Blog – HillRunner.com

November 19, 2020November 18, 2020

Returning to running after COVID-19?

As should be expected with a virus that we didn’t even know existed a year ago, we’re still learning a lot about COVID-19. I’m sure you’ve all heard the good news that a very effective vaccine is likely on the way but it’s still going to take time to get it produced and distributed. Meanwhile, people are still getting infected and will continue to do so for a while.

So everything we can learn about it is important. If you catch it, you want to know what it means, right? Well, here’s more on returning to your workout routine after recovering from COVID-19. The short story? Be patient and come back gradually. There is evidence that a significant (in some studies a disturbingly high) number of people who have recovered, even very healthy and fit people, developing long lasting serious side effects.

So please be careful. Based on what I’ve seen, I’d recommend being far more cautious than I normally recommend for coming back from a cold or flu.

November 12, 2020November 12, 2020

Winter running

It seems too early for this but winter is on its way. Here in Wisconsin, we’ve already seen snow on the ground in October and the past couple of mornings have felt very winter like.

That means it’s time for your annual reminder: winter running can be safe and, dare I say, even enjoyable with a few precautions.

November 5, 2020November 5, 2020

Do you prehab?

When a runner gets injured, we all instantly think about rehab. What are you doing to recover? Strength? Stretching? Maybe some massage or self massage with something like a foam roller?

Instead of being reactive, why not be proactive? Before the injury happens, do some of that same work in order to avoid it in the first place.

October 29, 2020October 29, 2020

How to race during a pandemic

For the first time since 1989, I haven’t run an in person race this year. I know there have been a few opportunities this fall but I just don’t feel that any of these events were, to me, worth the risk of potentially being a part of the problem and spreading a serious virus. I terribly miss head to head racing and everything that goes with it but running still means a lot to me even without that and some things, like the health of my family and community, are more important.

That said, we all have to make our own choices. I don’t pass value judgments on to others who make different decisions. I hope they will take reasonable precautions and consider the safety procedures of the races they are considering but, if they feel the race is worth it, that’s their choice.

So, if you’re one of those people who are looking for a race, how do you decide what race to do and then how to safely participate? The always great Gretchen Reynolds offers some thoughts on that.

October 22, 2020October 21, 2020

Consistency – what happens when things go wrong?

Last week, I posted about the importance of consistency.

But last month, I posted about the importance of taking time off when your health is at risk.

How do these ideas reconcile? Let’s use me as an example.

October 15, 2020October 15, 2020

Consistently great or great at being consistent?

Even this guy (probably) isn’t great every day but you can bet he shows up every day

What does it take to be your best?

So many people think the answer is that you need to be great every day, that you need to be at your best day in and day out.

October 8, 2020October 7, 2020

Incidental fitness

It won’t make you an Olympian but a regular walk is good for your general fitness

When I first began working from home back in March, I made a promise to myself. I’d get at least 30 minutes of dedicated activity every day until I returned to work.

Why would I make a promise like this? I wanted to make sure I was doing something every day, even if I was taking a day off of running, because I was bound to be less active throughout the day.

October 1, 2020September 30, 2020

Train to train to race

Right now, with very few races on the schedule and some people completely bypassing the fall racing season, we all have an important decision to make. What to do with our training?

After giving yourself some recovery time, I’d like to suggest you train to get yourself more ready to train to race next year (as we hope racing will return then).

September 24, 2020September 23, 2020

Enjoy the special moments

This year, I’ve had a lot of opportunities to share runs with my daughter

Taking a little break from the usual training posts. I’m not sure what to think of this but I’m apparently feeling a little philosophical.

This year, we’ve had a lot of bad moments to get through. However, largely due to at least some of what’s been going on, I’ve also found some very special moments I’ve been able to enjoy, nothing more so than running with my daughter.

September 17, 2020September 16, 2020

Health first

I’ve been hearing from a few people recently with health concerns. Either people who are getting COVID-19 tests because they are showing symptoms after being exposed (thankfully, nobody I’ve heard from has had a positive test yet) or those of you who live in the areas where air quality is affected by the wildfires.

My message for these individuals has been the same: health first, then fitness.