Singin' (or running) In The Rain

I love, love, LOVE running in the rain on a hot summers day! I can't wait until the weather warms up.  But, unless you have the right gear, it may prove to be a daunting task that leaves you feeling like a drowned rat.  Honestly, I prefer a hat to keep the rain out of my eyes and I skip the jacket altogether.  However, on more chilly run days, you will want to be prepared, so finding a good running jacket is great  essential to add to your running gear. But, if you choose this route, you need to shop smart.  Although a jacket will whisk the rain away from your torso, your sweat will eventually drench you anyways.  So, with this in mind, I researched my fanny off and this is what I came up;  When running in the rain, your outer layer should be a technical fabric such as polypropylene or CoolMax, which wick water and sweat away from your skin.  The outer layer should be a wind and water resistant jacket or vest.  Do not wear a waterproof rain slicker as it will trap moisture and heat. Also, keep in mind that you will want under arm vents that unzip and a back flap that also unzips. The down fall to this is when you are running, these flaps do bounce around and can become distracting.  

Prior to my running injury, if it was rainy or chilly, I only wore a long sleeved running shirt that hugged the body.  It is inevitable that you will get wet while running on a rainy day.  But, your body warms up quickly and the rain feels refreshing!

For a running shirt, make sure it is not cotton.  And it doesn't have to be anything fancy and ultra pricey. I have heard many great reviews for Target's line of active wear. And also Old Navy's Active wear for running is a personal favorite. I borrowed my friend's running jacket from there on a cold fall day and became an instant fan! Read the reviews here, I think you will be very pleased. They also offer this in men's wear. If you do have the extra money to spend, I suggest the Under Armour ColdGear Compression Mock Top. SportCheck sells them for $59.99

My all time favorite is Adidas TECHFIT (this will link you to the Adidas site for the best information) at a happy medium price of $44.99 at SportCheck.  

These are my personal faves for non-cotton long-sleeve shirts for running.  They do come in Men's wear as well.

Now on to blister prevention. Whenever you are running in high humidity climate, or rain, or you are striving to become a long distance runner, you need to protect against chaffing and blisters.  I suggest BODYGLIDE. It is effective and i have used it in the past. They have all kinds to choose from in Men's formula and Women's Formula. Band-Aide also makes a sufficient anti-blister product.  You can check it out here. Don't forget proper socks.  Tight fitting are best. Thorlo makes great COOLMAX moisture wicking socks for running at a reasonable price. (I don't know about you, but I am willing to pay a couple extra bucks to prevent blisters.  They Hurt!).  Last, but not least, don't forget your hat with a brim to keep the water our of your eyes.

I hope this blog post was informative, thanks for stopping by! Please follow me through here, as well as on face book and don't be shy to comment ;)
~The Restless Runner

Follow Me On Facebook

Good morning to everyone!
I have had a busy few days. But, I'm back! I created a face book page to support my blog and I really hope to see you there! It will have direct links to the most recent blog posts, as well as inspirational photos, quotes, interactive questions, and also feature links that are not featured on the blog page.  So be sure to like the page for even more information, motivation, and support within the runner's community.  Or, join the page anyways to follow my own progress.

Here's the link, just click and like.


The Restless Runner xo

New Running Shoes & Today's Featured Read

Here's a quickie for today...

This article from active.com and chi running is fantastic and couldn't be any more easy to understand. It does answer some important questions such as: How much to eat before a run, if you  choose to do so, what is lactic acid, and what to eat after a run.  Written in 10 simple steps. Perfect.  Click here for today's featured read.

I also recieved new running shoes for my birthday!
What kind of runners do you prefer to work out in?

You can purchase these for steal at $69.99
Reg. $139.99
Click here for a wicked Adidas sale!

I hope it's beautiful and sunny where you are, as it is here in Ontario, Canada!

-The Restless Runner

Pre And Post Run Stretching

I know every run blog that I have read, has relativley the same content.  But, I am hoping mine will be a little different by creating a runner's community of continuous support.  With that being said, I welcome your ideas for daily discussions and ideas, and will also take requests for the Happy Run Playlists. I also would like this blog to be a one-stop-blog for runners.  Simple.

Stretching. SO very important. It prevents injury. Before a run or any work-out in general, as well as post excercise, you need to stretch.


Why?

-Before a run, your muscles are "cold". You need to loosen them up for a more fluid run, thus preventing injuries.
-You will be less sore and stiff after wards.
-It helps your joints to have full range of motion.
-It increases blood flow to your muscles.

Need some more convincing? Read on...

Risks Of NOT Stretching:

-An excellent example; if your achillies tendon is tight and lacks flexibility, and you do not stretch it pre-run, over time your risk of tendinitis and tendinopathy increase greatly. Especially while walking or running up hill.

