In 2019, I made a conscious effort to research how to improve my running. When starting to run in 2015, I looked towards the physiology of running, but ignored the mechanical side of it. So I began; for over two years I went to work reading and observing all I could about mechanics. I found out a lot about myself as this process unfolded throughout 2020 and into this year. I gained a better picture of the science of running as a result. Hopefully this post will provide some inspiration to those who read this blog.
As we all know, life can turn out really funny. Right before the Coronavirus pandemic hit, I decided to train for a marathon after taking a year off. Little did I know, all thanks to a physical exam when switching life insurance policies, I gained 20+ pounds at the start of my training cycle. No wonder why paces that were once easy felt a bit harder to maintain.
I decided then and there to monitor my diet and cut weight in a smart way. See, I became so efficient at running that the amount of calories burned with each run kept diminishing. Not to mention things can slowly get away from you when taking care of children for the first time. I simply lost track between raising a family in a stressful city like New York and making sure my health was in check. After seven months, I had a better understanding of my mechanics. I addressed my weaknesses and developed a plan on how to improve. I lost 12 pounds. March 2020 came, then lockdown hit.
What might seem disappointing at times actually turns out to become a blessing in disguise. Circumstances might need to change in order to set you free to improve. In 2018, I thought I hit my ceiling with my performance. No matter how much I tried to run fast without running hard, it seemed like I could never accomplish this. It didn’t matter how much training volume I put in. I ended up forcing myself into specific paces without enough rest, only to throw my SI joint out six weeks before a goal marathon. In retrospect, I should of paid for a taxi instead of shlepping all my guitar gear on the NYC subway between work and training. I carried my seven-month-old son along with me, too. Lesson definitely learned.
The 2021 5th Ave Mile
I decided to focus on shorter distances the following year because of the injury. This allowed me to discover a new world figuring out running mechanics. With my previous experience and what I know now, I have a clear idea on how to develop a training stimulus while cementing that adaptation. It really is a mixture of science and art. As a musician, I have the advantage because in order to stamp your own concept, you first need a foundation. Then, you need to sometimes think unconventionally to produce something original. As with my music, I now have the fundamentals in place for improving my running. I’m not afraid to step outside my comfort zone to see what limits I’ve placed on myself. When in doubt, I draw inspiration from my time in Kenya watching all the world record holders and Olympic champions.
Moving forward, I plan to make a dent in my race times ranging from the 5k to half marathon distance before training for a marathon again. For my first race back since 2019, I ran a 4:53 mile at the 5th Ave Mile. Setting a personal best by two seconds, it’s the starting point for me. Mechanically, I’m focused on producing more power to cover more ground with each stride, while having the aerobic capacity to support this power increase. Simply put, I’m looking to run fast and long efficiently. I’m also aware of how breathing is connected to running well.
Working on developing more power to cover more ground
I believe I haven’t reached my potential at 34-years-young. If my 27-year-old self had little to no athletic training and could reach a VO2Max test of 80 ml/kj, I truly believe I can achieve something special. I have the experience, tools and resources. I can manage my own situations well. Most of all, I have the drive and mental toughness to push through my own perceived boundaries. I’m not afraid of failure; I use it to my advantage to grow. All I need now is the time and opportunity.
Videos:
Running Transformations Revisited Video (2021); music composed and performed by Nick Grinlinton
Running Transformations Video (2019); music composed and performed by Nick Grinlinton