Where America began and History lives. Williamsburg, is well represented by world-class accommodations, attractions, restaurants, and golf. The beautiful city of Williamsburg is a family destination significant for much more than just its' prestigious historical past. Read More
If you'd like to subscribe to any of the monthly Insider's e-newsletters simply use the subscription form below.
| Part 2: Reclaiming My Running Mojo |
| Monday, 01 March 2010 00:00 |
I've lost my running mojo.Contributed by Ann Jurczyk Maybe that's an overstatement. Perhaps I never had running mojo. I've never been fast, but I have powered up and over hills. I've swung my arms and breathed deeply and felt like quicksilver. Fluid motion. Strength and grace. (An outside observer might not think I looked graceful, but I FELT graceful, and that's what counts). And now? I feel tight and achy, like the tin man before Dorothy and Toto came along. The arms, legs and breathing are out of synch, and when did I wake up this planet with a gravitational force 10x's that of earth? I could think of 3 things that might help and all are available in Williamsburg. The first was a gait analysis, the second was yoga to help healing and flexibility, and the third was strengthening my core. Taken together, perhaps I could get back the love I'd had for running. Part 1: Gaining Insight from a Gait AnalysisPart 2: Gaining Healing and Flexibility: Adding Yoga to a Running RoutineMy husband and I are pretty conscientious about stretching before a run. Much less so after the run. We've committed to running a half-marathon the end of February, so our training schedule dictates a long run on the weekend, regardless of the weather. Wet clothes turn chilly seconds after we stop, so we usually jump in the car and head to hot showers upon arriving home. The next morning we wake up feeling tight and sore - not conducive to getting over runner's funk. "You might want to rethink your post-run routine," says Missy Kerner, owner and director of Body Balance in Williamsburg. "Practicing a few yoga stretches after a long run increases blood and oxygen flow to ligaments, muscles and tendons, which can reduce soreness and speed recovery." Going directly from a long, cold run to a hot yoga class would be ideal, but not realistic. So instead, we'll pack dry clothes and try Missy's post-run poses before hitting the showers.
2. Step your right foot beside your right hand and extend your left leg for low lunge, 3. Then lower left knee and push hips back to straighten right leg, pointing toes on your 4. Move back to down dog and repeat low lunge and half split sequence on your left side. 5. Return to down dog, preparing to move to pigeon. 6. Bring your left foot to the corner of the mat inside your right hand. Slowly lower your left knee to be by your left hand. Keep
8. Slowly roll to your back. Bring knees up. Grasp the outside of the feet and gently pull
Will it bring back my running mojo?"Maybe," says Missy. "Participating in a full-length class on your off/ X-training days will improve your flexibility and help you recover from a long run." OK, she's not making any promises, but it these poses can keep us limber and speed recovery, they're worth the extra 10 minutes. Help Ann reclaim her running mojo. Email your suggestions to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view itBody Balance Studio To create link towards this article on your website, copy and paste the text below in your page. Preview :  Powered by QuoteThis © 2008 |
| Last Updated on Monday, 01 March 2010 11:55 |
cents and tell us all about it.
keeping hips squared and being careful not to let your bent knee extend past your foot. Keep your left leg straight and strong.
right foot for half split.
hips squared during pigeon. If you feel any pain in the knee, use a block under the hip of your bent leg. If your body allows, place your forearms on the floor and lean over your bent leg. Return to down dog, repeat pigeon sequence on your right side.
7. After pigeon, return to hands and knees. Lower body into child's pose by resting hips on your heels, resting chest on your thighs and sweeping arms back to your hips.
them towards you, bringing knees to armpits for "happy baby" pose. Keep hips and lower back firmly on the ground.
9. Return feet to floor. For "corpse" pose, extend arms about 12" from your torso, palms up. Separate legs a comfortable distance. Scan body for any tension and release.