Obsessed Runner Blog
Dont run to the Doctor
As a coach, this is a classic question and my response. We will all have some aches and pains along the way, the question of going to a doctor or just how to deal with the set back will be a common occurrence.
"Have a question for you. The past few days I've noticed clicking in my knee - mostly when I'm going up stairs. It's not really painful, other than the aches I have all over just from this sudden running that my body isn't used to - that's to be expected. Yesterday there seemed to be some swelling behind my knee area (the point on the back of the leg where it bends) so I put ice on it for a while. Today, it doesn't hurt but its still clicking as I walk up stairs. I realize you are not a doctor, but do you think I should not run again unless I see a doctor first? I hate to miss my miles already. "
My response:
No need to run to a doctor, I'll save you a trip!
Running Boom!
Running, as a sport is Booming, Womens running is exploding.
You run like a girlGood for you. A fit woman is a powerful woman. Women run the world. These are just a few of the words adorning womens running shoe boxes these days. These slogans are an attempt to grab a share of the growth in womens running taking place today.
As a running shoe retailer, I can attest to the boom in womens running. When we opened Running Fit in 1984, the sale of womens shoes and apparel accounted for about 30% of our business. In 2000 womens sales were around 50% and we expect that to close in on the 55% mark this year. Women currently make up 75% of our beginning running and marathon training classes.
Running has been doing well in general. Growth of the sport was about 1% per year since 1985 1995 and has been in the neighborhood of 3% per year since. The numbers on the mens side are up but the growth has been slower, around 1% each year. Compared to many flat sports such as tennis, or declining sports such as In-line skating, running is alive and well.
Adventure Running!
Adventure Racing The next step maybe I can save you a step?
Quoting Tom Demerly of Michigan Sports & Fitness, "All the elements line up: Drama, outdoor exposure, team interaction and competition. The new lifestyle points people toward adventure racingadventure racing seems poised for a real explosion."
Tom explains that the sports involved require a range of skills that take years to acquire and perfect. If thats the case, Id say, expect some floundering during the explosion. In adventure racing, expect to see athletes out of their element in kayaks, climbing gear, on horses or reading instructions for their new GPS. If the sport doesnt work out long term for these new multi-sport athletes and is just a passing fad, expect some cool stuff at future garage sales!
From Susan Douglas, Runner
Dear Dirt Diva and Crew:
Amazing job putting on the race on Saturday! I've been adventure racing for four years, recently reached the conclusion that that sport is much too complicated and expensive for a married woman with two kids, and resigned myself to running for awhile even though it's not as much fun. WRONG!