tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56093261019877799672024-03-12T18:38:57.125-04:00Learning to run, T'ai Chi styleA journey to a better way of exercising and of livingrobeiaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17145457789511566198noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5609326101987779967.post-44747301873744288522014-01-19T15:00:00.000-05:002014-01-19T15:42:31.941-05:00More on the Altra Zero Drop shoeIn <a href="http://runningchi.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-first-shoe-drops-and-i-turn-to-east.html">one of my first entries on this blog</a>, I noted how a shoe commercial played a big role in my decision to change the way I run, to turn back to Eastern philosophy as a source for both inspiration and from. That commercial was for Altra Zero Drop shoes: I talked a little about the shoes, but it's a subject worth revisiting in depth.<br />
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As big a deal as changing my running form has been, making the change to the Altra shoes, has been--and still is--even bigger in some ways. Because the change in from really has to come first. I can't just switch over to the Altras as if they were just another pair of running shoes, because they most certainly are not. Let's take a closer look at them and see why that is. My particular choice in the Altra famile is the Altra Instinct 1.5, mostly because it provides a small amount of support and I was not prepared to "go ll the way" to shoes with almost no support. Here it is:<br />
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The shoe actually looks kind of goofy, almost like a clown shoe in my opinion. If it's important to you for people to look at your shoes with envy because they look so damn cool, the Altras definitely aren't for you. But regardless, the reason for the odd look of the shoe is the wide toe area. For comparison, look at the bottom of my current shoe, the New Balance 860v3:<br />
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See how very different the Altra is from the typical shoe? And when you first try one on, you can really feel this difference. Your foot kind of pops in, as your forefoot and toes find ample room at the front of the show, rather than being constricted in a smaller space. In essence, they have room to breath, to move.<br />
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Now look at my 860v3 from the side:<br />
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And the Altra, again:<br />
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You can see it, can't you? The Altra is far more flush to the ground, and there's no change in level from heel to toe, as opposed to the New Balance shoe. That's the "zero drop": the heel and the forefoot are the same distance from the ground. My New Balance 860v3s feature a 12 mm drop. That doesn't sound like a lot, but it matters when you run, it impacts your form as a matter of course. This doesn't mean it's necessarily bad for you, though. I love my 860v3s; they provide great stability, support, and traction, plus they're lightweight and fit great (no blister issues in these babies). I'll probably buy another pair when the current ones wear down.<br />
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So what't the big deal with the zero drop (and the other features of the Altra)? Why am I--and many others--so fixated on the issue?<br />
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Because I/we want to run a better way, a more natural way. Other running shoes are built the way they are because we are conditioned to run in shoes, even though the most natural way to run is barefoot. And because they are built that way, they <i>reinforce bad habits</i>. High-end running shoes serve to <i>protect you from yourself</i>. That's why they have the cushioning, the drop, and the shape they have, so your from is less of an issue.<br />
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But it is still an issue, it is still what leads to all sorts of injuries, from the nagging to the serious. The beauty of the Altra Zero Drops is that they do the opposite of the other shoes. Rather than reinfircing bad habits, they reinforce the good ones. If you run with bad form in the Altras, you'll feel it, both during and after your run. But as you adjust your form to fit the shoe, you'll reap the rewards, both in the short and long term. Look at this graphic from the <a href="http://www.altrazerodrop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StaticContentView?langId=-1&storeId=15151&catalogId=18952&pageTitle=Zero+Drop&pageName=ZeroDrop">Altra website</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BWpYSSvMSq4/Utwr1Vkz0BI/AAAAAAAACvw/KfAAkeU40lM/s1600/zerodropbenefits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BWpYSSvMSq4/Utwr1Vkz0BI/AAAAAAAACvw/KfAAkeU40lM/s1600/zerodropbenefits.jpg" height="282" width="480" /></a></div>
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Better technique, natural alignment, reduced impact, those are the principle goals in the Altra Zero Drop design. And because of these factors, because running with a more natural, proper form has these benefits, there is no need to restrict the rest of the foot to such a high degree, thus allowing the more expansive area in the front for the toes (and in turn, this is also beneficial for improving form; something of a positive feedback loop). Incidentally, this is also the science behind other minimalist shoe designs, like the so called "toe shoes" (that look like gloves for your feet).<br />
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I undertook yesterday's seven mile run with my Altras. And again, it was a great run, both in terms of pace and time and in terms of how I felt during it and afterwards. There was no soreness or pain in my feet or legs at any point. And frankly, the Altras simply feel better, feel right. True enough, I still need to approach the transition with care, but it's obvious that I'm well on my way.<br />
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For those interested in Altra shoes, you can find them <a href="http://www.altrazerodrop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StoreFramesetView?langId=-1&storeId=15151&catalogId=18952">using Altra's website</a>, or you can buy them online from <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/thepondofhapp-20">my Amazon store</a>.robeiaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17145457789511566198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5609326101987779967.post-60229730679525926482014-01-18T14:29:00.000-05:002014-01-18T14:29:06.732-05:00Breathing during a run: find your center and run from withinIt was a glorious morning for a run today. Slightly cloudy with the temperature in the high fifties and just a slight breeze, the day beckoned for me to just run, freely and without any distractions. So I did.<br />
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In keeping with <a href="http://runningchi.blogspot.com/2014/01/focusing-on-moment-setting-aside.html">my recent epiphany</a>, I once again eschewed any music in the run. Starting off from my house, I followed my usual route down some side streets to the local park, which has a lovely path past some athletic fields, a canal, and tennis courts. It was early, so there were only a few fellow runners and walkers on the path. But there was a large crowd forming on one field for the day's youth soccer games. As my run progressed, this proved to be a fun sidelight, as I enjoyed hearing the shouts of encouragement from parents to their children as the games began.<br />
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As to my run, I purposefully approached it with a gameplan of sorts (something I always do): I would run the first mile or so as a warm-up, then pick up my pace a little and run consistently for the next several miles, at which point I would just let loose and run wide open (this does <i>not</i> mean sprinting) until I tired or I needed to return home.<br />
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Coincidentally, it is almost exactly one mile from my house to the park. And my route through the park--a figure eight circuit--is also about one mile. Having a route like this is a good idea, for while apps like the Nike+ one I use can be set to indicate milestones in a run, this doesn't much matter if you are no longer using earphones--like me--and thus cannot hear such updates.<br />
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Anyway, I did the warm-up mile with ease, then increased my pace a little as I hit the park. My breathing was easy during the first mile. The change in pace required a little more exertion, of course, but as I did so, I made sure to keep my breathing consistent, to inhale and exhale evenly without panting. In doing so, I breathed from a point below my chest; I visualized it and allowed it to be pushed up towards my chest as I breathed in (and my chest expanded) and pulled back down towards my diaphragm as I breathed out.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H2Bwm0IA30g/UtrTnIfGPoI/AAAAAAAACuA/0-XEjI-GL8k/s1600/taichibreathing.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H2Bwm0IA30g/UtrTnIfGPoI/AAAAAAAACuA/0-XEjI-GL8k/s1600/taichibreathing.gif" height="264" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: Yang's Martial Arts Association, <a href="http://ymaa.com/articles/breathing-exercises-for-tai-chi">Breathing Exercises for T'ai Chi</a></span></td></tr>
