Which way do you walk, run, or bike?
When starting at your typical start point whether it is at home, at work, or in a neutral location, do you usually start out walking, running, or biking east, west, south, or north? Why ask? For starters, each way can present different terrain, different scenery, and different tempo. So, what do these "guys" do:
Different Terrain: Flat road, grass, cobblestone, dirt, and hills are all different types of terrain that fall in various directions. As a strength and conditioning specialist, I hope everyone has access to hills. Some cities do not have enough hills, but these inclines are gems. They automatically kick your heart into gear, making you breathe harder and work a little more decisively. Do not hate hills. OK, you can hate hills, but do not hate to avoid. Include them in your regimen.
Different Scenery: Scenery can ease your mind when you run. Instead of running on a $1,000 treadmill that most likely serves as a coat hanger (See: HAHPN - July 2010 #2: "Park Bench vs. Treadmill") in many basements, you can pick a building, tree, nice car, bridge, a family out for a stroll, and other landmarks to get you through your exercise. Since it is spring/summer right now, a great place to walk or run is on the beach - the true minimalist. Talk about ankle mobility and stability.
Different Tempo: Even though you can progress in a direction in which you do not have to stop at a traffic sign or light, you may be forced to stop at some. For example, I know that if I run north, I am going to come in contact with more intersections with cars and walkers in the mix. If I run west, I simply join other runners, which is comforting because I like to compete when I run (meaning, I try to pass other runners or I do not want another runner to pass me. Shhh! They do not know it.) So, a different tempo has a psychological aspect to it in this case.
Purpose and Development,
Derek
Derek Arledge, CSCS TEEM Performance Training www.teempt.com
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