ASK FLASH: Aging, flexibility, staying active & a Happy Sloth
Posted April 20th, 2007 at 6:57 PM by Joshua Flash Gordon
Section: Columns, Health & Fitness, Exercise, Ask Flash
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Q. Are young children more flexible than adults because they are active? ~ Inflexible in Bend, Arkansas
A. According to Mom’s Team, flexibility varies for children as part of development. There is a period of time where their bones grow faster than their muscles and they actually lose flexibility. So, there is likely more at play than mere activity levels when it comes to flexibility differences between children and adults. In addition, the word ‘active’ should probably be used loosely with kids today because when you think about the excessive TV and video game time that consumes many of their lives.
That’s right kids, I’m calling you out. You have been served. Get off your butts and prove me wrong …
Well, I apologize for the tangent … now back to your question - one that I touches upon a very important observation: “use it or lose it.” Much of the loss of strength and flexibility we experience as adults is the result of our lifestyles. 
Yes, there are real aging effects on the body but they are absolutely exaggerated by our failure to remain active. It is a challenge for many of us. Sitting at desk jobs, etc. is tough on the body. In addition, we don’t have time or the inclination to play as much. When was the last time you skipped down the street or were on a Hippity Hop?
My suggestion is to schedule some play time - you deserve (and need) it. Find time for yoga, swimming, biking, skateboarding, roller-blading, gardening, jogging, dancing, etc … it doesn’t matter which type of activity you choose … just make sure you make the time to do it regularly. If you spend hours at a desk, in a car, on a train, on a couch, etc. - your flexibility will vanish! As runners, we are often regimented to a fault. To become flexible, try some random activities that you find fun. In essence, you “gotta be flexible to become flexible!”
Q. I run two major races a year. A half marathon and a full one. I run b/c I enjoy it. What response do I give people who ask me what my time was? I am not fast. I don’t tell people I’m fast. But they know I run a lot and (I think) expect me to be.
~ Happy Sloth in Reasoner Ranch, Nebraska
A. Thomas O’Leary details the benefits and misunderstanding of running slowly:
“Slow running has been given a bad rap by the running community for some time now. People are often defined as either runners or joggers (with the runners being enlightened and the joggers being the ones who haven’t become runners yet). However in reality every runner should have a slow running, or jogging component to their training.
Running slowly has a long list of benefits that can be experienced without the costs associated with fast running. It is well known that running at slower speeds is more productive in terms of body weight loss and maintenance than faster running. Slow running is very good at developing the blood supply capillary system which will get fresh blood to your muscles more efficiently when you do run fast. Slow running helps us lay down glycogen more efficiently for latter use.
Slow running exposes us to the stress of gentle continuous running which strengthens our bones, joints, and ligaments preparing them for the rip tear bust world of fast running. Slow running exercises our psychological fortitude, preparing us for the fast running ahead. And it goes on and on. Slow running has a stack of benefits without the costs of fast running. Your bank manager would love to hear that … he would call it savings.”
Now, I understand that you aren’t using slow running as a gateway to fast running but there is no reason you can’t assume the role of slow running ambassador. Talk about how you enjoy it so much you don’t want it to end. Speak of running like a fine meal where you want to savor every last morsel. Talk about being on the ‘life plan’ and competing against nobody but the risk of having running taken from you by injury.
Keep in mind, I like running fast. I’m competitive and it is a large component of my running experience. I am as guilty as anyone of asking my fellow runners how fast they ran but please understand that the answer is not important. It is my way of taking interest in the running of another. I’d recommend explaining to the person who has taken an interest in your running that you achieved your goals and had a great time. I really do think that the stigma is less than it may seem…
Q. Hey Flash! Nice job on Marathon Monday - you looked strong when I saw you pass by at the Citgo sign. Tell me more about how it went.
~ Fan in Kenmore Square, Massachusetts
A. Thanks! Read all about my race here.
Gotta go…
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Joshua ‘Flash’ Gordon is a runner who is never shy to give his opinion. Flash has been running competitively since 1989 and can be found training hard on the roads and trails of Boston. Flash continues to compete in distances from 5k to the Marathon as part of the Boston Athletic Association (BAA).
Sometimes Flash runs fast. Sometimes Flash runs slow. But neither rain nor snow nor heat nor gloom of night can keep Flash from the swift completion of his training regimen.
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Tags: active lifestyle, advice, aging, Ask Flash, children, flexibility, growing, growth, Joshua Flash Gordon, kids, sloth, slow run
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