Running
The after effects after a long, hard run are undeniably enjoyable. Pounding your legs releases endorphins, your happy hormones, so you will feel great. Your energy level will be a lot higher and your health will increase further the more that you run. This is not a sport that suits everyone, but I would advise anyone to give it a go. It is very therapeutic, as a good long run really gets the air into your lungs and clears your head. Your overall health will increase greatly and those unwanted pounds will be shed.
There are various things you can do to ensure that your runs are fun and pain free. These are a few of favorites so give them a go. You must ensure that you have eaten properly and have also taken in plenty of liquid. You must be fully hydrated before you start on your run and there has to be food in your system to burn off. There are three things that you really want to avoid while you running, dizziness, nausea and cramps. Too little food causes the first one, and too much the last two. Be sensible and your runs won’t include any of these unpleasant experiences. There’s nothing like music to accompany you on your run. Select upbeat and motivating tracks to pump you up and get you really going.
Having music to take your mind off things can be a godsend when running long distances; it’s good to have something to distract you from the constant pounding of your feet on the pavements. Last but not least it taking your run when it is the best time for you. Many people prefer the mornings as they find it an enjoyable start to their day. If you are one of those you finds that they feel energetic in the evenings, you may well be meant to be an evening runner, or lunchtimes might suit you best. Enjoy your running, whatever time of day it is.
Whatever your goals for starting a marathon training program, be it weight loss or the thrill of competition, you may harbor a secret dread. You may be afraid that your initial efforts will fail. There is something inspiring about seeing runners take to the streets. Watching them run by with the grace of a dancer can take your breath away. Additionally, so can their selflessness. Most of these runners are running for a cause be it Alzheimer’s, domestic violence, or cancer to name a few. All of this inspiration may fuel you to want to take on the challenge of running in a 5K run.
You are going to need to work to get your body into running shape, but it is not nearly as hard as it may seem. The truth is that a lot of people begin their training the wrong way and they can lose steam and end up quitting. This most often happens to those individuals who push themselves too far right out of the gate. Instead, you want to be sure that you pace yourself so that you can keep up with your training program. The best advice is to start of your training program slowly. If you have never run before you are going to want to start by doing a lot more walking. Start of by getting yourself out to take a walk every day. Gradually increase your walking speed, but do not allow yourself to burst into running too quickly.
As you begin to build up your stamina, slowly start to integrate some running into your walking routine. At first, start by walking for say three minutes and then running for one minute. Continue that routine throughout your entire workout, which should be approximately 20-30 minutes. If you start doing this at least three times a week your body will quickly adapt to its 5K condition. While you are increasing your speed, you should also start to slowly increase the distance that you are covering. You want to be sure that you have run the required distance prior to your race so that you have a good idea of what you are getting into.
While you are progressing through your workout regimen, continue to increase your running time while decreasing your walking time. However, do not force yourself to keep running every day of the week. You need to give yourself rest on some days and on others, you should walk. By keeping some walking in your physical fitness regimen, you are going to be helping your body to release some of the tension that it may be holding from your runs.