Most of the time, I’m satisfied my struggles as a runner make me stick out like a sore thumb. I’m at all times stunned with the variety of athletes who share these experiences and make me really feel rather less like an oddball. Listed here are the three recurring inconveniences I encounter frequently, together with variations which have helped me thrive.
1. Consuming sufficient meals
Working is a demanding sport; you’ll expend a whole lot of power and have to gas to replenish these vitamins. As somebody with a naturally quick metabolism, it may be powerful to maintain up with how rapidly I get hungry. I discovered meal prepping has been important for ensuring I’m consuming sufficient, with high-protein meals protecting me full for longer. Throughout peak coaching months, I’m generally consuming 4 meals a day, which might make grocery procuring appear to be a full-time job. I additionally at all times have a protein bar readily available (I simply hold one in my bag always) for a post-workout snack or in case of rapid starvation.
Continually being hungry additionally makes it troublesome to gas shut sufficient to a race or a exercise–I’m hungry, however I don’t need meals sitting closely in my abdomen when the tempo picks up. I used to observe the two-hour rule, however I’ve slowly skilled myself to eat small quantities of meals (a bagel, oatmeal or yogurt) nearer to the beginning of my run to make sure I’m not operating on empty. Gels and gummies are additionally good for a light-weight, energy-boosting mid-workout snack, with out the burden of stable meals.
2. Chilly fingers
Though I’ve but to see somebody put on gloves whereas operating as typically as I do, I do know chilly extremities are a quite common inconvenience amongst runners. With Raynaud syndrome (decreased blood circulate to extremities), even mildly chilly days could make my fingers painfully chilly. As fall comes round, you’ll discover me with numerous pairs of gloves and mittens in my operating bag, plus loads of throw-away gloves for race day. I do know–gloves and a tank prime isn’t precisely a vogue assertion, however I’ve discovered to personal it.
3. Sweating… lots
That is one thing I do know all runners take care of, however it could actually really feel extreme if you’re drenched 5 minutes into your run. It’s straightforward to match how a lot I sweat to my friends, asking myself why I’m the one one turning into clear, dry garments between exercises. I’ve even puzzled if I’ve hyperhidrosis. Over time, I’ve began to embrace it–in spite of everything, it’s simply my physique doing its job. My resolution? Have an additional set of garments and a sweat towel in my operating bag always, at all times drink electrolytes post-workout and by no means skip deodorant.