Tag Archives: Running

Confessions of a heel-striker

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Photo: al.herrmann on Flickr

Today I tweeted “Run or nap?” I was not disappointed with the advice given me.

So I ran.

I’ve written before about my love of running, but since moving to Oliver I’ve been sort of on-again-off-again with the training. I ran a bit early on when I moved here last April, but then it got hot and I stopped… and then I ran a little more in the fall and then I got sick, and then I went to Mexico (I know, excuses excuses) and then it got cold.

I’m not used to cold.

So then February rolled around and a friend of mine encouraged me to set a goal – a mighty lofty one at that – to run the SeaWheeze Lululemon Half Marathon on August 11th. And I figured, why not? On any given day I can pull off about 10km… what’s another 11?! Piece of cake! Uh… well, something like that.

Okay I’m finding it a little daunting and I’m doubting my ability to do this just a touch, but I like a good challenge and I’ve already paid the bucks to register.

So there.

In other running-related news, Big Mack gave me a pair of Vibram Five Finger Bikila shoes for Valentine’s day. I’ve been eyeing these up for some time so I’m super excited to take them out for a spin. The weather here hasn’t been great for the last couple days. My running routes have quite a bit of mud and gravel left over from the latest snowfall so I’m waiting for the right opportunity to break them in. In the meantime, though, I decided to get started on fixing my running stance to make running in minimalist shoes bearable.

I’m a heel striker.

There, I said it. If I keep running the way I have been in these Bikilas I’m going to hurt myself I’m sure… especially if I’m heading into distances that will prepare me for a half marathon. So today I decided to try out more of a mid-foot strike while running… just to see what it feels like. Wow. I may be a touch sore tomorrow.

I ran about 8 km and, while I slipped back into my natural form a few times, I did make a concerted effort to land each stride sort of flat, more on the ball than the heel. Here are my observations about the mid-foot strike versus the heel strike:

  • I had to shorten my stride because I couldn’t reach out as far to the front with each step
  • The shorter stride had me more upright and leaning forward less
  • The result of being more vertical was that there was more of an extension of the hip flexor with each stride
  • There was also more of a push backward with the back leg rather than down, which worked the top of the glutes more like a rear leg lift would
  • I could no longer rely on my hamstrings and my glutes to do the hard work
  • The work shifted to the quads and the calf muscles
  • There was less work in the contraction of the hip flexors since they didn’t have to bring the leg up as high since I was already more upright

All in all, I found the experience interesting. It took me almost an hour to do 8km – normally I’d do this in about 50 minutes these days but the shorter stride and focus on my form really caused me to lose speed. I’m not sure how I’m going to feel tomorrow… my quads were tight after this run and that is a rare occurrence for me. My calves don’t feel it yet but it’s only been 4 hours.

So for now I’m working on two goals: 1) being consistent with my running to bring my base mileage to an appropriate level for half marathon training, which will begin in May, and 2) changing up my stance to a mid-foot strike and logging some miles on my Bikilas.

I’m also looking for some interim races to try between now and August 11th, so if you have any good suggestions let me know! And oh yeah… do you like my shoes?!

Dear Endorphins, I Miss You

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Photo: melomane on Flickr

When I was growing up I was never an athletic kid. Sure, I tried every sport under the sun – my parents saw to it that I was well-rounded that way – but I never found anything I excelled at.

It was only in my adulthood that I began to seek out ways to be active that I would really enjoy. It didn’t take long before I realized I am just not, nor have I ever been, a team sport kind of person. By far my favourite activities are all individual sports: kickboxing, snowboarding, yoga, kayaking and running.

Photo: Polkaroo on Flickr

As I learned to incorporate sport and other activity into my life I began to see a shift in my mindset: I feel lost and sluggish if I can’t get any exercise. I’ve become dependent on the endorphins for a sense of wellbeing, health and vitality. I even kept running until I was 28 weeks pregnant.

I’m now 5 weeks postpartum and am DESPERATELY awaiting the go-ahead to run again. I miss running more than any other activity except maybe for hiking the Grouse Grind.

I’ve started a daily 2 mile walk now with mini-boy either strapped to me in the carrier or in the stroller as well as some mild abdominal exercises to try and put together what’s left of my post-cesarean muscles. I’m hoping when I see my doctor next week I’ll be given the go-ahead to resume normal activity.

