Running can do wonders for your mind and body. When done regularly, running helps you improve memory and focus and boost your mood. Running can also build strong bones, strengthen your joints, and improve your cardiovascular fitness.
You can enjoy countless health benefits whenever you run, but it’s important to properly prepare for this activity. Running for long periods of time when you’re unprepared can only lead to injuries that can set you back from staying healthy and attaining your fitness goals.
Here are four tips that you can follow for you to prepare for your next running sessions:
1. Take Pre-Workout Supplements
Running is very beneficial, but some people don’t have the energy to survive running for hours. This is especially true for people who are still new to running and doesn’t seem to find joy in the activity.
If you usually lose interest after a few minutes of trying it out, consider taking pre-workout supplements 30 minutes before your scheduled run. Pre-workout supplements can increase your energy as these products often contain caffeine. This means that waking up early in the morning will no longer make you feel groggy and prevent you from running. With the right pre-workout supplements, you’ll be energized and ready to run for hours!
Aside from this, pre-workout supplements can also enhance your focus, improve your endurance and, enhance muscle growth. How pre-workout supplements affect your body will surely make it easier for you to perform at your best when running.
2. Invest In The Right Clothing And Shoes
The comfort you’ll feel as you’re running can influence your interest to continue. Regardless if you’re looking forward to running for a few hours, if your feet are hurting as you’re wearing a pair that causes blisters, you’ll likely choose to rest and stop running.
One tip to follow as part of your preparation for your next running sessions is to invest in the right clothing and shoes. Ideally, you should buy light and breathable clothing, so you can freely move when you run. Moreover, you should also invest in high-quality running shoes to prevent your feet from feeling numb and having blisters.
3. Hydrate Through The Day
Proper hydration is important because it prevents infections, keeps organs functioning properly, and regulates body temperature. But, do you know that the amount of water you drink and when you’ll drink it can also affect your performance when you run?
As part of your preparation for your next running session, drink one glass of water every hour before you’re set to run. If you’re planning to run in the evening, you should start your day by drinking a glass of water, and continue doing so until you start to run. Your last drink should be two hours before your run as drinking too much right before a running session can make you feel uncomfortable and lead to swelling.
Drinking enough water is essential before you run as it can help you stay hydrated and energized, as well as ensure that all of your joints are lubricated. Proper hydration can also lessen your risk of cramps and injuries once you start to run.
4. Consume Simple Meals
The foods you eat can affect your health. This is just one of the reasons why eating well-balanced meals every single day is important to improve or maintain your health. However, as you’re preparing to run, it’s best if you consume simple meals rather than overindulging. You’ll be exhausting your body when your run, and consuming heavy meals can prevent you from running at your best.
Eating meals that contain excessive amounts of protein or fat hours before you run can cause tiredness and cramping. This happens because your body will be spending too much energy on digesting your food instead of running. Eating foods that are high in fiber, such as potatoes and wholewheat pasta, can also trigger gastrointestinal distress as these are harder to digest.
If you want to prepare for your next running sessions, consume simple meals two to three hours before. Consuming light meals, like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, or a bagel topped with jam or honey, is enough to provide fuel to your body so you can run properly.
Preparation Is Key
Regardless of how healthy and enjoyable running is, you should never abruptly incorporate this activity into your daily routine. Keep in mind that your body needs time to adjust to this activity. If you’re planning to run every single day to improve or maintain your health, follow the tips from this article first. These will ensure that your next (or first) running session will be memorable!
