Wendy and I had a nice, easy run together. Just a mile that went by fast in spite of our slow pace. I asked her to notice the four somewhat pudgy, earnest women runners who were close to her age. I asked her to notice them because their type is always on the indoor track in January donning new running clothes and New Year's resolve. She won't see them in February. They'll be discouraged because they didn't get quick results. It will be back to the old people walkers and lifetime runners. One lady was making a fine effort but overstriding. I sincerely hope that woman sticks with it but I don't think she will--she seemed too deadly serious to get somewhere. Better to cruise and enjoy the ride. With running, be the tortoise and on special occasions, the hare. Slow and steady wins the race.
To stretch or not to stretch...that is the question. Years ago stretching was the all the rage. Now it is so out of vogue that many elite runners like my personal guru Galloway say not to stretch at all (which contradicts his first book Galloway's Book of Running.) Was he wrong then or wrong now in his newest question/answer book? The answer is that stretching is good but people have injured themselves stretching incorrectly. I started developing minor injuries for the first time after I had stopped stretching for several months. Moderate, correct stretching would have prevented these injuries. The problem isn't stretching, but how and when people stretch. Greta Weitz, marathon legend, has a sensible chapter in her book in which she explains that you must only stretch a relaxed muscle. She believes that stretching on the floor makes you more relaxed, thus reducing the risk of over-stretching. Ballistic, or bouncing, stretching is out because people tend to overstretch. How long to hold a stretch is hotly debated among those who still stretch. I'll do more research but I have to admit that I like the way my cats stretch. They aren't counting the seconds but enjoying it. And when to stretch? Don't hop around going through the stretching motions before you have warmed up. Cold muscles get injured. And don't stretch for an hour after a long, gruelling run. Just put you feet up and rest. Better yet, dump a bag of ice into the tub and chill out. Stretch when you are warmed up, not fatigued and not trying to prove how limber you can be. I need to sign off now and do some easy stretching.
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Some advice you and Dad gave me a while back was to strech when your muscles are warm, so I got in the habit of stretching after a run instead of beforehand. In P90X, they do stretches pre- and post- workout, but they make sure you're are warmed up pre-workout b4 you stretch. Good for Wendy for running! I hope you help her keep it up!!
ReplyDeleteMom, your coaching is what's making the difference!! I need the accountability, or I'd end up just like the late 20-s overly earnest runners who burn out quickly.
ReplyDeleteYes, Jules, P90X truly does things right. When I'm into the running role more securely (and when coach says it's okay) I'd like to pick P90X back up.