Running Tips

All things running.  In no particular order.
  1. Write down your running or health goal.  The act of taking a pen and paper to write it down is the first step towards achieving your goal.  Do not overthink it.  By now, you should have an idea of what you want for yourself.  Just jot it down and keep it where you can easily retrieve it.  Of course, you can also type it in your tech devices.  Whatever you do, it helps to keep a written record of it.
  2. Follow the 80% Full Rule.  The Japanese are known for living long lives, an average of 81.6 years.  One of their secrets is to eat only until you are "hara hachi bu" or "80 parts out of 10 full."  Here's my take on this.  Take on a moderate amount meal portions and resist the temptation to come back for a second.  It's those seconds that add on the extra calories.  
  3. Invest in a good pair of running shoes.  Not sneakers.  Not tennis shoes.  But running shoes.  They are designed for the pounding and impact your legs will take in running.  Punishing as it may sound, but running shoes have your comfort and safety in mind.  Running shoes may range from $80-$140.  But remember, it's an investment that will take you a long way.  Check out a local running store in your area.  Here's one of my favorite http://www.roadrunnersports.com
  4. Weigh in first thing in the morning in your birthday clothes when you wake up before you take a shower, eat breakfast, or drink water.  Try to do this everyday to establish a baseline weight.  This is a very good information to use if you're trying to watch your weight for whatever fitness goals you have.  It's also very helpful if you're monitoring information.  If you do it on a regular basis, it's a good indicator to point you to the right direction and right combination of workout and caloric intake.  
  5. Run first thing in the morning whenever you can. First of all, it's a good way to start your day.  Secondly, if you're training for a race, it prepares you for the morning of the day of the race. Most road races have a morning start.  Finally, if you run in the morning, you tend to use up stored fat for fuel.  How wonderful is that if you're trying to lose weight.
  6. Myth:  I'm so tired after work I can't run.  Fact:  I'm mentally and emotionally tired after work, I want to reward myself by sitting, eating, watching TV.  Fact:  If I run after work, I will get the benefit of a workout and I will have maximized by potential energy enough to get a good night's rest.  Fact:  Overcome that mental and emotional stress at work by giving yourself a good run or workout at the end of the day.  Plan on it daily so you prepare to de-stress yourself with your workout.  (These are facts in my book, at least.)
          More tips to come...

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