AboutScott Demaree Expertise I can answer questions about training, physiology, nutrition, technique, equipment and injury prevention. My background is not medical, so I will not be able to answer detailed questions about injury treatment. However, during 30 years of endurance exercise I have had a few injuries so I feel qualified to talk about things that have worked for me and others.
Experience I have been a long distance runner since 1978 and took up racewalking in 1982. More recently, I have worked as a certified personal trainer helping people with a wide range of exercise needs. Last year, I coached several people to successfully finish the Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk in Dallas (60 miles in three days).
Organizations American College of Sports Medicine, American Council on Exercise, National Science Teachers Association
Publications Journal articles associated with my graduate work with me as the primary author were published in the Journal of Nutrition, Acta Physiologica Scandanavica. Additionally, I co-authored the chapter on exercise metabolism in ACSM's Resource Manual for Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 4th Edition. Finally. I co-authored a book for beginning marathon runners (Marathoning 101).
Education/Credentials I have recent Master's degrees in Exercise Science from Wichita State University and Nutrition from Texas A&M University.
Awards and Honors I won national championships in the 1986 100-Kilometer Racewalk and the 1989 24-Hour Run.
Expert: Scott Demaree Date: 11/3/2007 Subject: Starting
Question Scott
I would like to begin a daily walking program to help lose weight.
I am 50,no health issues but overweight.I have sensitive feet that hurt after about 30 minutes.
I would like to start running but that hurts my knees.
Any advice on technique,apparel,appreciated.
Answer I obviously can't give you a specific program in this setting, but I can review the main concepts.
First, you need good running shoes from a running specialty store. They can help you find good fitting shoes of high quality to protect your feet and legs.
Starting from wherever you are, you need to gradually build up to a full hour of walking every day. After you can walk comfortably for an hour at a time, you can work on your walking speed with short speed-ups at first and lengthening them later. Only after you have lost some weight should you consider trying some jogging.
Weight loss should be gradual -- no more than 1.5 pounds per week. You do this by a small cut back in food consumption combined with the exercise regimen. You might need to consult a dietitian to develop a healthy eating plan, but please don't fall for any fad or crash diets.
Additional exercises are recommended, such as stretching and some light resistance exercise.
As for apparel, you don't have to buy expensive items, just clothing that doesn't chafe. Some people spend way too much time and money trying to look spiffy while exercising. The idea is to get fit so you can be healthy and look good while doing other activities.
