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Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Former elite marathoner and triathlete behind book touting brisk walking instead
Recreational athletes who lived through the 1970s will recall that two concurrent 'booms' — the tennis boom and the running boom — dominated the decade and reverberate to this day. An athlete and sports fan from my earliest days, I zealously pursued both pastimes (as well as several team sports) for decades. Tennis tournaments, round robins and instructional group clinics for the former; hour-plus-long daily training sessions and countless road races of varying distances —including one marathon — for the latter. Despite managing a case of chronic adhesive capsulitis, aka "frozen shoulder," I'm still able to play tennis regularly. (Turns out my dearly departed dad, who was also a good recreational player, was right when he told me tennis was 'a sport you can play for a lifetime.') But by the time I reached my mid-to-late 40s, my body rebelled against the cumulative effects of the daily pounding, so I gradually transitioned away from distance running to less joint-rattling cardio exercises like brisk walking, pool workouts, and isometric and functional strength-training, among others. On my own micro level, I've lived through the macro premise of a new book — 'Born to Walk: The Broken Promises of the Running Boom, and How to Slow Down and Get Healthy—One Step at a Time' — by former elite endurance athletes Mark Sisson, 71, with Brad Kearns, 60. Both were former professional triathletes; Sisson was a 2:18 marathoner who appeared on the cover of Runner's World in the 1980s, came in fifth place in the 1980 U.S. Olympics Marathon Trials — just barely missing making the team. (Only the top three finishers make the team — but the U.S. wound up boycotting 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow in protest of the USSR's invasion of Afghanistan.) Nowadays, though, both Sisson and Kearns extol the myriad health benefits of walking over running. Sisson — a New York Times best-selling author, fitness entrepreneur and podcaster, and founder of the Paleo diet nutrition program Primal Kitchen — says that the primary thesis of his book is that 'walking is the quintessential human movement pattern and that we all should do more of it, regardless of how fit we are. It is hardwired into our genes that we should walk extensively every day. In other words, we are born to walk.' And despite his world-class success as a marathoner and triathlete, he blames 'the flawed and often highly destructive born-to-run notion on an avalanche of hype, deception, misinformation, and fabrication that have fueled half a century of what we have come to call the running boom.' Interestingly, Sisson, who lives in Miami Beach and has been married for 35 years to his wife, Carrie, says that despite not having run a full nonstop mile in more than 30 years, 'I still consider myself a runner.' That's because he incorporates brief sprints into his walks and hikes. The 5-foot, 10-inch, 170-pound Sisson believes the reasons why he has 20 pounds more lean muscle with the same body fat (10%) as he did in his competitive racing days include following an 'an enjoyable, stress-balanced, longevity-promoting regimen of walking extensively every day, sprinting once in a while, lifting weights consistently, and playing in a variety of ways.' His social media feeds are filled with pics of him paddle boarding, and he rarely strays from his Paleo diet. Sisson notes that his goal with "Born to Walk" is to spare readers 'some of the repeated suffering and setbacks that too many endurance enthusiasts accept as part of the game.' What's more, he and Kearns present research-based data to expose 'the worst-kept secrets' of the fitness and running industries, which include, among others: Running is not an effective way to shed excess body fat. Runners get injured at a higher rate than they should. The construction of running shoes is often the driving cause of injury. Hormonal burnout, metabolic changes, mental health struggles, and cardiovascular disease are commonplace among accomplished runners and endurance athletes. Sisson asserts that the type-A personalities who are often drawn to extreme fitness programs can be undone by their own good intentions. 'An extreme devotion to endurance training can increase cardiovascular disease risk, compromise gut health, and suppress immune and hormonal function,' he says. Sisson has found 'that walking can be a great catalyst for fat reduction by improving metabolic flexibility, as well as regulating appetite and satiety hormones, and by prompting an 'under-the-radar' increase in metabolic rate.' Part 1 of "Born to Walk" takes readers through the history of the running boom and explains why so many people came to believe that if they just pounded out the miles like the elite runners did, they'd also attain those lean sinewy physiques. But what many distance runners never realized, says Sisson, is that by physiologically stressing their bodies more than was healthy or advisable, they released too much of stress hormone cortisol into their systems. As he explains, 'healthy cortisol production is what gets us alert and energized in the morning and able to execute all manner of physical and mental peak-performance tasks,' while 'chronic overproduction of cortisol is the problem' — one that causes the body to retain fat, become more susceptible to illness and suffer from internal inflammation. 'Antiaging fitness strategies should be focused on preserving hormone status, bone density, lean muscle mass, explosive power, balance, and mobility,' says Sisson. 