JasonE
04-24-2007, 01:20 AM
I've been training some beginner-level athletes to run their first 5k race this coming weekend. They basically said, "We need help; we'll learn anything you can teach us." Of course, I've been teaching them CST. ;)
Our training has primarily centered on Intu-Flow, FlowFit, and running. They are doing GREAT, and will easily complete the run well under their goal time. I am particularly impressed with how well FlowFit practice has enhanced their overall conditioning for running, especially their breath discipline.
While training these athletes, I felt a desire to explore the possibilities for myself. A little over 10 years ago, I was running 3-4 days per week, but had never run more than 5 miles in training. Now it had been years since I'd run more than 2-3 miles nonstop. Following the CST maxim of leading from the front, I decided to enter the 10k division of the same race as my clients, and adjusted my training program accordingly.
The 10k race is just under 7 miles in length. Today, for fun, I did a 1 mile run, then later went for a longer run of (I thought) about 7 miles. I'd never run that route before, and well before the halfway mark, I was thinking, "This seems longer than I expected..."
Afterwards, I drove my car along the route and was surprised to find that I'd run 10 miles (roughly 16k) nonstop, without aerobic fatigue or serious discomfort. This is by far the longest run I've done to date, and I am pleased with how well my body held up. The actual race will be easy by comparison!
I may never be a serious competitive runner, but this experience has helped me to rediscover an enjoyment in running that I haven't had in a LONG time. Despite a knee that has had multiple injuries and a surgery, hips that have suffered muscle tears and strains, a low back that haunted me with chronic pain for 9 years... CST practice has enabled me to set a new PR and confidently expect to beat it in short order.
Our training has primarily centered on Intu-Flow, FlowFit, and running. They are doing GREAT, and will easily complete the run well under their goal time. I am particularly impressed with how well FlowFit practice has enhanced their overall conditioning for running, especially their breath discipline.
While training these athletes, I felt a desire to explore the possibilities for myself. A little over 10 years ago, I was running 3-4 days per week, but had never run more than 5 miles in training. Now it had been years since I'd run more than 2-3 miles nonstop. Following the CST maxim of leading from the front, I decided to enter the 10k division of the same race as my clients, and adjusted my training program accordingly.
The 10k race is just under 7 miles in length. Today, for fun, I did a 1 mile run, then later went for a longer run of (I thought) about 7 miles. I'd never run that route before, and well before the halfway mark, I was thinking, "This seems longer than I expected..."
Afterwards, I drove my car along the route and was surprised to find that I'd run 10 miles (roughly 16k) nonstop, without aerobic fatigue or serious discomfort. This is by far the longest run I've done to date, and I am pleased with how well my body held up. The actual race will be easy by comparison!
I may never be a serious competitive runner, but this experience has helped me to rediscover an enjoyment in running that I haven't had in a LONG time. Despite a knee that has had multiple injuries and a surgery, hips that have suffered muscle tears and strains, a low back that haunted me with chronic pain for 9 years... CST practice has enabled me to set a new PR and confidently expect to beat it in short order.