We talked about the importance of cardio into your workout regimen, no matter what your goal may be. Running is one of the most popular forms of cardio to this day, and for good reason too. Along with aiding in weight loss, running has been shown to fight disease, improve coordination, relieve stress and ease depression with that famous “runner’s high” feeling.
I found this article from MensFitness.com on the 7 Biggest Obstacles to Running and how to beat them! As I was reading through I found myself remember once experiencing some of these same obstacles, and knew I couldn’t be alone in this.
I thought it was important to share these with our readers, and help you all overcome these obstacles if any of you may be facing them as well.
So here they are, and some tips on how to overcome these running obstacles so they don’t get between you and your workouts:
- Lack of Motivation. May runner’s start out with a great mindset in becoming a runner, yet they soon lose that motivation and willpower they once had. Men’s Fitness suggests setting a public goal to ensure you keep running. Enroll in a race and tell all your friends, this way you have them continuing to ask about your progress, and this creates a sense of accountability forcing you to want to stick to your goals.
- Side Stiches. That unbearable side cramps many runners get during their runs can be painful. Avoid eating less than 60 minutes before your runs to stop these pains from coming. Also try breathing deeply while you run to help keep the pain at bay.
-
Joint Pain. It may be related to your form, or your running shoes. Be sure to make sure you maintain proper form during your runs, and check out this post for tips on choosing the right running shoes. You can try a low-impact elliptical workout instead if you are feeling sore from a run to help give your body some rest. Also be sure to stretch or foam roll after your runs to help prevent any pain and stiffness.
- Sore Shoulders. Men’s Fitness suggests always “keep your elbows at 90 degrees and your shoulders relaxed – even while you’re ‘pumping’ up a hill. When your upper body feels tight after a run, it’s usually because you’ve been carrying your shoulders too high.” Again it is important to maintain proper form and to keep a relaxed stature during your runs.
- Short of Breath. Be sure to warm-up and ease into your run to not only warm your muscles up, but your lungs as well. Sprinting right off the bat with leave you hyperventilating. Slow down and stick to a run that you are still able to hold a conversation.
- Chaffing. This is an all common obstacle, yet an extremely easy one to fix. Wear synthetic material clothing to help wick away moisture. Be sure to steer clear of cotton, especially on longer runs, as it does hold in sweet and can get soggy causing chaffing. Many runners actually spread BodyGlide or Vaseline on areas vulnerable to chaffing as well.
- Blisters. Again steer clear of cotton socks as they get very wet when you sweat, and they stay wet. Find socks that have that synthetic material that will help prevent this. Also Men’s Fitness suggests making sure your shoes are tied tight to help prevent your heel from slipping and rubbing causing blisters.
Be sure to use these tips to help avoid any running obstacles you may come across on your runs to help keep you motivated and continuing your love of running.