'Of course, they should also support cardiovascular fitness, which most runners do fine with — unless they overstress the heart muscle and compromise overall cardiovascular health in the process.' In Part 2 of "Born to Walk," readers are taught how to exercise at their optimum VO2 max (which is the maximum amount of oxygen your body can absorb and use during exercise) to both burn fat and build a healthy aerobic base. They're also introduced to a comprehensive functional fitness program and approach to nutrition that are designed to improve their quality of life and help extend their longevity. Looking back, I now recognize that I, like so many of my generation, gravitated toward recreational distance running and endurance sports because they were promoted as the most effective ways to burn calories and fat, and to stay in peak shape for other sports. After all, professional boxers were venerated for their dedication to their craft when they did untold hours of early morning "road work" to get in fighting trim. And naturally, we would-be distance runners used the training programs of the world's elite runners as the template for what we should be doing. We mistakenly thought that if they were doing 100-plus miles per week and two-a-day workouts, we should be doing them too. The thinking back then was "if some is good ― then more is better." But learning about one's fitness goals, limitations and preferences is an ever-evolving journey ― one that I'm still on. What worked at age 20 didn't work at age 40 and what worked at age 30 didn't work at age 50 or 60. These days, however, I'm far more willing to adapt my regimen as circumstances warrant. I also recognize that all movement counts as "exercise" ― and that if it hurts, or isn't any fun to do, there's no need to "tough it out." And with all forms of fitness training quality is far more important than quantity. Sisson said he hopes that with "Born to Run" he and Kearns have 'helped reshape fitness culture to reject the flawed and dated 'no pain, no gain' approach of the past" while simultaneously putting folks on a path to 'an accessible sustainable program that increases movement and aerobic conditioning, avoids injury and burnout, and promotes a healthy, happy, energetic and long life — one step at a time.' This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Book debunks myths of running boom, promotes brisk walks instead
Daily Record
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
The Edinburgh Marathon takes place this weekend but how long does it take to train?
Thousands will take to the Scottish capital's streets this weekend to run the famous race. The Edinburgh Marathon Festival (EMF) is to take place this weekend, with a variety of races, including a 5k, 10k, half marathon, and, of course, the full 26.2-mile run. Both running pros and complete newbies will be taking on the challenge after putting in months of training. EMF are expecting approximately 35,000 to 40,000 runners in the 2025 event, spread across all of the races. The full and half marathon races will take place from 8am on the morning of Sunday, May 25. Edinburgh's Marathon route is famously flat, and was voted the fastest marathon in the UK by Runner's World. Starting in Potterrow by Edinburgh University and finishing all the way in Musselburgh, the country's fittest runners will take on the huge distance for charity or for personal achievement. Participants will take on a scenic and expectedly historical route (we are talking about Edinburgh, after all) which features some of the city's most iconic landmarks as well as offering picturesque views along the East Lothian coastline. But as we near the big race day, questions are being raised on just how long athletes and newbies alike have been training for the event. So, how long does it take to train for a marathon? Here's everything you need to know about how long it takes for a novice and for seasoned long-distance runners. How long does it take for a new runner to finish a marathon? If you're a complete newbie to long-distance running, it's recommended that you first master the simpler distances of 5k, 10k, and then a half marathon, before you even think about attempting the 26 gruelling miles of a full marathon. Those looking to do their first marathon typically train for around six months, following a training plan. BBC Bitesize explains that the first four to eight weeks of a marathon training plan should be spent running short distances regularly to get your body used to the routine. After that, it's easy to find a training plan to suit you online, or EMF offers a beginner, intermediate, or advanced level plan for £20. Training plans from this stage typically last 17 weeks, mixing easy runs, break days, stretches, hill runs and fartlek runs (which is where you split your pace between slow and fast speeds). But although marathon training should be a challenge to a beginner, it should not feel completely overwhelming, and it's vital to know when you're pushing yourself too far and to listen to your doctor if you suffer any injuries during your training. Concerning finishing time, a realistic goal for a first-time marathon runner is under four hours and 30 minutes. How long does it take a seasoned long-distance runner to train for a marathon? A professional or more experienced runner typically requires 12 to 16 weeks of training for a marathon, which is around three or four months. This timeframe assumes they already have a good base of fitness and experience to take on the necessary training. Experienced runners may even complete marathon training in as little as 12 weeks, but everyone is different, and others may need longer. According to ASICS, a good finishing time for pro runners is under two hours and 10 minutes for men and under two hours and 25 minutes for women. But whether you've done 100 marathons or zero, it's vital to complete adequate training before the big day to prevent injury or strain. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Edinburgh Live
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Helen Skelton's 'baptism of fire' as she addresses 'heartbreak' and 'overwhelming' ordeal
