Run Like a Cheetah

One day my friend witnessed me hobbling around the office, wondering what in the hell I was doing to injure myself and why. He suggested I stop running. I suggested that he was crazy.

With that, about 4 of us in the office stepped outside into the parking lot to showcase our running strides, as Martin was convinced that maybe my stride was doing me in. I ran. Mike ran. Tonya ran. Then Martin ran and broke out into this crazy stride! We were all kinda looking at each other funny. He was trying to explain how to run more efficiently by landing on your forefoot.

Ohhkay, Martin!

We all retreated back into the office. I started to research this, having heard of the benefits of barefoot and forefoot running. There is a wealth of info on it under Pose Method, Chi Running, forefoot running, etc. Elite runners, Kenyans, cheetahs, barefoot runners and CHILDREN run this way. It's the most natural running stance, but yet some of us were taught to run heel to toe at some point in our lives or maybe we picked up some bad habits, or both.

Sure enough, at my sons baseball game I really watched how the kids were running. "I'll be damned. Kids DO run this way. They DO NOT run heel to toe. What the hell have I been doing all these years? DAMN IT!" I realized that my running stride was not that of a cheetah or a Kenyan, but of a middle-aged woman that really needed to make some changes in her life if she wanted to continue running and improve her running distance and times. How could I have been running for sooo long and not even given this a look?

We don't change when we want to. We change when we HAVE to.

I was really excited about this style of running.  I read, studied and applied, studied, applied.  Previously my runs were continuous, nonstop running. Slow, but continuous. Then I started to apply this technique, which threw my running times and distances in the toilet - but only for a week or so. It literally was like starting over and I was pissed. Here I was, less than 6 weeks away from my 1/2 marathon and I found myself unable to switch back to my heel toe form just to be able to keep the pace. The first couple of steps left me out of breath and weak in the legs. I had to stop every 1/4 mile or so. My body got so efficient at running inefficiently! Great. During the first week I thought my calves were going to fall off the bone. There was one day that I could barely walk. But you know what? That leg soreness was worth what I traded it in for - no more hip, neck or low back pain.

Week three and here are some of my personal discoveries and experiences:

• My enormous calves are starting to develop into two different muscles now that I am triggering my hamstrings and calves

• My hips don't hurt anymore

• I have more energy when I run

• My 10:00 mile is closer to 8:30 and sprints are super easy and fun!

• I just FEEL efficient, stronger and faster

I'm obsessed with watching people run now. The heel strikers almost always look lethargic and like they are in pain. The forefoot strikers look like they are gliding effortlessly.  Just watch people run.

My running partner's fitness level needs to improve as well. She was used to our old pace and was struggling to keep up with me this morning.  No, I'm not a bitch, but she is.  She's a 10 year old collie/lab mix, so I think she will adapt quickly.

Many of you are already Pose, Chi or forefoot strikers and if so - look behind you - I'm gaining on you! If you are a heel striker or are just looking to improve your efficiency, I would highly suggest checking into the Pose or Chi method to see if it works for you. It's definitely working for Usain Bolt.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRxs379Vq_k&feature=related

Tai One On

My mom is starting Tai Chi lessons next week!  I'll see if she is willing to share her experience with us.  Always wanted to try that... 

Top Golf Batting Cages

So, I am off to the batting cages after work to get Howie prepped for tomorrow's big game (although there is a good chance he will be the catcher)!  I have actually never gone to the batting cages, so I am really looking forward to this!  I don't think we will have time for any golf or driving range.  Will let you know how it goes.

Massage?

So how was your massage, Tonya?  What kind did you get - Swedish, trigger point?

I'm gettin' to it! Post to go up shortly.

TX Rangers Opening Day

Just curious if anyone is going to Opening Day tomorrow at the ballpark?

