What's Your Body Type?

There are three distinct body types out there and whether you know it or not, you're one of them. Whichever one you are, you're stuck with it. That's right. What you're born with, you're stuck with. No matter how hard you battle genetics, at the end of the day you are either an Ectomorph, Mesomorph or an Endomorph. What (*&@%^& did you call me?!

 

We all know Ectomorphs. These are the long skinny folks that no matter what they do, they couldn't gain weight to save their lives. This doesn't necessarily mean that they are healthy. There are plenty of skinny-fat people out there, but these people just carry it differently. An Ectomorph is not naturally powerful and no matter how much they try they will always have to work very hard for every ounce of muscle, every bit of strength. That's not to say that it can't be done. In fact if you think about distance runners, the best in the world are Ectomorphs. You don't often see really stocky marathon runners breaking world records. So what are some of the great traits of an Ectopmorph? Flat chest, lean, small shoulders, thin, and in some cases could be considered fragile.

Could you be a Mesomorph? These are the folks that seem to have the best of both worlds. Immediately described as athletic (bonus!), hard body (heck yeah), great posture (hello!), and of course these folks gain muscle more easily than their cousins the Ectomorphs. The majority of Mr. Universe winners were actually Mesomorphs. Downside? Most of the population would actually fall into this middle category, but with our nation's greatest past time consisting of extremely sedentary lifestyles, this muscle quickly turns to fat, the posture slowly slumps forwards and what should be a nice cubicle shaped face is now a round "cute face." On another note, these particular body types tan well... what does that have to do with anything? Nothing, just though I'd throw it in there.

Finally we have the Endomorph, this soft bodied, round physiqued person has a very difficult time gaining muscle. They are not lean and no matter what they do, they will never be the sleek long legged marathon runner. Interestingly the arms and feet of an Endomorph are comparatively small and they have large heads and round faces. 

So why the hell would you care which body type you were? Well, for one thing, setting reasonable expectations and goals for what your body is capable of achieving is one thing. If I'm a 107lb Ectomorph is it reasonable for me to want to be a body builder? Probably not. I'd struggle day after day to put on big bulging muscles only to be left disappointed and possibly turn to steroids, which by the way is never a solution. That's not to say that there aren't plenty of Endomorph's that successfully compete in triathlons, the difference is that they simply have to work harder than an Ectomorph that is in comparable health. 

Wanting to be healthier, have a great body, awesome physique is a completely reasonable goal no matter what your body type is. You are going to find the greatest success and ultimately satisfaction in your efforts if you understand what it is your body is capable of and set reasonable goals working those particular strengths. Never underestimate the power of setting goals, attaining those goals and then patting yourself on the back!

You are Responsible for You

Sometimes someone else just says it better....

Thank you The Logic of Long Distance, connecting distance running and philosophy
 

...Once we get past all the numbers, the break down of cycles, the daily workout schedules, etc., what is left?  There are a few core principles that I think are relevant to any runner, no matter age or ability.  First, everything you do should have purpose...

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Dreaming about running

I had the most wonderful, most intense dream about running last night. In my dream I was running from a house I lived in when I was four, in Palmyra, NY (that's right, the birthplace of the Mormon Church) to Lake of the Isles here in Minneapolis. Of course in the dream the house and the lake were only a few blocks apart, thank goodness. But in my dream I was barefoot. As I ran my arms felt as though they were making longer swings back and forth, my knees felt soft and effortless and my feet hit the ground with a nice gentle launching sensation. Now I realize that since I haven't been able to use my feet lately, let alone run, it only makes sense that I would have such an intense dream that involved my feet. What was great was that I felt wonderful in this dream. When I got up this morning I had an overwhelming feeling to run! I didn't of course. If I ran right now it would likely be a painful display of crookedness. Soon though!

It's Like Riding a Bike

Well, it was riding a bike. On Sunday I jumped on a spin bike at the Y, first time on a bike since September 26th. I had no idea how my leg, my foot or my ass were going to handle it. It was awesome. For fifteen minutes I peddled, changing resistance, and feeling my heart rate climb for the first time in months. My legs, that are whittled down to skin and bone felt every turn of the peddle, but my foot didn't hurt. In fact the long stretch of my calf on the downturn felt amazing. I was there with gal-pal D and she was cruising along right next to me. Having not done any real cardio in months this was an eye opener. I knew that my endurance was down to nothing, but man, how quickly it went down to nothing amazes me still. Imagine if I was in horrible shape to going into the surgery? Where would I be now. I've managed to get into somewhat of a routine back at the gym, now that I can move.

I have a lot of goals for the year. Right now, my goal is to get my endurance back up to a respectable strength. I'm pretty damn happy about how far I've come though. My foot looks and feels awesome. Happy New Year!