Three Things I’ve Learned About Running
I was checking out FitSugar, and came across an interesting reader question. Someone wrote in and asked “Why does running feel bad?”
I couldn’t help but think about when I first started running three months ago. I was miserable, barely able to run for more than minutes at a time before needing to stop and walk. And while that’s ok, and a natural place for anyone to start out, there are three things I’ve learned since then that definitely applies to someone who has just started running.
1. Run SLOW! The coaches at Team In Training can’t stress this enough! We are reminded on every single long distance run. And here’s the thing, I thought I was running slow. No, not at all. I mean, ok, yes, I was running slow, but trying running slow, and then run even slower. I promise you, your capability of running will increase dramatically. I could sum up all of the physiological reasons why this is the case, but I’m not a running coach, so I will just leave you with, RUN SLOW and you will be able to run longer. *30 minutes slow is better than 10 minutes fast, which also leaves you with a higher risk of injury*
2. The first 10 minutes suck. Period. I up to running 12 miles at a time, and no matter what, the first 10-12 minutes are always the worst. I’m talking, feeling tired, aching knees, muscles, breathing…everything feels a mess. But get to 15 minutes (running slowly), and I promise you will hit a stride.
3. Nausea. Ok, so I have a sensitive stomach. Really sensitive. And let me tell you, running does its best to mess with it. My coaches kept saying that we should stop eating AND drinking, at the very least, 90 minutes before a run. I tried to ignore this advice…well…I did ignore it, and then I suffered. So now, I count backwards from a scheduled run (yes, scheduled), and I stick to it. The most frustrating thing is to get side stitches during a run, and so far I’ve found stopping eating on time is my best bet. Two other things, which may just be applicable to my diet, is that 24 hours before a run, no hummus, and no super spicy habanero cheese
I hope this helps, and if you have anything you can add to this list, email it to me: michelle at nextnewnetworks dot com
-submitted by Michelle DeForest
