Doc’s Talk by Andrew Laurence

Dr. Scaff spoke about your readiness for the Honolulu Marathon.

We’re now only 8 weeks from the marathon. Your training is done! If you were running the marathon today you would probably do just about as well as you will in December.

Everything you do now should be geared toward marathon day (Sunday, December 11).

The time to make your final decisions for marathon day is now. Dr. Scaff shared advice on shoes, clothing, weight loss/gain, running distances (not more than 16 miles), injuries, training, and precautions we should be taking in preparation for the Honolulu Marathon

You can now read full, unabridged summaries of The Honolulu Marathon Clinic’s weekly Doc’s Talk’s by looking under the “Categories” listing and clicking on “Doc’s Talk”.

Table Duty

Thanks to Mark A and his wife for taking care of table duty today. The pastries and fruits along with the Gatorade and water were great! Thank you for your efforts! Continue reading →

Doc’s Talk by Andrew Laurence

Dr. Richard Ando, Allergist, presented “Barefoot Running: So Easy a Caveman Can Do It”.

Today, the injury rate among those who participate in endurance exercise is 30%. Before the 1970s, people ran either barefoot or with minimal footwear (e.g. sandals, moccasins). Contrary to popular belief, the bare foot appears to be well suited to running long distances without heavily cushioned running shoes like those manufactured since the 1970s.

In the book, “Born To Run”, author Christopher McDougall found that there is no evidence whatsoever that running shoes help prevent injury.

Research has shown we are capable of running safely when barefoot or in minimal footwear by landing on the ball of the foot (forefoot strike) or with a flat-foot (midfoot) strike. However, today’s running shoes seem to have forced us into running with a heel strike.

Heel strike shoes generate two impacts to the body: 1) When the heel strikes the ground (resulting in transient impact), and 2) When the forefoot hits the ground. This may be why people running in shoes have more injuries.

Running in “barefoot shoes” (e.g. Vibram FiveFinger shoes) forces you to run with a different style: Only one impact occurs at either the forefoot or midfoot foot strike. This style of running may be safer and lead to fewer injuries, as well as being biomechanically more sound from an energy and force distribution standpoint.

Like every sport, healthy running is all about technique. Ultimately, the debate isn’t about Bare Soles vs. Shoes, it’s about learning to run gently. Master that and you can wear – or not wear – anything you please.

You can practice “barefoot running” today, regardless of what kind of shoes you have. Simply run with a forefoot to mid-foot strike. It’s so easy cavemen did it!

You can now read full, unabridged summaries of The Honolulu Marathon Clinic’s weekly Doc’s Talk’s by looking under the “Categories” listing and clicking on “Doc’s Talk”.

Table Duty

Welcome to Carol and Dean’s Farmer’s Market stand! Aside from the ice cold drinks, we had an array of fruits, pastries, cookies, sandwiches, and even made- to- order smoothies! What a treat!!! Mahalo! Continue reading →

Doc’s Talk by Andrew Laurence

Neither Dr. Scaff nor Dr. Ando were at the clinic today; here are Peter’s announcements about the upcoming Turkey Trot!

What: A “Predict Your Own Time” 10-Mile Run
Date: Thursday, November 24, 2011
Time: Registration starts at first light, around 6:30 a.m.
Location: The Bandstand at Kapiolani Park
Route: Kapiolani Park to the Kahala Aloha Gas Station and back
Cost: $5

The Turkey Trot is open to everyone, and is a practice in the skill of predicting your time.

The run begins as soon as all are registered, so please arrive early. Each runner is given a tongue depressor on which they write their name and predicted finish time to the second. At the finish line, these are collected and predicted times are compared to actual finish times. Awards will be given to those coming closest to their own predicted finish time; also, there will be random drawings of finisher names for door prizes. No watches, headphones, or pacing devices are allowed.

Note: This year the entry fee is $5. This small increase will help us continue to make future Turkey Trot events possible. For more information, visit http://honolulumarathonclinic.org and click on “Turkey Trot” in the menu bar at the top of the page. Continue reading →

Doc’s Report by Andrew Laurence

Dr. Scaff was away on a trip.

Table Duty

Thanks to Lilia and friends for the great spread at the table!

9/11

A day of remembrance and reflection. Continue reading →

Doc’s Talk by Andrew Laurence

No talk this week due to the Bus Run.

Second Bus Run

150 runners boarded three school buses for the second Bus Run of the year. Beginners were dropped off at the second beach park while Intermediate and Advanced runners departed from the traffic lights just past Sandy Beach. Thank you all for being so prompt and organized! Also, thanks to many of you for your generous donations beyond the required $3 bus fare – much mahalos!!!

Our third and final bus run is scheduled for October 9^th. The furthest drop off point will be at Makapuu Point (very close to Sea Life Park – mileage approximately 15 miles). It gives runners a chance to run along the eastern coastline (a route not normally run) and also become more familiar with the second half of the actual marathon route. Again, water bottles are recommended as the water stops are few and far in between. A signup sheet will be posted so please sign up ASAP. Continue reading →