Personalized Training Program Runners's World has an excellent, sane, FREE program that will generate a personalized training program to help you prepare for your race. SmartCoach Mental health I am not a therapist but I have been astonished at the research that has come out indicating impressive mental health benefits of running. I am sure other forms of exercise offer similar benefits and that running was simply convenient to study. Exercise might not replace therapy and drug treatments but it certainly makes a very positive adjunct treatment. There are a lot of people who are suffering - perhaps if more of us exercised we could make our families, communities, and country better.   The Influence of Exercise on Mental Health by Daniel M. Landers at Arizona State University (summary to be found at this link) Excerpt: Mental Health Benefits of Physical Activity Reduced anxiety Best results with “aerobic exercise” Best after weeks of regular exercise Best benefits to those who are low fit to begin with Best benefits for those high in anxiety to begin with Reduced depression Best after weeks of regular exercise Best when done several times a week Best with more vigorous exercise Best for those who are more depressed (needs more research) Benefits (anxiety and depression) similar to those for other treatments Activity associated with positive self-esteem Activity associated with restful sleep Activity associated with ability to respond to stress Up and Running. How exercise can help beat depression. Information for patients. PDF (94 KB) Exercise and Depression. Exercise referral and the treatment of mild or moderate depression. Information for GPs and healthcare practitioners. PDF (99 KB) Stores I encourage you to support the stores that support our local running community and sponsor our races. RNJ Sports is located in Rockville, provides shoe analysis at the Stride Clinic, sponsors club races, and offers terrific prices.

ChiRunning® and ChiWalking® Instruction in Maryland and Washington DC

Massage therapist Terrel Hale www.terrelhale.com Terrel assists Olympic runners in relaxing and preventing injury. He also volunteers for the Stride Clinic. Physical Therapist Rachel Miller http://www.proactionpt .com/aboutourpt.htm Outstanding physical therapist, I've heard only good reports of her. She also volunteers for the Stride Clinic. Food Nancy Hartwell http://www.mykitchenc atering.biz/ I used to work with Nancy. I'm so glad she opened this business so I can eat her delicious and healthy food.

Select articles Choosing running shoes, by Katherine Dreyer Speed without injury, by Katherine and Danny Dreyer Relax Your Body, Improve Your Performance, by Danny and Katherine Dreyer How We're Wrecking Our Feet With Every Step We Take -New Yorker Magazine article on why shoes are bad for you by Adam Sternbergh