TOTR: Running Hacks

Time for another edition of Tuesday's on the Run! Today's topic is pretty interesting--top 5 running hacks.  I'm not sure that I have any true running hacks but I've had fun reading about others. ha.

1. Let's be honest--running is just as much of a mental sport as it is a physical one. I don't know if you'd count this as a true running "hack" but if you're struggling with the motivation to go out for a run, something that always works for me is doing an out and back run. Mentally, running out 2 miles and then back 2 sounds a lot more appealing than a 4 mile loop. Breaking it up mentally is the key.

2. Need a new pair of running shoes but don't want to shell out major $$? Get last seasons model. On one of my trips last month, I found an Asics outlet and they had last season's model of the shoe I normally get for $80... brand new it's $150! Let's be honest here--there typically aren't many significant changes in the newer models so this is definitely a win. (unfortunately in my case, my foot is HUGE so of course, they didn't have my size... ha)

3. Is it just me or does staring at the treadmill timer make the seconds go by EVEN slower than normal? If so, break up your run into intervals! One interval workout I'm REALLY digging right now is a 2 minute jog, 2 minute sprint then repeat and take a 2 minute walking break for a total of 10 minutes. I repeat this 4-5 times and boom, next thing I know, an hour has gone by. You can break up your run anyway you want to!

4. If you're doing a longer run on the treadmill, watch a movie. Doing a longer run outside? Find a podcast of interest. One of my favorite things to do is come in on Saturday or Sunday to the gym and watch Food Network all morning long. It takes my mind off of running and instead I focus on eating. ha. ;)

5. Going for a run in colder weather but not sure what to wear? My go-to rule is to always dress 20 degrees warmer than it really is. During my half marathon in November, it was 35 degrees when the race started and there were people who started off the run in heavy sweatshirts, jackets, and multiple layers and I just shook my head. I wore a long sleeve shirt and shorts + my calf compression sleeves and although it was a tad chilly before the race, about 3 minutes in I was nice and warm. Not to mention the fact that it warmed up to a balmy 60 degrees by the time I hit the finish line. And if you're worried about being cold at the start, go to Good Will and get a throwaway sweatshirt for less than $5. When you get warmed up, throw it off--most races collect clothing items and donate them to a local charity--a win, win situation.

What are your go-to running hacks? Always up for learning more!

Sarah