The Vahoo Info Connector

I took up running in my late 40s after looking hard and long at a picture taken in New York City during a family vacation, a picture in which I truly did not like the way I looked.

Out of shape. Tired. Overweight. Neglected. Dark rings under the eyes. No juice. And that big belly which I didn’t notice before… hmmm…

Clearly, dieting and exercise was the only way out. But dieting has never been something I was very successful at. So that left me with the only other option available - exercising.

But what kind of an exercise? I felt too old for a lot options and almost for all team sports. I didn’t have too much spare time either.

It had to be something that I could start doing right away without much preparation or driving around and would then allow me get back to my daily routine with the same ease.

As I was meditating on the issue, as luck would have it and as it usually happens by divine arrangement in situations like this, my eyes happened to fall on this very elderly gentlemen, easily in his 70s and perhaps even more, RUNNING past my window with a stilted but comfortable gait!

I pressed my nose to the glass to take a second look just to make sure I wasn’t hallucinating or anything.

Nope, the white haired gentleman was slowly but surely inching his way up the street where I lived, looking smart in his great looking sweat shirt and pants and matching jogging shoes.

I was embarrassed in a way. If this guy could run in that very advanced age, what excuse did I have for self-pity and inaction?

So that very same evening I did what I always do before embarking on a new project - I hit the bookstore.

While perusing the racks of books and magazines I found what I needed. The latest issue of the Runner’s World magazine which had a 10 week startup program for the absolute new beginners. I checked it out while still standing there in front of the magazine rack - it was built around a “walk 2 minutes and then run for 2 minutes for a total 10 minutes” type of idea.

Certain that I could walk and run in 2 minute intervals, I purchased the magazine right there on the spot.

While driving back home I almost ran a red light because in my mind I was already off and running like a cheetah up and down gorgeous hills and mountains and across all over God’s green earth. Boy, was I ready for some glory.

The next morning, with my old plastic watch strapped to my right wrist, and wearing my almost brand spanking new running shorts and jogging shoes, I was out in front of my house, feeling really nervous and excited like a little kid about to join a new game.

The first 100 yards I thought I was doing fine until I was stopped in my tracks with an excruciating pain that stabbed me on the side. And that was the end of my first “run.” I walked back home holding my side and cussing at myself for failing in my grandiose “becoming a runner” project.

Was this for me really? Was I going to be able to run, ever, for 2 MINUTES straight for god’s sake?!

The next morning I did not feel any better when I saw the same old gentleman cruising past my house, this time in an even better-looking jogging outfit.

In ten minutes I was out again, making it past the 100-yards mark and welcoming the familiar side-stab at about 200 yards. But I felt I was doing it. At long last, yes, I was exercising, one killer side-stitch at a time.

Let’s fast forward to a year later…

My runs were now always over the 30 minute mark and I was running like 3 or sometimes even 4 times a week. I was feeling great, lost some weight (not a lot though) but in general I was really feeling charged the way someone throws off a switch in a dark room and turns on the lights. The sensation of renewal was really remarkable. The fact that my wife also commented on how better I looked and how she was also inspired herself by my new routine made the rewards even sweeter.

Since then running became truly an addiction for me. I can now run for over an hour at a slow comfortable pace and easily do four or five miles at a stretch. When I feel rested and especially energized, like perhaps once every other week, I also combine some after-run sit ups and bicycle-kick crunches for some extra conditioning.

Within the past few years I’ve even participated in a 5K and 10K race with mediocre times nothing to write home about (33″ and 72″, respectively). But I feel peaceful, strong and about 20 pounds lighter. I know I probably have another 20 pounds to go but it is a process. An up and down process that I’ve learned to manage.

Some days I feel tired and ragged, and I’ve learned how not to force myself on days like that because, thanks god, my body does not care for my ego.

I’ve learned to respect my limits and not to injure myself. So I never got injured so far, knock on wood.

