DIRECTION "Running" issue
Edited by Andrew Woodward
The working title of my issue was "Running and Fitness" , but I would like to change it to "Running". Why? Because one word is shorter than three, but also because the concept of fitness is such a general concept. Probably all of the AT is about fitness, for any number of activities. I do believe there is scope for a future issue on "exercise", a word which Alexander did not like. But if you look inside any gym, you will know that the AT has an application.
Back to running. Running is a very specific activity, at the end of a continuum from lying/standing/walking. Everybody runs or has run. There are those who jog or run for general fitness, and a smaller number who run competitively, at a higher intensity. I'd like the issue to cater for all of these groups, and for AT teachers who want to teach runners.
David Garlick has an expertise in the area and has agreed to write an article. He will explain how the AT helps you to run more efficiently, with a minimum of physical effort.
I will write an article which makes use of my own experience as a competitive athlete and track coach. Previous DIRECTION issues on music, dance, equitation, etc., have helped to disseminate to the Alexander community the pedagogical techniques of these disciplines. Track coaching also has particular techniques which though not essential to an AT teacher, can be useful. I will talk about some of the basic concepts of coaching runners, and some of the traps. E.g., running is a bi-lateral activity, not unilateral like most of the Procedures; runners often don't want to stand still; running is a dynamic activity which involves cyclical flexion/extension/rotation of the whole spine.
I'd like one article to be about a celebrity/elite athlete. I found a book written by a Vicki Peterson, entitled "Strategies of the Champions", which included a chapter on the AT. The book stated that Edwin Moses and Joan Benoit (both Olympic Gold medallists based in the LA area) had had AT lessons. My so far incomplete enquiries have failed to confirm this statement. The publisher told me that the author (Vicki Peterson) was dead. I attempted to contact Edwin Moses when he was in Sydney last year, but did not get a reply. I have yet to contact Joan Benoit. If anybody can help me in this search, or knows of another elite athlete (or their teacher) who could write an article/be interviewed, please contact me.
If any of these areas interest you, please contact the issue editor:
Andrew Woodward
1/6 Wulworra Avenue
Cremorne Point NSW 2090
AUSTRALIA
Tel. +61-(0)2- 9953 0195
Email: woodward@directionjournal.com