Yes, Wave at Other Runners When Running Outside
“Make waves.”
We’ve all been there. You’re out for a run.
Whether listening to music, dialed into a podcast, or, if you’re like me, using no headphones at all, you’re totally in your world.
Maybe you’re focused on breathing, concentrating on form, or, if you’re like me, thinking about food – ALL the food.
Then, it happens. Another runner is approaching. It brings the big question: “Do I wave?” If you’re like me, the answer is yes. Yes, always wave. And here are 3 reasons why.
1. Give Yourself a Boost
When you do something nice, it makes you feel better. I’m pretty sure there’s some science that can back me up on all the ways being nice to others improves your mood, boosts your energy level, and offers other benefits. But rather than fact-check myself, I’m just going to say it with confidence – you can’t feel worse if you’ve done something nice for someone else. And waving at another runner is a nice gesture.
If you’re slumping mid-run or need a kick in the butt to pick up the pace, the opportunity to wave might be the boost you need. In addition to the kindness factor, there’s that little solidarity moment, knowing someone else is in it, too. So do it.
2. Give the Other Person a Boost
One of the reasons there’s hesitation to wave at another runner is risking rejection. No one wants to put out a wave and not get one back. It’s like going in for a high-five and being left hanging.
I don’t care how awkward I look – I’m giving the wave.
Even if the other runner doesn’t wave back, take comfort in the fact you likely made them feel good by giving them a wave. Maybe they were struggling or reached the point in the run where all they can think is, “everything hurts and I’m dying.” We’ve all been there and we runners are all in it together. Why not offer some motivation to each other.
Also, I think everyone could use extra kindness right now. We may be divided in numerous ways but health, wellness, and happiness are universal greats. So give your fellow runner a wave.
3. Safety
Okay, so this one isn’t geared towards waving at other runners. This one is all about waving to drivers. It’s still a reason to give a wave so hear me out.
When approaching a crosswalk and another car is present, it’s always a gamble to keep going, even if you have the right of way. Drivers are often in a hurry. Most are looking at other cars to see if they can peel out, not looking out for pedestrians to yield.
I’m a huge fan of giving a wave to drivers, any and all that I come in contact with while running. And more than waving, it’s making eye contact and acknowledging that they see me. I believe by doing this, the next time they come to a stop sign or light, they may be more inclined to look for runners.
I’m not saying we can make the world safer for all pedestrians just by waving…but if that’s your takeaway from reading this, I’m here for it.
Speaking of safety – I know it’s only February but summer running will be here soon. Here are tips to stay safe running in the summer. Also, daylight is growing by the day but it’s still pretty dark out there so here’s how to run safely when it’s dark.
Okay, runners – time to sound off. Where do you stand on the wave? Do you always wave at other runners? Why or why not? Do you prefer a simple head nod? The comments are all yours so please share.
Connect with me @lindsayinreallife on Instagram or @lindsayIRL on Twitter. And please subscribe to Wellness in Real Life so you get every new blog post right to your inbox – bonus, I haven’t been blogging as much lately so don’t worry, you won’t get a ton from me ☺
What New Year’s Resolutions Can Teach Us About Saying Goodbye to 2020
“Good riddance.”
Raise your hand if you’re ready for 2020 to be over? I know, I know – does that really need to be asked? I don’t think I’ve seen one person expressing anything but an attitude of good riddance to the year, whether in actual conversations or what’s being shared online.
However, I’m a bit concerned with everyone’s “fuck off, 2020 – bring on 2021!” attitude because I feel it’s setting up a lot of disappointment. And, perhaps the worst part, even sadder days ahead.
Lessons of New Year’s Resolutions
Before I get into that, let’s take a look at something that’s equally popular as we head to the end of the year, something that’s not unique to 2020: New Year’s Resolutions.
Just about every year since I started blogging, I share thoughts on New Year’s Resolutions – and those thoughts aren’t exactly the type of motivational, uplifting, you-go-get-em! ones that most people would expect.
It may have looked different this year, but running was not canceled.
I’m not a fan of resolutions, never have been. I won’t get into the why, you can search if you’re really interested. But I do think New Year’s Resolutions have a tremendous opportunity to teach us something right now, as we head into 2021.
