Health and Nutrition That Is AboveNBeyond

Ok, you completed your check list to get ready to start running.  You are or should be starting out slow for now.  We’ll now look at another list of things to be working on.  Remember, you are a beginner and not an elite marathoner.

1. A really good resource to make use of:
Check out Newrunner.com, a really good resource for new runners starting out.  Newrunner.com is a Runners World website for beginners.  It’s good to have the right resources at your finger tips to get the information you need as a beginner.  And remember again, you are a new runner, so, take it slow and work on building yourself up.

2.  What do you want out of running?
Do you just want to run for the fun or fitness of it?  Or, do you want something more out of the sport?  It’s all up to you.  You don’t have to decide right now.  You may discover something about it later.  For those who want to be more aggressive, why not a 5k race.  But, do this after you’ve been running for a short while.  This is something you want to prepare for.  Check out this article about preparing for your first 5k race training tips.

3.  Don’t copy, be happy
Don’t worry about what others are wearing and doing.  Rely on reliable resources for the information you need.  Do what works for you based on what you read and learn about.  Someone maybe doing something that may look good, but, it may be something that you are not quite yet ready for.

4. Find your way.
Just like starting out slow, find your way.  This is about you and not someone else.  If racing isn’t for you, then so be it!  Everyone gets something different from the sport.  It’s what you want that matters.  Once you discover your way, you’ll begin to rock! I found my way, you can find yours!

5.  Age is a number and nothing more.
As long as you are healthy enough and your doctor doesn’t mind, age is only a number and if you want to lace up your sneakers and hit the road, go for it!  Don’t let the thief in your mind rob you of something you want and can do.  If you can and want to, the road awaits.

Remember, Runners World is a very good resource for runners and anything about running can be found there.  Good luck with your efforts and enjoy the sport!

Well, for me, my preference is undoubtedly H30 Fitness Drink for more than just one reason. While I used to sell Herbalife, this is how I found this drink and when ever possible, I still use this drink. Now, I do have a second favorite fitness drink which is Poweraide Zero. When I don’t have H30, I use this. Now for those who have a head problem with “second best”, hey, they are both great drinks! Now for the facts on these two great drinks:

Poweraide Zero

Electrolytes:  55mg Sodium / 35mg Potassium

Advantage:  Zero Calories & available locally

H30 Fitness Drink

Electrolytes:  100mg Sodium / 100mg Potassium

Advantage:  Portable (Packettes or cannister)

Now, I admit that I am partial to both of these great fitness drinks, so of course, they are my top two favorites. If electrolytes are your main concern, then H30 is the way to go.  Whenever possible, I go with H30.  It’s rather neat, all I need is a bottle of water and a packet of H30.  This is cool especially if I am away somewhere.

Regardless which Fitness Drink is your favorite and it does not have to be these two, you need to make sure that you are getting enough electrolytes with your drink of choice.  If you are not, then your choice is not worth it.  Electrolytes are critical in your choice of fitness drinks to help guard against dehydration.

Before I “got active”, I always just grabbed a soda or any drink readily available.  As I got more active and learned more, I later changed my choices to fitness drinks or energy drinks, which ever applied to the given situation.

See also:  Dehydration, Realities, Do’s Don’ts and What you should know about soda

This time of year at least for me is the slowest.  I have went from no activity this time of year (Winter) to whatever I can fit in even if I have to use the Treadmill.  I prefer the road to the machine.  The neat thing about Winter is that this time of year can be the build up for the rest of the year.  As a runner, I am one who refuses to race during the cold months.  I just can’t see myself as a block of Ice with sneakers crossing the finish line.  This is probably my downfall, but, even I see more people get active as the warmer months get nearer.  Regardless if you are an avid runner or one just starting down that track, keep in mind the following:

1. Get plenty of rest
2. Stay properly hydrated
3. Don’t over do it with your mileage / build up
4. Wear appropriate apparel depending on the season.

