10 things to think about while running
Your running time can be used in several different ways. You can run to meditate, run to eat your favourite foods or to mentally prepare for race day. Before you head out for a run, decide what you want to focus on today. Here are some things you may want to consider:
1. Switching up the terrain
Surfaces that are too hard might cause joint pain or other injuries. But if you’re running on loose terrain like sand, you could end up with a knee injury. Grass or dirt surfaces are ideal. On your run, think if there’s a way to alter your route to include kinder terrain.
2. The power of your breathing
If you run to relax or prepare for a tough day ahead, thinking only about your breathing can be a great way to make your run a meditative one. Simply focus on using your lungs’ full capacity and breathing deeply. Let all other thoughts go.
3. Your best race ever
When you’re trying to push yourself to go faster, just think about a recent race that you did well in. Replaying the memory will be great encouragement.
4. How to properly recover when you’re not running
Look forward to your recovery. While you’re out running, plan something nice for yourself so you don’t go stir-crazy on recovery day.
5. Your arm swing
Are you swinging hard to bring yourself up hills? Are you feeling too tense after your runs? It’s easy to forget the arm swing. You want to keep nice and relaxed for slower-paced runs. Don’t clench the fists or swing across your body.
6. Crossing the finish line
Visualization is a tactic many runners use to keep themselves feeling strong mid-run or during a race. Picture yourself running incredibly strong at the finish. The positive energy will help you when you really need to push.
7. Your next gear splurge
Who doesn’t love shopping for running gear? It always seems you need something. Think about what items you’d most like and plan a list for next time you go to a running shop. Plus, it’s nearly the end of winter. That means cold weather gear goes on sale soon! Or you can jump ahead and plan spring outfits.
8. Your favourite restaurant
One of the perks of running is all the eating that happens later. Every runner is allowed a cheat day every so often. Plan a hard workout and while you’re running, decide on a meal to treat yourself to later.
9. Post-run hydration
Is today a smoothie day or a green tea day? Don’t neglect hydrating properly once you take off those shoes.
10. Picking up a runner
Runners make fantastic partners. Here’s what you could do to nab a runner to treat to drinks later.