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Whether we like it or not, winter is upon us. Two weekends ago, it was 70 degrees in Massachusetts, but then the following weekend, we received a couple of inches of snow. Mother Nature reminded us that if we plan on taking our running or walking outdoors this winter, we need to be prepared.
Don’t think you can run or walk outside in the cold? Think again. With the proper attire and these eight tips, we can all safely run (or walk) in the cold.
Tip 1 – Track the Weather
I am a planner and need to make sure all my workouts, whether it be a run, walk, or a strength training session, be written in my planner. When running in the winter, I look at the forecast for the week and plan accordingly. If the forecast shows a warm-up at noontime, I will arrange my day so that I am running at noon. Does the weather call for a Nor’easter? I may switch up my days and do a workout in my home, safe from the driving wind and precipitation.
Tip 2 – Dress for Success
The rule of thumb, dress as it were 20 degrees warmer outside. Once you start going, your body will warm up pretty quickly. You want to protect yourself, but you don’t want to overheat either. Once I warm up, I often take off my gloves and hat. Also, consider lined running pants for those temps under 40 degrees. These running pants happen to be my favorite.
TIP 3- Proper Running Shoes
You’ll need shoes that offer more traction and support. Your cold-weather running shoes should have outsoles with grippy lugs. If your shoes do not have grippy lugs, you can order these running traction cleats to slip over your shoes as pictured above.
Tip 4- Warm-Up in the House
It is essential to do some static stretches before heading out. It would be best if you were warming up your muscles before any workout. It helps prevent injuries. If your muscles are warm and limber, the cold will not be such a shock, and your run or walk will feel more comfortable to start.
Tip-5 Shower Immediately
Do not, I repeat, do not stay in your cold, sweaty clothes. You will catch a chill. Washing the sweat off the body is vital for hygiene, and massaging your muscles with the water from the shower can help keep lactic acid from getting trapped in sore muscles.
Tip 6- Treat Yourself
Reward yourself for all your hard work. It is not easy to get out there in the cold. Perhaps treat yourself to a nice latte or hot chocolate after your run. Perhaps at the end of a long training cycle, get a massage or pedicure. Having something to look forward to is a great motivator.
Tip 7-Run with a friend
Make plans to run or walk with a friend. If we have someone counting on us, we are more apt to get out the door.
Tip 8- Have a goal
Another great motivator is to have a goal. Goals keep us driven and focused on the result. Think of how good we feel when we reach our goals. This is what keeps me motivated all winter long.
As we all know, 2020 has been a mess. There are cancellations galore, ranging from birthday parties, graduations, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and more. Up until recently, in some parts of our country, we could not eat inside a restaurant. This past spring, my son graduated high school, and it was nothing like we have imagined. This fall, his campus is not opening, and he will be attending classes from home. It is all a cluster! It has been stressful, and I have needed an outlet. That outlet is running.
Running is what has gotten me through the hard times. There is nothing more satisfying than completing a training plan and celebrating with a race. A race, hmmm… there certainly has not been a lot of those in the past six months.
Like most other things in my life in 2020, road races have been canceled. My race weekends in Disney World were canceled, as have two local 10ks, three local half marathons, and a half marathon in Vancouver, BC. I know I am not the only one. A lot of my friends are runners and are experiencing the same disappointment. So what do we do now? Call it a day, sit on the couch, and eat cookies? NO! We are runners. We figure it out. Here are four suggestions to get us through these challenging times.
Rediscover your Love of Running
Training is hard. Always training for a race is even more challenging. There is no downtime, and it is day after day of speedwork, drills, hill repeats, intervals, and the long run. Sometimes the love of running disappears in the midst of it all. However, with no races on the horizon, you can take a day, a week, or even a month to run just because you want to and not because you have to check off a box in a training plan. To me, this has been the best part. I am running more now because I love it, and it makes me feel good. These days it is more of I want to run than I have to run.
Do Something that will Improve your Running
Often when I am deep into a training program, other forms of exercise fall by the wayside. I skip out on my strength training. Yoga?? What is that? This is the perfect time to incorporate these things into your routine. Instead of an hour-long run, run 30 mins and then complete 30 mins of strength training. I promise, once you see the benefits of strength training, you will never exclude it from your training plan again.
Try Something New
Perhaps with all the cancellations, the motivation to run is not there. That is okay. Take this opportunity to try something new. I started shadow boxing and loved it.