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In the practice of T'ai Chi, breathing is one of the most critical issues. Practitioners spend a great deal of time learning to breath properly by doing various breathing exercises. What is most important here is understanding that the breathing must be natural, not forced, and that it be controlled from the abdomen. But necessarily, how we breathe must change, based on what we are doing. In meditation, breathing is quiet and slow. During any sort of activity, it becomes stronger and deeper. The key is to allow it to do so naturally.<br />
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Just as the first part of my run--the warm-up--is about loosening my muscles and getting them used to the motions of my running body, so too it is about transitioning my breathing to a proper state for a strong run. This transition is something you can feel happen; as you run, you may want to increase your breathing rate rapidly, but fight this urge. Again, breathe evenly and somewhat slowly as you start. Allow your body to dictate a slow but steady change in your breathing to help you reach a point of equilibrium, of harmony, within yourself.<br />
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I have learned that the time it takes to reach this point can vary from person to person, that it is important to not push yourself too hard in search of a faster pace. Instead, you must let it come naturally. If you do, you will find that your breathing mirrors your movements. And your ability to sustain your pace will increase, perhaps even dramatically.<br />
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Three miles in to my run, I was feeling great. And as planned, I simply allowed my body to take over, to find a new limit for my pace. In the end, I ran a little over seven miles and in so doing, set new personal bests for both one kilometer and ten kilometer (which is about 6.12 miles) distances.robeiaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17145457789511566198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5609326101987779967.post-91197008690716904072014-01-17T19:49:00.001-05:002014-01-17T19:49:38.931-05:00Review: Quest protein bars<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">From time to time, I'm going to talk about specific products, from running gear to other equipment to foods and supplements. When I do, the title of the piece will always be "Review: [product name]." Just so there are no misunderstandings, I'll also link to a place to purchase the product, if I think it worthwhile (and this is usually going to be the case, I'm not planning on reviewing things I don't use and don't like).</span></i><br />
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One of my goals when I started running was most definitely weight loss. But really, that concern was always secondary to the goal of just getting in shape, of improving my stamina and cardio-vascular system. As I noted previously, I have never been what might be termed fat or overweight. That said, there was plenty of room for improvement (there still is), when it came to body fat. And ditto for muscle mass. I could (and still can) use some more of the latter and less of the former, which is why I did the P90X program and still do some lifting.<br />
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Needless to say, the issue of my diet was something I had to address. I increased my consumption of vegetables and fruit, while decreasing my junk food intake. Also, I have tried to eat less red meat and more turkey and fish. Still, snacking has remained a problem. Plus, I wanted to give my body plenty of good protein to maximize my exercise results. So like many people these days, I've turned to protein bars as a means to address these issues.<br />
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There are a lot of them on the market, to be sure. Supermarkets stock a huge variety of brands, while even more can be had at specialty health stores like GNC, or at stores that cater to fitness, including must running stores. And of course, there's also the internet, a great place to find those hard to get bars or flavors that no one in a particular area seems to carry. I find that <a href="https://www.smoothieking.com/">Smoothie Kings</a> (I'm a big fan of them, by the way) tend to carry some of the better bars, as well, though this may not be true everywhere, given the franchise nature of the business.<br />
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So which is best? That's going to depend on two things, more often than not: the goal behind the choice and <i>who you are asking</i>. Beware the reviews on the internet--and on wrappers--proclaiming one bar or another to be the best, the top choice of pros, the highest rated, or the like. Unlike in my case, some of those reviews may be coming from someone with a vested interest in selling a particular brand. And the proclamations from the companies themselves are just, well, worthless.<br />
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What I was (and still am) looking for is a high-protein, high-fiber bar made from natural ingredients, with minimal sugars that also happens to taste good, though I have one huge caveat: I don't much care for nuts, other than peanuts. The last takes a very popular and--I'm given to understand--a very healthy brand out of the running for me: <a href="http://www.kindsnacks.com/">Kind Bars</a>. Though to be fair, these bars aren't really big on protein, but are more of just a healthy, all natural kind of snacking bar.<br />
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Out of all those protein bars, there are many designed primarily for weightlifters. They'e often made with less concern about sugar and carbs, and are promoted as "meal replacement" bars. They're not what I'm looking for. But there are still a ton of choices left, and I've tried a lot of them, checked out their ingredients, or looked for more info on them. At some point, I stumbled upon the one that, right now, has no peers in my opinion: <a href="http://www.questproteinbar.com/?gclid=CNPpkJ-0hrwCFWMV7Aod9G8ASA">Quest protein bars</a>.<br />
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If you check out the website, you'll see--right there in huge letters--a claim: "#1 Protein Bar." And as I just noted, that's not really evidence you can take to the bank. But this is:<br />
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<li>Quest Bars use whey protein isolate and milk protein isolate, protein sources that are far superior to those in many other popular bars. Both are complete proteins that are easy for the body to absorb and use.</li>
<li>Quest Bars are high in protein for their size: a 60 gram bar delivers as much as 21 grams of protein (depending on the variety).</li>
<li>Quest Bars use natural sweeteners like <a href="http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-682-STEVIA.aspx?activeIngredientId=682&activeIngredientName=STEVIA">stevia</a> and luohan guo (a mogroside from the Chinese monk fruit). These are very efficient sweetners; only very small amounts are needed and neither has been shown to have any ill effects.</li>
<li>Quest Bars have very few ingredients and all of them are natural.</li>
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With regard to the last, take a look at the ingredient list for my favorite, the <a href="http://www.questproteinbar.com/protein-bars/choc-chip-cookie-dough-box-of-12.html">Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough bar</a> (I know, right, something with this name <i>shouldn't</i> be this good for you!):<br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">Protein Blend (Whey Protein Isolate, Milk Protein Isolate), Isomalto-Oligosaccharides* (Prebiotic Fiber), Almonds, Water, Unsweetened Chocolate, Cocoa Butter, Erythritol. Contains Less than 2% of the following: Salt, Sucralose, Stevia, Milk Derived Ingredients, Natural Flavorings.</span></blockquote>
For a comparison, look at the ingredients in a Cookie Dough Balance Bar (which I used to eat, once upon a time):<br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">Protein Blend (Soy Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Isolate, Partially Hydrolyzed Milk Protein Isolate, Casein, Calcium Caseinate), Fructose, Glucose Syrup, Cookies (Wheat Flour, Sugar, Canola Oil, Cocoa (Processed with Alkali), Salt, Sodium Bicarbonate), Sugar, Fractionated Palm Kernel Oil, Nonfat Milk, High Oleic Sunflower Oil. Contains less than 2% of Natural Flavor, Butter (Cream, Salt), Lactose, Cocoa (Processed with Alkali), Soy Lecithin, Maltodextrin, Inulin, Dextrose, Salt, Nonfat Yogurt Powder (Cultured Nonfat Milk), Caramel add for color, Tocopherols added to protect flavor, Soybean Oil.
