Training Tip for Runners: Relaxation

Fall season is everywhere. Changing of colors for tree leaves, cooler mornings, and signs of early winter are just around the corner. Moreover, various cross-country, fun-runs, 5K’s, 10K’s and marathons events are being conducted literally in every community.

Along these lines, it is important for runners to better understand, appreciate and pay much closer attention to “Relaxation”. Regardless of type of running; sprints, middle distance, long distance or ultra-long distance, relaxation is paramount and provides extensive positive benefits.

It is not always just how fast or slow a runner is moving, or their pace, or level-of-effort, but, how relaxed they are; more the better. Relaxation has a direct impact on posture, stability, foot landing, agility, foot stride and length. Moreover, proper relaxation can improve running form and mechanics, help in mitigating risks of injury in various parts of the body, assist in stress management, enable optimal energy levels, enhance endurance and resulting overall performance.

As part of any fitness, training and competitive running program, it is essential to incorporate better relaxation as an integral part of various drills and skills. Other alternative methods and techniques may help improve relaxation including, but not limited to, dynamic stretching, yoga, meditation, and allowing ample recovery time coupled with proper nutrients and rest.

A key driving factor for better relaxation is “self-evaluation” during training workouts as well as actual competition. Very good indicators include; effortless facial muscles, steady head position and upper-body posture, running tall, loose hanging shoulders, and rhythmic drive and arm swing; all resulting in maintaining proper center of gravity, foot stride, frequency and length.

Most important; have fun and enjoy your Autumn running.

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