Week 19: Calculus and Marathon!

In preparation for my 20 miles run next week, I took really easy this week. 12 miles around my home (8miles in the morning, 4 miles in the evening). The new shoes are good so far. I want to sprinkle some wisdom on running the hills (Since the terrain around my neigbourhood has 200 - 300 feet elevation gain in a mile).

Runners need to focus on a uphill the same way Numerical Mathematicians focus on conquering integral calculus. For calculating area under a curve, they split the curve into a bunch of trapezoids (or even easy.. rectangles). That way they can just add all the areas of rectangles (which even trained monkeys can do) to calculate the area under a curve. This is how the numerical mathematicians reduce the complicated Newtonian S*it into a simple f..king addition (and this is why the traditional mathematicians don't respect the Numerical guys.. but who cares!).

A runner should eliminate the total uphill from his/her viewpoint. Instead, the problem should be reduced to small steps of relatively flat terrain and focus should be kept only on the next 2-3 steps.. and relentless forward motion.This will not make you conquer a hill with the fastest time, but you will conquer the hills with ease.. Try it and let me know if it works for you as well.

Peace,
sai.

Week19: Guess What ?! I was running with the wrong shoes all along!

Week 19 is not a right time to find that I was running with wrong shoes, but I was glad I found that out now. Due to the foot pain, I visited Running Revolutions in Campbell. RR takes video of the running on a treadmill and also has a touch sensitive mat to gauge your stress pattern. With the help of these, the coach fit me the right kind of shoes (neutral, size 10, 2E width) for me. I was running with stability, narrow, 10.5 shoes (meant for over-pronators). So far the new shoes are working good. But I will wait till my 20 miles to see if there is more cushion needed.

Sai.