When I started this running journey, I read a great book called,
Running for Mortals by John Bingham and Jenny Hadfield. This book does give a common sense approach to a new runner. I owe a lot to this book! It really inspired me to stop worrying about how I looked to others when I hit the pavement. It convinced me that I could do it!
I have actually started to enjoy reading about running. For my birthday, my sister bought me a book called
Run Like a Mother by Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen. Love this one! Great tips on mothering and running at the same time. This gift was accompanied by a running shirt that says, "Badass Mother Runner." Thanks, sis.
These two books recommend the best possible running shoes, the best gear, the best stretching exercises, and the best ways to eat and hydrate for running. So, I followed these recommendations when I started this journey. It all worked pretty well. But, my darn hips were always killing me.
A co-worker and I were comparing our running stories and aches and pains one day. My co-worker told me about his nagging knee injury and I complained about my aching hips. He said he read a book called,
Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. He said that after he followed some of the tips in the book that his knees felt better. He allowed me to borrow the book. I read it cover to cover with facination. This book is a true tale about a tribe of superathletes from Mexico who are known for their amazing abilities to run great distances with amazing times and all without shoes, stretching, nutritional rules or supplements, or gear. Oh and these athletes do so without injury.
After reading Born to Run, I started to worry less about stretching. Guess what? My hips did not hurt as much. So, I stopped stretching all together. I have little or no hip pain since I ended the stretching. So that is my true running confession. I do not stretch......PAUSING FOR GASPS FROM MY READERS WHO I AM PRETTY SURE DO NOT EXIST..... There I said it.
I still wear shoes. I continue to use GU and chug grape Gatorade. I am obsessed with gear. So, I am not joining the tribe from the book any time soon. And, I am feeling pretty good. Knock on wood. Please be advised, I am not a doctor, physical therapist, coach, nurse, sports medicine professional, or expert on anything that has to do with running, swimming, walking,cycling, playing tennis, football, soccer, rugby, hockey, baseball, mogul skiing, bobsledding, javelin throwing, cheerleading, ice skating, gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, speed walking,synchronized swimming, golfing, putt putt golfing, or curling. I have read a few books about running and I am running my first marathon. I am just saying that not stretching has been working for me so far. So don't sue me if you try this and you get hurt. Just sayin'.
