tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post8433095750246835746..comments2023-12-28T21:22:10.935-07:00Comments on Jill Outside: AptitudeJill Homerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983065990450931943noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-89990894046413968722012-08-06T16:37:30.385-06:002012-08-06T16:37:30.385-06:00I've taken to hiking/running Black Mountain tr...I've taken to hiking/running Black Mountain trail about once a week.<br /><br />I agree with the point you made in your other recent post on this topic, that there's a certain genetic component to coordination and balance. But that doesn't mean that some focused training couldn't yield some improvement.<br /><br />I plugged rock climbing before, and now I'm going to do it again. I'm sure that yoga would help you. But a lot of the benefits people claim from yoga I've gotten from climbing. And there are aspects to climbing that I think might make it more entertaining for you -- it can be competitive, there are opportunities to feel a concrete sense of accomplishment, such as when you complete a route that you've been struggling with for a few days.<br /><br />Most of my climbing (and the climbing that has done the most for my balance and coordination) has been bouldering in an indoor climbing gym. The Planet Granite in Sunnyvale is one of the two best climbing gyms I've been to, out of roughly ten I've visited in various cities. As a bonus, they have yoga classes. (Not affiliated, just a happy customer.)ElZohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16207148171071531956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-53624780245404448532012-08-06T14:43:37.893-06:002012-08-06T14:43:37.893-06:00Black Mountain trail is 3000 feet gained over 5 mi...Black Mountain trail is 3000 feet gained over 5 miles? Ooooch...I thought I had it steep this weekend pushing my 30'ish pound full suspension mountain bike up Shafter Grade, climbing 900 or so feet in 1.7 miles....<br /><br />When going up I kept my full fingered gloves on, just because I figured it would be better protection for my hands if the little rocks causing a ball-bearing like surface on that fireroad made me slip. Nathan has a good idea, and with how many mountain bike gloves breathe you would almost not even know they are there.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-23337482030532022782012-08-06T12:20:31.414-06:002012-08-06T12:20:31.414-06:00Jill, I thought about you on a trail run in Ashlan...Jill, I thought about you on a trail run in Ashland, OR this weekend. It's likely you've thought of this idea and discarded it... but what about wearing bike gloves on trail runs? When I crash my bike, I find having gloves on gives me so much more confidence in going down. I think I fall more effectively knowing my hands are equipped to take the blow and control my fall.Nathannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-55436909201454598702012-08-06T10:44:03.099-06:002012-08-06T10:44:03.099-06:00Jill..take the Yoga you will love it over time.. i...Jill..take the Yoga you will love it over time.. it saved me from what I thought was a permanate injury & got me running & Biking again!!<br /><br />BikeracerslAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-72698402988228306502012-08-06T07:59:30.407-06:002012-08-06T07:59:30.407-06:00I've got to give a thumbs up to the yoga too. ...I've got to give a thumbs up to the yoga too. I'm not good about doing it consistently, but when I do, it makes a difference. I used to speedskate - an activity that demands a lot of coordination and balance. When I'd do my yoga, my skating was so much more effortless - things just clicked. Yes, yoga poses help develop balance. And, I do it mostly because it is such a thorough guided stretch. But, I think it has even more subtle benefits - almost like chiropractic or acupuncture. It seems to "line things up" and "open pathways" or something - everything thing just seems to work better. Coordination just clicks into place. I'm sure technical help with running technique would help too - but don't underestimate what some yoga can do too.aehhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11060772835539123152noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-15535548584142465472012-08-06T07:05:25.701-06:002012-08-06T07:05:25.701-06:00With all the readers you have, it's quite poss...With all the readers you have, it's quite possible your 5th grade teacher knows how far you've come! It may be painful for you, but I enjoy reading about your (as you put it) comically bad running, though I don't wish you pain! I've recently started running outside (not on a treadmill), and sometimes I think as I'm running down a hill, Be careful like Jill. Slow down. Don't fall. I don't want to deal with that pain. So take a little comfort in the fact that you're inspiring a complete stranger (to you; I've been reading your blog since I lived in Bosnia in 2007).Melindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05321872473726824271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-90090033962874133592012-08-06T07:03:44.761-06:002012-08-06T07:03:44.761-06:00If you don't want to take a class I actually r...If you don't want to take a class I actually recommend the yoga for out of shape people/weight loss DVDs. They show multiple adaptive poses for where your body is flexibility wise and in the main are very "listen to your body" focused.