Challenge Yourself
The race is the reward for a long training cycle. Without that, many people might not see the point in continuing with their training. Instead of throwing that training plan out the window, why not continue and see what goals you can crush despite not having the reward at the end.
Remember, though it may seem like it, this is not forever. Eventually, the virus will pass, and races will resume once again. Until then, eat healthily, move 30 mins a day, stay hydrated, and get plenty of sleep.
Do you travel a lot? We travel quite a bit, more so over the last few years. When I started to travel a bit more frequently, I noticed I would come home and begin to feel like crap. I mean, who has time for that? I have a job and other responsibilities. Over the years, I have tried different things, but these are the tips that have worked for me.
- About a week before I travel, I start adding Nuun Immunity and Hydration tablets to my water. I use one a day.
- Stay hydrated throughout your trip. I carry a water bottle with me everywhere. I either pre-order water to be delivered to the room or make sure to hit up a convenient store and stock up.
- Try to eat as healthy as I can. This is not to say I don’t splurge, but I try to keep at least two of my meals healthy and treat myself once day, rather than all day long.
- Keep up with my exercise routine. For us, runners, traveling to a new place to run is a highlight of the trip. I may not get to it every day, but I aim to exercise several times while on vacation. It makes me feel better and lets me justify some of the treats I may be experiencing.
- Get some sleep! This is the one I have the most challenging time with, but it is so important. If we keep up with our sleep, we will feel so much better upon returning to real life.
I hope this tips help. I am sure there many others out there and I would love to hear yours. Drop me a line in the comments and share what works best for you.
I am a runner. Running is what I love to do. However, running alone can not get me to my goals. Running alone, for me, leads to injury. All runners need to incorporate cross-training and strength training. It makes us stronger and helps prevent injuries.
So then, why the heck was I not doing it? Time, laziness, boredom, or possibly all three? When COVID-19 hit back in March, and we were told to work from home and to shelter in place, I thought I would have all the time in the world. Well, I did, and I decided to prioritize other things. Well, no more!
For me to be a stronger runner and overall in better shape, I needed to do something other than running. A few friends of mine had been working out to a boxing program, and it looked pretty fun. After 100 days of working from home, wearing a mask when out, graduations, and travel plans canceled, it would feel good to punch something.
The program is six weeks long. Joel (the trainer) leads you through 3 days of boxing training and two days of strength-building workouts with weights for a total of 5 days a week. There are no bags or people to hit; it is shadowboxing.
The boxing workouts with conditioning drills are broken up into ten rounds, 3 minutes each, and progress over the six weeks. The two days of weightlifting workouts include one day of the upper body and lower bodywork.
I am finishing up week two tomorrow, and I am sore! I can already feel the difference in my shorts. I can feel my core getting stronger, as is my running. The most important thing, it keeps me engaged, and I do not dread the workouts. I actually found something, besides running, that I like.
If you are interested in 10 Rounds, you can access on Beachbody on Demand. Beachbody on Demand (BOD) is a streaming service that provides hundreds of workouts to help people achieve their health and fitness goals. BOD can be streamed on a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Members can also stream BOD through a TV using Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast, or via the Beachbody On Demand app for iOS and Android. Apple Watch users can stream their workouts on their iPhone or iPad, and Apple Watch will project real-time heart rate and caloric burn on those screens. Take a peek.
10 Rounds for the knockout win!
Wow, what a crazy last few weeks. Here in Massachusetts, we are on day 18 of being in our homes. School is closed until May 4th, and I am working at home through mid-April. Though, I suspect this will be extended. As much as I like being home, I love to travel. If you a regular visitor to my blog, you know I love adventure and being able to go out and about. Staying confined to our home, not being able to socialize and see family and friends is hard. In times like these, I am so grateful that I am a runner. I enjoy going out and moving my body. It has been a lifesaver over the last couple of weeks. It was also a lifesaver as I watched my mom slip away six years ago. Running or any form of exercise, for that matter, has a tremendous impact on our mental health. I thought this would be the perfect time to discuss the five mental health benefits of running.
1) Lowers Stress
Running decreases anxiety and rids of brains of negative thoughts. Running or exercise in general, creases the body’s concentration of norepinephrine, a chemical that moderates the brain’s response to stress.
2) Helps with the Depression
Exercise produces endorphins and is a natural anti-depressant. There is a saying “Wow, I regret that run/workout.- Said No One Ever. Is this a cure for depression? NO! However, it can help. Want an extra boost? Go out and run on a sunny day. The shot of vitamin D will also help with depression.
