Running Tips

For our first Training Thursday, I'm going to share a little bit about my exercise of choice: running. I just started running about a year ago. I started off with only one mile and gradually increased my distance. My usual distance is about three miles, but last week I ran five miles, my furthest ever. I was very excited! I try to run three days a week, but sometimes that doesn't happen. Most weeks, if I ran at all, I'm happy.

I'm no running expert, but here are some helpful tips I've learned in the last year:

1. Training for a race will give you motivation to complete runs. I did a 5k last November and that definitely gave me the drive to get outside and run. Right now, I am thinking of doing a 5k on October 22nd. Ideally, I would like to find a 10k, so I can boost my distance to six miles.

2. Buying fun running clothes/gear makes you more excited to get out there. I love looking like an official runner in my Nike shorts and Under Armor. It is also important to get the right clothes for running outside in the cold. In Ohio, it gets ungodly cold from November to March, so I get a ton of use out of Under Armor tights, gloves, and a head band to cover my ears. The picture above is of my tights and fleece I run in during the winter. Of course I wasn't running in those Ugg boots, but you get the idea.

3. Running outside is better for training and makes your run go by faster. I find that I am in better shape when I run outside consistently rather than training on the treadmill. Outside, I have to set my own pace and I propel my body forward, rather than letting the treadmill do the work. Unfortunately, the cold weather and snow storms make it impossible for me to run outside all winter. I've also found that when I run outside, I get distracted by everything going on around me, which takes my mind off wanting to stop. The corn spill in the middle of town is an example of a common Ohio distraction.

4. This tip is a weird one, but I've found that chewing gum while running helps keep my mouth moist and makes me less thirsty. I used to have to run with a water bottle in my hand, which was really annoying. Five gum in my gum of choice because the flavor lasts a long time.

5. Stretch, stretch, stretch! I love feeling sore the next morning after a run, but nothing is worse than tight hamstrings or quads when starting a run. Stretching also makes your muscles leaner and eventually more flexible.

When I think back to last year, I couldn't even imagine that I would like running or that I would be able to run five miles without stopping. I hated running/exercising more than anything. It's crazy to think of how much a year can change. I'm really glad I've established the habit and now it's something I look forward to. It gives me a sense of accomplishment. I love what running has done for my body and also how it relieves stress.

What are some helpful running tips you've discovered?