We all wanna be the total babe, capable of turning any head this side of the Mississippi and making the fellas drool harder our french bull dog when we run by. Since the holidays are rapidly approaching which means tons of good eats and time spent with people you haven't seen in months, what better time than right now to get it together and make your training program count. It really can't be reiterated enough, ANYONE AND EVERYONE CAN BE A RUNNER. If you want it, you can have it, but it's not going to come free. If that means you're starting out as a total beginner and walking or running a couple miles everyday then so be it, you just won a race with all the people still on the couch. Whether your finish line is the mailbox in your driveway or the end of your goal race, it exists for all of us. And anyone who can cross that finish line with pride is a winner in my book!
Where to begin?
Running sneakers- get fitted. Your sketchers shape ups aren't going to cut it anymore. Go to a specialty running store in your area and get fitted for a shoe. Trust me, it will make the world of a difference. Ever had a blister from a new pair of sneaks? You're wearing the wrong kind then. These guys are trained to look at how your foot strikes the ground when you run and know what shoe to put you in to counteract and weird movements. Be sure to try a few different brands on to see what is most comfortable to you. Some popular brands that I have had success with are Asics, Brooks and Mizuno. Running sneakers will last you about 300-500 miles and after that they need to be replaced to prevent injury. Break in your new kicks on a short run the first time out and then you can run your little heart out!
Easy, killer. Starting slow is the key to any training program. If you go from 0-60 you're going to be miserable and running should be enjoyable! If you haven't run in a while, start with shorter runs or even by walking. Everyday increase how much you run and decrease how much you walk. Eventually, you'll be able to start increasing your pace and milage.
Listen to your body. Don't "push through". If you're in pain stop. Injuries aren't fun and can easily be prevented if you take a clue from what your body is telling you. I know i'll never be a speed demon so I don't bother sprinting. Instead I make sure to focus on longer distances- something I also enjoy.
Set a goal. Sign up. Search online races and find a few in your area. Having a deadline on the calendar will hold you accountable for your own goal. Running is all about making progress and having a goal race will allow you to display all the hard work you've put in!
Cross train. Cross training is a part of running that most people don't realize. Pounding the pavement everyday is tough on our bodies and we need them to be strong in order to complete our goals. Cross training will give us that strength. Lift weights, take a yoga class or do different workout videos at home. Commit to cross training 2-3 times a week and you'll build your strength and prevent boredom from a every-day running routine.
Stretch. It takes a max of 5 minutes so do it before and after your activities. This is something I personally tend to struggle with, especially if i'm in a rush but I keep reminding myself how nice stretching feels on sore muscles and how horrible a strained calf will feel if I neglect my stretching routine.
Press snooze. Getting an adequate amount of sleep is imperative to an effective training plan. A tired body doesn't work as well as a well charged one, so press snooze and get your 8-10 hours- doctors orders!
Diet like a runner. This means piling the fruits and veggies high and consuming lots and lots of healthy fats like olive oil, nuts and seeds and jumping on the low-fat dairy bandwagon. It also means guzzling water all day long and even allows for nights where you can eat more carbs than linebacker, Jerod Mayo (Go Pats!)
Stay Positive! Ah, the golden rule. Things go wrong in every aspect of life, including running. Sometimes you don't meet your goal time, and sometimes it's pouring rain during your long run. But just as many times as something goes wrong, something goes right too! Whether you're happy as a clam and decide to go for a run with all your extra energy, or about to explode with sheer anger running is a consistent part of life that it always available to calm whatever emotions you feel like throwing at it. So remember even when you want to give up on running, running will never give up on you!
Stay Positive! Ah, the golden rule. Things go wrong in every aspect of life, including running. Sometimes you don't meet your goal time, and sometimes it's pouring rain during your long run. But just as many times as something goes wrong, something goes right too! Whether you're happy as a clam and decide to go for a run with all your extra energy, or about to explode with sheer anger running is a consistent part of life that it always available to calm whatever emotions you feel like throwing at it. So remember even when you want to give up on running, running will never give up on you!
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