Form and Flavor!

Today during my 9 mile run I tried to incorporate better form into my pace. I have been reading several different books and they all agree on  simple but easy method to make the miles a bit easier. They say that you should imagine a rod going right up your back, head up, never slouching. Then slowly lean forward, at the ankles and not at the hips, until you automatically start jogging. It is using gravity against itself! I have never known what a difference it could make, but over the past couple days, when you hit that wall, lean a little more and let your body just go in automatic. What I also enjoy about this proper form is that is helps with the way you land on your foot. With a leaning-forward motion you are more likely to run with the weight hitting the middle of your foot rather than your heel. Every time you hit with your heel it is like a brutal pounding on your foot and knee. This makes your step lighter and you are less prone to injury. These little changes have helped me during my runs recently.

Another change I have made, starting yesterday, was my breakfast meal. They always stress, "It's the most important meal of the day.." Blah blah. I never took it seriously until I decided to change my breakfast. Rather than a giant bowl of sugary cereal and milk, I decided to start trying a salad for breakfast. Yeah, a bit weird, especially for a guy like me, but it honestly starts the day of right and it has SO much flavor! All I do is take a big handful of spinach (which is great for you digestion, tons of Vit. A & C, with some Calcium and Iron) and sprinkle some nuts over the top (Protein without the meat and fat), and then dump about 1/3 cup of a fruit cocktail, drained, on top (I know I could use fresh fruit but this makes it a bit quicker for me on a busy schedule). I then use just a little Italian dressing (because it has a lot less calories than most dressings). Tons of flavor and you start the day off right! It is especially refreshing after a morning run. Give it a try sometime!