Friday, June 21, 2013
Summer Has Arrived - Be A Smart Runner
Summer is officially here! Summer has always been one of my favorite running seasons. The crisp, cool mornings and the balmy evenings make for great runs. With more daylight, it is easier to stay consistent with running without being confined to the gym or treadmill.
Runners are tough. I think the we are some of the toughest breed around. Most of us constantly push ourselves and our bodies. Whether our goal is to run a 5K, a marathon, or simply to stay fit, we are diligent and committed. I think the fact that running after a few days off can be miserable is part of why we push through. We therefore find ourselves trying to run through sickness, exhaustion, heat, and injury.
Cross-training can be fun and a great alternative to running! Walking, swimming, biking, and hiking can all be alternatives to running. All allow you to be outdoors and can offer the same cardio workout that running provides. Many of these alternatives are challenging and work other parts of your body. A stronger body all around, makes us better at running. Let's not forget that when injured or unable to run, there are other choices waiting for us. So mix it up and keep it that way. Continue to walk, swim and bike even when you can return to running. Your body will thank you for it.
Listen to your body! It is so common for us to push through discomfort and pain. When we feel pain, our body is trying to tell us something. Many of us have learned the lesson that when we ignore injury, we end up getting sidelined even longer. When feeling those nagging pains, put the running shoes aside and pick something else to do, or better yet, just rest!
For anyone who has been inured, it is humbling to get back out there after being sidelined for week or months. In fact, I am convinced that runners are so persistent with training because they know how difficult it can be to build up a strong running base. But running is not always the only option.
Be a smart runner and listen to yourself. A couple days rest is better than months on the sideline!
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