Run, for fun?

9/10/2014

There’s something about fall mornings in NYC that makes me want to get out and run. It always seems strange to me, not being the running type of person. Maybe it’s the colder temperatures, or the fact that everyone is officially back to work and school, but as soon as that crisp, crunchy-leaf smell fills the air, my body craves a morning run. I think the farmers have it right- getting the hard physical labor done first makes the rest of the day seem so much easier.

Magical running toe shoes.

As a yogi, running always seemed a bit strange to me. Why put all that repetitive stress on your joints day after day, having to worry about the possibility of strained or pulled muscles and twisted and sprained joints? Mobility is life, it’s money here in the city. Getting injured and losing your ability to walk and climb stairs means you’re stuck moving slower or rooted at home. Why would you risk damaging your vehicle? Though modern tech is pretty good at putting you back together after serious trauma, the replacement parts aren’t always as good as the originals. In my experience, yoga was the clear choice, sidestepping those kinds of risks.

Now, after adding a short morning run to my regimen, I’m starting to change my mind. It’s only been thrice so far this month, but those days were the most productive and happiest I’ve been in weeks. There’s something about getting up and taking time by yourself outside, moving and breathing, that seems so right. While you’re running, there are no other tasks to be done, just the next step, the next breath to focus on. It’s moving meditation.

The quick benefits I see from running:

I’m warmer all day; it’s like I’ve just come out of the jacuzzi all the time. Some people feel warm for hours after a cardiovascular workout like running, biking, or swimming. There’s not yet a scientific consensus as to why. (1)
My legs and core are more toned. Just three days so far on my new running regimen, and I already see a difference in how my body looks and feels.
Reduced guilt about eating a huge bowl full of rice noodles.
Bonus - you’ll get your daily allotment of sunshine. 10-15 minutes a few times a day is what your body needs to produce the vitamin D you need for the day. (2)

Before you jump right into a new regimen:

Create a goal and a plan. Both should be simple and definable. My goal? Run a 10K in under 60 minutes. My plan? Run 4 days a week, adding half a mile on every week. Starting at 2 miles a day, that’s only 8 weeks and change to a full 10K. I’ll pick up my pace if I’m not under 60 minutes once I reach the full distance metric.
Make sure the plan is right for the present state of your body. Is it too challenging too fast? Consult with your physician to make sure your body is up for it.
Gear up. Get some up-to-date kicks for a new regimen. I love my Vibram Five Fingers.(3) Make sure you have clothing that’s non-restrictive and has pockets for your keys, ID, and iPhone. I track my distance with MapMyRun(4) on my phone- quick and easy way to generate data for yourself and compare your workouts day to day.

Once you’ve done the hard work, make sure to reward yourself. My favorite post-run activities? 5-10 minutes of Sun Salutations and a big breakfast. Yoga and running are a perfect balance, like PB and J.

There’s no time like the present to get your mind+body and yoga+run balance back in check. Sweating first thing in the morning really does set the day up right.

Written by Corey Loftus
Founder / Visionary : constantly quotable

Corey is a voiceover artist, yogi, and father to a fur-child named Eddy.
He'll work for almond butter.
corey@iamhom.com

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Run, for fun?

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