Running Runners Run

Running Discipline Leads To Self-Discovery

2012-01-10T11:40:00.001-08:00

One of the first things that comes to mind when we here the word discipline, is the discipline of military. However, to be a runner of self-discovery the discipline come first hand as a result of being a disciplined runner. One can hardly believe what they have accomplished at times!

Discipline even for seasoned runners the first mile or even two may not be so comfortable because ones body is transitioning from the inactive state to that of being mobile. She or the male runners continue on through to get to the good part. So, being a disciplined runner comes naturally to find ones self-discovery.

Running is ancient going back to the beginning of time. For man to stay alive he best becomes a good runner to save himself from enemy or beast. Today running is considered a hobby to many and not just a sport. As a sport though, it is of a pure sport nature for no gear has to be present to participate as that in swimming.

A disciplined runner must always be present. A runner often finds they may not believe in what they have accomplished. They find out what they are truly made of…in this role of self-discovery. Some have overcome being a long time smoker or shedding excess pounds. Many runners re-kindle a competitive nature they have not thought of for decades.

How many times have you listened to a veteran or master runner speak of what they use to do before the days of running. There are as many different reasons a runner comes to be a runner as there are runners.

How many times have you been to the road races of 10k or 5k runners to find you’re totally amazed of their performance? Many even go as for as to running marathons. Seeing this for the first time, you simply can’t believe the ages of many of the runners.

Those who stay the course of a disciplined runner truly find the riches of self-discovery within! Continue on your journey into the world of running and in life as well. Allow running to be your cornerstone for life, as it has for mine for over the past two decades.

Stretching For Optimum Performance

2012-01-07T15:40:00.000-08:00

There’s three main groups of muscles that are used during running. The Achilles tendon, calf, hamstring and those muscles used in the lower back are all used during running. Streaching is just as important as the running itself. If done improperly it can be more harmful than doing you any good.

The Achilles tendon and calf muscle stretches can be done by placing both hands against a wall with one extended back leg. At the same time bend the front leg while gradually pushing your body weight onto the back leg with both hands on a wall. Switch legs and do the same on the other side.

Warming up can be ten minutes of easy jogging before transitioning into your run of the day. You can do mild streatches after you warm up. The best time for streatches is “after you runs” when the muscles are all warmed up and the blood is moving freely. The importance of stretching is the keep you injury free for your next day of running. Not stretching out properly after a run, opens yourself up to being sore the next morning.

Next go into a hamstring stretch. One way is from a sitting position. Spread your legs as far apart as you can. Then grab your right hand onto your right ankle. Next attempt to touch your chin onto your right knee. At first you will not be able to do this. If you’ll keep switching knees with your chin, eventually in a few minutes you’ll be able to touch your chin to your knee. Concurrently, widening your legs further apart and switching to your left knee doing the same.

Next move on to the lower back stretch while moving into a squatting position. In this position normally your heels will rest on the ground flat. However, when tight the foot won’t rest flat. Make sure your lower back is curved with your neck and back relaxed. Let your head drop forward toward a resting position on your chest. When you’re stretched out good - your feet will rest flat.

Running has a tightening effect to these various muscles groups. As I mentioned earlier, the stretching is to prevent soreness and injury enabling you to be prepared for the next day of running. If you must run on neighborhood streets, then find as much grassy areas to run on as possible. The best place is to find, is a local park. The grassy median strip area between two streets is a good place too. Consistency, is the king to obtain optimum performance in your running.

Walking And Running To Get In Shape

2011-12-27T15:39:00.000-08:00

Running happens to be one of the best ways to get in shape at whatever age you may be. The benefits will be large, you’ll lose weight, your clothes will fit better, you’ll have more energy and sleep better too! It doesn’t cost much either. Basically, all you need is a good pair of running shoes and some shorts. Then your ready to head out the front door.

If you’ve been the sedentary type do not despair. I had been a smoker for over twenty years when I started running. This is how a simple walk/run plan can work for you. Start off at a slow jog past you next door neighbors house. You won’t get far…before you’ll tire. If it’s just a couple houses that fine. That’s all I could do.

Continue with the same scenario all the way around the block. Jog past two houses then slow to a walk past one house, jog past two houses then walk past one house. I know it sounds monotonous…but it works! Enjoy the fresh air and the neighbor local scenery.

After a week or two this process will become too easy for you. So it’s time to add some more houses. Jog past four houses then walk past one, all the way around the block for a week or two. After a month or two you’ll finally be able to get completely around the entire block without having to slow to a walk.

How long does this takes to get up to two miles non-stop? It all depends on how out of shape you’re in when you begin and how much your over-weight. Listen to your own body to tell you how fast you can go. If your coming up sore the next day then you’ve added too much distance or intensity in one day. It’s always good to check with your doctor before you start with any new exercise program.

It’s a good idea to do some stretching after your daily runs to cool down. In the beginning your most likely are going to be doing a lot more walking than running. So there’s no need to be taking any days off. However, once you have worked your mileage up to two miles non-stop then one to two days of rest a week are recommended.

If you’ll incorporate a low-fat diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables into your walking and running to get in shape…this will ensure your success. Consistency is the key! The run/walk plan works but you must work the plan. The easiest way to stick with your workout is to run at the same time every day. This way you get into the habit. Your running becomes part of you daily life. Just like brushing your teeth, putting on your shoes or combing your hair. Running becomes you and who you are, the runner who got in shape!