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Starting Out

by John Stanton

As runners, we all have to start somewhere. If you’re a beginner, your early experiences with a running or walking program can make or break your chances for success. Novice runners who approach their training with a “go hard or go home” attitude often experience overuse injuries or just plain discouragement. This is not the recommended way to begin a running program.

As with all fitness programs, start with a visit to your family physician. He or she may recommend that you start by walking or by following a combination walk/run program. Be patient and stick with it—in as little as 10 weeks, you can progress from couch potato to athlete. Just remember to commit to 10 weeks, not 10 minutes or 10 days. The lifelong benefits are well worth the investment.
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A Multi-Goal Approach to Training

by John Stanton

To get the most out of your training, you should set an ultimate goal followed by several smaller goals to get you there. Your ultimate goal might be to run a particular race, but before that, you must first train consistently.

It can help to run some smaller, shorter-distance races as targets to test you along the way. Many runners will tell you that the real reward comes from the training, not the race itself. Continue reading “A Multi-Goal Approach to Training”

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Dealing With Darkness

by John Stanton

In the winter, daylight is a precious commodity. Many of us experience the daily challenge of leaving the house when it’s dark and returning after the sun has already set. However, with proper planning and a positive attitude, you can maintain your fitness and still enjoy your training. Here are some suggestions to help you dodge the darkness.

Get out there during the day.
Take advantage of the daylight as much as possible. If your schedule is flexible, prioritize your run in the mid-morning or early afternoon. If you have a more traditional work day, try to run or walk during your lunch hour at least once a week. Exposure to natural light helps regulate your inner body clock and provides a bonus helping of vitamin D. Continue reading “Dealing With Darkness”

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Customizing Your Training Plan

by John Stanton

How you train will influence your results, whether you are trying to maximize your potential or simply improve your overall fitness. Most programs emphasize structure, consistency and slow progression toward a goal. This requires a delicate balance of listening to your body and striving for continual improvement. Here are four considerations as you build your personalized training program. Continue reading “Customizing Your Training Plan”

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Walking in a Winter Wonderland

by John Stanton

There’s “snow” doubt about it—running and walking are healthy activities that can be enjoyed year-round. If you’re a runner who is recovering from injury or seeking an alternative to running during the winter months, consider walking. Walking is a gentle and safe option for many athletes, since the impact force is little more than the body weight you carry when standing upright. Here are some of the benefits.
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Frostbite

Frostbite is nasty stuff. Once you have been frostbitten, you can be scarred for life and you can have permanent circulation problems in the affected areas.

You get frostbite when you have skin exposed to severe cold temperatures for a period of time (the amount of time depends on body type, size and other factors). Your body stops sending blood to that area to save the rest of the body. Once this happens, freezing is not long off. Continue reading “Frostbite”

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Walking in a Winter Wonderland

by John Stanton

There’s “snow” doubt about it—running and walking are healthy activities that can be enjoyed year-round. If you’re a runner who is recovering from injury or seeking an alternative to running during the winter months, consider walking. Walking is a gentle and safe option for many athletes, since the impact force is little more than the body weight you carry when standing upright. Here are some of the benefits.
Continue reading “Walking in a Winter Wonderland”

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Running with Dogs

Dogs make excellent running partners. They will never miss a run, make excuses, whine about an injury, make fun of your form, brag about their personal best or scoff at your jokes.

Before you begin, be proactive to ensure you and your dog are both cleared to run. Talk to your doctor about your running plans, and take your dog to the vet for a check-up. Make sure your dog’s inoculations are up to date and you have a valid license in accordance with the local laws. The vet may also be able to provide advice on how much exertion your dog can handle. Hounds and hunting dogs are enthusiastic runners, but other breeds (such as pugs) are not built for long distances. Continue reading “Running with Dogs”

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Our Method

Whether you’re about to begin running with the start of the New Year or your goal is to work your way up to a marathon, a mix of walk intervals will be good for you. For beginners, walking before running is a gentle and progressive way to start. Depending on your age, overall health and current level of fitness, walking is a safe and productive activity choice. Think of a regular walking routine as pre-conditioning before embarking on a running program. For someone who has been sedentary, it is much less intimidating to walk than to jump straight to a continuous running program. Start with walking every other day for 20 minutes at a time. Continue reading “Our Method”

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We Are Winter

by John Stanton

Winter running builds character, and our Canadian winters offer character-building opportunities galore. There’s nothing quite like running on a winter morning under a crisp blue sky or heading out in the evening as delicate snowflakes float gently around you. or all its beauty, winter running and walking can also present a few practical challenges. Here are my best winter running tips. Continue reading “We Are Winter”