Baby We Were Born to Run

A little departure from my usual Shoto Budo ramblings this time as I prepare for the Great Scottish Run half marathon . . .

In my last update, I mentioned injuring my back during our course at the start of the month.  Three weeks later and it is still a bit stiff when practising martial arts.  The twisting and turning still puts a bit of a strain on it but after three weeks of careful training, I think I am just about ready to up the level next week.

First of all is the small matter of 13 miles around the streets of Glasgow at the weekend.  I last did a half marathon in 2001 but have been a regular runner since then, albeit in the three to six mile range.  Despite my legs being 15 years older, I have really enjoyed training for the increased distance over the summer and am looking forward to the run.  The back injury worried me but actually didn't impact my running training too much, other than a few inactive days.  I guess the type of movement in running hasn't put the same strain on the back muscles that were injured.  A good pair of Asics running shoes probably helps lessen the impact too.

Whilst my fitness has improved greatly through my running, does it lend itself to Shoto Budo?  My non-scientific opinion is...sort of.  My overall cardio is better but it definitely is a different type of fitness compared to doing groundwork, sparring, kata or pads (which in themselves are four different types of fitness).  I think it gives me a good base level of cardio fitness and that in turns lends itself to the requirements for Shoto Budo.  I also think my general level of endurance has improved by virtue of running continuously for two hours.

So everything feels good for the weekend.  I don't have a time in mind but based on training, anything under two hours and 15 minutes would be awesome.  The weather even looks like it might cooperate to make for a good day.  I'm not the only club member running as Emma is also going to pound the pavements.  Which one of us talked the other into this is still a matter of some debate.

It will be back to Bearsden Academy on Tuesday for training and, hopefully, my legs won't be too sore.  As we get into the final month before the National course and, potentially, me grading, I will be taking a look at how I think my skills are developing.