On those magical and rare days when I feel this inexplicable energy roaring out of nowhere in the third mile of a 5 mile run, I’ve learned to let it rip and open up downhill like a child while praying inward that my knees would hold up and not let me down for one more day.

I’ve learned to appreciate the beauty of running and all runners young and old, fast and slow. I’ve learned the proper form to run efficiently and how not to be arrogant when I saw fellow runners with bad-form, and how not to be upset when those same runners with bad-forms easily left me reeling in their dust.

I know what a privilege and blessing it is to be able to run. I cherish it with an almost religious reverence. I’m truly grateful. I remember all those who cannot run even if they wanted to for one reason or another and I send them all my heartfelt silent prayers. I hope they are accepted.

If you are already a runner, I’m sure you’re already familiar with my experience. And if you are not, first of all let me slip in the obligatory caution that I’m not a doctor and I strongly recommend you see your doctor before undertaking any exercise program, including running.

But having said that, I heartily recommend running for everyone, within their own limits and capacity. Take it very easy at first. Walk a minute, and then “run” for 30 seconds, if you need to. There’s nothing wrong with that. Who said you need to run like Alberto Salazar as soon as your New Balances hit the ground?

It’s all about circulation and sweating out the toxins. I think running is unique in revving up our circulation to its maximum and that’s why it’s got so many health and psychological benefits. But that deserves another article of its own.

Do it and you’ll like it. And the more you like it, the more you end up doing it, no matter how old you are. That’s how this positive addiction grows on you and becomes a new friend.

Oh, by the way, I later happened to learn the name of the same white-haired gentleman that unknowingly became my inspiration and silent mentor because I ran in a 5K with him. For the first 4K he was ahead of me. It was only within the last klick that I pulled even and passed him.

If I did not pass him in that 5K race I might seriously consider quitting running altogether because I also learned his age from another fellow runner that knew him pretty well.

He was 84 years old and he is till running up and down my street. God bless him.

Many stage productions and local theater companies perform plays that are religious in nature. Music ministries and music choirs also perform for the public. In order to look the part, liturgical dancewear is usually worn.

Liturgical dancewear is perfect for dancing and singing songs of worship and there are a few manufacturers who sell a variety of praise dance wardrobes and accessories. You can easily find these companies on the Internet by searching for “liturgical dancewear”.

Worship dancewear features garments like angel sleeve dance dresses with matching scarves, empire waist glitter silky dresses, turtleneck leotards and unitards are standard wear for performances. Full skirts, long tunics and sashes are also popular wear for women. Most companies carry a variety of liturgical dancewear for men, women and children in a variety of styles and colors, as well as accessories. Accessorize your worship performance with sashes, belts, headpieces and shawls to complete your spiritual look.

No matter which kind of liturgical dancewear catches your eye, make sure it is comfortable before you buy. Remember, you will have to both rehearse and perform with the liturgical dancewear. If the clothes aren’t comfortable, you will not enjoy yourself, and you will not be able to give your best performance. The clothes must also fit well, so that there will be no technical difficulties when it comes time for the show.

Liturgical dancewear should also be purchased with the set and mood of the performance. Work with the costume designer, set designer, and director to ensure visual harmony.

The Braves win the National League East division every year. With the Phillies and Mets being teams notorious for choking, is there any reason to believe these Braves should not repeat again? No.

It is not only that these Braves win games, but they win their backers money. A lot of money. Over the past 4 seasons, their backers have won 57 units. They are the best kept secret in baseball betting. Particularly impressive is their record against left-handed pitching. Much is said about the lack of offense for these Braves but when they go up against left-handed pitching, they have an average margin of victory of 0.8 runs over the past 7 seasons.

I always take these Braves against left-handed pitching and there is no reason to see this trend of theirs stop in the 2006 season. As a favorites Off of a loss against left handed pitching, these Braves win by an average margin of more than 1 run. They are undevalued by 30 points in these situations! Instead of being -130, they should be -160.

