Explosive?

  Hold on tight, this is an actual running related post. 

  Over the past 4-6 weeks I ‘ve decided to improve my running.  Well, I’ve decided to start running again…and improve what I’ve done in the past.  I really had to get back to the point where I missed it.  Well, I’m there.  Part of the improvement is loosing weight.  I’m down about 7 pounds, heading for 17.  The second part is actually improving the running.  I’ve been working on exercises from the book Explosive Runningby Dr. Michael Yessis.

  Dr. Yessis has a very interesting view on improving running.  The first section is about running form.  Honestly, I’m not tool concerned about form.  It’s not that mine is perfect, but I’ve got bigger problems.  The next three sections are on running specific stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, and explosive (plyometric) exercises.  His process is to perform these exercises within the movements of running.  It’s a little hard to imagine, but pick up the book if you’re interested.  I’ll warn you, it’s very technical, which is great for computer geek me.

  I’ve been working on the stretching and strengthening exercises for the past 5-6 weeks.  I’ve seen some decent results.  First of all, I can tell that I’m stronger than my cardiovascular system can handle.  Right now, it’s my lungs holding me back, not my legs.  That will get better as I run more.  Second, I’m recovering better after each run.  I’m only running every other day, but usually my shins are sore after a run.  Not at all right now.

  Today I had my first really interesting run after starting the exercises.  I started out to run three miles, which is my short, medium, and long distance right now.  My course had a couple of decent hills in it, but I didn’t really want to focus on them. Instead, I decided to try to focus on my pawback and toeing off for each step.  You know what, it really worked.  And, I was able to tell when I lost focus.  When I got to about 2.4 miles, back at my street, I decided that I’d go a whopping four miles.  So, I just did an out and back of 0.8 miles.  Up until now, I’ve been averaging about 11 minute miles.  Today, without really pushing I run all four miles in a 10:20 average.  Now, that’s not going to set any records, but 40 seconds per mile is pretty good in just a few weeks. 

  I’m hoping to continue the improvement, lose the rest of the weight, and be in good shape for marathon season.