Stretching
Stretching doesn’t need to be painful, or an uncomfortable ordeal. Only push yourself to stretch deeply when it feels right to you. The only time I feel it is absolutely necessary to stretch is when you first rise from sleep. It is important to wake up each morning and take a few moments for yourself. There is nothing more important than your training, correct? It sometimes takes time in the early hours of wakefulness to remind yourself about what it is you are up to. Why did I wake? Ask yourself this question, and question yourself about how you could make your waking up a training exercise. In the past I would get my students to come and get me early to tune myself to acknowledging people approaching. Today, I will normally get out of bed and immediately go outdoors to do some light stretching.
During my stretching I will wake up to my awareness of calm again, and refocus myself on training. Even if you wake up late for an appointment, or in an ill mood, it is always best to forget the time and take a few minutes for yourself. It takes time to remember why the stress is unimportant, especially when you first arise. [Stretch for a few minutes freely; This also gives time for students to observe you in your stretching and ask questions if they would like]
Endurance & Distant Running
Well now that we have all gone and stretched out, I could never pass up this opportunity to take advantage of the situation and suggest a brief run. [Group will run for two miles] Running, while not entirely necessary, is more than beneficial. For one, the comfort in recognition of a technique is far better for long distance stretches, than the use of sheer will power alone. Running is beneficial to the soul. One notices improvement in his endurance rather quickly when regularly jogging, and this gives the student a sure sign that something is happening. This positive reinforcement alone can move mountains in martial arts training. Also, it is good for a release of penned up energies or anxiety. Ninjas often had to run many miles on their missions and navigate using techniques passed down to them through generations. You never know when a good long run might be required, on a mission or not. [This will be spoken during the run. Speaking alone, if interesting, is likely enough to keep slow runners close to the front. Likely students will fear to miss part of what you are saying and keep close.]
Jogging is something I recommend my teachers get their students involved in, at home, right off the bat. If the new students can make it a habit, then their endurance will benefit. Endurance and strength are the most basic physical aspects of your studies. Coupled with flexibility, your movements will be lighter, more agile, and more powerful.
When evenly matched, the longest breath prevails. I often tell my children to target a place of interest when they jog. Pick out a park or nature preserve near your home to do your jogging. Eventually, you can work up to jogging to the park, jogging through the park to sight-see, and then jogging or walking home. Often the second wind is the hardest thing to overcome for beginners. It helps to come upon that wind right as you reach a place of interest, that way the allure of exploration entices you to continue, rather than turn around and head home. It is always darkest just before the dawn. Sometimes when you go just a little further than you think you can, a new world opens up to you.
As always, be safe during your recreation. We advise wearing a heart monitor to keep your rate in check, or stop and check your pulse at every mile. Remember to check your pulse at a stand-still. We have a tendency to hold our breath while doing a pulse check while jogging and you get an inaccurate reading. You do not want your pulse to maintain in excess of three beats per second. Get your heart rate up above 120 and keep it there as long as safe.
If you're looking for a way to track your progress. The Apple Watch 2 is waterproof and will track you anywhere without having to carry your phone. Plus, you can listen to music through blue tooth waterproof headphones. Run, Swim, and Flip without worrying about ruining your phone or earbuds. Apple Watch 2, and Blue Ant Pump waterproof earbuds; It's a winning combination in my book, and the only thing that really keeps up.