For 7 years I’ve been meeting up with friends on Saturday at the crack of dawn to go running. Be it at 6AM to outrun the summer heat, or 9AM to feel the sun’s rays on a cold blistery winter’s morn, we run.
Generally we arrive in good spirits, but there are times that we show up with our panties in a bunch. If we do, we always work out the wrinkles as we run. Regardless of how much starch is in our underwear, we always remain cordial. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for everyone who runs.
So the other day I’m 5 miles in to a 15 mile run when my left foot smacks into the curb, bending my pinky toe backwards until it popped, cracked, and otherwise cause a great deal of shooting pain.
Wait, let me back up. I run barefoot or in minimalist footwear. On this particular day I was wearing my Vibram Bikila LS.
I was running a new route, taking in the sights, picking up quarters, and not really paying attention to what was going on. Anyway, I crossed a street in a residential area and that’s when I hit the curb and my toe went crack. It didn’t hurt all that bad so I went the distance.
At home, I slid off my VFF to assess the damage.
Running is fun. Racing is stressful.
Or it’s thrilling, if you’re prepared.
We’ve all been there, facing the jitters of a timed race after weeks or even months of training. It’s the difference between sending out resumes and sitting in for a job interview, or socializing at a bar and going out on a first date. Now there are expectations, measurements, and the chance at falling flat.
But a little mental prep goes a long way to making that first race enjoyable. Whether you’re running an Anywhere5K on your own or a traditional 5K with thousands of other participants, here are some tips to remove the nerves.
The debate over whether cold or warm water is more beneficial has been going on for a while. Some argue that warm water is better because it doesn’t require as much energy for your body to heat to the necessary 98.6°F (37°C). Others say that cold water is better because your body absorbs it more easily.
So what’s the best temperature for your water?
