We all have them: our worst running habits. Our intentions are always good, of course, but somehow, I think we all fall into our own not-so-productive processes. What can we do? Talk about it, of course.
I am terrible at hydrating.
Drinking liquids is not my jam. I don’t care how hot it is or how much effort I’ve put in: I just don’t love drinking. Even worse, I hate water. Something about it makes my stomach feel gross and sloshy. As a result, I very rarely hydrate on the run. It’s a terrible habit, and while I can’t recall ever being actually DEhydrated, I should be better about it in order to improve my running.
I rarely make time for stretching.
Yup. I know. Stretched muscles are happy muscles. But stretching is slow and takes so much time, and my patience is nonexistent these days. Unless I’m really feeling super stiff or sore, I just don’t stretch like I should.
I run in the darkness.
Most every run starts before the sunrise for me, which is fine on its own. That said, I’m not always super consistent about wearing lights or reflective gear. Oops. It’s not that I don’t want to be seen by cars, it’s just that I want to be inconspicuous.
Rest days aren’t my favorite.
I know rest days are important, but I never feel great when I take them. Even if I just head out for a mile walk or run, it helps keep me from feeling stiff or achy. It’s just how my body works right now.
I run with my arms too high
Those T-rex arms will get you every time. I think I would be much more successful at running if I just used my arms a little bit. Instead, I rely way too much on my legs and force of will. I do try to be conscious of it, but I also quickly forget to check my form.
What are your worst running habits?
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I don’t wear any reflective gear, either.
Talking about night time, when I and my running buddies used to run in the dark in the forest, we always turned off our headlamps. The eyes get used to darkness after a while.
It was so nice to run just with the night sky above us!
That sounds so beautiful and peaceful!
I’m not good about warming up before I head out. I’m getting better about stretching because my body commands it!
I’m glad you are able to get that done!
I have sooo many. And yes I’m bad with hydrating and stretching.
At least we are in good company.
You live in Florida and you don’t like to drink water??? I can’t believe you’re not getting dehydrated! You’re out there for some long runs. Well… to each his own!
On the subject of arms, mine go too far out to the side. When I’m thinking about it, I concentrate on just moving them back and forth- but every time I see I photo of myself running, my left arm is way out to the side.
I’m NEVER dehydrated. It’s crazy.
I’m here for Team Arms In The Wrong Place!
Ha those are some “bad” habits. I feel so much better with proper hydration and stretching both pre and post run. 🙂
I hate when I feel water sloshing around in my stomach when I run. It doesn’t always happen, but when it does I know I have probably had too much! I used to never have to stretch… it wasn’t until I hit 45-46 that things really changed for me in that department. I feel you on the rest days!
I know what you mean about stretching taking so much time. I am in a hurry in the morning and I want to run or be done with it so I can get ready for work. Even on the weekends I am in a rush!
Exactly so!