Running into summer--6/15-6/21

[Jolt]

Nobody had started this week's running thread yet, so I will. As for how my running is going, I got the Evolution Running DVD and watched it Sunday night, then yesterday did the drills and went out for a run using the techniques. Definitely helpful, but that run sure was tiring and downhills were SCARY!! It's like being completely back to square one. However, if it allows me to avoid injuries and eventually be able to run longer, and I think this will happen, it's worth it. Is anyone else using Evolution Running?

[Crankin]

What's the "main idea" of evolution running? Frankly, I have found it difficult to follow the instructions in any running book. The Chi running didn't work for me at all. I can't think that much when I am exercising... same thing with riding, but I seem to have problems motivating myself when it seems like "homework."
I walked 3.5 miles today and did yoga, trying to recover from the ear infection/swollen glands, etc that probably have been plaguing me for weeks. It got nice and sunny this afternoon and tomorrow looks to be the only other sunny day predicted for awhile, so I hope to ride and probably run on Thursday.

[limewave]

I haven't heard of Evolution Running. . . .


Did a 4.5 mile run pushing the jogger. Starting to feel like its coming back, slowly. My shin was really sore afterwards. It felt muscular. So I iced it a bit and will take the next day off.

[Jolt]

What's the "main idea" of evolution running? Frankly, I have found it difficult to follow the instructions in any running book. The Chi running didn't work for me at all. I can't think that much when I am exercising... same thing with riding, but I seem to have problems motivating myself when it seems like "homework."

It's all about running more efficiently--they go into how the reason the African runners kick so much butt in distance running has nothing to do with any special physiological adaptations (they don't appear to be any different, on average, from anyone else in these areas) and everything to do with the efficient running style that they have developed because they grow up running barefoot. In the DVD, they break running form down into its different components (such as propulsion, cadence, foot strike, hill running etc.) and clearly show how an efficient runner accomplishes each. There are drills to reinforce the concepts and it is suggested that you do the drills before each run while learning the new form. They do not suggest you run barefoot (though I think doing so, or running in minimalist shoes, makes it easier to get the technique right and also feel if you are doing things wrong). Here are some of the major points: most of the muscle action for propulsion should come from the hips (glutes) and not the quads or hamstrings, a forefoot strike using the elasticity of the feet and calves is best as opposed to a heel or even midfoot strike, the foot should land directly under your center of mass (or slightly BEHIND when going downhill, to use gravity instead of fighting it--that's why downhills are really scary for me right now, I am not used to going so fast and it feels out of control!), and the optimal cadence is 180 steps per minute (they suggest using a metronome to help establish the rhythm). As for finding it difficult to follow the instructions from a book, I have had this problem at times when it comes to running and that is why I thought this DVD would be helpful--I am finding it to be very good especially since they demonstrate all the drills.

[Deborajen]

I hadn't heard of Evolution Running, either. But I like Chi Running. Haven't mastered it yet, but I play golf and the working of upper/lower body tension in a golf swing use the same concepts as rotating the upper/lower body with Chi Running. Who would've thought?

I did a 5-mile easy run Sunday. I was sooo wiped out. Haven't done much running in the hot temps this year. It was only around 80 degrees, but it was humid. Well, summer isn't over yet - I'll have plenty more time to adjust.

[Susan Otcenas]

9.3 mile run this morning. This was the 3rd one for me at this distance. I felt really peppy until the last mile or so, when it got much harder. I also started to get pretty hungry right about then, so that probably explains it. As soon as I bump to 10 miles in July, I think I'll start taking in calories twice during the run (miles 3 & 6), instead of only once at mile 5 as I do now.

Susan

[yellow]

Summer...hah!

June 2009 in Salt Lake
Rain as of 6/17: 1.60" (June Average rainfall--entire month is 0.77")
Rain as of 6/17 in Seattle: 0.01"
Rain as of 6/17 in Portland, Oregon: 0.45"

Salt Lake forecast for manana: 70% chance of rain. WTF??

OK, now I don't feel so bad:

Rain as of 6/17 in Orlando, Florida: 6.72"
Rain as of 6/17 in Portland, Maine: 3.12"

Haven't had to water anything. Haven't had to turn on the AC. Haven't had to dig out the tank tops for running. I am trying to embrace the rain. Sad thing is we'll probably go from this to 100F in 1-2 days. Nothing in between. Maybe we'll get lucky and have a mild summer...but I'd prefer one that is a little drier.