Some run all year round regardless of the season, and that is ok, but, some basics should be considered as mentioned above. Another thing to consider is that unexpected and sometimes unseen patch of black ice on the road that you are running on. I at one time talked to someone who stopped running outside during the winter months due to falling and braking his nose. Remember, it’s not the fall that hurts, but that sudden stop!

If you are embarking on a running plan or program, now is the right time to get started because, by the time you finish the plan, it will start getting warmer. You can find such plans on just about any running related websites including Runner’s World.

Running gives a change of scenery

Aside from the physical benefits of running, there are others such as the scenery that you pass by while running. The same place takes on a different look each season. Runner’s see this all the time, but, do we take it for granted? Now, those that tend to gravitate to the couch, miss out on a lot. Is the couch a trap that holds one back? A safety zone to keep people from venturing out? I was there once, but no more.

For me, the neat thing about running was that it inspired somewhat of a competitive spirit in me. I started running in 5k and 10k races in 1997. The whole sport for me took on it’s own life. I run in races about 5 to 8 times a year and hopefully more someday. I just heard that a friend of mine is preparing to run in her first 5k race ever! Way to go Alexa!

What can the couch do for you that a pair of running shoes can’t? It can keep you comfortable, let you rest or sleep, and give you a false sense of security thus keeping you from those running shoes. There are awesome resources for new or beginning runners on the Internet. One that I recommend is called Newrunner.com and/or Runnersworld.com So, if you haven’t started running, or just beginning, these are good sources to check out. If you want more of a selection of websites, you can google it. Who knows, it may even help one off the couch.

Now, if racing isn’t in your immediate future, no problem, it doesn’t cost anything to get those feet on the road except for a pair of running shoes. I did hear of people running barefoot, but, just starting out, I wouldn’t recommend that just yet especially if it is in the middle of Winter. Stat out slow at first, and build yourself up. You don’t want to run 4 miles right away, otherwise, you may find yourself, demotivated on running. You can find training tips on running in Newrunner.com and Runnersworld.com to help you with your progress and other issues such as dehydration, types of apparel to wear and when.

There are times, we don’t even think of dehydration especially during the cooler months. Truth is, you can dehydrate anytime. Dehydration in simple terms, is that the body is lacking the proper amount of fluid it needs.

I read an article a few years ago that during a race, a Marathon I think, a runner collapsed during the race and did indeed drink a lot of water, but ended up dieing anyway. The reason for this is that the runner did not replenish the electrolytes that the body needed. Water alone is not enough especially if you expend a lot of activity. You need a good recovery drink to use both before, during and after your workout/event. This applies to any type of endurance or activity. I recommend either H30 or Poweraide. Last summer (2009), I had some coffee, then later went running during a nice warm sunny day and found myself super hyper. I was talking with a friend a few days later and he said that I was dehydrated.

Here are some Symptoms, Do’s and Don’ts:

Symptoms:
1. Dry mouth
2. Not producing tears
3. Low or no urine
4. Sunken eyes

Continuing any form of exercise while dehydrated can cause heat exhaustion, variations in blood pressure, fainting, nausea and in some cases stroke.

Do’s:
1. Stay properly hydrated using a recover drink such as Poweraide or H30
(something with electrolytes)
2. Drink water (8 oz every 15 minutes if exercising, recovery drinks recommended)

Don’ts:
1. Don’t use caffeine or be careful how much you use when exercising
2. Don’t continue workout if you notice any symptoms

The importance of Electrolytes:

Sodium is the one essential electrolyte that is recommended to be consumed and replaced during extended exercise sessions for both safety and performance reasons. Multi-hour workouts, especially in the heat, can generate sodium losses (through sweating) of several grams.
Other electrolytes such as chloride, potassium,
calcium and magnesium can be safely replenished through a normal, well-balanced diet. There is
little evidence that the addition of these electrolytes to sports drinks improves athletic performance,
prevents dehydration or over hydration, or reduces the chances of muscle cramping

This information on The Importance of Electrolytes is from Powerbar.com