Run Tampa

Running Injuries Part #2

Anyone who has been running for long knows there are as many running injuries as there are runners. I’m not going to tell you how to treat any injury, whatever it is, but I can say with confidence that you should not just try to be tough and ‘run through it.’ This could be a big gamble. Sometimes you will be fortunate, and there will be no penalty for this, but other times, every step you take does more damage, damage that may be difficult or impossible to repair.

As always, the best recommendation is to see a physician, one who specializes in treating runners.

Running Injuries Part #1

One thing I have learned is that, often, when someone has a sore or injured body part, and they, seemingly logically, avoid using that part, it may be a mistake. Maybe it's a toe - and they tell the therapist, "No, don't mess with my toe; that's my problem toe," the problem is that, sometimes, that's the worst thing to do. I'm not giving medical advice, but I am saying that just avoiding touching it or moving it or using it could be a bad idea. Oh, sure, taking a few days off to see if it recovers is certainly reasonable, but if that doesn't fix it, you should get a professional opinion. Maybe you don't have to stop running, or maybe that's exactly what you should do. The point is: don't play doctor. You risk doing much more damage, and think of the effect that may have on your running future.

Don't Get Married to Your Shoes

    -by Bill Davison of The Running Center; runcenter@aol.com

      One of the biggest issues we have to deal with when an existing customer comes back to the store for a new pair of running shoes, is replacing the shoes he or she has fallen in love with. They have accomplished “great things” with these shoes and they have become their closest friend. What happens many times is the manufacturer has changed the shoes through the so called “update,” and it is not the same shoe. Many people panic and buy every closeout they can find of their old shoe. Although the closeout purchase will solve the problem temporarily, one still must eventually make the adjustment to a new shoe. The good news is there are a lot of great new models now on the market with a style and size to fit anyone.

Miles for Moffitt 2009

Thousands of people turned out for the 2009 Miles for Moffitt races, and all the events appeared to be hugely successful. The weather was hot, but beautiful, and everyone wore smiles that said they were all happy to be doing their part to raise money for cancer research. Race Director Karen Dalton, wonderful sponsors and hundreds of volunteers deserve many kudos. This race, the second largest event of its kind in the Bay Area, behind only Gasparilla, raises more money each year. That's the plan, and that's what's happening. Click the photo below to view a slideshow.

Miles for Moffitt '09

It's Hot Out There!

It may be May, but it sure feels like July, and that can be a problem because most of us aren't adjusted to the heat yet. That means we have to make wise training decisions:

• Run earlier or later in the day; it may cost you some sleep, but you'll have a better run, so consider getting up early and then adding a nap to your routine.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Pay attention to your body and drink plenty. Be sure to plan this. You may need to drop off water or an electrolyte beverage along your route or purchase a Camelback or similar device. Another idea is to plan your long runs so  that you will be in the vicinity of a 7-Eleven or some other place where you can purchase the required hydrant.
• We're all sweating more now, so you may need to consider electrolyte replacement products to replace what your body loses.

Ever Heard of Parkour aka Free Running?

I have found that not many people seem to know about this sport, although, it's got many thousands of enthusiasts around  the world. I first read about it in the Tamp Tribune a couple years ago. There was a link to a web site, so I checked it out because I was curious.
Wow!  I think I watched that first video about six times. I was amazed to see human beings, young men in their teens and twenties, it appeared, running through urban areas and scampering over objects, running sideways along walls, flipping, like chimps.