Geoffrey Mutai, Aerobic Research and the World Series

"Can anything be sadder than work unfinished? Yes, work never begun." – Christina Rossetti

 

Dr. Martin Hoffman

 Last Thursday ,on our TV show, Tony and I interviewed Dr. Martin Hoffman from the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation http://youtu.be/8jtitz7XcL4 . This ultra runner-physician has been conducting research since attending medical school at St. Louis University. A few of his findings are as follows: 
1. Aerobic exercise can cause an acute improvement in mood, as well as a reduction in the perception of pain from a painful stimulus. Regular exercise training also may offer some protection from depression, clinically useful in treating certain psychiatric and chronic pain conditions, and may allow for an enhancement of the acute improvements in mood in a single exercise session.

2. Faster runners in a 100 mile/161 km running race experience a modest temporary reduction pressure pain perception that does not appear to be augmented by ongoing pain related to the exercise.

3. A single session of moderate aerobic exercise improves vigor and decreases fatigue among regular exercisers, but causes no change in these scores for non-exercisers. Although total mood disturbance improves post exercise in exercisers and non-exercisers, regular exercisers have approximately twice the effect as non-exercisers. This limited post exercise mood improvement among non-exercisers may be an important deterrent for persistence with an exercise program.

Just ask Geoffrey Mutai for his opinion. If you’re depressed, consider aerobic exercise before seeking psychotropic medication. The side effects from aerobic exercise will not kill you. In fact, aerobic exercise is good for you. However, it may take a while, to change your mood from this activity. And we know that psychotropic medication may also take awhile to work. The cost of a pair running shoes , is about $100, which is less expensive than meds and/or Dr. visit. No one ever said the dealing with depression is easy and it is not. But in my opinion, aerobic exercise of some sort is a good beginning option. If you have pain, consider aerobic exercise. Once again, research is suggesting that aerobic exercise or running may altar pain perception. We know that aerobics is associated with neurotransmitters and endorphins. And that, endorphins is one powerful analgesic. Good luck and get started.

 According to the October 31, 2013 edition of the Wall Street Journal, kids, age 6 to 17 represented about 4.3% of the average audience for the World Series. The average for watching the World Series this year was 54.4 years of age. Compared to previous statistics, less kids and more older folks are viewing what was once called Americans Pastime. Interestingly enough, more kids are watching the NBA conference finals, NHL conference finals and Premier league soccer than prior. What are your conclusions?

 Tony and I ran a 35K , sponsored by Inside Trail Running at Folsom Lake on Saturday. The trail was simply beautiful and a new experience for me. In our race distance, Tony was the second oldest and came in first place. After we received our first place medals, we visited Snooks, in downtown Folsom, for ice cream rewards. Tony thinks we should write a book ,film ,and interview employees and customers about favorite ice cream finds during our races. Stay tuned.

 On Sunday, I woke up sore from the lactic acid. Going 5 miles on the elliptical , after long trail runs ,changed all that. I have found that going on the elliptical works wonders for my soreness. I get aerobic exercise with much less wear, tear , and pounding on my body. I hope your trick-or-treat last week was good. And remember to keep moving, laughing, smiling, deep breathing, bonding, and loving while you can.