Are You Ready to Run?

The Flying Pig Marathon really did a number on me, and I didn't even run the 26.2 miles last Sunday.

But, I did train with an incredible group for almost a year in preparation for it.

This is a group where we started running very short distances, and built up over a year to being able to complete a full marathon.

And I was SO close to doing the marathon.

But I violated my own training philosophy. In one short 5 day span I just did too much in too short of time, in order to accommodate an important family vacation.

It was a valuable lesson. Stick with the principles of science, how the body best responds to progressive overload! But, I have no regrets, I grew out of the experience. I'm smarter and wiser. And, I'm way more fit than I was a year ago.

Seriously, how many people can say that they've run 21 miles during a single exercise session? ;)

So, instead of running, I excitedly watched the joy of each of the running group members achieve an amazing milestone that they'll carry with them for the remainder of their lives.

And in that process, I became even more inspired and recommitted to complete my own marathon.

May 2, 2010 will be my day!

And, I'm inviting you to join me.

Before we get into the details of how you can join our next running group, here are a few running benefits to entice you to consider making a similar commitment.

Benefits of Running:

1. Running Makes You Feel Good. Ask any long time runner and they often refer to the "runner's high" they feel during and after their exercise of choice. Runners will tell you that they have a significantly clearer mind, as well as a significant reduction in stress, through running.

2. Running Allows for Good Heart Health & Great Fitness. Running, or any cardiovascular exercise for that matter, keeps your heart healthy by reducing plaque buildup in the arteries. As you become increasingly fit, the quantity of blood that your heart pump with each beat goes up substantially, while reducing the number of times your heart needs to pump per minute. Having a stronger, more efficient heart allows for better nutrient and oxygen delivery to all of the cells of your body, giving you significantly more energy and better health.

3. Running Leads to Weight Loss. Running speeds up metabolism and allows you to burn significant calories. In addition, many runners report that their appetite dwindles for a period of time post exercise. And although resistance training and quality nutrition are critical for optimal health and body weight, the functional caloric requirement of consistent running is substantial.

4. Running Enhances Self Esteem. Along with the benefits of feeling and looking good, runners often report higher levels of confidence and self esteem. Those who set goals for achieving a 5K or 10K, half or full marathon get a tremendous feeling of achievement as they cross the finish line. The synergistic accumulation of all the benefits of running allow for a sense of considerable self-satisfaction.

5. Running Gives You a Sense of Connection. Whether you have a running partner, use a group training program, or just enjoy saying hello to your neighbors as you run past, the nature of running is one of human connection. All you have to do is attend a running event to watch the support of fellow runners and onlookers to get a real sense of how running allows you to feel a part of the community.

If you've ever wanted to train for a 5K, 10K, half or full marathon, the opportunity is here. Contrary to what you may believe at this moment, it's not as insurmountable as you think. With the proper guidance and small weekly progressions, you can achieve any distance up to a full 26.2 miles. Our next running group begins on May 25th!

For more information on joining these first time runners,

click here!

Have an great Tuesday!

Your friend in fitness,

Brian Calkins

HealthStyle Fitness, Inc. 4325 Red Bank Rd Cincinnati, OH 45227 513-407-4665, x-105 www.CincinnatiFitness.com