The Run Around

Take a run at goal step by step

By Matt Carpenter

El Paso Boulevard. For me, the day after a long run is one of the hardest to get through, and today things are feeling a little worse than normal.

Columbia Drive. Winter has made a spring visit and the thermometer has yet to touch 30.

Pikes Peak Avenue. I have learned to reserve days like today for my “errand runs.” I focus on the task at hand: a bank run. Motivation comes easier when you set a goal.

31st Street. The problem is that we often set goals that are too far out.

Fontanero Street. If we set our sights on a goal that is six months away, we may give up before the big day ever arrives. If your running goal is to lose 30 pounds and you have only lost 5, you can start to feel like you will never measure up.

Fillmore Street. Intermediate goals can save the day. Had 5 pounds been set as an intermediate goal, suddenly there’s cause for a celebration — skip the cake at the party, however!

Centennial Boulevard. Intermediate goals can keep us focused on the here and now. Today’s goal has nearly been reached.

Garden of the Gods Road. I can see it.

Buckingham Drive, the bank, 45 minutes, halfway, success — all the same to me. I feel the need to explain my appearance to the bank teller as I hand her a deposit slip. “Great day for a run!” I say, somehow hoping that she will no longer think I am sweating because I am going to rob the bank or that I have the plague. The trip back goes better — I don’t even notice every street. I have taken a bunch of small steps and reached a goal. Sure, my big goal remains months away, but today it was an intermediate goal that got me out the door.

Pikes Peak Avenue. As you set your sights on a goal, don’t forget the steps it takes to get there. Turn each step into an intermediate goal and you’ll find that your motivation will take you further toward reaching the big day.

El Paso Boulevard. Home again!

Reply to all

Louise E. writes: My uphill running is doing OK but I lose a lot of time on the downhill. Is there a method to run downhill fast without causing injury to my knees?

The key to a good downhill run is to lean forward and watch for overstriding. Speed can be frightening and because of this, people tend to try to control it when what is needed is to just go with it.

The first step is to remain perpendicular to the ground. To do this on a downhill, you must lean forward. This ensures that with every step, you’re not fighting gravity.

Another tendency is to overstride, which puts a lot of stress on each step. By using a shorter, faster cadence, you lessen the impact of each step, which will in turn save the wear and tear on the big muscles of your legs. Your knees will thank you for it.

For more tips on running up and down hills please see: www.skyrunner.com/story/ups_downs.htm.

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