Seek the Peak: Nicole's training diary
Week 7
Posted by Nicole van Zanten May 26, 2015
Week 7: Arriving to the Start Line Injury-Free
As I was climbing the Grouse Grind this weekend, I felt a slight pain in my right knee and thought of the worst. Was I feeling an injury surfacing? Thankfully, after a few more minutes of climbing, the pain disappeared and I returned to normal. With the countdown beginning for Seek the Peak (three weeks away!) it’s time to ensure we avoid injuries as much as possible and arrive healthy and prepared for race day. Below are three ways you can help ensure you reach the start line with a smile.
1. Stretch and recover.
Both key elements of any training routine. After every workout, ensure you give yourself enough time to stretch. As busy as our lives are, it is important to spend at least ten minutes taking care of yourself post-run or climb. RunnersWorld has some great exercises you can do to prepare (and repair) your body after exercise.
2. Take advantage of rest days.
I’m guilty of absolutely despising rest days, but experts say that these days are just as important as those spent working out.
“When you perform excessive amounts of exercise without proper rest and recovery you may experience some harmful side effects including decreased performance, fatigue, altered hormonal states, poor sleeping patterns, reproductive disorders, decreased immunity, loss of appetite, and mood swings.” Source.
The next time you think of skipping your rest day, consider the consequences of pushing through.
3. Listen to your body.
As with any runner who has completed long-distance training, you know that your body will often tell you when something just isn’t quite right. Whether it’s the slight pain in your knee or a shoulder feeling off, your body will always give you little signals that indicate distress. Listen to your body and try not to push limits. I hope you’re excited to arrive on the start line with a smile, prepared to take on the Seek the Peak race route for such a wonderful cause.
Until next week!
Nicole
As I was climbing the Grouse Grind this weekend, I felt a slight pain in my right knee and thought of the worst. Was I feeling an injury surfacing? Thankfully, after a few more minutes of climbing, the pain disappeared and I returned to normal. With the countdown beginning for Seek the Peak (three weeks away!) it’s time to ensure we avoid injuries as much as possible and arrive healthy and prepared for race day. Below are three ways you can help ensure you reach the start line with a smile.
1. Stretch and recover.
Both key elements of any training routine. After every workout, ensure you give yourself enough time to stretch. As busy as our lives are, it is important to spend at least ten minutes taking care of yourself post-run or climb. RunnersWorld has some great exercises you can do to prepare (and repair) your body after exercise.
2. Take advantage of rest days.
I’m guilty of absolutely despising rest days, but experts say that these days are just as important as those spent working out.
“When you perform excessive amounts of exercise without proper rest and recovery you may experience some harmful side effects including decreased performance, fatigue, altered hormonal states, poor sleeping patterns, reproductive disorders, decreased immunity, loss of appetite, and mood swings.” Source.
The next time you think of skipping your rest day, consider the consequences of pushing through.
3. Listen to your body.
As with any runner who has completed long-distance training, you know that your body will often tell you when something just isn’t quite right. Whether it’s the slight pain in your knee or a shoulder feeling off, your body will always give you little signals that indicate distress. Listen to your body and try not to push limits. I hope you’re excited to arrive on the start line with a smile, prepared to take on the Seek the Peak race route for such a wonderful cause.
Until next week!
Nicole
