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Through Heather's Looking Glass

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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. 

 

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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!

 

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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! 

 

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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!
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