It’s goal setting time again! I’ve written plenty in the past about setting goals (such as here, here, here and here). I’m going to take a break from that this time to discuss what you should do after you set your goals.
It may seem obvious. Set a goal, get it in front of you constantly and chase it down! How hard is that to figure out, right?
Well, I’d actually suggest a different path.
…We’re coming into the time of the year when the age old question for runners gets frequently asked: what should I do if I catch a cold?
The advice I have always heard is to consider where the symptoms are. Generally speaking, if the symptoms are above the shoulders (nasal congestion, sore throat, cough that isn’t too bad, etc.) then go ahead and run but stick to easy runs. If the symptoms are below the shoulders (chest congestion, bad cough, muscle aches, etc.) then it’s time to take off.
But what does the science say?
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I write something like this for Thanksgiving every year but I feel like I owe you all a thanks more this year than ever.
…I’ve reported in the past about studies suggesting running is good for your health and more is better. It’s not a certain thing, there is some evidence that it might not be, but what I’ve seen so far suggests that the data showing more is better or at the very least more isn’t worse is more reliable and convincing.
Maybe that’s hopeful thinking. If so, feel free to regard this as cherry picking. Two more studies suggesting that, at the very least, greater levels of exercise do not cause you health problems.
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Have you ever paid close attention to your heart rate on a run? Especially if it was on a long run or race, you probably noticed that your heart rate gradually increased even if you were maintaining pace.
Why is this and what should we do about it?
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