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Helen Skelton has candidly shared her experiences of learning to "deal with heartbreak" and grow from life's challenges. Speaking on The Runna Podcast, Helen, who is an enthusiastic long-distance runner and completed her fourth London Marathon this year, delved into what drove her to take part in an extreme 78-mile ultramarathon in Namibia. The Countryfile presenter, who achieved the honour of being the second woman ever to finish the demanding race in Africa, was questioned about whether she was aware of this at the time and if she was "doing it for the girls." The 41-year-old disclosed that her participation was influenced by a significant move to London, where she transitioned from her job in newspapers and radio to television. It would be a significant change for someone raised in a quaint rural community in the Lake District. (Image: BBC) Helen expressed: "So, again, big baptism of fire, like the hair, the makeup, the TV studios; it was all a lot. I was at that chapter of life where you're learning about heartbreak and to deal with like losing family members, learning to pay council tax, learning to, you know, pay for your speeding fines, learning to deal with heartbreak. "All of that stuff that you have to do when you become a grown-up was quite overwhelming, and I think that's why I did it because I was like, 'I need to be broken so that I know I can cope with real life'. And that probably sounds mental." Yet, Helen is no stranger to heart-stopping feats, having kayaked down the Amazon and traversed a 66m-high tightrope. Yet, her journey with running began on a much more modest scale. While chatting with Runner's World, she revealed that her initial foray into running was at the Great North Run, but it wasn't until she relocated to London and became a presenter on Blue Peter that she took running more seriously. As for her ultra-marathon prep, she confessed that she underestimated the challenge, saying she "didn't know how hard" it would be and couldn't run for 10 minutes at the start. (Image: BBC) While reflecting on the gruelling event, she described: "It was so hot and each time I put my feet on the ground, it felt like I was stepping on razor blades. It was also very intimidating." She admitted feeling out of her depth as other runners discussed split times, something she "didn't even understand". While many were there to compete, Helen said she "just wanted to try to finish". In the midst of her training, Helen shared that her parents questioned whether it was a "good idea", yet in under four months, she completed the ultramarathon, clocking nearly 80 miles in under a day. You can next catch Helen in Forever Home today (Thursday, May 15) from 7pm to 8pm on BBC Two.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Why this woman finished the London Marathon in a wedding dress
Costumes aren't uncommon in marathons and other road races but rarely does a runner cross the finish line in a wedding gown. Laura Coleman-Day pulled her wedding dress over her running clothes for the last three miles of the London Marathon to honor her late husband, who died of blood cancer. She took part in the 26.2-mile Sunday as part of a challenge to run 13 marathons in 12 months to raise money for Anthony Nolan, a charity dedicated to blood cancer research, according to the BBC. She said completing the April 27 marathon, which fell on what would have been her sixth wedding anniversary, was 'absolutely amazing.' Coleman-Day ran with her friend Kate Walford, who is also running multiple marathons for her best friend who she lost to the disease. She said running in the dress was 'hot' but she managed to finish. 'The crowds, the atmosphere and running with one of the most inspiring people I've ever met,' she said. Her husband, Xander, died last year from post-transplant complications after developing acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a rare type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, per the BBC. Coleman-Day talked about her husband and why she is running in an Instagram video two weeks before the race. 'The only thought that's going to be going through my mind is him,' she said. Sunday's race was her 13th in the past year to raise money for Anthony Nolan. 'They were doing a lot of research into post-transplant and I didn't want anybody else to go through what me and my son have gone through,' Coleman-Day told the BBC. Walford ran in memory of her friend Mark, who died in 2018 after getting leukemia for the second time. 'Watching Laura step into her wedding dress at mile 23 was such an emotional moment, reminding me what she has been through,' she told the BBC. 'We crossed the line together and did Xander and Mark proud.' While Coleman-Day had a poignant reason to don a wedding dress in a marathon, runners wear costumes for a variety of reasons, including fundraising, bringing awareness to a cause — as she did — and just for fun or to express themselves. Some runners dress up as a way to connect with spectators and encourage other runners on the course. Races run at Halloween encourage costumes. Online retailers offer running garb of all kinds from an inflatable chicken to a Forrest Gump getup. Among the 30,000 runners at the iconic Boston Marathon last week, there was a Princess Leia, a Chiquita banana, a leprechaun, a Larry Bird and a 'Where's Waldo.' And it's not just marathons. Runners dress up for 10K races and half-marathons, too. A 2010 article in Runner's World floated several theories about the costume phenomenon. Write and runner Mark Remy offered these possibilities: No one has costume parties anymore. Today, it's much harder to get your costume fix. Hence costumes in marathons, the largest of which have sort of become parties anyway. Increasingly crowded marathons = increasing lack of individuality. Standing around at the start of a big race can fill you with existential despair; it's hard not to feel like just another face in the crowd. Unless you're wearing pigtails, a blue-checked dress and ruby slippers! Marathoners are getting slower. Today, fewer runners care about finishing times. For them, the marathon is less a foot race and more a 26.2-mile Mardi Gras. Why not dress up? Costumes aren't more common — digital cameras and Social media are. Everyone and his mother also has a Facebook page, Twitter feed and accounts on Flickr, Tumblr and Digg, not to mention blogs (ahem), and is dying to use those to share all the wacky, clever things they've noticed.
