Run Tampa

You Have Got to Get Out the Door Part 2

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

If you are going to engage in aerobic exercise four days a week and do some type of weight resistance training two days a week, you are going to need a good pair of shoes that fit properly and match your foot type. Remember to get stability shoes if you are rolling in (pronating) and neutral shoes if you are rolling out (supinating) or have a high arch. If you have a very flat foot or are a larger person, you might look for motion control shoes that will give you extra support and will not break down.

You will also need some technical apparel that will make you feel comfortable while you are training. Look for moisture management items such as cool max, dry lete or dry release to mention a few. Most people prefer loose fitting apparel so it will allow the body to move about more freely.

One item that can be invaluable as a training tool is a heart rate monitor. You can get one that comes with a GPS system or just purchase the heart rate monitor by itself. Two brands that are very popular are GPS systems by Garmin and heart rate monitors by Polar. Make sure your heart rate monitor gives you a higher and lower zone reading. Both should give you very good info on the beat of your heart and how it is relating to your running. Polar heart rate monitors even give you the distance between each heart beat. Both Garmin and Polar offer nice information packages so you can down load the data to their web site to help you maintain a very sophisticated log.

The “Grateful Dead” in “Fire on the Mountain” tell the distance runner to get out the door; we should all heed their advice.

Last Minute Gift Ideas for Runners

Okay, if you are like me and haven't finished your shopping, like me, you are probably getting a bit stressed. I hope not. I thought this would be a good time to provide some ideas of gifts for runners, so here is my list.

• At the more expensive end, every runner enjoys buying running shoes, and anyone who does a lot of running will go through a pair in only three months, maybe less. Also, consider that experts recommend having at least two pair and swapping them out for a variety of reasons.
• If the person you're buying for ever runs off road, then a pair of trail shoes might be just the ticket. If you don't know what kind, just get the off road version of the model they wear on road.
• If the person likes to be different or  is the person who already 'has everything,' try a pair of Vibrum Five Fingers shoes. They are the closest thing to barefoot I've ever seen, and while they probably don't have the necessary cushioning for running, they would be fun to have - a great conversation piece - for yoga classes and the like. Locally, Tampa Bay Outfitters carries them in South Tampa. Google them to get a description.