What’s 2021 Going to be Like…Really
Does everyone think the clock will strike midnight at 2021 will magically be better? It won’t be – I mean, it’ll likely be a better year by the end of it but it’s not going to happen overnight and many of the same things we’re going through right now are going to follow us into the new year.
Other than college football playoff games, New Year’s Day likely won’t bring anything different or exciting than the days before.
Now there’s nothing wrong with having hope that 2021 will bring better days. I think every day we wake up, we hope for a better day than before. My worry is those who have unrealistic expectations of what the New Year will bring. I hate to see anyone being set up for even sadder days ahead, the let down of this idea in their heads that things are going to be so much better when, in reality, not much will change, at least right away. This is where the New Year’s Resolutions lesson comes in.
The same hope/let down pattern that could be coming with the pandemic is the same one that comes with New Year’s Resolutions. There’s the excitement and the optimism (both of which are great – I love excitement and optimism!) but because of unrealistic expectations, lack of planning, even circumstances outside of our control, there’s often disappointment that often follows. There are slip-ups, bumps in the road, and that initial high of getting started slowly fades.
Side note, for those making a resolution related to fitness, feel free to take a look at this post on what to expect and how to succeed at a New Year’s Resolution to get fit.
While it’s a great idea to set goals and get pumped up, and want to go balls to the wall on something, the approach of slow, steady, and realistic change is the better recipe for success. I think we can apply those same basic principles as we navigate into 2021 which will surely be another year dominated by the pandemic.
The shirt says it all – thankful for this 2020 baby.
Rather than get pumped up that everything is going to be awesome and this will finally be the time, let’s look to smaller, realistic moments. Be excited about getting a vaccine…just don’t expect to get it right away (unless you’re in one of the priority categories). Look forward to meeting your friends for lunch at a favorite restaurant…just know that capacity limits will still likely exist for awhile. And I’m sure plenty of people are ready to rip off their mask and shop with their nose and mouth free to the outside world…but it’s likely that masks will still be the expectation for quite some time.
Again, I’m not saying we can’t be hopeful for what 2021 brings – I’m saying, let’s be sure to keep our expectations in check and prepare for plenty of bumps along the way.
Grateful…for…2020??
There’s one more note I want to leave with, the other downside of wishing away 2020. Let’s ensure we’re not doing so without taking the time to find our gratitude.
Did the year suck? Kind of, yeah. People lost jobs, loved ones, and more. Everything was canceled – except running. Running is not canceled.
The experiences I missed out on pale in comparison to what many people have gone through so I’m not even going to get into it. Instead, I’m focused on acknowledging the good. I’m grateful to still have my job and be able to do it from the safety of my home. I’m grateful to have given birth to another healthy boy and had excellent care from a team of healthcare workers.
There are some good things that came out of this year. I hope everyone can find something to be grateful for, something they wouldn’t have had or experienced had it not been for COVID-19. Remember the power of gratitude – acknowledge it every day.
What lessons did you learn from 2020? What is your hope for 2021? The comments are all yours so please share.
Connect with me @lindsayinreallife on Instagram or @lindsayIRL on Twitter. And please subscribe to Wellness in Real Life so you get every new blog post right to your inbox – bonus, I haven’t been blogging as much lately so don’t worry, you won’t get a ton from me ☺
Why a Morning Routine Matters and How to Set One That Works
“Days are expensive – spend each one wisely.”
Want 12 weeks to go by really, really fast? Have a baby.
Okay, don’t have a baby for that reason. But for real, the weeks after having a baby are perhaps the fastest of your life. The days and most nights are painfully long, but those weeks are short.
I use 12 weeks as the example because that’s the typical FMLA time allotted to working mothers in this country – some moms get more and some, sadly, get less but that’s the standard. And mine just came up recently and I’ve been transitioning back into working mom mode – this time with two little boys instead of one. Oh boy…
That face you make when it’s time to go back to work!
My first week back to work was met with the usual mix of tears and scatterbrain combined with relief and excitement. But it was also a reminder to me of the importance of a morning routine.
