Diario de tribute_to_erasmus, 31 ago. 09

Hi! How far are you running? Maybe you need to ease into it? Stretching is supposed to help with the cramping - maybe stop every 10 minutes or so and stretch, take a drink. Good luck! 

I'm running 5k and I've been able to complete it successfully before, but I seem to be on a low energy slump. I definitely think I should carry some water with me, I felt really dehydrated today, it's just inconvenient to have the water slosh around in the bottle. But I suppose I shouldn't let that deter me from a successful run. 

Ok, now are you running comfortably? In other words, are you being relaxed as you run? Even in running, it's easy to have your mind wandering off on things that may keep you from being relaxed. When muscles and breathing aren't relaxed, it tends to make you lose energy, tense up, and can cause cramping. Same thing can happen when you try rush your running. Even though running is good for losing weight, there's two kinds (IMO) of running: 1. To train the body to adapt to distance, speed, terrain, timing, endurance etc. 2. Running for tranquility...where you simply take your time, push all the cares of the world aside, and let your mind focus on good things. At least that's how I approach running. Again though, just my opinion 

I suppose I have been intent on improving my time so I'm not as relaxed as i used to be. I should perhaps just go back to running slower, enjoy the pace and build my endurance for that distance. I'm still really proud of myself from having gone from couch potato to runner. I really enjoy the feeling. I'll definitely go in with less tension next time. Thanks for the tip! 

First of all, congratulations on getting off of the Couch of Doom and starting to run. Pking always has great running advice. Being relaxed is probably the most important part of distance running. Also, for general running you should go at a pace that you could still hold a conversation with someone. If you're gasping between words then it's time to slow down a bit. I would definitely recommend carrying some sort of liquid with you if there are no water fountains on your run. You might look into getting a hydration belt if you don't want to worry about holding water while you run.