Running 101

Running is a very popular exercise as it's not only beneficial to your entire body but your mind. It's also free and requires little to no skill. Meet Alex a 15 year old Irish Runner.

• When and why did you take up running?

I started running in a club when I was 11 because my older brother trained there and I thought it would be fun.

• What has your experience been like with running so far?

My experiences with running have been very good in the past, runners are far nicer and 

friendlier than cyclists, triathletes and swimmers from what I can see.

• Is it as hard as everyone thinks it is?

It mostly isn't as hard as people think it is some people just say that as an excuse for being lazy, although it does require consistent training. the hardest part is actually going out to run..The running itself is fun, but to actually motivate yourself to go outside and do it especially in bad weather is the hardest part.

• What would you recommend for those who want to start running?

I'd recommend people who want to start running to go to their nearest club with some friends, You'll enjoy going down to it if your friends are there too. Also enter races and competitions because you need to race to improve.

• Alex's Achievements

7K All-Ireland Champion

7th in British and Irish Mountain running championships

I find having a good pair of earphones takes my mind off running. Click here for my review on the best pair for exercising.

"In running, it doesn't matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last. You can say, 'I have finished.' There is a lot of satisfaction in that." -Fred Lebow, NYC marathon co-founder.

How to Stay Healthy During the Winter

A lot of people associate being fit and healthy around Summer time. Taking care of your body during winter ensures you get a head-start on the best body ever! 

1. Set mini goals. "We don't get what we want because we don't know what we want" It's the little goals that make a big difference. Write down what you want, when you want it and why you want it. Always refer back to this!
2. Don't depend on the weather. There are plenty of effective free indoor workouts you can do in the comfort of your own home. It's only a YouTube search away. 
3. Try something new. Whether it be a new recipe or an additional workout eg. skipping. It's going to spice up the routine and get you pumped up. 
4. Don't settle. During winter it's cold and a lot of comfort foods are processed eg packaged soups. Try make things from scratch so you know what you're putting into your body. 
5. Increase your fibre. It increases your anti-inflammatory proteins. It helps fight off sickness as well as aids your digestive and immune system. For example whole grains, oats & chia seeds click here for the benefits.

"Summer bodies are made in Winter"

What I Ate Wednesday

What I eat in a day varies whether I've got school or if I'm training etc. On this particular day I stayed at home. 

Breakfast;

Every morning I drink water before eating, it's important to hydrate your body after sleep. It also can boost your metabolism by 24%! Click here for a review on my favourite water bottle tracker. Today I had oatmeal with sliced bananas, desiccated coconut, chia seeds and almonds. 

Pre-workout;

Three multigrain rice cakes with peanut butter and chia seeds.

Post-workout;

Chocolate protein powder, banana and almond milk smoothie.

Lunch;

Chicken and ham salad (lemon & honey as dressing) sprinkled with chia seeds.

Dinner;

Brown rice with soy sauce, salmon and vegetables.

Drinks;

Throughout the day I consumed water and green tea.

What did you eat today? Did you enjoy this post? 

"I like food. I like eating. And I don't want to deprive myself of good food."
- Sarah Michelle Gellar