My answer to this is - if you can justify why you want to do something and the answer is good! then anything and everything has a place.
My relationship with running started about 15 years ago when I first trained at a Muay Thai gym in rural Bangkok. I was the only female and one of two foreigners. Our morning run was a 14km loop paced by a Thai on a moped, smoking and drinking Red Bull, although it could have been Sang Som whisky, hard to tell. I was always last, which I guess gets me the Thai equivalent of the laterne rouge but I'm not sure that is bragging rights.
Was it the best possible way of training?
Probably not. The runs were fast and they absolutely knackered me, all before the actual training started! They did however build a mental resilience that has really stood me well for training and for life. I'm grateful for that Thai trainer; everytime I would stop and throw up in the bushes or stop because of cramp, he would pull over and wait for me. There were no words of encouragement; in fact there were no words at all, but we always made it back to camp. Over time, I never got faster but I did get tougher. The ability to turn on "grit" when you need to is a very useful skill and I expect it has roots on those 5am Bangkok mornings.
Cultivating a positive mindset
So, I stuck with running over the years. It is great for general fitness but I have a mental association with it, where it always gets me through the rough patches of life and it is therefore invaluable for cultivating a positive mindset. To me, running means more than fitness, it represents gratitude and courage, and these emotions are extremely important to nurture.
"Striving to be 1% better everyday" - Generation Iron
That was a very long winded way of saying, if an activity generates a positive, peaceful mindset, that is an excellent reason to do it and it is worth prioritising. If it aligns with physical goals, then even better. For my category "figure", running seems to work well for my body type and metabolism - it creates better proportions, downsizing quads and improving conditioning. For this reason I have teamed 60 minute "fasted state" running with a route that suits my temperament. It takes the form of a very beautiful 12km there and back route to a Buddhist temple which sits at the top of a very steep winding road. The first time I did this, I started off walking! and even then I had to lie down in the bushes at one point.
But...with all things there is progression; sometimes backwards! but mostly lateral and forwards! There is a great quote (Phil Heath I think) in "Generation Iron" the modern bodybuilding documentary, that says "I strive to be 1% better everyday". Of course, this is a metaphor but it resonated with me because it is a great way to set small, realistic, daily, achievable goals and it is the little things done well everyday that contribute to the grand goals. It can also apply to anything; character, mental or physical goals. So, everyday I try and run a bit more of this route. I am always met by the most beautiful and compassionate of smiles (possibly sympathy!) from the pick up truck full of monks returning from their morning alms (this is their morning walk where they collect food) - it really keeps me going.
Ultimately, I wanted to see if I could train for bodybuilding in a way that aligned with my values about training and living life; I wanted a way that builds strength of character and physicality. There are infinite possibilities for this and running is part of that for me. I think the trick to consistency, progress, enjoyment and happiness is just to find your own way! It is also amazing what you can see when you choose to actually open your eyes to the world outside (see below!) and note to self..I must apply this to pounding the streets of South East London, rather than switching off into the land of iTunes.
 |
| Beats running on a treadmill |
 |
| A beaker of black coffee - an absolute requirement for morning runs! |
 |
| Hill training!! |
No comments:
Post a Comment