Running support - nope, not a bra

Lately I've been trying to improve my time - end goal, Boston (although I do have some time here). The funny thing is I've been doing this by lowering miles and upping cross training including biking and yoga; both, I have found, help tremendously but are incredibly hard! My favorite yoga for now is Hatha - moving yoga - I'm loving the Rodney Yee DVD series. I'm also a big fan of the "Hot Yoga" at Crunch - it's not as hot as Bikram, but the increased heat does make me a bit more flexible.

Yoga Journal published a good article on the benefits of yoga for runners:

Although yoga and running lie on opposite ends of the exercise spectrum, the two need not be mutually exclusive.

By Baron Baptiste and Kathleen Finn Mendola

During the course of an average mile run, your foot will strike the ground 1,000 times. The force of impact on each foot is about three to four times your weight. It's not surprising, then, to hear runners complain of bad backs and knees, tight hamstrings, and sore feet.

The pain most runners feel is not from the running in and of itself, but from imbalances that running causes and exacerbates. If you bring your body into balance through the practice of yoga, you can run long and hard for years to come. Although yoga and running lie on opposite ends of the exercise spectrum, the two need not be mutually exclusive. In fact, running and yoga make a good marriage of strength and flexibility.

Read full article ...

Runner's World offers up a few good pre-run yoga stretches and an easy to follow video.

THE POSE: PIGEON (I love love love this pose)

TARGETS: Lubes leg and hip joints while softening surrounding muscles

THE POSE: FAN WITH BONUS SHOULDER STRETCH

TARGETS: Unties legs and shoulder tension while building core and back strength

THE POSE: LOW LUNGE VARIATION

TARGETS: Lengthens calves and hamstring, stabilizes knees

Read full article and watch video ...