Tag Archive for: half marathon training

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Stretches for Runners Who Sit All Day

If you’re at a desk all day, these stretches for runners will keep the blood flowing

For people who love to be active, a desk job can be disadvantageous. Not only does it limit your active time, but also creates muscle stiffness and lethargy. Runners, in particular, need to be agile and swift. Although you would warm-up before a run, long hours of sitting can still result in chronic stiffness and affect your form. All you need is a few minutes away from the computer every few hours. These 4 stretches for runners can help reduce muscle stiffness if you are sitting all day. 

Pro tip: if you have a foam roller use it correctly and avoid these mistakes.

Knee hug

This is one of the easiest and most satisfying stretches for most people. Lie down on your back. Make sure the surface you are lying on is firm. Bend both your knees and grab them with your hands. Gently pull your knees closer to your chest. With your back flat on the ground and your knees close to your chest, hold this position for about 30 secs. Then slowly lower your legs back to the ground.

You can repeat this stretch a few times. It doesn’t require too much effort and is easy on your muscles. This is a great stretch for the lower back and helps release the tension from these muscles. Pro tip: stretching is also a great way to speed up the recovery process after your long run.

Forward fold hamstring stretch

Hamstrings are one of the biggest muscles in the legs. They play a crucial role in supporting your body during runs and workouts. To stretch your hamstrings, you don’t really need to leave your desk. While sitting on your chair, put your leg straight out with your heel placed on something elevated. Keep your foot flexed. It could be a box, a shelf under your desk, or a footstool. Place the other foot firmly on the ground. Sit up straight and slowly bend forward hinging at the hips. Keep your abdomen tucked in, pulling your navel towards your spine.

To move it up a notch, you can try and reach the toes of your extended leg and hold for 20 – 30 seconds. Repeat the same on the other side.

Seated pigeon stretch

The pigeon stretch is great for opening up your hip flexors. Here’s a modified seated pigeon stretch for runners who sit at their desk for the majority of the day. Sit straight on your chair and place your right ankle over your left knee. Flex the right foot. You should feel a stretch in your outer right hip. To intensify the stretch, hinge at the hips and try to fold over the right leg.

Hold for 20 -30 seconds and then repeat on the left side.

Seated twist

This is another very satisfying stretch for the back. You can do this on the floor or even on your chair. If you are on the floor, sit up straight and extend your left leg forward. Cross the right foot over the left leg and place it next to your outer thigh. Hug the right knee with your left arm and place your right hand on the floor behind your back. Slowly twist to the right and look over your right shoulder.

Hold for 20 – 30 seconds. Slowly come back to the starting position and repeat on the other side.

Most importantly, move around

Moving around is a great addition to these stretches for runners who sit for the majority of the day. Get up from your chair every few hours and walk around. Prolonged sitting can not only affect your running but leave long term impacts on your overall health. Make sure you take time to get up and move around no matter how busy your day is. These stretches for runners are a great addition to these 8 ways to prevent shin splints!

Hilarious Running Memes That’ll Brighten Your Day

Runners love running. But sometimes running doesn’t always love runners back. It’s important to remember why we run and be grateful that we can. A good laugh can also help, especially when one of the running memes below hits close to home! Check them out, share them on social and with your friends, and check […]

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Make Running Easier When You Follow these 12 Tips

12 tips that could make running easier

Would you like to improve running? Are factors like motivation, stamina, and ability holding you back? Did you know jogging or running on a regular basis can reduce your chances of acquiring diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes? If you’re a nervous beginner, here are some helpful tips that can make running easier for you. Make sure you have these 7 essential items you need before training begins.

Pro tip: when you start adding long runs to your training, follow our long-run recovery timeline!

  1. Start with walking.

Before you break out into a run, start with a walk. It will warm up your muscles, joints, and bones and serve as the starting point for your run. Make it a habit to walk for the first five minutes before your run. This will help you get accustomed to running.

