We approach the empty cup. We are wearing sweats; our running shoes are arranged neatly by the door.
Of all the exploits of the Ancient World, few are better known than the messenger's run after the Battle of Marathon. As legend has it, the Athenian hoplite Pheidippides ran the 26 miles home to announce the Greek victory over the Persians. After delivering his statement, "Rejoice, we conquer," he fell dead in the square. We, who have seen marathons on the television, may know someone who has competed a marathon, and know of even more grueling events such as the Triathlon, may wonder at this final detail. Why would he die? But we are not told of the soldier's exertions in the crush of battle. In any event, we are reminded by this story the simple truth: the warrior runs.
I pour Gatorade into your cup.
It bears repeating: the warrior runs. The warrior runs, and runs, and runs. But the warrior does not run for the mere sake of running. The warrior runs with a purpose in mind, and to do that, the warrior must know how best to run.
Let me begin with this caveat. I am a martial arts master and spiritual guide. I am not a running coach. Too many students regard the master as the sole source of wisdom on all matters. However, a truly wise man knows what he does not know. I urge you to research beyond my basic suggestions and discover for yourself. As Musashi said, "Study this well."
Running improves cardiovascular fitness and overall stamina. This is obvious; and were it not true, high school phys ed teachers and coaches would not demand their athletes run. In the beginning, one should run simply to improve the ability to run. This means gradually increasing the time and distance for running.
Distance running is used to establish a minimum level of fitness. Some have said you should be able to run one mile for every minute you expect to be in a fight. Those who fight, however, will recognize this is not precisely true.
Distance running only trains one kind of response in the runner; the steady, plodding pace produces a steady, plodding athlete. Fighting, like jazz, requires the ability to improvise and change rhythm. To change the rhythm, the Budoka must have the ability to produce sudden bursts of energy, repeatedly. For that, you must eventually work interval training into your running routine.
Interval training involves mixing your steady, paced distance running with a series of repeated, short sprints. It is easy to do. As you run, pick out a target 50 feet ahead of you, then sprint as fast as you can to reach it. Return to a steady pace to regain your breath, then repeat. In a 30-minute run, you should aim to do this 10 to 15 times. It is not as easy as it sounds. And again, do not attempt this until you have established basic aerobic fitness.
Running does not come easy for some of us. I include myself in this group. But it is a matter of discipline. A Budoka does not run because he likes it; he runs because it is part of his training. I endorse running outdoors, and in most weathers. Running under these conditions is refreshing, and it polishes the soul. Personally, I do not run in snow or ice. Most of my running is done early in the morning before or at dawn. Running in the dark over ice is foolhardy. I will, however, bundle up to run in the bitter cold.
Generally, I do not condone running with a portable music device plugged into your ears. This is counter to good Budo as it interferes with your awareness. You are vulnerable while running to many dangers. Many runners use these devices as crutches to overcome boredom. A true Budoka should not be afraid to spend a few minutes alone in contemplation. Indeed, moments alone are extremely rare these days and should be treasured. In this sense, running is not only good for your body, but it is good for your soul.
Thank you for spending time with the Antagonistic Buddha.
Of all the exploits of the Ancient World, few are better known than the messenger's run after the Battle of Marathon. As legend has it, the Athenian hoplite Pheidippides ran the 26 miles home to announce the Greek victory over the Persians. After delivering his statement, "Rejoice, we conquer," he fell dead in the square. We, who have seen marathons on the television, may know someone who has competed a marathon, and know of even more grueling events such as the Triathlon, may wonder at this final detail. Why would he die? But we are not told of the soldier's exertions in the crush of battle. In any event, we are reminded by this story the simple truth: the warrior runs.
I pour Gatorade into your cup.
It bears repeating: the warrior runs. The warrior runs, and runs, and runs. But the warrior does not run for the mere sake of running. The warrior runs with a purpose in mind, and to do that, the warrior must know how best to run.
Let me begin with this caveat. I am a martial arts master and spiritual guide. I am not a running coach. Too many students regard the master as the sole source of wisdom on all matters. However, a truly wise man knows what he does not know. I urge you to research beyond my basic suggestions and discover for yourself. As Musashi said, "Study this well."
Running improves cardiovascular fitness and overall stamina. This is obvious; and were it not true, high school phys ed teachers and coaches would not demand their athletes run. In the beginning, one should run simply to improve the ability to run. This means gradually increasing the time and distance for running.
Distance running is used to establish a minimum level of fitness. Some have said you should be able to run one mile for every minute you expect to be in a fight. Those who fight, however, will recognize this is not precisely true.
Distance running only trains one kind of response in the runner; the steady, plodding pace produces a steady, plodding athlete. Fighting, like jazz, requires the ability to improvise and change rhythm. To change the rhythm, the Budoka must have the ability to produce sudden bursts of energy, repeatedly. For that, you must eventually work interval training into your running routine.
Interval training involves mixing your steady, paced distance running with a series of repeated, short sprints. It is easy to do. As you run, pick out a target 50 feet ahead of you, then sprint as fast as you can to reach it. Return to a steady pace to regain your breath, then repeat. In a 30-minute run, you should aim to do this 10 to 15 times. It is not as easy as it sounds. And again, do not attempt this until you have established basic aerobic fitness.
Running does not come easy for some of us. I include myself in this group. But it is a matter of discipline. A Budoka does not run because he likes it; he runs because it is part of his training. I endorse running outdoors, and in most weathers. Running under these conditions is refreshing, and it polishes the soul. Personally, I do not run in snow or ice. Most of my running is done early in the morning before or at dawn. Running in the dark over ice is foolhardy. I will, however, bundle up to run in the bitter cold.
Generally, I do not condone running with a portable music device plugged into your ears. This is counter to good Budo as it interferes with your awareness. You are vulnerable while running to many dangers. Many runners use these devices as crutches to overcome boredom. A true Budoka should not be afraid to spend a few minutes alone in contemplation. Indeed, moments alone are extremely rare these days and should be treasured. In this sense, running is not only good for your body, but it is good for your soul.
Thank you for spending time with the Antagonistic Buddha.
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