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23 February, 2024

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How Runners Can Continue to Improve Their Overall Health

If you already have a love of running, you probably prioritize your health in many ways. However, there’s never a wrong time to make changes that can help you live an even healthier life.

Victoria contributor

Consider a Coach

Whether you are just starting out as a runner or have already competed in and completed multiple events, having a coach can help you stay motivated and learn tips and tricks you may not have picked up yet. Coaches can see new ways to push your endurance and range that you may not see yet.

Run for Endurance

While speed is important for a runner, endurance is also important. Look for local running groups that focus on longer (not faster) runs together. Not only will you see how far you can go, but you’ll get to know others who share a love of running.

Consider Supplements for Health and Stamina

Athletes put their bodies through intense physical exertion in order to perform at their best, and as a result, their bodies require a higher level of nutrients and vitamins to keep them functioning properly. Supplements, when used wisely and in conjunction with a healthy diet, can help provide these essential nutrients. Additionally, certain supplements can aid in boosting stamina, reducing fatigue, and aiding in muscle recovery post-training.

It is important for athletes to carefully research and consult with professionals before adding supplements into their routines, but the benefits of doing so can enhance their overall performance and maintain their health.

Organise Your Medical Records

Keeping your medical files and documents organised is crucial, especially for active individuals where running injuries can be challenging to avoid. Maintaining a clear record of your medical history, treatment plans, and progress notes is essential for effective health management. When it comes to sharing these files with doctors or other healthcare professionals, PDFs are often the preferred format due to their wide compatibility and security features.

If you find that the orientation of pages in your PDF files needs adjusting for better readability or presentation, you can utilise a PDF rotator. This tool allows you to easily rotate a PDF, switching between portrait and landscape modes as needed. After you've adjusted the pages to your liking, you can swiftly download and share your updated PDF with your healthcare providers, ensuring that your medical information is conveyed clearly and professionally.

Get More Sleep

Sleep is crucial for everyone, but especially runners. According to Women’s Running, you should still go for that run even after a poor night’s sleep. However, you will likely tire much more quickly and your reflexes will be slower. Strive for at least eight hours each night. You can also take an afternoon nap to make up for the sleep deficit.

Add Strength Training to Your Routine.

Strength training has many benefits for runners, and certain types of exercises can even improve your performance during a 5K. Runners Connect offers many recommendations for strength training, including mountain climbers, leg squats, and split squats.

Listen to Your Body

There are many reasons that you need to listen to your body. You might, for example, have a nutrition deficiency or hormone imbalance. As a runner, you may also be inclined to overlook strained muscles and other issues that might mean you need to take a break. While some discomfort is to be expected after an intense workout, especially in the early days, if your body hurts to move, it’s time to pay attention and give yourself what you need.

Learn How to Push Yourself the Right Way

As a runner, you’re already primed to experience the benefits of hitting the pavement or trail. But no matter how long you’ve been strapping on your trainers, giving yourself other, small opportunities for health can go a long way toward helping you meet your goals. Whether this means simply sneaking in some exercise during lunch or adding a strength training regimen to your schedule, everything you do affects your ability to maintain your speed and endurance!


Virginia Cooper

Learnaliving

Virginia Cooper is a retired community college instructor. She always encouraged her students to see the real-world value in their education, and now, she wants to spread that message as wide as possible. Her hope is that Learn a Living will be a go-to resource for adult learners embarking on starting, continuing, or finishing their education.

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