RunClub: 9 Tips To Get Ready

Running can be such an exhilarating activity, but it can also feel almost impossible some days, especially if you are a beginner or getting back into it after a summer of chardonnay!

Our fabulous Run Club is back next week kicking off from The Rooftop at The Marker Hotel. In advance of this special event, I wanted to share a few tips with you that I hope will help get your running mojo back!

Running Shoes

First things first – having the right runners is vital. Most of the reputable running stores provide this Gait Analysis service and it is, in my opinion, the first step on the road to running success. Not only will running in the right shoes make running more comfortable – no they don’t come with a built in engine – but the right shoes will help avoid many injuries. Invest in runners – it’s worth it, you’re worth it.

Watch Your Posture

This is massively important – when your posture is correct the energy in the body can flow freely and you will avoid tension, fatigue, and discomfort. Keep your neck long, tuck your tailbone down, engage your abdomen, arms at 90 degrees and aim to run lightly on your feet.

Rest

Running is good for you but overdoing it isn’t. The constant impact can cause problems with knees, hips and joints. Allow yourself to have rest days and alternate running with activities such as swimming, yoga or walking. Feet up on the couch is also recommended from time to time!

Fuel

You might be taking up running to lose weight or tone up – this is great, but remember if you are running you need energy. Think healthy carbs, fat and protein. A great pre run snack is almond butter and an apple or a handful of nuts with some berries and natural yoghurt. We love our post run protein balls and green juices that The Marker Hotel kindly spoil us with after our Run Club. Sometimes I think the only reason we run is to have these treats!

Nature

We have such a beautiful country so get out and explore. I find running outside more enjoyable than the treadmill – you feel healthier after an outdoor run and the beauty in nature helps to take your mind of the burn. Our run club takes us around Dublin City – you would be shocked at the beauty it has to offer. One thing is for sure, we never get bored on those runs – Dublin is interesting to say the least!

Comfort Zone – There are no limits.

Running isn’t just about the body – it is also about the mind. Running requires a lot of self-talk and encouragement. It helps to strengthen your mind and increase your confidence. You push yourself, you kick your ass and most of the time it feels good. You surprise yourself and achieve things you never thought you would. Running gives you time to think about everything and time to think about nothing. It helps to build self-belief – if your body can push itself out of its comfort zone why then can’t your brain and your emotions do the same? Many times our limits are ones we have self-imposed, stories we have become used to telling ourselves. Change your thoughts and you will change your life.

Race

Signing up for a race is a great incentive to keep at it – especially during the cold, dark months. It’s also a great way to give back – sign up for a race and run it for charity. Get friends on board and make it about more than just the miles. Races days are amazing, the energy is electric and those endorphins are invaluable. I love seeing people out on the streets supporting runners – there’s a huge sense of community and love.

Forget the pace

Run fast, run slow, run YOUR pace. Just keep focused on your personal goal and don’t be worrying about speed. Some days you’re fast, some days you feel slow – who cares! Moving and feeling good is what’s important.

Run Together

?If you want to run fast, run alone. If you want to run far, run together?
This is so true. A running club is testimony of this. A run is a run, but when you do it with friends and make it something more than just pounding pavements it can change your day, lift you up and inspire you immeasurably. I can’t even begin to explain how much I value running as a group – the giggles, the deep and meaningful, the silence, the presence, the helpful hands and the gentle shoves. Strong women really do lift each other up!

Join Liz for her fabulous RunClub kicking off at The Marker Hotel Rooftop next Tuesday 22nd September at 6.15pm. Sign up here – [email protected]

@LizCostigan