More Random Lessons I Have Learned Along "My Running Path"

My 6/4/14 post was so well received that I decided to add more lessons to the list.  So, here goes...  

• The moment you cross the finish line of your first marathon, you are changed forever!  It is truly a moment that you will never forget!                             

image from:  www.weightcruncher.com

                                      

• Wear a hat with a brim when running in the rain.  The brim will prevent rain from getting in your eyes -- rain in your eyes really hinders your ability to see!                                                        
• Temper your "adrenaline surge" when racing.  Do not go out too fast!  You will bonk in the later miles of the race, whether it is a marathon, half-marathon, or even a 10K.                     
• In marathons with many thousands of participants, do not go to the first water table to hydrate -- it will be very crowded, causing you to slow down, come to a screeching halt, or even worse, get injured.                                                                                                                 
• Run for a cause -- something that is much bigger than you.  If you raise money for a charity, you will really think twice about quitting in the middle of the race -- chances are that the group that you are running for is in worse shape than you are in at that moment when you want to quit.                                                                                                                           
• Never wear brand new running shoes on race day!                                                                     
• Be sure to wash brand new clothes prior to racing in them.                                                          
• Do not take Motrin or Aleve the day of a race -- it may cause you to become dehydrated.     
• Always carry Extra Strength Tylenol with you -- wrap two capsules in tin foil and place in your shorts/skirt pocket.  If running a marathon, wrap four capsules in tin foil, two in one piece of tin foil and two more in another.                                                                                        
• Do not use antiperspirant the morning of a marathon or half-marathon -- underarm deodorant inhibits sweating, a big problem if you are trying to keep your body temperature cool while running.                                                                                                     
• Try Coca Cola or Pepsi at around mile 16-18 in a long run of 20 miles or more.  If it works for you, I would use it during the actual marathon at around the 17 or 18 mile mark.

The feedback and additional lessons that my readers left after reading my 6/4/14 post was terrific.  Please see the Comments Section of my 6/4 post for their great suggestions.

Keep on running!  Any questions, please ask in the Comments Section below -- I look forward to helping you along your running journey!

Random Lessons I Have Learned Along My "Running Path"

June 4th, 2014

Happy National Running Day, everyone!  I got in an early morning four mile run today and hope to double the celebration with an evening run.  During my 7 am run, I found myself thinking about all the wonderful experiences that I have had during my 35+ years of running and racing -- I started pondering what I have learned while logging in many thousands of miles.  I came up with the following list of key pointers that I should share. Please note that these are in no particular order

1.  It is better to race and bonk than not to race at all.  Racing is a great experience even if you do not perform well -- crossing the finish line is always empowering!

2.  Water is your best friend before, during, and after a run.

3.  Runners, as a community, are awesome! 

4.  Double knotting your shoelaces does not ensure that they will remain knotted, especially if they are the "rounded" (not the "flat") kind. 

5.  Runners are so passionate about running that they want to encourage everyone to become a runner!  

6.  On a windy, fall day, when your marathon starts on a bridge, be sure to wear a hefty garbage bag with holes for your head and arms -- this will block the wind so you do not freeze while waiting for the gun to go off.

7.  When running on a cold day, wear layers on your upper body.  

8.  When running outdoors, wear high quality sunglasses to prevent premature cataracts.

9.  If there is any possible chance that you will be walking through wet grass or mud on your way to the start of a race, especially a marathon, wear a plastic bag over each running shoe and tape shut the tops of the bags.

10. Learn how to fold paper cups so that you can drink on the run instead of walking at water stops.

11. Cut your toenails at least two days before a big race, not the night before!  What if you cut off too much?  You do not want to hurt or risk an infection during the race.

12. Put Glide or Vaseline or Aquaphor everywhere when running for an hour or more.  Chafing is very painful (and not particularly attractive).

13. Have a New York City salted pretzel the day before the marathon -- you need the electrolytes and the carbs!

14. Enjoy the sights and sounds along your running routes.  Take a break from your headphones every so often so that you can listen to the babbling brook or the bustling noises of the big city.

15. Watch out for potholes and other nasty obstacles during races.  Be sure to do a quick survey of the ground ahead of you at regular intervals.

16. Life is short.  Be grateful for every step that you can take... Ready, set, go -- seize the day!

Okay, enough random thoughts for today!

Do you have any lessons you would like to add? Please do so in the comments section below.

                              And, always remember to: