Can Running Help Prevent Disease?

Lace up your sneakers and turn back the clock. Here's how.

Back in 1984, experts feared running to be a potentially harmful activity for those over the age of 50. Now, a 20-year Stanford University study suggests the opposite, reporting that running may promote a longer lifespan by delaying the early onset of cancers, neurological diseases, and infections, among other leading causes of death.

Are you ready to pick up the pace and slow down the aging process? Here are the sites that can help you make the move from the sidewalk to the fast track:

Visit: Runner's World
For: Information that can take beginner's to the next level.
You'll also find:

• The 8-week beginner's training program
  
• A vast online community with a large beginner's forum
  
• The Runner's World Shoe Lab database
  

 
Visit: About.com
For: A concise yet comprehensive collection of information on how to run, nutrition for running, and road racing for beginners.
You'll also find:

• What to know if you're running for weight loss
  
• A free email newsletter dedicated to running & jogging.
  
• The 10 most common running mistakes and how to avoid them
   

Visit: Cool Running
For: A motivating introduction that addresses running's physical and spiritual rewards.
You'll also find:

• The couch-to-5K running plan
  
• Intelligent tips for all levels of enthusiasts
  
• What to expect as a full-fledged runner
  

 
Visit: Nike.com/running
For: Tech-savvy folks seeking challenges, running plans, plus tools to track goals, mileage and calories-burned.*
You'll also find:

• Events and information for 15 major cities
  
• Updates on professional athletes
  

* This site works with data obtained from your iPod. For more information on the Nike + iPod Sport Kit, check out nike.com.
 
Visit: Run the Planet
For: A list of instructional, fictional, and documentary film reviews for your "off" days.
Titles you'll find:

• Marathons of the World
  
• Run Like a Girl
  
• A Race for the Soul

To read more about the Stanford study, visit the Stanford School of Medicine.

See more fitness advice for beginning an exercise program.

• • Anti-Aging
• Exercise

• Beginning an Exercise Program
• Guidelines for personal exercise programs.
• 
• Get Fit At Any Age
• Find your inner Olympian and get fit at any age. These ordinary folks did!
• 
• 8 Secrets to Optimizing Your Exercise Plan
• Simple ideas you can use to meet fitness goals in less time.
• 

“ Prevent colds by using alcohol-based hand gels like Purell or Avant after shaking hands or holding frequently touched objects. ”

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Aboard the USS Tarawa for six months, my brother, Don, posted a picture of his beloved truck in his locker. Since his fellow Marines had pictures of their girlfriends up, they often ridiculed him for his object of adoration. "Laugh all you want," Don told them. "At least my truck will still be there when I get home!"

-- Sherry Tomboc