running

Barefoot Running: Part One

With all the hype about barefoot running, I’d really like to know if there is an accurate source to find out what is best for the body. I’m especially interested since over the past couple weeks I’ve become obsessed wtih running and form. Anecdotally, I know people who swear by the Vibram FiveFingers, while at the same time I have a close runner friend who swears that barefoot running destroyed his Achilles tendons. When I asked about it the last time I bought a pair of running shoes at Fleet Feet in West Hartford they told me it was a matter of preference.

Okay, but that is sort of a non-answer. Maybe barefoot running is good for certain body types or people who pronate but don’t supinate. I don’t know, but I’d prefer an answer along those lines.

If I stand in my house and run with my shoes off, here is what happens. I run on the ball of my foot, sometimes in the motion my heels hit the ground, sometimes not. There […]

Barefoot Running: Part OneMaggie Downie2017-09-12T19:31:53-04:00

Pride

I’m still riding high as a kite from the Ragnar Relay. It makes me feel like these four physical challenges were a good idea this year. Although, I must say, I’m not sure the rest of them will sustain me with energy this long.

What I didn’t expect from my challenges is the feeling of pride that comes with completely something difficult. I was doing it to get into better shape and get healthier, both important, but the sense of accomplishment is really worth a whole lot more to me.

I recommend picking a challenge that would suit your fitness goals just for that feeling.

Personal Euphoria

PrideMaggie Downie2017-09-12T19:31:53-04:00

Runner’s High: Fact or Fiction?

I’ve been working out again and it feels so good! I notice a difference in my mind and body, and the change is so palpable that it is a huge part of what sustains my desire to exercise. I think when nearly anyone moves their body and starts working out they feel better, but I’m not sure everyone feels as good as I do. If they did, they would stick with it more and exercise more. If everyone felt the way I do after exercising, everyone would exercise.

It’s like I’ve taken a drug. I think I sincerely get a high from exercise, and I feel lucky because it’s a healthy high. But I think it’s also why I feel so down when I go two weeks without it, so it does have a bit of a double-edged sword.

There has always been talk about a runner’s high and endorphins giving athletes a pick-me-up, but it turns out now there is actual science to back it up. Check out this article from the New York Times. I’d like […]

Runner’s High: Fact or Fiction?Maggie Downie2017-09-12T19:31:56-04:00

Labyrinth Can’t Help Me Meditate

I meant to post this video a few weeks ago. A friend took it when we were in Seattle. It’s nothing outstanding, just me being silly. You can’t hear what I say, but I believe I say something like, “This must be the fun forest,” in an oddly excited tone. We’d seen a sign for the “fun forest.” I never found out what that is, but in the bliss of racing around the labyrinth, I was pretty sure I had landed in the center of the fun forest.

The video reveals my inability to meditate. I’m pretty sure these labyrinths are designed for a meditative walk. I started slow and methodical, but just couldn’t continue like that. And I’m pretty sure I had more fun doing it my way.

I still haven’t started my quest to try mediation every day. Anyone have any helpful hints that will give me a real desire to try it?

Labyrinth Can’t Help Me MeditateMaggie Downie2017-09-12T19:31:56-04:00

An Inspirational Child

A couple weekends ago I participated in the Shamrock Run in Bristol, CT. I had signed up for the five mile race, but because I didn’t want to wait an extra hour in the cold between registration and the five mile race, I ran the two mile race. Matt ran with me and was thrilled we decided to cut our run in half. It was his first road race, and he did better than me. He ran ahead and waited for me at the end so that we could cross the finish line together. I was quite proud of him. He’s a really good sport for coming along.

The Shamrock Run put on a great event. Free food and other trinkets were plentiful and it was well organized with a big crowd (probably around 3,000 people). Before the two mile and five mile race started, they had a kid’s fun run. One young man (I would guess around six) was running with crutches. I don’t know what condition he had, but I imagine he had something […]

An Inspirational ChildMaggie Downie2017-10-25T14:30:12-04:00