Why a Morning Routine Matters
A few weeks ago, when baby Chase started sleeping well and waking at a more predictable time, I got into a nice morning routine. Not my usual routine but one that works when baby is the primary focus of the day. And it led to better days than when I didn’t have one, for both of us. Chase started sleeping better at naps and had happier awake time, while I felt in control of my day and was able to get at least a few things done.
Now that we’re going back into work life mode, I need to re-establish a morning routine that prioritizes me as much as my family. Why am I so concerned about this? Why does a morning routine matter?
Last week, I didn’t have a new morning routine figured out at all. And you know what? My mornings weren’t great. I felt rushed, scattered, and not ready to be my best for the day – it sucked.
A solid morning routine is sooo important. It quite literally sets the tone for the entire day. Start the day aimless and unorganized, be ready for that theme to carry through the rest of the day.
A morning routine can just include a few quiet moments for yourself.
Re-Establishing a Morning Routine
So now begins a time when I’m going to get back to establishing my new morning routine. As I work on this, I’ll draw inspiration from my previously successful morning routine, feel free to take a look back at that blog if you’re looking for inspiration for your own routine.
Or, check out this one with 5 tips for a good morning routine.
Things like journaling, mindful moments, and simply sitting down to enjoy breakfast and coffee are at the top of the “must” list for what I need in my routine. Those are a few simple things that make me feel in control and ready to start the day.
If you’re looking to better establish your own morning routine, start by thinking about what makes you feel in control and be at your best. And start small – like my list above, that’s not much. Eventually I’d like to get back to starting some days with exercise or yoga but right now, I’m starting with the basics.
As I work on this, I’ll also draw inspiration from others, those of you who believe in the benefits of a morning routine and have successful morning rituals. So, if you have that to share, please leave a comment. I’d love it!
Connect with me @lindsayinreallife on Instagram or @lindsayIRL on Twitter. And please subscribe to Wellness in Real Life so you get every new blog post right to your inbox – bonus, I haven’t been blogging as much lately so don’t worry, you won’t get a ton from me ☺
Celebrate Your Fitness Journey, Where You’re At
“Step up, show up, never give up”
Two children. I have two children now.
It doesn’t seem as surreal as it did in the first few weeks but now, nearly two months in, it’s sunk in as new reality and it’s hard to remember the time before two, even one.
My first run back with Chase – outside the womb
Going from one to two is huge and I’ve found myself with an even smaller amount of free time. And that’s okay for now.
Between the pandemic, the changing world of social media, and everything else going on, blogs have been sparing. And I imagine it’s going to stay that way for awhile. But every now and then, I’ll have a spark of inspiration or a story to tell and I’ll be back. That’s where we’re at today.
The Ongoing Fitness Journey
Fitness and, in particular, a fitness journey, is such a funny thing. It’s ongoing, it never ends, one never reaches the point of, “Yay, I achieved my goal of being fit and healthy, now I can stop!”
I was reminded of this last week, when I started running again. I ran two days before I gave birth so it had been just over seven weeks since my last run. I started with five minutes running at about an 11:30 min/mile pace, walked, then seven minutes, hitting that one magic mile.
I remember my first run back after having a baby, my first son, how excited I was to run one mile (and without peeing myself). I remember my first half marathon back four months later, then my first marathon back just over a year later. All were victories and a reminder of what my body can do when I show up, put in the work, and take care of it.
But back to this time around. By my third run back at it, later that same week I started back up again, I improved to 2.1 miles – without stopping to walk – at a 10:20 pace. And I felt great about it.
Making progress, feeling proud
Last year at this time I was wrapping up my season of half marathon pacing, running a comfortable 8:00 min/mile pace, and priming for marathon training. And I felt great about where I was.
Celebrate Where You’re At, Right Now
Those two running scenarios are vastly different. Yet, what they have in common is I felt great about them. They’re reflective of me showing up, putting in the work, and taking care of myself – and being at my best.
It’s a good reminder to celebrate where you’re at, right now. Try not to get caught up in comparing yourself to others, or even your past self – though a little healthy competitiveness is great to keep pushing!
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter if you can run a 9:00 min/mile, squat your bodyweight, or finish a 15-minute walk around the neighborhood. What matters is showing up, putting in the work, and taking care of yourself.
