Activating Your Core Prior To A Run As Part Of A Roller Routine

Hi folks, We sure have some lovely countryside here in North Carolina, including great running trails. I had two short runs to do today, and during the first of these I was gently cruising along and it occurred to me how much better I am at engaging my core and how this makes hill ascents more manageable. I was also playing with shifting the load from my quads and hip flexors back to the combination of ... Read more

Learn To Stand Before You Walk Before You Run

  Hi folks, I have a problem with chronically tight calf muscles, and I may have found the cause. The way that I stand. I was receiving further core instruction from my dance and Continuum teacher, Rebecca, who commented that I tend to lean forward when standing. I did a quick internal body scan and there it was, plus lots of other things. My Feldenkrais training from Karen emphasizes the importance of ... Read more

Different Ways To Set Your Effort Level On The Run

  Hi folks, As a runner you can assess your effort level in a number of different ways, and some are safer than others. I have friends who head out on a run saying that they plan to hold such-and-such a pace for certain intervals or distances. These are the people who tend to be injured most frequently. Eight-minute pace can be easy one day, a struggle on another, and on occasions potentially ... Read more

Avoid Repetitive Motion Injury At The Track By Mixing It Up

  Hi folks, Had a great track run today, after warming up on PowerCranks (get those hip flexors moving!). Whilst doing my coach-mandated run (but at the track instead of trails, so I could spend time with my kid), I was thinking, as I ran around and around and around, about varying my stride to avoid repetitive motion strain. I've noticed that when racing completely flat courses I have more trouble with my ... Read more

Attempting To Mimic Certain Non-Human Animals May Help Your Running

You can learn from animals, to improve your sport, and save animals in the process. I was working out at the track the other day, when I overheard my number two son, Duncan, who was 'running the stairs,' say to his friend, whilst pointing towards the track, "That is why I have to stay in shape, to stay ahead of them." He indicated his mother, Sheelagh, and myself. Sheelagh runs with a shuffle-step, but she comes ... Read more

The Sensory Experiences Of Coffee And Endurance Training

  Hi folks, We are finally able to open our grocery store and local hangout, Johnny's Gone Fishing LLC. The inspections are complete, the Certificate of Occupancy has been approved, we are purchasing inventory, and yours truly, FitOldDog, was elected to consider where we might buy our coffee beans and other paraphernalia (cups and stuff). Coffee is a sensory experience, and like all sensory experiences ... Read more

The Definition Of A Good Day And Occam’s Razor

  Hi folks, Well, I had a good day today. Two people said that they had started working out because I had inspired them. Something to do with my running and biking and swimming and going to the gym all the time, I guess. But that was nice. The other 'good thing' happened at the store we are re-opening, Johnny's Gone Fishing. We have been giving away complimentary bagels (apologies to Gary Taubes), ... Read more

Looking, Seeing, How Your Eyeballs Move And Keeping Your Eye On The Ball

  Hi folks, Exploring relationships between your eyes, eyeballs, visual field, psyche and the rest of your body, can play a key role in how you interact with the terrain whilst running and other people during conversation. When I run or swim, and focus on my 'inner life' as I attempt to optimize my biomechanics, I have a tendency to close my eyes. This is not a good idea on trails, as one pinecone ... Read more

Disclaimer: As a veterinarian, I do not provide medical advice for human animals. If you undertake or modify an exercise program, consult your medical advisors before doing so. Undertaking activities pursued by the author does not mean that he endorses your undertaking such activities, which is clearly your decision and responsibility. Be careful and sensible, please.