I went to the doctor for a checkup the other day. Everything was going along smoothly. Then the nurse took my pulse. “That can’t be right,” she said to herself as she readjusted the finger monitor.
It beeped for a second time, and again, she was caught off guard. “41. You must be a runner.” I smiled. “Well good on you.”
So what’s the big deal?
In 2009, I turned 40 years old. In 2009, I ran my first organized 5K. This is what is called a positive correlation. The older I get, the more I need to run. During this first frigid affair, I ran with a friend, who at 24, was also running his first 5K. He crossed the finish line about 2 minutes ahead of me. I was pleased.
After the race, the race winners were announced. My friend took home a third place medal in his age group, whereas I finished 7th in my age group. He gloated a bit, having reached the podium on his first try, but I was content to check how I fared against the rest of my peers. It turns out I crossed the line ahead of 8 others my age, and I felt good. It fed the little competitive demon inside of me. My friend saw me, and followed suit. It turns out he managed to finish third in a group of three. It took a little of the wind out of his sails, but my point is not to deflate my friend’s accomplishments.
They help distribute humanitarian aid to citizens of impoverished nations. They assist with natural disaster relief on the home front. They put their lives on the line to defend the freedoms that we hold onto so dearly.
We’re talking about the men and women who serve selflessly in the five branches of the United States Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard). We’re talking about all of the men and women who serve their country’s armed forces around the globe.
To show our appreciation, and to honor these individuals, #Anywhere5K would like to dedicate our July 14-15, 2012 virtual road race to all the men and women serving in the military—regardless of race, color, creed, or nationality.
So show your support. Run the Troop Tribute #Anywhere5K. There’s no cost to you. Just sign up and run.
Event: Troop Tribute #Anywhere5K
Date: 7/14/2012 & 7/15/2012
Time: Anytime
Location: Anywhere
Distance: 5K
Entry fee: $0
To register complete and submit this ENTRY FORM and then tell everyone on Twitter and Facebook that you’re running.
In preparation for the Sarah Garcia #Anywhere5K on 6/9 & 6/10/12, and because we’re giving away two #Anywhere5K shirts, we’re making the race bib available a bit early.
Even better still, you can visit the #a5K online store and buy a shirt for the race.
Ever take a pain reliever before running so you could dull the ache in your back or the pain in your leg? If you have, you probably took a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) as they are the most commonly used OTC medication; not just because they relieve pain, but because they decrease inflammation.
The bad news, when you take an NSAID like aspirin, Motrin (ibuprofen), or Aleve (naproxen) while running you can stress your kidneys and impair their ability to function. And, if your kidneys can’t function there’s a good chance dehydration or hyponatremia will result. Couple that with warm temperatures and you could really be in for a world of hurt.
So what should you do when you experience pain while running?