• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About/Hire Me
    • About Me
    • Hire Me
    • Contact
    • Family
    • Faith
    • FAQ
    • My Running Story
    • Recipes
  • Disney
  • Fitness
    • runDisney Information Page
    • Fitness
    • Races
  • Parenting
  • Travel

Through Heather's Looking Glass

  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • family
  • About Me

How Your Overall Health Affects Running Performance

July 27, 2021 | running

Running can be tough but it is a very effective physical activity. However, for beginners, running is not always easy to start. It’s important to start slow and give yourself the time to grow into the activity. The first few runs are likely to be tough on the body. So in order to take things slowly, it’s best to focus on simple goals. Rather than going for the longest distance in the shortest time, focus on handling the distance first. It helps prepare your body for further challenges. You will grow stronger and fitter over time. Many beginners agree that working out with a buddy plays a big part in staying accountable and motivated. 

But sometimes, you do everything right and you still find it tough to run. Why does it happen? There could be a variety of factors. So, for now, we’ll focus on the most common health reasons that you need to address before begging able to run comfortably. 

 

Unsplash – CC0 License 

 

You find it hard to breathe: Teeth & sinuses

Breathing is the hardest lesson to learn when you start running. You need to learn how to breathe from your stomach. Most experts advise running just fast enough so you can maintain a conversation. But if you’re not breathing from your stomach, you might be running out of air quickly. There could be things that prevent you from developing effective belly breathing. Crooked teeth can create a barrier to the air, so you may not be able to inhale or exhale enough air. If this is the case, you could consider braces or even invisible braces to straighten your smile. Bad sinuses are another problem as they reduce airflow to your lungs. Inflamed or blocked sinuses, such as chronic allergies or sinusitis, can make it hard to stick to your fitness routine. 

 

Your legs get sore: Articulation and mobility

Of course, your legs will get sore when you run. But sharp or debilitating pain is not normal. Many runners worry about runner’s knee, which has surprisingly little to do with your knees. Indeed, the infamous runner’s knee is linked to tight hip flexors. Tight hips can affect your tight muscles, so your knees need to compensate to maintain the posture. Mobility and strengthening exercises that target both hips and stabilizing muscles will reduce pain on the track. It’s also a good idea to introduce these exercises into your routine to help prevent injuries. 

 

You feel exhausted: Low-blood sugar levels

You often feel too exhausted to finish your run. If you are not trying to push yourself too hard, exhaustion can be a sign of low blood sugar levels. Low blood sugar can be linked to diabetes. However, it doesn’t have to be a medical condition. An inadequate diet can also lead to significant drops in blood sugar. You can help your body with simple snacks, such as healthy carb and protein treats, or even a chocolate bar to eat while you run. Many newcomers to running make the mistake of planning long-distance trips without bringing anything to replenish their energy levels. Don’t do this!

 

Unsplash – CC0 License 

 

Are you ready to bring your running performance to the next level? Focusing on your health and listening to what your body is trying to tell you can make running easier and more enjoyable. If you experience any discomfort or sharp pain, it’s important to consult a doctor before carrying on. Self-diagnosis is a dangerous activity! 

 

Like this:

Like Loading…

Sign up for my newsletter

Primary Sidebar

I am Heather Montgomery, a southern girl living in Knoxville, Tennessee with my husband Bobby, 11-year-old daughter Emma Kate, and our goldendoodles Dolly and Luna. I’m just a regular girl who likes to workout, travel, hang with my family, text, and eat chips and queso. Be sure to check out my “about me” page for more info!
Thank you for visiting, and feel free to contact me with questions, (or for PR inquiries or press trip invites) at Support@HeathersLookingGlass.com.

Please, no guest post requests. 🙂

More about me

Privacy Policy

You can also find me here:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recent Posts

  • Free Travel Planning with Best Day Ever Vacations (Yes, It’s Completely FREE!)
  • Mom Must-Haves for a Basketball Tournament: The Ultimate Survival Guide
  • Why Spring Is the Sweet Spot for Family Vacation on Alabama’s Beaches
  • You’ll Get It When You Get Here: A Spring Break on Alabama’s Beaches That Actually Feels Like a Break
  • A Word for 2026

 

Search

How to Start a Blog

How to start a blog
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • Family
If you’re planning a trip to Florida’s Forgotten C If you’re planning a trip to Florida’s Forgotten Coast, save this one. 🌊 #RentingTheCoastPartner

We stayed at Singing Waves in Cape San Blas, and it was everything we wanted in a beach getaway: beautiful views, plenty of space, and the kind of place that makes you slow down and actually enjoy vacation.

What really stood out, though, was Renting the Coast. They’re a locally owned, family run company that manages vacation homes throughout Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe, Mexico Beach, and the surrounding Forgotten Coast communities. 

Instead of managing hundreds of properties, they intentionally keep their inventory smaller so they can provide a more personal experience for both guests and homeowners. They’re known for being accessible, responsive, and focused on making sure every stay goes smoothly.

If Cape San Blas has been on your travel list, Singing Waves is absolutely worth checking out, and so is Renting the Coast’s collection of homes along Florida’s most underrated stretch of coastline. ☀️

Ready to start planning your own Forgotten Coast getaway? Click the link in my bio to explore available homes and find the perfect spot for your next beach vacation.

