+ Relaxation in Running +

Pun intended when I say, runners work best under the gun. At the starting line the bullet sets off and the immediate instinct is explosive action, instantaneous response. The remaining 10 seconds, 5 minutes, 3 hours (whatever time commitment your distance calls for) will be painful, tense, and under pressure. Some work well under these conditions, others patiently wait for their best performance to arrive. What does a best performance under the gun feel like?

Shoulders will rise, breaths may be shallow, and thoughts could be working faster than an internet search engine. I ask you to step back and imagine this individual in full force. It is an image of inefficiency, hesitation, and vulnerability.
Another runner in the same situation may have a flawless stride or an untiring facial expression. Whatever the range of how one looks when they run, there's one thing that can always be worked upon for any type: a state of relaxation.

I want to defer from saying 'relaxation', 'meditation', or a state of zen. Too easily we associate the idea with removing ourselves from the situation to travel far elsewhere. In a racing context travel is dangerous because one may forget the task at hand. (Otherwise, during a long run, take the mental passport as you please). Relaxation in running is about calmly realizing the internal status. This 'status' is breathing easy, visualizing their oxygen filling every corner of the lungs and beyond in the midst of the chaotic outside movements.
With this tempo of breathing, 'in and out' become synonymous in the sense that they can be believed to be done simultaneously. Panic is a stranger, and peace is found however best you muster up the notion.

In anticipation of pain it is in our worst interest to fear. Instead ideas of flight, covering space in smooth exchanges with your ground reap the most benefit. Finding your moment of bliss on your next run will be easily apparent. Perhaps a sensation of empowerment, weightlessness, phrases of confidence are stirred. Hang on to whatever your best way to think calm when you feel moments of pressure and chaos and you'll find a breathing will arrive as easy as a peak race.