The Finish Line

Chi Running Instead of a Cheeseburger

So it’s been awhile since I’ve updated, mostly because I had ditched my running schedule, losing focus and desire to run. The lapse was partially born out of shin splint pain, something that indicates my form wasn’t quite right. So I’ve busted out a copy of Danny Dreyer’s Chi Running to try to learn better biomechanics while getting from here to there. Which brings me to the realization that when running is approached a “here to there” activity, it becomes less natural. For all the non-scientific descriptions of life energy Dreyer uses as the foundation of his running program, one thought was evident: I run with different form and mindset when running around the block than when I trail run. The reason being, I find trail running an utter joy and my mind focus not on the destination, but the simple joy of being there. Thus my body is relaxed, my cadence is consistent, my breathing knowingly inhaled and exhaled, and I generally run very quickly. Compare this to my running style on the street where I tend to plod along with a tight and tired looking form. And that’s just out the door down the sidewalk…by mile 2 my shins start aching.

So for now, I’m looking to understand, identify and transpose the biomechanics of my trail running form to my regular neighborhood runs. Today was the first day I used some of the techniques learned from Chi Running, and I felt only a quarter of the time could I feel the relaxed ease of moving forward without effort or pain. The other 75% of the time, I ran with the same difficulty I’ve grown accustomed to. I know it’s not hopeless, because at one time I used to run 40 miles a week without any pains, whether for longer 10 mile runs or quick 5:45 miles…but that’s because I think I used to run without worrying about “getting there” and focused on “being here”, enjoying the late night running sessions back in suburban Nothridge. Here in Silver Lake, running sometimes feels like an obstacle course, magnifying the stress and tension I’m actually trying to escape.

I hope in time using Chi Running I can help reset my habits and run relaxed. I’ve ditched an ego driven speed requirements, and even distance as a goal. What I’d like to accomplish is just getting back that love of running and being the moment of moving forward as easily as bird through the air.

Running As Therapy

Running Angry

People tell you not to run while angry. Fuck them. Running angry is great. You run fast, you hardly feel any pain and afterward you feel much better than when you started. I did it a few nights back after feeling trapped indoors, angry at something I had absolutely no control over, and came back feeling less likely to go Bruce Banner on life. I don’t think you should run every time you’re angry, but if you’re feeling the need to get some shit sorted without a visit to a head shrinker, lacing up and getting a few miles finished is wholly recommended.

I think I scared a few other evening pedestrians when I growled as them as I passed by. Or it could have been simply because I forgot to wear underwear and was donning my shortest shorts.

It Looks Worse Than It Really Is…No Really [Sniffle]

Here’s what happens when you take your eyes off the road while running and roll your ankle on the side of the road to eat a bit of humble pie. As you can see, I ate an extra big portion slice today. The concession is this all happened while running at the Hamptons, so membership does have its privileges and I’ll gladly pay with another bloody knee if it means I can one day visit this wonderful part of the USA again.

To my credit, I dusted myself off, gingerly walked it off and then continued to run 2 more miles because ooh-baby-I-like-it-raw~

The Mad Dash

A glorious weekend to trek across the Laguna Beach hills. Well, except for the fact that the nature preserve’s hours are confusingly short, so our leisurely hike turned into a run around the highest ridge trail in the hopes of getting back to the parking lot before we were locked in. Emily had me run ahead and I caught the park ranger just as she was exiting. The upside was I got one helluva workout running up and down a trail filled with jackrabbits, lizards, fragrant wildflowers and the occasional booty-side-up beetle. My reward was an ice cold 7-Up and a late afternoon crash at Huntington Beach, washing surfers, seagulls and pelicans enjoy a fading sunset. Southern California is wonderful this way.

Sunday’s run:
Hour: 4:00 pm
Feel: 6/10
Distance: 4 miles

The Division of Steps

If someone was to inquire of the speed I normally run during my Silver Lake route, my reply would be for them to download and pace themselves to Joy Division’s “Digital”. The song is almost the same tempo as my footfalls and breathing pattern, at least this Wednesday evening.

I once tried running to some early Suicidal Tendencies. Seemed appropriate, considering the results to my shins and cardiovascular system. On the flipside, running to The Sundays is practically like moving backwards…into bed. I need to start putting together running mixes again to help pace myself at a steady tempo; the whole iPod shuffle is a bit too random considering my musical tastes (going from Maiden’s “Run to the Hills” to Trentemøller’s “Miss You” can be jarring).

Wednesday’s run:
Hour: 6:15 pm
Feel: 5/10
Distance: 4 miles

Taking a Short Break

No running till tomorrow…my feet are on strike while they recover from a 4 hour, 7 mile hike and trail run that left my soles red and sore like that of the palms of a 15 year old boy who just discovered pay per view cable channels. Downhill is a bitch on your feet, but damn if it didn’t feel great to get out to the coast and hit the Ray Miller trail for a Sunday afternoon escape.

Sunday’s run:
Hour: 1:00 pm
Feel: 9/10
Distance: 7 miles

Making the Ground Feel Needed

Yeah, I know he's dancing, but he's doing the running man in my eyes.

Jogging is very beneficial.  It’s good for your legs and your feet.  It’s also very good for the ground.  It makes it feel needed.  ~Charles Schulz, Peanuts

As Fast As I Can

An appropriately styled running shirt to inspire speed. I’m somewhere between the snail and turtle. My only proposed improvement would be to offer a way to move the dial graphic as you became faster with training. $18 at Threadless.

Top Ten Uncommon Sense Running Tips for Beginners

He's Faster Than He Looks

1. Don’t run immediately after eating a can of vegetarian chili with beans unless you hope to leave your own brown “finish line”. Sharting is a real danger here.
2. If you’re going to wear short shorts while running, please warm-up and stretch at home. Nobody wants to see your Kid ‘n Play dancing around. This is a common concern running in Silver Lake.
3. Walk in new shoes at least a couple times before setting off on any serious run. New shoes are like a new sex partner…they should be eased into the relationship, not just thrown into daily pounding. Both you and your shoes will have a longer, more fruitful time together in the long run if you respect the “getting to know you” break-in period.
4. Challenge yourself while running by finding someone to catch up to. I personally prefer women with shapely behinds or older senior citizens I know I can eventually catch up to. Although on occasion I’ve found myself biting off more than I can chew when senior or senorita has proven to be faster than expected. It ends up being great exercise in either case.
5. Let go of your ego when running. It’s okay to stop and walk inbetween periods of running. Faster runners have a secret pact to only make fun of you once you’re out of hearing distance, wuss.
6. Mindfully inhale and exhale. Unlike Bill, I admit to taking a toke and inhaling twice in my life. Breath in similar deep fashion…but don’t hold your breath nor stop by 7-11 to satiate the munchies like our former POTUS.
7. Don’t poop immediately before you go out to run. No matter how well you clean/wipe/rinse, you’re going to end up with swamp ass because of the mixture of sweat and internal “juices” that help move the matter. Gross, but true.
8. Humming while running is okay. But please don’t sing while running. The track is not your private karaoke bar and other runners want to kick you in the anus each time they have to pass by you while you sing off-key, close eyed.
9. Be polite and make way for other runners and walkers when passing each other. A nod, smile or wave is always appreciated too. Unless they’re on a cell phone. Then protocol dictates you expel a silent but deadly surprise. An expedient escape is recommended.
10. Run for fun, not for time or speed at first. If fun means wearing a funny outfit (note post below), wig and clown nose, or other silly attire, do it. Just not around the Silver Lake Reservoir after 7pm, please.