10 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Marathoning:

I am far from being an expert or even a well experienced runner, however, I have logged a few miles in my day and have raced and finished 12 marathons now and 2 ultramarathons. Here are 10 things that I wish I knew before I started running marathons and beyond.

1. Be patient. Getting your body and mind ready and in shape to run any distance race simply takes time and effort, it will not happen over night and you cannot cram your training in last minute.

2. Run your hard training days harder and your easy recovery days easier. Often runners don't do their hard workouts hard enough then go too hard on the days they should be recovering. There is no advantage in pushing on easy days.

3. Shoes won't make your race but they could break you. Shoes are not that important in my opinion unless you have the wrong ones. Make sure to go to a good running store with a knowledgeable staff that are runners.

4. Don't be afraid to push yourself. Given the proper training and nutrition your body is capable of almost anything don't limit yourself.

5. Everyone is unique. There is no universal training program that will work for everyone. Running is such an individual sport that the only way to really know what's best for you is to get out there and try different programs until you know you body enough to figure out what will work best for you.

6. If you really want to get fast. Long tempo runs, in my opinion are the key to improving your marathon time, they closely replicate the actual race. They're tough but worth it.

7. Sometimes less is more. There is a lot of debate on the barefoot and minimalist shoe argument and you have to figure out what works best for you but often times I think that less is often more when it comes to running shoes.

8. Read up. The more you know about anything the better prepared you will be, so read up on running, there are plenty of great websites, books, blogs, and magazines out there.

9. Avoid Injuries. The number one concern throughout my running career is walking the fine line between pushing yourself to the limit and avoiding injury. Unfortunately there is a lot of trial and error, but them better you know you limits the better you can judge when to push and when to back off.

10. Leave no doubt. Every question or doubt I ever had while training for a race disappeared or was answered as soon as I crossed the finish line. Completing a race is one of the best feelings in the world if you know that going in it makes the miles a little less painful.

The Benefits of Ice Baths from Runner's World:

This recent year I have realized the benefits of icing after some of my hard workouts. In general icing helps to reduce the swelling in the your muscles and helps to promote blood flow, both of which will help in recovery by aiding in muscle recovery.

Here is an article from Runner's World that shows some of the benefits of ice baths.


Enjoy!
Benefits of Ice Baths from Runner's World.com

It's Never Easier Than Now!

Ok, I this will be a little bit of a stretch to relate to running but here goes. Running is a relatively inexpensive activity to participate in, all you really need is a good pair of shoes and you're set. Now if you want to get into racing that is another story, here is a previous post where I figured out how much I spent on running (Opportunity Cost included for you economist out there).

Whether you are just running to stay active or are serious into racing and training. With the current economic situation we all should make sure that our finances are in order, so we can participate and enjoy activities like running and other things. I follow a very informative blog that it meant provide you with a basis of financial information so that you do not waste your money and most importantly you are enjoying that hard earned money. Ramit Sethi is an author of the book I Will Teach You to be Rich which I think it a great book that outlines very simply some basic guidelines that everyone should follow. No this is not a book to get rich, but to provide you with a template to make sure that you are being smart with your money and not wasting it, so that you can use it for things that you enjoy, such as race entry fees. I highly recommend the book and this blog it is full of a lot of great information.

It Never Get Easier Than Now:

In Mint Shape

Peppermint mint be more than just a way to freshen up your breath. Studies have shown that peppermint aroma has the ability to increase cognitive and athletic abilities. A 2001 study done by the Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, had 40 athletes perform a series of physical tasks, once with a peppermint odorized adhesive strip under the participant's nose and another round with an ordor-free strip.

Peppermint was found to increase running speed as well as handgrip and upper-body strength. Additionally peppermint odor significantly reduced preceived physical effort and frustration, and the particpants rated their energy higher and exhaustion lower.

