training tips

FORM CHECK

Just a reminder about running form.

I have run a couple of San Diego Marathons... and every marathon I have run the S D rock and roll marathon, there has been this one anonymous coach who carries a bullhorn (usually near the 14 or 15 mile marker). I call him the guardian angel. As the hundreds of runners run by him, he speaks comfortingly into his bullhorn and reminds runners...."Relax Your Shoulders" and "You are Awesome and accomplishing Amazing things." I don't know his name, but his words of encouragement help tremendously. Words of affirmation remind runners of a positive mindset. A positive mindset lifts the spirit. Lifted Spirit helps breathing and brings lightness to my feet. At the 15 mile mark, this is when the race begins to get tough. When things get tough, the runners get tougher.... usually not in a good way. When runners get tired, it is easy to become inefficient in running and break form. Shoulders tighten or start to rise towards your ears. You begin to no longer look in the distance and start to look at the ground. When things get tough, remember your form.... like the mystery coaches says, "Relax your shoulders." When you get tired, look in the distance and keep your head up. Looking at your feet or at the surface of the road in front of you, closes our chest and limits oxygen from entering our lungs. When tired, you want as much oxygen as you can get. This happens more readily when you hold your head up and look in the distance while concentrating on your relaxed breathing.

Develop an awareness of at what distance your form begins to break? What mantras can you say to yourself, that keeps your form efficient and your mind focused on achieving your goals! What would your guardian angel coach whisper in your ear when the race gets tough or when you start to get tired? Marathoning is great exercise not just for your body... it is great exercise to build your mind and spirit.


You are a runner and accomplishing amazing things! Peace be your journey!