Keith Burgess-Jackson, J.D., Ph.D.

I have some data that will show you the effect of running on cardiovascular health. I've been recording my resting heart rate (the best measure of cardiovascular health) every other Wednesday for nearly a quarter of a century. I began riding my bike in earnest in May 1985 and began running in earnest in September 1996. This morning, after taking my pulse (it was 47), I wrote down the resting heart rates for this date since 1987. Then I divided this set of figures into two periods: before taking up running and after taking up running. The average of 10 recordings before I started running is 55.1, which is well below the average for an adult (72). The average of 14 recordings after I started running is 50.5. I realize that not everybody can run (some people have knee problems, for example), and some of those who can run refuse to do so, but there is no better way to improve your cardiovascular health (not to mention keep your weight down and keep your muscles toned).