I wish now I would have saved the whole thing to look at later, but I did run backwards for a quarter of a mile with my kids (they ran forward) on their training run yesterday morning. They thought I was crazy and would surely get run over by a car. I didn't. I didn't trip or fall in a pothole either.
I also didn't feel like I ran a mile and a half forward, but it did actually feel pretty good and really worked my calves. So being the person I am I had to look up what the benefits of it are and the downsides if any.
Here is what I found in quick little bullets:
- Strengthens opposing muscles. Works quads, calves and shins. (Since I am a quad dominant runner I wonder if that part is a benefit or not to me.)
- Claims to burn more calories, up to a fifth or a third (depending on the source) more than forward running. (Yay means I can eat more)
- Can still run backwards with certain injuries like hamstring and groin, back, ankle, Achilles, and knee injuries. (personally I question some of that, but sounds good)
- Heightened senses since you will have to rely on your hearing and peripheral vision more (can you say Superhero?)
- Improved posture. You naturally stand up straighter when running backwards, this in turn helps strengthen the core muscles (yay)
My son decided he wanted to learn crow pose, although he refuses to call it yoga, but working out instead. It didn't take him too long to get it
The smoke from the Washington fires finally started to blow away and I finally got a real sunrise while out running yesterday. YAY! Although it was still a little muted.
Hahha, I love that he won't call it yoga :) Such a guy!
ReplyDeleteInteresting on the running backwards! Are you going to incorporate it into your training? :) Maybe there is benefit! Your family's yoga skills make me jealous - there is no way my arms would hold me up like that! As always, love your scenery pictures!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I will ever incorporate the running backwards, but like you, I think it sounds good!
ReplyDeleteWhen I ran the Seattle Marathon, for a short distance I ran beside a runner running backwards. I might try it sometime, but probably not during a race!
ReplyDeleteMy husband is always running backwards waiting on me to catch up to him :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome job from your son! Too cute that he is "working out"... boys. I have a dislike of running backwards ever since I tripped and fell doing that in college... and broke my wrist. Oy!!!
ReplyDeleteI've never even thought about backwards running. Interesting stuff. Maybe I'll have to try it to mix up treadmill boringness this winter.
ReplyDeleteI think it's hilarious that your son won't call it "yoga." Typical boy. :)
I take backwards breaks during marathons (and occasionally halves). It really helps when my legs are getting sore and tired.
ReplyDeleteI also like to run backwards on random runs just as a throwback to the PT I did for years for my hip- there's another benefit: helps strengthen hip flexors, according to my old PT! I used to have to walk a half mile backwards on a treadmill in those days before they'd let me move on.
Your kid is too funny. Boys.
Interesting. Might have to try this;) The WA smoke must be blowing all your way, I haven't seen any of it and I live in western WA.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting about backward running! I am positive it would result in a broken bone for me, but I had never even considered it before.
ReplyDeleteI feel that in order to not fall down and hurt myself I would need to run backwards on a track.
ReplyDeleteI laughed when I saw your crow pose with son the other day on IG--- kids pick up things so much quicker than adults :)
I can barely walk backwards. Never could run... although my husband does a bit of it occasionally. I think he tends to keep his knees up a bit higher. Do you do that too?
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