Runstreaking????

What the heck is runstreaking I asked myself as I saw the twitter tag #runstreak? Well, after a little digging I realised that a 'runstreak' is when a runner commits to running at least 1 mile per day for as long as they can keep the streak going! Hmmm... now there's a challenge! After about 1 microsecond of deliberation I decided to do a runstreak of my own!

The undisputed runstreak champion is former British Olympic Marathon Runner Ron Hill, who has not missed a day of running since, wait for it, December 1964! What makes the feat even more amazing is that he still managed to continue the streak after a car crash, and receiving bunion surgery! What a Truly Amazing Man.

Ron Hill's achievements make most people's streaks pale into insignificance, but that won't stop us trying! It is important to be safe if you are contemplating your own runstreak. Remember the 4 R's:-

-Rehydrate- extra exercise means higher loss of water from the body. Replace it!

- Relax- recover after each run; the best medicine is extra sleep.

-Refuel- More exercise means more calories burnt, refuel to keep the streak going!

-Reward- Chocolate? Ice Cream? Dessert at the Restaurant? Go on- You Deserve it!

On a personal level, I plan to simply replace rest days with a slow 1-2 miler, ie. nothing too taxing! However, consider your lifestyle such as spouses, children and work commitments before attempting a runstreak. 

I am currently looking forward to tomorrow so I can extend the streak to 5 days! Baby steps....

You can follow the Running Geek on Twitter @stevenlomax2. Alternatively, sign up to follow this blog, or contact the Running Geek directly on stevenlomax1984@gmail.com. You can also check on the Running Geek's progress on Strava under Steven Lomax

So.... You're Thinking of Doing A Race?

Great! That's brilliant news! You feel you have been running long enough, and are confident enough to enter your first race! All that remains is to pick one... hmmm.... The London Marathon???? The Great North Run????? The Manchester 10K?????

Sure these races are great events, and well worth doing, but PLEASE read the following advice to not only get you through race number 1, but will get you to actually ENJOY it as well!

1. Start Small In all likelihood you will be a relative newcomer to running. Ideally you would like to attempt a distance in which you feel confident, say a 5K? If anything, for your first few races, you should run 'within' yourself until you get used to the difference between racing and training. Beware of biting off more than you can chew, which many runners have done, running off licking their wounds in the process!

                                              

2. Consider a Local Race Every runner loves to do the major events from time to time. Yes the actual run will be great fun. STOP for a minute though. Let's say you choose the London Marathon as your first race. Have you considered the travelling costs? The Hotel costs? The hassle of getting to the start line on time? Picking up your race pack the day before? Maybe instead you should choose a local race as your first- even just to check that you like racing! The parking is usually free, the race cost is negligible (compared to the astronomical prices charged by the major events!), the atmosphere a lot more relaxed, and all abilities are present. Go to UK Results to find a local race. 

3. Race With A Friend If you are a member of a running club, and your first race happens to be one on the club's calendar then in all probability some of the club's runners will be competing. Attending your first race with familiar faces is alot easier and less daunting than facing it alone. Plus, your new running friends will nurse you through your first race! Alternatively, if you are not in a running club, then you must know someone who runs... convince them to race as well!

                                              

4). Support Local Running Clubs All of the local races are organised by a local clubs. They put the races on for fun and to provide funds for the club to reinvest within themselves. If you enter a local race, you will be helping local runners.

5). Enjoy It! What's the point in running if you aren't going to have fun?! Of course try your best, but don't get hung up on times and pace until you are a little bit more familiar with your abilities and understand how racing works. When you cross the finish line you will get such a sense of satisfaction that you will be desperate to do the next one!

You can follow the Running Geek on Twitter @stevenlomax2. Alternatively, sign up to follow this blog, or contact the Running Geek directly on stevenlomax1984@gmail.com. You can also check on the Running Geek's progress on Strava under Steven Lomax

Why Join A Running Club?

I have been a member of my local running club (Radcliffe Athletic Club) for five years now- and it has turned out to be my best running decision! Of course I was a little nervous turning up in front of group of new people who I assumed would ALL be just a few steps behind Mo Farah...

I needn't have been the slightest bit nervous- the people were incredibly welcoming, and the club catered for all abilities. Almost immediately I felt part of the club. So why should YOU join a Running Club?

1). You'll Meet Like-Minded People- We've all done a run that we're particularly proud of, and then been desperate to tell someone about it. But there's always that nagging thought in your mind that the person you're telling is just nodding along, thinking instead of listening to a fishing match on the radio. Nobody wants to be seen as a running 'bore'. Everyone at a Running Club appreciate your stories and feats and will take the time to listen, providing you listen to them as well!

2). You Can Exchange Advice and Ideas- Ever wondered how to improve your times? Ever wondered what to eat to improve performance? Which watch will be best for you? Well your local Running Club will be a mine of information! By simply running along, engaging in conversation, you will learn so much, and find out so much, rather than by 'Googling It'.

3). You Will Improve- Most Clubs will have groups of differing ability, from beginner to Farah-worriers. You will be able to enter a group that best suits your ability, and gradually as the weeks go by, you will notice improvements by simply being 'carried along', and pushed by other members.

4). You Will Be Aware of More Races- We've all seen the 'Hollywood' Races such as The London Marathon, The Great North Run and the Manchester 10K, searched online to enter, then realised that we needed a second mortgage to pay for it! Running Clubs will set up their own races, and advertise other local races. Helpfully, on most of the races the entry is negligible. Alternatively, you could sign up for your local Park Run, which is free!

I joined a Running Club... and never looked back!!!

You can follow the Running Geek on Twitter @stevenlomax2. Alternatively, sign up to follow this blog, or contact the Running Geek directly on stevenlomax1984@gmail.com. You can also check on the Running Geek's progress on Strava under Steven Lomax