I have the running bug. As far as I have heard it is very contagious. Anybody who comes into contact with a pair of runners, a singlet, shorts and a stretch of road becomes deliriously infected. Those infected are seen running with a glazed look in their eyes and a digital device plugged into their ears - known as an IPod. Do I want to be cured of this disease? NO WAY.
I have been doing the bridge to bridge with my best friend for a while now and initially could only do it as a walk. It is about 7km in length and incorporates straight stretches of road mixed with uneven bush paths and hills. However, this week I am pleased to say that I have walked/run it in 44mins.
I have gone from walking 3mins mixed with 1min running, to now running 10mins and walking anywhere between 3-5mins minutes, depending on how I feel. This is good for me as I had not run for a while due to my shin splints. I feel great. When I am walking now, my legs and mind become fidgety and want to keep running. I have to pull back on the reigns and remind myself that all good things come with time and patience.
Self analysis of this last run has made me realise that having my shoulders down in a relaxed-neutral position promotes better running form. Also, keeping my arms relaxed as well as my hands makes me relaxed. I was running like "Rocky Balboa", arms all pumped up like I was ready to go to battle with Apollo Creed. This totally expends more energy than I had, hence the reason I was getting tired at a faster rate. Having my torso and shoulders relaxed allows my legs to do the bulk of the work. I am also able to breathe alot better as my diaphragm is able to expand appropriately. Thankyou Susan, this is Stage 1 in my transformation as an effective runner.
I have been doing the bridge to bridge with my best friend for a while now and initially could only do it as a walk. It is about 7km in length and incorporates straight stretches of road mixed with uneven bush paths and hills. However, this week I am pleased to say that I have walked/run it in 44mins.
I have gone from walking 3mins mixed with 1min running, to now running 10mins and walking anywhere between 3-5mins minutes, depending on how I feel. This is good for me as I had not run for a while due to my shin splints. I feel great. When I am walking now, my legs and mind become fidgety and want to keep running. I have to pull back on the reigns and remind myself that all good things come with time and patience.
Self analysis of this last run has made me realise that having my shoulders down in a relaxed-neutral position promotes better running form. Also, keeping my arms relaxed as well as my hands makes me relaxed. I was running like "Rocky Balboa", arms all pumped up like I was ready to go to battle with Apollo Creed. This totally expends more energy than I had, hence the reason I was getting tired at a faster rate. Having my torso and shoulders relaxed allows my legs to do the bulk of the work. I am also able to breathe alot better as my diaphragm is able to expand appropriately. Thankyou Susan, this is Stage 1 in my transformation as an effective runner.
There is no cure for this bug! The only known treatment is to run, almost every day!
ReplyDelete...yes, I notice that bug, unfortunately, I will need to wait a while due to my ITBS to restart it again!
ReplyDeleteCheers from Hong Kong!
"XTB" Xavi.
I'm hearing you Vern. Feels good to just get out there and do it. And Xavi, I really hope you feel better REAL soon. Take nice good care of yourself.
ReplyDelete