3) Improves Sleep
Running helps regulate our circadian rhythms. It increases the amount of time spent in deep sleep. Deep sleep, should make up 20% of our sleep a night. Deep sleep restores the body physically and also helps boost immunity. Also, running regularly manages stress levels, which can impede our ability to get to sleep and have a restful night’s sleep.
4) Increases Energy Levels
Have you ever noticed the more we sit around, the more sluggish we become? The opposite is true; the more we move, the more energy we have throughout the day. So if you can, start your day off with a run or whatever form of exercise that gets you moving.
5) Helps with Self-Esteem
Running has done wonders for my self-esteem. It has shown me what my body and mind are capable of, especially during the hard times. By setting goals, accomplishing said goals, and conquering obstacles in the way of these goals builds confidence. Confidence builds our self-esteem, and we feel great about ourselves.
During this challenging time, I urge you all to take some time and move. If running is not your thing, that is okay. Take a walk, do some yoga or stream an exercise video from your computer. Whatever you do, have fun and breathe. This too shall pass.
Be safe my friends.
This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.
I received such a great response to my post So You Want to be a Runner- 8 Tips for Beginners, I have decided to do a series of posts on the topic of running. Every few weeks or so, I will write about a topic related to my favorite sport. Today,
According to Women’s Running website
- 34 % feel afraid of running alone.
- 33 %say they will switch to indoor activities.
- 34 % of those take some added precautions such as a wearable safety item that contacts help when activated or deterrent, such as pepper spray.
- The number of pedestrians killed — 6,283, an increase of 3.4 percent from the previous year — was the highest such number since 1990.
I don’t know about you, but I have enough to worry about on a day to day basis. I want and should be able to lace up my running shoes and head out the door without worrying about a distracted driver hitting me or being assaulted. I refuse to cave into fear and not live my life, nor should you. Here are eight safety tips for runners(or walkers and cyclists for that matter).
Do not run in the dark.
If this is the only time your schedules permits, run with a friend. Use the buddy system and make sure you are wearing proper reflective gear .
Do not run with earbuds.
I need to be listening to something while running. I always have either a podcast or an audiobook on while out for my run. Instead of earbuds, I wear AfterShokz. AfterShokz are wireless bone conduction headphones that sit outside your ear. I can hear my podcast and everything that is going on around me. The sound quality is excellent, and they fit comfortably around my head.
Alter your routes.
Do not run the same route every day. I have 5-6 different routes I rotate throughout the month.
Do not post your route on social media.
Runners love to post their runs, whether it be on social media or onan app like Strava or RunKeeper. However, you don’t know who can see that route, so play it safe, don’t publish it. There are ways to leave it out of your post. Check your privacy features on your apps for more information.
Carry your phone.
Always have your phone on hand in case you need to call for help. Also, you can be found by the GPS on your phone, so god forbid you are hurt or taken, it may become a useful tool in finding you.
Carry identification.
Instead of carrying my license, I wear a Road ID band. It is a stretchy silicone bracelet that slides over your hand. It includes your personal information, your emergency contact information, and any medical issues you may have. I make sure to wear mine each time I go out for a run.
Carry pepper spray or mace.
Though not legal in all states, if it is, it is a good option. I carried it for some time, but after spraying a groundhog thinking he was an evil person lurking in the bushes, my husband bought me the Wearsafe Tag. The Wearsafe Tag is a modern-day panic button. You press a button, and it sends an alert to your emergency contacts. It includes your GPS coordinates and audio of what is happening around you. I love it.
Be seen.
There are many distracted drivers out there. People zone out when driving. It is vital that people see you. Wear reflective and bright clothing, run against traffic, obey all traffic laws, and run on sidewalks if all possible. Also, appear assertive. Look people in the eye when passing by — those who seem confident and assertive are less likely to be bothered.
I hope these tips are helpful and give you the tools you need to go out and exercise safely and in peace.
Be safe and happy Running!
This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.
The new year is upon us, and many people take this time to start something new. Notice how I don’t use the word resolution. I’m not too fond of the word, and much prefer to use the term goal. See my prior post for my reasons why. In any case, perhaps you want to take up running in the new year. Running is an excellent form of exercise, both physically and mentally. There is nothing better than a run to clear your head. I love “running” through my problems. I love the people I have met through the sport. I have even learned to love the burn. You get the point; I love to run.
