The Running Review

Rest and Relax

I have a pretty strict running schedule that I follow to make sure I hit my weekly distance target. Not only do I get a great high from the exercise endorphins, but when I manage to hit my target, despite pressures at work and home, it makes me feel great for the whole of the next week! Part of the schedule obviously involves rest days, which are really important whatever type of exercise you enjoy. Your body needs time to recover when you’ve been pushing it hard. Not taking the time to recover can increase the risk of injuries and strains. Plus, a day off here and there can be seen as a treat.

I usually run two days followed by a rest and I always try and arrange something fun to do on the off days; mainly so I don’t miss the running too much, but it also helps keep that slot in my day free, in case I need to alter my schedule! Sometimes I’ll splash out on a big treat, like arranging a massage. Other times I might just arrange to meet a friend for coffee.

Try and keep your schedule going, no matter what else is going on in your life. It’s much easier to follow an exercise programme if you stick to the rules and set yourself targets. I even managed to keep running last year when I went on ski holiday to Europe – thought I wouldn’t recommend running on snow! I tried it once and then decided to stick to the treadmill at our hotel. I didn’t feel too guilty, though, as I was getting plenty of fresh air and exercise on the slopes. And I discovered that my running had set my body up perfectly for cross country skiing. If I lived somewhere snowy, that would definitely replace running as my true exercise love!

Christmas Shopping

Christmas isn’t that far away now, at least not if you believe the TV adverts that are already appearing! So it might be time to start dropping some hints about what I want to be unwrapping with glee on Christmas morning–

There are some great running gadgets on the market at the moment, any of which would make my early morning jobs a more pleasant experience, but I have to say number one on my list would definitely be a new running watch. My current one is fine – after all it does the job it’s supposed to do, but nothing more. As a bit of a gadget freak I’d like a watch that has a few extra bells and whistles. The Timex Ironman models are all great – they look good and most have lap time capabilities. A couple of the top of the range ones even have a pedometer, which I’ve never used when running, but there’s a first time for everything! I would mind a gps running watch though.

The other gadget I desperately need is a new arm band for my ipod. I used to have one of the smaller models, but was given a new bigger one for my birthday which has been bouncing around in my pocket on every run since. I’m sure all the jiggling up and down can’t be doing it much good. I guess while we’re on the subject of ipods, a new set of headphones would be a good idea. I’ve never had a set of those specialised sports headphones that promise to stay nice and secure in your ears and it would be good to get through one job without nearly tripping over the dangling wire of my regular ipod ones!

It’s not necessarily a gadget, but I could definitely do with some new tunes for Christmas too. Much as I love my jogging, I can’t do it without my music and the current playlist is getting a bit repetitive! Remember, present buyers; plenty of upbeat stuff with guitars and a catchy chorus.