Running for me is not a sport, it is more like a lifestyle. I am sure that soccer players, football players, etc., would say the same thing. And it is true, but with running it is undeniable, once you let it into your life, it changes your perspective of life on just about everything. It has changed my life in different ways, most of which, I am probably not even aware of, and of course some life lessons that are unquestionable. One of them: You are capable of more than you THINK.
I run all the time, but when I am training for a particular race, I always do these things and I try my best to stick to them:
I give each of my runs a purpose; I know it might sound silly, but I do. Do not get me wrong, some of them are just to have fun, think, de-stress, but others have an specific reason, like long runs, speed workouts, Tempo, Farlek Training, and last but not least recovery runs, by having a plan or a purpose for each run, I avoid “junk-miles” as I once read.
I keep track of my shoes; I try to write down every time I buy new running shoes, but sometimes I forget, and as funny as this will sound, my body will tell me. Aches that were not there before, my knee starts to bother, the thread is wore out, those are some of the symptoms ha ha! That will tell me, it is time for a new pair. Again there is not a specific time to when to replace them, it will depend on each runner, and some runners get new ones after 400 miles, others wait till 500, so keep that in mind.
I follow up with my progress; there is nothing more rewarding than looking back on a successful workout. I am addicted to my Garmin. I can see my improvements with it, even when my runs don’t go as planned, I love to look back and see what improvements can be made for my next runs. Some of my friends use their phones or their IPods to track their runs but it does not matter what you use as long as you are comfortable using it.
A partner in crime; it is always fun to run with somebody or with a group and for me running with my coach is the best. He pushes myself all the time, and it feels great and I call him my running husband. Support from other runners is great, even more when motivation or energy are in “low bat mode” and sometimes a text or a phone call will do the trick too.
Water is my best friend; I don’t wait to feel thirsty to drink water. I stay hydrated all the time, it is also good for your skin. Hydration and eating healthy is the best combo. If I run in the morning I can’t eat anything, I know I know I should, but I feel nauseous when I do it, so I just have some water, pack some gels and go, but I make sure that after my workouts I consume a mix of good carbs and lots of proteins.
I do my best to stick to my training; my runs are like meetings, or appointments, when I have them I show up no matter what. But when I can’t or something happens I always have a plan B. I either switch from a long run to a short one, or change the tempo to an easy run, but if something comes up i just try to adapt and keep my legs moving.
Rest to recover; this is just as important as my runs, I give myself time to recover, to do nothing, this allow my muscles to have a break and to get stronger, and of course will help my body to avoid injuries.
Remember why I started; for me running is a source of joy, so I always keep that in mind when I train. But sometimes long runs or hard workouts make me forget why I do this, and in a world full of MUSTs and SHOULDs to go for a run is something I have chosen to do, so have FUN and never take anything for GRANTED are things I won’t forget.
A bad run is always better than not running at all.
Comments