Just when I thought I was in pretty good shape, running regularly, eating right, training for the Long Island Marathon, along comes Kathy Martin to tear me down.  In case you didn’t see the NY Times article, Ms. Martin is a 60 year old marathon runner who discovered her natural talent for running in her 40’s, and since then, has not only been running, but breaking records too.  Yes, it seems she had a latent ability to run, and run well, and she’s been maximizing her potential ever since, and winning both acclaim and competitions.

I too became a runner somewhat later in life, specifically in my early thirties.  It was my first year of residency in 2001, and the sight of patients in their 30’s and 40’s in the hospital very sick from chronic, and in many cases, preventable diseases such as uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension and complications of smoking and obesity, scared me into staying in shape.  It wasn’t that I was particularly out of shape, and I certainly don’t place any blame on anyone saddled with the above mentioned diseases – it’s not easy managing a complex chronic condition – but the importance of being aware and taking care of one’s body became very real.  I discovered running, and found that it is a fun, relatively easy and cheap way to stay in shape and release stress.  It also doesn’t require a lot of equipment – a new pair of shoes twice a year and some shorts.  In the beginning the runs were short, and in time I built up to the level I’m at now – 14 miles every Sunday, a few more miles during the week, and training for a marathon.

So, if running is your thing, go for it; might want to consider a little tune up in my NYC podiatry office if you’re in need of custom orthotics or are suffering from common running injuries like heel pain, shin splints, or stress fractures.  We’ll take good care of you.  So if you’re just beginning, or you’re a seasoned marathon runner, it doesn’t really matter as long as you’re doing something to get your heart pumping, burn calories, and clear your head.  And as Kathy Martin has taught us, it’s never too late!

See you in the office.

Dr. Isaacson