The Latest Craze

by Kris Pitcher

This is the time of year when I get really concerned about some of you. Rightfully so. With every turn I hear, "In January I'm...", or "Come January first that's it!" These proclamations are worrisome not because I think you won't do it...but because I'm worried you will.

January first marks the race gate and each of you are ready to run through the red "start" ribbon. "Gun ho!" doesn't begin to describe the enthusiasm building with each of your, "Come January..." calls. Excitement overcomes you and I feel it's my duty to caution you. I'd be doing you a disservice if I didn't. It's just that you take things too far.

You know the guy with the basketball jersey, the basketball shorts, the basketball shoes - the guy who is so into the culture but doesn't actually play basketball...I'm worried you'll be that guy. Especially with this new craze.

You've got your iPod loaded, and you've mapped out your route You've been reading up on the best methods, and form. You've considered a heart rate monitor, and maybe you even got one for a gift. You are so excited about feeling the earth under your feet, to be one with nature, to run as intended...barefoot. That's right, you're all geared up, or down rather, to catch the wave of the latest craze - barefoot running.

You see, I'm just worried that you'll take this too far, like you did with that last thing you tried. You got all the gear, joined the club...it wasn't good. So when you see the benefits of barefoot running, I'm afraid you'll extend that just a bit too far and well, just run totally bare!

We just can't have that, a little bare goes a long way, especially when you're running! It's time to temper your enthusiasm, curb your energy, and take your New Year's resolutions one step at a time. Please don't over do it. And if you are even considering barefoot running, just a little bit, keep it to your feet people!


Barefoot running is a well followed sport. I have to share a man was recently arrested running totally bare. When questioned, he said since it was good for your feet he figured it was good for your whole body. I believe he was also intoxicated. I am not making that up!

Unresolved New Year

by Kris Pitcher

I may be fighting my inner pessimist here, or a touch of the bah humbug. You know I work hard to keep her in check. But the season is upon us when all you good intentioned, real nice people are about to do something really stupid...make New Year's Resolutions. Do you remember your resolution from last year? I didn't think so. January was a long time ago, I'll give you that.

Maybe this year we could just agree to be unresolved. Here is one version of a top 10 list:

1. Spend more time with family and friends - well, maybe this would work if we can figure out number 5
2. Fit in fitness - not a bad idea; reduce our risk of disease, and help achieve our weight loss goals, oh number 3...
3. Tame the bulge - 66% of Americans are overweight, see number 2
4. Quit smoking - this is a biggie
5. Enjoy life more - find work/life balance, hmm I'm skeptical but willing to give a European attitude a try (will you tell my boss I'll be on holiday for 7 weeks)
6. Quit drinking - get some professional help here
7. Get out of debt - this led you to number 6
8. Learn something new - lifelong learning is a good idea
9. Help others - volunteerism would make us feel good, but we're kind of wrapped up in 1-8 here
10. Get organized - I think I tried that one January

My issue with resolutions is they are typically MAJOR life changes which we resolve to without really much thought or any plan. Setting ourselves up for failure is not a good idea. Skip it all together? Nope, you're not getting off that easy!

Here's a better way to resolve. Reflect over the past year. What has gone well? What would you like to work on? Is there something you'd like to adopt, or that you're ready to let go of? Be specific about what you want, and get started now. There's no sense in waiting until January, or even until Monday. Make choices right now that will lead you toward what you want. 

What am I working on? This might sound silly, but I'm working on my flexibility. I've got my cardio down, and you know I love my lifting, but flexibility is the piece I neglect. I'm not good at it so I don't like to do it. So, I'm working on it. Hardly worth claiming a, "resolution!" and I don't think of it that way at all. Try an unresolved approach this year, take the pressure off yourself for the New Year. You just might make some lasting changes!