4 Unexpected Skills Runners Need To Succeed

When you start running, you assume it’s going to be an easy ride. No need to go to the gym. No need for complex equipment or routine. But in reality, if you want to go far as a runner, you need to start learning new skills. Not just how to run, but also how to support your passion for running. And truth be told, the journey is going to take you in unexpected directions. 

If you are looking for ways to level up your running game, the best answer you can get is to diversify your skill set. Think of everything you can do at home that will help you on the road. 

Designing your own gym

4 Unexpected Skills Runners Need To Succeed

 

First things first, let’s talk about setting up an indoor gym. Sure, pounding the pavement outdoors can be invigorating, but having a designated space indoors can be a game-changer, especially when the weather isn’t cooperating. Interior planning and design might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about running, but having a well-equipped indoor gym can help you focus on building muscle strength and avoid common issues like compensating for muscle weaknesses or imbalances. Plus, it allows you to keep up with your training regimen even when you can’t hit the streets.

Stretch and core muscle activation

4 Unexpected Skills Runners Need To Succeed

Now, onto stretching and activating those core muscles. As a runner, flexibility and core strength are key to staying injury-free and improving performance. Regular stretching helps increase your range of motion and prevent muscle tightness, while activating your core muscles provides stability and support for your entire body. 

Ever considered trying Pilates? This is a low-impact exercise method focused on building core strength, flexibility, and body awareness—all essential for runners looking to up their game. It’s also a possible route for a side-hustle if you fall in love with Pilates and decide to get Pilates instructor training to pass your knowledge on. 

Healthy protein-rich cooking

4 Unexpected Skills Runners Need To Succeed

Of course, fueling your body properly is just as important as training it. That’s where healthy cooking comes in. As a runner, you need to up your protein intake to support muscle repair and growth. 

While protein shakes can be convenient, relying too heavily on them can lead to nutritional imbalances and digestive issues. We’re talking bloating and constipation. 

That’s why it’s essential to know how to cook up delicious, protein-rich meals using natural ingredients. Not only does cooking at home give you more control over what goes into your body, but it also allows you to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to keep your meals exciting and satisfying.

A focused mind

Now, let’s talk about concentration. Running isn’t just a physical activity—it’s also a mental one. Staying focused on your goals, maintaining a positive mindset, and visualizing success are all crucial components of a successful running routine. That’s where meditation comes in. Learning how to quiet your mind, stay present in the moment, and manage stress can help you stay focused and relaxed during your runs. 

So, whether you prefer guided meditation sessions or simply taking a few deep breaths before hitting the pavement, incorporating mindfulness practices into your routine can help take your running game to the next level.

So there you have it—four essential skills every runner needs to succeed. From setting up your own indoor gym to mastering the art of healthy cooking and staying focused with meditation, incorporating these practices into your routine can help you reach your running goals and enjoy the journey along the way. Happy trails!

I filled June with resetting, running, and reading (…

I filled June with resetting, running, and reading (Monthly wrap-up #6 2023)

It’s my monthly wrap-up, where I talk about my workouts, interesting things I ate, the books I read, and everything else worth mentioning. I’m coming at you with my June wrap-up, and I still need to type up my May wrap-up. The May wrap-up was written but never typed up, so I’m taking a new approach to this month. I’m just going to type it up. Running in June The weather got spicy, and Texas was in a heatwave that wouldn’t let up, so I spent much time on the treadmill. I read that people who train on a treadmill…

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Spring break and breaking goals in March (Monthly …

Spring break and breaking goals in March (Monthly Wrap-Up #3 2023)

It’s time to recap March 2023 and all the good things that came throughout the month. Honestly, March was a quiet month. I didn’t have a busy work month, which could be better when running a small business. I had the opportunity to spend more time with family, work on other projects, and take much-needed rest. I ran my last half marathon of the season and achieved a mega goal. All in all, March was a great month.  What’s up with the running and wellness? Physically and mentally, I haven’t felt this strong in a long time. For the first…

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The truth about my half marathon training this …

The truth about my half marathon training this year

My training in 2022 turned out to be less than desirable. I finished 2021 on such a high, but I couldn’t get that to carry over into the new year. What was the problem? I can’t nail down just one thing, but I was burnt out on training, family life got busy, and the motivation to do my best and better than before wasn’t in me.  I spent 2021 getting into the running groove to prepare for a half marathon. I spent most of the year building my base for training. My half-marathon goal race turned out to be a…

