Running is an Art

Art Ives,
Founder of the The Way of Running

Running has become one of the fastest growing forms of exercise in the United States, only requiring a little conditioning, motivation and an open distance in which to run. Making the decision to run competitively is a commitment and increases the need to condition on and off "the track" to sustain a long-term running career and prevent the occurrence of injuries. 

Art Ives is an accomplished runner turned trainer and advisor who applies a holistic approach to his work with clients. Having  incorporated the ULTRASLIDE slideboard into his training programs, he recently shared how it has made a difference.

How did you find the ULTRASLIDE?

AI - I started doing some personal research for a cross-training tool to complement tmy personal training routine as well as for clients. I came across the ULTRASLIDE slideboard and based on its effectiveness, quality and customer support, it was the perfect choice.

What are the most important training objectives for runners?

AI - There are many! The primary training objectives for runners are:

• Movement and postural awareness,core engagement, 
• ability to relax with prolonged physical exertion, 
• patience and consistency, 
• balanced and systematic progression, 
• solid nutritional support, 
• personal organization, 
• taking their work seriously and themselves lightly. and
• peaking and tapering in a classic sense to avoid injury, burnout or mediocre/flat performance.

What are the most challenging aspects of running for exercise, or training?

AI - Like the objectives, there are many challenges. The obstacles I watch out for are:

• the body's sensitivity to work andrecovery cycles, 
• understanding how fast is fast enough and how long is long enough, and
• disregard to conventional techniques or quick adoption of overly clever trends that cyclically come and go.

Objectivity with process and results, perseverance, overcoming self limiting notions, employing realistic goal setting and proper gauging of actual fitness are just a few ways to overcome these challenges.

Having incorporated the ULTRASLIDE into your training and conditioning, do you find that it supports conditioning in one central or multiple area(s)?

AI - The ULTRASLIDE is highly effective and lends itself positively in the areas of:

1. core engagement
2. coherency around the center of gravity
3. awareness of hip placement and lateral movement in the frontal plane
4. coordinated rhythmic flow and use of grounding/stabilizing forces
5. conditioning of synergists and peripheral muscle groups for both strength and local muscular endurance
6. plasticity of tissues and 
7. creative movement.

Most of all it's FUN! I have always wanted a slideboard since studying sports agility in the 80's.

Learn more about Art on The Way or Running website.