Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site asgb.UUCP 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