May the 4th be with you

[Charliecat5]

For something as basic as running, I never cease to be amazed at how much there is to learn and how many different ways there are to cause new types of pain.

I am a flat foot runner… which I guess is slightly better than a heel planter, but I understand from reading about the Greats, that landing on the front of the foot makes for a better and more efficient running style.

One of my favourite books is ‘Born to Run’ by Chris McDougall, and I know that he was coached by a guy called Eric Orton, who also has a book, and a website, and things you can buy, and training courses you can join… sadly all in Jackson’s Hole, USA.

I downloaded his book last night and greedily read the first 5 chapters… and although I still have a long way to go, I like his style and what he has to say.  This led me to his YouTube vids first thing this morning, which led to a run this evening to try out his recommended techniques. 

Of course, me being me, I cannot do things by halves, so instead of heading down to the Priory Field for some easy flat laps, I set out for Blackcap. 

So what is my verdict?

• It is really hard to adjust your technique – you have to concentrate really hard.
  
• On the up-hills landing on the front of your foot is relatively easy, on the flats it is more challenging, but going downhill is damn near impossible.
  
• It makes your calf muscles really sting.
  
• I set out for a slow run… focused on technique, not speed.  But weirdly my pace was pretty good; not the best but not bad.
  
• At times I wasn’t sure whether I was doing it or not, but I now have blisters in places where I haven’t had blisters before, and calf muscles as taut as piano wires… so I must have been doing something different.
  
• Did it improve my running?  It is too early to tell, but I’m going to keep at it.
  
• Blackcap, as usual, was great this evening – 7 miles there and back.
  

I will keep you posted…