Infographic: Workout Nutrition Guide

Fish on Negei Plate and Chilewich Placemat

I've been asked by Sarah of Not My Own Anymore in her comment on Philhealth: Post Run Update if it's alright to have an extra helping of rice after a long run. My answer is of course just based on what I normally do and something that applies to me. But, we could all benefit from reading what the fitness experts have to say. After all, they're the ones who have had studied this aspect of workouts.

I'd be honest. I don't usually eat anything before I run and I just take a sip of water.  That's because I have to get up before 4 am and leave before 5am to go to the running venue.  If I run before 6am, I'd still have something in my stomach and it worries me that I might throw up with the exertion lol!  Barely no liquid also as I tend to pee if I have coffee or water that early. Running could get uncomfortable when you have to hold that water until you finish the run.  I suppose I have to make adjustments so I could have the proper nutrition before my run.  That way, I could probably last longer and not have my energy zapped out during the last kilometer of the run.

Join the Running Revolution With Adidas Energy Boost

Since I was a kid, I've always loved the freedom of running.  I may not be one of the fastest runners in school, but I don't lag behind so much.  I am more of a sprinter actually.  I can do short bursts of runs.  It is only the middle of last year that I tried long distance running.  Well, 5K is already long distance for someone who is used to short bursts of speed and who has had a knee injury a decade ago.  It was that knee injury that actually made me stop running for a while.  

Going back to running, what's the craziest thing I've done to boost my run?

PhilHealth: Post Run Update

Philhealth run is my first 5K organized run this year. I must say that after taking a long break from running, I'm not really in my top running condition. I was aiming for a less than 35 minutes run but having had not much practice, I finished at 45 minutes and 37 seconds. Still a slow runner. The time may not have improved but I must say I am still a better runner than my first 5K run. I was out of breath back then and experienced the beginnings of cramps and aching bunion, but not this time. I have better stamina, lungs and heart took the exertion well, and my legs and knees were not groaning in pain during the run. I also paid better attention to my running form, always checking if I am still running at the correct posture and proper foot landing. I also practiced deep breathing even while running, and I guess that helped to sustain me. 

Curves Gym: Strengthening Women

Logo

Some months ago, my colleagues and I were scouting for a gym where we could workout regularly. Unfortunately most of these gyms within our vicinity are leaning more towards workouts for men, specifically those who are trying to burst their bodies trying to build those humongous muscles that seem to have a life of their own. We figured that's no place for us gals who just want to do fitness routines rather than join body building contests.

Tribesports: Are You Ready for the Challenge?

Some months ago, I took the 200 Squats Challenge.  After one update, you have not heard me talking about it again until now, right?  Suffice to say that I failed miserably but I'm not taking it so hard.  It's a challenge I took and one that I had to give up after the 3rd week, when my knees are already screaming at me.  Doing squats is probably one of the best exercises there is, but for one who has injured her knees previously, taking that challenge was a bit of suicide, at least when it comes to my knees.

Infographic: Running Facts

I know that running is not for everyone, but for those who are inclined (even just a tiny bit) to engage in this fitness activity, here are some interesting facts you may want to consider even before you start.  I must admit, I just took to running without knowing most of these things, particularly about that blood-squirting thing...makes me cringe.  That would have scared me anyway, so I'm just glad I didn't know.

Good news for those couch potatoes who are thinking of doing any form of exercise.  The mind is really a powerful tool.  It says in the middle of this infographic that just thinking about doing some activity already increases your heart rate in anticipation.  See, you're probably already burning an infinitesimal amount of energy by just thinking.  Duh...no wonder I get hungry when I think too much hahaha!  

Ta-RUN-a: PhilHealth Nationwide Run

It's just 12 days from now and we'll be running our first organized run this year.  We missed out on the January  running events, probably because we needed some time to get back to form (What form? hehehe).  Either that or we simply have the holidays hangover.  

PhilHealth organized this nationwide run.  This will be a simultaneous run on different parts of the country.  We three gals will just be on the 5K category while the two guys opted for the 18K.  Here's a snaphot of the tarpaulin ad:

Ta-RUN-a (image from PhilHealth site)