Irene says, “It was a good thing that you hurt your foot.”
For the past couple of weeks, I’ve been nursing a sprained left foot. I am not sure if it came from slipping off a short curb or running too much. In any case, I’ve been a little worried about my stalled marathon training. It’s also slowed down any biking or swimming too.
In the meantime, Irene and I signed up for a running workshop called ChiRunning. Which combines some principles of Tai Chi and running. Even though, my foot was still hurting, I was looking forward to future runs being injury free.
So, as we drove towards the ferry to Connecticut then drive up to Providence, Irene says, “I think it was a good thing that you hurt your foot.” Did I hear her right? How can anyone say that about anyone, and it wasn’t a quick-witted jab to my psyche. Then she explained that my injury forced her to run alone.
All of last year, I would be the one to lead our runs and announce our water breaks. It would drive me up the wall when I would ask, “Left or right?” and she would respond, “It doesn’t matter.” She basically went along for the run. Now she would be responsible for making sure her body was hydrated, distance was long enough, and she made it back in time for work. She’s really in the drivers seat now.
Back to ChiRunning… the workshop was located in what appeared to be a renovated factory that has been converted into an artist colony just outside of Providence. Lots of studios now line the hallway of this once abandoned building creating an inviting and open space to learn. I am sure that the masons that built this factory never thought that “namaste” would ever be uttered inside its walls. What I really found fascinating is the halls were wide and long enough for a group to run up and down the corridor in air conditioning!
Before the workshop, Irene and I tried to find a place to grab breakfast. As we searched, I thought it was a great way to reuse an old tired space. The red brick building was surrounded by an unsubstantial neighborhood, and I wondered if the surrounding vicinity was able to support this kind of creative community.
Again, as soon as you leave New York, where is a New Yorker able to find a 24-hour diner to get breakfast at 11pm, let alone 6:30am? We drove for about a ½ an hour looking for a restaurant, only to find a McDonalds and Dunkin Donuts willing to serve us something to eat. Mind you I did not say edible.
If anyone is interested in running better and definitely injury free, definitely let me know. With ChiRunning, you will learn some very basic ideas that will improve your running skills and the enjoyment of running. For me, the instructor, Michael really helped me understand the mechanics of running and corrected some of my positioning. I look forward to improving my posture and therefore improving my times.
Wow, only 86 days until the Marine Corp Marathon and 93 days until the New York City Marathon!