Have you ever visited Cape San Blas?

#beachhousegoals #capesanblas #portstjoe #rentingthecoast @rentingthecoast
Being an adult is basically realizing every month Being an adult is basically realizing every month comes with a new expense you weren’t expecting. 🙃 (ad)

We’re always looking for ways to be intentional with our family’s decisions, which is why we’ve been learning more about Liberty HealthShare and the healthcare sharing community they’ve built.

Have you ever looked into healthcare sharing before? If you are curious like me, check out the link in my bio or stories for info!

#libertyhealthshare #healthshare #healthyfamilies #parentingchallenges #momlifeunfiltered @libertyhealthshare
Thinking about staying at Loews Royal Pacific Reso Thinking about staying at Loews Royal Pacific Resort? #hosted

A few things we loved:

🌴 Tropical island atmosphere that actually feels like an escape from the parks

🚤 Water taxi access to Universal CityWalk and the parks

🚶 Easy walking path if you’d rather skip the boat

🎢 Unlimited Express Pass included for registered guests

🏊 Beautiful pool area with plenty of space to relax between park days

For us, it was the perfect balance of resort time and theme park time.
Have you stayed at Loews Royal Pacific Resort, or is it on your Universal wish list?

*Valid on both arrival and checkout day. Please see the Universal Orlando website for rules and regulations for the unlimited express pass. Not valid at Epic Universe or Volcano Bay. Park tickets purchased separately. 

#loewsroyalpacific #universalorlandoresort #universalorlandohotels #universalhotels @universalorlando
There should be a support group for millennials wh There should be a support group for millennials who still think we’re the “young adults” in the room… until a casual conversation reminds us otherwise. 😭

Please tell me I’m not the only one who’s been personally victimized by the passage of time and a perky Gen Z girlie. 😂

Drop your most humbling “wait… I’m HOW old?” moment below.

#millennialmom #millennialparenting #millennialmemes #millennialwomen #millennialwomen
#ad #BraunPartner Less time shaving. More time liv #ad #BraunPartner Less time shaving. More time living thanks to @BraunBeautyUS Smart IPL. ✨ 

I didn’t realize how much mental space hair removal was taking up until it just… wasn’t anymore. Between games, trips, and everything in between, having something I can do at home in minutes has been a total game changer. The app-guided treatments keep me consistent without having to think about it, and I’m already noticing smoother skin that actually lasts. And yes — the full-body, 10-minute-at-home situation still feels a little unreal. 

If you’ve been on the fence, Prime Day (June 14–27) is definitely the moment to check it out with $120 off. #BraunSmartIPL
Reasons our family loved Henderson Beach Resort: # Reasons our family loved Henderson Beach Resort: #HendersonPartner

💦 Multiple pools + lazy river

🍽️ Great dining options right on property

🌅 Gorgeous Gulf views and sunsets

🏖️ Beach chair rentals available right on the beach

👨‍👩‍👧 Family-friendly while still feeling like a luxury getaway

✨ The kind of place that makes you immediately start planning your next trip

Current offer:Book a minimum 2-night stay and receive a $100 resort credit for your stay! (check with the resort for current availability and details).

Would you choose the beach or the lazy river?

#DestinFlorida #HendersonBeachResort #DestinFWB #FloridaVacation @thehendersonfl
We didn’t set out looking for a “perfect” trip… we We didn’t set out looking for a “perfect” trip… we just needed a break from the noise.
What we found in Florida was something better than that. #ad

Our first stop in Auburndale was all about slowing down in the best way. We stayed in a cozy tiny home at Camp Margaritaville (you can also stay in an RV!). We enjoyed coffee on the porch, our daughter loved the pool and waterslide (there is even a splash zone for the littles!), and at night we slowed things down with s’mores instead of screens. It felt like nature + comfort + family time all finally in the same place. They have so many other amenities like mini golf, golf cart rentals, pickleball, a playground, cornhole, and more. Nearby, we explored the Florida Children’s Museum and had incredible food and drinks at Smith’s American Tavern and Black & Brew Coffee. 

Then, we headed over to Fort Myers to experience a completely different side of the state. Shelling walks at sunrise, beach volleyball, pool cabanas, and the kind of Gulf sunsets that make everyone go quiet for a minute. Direct beach access at the Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers made it effortless to go from “let’s check it out” to toes in the sand in minutes. There were several restaurants on property, so we never even got in our car. That plus live music, fire pits, the spa, and lawn games made it easy to want to stay put and relax.

What stood out most wasn’t just the scenery… it was how easy it was to actually be together here. No rushing or overplanning. That’s the true Floridays feeling for me. Laid-back, a little unexpected, and exactly what we didn’t know we needed. 🌴☀️

@VISITFLORIDA @visitfortmyers, @visitcentralfl 
#VISITFLORIDA #LoveFL #MyFortMyers #MargaritavilleResorts FamilyTravel FloridaTravel TravelWithKids

Copyright © 2026 · Through Heather's Looking Glass · Theme by Bella Creative Studio

Loading Comments...

You must be logged in to post a comment.

    %d