Belly, Butt, and Big Toe - The Three "B's"

"Belly, Butt, and Big Toe". The three "B's". Just like the three "R's" of schooling so are the three "B's" of running. If you work at remembering these three body parts and concentrate upon them as you are running I can guarantee a certain amount of time off your per mile average and certainly more pleasure in the average daily run.

#1: Belly

Your belly is the area where breathing takes place. No, not the lungs. The area at the lower end of your lungs called the "Diaphragm" is where all of your breathing emanates. When you breath in deeply you want to feel the air pushing down at your tummy. Then as you exhale you push up with that incredibly strong muscle that seems to stretch from front to back, blowing all of the bad air out. Now you're ready to suck in as much good air as your body can handle, once again pushing downward through your midsection.

#2: Butt

The "Butt"? Yes, of course. We don't run with our legs. We swing our hips from the waist down with that area known as the butt conveniently connecting to our legs. As we concentrate on our lower midsection and the unique swinging motion associated with running we find that our butt is the part that is actually swinging back and forth and propelling us through our stride. Think about the strength of your butt and the motion that is responsible for making your running more than just a pounding jog.

#3: Big Toe

"Push off" says your high school coach. He really means to think about that big toe. Along with proper breathing technique (belly) and the constant midsection swing (butt) the next most important thing is to be pushing off each stride with your big toe. Now remember, I didn't say to land on your big toe... no, no. Take a normal stride, in most cases landing somewhere on your heel and make a smooth motion through to your "Big Toe". And in one motion, PUSH.

One day, perhaps not tomorrow or the next, but one day you will attain the incredible feeling which is called "running up on your toes". It is a feeling more than just a physical motion but still very real.

This article is dedicated to the venerable Dr. George Sheehan. I once read an article by him that transformed my running into something that actually resembled running as I expected it to be.

I wish I could remember where I saw his original article but I trust that what has become my own experience will prove the value of his wisdom.

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Goals

Yes, I know, you've tried setting goals before and it has never worked. Everything seems to go along just fine for the first few days or even weeks but something always happens to cut into the planned training routine, or diet regimen or whatever it was that you planned for your well being.

How can we best keep on top of things? How can we maintain that initial excitement about our new goals without them turning stale and into a chore?

Since I'm not the very best example of someone who maintains sight on his goals may I make just a few suggestions about ways I have fooled myself into fixing my sights on those goals that have, in the past, eluded me.

The first step one should take is to organize! Find a running related training software that suits your needs and USE IT!

One other way is to read (when not running!) everything you can about running. Visit my Running Bookstore where you will find books covering every aspect of running, including how to set those all important goals.

In the coming weeks I will be posting other ways I am building my goals and posting them on my new Running Success website.

So please make those goals, plan your routine and training regimens and follow them throughout the coming year and I promise your life will improve in every way.

Getting Out the Door

This morning I finally got my lazy butt out the door!

This is, for most people, THE greatest obstacle to surmount. If we just go outside and start moving most of us would be a heck of a lot healthier and running is most the natural effect of walking. I know that walking is just too slow for me! If I'm going to be outside, on the roads or at the park, I may as well run and get some benefit from being up so early in the morning.

After a brief hiatus in my running and a huge change in my girth I feel an incredible sense of self worth and good health. Just one day can change ones outlook on, not just life, but upon the very act of running as well.

Running has been for me the best and most positive physical exercise for many years. When I run I am a different person from the times I don't run. The way I look at my friends, family and my job are so much more positive when I am in condition.

Sure you could join a gym (seen the cost of that lately?) and attend a spinning or step class. No argument from here. You will get in shape! But there is nothing like being outside, especially early in the morning. The air is clean and fresh and the best it will be all day (and certainly more invigorating than the air conditioning indoors).

So get out the door and see what it can mean for your life.

New Kid on the Block

For those who are new to this Running site you may be asking "Who is this Thomas Woodrow guy anyway?" This is a brief introduction to you.

The "Running Revolution" seems to have begun in the early 70's just about the time we all witnessed Frank Shorter crossing the finish line at the Montreal Olympic Marathon. My own interest began about 5 years later when I viewed running as a way to get in shape to keep up with a girl (10 years my junior) who I was dating!

Fortunately, my interest in running far outlasted my interest in the young lady and I went on to train for and run in half a dozen different marathons in and around the Las Vegas and southern Utah area. In that time I not only got in condition far beyond my dreams but I was able to kick a 12 year smoking habit.

My observation is that in training for a marathon a great many changes can occur in ones' life including, but not limited to, nutritional awareness, lifestyle changes (smoking, overeating, couch potato-itis, etc.) and overall zest for life.

Being asthmatic it is sometimes very difficult to run as hard as I would like but it has taught me that perseverance is something that is learned and developed as we grow in any endeavor. It doesn't happen overnight in this "microwave" world of ours but is developed over the years.

To grow and become better human beings is the goal of all "civilized" peoples and in order to accomplish this it is sometimes necessary to do "uncivilized" things. Running is one of those things. Our "flight or fight" instinct is inherent in the runner's mindset. "Flight" though not the most "macho" thing is certainly the first thing that comes to mind for most of us. Self preservation and avoidance of danger are basic to human psychology.

My desire is to pursue various topics of interest to runners and to go beyond the basics and explore the meaning hidden in what many might consider the mundane.

Thanks and I hope you enjoy my ramblings.

Tom