Balance is one of those things I used take for granted. That is, until I slipped on a muddy trail and rolled my ankle. Then three weeks later I tripped over one of my own laces while running and crossing the street.
Klutz or not, falling down happens and it happens fast. But instead of accepting spills, I decided to go with my gut, literally. It was time to build a strong core for stability, and so I made sure to go to the gym faithfully to build my strength, using weights and all the fancy machines possible. I also ride my bike, and swim with a masters group at my local YMCA. Despite all my efforts, I found deficiencies persisted—best described as “fishtailing” as my legs and hips wiggle from side-to-side while swimming. While cycling I had a similar problem, as my upper body wobbled with a sideways rocking motion, due to poor core strength. Clearly, something was missing in my training.
Best Running Shoes 2025 THRIVE, one of the fitness classes offered here at Rodale, and quickly signed up. The program’s focus is on the body and how it feels while in movement, with an emphasis on the proper technique to complete each of the moves. It begins with goal analysis, followed by a Functional Movement Screening (FMS) by a THRIVE-certified trainer. The 15-minute test includes seven movements, which the trainer used to measure my shoulder mobility, trunk stability, and leg flexibility. Once that was done, I received a customized training program.
My newfound fitness now comes from a tough regime of agility ladders, drive sleds, medicine balls, kettlebells, and TRX suspension trainers in two 45-minute weekly training sessions. Instead of traditional machines, I’ve learned how to use my own body weight for planks, push-ups, squats, and more.
A Renewed Relationship With Running.
She Raced 18 Horses in an Ultramarathonand Won AC Triathlon in Atlantic City, New Jersey, I crashed on my bike—and I wasn’t even riding it. While mounting the saddle in the transition area, I lost my balance and came down hard, landing on the crank. As I laid there in a tangled mess, two race spectators helped me back onto my feet, and I finished the race in one piece, managing to win my age group.
So, how’s your balance? Try standing on one leg for sixty seconds with your eyes shut to find out.
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Lori is part of the Runner's World Challenge (soon to be Runner's World VIP) group headed to the Marine Corps Marathon. To learn how you can be part of the RW VIP program, visit runnersworld.com/vip.