Metro
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
London Marathon 2025: how much prize money winners receive revealed
The London Marathon takes place on the streets of the capital today (Picture: Getty) A record number of people are taking part in the TCS London Marathon on Sunday, including celebrities, MPs and a duo dressed as a slinky dog. More than 56,000 people are expected to run the 26.2 mile course through the capital on what is forecast to be a warm, dry day with temperatures of up to 22C. London could set a new record for the world's biggest marathon which is currently held by the TCS New York Marathon in November when there were 55,646 finishers. This year, around 55.3% of registered participants of the UK race are male, with some 44.5% female and 0.15% non-binary. What is the London Marathon prize money? Alexander Mutiso won the elite men's race last year (Picture: Getty) Aside from the gratification that comes with competing in one of the world's most iconic sporting events, there is a significant amount of money on offer to the elite athletes competing. Twelve months ago, the event created history by becoming the first marathon in the world to ensure equal distribution of prize money between able-bodied athletes and wheelchair racers. The elite men's and women's able-bodied races and men's and women's wheelchair races had a prize pot of £243,000 with the winners receiving £44,000 each. There has been no change to the prize pot for 2025, with £44,000 again going to each winner, the runners-up earning 23,100 and third-place £17,400. There are also £115,900 bonuses on offer for running sub-2:02 for the men and sub-2:15 for the women, £96,500)for setting a new world record, and £19,300 up for grabs in the elite men's and women's races for a new course record. Who is competing in the London Marathon? McFly drummer Harry Judd is competing in the London Marathon again (Picture: Getty) The youngest participant will be Lucy Jones, who turns 18 on marathon day, while the oldest runners are Mohan Kudchadker, 84, and Mary Jo Brinkman, 83 – both of whom are travelling over from the US for the event. Six men, known as the ever presents, have ran every London marathon since the race began in 1981 – a total of 44 races. The runners, Chris Finill, Malcolm Speake, Michael Peace, Jeffrey Aston, Bill O'Connor and David Walker, will all be participating on Sunday for the 45th time. Other participants include David Stancombe and Sergio Aguiar, whose daughters Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, were murdered in the Southport attack last summer. They are raising money for projects in memory of their daughters and Bebe King, six, who was also killed at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in July. Romesh Ranganathan used to hate running (Picture: Julian Benjamin/Runner's World) Celebrity participants include Emmerdale star Tony Audenshaw who last ran the London Marathon in 2015 but has returned to fundraise for Pancreatic Cancer UK, the event's charity of the year, after the death of his wife Ruth in April 2017, aged 43. Rivals actress Lisa McGrillis, who plays boutique owner Valerie Jones, is running for the British Heart Foundation with her best friend Mary Cann following the death of Mary's husband Nigel from a heart attack last year. McGrillis, who suffered several injuries during training, said: 'I'm just hoping that on the day I'll just push through and then never run again.' Comedian and TV presenter Romesh Ranganathan, McFly drummer Harry Judd and singer Alexandra Burke are also set to take part. Will any world records be broken? Some 103 runners are attempting to break 87 Guinness World Records (GWR) at this year's event, including a duo dressed as a slinky dog and a firefighter wearing full kit. Many participants hope their quirky attempts to break records will help boost their fundraising efforts for their chosen charities. Other record attempts include the fastest marathon dressed as a crustacean (male), fastest marathon dressed as a vegetable (female) and most pairs of underwear worn during a marathon (female). Sixteen MPs are also among those gearing up for the race, including Labour's Josh Fenton-Glyn, Conservative Harriet Cross and Lib Dem Tom Gordon. Arrow MORE: The wild way house prices vary mile by mile along the London Marathon route Arrow MORE: Map shows the 'London Marathon of Pubs' to complete this weekend instead of running
