Madrid Art

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10 Reasons to Run

1. Running is the most efficient path to cardiovascular fitness. Thirty minutes a day, four days a week will yield an excellent level of fitness in the shortest possible time.

2. Running is great for your heart. After a few months of running, your heart's walls thicken and the ventricles (internal chambers) increase in size. As a result, more blood is sent to your lungs with each heartbeat, and your resting pulse can decline by 20 per cent or more. What's more, if you run for 145 minutes per week, you are on average 40 per cent less likely to have a heart attack.

3. Running is inexpensive and simple to learn. Other than decent shoes and basic clothing, all you need to run is enthusiasm. Everyone knows how to run and information on training is widely available.

4. Running is the best method of stress reduction around. Thirty minutes of running will work wonders in dissolving stress accumulated at work.

5. Running is accessible to everyone. No matter where you live or travel, an excellent area for running is almost always close by.

6. Running is an excellent component of any weight-control programme. Few activities burn calories more quickly.

7. Running is a flexible method of training. You can run at your own pace, with or without company, at whatever time of day suits you.

8. Running makes you feel good. Your fitness, self-esteem and confidence will all increase with a regular running programme.

9. Running offers a unique opportunity for recreational runners to mix with world-class athletes. You can't play in the FA Cup final or a test match, but on almost every weekend, runners compete in the very same events as the fastest human beings on the planet. The Flora London Marathon remains one of the country's premier sports events.

10. Running is for families and individuals of all ages. There are running programmes for children and over-40s, and most races have events that are geared towards families.

Taken from www.runnersworld.co.uk



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burger wars

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Distance Running in Madrid

So I started to input my few runs into a website called Runtrackr.com, which was pointed out to me by a friend. It uses google maps to calculate your distance in kilometers or miles and your caloric burn depending on your weight.

I found, to my surprise, no routes for Madrid. I thought maybe because it was a new site, but no it has been around since 2008. So I put down my few runs for all to use.

Now then I was shocked that my long run was only 11.4 k. I had thought that would have been longer, especially after nearly killing myself on Friday. I think it's the two hills on the run, one a full k and the other half a k long. They make it so much harder to get through.

So I played with the map...

I ended up creating a 16+ k run through Casa de Campo. I'm going to try it out on Friday. Though I'm going to buy a water bottle belt before, it is really hot now in the direct sun. I'm hoping to get one of my friends to go for it. Haha. Probably not.

There's also some shorter 3-6 k that I put on the website. They're going through parque oeste and very easy on the eyes. The 3.5 k is my morning run. The One Hill run is great for repeats and close to home.

As it stands I am thirsty to go for a run today. I missed my morning run because Sofia's mom is in town and dinner plans. Also same tonight. I am hoping tomorrow to get back on track. Slow growth back to every day runs.

Happy runs to all. If you're in Madrid let me know if you want to run together.

R


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Hamburger War heats up...

Bristol Bar has an amazing burger called an Afrikaans Hamburger. It's pricey. 12 €. But if your open to spending a bit for a truly good burger, I say that Bristol has raised the bar her with a wonderful opening shot. I will have to try one of the others to see what else is on the menu.


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Madrid Running

You shouldn't be surprised when YOU surprise someone from Madrid by running at 6am ....or 11am ....or 5pm. This city is still getting used to people being healthy.

Also, be aware that you may need to stop and go well around people who will hog the ENTIRE sidewalk, even as you heavy breathing behind them and ready to steamroll them over.

You are an alien! You are a stranger in a strange land. You are a runner in Madrid!


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Knowing a runner...

As I was explaining to Mary on Sunday, one way to tell a real runner from a lifter for example is the calves. Overly developed calf muscles don't come from running. Running brings a leaner look. Now cardio work is good for you so you will see the gym boys and girls out on the trail.

Another is mechanics. A coached runner will have those bad mechanics ironed out of their strides and movements. It's not hard to tell the competitive runners of the past and those who simply love to run. (as a note, I fall into the later, and have horrid mechanics.)

Finally, today, you can tell a runner by the gear they wear. Too much or too little. And how they take it off, and why they keep it on. A bit too much to explain here and now, but those who are runners will understand what I mean.

Well, off again to teach and teach. Ugh. Perhaps a bit more on the Metro Madrid Project blog if I have some incredible insights as I am trapped on the metro.

Ciao


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