Here is a resource for more information on aromatherapy.

www.naha.org

I Will Teach You to Be Rich

Well, I won't teach you to be rich but, here is a great book that will actually teach you to be rich. Not the quick and easy way but the smart way over time, being smart with your money, and not wasting it on numerous fees and other pitfalls.

Yes, I know not running related at all, but the one thing that I have learned this year about running is the it can be expensive, as my prior post(The Opportunity Cost of Running) calculated that the opportunity cost of running this year was about $15,350.00, which is a lot to me.

The thing I like the most about this book is that it is straight forward advice targeted towards younger people just starting out, but is good for anyone who wants to be smarter with their money. It talks about everything from how to maximize your credit score, which in turn can save you thousands when buying a house, car or any type of loan. So forget saving $10 a week by not buying a few lattes, get your great score up and save $20,000 when you buy your first house. The big message that he pushes is that you have to take the initiative.

One problem that I feel that lead to the decline of our economy was not just greedy bankers, toxic loans, and politicians; it was that America as a nation that was built on hard work and perseverance starting trying to create wealth without having to work for it. I know that I have posted this before but here is a great video(Mike Rowe Celebrates Dirty Jobs) from a great website (TED.com) that speaks to that subject. Sorry that was my soap box moment for the night.

The advice in this book is no secret and many of us are doing a lot of these things already but this book lay it out very nicely and straight forward. You do not have to be a financial wiz to incorporate these technics, yes people with strong background in finance, the economy and the stock market can take investing to the next level but by being smart and having a plan you can still get a great return for your money without having to subscribe to the Wall Street Journal.

Trust me the book is only $10 on Amazon (I Will Teach You To Be Rich)
and free at the library it is well worth your time. Now all you have to figure out is how to financially justify all those pairs of running shoes, or in my case $110 pair of winter running tights.

Also great information on the Author's site.

www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com

Stubborn Runners Part II:

Just a quick follow up I did end up going out for a run and not only was it a gorgeous fall day out but I felt great too. I went for an 10.5 mile run I wanted to go more but didn't really want to push things. All in all I felt pretty darn good teeth and all even got to run at least one more day in shorts, comfortably that is. Here is the run just in case you don't believe me.

Garmin Connect -
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Stubborn Runners

I like so many of us runners are a pretty stubborn bunch. I myself am a big fan or taking a post workout sauna, of course this is not good for you, as the last thing you want to do after a workout is further dehydrate yourself, but I still sneak one or two in every once in a while. We are especially stubborn when it comes to things that deny us our sacred runs.

Such as injuries and things that life throws at us that makes running less than convenient. One such event has occurred in my life just recently. I just had my wisdom teeth pulled out yesterday, which was not nearly as bad as I though it was going to be. This is not really a big issue but the dentist said I was not to run until Wednesday and then start with half the workout I normally do.

I have always respected the wishes of any medical practitioner that I have dealt with, but I am having a lot of trouble sitting on my couch when it is nearly 60 degrees outside and frankly I feel great. I can barely feel the 4 holes in my mouth and haven't taken any pain killer for a while now. This might be the last nice day out to run this year, then it will be a lot of cold windy running outside and long boring miles on the treadmill inside.

I can't really figure out how running will even effect my mouth or the formal real estate where my wisdom teeth once resided, so on that note I'm out the door for a run...I just hope that my dentist doesn't read this blog.

Post Run Recovery:

Well, I did promise to provide some advice from my experiences running.  One of the big things that I have learned is how to recover well from my races and workouts.  One thing that really helps me is massage.  Of course you need to always try and do a good cool down and post run stretch. 

Ideally I would go and get a sports massage, but I can't afford to get one every time is have a hard workout, but even massaging my own legs or rolling them using the large form roller works great.  It actually hurts a bit when doing either, but for me it helps to reduce soreness the next day.   The key is to do it right after your post run cool down and stretch.  So give is a try or if you have a running partner or loved one that is willing to massage your sweaty legs even better.