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While the Balance Bar does indeed use some good proteins, it also has all kinds of other stuff that my body really doesn't need, that provide no benefits. In total, it has over thirty ingredients. The Quest bar? Thirteen. The Balance Bar also has less protein (15 grams compared to 21 grams), far less dietary fiber (less than 1 gram compared to 17 grams), and far more sugar (17 grams compared to 1 gram).<br />
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Really, there's no comparison here. Other bars out there might do better than the Balance Bar here, some even substantially so, but I have yet to find one that measures up to a Quest bar.<br />
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And have I mentioned how good they taste?<br />
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Be forewarned, as is usually the case you get what you pay for. The ingredients used by Quest are not cheap. As a result, neither are the bars. On the website, they'll run you $2.39 per bar, or a pack of twelve for $24.99. That's not cheap. But it's money well spent, in my opinion.robeiaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17145457789511566198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5609326101987779967.post-21423516970740129232014-01-16T21:34:00.003-05:002014-01-16T21:35:02.401-05:00Focusing on the moment, setting aside distractions<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UcHdh7ywVoA/UtiWi9TsGnI/AAAAAAAACtg/vo-85Y0oQ0M/s1600/coral+reef+park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UcHdh7ywVoA/UtiWi9TsGnI/AAAAAAAACtg/vo-85Y0oQ0M/s1600/coral+reef+park.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Coral Reef Park, where I run.</td></tr>
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It was a brisk morning today in South Florida, with temperatures in the mid-50's (yes, I know how warm that is, compared to other places). So for today's run, I decided to change things up a little bit, to get rid of something that is sort of a crutch: my iPhone. Or more specfically, the music from my iPhone.<br />
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When I run, I use the Nike+ app on my iPhone to record time, pace, and location. It's a handy thing. But the app also links up with my iTunes playlists on the phone. Also very handy. However, listening to music--while it may not be a bad thing--is not necessarily a good thing. In keeping with my desire to change the way I run, to find a greater level of harmony in the moment, I decided to put the music away for the day, to see how things go without it.<br />
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In the past, I always told myself that I needed to listen to something while I ran, that I would be unable to do it without something to keep my mind off of the actual run. But it occurred to me that perhaps I was selling myself short and--more importantly--perhaps I was missing out on a significant part of the experience.<br />
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<i>Embracing the Way, you become embraced;<br />
Breathing gently, you become newborn;<br />
Clearing your mind, you become clear;<br />
Nurturing your children, you become impartial;<br />
Opening your heart, you become accepted;<br />
Accepting the world, you embrace the Way.<br />
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Bearing and nurturing,<br />
Creating but not owning,<br />
Giving without demanding,<br />
This is harmony.</i>--Lao-Tzu, <i>Tào Té Chīng</i>, Chapter 10, 6th century <span style="font-size: x-small;">BCE</span>*</blockquote>
As I ran, there was nothing missing at all. Indeed, the <i>lack</i> of something--in this case music--enhanced the experience, added to it. Without the music there was <i>more</i>, substantially more, to take in. Paradoxically, my focus also improved. I ran better, cleaner, with purpose, even as I thought little of my actual strides, moment to moment.<br />
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I cannot claim to be any sort of Zen master or spiritual guru, but I can honestly say I was moved by the experience. And afterwards, I couldn't help but wonder how many other such moments eluding me on a daily basis, because of distractions I impose on myself. With this in mind, I'm going to purposefully set aside the music from now on. We'll see how it goes...<br />
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*<i>As may be clear to those very familiar with the </i>Tào Té Chīng<i>, the quotes I am using are each not from a single translation, but are from different ones. And that's one of the great beauties of the book (a trait it shares with </i>The Bible<i>, actually, and a number of other classical texts): there is no absolutely authoritative translation. Indeed, there is variety even in the Chinese versions. One can be as moving as the next, can offer a particular turn of the phrase that moves in ways the same passage in a different translation does not. </i>robeiaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17145457789511566198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5609326101987779967.post-66040196020862546592014-01-16T13:02:00.000-05:002014-01-16T13:02:49.581-05:00Let the force be with you, Part IIIn <a href="http://runningchi.blogspot.com/2014/01/let-force-be-with-you-not-against-you.html">my previous piece</a>, I talked about one of the two forces we--as runners--must contend with: gravity. And rather than fighting against gravity, it makes sense to use it to our advantage, which we can do by running with a slight forward lean (though still maintaining a proper posture). The second force to contend with is that of the ground, the constant impact of our feet against it.<br />
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Landing is a critical issue for runners. Indeed, poor technique in this regard is one of the major sources of injury, from shin splints, to blisters, to joint damage. Prior to my exposure to a new way of running, I tended to land on my heel first, laying down the rest of my foot, then pushing off the ground with my toes. There's something to be said for such a technique, in terms of power, but I now think the costs far outweigh the benefits. at least for me. In keeping with the Altra/Chi Running approach, I'm in the process of shifting to a midfoot (or forefoot) strike, as a opposed to a heel strike.<br />
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Now, it is <i>not</i> the case that the weight of scientific evidence is on my side here. Really, the debate over the best way to land when running is ongoing and there is no clear answer. Read <a href="http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/15/myths-of-running-forefoot-barefoot-and-otherwise/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0">this article from the New York Times</a> to see just how uncertain things are in this regard (it also addresses barefoot running, which I hope to get into some time down the proverbial road). That said, the change to a midfoot/forefoot strike is clearly benefiting <i>me</i>, for a number of reasons:<br />
<ul>
<li>I'm experiencing notably less soreness in my joints, from ankle to knee, since I began the transition.</li>
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<li>I'm able to maintain a higher cadence (number of steps per minute) than previously.</li>
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<li>I find it easier to breath normally, when I maintain correct posture and use a midfoot strike.</li>
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<li>It just feels right; I've processed the "why" behind the change and this allows me to run freer, more unencumbered by worries about the above issues.</li>
