A Day In God's Will

A Season of ‘Running’ To Fitness

By ADIGW in : His Fit Temple // Jul 24 2011

Last week in the gym, I thought everyone in London had gone on holiday. I was there at peak hour and the gym was practically empty. For a moment I wondered if there had been an incident which made everyone either not come in or leave the gym to continue with their day.

However, I didn’t have to dwell on my expanding imagination because whilst buzzing myself in through the barriers, a large group of people walked / hobbled in. Ha! The running group! Their arrival was the answer to the absence and eerie quietness in the gym. I have seen this class grow from 3 die hard runners to a group of 35 – 40 men and women, all of different shapes and sizes.

Yes, it seems everyone has caught this season’s bug – running. There is something about the bright, breezy and airy summer weather that makes you not want to be locked up in the gym, pounding the conveyor belt to nowhere – the treadmill. There is also something extremely satisfying about saying to a friend or colleague, “I ran three/six miles outside this morning/afternoon/evening”.

Running on a treadmill is not the same as pounding the pavement or running on a track field. It’s not even close! For one, if you reside in Great Britain, as opposed to the controlled environment in a gym, outside you might experience the fullness of all seasons (spring, summer, autumn and winter) on one run! I have been on a run and it was sunny to start with, and then it became windy and finally rained hailstones, all in the space of 45 minutes.

So how do you tackle the summer running season, especially with the unpredictable weather climate? Here are a few tips to make your running sessions fun and doable:

Be an early-bird: Run early in the morning. I love to exercise first thing in the morning, as it leaves me feeling free to get on with the rest of my day. Also, it helps me to maintain a healthy and structured diet. Sub-consciously, I think of not wanting to undo the work I have done (getting up extremely early and exercising).

Join a running group: The best thing about running groups or clubs is that they are free. Find one near you and if there isn’t one, then start one. You can coordinate friends and family to have weekly running sessions. Group running is also a great way to meet a diverse array of people and make new friends.

Know the weather: You need to get acclimatized to the weather in a safe and gradual way. On cooler days I find it is easier to run faster and longer. Check the weather before you leave for your run. If possible plan a day ahead, especially in regions where the weather is not very predictable. There is nothing worse than setting out when it is sunny and half way through your hands and feet are black and blue due to a cold breeze.

Start slowly: I’m a big proponent of doing this in all seasons, but starting your run slowly is particularly beneficial on hot days. The slower you start your run, the longer you will be able to keep it up in the heat

Have fun: Running outside brings a sense of freedom; a much needed change from the confined space within the gym walls. Enjoy the scenery, make friends along the way. Wear bright and funny clothing or slogans. That should get you some fans along your regular route.

If you are stuck in a rut with your weekly gym workout, why not take your fitness outside this summer season. It’s fun and energising; you meet new people and most of all its free.

To all you ‘Fit Temples’ our there, Happy running season!

Remi
ADIGW
***picture by Google***