Never forget to take the time to appreciate your health and celebrate what your body can do. Mine made two healthy humans and can still get out there and pound the pavement – I’m feeling great about that.
Have you had a scenario like mine where your fitness level has changed but the way you feel hasn’t?
The comments are all yours so please share your thoughts.
Connect with me @lindsayinreallife on Instagram or @lindsayIRL on Twitter. And please subscribe to Wellness in Real Life so you get every new blog post right to your inbox – bonus, I haven’t been blogging as much lately so don’t worry, you won’t get a ton from me ☺
Virtual Races in 2020 – Running the Fargo Marathon
“Virtual insanity”
2020 has been a tough year for runners – I don’t say that to discount that it has been a tough year for pretty much everyone.
But I’m here today to talk about runners and shine the spotlight on one particularly awesome group of runners here in my hometown of Fargo, ND.
Most races this year have been canceled or changed to a virtual format. While virtual running isn’t the same as race day, I saw a handful of people embrace it.
The Fargo Marathon Virtual Race
The Fargo Marathon, one of my favorite annual races, succumbed to the COVID-19 curse of 2020, having to cancel its in-person race and switch to a virtual format this year.
One of my last runs of the summer – hot and hard but great
While it had to be a bummer for those who planned to run, I was pleasantly surprised to see how many people ran their own Fargo Marathon this weekend. One of my friends really went for it, continued to train hard all summer, and achieved his goal of a sub 2-hour half marathon (shoutout to Jake Kohl from State Fargo).
In addition to all the runners, several others in the community were there to support the effort with homemade water stations and plenty of cheering and encouragement.
Why Running Matters
It’s just the kind of thing we need to see right now. People staying committed to their goals, continuing to work hard even when the typical reward isn’t dangling in front of them, making the best of a hard situation, and doing something positive for themselves and others around them.
Sure, virtual running isn’t the same – but we still get to run. I was grateful to run a couple short virtual races this year and still be healthy enough to run during pregnancy.
Congrats to everyone who ran their virtual Fargo Marathon! And with that, if you’ve continued to run, train, and run virtually this year, hats off to you as well. You’re all making me excited (and only a little jealous) to return to running in a few weeks once I have this baby out of me and I’m healed and strong enough to get back out there – even if there are no races, I still can’t wait to run, just run.
Because, let’s not forget: running is not canceled.
Have you run a virtual race this year? What kept you committed to that goal?
The comments are all yours so please leave one.
Connect with me @lindsayinreallife on Instagram or @lindsayIRL on Twitter. And please subscribe to Wellness in Real Life so you get every new blog post right to your inbox – bonus, I haven’t been blogging as much lately so don’t worry, you won’t get a ton from me ☺
4 Things to Know About Running When Pregnant
“What to expect when you’re expecting”
At this time, during my first pregnancy, I hung up my running shoes. It was 32 weeks and I had reached the point of it being too uncomfortable and slightly painful. It was hard but I knew it was time to take a break and plan to get back into it after baby’s arrival.
This time, 32 weeks in, I’m still going – strong, yet slow and not without some aches, pains, and soreness but still enjoying it and feeling good.
For all the pregnant (or hoping to be) mamas out there hoping to continue running during pregnancy, here are a few thoughts and tips from my own experience, as told by each trimester.
It’s not for everyone but running while pregnant is doable.
These are just a few things I’d like to share based on what I’ve encountered. Both of my pregnancies have been different and yours of course will be, too so it’s crucial to discuss running or any type of exercise with your doctor.
1. First Trimester: Exhaustion
If you’ve never been pregnant, you might assume the first trimester is the easiest to keep running. You haven’t yet gained weight, that load in your belly is the size of a pea vs. a pineapple.
Make no mistake – running in the first trimester is no easy task. So much is changing and your body is working hard to create this new life form. When I was pregnant the first time, I was training for a marathon during my first trimester. I attributed the added fatigue and struggle to the fact I was training during the hot summer months but, looking back, a lot of that was because of how hard my body was already working.
Some days, it may be tough to get out for a run. During my second pregnancy I felt sick every day for the first 14 weeks and running was the one thing that made me feel better – I just had to really push myself to get out the door! If it helps you to feel better, absolutely keep trying to go. But if not, give yourself a break. Your body is already working overtime.
