One of the first techniques to achieve mind/body connection, I was taught, was the “Horse and Rider” visualization. It helps you “take the reins” and gain mastery over your body. It is a simplified, running specific variation of a more advanced exercise originated in Eastern Mystical Schools.
The “rider” (mind/consciousness) is connected to the” horse” (body/physicality) by the reins. The rider must know how to assert his or her authority and the horse must be properly harnessed and trained to obey the reins. If you can learn how to sense the power of a fully grounded body with upright posture and to direct your movement as “1 unit,” from your center (also referred as to “the hara”) you can begin to feel the potential in the technique. It both integrates and focuses all your powers. You can more effectively breathe & relax, adjust your form, regulate pace, manage pain or discomfort, liberate deeper levels of energy & thereby persevere through “thresholds” of fatigue etc.
It feels good too!
The key is to consciously establish a bodily sense of ”above and outside.” Your mind maintains a high point of leverage, objectively registering sensations and positively directing and affirming the effort your body is making. In this way you can overcome the limits set by your current ability and/or fitness by working within them. It just takes time and practice to yield a satisfying level of improvement by pushing past those same limits.
If you watch video footage of Sebastian Coe in his prime, I think you can actually see the authority and self containment he has in his possession during his greatest performances of which there were many (12 world records). Other runners have “it” for sure, but he REALLY has it. If you learn to perceive on this level, you can actually predict performance outcomes while watching major road and track races which is a fun pastime in and of itself.
This phenomenon was confirmed for me once when I was working with a client whose mother was an equestrian coach/teacher. She came to the track one day while we were working and relayed quite clearly, the similarities of the approach I was taking to running with principles she used with riding.
We really expand on this technique as well as the pre-requisites to using it and more methods like it in the “Deeper Running” Mini-Camps. In the meantime you can give it a try and have your own experience of it.
“On the day of battle, it is the slender horse – not the lumbering ox – that will be of use.”
Saadi of Shiraz
At age 55, Art Ives is an accomplished master’s runner in his own right who has successfully coached or competed at every running distance from 100 meters to 100 miles. The way he works with clients is comprehensive and creates lasting positive changes in their biomechanics, physical capability and mental attitude. His approach to running combined with his love for under taking great physical challenges helps you take a giant step toward achieving the results you really want and connects you with other people who share a love for both nature and sport.
