When Not to Run
I love to run. There is nothing better than the feeling of being in the open air and getting the heart rate up, with nothing but your thoughts (or iPod) to keep you company. In fact, my love for running can have a down side. There are times when a runner shouldn’t run, but at first thought I struggled to identify them. However, I was determined to list a few…
So, for fear of sounding too negative, I have listed some times when it is not a good idea to get that run in, no matter how much you want to:
1. You have an injury
2. You have not eaten properly before heading out (see this article)
3. You have not spent any time with your kids on that day
4. You have not spent any time with your spouse
5. It is a torrential downpour, with lightening
6. There is a wicked ice fog making all sidewalks, paths, and roads like a skating rink
7. You just ate a lot of refried beans
8. Your can see through the soles of your only pair of running shoes
9. It is so hot out that you are sweating even before your run
10. Your wife just gave you the wink wink nudge nudge (this one only works for guys)
That is all I came up with. I would love to add to this list but need your help. Please use the comments to provide me with additions to this list – serious or not!
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Do Not Run on an Empty Stomach
Ok, so just a few days after I wrote about how much running at lunch works for me I had probably one of my worst runs at lunch ever. I don’t like to eat my lunch before the run, but on the days that I am doing a lunch time run I eat a banana or a granola bar before heading out. This helps provide me with some energy as I tend to eat breakfast pretty early and by the time the run comes along, I am out of juice! Today however I did not eat prior to heading out – I had a meeting that took me right up to the lunch hour and once it was done I was in a rush to get out the door. I forgot to eat.
The first mile was fine, but all of a sudden I had a moment like those old Gatorade commercials – I totally and completely bonked. I felt light headed and it was all I could do to keep my legs running forward. I ended up having to walk a good portion of the run, which for me feels like I totally lost a day training. I have never felt this before. I really had zero energy left to run. Just goes to show you how important nutrition is during any training program.
For these runs I am going to somehow try to remember to eat before heading out – I do not want this to happen again. I think what I will do is put the granola bar in the pocket of my shorts when I pack by bag the night before. This way I will not have to remember to grab it off my desk before going to change. I guess I will just need to write this training day off and learn from it.
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Running at Lunch – My Fitness Schedule
For those of us corporate slaves who work downtown in large buildings with phones and requests for assistance that never stops coming, one of the best ways to break up the day is a run at lunch. I know this is popular because the trail I run in Calgary during a normal lunch hour period can get pretty busy. Seems there are many people who find this time therapeutic and just a good time to get the run in.
If you have been reading my blog for a bit now, you will know that I often have trouble getting runs in due to work and family commitments. However, being the dedicated runner that I am, I feel guilty if I cannot get to that next run. Evenings only work about once a week, weekends can be difficult as we are family that is constantly out and about, and I try to start work pretty early in the morning so to get a run in could mean a 4:30 am wake up – I love running but I love sleep too! I have run to work in the morning, and have made the 10 mile run to work, but by the time the afternoon rolls around it is tough to keep focused on work. This pretty much leaves lunch time as the next best alternative.
Running at lunch has some good benefits:
* Breaks up the day
* Allows your mind to refresh – nothing clears out stress like a good 6 miler
* If you run with someone, it can be a good time to socialize
* In the summer, it is nice to enjoy the sun and break free from the 50 story building you work in
* You don’t eat as much at lunch (this is true for me – I have never asked others if this is the case)
So with running working well, I thought it would be interesting to display my overall training schedule. I use the FIRST training methodology which prescribes 3 key runs per week and 2 cross-training sessions:
Monday: Key Run #1 – Evening – Speed work
Tuesday: Cross-Train # 1 – Bike to and from work – 10 miles each way
Wednesday: Key Run #2 – Lunch – Tempo run
Thursday: Cross-Train # 2 – Bike to and from work – 10 miles each way
Friday: Key Run #3 – Lunch – Long run
I am sure I will need to adjust this as goals and life changes – but this is what is working now.
