Need Running Advice

SpunkyGirl

Girls,

I need some running advice!  Lately when I run (and I run about 3-4 miles 3 times a week), it's been a sluggish venture, even though I've been running for years.  I thought it might have to do with my eating habits and with the fact that with my DH very sick I have little flexibility and time to really give to my physical fitness-I catch a workout as I can.  I have a 1.6 mile route through the neighborhood that I run twice (so my kids can come outside and get me if they need me), and I ran it the opposite way that I usually do last night, and that helped a little.  I also have an elliptical in the basement and I do that a few days a week. 

Does anyone have any little tips that I can use to get through this-maybe some foods that you find energizing or small ways to vary the workout?  I can't put a lot of time into it, unfortunately.

Thanks!
Bobbie

KerryMac

In winter I limited my running to just my neighbourhood streets, so I could run on the road and not on the slippery sidewalks and also so I was close to home if i needed to stop because of the weather. Man, those were looong months, I got so bored, and felt a little like a hamster! I felt so liberated once I could venture further afield, and running became interesting again! I really love "going somewhere" when I run. So, I totally get how running the same track can get boring and makes you feel sluggish.

So, is there any way you could vary your routine? I know it is hard to fit everything in, and also be close for the kids. Maybe run with your phone so you could go a little further afield, and still be reachable. Or do you have a park or trail close by, where you could take everyone along, and they could play or bike along and you could run?

I run early in the morning when everyone is still asleep, I don't know if that is possible for you. If I don't do that, it is hard to fit it into my day. 

As for diet, carbs, carbs, carbs! I eat lots of whole-wheat pasta. And make sure to drink enough, I have found that now it is getting hotter, I need to drink a big glass of water before I go or else I feel sluggish, for longer runs I have a water belt and I make sure I drink all the time, I really notice the difference. 

And really, if you are feeling a bit stale with it all, have you thought of just taking a week off, maybe just walking, and then you might get a bit of renewed enthusiasm?

Hope the joy of running comes back soon!  

everyminute

some runs are harder than others for sure!  It would be nice if , considering all the other stuff going on, you could LOVE the run right now!  So - here are a few of my tips and tricks

ipod - fun music

Hammer or Gu gels (with a little caffiene helps)

A cup of coffee right before you go and maybe some pb and toast

Friends who run - who can chat and bide the time

A little speed work (mix in a couple of lamp post to lamp post at a faster pace) to keep it interesting

Pure

welll....I juice..and now I do it twice a day..I feel super good even when I shouldn't..Its quick and easy..The clean up sucks but... And there is that study that 8-10 servings on vegetables cuts reoccurence...There is just something about juicing that boosts your energy!

SpunkyGirl

Ahhh, good ideas, girlfriends!  The monotony has gotten to me (I'm a poet and don't know it).  I'll try some of these things out, and I'm sure they'll help.  Pure, the juicing sounds awesome, but I'm not into the cleanup.  I guess I'll try that fusion juice that's out and see if it's really half healthy.   Everyminute, I have no idea what Hammer or Gu gels are, but I'll find 'em!  And yes, Kerry, I think I can vary the runs a little. 

Love You all!
Bobbie

KerryMac

Gu gels are awesome, I take them on longer runs. They taste horrible going down, actually the consistency is unpleasant, but once they kick in you do get a good burst of energy. (the caffeine ones are great!!) They make chews and other stuff as well. I get them at my local running store, it's worth popping in for a browse through the energy bars etc as well if you get a chance.Just a matter of trying out some different stuff until you find something you like and that works (some things give me the other sort of runs!)

marklee99

Well,I suggest at least 1Month-1Month and half of training.If you want a good training program,there are so many palces you can go.

Where I live in Calagary,there is a place call the running room.Where a group of people just go together and run,not sure how much ,but a good run.I think 10km more or less.And they do tons of other training, so try finding something like find that.

Als,if you look some sport magazines,there are tons of workout schedulas that coud help you a lot.

Hope this will help you!!

maywin

Another thing I like to do to shake up the monotony is  exercise DVDs. There are millions of them out there- go to collagevideos.com. I enjoy mixing up running with step, muscle training, weight lifting, pilates. the dvds are cheaper than a gym and you can do them in your own home in your underwear if you want to LOL. My physical strength and stamina has also gone up and my weight has gone down. Just running is boring and its not so good for your body to do the same thing all the time.