I read an article the other day pointing out that, even in these tough economic times, several retail categories and brands have bucked the downward trend and continue to show positive growth. Gold coins, Wal-Mart, Dollar Tree and Goodwill Industries are up. Booze sales are down at bars, but up at local retailers. Times are tough no doubt, but these products on the rise caught my eye: Spam, running shoes and chocolate. These are hot items in cool economic times and for a good reason – they make us feel good. Well, SPAM is debatable, but there is no doubt about chocolate and running shoes.

A good pair of running shoes will get you about 400 miles down the road. Depending on your training, this can be anywhere from 2 – 5 months or more (we’ll talk shoes later). A minimal investment for a pair of shorts and shirt and you are well on your way. Running produces endorphins, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, and removes stress, just a few of the ways to ‘improve’ your body’s economy.

If you think about it, running improves the Tucson economy as well:

• The Southern Arizona Roadrunners have nearly 5,000 finishers in their first eight races this year. Races were held all over town using the resources of local retailers, merchants and facilities.
• More than 150 meet regularly at the Meet Me at Maynard’s social run downtown.Many stay and eat, drink and socialize.
• There are nearly 10 local running groups that provide coaching, workouts and training partners for free or a small fee. These runners patronize local running shops, health food stores and other establishments.
• Tucson is home to many world class athletes, proving a draw for other athletes to travel here and train.

Undoubtedly we are blessed with one of the best places to run in the world. Sabino Canyon, Saguaro National Monument East (and West), Catalina State Park, the Rillito River Path, Agua Caliente and Reid Park are just a few places runners convene to ‘improve’ the economy. Maybe it is a stretch to think that running will change the economy – but it will improve yours (that and about 30 minutes to burn off the SPAM sandwich you had for lunch…).