Running doesn't solve everything

I've been running 30+ years now.  Back in the day I could eat what I wanted to, drink what I wanted to yet could keep the weight and belly fat off by just going for a run.  Ahh...the good old days.  Fast forward to my mid-50's and that model has mysteriously gone out the window.  I guess if I paid enough attention to my changed metabolism I wouldn't be this stressed.  But you know me, I just charge along stumbling and fumbling along the way.  Running of course!

So I got to thinking:  running doesn't solve everything.  Oh it tries, it really tries but there are things that running doesn't solve.  Here are a few that come to mind:

1. Running doesn't get rid of belly fat.  Try as I have, I can't seem to shake the middle-age belly roll. I saw a T shirt at Mark's Work Wearhouse that promised to 'reduce the midrift shape' and was intrigued.  Girdles for men?
2. Running doesn't reduce stress.  Not thinking about work-related problems reduces stress.  Staying focused on running and enjoying the outdoors reduces stress.  The act of running increases muscle stress...which is good stress.
3. Running won't cure a hangover.  Well actually it does.  But you have to run for long enough for your increased heart and breathing rate to burn off the hangover feeling.  And it will hurt:  Your legs will feel like lead, your head will pound...you will promise never to drink again.
4. Running doesn't turn back time.  It slows it down though...if I hadn't started running 30 years ago I'm pretty sure I'd still be at a size 42" waist, be on medication for high blood pressure and who knows what else.  That reclining armchair would have been my friend.
5. Running won't help you make friends.  OK, this one is not true.  Larry, Dan, Navin, Mike, Jet, Joy, Diane, Frano...way too many other's to name.  And I made friends with my kids Andrew and Court who I've run with in Toronto and Jamaica a couple of times over the past few years.  Court even got me through the Reggae Marathon Half Marathon in 2010 when he sacrificed his time to pace me back to the finish line.

So, running really doesn't solve everything. But running sure does makes life so much better. 

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

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I'm raising funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation in 2013.  My goal is to raise $2,000 by December 31.  My planned races in 2013 include:

• The Toronto Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon, October 20

• The Reggae Marathon, December 7.