The Run Around

By Matt Carpenter

Welcome to The Run Around, a new column dedicated to the sport of running.

Running can be done just about anywhere, anytime by anybody. Reasons to run vary, from losing weight and getting in shape to trying to set personal records (PRs) and win races. It’s one of the only sports — I can’t think of another — where people of all levels, abilities and ages often take part in the same event.

With age groups, it’s possible to be competitive even if PRs and wins no longer are in your future. Some events even offer categories for different weights. It doesn’t matter if we are in the back of the pack in our first race or in front trying to set a record, we can share the same goal of trying to do our best.

Now is the perfect time to get out and start running. If history is any indication, from here on out it’s only going to get warmer. Sure, we still have a lot of bad weather days ahead, but at least the days are getting longer. By putting in the miles now, we’ll be ready for the running season ahead.

However, as with any endeavor, moderation is the key. Regardless of your fitness level, it’s important to pay attention to your body. Often, at the start of a new season, our minds are fresh and far more capable than our bodies.

I like to start small with goals that won’t get me in trouble, like just running every day for a month without worrying about how far or how fast. Once I have adapted, such other goals come into play as adding a long run on the weekend and hard days during the week.

For others, the season may start with running around the block two or three days a week for a month. Once comfortable at that level, they can add more running days and shoot for a run around the neighborhood. By building up our running in stages, we can avoid physical injury and mental burnout.

Running should be good for us and not run us down. After all, we want to run around.

Reply to all

Running is the ultimate participation sport. Because of that, it remains to be seen how this column will unfold because it will be written partially by you. I'll select a question or statement from a reader and use that as the focus of the second half of each column.

To participate just send me your question or comment. I will try to respond to all questions and comments, but only one will be selected for each column.

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