People often ask how I got I started. Or say things like I don’t know how you do it? I could never run. Well, I am here to tell you, you can! Here are eight tips on how to start running.
Invest in the Right Shoes
Not all running shoes are created equal, and what works for me may not work for you. It is best to be fitted by someone knowledgeable in this area. Head over to your local running store and ask to be fitted for shoes. The salesperson should have you walk around the store so he/she can examine your gait. Based on what they see, they will have you try on a few different types of shoes. Once you have a pair or two that are comfortable, the salesperson should have you try them out by running, either outside or on a treadmill in the store. Make sure the store has a 30-day return policy if, for some reason, the shoes do not work out.
Set Small Attainable Goals
On day one, I went out and ran 3 miles in the hot July sun. I would not recommend that! Aim for small goals. If you aim too high, you put too much pressure on yourself, and it takes the joy out of the process. Perhaps start running for time and not distance. For example, start by running three times a week for 20 mins. Once you are comfortable with that, add 5 mins and build from there.
Schedule your Runs
Take out your planner, your calendar on your phone or whatever it is you use to schedule your appointments and schedule in those runs just like you would a doctor’s appointment or a meeting with your boss. You would not cancel on them, so why cancel on yourself. I plan my runs out a month at a time. It helps!
Gradually Increase Your Mileage (or Time)
The rule of thumb is to increase your mileage by no more than 10% each week. I prefer every two weeks. Ramping up the mileage too quickly can lead to injury.
Keep a Running Journal
A running journal is more than just a place to track your mileage. It tells a story. As I track my runs, I note the weather, the mood I was in, how hydrated I was, how much sleep I had the night before, and what I had to eat that day. These are all contributing factors to any run, good or bad. I started to see patterns. I found if I was not hydrated, my runs were a bit sluggish. It is also neat to look back and see how far I have come when training for a race.
Add Strength Training
I learned this the hard way. I hated to exercise most of my life. It wasn’t until I turned 40 that I decided running was for me. I went all out. Once I find something I like, I do it. This lead to shin splints and tightness in my hips and glutes. Once I began strength training, my problems started to dissipate. Oh, and make sure to add stretching to the routine as well. You can read all about the benefits of stretching here.
Join a Running Group
Runners are the NICEST people. When I started running, I joined a running group at my local running store. It was fantastic. It gave me one night a week that was all about me and my new venture. Most groups ( I say most because there is always an exception) welcome new runners with open arms. It also helps you up your game. We tend to want to try more when we are with others. I have done some of my best runs while running with a group.
Follow a Training Plan
There many apps or free training plans available to help you get you started. Couch to 5K is a great app. Jeff Galloway, former Olympian runner, and runDisney consultant has some fantastic training plans. Jeff has perfected the run/walk method, and his plans are fantastic for beginners. Another great resource is Another Mother Runner. I am starting their heart rate training plan this upcoming weekend. I talk about it here.
Follow these tips, and you will be off and running, literally! Starting to run was one of the best things I ever did. It changed my life, and it could change yours.
This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.
Do you have a runner in your life? Are you struggling with what to buy them this holiday season? As a runner, I always have at least one running-related item on my Christmas list. I surveyed quite a few of my running friends and came up with the ultimate gift guide for runners. Whether your runner is a beginner or has been running for years, there is something for everyone on this list.
AfterShokz Headphones
If your runner is like me, I need something to distract me when running. I love listening to a podcast or an audiobook. However, safety comes first. AfterShokz is a wireless bone conduction headphone that sits outside your ear. I can hear my podcast and everything that is going on around me. The sound quality is excellent, and they fit comfortably around my head.
A Good Running Watch
Most runners love gadgets, especially gadgets that will track their mileage, pace, etc. I have had a few running watches over the years and partial to Garmin. Their product is superb, and I have never had an issue with any of their watches. There are several models to choose from, each a little bit different. I currently am using the Garmin Forerunner 235 and love it.
FlipBelt
For short runs, I am okay with carrying my phone in my pocket or even in my hand. However, if I am going to run for over an hour, I will need fuel, perhaps my keys (if racing), chapstick, phone, etc. The FlipBelt is a great place to store it all. The belt sits snuggly around your waist and has pockets that hold quite a bit of stuff. It even has a clip inside to hold your keys.
