Just. Running.
The road to New York…Archive for May 17, 2008
Run Down
It has been one of those weeks and have not been on the top of my game. I have struggled a little with motivation, energy and a niggling ankle injury. I still managed to get in a 2 hour trail run on Wednesday and a couple of smaller runs through the week, but was functioning on 2 cylinders.
But not to worry (just in case some of you were), I have had a nice day out with Tanya and made the most of a beautiful Vancouver day (it hit 29 degrees!!). Bought a bike, had a long lunch in Queen Elizabeth Park, walked for miles and now sitting down to watch some Super 14 action. I have had a couple of days off from my training and ready for the Sunday morning long run. Tomorrows run includes a climb up the 11 km Old Grouse Mountain Highway and then a decent down the BCMC trail, which is meant to be good fun! Feeling rested up and rearing to go.
Runners Yoga
Runners are notorious for not stretching and I have been the number one offender of this for years. I have known for a while that it has been holding me back in my running and finally I am doing something about it.
I have always been a bit apprehensive about joining a Yoga class, especially being someone that struggles to even cross their legs. It can be a bit intimidating seeing people do stretches and exercises with ease that you are struggling with big time. Well, I am into week 5 of Runners Yoga and am a convert. The instructor is excellent and really puts you at ease. The focus is on those areas that are most affected by running (hamstrings being my nemesis) and sequence of postures will first heat your body and then gradually, open your body, bringing back flexibility and elasticity to the muscles and open tight, compressed joints.
I have already noticed big improvements in my flexibility and feel that it is helping my running. To all fellow runners, I can thoroughly recommend taking a more whole approach to your training and incorporating activities such as Yoga.