2. Second Trimester: New Aches and Pains
Aches and pains are nothing new to runners. I’ve been known to throw around the phrase, “Everything hurts and I’m dying” once or twice during peak marathon training season (okay, maybe more than once or twice).
The second trimester might bring new aches and pains, ones you’ve never felt before. I had never even heard of the pelvic floor before I became pregnant but I quickly learned it can be the primary reason for soreness in the lower back, pelvis, and groin area for mother runners.
This is one that’s of most importance to discuss with a doctor. You may be able to avoid or manage it with the right exercises and breathing therapy, or it may be a sign that it’s time to ease up on running until postpartum.
3. Third Trimester: Putting on Shoes
If you’re lucky enough to make it to the third trimester and still be running, that’s awesome. One of the biggest challenges, aside from the two I’ve already shared: putting on your shoes.
For real, with a watermelon-size belly making in difficult to bend and reach, the simple act of putting on your shoes might be the biggest challenge you face (not so bad, right?!).
You’ll be back at it soon – & with a cute lil sidekick.
A few other things to keep in mind – fewer miles, slower pace, more hydration and, of course, more food. If you haven’t yet already had to scale back mileage or pace, increase your hydration or food intake, you’ll likely need to do so during the third trimester.
4. Fourth Trimester: Easing Back Into It
The weeks after giving birth are often referred to as the fourth trimester – an oxymoron, yes, but an important phase in pregnancy? Absolutely.
Getting back to the miles is the goal of many mother runners. The best advice I can share, along with the third trimester rules of minimal mileage, slow pace, and lots of hydration and food (especially if you’re breastfeeding), is to wait.
It’s easy to want to jump right back into it but let your doctor advise on when it’s okay to start running again. Your mind might be ready but your body needs time to heal and build up strength (again, the pelvic floor is a big deal to keep in mind).
Then, when you get the all clear and you’re lacing up for your first run (with a much smaller belly in the way, yay!), give yourself grace. You’ll likely be motivated and energized to get back at it, yet also exhausted and burned out from little sleep, lots of feeding, and 24/7 caring for another human.
Start with half a mile walking, then half a mile running, or some other run/walk mix strategy. Take it easy on pace and try to enjoy the effort more than push it. Be sure to hydrate even more than you think you need to and replace the calories with a good snack (if you’re breastfeeding, this is especially important to keep your supply healthy – something I struggled with big time with my first baby).
To sum it all up, it can be hard to take a break from running while pregnant. But before you know it, you’ll be back at it! Here’s to healthy, happy running and healthy, happy pregnancies.
Runner moms, did you run while you were pregnant? Or did you take a break, voluntarily or because of struggle? Every moms story is different and I’d love to know yours so please share in the comments.
Connect with me @lindsayinreallife on Instagram or @LindsayIRL on Twitter. Subscribe to Wellness in Real Life so you get every new blog post straight to your inbox.
Finding a Reason to Run Without Races
“Give me one reason why.”
It was a perfect June day, not too hot, not too windy, and plenty of sunshine. Lugging about 20 extra pounds, going at a pace a full minute slower than what I’d consider normal for me, I ran my first virtual 10k race – tho technically it was just another run, as there was no true race I had signed up for.
Here we are, halfway through 2020 and it has been a tough year for runners, particularly runners to who love to run events. Pretty much every major event has been postponed, outright canceled, or canceled with just a virtual option.
I know, I know – running is not canceled. While the simple act of still be able to run “should” be enough for us runners, it is a bummer not having those fun, exciting, nerve-racking race days to look forward to, break up the monotony of regular routes, and inspire us to run our best.
A good reason to keep running.
Why Running Events Are The Best
I admit, I haven’t been nearly as excited about virtual races. I really miss everything about races, from picking up my packet at the expo to the simple act of stepping up to the start line on race day, surrounded by dozens or thousands of fellow runners.
But on this recent, early summer day, at 27 weeks pregnant, the simple act of running a 10k was enough for me. I wasn’t feeling the lack of atmosphere, friendly competition, and spectators (who doesn’t love great race day signs?).
