Running Easy

"Runners are no longer content with fitness but are seeking a new awareness of the self in the total experience of running - and more often than not they are culminating that quest by running a marathon." - George Sheehan

This quote which is from Runner's World has got it spot on. Running is much more than just fitness, it is a total experience. It's just a pity that so few people realise it. If you look at most of the training programs they are all about time, speed, more, harder....Nicky just showed me this one today also from Runner's World - WOW - the only experience here is pain and sweat - This is to run 5K's -

"Before you sign up for your first 5-K, you should be comfortable running at least four times a week." and if you think that is excessive for 5k's you haven't head the rest - "New York City coach Joshua Levin-Soler suggests this week of training when you have a 5-K on the weekend that you're going to use as a fun run.

- Monday: Rest

- Tuesday: Easy run of up to 5 miles at 70% of max heart rate. Finish with 6 to 10 strides up a slight incline.

- Wednesday: Run or cross-train at 70% of max heart rate, for 1 hour.

- Thursday: Run up to 1 hour, with 10 20-second pickups at 80% of max heart rate, recovering for 90 seconds in between.

- Friday: Run or cross-train at 70% of max heart rate for 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your fitness level.

- Saturday: Race as a fun run. Take it easy! No higher than 75?80% of max heart rate.

- Sunday: Run 45 to 60 minutes at up to 70% of max heart rate."

And all that just for a 5K "fun run"!

Yet there is so much more to be discovered when running is an experience not a race. When running is not about 6 day a week programs, max heart rates, striding inclines, cross training....when running is purely about running. When running is purely about being out on the road - just you - alone with the fresh air, the sites and sounds of the landscape as it races past you, the feeling of freedom, of health - "the total experience of running." It is this philosophy that we are trying to develop in people - not just in word - but in action. Forget your watch, your splits, your times, your pace - run because you're alive. And when you do this you find a side of running that is amazing - that will stay with you for all your days, unlike the fading hopes of PBs (personal bests) as you get older.

C'mon go out there and run - just because you can....

Yours in running easy....

Craig