I hate running, but once a week I go for a six-mile run with my trainer. Somewhere around mile two I feel like a dying horse and start complaining. If it weren’t for my trainer, I’d probably never make it past mile three, but every week that I cross the six-mile mark, I feel such a sense of accomplishment. I also may or may not feel like throwing up given that my trainer insists, every week, I beat my previous record meaning that the end always entails a sprint. All that said, like many runners, I’m always looking for inspiration, so given that it was just National Running Day, I took the opportunity to speak with National runWESTIN Concierge Chris Heuisler.
Westin announced the launch of Run With a View, a program that encourages guests to take their runs outside (not to mention stay in shape while traveling…)…anyone else ready for a vacation? In the meantime, see Heuisler’s tips below!
Avoid Dead Butt Syndrome: Yup, that’s a running term. The majority of lower extremity running injuries occur as a result of having tight hips, which results in having, sorry, a “dead butt.” So before you head out for that quick 30 or 45-minute run, perform a quick set of exercises to wake up your glutes and loosen your hips. (Bridges, Bird Dogs, and lateral walks with resistance bands are all excellent.)
Sleep more: Most of us aren’t sleeping enough, and the more I talk to the pros, the more I realize how much they’re valuing their sleep. With the amount of wear and tear we put our bodies through running, we need at least seven to eight hours of sleep per night to help the muscles repair properly. Prioritize sleep.
Write down your goals: It is so easy to skip a day of working out IF you don’t have a program in place to hold you accountable. And the more those missed days add up, the more susceptible you are to an injury. However, if you feel an injury brewing, by all means visit this Regenerative Medicine Clinic in Ocala, FL called QC Kinetix and take one to three days off. Additionally, by mapping out your program you can avoid putting on too many miles too soon, which is a common factor in injuries like plantar fasciitis and stress fractures.
Maintain balance: The best runners I work with are the ones who maintain balance in their everyday lives. They don’t always talk about running, and their lives certainly don’t revolve around the sport. Running is a lifestyle for them, but it’s not the be-all and end-all. It’s one thing to be committed to a training program, it’s another to be obsessed. Obsession usually means there is an unhealthy relationship with someone or something and, in this case, it would be running. But commitment to something implies loyalty and balance. Recognize the difference.
Stay positive: Having a positive attitude towards your running can have great rewards in both how you run and how you continue to run. Runners love to compare themselves to others and, in doing so, they’re selling themselves short. Compare yourself to yourself and be proud of the progress you’ve made when you make it. Speed is relative and there will always be someone faster than you. So try not to say, “I had a bad run today,” because that’s too easy. Instead try, “Running felt hard today, but at least I got out there and did it.” Strong mind = strong body.
