Running roads, running trails, Reflecting.: Feel good training

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Feel good training

The Back to back trail runs this weekend felt good. 11+ on Saturday with Tom and John began in the dark at OP Schnabel park. Spooky eyes everywhere as the deer were stirring and wondering "who the heck are these guys with headlamps?" And the little baby possum running for his life up a small tree as Tom teased him by shaking the tree and telling him "go, go, go!" Tom and I were feeling it and We finished up with a fast paced last two miles.
Sunday it was 9.98 for Jean and maybe 9.78 for Brian, Chris, Liza, and I (we didn't detour). But we'll call it ten. Although Chris and I tried to convince the others that any fraction of a mile over an even one will be rounded up to the next mile. Even 9.2 would be 10.
It was great to have Liza back after her teaching stint in New Mexico. Among our good conversation, she mentioned an article she read on feel good training. The gist of it was that we should train as we feel and it should feel good. Of course lying on the couch feels good too. But it also feels good when one is fit enough to run hard or long, and perform well. Yes, we must suffer a little at times while training but not to the point where we won't want to go out and run again soon or where we are dreading the next training run.
This is what I try to convey to people who ask for my advice on beginning a training plan or if they're trying to improve. Run as you feel. Don't be a slave to the clock or your Garmin. Sure, it's nice to know how far or how fast you've run, but don't let that be the only reason you run. Sometimes you feel exceptionally great!. On those days push the envelope. Not feeling so great? On those days get into a comfortable pace and enjoy the scenery. And if you're feeling too fatigued? On those days, REST!

2 comments:

Running on Heavy said...: I agree about listening to your body and doing what it tells you to do. I went through a phase where I would push too much and then didn't want to run because I felt burnt out. Older and wiser now so I do it just because I love it.

Take care!
Running on Heavy
http://runningonheavy.blogspot.com/; May 2, 2011 at 10:59 PM
Tony Maldonado said...: While loving yourself too ROH!; May 3, 2011 at 7:21 PM

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Why I Run

In reference to my running, I am often asked, "why do you do this?"
After contemplating the question.........................
I run for my Father. my Father who too late in life realized he wasn't invincible. My Father smoked for 40 years and did not always eat well. When he contracted Myastinia Gravis and Diabetes he was forced to change his lifestyle. An illness that doctors thought would take his life in 2 years was held at bay for 10! By eating well and exercising, my Father was able to hang around a little while longer. He knew I was on to something when I began long distance running. On many of my runs I still hear him saying to me "keep it up son, don't ever stop"
I run for my son Matthew, who left us too soon. He was almost 14 yrs old. I run for him because he no longer can. I feel him and talk to him on many of my runs. Before he left he had begun to be aware of his large physique and was trying to stay fit. 4 years earlier I entered him in his first race. He came in last in a field of about 25 kids, but he never stopped trying to run as fast as he could. I will always remember the smile on his face as he crossed the finish line while his name was announced over the loudspeaker. One day I will see him again. Until then I carry him with me on my runs.
I run for my friends and family. Not only those I run with now, but also those I hope to run with in the future. Those I run with with now help me as much or more than I think I help them. Running friends help to motivate me. We share stories, aches, pains,laughter, and encourage and congratulate each other. Those I hope to run with in the future are family and friends who are in need of someone to motivate them. People who know they need exercise but need that little push. I try to help them stop finding excuses and putting up barriers that keep them from walking,running and just plain exercising.
I run for myself. As a child I was always physically active. As a young adult I smoked for 16 years, did not have a healthy diet and sat watching television for hours on end. At age 27 (with a push from my brother Andy) I became active again and began associating with active people. Soon I was playing team sports, and biking, golfing, running. This change in lifestyle helped me to make better nutrition choices for better performance.
The human body is meant to move! A fit body functions better and lasts longer. I don't want to live forever, but as long as I am here I wish to feel my best. Running clears the mind, flushes toxins from the body and allows us to enjoy nature and relate to friends and Family who run with us, in person, or in our hearts.

Running roads, running trails, Reflecting.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Feel good training

2 comments:

Drenched

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Paul leading the way on the North Kaibab Trail_The Grand Canyon