I have not been active on this blog for some time as is evidenced from the date on my previous blog.  I have however, remained active with my exercise, running and cycling and I plan on a 1/2 marathon at the end of this month with a possible biathlon in Greenville in April and a possible 1/2 marathon run in the Dismal Swamp in April as well.

   This post was originally published over a year ago (my how time flies when you are running) and I republish this now for a new friend and classmate who loovvvves Mountain Dews. :)

   Maybe I can get back in the groove again here, sure have missed it.  Come and visit if you remember me! HA

love and hugs to you all,

Sheila

     Whether you are running, practicing yoga, kayaking, playing basketball, golfing or ice climbing, it is important to learn as much as possible about the proper form required for your particular physical activity to stay injury free.  "Overuse" injuries are caused by repeatedly executing improper form. 

     While recuperating from a pulled hip muscle, I researched running form and found everything I needed on the web (the most helpful were the videos).  I learned that my form was all wrong.  I was a "heel striker".  I modified my form by striking with the midpoint and balls of the foot as illustrated in the first video (9:44 - well worth the time investment for runners, this video shows in slow motion the mechanics of running). The mid point strike is a much more efficient method giving a push off on each step taken.   I now have a more comfortable, energy "efficient" run.

     The second video (1:58) simple illustrates the parts of the foot and how the foot works in any activity.

     Of course with running there are other things to consider. For me I have to be aware of three things in my running form.

1) Foot Strike

2) Chi running (running from the lower abs...the ones you feel when you do a fake cough)

3) Hip mechanics (some have stiff hips, other hips are too loose...I had to loosen up just a bit).

     No matter what you do for physical activity or what recreational sport you engage in, if you find you are having pain or discomfort, investigate your form.  Making minor adjustments could mean the difference between a life long pursuit of your physical passion or being sidelined as a spectator.  Remember move with awareness!

Have a great week!

Running On, Sheila

     I am trying desperately to keep up with my friends here, and don't want to lose anyone.  But, my schedule will become incredible busy in the weeks to come and I expect it to stay that way for quite some time.   I am public now, but in an attempt to clean up my friends list and be sure that I can get around to those who mean the most to me, in a few weeks time I will go semi private.  Only those on my friends list at the time will be able to comment and I will no longer be accepting invites after that.  I will be doing the same over at Hurricane Lane.  Please bear with me, this is an incredibly challenging time for me, and I know eventually things will even out and I will find a balance.  I am counting on that (laughing), though I am beginning to wonder if I would ever be happy being balanced at all!

         Oh by the way I have added a music player, that has a definite theme to it. 

Check out the songs if you get a chance, you will have to start it yourself.  

Thinking of all of you, and wishing you a wonderful week!

 love hugs and most definitely A~I~R kisses Sheila

AUGUST 1, 2008 - AUGUST 31, 2008

NEXT RACE: Rock and Roll Half Marathon 08/31/08 (3 Weeks)

View from Charlie's Bunion looking towards Tennessee from North Carolina

on the Appalachian Trail (my crude panorama with the editing program available to me)

      I wasn't sure where to post this one, because it is about outdoor physical activity. But it is also of a more personal nature, and deals with the beautiful mountains of North Carolina so I decided to post a

HIKE TO REMEMBER

over at Hurricane Lane.  I hope you will take a little blog walk over there and that you enjoy it,

hugs hugs,

and Running On,

Sheila

JULY 1, 2008 - JULY 31, 2008

NEXT RACE: VIRGINIA BEACH ROCK AND ROLL Half Marathon 08/31/08 (6 Weeks)

Will be catching up with you all soon,

in the mean time,

hugs and k~i~s~s~e~s

and

Running On...

Sheila

     My treadmill needs servicing and the parts have been delayed.  What should have been 1 week, has turned into two weeks and I worried that it would be difficult for me to keep up with my running and training. So I have been trying to exercise in other ways and to include the kids to keep me motivated.  I did an evening run with my sun on Friday while my daughter rode the bike with us.  Today we went out for a treat of ice cream at our local drive in (Sonic) and then to Union Park to feed the ducks and to take pictures (yes I can still get the kids to do such things, my son goes for the "behind the wheel experience" and my daughter loves the Mocha Java...).

It was a gorgeous afternoon, wind blowing real good, with the threat of rain on the horizon (l love days like this).

     I was surprised to say the least, when we came across one of those portable climbing towers a church group had set up.  It had come all the way from Durham, a 2 1/2 hour drive from New Bern. It was 24 feet high, and there was no price for admission.

So, having never done it , and wanting to (especially having read so much about climbing at Steve's place), my daughter and I gave it a try!

     The lead retracts as you climb and when you reach the top you push a button that releases it to repel down.

     I climbed three times (my son didn't feel like doing it so he is the one who took the pictures). I was wearing a pair of Timberland sandals and did pretty good I thought.

     My daughter climbed 4 times. She had been wearing Rainbow flip flops and kicked them off almost immediately. We could have kept climbing a few more times, but there was thunder and a lightning bolt, so it was time to finish.

I think this was her favorite part. I want one for the backyard, anyone know how much one of these things cost? Do you think the neighbors would mind?

     I did take some pictures, but the ones I will remember from today, are the ones my son took.

     Sometimes adventures are right around the corner!

Have a wonderful week!

hugs and kisses and running on,

Sheila