Jumping Back in Feet First

Despite sore limbs from Monday's first physical activity in 10 days, another run beckoned last night. As much as it pains me to say Nitmos was right about my overly aggressive return to running, I couldn't let that stop my newfound motivation.

Election Day provided a good excuse to get out and exercise more than my right to vote. My polling location is a mile and a half away from home, but the streets I have to drive on to get there are homicidally annoyingly busy after work. Running there would be healthier for both me and the populace. Heck, even the environment would benefit.

[Drunkard's note: This is the second errand I've literally run this week. Have the Vibrams turned me hippy?] 

After a nice warm-up at home with the Enthusiast, I suited up for the brisk weather. Voting provided a nice break, though I think sweat more at the polling station than I did on the run.

This was the first time since the marathon that I've worn my watch. I managed a sub-9:00 pace, but my focus was on form. After reading about the so-called "Perfect Stride" at The New Yorker website, I watched several videos of Kenenisa Bekele to study his mechanics.

All year, I've focused on shorter, quicker steps and landing with my feet under my body -- not out in front. What I learned from Bekele's stride is to also bring up my knees more and snap my feet up to my ass to create more propulsion.

The result was that I naturally landed on my forefoot as desired and a fairly easy 8:44 pace. The only challenge was the tiredness from the increased thigh lift, which might be a result of my lack of running more than anything.

I might be tempting overuse injuries with six miles already in the log this week, but it feels good to be back running. These brisk fall days and the clear blue skies are tempting me again today.