Headbands
There is nothing more annoying than having my hair fly into my face as I am running. A good headband is a must. I have very thick hair and have found the brand Sweaty Bands work best. These are non-slip headbands that come in various colors and designs. I won’t buy anything else.
Hydration Vest
For those long runs, no one should be without water. Runners need to stay hydrated. Hand-held water bottles are fine, but after a while, my hand starts to cramp, or I run out of water too soon into my run. I solved that problem this summer by investing in a hydration vest. It holds 2 liters of water, has pockets for other fuel like Nuun or chews, and a place for your phone. It is lightweight and surprisingly comfortable.
Sunglasses
Just like our skin, we need to protect our eyes from the sun. Goodrs are all the rage at the moment. These are no-slip, no-bounce polarized sunglasses that come in different colors and prints. If I did not wear prescription glasses, I would have quite a few of these beauties in my closet.
Reflective Clothing/Gadgets
Many of us, at one time or another, have had to run in the dark. Reflective clothing is an absolute must. My favorite is the Tracer 360 Visibility Vest. It is lightweight, water-resistant, and can be seen up to a 1/4 mile away.
Gift Basket or Stocking Full of Goodies
I become giddy when I see that Santa filled my stocking with some of my favorite running things. Some great ideas are socks, Body Glide, lip balm. Nuun, GU, and gloves.
Recovery Tools
Recovery and self-care are essential when running. A foam roller will help work out any kinks, help relieve the muscles, and keep you running longer. I call it the necessary evil.
Stretching is also vital for runnings. A runner should be stretching before and after their workout. If someone is suffering from a particular ailment, such as piriformis syndrome, stretching even on the days that you do not run, is just as important. I found a great book that goes over many different types of stretches and takes the guesswork out of what we should be doing.
Nothing feels better than a comfy pair of shoes after a long run. This is especially true having just a runDisney race and then spending all day in the park. On my last trip, I discovered OOfos. The foam technology used in these shoes absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear foam materials to reduce the stress on your feet and joints.
Road ID Bracelet
Another favorite safety product of mine is the Road ID bracelet. It is a stretchy silicone bracelet that slides over your hand. It includes your personal information, your emergency contact information, and any medical issues you may have. I make sure to wear mine each time I go out for a run.
Run or as the case may be Shop Happy!
Last weekend I attended my 11th runDisney race weekend. In total, I have run 21 runDisney races. After my Mom passed away, I decided to run a half marathon in her memory — what better place to run and honor my Mom than my favorite place, Walt Disney World.
In February 2015, I ran the Princess 1/2 Marathon and the Castaway Cay Challenge on Disney’s private island. I was
So what keeps me going back for more? Here are seven reasons to run a runDisney race.
1. runDisney races are great races for beginners.
When I decided to run my first half marathon, the farthest I had ever run was 6.2 miles. I was nervous! I was still a relatively new runner. There were many races at home that required a runner to finish within a certain amount of time. In 2014/2015, I was running about a 12:00 min mile. Based on that, I didn’t bother signing up for races around here. I was afraid I would not finish or come in dead last. With Disney, there is a time limit, but so long as you can maintain a 16:00 minute mile, you are all set. I ran that race while stopping for characters, with plenty of time to spare. This race gave me the confidence to sign up for races back home. I am a bit faster these days and rarely worry about finishing a race or coming in dead last.
2. You run through the parks.
Ever dream of running down Main Street and through the castle? Or how about running around the World Showcase as the sun rises over the lagoon? These are just two of my favorite things when running a runDisney race. Each race weekend, the courses vary, but for the most part, you will run through at least one park, two parks if you run a half marathon and all four parks, plus ESPN Wide World of Sports if you run the marathon. This past weekend, the 10k course took us through Epcot, and the half marathon took us through the Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Epcot.
3. Entertainment along the course.
What would an event be at Disney without entertainment? It is what they do best. At the start of each race is a DJ, corny race announcers, character meet and greets, and fireworks. Along the course, you can find much of the same. For most races, there is plenty of character stops along the way. The lines can be long, but the cast members do an excellent job of moving everyone along.
4. Costumes and more costumes.
Seriously, where else can you wear a costume and not feel judged? LOL! Hands down, this is one of the best parts of a runDisney event. There are so many talented people out there. The costumes are amazing. I am not gifted when it comes to sewing, so I jump on over to Etsy and buy a costume or two. I have dressed as various princesses, Mrs. Potts, Babette the feather duster from Beauty and the Beast, Rey from Star Wars, and more. I have so much fun with it. For my next couple of races, I am thinking of dressing as villains. What do you think?