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The reason for the last is my now-more-organic understanding of what I am doing when I run. As I noted above, with each step I take, there is an impact, a collision of forces, as a matter of course. Picture in your mind what this looks like. When you land heel-first, and you are moving with any kind of pace, the force of the impact pushes up and <i>back</i> against your heel and on through your leg. When you land with your mid or forefoot, the force of the impact no longer pushes back--just up--and it is more spread out, is in fact less of an impact (this is assuming you're doing it right, of course). This picture--which is actually based on a barefoot forefoot strike, but works for our purposes--shows the differences:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t_5GIJHZMdA/UtgZ5rl0UpI/AAAAAAAACtQ/jRn_SUUHHmw/s1600/Shoes-vs-Barefoot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t_5GIJHZMdA/UtgZ5rl0UpI/AAAAAAAACtQ/jRn_SUUHHmw/s1600/Shoes-vs-Barefoot.jpg" height="330" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="http://www.minimalistshoes.org/how-to-forefoot-run-with-minimalist-shoes/">Minimalist Shoes</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Again, I don't want to get into a scientific debate on this. I take it as a given that heelstriking works for many, many runners. But it wasn't working for me; I had clearly hit a wall. My transition to a midfoot strike, coupled with other changes as well, has made a huge difference for me.<br />
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And to be absolutely clear, I'm still in the process of the change(in keeping with T'ai Chi principles). I revert to a heelstrike on occasion, but now I notice it quickly when it occurs. I <i>feel</i> it in my joints and in my mind. And I find my body correcting itself almost automatically in this regard.<br />
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This, I believe, is a consequence of seeing myself through a new lens of understanding, where all of the forces at play are working more in concert, rather than in opposition, where I am more in tune with both my body and my surroundings. And before anyone asks, no I'm not going to start chanting! But it's a good feeling, a comforting feeling, and it makes me enjoy the time I spend running even more.robeiaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17145457789511566198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5609326101987779967.post-60716754250570856252014-01-15T17:17:00.001-05:002014-01-16T07:16:03.335-05:00Let the force be with you, not against you<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #666666;">Stiff and unbending is the principle of death.<br />Gentle and yielding is the principle of life.<br />Thus an Army without flexibility never wins a battle.<br />A tree that is unbending is easily broken.<br />The hard and strong will fall.<br />The soft and weak will overcome.<br />--Lao-Tzu, <i>Tào Té Chīng</i>, Chapter 76, 6th century <span style="font-size: x-small;">BCE</span></span></blockquote>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uJacJraIMMQ/UtcHH7kNuOI/AAAAAAAACsI/bCre6TrNP1E/s1600/yangchenfu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uJacJraIMMQ/UtcHH7kNuOI/AAAAAAAACsI/bCre6TrNP1E/s1600/yangchenfu.jpg" /></a></div>
The "Chi" in T'ai Chi can be roughly translated as "ultimate," while the "T'ai" means "great." Originally, the practice of <i>T'ai chi ch'uan</i> developed strictly as a martial art, wherein "ch'uan" meant "fist," giving the art the full name of <i>Great Ultimate Fist</i>. But even as a martial art, T'ai chi ch'uan was a product of Taoist thought, having been developed (supposedly) by a Taoist monk in China--one Zhang Sanfeng--during the Song Dynasty, circa 960 to 1279 <span style="font-size: x-small;">CE</span>.<br />
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As such, it was--as a system--firmly grounded in Taoist principles: mastery proceeded necessarily from a calmness of spirit, mind, and body, and from constant practice as goal to be relentlessly pursued. And the application of force was always minimized, the goal was to absorb and use the force of others, either of things in the environment or of the opponent when in combat.<br />
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This idea of using the force of an opponent against them, of essentially turning their own force back on them, is a key feature of many schools and styles of martial arts. And it is very much a staple of Chinese philosophy, as well, appearing in various forms in the writings of thinkers like Confucious, Mencius, and even Han Fei Tzu. For it proceeds from an understanding of energy as a tangible <i>thing</i>, in and of itself. Under this rubric, all energy present is available to use, to be exploited, by whomever is present at a given moment. One need not supply additional energy to achieve a result, but can--more often then not--simply <i>use what is already there</i>.<br />
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When running, there are three principle sources of energy present: the energy supplied by the runner, Earth's gravity, and the force of the ground, itself (be it a track, a road, a dirt path, or what have you). The goal for the runner should be--in a T'ai Chi way of thinking--to minimize the energy expended by taking maximum advantage of what is already available.<br />
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So how do we go about doing this?<br />
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One of two key ideas for having a proper running form in this regard:<br />
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<b>Use gravity to move forward</b>; don't fight it. Gravity is always pulling us down. And we are always resisting this pull, by using our own energy to stand, or by borrowing that of something like a chair to sit. Imagine sitting on a chair and then having it suddenly disappear. What happens? You fall backwards, don't you? And why? Because of your body's position relative to it's center of gravity. Try standing up, then leaning forward slowly without bending your knees or waist. You can feel the pull, can't you? And if you keep leaning, eventually you will fall. Forward.<br />
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This is something the <a href="http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid756506471001?bckey=AQ~~,AAAAr2hyIbk~,drEyiIlMC8kX_jGPX9Xdh2-A7jBsJ8z4&bctid=1513855779001">Altra instructional videos</a> and Danny Dreyer in <i>Chi Running</i> (and many other experts) are very keen on, and I've found their arguments to be very persuasive, to provide a significant advantage <i>when properly heeded</i>.<br />
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The last is critical here. One cannot simply take this advice--to lean forward--and run with it (pardon the pun). There's a lot more to learn. Proper posture must still be maintained. The back needs to be kept straight, as a matter of course. The lean itself should be at the ankles. And it is not a very big lean, at all. It's almost slight. Because if one leans too far forward, one loses control, and this is a bad thing. Take a good look at the proper extent of the lean--as compared to no lean--on the homepage of <a href="http://www.chirunning.com/">ChiRunning</a>. See how small the lean we are talking about actually is in practice?<br />
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Still, for someone like me who always ran as vertically as possible, this is no easy change to make. Just a slight lean <i>feels</i> huge. I'm still working at it, carefully and slowly (which, by the way, is another lesson from T'ai Chi: <i>incremental change</i> is the way to go, always). But my understanding of the forces at play, my recognition of them in relation to myself, is making the change possible, is allowing my body to process the change in form as beneficial.<br />
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As the quote that opens this piece notes, flexibility is a virtue, while a lack of flexibility represents a serious problem. And yielding means accepting what is before you, what affects you, not fighting against it. In this case, we yield to the forces impacting what we are doing, to the extent that we benefit from these forces, we work with them in confluence not opposition.<br />
