Running is Healthy Exercise: Here’s how to make it easier

If you’ve decided to up your healthy exercise by taking up running, you’ve probably noticed one thing: running can be hard! While sometimes you might feel unbreakable, like you can breeze through the longest run of your life, other times it seems impossible to even make it through your normal routine. How can you make running easier, so you don’t have to give up the healthy exercise it provides?

• Pay attention to your body. If you’re feeling fatigued or overtaxed, it may be a sign that you need to pull back your training, or change your diet. Try repeating your training routine two days in a row, rather than pushing yourself harder and further. Make sure you’re well-hydrated, and have a healthy, balanced, carb and protein snack 30 to 60 minutes before you run.
• Don’t think you need to be a superhero. Even the best runners have bad days. It’s ok to slow it down a little bit, and even drop to a walk in the middle of your run. The key is to keep moving, and trust that the next run will be back up to your expectations.
• Shake up your routine. If you’re running, a change of scenery can be beneficial in boosting your enjoyment. Remember, though, that there are plenty of ways to run without going for a run. If your normal runs are boring you, try soccer, softball, or a game of Frisbee, to get in some running time without just running.
• Build up your strength. If you feel like your stamina is lacking, try using some strength training to increase your sticking power. Box jumps, squat jumps, lunges, and forearm planks are all examples of exercises you can do a couple of times a week, after your regular run, to make running easier. You can also do your pre-run warmup on a hard surface, to increase your muscle tension and make your legs feel more spring-like.
• Use music to make it easier. While some purists insist that music detracts from the experience of the run, most people welcome the distraction of a good playlist. Load your playlist with songs that inspire you to get moving and keep going, and the miles will fly by.
• Fake it ‘til you make it. Your attitude impacts your physical state, so try to think positively about your run. Think of a time when you really did well, instead of thinking about how much you’re not going to enjoy the run. Consider your future self, and how much you’ll be glad that you pushed yourself through the run. Having trouble finding your positive outlook? Find a running buddy, so that you can inspire each other to keep going.

Healthy exercise is a big part of living a balanced life. Whether it’s running, sports, exercise classes, or just taking a daily walk, incorporating healthy exercise into your routine benefits both your body and mind. At our clinic, we are committed to helping our patients find the right life balance, through an integrated approach to wellness. To learn how we can help you, visit our website or call today for a free consultation.