Doc’s Talk

Dr. Scaff began a series on nutrition. His first topic is cholesterol and the many misconceptions that surround it. He invited us to challenge him with findings which refute his own.

He emphasized that cholesterol is not the enemy. It is an essential building block of our life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It is the ratio between our HDL and LDL numbers which we need to be concerned with.

Dr. Scaff quoted Mary G. Enig, a nutritionist and biochemist whose book is, Know Your Fats: The Complete Primer for Understanding the Nutrition of Fats, Oils and Cholesterol. Finally, he reminded us of the importance of Vitamin D, which we need to ingest since we’re wearing sunscreen which prevents us from absorbing it on our own. Continue reading →

Doc’s Talk

This morning Dr. Richard Ando spoke on Food Allergies, Exercise Induced Anaphylaxis (EIA), and Exercise Induced Diarrhea (EID) aka Runners’ Trots. The percentage of adults with the first two conditions is small compared to the last, but the results can be very severe.

Food Allergies: An estimated 6% of infants and children and 3.7% of adults are allergic to a food or a food additive. Common allergies in children include cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat and soy. Adults are allergic to these as well as tree nuts, fish and shellfish. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, low blood pressure and hives/rashes. Severe reactions can be life-threatening. Continue reading →

Doc’s Talk

This morning Dr. RIchard Ando spoke on running with asthma: an inflammation or irritation of the airways in the lungs which can be triggered by allergies or exercise. Over 1 in 4 Americans or 60 million people have allergies or asthma. While there is no cure for asthma, it can be managed with proper prevention and treatment. Not only can running with asthma be done, but a wide array of sports figures and elite runners such as Olympic track medalists Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Jim Ryun prove that it can be done very well.

Wheezing during or right after exercising, should trigger a visit to your doctor.

Drinking warm water during your runs and breathing through your nose may help.

Table Duty

Much mahalo to Red Group leader Jeff Beard for handling the table this week; your delicious banana bread, fruits, cookies and ice cold drinks were just what we needed after a long, hot run. Jeff, like White Group member, Bill drives in every Sunday from Waianae to attend the clinics! Continue reading →

Doc’s Talk

Before our bus run Dr. Scaff addressed back pain and how runners can avoid it through exercises which increase stomach and core strength. He described three exercises in particular and emphasized a modified sit-up to give us the profiles of elite runners.

Bus Run

Approximately 160 runners participated in our second Bus Run today. The weather started off to our liking – cool and windy. But, as the morning progressed, “Mr. Sun” started to “exert its authority” and made our return to home base much more difficult. We were grateful for the refreshments at the gas station stops as well as Staff Leader Nelson Shigano’s “oasis” at the second beach park. Nelson, your thoughtfulness is truly appreciated by everyone!

Many of the runners started off at Maunalua Bay while others, mainly the Intermediates and Advanced, began their trek from the traffic lights past Sandy Beach. Thanks to our members who generously donated more than the usual fare – your donations are truly appreciated. Congratulations on a very successful Bus Run. Our third and final Bus Run is tentatively scheduled for September 16^th. Continue reading →

Doc’s Talk

This morning Dr. Scaff continued with highlights of the history of the marathon as we know it today, and why we have to run the extra 365 yards after finishing what was originally to be only a total of 26 miles.

Peter celebrated a “significant” birthday today. He shared the exciting news that Dr. Scaff has been nominated as one of Hawaii’s Living Treasures for his contributions to our health and his research which he shares with us each Sunday at the Marathon Clinic. Members were invited to sign a petition to bring the nomination to fruition. It may be circulated via e-mail as well for those members not always present at the clinic (more info in “Da Comment Corner” below).

Table Duty

Thank you to Steve Zane and his wife for filling in at table duty today. The cold Gatorade and water were much appreciated after our run in the hot late morning sun. And, the fruits and pastries were delicious! Much mahalo!

Second Bus Run

This coming Sunday – August 8, 2010 is our second scheduled Bus Run. Many will be dropped off at the traffic lights past Sandy Beach and run through Hawaii Kai, then back to the park – approximately 13 miles. Others will be unloading at Maunalua Bay in Hawaii Kai – 9 to 11 miles (including the “loop”).

Please be sure to hydrate properly before our run or carry a drink bottle as the initial water stops are further apart than usual and the water fountain at the Hawaii Kai Drive gas station is not working. A suggestion would be to run along Lunalilo Home Road. and stop at the Val Nalasco water fountain located at the gas station at the Koko Marina Shopping Center (a Dr. Rob idea from last year). And, bring a few extra dollars for some energy drinks at the gas stations if needed.

Doc starts his talk at 7:15 promptly and we board the buses at 7:30 sharp! The fare is $2.

We currently have about 175 runners signed up so would appreciate everyone being on time. Continue reading →