With the arrival of Memorial Day weekend, we can successfully kick off summer, and with that comes an official start to the running season. Here in Colorado, we high country runners will celebrate the return of warm weather with the 34th running of the BolderBoulder. The running lifestyle in America is really "in stride" in its fourth decade, having taken off earnestly in the early 1970s with the early fitness craze and the launching of distance races like the New York marathon. John Meyer of the Denver Post documents the rise of America's running culture - including criticism that warned against the runner's lifestyle - in a great piece designed to promote the BolderBoulder, the art of running, and the summer season.
Runners have been told by various people at various times that running is not great exercise and is actually detrimental to their health. We've heard about the stress on the knees and other joints as well as the unnecessary strain on the heart that comes with distance running. And certainly running can lead to a variety of injuries. Yet, overall there is little to criticize the running lifestyle, and there is almost no doubt that man was "Born to Run." Running is an uplifting and healthy choice that can add years to your life and numerous other health benefits, from lower blood pressure and cholesterol to greater peace of mind.
So, maybe this summer is the year you get your run on.
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