Fit to Perform BODY Workshop

At the start of the spring half-marathon training program with The Running Center, I decided to keep everything that Coach Mindy gave to us in my TRC folder. However, the handouts at our training runs, PDF attachments sent via email, and informational readings from different events have amassed to a large amount of papers that no longer fit into this little folder. I’m swimming in handouts on stretching, cold-weather running and training nutrition. Looks like this little folder will no longer suffice…

My folder reached its maximum paper capacity after Wednesday evening’s Fit to Perform BODY workshop at The Running Center. This three-part workshop included presentations by a chiropractor, nutritionist, and Coach Mindy. The first presentation by Dr. Jeannette Anderson was titled Posture and How it Effects the Biomechanical Chain. Dr. Anderson, a seasoned marathoner and chiropractor, discussed common running related problems such as plantar fascitis, shin splints, stress fractures, runner’s knee, ITB band strain, hamstring/ groin pain, hip/ psoas strain, and lower back aches. She instructed us how to stretch before and after running to target these running-related pains and injuries. She also gave us the opportunity to use a specialized scale that measures alignment. This tested how much weight we bare as runners on each foot. Despite my spinal problems and awkward running form, my weight bearing is almost perfectly balanced. Who would’ve thought?!

Dr. Anderson discussing the scale reading with Kelly

Ruth measuring her alignment

The next portion of the workshop was devoted to nutrition. Lauren Slayton, a Registered Dietician and avid runner, works with many athletes to achieve their nutritional and health goals. She is the creator of Foodtrainers, a nutritional counseling practice on the Upper West Side in New York City. She shared with us her top ten winter training foods, many of which were rare products that even I, a self-proclaimed crunchy granola foodie, hadn’t tried. I won’t reveal the entire list, but I do have to share a few amazing finds, courtesy of Lauren:

Himalania chocolate-covered goji berries

Cara Cara orange slices

Siggi's yogurt

Lauren and the 10 Winter Training Table Foods

The third and final presenter was our own Coach Mindy. Armed with an arsenal of running knowledge, Coach decided to talk with us about breathing. She outlined the proper way to breathe while running, the difference between belly and chest breathing, and breathing foot strike patterns. Then she explained what to do when you develop a side stitch mid-run. She demonstrated a tried-and-true method (that vaguely resembled a funky chicken dance, minus the wing movement) to alleviate these often crippling stomach pains while running. We concluded this portion of the workshop with some breathing tests.

Coach Mindy demonstrating a breathing technique

Coach Mindy checks Melissa's posture

As expected, the workshop was engaging, informative and fun. It certainly gave me a few things to focus on, more specifically the following: being present during my runs and taking note of how and how often I breathe, my food choices on a daily basis, and taking note of and finally addressing my spinal problems with the help of Dr. Anderson. These changes will certainly help me in my training for the NYC Half-Marathon this March. Until then, I’ll be hitting the road (and the weight room!) both in Brooklyn on my own and in Central Park with the TRC team. I’m looking forward to next Tuesday’s run, which will be followed by team dinner – recap to come!

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