Last week, I attended a very informative seminar about running.  It was conducted by Second Wind Running Store.  Neville & Hector who are Second Wind Running’s owners were the main speakers.

Let me share with you what I learned from the event.  A few things really stuck my mind.  For one, finding the right shoes.  Then there is what to drink when running & how often we should run.

First off, let’s talk about running terms that were mentioned in the seminar:

• Marathon – 42 kilometers
• PR – Personal Record
• Pace – Rate of Movement in Run (usually minutes/kilometer)
• Gait – manner of running
• Stride – to run with long steps

One thing they emphasized was that a 5k/10k/21k run are NOT marathons.  I also noticed how people loosely use the word “marathon”.

Another important point that was shared in details was how we should choose the right equipment for our runs.  Things like buying the right caps, shirts, shorts, watches, socks & shoes.

Knowing your foot type is very important when buying shoes.  The Second Wind Running Store can help us analyze our foot type and give input as to what shoes to buy for running.  We have to run at the treadmill so they could see the behaviour of how we run.  It’s really amazing.  I will visit their store soon one of these days.

Part of the seminar also talked about running trivia.  Did you know that it is best to buy shoes in the late afternoon when our feet are at its largest state?  Did you know that to ensure that the shoe fits, you try to insert your fingers at the front and back?  Also, don’t wear 100% cotton socks as it keeps your feet wet.  Synthetic blend socks are best to fend off moisture.  It’s best to drink a sports drink like Gatorade rather than water, because the former has potassium content and can give us more energy.

Okay, details are done.  But I’m sure you’re asking if this is such a good idea.  You’re not alone in asking that question.  A lot of people have been asking if running can help us lose weight.  After listening to the seminar, I can give you a definite “yes”.  These are just some guidelines regarding calories burned during running & other stuff that could help us decide what kind of approach we’re going to do.

• for every 1.6 kilometers, you will burn approximately 125 calories.
• running long and slow burns a higher percentage of fat calories.  It teaches our body to be more efficient in fat burning.
• running shorter and faster burns more total calories per minute or mile.  It helps us lose weight, including body fat.
• faster running also increase “afterburn”.  That means the body is still burning calories after the running stops.

I’m so glad that I attended this since one of my goals for 2010 (take note: I take it seriously this time) is to go jogging.  One of my main goals is to stay fit and I have chosen to do that by jogging and learning swimming.  So this running seminar came at the right time as I prepare to reach my 2010 goals.

More pictures regarding the seminar can be found here.