<br /><br />And getting a session or two with a trainer to give you techiques for your particular problems might help too.Mediated Slackerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12838520665962158254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-82215496262545188762012-08-06T07:00:31.115-06:002012-08-06T07:00:31.115-06:00Ah, the presidential fitness V-sit stretch! I was...Ah, the presidential fitness V-sit stretch! I was such a nerd about getting that certificate I would stretch for weeks ahead of time so I could reach that mark on the ruler. My hamstrings hurt just thinking of it!Cathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08784061047436047297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-67859776166136067882012-08-05T21:23:45.030-06:002012-08-05T21:23:45.030-06:00I disagree with the other Jill. A friend recommend...I disagree with the other Jill. A friend recommended yoga to me as a way to improve my core strength and balance for cross country skiing. I've been amazed at the improvement I've seen in my balance and strength both cross country and alpine skiing, as well as biking, hiking, and running. It also provides me with a much needed sense of calmness, although the type of yoga I currently do still leaves me dripping with sweat at the end of 90 minutes (strict ashtanga practice). All personality types can benefit from yoga - that's the beauty of it! I urge you to give it a try - what do you have to lose?Alaska Classichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16268049337328983595noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-19512527050925948162012-08-05T20:17:29.087-06:002012-08-05T20:17:29.087-06:00You don't get better at riding horses by learn...You don't get better at riding horses by learning to shoot pool. If you want to get better at yoga, take a yoga class. But if you wanna get better at running, take running lessons. A good PT could probably help at least a little, and there are running coaches who focus on technique as well. <br /><br />I was amused last week when, five minutes into an appointment with a new PT, he said "well, I can tell you'll never put up with going to yoga. I'll give you some stretches you can do on your own instead." I'd barely talked for 30 seconds and he already had me pegged. Loved that guy. There are so many approaches to fitness, why do stuff you don't like?Jill, Head Geargal (the other Jill)http://www.geargals.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-73869417260031377062012-08-05T12:29:32.595-06:002012-08-05T12:29:32.595-06:00Ha we are so similar. Except for the math aptitud...Ha we are so similar. Except for the math aptitude.Dannihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02201053516148787578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-21967192589913754422012-08-05T10:02:44.048-06:002012-08-05T10:02:44.048-06:00I went to a yoga class and judged myself...I never...I went to a yoga class and judged myself...I never returned. I now struggle with it in the privacy of my own home where nobody else can see. Jill, I've been trying to motivate myself to run and it has seriously run amuck. I ran track and cross country in college (very average) and also did a couple of marathons. I coached track and cross country in HS, but since having foot problems and taking up cycling I just can't seem to get myself going. I hate the fact that I just can't go out and do a 6 mile run anymore. I just hate the struggle and I don't want to look like I'm suffering. Any suggestions for an old man who wants to get going again:)Vitohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-61085465330045031002012-08-05T09:54:37.501-06:002012-08-05T09:54:37.501-06:00If you go to a yoga class and you feel humiliated,...If you go to a yoga class and you feel humiliated, I can assure you that NO ONE ELSE in the class is judging you. Yoga is a non-competitive activity. You should go a little early and talk to the instructor to share your concerns (he or she will want to get to know you a bit before class anyway if you are a new student). Beat is 100% right - it will help your balance, but it may not be an instant quick fix.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-55516453450614645402012-08-05T05:13:50.311-06:002012-08-05T05:13:50.311-06:00I've asked myself more than once why I love th...I've asked myself more than once why I love things I'm so bad at and that scare me so much (mountain biking, in particular). But ANYONE can do something they're good at; it's a much bigger accomplishment to stick with something you're not a natural at. And more satisfying, too.Kate Geisenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11854561265520868538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-19386168056994290942012-08-05T02:51:30.689-06:002012-08-05T02:51:30.689-06:00yoga isn't that bad. i think u'll like it ...yoga isn't that bad. i think u'll like it :)testhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05942531923650984068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-68191124391293828062012-08-05T00:59:27.559-06:002012-08-05T00:59:27.559-06:00That damn ruler. Seriously. I was awful at that an...That damn ruler. Seriously. I was awful at that and the broad jump during the fitness test, it got me EVERY TIME. I still can't touch my toes. Everyone tells me to do yoga, but I pretty much hate it. Friends tell me that I haven't found the right teacher, but I'm still skeptical. If you find a place that you like please be sure to blog about it, I live in Marin half time and might be willing to give it yet another go. Good luck in the 50K!!MegGhttp://runfitkin.com/noreply@blogger.com