Spring into Healthy Running

For me, running is a relatively new hobby. I started running regularly last March when we all went into quarantine. I remember that first mile. I couldn’t breath. My wife’s sister laughing at me for how fast I got out of breath. I really struggled through it, running an eleven minute mile, if you call that running. And I thought to myself, “you know what, I can do better!

I wanted to be faster at my mile time when I ran so I knew I just have to work at it. It started with a better diet. I replaced morning meals with fruit and vegetable smoothies. Adding protein powder helped me stay full without having to eat heavy in the morning. I also eliminated eating after 9pm as much as I could. This was a hard one for me due to the fact that I tend to snack at night, but that needed to change! Now that my body was feeling better from what I was putting in, it was time to start pushing my body on my runs.
    Six months into my new routine and I started to notice a few things. First, my miles where getting a little faster each month. Getting under ten minutes. Then under nine minutes. I remember running under eight minute mile for the first time as an adult in my 30’s. What a rush! Can I go faster?! Second, I started to incorporate push-ups into my daily run. This helped my legs stay fresh but it also gave me a little break in my run and allowed me to push myself a bit more. Every half mile I do 25 pushups. Changing muscle groups mid workout can help you achieve a better overall fitness level. This really worked for me.
    It’s been just over a year now and running has become a part of my weekly routine that I look forward to. I hope my journey this past year can inspire you to make running a part of your life!