Run by Running and "Bo Knows"

"You learn to speak by speaking, to study by studying, to run by running, to work by working; in just the same way, you learn to love by loving."– St. Francis de Sales

The following are a few more stretching aides about keeping active and lessening potential injuries: 1. We know that sore heals and arches can sometimes result in plantar fasciitis which is an inflammation of the connective tissue of the foot (take a golf ball and roll your barefoot over it). 2. We know that stretching is important especially after workouts when your muscles are not cold. Before I start stretching my Achilles, I employ my cylinder and roll my calves for about three minutes .3. If you’re experiencing some discomfort it’s important to back off from your training. You don’t want to damage specialized stem cells or muscle tears to turn into major injuries. 4. Consuming proteins within a half an hour after exercise is important. Chocolate milk helps to rebuild your muscles. Secretariat just had a second bottle of coconut water after his run. 5. Strength training increases muscle mass. Lifting a laundry basket overhead, using free weights or machines are other ways (I go to PT for Achilles treatment and use both. 6. Consider taking time off by skipping a day of training. Periodically Secretariat and I hit the trail and walk some or the majority of the loop.

Just yesterday I talked with Randall about our upcoming Way too Cool 50 K. race in March. His work schedule is interfering with this training. I suggested that he enter the Jed Smith 50 K. in February as the trail is gentler than the Way too Cool race. I also suggested that he consider focusing on ground time (some walking) versus running miles. By focusing on ground time he is cross training, less likely to hurt himself, and psychologically will reduce his worry about completing the 50 K. in March. He told me he was excited about being selected for that race and then began to worry.  I want to reduce his worry.  Hopefully, implementing walking increasing ground time should help him.

Thank you Secretariat for your pertinent comments on Monday’s post Re: horse and human toughness. I agree that both horse and humans are tough and I want to comment a bit more about human toughness.   Although, I ran over 90 miles during training, I know of runners that have totaled between 100 to 200 miles per week.  I also just heard that Bo Jackson during the NFL combine ran a 4.12  forty yard dash. You might remember that Bo Jackson played professional baseball and football.   You might also remember hearing the famous Nike commercial “Bo Knows” in the 1990s.

For all of you thinking about getting off the couch “just do it” as the Nike commercial goes. Remember keep moving and run for your life.