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In the next piece, I'll look at the other outside force runners must contend against, each and every step they take: the ground they tread upon.robeiaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17145457789511566198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5609326101987779967.post-66317252710600126052014-01-15T08:12:00.000-05:002014-01-16T07:15:40.439-05:00Equipment does matter<i>A repost from <a href="http://thepondsofhappenstance.blogspot.com/">my other blog</a>.</i><br />
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One of the great trite thoughts of all time: the right tool for the right job (and no, this isn't going to be about politicians). It's been said so often in that form and many others that people <i>must</i> operate on that principle by and large. Mustn't they? And yet a simple look around one's own home or an honest evaluation of one's recent behavior will--I am quite certain--put a lie to the idea.<br />
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We all take short cuts, we all make due from time to time with what we have. The other day, some socks fell behind my dryer. The best tool to retrieve them would have been some sort of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ontel-Gopher-Pick-Up-Reaching-Tool/dp/B00144L4LK">extendable grasping tool</a>; such a thing would have made the job of retrieving the socks a simple thing, indeed. But I didn't have one--and it's not like they're expensive--so I used a long dowel rod to push the socks against the wall and then up the wall, inch by inch, until I could reach them with my hand. A simple thing, even without the right tool. So maybe the idea isn't so true after all.<br />
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Of course, the task at hand--sock retrieval--was neither completed nor dangerous. I'd offer a simple theorem: as a task increases in difficulty or in risk level, the need to use proper equipment increases at a directly proportional rate in the very least. Some tasks that might be life-threatening simply demand the use of proper equipment; the lack of the same may very well guarantee failure.<br />
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With that in mind, consider exercising. Selling "proper" equipment of all sorts for various activities is a huge market. And some of that equipment is really less about being "proper" and more about being "stylish." Like yoga pants. I love yoga pants, love the way they look and feel, but one really doesn't need them to do yoga. In contrast, one does need a good yoga mat (and by the way, you should also be sure to <i>clean</i> your yoga mat on a regular basis). They provide cushioning for contact points, thus helping to prevent injuries, and they help with balance as well.<br />
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But I'm not a big yoga guy. As I've noted before, <a href="http://thepondsofhappenstance.blogspot.com/2012/10/running-with-jerks-and-entitlement.html">running</a> is my exercise of choice these days. And proper equipment is a must for me, partly because I'm no longer twenty-something (or even thirty-something) and partly because it makes running that much easier for me to do. But most importantly because proper equipment is an issue of safety and health. So what does such equipment actually entail?<br />
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1. An iPhone (or other similar device) for listening to music, books, or podcasts. This is not a necessity for everyone, I know. But I need the music to keep pace and to help me zone out for longer runs.<br />
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2. Headphones for the same. Have a care, here. I know there are all kinds of top of the line headphones out there, from Beats to IronMan ones, that claim to be the best for running and/or for music quality, but what matters most is simple comfort. And the lighter the weight, the better. This isn't about pure sound quality, at all. Noise-cancelling headphones should be avoided in particular unless one is running on a treadmill. Why? Because it's necessary to hear--to some degree--what is going on around you while running, especially if there is traffic of any sort in the area. So opt for the cheap ones that are comfortable.<br />
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3. A means of tracking your runs, both distance and pace (calories burned is good, too). I use the <a href="http://nikeplus.nike.com/plus/products/gps_app/">Nike+ running app</a> on my iPhone. Not only does it track all of my activity, it also allows me to set goals and "compete" with friends to help me push myself.<br />
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4. Clothing, shorts and shirt. Again, comfort and weight are key. And so is material. Not only do you want lightweight clothing, you also want clothing that doesn't soak up the sweat. I recommend <a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/home.jsp">Lululemon Athletica</a>. The clothing is not cheap, but it has several advantages over other sportswear. The material is fully breathable and lightweight, of course. Additionally, the running-specific clothing has added features, like <a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/men-shorts/Pace-Breaker-Short?cc=10142&skuId=3492527&catId=usmwearit4">these shorts</a> (my current fav):<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mNrhtADeWYg/UWgyZYa-LNI/AAAAAAAACGc/ev-Rq0J116g/s1600/shortslulu.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mNrhtADeWYg/UWgyZYa-LNI/AAAAAAAACGc/ev-Rq0J116g/s320/shortslulu.jpg" /></a>
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When it comes to <a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/men-tops/Metal-Vent-Tech-Sl-32811?cc=4411&skuId=3487812&catId=usmwearit2">shirts</a>, Lululemon has a material called "Silverescent," which basically keeps the stink away. Seriously. I can put in a sweaty eight mile run and my shirt--when I'm done--just doesn't smell at all. I'll wear the same shirt three days in a row (I hang them in the bathroom to dry out after each run). If you exercise every day, you know how quickly laundry can pile up. This is a huge bonus, above and beyond the comfort of the shirt itself. Plus, the Lululemon stuff does look good, even on me.<br />
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5. Socks. This may not seem important--and for a long time, I never thought it was--but the right socks can make a huge difference, especially for people who are a little older or who have had joint issues. It's not enough to just choose between thin or thick socks. The nature of the padding--the where and the how--is important. I found <a href="https://www.thorlo.com/socks/xccu/197">these socks</a> recently and I noticed the difference the first time I ran with them:<br />
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Thorlo makes a number of different kinds of socks, depending on specific needs. I encourage avid or even occasional runners to explore their site and find the proper socks, based on those needs.<br />
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6. Last but certainly not least are the ever-important running shoes. I've used a large variety of shoes, from Nike to Brooks to New Balance. Currently, however, I'm running in a pair of Adidas shoes. But I'm not recommending them or any other particular brand. There are just too many out there. Don't buy shoes based on how they look or because of a commercial. The way to get the right running shoe is to go to a running-specific store that will not only help fit you properly but also analyze your running form/style in order to determine which shoe gives you the proper support. In Miami/South Florida, I suggest <a href="http://www.therunnershigh.com/index.html">The Runner's High</a>. After you are properly fitted, you actually get to try out your shoe and then return them if they aren't working for you. I kid you not. For anyone considering taking up running--or even walking--as a steady activity, this kind of service is an absolute necessity.<br />
