WATCHing Where You Run

The big question between the techie runners and the natural runners is, is it better to run with a GPS watch or to run with a simple watch/ no watch at all?

Run with a GPS Watch!

The techie runners can attest that being able to see the distance they have traveled is definitely a motivator as well as an informative measurement of the work that they have put in, in a single day. It is also very useful to be able to see the pace during a run so that one knows to either speed up or in some cases to slow down. Also, being able to track their progress from one run to the next is very useful especially if one wants to increase their distance. What runner wouldn't want to know how far they have gone and the pace during the run?

If you're looking for a GPS watch check out the Best GPS watches of 2013! They forgot my favorite, Polar's RC3 GPS!

Run without a GPS Watch!

The main reason people love to run without a watch is because it feels more natural to them. These are the people who like to go out and just run by feel. This is one thing that I believe does get overlooked sometimes with the techie runners. They might get so caught up in numbers that they lose their reasons for running in the first place. These natural runners might be able to roll with whatever is thrown at them in a race situation better sometimes, having practiced running by feel. The question posed to the techies, when's the last time you checked how your body feels on a run?

Both cases show validity, it all depends on what kind of a runner you are. Are you a data runner? Are you a natural runner? Or, are you somewhere in the middle where you like the data, yet you do enjoy ignoring the face of the watch during the run?

"Running is the greatest metaphor for life, because you get out of it what you put into it." 

Oprah Winfrey

Keep working hard! 

Until next time,

Michael Duncan

Dedicated?

Day in and day out. That is what it takes to find success. There is no easy way to be successful. Success is a decision, and when someone is truly dedicated to something, they will have it on the forefront of their mind, EVERY DAY.

Two categories I believe are very important for finding success in running that can be applied to life are these:

1. Patience and Perseverance

Patience is extremely important in whatever you do. Changes can’t happen overnight, which means a great deal of patience is needed to stick with the skill or knowledge that is being developed. Perseverance is one of those things that without it, there is no way anything can be accomplished. This is all about the ability to withstand setbacks, hardships, and the times the odds may seem to be against you, and to move forward. One thing that is always important to remember is that attitude is a decision, not something that is placed upon us. As runners, an injury could get in the way, and if we mope, cry, and give up, then the result will be an unhappy injured ex-runner. Further, making the choice every day to be great is part of the journey. If one day you want to be the greatest, you can’t be engaging in any activities that get in the way of that.  Being proactive in patience and perseverance will serve you well in pursuit of your success.

2. Heart

Heart is the reason why you do what you do. This is the reason that you wake up in the morning, the reason you take the necessary steps to get where you want to be, and the reason you would risk it for the big time. This is the drive that tells you that, I’m here, I’m ready to work, and I’ll do whatever it takes, and when the times get tough, I’ll continue to be there. Heart is our motivation and drive that does not need any explaining; you know it’s real.

A very applicable video on YouTube shows Will Smith giving his words of wisdom about dedication and success, that I found very great to hear.

In addition, there is also a very quick and meaningful Ted Talk on the eight secrets of success by Richard St. John.

“Run Hard when its hard to run”

Pavvo

Until next time,

Michael Duncan

Core at the Core

Why is it important to have strong core muscles? First, what are we talking about when we say core? The core of our bodies consists of the abdominal, lower back, and middle back muscles, also including the hip area, and sometimes the shoulder area.

Two main reasons for why core is important for runners besides looking good:

1. Running Efficiency

Running efficiency is very important because if a runner can spend less energy per step when running, then they will be able to go for a longer period of time. The way this works is that if our core is weak, then each step we take our bodies are not equipped to efficiently transfer the kinetic energy that is produced when we make contact with the ground. When our core is strong we are able to efficiently make contact with the ground and swing our opposite leg forward to continue the running motion, as stated by Dominic McKinley and Joe Mullins in their article.  Most runners are always looking for a way to run faster. If the miles are going very well, then the next thing to look for is strength training, starting with the core.

2. Injury Prevention

If you are a runner that has ever been injured, you must understand the agony, physically, and mentally it can cause. Core exercises do not guarantee an injury free running life, but can significantly help. The reason is that, as runners, we put a lot of stress on our bodies. With all of this stress of training, and our repeated pounding on our muscles, if we have any inefficiency in our form these get constantly repeated. With the repetition of incorrect movement we become more susceptible to injury.  Our core is what keeps us stable and able to run efficiently so that we don’t run into any problems.

If you are looking to add a couple core exercises to your usual routine, or thinking about starting a routine, here is an article about Four Key Core Exercises for Runners.

“Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did.”

Newt Gingrich

Improve each day!
Until next time,
Michael Duncan