"Running isn't Exercise"

Lausanne, Switzerland is home to the Olympic Museum. We only did the outdoor walk about and enjoyed interacting with the sculpture park.

Lauryn likes to keep her runs to herself. I on the other hand, seem to frequently think and share about a skill that I do not practice around the block or on the mill. In all seasons, Lauryn prioritizes both her exercise sessions and her runs, but is steadfast that they are different. “I don’t run to exercise. I run because I like the way it makes me feel.” Now that the sidewalks are clear of snow, winter maintenance season is over, and the season for speed starts soon.

Lauryn is here lacing up at Guelph Lake in 2019. She trained for the 10 km race, and really enjoyed longer runs at the time. Currently, she runs 3 times a week, totalling 10-12 km.

Over the winter she would check the weather and somedays say, “Forget it” and drink coffee instead. Practicing consistent running habits she maintains the strength and movement basics necessary to stay active in the pursuit she chooses and loves. Alternating between 3 and 4 kilometre runs, Lauryn believes it’s training in this sweet spot that lets her stay strong and fast as she maintains 4 minute 30 second splits. 

On returning to the studio, she never comes in out of breath. Some days I see her sprinting to the end of the street, stop her watch and walk 50 meters to our studio. Prioritizing control of her breath during her run helps her recover. After running is the only time I see Lauryn static stretch. Static stretches are exercises Lauryn trains to recover from her run, and coffee goes well with it too.

After a morning run, Lauryn recovers with glass of water to share with her plants in the studio.

Running isn’t exercise. Running is running. Exercises are the small skills like nose breathing, silly walks and weight transfers that integrate to assemble to create your running stride. In the studio or with intention on your run, improve your efficiency and prepare your body for the incredible demands running places on it.

Do you loike to run? Are you interested in running laps with Lauryn?  DM on Instagram @barres_bells or email us directly at barresandbells@gmail.com to set up a time to train, run and move together.