Getting Back Into the Grove

It is the New Year and the cold has had me down, but today the weather has broke and it is time for a run. I have fallen out of shape, and I know that I am not alone. Some of you have already fallen down on your New Year resolution and here are some tips to help you out.

1. Take it slow..
I have not ran since before Christmas, but I know I can still make my 3 mile run, but how I make it is the important thing. I can't jump into it and go for a record or I will not make it. So I have to start out slow. Remember to take it one step at a time and to take it slow until I you are able to increase. What is  the hurry, staying fit is a Journey not a goal.

2. Change your focus
Back to  the ending statement of number 1 remember fitness is a Journey, when we look at it from this perspective it makes it simple for us. We are not trying to catch those super athletes, we are just trying to improve the quality of our lives, now if you become a super athlete in the process Great. The fact of the matter is that most of you who are reading this article just want a better life, and adding a  fitness component is to help with that. So stop trying to keep up with everyone else push yourself but "Do Not Hurt Yourself". When you feel pain it makes it easier for you to give up, remember your workouts should be fun.

3. Find YOUR workout
Now this is where we get into the fun aspect. I am one of those people who hate doing the same thing repeatedly. I need something that is fun and fulfilling. For example I am nosy and I like to explore, running gives me an excuse to be out in my neighborhood and do both. I get to run through my neighborhood or the woods and see what is happening in the world. You would be surprised by what you can learn about a neighborhood when you run through it, or you never know what you will see when you run on a nature trail.
Find a program or design one that fits you. Attach a purpose and it will become easier for you to continue on your path. Attach a spiritual, or mental goal to your workout. For example instead of making your workout just about physical outcomes attach some spiritual or mental one to it as well:
Did you know that in some cultures running is seen as prayer, and you can use it for those purposes
Many Martial Arts styles have a spiritual component that you can explore
Audio books can be played as you workout and you can add the increase of knowledge to your workouts
Be creative with your workouts and keep them interesting remember above all things that it is YOUR workout.

Nuff Said
Peace & 1hunidyears

Vibram Five Fingers Running Shoes

Here are the original Bikila

Last year I purchased my first pair of Vibram five fingers to help improve my running. I just had finished reading "Born To Run", and in the book I was looking for two things:
1. Motivation to continue and build on my running program
2. Away to run without constantly hurting my ankles

here my old Bikila

This book did not disappoint it gave me the two things I was looking for and then some. In the the writer "Christopher McDougall" discussed the concept of barefoot running. At first it sounded crazy to me but as I read and did some research I decided to give it a try, but since it was the middle of the winter I decided to try some type of foot covering. I bought a cheap zemgear show that lasted maybe 2 weeks. I had heard about the vibrams and seen them worn at some campsites, and since they were designed for getting wet I decided to look into getting a pair. I soon discovered that they had released a pair exclusively for running "Bikila". These were the best shoes for running that I have ever experienced. I literally bought them off the internet and have been running in them ever since. I have had no injuries and very few complaints. The biggest issue that I had came about from my over using them and wearing out the material around the toes. What is strange is the only way that I knew that the material was gone was that on a night time run I stepped on a burr and felt it in my skin. I still was able to finish my run and complete a radio show.
As far as ankle issues I had now more, as a matter of fact my ankles and calves became stronger, and I noticed that my posture improved. My time as far as running improved and I enjoyed running more. I felt more in control on my runs, my ankles were freer to do what they were designed for and my flexibility and my balanced was improved. Even on rough roads I could feel the difference and because I could feel everything I was more aware of the road and the environment. My run was transformed from a struggle with my body trying to avoid injury and became more like a state of moving meditation.

Here are Bikila LS

But all good things must come to an end, my shoes have been wore down by the road, and the material has began to leave my toes exposed. I decided to move to the "Bikila LS to test them out and give me something new to talk about on the blog. Immediately you can see the design difference, the Bikila LS has laces on the front giving the runner a snugger fit around the side. I also noticed that as soon as I placed these shoes on my feet my toes found the toe holes. Now I don't know if I can credit the LS's design or the training that my feet received from the original "Bikila's".
I will keep you updated on my new experience with these shoes once I begin my runs again. So stay tuned for more news from my Blog and my podcast...
Nuff said
Peace and 1hunidyears