The Silent Runner Evolution

At kilometre 18, whilst trying to keep pace with the runner beside me, various thoughts race through my mind. Have I started too quickly again?

Perhaps I haven't trained enough?

My preparation could indeed have been better. Why did I sign up for this race again?

I much prefer running through forests, in the wilderness, over mountains, certainly not on streets.

As my breathing gets heavier, the runner next to me glances over and, with a subtle smile he let’s me know that 'the race is ‘only getting started’.

He's right; of the 42 kilometres, there's still more than half the distance to cover.

I decide to let him go ahead, hoping that having more space around me will help me find my rhythm again.

First, focus on my breathing. Perhaps, if I take deeper breaths, I'll get more oxygen in. I begin actively breathing in and out through my mouth. I convince myself it's already improving.

Yet I can feel and hear myself huffing and puffing. Through the forced breathing, I'm taking heavy steps; the sound of my feet landing betrays the doubts in my racing mind.

Unfortunately, at the time, I was still unaware of the breathing paradox. By taking large breaths and moving substantial volume, with each inhalation, you create a lot of turbulence in the back of your throat.

This actually results in less volume entering your lungs, giving you the sensation of 'not getting enough air'.

Your breathing remains shallow, your secondary breathing muscles are doing overtime and your most powerful breathing muscle, the diaphragm, is practically overlooked.

Moreover, I was unconsciously over-breathing, which ironically, prevents optimal oxygen delivery to muscles, cells and brain (see Bohr effect*).

The diaphragm is often referred to as the roof of our inner ‘core', and when stability is compromised, our legs become less controlled during both the landing and take-off phases of running.

And when everything goes astray, peace of mind goes out of the window.

Time for Plan B, or was it C or D? There's no choice but to slow down and return to basics.

Increase cadence, figure4, figure4, figure4,…

By focusing on my running technique, my breathing finds a certain rhythm. Though not entirely comfortable, it felt somewhat better.

Thanks to my running experience and determination, I managed to complete the race. I had to let go of my target time, and I never saw the other runner again.

It wasn't my best marathon**, but it became the inspiration for 'The Silent Runner'.

The silent runner, who moves quietly over the concrete, who blends in with nature and doesn’t disturb the harmony of the forest, with controlled nasal breathing, inner peace, and a fulfilling  smile across his face. Enjoying the rhythmic movement, step by step.

The runner who can speed up, slow down and effortlessly overcome obstacles.

The runner who feels powerful and finds satisfaction regardless of level or fitness.

The runner who can maximise their potential to create calmness and balance, who can improve personal bests, who can maintain health and appreciate nature and the outdoor experience.

By understanding how to refine running technique through simple exercises, how to strengthen the body at home without expensive equipment, improving stability and mobility.

But also learning how conscious breathing techniques can optimise oxygen uptake, improve fitness levels, how to achieve calmness for preparation and recovery, and how to elevate performance and experience to new heights.

Are you a runner who wants to achieve their full potential? Do you want to run faster? For longer? Do you want to re-start running? Improve your health through running?

Or simply want to enjoy running more?

Then 'The Silent Runner Evolution' is definitely for you.

8 Different workshops with diverse themes that are closely interconnected.

• Running Technique - Basics

• Stability / Mobility

• Breathing - Basic 'Fundamentals'

• Breathing - Performance 'Physical and Mental'

• Stretch and Move

• Strength Training

• Technique - Refinement

• Trails / Uphill / Downhill

Location: in and around Huldenberg

The workshops can be attended individually or you can register for the entire series.

Dates and times will be announced shortly.

Interested? Leave your details and you'll be the first one to know when there's more news.

*Bohr effect: The lower the partial pressure of CO2 in the blood, the less oxygen is released to the cells for energy production.

**Night of West Flanders marathon 16/6/2017. Finish time: 3h44'30".