Got out again last night, nothing remarkable about it though I was pleased to run more of the time than I did the night before. Quickly, some things that I'm thinking about: I find that I am awfully self-conscious when I start something new, especially something atheltic, not being at all athletic historically. I am trying hard not to feel like every other runner is noting my lack of form, heavy breathing, or general naivete. I tend to tense my upper body while running, particularly my shoulders, which I attribute to not breathing properly, and to being uncomfortable with a new, physical thing. I also tend to let the mind wander and when I do, I find that I am running faster and working harder than I am likely to be able to sustain for any distance. So when I catch myself doing this, I slow down significantly and shake out my arms, to avoid tensing up. There's a steep learning curve for me, clearly, and it's sort of meta-cognitive, so I am enjoying it.
The numbers, roughly as I worte them down but left them home:
Time: 39.38
Av HR: 142 bpm
Mx HR: 183 bpm
Burn: 563 calories
Peace,
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Run Three
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4 comments:
"Meta-cognitive," indeed.
You are learning a new skill, or remembering an old one. Running is as mental as it is physical -- and the mental is where the physical form comes from.
In your current stage of running, as a newbie, you are learning how to do it -- how to carry yourself, how to breathe, pace, relax etc. etc..
You are right to shake out your arms, I do it too when I run. The idea is to keep your body as still as possible above the waist. Your arms will swing with you and you can move them as you like but I find that their level of motion is contingent on your pace.
Also at this point don't let your mind wander. Focus on the running.
Think about how to moderate your pace so that your breathing is comfortable. Tinker with arm position until you find a way to hold your arms that is comfortable.
(My bro runs with his arms barely bent, I run with my arms more bent than he, but not even at 90 degrees to my bicep). Find an angle that's comfortable and relaxed. Keep your facial muscles relaxed -- don't grimace, grit your teeth. Sometimes when I run I let my jaw and lips bounce around. find a posture that's comfortable -- you may not want to run ram rod straight, but focus on keeping your shoulders open, it will keep your airwaves open. Play with a slight bend at the waist, or keeping your hips forward . . . again, experiment with what feels comfortable and work to refine it. I try and keep my hips forward, I lean a bit more when climbing, mainly to bring the weight of my torso forward and carry momentum. Try leaning back as you climb a hill to see how hard it is to lean back -- don't lean back keep everything moving forward -- as a way to experiment with comfortable relaxed postures.
Find a stride that's comfortable -- tinker with how high you lift your knees, kick up your heels in the back. Focus on moving the stride through your whole leg -- from top to bottom and push off with a toe push. It adds some complexity, but use the lever action of your legs to their fullest. Or don't, but find a leg stride that's comfortable.
As far as others judging . . . they may they may not be. I always look at other runners, check out their posture, their stride. If I see people moving slow or whatever I think good for them. I bet it's the same for folks who see you.
Way to go! Keep rolling!
Thanks, dude. I may get another post in before the 4th, if not, enjoy the long weekend.
Great tips, Agricola. I haven't thought about form type stuff in a long time. It's good to read it.
I have a couple of tips as well. I think everyone's body already has a natural running posture, pace, stride, etc. Find that first just by running in a way that's comfortable for you. As you get more familiar with this whole deal, you'll have plenty of opportunities to tinker, but I'd just get used to running first. No need to clutter the mind too much too early in my opinion, unless of course you really get into the technical aspects of running.
Here's an example of what I mean.... When I started really running, I just ran. I ended up getting in pretty good shape, had a lot of energy, and posted some decent times. At that point, RC (our classmate at HC) pointed out that I was running up and down as much as I was running forward. I was literally bouncing along, which wasted a ton of energy. He advised me to run with my hips, to keep them moving forward instead of up and down. This made sense to me at the time, but would never have made sense when I was just starting out. I made an adjustment and was happy for the advice.
One other tip. I like to focus on my breathing, taking it in to my tummy (not heaving my chest), visualizing the O2 running deep into my legs, slowing my breathing rhythm, etc. It's basically a meditation that I think helps me focus. See if you like it.
Anyway, I love that you're experimenting with running. As for the self conscious thing, just think of all the out of shape people you see in our airports every time you travel, and then realize that even at this early stage you're leaps and bounds ahead of every one of themn. Also, think of this blog. Like us, I'd say that most runners are evangelical about the sport and get even more excited to interact with new-to-the-sport runners than old "pros." New runners and new blood bring life to the sport.
Psyched to read more. Happy 4th folks.
Nice points VTR.
I was thinking about the breathing thing too this weekend -- utilize the diaphragm, do deep breathing a la yoga.
Another thing I was considering was hands -- keep them loose and relaxed too, don't clench them, they don't help you run faster as fists.
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