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Weekly wrap-up #5: hurt back, avocado chickpea toast, reading …

Weekly wrap-up #5: hurt back, avocado chickpea toast, reading and binging tv

Welcome to another weekly wrap-up. It’s the time to talk about the good, the bad, and everything else from the week before on the blog. This week I found myself down with a pulled muscle or pinched nerve in my back. On Tuesday, I reached for my backpack, and I felt a pain in my back. I didn’t think about it and reached down to pick up my backpack after that and went home to work out. The following day, I reached for a toy on the floor, and the same thing happened, but the pain was worse.   My week…

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Weekly wrap-up #4 2022: more running, breaking a hard drive, …

Weekly wrap-up #4 2022: more running, breaking a hard drive, and not enjoying lunch

Welcome to another week of the weekly wrap-up. I can’t believe we’re already at #4. Most importantly, I can’t think I’ve managed to put up a weekly wrap-up so consistently. I hope it’s not the “kiss of death” for saying that so early in the year.   What do I say about this week? Work kept me busy. I’m not complaining about being busy with work. It has been hectic yet fulfilling at the same time. As a small business owner, these are the times we depend on to keep the business rolling all year. Workouts didn’t come easy, but I…

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Weekly Wrap up #3 2022: an easy wholesome week

Weekly Wrap up #3 2022: an easy wholesome week

This week was a slow week for working out since I ran my 5K and half the weekend before. The week brought cold weather, family time, and just enjoying the time at home. I have Reynaud’s Syndrome, so I like to stay inside when it gets cold. We played video games, read books, and of course, started Ozark. It was a wholesome week, which was nice not to do anything. For the first time in a long time, things were calm and unscheduled. Every once in and awhile, that’s a beautiful feeling! Workouts this week: Monday: Rest day Tuesday: Rest Day Wednesday: 30…

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Weekly wrap Up #2 2022: half marathon weekend and changing …

Weekly wrap Up #2 2022: half marathon weekend and changing my diet

Welcome to the weekly wrap-up, and it’s late. Work has kept me busy, but I was about to plan things out for the first time and feel a bit “normal.” I changed my diet, meal prepped some food, and the Louisiana Marathon weekend was my favorite race weekend of the year. No excuses; it just needs to get done. Workouts for the week: Monday: 40 min run. I went into the run wanting to take it easy, and I could go in the morning because I didn’t have to go to work. It felt great getting my workout done in…

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Are you hydrating the right way? (featuring Ultima …

Are you hydrating the right way? (featuring Ultima Replenisher Electrolytes)

“Disclaimer: I received an Ultima Replenisher to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!” It’s hot outside, and Ultima Replenisher has helped me stay hydrated over these heated months. It is hard to avoid it, especially living on the Texas coast. The heat and humidity make the workouts harder, which means I spend a little extra time focusing on hydration. Long runs become a bit harder during the summer months, which is ironic because this is when we start training for those fall races…

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Weekly workout breakdown: remembering my why, celebrating little …

Weekly workout breakdown: remembering my why, celebrating little victories, and running

I’ve slacked off of my weekly workout breakdowns because I’ve gotten lazy. The weekly workout breakdowns are the place where I dissect last week’s workouts and the thought process behind the workouts. I am working on making some improvements in my life. I’m all about being my best self and better than yesterday. Those are things I’ve somehow forgotten along the way. Do you ever forget the” why” behind it all? That’s why it’s essential to write things down. The struggle has been real lately, but I’m on the up and up. The only consistent thing I do every day…

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Week of workouts: Covid vaccination experience, finding balance …

Week of workouts: Covid vaccination experience, finding balance with speed vs. mileage, and strength workouts

It’s that time to recap my workouts for the week. Last week’s workouts were a bit harder for me. I managed to get five days of workouts done, even on Saturday when I had a pounding headache from my second shot. This week I decided it was time to start working with a running coach again. I will talk more about this in another blog and video, but I wanted you to know the origin. I’m finding it hard to balance my workouts to the place they need to be for me to progress. I’ve been working on building the…

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