I have started running a lot more frequently, and attempt to go every other day. It is certainly becoming easier and I am 100% seeing improvements in myself and fitness. My appetite is much better, I tend to reach for healthier foods, I snack less and drink much more water. I've also seen improvements in my mood and certainly believe exercising is integral for a better mental wellbeing. I still find running challenging, and to be honest I hope it stays this way, (I don't think I would enjoy it as much if it didn't challenge me). So for that matter I thought I would post some of my tips on what I believe enables me to look past the challenges that running faces me with, how I make running enjoyable and the steps I take each time I set out for a run.
#1
I find it the easiest to run in the morning as soon as I'm up. No need to shower or make an attempt at doing my hair.
I also enjoy early morning sun, and the feeling of the day that has not quite begun yet, (does that even make sense? Haha). The weather is also better early on, running midday in summer when it's hottest is hard! However early morning is still quite cool, therefore not as sweaty!
Early on there is also less people about, less people means a lot easier run, most people walking along the pavement will move to the side to let you pass when they hear/ see you coming. However you do get the odd few that walk in a line taking up the whole pavement resulting in you risking a road run, (I do not recommend this as you will probably be hit by a bus or car, or in my experience a cyclist going far too fast to stop). So yeah, my preference is definitely early runs.
#2
I always make sure I eat before a run. I only ever have something small such as a banana or yoghurt, I also read somewhere one slice of white bread is effective before exercising as the carbohydrates are easy to break down and are obviously used for energy. I find without something in my belly before a run, I find it so difficult and draining and it really affects my performance. I also allow enough time after eating for it to settle before I start running, this helps prevent stitches (which are an absolute killer!) and the feeling of nausea which happens when running on a full belly.
#3
Having a goal really helps me. At the moment my goals are small (being able to run around the park without stopping or walking). I find visual goals like this easier then time goals, for example, running for 15 minutes without stopping etc. I can't wait to improve enough I can enter races, and have goals which would include training for 5-10K.
#4
I run with my boyfriend Freddie, he really motivates me and encourages me to carry on when I want to give up. Having a partner to run with makes it more enjoyable, it's something you have in common, can talk about and share. It's also quality time to spend with one another and I believe improves our relationship.
Having someone to run with also prevents those days where you seriously just can't be bothered to get up and run. If someone else is relying on you to join them then it's more likely you won't let them down, and in result, you won't let yourself down.
#5
If running alone listen to music, having an inspirational and motivational playlist you can run to can really help. It is also fun, when absolutely knackered and about to give up to see whether you can make it to the end of the song! One of my future posts already planned includes the songs featured on my running playlist, so keep an eye out for that in the next few weeks!
#6
Learning how to breathe properly really improved how far I could run. Using techniques such as deep breathing from the lungs allows me to go for longer before getting out of breath. I admit to people I pass, I probably sound like I'm about to keel over, and I probably look like an absolute muppet huffing a puffing as hard as I can, but if it helps it helps! Focusing on breathing also takes my mind off the challenges running faces you with, it keeps me focused. Not even the other day Fred asked me: "what do you think about when running?" And my reply was breathing, just breathing. It helps me concentrate and prevents me from thinking about being defeated.
#7
Staying hydrated is extremely important, before, during, and after a run. I once read that being dehydrated increases your chances of getting a stitch whilst running. Dehydration will also make you feel tired therefore running will seem harder. I always drink plenty of water before a run (making sure I have a wee before I leave the house though). During my run, I ensure I have a bottle of water with me, I try to save the majority of it for the walk/ run home, but tend to sip it frequently whilst exercising. When I do return home I fill up with water again, staying hydrated especially after working out prevents head aches, tiredness, improves skin and also digestion of food!
#8
Eating when you return home can ensure your fueld and ready for the day. I also try to have something reasonably healthy. Since I run in the mornings I'm usually tucking into breakfast after a run, so I'll make myself a bowl of porridge which is totally yummy, and has slow releases of energy, or 2 scrambled eggs on a slice of toast, the mix of protein and carbs are good after working out. Protein is essential for muscle repairs reducing that awful achey feel the days after a run.
#9
Don't compare yourself to other runners!! This tip is probably my all time tip, the tip I would tell everyone and anyone! At first when I started running and I was feeling as though I couldn't do it, I would look at other women running and it would defeat me! Why can they run for miles without stopping, why do they look like they're enjoying themselves and I'm not, why aren't they resting, why am I not like these amazing wonderful powerful women runners?! Well guess what you are! The majority of time the women I was comparing myself to had been running for years, I'd been running a week! Of course they were going to be better, practice makes perfect right?
#10
Don't give up. Finally whatever you do, do not give up. It will be hard, it will hurt, there will be days you don't see improvements, days you can't run your goal, and days where you'll say I'm never running again! But believe me, stay strong, stay powerful, and stay motivated and you'll do it! It will take time. It will take effort. But you will do it eventually. Believe in yourself and love yourself, and in no time at all, you will be a runner!
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