
I was skeptical, as I always am, but followed the advice because the friend who told me as an accomplished triathlete and knew his stuff.
The way the body works when you run is as follows:
- It learns to use less fuel (for survival) for the same distance as you become more efficient. This is when you may start to feel things get a little easier - i.e. you may lose a little weight, your breathing becomes easier, your mechanics get better.
- Your body actually creates new blood capillaries so that the oxygenated blood can get the the extremities of the body for more efficient cooling and oxygenation. This is why your Vo2 Max (a measure of fitness) improves because your body is adapting to the running stimulus and becoming more efficient at it.
- You may even start to get the 'runners' high which is the endorphins kicking in which have a pain killer effect which is quite a nice feeling and why some athletes actually become addicted to it, similar to caffeine though you'll need more and more to get the same 'hit'.
2019 is another opportunity to take up this great activity because it can be social, fun, energising, and keeps you fit and healthy along the way. Whether you are keen on getting to 5k or running an ultra marathon there is always something for everyone young and old.
I have put together a short list of some local and out of town (Auckland) running events some of which I have done and some I have not, so have a look and why not give one or 2 of them a go?
RUN #1: Coastal Challenge - March 2nd
RUN #2: Tauranga Half - May 14th
RUN #3: Waiheke Half - May 4th (be with you!)
RUN #4: Xterra (Series) - biweekly from May 19th - Sept 1st
RUN #5: Tough Guy and Gal (Rotorua) - August 24th
If you are looking for the complete GO TO page for running (swim, multi) event here is the bible: RUNNING CALENDAR