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Getting Motivated To Run Your First Race

Health magazine has these quick tips to help you get motivated to run a race. I know that it has been a goal of mine to run a 10k for a long time but pushing through that tough training and having my body heal between workouts is the tough part.

Need help in the motivation department? Sign up for a 5K or 10K. Suddenly, your exercise routine becomes ‘training’ and every workout has a purpose.

Plus, your competitive spirit is bound to keep you fired up and help you push past what you thought was impossible. Here’s how to ace the race.

Three Tips To Help You Get Motivated to Run Your First Race

Find your ideal race. If you usually do 1- to 2-mile runs, try a 5K (just over 3 miles). If you can comfortably do 3 to 4 miles, go for a 10K (a little more than 6 miles).

Find a race online at Active.com or by checking with a local running store (expect to pay around $25 to enter). Leave plenty of time to train; 8 to 10 weeks is ideal. Then tell everyone about it better yet, ask them to join you.

Get with a program. You can go to Training Programs to download one of my 5K or 10K race plans and a running log to track your progress.

Post the log on your fridge with a map of the race course for inspiration.

Prep for race day! That morning, eat a high-carb, low-fat breakfast (my favorite: peanut butter on toast with a banana) and drink 8 ounces of water at least 2 hours before the race starts to allow time for digestion.

Arrive at least 45 minutes early, so you have time to settle in and warm up with 5 to 10 minutes of easy-paced walking and running.

When it’s time to line up, aim for the middle (or back) to avoid getting mowed over by the quick starters. During the race, back off a little for the first half, then turn up the speed in the closing miles; you’ll run better, stronger, and faster (and look fabulous in that finish-line photo).

Once you cross the line, keep walking to cool down, and drink some sports drink or chocolate milk within 30 minutes to refuel your muscles. Then celebratehey, you deserve it!

Article source: https://www.fitnesstipsforlife.com/getting-motivated-to-run-a-race.html

Tai Chi to Help Arthritis

A new study by The George Institute for International Health has found Tai Chi to have positive health benefits for musculoskeletal pain. The results of the first comprehensive analysis of Tai Chi suggest that it produces positive effects for improving pain and disability among arthritis sufferers.

The researchers are now embarking on a new trial to establish if similar benefits can be seen among people with chronic low back pain.

“This is the first robust evidence to support the beneficial effects of Tai Chi. Our study proves that Tai Chi relieves pain and disability among people with arthritis and shows a positive trend towards effects for overall physical health. We now want to see if these benefits are the same for people suffering from low back pain”, said author Dr Chris Maher at The George Institute.

What is Arthritis?

Musculoskeletal pain, such as that experienced by people with arthritis, places a severe burden on the patient and community and is recognised as an international health priority. Arthritis is the major cause of disability and chronic pain in Australia, with 3.85million Australians affected. Low back pain is the most prevalent and costly musculoskeletal condition in Australia, estimated to cost up to $1billion per annum with indirect costs exceeding $8billion.

“This research should reassure people with musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis to seek exercise to relieve the pain. The fact that Tai Chi is inexpensive, convenient, enjoyable and conveys other psychological and social benefits supports the use this type of intervention for pain conditions”, added Ms Amanda Hall, The George Institute.

What is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi is a form of exercise that is regularly practiced in China for general health purposes and has gained increasing popularity in North America and Australia and thus a growing body of research aimed at investigating its health benefits has emerged.

Tai Chi is a versatile activity that can be easily incorporated into people’s daily activities. Usually preformed in a group, Tai Chi can also be practiced individually, which differs from traditional exercise therapy approaches in clinic.

Article source: https://www.fitnesstipsforlife.com/tai-chi-to-hhelp-arthritis.html