READING SELECTIONS SEPTEMBER 20-27

The new year might start with the beginning of autumn. Taken by PKSenagore, 2020. All rights reserved.

 ARTICLES EARNED RUNS LIKES that might be of interest:
MEDITIATION
https://medium.com/curious/this-8-word-meditation-changed-my-life-b73af25dc44c
Simple mantra to try if you’re new to meditation while walking or running, or have been resistant to adopting this healthy practice. The featured poem is only 8 words in length.
 
AFTERBURN
https://www.shape.com/weight-loss/tips-plans/weight-loss-tips-boost-post-workout-calorie-burn The concept of ‘afterburn’, a phenomenon known in sports research as EPOC (excess post oxygen consumption)  might provide motivation to try: strength training with compound exercises, heavier weights, or heart rate monitoring; HIIT sessions that use cardio activities or resistance exercises; or exercise routines that ramp up physical effort. 
 
WALKER SHOES
https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/a23554492/walking-shoes/
Serious fitness walkers might like this review of exciting shoes that don’t have the usual solid look of “walkers”.  If you’ve never run before and are thinking of trying, consider alternating walking and running to get started, a method made famous by Jeff Galloway.  

Several of these reviewed shoes could serve both purposes if you decide to try running.  I purchased the ultra-cushioned Hoka One One Bondi 7 shoe, which became available September 1, and have just begun to wear these shoes on longer run/walk/run sessions. 
 
SOLO CHALLENGE: FASTEST KNOW TIME
https://www.podiumrunner.com/culture/fkt-the-pandemic-proof-challenge
Establishing an individual fastest time record (FKT) on a nearby or favorite course of your choosing could be what motivates stepping up your fitness activity in the time of COVID-19, when avoiding even small crowds has become a necessary habit. 
 
WINTER FORECAST 
https://www.runnersworld.com/news/a33806575/the-old-farmers-almanac-winter-weather-predictions-2020-2021/
The Old Farmer’s Almanac (established 1782) prediction for milder weather in winter 2020-21 is discussed in terms of what it means for outdoor exercise.  The last few sentences of the article state that generally the accuracy of the predictions made by this organization is about 80%.  There’s no explanation of how accuracy rate is determined calculated for each region.
 
On the other hand, the Farmer’s Almanac (established 1810) predicts a colder winter for at least half the United States. If you like to follow these kinds of forecasts as entertainment, like I do and cheer for the outlook that suits my purpose, rather than day to day assistance in activity planning, check them out. https://www.farmersalmanac.com/extended-forecast
 
Hope something here offers inspiration or motivation as the fall season begins. I tend to think of the beginning of each school calendar as my 'new year', as in my student years autumn brought the promise of crisp cooler weather, allowed resumption of school friendships, and offered the excitement of new teachers and subjects. Have a great week!

RUN & MOVE HAPPY!