This week’s Tuesday Topic is What is the best fitness advice you have received? You can write about this topic or feel free to post any running related blog post. Remember to link up with Kim and Zenaida! Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier! Remember to come back for later linkers!
As runners there is always something new to learn. Whether it is a new gear, fuel, or shoes, it never hurts for us to be in the know of these products. Throughout the years I’ve learned so much from my running friends and my blogger friends. – THANK YOU!
Here is a list of best advice I’ve received throughout the years:
✅ Get fitted for shoes. I think I bought my first pair at Kohl’s. Don’t know why I went there. Months later I went to Fleet Feet and got fitted for a pair of Asics Cumulus and ran my first marathon in them. However, I was in so much pain and don’t know if it was the shoes or simply because I was running longer than I’ve ever had in my entire life. Probably the latter.
✅ Easy runs should be EASY. Took me a long time to figure that one out. Better late than never. Now I believe that that is how I’ve been able to recover much faster and am rarely sore after a hard workout.
✅ Do strength training and/or speed workouts. I was simply lazy and would only run. I had time but didn’t make time for it. Now I have a Peloton and have been enjoying it. It’s been also fun seeing the faster paces in some of my workouts too.
✅ Celebrate each race or run. They’re not all going to be perfect or turn out the way we want them to. Still be happy that you ran XX number of miles. Remember, we don’t HAVE to run but instead we GET to run.
✅ Make sure to rest and sleep. Umm, yes please. Life is busy as it is and I rest whenever I can. I used to sleep better before but now am struggling with it. Too much stress – don’t like being an adult! 🙂
✅ Have fun. I’ve mention this a few times in my blog. Running is a hobby and not our job. So while we can be competitive, we must still be able to enjoy it.
What would you add to this list?
Great list, Zenaida!
I was like you with strength training. I always pushed it aside (for many years!) until I realized that it was necessary to avoid injury.
The only thing I would add is “listen to your body”. Too often I would just ignore the pain signals and then get injured.
Oh yes, “listen to your body” is a good one too! Thank you for reminding me. But sometimes we are stubborn runners, right? 🙂
Perfect list of items. If only I remembered to follow them all. I would add what Catrina said. Don’t run through your injuries!!
I agree with that one too! Many times we ignore what our body tells us and the results are no bueno.
Celebrate each race and/or run! There are definitely runs & races where I’ve struggled with that! It’s really good advice though.
I know we’ve all struggled but the key is to still be happy with it no matter how it goes. I know it isn’t easy either. 🙂
Yup, you’re completely right. Some days it is, indeed, just hard though.
You highlighted most of the same things I did, especially the truth that not every race/run is going to feel great. We have to let all that perfectionism go and just enjoy our sport for what it is 😉
I agree with you!
YES! We GET to run…. and what a gift that is. I love this reminder!
Many times we forget how lucky we are that we get to run.
Strength training has been a total game changer for me as well. I have come to really love it. Yes always have fun!
I love your motivation and attitude towards strength training! I don’t love it yet but at least I am doing it. 🙂
Getting fitted for shoes is a good one! When I first started running I selected shoes that I liked based on color and style – I had no clue about neutral sneakers, support sneakers, etc.
I still pick colors based on color. The more colors they have the better!!!
This is great! Like you, I did much of my training for my first marathon in a very old pair of Nike Pegasus that I’d worn for years. Fortunately, someone told me to go to a running store and get fitted, and I did it early enough to get a couple of long runs in them before my marathon.
I am glad someone told us that. It is what I tell someone that wants to start running too.