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By Gilbert B. Elwyn
About this time every year, I begin compiling my list of New Year’s Resolutions. I do not procrastinate about the compiling; just the doing.
Tops on last year’s list was to get in shape and begin running again. On the theory that “misery loves company”…oops: I mean, “exercise is more fun if it’s shared”, I began a series of Miles of Smiles columns.

By Gilbert B. Elwyn
Last month we promised to compile a list of fun races for you to consider. Check out last month’s column for our race criteria.
January – Race for the Grasshopper, Cowpens, S.C.- 5k
Described in a previous column

As running season is hitting its full stride, we find ourselves contemplating our next race.
In this age of “bigger is better,” we find ourselves out of step, favoring the small races over the large, well-publicized ones – the Grand Prix races. Not that there is anything wrong with the large races; we just enjoy the smaller ones. We generally look for races which have interesting courses, in interesting towns, and which are often tied in with a town festival. This sort of race tends to sport a …

By Gilbert B. Elwyn
Our running group, Herd of Turtles, used to refer to post-run naps as “cross-training.” Most of us knew we were being humorous. April’s balmy weather brings opportunities for enjoying the out-of-doors while supplementing a runner’s training schedule.
Bicycle riding is the cross trainer of choice for many runners. It has many shared benefits with running, without the leg and foot strain.

By Gilbert B. Elwyn
If you began your running when we began these articles, we hope that you are doing well and enjoying your running. Shorter distances should not be problematic by this time. You might even have run a race by now.
You might also be looking for new challenges by now. Sometimes a sense of stagnation can set in for a runner when new goals aren’t set.
There are three ways to overcome this.

By Gilbert B. Elwyn
As we were admiring an uncharacteristically balmy January day and admiring equally an attractive runner who was taking advantage of it, we were surprised to notice that she was wearing what appeared to be dress flats. The shoes did feature some straps across the tops, which probably served to hold them securely during her run.
We’ve always said that runners should find whatever works for them and stick with it. Nevertheless, this episode served to remind us that it is time to address an important aspect …

By Gilbert B. Elwyn
One of the joys if running is being alone with your thoughts to the accompaniment of the rhythmic intake and exhale of breath and steady pounding of shoes on ground. Many runners consider this to be meditation at its finest and a key motivation for their desire to run.
Today we take a look at a more social aspect of running: running partners.

By Gilbert B. Elwyn
With the arrival of colder temperatures and shorter days, runners must make a few adjustments to continue running in safety and comfort.
If you are going to be running when the light is less than optimal, wear a reflector vest, a blinking light, or some other workable device to let vehicles know that you are sharing the road with them. Light colored clothing is recommended over dark. Fortunately, most running shoes feature reflective patches. If the problem is that you are running in an area where …

By Gilbert B. Elwyn
Last month we wrote about taking your first steps as a runner.  Now, after a month on the road, it’s a good time to recap and review.
How are you doing?  Are you feeling more comfortable and showing progress?  If so, what is your next step?  People run for a myriad of reasons, as varied as humankind itself.  If you have not yet done so, ask yourself what you’d like to get out of your running and what you’d like to achieve: fitness? fun? a social outlet?  a …