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Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!ittvax!dcdwest!sdcsvax!bmcg!asgb!kinne
From: kinne@asgb.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.med
Subject: Re: RIP: the running guru
Message-ID: <516@asgb.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 2-Aug-84 17:07:52 EDT
Article-I.D.: asgb.516
Posted: Thu Aug  2 17:07:52 1984
Date-Received: Fri, 3-Aug-84 05:25:22 EDT
References: <971@orca.UUCP>
Organization: Burroughs Corporation, San Diego
Lines: 26

Jim Fixx was cited as instrumental in the birth of
the running movement.  *Wrong!*  Fixx got into the
running movement as a guru rather late, although he
has been a runner for some years.  If you want the
people who had more to do with inspiring real runners
try Bill Dellinger, Arthur Lydiard, Ken Cooper, and
Frank Shorter.

The author seems to imply that because Fixx died at
52, running must be bad for the heart.  The autopsy
showed Fixx had severe coronary disease that probably
predated his running.  In addition, he had recently
refused to acknowledge and deal with warning symptoms.

The author also implies running is dangerous.  Many,
many people in Jim Fixx' age group have heart attacks
while eating, sleeping, watching television, etc.  Do
you want to cease all those activities?  The real problem
is the coronary disease, and there is no evidence that
any form of aerobic exercise worsens coronary disease.
So enjoy your running, check out any symptoms, and believe
that Jim Fixx was probably healthier and happier as a
runner than as an overweight smoker.

Bob Kinne