Engaging your core as you run? Engaging your core? Now, there's a trick! Better still, run with your whole body. Move correctly for safe exercise as you age. To fix injuries, such as plantar fasciitis. But what is your core? It's difficult to explain what I mean, by engaging your core, but I'll try. Don't think that a bunch of crunches will do the trick. That just overworks one set of abdominal muscles, the ... Read more
I was recently asked for advice on training for a 10k run. This request came via Twitter, and it was from a woman over 60 years of age (Ummhh!), had never been a runner (Oh! Boy!), said she is very fit (what kind of fit?), at some undefined time in the future (Oh dear!). Now, can I give meaningful advice in response to such a question with so many unknowns? My answer is "Yes! And she could have a great time, ... Read more
Hi folks, This is an invited post by Andrea (Andi) Cumbo, my writing teacher. I recently heard a 'serious writer' say on National Public Radio that "blogging is graffiti with punctuation." I, like many bloggers, work hard to do better than that, and I must admit that I took exception to this comment. So I signed up for one of Andi's courses, during which we aspiring authors were challenged ... Read more
Hi folks, When my doctor or my coach tell me to do something, I don't necessarily do it. Most of the time I do, but now and then the action seems ill advised for me personally. In the case of doctors I argue, and they sometimes listen, but generally not. In the case of my coach, I give it a try, and if it doesn't feel right I let him know (or blog about it). Recently, I was instructed by my coach to do a ... Read more
Hi folks, I'm slowly getting back into shape, after floundering around without a coach for several months. Floundering? Like the fish? Anyway, flounder or octopus, I was getting nowhere, which is surprising considering how long I have been training. Even coaches have to have coaches if they are still competing, so I certainly need one. Today I was finishing an important workout pair from my ... Read more
Hi folks, One thing that I have learned from my studies of Feldenkrais over the last five years is that there are many ways to carry out any physical activity with your body, and most of these ways you'll never even know exist. We come into this world programmed to learn how to crawl, sit, stand, walk, run and complete all the many other activities needed for our prolonged survival. I suspect that we learn ... Read more
Hi folks! Thanks for stopping by! When it comes to training you have to do the work, but a good coach can make all the difference to your race achievements. I remember preparing for my Boston Marathon qualifier in 2008, the Charlotte Thunder Road marathon. A marathon is a long way if you are running, and a slight difference in your average pace can make all the difference to your finishing time. My goal for ... Read more
Hi folks, For older adults, especially the elderly, a fall can be devastating. The risk of falls can be much reduced by spending a little time becoming more aware of your body, and of it's relationship to gravity and objects that you handle everyday. This post provides some thoughts on body awareness and describes a simple exercise to improve your balance awareness. It's funny how it takes a while to ... Read more
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