Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, NV. November 14, 2010
—I don’t know why seeing the USAF Thunderbirds airshow is so emotional for me. Precision flying is great, of course, and the F16 is an amazing aircraft. Against the clear blue desert sky, the speed, the sound and the complex aerobatics are certainly entertaining. But most impressive is the ability of our country and our culture to create and contain such powerful technology. In my mind, the Thunderbirds represent achievements that go far beyond military aviation.
—The same culture that produces these weapons has also eliminated Smallpox, vanquished Polio, controlled Tuberculosis and cured dozens of other diseases. In the next few years it will probably conquer Cancer. Even more important for the human condition, it introduced a level of personal freedom unknown anywhere in the history of the world.
—And yes, we are still a “work in progress.” There is conflict. Partisan confusion. But take a look at history. Consider our advances, not only in science and technology, but in social progress (civil rights), in politics (democracy), in law (property rights) and in universal education. (Which of the countries that beat us in math and science try to educate more than a privileged few?)
—Perhaps we are no longer the richest country in the world. We have sent much of our wealth to those who are rich in oil. Yet when a tragedy occurs, an earthquake, a tsunami, a mining disaster, or a plague, who “steps up to the plate?” Who responds? Something about our make-up, our value system, prompts our immediate unmatched humanitarian response. We are ready to help friend or foe, anywhere in the world.
—We have to wonder why we do this. Why us? Why here? What made our culture evolve and spread its wings while others remain stuck in long past centuries? Why did we go forward when some primitive cultures (that still exist) haven’t even invented the wheel. What is the primary source of the value system that inspired our cultural evolution? Our progress?
—I don’t ask these questions without having a good answer. . I have an answer that works for me. But each of us has to reach a personal conclusion or alternatively, bury our heads in the sand.

Where are all the missing children? Read THE MILK MARKET a thriller about missing children.
Read reviews at http://www.themilkmarket.com
FREE download of the first 100 pages
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/4007

RIDING IT OUT….RUNNING IT OUT!
—I’m in a low right now. Small injury, travel, temporarily unsettled life and a surprise birthday party. But my first run at age 70 was not too bad. And that at an extra 2000 feet of altitude. That makes a difference. A little lung challenge there after a summer of running in Minnesota.
—Life in general has highs and lows. It is not always going to be perfect. Neither is my running going to always be perfect. Long ago I was told that life comes in waves, up then down then up. You know the routine. Ride it out!
—But I am home now and I know from over 40 years of experience that I will get back to my routine without delay. I don’t have to be so concerned if I miss a few days. Because I know I’ll be back.

Where are all the missing children? Read THE MILK MARKET a thriller about missing children.
Read reviews at http://www.themilkmarket.com
FREE download of the first 100 pages
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/4007

My final run…..as a 69 year old. My next run will be after my 70th birthday. I am not complaining. At least I’ve made it this far. Thank God! And I still love the freedom of the road.

I have slowed down over the years. Conventional wisdom says that we lose about 2% each year starting at age 30. I guess that’s supposed to be 2% of everything but it refers primarily to physical ability. I’ve never been a big fan of Conventional wisdom or I would never have started running before it became the popular fashion in the early seventies.

There are enough exceptions to create some doubt about that 2% annual drop in performance. For example, people who are running marathons in their 80’s and athletes playing pro sports past their (supposed) prime. In a previous post I showcased Jackrabbit Johansen, a Canadian who was breaking wilderness cross country ski trails in his 90’s and beyond. The post was called “Age Is No Excuse.” (See Posts Below)

Here’s what I believe: We certainly lose some physical ability but 2% annually is an “average.” Everyone has an opportunity to improve upon the “average” by maintaining a consistent fitness level. Just as important, you cannot afford to let questionable conventional wisdom get into your head and give you an excuse for slacking off. Instead, smile and Endure.

READ A THRILLER: “The Milk Market” See reviews at
http://www.themilkmarket.com
FREE download of the first 100 pages at:
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/4007

On the road, runners are often alone, isolated and defenseless. How do we protect ourselves? What if there is an accident or sudden illness? Are women safe, running by themselves?

Personal running security is an issue each of us should carefully consider. Too many bad things can happen in traffic. You’ve seen the drivers with the cell phone stuck in their ears. No one knows what they are going to do next! And any runner, regardless of age, can get sick or injured out on the road.

Don’t leave home without identification. You can buy ID tags or bracelets or you can make a simple tag yourself. I spent $5 on a metal tag and necklace. If necessary it could have included important medical information, but for now it has only my name and phone number. So at least the authorities will be able to identify my body.

Women who run, in particular, have security concerns. Most of the women in my immediate family are runners. I want them to be cautious. Their routes should never go through isolated areas. It’s not always possible, but they know there is more safety in running with a partner. Should they carry a cell phone or at least a whistle to attract attention if needed? I believe they should avoid establishing a routine that would make them an easy target.

All runners have to stay alert. I believe that can be compromised by earbuds and loud music. Although tunes are a great distraction, don’t let them put you in danger. After all, you are running for health and pleasure. It doesn’t make sense to put yourself in peril while you are on the road.