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So, that's my little spiel on running. But note that it doesn't end here. When running--or exercising in general--equipment is critical, no doubt. Just as important, however, is attitude, preparation, and fuel. Get your mind right, warm up and stretch properly before each session (and after), and condition your body by eating right, as much as possible. In our modern world, the last may be the hardest: avoiding junk food and over-snacking, as well as taking the time to have a proper pre-workout meal. There are all kinds of shortcuts to be sure, like protein and health shakes and bars. I use them. But I run mostly in the mornings, so I try to have a good breakfast an hour or so before I run. Usually, it's a bowl of Barbara's Puffins and low-fat organic milk, topped with some fresh organic fruit (berries and/or bananas), along with a glass of juice. The bowl of cereal and fruit looks something like this:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Um10GrKBZm4/UWg9Ftj-DvI/AAAAAAAACG0/bEOIiuI44cs/s1600/IMG_0676.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Um10GrKBZm4/UWg9Ftj-DvI/AAAAAAAACG0/bEOIiuI44cs/s320/IMG_0676.JPG" /></a>
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<span style="color: white;">F5CY9ZNHMJD7</span>robeiaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17145457789511566198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5609326101987779967.post-52686174242506542014-01-14T12:19:00.000-05:002014-01-16T07:16:28.899-05:00Delight in the simplicity of running<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #666666;"><i>Were I to have the least bit of knowledge, in walking on a Great Road, <br />it's only going astray that I would fear.<br />The Great Way is very level;<br />But people greatly delight in tortuous paths.</i></span><span style="color: #666666;"><br />--Lao-Tzu, <i>Tào Té Chīng</i>, Chapter 53, 6th century BCE</span></blockquote>
Lao-Tzu (also Laozi) was a Chinese philosopher who authored the now-famous <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060812451/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0060812451&linkCode=as2&tag=thepondofhapp-20">Tao Te Ching</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thepondofhapp-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0060812451" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, a collection of versus intended to impart wisdom to the reader. It is the principle foundation of Taoism, which--as both a religion and a philosophy--stresses living in harmony with the <i>Tao</i>. In Chinese philosophy, or more correctly spiritualism, the <i>Tao</i> (which loosely translates as "the way") is the principle driving force of the universe. It is at once both obscure and mundane, for while it defies being encapsulated in a simple definition, is in fact unknowable, it can be observed in the daily course of life. Thus, it establishes--to the observant, the one "in tune" with themselves and the world around them--principles for how to live.<br />
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Many of these principles are about morality, about understanding how to act towards others, towards nature itself; they reflect learning to not just live, but to live well. However, the path to understanding--or to <i>enlightenment</i>, if you will--includes an understanding of the purely physical, as well, insofar as there must be harmony within the individual who seeks such understanding. The question is, can one achieve such harmony in a given activity? If so, how?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J8s04QeC7g4/UtVvXlHXu9I/AAAAAAAACrw/U5LCep87q3g/s1600/childrunning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J8s04QeC7g4/UtVvXlHXu9I/AAAAAAAACrw/U5LCep87q3g/s1600/childrunning.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="http://divyaclinic.com/">Divya Clinic</a> in Naveen Shahdara, Delhi, India</td></tr>
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In <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416549447/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1416549447&linkCode=as2&tag=thepondofhapp-20">ChiRunning</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thepondofhapp-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1416549447" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> Danny Dreyer opens with several chapters dedicated to this topic, the idea of harmony between mind and body (and soul), and the related harmony between the individual and nature. One of the points he dwells on is that of running like a child. For when a child runs (when playing), she does so without any concern for form or for benefit. There is no attempt to maximize efficiency or productivity, there is just free-flowing moment, the uninhibited actions of the body. Yet under such a rubric, both efficiency and productivity <i>are</i> maximized.<br />
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Why? Because the child is intrinsically in harmony with both herself and with nature. She is unencumbered by stress or other concerns, she runs with joy, with happiness, which is apparent on her face.<br />
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Consider how you run. If you are like me, you no doubt spend some time prepping yourself before you begin. You stretch, you hydrate, you make sure you've eaten enough to give you energy. You dress for the run, making sure your shoes are tied, your iPod is secure, and your headphones are in place. Then you run.<br />
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Do you smile when you run? Are you happy? If you use running as a means of alleviating stress and anxiety, are you able to truly set these things aside?<br />
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Today, I ran some four miles at a relatively leisurely pace. But I did so with a purpose, to run as a child, to take joy in the moment and forget about my goals, both long and short term. As I ran my usual circuit through a nearby park, I found myself smiling, sometimes even waving, at others out for a run or a walk. Many of them I see on a near-daily basis. A few I know and always wave to. But today, I let myself be almost goofy in my happiness. And time passed like a flash. Before I knew it, I was back at home. My pace didn't matter. I felt more refreshed than usual and, in fact, was sweating <i>less</i> than usual. It was a good run.<br />
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The quote that opens this piece is instructive, insofar as it reminds us to not make things more difficult than they need to be. The Way is level indeed, it is simple. One sees it through the eyes of a child and knows that joy flows naturally from this simplicity.<br />
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Those of us who are older still need to be mindful of our bodies, we need to stretch and be certain we are ready to run. But these are small things that should not be our primary focus. It is more important to run free, with open minds ready to accept the moment, to delight in the day and the world around us, rather than focusing on the actual activity to the extent that such delight flies away from us in the wink of an eye. So on your next run, make it a point to be happy, to smile, to express your joy as you go.robeiaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17145457789511566198noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5609326101987779967.post-51449170625387286422014-01-13T21:35:00.001-05:002014-01-16T07:16:49.866-05:00The first shoe drops and I turn to the EastAs I noted in my previous piece, I credit a commercial with being the impetus for change, with regard to my running and quite possibly my life, a commercial I saw near the end of 2013. Without further ado, here it is:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="280" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ZpC-nwDoTwE" width="500"></iframe>