  1. Pair running with an activity you enjoy.

If you have a hard time leaving the house for a run, pair running with an activity you like doing such as listening to a podcast or your favorite playlist. While engaging in your activity, start your run. Keep yourself occupied with the activity throughout your run. This will help you enjoy your new-found workout.

  1. Set small distance goals.

If the run time feels daunting, set small distance goals. For example, you can do a 1K run or a jog around the park to start. Set small challenges that are achievable so that you will feel determined to continue.

  1. Enlist a running partner.

Even though some people prefer to run alone, you can opt for a running buddy. It will help if this person enjoys running. Running with a friend can make this exercise a pleasurable experience.

  1. Keep track of your progress.

Keep a record of how much and how long you run. At periodic intervals, go over your record. You will be able to see a steady improvement in your time and distance. This will inspire you more to run.

  1. Listen to your favorite tunes.

Music is a great exercise accompaniment. Make a compilation of energetic tunes or listen to ours. On your next run, put on your ear pods and listen to this list. The music will stimulate you to adjust your speed and pace. You’re also more likely to enjoy the run.

  1. Invest in good shoes.

Your footwear matters when you run. Avoid the temptation of buying cheap shoes. They can seriously damage your feet, joints, and back. Spend the extra money on a pair of good runners. Pro tip: follow our advice to pick out the right running shoes.

  1. Progress gradually.

Avoid progressing in your training too quickly. This can rapidly demotivate you and even injure your body. Follow your training plan and take advantage of your rest days. This tip is applicable for a beginner, novice, and a pro.

  1. Reward yourself.

Hard work deserves to be rewarded. Each time you complete a goal, treat yourself.

  1. Join a runner’s group/forum.

What better way to encourage yourself than to talk to other runners. They can provide valuable tips and suggestions to improve running.

  1. Positive self-talk.

Your mind is your biggest obstacle when it comes to running. In fact, you’ll find it easier to come up with reasons not to run versus pushing yourself to get out the door. This is where you have to repeat positive affirmations like:

“I’ve got this!”

“I can do this.”

“One run at a time.”

“I’m one step closer.”

  1. Follow a training plan.

This is especially helpful if you’re a beginner. There are 30-day beginner programs that will help you build your endurance and confidence. Many of them gradually progress from walking to running.

Running isn’t about losing weight or getting fit. It’s a lifestyle. The first two weeks may feel like an uphill battle, but if you apply some of these tips, you can make running easier.

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Increase Your Speed with these 7 Tips

These tips can help you increase your speed as a runner

Whether you’re a first-time runner or not, you will eventually want to increase your speed. This is the best way to set new PRs! You’ll have to put in the work though. It takes hard work and dedication to increase your speed. Below are 7 different ways that you can increase your speed and chase those PRs. The more of these tips you integrate, the better. Pro tip: make sure you effectively warm-up before any run or workout.

Interval training

This means exercising with periods of high and low intensity to run faster. Running an interval involves running faster than your everyday pace. The intervals revamp the efficiency of the oxygen delivered to your body. This will help increase your speed and efficiency. Learn more about how interval runs and these 6 other types of runs can help increase your speed.

Interval workout example

  • Jog for three minutes
  • Sprint for one minute
  • Repeat this cycle four more times, resting in between each repeat

Use the treadmill

If you want to run faster, you need to practice. Buy a treadmill and use it as a source for you to keep yourself motivated during bad weather days. Especially if they keep you from going outside for your daily run. The treadmill assists with leg turnover, making it easier to run faster. Push the pace as much or as little as you want. Increase your speed over time to see improvements.

Run hill repeats

This can be challenging, but it’s worth it. Running hills is a form of resistance and running mechanic training. You’ll increase your muscle strength, especially your glutes and calves. The muscles needed to sprint across the finish line! Pro tip: get the right running shoes for you with our helpful insight.

Add strength training

How you increase your speed is not just about running. You need to keep yourself active and functioning. Strength training involves physical exercises that improve strength and endurance. It is associated with the use of weights but can take a variety of different forms, like booty bands. Start with small weights and increase your goal gradually. If you manage to beat your record, you are doing great. 

