Running and Water Skiing

This may sound a bit crazy but I had a moment during my long run this morning - a 6 miler along the riverfront in Bettendorf - that reminded me of water skiing.

I have probably been waterskiing between 5 and 10 times in my life. I consider it fun but have never really been into water sports either on the river or in a lake.

That being said, for a total novice like me the moment you are up on the skis being pulled by that boat is a good feeling. It's like "okay I'm not going to immediately fall" which is then followed by adjusting your board shorts and figuring out the best way to proceed.

So what in the hell does water skiing have to do with running? Good question. At about mile 4 I really felt like I was running on top of my legs. What I mean by that is it was just like the feeling when you get up on water skis. My form was good, I was gliding over the pavement with measured strides that made for a quick turnover. My arms and upper-body were doing their part to propel me forward.

Even the music I was listening to was really working. I can't name the song but the band was Dropkick Murphys. Come to think of it the song might have been "Dirty Glass."

Have a look here: