runner Archives

Learn How You Can Start Running Today

Take the first steps toward a healthier lifestyle when you start running today

Did you just discover running? Welcome! Did you start running again after a long layoff? Glad to have you back. Is 2021 the year you start running? Great news! The advice below is geared towards first-time runners, but can be applied to those returning from a break or injury. Wherever you are in your running journey, you’re about to embark on something amazing. It will include countless miles, early mornings, new friends, and plenty of finish lines! Take our advice, apply it to your journey, and start running today! Remember: every runner starts at square one.

Pro tip: don’t train alone! Learn how you can convince your friend to train for a half marathon with you.

Practice good form

It’s important to practice good form when you start running. Our advice and the downloadable infographic will get you started! Don’t start too fast. You want to remain in control and keep your body relaxed. Focus on your breathing and staying loose. Focus on what’s ahead of you, but pay attention to all of your surroundings. Also, make sure:

your legs and feet land underneath your body, not in front
your arms slide forward and back, not side to side
your elbows are at a 90-degree angle
your fists aren’t clenched
your shoulders are low and loose

Set a goal and find a training plan

Set smaller goals that will lead you to your large goal. Credit – Ed Sparks

One of the first things you want to do is set a goal. That could be a particular distance, a specific amount of time, or a certain event. If you’re just starting out, an ideal goal distance would be a 5K or 10K. Training for one of these distances gives you a taste of what running is all about. It’ll teach the basics that you can then apply to longer distances, like a half marathon. Whatever goal you set, you have to commit to it. Make sure you set smaller goals that lead to your large goal to keep you motivated and on track.

Make running easier

Running is simple, you put one foot in front of the other. But there are so many ways for you to make running easier. Take proper care of your body, especially when you’re just beginning. Getting more sleep, taking time off, and hydrating properly are just a few of these 12 tips that’ll make running easier!

Don’t skip the warm-up

An effective warm-up can help prevent injury.

An effective warm-up is crucial, especially if you start running today. You’re asking something new from your body and you want to make sure your muscles are awake. A proper warm-up can help prevent injury and keep cramps from occurring. Not sure where to start? Follow this 10-minute warm-up routine.

Stay motivated

Sometimes the motivation just isn’t there. The chances of skipping a run or missing a workout are higher with first-time runners. But you’re not alone! All runners face this dilemma. One of the best ways to keep your motivation level high is to find an accountability partner. This person will meet you early in the morning and make sure y’all complete the run. Yes, you guessed it, you’ll hold them accountable too! Here are 5 excuse busters that can help keep you on track.

Don’t miss your morning run

Your running journey will carry you to the finish line. Credit – Ed Sparks

Getting up for your early morning run can be difficult, especially for first-time runners. Completing an early morning run really sets up the rest of your day nicely! But the battle with your alarm clock is real. This is the case for veteran runners too! Use these 6 tips and they’ll help you get out the door for your morning run.

Long-run recovery timeline

You’re logging miles. Crushing your early morning run. Your weekend long runs are getting longer. What’s left? Learn how to properly recover from your long run with this recovery timeline. This long-run recovery timeline will help expedite the recovery process and help get you ready for whatever’s next!

This useful advice will help put first-time runners on the road to success. But if you’re returning from a long break or recovering from an injury, this information is just as beneficial. Start running today and get ready for an amazing running journey!

Blog, Running Tips

Powerful Running Mantras That’ll Give You a Spark

Feel free to use these running mantras the next time you need a spark

If you see a runner’s lips moving, but not saying anything, chances are they’re reciting a mantra. They might be using their running mantra to get them through a tough point or to fight that little voice urging them to stop. Running mantras could even be used to remind a runner of what they’re trying to accomplish. Whatever the reason, runners recite these to give them a psychological boost. And it works! We asked for what you rely on in an Instagram post. Feel free to use the responses below!

If you’re looking for more motivation or need a good laugh, check out these hilarious running memes!

@kortneymcampbell – “Be the tortoise, not the hare.”

@babbilou (during a race) – “Believe in your training.”

@rrathlete – “I am in control.”

@nick.harrelson – “Your body won’t go where your mind won’t push it.”

@2run4 – “The only way is through.”

Need some more? Below are some of the running mantras the staff at High Five Events use.

Tina – “#1. Relax and enjoy. #2. Margaritas. Can be combined if needed!”

William – “Each step is a step closer to the finish line.”

Megan – “One foot in front of the other.”

Emily – “If it hurts, just slow down. You’ve got this!”

What’s the running mantra you use when you need it most during a run? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter!

Running Tips

7 Valuable Tips You Need to Know to Run Your Best

These 7 valuable tips will help you run your best and get the most out of training

Run your best when you follow these 7 tips! There are some things that are out of our control, like the weather. But when you execute the things you can control, you truly run your best. These tips are as easy as relaxing while you run and as technical as checking your cadence. Keep these tips in mind when you’re training during the summer months. Need a reminder? Click the infographic below to download for yourself. Take your training to the next level when you take care of yourself with this vital advice!

Relax

Sounds simple, but we can unknowingly put a strain on our body in an effort to produce mileage or a certain pace. Really focus on relaxing your body. Unclench your fists and loosen your shoulders and jaw. You can even begin your run or workout at a slightly slower than normal pace to really dial in your breathing. Slowly increasing your heart rate at the beginning will help with relaxation.

Check your cadence

The average runner’s cadence should be 160-170 steps per minute. You don’t have to count this in your head! Every runner is different, especially if you’re just starting out or have been running all your life. Under Armour makes knowing your cadence seamless. Their Bluetooth connected shoes, like Under Armour’s HOVR Velociti 2, send the information from your run directly to their MapMyRun app. The app even provides personalized coaching tips! Tracking your cadence, mileage, pace, and other running-related data will help you see improvement.

Focus on your stride

This coincides with the first tip to relax. Your stride improves when you relax. Don’t overstride or run on your tippy-toes. You want your stride to be smooth and comfortable. This better optimizes the energy your body uses and helps avoid injury.

Take time off

Listen to your body, whether you suspect an injury or just don’t feel good. The last thing you want is to have something minor become a major issue. If you have to take more than a day or two off, visit a specialist at the Ascension Seton Sports Performance and get checked out. If you think something is wrong get it diagnosed so you can build a plan to get back to running.

Get more sleep

Feeling a little sluggish since you’ve increased your mileage? Add one extra minute of sleep per night for every mile you run that week. If you run 30 miles per week, add 30 minutes of sleep. Your body repairs itself when you sleep. Make sure you give your body enough time to recover when you begin asking more of it.

Hydrate

This might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s extremely vital. At a minimum, you should drink 60-80 ounces every day. The more active you are, the more you should increase that amount. Make sure you have a good balance of water and an electrolyte-infused fluid, like nuun hydration.

Cross-train

Don’t run every day, mix it up. Cross-training is important to prevent overuse injuries. Try swimming, cycling, yoga, lifting weights, or online workouts. You’ll work different muscles and build strength. When lifting weights, focus on a lighter weight with more reps. Here are 8 reasons to include cross-training with Camp Gladiator!

You will ask more of your body as you increase your mileage. It’s important that you take care of your body. Incorporate these tips so that you can run your best. Do you have a tip that helps you run your best? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

Blog

Nominate Mom to Win a Free SPIbelt in our Mother’s Day Giveaway

10 lucky moms will get a FREE SPIbelt during our Mother’s Day giveaway

Moms give so much, it’s time to give back to them! They act as role models, care for us, and make sure we have what we need. All while they train to achieve their next goal at the next finish line. Nominate whomever you call mom and tell us why they’re awesome and deserve a new, FREE SPIbelt. We’ll randomly select 10 lucky moms the day before Mother’s Day (May 9th). Their new gear should ship the following week. Who knows, we just might stuff a couple running-related goodies in the SPIbelt for this Mother’s Day giveaway! You can tell your mom about this if you want, but we’ll keep your nomination a secret so she’ll be surprised. What y’all should discuss – training for and completing the 2021 3M Half Marathon presented by Under Armour together! Pro tip: yes adults can help younger kids submit their nomination!

Let us know how she stands out from the rest! Perhaps they live near you and help watch their grandkids. Maybe they live across the country and provide that calming voice on the other end of the phone. They could be keeping you in line at this very moment all while reading this blog post! Whomever you call mom, they mean something to you. But running also means something to them. When you submit your nomination, tell us what makes your mom special. Nominations will remain open through the end of Friday, May 8th.

Once you’ve submitted your nomination for the Mother’s Day giveaway, contact mom and tell her what you just told us. Remember: keep the giveaway a secret if you want her FREE SPIbelt to be a surprise. Best of luck to all the moms! Massive thanks to our friends at SPIbelt, the Official Race Belt of the 3M Half Marathon. Follow them on Instagram!

Blog

Free Half Marathon Training Plan for 3M Half Marathon

12-week half marathon training plan to get you ready for 3M Half Marathon

Professional triathlete and coach Paul “Barny” Matthews built a 12-week half marathon training plan to get you ready for the 2020 3M Half Marathon on January 19th! Whether you want to set a new PR or just cross the finish line, download this half marathon training plan and toe the start line with confidence. Training begins Sunday, Oct. 27th, and takes you all the way to the start line.

Register for 3M Half Marathon and start training today!

Train with a pro

Matthews is a world-class triathlete, winning or placing at numerous IRONMANs and 70.3s. He broke onto the triathlon scene at the 2014 IRONMAN Asia Pacific Championship in Melbourne. The native Australian finished second in his home country with a time of 8:02:14. He ran the marathon portion of the triathlon (final portion) in 2:44:09! During the marathon, he averaged 6:26 min/mile after swimming 2.4 miles and cycling 112 miles! His coaching style provides athletes with a blend of training knowledge he’s learned first-hand. Matthews also includes lessons he’s been taught from other world-class runners and triathletes.

This downloadable plan is geared for runners who want to complete their first half marathon or set a new PR. You can customize this training plan yourself by adjusting the specific workouts and their days to fit your busy life.

Pro tip: when you have a rest day, take it!

Take your training to the next level and contact Matthews today for personalized coaching. Make sure you ask for his special 3M Half Marathon coaching rate! Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to see where he’s training and join him for a workout.

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