One thing I found interesting was their poor Interleague record. Especially at home where interleague teams are supposed to have an edge. This highlights the importance of their pitching staff. Since they do not have the necessary scouting reports on the opponents hitters in Interleague games, their pitching advantage is minimized.

Look to bet against the Braves against American League squads and for them against lefties. Good luck in 2006.

Check out more of our Free Baseball Betting Systems at our site.

Baseball is America’s past time. Many children and adults alike enjoy playing the game. Practice is an essential part of any sport and it will enable you to hone your skills and get better at playing the game. In baseball, hitting is very important. You may be a great pitcher or linesman but unless you have a full range of hitting skills, you will likely not go as far in the game. Using a pitching machine to practice your hitting is a great way to hone your batting skills. A pitching machine eliminates the need for another person and this is especially favorable when a pitcher can get tired or injured. Professionals use these as well as amateurs. Pitching machines do not have to be expensive, though.

Affordable pitching machines range from two hundred dollars to four hundred dollars. The professional grade ones start at several hundred to a few thousand dollars. However, backyard models and ones that are used for little league games are much more affordable. Atec, Swing Zone, BATA and Easy Toss all carry models of pitching machines that fall within an affordable price range.

Pitching machines have various power sources. The most common is a battery power that uses rechargeable batteries. Gas and electricity are also common but they can be a bit higher cost. There is also the additional cost of electricity and the gas used. The least expensive machines are manual machines where a lever is pressed to release the ball. Although these do require another person to operate them, the effort involved is minimal.

Pitching machines will enhance the skills of anyone who uses them. They are the perfect practicing devise for anyone who is interested in baseball and who wants to hone their skills at the game. Continued practice with a pitching machine will ensure you are able to hit your pitches better each time.

Want to improve your game or improve your baseball coaching skills? We have all the latest tips and baseball equipment reviews you need to stay in the game.

Hiking shoes versus hiking boots? Hiking shoes win. Okay, next issue? No, really. Hiking or running shoes are better for most backpacking trips, at least during late spring, summer and early fall. Boots are heavy, hot, stinky, and stay wet forever. A pound on your feet is like five on your back (some say six), so three-pound boots leave you much more tired at the end of the day.

Hiking Shoes And Ankle Support

You may have heard arguments for the necessity of ankle support, but throughout history people managed without stiff ankle-supporting boots. The problem is weak ankles, not a lack of support. You can solve this by walking a little each week on uneven ground (not in the mall).

Some may need boots, but be sure your ankle problems are not just due to a lack of exercise before you settle for backpacking in hiking boots. You may also need hiking boots if you carry more than thirty pounds when you backpack. Cut the weight down, though, and you’ll be more comfortable anyhow.

Why Running Or Hiking Shoes?

Feet stay cooler in a good running shoes than in hiking boots. This means fewer blisters. After switching to running shoes and lightweight socks years ago, I stopped getting blisters. I don’t mean fewer blisters. I mean haven’t had one blister since I switched. Not even after a 110-mile 7-day trek in the Rockies, for example.

How To Choose Your Shoes

Try to keep below two pounds per pair, unless you have size 13 feet. If the weights are not shown in a catalog, you’ll have to guess which hiking shoes are lighter based on the description and photo. Quality shoes have soles stitched to the uppers, so look under the insoles (a removable insole is another sign of quality shoes). You can usually find a good pair of running shoes that weighs less than 28 ounces for under $80, or half of that on closeouts.

There’s nothing quite as liberating as ditching the heavy pack and heavy boots and hitiing the trail in running shoes. You get to go more miles, and in comfort. You get to run up a hill just to see what’s there. I have yet to meet a person who has tried backpacking in hiking shoes or running shoes - and then returned to boots.

About the Author

Steve Gillman is a long-time backpacker, and advocate of ultralight backpacking. His advice and stories can be found at http://www.TheBackpackingSite.com