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January 2007 – Like many of my contemporaries when I started out as a runner 44 years ago, I enjoyed the exhilaration of competition and was captivated by the quest for faster times. There was a huge running boom in the 70’s and everyone trained hard and was focused on improving. In reviewing race results from back then and comparing them to race results today I have to conclude that the average racer was much faster back then. I’m sure everyone will have possible explanations for this discrepancy. Mine is very simple. We generally ran harder and longer back then. This may sound like a negative comment on today’s runners but it really isn’t. I think the average runner today has a healthier attitude towards running. I suspect that back in the 70’s we had a greater influx of good athletes taking up running, training hard to compete against each other. Today the average runner doesn’t possess such athletic prowess and isn’t as concerned about winning. The average runner today seems to enjoy the personal challenge that running brings and is very focused on its health benefits.
I have to confess that I too was sucked into the competitive zeal in the 70’s and 80’s. I guess age and the benefit of reading inspiring authors like George Sheehan, Amby Burfoot and Jeff Galloway has mellowed me and for some time now my goal is to just keep running for as many years as possible. I still race frequently but racing is a bonus, which makes my running more fun and puts me in contact with great people. Age group competition helps to still give masters runners a chance to stir up competitive juices without going too crazy. We are all inspired by the accomplishments of Ed Whitlock at 76 and Earl Fee at 78. They show us that the we are capable of amazing things if we work at it. I am equally amazed at the incredible feats of endurance and perseverance realized everyday by individuals who have broken through the shackles of bad habits and overcome the inertia of inactivity. For these individuals going out for a run is totally foreign to their system and isn’t easy at first. Picture having to run after you have had a heavy meal, while wearing oversized heavy army boots and carrying a 30 lb backpack. Endorphins don’t kick in early for these folks. But luckily many persist and overcome that inertia and experience the exhilaration that the rest of us keep coming back for. Every time you’re out on the roads, whether you are a penguin or a gazelle, you are not only doing yourself a big favour, you are also an inspiration and a role model to many others.
A few years ago there were articles starting to appear questioning whether or not the running boom was over. To answer that question you just have to look out your window and check out the number of new faces out there running. Check out the fixture lists for the many upcoming races and try to register for some of the more popular marathons and you will quickly realize that the running boom is strong and growing. Stores like Running Free are to be commended for setting up running programs and running groups to help runners get started and stay focused. Running clubs like our Markham Centaurs (top left), which is in its 27th year, is attracting more members and the communities are setting up more events to keep running interesting.
So don’t worry if you are not the fastest kid on the block. Stay focused, be patient and follow some of these simple rules so that you can keep running for life.
 Set simple realistic goals
Start your program conservatively; walk initially if you have to.
Increase your distance and speed gradually.
Take rest days.
Learn to stretch and strengthen your body to avoid injuries.
Don’t panic if you experience a few aches and pains just cut back a bit
 or seek professional help.
Do some crosstraining. It can be an effective way to strengthen your body
without stressing it too much.
Run with a friend or join a club.
Vary your workouts
Enter few fun events.
Don’t compare yourself with faster runners instead think of what you are
now able to accomplish compared to when you were a couch potato.
Don’t let anyone tell you that you are too old to run or that it’s not good for you.
If you’re unsure of what to do, enroll in one of the beginner’s courses at
Running Free or The Running Room.
Keep it fun, keep it simple and just keep moving.
Article by Dr. John DeFinney
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