photo credit@vickilsullivan
Happy Memorial Day 2016 - Memorial Day heralds thanksgiving and remembrances of those fine people who gave their lives in the service of liberty and freedom! It also is welcomed by summer celebrations of the 2016 school year endings, summer's very warm weather greetings (at least in the South), and great Bar-B-Que and cookouts across our nation.
Those were my beginning thoughts this morning as I paced myself along a 3 mile jog. Then they turned to determination to focus on the path before me, regulating my breathing, and maintaining core body posture and form. Fact is, in the past week, a friend, concerned I would be run over, challenged my choice of running (jogging, in my case) on asphalt rather than concrete, so this week I am particularly alert to stay mindful while on the roadside.
Even though I've been an avid runner since 1984 and pretty much feel comfortable watching and listening to the traffic before and behind me, when someone questions my choice, I rethink my position to possibly meet the challenge with confidence the next time I'm questioned. With 32 years running, jogging, and walking on the road, on sidewalks, and trails, I pretty much have surveyed the information out there to make the best choice, for myself anyway.
Runner's World experts offer this article on the best surface for runners. My experience is the first 13 years I ran on concrete more than asphalt or trails and, thankfully, without injury. However, maybe that's why last summer I began having knee trouble. Many talented and experienced distance runners agree, concrete effects more impact on the body than any other surface. So that's my take on the subject. I stand resolute on it. Enough said.
Running/jogging/ and walking brings out the best for all aspects of brain, body, and spirit. Physical systems begin to work as they should, and the brain gets oxygen and blood flow to continue to grow healthy cells and process thought creatively and with structure clearing the fog like sunshine in the morning. Here's links a goodly bit of information on that subject.
Running on the street takes awareness, concentration, a good bit of focus, and yes, sometimes steel nerves. Take off the earphones and keep eyes and ears open. I hope not to take anything for granted and hope you won't either.
Happy Memorial Day Running!
Running/jogging/ and walking brings out the best for all aspects of brain, body, and spirit. Physical systems begin to work as they should, and the brain gets oxygen and blood flow to continue to grow healthy cells and process thought creatively and with structure clearing the fog like sunshine in the morning. Here's links a goodly bit of information on that subject.
Running on the street takes awareness, concentration, a good bit of focus, and yes, sometimes steel nerves. Take off the earphones and keep eyes and ears open. I hope not to take anything for granted and hope you won't either.
Happy Memorial Day Running!
