Another Article From A Travel To...

Your Are Not Too Old to Run

by Danette Correa
http://www.runningo.com

When we were young (remember that?) and our limbs were lithe and strong, our lungs were clear and robust, and our energy was boundless?

Actually, you don't have to focus on when you were young only. Things for you today are really about the same.

You cannot turn on the television or pick up a newspaper without seeing some advertisement or article telling you of the benefits of strength-building and cardiovascular exercise. These informational bits add the message that by doing these exercises you will probably slow down the aging process.

There is some kind of exercise for every muscle in your body much the same way as there is some kind of pill to take for most illnesses. You will also discover that there are basically three classes of people when it comes to getting physically fit: those who are already working out at a gym regularly, those who are just thinking about it, or those who just left their home or office and are heading to the gym to do it.

Sometimes it seems that the media thinks that they have some sort of control over our free decision making. In other words, we have to take their suggestions for getting fit.

Or do they?

Now, think back again: Remember how you used to run, not walk, nearly everywhere you went, and didn't think a thing about it?

And can you remember that running was actually some- thing you thought of as "fun"p>

The best things in life are still free, and you, too, can find that lithe, lean muscle in your legs and arms that kept you flying like the wind through all the sum- mers, springs, winters and autumns of your youth.

Running is one of those skills that no one has to train you to do and that you will never forget. We did it all the time as children. Now the media has turned running into some kind of high-tech sport and writers explain the activity by all sorts of complicated details. It is not rocket science and really does not need an elaborate explanation.

Sure, you may fall off the bike or get winded while sprinting to the end of your driveway, but you CAN still do these things!

Don't pay too much attention to the running books. Just pay attention to your body and it will let you know when you need to back off, get water or stretch.

At first, it will not be easy to start running again. But after a short time you will regain that feeling of fun and carefree attitude you had in your younger days. And you will be astonished at what your body can still do as you get over hurdles blocking you from running. You will begin to approach what the long-time runners know as "The Zone." And just a when you were a child, you will be soaking in all of the health benefits for your body.

Running was just a way of life when we were kids. We never would even imagine counting our cholesterol or taking it slow.

And, make sure you take time to lay flat on your back, arms and legs extended, and stare straight up into the sky after a running session. You did this before and it was a good way to relax after an intense run.

That part will always be the same.