Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is it a good time to run?
A: A good time to run is the morning because when you run in the morning, it spikes up your metabolism, which stays higher throughout the day on average, while if you had run at night, it'll drop down quickly as soon as you settle in to sleep.
Q: Is there anything you can do to prevent your muscles from cramping up in a marathon? (or beyond)
A: What I like to do is to drink pedialyte. Not only is it high in potassium and sodium, but also has the proper balance with electrolytes and fluids that your body can process. I also suggest drinking pickle juice. It's something weird, but it's helped me out a lot in my last race.
Q: How can I lose weight?
A: Think of it logically. Let's assume that where you are right now, you're not gaining or losing any weight. In order to change your weight by 1 pound, you need to somehow conserve 3500 kcal. If your net gain is 3500 kcal more than your average lifestyle, then you'll gain a pound. If your net LOSS is 3500 kcal less than your average lifestyle, you will lose a pound. This means that what you consume and what you use plays an important role with losing weight. Numerically, this is a simple solution, but if you're going to apply it to your life, you need to make a few lifestyle changes.
Q: My foot hurts. Why and what should I do?
A: Of course, this depends on where it hurts but most of the time, people get injured because they over-train (their training level and fitness/health are at a different place) or they're doing something wrong (running wrong). It's okay to take a break if you need to, and it's also good to balance your training in order to match with where you are. The "No Pain No Gain" rule doesn't apply. Build a foundation and grow.... but anyway, if it hurts too much, stay off of it, wear shoes when you're not running that will support your feet, and just be cool about it. If it's just a little pain that may go away, maybe get on a bicycle or go swimming. You don't want to take a chance and run a lot... but if you must, run a short run and stop BEFORE you think you'll get hurt. Listen to your body.
Q: I have blisters when I run. What can I do to help prevent them?
A: The friction between the skin and another object will cause blisters to form. First of all, the best thing you can do for yourself to prevent that from happening is wearing the right shoes and the right socks. Now for socks, it's better to buy those that are made from synthetic material or wool... and NEVER get cotton ones. As for shoes, it's a little difficult since every individual has different kinds of feet. Finding the perfect pair can take some time. I like getting shoes that are a half size bigger than my feet because it helps my feet from rubbing against it too much. Also, if you're new to running, that means that your skin isn't as tough, and you'll have to get used to it... so sometimes, only time can heal. Due to the amount I run, I don't really get any blisters... even after running 102.3 miles, so that means if you get blisters from running a 5k, with the right shoes, socks, and training, your feet will eventually become blister proof.
A: A good time to run is the morning because when you run in the morning, it spikes up your metabolism, which stays higher throughout the day on average, while if you had run at night, it'll drop down quickly as soon as you settle in to sleep.
Q: Is there anything you can do to prevent your muscles from cramping up in a marathon? (or beyond)
A: What I like to do is to drink pedialyte. Not only is it high in potassium and sodium, but also has the proper balance with electrolytes and fluids that your body can process. I also suggest drinking pickle juice. It's something weird, but it's helped me out a lot in my last race.
Q: How can I lose weight?
A: Think of it logically. Let's assume that where you are right now, you're not gaining or losing any weight. In order to change your weight by 1 pound, you need to somehow conserve 3500 kcal. If your net gain is 3500 kcal more than your average lifestyle, then you'll gain a pound. If your net LOSS is 3500 kcal less than your average lifestyle, you will lose a pound. This means that what you consume and what you use plays an important role with losing weight. Numerically, this is a simple solution, but if you're going to apply it to your life, you need to make a few lifestyle changes.
Q: My foot hurts. Why and what should I do?
A: Of course, this depends on where it hurts but most of the time, people get injured because they over-train (their training level and fitness/health are at a different place) or they're doing something wrong (running wrong). It's okay to take a break if you need to, and it's also good to balance your training in order to match with where you are. The "No Pain No Gain" rule doesn't apply. Build a foundation and grow.... but anyway, if it hurts too much, stay off of it, wear shoes when you're not running that will support your feet, and just be cool about it. If it's just a little pain that may go away, maybe get on a bicycle or go swimming. You don't want to take a chance and run a lot... but if you must, run a short run and stop BEFORE you think you'll get hurt. Listen to your body.
Q: I have blisters when I run. What can I do to help prevent them?
A: The friction between the skin and another object will cause blisters to form. First of all, the best thing you can do for yourself to prevent that from happening is wearing the right shoes and the right socks. Now for socks, it's better to buy those that are made from synthetic material or wool... and NEVER get cotton ones. As for shoes, it's a little difficult since every individual has different kinds of feet. Finding the perfect pair can take some time. I like getting shoes that are a half size bigger than my feet because it helps my feet from rubbing against it too much. Also, if you're new to running, that means that your skin isn't as tough, and you'll have to get used to it... so sometimes, only time can heal. Due to the amount I run, I don't really get any blisters... even after running 102.3 miles, so that means if you get blisters from running a 5k, with the right shoes, socks, and training, your feet will eventually become blister proof.