Beyond any pain a runner may experience during a hard workout or race is the mental anguish that is experienced during injury. From grief to denial to depression, times of injury can be emotional whirlwinds. Do not let what is going in your running life affect the many other aspects of your well-being. Using the mental tips detailed below you can make it through an injury with minimal sadness.
Reframe
It is easy for an injured ...
Brand new runners are often overwhelmed by just how big the running gear and apparel market truly is. With each brand promising to deliver a product that is bigger and better while also being faster and lighter than anything else on the market, it can be difficult to figure out what you truly need to spend your money on. Below is a guide outlining the necessities that every runner should have in his or her closet.
Shoes
Obviously the ...
Once an injured athlete has been cleared to return to his or her sport of choice it can be tempting to tackle workouts at the same intensity as before the injury. However, during the first few weeks post-injury athletes should be cautious as to not re-injure themselves. Listed below are tips for returning to exercise safely and effectively.
Take it slowly
Do not assume that you can return to the level you were at immediately before injury. Even if ...
With the numerous sports drinks available on the market it can be difficult to determine which is best for you. Ultimately, the easiest way to find your favorite drinks is by testing each during exercise, but the guide shown below is a handy explanation of the differences (as well as the advantages and disadvantages) of some of the many products available.
Gatorade
Gatorade is the original electrolyte drink that was developed specifically for the rehydration of athletes. It ...
A common question among runners is how many miles can be safely put on a pair of running shoes. Ultimately, the answer to this question is dependent on a number of factors and there is no right number for everyone.
In general, manufacturers recommend that running shoes can be worn for 300 – 500 miles. With the introduction of materials such as Fresh Foam from New Balance and Boost technology from Adidas, a big selling point is ...
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One of the most essential tools that every runner should utilize, especially beginners, is a running log. Training journals are as diverse as the runners who write in them, from a simple excel spreadsheet keeping track of daily mileage to a detailed, handwritten journal that tracks distance, time, feelings, weather, route, etc. There is no right or wrong way to log, but listed below are reasons why keeping a log is right for everyone.
Promotes Mindfulness
Many runners ...
Running, perhaps more than any other sport, is an exercise in efficiency. How quickly can you get from point A to point B? How quickly can you travel while expending the least amount of energy? How can you reduce your energy output?
These questions are the basis of training and running, and the driving force behind the answers has to do with bio-mechanics and proper running form. To a certain extent, form cannot be changed beyond what nature intended. ...
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Hydration is an important component of training and recovery, but water fountains are not always readily available, especially out on the trail. For those extra long or hot runs when hydration is necessary, what can a runner do to ensure his or her needs are met? Enter the hydration packs. Available in numerous styles, there is a make and model that fits the need of each type of runner. Listed below is a comparison of the most popular styles.
Hand ...
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Thinking of getting into triathlons? Before you begin you should keep in mind the amount of gear for triathletes that is required to successfully complete a triathlon, especially at the competitive level. Listed below are the bare necessities to get you through the swim-bike-run.
Swimming
Unless you are already a competitive swimmer, much of the cost for a new triathlete comes from buying swim gear.
Wet Suit/Tri Suit
Beginners who are unsure whether they will stick with the sport should ...
Injuries are the bane of every runner’s existence, yet it is extraordinarily rare to encounter a runner who has never been injured. While hindsight is always 20/20, the majority of common running injuries are entirely preventable when approached with a healthy dose of mindfulness and attention. Listed below are the common causes of injury, the most prevalent injuries that runners face, and how they can be avoided.
Common Cause of Injuries
The majority of injuries can be traced ...