Why it’s best to get running when your happy
When you are as high as a kite it can be hard to come back down to reality and concentrate on running well. Extremes of any emotion require a lot of energy and a day full of excitement can make you feel zapped before you’ve had time to train. But never pass up on a workout. Simply re-direct your energy into a really constructive session.
Other ways to lift your mood can consist of pre-workout supplements which can be held in your multi compartment shaker bottles.
Do this session – hills
Feelings of joy, elation and contentment could be just what you need to tackle a challenging route or tough session. “If you’re feeling happy, use the positive feelings to your advantage”. Go running up the hill that you’ve been avoiding lately or enter a race you previously thought unachievable.
Be wary of overdoing it
You may feel you could climb any mountain or run forever but it’s best not to even try. Be careful not to push too hard too soon by going from one extreme to the other. Take time to adjust by following the time-tested 10 per cent rule and don’t increase your weekly mileage by more than ten per cent.
I feel nervous
Butterflies in your stomach, nausea and regular trips to the loo, pre-race jitters and training nerves are common place for runners. Don’t panic about nerves, slight anxiety is just the body’s way of alerting and preparing you for what is about to come.
Do this session – intervals
While feeling edgy may seem downright inconvenient, the physical and psychological symptoms of anxiety prime your body and mind for an extraordinary effort. Some say an interval session is the best way to escape nerves and forget about the cause of anxiety, use the run to analyse why you are anxious and how you can tackle your nerves.
Be wary of irrational behaviour
While it may be tempting to fake an injury or warm up until you miss the race, do not give into nerves. Irrational panic in the run up to a tough session can easily undermine your running goals. Too many nerves can be bad for a runner so control them by focussing on the race or training session and using the energy to prepare for what lies ahead.
