Doc’s Talk by Andrew Laurence

Dr. Scaff gave a few additional pointers on running shoes, and then spoke to the group on some of the dangers associated with running and the body mechanics of warming up, core temperature, dehydration, fluid loss and heat stroke, high blood pressure, salt in your diet, drinking water, and urination.

Due to the importance of this information, and the details involved, it is recommended that everyone read the full, unabridged summary of this Doc’s Talk:
1) Go to the Honolulu Marathon Clinic web site (http://honolulumarathonclinic.org/)
2) Look under the “Categories” listing.
3) Click on “Doc’s Talk”.

For more information on heat stroke and fluid replacement, Chapter 9 “Ninth Month”, of Your First Marathon – The Last Word In Long Distance Running, by Jack H. Scaff Jr., M.D., F.A.C.S.M., is recommended reading.

It is highly recommended that everyone, especially those who have high blood pressure, or those whose doctors think they have high blood pressure, or are on diuretics, read:

Chapter 22 “Hypertension – More Than You Ever Wanted To Know About High Blood Pressure,” of Your First Marathon – The Last Word In Long Distance Running.

Dr. Scaff’s book is available for purchase at the Honolulu Marathon Clinic on Sundays and online at: http://yourfirstmarathon.net/buy-online-today/

Table Duty

Thanks to staffer Lisa K. for the great food and drink at table duty for the second week in a row. Your very cute assistant (daughter) was a great helper! The oranges, pretzels and pastries along with the drinks were great! Continue reading →

Doc’s Talk by Andrew Laurence

Dr. Scaff spoke to the group on “How To Pick A Pair Of Running Feet”.

While in medical school, Dr. Scaff worked among the Igorot Headhunters who live in the Philippine’s Northern Luzon Mountains. They go through life barefoot. To us their feet may appear grotesque; but they are architecturally perfectly adapted for running.

Shoes, including running shoes, seem to be the source of all our foot and leg problems. Wearing shoes since birth our feet have been deformed and prevented from growing, whereas people in places where shoes are not worn as much have feet which are adapted to the natural environment and are better for running.

From morning to afternoon your feet get one size bigger. When you run for one hour your feet get another size bigger. After a year of running your feet get bigger again.

While the new Vibram Five-finger shoes are doing quite well, they change your foot strike and take some getting used to.

So at this time, here are Dr. Scaff’s recommendations for purchasing running shoes: The preferable time to shop for running shoes is in the afternoon, after a walk or run (your feet will be bigger).  Buy running shoes that are one size bigger than your foot measures after a walk or run.  Be sure they are loose on the sides, with one to one and a half finger widths of space between the tip of your longest toe and the toe box of the shoe.

For more information refer to Chapter 19 “How to Pick A Pair of Running Feet”, in Your First Marathon – The Last Word In Long Distance Running, by Jack H. Scaff Jr., M.D., F.A.C.S.M., available for purchase at the Honolulu Marathon Clinic on Sundays and online at: http://yourfirstmarathon.net/buy-online-today/

To read full, unabridged summaries of the Doc’s Talks:

Go to the Honolulu Marathon Clinic web site (

http://honolulumarathonclinic.org/

)

Look under the “Categories” listing.

Click on

“Doc’s Talk”

.

Table Duty

Thanks to staffer Lisa K. and Lisa L. for the great food and drink at table duty. The oranges, pretzels and pastries along with the drinks were perfect! Continue reading →

Doc’s Talk by Andrew Laurence

Dr. Scaff welcomed everyone to the 2012 training year and gave a brief overview of the Honolulu Marathon Clinic.

Since 1974 the Honolulu Marathon Clinic has been training people to do the marathon. You don’t have to know anything about running to train with us.

If you listen to what we say, you can do well in the Marathon. Along the way we may give you certain “rules” to follow so you don’t make the mistakes others have made.

You’ll learn about the value of eating eggs, you’ll learn to enjoy hamburgers, and about the benefits of drinking beer! This is a Fun group! Continue reading →