Juneathon Day 26 – Running Mistakes

Hi Readers,

Today’s a rest day as per NTC but really, I’ve been resting for too long. Juneathon Day 26 activities are completed. Simple 3 KM run that was going to be a light trot but turned into a serious run. I ran the first km, walked a minute, ran 900m, walked a minute, and ran the final 900m. This doesn’t sound like a hard run but the time it took me to complete this was faster than my average and faster than my recent regular “fast” pace. I’m pretty proud of the run. Yes, I may have stopped to walk but the brisk walking to have water helped reduce cough attacks (only had 2 during the run) and I swear it sped me up for the remaining KM ahead. All in all, I have jogged, logged, and blogged for today, no excuses. 🙂

I started Juneathon with a how to run feature but I haven’t focussed on how NOT to run. This is to focus on items and things you do NOT want to do or things that you may be doing too much that could be impairing your growth and enjoyment in running.

rundmach’s Top 5 Mistakes of Running for Beginners:

1. Too Much – Too Soon: Which also includes running too fast at the start. Don’t push yourself to distances your body isn’t ready for and don’t go out too fast; pace yourself. Start off slow and steady with shorter distances. Aim to start with walk run intervals. I’m still only at a little under 12 km as my longest distance ever ran… I’ve been at it for 2 years and I read blogs where beginner runners run a marathon after 9 months. That’s amazing and inspirational, but that’s not for me and that might not be for you. Maybe it will be one day but don’t rush into it!

2. Running in the Wrong Shoes: This is important at for everyone. Don’t just pick shoes that you think are pretty because I’m a Nike fan and have always wanted to be able to run Nike shoes but they just don’t work for my feet. They don’t support the arch I have, my heels, or the width of my feet. Make sure you’re getting fitted properly by someone who cares and not someone who’s just trying to make a sale. In this case, you also don’t want to be running in some random sneakers. I saw someone running in some Chuck Taylors once (super flat trendy shoe, not made for running) and all I could think of, poor feet… But I also want to try to become a barefoot runner so… whatever it is you need, make sure you’re treating your feet well, they absorb the impact of your body and support how the rest of your body will feel during and after the run.

3. Not Hydrating: Remember you need to fuel properly and drink plenty of water 24 hours prior to your run, during, and after. Water helps with performance, breathing, and restoring your muscles. Your standards 8 ounces of water a day is sufficient but maybe a little more would be nice, if it’s too much, you’ll just pee it out.

4. Listening to Everyone: This includes me… Everyone thinks they’re an expert and really, you just need to listen to yourself and your body. Use your common sense and make sure you’re doing your research. Choose your resources wisely and think thoroughly before you take any advice too seriously.

5. Comparing too Much: Whether you are comparing stats or looking at other runners, don’t do it too early. The most important thing about running is the fact that you’re just getting out there and going.

Hope this helps you keep a level head and be aware of what you’re getting yourself into/reading.
What you should do is just HAVE FUN! 🙂

Happy Running!

rundmach

Juneathon Day 17 – Logging Success

Happy Name Day to me!

Thank you everyone for the get well and birthday wishes. I’m feeling slightly better from yesterday. Definitely not 100% but not as horrible as yesterday. A sore throat and on and off headache is all plus a minor cough that I’m fighting since coughing hurts my throat.

Seeing that I’m not as awful as I was yesterday, I came home to rest…. With a 2 km run and a 30 minute Body Flexor workout on the #NTC program. I can’t miss a day, I just can’t, I’m a committed and loyal person so I had to do it. The run was for myself and for earning a Nike+ Badge that I had missed last year. Also, I can’t let Juneathon slide just because I missed one day; I’m counting the run as a make-up punishment for yesterday.

It’s 11 pm and I really should be hitting the bed but I’m not feeling all that tired even though my sickness kept my up all night yesterday? Yes, despite being in bed at 6 pm last night, I didn’t sleep all that much.

I’m running out of workouts that I do like doing and want to share with you that I feel I have some decent knowledge in. Is that sad? There are quite a few that I do do but I don’t enjoy them… Why would I force those onto you? So, while I sit here and think about all the workouts I can challenge you with that make me fall and tumble all over the ground feeling worthless, I’ve decided I’ll share something better… A workout calendar!

This is my Juneathon workout calendar. It has done wonders for me and kept me inspired. I fill out each week’s NTC workout program that I need to complete and for the blank days I add something in that day that I will do. Each day I cross of my activities. Similar to a workout journal, these tools can prove success in staying committed. When you write a goal down you are more likely to achieve it than one you commit to mentally or verbally. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, If it’s written, it’s real!

I even kept a running journal at one point and that was for Janathon. That worked well for me then but this works a little better now that I’m following a program. In the journal I had the date, exercise, time, pace, distance, temperature outside, and what I wore and how I felt in it to help learn how to dress while running outside. I don’t need that specific detail now that it’s just hot and I wear as minimal clothing, that I’m comfortable in, as possible.

I highly recommend recording your efforts to see how far you’ve come and how much you’ve accomplished. Even if you aren’t seeing a physical change, seeing all the work you’ve done, documented, can be something to be extremely proud of.

Even this simple running log would work great! I know we use Running Free Online for Juneathon logging but I’m telling you, something about flipping open a notebook or calendar or blank template page and actually writing down your accomplishments seem like such greater victories!

It doesn’t matter what specifics or how vague the specifics are that you are writing down, just do it and you will feel a sense of self-satisfaction that you may not be able to get otherwise.

Happy Jogging & Logging !

rundmach

Provisional Run

Happy Sunday!

Today is a new week and today I take a provisional run. I’m away next Saturday and the chances that I wake up early to run at the cottage are slim to none. I’d also like to clock in a few more runs this week and get myself out of the once a week ritual.

August 4 Run: 39:19 minutes, 5.02 km, 7’50″/KM

WOAH! That’s some slow running but I did get through 5K and I’m super happy and proud of myself for that. My first KM was again my best at 6:46. Then it went all downhill from there, not literally through, I WISH! Literally, it was all uphill from there. These new paths I’m running have a lot of challenges for someone who is accustomed to flat runs. I never thought it would impact me so much, but it is tough! I’ve learned to try to think or focus on anything else when I get to an incline and just think step-step-step-left-right-left-right-etc. until I feel the path isn’t so challenging. I’m not making excuses for my slower times but this new neighbourhood has got me working that much harder! Any-who, it wasn’t too bad, I ran 1 KM, walked 1 minute, ran another KM, walked a minute until I was done the distance goal I had set.

Who cares what the pace is? I read that yesterday. It’s true, Pace is relative and I will set a realistic and challenging goal for myself each run. Whether it is to run 30 minutes or to run 5K, my goal is my focus. Pace is my own standard and not a comparison. I am at awe with all the other blogs and runners I am catching up on. I truly appreciate each and every one of you for reading my blog and sharing your stories. Your support and openness helps me be a better me. Thank you!

So, that’s two runs in two days, wohoo! Go Me!! I’ve also done a bit of off-road exercising with some dumbbells as well; yay, strength!

I hope you’re enjoying this lovely Sunday as much as I am!

Love,

rundmach