While the most important thing right now is to #stayhome and #staysafe we are lucky enough in Australia to still be running outside. While it's not a time to smash yourself and risk compromising your immune system, it is a time to #keeprunning and keep your ‘body, mind and soul’ healthy and happy. Here are some motivating tips to keep you going.
1. Make your bed
Its very easy to slip into hump mode when your normal daily structures have crumbled. Set a structure or routine for each day. Start by getting up, washing your face and making your bed. Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgzLzbd-zT4 to listen to a Navy Seal Admiral who poses a very strong case for bed making)
2. Run for your health
Exercise studies show that regular, modest exercise boosts immunity, and lowers your risk of infection so #keeprunning. Combine your run with a friend (only one 😊) to enjoy a chat, a laugh or simply some quiet company while you move through your paces. Running not only boosts immunity but also helps reduce anxiety, stress and provides clarity of thought.
3. Take time to make yourself nutritious meals
Vitamin C and other immunity boosting foods are more important than ever. We are by no means nutritionists, but here are some of our favourites…
- Green smoothies (yummier than they sound)!
- Stock up on blueberries (or any berries for that matter). Evidence shows blueberries knocked down the pro-inflammatory responses and help immunity.
- Oats contain a fiber called beta-glucan, a type of fiber with antimicrobial and antioxidant capabilities more potent than echinacea.This bolsters macrophage and killer T cells’ ability to fight off infections. Research suggests that beta-glucan can decrease your risk of upper-respiratory infections after exercise.
- Chicken soup for our “soles” 😊 (here is a link to one of our favourites https://damndelicious.net/2018/09/30/cold-fighting-chicken-noodle-soup/ Chicken soup carries immunity-boosting benefits thanks to a mild anti-inflammatory effect found in the broth. The protein in chicken also helps bolster your immune system. Add plenty of extra veggies for more vitamins and minerals! (garlic, tumeric and ginger are good options)
4. Work on your strengths and weaknesses
Runners are notoriously bad at strength and stretch exercises. Not anymore! There is now time to incorporate a strength and stretch program into your running training. It's far easier to continue on with a good habit than to start one when times get busy again. A simple strength routine will improve your general health, sporting performance, build healthy bones and most importantly help prevent injury.
5. Watch an inspirational movie or documentary
Some of our favourites include McFarland High on DVD and Eliud Kipchoge Road to Vienna The Ineos 1:59 Challenge on You Tube
Eliud Kipchoge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XW63dM_1d0
6. Read an inspirational book
Not much more needed to say about this tip. Take a break from devices and read a real book!
Here are some of our favourties:
Perspective - Ellyse Perry
Choose to Win : Achieving Your Goals, Fulfilling Your Dreams - Susie O'Neill
Let Your Mind Run - Deena Kastor
7. Join Strava (for 13 years +)
Strava is a great way to stay connected to your running buddies. There are loads of virtual challenges and segments in your local area you can target. Get out there and give them a go. Impi Sportswear will be looking to hold a couple of virtual challenges over the coming months so please join our club Impi Sportswear Running Tribe for more details on these events. Go to https://www.strava.com/clubs/impirunning