Remember, keep your stretching safe.  Focus on major muscle groups.  Such as shouldars, hips, thighs, ect. If you stretch the left hamstring, be sure to do the same to the right hamstring.

Don't bounce as this can cause small tears in the muscles, which in turn leave scar tissue as it heals. This will cause pain and muscle stiffness. So, be sure to hold each stretch for 30 seconds.  Your focus of stretching is not to burn calories, it is to prevent injury and create flexibilty.

Expect to feel tension while stretching, not pain.

Like running, stretching needs consistency to see results.

Stretching does not need to be mundane. Tai-chi is also benificial way to loosen up your muscles.

Remember, approach any physical activity with care.  If you have a chronic condition-speak with your practioner first.  Especially if you already have pain.

Here are some helpful pictures of pre and post run stretches. These are the ones that I use.

Pre-Run

Post-Run

Did you like this post? Your feed back is always welcome.
-The Restless Runner

Happy Run Playlists

Goodmorning!

As you can see, to the left, I have added a music player.  Hooray! Every week or so, I will post a new list of music ideas for your work outs.  Before I switch it up, I will type the list for you in an actual blog post, just in case you ever want to snag a song from previous play list ideas, you can always access the post itself if it is no longer on my little ipod to the left.

"Failing to prepare, is preparing to fail."
 -Benjamin Franklin

"Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the fastest lion, or it will be killed.  every morning a lion wakes up it knows it must out run the slowest gazelle, or it will starve to death.  It doesn't matter if you are a lion or a gazelle; when the sun comes up, you'd better be running."
-author unknown

Did you check out my link from yesterdays post? Click here to review it.  Is this the program for you? I highly reccomend it if you are just starting out, or getting back into the grind after an injury-like myself.

Next post: Simple Pre-Run Stretches
See you there!

I hope your day is fantastic! Leave your thoughts and requests below.

-The Restless Runner

Why Run? And How To Start!

If you are in Ontario, Canada, it is morning here. So, Goodmorning! I have  my coffee beside me, my daughter is back to school after a fantastic March Break and it is already plus 12, outside!

If you are a runner, you know how hard it is lto take that first step.  And if you are just starting out, or stumbled upon my blog for the first time today, I hope you get inspired to join me on my running journey! Why run, you ask?

Because, in real life, you can't run away from your problems, your stress, bills, debt, or conflicts that life presents us.  But, for that 10 minutes, or 1 hour that you are pounding the pavement with each exilerating step, you can! Your brain has a burst of endorphins and releases feel good chemicals that will lift even the lowest of moods. You are ONE work-out away from a great mood! Not to mention, your body will look fantastic- but have patience. Change takes time.  Running will teach you perserverance, because WE will not give up! Running will surprise you with new-found confidance.  Running, and fitness in general, will make you WANT to eat healthier.  Because you won't want to put junk into you body after a work-out.  But, if you do, please forgive yourself.

I could go on and on.  

No More Excuses!

The first time I tried running was three years ago.  I used this AMAZING program called Couch to 5k.  Have you heard of it? Here is the link : 

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

This program will slowly build your stamina with a walk-run method and alternate you between run days and non run days, in which you will do NO cardio. Off days or no- run days are vital to your success, as you will be focusing on building your muscle tone/flexibility and strength through weights and stretching.
Why is this nessesary, you ask? Why can't I run everyday like I am a machine?  The answer is this: If you do not take your off days, you will injure your body. And that is so incredibly dissapointing, trust me I know!  Stretching will improve your flexibility and make you less susceptable to injury.  Building muscle strength will help to improve your stamina so you can accomplish that long distance run in the future.  You do not need a gym membership to do this.  I can not afford one, and it will not stop me.  I will teach you various methods in my next post.

Check out the link, I think that you will be pleasantly surprised. Leave your comments below. And enjoy your day!
-The Restless Runner


*Disclaimer: I am not a professional. Please consult your physician before starting any fitness program.  I am not responsible for any injuries you may inhabit through excersise.  This blog is a place of positive support, and harrassment will not be tolerated.  Inappropriate comments will be deleted.  I do not support eating disorders in any way shape or form.  I do not sell any items featured on this blog.

Just run with it!

Day 1-Hello

This is it. I am mentally prepared to get myself back into the running world.  It's been three years since I fractured my hip while on a run, and while feeling sluggish, I have that craving.  That restless feeling, to improve myself. For Myself.
 And For My Family.
Again.

I am demanding A Fitness Re-Do! I am yelling it out into oblivion!

If you are new to fitness, (or running) and wondering the how-to's of this invigorating world, you are in the right place, my friend.  I am by no means an expert, but I am going to share my journey.
Follow me here for continuous updates, great advice, comic relief, motivation, healthy recipes...
Let's create a group of followers for positive motivation to get our couch potato butts out that front door! Because the first step is always the hardest.
Please leave a comment, I would love to hear your thoughts and Ideas.

~The Restless Runner.