I’ll post tips and tactics here for any and all runners. I’m starting off with some from my own personal experiences. If you have a tip you would like to share, email it to info@virtualfitnesscenter.com, You’ll get credit if your tip gets posted.
If your running goal is to lose body fat and/or reduce your weight, run first thing in the morning when your body has used up its supply of carbohydrates and will turn to fat for its main energy source. Don’t run at too fast a pace or you’ll begin to burn protein (muscle tissue).
To combat “road rash” use plain old petroleum jelly applied liberally on the spots that are prone to rubbing (crotch, thighs and nipples). You can buy expensive anti-chafing creams, but why? The only downside to petroleum jelly is it leaves stains on your clothes.
If you run every day, have a second pair of running shoes. That way you’re sure to have dry shoes for every run.
Keep a diary. Write your entries in it religiously. It’s the easiest way to measure your progress and improve your workouts. Write down not only your distance and/or time but your feelings, aches and pains, new discoveries or anything else you feel is important.
Synthetic fabrics make the best running apparel. They’re lightweight and breathable. They keep the body dry by wicking away sweat. They can keep you cool in summer and warm in winter. Wool can do the same but I don’t think I’m going to run in that sweater that Mom made for me last Christmas. Stay away from cotton.
If you’ve got no animal rights issues with it, carry a can of pepper spray for the doggies. I’ve been attacked by a hound before and it’s not fun. A blast of pepper spray can take care of that situation. There’s also an ultrasonic device that is supposed to scare dogs away. I just don’t trust anything I can’t hear.
For a pleasant experience, take off your watch or your heart rate monitor and just run, run, run. Not everything is about time and average HR.
Join a club in your community. Running with others who enjoy it as much as you do can be fun and motivating.
If you have aches or pains that don’t get better as you run, stop. Go back and rest. You’re not fully recovered from your last run or you’re pushing too hard.
Decide on your distance and/or time before you go out and stick to it. Unless you’re injured you should always complete your workout.
Invest in a backpack type water bottle. It’s worth its weight in gold on the long run. And it gets lighter as you drink from it!