Comments on: Back of the Pack

By: Kettel

Kettel — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 02:03:57 +0000

Something my old cross country coach always used to tell us was, “Practice makes permanent.” I think his adaptation of the old cliche is much more accurate than the original: If we practice doing things the wrong way, we’ll never get closer to perfection, it’ll just be that much more difficult to break the bad habits we’ve been developing. I know he was right because it seems like I’m always trying to break some habit or other. Sounds like you’re having a lot of fun learning this lesson too. Enjoy the back of the pack!

By: Dawn - Pink Chick

Dawn - Pink Chick — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 18:56:28 +0000

I’ve always enjoyed the back of the pack for many a reason and the great people I get to meet is one of them.

I think all runners should get to feel what it’s like out front and in the back. It’s one of the reason why in my running clinic the group rotates positions throughout the training session. That way they all get to feel what it’s like to be anywhere in the pack.

By: Mom On The Run

Mom On The Run — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 19:47:12 +0000

That’s exactly why I “run” – the great camraderie and friendships that develop at the back of the pack.

By: Joe

Joe — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 12:53:05 +0000

Having done the run/walk thing for over a year now, I find that using a watch with a timer for both run and walk inteval allows me to get over the “what do I do now?” syndrome. With practice, my subconcious takes over…it hears one type of beep and slows to a walk…a different beep a minute later and a smooth transition to running again. The concious mind never loses track of whatever I’be been mulling on. Practice helps.

Just like remembering to bend the arms at the elbow while walking

Enjoy it!! You’ll be back at the front of the pack soon!!!!

By: Mike Antonucci

Mike Antonucci — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 18:02:52 +0000

When walking you are supposed to ensure you are leaning forward from the ankles and not from the waist. Additionally, you should avoid “pendulum arms” and keep your arms bent at the elbow, brushing them across your hips as you walk, avoiding side-to-side motion.

And, as in running, you shouldn’t be slapping your feet on the ground, but rolling from heel to toe.

Right now I’m walking more like Popeye after a bender during a stormy night at sea.

By: 21stCenturyMom

21stCenturyMom — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 16:09:16 +0000

Thank you – thank you very much. Those of us at the back of the pack appreciate your appreciation

By: Paul

Paul — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 14:16:50 +0000

Mike,
I’m interested to hear what the group taught you about correct walking form. Can you elaborate?
Thanks,
Paul

By: Nora

Nora — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 09:33:17 +0000

There’s one more reason I shouldn’t feel too bad about never being out in front: I LOVE to talk!!

Let us know when you’ve mastered walking, then we’ll send you some wackin’ great heels to try…