Easy diet tips for beginning runners

Now that I have done a couple of races and am making the effort to do more, I thought it would be a good idea to make a diet for myself. I visited www.runnersworld.com and found some great tips that beginners like myself could take advantage of.

If you are planning to only run/walk for an hour, it is safe to go on empty. However, if you want to go longer, make sure to fuel up, otherwise you will fatigue faster. Foods that are low in fat and fiber and high in carbs will boost your energy level.

Runners world also provides a recipe finder. You  can select categories such as appetizers or dinner and the recipe finder will give you different recipes that fit your needs as a runner.

I hope all you beginners out there find this helpful. Stay tuned for more updates on my running experiences.

Photo credit: Google images

Running for beginners: helpful tips and training

                                                              Photo credit: Google images

Though I have already completed two races, I still have a lot to learn about the running world, starting with how to train for future races.

I am an individual who has always carried a little extra weight so the majority of my training needs to involve walking. I did some research and found a helpful article, with an 8 week plan for beginning runners.

I looked over the plan and felt it was very reasonable for me to follow. For those of you who are interested in getting started but don't exactly know how, here is the link to the article. http://www.runnersworld.com/getting-started/the-8-week-beginners-program

                                                                 Photo credit : Google images

After I did my research for training tips, I looked up exercises for beginning runners and found a great article that lays out six easy looking exercises. The great part is that it doesn't just explain them, it shows pictures of how to do each exercise.

The exercises include squats, lunges, bridge, plank, mountain climbers, and superman. Under each description is a tip that will help you complete the exercise safely. I for one am one of those people who doesn't like going to the gym, so if you are like me, here is the link to the article.
http://www.runnersworld.com/getting-started/the-6-best-exercises-for-new-runners

These are just a few tools that I will be using to help me get on the path to a more healthy lifestyle. Feel free to use these tips and join the fun.

The start

I was never a runner, nor a walker for that matter and until a few months ago my idea of a good time was staying inside, curled up on my couch with a bowl of ice cream. Everything changed when I met my fiancé, an amazing man who showed me the joys of the outdoors. He's a marathon runner and thought I might enjoy giving it a shot. So we started walking instead of just going out to eat or to the movies.

Then we decided to upgrade our outdoor activities by signing me up for a couple of races.

The first race I completed was a 5k in Bethany when the weather still required pants and a windbreaker. I still remember how I felt when I crossed the finish line, even though I came in last. I felt proud and accomplished.

But the best feeling of success and accomplishment came yesterday when I completed a 7 mile race in Litchfield with my fiancé and his brother.

Even though I walked most of it and completed it in over 2 hours, it felt amazing to have crossed the finish line without giving up. Though there were a couple of times that I had to slow down a bit, especially when traveling up the hill at mile 6, boy did I think I would just pass out right then and there, I pushed myself to keep going.

At the last mile, I was pretty worn out and exhausted but I knew I'd feel better once I actually finished. So I worked up my strength and sprinted to that finish line.

For all of you out there who feel out of shape and don't think you can handle the challenge of the racing world, I'm here to tell you that it's possible. Just go to the nearest Walmart, buy some running clothes and put on your sneakers.

My plan is to continue this racing journey of mine, walking until one day I can say that I've completed a half marathon. I will continue with this blog, as a way of encouraging everyone out there to step outside and take a racing chance. You won't regret it.