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Running is Repetitive

Racing is very fun for runners. It’s what we train for and why we do what we do. However, compared to how much you have to train in order to race at your best, the fun stuff is only a small fraction of what goes into the sport. Running itself is extremely repetitive and it can be easy to fall into a bad cycle of dreading the sport.

You can change up your workouts and distances, but the majority of running is just easy training in order to let your body recover from your previous workout or race. Because of this, it is easy to get bored and resent the sport. Doing the same thing over and over is a tedious task.

How can we stay in love with the sport if we have come to not like it? Here are a few suggestions:

• Run in a new place
  • This is the easiest way to switch it up. Seeing new sights on your run can make a huge difference in your perception of the run.
• Run with music
  • Another simple one to help take your mind off things as you get going. It can help you zone out or zone in depending on what you need.
• Run with people and tell stories
  • Sharing stories is a great way to make the time fly by. Having other people and conversations makes running way more fun
• Run during a different time of the day
  • You would be shocked at how different you feel at night versus during the day. Not only is it almost like you are running in a new place, but your body also feels different

In this episode we will be joined by BCS Marathon Director Chris Field as well as Boston marathon qualifier and A&M Consolidated High School assistant cross country coach Andrew Hanna.

As men that specialize in the longer distances, they understand the long, slow miles add up and how running is repetitive. They will offer their insights into how to make them more enjoyable.

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Injury Impact on Runners

At some point as a runner, you are likely going to deal with injuries. Not only is an injury impact on runners a major hindrance physically, but emotionally they can take a toll on a runner. You spend months preparing for the next big race and getting ready to set a shiny new personal best, only for a sudden bump in the road to seemingly erase everything.

However, this is not the case. Many injuries and their impact can be limited. Whether it is immediately taking time off or getting into cross training in order to minimize the loss of fitness. Some types of cross training for runners include:

• Swimming
• Biking
• Rowing
• Elliptical

 

Many people do not realize how little you lose when you only take a couple days off and how there may even be some benefits. Cross training can work different muscles and give the ones you use while running a much needed break.

This episode brings in special guest Eric Casarez to discuss injuries he has experienced during his time as a collegiate runner and his most recent injury in which he came back to set the school record.

Coming Back

Furthermore, we will dive into what it is like coming back from some of the more severe injuries.

Sometimes, you just have bad luck and there is nothing you can do but play the waiting game. Unfortunately, you will not come back in the best shape. This can be extremely difficult for runners that are used to being able to run certain paces, but suddenly cannot.

During these times of frustration, it is important to remember that there have been plenty of successful runners who have gone through the same situation you are going through.

There is no getting around the fact that injuries suck. However, do not let this stop you from chasing your goals.