I’ve decided to give myself a goal: I plan to complete this year’s Seek The Peak Relay solo.

The challenging 16-kilometer course starts on the beach at Ambleside Park in West Vancouver, winds its way through North Vancouver, then heads up the legendary Grouse Grind® to the Peak of Vancouver. [seekthepeak.ca]

The Seek The Peak Relay is a very special event. There’s something very fulfilling about standing on the top of Grouse Mountain, 4100 feet above sea level, looking at the ocean and knowing you just traveled that distance on foot.

Photo: Houston Marsh on Flickr

I have done this race before… and when I say race I mean I have completed the distance on event day. I don’t race. I’m a real slowpoke but I love the sense of accomplishment from completing races. Last time I did it was, I think, in 2003 or 2004 and I finished in 2 hours and 50 minutes. I was much fitter then than I am now, so who knows how I might fare this year, but I think it’s a good goal to aim for.

So I’ve got a daily 2 mile walk until I’m cleared to run. Then I hope to get out 3 or 4 days a week for runs of 3-5km to start and building back up to 10km within a couple of months. Once the Grouse Grind opens up for the summer season (which may be early this year if the snowfall levels remain so low I suspect) I’d like to get out to hike once every week or two.

The Seek The Peak Relay usually takes place early July… I’ve got 5 months. I hope I’ll manage to get back to a ~1hr 10km and lose about 25 lbs by then. I have 15 pregnancy pounds left to lose.

Anyone want to run the Seek The Peak with me?

Favourite Summer Moments

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Lately we’ve been making a habit of going to John Lawson Park after work.

Either my husband or I will pick up mini-man from daycare and we’ll meet at the park. Big-man will pick up something to eat or pack a picnic at home and I’ll bring my running gear and enjoy the seawall while the guys play ball, frisbee or just wrestle around.

I think this has become my new favourite thing.

I have missed running; I haven’t done it much lately – only once a week or so for the last few months anyway. Now with this quick jaunt from either John Lawson to Dundarave and back or from Ambleside to Dundarave and back to John Lawson Park to meet up with the family, I’m getting out 2-3 times each week it seems.

Such a beautiful way to enjoy the dinner hours.

What is your favourite thing this summer?

Running is good for the soul

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ReefRaff on Flickr

Photo: ReefRaff on Flickr

Ah, running… So good.

I’m not sure what it is that makes me love running so much. I don’t even mind doing it in the pouring rain – sometimes it’s even nicer like that. It does far more for me than just provide physical benefit.

I just went for my first run this morning in God-only-knows how long. I have been just dying to find more ways to work out… the video I bought is awful and I’ve had some trouble fitting it all in. And while big-man is no longer working out of town, it seems he will be working 12 hours a day for the next 6 weeks or so… with no days off.

So this morning I called my amazing mother in law (hereafter refered to as AMIL) to rescue me (again) and managed to eek out a 45 minute run in the rain while she walked mini-man around the neighborhood (hey, exercise is great for him too!) I was actually impressed that I was able to run for so long given how long it’s been, but it was like a million stresses all faded away instantly, and it was just me and my ipod.

When I’m running I feel like the person I want to be.

I’m strong, and healthy; a lean fighter. My mind and body both somehow recharge while my breathing plays a rhythm in my head. I feel joy and freedom, as if I’m doing something God intended me to do and I feel a little sad for those who can’t use their bodies in this way. I feel more energetic and better equipped to handle the challenges life throws at me. I feel peace.

Now that big-man will be home (and exhausted) in the evenings, I think I may just have to take a night or two each week and run after mini-man is in bed and big-man is passed out on the couch. And maybe my AMIL will continue to oblige a weekly Saturday morning jaunt through the neighborhood.

I wonder if it’s poor form to run to and from church on Sundays? It would mean I’m not really dressed appropriately (or clean) during the service, but I would be able to get in more run time that way. Besides, the bible even mentions running:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. [Hebrews 12:1 ESV]

It must be okay then. Guess I’ll find out tomorrow…

Why run?

  • Calories burned
  • Increased cardiovascular health
  • It’s free; you just need some good shoes
  • You can do it anywhere
  • You can always go at your own pace
  • Each time is different
  • You can use speed and duration to vary workouts
  • It works your whole body
  • It’s good for the soul

What do you love about running?