Running Easy

Essentially Running Easy is a philosophy that sees the journey as more important than the destination. We run because we love being outdoors, we love feeling fit, we love seeing interesting places. Some people run merely for a destination - to beat a time, to run faster, to run harder. It matters little how the run felt, as long as the goal is achieved. The sad part about this is that it simply can't be sustained. Besides age, which will eventually make PBs (personal bests) less likely, there is also the damage that this philosophy does to the body. 

I was very sore after Comrades - Hey, but then it is a long way and some pain is expected. The runners' area looks like a war zone with hundreds of people collapsed on the grass, stretcher bearers doing their thing, limping runners supported by friends slowly leaving the stadium. Yet, the key is, how long do the runners feel like this. Many of the people who race (rather than run easy) stay away from running for 8 weeks in order to let their body recover. The damage of racing, of running harder, lasts much longer than when you run easy. Because we ran easy, within a couple of weeks we feel as good as new - but still we are running easy - and absolutely enjoying it.

The other factor to consider when choosing your running approach is how long you would like to run for. We've witnessed many racers, run-harders who reach 60, and as much as the would like to run, are unable to. They need hip replacements, knee replacements, body replacements. Running hard is hard! It takes it's toll on your body. Just try it. Run fast down a hill or even on a flat and notice how it feels on your joints. Then try and run easy and notice the difference. 

So running easy will not only let you enjoy your journey, it will give you many more years of enjoying the great experience of feeling alive, fit, healthy as you see the world on foot.

Yours in running easy....

Craig