ASK DR. HECKLE  (He's not really a doctor:-)

Write your letter to Dr. Heckle!

Dear Doctor Heckle,

I am looking to train in Colorado next summer going into my senior year for Cross Country. How can I get hooked up with housing and a job??? Any ideas, or help????

Thank you,
SERIOUS about Senior Year!!!!

Dear Serious,

Haven't you heard? We're heading towards a recession. That's the bad news. The other bad news is that the price of housing keeps going up here in Colorado. If you really want to spend a summer here training, buy an old Volkswagen van that you can live out of. Because even if you find a part time job conducive to working around your training schedule, it would be hard to afford rent and food. And as a hard-core runner, you'll want to eat. But don't let the reality scare you. I say, Go for it! It would probably be the experience of your life--at least up through your senior year.

Stay serious,
Doc Heckle

*****

Dear Doc,

I saw a pair of Nike Air Turbulence 2's at a local store on sale for $31. I run about 15-20 miles per week, occasionally go 10-12. I weigh 175. Is this a steal or a dud deal?

Dear Dud,

Watch out for anything with reference to turbulent air in the name. It sounds like it could be a rough ride. However, they may turn out to be a collector's item in Japan fifty years from now. You never know.

Sincerely,
The Doc

*****

Dr. Heckle,

I purchased a pair of Reebok. The DMX model. They really squeak when I walk around the track. When I am on the treadmill, they also squeak, but the sound of the treadmill drowns out the squeak. Is there anything I can do to stop the squeak? This is really embarrassing.

Dear Squeak Shoes,

It sounds (unfortunately quite loud) like your only options are to put in earplugs or buy a new pair of shoes--not a pair of Reebok DMX, by the way. The latter option will allow you to keep your running partners.

Good luck,
Doc Heckle

*****

Dear Dr. Heckle,

I was once a runner in your fine state of revelry, high in the Rockies. I now live east of that big river that Huck used to play on and it creates a deep longing to read such stories as the one on the Leadville Trail 100 race by Mr. Salzer. How am I to cope? Could you please let me know of any fun workouts I could do in order to prevent the impending doom of a personality disorder.

 

Signed,

Beltway Blues

Dear Beltway Blues,

Although you could stay in fine shape inside the Beltway by running for office, I understand your longing for the changes in altitude offered by the vertical peaks of the Rockies.  First off, you should be commended for your endurance at remaining in such a flat and congested location.  This is a fine mental asset that will stay with you long after you return to your Rocky Mountain high.  In the meantime, try sprinting up the stairs of the Washington Monument to simulate anaerobic runs up Flagstaff Mountain.  Or you could challenge the new President to a marathon, I hear he has a sub-four hour PR.  If he fails to accept your challenge, try running up to him when he's out for a photo-op jog and say, "Tag.  You're it!"  Slap him on the back and then yell, "Catch me if you can."  Running from the secret service will give you a good interval workout right there in the heart of the city.  If all else fails, you can do laps inside each and every Smithsonian museum.  That way you'll experience some culture while working your legs.

Keep running,
Dr. Heckle

*****

Dear Dr. Heckle, 

My shoes have been running away from me. I have asked them to stay put but no... they say that their whole purpose in life is to run. I have tried putting them on a leash, in a fenced yard, in a box, and even walking them; but they just keep running. What can I do? 

Sincerely,
Just Want to Walk

Dear Just Want To Walk,

It seems your shoes are stuck in an over-training rut.  Throw them in a swimming pool and let them try an alternate activity for a while.

Good luck,
Dr. Heckle

*****

Dear Dr. Heckle, 

I've recently been having anxiety attacks about parting from my favorite pair of running shoes. Of course, the model has been discontinued and my feet are starting to feel abandoned. I have a marathon in less than a month and don't know how to cope. What can I do? 

Sincerely, 
Barefoot in Durango 

Dear Barefoot, 

My first recommendation would be: Go for a run! However, a barefoot run in the middle of winter may only make things worse. Frostbite and gangrene are no replacement for a favorite pair of running shoes. So, the only answer is to buy a new pair! Give your old shoes a proper burial--maybe you could donate them to a "Shoes for Africa" box at your local running store (assuming they don't look, or smell, like moldy Swiss cheese.) Then, assess the qualities that kept your love affair between your feet and shoes a running success, so to speak. I know it may be hard to hear now, but there are other shoes in the sea....but you don't want those. So find a running store. The folks there will be glad to help you find a new match and your feet will find love again. 

Happy running, 
Dr. Heckle