800m

Motivational Video

Ironman Watch

I don't wear a Smartwatch.  I have an old Timex Ironman.

Yup.  I like my old Ironman.

The Foot Plant

Here is a photo from Scott Jurek's Instagram (@scottjurek).  IMHO it clearly shows a natural footplant and an unnatural footplant.  Jurek, on the left, strikes un-naturally with his heel, while Arnulfo, on the right, strikes naturally with his forefoot.

However, Jurek is an incredible runner, and has won all the elite ultra marathons, many several times.  He also holds the Appalachian trail world record.

So, despite my theory about the natural gait, there is contrary evidence out there.

#tbt It's been 10 years this week since I first ventured to the heart of the Copper Canyon. Like many of my travels it gave me a glimpse of who I am and how running connects all humans. Arnulfo (pictured) will be at this year's Born To Run Ultra May 12-14 📸@luis_escobar #borntorun #runfree #raramuri

A photo posted by Scott Jurek (@scottjurek) on Mar 10, 2016 at 3:36pm PST

Fun Race

Wear ID

It's a good thing to wear ID while you run.  You never know what might happen.  I prefer dog tags, which I wear always, so it's a "set it and forget it" solution.  They are available for cheap on line.

That farm yup

Your Bones Aren't Smart

Your bones aren't smart, so you have to be smart for them.

Your joints don't naturally articulate in the correct way.  They just move and twist and crunch together however it happens when you throw your leg out there.

Be cognizant of how your posture and gait affects your joints.  Modify as you move to get everything working in the easiest way.  I'ts a mechanical puzzle, and the clues to getting it right are how your joints and muscles feel.

For example, I often get a dull pain in my right knee after about 45 minutes of running.  One of my solutions is to change the way I point my foot as I strike with that foot.  My right foot stike looks like this as I run:

Strike pointing towards 12 o'clock.
Strike pointing towards 11 o'clock
12 o'clock
1 o'clock
12 o'clock
11 o'clock
12 o'clock
1 o'clcok
12 o'clock
Repeat

Eventually I find a strike that reduces the dull knee pain.  Sometimes this can take a mile or more.  Usually it's pointing my foot at 11:58 as I strike, but not always.

You need to be the brains for your bones.