I’ve found a reason that, even without races, the simple act of running is still enough for me at this point.
Finding a Reason to Run
That’s the thing with running while pregnant. It’s like running with a slight injury, running while not feeling well, or just running in 2020 in general: it’s not the same as what we’re used to. In my case, I’m slower, get fatigued easier, and have aches and pains I normally don’t. But at the end of a run, I always feel great and it makes me grateful that I am still able to run, traditional racing or not.
In my last pregnancy running blog before my first arrived, I remembered a few more reasons why I love to run. Any of these strike a chord with you?
It’s a new month, halfway through the year, and races don’t look like they’re going back to normal anytime soon – so how are you keeping your fire lit? Have you found a reason to keep running, even without races serving as the usual motivation to run? The comments are all yours so please share your thoughts.
Connect with me @lindsayinreallife on Instagram or @LindsayIRL on Twitter. Subscribe to Wellness in Real Life so you get every new blog post straight to your inbox.
Why Morning Running is the Best – An Ode to the Early Run
“One small positive in the morning can change your whole day.”
Nice weather. Early sunlight. Beautiful scenery. Summer is perhaps the best time to get in the habit of morning workouts.
I say that with positivity yet the need to bring a dose of reality. As many of us can probably agree, this is easier said than done. Dragging one’s ass out of a comfy bed early in the morning, no matter what’s waiting for us on the other side, can be tough. And no matter which of these popular summer workouts you choose.
However, the advantages and benefits of the morning workout, particularly the morning run, are big. One of the strategies I use to psych up myself for an early run is to remind myself of those advantages.
So, for me and for anyone else needing inspiration, here’s my ode to the early morning run – 10 reasons why to run in the morning. If you need more reasons to run, check out this older post with some running motivation.
One of my favorite things about an early run is ‘yoda’ (yoga) after with my son
You greet me with beautiful sunrises
You give me the chance to wake up without having to immediately shower and get ready
You’re often the coolest, calmest, best weather of the day
You bring me peace and calm I can’t get with traffic, noise, and other runners out later in the day
You are the time when my son is still asleep and doesn’t need me for anything
You are the time when my son is still asleep so I don’t miss out on anything
You give me an excuse to stretch, breathe, and have mindful time early in the day
You leave me more time to prioritize the rest of the day
You make me feel so good when I’m done
You – quite literally – put me in the best position to have the best day
Happy running and don’t forget how to stay safe while running!
Are you one for early morning running or workouts – but who also needs a little kick in the ass to get them done? Any other tips for making the morning workout happen? The comments are all yours so please share your thoughts.
Connect with me @lindsayinreallife on Instagram or @LindsayIRL on Twitter. Subscribe to Wellness in Real Life so you get every new blog post straight to your inbox.
How to Stay Safe While Running Especially in the Summer
“Run strong, run smart, run safe.”
June happens to be a month with a few important running dates.
June 3 is Global Running Day.
June 25 is Gabe Grunewald’s birthday, June 11 is when she died – I include the latter, too because I believe both days are wonderful reasons to celebrate her memory and positivity with a run.
And, as the official start of summer, June is also when we get our longest day of the year, plus the early morning and late evening daylight just lends itself to more running and feeling safer while being out.
Speaking of safer, June is also National Safety Month. What a perfect time to share a few thoughts and ideas for safe running.
For everyone running this summer, whether veteran or newbie to the sport, I wish you miles of healthy, happy, and safe running! Here are 5 tips for safe running, especially now in the summer.
1. Skip the Headphones
This is probably my top safety tip and it’s also just a good all-around practice to reap the stress-relieving, mindfulness benefits of running.
Sunnies out, summer running time.
Forgoing headphones brings several safety benefits. First, it creates opportunity for greater awareness, overall. Oncoming traffic, wildlife or dogs on the loose, even – hopefully this never happens to most but it does happen – sensing and hearing a potential attacker coming up behind you before it happens.
While awareness is the biggest safety factor that comes from running without headphones, there’s also an argument that can be made for better self-pacing. Think about when a really upbeat song or one of your favorites comes on the playlist – you might start running faster, right? If you’re training for speed, this would be a benefit, however, for most people, keeping a comfortable pace for the most part is important to prevent overdoing it or throwing off your stride in a way that risks injury.
