Finding Running Support on Twitter

Among runners, there is a wide range of approaches toward being the social or the solitary type. I have enjoyed the advantages of both.

The online world these days offers a multitude of ways to connect with each other on areas of interest. Running is no different. Twitter has endless possibilities when it comes to connecting and sharing.

Online Twitter chats are excellent ways to meet and discuss in realtime. For example, using the hashtag #runchat, runners connect on Sunday nights and usually systematically respond to questions from a lead tweeter. They also keep the chat ongoing. There are probably lots of other Twitter chats on running out there. Please share if you can.

It's a great way to get advice, share experience, and connect with like-minded folks. We all need a little social interaction, so go ahead. Get tweeting and find your tribe.

A New Focus on Form

A lovely little 7 k run on this beautiful sunny September Sunday morning has made for a great start to the day.

I usually get a session on the spin bike daily but it doesn't match the satisfying effects of a run outdoors. Maybe I need to pick up the pace on the bike, lol.

I haven't logged a heap of mileage lately, but I did just finish up a 30 Day Challenge in flexibility and strength work from a site called Kinetic Revolution. The coach is James Dunne. It was tough in places, but the emphasis on squat-type movement has certainly been worth it. I feel new strength in my quads and calves. I am also more conscious of a more fluid and efficient form. I would definitely recommend the program. They offer a 6 week running focused program as well. It's quite reasonable in price, so I am giving it a serious look right now.

James does a great job with this. His instruction is clear. If you have an interest in improving your form, and ultimately your pace, you'll appreciate what he has to offer. Some of the routines rely on upper body strength. I would recommend taking great care in these sections. Listen to your body and take it easy.

What's in a Name?

A cardinal sin for anyone creating or building something is to give it a title first. Unfortunately, that's not how it works with blogging.

Not a great practice but it does force some forethought and planning. If anything, it might limit rambling.

For me, one of my greatest pitfalls (or failures...) with running has been a lack of consistency. That may take the form of periods with very few runs punctuated by binges later on. Sometimes, it's been breaks, from which I've had to restart from scratch altogether.

In those times when things have worked best, I've usually started with a small, flat stretch that works for me. It's usually easy to get to and easy to run. It's always a good place run when the weather doesn't cooperate or in the fall or winter when time may be a factor.

In the recent past, this little spot has been a real good goto when it comes to keeping consistency and building an aerobic base. It helps get those midweek shorter runs in, but it also helps as a great spot for a warm up or cool down for the ĺonger runs.

We need these kinds of places in building a habit and a feeling of accomplishment. They are really more than just a place; they become part of a plan, even a strategy. As you progress, you may feel like you've grown out of them. Don't be too quick to forget their importance though. You never know when you might need to go back to your running roots to re-establish your consistency again.

And so....that's what's in the name.

Getting Started

As with so many creative ventures starting is always the hardest part; no different here.

But there's only one way to do it. Of late, I've noticed that those most comfortable with creating and sharing don't seem to worry too much about perfection - they just go for it. Whether it's video sharing or social media, they just jump in.

So...this blog is about running. It may be quite random, no great plans. I've been active and hitting the pavement, gravel, and even the treadmill for a while. I hope folks find it useful.

Happy Running