Run For Your Life
Some people take up running as a way to stay in shape. Others dream of some day running a marathon. Whatever the reason for starting a running program, there are a few things to consider before you lace up those sneakers and hit the road.
Doctor’s approval. Before starting any fitness program, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor and go over your medical history, says Dr. Stephen Sutton of OMNI Medical Group in Tulsa. For patients over the age of 40, a physical exam and tests such as an EKG may be needed in order to rule out any underlying health issues that could be aggravated by running. Younger patients may also require testing if they have a family history of cardiovascular disease or concerns about other medical issues.
Don’t overdo it. Doing too much too soon and too quickly can cause new runners to burn out, not to mention put themselves at risk for shin splints, muscle sprains and other injuries, says Kate Critchfield of Fleet Feet Sports in Tulsa.
“Nobody gets to the finish line overnight,” Critchfield says, adding that new runners should gradually work up to a regular routine rather than to immediately push themselves to run long distances. Taking a run/walk approach, learning how to stretch muscles properly and slowly working up to a comfortable running schedule are key in maintaining a long-term fitness program and avoiding injury.
Train for success. Check with local running organizations for new-runner training opportunities in your area. At Fleet Feet, beginning runners can take advantage of the 12-week No Boundaries program in which beginners meet twice weekly for training runs with experts, as well as receive a daily training schedule and information that helps them gradually work their way up to running on a regular basis.
If the shoe fits, run in it. Properly sized and fitted shoes are important in helping runners stay comfortable and injury-free, according to both Sutton and Critchfield. Factors such as weight and whether your feet have flat, low or high arches can all determine what type of running shoe you need.
To ensure your running shoes are the right size and offer the right amount of support, check with a store that specializes in fitting runners. At Fleet Feet, both weighted and non-weighted measurements of runners’ feet are taken to determine the proper shoe size.
Runners also are videotaped while walking or jogging on a treadmill, says Critchfield. The video is played back, allowing the experts to determine if a runner needs a neutral-fitting shoe or one with more stability or cushion.
Consider the benefits. Sutton cites better cardiovascular health, improved circulation and weight loss as just a few of running’s pluses.
“Physical exercise in general increases your overall health,” he says. “It’s a good outlet for stress, too.”
Running also is a great way to spend time with friends, says Critchfield, adding that running with others can make exercising more fun and help you stick to your fitness goals.
“If you find someone to run with, they’ll keep you accountable,” says Critchfield. “You can set a goal and tell your friends about it so they’ll encourage you and keep you on track.”
Summer Brews
The arrival of warmer months harkens the arrival of summer brew beers, some of which have been appearing on Oklahoma shelves since March.
Summer brews tend to be light lagers with the slight taste of lemon zest or essence, says Old Village Wine & Spirit’s Nick Workman.
Among those producers who offer specific summer brews are Sam Adams (Alpine Spring), Sierra Nevada (Summerfest), Boulevard (Zon Belgian style Witbier), and Shiner usually as well. Oklahoma’s own Marshall Brewing Company also rolls out its Revival Red Ale in the spring.
Summer seasonals sell, Workman says. “Summer and winter brews sell very well, much faster than spring and fall brews.”
Given anticipation of another hot summer, light summer brews are likely to be highly coveted. Fortunately they appear on shelves well ahead of the first three-digit temperature day.
Simply Healthy
When we think of Cinco de Mayo, we think of all the classic Mexican entrees that are not only a favorite to many, but also a big calorie expense. Taco salads are an easy way to get your Mexican cuisine while eliminating unwanted calories. Enjoy your Cinco de Mayo festivities this year by putting a different spin on the holiday and creating your own Mexican dish at home.
Taco Salad
1/2 c. fat-free refried beans or black beans
1/3 c. low-fat ground beef or chicken with taco seasoning
2 c. chopped romaine lettuce
5-6 blue corn tortilla chips crunched
1/3 c. salsa
2 T. low-fat sour cream or plain Greek yogurt with a little taco seasoning
Spread beans onto a microwave-safe plate. Top with cooked ground beef/chicken and microwave about 90 seconds on high. Top with lettuce, sauce and chips. Add sour cream or Greek yogurt and enjoy.
The Coach
Bill Blankenship was named head coach for the University of Tulsa football team in January 2011. His first season at the helm, he led the Golden Hurricane to an 8-4 record and an appearance in the Armed Forces Bowl. Blankenship comes from a lineage of football coaches; his father, Gerald Blankenship, coached high school football in the small, eastern Oklahoma town of Spiro. He was inducted in 1972 into the Oklahoma Coaches Hall of Fame. Blankenship began his coaching career at Eastwood Christian School in Tulsa. He went on to coach at Sapulpa High School, Spiro High School, Edmond Memorial High School and Union High School, where he served as head coach for 14 years and led the Redskins football team to three 6A state titles. In 2006, he accepted a position with the TU Golden Hurricane as a receivers’ coach. In 2009, he was inducted into the Oklahoma Coaches Hall of Fame.
My dad was a high school football coach in the small town of Spiro, Okla. As I moved into junior high and high school, I became intrigued with my dad’s job. In Spiro, we lived in a house on the highway, and because it was easy access, there were always people stopping by to see my dad. They were grown men, sometimes they had been out of school 20 years, but they needed to see “Coach.” It was a great feeling to see the influence my dad had on them. I think that planted some seeds for me that really esteemed the coaching profession, even though when I went to college I had no intention of becoming a coach. After college, I got a call asking if I was interested in being the coach at a small, private school in Tulsa. Even though I wasn’t very successful, I fell in love with coaching.
Coaching at my alma mater (the University of Tulsa) is really special. One of our assistant coaches, Denver Johnson, was my roommate during part of my time at TU. We really hope that the experience our players have here is close to what we had because it was so great.
A lot of times, coaches say, “Play like a champion,” but I want our kids to live like champions. We emphasize a couple of key words: virtue and victory. Virtue is about learning to do the right thing at the right place in the right time. Victory is about doing things the right way. There are going to be a lot of highs and lows, but I try not to let the highs be too high or the lows too low. Even though experiences are trying to pull our emotions, as a leader I have to stabilize the environment. Our team has experienced a lot of lows – the death of three former teammates, having to dismiss players – but the highs, what happens in that locker room when the guys are pulling the rope in the same direction and experiencing success, is a very special moment.
