Ain't nothing gonna break my stride

A little running video tribute to AJ - the chorus to this song is her running mantra.
(Check seconds 33-55 if you are really time short!!)

On Saturday, AJ and I made a trip to The Running School for some personalised running tuition or rather, I dragged AJ along for a session and typically good natured Jo went along with the plan (or should that be pain?!)

I have to admit I personally really enjoyed the experience. As before, the Running School really pushed me way out of my normal speed zone and lazy running style. Thankfully it came back to me really quickly ;-)) It was like a hardcore interval training session - running all out for 20 seconds (9 miles an hour pace!!!) with 100% focus on technique followed by 20 seconds rest then repeat MULTIPLE TIMES. ABSOLUTELY LOVED it. Plus they even threw in a few EVIL inclines and demonstrated how much stronger your legs get from this type of training - totally remarkable - I now feel like the Invincible Hulkess. That's what an endorphin high will do!

{Slight aside my newly discovered hulk qualities proved invaluable this weekend - guess who packed up their entire life and carried it to the pavement this weekend. This involved climbing up and down 90 flights of stairs (I live on the third floor!). Yes I do now have jelly arms and legs but I have proved my invincibility!!}

During Running School I was also reminded that:
a) My right leg (or the one close to the wall as it is now known) is the lazier of the two legs
b) After picking my heels up, I could benefit from lifting my knees a couple inches higher as I follow through
c) I don't drive my right arm as much as my left
d) I must ALWAYS think about 'cycling the legs' i.e. imitate how horses move
e) I need to do my shoulder stretches EVERYDAY - especially the right shoulder (check c above)
f) I desperately need to get fitted for a new sports bra - running and watching myself in a mirror was a bit of a revelation!

As for AJ - I think she also got something out of the experience aside from sore legs, laughing at my still dodgy tan lines on my arms and my inability to distinguish my left from my right when I'm concentrating on not falling off a treadmill.

They took some great clips of AJ running pre and post session - and you could really see a difference even in 40 minutes of training. AJ is clearly a A* pupil!!!

This is what I remember about AJ's running form.

• AJ lands her feet in front of her as if on a tight rope rather than on train tracks underneath her parallel to her hips. Running as if on a tightrope is a massive factor in IT Band issues (Remember this AJ when the half-marathon comes around ;-))


• Her right leg is the boss and so her left leg needs to learn to take charge too 50% of the time. She has to start running in a clockwise direction when we do laps!!


• Bit of shoulder swivel


• Could benefit from cycling her legs more - i.e. picking up the heel, raising the knee, then landing the foot directly underneath the body rather than landing in front of the body and killing the momentum.

Basically AJ was true to her namesake and AMAZING. Even despite never really running on a treadmill ever before! No guesses who the star pupil was! 

This week I am 100% energised to get:

• running faster - practise race pace session next weekend scheduled with our amazing pacesetter


• running further - long run to be scheduled (Lucindaaaaaaaaa??? fingers crossed) 


• speeding up those hills - evil Richmond Hill you will be conquered THREE times on Wednesday!! (I can just tell AJ is smiling with glee at the prospect) 

Well must get back to those one-legged squats and strengthening the legs - Ain't nothing gonna break my stride xx