Sorry about that, but I have been trying to post for the past couple of days about my runs since being side lined with a slight ankle injury. The ankle is better now and I have actually gone on two runs since that last post. I actually just finished week 9 of the couch to 10k training program. If you are not a good runner or are looking to build up stamina, I highly recommend this program.
Anyway, I wanted to discuss two important things that I learned about running this week. The first is good shoes. Despite reading countless books on running while originally starting to run, I used to run in the wrong pair of shoes. Originally, I used a shoe finding program to buy two expensive pairs of proper running shoes, but then I ended buying some other running shoes that I thought I liked better. Confused as to why I did this, yeah I am still shaking my head too! Anyway, I realized that shorter distances of 1 to 3 miles, possibly four if you are a fast runner can be run with whatever shoe. I was fine until I started racking up the miles every week, and I watch my husband just pick the cheapest and nicest looking shoes he can find.
If you are trying to find out what shoes are best for you, I recommend this site:
Shoe Dog Shoe Finder
The other thing I discovered today was a compression sleeve for my calf. Repeatedly since August, my right leg has cramped up. Normally I run for about 20 minutes and then my leg muscles loosen up. From that point I can normally complete the rest of the run with little to no cramping. I got a compression sleeve for my right calf because I read that it helps to reduce cramping and shin splints. I ran the entire time with no fatigue. I am now a big fan of compression wear and I look forward to adding to my running repertoire.
Why Compression Wear? Well according to my research, which involves a lot of googling of running sites, I read that compression wear reduces muscle fatigue. Instead of the muscle shaking and jostling, the compression wear keeps the muscle from moving as much which allows you to more efficiently use muscle energy. Mind you, I am not a Sciencey person so I am not using proper terminology, just nod if you think this might make sense. It also helps to increase circulation and it allows the muscle to train harder. Isn't that what we are all about...training harder!
Well, Saturday I graduate to week 10 and I will be running 10 minutes straight with a 2 minute recovery in between! Happy running :-)
Anyway, I wanted to discuss two important things that I learned about running this week. The first is good shoes. Despite reading countless books on running while originally starting to run, I used to run in the wrong pair of shoes. Originally, I used a shoe finding program to buy two expensive pairs of proper running shoes, but then I ended buying some other running shoes that I thought I liked better. Confused as to why I did this, yeah I am still shaking my head too! Anyway, I realized that shorter distances of 1 to 3 miles, possibly four if you are a fast runner can be run with whatever shoe. I was fine until I started racking up the miles every week, and I watch my husband just pick the cheapest and nicest looking shoes he can find.
If you are trying to find out what shoes are best for you, I recommend this site:
Shoe Dog Shoe Finder
The other thing I discovered today was a compression sleeve for my calf. Repeatedly since August, my right leg has cramped up. Normally I run for about 20 minutes and then my leg muscles loosen up. From that point I can normally complete the rest of the run with little to no cramping. I got a compression sleeve for my right calf because I read that it helps to reduce cramping and shin splints. I ran the entire time with no fatigue. I am now a big fan of compression wear and I look forward to adding to my running repertoire.
Why Compression Wear? Well according to my research, which involves a lot of googling of running sites, I read that compression wear reduces muscle fatigue. Instead of the muscle shaking and jostling, the compression wear keeps the muscle from moving as much which allows you to more efficiently use muscle energy. Mind you, I am not a Sciencey person so I am not using proper terminology, just nod if you think this might make sense. It also helps to increase circulation and it allows the muscle to train harder. Isn't that what we are all about...training harder!
Well, Saturday I graduate to week 10 and I will be running 10 minutes straight with a 2 minute recovery in between! Happy running :-)
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