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Yes, it's just a shoe commercial. But it intrigued me. I've run with a variety of shoes, Brooks, Nike, New Balance, Adidas, and ASICS, some of which were very good for me and others which seemed to only cause me problems or just didn't last. Currently, I'm running with a pair of New Balance 860v3's. I'm at about 250 miles into them (the better shoes tend to last me about 350 miles) and they've been great, really great.<br />
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However, the Altra Zero Drop commercial struck a chord with me. Something about what it was selling sounded right, so I decided to check out the product. The <a href="http://www.altrazerodrop.com/">Altra website</a> provided a list of stores that carried Altra shoes, so I searched for one in my area. The only one anywhere close to me proved to be <a href="http://www.footworksmiami.com/">Footworks</a> in South Miami, which I was familiar with but had never actually visited. So off I went.<br />
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At the store, I quickly found the Altra shoes. They're actually kind of funny-looking, as--true to the commercial--the toe space is far larger than in a typical shoe. They're almost like duck feet, in this regard. One of the stores employees, who proves to be critical in my tale, asked if I needed help, so I proceeded to quiz him about the Altra shoes.<br />
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He was most emphatic that these were not just another pair of running shoes, that using them could cause problems for someone not accustomed to their style. But he also spoke highly of them, opining that if one ran the right way, these shoes would help reduce injury and help provide a far more natural feel to running. He informed me that he had a pair, but was currently training himself in their use, was still only using them on a limited basis in order to allow his body time to adjust.<br />
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Being someone who tends to know what he wants when he sees it, I immediately decided that I wanted in. I wanted to get these shoes and learn how to use them.<br />
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Of course, the Footworks employee was happy to sell them to me. But first, he insisted on looking at my running style, via a treadmill in the store that would allow him to record exactly how I moved, how I ran. I obliged and ran on the treadmill for a few minutes at a comfortable pace. What followed was unnerving, if not seriously disturbing, for me to say the least. The gentleman from Footworks informed me that my running style--to put it bluntly--sucked. I was running far too upright, far too stiffly, and in a way that promoted all sorts of problems and injuries.<br />
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My feet where striking the ground wholly heel-first and my left foot was turned slightly outward, indicating a possible need to see a chiropractor, as this pointed to a potential problem with my spine's alignment. He made it clear that until I addressed these issues, I should not run with the Altra Zero Drop shoes, as I would get no benefit from them and might very well suffer an injury of one sort or another.<br />
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I decided to buy the shoes anyway, to put them "on the shelf" and make an attempt to correct the issues that had been pointed out to me, to improve my running <i>form</i> and forget about time and distance. He agreed with me and to that end, provided me with several websites with videos and advice for improving my form. One of these was the Altra website, which in fact has some excellent <a href="http://www.altrazerodrop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StaticContentView?langId=-1&storeId=15151&catalogId=18952&pageTitle=Learn+To+Run&pageName=LearnToRun">"how to" videos and diagrams</a>.<br />
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Another recommended site was <a href="http://chirunning.com/">ChiRunning.com</a>, which as one can easily see, advances a basic theory of running like that on Altra. The primary practical difference between the two: Altra had a great deal more free content available in order to get people to buy their shoes, while Chi Running was more of a business website that was looking to sell the training. So I just watched some of the Altra videos and started to make some adjusts to my form.<br />
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There's no way to understate the consequences: they were AMAZING. Just by following some simple instructions from the Altra videos, everything improved, almost overnight. My time per mile dropped appreciably, I was able to maintain my pace longer before tiring, and I simply felt better after the run.<br />
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For close to a month now, I've been following these guidelines, trying to keep improving my form. And if you are looking to improve your form, the Altra videos will give you what you need, no question about it. I've even worn my Altra shoes a couple of times, as my confidence continues to grow.<br />
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But all that being said, there was still something missing for me, some aspect of the change in form that wasn't clicking. I understood the mechanics of the change well enough, but I was bothered by the disconnect between this new "proper" form and the way I had been running (upright, with long strides, which many people still say is the way to run strong). So I returned to some of the other sites that had been recommended to me at Footworks. And the one I already mentioned above--ChiRunning--drew me in.<br />
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My knowledge of Eastern philosophy and spiritual tradition is extensive. I've read all of the significant classics, from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0140441638/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0140441638&linkCode=as2&tag=thepondofhapp-20">The Upanishads</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thepondofhapp-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0140441638" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/014044131X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=014044131X&linkCode=as2&tag=thepondofhapp-20">Tao Te Ching</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thepondofhapp-20&l=as2&o=1&a=014044131X" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0140449183/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0140449183&linkCode=as2&tag=thepondofhapp-20">The Bhagavad Gita</a> to many more, besides. I've also read the more modern takes on Eastern thought, like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061673730/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0061673730&linkCode=as2&tag=thepondofhapp-20">Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance</a>. But to be honest, I've never really put my knowledge in this regard to much use. As I delved into the ChiRunning website, I found myself revisiting my own past, thinking deeply about many of the ideas I knew and thought I thoroughly understood. And a little voice in my head kept telling me I was missing something, that I wasn't making an important connection between mind, body, and spirit.<br />
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So I broke down and ordered the book and DVD combo on the ChiRunning website. The book, entitled <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416549447/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1416549447&linkCode=as2&tag=thepondofhapp-20">ChiRunning: A Revolutionary Approach to Effortless, Injury-Free Running</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thepondofhapp-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1416549447" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, was written by Danny Dreyer, who has an extensive background in both running (including competing in Ultras) and coaching. They arrived in the mail yesterday and I began reading the book immediately.<br />