In the Post Office, on television, on bulletin boards, even on milk cartons
pictures of missing children.
Where are they? Read THE MILK MARKET a thriller about missing children.
See reviews at http://www.themilkmarket.com
FREE download of the first 100 pages at:
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/4007

I was recently involved in a Facebook controversy over the difference between running and jogging. Oddly, one non-runner opined that anything over 7 minute miles was jogging. That was rather insulting to runners. I suggested he go jog a few 8 minute miles to see whether he thought it was running or jogging. Apparently, he did not give it a try.

My answer to the question, running or jogging, is strictly technical. At some point In running both feet are off the ground. With that definition, a runner taking short strides (a child, for instance) may be running 12 minute miles.

What I suggest is that pace is determined by leg speed and stride length. I imagine there are speed walkers who can do 7 minute miles. And there are some runners who can’t do 11 minute miles. But many good sprinters would not even try to “jog” 13 or 26 miles.

I’ve said before that on any long run I do some jogging, some slogging and some running. My guess is that other runners do the same. At least we are out there doing it! We don’t need someone, who is sitting on the porch, trying to tell us what to call it.

Readers wanted! Read a thriller, THE MILK MARKET. See reviews at http://www.themilkmarket.com

It’s taken a long time for me to figure out, but I am not going to let hills bother me anymore.

Here’s why. For years I listened to advice about changing the running technique when climbing. It isn’t that I don’t go along with a little forward lean, etc. What I have found is that the “hill” problem is more psychological than physical. If you let them bother your run, they will certainly bother your run!

So if hills are a head problem, is there a head solution? I have learned to attack hills by taking them ten feet at a time. I drop my focus from 1000 feet ahead to ten to twenty feet ahead. I am only interested in the next twenty feet. It is important to remember, at the same time, that I am working out on the hill, building my strength and stamina.

Of course, I still need to pay attention to traffic and other road hazards. And on the downhill run that always follows, I can still sight-see and enjoy the scenery.

WHAT HAPPENS TO those missing kids on Milk cartons ?
Great Summer Read for thrill seekers: “THE MILK MARKET” http://www.themilkmarket.com

Impossible? It is, unless it is the runner’s first and last. that’s two. Sorry.

But even if they never run another, you have to give credit to anyone who runs a marathon.
To make the attempt, going through the long training and conditioning, is to show will power and character. It takes persistence to endure pain that could be entirely avoided by staying on the porch. The pain is optional and unnecessary. Those who finish a marathon learn one of life’s fundamental truths: The greatest rewards come from the greatest sacrifice.

“First Marathon” was written for my youngest daughter on the occasion of her first. It was previously published on http://www.runningmoms.com

FIRST MARATHON

Alone in a crowd of strangers,
Anxiously waiting for the gun,
You haven’t trained so well, I know.
I hope you’re ready for the run!
Endure! Endure!

Ahead you’ll find the reality wall
Where hope is lost and daydreams end.
When time and distance become one
Just don’t let your spirit bend!
Endure! Endure!

It’s better to stagger along today
And bear the pains and aches,
Than to wonder for a lifetime
If you have the strength it takes!
Endure! Endure!

Remember this oh lonely runner,
Life teaches us this lesson last:
Its greatest reward comes only
When you’ve done the hardest task!
Endure! Endure!

Dennis Leger

Readers wanted! Read a thriller, THE MILK MARKET. See reviews at
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I like this short video called “Runners Creed–The Road to Peace.” It’s from New Balance, but it’s not an ad. It says what I know a lot of runners feel. Well done. http://www.newbalance.com/?cmpid=07620100308

After your run, READ. I recommend a thriller: The Milk Market at
http:www.themilkmarket.com

Estimates vary, but if you do the math you have about 2.5 billion heartbeats available in your lifetime. Based on your current age, you can guess at how many of yours remain, give or take a few million.

You would be wrong if you said you didn’t want to use those heartbeats up in aerobic exercise. Fear not. Although your pulse, beats per minute, can easily double during exercise, doing the math shows that it is a good investment. Actually, the long term effect of aerobic work-outs (like running) is to slow the heart rate. You make the heart stronger and more efficient. It then has to work less often, slower pulse, to do the same amount of work.

Doing the math, a few hours a week of elevated metabolism results in hundreds of hours of easy work for the heart. Resting pulse rates for aerobically trained athletes are often in the 40s. That’s amazing leverage in the use of your lifetime of heartbeats!

It’s easy to do the numbers with the heart. But your muscles, lungs, circulation and the rest of your system enjoy similar benefits, except there is no way to quantify them. Runners know those benefits. Their life clock beats slowly and they feel better.

Wanted—readers! Visit http://www.themilkmarket.com

Whether you run five miles a week or train for a marathon, you face the same issue. You are asking your body to do something it would rather not. At any level of training, as you run your body is learning stamina. Your muscles are learning to store more glycogen. There will be a direct relationship between the number of miles you run and your muscles ability to go the distance.

To me, stamina and endurance are not the same. It depends on the level of your training, of course, but at some point, at some distance, you will run out of fuel. As the glycogen levels decline, you will ask your body to keep going. Yes, you will use all of your stamina and you will need something more to finish the race or just to keep a training promise. When your body runs out of gas you can ask it to keep going, to use the last gallon.

When your legs and lungs are ready to quit, you need endurance, the ability to endure pain. Fortunately, as you train your body to go the distance, you are also conditioning your mind. You learn that going on won’t kill you. You are learning to endure.

Stamina=physical Endurance=mental