Category: Things that Hinder Running

I’ll take Medium Distances for seven miles, Alex. For some reason, four-mile and ten-mile runs are fine. It’s the six or seven mile runs that feel long, hard, and boring. I’m guessing it’s because the mid-distance hills and scenery are same as the shorter runs, I just continue in a loop until I’ve reached my distance. The 10-milers (or more) take me on fewer hills and on to a beautiful, shaded nature path through the woods. It’s a 3-mile road run to get there, which is why I save it for the longer runs.

Let's try Time for 60 minutes: Sixty minutes or more is a long time to do anything, especially run. And it is even more so, when you are not used to taking or getting that much time to yourself. It’s really difficult to relax in to my run, when I have a laundry list of other things I should be doing. I just have to accept that some of the housework will have to wait another day, and that my husband is taking good care of the kids. Then, I let my legs run and my mind wander.

I'll take Nutrition for 200 calories: I’ve learned that two cups of coffee and a bagel with cream cheese is not a good pre long-run meal. It leads to the need for a bathroom break midway through the run. So I stick to one cup of coffee and half a bagel with peanut butter about an hour before my morning long run. If I’m running four miles or less, I just have the coffee. Helpful tips.

How about Wind for 15 miles per hour: Today’s fifteen-mile-per-hour wind was not my friend. It especially sucks in the spring, when it blows the winter’s street sand up into my eyes. It gets caught behind my contacts and makes my eyes water so hard that it’s difficult see. Plus, the wind resistance just makes it harder to run. And figuring out what to wear in any weather takes some getting used to. It’s a lot of trial and error. My general rule is that it will feel 20 degrees warmer while running.

And now a Daily Double:

People and Dogs: Mostly with people it’s the speeding cars. Slow down and watch where you are going. I know you are in a hurry. We all are. If I wasn’t, I’d be walking instead of running. But the weather is getting warmer, so a lot of kids and adults are outside. Speeders and distracted drivers, think of how late you would be if you hit one of us. And please, people, leash your dogs. I like dogs, but I don’t want to be wearing one on my leg. I also don’t want to run holding a golf club in case I have to beat a dog off of me. If you don’t have an enclosed yard and can’t watch him outside, don’t let him out. Invisible fencing is not enough. Dogs have been known to break through it. The other day, I had a dog run up and alongside me. Luckily, he didn’t bite me or trip me, and his owner was outside to call him back in to the yard. But still, he shouldn’t have gotten that far. It’s especially frustrating on the trails where people run and bike. Leash your dog. I don’t care how well-trained you think your dog is: It’s a rule for a reason.