Hi folks, I just came from a great swim workout, where it was clear that my pace is picking up (thanks to Rick) giving me a sense of increasing efficiency and a better grip on the water. However, one false step and I'll strain a rotator cuff or something. In the pool this is only a minor risk, but on the run it is a major one. As you run faster your efficiency will improve, but if by chance you do injure ... Read more
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
Thinking About Knee Injuries And Norwegian Carrot Cake
Hi folks, It is funny the stuff that we have to think about during an average day. It started this morning with a question from Meg, owner of Studio Xanadeux Photography, about knee weakness in relation to running, and proceeded to Norwegian Carrot Cake late this afternoon. Meg mentioned that I do not have knee injuries in my tags or categories on this blog, and that is true. Maybe this is a critical ... Read more
Revisiting PowerCranks By FitOldDog
Hi folks, There are many pieces of training gear out there, but I think that PowerCranks are worth a try. They do not come without risk, which is clearly also true of running shoes. I have overdone PowerCranks, causing a strain to my right psoas muscle. That is all fixed up now and is currently being strengthened using PowerCranks. You should take considerable care as you learn to use these great tools, ... Read more
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