Apr
There is a huge amount of advice out there for runners, whether you’re just starting out or have been running for a while and want to take on new challenges. We’ve got a lot of it here, in the training articles on our website, but we wondered if there were some unexpected tips we might be missing.
Recently, we asked The Herd, the community of Lonely Goat Running Club members, for some of their lesser known or more unusual pieces of advice: the sort of thing you might only learn after years of experimentation. We had a great response – including the suggestion to drink a pint of ale after every mile! Here are a few of our favourites…
On the run
Don’t over-dress. It’s OK to feel a little chilly for the first mile, as you should warm up quickly.
Look where you’re going!
Don’t stand around chatting on the start line until you’re certain you’ve double-knotted your laces.
If you like to run with music, try trance to help you get in the zone, or dance music with a similar BPM to your cadence. Humming the “Can-Can” can keep you in time.
Mental arithmetic helps to pass the time. Try long multiplication.
When runs get hard, slow down and sing out loud to reset your mood.
Jam sandwiches on white bread, with a little salt, cut into squares, are great long run fuel.
Walking is OK, and slow running can help you get quicker.
Enjoy runs where you go off-route and have a mini-adventure. Head off with no plan in mind and have fun by following your curiosity.
Carry dog treats and get to know the dogs on your usual routes.
If you’re very slow, learn to navigate by the stars!
Nipples, chafing and skincare
A surprising amount of advice was shared on how to stop chafing. When it comes to nipple plasters, the Herd recommend microporous tape (cheap and cheerful), cutting off strips of kinesiology tape, nipple shields, or wearing a compression top that stays close to the skin rather than moving around.
On a similar note, wearing your top inside out can be more comfortable, as the raised seams will be on the outside.
Toe socks are great in wet weather as they stop your clammy toes from rubbing against each other and getting blisters.
Don’t cut your toenails the night before a race. Do it a few days before.
Bepanthan (or nappy rash cream) on your face cheeks acts as a skin barrier for running in winter or very windy weather. It also makes you laugh during a long run when you think you have baby’s bum cream on your face!
Apply anti-chafing lube or cream liberally in summer. Remember to put some on the inside of your upper arms when wearing a vest, and lower back.
Vaseline on your eyebrows stops sweat running into your eyes. But don’t choose the tinted stuff unless you want a shiny pink forehead.
Wear sunscreen. Look after your skin.
Shoes
The insoles that come with your running trainers are usually pretty good, but they’re not always perfect. Some runners like to remove them and replace them with a third party product, such as the sports insoles you can buy at certain high street shops. That way, even when you’ve got different shoes in the go, they’ll all feel the same underfoot.
Another insole tip is to take them out, put double-sided tape on the underside, and stick them back in to the shoes. This can help prevent them from sliding about if you run through puddles and get the shoes wet.
Laundry
Smelly running kit in your washing basket can make your other clothes or bedroom pong. Keep them separate by buying a small running-specific laundry basket (and hiding it in a spare room!).
Sports clothes-specific washing liquid (like the one made by Grangers) are better at keeping your kit smelling fresh.
And finally
Go to the loo before you start your run. If you’re going on a long trail run, pack a loo roll and dog poo bags: leave no trace!
Thank you
Thanks to the Goats who suggested tips: Sue A, Lisa B, Philip B, Andrew C, Stuart C, Tricia D, Mike D, Marion F, Michael F, Charlotte H, Caroline J, Lou L, Stuart M, Rosalie M, John M, Tim McG, ZZ P, Hayley R, Malcolm R, Scott R, Dean S, Steve S, another Steve S, Jennifer T, Caroline T, Darren W, and “Handsome Parrot”.
For more real-world running tips, hop into the Facebook Chat Group: LINK