2. Plan an Intentional Route
I love quiet, secluded paths but running them does come with some risk, especially really early or late at night. Be smart about the route you choose, forgoing super high-traffic areas and instead saving those more out-of-the-way trails for busier daytime hours, then opting for busier, well-lit areas when the sun is just coming up or dusk is approaching.
For many runners, planning a route isn’t usually necessary, as there are a handful of regular ones that meet various distances. However, if this is you, it’s not a bad idea to switch up your route often. There have been instances where bad people watch and get to know a runner’s route, only to be able to attack in the most vulnerable moment. Again, I hope this never happens to any of us but it does happen.
3. Let Someone Know You’re Going
Ideally, anytime you head out for a solo run, someone knows you’re out there and when to expect you back. In the event something bad happens, the sooner someone is aware, the better the chance there is that help will arrive quickly enough.
I’m in a situation where my spouse always knows when I’m going for a run, whether it’s during the day and we’re simply checking in on how the other is doing, in the morning where he needs to be home in case our son wakes up, or especially if it’s a weekend long run and I’m going to be away for awhile.
For those who don’t have a “reason” to check in with someone else, don’t hesitate to text a friend or family member just to let them know your plans, then again when you arrive home safely. Better safe than sorry.
4. Bring Your Phone
I slightly cringe when sharing this tip, as I love the disconnected, “me” time that running allows. But when talking safety, it really is smart to bring along the phone on a run.
Post-run goodness.
Whether you roll an ankle, are attacked by an animal or person, or even find yourself off your route and lost, having a connection to someone who can help is an important safety measure to take on every run.
5. Hydrate – Then Hydrate More
While hydration is crucial year-round for runners, this is one tip that’s especially important during the summer months. That summer heat, while loved by most who prefer a tank top and shorts to layers on layers of attire, can be tough on the body. Dehydration is a serious health risk so, along with running always must come hydration.
This isn’t to say you have to bring water and drink throughout every run. But, depending on your body and needs, you may need it if you’re running more than a 10k, or 10 miles, or a half marathon.
Whether or not you need the fluids during your run, be sure to take in plenty after your run and throughout the rest of the day. If you’re looking for help to make a habit of drinking more water, last week’s post offers a few ideas.
For those of you who are taking the plunge and taking up running this summer, check out my 7 tips for how to start running.
What other safe running tips can you share? Any experiences you’ve had that have opened your eyes or made you more aware to how you can stay safe while running?
The comments are all yours so please leave one.
Connect with me @lindsayinreallife on Instagram or @LindsayIRL on Twitter. Subscribe to Wellness in Real Life so you get every new blog post straight to your inbox.
Tips for Building Healthy Habits – How to Drink More Water
“That’s high quality H2O.”
Longer days. More sunshine. Increased outdoor time. Lots of running outside.
Ah, the spoils of summer. It’s hard to believe we’re talking about summer. It feels like the winter was endless and we’ve barely had a chance to enjoy spring weather. I mean, it snowed a couple weeks ago for a good chunk of the country.
Along with more perks of summer comes more responsibility – to drink more water that is.
Why to Drink More Water
There’s never a bad time to drink water, never a time when our bodies don’t need it. But the simple fact that summer presents more opportunity for sweating and dehydration makes it a great topic for this month’s healthy habits opportunity focus.
The best thing about taking on the challenge of drinking more water? It’s super easy! It’s not like meal prepping, meditating, or starting an exercise habit – those all take work and a time investment. Drinking more water requires very little work and time investment.
Still, many people don’t drink enough water. Mostly it’s because water is “boring” compared to coffee, soda, energy drinks, and that carbonated crap everyone was obsessed with for a hot minute (wait, are people still drinking that flat swill?).
How to Create A Healthy Habit
Before talking about creating a habit of drinking more water, let’s go back to the foundation of this healthy habits series. Like any habit, the desire and a goal along with it are important. Please don’t go into this with anything less than both.
First ask yourself, why do I want to build this healthy habit? Do I really want to or do I feel like I should? Find your purpose, that desire to do it so you’re more likely to stick with it.
