Obsessed Runner Blog
Running Fast: Form, The Last Frontier
In the quest for speed and distance every hill has been repeated, every conceivable combination of speed and rest intervals has been run and as far as weekly mileage every possible number has been tried. Sure the combinations are endless but by the process of elimination, weve seen all the real magic we are going to see without changing the way we run.
Watching Paula Radcliff shatter the womans marathon record turned on a light. Watching Paula run is not pretty but neither was seeing someone break the high jump record by flopping over the bar.
Look at the maze of bones, tendons and muscles in the feet, the lack of muscle in the calf and the weak link in the middle, the knee. Our present way of training to the breaking point is like building a house of cards. Its time to find some bricks!
With Paulas head bob and nose tape, you might just miss the real beauty of her run. Am I mistaken, or is she really running from the strength of her abs? Hmmm
To Run Your Best, Drink Beer or Believe in your running program!
No, youre not reading USA today but this kind of headline has the same effect in any publication. Those drawn to the topic because of common interest usually read on to find the so-called facts from the so-called study. So often if we agree with the findings we go on to tell others. If we disagree we dont repeat the information or we look for flaws in the report. I am guilty of doing this myself.
"To run your best, drink beer." This was the headline of an article I once read in just after Frank Shorter won Olympic gold in Munich. It went on to explain that the 2 pints of beer Frank drank was the reason he won the Olympic marathon.
Read more: To Run Your Best, Drink Beer or Believe in your running program!
Post Marathon Depression
During a marathon-training clinic I was trying to explain how to handle the days following the marathon. I explained how post marathon depression is common, especially after the first one. I went on to say that like any big event in life that after the planning and work to have it all come together, the result, no matter how great, will leave you a bit let down once it is all done. I was grasping for an event other than the marathon to help make the connection and said it is like coming home from your honeymoon, after the big wedding and all the events and work that led up to it. A guy in the back grumbled, Oh my God, it cant be that bad.