Recently, I was given the opportunity to meet with the Urban Endo running group before one of their early morning trail runs to talk about how yoga poses are great for preparation for and recover from running. I was so excited to see the broad age range of the group, and the consistent enthusiasm to be outside and get started on the run. How refreshing and inspiring. We took some time to perform a few basic yoga poses to prepare the morning’s adventure (See poses below).
I have a love-hate-love relationship with running, and whenever asked about my running I express that I am simply out to fill my lungs with fresh morning air and feel my heart beat in my whole body. Once upon a time, my motivation for running was not the healthiest. It became a very dangerous game of pushing myself to the point of injury and exhaustion. Needless to say, I had to give it up entirely to heal both physically and mentally.
Over the past couple of years I have learned how to reintegrate running into my life. I don’t push myself anymore (I’ve done enough of that). I enjoy the swiftness of my stride, the sweat on my skin and the air in my lungs. It has become a practice in mindfulness; the yoga of running, if you will.
This approach to running is not for everyone, and so I simply invite you into it openly, and to honour yourself and your own needs first and foremost.
How might you practice yoga to enhance your ability to run? Below is a list of ways I approach running and a few poses to prepare your body for movement. Try it out, perhaps especially if motivation to run is a challenge for you.
- Set an intention for your journey.
- Honour your commitment to the challenge.
- Embrace both the struggles and successes.
- Prepare your body, physically.
- Consider a post-run recovery ritual.
- Above all, enjoy yourself.
Prepare your hips and hamstrings for running:
Place emphasis on rooting down through your feet and keep your navel pulled up toward the bottom tip of your heart throughout. Breathe deeply and evenly always
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