By Lubna Abdel-Aziz Hard to admit, but we have become a race obsessed. Our object of obsession is ourselves, our person, our looks, our health and our well-being. We watch what we eat, drink, see, wear, do. It is what we do not do that should concern us. What we do not do enough of, is exercise. There is now little time to waste. The verdict is in; those who exercise regularly live longer, adding at least four years to their life span. Overall fitness has become an occupational requirement for all, not just for athletes. A recent study by Oscar H. Franco of the Erasmus M.C. University at Rotterdam concluded that "being more physically active can give you more time." Did we need another study to tell us about the benefits of an active lifestyle? What did emerge from that study is that intense exercise triples the number of years of your longevity. The equivalent of walking 30 minutes, 5 days a week, increases the lifespan by 1.3 -1.5 years. While the equivalent of running for 0.5 hours a day, 5 days a week, extends your lifespan by about 3.5 to 3.7 years. That is indeed worth running for. Even the middle-aged can add years to their lives with a change of their lifestyle, which means "it is never too late to start following a healthy regimen." Running has emerged as the preferred all-round beneficial aerobic exercise. Runners have higher bone density while diminishing the probability of osteoporosis and fractures. It leads to better effects on the heart than cycling, walking or swimming, burning more calories than both aerobic exercises. The best part is that it costs no more than a pair of running shoes. No one knows when recreational running began, but running probably began with the beginning of creation. Running away from animals or after them to escape or feed himself, must have been a part of early man's daily routine. In warfare running was imperative, towards or away from the enemy. Messengers bringing news of the battle possessed superior running ability. Pharaohs were preceded by runners who proclaimed the importance of their masters. In 3,800 BC, running races of 3,200 meters were recorded in ancient Egypt. The first 13 Olympiad held in 776BC and continuing for almost 1200 years, had as their only events, a sprint race. Records of native Americans also show running as a recreational activity. Long before the special running shoes, all you needed was your right leg and your left leg, and the stamina to reach your goal. In 16th century England cross country running was an integral part of public school system. The 19th century introduced professional running and betting was part of the attraction. Runners trained twice a day with long bush walk and steady time trials. The early part of the 20th century saw the domination of the Finn runners between the two world wars. Athletes trained themselves and coaching was a rarity as demonstrated in the Oscar winning film Chariots of Fire, when the hero was criticized for employing a coach. In the 1920s Finland, led by Paavo Nurmi, dominated distance running. He won gold in the 1,500m, 5,000m and 10,000m. Finland was overtaken by the Swedes and the Germans until the appearance of Jack lovelock of New Zealand. Lovelock, a physician, applied scientific principle to his training and developed mental strategies to a new level. This was the start of athletic training with a large aerobic base. Today Kenya and Morocco dominate, and produce the world's best distance track runners. Running is a great way to get your heart pumping. Regular cardiovascular exercise will decrease your resting heart rate and blood pressure, thus reducing your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Scientists believe the more strenuous activity leads to better effects of the heart. An added benefit is weight loss. Running can also increase brain activity. The increased circulation during the exercise brings more blood and with it nutrients and oxygen to the brain. That is why most people feel good after running. The production of endorphins provides a feeling of well-being. Running regularly also alleviates the symptoms of depression. It does not matter whether you run outdoors or on a treadmill indoors. Both have their pros and cons. In a recent German study, groups of students were tested for concentration and visual memory before and after a six-week three times a week jogging program. The results were conclusive that outdoor running stimulate brain capacity in a way that increase memory and learning. The exercise most likely stimulates the growth and helps the survival of brain cells. Running also helps with coordination and balance Recent research has shown that running does not put as much stress on the joints as previously thought, unless you have joint damage or misaligned joints. Those who are seriously overweight though, risk damaging the joints and should choose another form of exercise with lower impact on the joints, such as swimming. Newer treadmills reduce impact on the joints, an advantage that cannot be achieved when running outdoors on asphalt. Treadmills are not cheap, and neither are gym memberships. While outdoor runners depend on good weather, they are free to fly at any time without hindrance. The only impediment would be adhering to a workout program. Since regularity is as important as the exercise itself. It is best to run once a day for 10 minutes than once a week for 60 minutes. The new discovery of speed work is valuable and you can burn a great amount of calories in a short interval. You can also increase your muscle mass and your resting metabolism which helps you burn more calories throughout the day. The time to start is right now. Get into some comfortable clothing and a good pair of running shoes and hit the road. Early morning is tolerable weather-wise and can make you feel good all day. Increasing your level of energy and clearing the cobwebs. If weather is an impediment in your area, an investment in a treadmill will return its price in dividends health-wise. Five days a week, thirty minutes a day will help you fight obesity, decrease blood pressure, and heart rate, thereby decreasing your risk of developing cardiovascular problems, like atherosclerosis that leads to heart attacks and strokes. So run hard and run long, as if your life depended on it. I have two doctors, my left leg and my right. -- Anonymous
