View ProfileI have a pact with the road, we are a team and we have a date once or sometimes even twice a day. Sometimes we spend hours together, and sometimes just a short jaunt, but consistency is key if you want to build any kind of rapport. There is no gauge of early to late, as long as I arrive . . . eventually.
The road grew on me slowly. It is always ready when I am, no matter how long it takes for me to get dressed or motivated. The road doesn’t care if my sweatshirt doesn’t match my pants or if my hair frizzes slightly due to the humidity. Simply patience, never doubting my commitment.
Aside from thorough stretching, breathing is the key to endurance running. Cramps are sneaky little pests, and are easily prevented with effective breathing.
I start jogging and remind myself that now is the time to be breathing properly, not later when cramps have already taken hold. I inhale strongly through my nose using my diaphragm to increase oxygen levels and then slowly exhale through my mouth. This rhythm is especially helpful when it is frigid outside because breathing through the nose regulates body temperature better than breathing through the mouth only.
If I don’t breath effectively, I begin to resent the road, our time together, and temptation to quit seeps into my motivation. I am committed to the road and I feel great about us when I breathe right.
It really is all about how you breathe.
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