veggies on the runMartial Artist Runners
Professional Noob
Roads were made for journeys...
Husband and father of 4
Chris
I agree with the other posters...especially about talking to your instructor FIRST...but I would add some running-related wisdom.
(Lately - My running has greatly enhanced my MA teaching and practice.)
1 - Definitely track your workouts, and (as in running) set some specific (non-promotion-related) goals. e.g. - Set the goal of improving your balance or leg strength through 10 minutes of rope-jumping a day.
2 - Try to break the pattern of your MA class workouts, similar to the way we vary our running training. Focus in on a particular area each time you go to class. (e.g. - Form on Monday, Power work with a bag/target on Wednesday, Stretching on Fridays.) I know that you don't have much control over what actually happens in class, but you CAN add fifteen minutes to your class (before or after) to focus individually on these things, or do them at home before or after.
3 - Ask for permission (if necessary) to cross-train, with weapons or on matwork. Attend an occasional advanced class if you can. Often this adds depth and intensity to your "normal" class.
4 - Use running as an excuse for some outdoors martial arts training. Instead of your usual route, go through a playground and do some forms and stretching. Outdoor practice can add energy to your forms.
5 - Last and most interestingly, running has taught me more than ever before to be aware of my breath and my posture. You'd be surprised how quickly MA improves when you return to your breath.
Walk (or RUN) in Gentle Strength
- CB