Sunday, July 13, 2014

What To Do When You Don't Feel Like Running

I was all excited to go for a run today after reading through the newest edition of Running Times Magazine. I put on my running clothes, grabbed my hat and out the door I went.  The minute I started running, my legs felt like lead.  Seems my mind was willing but my body wasn't.  Now normally, I'd have just gone back home but after slugging it out for a mile, I decided I would turn my horrible run into a speed day. 

I know what you're thinking:  "A speed day?  I thought you didn't feel like running!  You're going to run faster?"   Actually, yes!  Here's why.  When you run fast, you utilize different muscles.  In fact, the advice I offer people that I coach is just that...If you get tired during a race, run faster.  Even if it's just for a short amount of time.  The majority of the time, you'll find that it helps by giving the  muscle fibers you normally use a break.  I'm not talking an all out sprint...just pick up the pace for a brief amount of time.

I decided that I'd run 2 minutes and walk 2 minutes.  I ended up having a really good run, despite my initial feeling of each leg weighing a ton.  What are your tips and tricks for running when you just don't feel like it?

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