Floppy Feet!

Today was my next session with R. There are very few things that can get me out of bed in the morning when it is still dark - but wanting to become a better runner is one of them.

I met up R and we went right to the treadmill. He instantly asked if I have been working on my core, which I have (and this is pre 200 sit up challenge!) so I was happy he noticed. Apparently my hips are swaying less when I am running. Score one for me!

Overall he seemed happy with my progress - which made me happy because it is all I work on while I am running. But of course, there are things I still needed to work on.

1. Trying to keep my feet on the treadmill/ground as little as possible.
   Once I did this, my knees went higher and I had a better finish in the kick at the end of my stride.


2. Staying light on my feel as I am running.
   A bit like number 1, but different. We did some drills where I would be heavy and it hurt, especially my knees. Apparently, that was close to how I was running before!!


3. Floppy Feet! And obviously my favorite.
   Remember that Friends episode where Phoebe runs like a 4 year old? In a way, that's how my feet felt. But, for some reason, it kind of relaxed my entire body - I just have to be careful I don't trip (good thing I have a Power Balance wristband!) as I almost did when R said "Try floppy feet". But, even if it makes me giggle just a bit to think of Floppy Feet, it worked.

So, armed with my new tips, and the old tips, I am feeling good about running. For the next steps, I am going to work on running a mile concentrating only on form. I told R how that is hard for me because running really does help with my weight issues, so I struggle with the "keep good form" vs. "keep going so you can lose weight". I think for the sake of my feet, knees, body - I will concentrate on form for the next 2 months. Come January, hopefully the muscles will be a bit more used to the new running style and I can pick up the cardio/amount of time running/distance.

Oh but my favorite part, after the last lap around the mini-track I took, R looked at me with a big smile and said "You now look like a runner".

I know, it made me cry a little too.