I was at my cousin’s house last weekend and flicked through a copy of "The Cool Impossible", her husband said he’d briefly read it, there were some interesting running philosophies and that I should I take it home with me and read it.
I brought it home with me, read it over the course of the next two days and genuinely thought I’d found the answer to my recurring running injuries and problems (more of these later). For the first time in a very long time, I feel genuinely inspired.
Having re-read the sections I’d previously skimmed through and I’ve decided that this is make or break, this new approach is either going to get me back into running, or confirm what my GP has previously told me and accept that I’m simply not suited to distance running. I would have to give up on something I’ve grown to love over the last few years, consigning my shoes, shorts and shirt to the bin and my running career to history.
I’ve decided to rigorously follow Eric’s programme and philosophy, and since it’s going to be a major departure from my current MO, I thought I would also do something else for the first time….. write a blog.
I will share my journey, my thoughts, my experiences and my progress, starting from scratch and referencing Eric’s book, instructions and techniques, and ending up, well, who knows…
Along this journey, through the comments and feedback that you are kind enough to provide, I hope I can answer your questions, seek your advice and share an experience with anyone going through, thinking of going through, or having already gone through the journey that lies ahead.
Comments
Bill, Lori and Mike - thanks for your input, added motivation to hear others have gone through what I'm only just beginning. Bill - I hear you on the calves, made a major error on my very first run and paid the price for failing to read properly!
I heartily agree with Robert. Eric's plans work! I've only been running for 5 years now but at 56 yrs old I'm getting faster and fitter. This past April I finished a 100 miler and have PR'd a 5K and 10 K so far this yr. The Slant board workouts have strengthened my feet and legs to where they haven't ever felt this good. Stick with it daily and the improvements will come. But also be sure to take rest days as your calves will be very sore for a while.
Hi Robert, thanks for the welcome, it certainly looks like a site full of people with inspiring stories, and impressive running CVs.
I'll be sure to buy "Born to Run" thanks for the tip - I can get it at the same time as a replacement for "The Cool Impossible", I'll be hanging on to my borrowed copy for some time.
Richard welcome to The Cool Impossible, this is an amazing place full of genuine people who want to help you achieve your goals. You may also be interested in a book called "Born To Run" by Christopher McDougal, it's also an amazing story. Reading this book was the reason I then went looking for Eric's book "The Cool Impossible.
My story sound similar to yours, not running for years after being told I shouldn't & couldn't & wearing orthotics in every shoe I owned. Now I am now transitioning into Eric's B2R's, run barefoot once a week for 30-40 minutes and are working through Eric's marathon program.
Eric's philosophies & techniques work, they have for me and many more among us on this site & I'm sure they will for you too.