The dirty little secret behind America’s obesity epidemic.

The alarming increase in America’s obesity rates has been featured in the news lately.  Unfortunately, the trend has even touched this intrepid runner/blogger.  I have packed on 15 pounds in the past year.  In that same time period I ran 1,373 miles, an average of 114 miles per month.  I trained for and ran a 15k, 2 half marathons, 2 full marathons and an ultra marathon.  So how is this possible, you may ask?

To get to the bottom of this mystery I took on the arduous task of analyzing my running log.  Hidden deep within the bowels of that digital labyrinth I discovered the horrible truth.

As I scanned through my notes a definite pattern emerged.  Here are some samples:

 . . . . Deleon Springs State Park Trail run with the West Volusia Runners followed by grill-your-own pancakes at the Sugarmill . . . . enjoyed a couple of beers at Genuine Bistro after a 5 miler with WVR  . . . .  Victoria Park meets Deland Hills.  Had this delicious French toast sandwich at Half Full Coffee House . . . . WVR Dunkin Donuts run . . . .Chicken dancing and German beer at Hollerbach’s . . . . Tammie made awesome cupcakes for the 4^th of July run at Gemini . . . . Gemini Springs run with WVR followed by pancake breakfast at IHOP . . . .  WVR Christmas party . . . . Pasta dinner at Vienna Café after the WVR run tonight . . . . Jennifer’s banana bread . . . . $1 burger night at Dexters run with WVR . . . . Run through the Stetson U campus with WVR followed by Ice Cream at Sweet Spot. . . .    

  

I could go on, but I think you get the point.

So don’t blame fast food for America's expanding waistlines.  There are 1000’s of running clubs in the US that are gaining in popularity at precisely same time obesity rates are on the rise.  Coincidence?  I think not!

Protect yourself!

Keep your distance! 

Stay away!  

Running clubs are fattening . . . and addictive, a dangerous combination!