• 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 30 something southern girl living in Knoxville, Tennessee with my husband Bobby, 10-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

  • Protecting Your Kids’ Eyes In the Digital Age
  • Late Spring Events Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
  • 6 Ways to Make Mother’s Day Special This Year
  • Exciting News: Allegiant Air Launches New Knoxville to Gulf Shores Nonstop Flight
  • 8 Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Activities that are Perfect for a Family Spring Break

 

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
🚢 There are some things I never pictured doing 🚢 There are some things I never pictured doing on a cruise, but here we are! 

@virginvoyages is so unique in its offerings, it truly feels like they are listening to what their “sailors” want. (No Nickel and Dime-ing… tips, Wifi, Group Fitness Classes, Essential Bevvies, Dining, and entertainment - always included on these adult by design voyages!) 

Which of these things do you want to do on your next cruise? 

👉🏻Check out the 🔗 in my bio for up to $200 in onboard credit towards your voyage + their best discount of the year: 
75% off the second Sailor + up to $500 in Instant Savings!! 🎉

#virginvoyages #valiantlady #cruisevacation #cruiseshiplife #travelcreator
No time for the gym? Same. 🙋‍♀️ (ad) That No time for the gym? Same. 🙋‍♀️ (ad)
That’s why the Yesoul R1M Plus Rowing Machine is my new go-to for fun, full-body workouts at home — with zero guilt. 💪🏼✨

✅ Foldable & compact for small spaces
✅ Stream YouTube/Netflix etc. or Spotify while you row (hello, multitasking magic)
✅ No mandatory subscription — just mirror your screen & go!
✅ Built for all fitness levels, so you can start where you are

Mamas, this is your moment to prioritize YOU — without sacrificing your schedule (or your living room).

🛒 Grab yours here: https://bit.ly/3SkLjrM (🔗 in bio)
Use code Heather for $100 off across their G1M series bikes, T1M treadmills, R1M rowing machines, and J1M recumbent bikes! 🙌

Check out: @yesoulfitness.official
#funcardio #yesoul #hometraining #fitnessmotivation #herstrength #mothersdayideas
Here is a look behind the scenes of when we travel Here is a look behind the scenes of when we travel for work. There’s a lot going on that you don’t see on my reels. 🤪

Super glamorous, right? 😬

#behindthescenes #contentcreatorlife #contentcreator2025
🔥 The 5-Minute Smashdown is ON! 🔥 No thawing 🔥 The 5-Minute Smashdown is ON! 🔥
No thawing. No smashing. No mess. Just juicy, crispy, caramelized perfection—straight from freezer to bun in 5 minutes flat. (Ad)

These @omahasteaks Smash Burgers are Built for the Grill™, and right now, you can get 16 FREE with your order. Yes… SIXTEEN.

Ready to taste the burger that’s flipping the script on dinner? Making it easier to grill even on those busy nights where you feel overwhelmed? 

👉 Tap the link in my bio to claim your burgers. 

#OmahaSteaks #SmashBurgers #5MinuteSmashdown #BuiltForTheGrill
Just got back from the cutest cabin in Pigeon Forg Just got back from the cutest cabin in Pigeon Forge and had to share a travel hack for all my fellow moms planning summer getaways. 💡(ad)

We booked with @savvy_stay, which means no third-party fees, no fluff — just direct access to professional hosts and more room in the budget for fun. 🙌🏼 

They even have a price comparison tool on their site so you can see what you WOULD be paying if you went with “the other guys.”

Think: mountain views, family memories, and extra savings that actually make a difference. If Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge is on your list, do yourself a favor and check out Savvy first!

🏔️☀️ #FamilyTravelTips #MomLifeHacks #SummerVacationPlanning #SavvyTravel #PigeonForgeCabin #GatlinburgGetaway #TravelSmarter #staysmarter #savvy #traveltips #saveontravel
First @dollywood day of the season photo dump. 🦋 

Pro tip: Visit now. Between Easter and Memorial Day is the perfect time to go. We arrived at 4:30 and every ride was a walk on and we stayed until closing! Perfect weather, great memories, and many more to come. 💙

Cheers to 40 years, Dollywood! 🎢 

#dollywood #dollywoodthemepark #themepark #pigeonforge #dollywood2025 #dollywoodthemepark
Money doesn’t grow on trees, GF. 💰 🏀 

👉🏻Share with someone who understands and has a little broke sports loving bestie! 

#aaubasketball #sportsmom #sportsmomlife #girlsbasketball #basketballmeme #travelball #travelballparents

Copyright © 2025 · Through Heather's Looking Glass · Theme by Bella Creative Studio

 

Loading Comments...
 

You must be logged in to post a comment.

    %d