I have been blogging about running for a very long time and many of my posts go on and on about how running is my true LOVE. Many wonder how on earth I can enjoy something that is punishment for others.
This is me… “I’m tired, I’ll go for a run.” “I don’t feel well, I’ll run it out.” “It’s raining cats and dogs, it’s go time.” “I’m happy– let’s go do an easy 6 miler. “I have a rash– run it out.” I could run every day twice a day if my body would allow, but this habit took time to acquire.
The reality, however, is that there are many things that kind of suck about running, especially when you are first starting out. You have chaffing, blisters, black toenails, sunburns, dehydration, trots, and side stitches. Sounds fun, huh? Some of these lovely things can be eliminated, making your run much more pleasurable, with just few simple hacks.
I’ve put together a list of little things I do to make my run more happy.
15 Hacks to Make Running a Little Less Miserable #Fitfluential #RunChat Click To Tweet15 Hacks to Make Running a Little Less Miserable
1- (For Girls) Freeze an 8 oz. water bottle and stick it down your sports bra. It keeps you cool and as it melts you have something to hydrate with.
2- Be sure to lube up before your long run. Boys, don’t forget those nipples and feet. Girls, inner thighs, underarms, along the line of your sports bra. If you forget, be sure to apply Aquaphor BEFORE you get in the shower otherwise it will feel like blazing hot prongs are being stuck into open wounds.
3- If you already have a bad blister on your feet, try covering it with Duct Tape to get you through a long run.
4- Wear the right socks. If you’d like to avoid Duct Tape all together, buy the right socks. I use and swear by Balega and Drymax.
5- Plan your route with bathroom and drinking fountain stops. If you are unsure of the area, use an app like Map My Run to create new or use existing routes.
6- When it’s hot out, bring a credit card or some cash and plan your route to pass by a Jamba Juice. Stop and treat yourself to an icy fruit smoothie.
7- If it’s really hot, hide a cooler of ice, an electrolyte drink , and cold towels along your route. While you’re at it, throw some orange slices in there, too.
8- (For guys) Don’t want to wait in line for the port-o-potty on race morning? Take an empty Gatorade bottle with you. You can easily stick it under your shorts and relieve yourself without peeing alongside the road. Just be sure not to let your friends have a swig of your “drink.”
9- Make your own all Natural No Sugar Added Electrolyte Drink instead of the store bought. It has all natural sugars and no yucky ingredients. Your body will thank you.
10- Tired of your water bottle slipping out of your sweaty hands? No problem, make this DIY Handheld Holder in less than 10 minutes. You might even have the materials around your house right now.
11- Do sticky gooey energy gels make you gag? Try making your own inexpensive, much better tasting ones like THESE. Plus, they are much less expensive.
12- Invest in a pair of Lock Laces. You’ll never have to stop and tie your shoes again– or make your own right HERE.
13- Wear polarized sunglasses and apply a little baby powder on the brim of your nose so that they don’t slip down.
14- Make THESE inexpensive arm warmers to keep your guns warm on those chilly Fall and Spring mornings. These can be made in less than 10 minutes, with things you probably have around the house!
15- If you get a side stitch (aka side ache or cramp), try stopping and doing a few somersaults. When you resume running, deep belly breathe into the pain.
Bonus TIP- When Should you Replace Your Running Shoes? This can vary by manufacturer, but this is a good place to start.
What do you do to make your run a little more pleasurable?
