Have any of you ever had that dream where you’re running and feel like you’re floating on air? Yeah, me too and it’s great, but at High Point University, that dream can actually happen! On campus at their biomechanics lab, they have something called an alterG, or an anti-gravity treadmill, where you can adjust the percentage of your body weight to lessen the impact it has on your body. YOU CAN LITERALLY FLOAT ON AIR. If you haven’t had the chance to experience one of these heavenly devices, I highly recommend doing so. It is life-changing.
Click to watch me floating on air
Has your mind been blown? Not yet? Well, my friends, keep on reading. If the alterG wasn’t enough, last week I got introduced to another device sent from the heavens. Ladies and gentleman, may I introduce to you, The ElliptiGO!
My first experience with an ElliptiGO was on a stationary trainer at the biomechanics lab. By using the trainer to start with, rather than being forced to ride the ElliptiGO outside, I was able to get used to the feeling of riding, without the constant fear of falling on my ass. But after a couple rides on the trainer, I mustered up my courage, put my head down, (after safely putting on my helmet of course), and pedaled onto the track. Here is a brief synopsis of my first attempt:
“Whoa, what is this thing!? Please don’t fall. This is terrible! Hold on! Shit, I’m falling. Ouuuchhhh.”
As ‘fun’ as that first experience was, I did not want to get back on. My mind was yelling at me not to. But then I thought about all of the things in the past that I haven’t wanted to do, that I forced myself to push through, which allowed me to grow as an athlete. And so, I got back on. One slow lap at a time, I started to get the hang of it and also became readily aware of how hard I was breathing! Of all the various modes of cross-training I have done, nothing has felt so similar to running as riding the ElliptiGO. The burning legs (primarily hamstrings and glutes), the screaming lungs- it all brought back those wonderful memories of tempo runs and track intervals where your body hates you…but your heart and soul are on fire.
On my ride today, as I was exploring the city of Wilmington, NC, for the first time in a long time, my mind escaped reality. I was feeling grateful for the gift of movement and the beauty of nature. It was just me and the universe. And it was awesome. I still have at least another month before I have the green light to run again, but in the meantime, you can find me out and about, gliding along on the roads, with my new best friend, the ElliptiGO.
This is amazing! Only you would find a way to keep doing what you love even when you are hurt!
It was meant to be that you and Remmy moved to North Carolina. Remmy’s job with High Point turned out to be good for the BOTH of you.
Keep up your positive outlook Adri!!!!!