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It was clear to me that I had made a good decision. As effective as the techniques in the Altra video were, the book resonated with me from the start, insofar as it provided the mental background and justification I needed for my pursuit of a better way of running. More importantly, it promised to provide the missing connection I noted above, and in so doing help me improve my outlook on life and approach to living in a more general sense.<br />
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This is what I hope to see in the coming days, weeks, and months ahead. This my purpose in writing this blog, to not only provide help and support for people looking to improve how they run (or to even start running), but to also provide a record of my larger experiences, as well. I hope I enjoy the journey, and I hope you enjoy taking it with me.robeiaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17145457789511566198noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5609326101987779967.post-67795363862696742982014-01-13T18:03:00.000-05:002014-01-16T07:17:13.291-05:00The backstory to a new direction in running and lifeI have been running consistently now for about four years, minus a nine month lapse (for personal reasons) after the first year and a half and minus the periodic lapse brought on by minor injury. There was also the summer and early fall of 2013, which I mostly missed because of a fractured wrist suffered in a bicycle accident (darn you Tour de France, darn you to heck!). I was never much of a runner when I was younger, though I did the occasional jog around the neighborhood, pushed the baby stroller at a brisk pace after kids came along, and tried (and failed) the treadmill game at a local gym.<br />
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But after my third child was born in 2007, after she began to run around in the backyard and at the park, I came to a realization: I was pitifully out of shape. I was over forty and I couldn't keep up with a three year-old. I knew that if I wanted to experience her childhood the same way I had experienced the childhood of my older two children (who are seven and ten years farther down the road, respectively), I had to make some serious changes, starting with improving my heart and my general condition.<br />
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At the time, I was pushing around 190 pounds at a height of exactly six feet. Now, that doesn't exactly make me overweight, but trust me, I was far more fat than muscle. And my waist size--which had been a 32 all through college--was growing in a hurry. I was well on my way to being a 36, at the very least and looking--quite literally--like a Weeble, without the added bonus of not being able to fall down.<br />
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It was a horrible realization, one that I vowed to use as a basis for getting back at least into some semblance of shape. To that end, I began to exercise. My early attempts at running were really more about walking. I'd jog for a couple of hundred feet, before I was out of breath, then switch to walking, though at a relatively fast pace. My hope was that eventually I would be able to just run, at least a couple of miles several times a week.<br />
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At the same time, I also opted for some fitness training, ultimately choosing the heavily promoted workout program P90X. And of course I also tried to adjust my diet, to cut down on the junk foods, the fatty foods, and all the rest, while making a concerted attempt to eat more vegetables and fruits. This latter change was--and still is--one of the most difficult for me, partly because I really enjoy hamburgers, french fries, and the like, but also because of the rather hectic schedule of my life. But I do try to keep at at. In other posts, I'll share some of the things I do to help with my diet. But back to the running.<br />
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Anyway, the P90X program kicked my literal ass. It made me realize just how sad my conditioning really was. As hard as it was to run a mile, it was even harder to do most of the exercises on the P90X videos. Granted, they're not supposed to be easy, but I was struggling to just do them, let alone do a series of repetitions in this regard. But I actually kept at it, eventually making it through the ninety day program and--by the end--actually being able to do all of the exercises. I even looked forward to some of the sets, particularly the Kenpo one.<br />
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All this time, I was also putting in a couple of miles after several of the workouts and on my P90X "rest day." Some advice to those starting similar programs and also running: if you're lifting weights and running on the same day, lift first, run second. This will get your body burning the fat you want to get rid of, prior to the run. You'll see much better results than if you do it the other way (run, then lift). The upshot here though is that my running benefited mightily from the P90X workouts. By the end of the P90X program (ninety days), I realized I could run much farther than I thought, without getting out of breath (I hadn't been pushing myself while running, at all).<br />
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Slowly but surely, running became my go-to activity. I steadily improved on both pace and distance (I use the Nike+ app to track all of my runs) and have, as of today, run over 1700 miles in the past three years (since I started tracking them). Minus the nine month break, that works out to about 63 miles per month, or just over two miles per day. Time wise, my average per mile has gone from over fourteen minutes to under nine, which I think is pretty good, all things considered.<br />
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All that said, I still have some problems. I've had injuries as I noted above. From blisters--mostly on the back of my heel--to muscle soreness and cramps to severe joint pain in my knees and ankles. I've tried a variety of things to combat this issues. I've changed shoes and added or subtracted support, worn knee braces, and tried to improve my pre-run and post-run stretching techniques. I've also taken supplements to help with joint and muscle pain. To an extent, all of these things have helped. But some problems persist, rise up time and time again.<br />
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Understand that I am not running to compete in a marathon or anything else. My longest run is a mere twelve miles. I'm running to stay healthy (I still do some weight training and some swimming). I've made a conscious choice to focus on running because I <i>do</i> like the way it makes me feel, I <i>do</i> like the results. Right now, I weigh about 166 pounds, easily twenty pounds lighter than I did four years ago, and I'm staying that way, even as I continue to lose fat and add muscle. My waist is back to a 32, if not a 31, and I can afford to have the occasional hamburger without setting myself back at all.<br />
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All that said, I <i>believe</i> I should still be doing better in my running, I <i>think</i> that doing a marathon should be a possibility. And I <i>question</i> why I can't get rid of these nagging injuries and problems.<br />
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This is where I was, just as 2013 ended, when I saw a commercial--of all things--that led me to explore some other avenues, that sent me down a new road I think might very well be life-changing. But we shall see in the days ahead.<br />
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In the next post, I'll detail what that commercial was, what it led me to do, and the changes I am about to institute, both with regard to how I run and how I live. And rest assured, this not a spiel for the product that was in the above commercial, at all, not some sort of blog-based infomercial. The commercial simply set off a chain of events that led to this blog, as will soon become clear.robeiaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17145457789511566198noreply@blogger.com2