defro781
06-11-2008, 06:42 PM
My Body is Like a Car?
Submitted by:
The Endurance News Network
http://www.endurancenews.net (http://www.endurancenews.net/)
I recently ran a marathon for the first time in my life. Make no mistake about it, I am not a very experienced runner. However, I learned that understanding your body and how it works is just as important as putting miles on your shoes. Over the past few months, I came up with the idea that you can compare your body to your car.
First, let me ask you, if you were going on a long road trip in your car and you want to go the farthest you can on one tank of gas, what would you do?
Proper Fuel – Of course you would want to have a full tank of gas in your car. Little gas means you will soon be running on fumes and that doesn’t last long. The same concept applies to your body. A full tank of fuel for the body means having plenty of food in your stomach before you start your run.
However, anyone who wants to drive their car the farthest possible on one tank will tell you that it’s not just about having a full tank of gas, but also the right kind of gas. By this I mean, the highest octane the gas station has. The same applies to the body; the better fuel you have the better your body will be able to run. Unfortunately for the body, this also means timing. Having the right combinations of carbs, fats, protein, etc. at the right times will give you the fuel you need to run long and far.
Fluids – Your car must have the right amounts of fluid to run. Something as simple as not having any oil can shut down your car’s engine. In addition, it is vital that your car has proper amounts of transmission fluid, engine coolant, etc. to function. The body is just like your car in the sense that fluids are essential. Hydration, even starting the night before a big run, is a must. It’s not just about water, Gatorade and other sports drinks with plenty of electrolytes are always a plus. Additionally, while you run you sweat, which you can picture as your car leaking fluids. If your car leaks fluids you must replenish. Therefore, don’t expect to make a long run without bringing enough fluids with you. Invest in a camelback or other device that you can easily run with. Hydrating before, during, and after your run is essential.
Tires – The tires of your car are the only points of contact it actually has with the road. Therefore, they are a very important aspect to consider. Too much wear and they can through off your car’s alignment, improper inflation and they will not allow you to obtain the best miles per gallon. Of course, tires are to your car as shoes are to a runner. You cannot expect to make consistent long runs without the appropriate shoes. If you are not running with adequate shoes you will soon find yourself on the side of the road with a “flat tire” (otherwise known as an injury).
Don’t Peel Out! - Anyone who constantly punches the gas pedal to the floor at every opportunity to accelerate will tell you that the gas mileage they get is not as good as someone who accelerates slowly and consistently. This relates directly to running - A good solid pace is what you are looking for. You need to conserve gas because you are on a long trip. Be careful not to get caught up in a fast pace for yourself or it’s going to be hard to make it 20+ miles. Pace yourself!!
Submitted by:
The Endurance News Network
http://www.endurancenews.net (http://www.endurancenews.net/)
I recently ran a marathon for the first time in my life. Make no mistake about it, I am not a very experienced runner. However, I learned that understanding your body and how it works is just as important as putting miles on your shoes. Over the past few months, I came up with the idea that you can compare your body to your car.
First, let me ask you, if you were going on a long road trip in your car and you want to go the farthest you can on one tank of gas, what would you do?
Proper Fuel – Of course you would want to have a full tank of gas in your car. Little gas means you will soon be running on fumes and that doesn’t last long. The same concept applies to your body. A full tank of fuel for the body means having plenty of food in your stomach before you start your run.
However, anyone who wants to drive their car the farthest possible on one tank will tell you that it’s not just about having a full tank of gas, but also the right kind of gas. By this I mean, the highest octane the gas station has. The same applies to the body; the better fuel you have the better your body will be able to run. Unfortunately for the body, this also means timing. Having the right combinations of carbs, fats, protein, etc. at the right times will give you the fuel you need to run long and far.
Fluids – Your car must have the right amounts of fluid to run. Something as simple as not having any oil can shut down your car’s engine. In addition, it is vital that your car has proper amounts of transmission fluid, engine coolant, etc. to function. The body is just like your car in the sense that fluids are essential. Hydration, even starting the night before a big run, is a must. It’s not just about water, Gatorade and other sports drinks with plenty of electrolytes are always a plus. Additionally, while you run you sweat, which you can picture as your car leaking fluids. If your car leaks fluids you must replenish. Therefore, don’t expect to make a long run without bringing enough fluids with you. Invest in a camelback or other device that you can easily run with. Hydrating before, during, and after your run is essential.
Tires – The tires of your car are the only points of contact it actually has with the road. Therefore, they are a very important aspect to consider. Too much wear and they can through off your car’s alignment, improper inflation and they will not allow you to obtain the best miles per gallon. Of course, tires are to your car as shoes are to a runner. You cannot expect to make consistent long runs without the appropriate shoes. If you are not running with adequate shoes you will soon find yourself on the side of the road with a “flat tire” (otherwise known as an injury).
Don’t Peel Out! - Anyone who constantly punches the gas pedal to the floor at every opportunity to accelerate will tell you that the gas mileage they get is not as good as someone who accelerates slowly and consistently. This relates directly to running - A good solid pace is what you are looking for. You need to conserve gas because you are on a long trip. Be careful not to get caught up in a fast pace for yourself or it’s going to be hard to make it 20+ miles. Pace yourself!!