Self Care 101 for Distance Runners.

Self care…it’s a term I’ve been hearing all over the internet lately and I’m loving it. I think sometimes as runners and busy folks on the go in general from time to time we tend to neglect certain things that will make us whole as humans and more well rounded as athletes! So, here are a few ways I like to tend to my self care when I’m training for any endurance event, whether it’s a 100 miler or a half marathon.

–Invest in good sleep and create a nightly routine for yourself- When I go to bed, my phone goes to silent and ALL of the lights go off in my house. I’m pretty sensitive to light so darkness for my sleep is where its at. I also turn off all electronics and try to create a ZEN environment for my sleep. Since I run high mileage this is all pretty crucial for me. But yes, good sleep and charging those batteries will give you the power you need to get up and get going for sure.

–Aromatherapy can be a good thing. I love all of the calming essential oils, like lavender and sometimes eucalyptus. Another good one for energizing is lemongrass. You can purchase these at any natural foods store usually like Whole Foods etc. A little goes a long way!

–Take CARE of your feet! This is one that I have to really be good about since I put in so many miles. We often tend to neglect our feet as runners since we are on them so much. I get pedicures quite often (HEY GUYS you can do this too have no shame), but I even have a foot soak bath at home (I need to do the at home stuff more). Keep the toenails clipped too! I know it should go without saying…but you would be amazed at how foot care even affects how you run.

–Set goals that are attainable…a little goes a long way. Stop the comparison trap. I have to keep saying it and will continue saying it. Do the goals that are attainable for YOU. You do not have to run 100 miles. Not a lot of runners do that anyway. Just the crazy ones (evil laughter) you want to run a 15k? Do you want to run a sub 1:30 half? Is your goal to run in the mountains in Colorado? Well do that!! Find a plan and get to work. Forget what everyone else is doing. There is so much satisfaction and peace in doing YOU and doing your own thing.

–Tell yourself good things. Put some affirmations on your mirror if you have to. Believe that you are capable of achieving whatever your goal is. Surround yourself around people who believe in you. And who are like minded in what it is that you do.

–Stretch allllll the time! I love stretching. I always need to do it more. I am a yogi in my head. No really, I try to get to yoga as often as I can even if it is yoga at the brewery. But man, stretching post run and doing all of the massages and stretching and recovery stuff feels oh so dang good.

Share some of your self care tips with us!