RUNNING EASIER, resting properly and avoiding injuryRunning easier is an important lesson to learn when one is taking up running for fitness or for competition. Starting out too hard too soon often leads to injury and discouragement. Running easier is often not a consideration when people take up running for the first time. As a result they find it very difficult and painful and their foray into running ends up being a discouraging experience. Most of the time it's the problems are caused by not "easing" into running and stressing the body before it has time to adapt to the new demands they are making on it. INCREASE DISTANCE SLOWLY Running easier is an important consideration as there is risk involved with demanding too much from the body too soon. If a runner wants to reach the point where long distances become very manageable and less physically stressful, then it's essential to build up running distances very slowly over time. Running is considered a "high impact" exercise because of the jarring effect it has on the body with every single foot-fall. Although the knees bear much of the burden, the impact that results when each foot meets the ground effects the entire skeletal frame. By starting out by running easier the body will adapt to the constant demands as muscles, ligaments and tendons eventually strengthen as the runner's conditioning improves.
AVOID INJURY The human body is a miracle of creation and has the remarkable ability to adapt to the demands that are made on it. However, if runners insist on extending their training distances without giving their bodies time to adapt by running easier in the early days it could easily result in runs that are are not that much fun and have a high potential for injury. With that in mind, it stands to reason that one of the key ways to make long runs easier is to work up to those longer distances slowly. REMEMBER TO REST It's also typical that most runners will be unaware of the importance of rest days in the fitness equation. Although it might not seem too bad at the time, running day after day and running too far too often will eventually result in the body rebelling and finally breaking down. Long runs are much more enjoyable if they are carefully scheduled and easier running days are worked into the weekly training program. For instance, longer runs should be scheduled after a full day of rest from training. Another rest day or a very easy run should be scheduled for the day "after" the long run. The first rest day allows the runner to attempt the longer run fully rested, and the second rest day allows for recovery after the long run. WHAT YOU EAT IS YOUR FUEL Diet is also an important consideration once a runner begins to take on longer distances in training. Having the body properly fueled with the optimum balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats will help combat fatigue and physical stress that often results when runners begin to run longer distances. Of course a major part of the fueling process includes being properly hydrated going into a long run and having enough fluid replacement during the course of the run to sustain an optimum level of hydration. If a sound diet is incorporated into your training along with some easier run days it will be a much more enjoyable experience. HAVE A PLAN IN PLACE Proper preparation and planning are major keys to ensuring that long training runs are not an overly stressful and physically demanding experience and will make the miles pass effortlessly by and will help ensure those long run days are an experience to look forward to.
Running Easier Back To Triathlon Run Training Page
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I have written three books that all serve a specific purpose when it comes to those new to the sport of triathlon or those who perhaps have the Ironman on their mind.
"Ironstruck...The Ironman Triathlon Journey" is a perfect book for those who have the Ironman on their mind and perhaps need some motivation, inspiration, and encouragement to help them make that final decision to challenge the Ironman and make it to the finish line.
"Ironstruck? 500 Ironman Triathlon Questions and Answers" is most like the only Q+A book in the world on the subject of triathlon in general and the Ironman.
This is the perfect book for the triathlete who has decided to take on the Ironman for the first time, or perhaps has done one or two and would like some insight from a different point of view.
It is a great companion book for "Ironstruck...The Ironman Journey" and the pair of books would make a great gift.
"Triathlete in Transition" is a book that was inspired by all the people who would stop by at my Ironstruck book signings and suggest I write a book for the very beginner triathlete who just wanted to know more about the sport.
I suppose because I had this passion for the Ironman that it seemed natural to write about it first almost six years ago now.
So in effect I have gone from the most difficult and challenging of triathlons and ended up at the beginning of the triathlon journey.
Triathlete in transition is full of information about how to get started in the sport and like my Ironstruck books, are inspirational and motivational as well as full of practical advice on triathlon that make the sport much more enjoyable.
Regardless, now I have three books that cover the full range of triathlon from just learning about triathlon in general, to ultimately reaching the Ironman finish line.