I started running 3-4 days a week at lunch in early November. I don’t condone hating on resolutioners because I was in their place- I was just there two months prior. I personally prefer running on an elliptical, it limits the impacts on my hips and feet.
When I first started, I ran about 1.5 miles in 20 minutes (including cool down) on the first resistance level (out of 20). I do not plan on running on anything higher than a 4- I’m running to stay in shape, not to train for any sort of marathon. I have now worked up to running 2.5 miles in 22 minutes, with 1 mile at resistance 4/20, and working down through to 2.5. I don’t like to run any more than the last 0.5 miles on resistance 1/20. I am not by any stretch of the imagination a fitness instructor, but here are some things that are helping me.
-Reasoning- If I just 0.5 miles at resistance 4/20, then why can’t I run another 0.25 miles at the same level? It is easy to convince yourself once you have achieved it.
-Music- Music makes a big difference, at least for me. If you are one of those people who can run without music, I am truly impressed. I find that having a good playlist, with varying tempos helps me pace myself and still stay interested.
-Walking- I usually have an addition 0.25 miles where I walk/job backwards in the middle of my run. It gives my muscles a bit of a break, and creates a more dynamic run.
-Water- I don’t chug a ton of water when I run, no one wants water sloshing about with every step. However, taking sips throughout helps keep the engine running.
-BREATHE- Don’t forget to do this. It sounds simple, but most people have the tendency to hold their breath when they run.
-Stretching- I stretch right after I finish my run. It only takes a moment or two, but I stretch out my quads, hamstrings, and lower back, and I can feel a world of difference when I am going to bed.
Do you have any tips for running? Anything that helps you? Or do you prefer another kind of exercise?
Until tomorrow,
The Historian!
