How to Run
- chloesoc
- Aug 18, 2016
- 4 min read
A while back I posted about the summer series and haven't said anything about itwhile it was going on but now all 10 have taken place, if you didn't go along, read about them in Summer Series Results. After all that running you might be in need of some new equipment and if you didn't run this year, you might fancy training up to compete next year. Here are some running tips I have personally found useful and some great products that you might like.
(All links in this post are personal opinion, I have not been asked or paid to post about anything).
Bring on the hill!
I find that running up and down hills is one of the most difficult things to do when it comes to cross country running. We can loose our breath faster than running along a flat surface, our legs become extra tired, we might end up stumbling around and slip out of posture. Most often when running uphill, we end up leaning into the hill too much and a way I find helpful to prevent this is lift my body from the waist until I can lift it no more. This focuses your mind on keeping as straight as possible and allows you to get good lift in your knees for a clean stride that helps carry you up the hill.
Down a hill we might end up leaning backwards to stop ourselves from going to fast but when taking advantage of the gravity isn't necessarily a bad thing. As long as you keep an eye out for anything you might trip on and remember to lean back if you begin running to fast and start to loose control.
Time of day
There are so many ideas about when you should and shouldn't run and what time of day is going to benefit you most or when will harm you most. I don't personally believe there is a certain time of day you need to run as whenever you run, your body will reap different benefits. Running in the morning can make you feel refreshed for the day and you will be rested but running in the evening however can be a good way to wind down and take some alone time after a stressful day. Evenings are usually cooler heat wise but I'd say just run when you feel like it but try sticking to a routine. If there is a particular reason you're running, I recommend doing your research into what is best for your personal needs.
Drink water and waiting after eating.
Although I don't think it is important to do your run at a particular time of day, I do think there are some factors that need to be considered. You should never ever run on a full stomach! Think about all that food bouncing around inside you, that's not likely to stay down too long but as well as that, your body needs time to digest your food and turn all of that deliciousness into that energy stuff. Usually after eating, I wait 1 hour before running and that seems to work. That means I'm not running on an empty stomach so I have energy but I'm not so full that I feel like I'm going to sink into the ground.
In an average day we're supposed to consume around 8 x 250ml glasses of water to keep hydrated so if we're gong to be exercising we'll be needing more as we exert more liquids. Water helps you feel full so you can feel more satisfied when you go for a run and can help with those muscle aches. Muscle fatigue is not uncommon when doing any kind of exercise which can be caused by cells in the body get smaller due to a lack of fluids so keeping water handy is a good idea if you ask me.
Phone accessories
Arm bands have become a vastly popular thing for fitness fanatics in the past two years and they're available for most phones, you just have to look. Some people might find they get uncomfortable but I find they're quite good. It means you can keep your phone on you and there's no chance of dropping it or having fall out of your pocket. the one I found has a velcro strap so it's easily adjustable.
Headphones go well with the armband obviously because you have your phone at hand. I like the Kitsound Trail Wireless Bluetooth earphones that you can get for just £25 from Tesco. Of course you could go out and get some £100 Beats but the Kitsounds are really good, come in a variety of colours and are totally affordable.
Arm Band --->> http://www.ebay.co.uk
New shoes
Obviously shoes are important if you want to go for a jog. These Nikes are lovely, just look at that colour! Nikes for me are often a win when it comes to footwear and with the mesh material on these, it makes them a really comfortable wear and allows air to access them as you run. Meaning less sweaty feet (kind of). When you put them on they have a slightly cushiony feel so they do provide a really nice comfort. Perhaps these running shoes are a little on the expensive side at £90 for some people, usually I'd be looking for all the £30 deals myself.
Get yours here ---->> http://store.nike.com/free-rn-cmtr-running-shoe
Cool compartment water bottle
This next product I love love love! I came across when I was browsing Pinterest a while back and if it wasn't so expensive I'd have one. Unfortunately I can only find ones that are in the range of £40 which is a ridiculous price for a water bottle no matter how great it is so I don't have one. However, if you are willing to pay that price then go for it but now you know about them I say scout around for a cheaper one then let me know so I can get one too. Found one from Australia for £11 but postage and packaging was £26 so that's not a win. You can put your key in there if you need to lock the door and take money or cards with you so it is pretty cool, just expensive.
If you're willing to pay the price for this pretty awesome water bottle you can get one here --->> www.amazon.co.uk/Contigo-AUTOSEAL-Kangaroo-Compartment
Hope this post helps you out a little bit with running and stuff... None of these photos were taken by me .
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