Dr. Hiroaki Tanaka of Fukuoka University in Japan has popularized the concept of "slow jogging."
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| One of my favorite books on running. |
He calls his method of easy, relaxed running "niko niko running," or "running with a smile."
How do you do it? Begin slowly. As in really slowly. Jog in place, and then move a bit forward. Breathe slowly and then move your body through a full range of motion. Dr. Tanaka's program led him to run an amazing 2:38 marathon at the age of 50. As Eliud Kipchoge, the world's best marathoner (who will race Boston for the first time in 3 weeks), says, "A smile is what actually ignites my mind to forget about the pain. That's the beauty of a smile."
Running your best is all about relaxing and harnessing the inherent efficiency of your body. Enjoy the process!
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| Slow jogging on Cemetery Ridge in Gettysburg, July 1, 2022. |