Zen Sports: Any runners out there?

[rj]

Congrats Gareth and those getting back to running, it takes some will power!... And best of luck to those of you training for races!

Admittedly, this was my first time running "unplugged" in years... will be interested in seeing if I can incorporate more of those runs into my routine... a bit scary indeed to not have music or headphones, but I think it might be more conducive to keeping me focused on the now and for connecting to my breath, both on the pavement and on the cushion.

So many insightful comments, thank you all for the food for thought...


st/rj

[Kendrick]

I don't enjoy running, personally, but I do love to walk - especially in the woods. My oldest daughter likes to run though and started cross country this year on her school's team.

Gassho
Kendrick
Sat/Lah

[Onrin]

"Just exercising" too.
For many years I've found that teaching exercise in such a way that encourages people to be mindful of their breath, posture, joint alignment, proper tension etc... not only benefits them more in regards to progress but a frequent comment is "wow time flew by, I always thought exercise was boring, a chore."
Gassho,
Chris

[Ugrok]

I run a lot as well, but, just as zazen, sometimes find it difficult to not get absorbed in thoughts. It's a great practice.

Gassho,

Uggy,
Sat today

[Alex.d]

I run 5K 2-3 times a week. Lately I've been focusing on proper form and cadence and, well, I'll just say it's a very forceful way of practiting non-thinking

However, the leg pain, being out of breath and "This is the worst, why don't I just stop, I'm going to die" are much more bearable (dare I say they sometimes don't even bother me?) when I take away the "This is the worst, why don't I just stop, I'm going to die" and only leg pain and being out of breath remain.


Alex
Sat today/LAH

[Alex.d]

Hi Alex

I too dealt with leg pain (shin splints), when I first started running. With the help of a podiatrist the cause was found to be an over pronation with my feet. Most leg problems in running start with feet issues (shoes not fitted properly is a big one). Here are the things that I did which instantly fixed my leg pains and I've gone on to run 2 ultra marathons and trained/ing for a 100 miler.. 1) proper running shoe fitting at a real running shoe store (not the mall or Foot Locker), 2) he prescribed arch supports which were needed in my case (I initially used over the counter arch supports to prove their effectiveness, their lifespan is somewhat limited in miles compared to the permanent, prescription arch supports), 3) proper leg warm up before running and daily leg exercises, 4) calf compression sleeves (The podiatrist was on the fence about their effectiveness, but in my years of use, I would never run without them again, they just feel so good) and 5) backing down my miles until the pain was resolved, then building back up miles pain free.

Sorry for going long, and I know you weren't asking for advice but I couldn't help to offer it as I wished someone had given to me to avoid much pain and aggravation! It took a lot of reading and research of elite runners and a visit to a podiatrist to fix mine.

Gassho
Jd

Sat today

Hello Jd,
don't worry, I'm not suffering from shin splints! With leg pain I meant regular muscle pain, after several injuries I've learnt the hard way not to underestimate pain.
I am really thankful about your tips, I will try to implement them as best as I can - fitted shoes won't be affordable for a few years but I'll implement your other advice.

Alex
sat today/LAH

[Meredith]

Well, I'm a walker AND a runner! I lost 35 pounds over the course of a year & a half (2019 through 2020) by cutting out snacking and walking every day. A couple of months ago I decided I wanted to start working in some running with my walking. Currently doing 1:1 intervals over the course of a 5k, twice a week (plus walking another three days/week). I'll gradually lengthen the running periods, and hope to finish a late October 5k in the front of the back of the pack

Certainly my daily zazen has helped me keep up my exercise schedule - there have been plenty of times I really didn't want to get out there, but letting go of that inner whiney "I don't wanna!" got me on the road/treadmill, just like it got me on the cushion when I really wasn't feelin' it.

Gassho,
Meredith
ST

[Shinshi]

Sounds like you are doing great Meredith! Congratulations. I started with the Couch to 5k program. You never know where it might lead.

Gassho, Shinshi

SaT-LaH

[DanM]

That's great Meredith! If there is a local Parkrun in your area I would highly recommend that as a fun and free 5km to run. There is a great community vibe at the local Parkruns where I live, with all levels of runners participating.

Gassho, Dan
ST/LAH

[Seishin]

Congrats Meredith that is an excellent way to get started on the running front. Keep building it up slow bit by bit and you'll be fine.

Sat

[Shinshi]

That's great Meredith! If there is a local Parkrun in your area I would highly recommend that as a fun and free 5km to run. There is a great community vibe at the local Parkruns where I live, with all levels of runners participating.

Gassho, Dan
ST/LAH

Hi Dan,

It looks like Meredith is in Kentucky. Sadly the Parkrun concept hasn't really made its way into the US.

Gassho, Shinshi

SaT-LaH

[DanM]

Hi Shinshi,

Oh sorry! Before I posted that I did a quick google search to check Parkrun was in the US but looking in to it more now I see they only have 48 locations, which is a lot less than other places it is active (UK has 700+). Hopefully it becomes more widespread there because it is pretty great.

Gassho, Dan
ST/LAH

[Shinshi]

Hi Shinshi,

Oh sorry! Before I posted that I did a quick google search to check Parkrun was in the US but looking in to it more now I see they only have 48 locations, which is a lot less than other places it is active (UK has 700+). Hopefully it becomes more widespread there because it is pretty great.

Gassho, Dan
ST/LAH

Hi Dan,

Yea it would be great. Not really sure why it hasn't caught on.

Gassho, Shinshi

SaT-LaH

[rj]

Meredith, that's awesome! Couch to 5k is such a great tool! That is how I started as well and it was so helpful! Maybe if you post when your race is as we get closer, I'll run at the same date and time so as to do it "with" you and cheer you on!

st/rj

[Jundo]

I am wondering if I should move this thread into the "Arts & Music" Area ("Arts, Music & Sports?"), so that it can be a kept around?

Gassho, J

STLah