Try yoga

Yoga has extensive benefits beyond our imagination. Add yoga to your daily or weekly training plan and you won’t be disappointed. A study showed that twice-weekly yoga sessions increase flexibility in your joints and improve the balance of your body. The added stretching could also prevent injuries like shin splints.

Be steady and focused

Things take time, so don’t get off the track. You won’t achieve your big goal overnight. Set up smaller, weekly goals along the way. Take it easy on yourself. Slow and steady may win the race, but fast and steady builds speed! Take challenges and try running faster than the day before.

Eat right

Let’s turn to optimal fueling. We can talk about making sure you have enough to eat before you run and eating enough to recover properly. Just don’t let your sugar cravings overtake your goals! Eating healthy and hydrating properly will help you work harder. 

These are some of the most tried and valued running techniques. You can have your unique ways to help you increase your speed. Do you have any unique ways that have helped you increase your speed or have you tested any of the above out? We would love to hear.

What to do After a Long Run

Recover faster with our 6-step long-run recovery timeline

Your 3M Half Marathon training plan will include long runs which will progressively increase over time. They’re the core to building the endurance needed to achieve your goals. Just like any other run or workout, you need to recover and prepare for what’s next. This long-run recovery timeline will help expedite the recovery process, from the moment you stop your watch until you lay down for a well-deserved nap. Follow our advice, build it into your schedule, and make sure you’re ready for whatever is next on your training plan. Wait, before you even start the long-run recovery timeline, make sure you avoid these five simple training mistakes.

Pro tip: adjust the timeline as needed to fit your schedule.

Rehydrate (within 5 minutes)

Runners lose fluids during runs and workouts when sweating. This is the price you pay so your body can stay cool during the run. It’s important to drink at least 16 ounces of an electrolyte-enhanced drink (like Nuun Hydration) when you’re done. Drinking this will begin the rehydration process and restore needed electrolytes and nutrients Pro tip: have a drink ready before you begin that’s specifically for after your run.

Stretch and foam roll (within 5-15 minutes)

You’re pushing your body further and further, reward it with stretching and foam rolling. Whether you’re increasing your distance or lowering your time, you’re asking a lot of your body. Take care of the muscles that take care of you. Stretching and foam rolling allow fresh blood to flow to the muscles. This speeds up recovery and helps prevent lactic acid from settling in. It can also help you avoid the pain from shin splints. Pro tip: check out these other reasons runners love to foam roll.

Eat a snack (within 15-30 minutes)

Grab some fruit, beef jerky, or your favorite GU Energy Chews. Eat something that won’t upset your stomach or dry out your mouth. You need to replace the energy your body consumed during your long training run. Plus, it’ll give you a nice little energy boost. Keep hydrating!

Cool off (within 30-60 minutes)

Take a cold shower or jump in a cold body of water like Barton Springs (stay no more than 15 minutes). The cold water can help your body’s core temperature return to normal and reduce inflammation. If it’s cool outside or slightly windy, take your stretch session outside.

Eat a meal (within 1-2 hours)

Time to eat! By now your snack is wearing off and your stomach is beginning to rumble. Depending on your mileage, your body probably burned thousands of calories. Time to replace them! Grab something to eat, whether it’s a pre-cooked meal, something you prepare, or you go out to a restaurant. 

Nap (within 2+ hours)

The ending to a perfect long run, a nap. You’ve stretched and foam rolled, eaten, hydrated, and showered. It’s time to let your body do some repair work. Find somewhere that’s dark and cool. A 30-60 minute nap is perfect, depending on what you have to do for the rest of the day. It’s not a bad idea to stretch/foam roll one more time and drink some more electrolytes before your nap. 

Some runner’s recovery timeline might differ. You can adjust this to fit your schedule. But the core of this long-run recovery timeline will assist in repairs your body needs. This will help you get ready for whatever is next on your training schedule.