A Passion for Running

Now that’s a blog title! A running connection to three (3) things I like! The Godfather (surprise surpise huh?), Star Wars and Star Trek: Nemesis . I know I know. I am a nerd of epic proportions but ain’t I clever? I kill me.

Anyhoo, I got out there for another pain-free run today and, in keeping with the new focus on fixing my form, worked on some of the things I’ve been reading about. One of the things from the ChiRunning website is that you must run from the core…

argh! There’s my nemesis. As soon as I read that, I knew I was in trouble because working my core is my least favorite thing in the whole wide world to do. I’m stupid about this because working the hell out of my core is EXACTLY what I need to do. I know this because working the core is what has helped me with most of my back problems. In fact, since I began working my core, my back hasn’t gone out. I think it has been over a year since I’ve had really bad back pain.

So, now ChiRunning is telling me that when we are running correctly, most of our running strength comes from the core. Well, I can tell you that mine sure DOESN’T. I run mostly with my legs so this is yet another indicator that I have poor form.

And some more learning is going on. I’m about to plunk down some cash for this. The website it comes from is fantastic. It’s loaded with good information including a forum/bulletin board where you can learn and see the impact the approach is having on runners.

But again, I will be challenged because the POSE method requires strength training in areas I am quite weak in so, as Chris put it, I will need to reinvent myself like Tiger Woods did a few years ago.

What is heartening is that Dr. Romanov (the POSE guru) says the best time to learn his method is when expectations are low. He recommends learning the method during the off-season or when doing maintenance running (i.e. not when you are focussed on a particular time or distance goal). He says not to worry about speed or distance and to focus strictly on learning the method. Well, bring it on because I am right where Romanov says I should be. I am goal-less and ready to sacrifice some miles in the short term for a stronger, injury-free running future.

The blogfather Strikes Back!