating and heavy breathing, you’re fooling yourself. The TV hucksters make their money hoping you will trade money for a free pass from effort and willpower.
So, what’s so great about running? Well, for starters, no monthly dues at the gym. As a runner, you don’t have to get in the car and drive anywhere – just open the front door and bingo, you’re there. I told a friend of mine who rides a stationary bike at the gym, “You know, they make those with wheels now, and you can ride them different places.” The same goes for the treadmill. Step off of it, and open the front door. It’s great out there.
Another endorsement for running is that, properly done, it is Lycra-free. I have seen a few runners out there wearing Lycra, but I think they were driving to the gym when they ran out of gas and then ran for help. The only equipment you will need is proper shoes. When buying running shoes, it is important to go to a running store where a knowledgeable person can see you jog across the parking lot. Shoes are designed to fit different running styles – the way your foot lands on the ground – and the right shoe will prevent leg injuries. After buying the shoes, get on your oldest, raunchiest T-shirt and some comfortable shorts and you’re a runner.
When I began, I insisted that the activity was called running, not jogging. Jogging was for old men. At some point over the last 30 years, I slipped from running to jogging to my current activity, trudging. Yes, it’s harder now. I keep looking over my shoulder thinking some practical joker has hooked a sack of concrete to me. Sadly, it’s never there. But I can feel my heart pound and hear myself reach for air. It reminds me I’m alive.