If you really want to, the second step is to set your goal and be specific about it. A goal gives you something to measure, something to gauge success, and see where adjustments or improvements could be made.
A trusty vest makes water accessible no matter where you are.
In this case, you could start by eliminating one non-water beverage each day, skipping a soda and opting instead for a glass of water. You could set a goal of drinking at least one 32-oz bottle of water during the workday, then build from there. Just have a place to start.
Now, here are four tips to build the healthy habit of drinking more water.
Invest in a Reusable Water Bottle – or Several
Sure, it’s easy to drink water. There’s water everywhere, right?
Not so fast. In theory, water is super-accessible and would be easy to drink all the time but keep in mind you’re not always going to be near a fountain or water cooler. You’re not going to drink from your faucet or pull over and stop to buy it when you’re thirsty – and, on that note, don’t over-buy water. Save money, save plastic bottles, good stuff.
So what’s the answer? Reusable water bottles. Yes, bottles, plural. It’s great to have one water bottle that you can always have near you and always be refilling. But if you want to up your water game even more, consider having multiple water bottles, for designated spaces.
I have one I keep in my car, one I keep at my desk, one I keep on my nightstand, and one that’s portable enough I take it from the kitchen to the couch to traveling.
For you runners and walkers out there, consider getting a water belt or vest so you even have it with you during workouts – an ideal time to stay hydrated. Same with those who work outside and may not have the opportunity to have a water bottle on their desk or within reach all the time.
The key here is, if you’re going to stick to the habit of drinking more water, it has to be easy and it has to be accessible. Set yourself up for success by having a water bottle for the most common places you are – and make sure it’s always filled.
Add Flavor
Back to the idea that water is “boring” – go ahead and spice it up. Low-calorie drink mixes like Crystal Light are a great way to encourage more water drinking.
This gets a little sketchy when looking at coffee, carbonated “water” and other beverages that are water-based. For example, caffeine, while great and totally okay for most people in moderation, takes away from the hydrating aspect of water. Fizzy beverages may contain extra calories and excess stuff that aren’t helpful.
Now, a quick summary on that last piece: Coffee isn’t bad. Carbonated water isn’t bad. Totally okay to keep drinking a variety of beverages and of course we all should. Just try to keep those separate from your true water drinking goals.
Tech People – Use Technology
I don’t do technology. I’m not the average millennial. I refuse to allow an Alexa into our home. I barely use any apps, I don’t have a clue what version my iPhone is, and half the time I don’t even know where my phone is. I honestly don’t even think I’d have a smartphone if I didn’t need it often enough for my job.
Drinking more water doesn’t mean you can’t still drink coffee & other tasty beverages.
Enough about me, the point is I don’t know much about technology opportunities that exist to help us drink more water – but I know they exist. I know there are apps and reminders and tools you can use – on your phone, watch, personal assistant device, whatever you have – to remind and encourage you to drink more water.
Half the battle of building a healthy habit is simply remembering to do it, right? If you love your tech and your devices, absolutely you should use it if it will help prompt you to hydrate and help build it into a habit that becomes natural.
Eat Mindfully
Wait, eating? I thought we were talking about drinking? The two go hand-in-hand though and planning meals and snacks is a great strategy to boost more water intake.
How often do you find yourself mindlessly snacking, missing meals, or eating on-the-go? We all do it! And when our eating is random like this, it likely doesn’t include a glass of water.
Now, think about what happens when you eat an intentional snack or meal. Usually, there’s a beverage along with it. And you can make this beverage water. Every time you take a moment to enjoy a meal or snack, be sure you include a tall glass of H2O along with it.
What other tips do you have for drinking more water? Those following along with the monthly wellness opportunities, please share feedback on this one. The comments are your space to share thoughts or ask questions so please do so.
In case you missed it, check out:
January’s healthy habit opportunity: tips to create a gratitude habit
February’s healthy habit opportunity: tips to eat more inclusively
March’s healthy habit opportunity: tips to start meditating or practicing mindfulness
April’s healthy habit opportunity: tips to start running
Connect with me @lindsayinreallife on Instagram or @LindsayIRL on Twitter. Subscribe to Wellness in Real Life so you get every new blog post straight to your inbox.