Alexander Technique Running on Hove Lawns
Out running today on Hove Lawns. A beautiful sunny January day. I recalled my initial running sessions with Alexander Technique teacher/marathon gold medallist Paul Collins.
Any time I ran behind Paul I was always really struck by the tiny, small steps he took. Smaller than many peoples walking steps even. Well, he did go on to win, veterans super-distance championships in the 1980’s.
It’s a method that really works. It gives you a sense of time in which you can both observe and organise yourself…
Running slowly in the morning sunlight. Running through my Alexander Technique “directions”…
- Head balancing easily on top of my spine.
- Neck free.
- Back lengthening.
- Widening across the shoulders.
- Leading each step with the knee.
- Small, rolling steps.
- Looking right out along the length of Hove Lawns to the Peace Statue.
I’m not really trying to go anywhere fast, certainly not striving after a certain level of fitness, but a nice of smooth rhythm develops – a gentle endorphin ripple. And that winter sports injury seems to be subsiding nicely.
Alexander Technique Running on Hove Lawns
Alan Mars - coaching in Brighton & Hove 