5. Photopass photographers
Disney Photo Pass photographers are out there on the course capturing all those moments. Since I have an annual pass, all photos are included, and I never have to worry about capturing a moment or going bankrupt after I want to buy them all!
6. Friends
Runners are lovely people. However, Disney runners are even nicer! I have met some great people through my runDisney races. I have rekindled old friendships, as well. Wine and Dine race weekend is an annual trip I take with my friends from middle/high school! We had lost touch after college and reconnected after my Mom had passed. One day I posted I was signing up for the Wine and Dine races and asked if I had any takers. Both ladies said yes! This was our 4th weekend together, and we are already looking forward to next year.
7. Medals
The medals are the best! These are not little tokens of thanks for running. These medals are HUGE! The attention to detail is beautiful.
Have I convinced you yet? Will you be putting a runDisney event on your calendar? I would love to see you down there!
If you have been following my blog, you know that I am a runner. Over Memorial Day weekend, I started a new training plan in preparation for my October half marathon. You can read about it here. Everything was going well. I was completing all my training runs, along with my strength training. Everything was going well until three weeks ago. On Friday, July 12th, I woke up and could not sit down without a pain shooting down my leg. I took four Motrin and went about my day. The next morning I woke up to the same pain. Again, I took four Motrin, visited my Dad, and even went for a run. The next day I planned to complete a 2-hour training run. However, the pain was so bad, even with Motrin, I knew there was no way I could run. All-day, I could not get comfortable whether I was sitting or standing. I was a hot mess! Well, the next day, things were not feeling any better. I was having numbness in my toes. Immediately I called my doctor and was seen that morning. The doctor diagnosed it as sciatic nerve pain. He gave me a prescription for prednisone, a muscle relaxer, and a told me to go to physical therapy. I asked if I could still run and he said sure, just no weight lifting.
In the next two days, I ran and felt okay. Though I was still taking Motrin in the morning and I was not able to sit for the first 20 minutes of the day. I met with my physical therapist, and she noticed some loss of strength in my left foot and toes. She agreed that it was my sciatic nerve causing the pain, but she was not sure if it was coming from my back or my piriformis muscle squeezing the nerve. The loss of strength was bothering her. She did some work on the muscle but wanted me to call my doctor and request an MRI. She gave me some stretches to go while on the road, told me to try yoga and NO RUNNING. NO RUNNING???? What????
Over the last two and a half weeks, I went on vacation. I did the stretches as prescribed, walked on the beach, and did some yoga. I came home and immediately saw a chiropractor and my physical therapist. My chiropractor is a miracle worker. After one treatment, I woke up pain-free. My PT has been great as well. She has given me a stretching routine to follow before and after my runs. Confession time… in all my years of being a runner, I never would stretch. This is not something your PT wants to hear. It is part of the reason I am in the predicament that I am in now. I need to be much better about self-care. Self-care includes stretching, foam rolling, massages, and adjustments by my chiropractor.
This leads me to the questions, why is stretching so important, and what are the benefits of stretching? Stretching increases our range of motion and our flexibility. Sitting all day is one of the worst things for the body. This causes the muscles in our hips, glutes, and hamstrings to shorten and become tight. It literally can become a pain in the ass! Stretching is one way to combat this. It increases mobility in the joints and muscles. For runners, this keeps us INJURY FREE! Here are seven benefits of running.
- Increases range of motion and decrease muscle stiffness.
- Loosens the muscles and primes the body for exercise.
- Reduces muscular tensions and helps the muscles relax.
- Improves our posture. Tight muscles are weak muscles, so muscles need to be loose, which allows for better posture.
- Tight hamstrings can cause lower back pain, so stretching may help decrease lower back pain.
- It improves flexibility. Flexibility is so important. It helps with performing daily activities and can help delay immobility as we age.
- Increases circulation and increases blood flow to the muscles. It helps with muscle soreness and speeds up recovery time.
Long story short, I have learned my lesson. The last 2.5 weeks have been tough. Running is my stress reliever. It keeps me sane. I want to keep running for years to come. If this means I need to take 10 mins a day to stretch, then so be it.
I am happy to report that I ran this morning for the first time in two and a half weeks. It felt amazing. My coach told me to take it slow and to run for only 30 minutes. It was the best 30 minutes of the day.
I would love to know, do you stretch and if not, will you now?
