RY Coaching

Runner's World Ask the Expert Q&A

A number of follow up questions were received in response to the one posed in the Runner’s World Magazine Ask the Expert Q&A. I am posting these questions along with ones from my clients on this blog because I believe they may be helpful to others. I want to encourage further questions; others may be wondering the same things you are! You may pose your question in the comment section below.

Q: Do/can/will you do distance coaching via phone and/or online? Or do you have anything already available via online, DVD, book, etc.? I live in a small town an hour north of Seattle, am recovering from a traumatic situation which led to a compromised immune system, love love love to run though haven’t done any in years and am on a journey to personal optimal health. I read about you in Runners World and am attracted to your approach and believe it could be a match complementary to my fitness desires. Thank you for consideration – I look forward to hearing from you.
p.s. I am 61 years old, have a wonderful husband, four adult kids we adore, a spunky granddaughter, another grandchild on the way, good friends, good church, good work, etc., etc., etc. In other words, everything to live for with a desire to be become AND STAY active, fit and healthy for as long as humanly possible. THX! ~ Mae Fulmer

A: Thank you, Mae, for getting in touch. It sounds like you do have a lot to be healthy for and you are an inspiration for taking control of your health. I do remote coaching through phone and email. I am working on informational handouts of the exercises, stretching, nutrition, breathing and heart rate I teach my clients. I will send you an email so we can discuss your personal situation further.

I love your passion and motivation to stay active and healthy. It starts with body awareness and learning to listen to all the signals the body is constantly sending. We have a tendency to quit listening because we don’t want to deal with it, whether we’re afraid of the diagnosis, the money we may have to spend to fix it, or just flat denial. Unfortunately, a majority live in a constant state of inflammation and/or pain for extended periods of time.

Breathing is very important in terms of monitoring training and health. Breathing patterns indicate stress levels in the body. Breathing through the mouth creates shallow breathing and is perceived by the body as a stressful breath. Shallow breathing brings oxygen into the upper part of the lungs and doesn’t utilize the deepest part of the lungs.

Breathing deep into the diaphragm allows the diaphragm to expand and draw the oxygen deep into the lungs where there are more capillaries allowing for greater exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. A greater exchange rate increases energy by delivering more oxygen to the body for increased performance and removes toxins from organs more effectively, aiding in recovery.

Nasal breathing is a relaxing breath helping the muscles to stay relaxed. Muscle tightness restricts blood flow impeding performance. The more that can be done to help the body perform at its best the easier and more enjoyable exercise becomes. This also translates to the better you feel when not exercising as well.

Nasal, diaphragmatic breathing is the cornerstone of a yoga practice. I do not think it is coincidence that Breath and Life is the same word in yoga – Prana. When there is no more breath, there is no more life. Yoga then coordinates the breath with movement, a great practice for running as well. Yoga loosens the tension held in the muscles, and as mentioned above, releasing the tension will improve performance, reduce inflammation and aid in the health of the body.

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