Sunday was the big day! I met Sloan (running coach, dietician and friend) at the Health Zone. I'm excited, and maybe a little scared. I haven't run since before my transplant over 14 years ago. Will my legs hold up, will I make a fool of my self, will the old grandmother using the walker pass me by??
First, we walked about 4 or 5 laps to warm up. Then Sloan asked me to run the straight away so she could see my running form. I was afraid she would tell me to hang it up after this little run, but instead she almost passed out in amazement as she announced that I had GREAT FORM!! Yes! 20 yards and looking good! We walked some more, and then we started discussing the to-do's and not-to-do's.
- Loose hands, not fists when running. The tension of a clenched fist can transfer all the way up into your shoulders. No tension when running.
- Relax your shoulders. Once again, you will tire faster when you run tense.
- Hands pump forward, never crossing in front of your belly button. Crossing the body can cause bad form w/ the legs as they may arc around instead of track straight.
- Small strides defeat the Long Leap. Long stride does not equal good running form. It also brings more stress on the body. Shorter strides can actually lead to a faster and more even pace in time.
- Quiet Feet. When I started putting more distance out, I began sounding like a "Clod-Hopper" or Big Foot, or a maybe an elephant. The hard strike when Clod-hopping puts additions compression on your joints. Listen to your feet and hope to hear very little.
- String them up! Imagine yourself with a string pulling you up from the top of your head. No slumping. This also causes your spine to align properly.
Remember the great form I had at 20 yards?....It is harder to maintain at 2 laps! There is alot to think about, but with proper mechanics, this machine will run. Using the tips above, you will greatly decrease your odds of injury and increase your progress toward your goals.
Today, I am feeling the effects of the years, but I know that come Wednesday, we'll be back out to conquer the track once again. Who will join me?
