Showing posts with label opinions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label opinions. Show all posts

getting back in the game

I've been asked a few times how to get back into running after a hiatus.


Well since I'm in the same boat...here are my thoughts:


#1: Start slow


Ugh I dread the thought of having to break in my running shoes again. This last hiatus left me with a killer blister after my first long run.


#2: Unless you're super human, or Chuck Norris, you're probably going to have to work back up to your endurance, mileage, & speed levels...don't get discouraged.




#3: Figure out your motivation - it will be what drives your runs



Other related questions....

I get bored so quickly now. I run past 5 houses & then I want to stop!

Are you utilizing an ipod or are trying to really soley on your thoughts to motivate you? I have to run with something...when left to my own thoughts I quit within 5 minutes.

Get music here that is paced to your minutes per mile.
Get workouts here that you can use to run with - they also have swimming, elliptical, and various others.
Get a workout buddy if you need the extra push & accountability.

What about losing these pounds that I've gained since taking a break from exercising?

Be aware of your calories in / calories out. If you're consuming more than you're burning...that will be the culprit of any weight gain.

When you weren't being active, chances are good you were still eating like you were.

If you're able to, record what you eat, the calories that you consume, and the calories that you expend. There should be a deficit....if you want to lose weight.

Most importantly, remember that the number on the scale is contingent upon numerous variables at any given point. Don't let your self worth, self image, or attitude rest heavily on the number the scale shows. 

If you focus on any number, focus on your body fat percentage. But use a reliable method to obtain your body fat percentage...like body fat calipers.  



Have you ever taken a hiatus from your normal workouts? What were your strategies for returning?

running issues

Yesterday was my tempo run:
1 mile warmup, 10:00 pace
3 miles, 8:54 pace
1 mile cooldown, 10:00 pace

I felt absolutely craptastic afterwards.

Does that ever happen to you?

I ate plenty throughout the day. At 3pm (ish) I had a Luna Bar, and then I ran at 4:45pm. By that time I had about 1 liter of water to drink (drank that throughout the course of my work day)...a little less than where I'm normally at, at that time of the day.

Immediately after my run, I felt fine. Great actually! I stretched for 10 minutes, and that's when the crud-factor set in.

I was exhausted & just wanted to sleep. By the time Matt got home I had developed chills & was ridiculously lightheaded. Once I showered & had milk, I started to feel better. So it could have been a "refueling" issue, & I just didn't do it quick enough?

I didn't do anything different than I normally do yesterday - except that it was my first tempo run. Normally I would just try & run all 5 miles at my goal pace or faster, without the mile warmup/cooldown.

hmmm, maybe I'm going about this all the wrong way?

Today I'm supposed to run 4 miles at an "easy pace". I'm sure I'll be fine, I'm not even worried about feeling cruddy after.

Do you ever experience anything like that? Have you been able to narrow it down to certain causes?