Table of contents for May 2015 in Runner's World

RUNNING CONTROVERSY “WTF, USATF?” (April) didn’t seem to serve any purpose but to create ill feelings and confusion. It intensifies a toxic tone that a few savvy social media members have stirred, and it certainly won’t gain fans or participants in our sport. DEENA KASTOR, MAMMOTH LAKES, CALIFORNIA I think “WTF, USATF?” was a fair overview of what has transpired over the last twoplus years. I believe for most athletes, it’s a case of “don’t bite the hand that feeds you”— otherwise we might hear more outrage and less muttering. KEVIN MCDERMOTT, VIA RUNNERSWORLD.COM TENACIOUS TROTTER I was inspired by your story on Ernie Andrus (“Grind of the Ancient Mariner,” March). He’s living proof that you’re never too old to start running. Go, Ernie, Go! CHRISTINE J., WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, NEW…

Sitting for many hours a day can lead to worse running form, as your lower back tightens, your shoulders get tense, and your head is thrust forward. You also get what physiotherapist Phil Wharton calls glutes in hibernation, meaning that these large muscles that contribute so much to good running form become unused to firing like they should. To fight it: DON ’T SIT Get up from your chair at least twice an hour. Try not to spend more than one hour at a time sitting still. Standing or walking around for even a minute can help activate your hibernating muscles. STAND UP A standing desk, or a desk with an adjustable height, can help you adjust to more time on your feet. USE A BALL Some runners bring a…

Why should I pay for a race when I could just run 5K on my own for free? Races are positive experiences in which you feel the energy of the mass of runners. You’ll be more motivated to train if there is a race on the calendar. And race officials not only measure and mark the course, they arrange for water stops, traffic control, refreshments, music, and activities after the finish. It’s fun! How should I warm up for my first race? You don’t want to waste energy before the start, so just use the beginning of the race. Start slowly with short run segments of 10 to 30 seconds followed by 10 to 30 seconds of walking. After four or five minutes, you can increase the running and decrease…

NORTH ATLANTIC MAY 24 - People’s United Bank Vermont City Marathon & Relay Burlington, VT Contact: Jess Cover, 1 Main St., Suite 304, Burlington, VT 05401. (802) 863-8412 info@runvermont.org www.runvcm.org Flat course on the shores of Lake Champlain. MAY 25 - Freedom Challenge 15K, 5K & Relay Erie PA Contact: Caleb Lancaster, 6015 W Ridge Rd., Erie, PA 16506. (814) 873-2465 pastorayers12@yahoo.com www.erie15k.com Great giveaways JUN 13 - The Valerie Fund Walk & JAG Physical Therapy 5K Run Essex County’s Verona Park - Verona, NJ Contact: Tina Kaplan @ The Valerie Fund, 2101 Millburn Ave., Maplewood, NJ 07040. (973) 761-0422 tkaplan@thevaleriefund.org www.thevaleriefund.org/walk JUN 13, JUL 11, AUG 9 - Shoe House 5 Miler Series York, PA Contact: Toni Arbogast, 1405 Williams Road, York, PA 17402. (717) 266-2227 toni@usroadrunning.com www.usroadrunning.com JUL…

SUFFERS FEWER INJURIES “Happiness reverses the body’s muscletensing stress response; muscle tension makes us more susceptible to injury,” says Jim Afremow, Ph.D., author of The Champion’s Mind: How Great Athletes Think, Train, and Thrive. PERFORMS BETTER A study published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology reports that cyclists who were given positive feedback did better in a time trial than those who did not. “If you’ve removed the distractions created by negative emotions, you’ve increased attentional focus,” Afremow says. “Being in tune will certainly improve performance.” FEELS LESS PA IN Happier people have more of the neurotransmitter dopamine coursing through their brains. This chemical helps control the brain’s pleasure center and makes it easier to tolerate uncomfortable sensations, says Afremow. IS HEALTHIER “Happier people get sick less often, and…