Being injured is definitely one of the most humbling events. And the most frustrating. I feel like a heartbroken lover longing for something that cannot be. My runs are short and scarce and I want more. After running 42.2 km with it band syndrome, my body needs help.
I have found that particularly for those over 40, a cross-training routine is crucial. And it is all about finding the right one that fits. Yoga is one kind of cross-training routine that can help build strength and create flexibility.
But yoga is mainly about moving the body in alignment with the breath, thereby creating space to observe the mind in its chatter and patterned thoughts I have learned that there are times when we need to slow down, just as much as there are times when we need to speed it up.
In this way, yoga and running really go hand and hand. Many people are aware of the fact that there are different traditions in yoga and many styles. But most people don’t see running in the same way.
Running can include all kinds of interval training differentiated greatly from long-distance running because the purposes are different. We ask our bodies to do very different things in each training and if we respect our bodies enough by practicing with integrity and by supporting it with cross-training, it will comply.
If our mind decides to overrun our bodies, because it can, then we may find ourselves in a pickle, or worse.
What kind of relationship do you have with your body? The answer to this question may spread some light on why and how you move the way you do.
I would like to encourage you to tune in to what your body is saying when you speed up and when you slow down.