I wrote about 3 of these Cs in a previous blog post, but since that writing, and thanks to comments from friends, I’ve added several more. These are really just helpful hints to assist you in getting up, out the door, and down the road to a happier, healthier life. I confess these have a bit of a morning running bias, but modify them as you see appropriate.
In order of activity (more or less):
- Communicate – make a date with one or more friends to run together. You can do this a day or two or more ahead of time or even at the last minute, depending on your running buddies. It is great to run with other as it motivates you to get out. After all you don’t want to let down a friend.
- Comatose – perhaps this is not the best word to describe getting a good night’s sleep, but it works. I recommend 7 – 8 hours, if you can. If nothing else, going for a run will help you sleep better. It is a beautiful circle!
- Conscious – this may seem obvious, but you should be awake before you run. This involves setting an alarm if you are scheduled to run in the morning. I recommend setting your alarm at least an hour before you plan to leave your home in order to accomplish the next few steps:
- Caffeine – this can be either tea or coffee or hot chocolate, unless you are caffeine intolerant – then chose an alternative. My breakfast beverage of choice is coffee. I love to have a piping hot cup before I head out the door. There has been plenty written about the benefits of coffee for runners and I believe it. Not only does it fuel and fire you up, it also gets the bowels moving, which is always a good thing.
- Carbohydrates – Runners need carbs to run. I would not recommend any runners go on a carb-free diet, but also don’t overload on ’em. These convert to glycose and fuel your running muscles. So eat those pieces of toast, or bowls of oatmeal or granola with gusto.
- Crap – another twisted “c” word, to fit the theme, but seriously I highly recommend a BM before you hit the road, otherwise you will be looking for a bush to hide behind and searching for maple leaves to complete the task. Here’s a great talk on this subject and a simple exercise to get the digestive system and bowel working.
- Clothes – yup, seems obvious but you need them, unless you are going on one of those famous naked runs, but not regularly I expect. Here’s a hint that helps morning runners – pick out your clothes the night before and have them all ready to go in the morning. You might even want to read my article on runderwear to learn a few things about what to wear.
- Cat or canine – if you have one or the other, be sure to bond with them while you are eating your morning meal – they will love you for it. And if you have a dog – take it for a run. I have two cats and one always has to have a rest on my lap when I’m sitting down, but I feel good about that – it is a two way street with pets. However, my cats do not get nearly enough exercise, so I’m considering getting them one of these, which will do wonders for their lives!
- Caries – another stretch… but I would suggest that you brush your teeth before you head out – you never know when you might have to perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on your running buddy or someone might have to do it on you. Caring for your teeth is also really a good thing – especially if you want to have a winning smile in those race photos!
- Commitment – Come on, what are you waiting for? Get out the door – now! No more procrastinating! The sooner you get up and out, the sooner you will be feeling better, living your life, seeing beautiful things, enjoying that inner smile! Set yourself a schedule and stick to it!
I am a runner.
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