Blue Anjou and You

I'm no yogi, but I do like to take a yoga class every now and then, particularly after beating up my body with  long runs, hard workouts or a night of overindulgence (or a combination of all three).  I like the detoxifying effects of Bikram yoga, but I will save that for another post.  This past Monday I was feeling very sore after starting my forefoot running technique, so I convinced Tonya to go with me to a 4:30 Hatha class at Blue Anjou Yoga Studio in Lewisville.  This was not a hard sell for Tonya since she goes to Blue Anjou regularly and has been doing yoga for years.  We headed over to Blue Anjou Yoga Studio in Lewisville for the 4:30 Hatha Yoga with Jan. 

Now this was not my first class at Blue Anjou, nor was it my first class with Jan, so I wasn't caught too off-guard when Jan extended a warm welcome hug to me. Although I am not a very huggie person, I very much enjoyed Jan's warm welcome.  Her hug said to me, "get your sore, tired ass in here.  I will help you stretch out and relax.  You deserve it!"  Honestly.  That is what it told me.

The studio is in the old downtown area of Lewisville, right next to Subway.  If you decide to go to an 11:30 class, be prepared to smell the fresh baked bread and don't be surprised if a 6 inch tuna on whole wheat drifts past you during Savasana.  You've been warned.

The small studio does not have a changing area - just a very large bathroom.  It seems that most people come already dressed, so Tonya and I both had ample room in the large bathroom to change quickly and get into the studio, which is slightly warm, but not hot.  Definitely would not recommend wearing anything too heavy, but I would suggest yoga pants or biker shorts - something clingy as you get awfully "bendy" in the hip area.  You will be barefoot as well.  And don't take a fiber pill before yoga.

All of the necessary equipment is there in the studio - mats, blocks, blankets, and these cool eye beanbag thingies that I haven't tried yet.

Our class was an hour long and ran a little longer.  Jan is a really good instructor, as she encourages you to work at your own pace, teaches to all different levels during the class, corrects your technique and helps out when she sees you struggling.  This class was a good speed for me, although they do have different levels and styles.

Blue Anjou is a small studio.  I think there were 7 of us there on Monday, including Jan.  If you enjoy a smaller atmosphere where most everyone knows each other, then this place is for you.  As I'm putting away my equipment, I notice these newly installed ropes on the wall that look like some form of Pilates or medieval torture device.  Tonya will be checking that out soon....

For more info, visit http://www.blueanjou.com/ or call (469) 645-8555.

Vitality Defined

Vitality
vi·tal·i·ty definition
Pronunciation: /vī-ˈtal-ət-ē/
Function: n
pl -ties ; 1 : the peculiarity distinguishing the living from the nonliving
2 : capacity to live and develop
also : physical or mental vigor especially when highly developed

Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2007 Merriam-Webster, Inc.

Happy Wednesday

So as I'm clearing off the cereal bowls from the kitchen table, I tell my 7 year old that I'm excited that today is Hump Day.  "Woo who, it's HUMP DAY!"  He looks at me funny and asks me what Hump Day is.  I try to explain that we are half-way through the work week.  Blank stare.  "You know...over the hump...one day closer to the weekend?"  This does not resonate with him as he is still staring through me.  I hold up my hand and explain, "The pinkie finger is Monday, Tuesday is your ring finger....see?  We're going up the hill!  Today is Wednesday - aha!  the top of the hill!  Thursday is your index finger and FRIDAY (wiggle, wiggle)  is the thumb!  Get it?  We are getting over the hump!"  I'm very proud of my quick explanation as he smiles and nods to let me know that he understands (or thinks I'm just crazy).

About  10 minutes later, I'm upstairs, finishing my makeup.  Howie is in his bathroom brushing his teeth (or running water over his toothbrush).  He appears in the doorway with his backpack over his shoulder, announcing that he is ready to go.  I turn around and he tells me, "You know, I think I'm going to call today middle-finger day." 

Happy Middle-Finger Day, y'all.  Hope it's a good one.