Tuesday 28 July 2009

Is running bad for you?

This weekend, the French President Nicolas Sarkozy was reported to have collapsed while jogging prompting some debate on whether or not running is good for you or not.
Now, Mr Sarkozy and his wife are known for going running so it seemed surprising that he collapsed. According to the reports, he suffered a vasovagal episode brought on by exhaustion and dehydration. I've not heard of this before but I guess it makes sense that running in extreme heat is tough going.
Despite the fact these episodes are few and far between, I was intrigued by the bbc article which decided that the French president's collapse meant they had to summarise the good and bad of running. According to runners world, the benefits of running are:
  • increased fitness levels - pretty obvious really...
  • Good for weight control - as all exercise is, this isn't limited to running...
  • Heightens sense of well-being - again, not limited to running
  • Reduces long-term risk of cardiac problems - ditto
  • Good way to explore a city or enjoy the countryside - this for me is my main reason for running. I like to feel fit but I really like the fact that running can take you to see all sorts of places (whether you are in a place and decide to go for a run when you are there or whether you've gone somewhere specifically for a race).

    So yes, I agree with the bbc article but I am not sure they needed to restate all this really...
  • Friday 24 July 2009

    Limbering up


    Fairlands Valley Relays
    Originally uploaded by NHRR

    This and other similar photos were taken at the Fairlands Valley 3K relays. I ended up somehow being on the 5th and final leg of a men's team. We were 5th from last when I took the baton and penultimate by the time I finished. I am good at penultimate these days!!!!

    I think this is probably my last racing outing for a while (sob sob) as 3k without stopping was a challenge but I am sure I will still pootle around the fields for a while!

    Fatty!


    Fairlands Valley Relays
    Originally uploaded by NHRR

    A slow start


    Fairlands Valley Relays
    Originally uploaded by NHRR

    Brilliant Support from NHRR


    Fairlands Valley Relays
    Originally uploaded by NHRR

    Cool cheering!

    Thursday 16 July 2009

    MWL Mob Match@Trent Park

    Sadly I wasn't able to complete all the MWL races this year after having to drop out of the Mob Match at Trent Park as I had a headache :-(. Actually, I think the thought of having to go to the end of the Picadilly line to get there was a major factor in the decision!
    I am still managing to run a bit, not a lot though as I have definitely got less energy. On the plus side I am still able to ride my folding bike so at least i am getting some excercise!

    Summer BBQ


    101_0839
    Originally uploaded by NHRR

    We're even competitive in a sack race...sadly I am being beaten :-(

    Thursday 2 July 2009

    MWL Race 4@St Albans

    So, on to the 4th Midweek League Race in St Albans. For the first time in a long time (maybe even ever) NHRR were safe in Division 1 before the race even started. The Ladies and the Vet Men still had a chance at overall glory but as a club we didn't need to stress too much about this race which certainly made a nice change!
    The weather for the whole week was very hot and muggy which made me think twice about running. However, on the day itself I felt very perky and decided I would run carefully (as if my bod would let me do anything else!) and drop out if I was getting too hot and bothered. I set off on the 7 mile hilly course armed with my attractive yellow Paris marathon hat and some water looking forward to a nice run round a course which I find hard but enjoyable.
    To be honest, I didn't even feel the heat that much (unlike Statto who really struggled) but I suspect that may be as there is virtually no chance I would be able to go fast enough to be able to get that hot and bothered. After a couple of miles I spotted a St Johns man on a bike and a bit later on he came back to me after having been told by some kind fellow NHRR of my 'condition'! He ended up not getting too far away from me for the next few miles which was nice of him and, although I was feeling fine, quite reassuring too!
    I really enjoyed this run, I knew there was someone behind me so I was able to feel confident I wasn't going to come last so it didn't matter if I walked a bit.
    Even Mr C must have been a bit concerned as he came back as far as the last mile to check I was still in one piece and then proceeded to encourage me up a hill by saying I could catch the girl in front of me!
    It isn't very often in your running career where you get encouraged in the final few metres of a race by "well done, don't sprint, don't push it too hard"...I think I might adopt this mantra for future use!
    All in all, a successful day, I enjoyed my run, didn't conk out halfway though and didn't finish last, what more can a girl ask for!