Thanks to Dianne Crown and the State Journal-Register for a tremendous story on the Half Wits! We were the featured article in the Health Section on Monday, March 31. How 'bout that huge picture! Thanks to Barry, Mary, and Cara for their input on the story.
Please click here for the online version of the story (and note the ability to comment on the story at the SJ-R site).
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2012 Recap
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I've seriously neglected this blog for no reason other than I haven't made
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11 comments:
I would be interested in taking up running. What is the very first step for someone that hasn not run before? Thank you.
I'm hoping some of the more experienced runners will jump in here, but if you're starting out, make sure you have some good shoes. Go to the Running Center and have one of their staff evaluate your gait. They can make a shoe recommendation and get you rolling.
Also, if you like the idea of learning with a group of newbies, you can sign up for Springfield road Runner Club's beginning runner program "Abe's Army", which will take you from zero running to a 10k (6.2 mile) race in August. It's very popular and registration is going on until April 30. Visit www.srrc.net to learn more.
Good luck!
If you have never run before then make sure you start walking first. I started walking briskly for a mile then two and in the end I was walking three to four miles a day before I started running.
But if you think group is your thing then do join "Abe's Army" otherwise practice on your own and build up your stamina.
I am celebrating my 30th year of running. Started in April 1978. The advise for beginners: Good shoes, start slow, consult your doctor, find running friends.
I was disappointed to see several runners sporting headphones in the SJR photo. You are missing out on so much! Plus, you are putting yourself in danger.
Take off the headphones...visit with your fellow runners...clear your mind...and enjoy the running experience!
I'm going to join in the chorus and say that good shoes--really good shoes--are essential when you're starting out. Starting slow is also good advice.
To keep yourself going when the going inevitably gets tough, it's good to have a goal beyond simply "taking up running." Do you want to be able to run a certain distance, or run a certain race, or lose a certain amount of weight? Having a goal gives you a reason to run on days when you don't wanna run.
Also, kudos to the Journal-Register for taking notice of the HalfWits who run among us.
But who is this "Butler" guy the article kept talking about?
Some bozo comments on the article are just unbelievable. Sometimes, I think part of the population in Springfield are just to lazy to think about the big picture of this event.
Always glad to see some more exposure about our running activities.
New runner:
running is enjoyable to me and many others. if you start a running plan make sure you start with a walk-run program that would make your experience enjoyable. in the begining start with more walking and slowly add a 1/4 mile or 3-4 minutes of easy jogging. You could use Washington Park which has markings on the curbs that say Q1 through Q7 (the start is near the pavilion). These are the quarter markings for a two mile loop.
There is another very beginner group starting in April through Koke Mill Christian Church. They will start w/ one mile and work up to either 5 or 8, depending on your goals.
Good luck!
Joy
Oh I forgot to respond to the New Runner too.
Everyone's response is right on. Start slow and give yourself realistic attainable goals. You want to set yourself up for success and not failure in the beginning. The key is to enjoy the process. If at most you can jog for 3-5 minutes without stopping so be it. Dont worry about your distance at at all. Just keep at it and before you know it, you are jogging further and longer. Also, find someone to join you too. It could be one heck of a bonding experience.
Want to see the rewards of finishing a race come see one of the local races and see why people like you enjoy running in Springfield.
Dont be afraid to introduce yourself to the community again. Not sure of whats not working, post questions. You will get a lot of great answers. We all have had similar experiences...trust me.
THank you so much for all of the responses on how to help me get into running. My friend and I have decided to join Abe's Army. We are going to get some shoes at the Running Center this weekend.
Thanks Everyone!
Ah, the power of the group.......amazing!
Mary
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